Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19361, for James Simson, New York
Page 1

(3-1776) 

SERVICE 
New York 
Simson, James or Simpson 
Hannah

NUMBER 
W.19361 
B.L. Wt. 7095-160-55 

CONTENTS
Page 2

3161 
New York 
James Simson 
Of Chatham in the State of New York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Clark of the Regt commanded by Col Dubois in the New York line for 2 years 
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 - Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Dec 1832 - and sent to James Sutherland Jnr. Kinderhook NY
Arrears to 4th day of Sept 1832 - $120.00 
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar ‘33 40.00 
[total] $160.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7,1832.}
Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk,
Book D  Vol. 5  Page 204
Page 3

10.213 

admitted 
priv: 2 years- 
80 $
Page 4

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss  on the seventeenth day of September, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Justices Court in the City of Hudson now sitting James Simpson a resident of the town of Chatham in the County of Columbia & State of New York aged seventy eight years the twelfth day of August last 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 seventh one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two.
That this deponent entered the service of the United States in the volunteer service under the following named officers and served as herein stated to wit 
[illegible] & Service. 
Enlisted at Fiskill [Fishkill] Dutchess County New York where this applicant resided the Ninth day of April 1775 and left the service the seventh day of September following. Enlisted under Captain William Clark who at that time resided at Chesnet [Chestnut] Ridge in the County of Dutchess aforesaid.
(was
Page 5

was called during this term once to the City of New York and was about in the town six weeks during which he remained at said place – 
Ranging Service 
Enlisted at Fiskill [Fishkill] Dutchess County New York (where this deponent resided) about the twelfth day of May 1776 and left the twentieth day of November following 
This applicant does not recollect the Captains under whom he enlisted or any of the officers - During a part of this term this applicant was chosen to attend upon the prisoners at Poughkeepsie Gaol where he carried meat and [illegible] to the prisoners and he having been absent a part of the term above mentioned, in that service, does not now recollect the names of any of the officers.
Standing Forces.
Enlisted at Fiskill [Fishkill] Dutchess County before named, and while this deponent still resided the First day of March in in year 1777. (as will be seen by Vanderburghs certificate annexed)
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and left the service the twenty eighth day of April 1778. Enlisted under Ensign Henry Vanderburgh, Johnson the captain of said Company having been taken at the battle at Fort Montgomery in October ‘77 and which said battle James Simpson this applicant has also in. 
This deponent further saith that he was born in the town of Fiskill [Fishkill] in the County of Dutchess aforesaid in the year 1754. - That he has a record his age in possession of his sister residing in the town of Nassau Rensselaer County - That he lived in the town of Fiskill when he was called into service in each of the above terms. That he moved from the said town of Fiskill to the town of Nassau Rensselaer County in the year 1782. And in 1794 moved from said town of Nassau to the town of Chatham in the County of Columbia where this
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this deponent has since resided –
That this deponent was a volunteer during the whole of the above terms of service in the 5th Regt above specified. Captain William Clark Lieutenant Cay & Lieutenant Dodge were in the service first above mentioned and in the last above mentioned terms were captains. Johnson (taken) Colonel Dubois, Harry Vanderburgh a cousin of Henry Vanderburgh whose certificate is annexed, the said Johnson, Dubois & both the Vanderburghs were regular officers in the troops. This applicant has no documentary evidence except the annexed certificate of Vanderburghs – know of no one whose testimony can now be obtained
During the above service this deponent marched from Fort Montgomery to New Winsor [Windsor] in the west side of the north river, & from Winsor to Fiskill [Fishkill] barracks where he remained during a part of the winter of 1778, and in the spring of 1778 marched to
Page 8

Peekskill to said County of Dutchess at which place a substitute was appointed in the place of his applicant, his health having become very impaired on account of an attack of the measles during the march of the troops which march together with this providential attack had so fare reduced this deponent that he was unable to march further –
This deponant has never received a discharge from the service - That Teunis Harder [or Harden] and Jesse Steves have been for a great number of years well acquainted with this deponent & can testify to his character for truth & veracity and their belief as to this deponents having been a soldier in the volunteer Service of the United States - This deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the (present
Page 9

present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. 
[signed] James Simson 
Sworn to & subscribed the 47th day September 1832. 

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss:  We Teunis Harden and Jesse Steves of the town of Chatham in the County of Columbia & state of New York hereby certify that we have known the said Teunis for the last forty and the said Jesse for the last forty six years been well acquainted with James Simpson, named in and who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy Eight years of age as mentioned therein and that he has been during the above time we have been so acquainted with him reputed and believed by the community and
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that he is now reputed and believed in the neighbourhood generally where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion 
[signed] Dennis [sic] Harder  James Simson   Jesse Steves
Sworn & subscribed this 17th day of Sept 1832 
And the said Court do hereby certify and 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 solder the revolution and served as he states - And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Teunis Harder and Jesse Steves who have signed the preceding certificate are both residents of the town of Chatham (County
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County of Columbia & state of New York and are known to this Court to have been such for many years and that they are creditable persons whose statements are entitled to the fullest credit – and the Court further certifies that Traditionary evidence of services in this case appears to be General –
I Hiram Wilbur clerk of the Justice Court of the City of Hudson do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Simpson for a pension 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 17 day of September 1832.
[signed] Hiram Wilbur, Clerk
Page 12

This may certify that I was appointed an Ensign and received a Commission on the 15th day of December 1776 in 5th Regt Commanded by Col Lewis Dubois in the United States army in 5th Company commanded by Capt Jn Johnson from N York - that I inlisted James Simpson a soldier in 5 Company in the spring of 1777 that he was mustered agreeable to order and joined the Regt. that I saw him at fort Montgomery in the highlands on the day it was besieged and taken by the British army in the fall of the year -77- any farther have no knowledge.  Signed by Henry Vanderburgh 
This may certify that Henry Vanderburgh came before me Wm S Heermans one of the Justices of the peace in the town of Clinton in Dutchess County makes Oath to the above certificate says he is well knowing to the Validity of the certificate above mentioned 
Dated November 16th 1831 
[signed] Wm S Heermans Justice of the peace
Page 13

Dutchess County ss} I Henry C Traver Clerk of the County of Dutchess do hereby certify that William C Heermance Esquire before whom the within Affidavit was made was on the day of the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the certificate of the same is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this Fifteenth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and of our Independence the fifty Seventh 
[signed] Henry C. Traver Clerk

Fees Certificate & seal $.25-
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[ENTIRE PAGE IS ILLEGIBLE]
Page 15

Stereotype Edition
the NEW TESTAMENT 
OF 
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR 
JESUS CHRIST: 
TRANSLATED 
OUT OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK. 
AND WITH 
FORMER TRANSLATIONS 
DILIGENTLY 
COMPARED AND REVISED. 
STEREOTYPED BY B. & J. COLLINS, NEW-York
ALBANY: 
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY E. F. BACKUS 
1816.
Page 16

1838 Hannah Gary Aug [date illegible]
Margarett Gary Born 27 July 1821
Lucy Isabela Gary Born May 14 1823
Mary Corne Gary Born April 14 1825
George D Gary Born July 19 1829
[page torn, may be William] C Gary Born January 29 1832
Page 17

9588 
Act ‘43 9511 
Hannah Simpson NY 
Act 7 July 38 
Joint Resolution of 23 July 1845
Married before 1794 
Admd, 2 years pri
$80.00 pr an
from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841 
Admd act 3 March 1843 17 June 44 and 2 July 48
$80.00 pr an
from 4 March 1843 
S. A. Peugh
Present
Page 18

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss
I Jehoiakim A Van Valkenburgh Clerk of the County of Columbia do certify that Julius Wilcoxson Esqr before whom the foregoing declaration of Hannah Simpson and the affidavits of Henry Simpson, and Margaret Hoes purport to have been subscribed and sworn was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for said County of Columbia duly commissioned and qualified and that his several signatures thereto subscribed is genuine. And that Nelson Martin Esq before whom the annexed affidavit of Hannah Gary purports to have been sworn and subscribed was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Elected and qualified and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 5th day of July 1843 
[signed] J VanValkenburgh Clerk

State of New York Catskill Sept 6th 1843 
Sir
The proof of marriage annexed to the foregoing application after a diligent search in the County where the parties reside is all I have been able to collect, but I was lately informed that an old lady if living at this time had several years since removed to Michigan, who was present at the time the marriage ceremony was performed 
I hope however the marriage may be satisfactory proven & save the vast expense attendant in procuring an affidavit of that person whatever may be your decision you will please direct to me & oblidge 
Respectfully Your most Obt. Servt. 
[signed] Henry Wynkoop
Page 19

Declaration 
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows
State of New York 
Columbia County }ss 
On this twelfth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three before me Julius Wilcoxon one of the Judges of the County Courts in and for the County of Columbia aforesaid personally appeared Hannah Simpson a resident of the town of Chatham County of Columbia & State of New York aged Seventy three 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 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows: 
That she is the widow of James Simpson who in the Revolutionary war resided in Dutches County and was a private Soldier in the Military Service in defence of his Country for which he was awarded a pension at the rate Eighty dollars per annum which he continued to receive untill the day of his death which took place 7th of March 1842 She further declares that she was married to the said James Simpson the fifteenth day of June in the year one thousand Seven hundred & Ninety in the town of Chatham aforesaid 
That the ceremony was performed by Esqr White a Justice of the Peace in said town of Chatham
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And that her maiden name previous to her marriage was Hannah Sluyghter: 
And that her husband the aforesaid James - Simpson died in said town of Chatham and that she has not intermarried but still remains the widow of the said James Simpson deceased as will more fully appear by referance to the proof hereto annexed 
She further declares that she was not married prior to her husband leaving the Service, but the marriage took place previous to first of January Seventeen hundred and Ninety four viz at the time above Stated 
She further declares that she has no documentary evidence to prove her marriage, nor does she know of any living witness who was present at her marriage: and for proof of the Services of her said Husband she would respectfully refer to his declaration and proof on file in the War Department under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832  Note the words place, not & witness, interlined 
[signed] Hannah Simpson X her mark
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before me and certify that from bodily infirmity the above named Hannah Simpson is unable to attend court, that she is a respectable citizen and her Statement entitled to credit 
[signed] J. Wilcoxson 
Judge as aforesaid
Page 21

State of New York 
Columbia County }
Henry Simpson of the town of Chatham of the County of Columbia and State of New York being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is the Grand Son of Hannah Simpson who is the widow of James Simpson decd late of the same place who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum 
That he died on the Seventh day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty two in said town of Chatham and left a widow him surviving. the said Hannah Simpson, whose maiden name previous to her marriage was Hannah Sluyghter and is the identical Hannah Simpson who is now an applicant for a pension for the Revolutionary Services of her husband the said James Simpson deceased and further this deponent saith not 
[signed] Henry Simpson
Sworn to and subscribed this 13th May 1843 and certify that I am personally acquainted with said Henry Simpson and believe him to be a credible witness –
[signed] J Wilcoxson one of the Judges of the County Court of the County of Columbia
Page 22

State of New York 
Columbia County} ss 
Margaret Hoes of the town Stuyvesant County of Columbia and State of New York being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she formerly resided in the town of Nassau Renselaer County and was well acquainted with Hannah Sluyghter now the widow of James Simpson decd that they were married more than fifty years Since in the neighborhood of deponent, that the ceremony was performed by Justice of the Peace by the name of White, 
Deponent further saith that about eighteen months or more after the marriage of the said James Simpson with the said Hannah Sluyghter; Hannah the first born child of the said James and Hannah Simpson was baptized by a Dutch Reformed Clergyman in said town of Nassau, deponent was present and acted as sponser in the baptism of said child and which deponent believes was in the Summer of the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one or two 
Deponent further saith that the said James Simpson and the said Hannah lived together as man and wife for many years and had several children. 
That he was a pensioner and deponent was informed that said James Simpson died more than one year since and that his widow the said Hannah Simpson is still living resides in the town of Chatham and is now an applicant for a pension and further this deponent saith not  Note the words years, deponent, than one year interlined before execution 
[signed] Margert [sic] Hoes
Sworn to and subscribed on the 13th day of May 1843 before me by the said deponent Margaret Hoes to me personally known as a very respectable citizen entitled to full credit 
[signed] J. Wilcoxson one of the Judges of the County Court of the County of Columbia.
Page 23

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss.
Hannah Gary of the town of Ghent County of Columbia and State of New York being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is nearly fifty one years of age and is the eldest child of Hannah Simpson widow of James Simpson deceased who was deponents father, who was a pensioner. That deponent always understood from her parents that they were married about two years before deponent was born. that the marriage ceremony was performed by a Justice of the peace and that deponents mothers maiden name before her marriage was Hannah Sluyter 
Deponent further saith that the annexed leaf taken from her family Bible containing the births of deponent and children is the only family record of deponent, and which deponent believes is correct as to dates 
Deponent further saith that her father the said James Simpson died more than a year since in the town of Chatham in said County of Columbia and left a widow the said Hannah Simpson who is still living and is the identical Hannah Simpson who is now an applicant for a pension for the revolutionary services of her husband the said James Simpson deceased and further this deponent saith not 
[signed] Hannah Gary
Sworn to and subscribed on this 5th day of July 1843 before me, and certify that said Hannah Gary is a respectable citizen and her statement entitled to credit 
[signed] Nelson Martin Justice of the Peace
Page 24

[NOTE: TOP PART OF PAGE IS ILLEGIBLE DUE TO DARK COPY]

Vol 1 page 110,
N.Y. Feby ‘48 No 220 [last number illegible]
Boynton 
Admd 160 Sepr 29/55
Do [illegible]
Joel E. Simpson Malden Bridge N York
Page 25

59.933.
Application of Hannah Simpson FOR BOUNTY LAND, Under Act March 8, 1855.
Page 26

No. 5.   [Sold by Gould, Banks & Co., Albany.]
DECLARATION 
Of a REVOLUTIONARY Widow who claims a Land Warrant under Act of March 3, 1855. 
State of New York
Columbia County
On this Seventh day of April A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said county and state aforesaid Hannah Simpson, aged Eighty Six years, a resident of Columbia County in the State of New York, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of James Simpson deceased, who was a private in the War of the Revolution. That her said husband claimed and drew a pension from the United States, and was a pensioner at the time of his death That she is now a pensioner of the United States under the Act of February 2 1848. That her pension certificate is “recorded in the pension office on the Roll of pensioners under act February 2d 1848 1864 page 186 Vol. 4.”
She further states that she was married to the said James Simpson. in Chatham Columbia County on the fifteenth day of June A. D. 1787, by one Esq White a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Sliter  that her said husband died at Chatham Columbia County on the seventh day of March A.D. 1842, and that she is now a widow, and that she cannot write her name never having learnt to write.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855, and she hereby requests the Commissioner of Pensions to forward her warrant to Joel E. Simpson Malden Bridge N. Y. and appoint him my attorney to receive the same for me. 
[signed] Hannah Simpson X her mark
We, Russel D. Lester and John W. Pitts residents of Chatham Columbia County in the State of New York, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Hannah Simpson in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. 
[signed] John W. Pitts  Russel D. Lester  
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. 
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice of the Peace.
Page 27

State of New York, 
Columbia County } I David C. Neefus Clerk of the said county, do hereby certify that Seth Daley was, on the day of the date of the foregoing certificate, a Justice of the Peace within and for the said County, duly appointed and qualified, and that the signature thereto, purporting to be his, is genuine. 
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 10th day of April A. D. 1855.
[signed] D.C. Neefus Clerk
Page 28

No. 19213
James Simson
Kinderhook N.Y.

admitted
Page 29

No 19213 
BRIEF in the case of James Simson of Chatham County of Columbia in the State of New York (Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a Court 
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
How old is he? Seventy eight years 78 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed
[BEGIN TABLE]
Period.  |  Duration of Service  Years, Months, Days.  |  Rank.  |  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   |
Enlisted 9th of April In 1775   |  4 Months 28 Days.  |  As a Minute Man  |  Gen.  Capt. Wm. Clark, Lieut, Cay & Dodge  |
Enlisted about 22  May 1776  |  5 Months, 8 Days.  |  Ranger  |  not recollected  |
Enlisted 1st March 1777  |  1 Year, 28 Days.  |  Private  |  Capt Johnson, Ensign Venderburgh, Col. Dubois, Regular forces  |
[END OF TABLE]

5. In what battles was he engaged? Fort Montgomery 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Fiskill Dutchess Coy. New York 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By a living witness as to his service his tradition is supported by the affidavits of two respectable citizens of the same town, whose credibility is verified by the Court and the Court also declare that the belief in the traditionary evidence is general 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signed] Chas. G Wilcox  Examining Clerk
Page 30

“The McEwan” 
200 Lancaster St; 
Albany, N. Y. 
April 27, 1913. 
United States Bureau of Pensions, 
Revolutionary War Record Dept; 
Washington, D. C. 
Gentlemen:- 
I am very anxious to obtain information regarding an ancestor James Simpson of Chatham, N. Y. who according to a local history of Chatham served in the Rev. War and is mentioned in the Pension List of the year 1840. 
Will you please send me whatever information you may have as to this man's ancestry, place and date of birth and Military service in the War of the Revolution as there is no other source in this country from which I can obtain it, the fire in our Capitol Building at Albany having destroyed every vestige of proof. 
Thanking you in advance for this information I am 
Very truly yours 
[signed] J. M. Simpson
Page 31

[left side]
Rev 
WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 19361 
Hannah Simpson widow of James Simpson Pri Rev War
Act: Feb 2d 48 
Index: -- Vol. M  Page 213 
[Arrangement of 1870.] 

[right side]
May 3 Hist. to J. M. Simpson  V.L.M.
Page 32

7095

160 acres
Page 33

V.588 
Hannah Simpson N. Y. 
Let to Henry Wynkoop Nov. 3
Let to Henry Wynkoop August 22
Let to W. B. Pinge June 9 45
Act 7 July 1838 

Alonzo Bruce April 28,  1847
Let to Hon. W. Hunt Feb. 10 in

Let. to Hon. T. W. Ligon July 24th ‘48
Page 34

James Simson, Chatham Co NY  Act 7 June 1832/80.00 
To what time was he last paid? GCA 
Pension office 
September 30 1848 

Paid to 4 March 1842 J. B. P.
Page 35

8460 Albany New York 
Hannah Simpson widow of James Simpson who was a Private in the Revolution 
Husband died 7th March 1842 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Oct 1848 and sent to S A. Pugh 
Present 
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.] 
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2. Page 85. 

Reported
Page 36

Reported
10483
HR 587
H Reso. 23 Jany 1845
New York 
Hannah Simpson Widow of James Simpson who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832. and who died on the 7 March 1842 of Columbia in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Clark of the Regt commanded by Col Dubois in the Revolution for 2 years 
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars  Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Oct 1848 and sent by S. A. Peugh  Present
Total amount $400.00 
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Th. Lumpkin  Clerk
Book D Vol. 1 Page 195.
Page 37

No. 59933 
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855. 
Received April 12, 1855 
James Simpson 
Rev. War 
Warrant 7095-160-55

John E. Simpson 
Malden Bridge N. Y.
Page 38

James Simpson 
Certificate
Payments to be made at New York by Presd. US Br. Bank
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of New York 

Recorded by Jno Cromwell Clerk, in Book D Vol. 5 page 204
Page 39

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
Revolutionary Claim. 
I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, James Simson of the State New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive-Eighty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year 
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 15th day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two. 
[signed] Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned.} 
[signed] J L Edwards
Page 40

No 3161
Page 41

Washington D.C. 
18th Sept. 1848 
Col J. L. Edwards 
I send you herewith additional evidence in the case of Hannah Simpson widow of James of N. York 
Respectfully 
[signed] S. A Peugh
Page 42

House of Representatives 
Jan 27. 1848 
Sir,
I have been requested to enquire about the claim of Hannah Simpson (widow of James Simpson) for a Pension whether the case has been examined, if not when it will be, and whether the papers are sufficient &c.
Will you enable me to answer this enquiry.
Very respectfully 
Your Obd. Sert.
[signed] W. Hunt 

Col. J. L. Edwards 
Com. of Pensions
Page 43

Mr Alonzo Bruce
Albany NY

[postmark] Chatham 4 Corners NY Apr 6
Page 44

Albany April 9th 1847 
Dear Sir 
The foregoing is a letter and Power of Atty from Hannah Simpson widow of James Simpson If you will inform me about the service of James Simpson you will do me a favor
Please give me all the particulars How much service &c
Yours Truly 
Alonzo Bruce 
Albany N.Y.

J L Edwards Esq. 
Com of Pensions
Page 45

Malden Bridge April 5th 1841
Dear Sir 
My husband James Simpson was a pensioner under the act of 1832 And drew $80 per Annum and I was Married in time to be entitled to a pension [illegible] would like to have you atend to it for me and below I send you the Power of Aterney and would like to have you see if the service of my husband is Satisfactory before I incure the expence of Proving the Marridge
Attest Alanson Bruce [signed] Hannah Simpson + Mark 

Malden Bridge April 5th 1841 
This may Certify that I appoint Alonzo Bruce of the city of Albany my Agent for me and in my name to investigate and prosecute my claim for a pension and request the Department to Corrispond with him on the subject 
Attest Alanson Bruce  [signed] Hannah Simpson  + Mark
Page 46

Albany NY. April 28, 1845 
Sir.
Hannah Simpson widow of James Simpson, who was a pensioner & died about three years ago has applied to me to assist her in obtaining her pension She says that her declaration has been sent to Washington by an agent who undertook the business but who has since relinquished it. She does not know why pension has not been accorded to her. I would respectfully request to be informed the objections to the allowance of her claim.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully 
Your Obt Sert
[signed] Wm B. Pierce

Hon J L Edwards 
Washington
Page 47

Chatham April 28th 1845 
I do certify that I am personally aquanted with Hannah Simpson & have been for forty years & do know her to be the widdow of James Simpson Deceased a Revolutonary soldier 
[signed] Joseph Booth

P.S. Mr Pierce you will obtain evidence of their marriage by writing to Michigan McCombs County town of Shelby to Jane St. John wife of John St John  I write to you at her request she wishing you to collect her Pension 
[signed] Joseph Booth 

Address 
Thadeus Johnson 
Malden Bridge
Page 48

RECORD DIVISION 3-525.
W.F. 19361 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR. 
BUREAU OF PENSIONS. 
Washington, D. C., 19 
In reply to your request of ___ received ___ for a statement of the military history of James Simson or Simpson 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. 
[START OF TABLE]
DATES OF LENGTH OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |  LENGTH OF SERVICE.   |  RANK.  |  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. COLONEL.  |  STATE.  |
Apr. 9, 1775  |  6 weeks  |  Pvt.  |  William Clark  |  N. Y.  |
May 12, 1776  |  Nov. 20, 1776  |    |  no officers named  |  |
Mch 1, 1777  |  Apr. 28, 1778  |    |  Johnson   Dubois  |    |
[END OF TABLE]
Battles engaged in, Fort Montgomery
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Fishkill Dutchess Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Sept 1832 his cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Chatham, Columbia Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, b. Aug 12 1754 at Fishkill N.Y.  d. Mch 7, 1842 at Chatham N.Y.
Remarks: Soldier married June 15 1787 or 1790 at Chatham N. Y. Hannah Sluyter or Sluyghter. She was al. pens on an ap. ex. May 12, 1845, while a resident of Chatham N.Y. aged 78 yrs. Their oldest child Hannah Gary was b. Aug, 1, 1792 & was a resident of Ghent N.Y. in 1843. Names of other children not stated, Her children were Margarite H. Gary b. July 27,1821, Lucy Isabela Gary b. May 14, 1823. Mary Corne Gary b. Apr. 14, 1825, George D. Gary b. July 19, 1829 (torn) ...lliam C Gary b. Jany 29, 1832. Grand child Henry Simpson also referred to
Very respectfully,
Commissioner. 

6-2856
Page 49

State of New York 
County of Rensselaer ss.
Be it know that on this twenty fourth day of August eighteen hundred and forty eight, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county. personally appeared Bernard Hicks who being first duly sworn according to law deposes and says, that he will be seventy five years of age the 15th day of last month, that he had always been acquainted with James Simpson and his wife Hannah, ever since he, deponent, was fifteen years of age - that he always understood the said Simpson to be a pensioner of the United States, that he, deponent, now lines in Nassau in said county, where he has always lived. the said Simpson formerly lived in said Nassau, and within a half of a mile of deponent and afterwards in the town of Chatham which town adjoins that of Nassau, said Chatham being just over the line in Columbia County. that he, deponent, was in his eleventh year when his father moved on to the spot where he, the deponent, now lives. that he became acquainted with the said Simpson soon after after. that he well remembers the day when the said James Simpson was married to his wife Hannah, that they went off a few miles to be married and returned and returned as man and wife and have ever after lived together as man and wife. that he
Page 50

did not see them married, but that it was understood that they were. that they returned that night to his Father’s house a little before sunset, and there had a wedding party and dance. that he recollects this circumstance, Simpson had sent for some liquor for the evening, that it did not come as soon as Simpson expected it and he and others with said Simpson walked out and met the man with it and Simpson took the flask and carried it to the house. that he was about from fifteen to seventeen years of age at that time according to his best recollection that he must have been all of that. that he deponent, was born in seventeen hundred and seventy three, and become of age in seventeen hundred and ninety four. that he remembers distinctly when he became of age. that he knows that at that time the said James Simpson and Hannah had been married several years and lived together as man and wife. that they were his neighbors then. that the said Simpson occasionally worked for his father. that the said Hannah Simpson is a respectable lady, and he understands she is an applicant for a pension,- 
[signed] Bernard Hicks 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this twenty fourth day of August One thousand Eight hundred & forty eight
[signed] George W. Strait Justice of the Peace
Page 51

I certify that I have been acquainted with the foregoing deponent. Bernard Hicks, and that he is a person of highly respectable character and his statements are entitled to full faith. he has held important offices in the town for more than twenty years, and his mental faculties are wholly unimpeachable.
[signed] George W. Strait Justice of the Peace
Page 52

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss Ezekiel Booth being duly sworn says that he is seventy three years of age, that he moved into the town of Chatham Columbia County and State of New York in the in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven and has resided there ever since that time, he then became acquainted with James Simpson and his wife Hannah, who then resided within one mile of the place where this deponent [illegible] to. That the said James Simpson and his wife Hannah were living together and had several children at that time. that the oldest of which was six or seven years of age, and that he has known the said James and Hannah Simpson since that time till the death of the James Simpson and that he has allwas understood that the said James Simpson was a Pensioner. That the said Hannah Simpson's name before her marriage was Hannah Sliter. that he knows by the ages of the children of the said James and Hannah Simpson they must have been married several years before 1794. That he is able to recollect more distinctly the facts here stated, on account of having move to this place from Long Island when he was twenty two years of age. 
[signed] Ezekiel Booth

[part of this deposition is covered by certification slip - full text shown on next page and included here for clarity]

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of August 1848 
The words "in the spring of the, and several years” were interlined of before Execution 
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am well acquainted with Ezekiel Booth, and have known him for twenty years past, and that he is a man of good moral character and a man of truth and veracity, and his mental faculties are good, 
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice

In presence of Sarah Booth

[certification slip]
STATE OF NEW YORK
COLUMBIA COUNTY } ss.
I, James Storm CLERK of the County of Columbia, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Seth Daley whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the Proof or Acknowledgement of the annexed Instrument and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proofs or acknowledgements a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice  and verily believe that the signatures to the said Certificates is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 1 day of Sept 1848
[signed] James Storm Clerk.
Page 53

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss Ezekiel Booth being duly sworn says that he is seventy three years of age, that he moved into the town of Chatham Columbia County and State of New York in the in the spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven and has resided there ever since that time, he then became acquainted with James Simpson and his wife Hannah, who then resided within one mile of the place where this deponent [illegible] to. That the said James Simpson and his wife Hannah were living together and had several children at that time. that the oldest of which was six or seven years of age, and that he has known the said James and Hannah Simpson since that time till the death of the James Simpson and that he has allwas understood that the said James Simpson was a Pensioner. That the said Hannah Simpson's name before her marriage was Hannah Sliter. that he knows by the ages of the children of the said James and Hannah Simpson they must have been married several years before 1794. That he is able to recollect more distinctly the facts here stated, on account of having move to this place from Long Island when he was twenty two years of age. 
[signed] Ezekiel Booth
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of August 1848 
The words "in the spring of the, and several years” were interlined of before Execution 
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice of the Peace

I certify that I am well acquainted with Ezekiel Booth, and have known him for twenty years past, and that he is a man of good moral character and a man of truth and veracity, and his mental faculties are good, 
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice

In presence of Sarah Booth

[certification slip shown on previous page - text included here for clarity]

STATE OF NEW YORK
COLUMBIA COUNTY } ss.
I, James Storm CLERK of the County of Columbia, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Seth Daley whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the Proof or Acknowledgement of the annexed Instrument and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proofs or acknowledgements a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice  and verily believe that the signatures to the said Certificates is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 1 day of Sept 1848
[signed] James Storm Clerk.
Page 54

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss Joseph Booth, being duly sworn says, that he is fifty years of age the 4th of December next, that he has always known James Simpson and his wife Hannah, and has always been acquainted with their children that he knew Hannah Simpson the oldest child. when he was six years old, that she worked at his fathers, at the time he was six or seven years old, thinks she did not work there after he was eight years old; that the said Hannah Simpson was as old again as he was at the time she worked at his fathers, that he has no doubt but that the said Hannah was born sometime before Seventeen hundred and ninety four. 
[signed] Joseph Booth
Sworn and subscribed before me this 30th day of August 1848. the words "some time" interlined before Execution 
[signed] Seth Daley Justice of the Peace 

In presence of Sarah Booth
I certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Booth, the above named Deponent, and that he is a man of good moral Character, and a man of truth and veracity 
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice.
Page 55

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss 
Hannah Simpson being duly sworn says she is the widow of James Simpson who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum. that Esquire White by whom she was married has been dead a great many years, that she knows of none of his decendants in any place, and that due search has been made for the Record of his marriages and none can be found. 
[signed] Hannah Simpson X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 30th day of August 1848.
[signed] Seth Daley Justice of the Peace 
In Presence of Thaddeus Johnson 

I certify that it was not customary, as a general thing, so far as I am acquainted to make or keep a record of marriages in this State, previous to the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety four nor for may [many] years after that time.
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice of the Peace
Page 56

To J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions 
I Hannah Simpson of Chatham Columbia County, and State of New York do hereby constitute and appoint Samuel A Peugh of Washington City my Agent to prosecute my claim for a Pension and to receive the certificates for the same when issued 
[signed] Hannah Simpson X her mark 
In presence of Seth Daley Thaddeus Johnson 

State of New York 
Columbia County } ss On this 31st day of August AD 1848 personally appeared Hannah Simpson of Chatham Columbia County, State of New York above named and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above written. 
[signed] Seth Daley, Justice of the Peace
Page 57

[NOTE: Certification page covers part of this document. Full text from next page is included here to avoid confusion]

State of New York 
Rensselaer County 
Ezra Waterbury being duly sworn deposeth and says that he will be eighty one years of age the 28th day of December next that he is a resident of the town of Nassau County of [Rensselaer], adjoining the town of Chatham in the county of Columbia that he was acquainted with James Simpson of the said town of Chatham, County of Columbia, that said Simpson was a revolutionary soldier and drew a pension as he has understood, that he, the deponent, was married the 4th day of October in the year (1792) Seventeen Hundred and ninty two and at that time, the said James Simpson was a married man and the said Simpson at the time of deponent’s marriage, must have been a married man several years, and deponent has always understood that the said James Simpson married one Hannah Slighter, Said deponent is unable to recollect the foregoing circumstances from the date of his own marriage 
[signed] Ezra Waterbury X his mark 
Witness Silvester Waterbury  Enos Waterbury 
Subscribed and sworn before me this twenty Eighth day of August One thousand Eight hundred and forty Eight 
[signed] George W. Strait Justice of the Peace

[Certification page]

STATE OF NEW YORK 
RENSSELEAR COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, ss.  
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify, that George W. Strait before whom the annexed three affidavits & three certificates were made and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Affidavits & certificates is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this 30th day of August 1848
[signed] A. H. Sheldon Clerk.
Page 58

State of New York 
Rensselaer County 
Ezra Waterbury being duly sworn deposeth and says that he will be eighty one years of age the 28th day of December next that he is a resident of the town of Nassau County of [Rensselaer], adjoining the town of Chatham in the county of Columbia that he was acquainted with James Simpson of the said town of Chatham, County of Columbia, that said Simpson was a revolutionary soldier and drew a pension as he has understood, that he, the deponent, was married the 4th day of October in the year (1792) Seventeen Hundred and ninty two and at that time, the said James Simpson was a married man and the said Simpson at the time of deponent’s marriage, must have been a married man several years, and deponent has always understood that the said James Simpson married one Hannah Slighter, Said deponent is unable to recollect the foregoing circumstances from the date of his own marriage 
[signed] Ezra Waterbury X his mark 
Witness Silvester Waterbury  Enos Waterbury 
Subscribed and sworn before me this twenty Eighth day of August One thousand Eight hundred and forty Eight 
[signed] George W. Strait Justice of the Peace
Page 59

I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with Ezra Waterbury the within named deponent for several years, that he is a highly respectable man and credible witness, his mental faculties are good, that he made his mark instead of signing his name for the reason that he is entirely blind, and I further certify that I have been shown the family record of the said Ezra Waterbury in his family bible, and that I there find the following entry having the appearance of having been written many years ago “Ezra Waterbury and Polly Brown were married October 4th 1792 –“
[signed] George W. Strait Justice of the Peace
Page 60

State of New York 
Rensselaer County 
Polly Waterbury wife of Ezra Waterbury being duly sworn deposeth and says that she will be seventy two years of age the ninth day of September next - that she was acquainted with James Simpson and Hannah Simpson his wife - that she, the deponent, was married to Ezra Waterbury the fourth day of October in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety two. that at that time, the said James and Hannah Simpson lived together as man and wife. that this said Hannah Simpson had there been occasionally at her fathers house, that she was then reported to be the wife of the said James Simpson and said deponent was married in the town of Nassau County aforesaid near the town of Chatham in the County of Columbia, and that she, deponent, lived at her father’s till the next spring after her marriage, namely, the spring of Seventeen hundred and ninty three and then [crossed out word] moved away from that section of said town and has never since been acquainted with the said Hannah Simpson, and has understood that the said James Simpson, husband of the said Hannah was a revolutionary soldier and pensioner and
Page 61

the said Hannah Simpson formerly Hannah Slighter lived within about of mile of her the deponent’s fathers [crossed out: until the time of h] house up to the time deponent moved away from her fathers (after her marriage) in Seventeen hundred and ninty three 
[signed] Polly Waterbury  X her mark
Subscribed and sworn before me this twenty eighth day of August Eighteen Hundred and forty eight
[signed] George W. Strait Justice of the Peace

Witness Silvester Waterbury  Enos Waterbury

I hereby certify that the above named Polly Waterbury is a highly respectable woman and credible witness 
[signed] George W. Strait Justice of the Peace
Page 62

Washington January 4th 1844 
Sir
In compliance with your request of the 3d November last in relation to the application of Hannah Simpson (widow of James Simpson decd) for a pension under the act of July 7th 1838 The certificate of the Comptroller herewith enclosed does not furnish the proof required in your letter - I know nothing in relation to his Services stated in his declaration, but in the early part of the War there was a Captain Johnson appointed by the Provincial Legislature of New York in one of the four Regiment authorized to be raised and I believe were considered Continental - but not having had time to consult those early records I am unable to say any thing with certainty - neither have I been able to furnish the requisite proof of marriage, nor do I intend to incur any additional expence untill I am satisfied that the Department consider the service of the husband sufficient to entitled her to a pension - you will please to make a report in this case only relative to service - because I was lately informed that a witness who was present at the marriage resides in Michigan and of course could not expect to obtain an affidavit without considerable expence - your compliance with the above request will much oblige 
Very Respectfully Your 
Most Obedient Servant 
[signed] Henry Wynkoop 

Col J. L Edwards 
Commr of Pensions 
War Department 
Washington
Page 63

3d Augt 1781  |   James Simson priv  |  £0|7|7
26th Augt 1781  |  James Simpson priv  |  1|0|2 2/3

STATE OF NEW YORK,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, Decr 15th 1843.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 5. now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz: 
First-under Capt. Saml Shaw in Lt Col. Henry K. Van Rensselaer Regt.
Second  Do " " Do “
Third
Fourth 
Fifth
Sixth 
Seventh 
Eighth 
Ninth 
Tenth
[signed] Philip Phelps Comptroller
Page 64

Columbia County,
Clerk’s Office, } ss.
I James Storm Clerk of the County of Columbia do hereby certify, That Albert Cady Esquire before whom the affidavit & certificate purports to have been sworn, was on the day of the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the name of the said Justice subscribed to the said affidavit & certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said County, this 7 day of July 1848 
[signed] James Storm Clerk.
Page 65

State of New York 
County of Columbia ss.
Be it known that on this Seventh day of July eighteen hundred and forty eight, before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Hannah Simpson and made oath in due form of law that she is the widow of James Simpson who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and who drew a pension from the United States at the rate of $80.00 per annum under the act of 7th June 1832. to the time of his death. that he died in the town of Chatham in the County aforesaid where he had lived for forty years and more that her application for a pensions and the papers accompanying it are on file in the Pension Office. - that she now asks for a pension under under the act of 7th July 1838 by means of the Joint Resolution of 23d January 1845 under the acts of 3d March 1843. 17th June 1844, 2d February 1848. and 26th June 1848. - that she has continued the widow of the said James Simpson to the present time, from the day of his death. that she now resides in Chatham and has resided there for the space of forty years and upwards, that she is now seventy eight years of age. 
[signed] Hannah Simpson  + her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this seventh day of July 1848 
[signed] Albert Cady Justice 
Executed in presence Robert Machell  James Simson
Page 66

I further certify that I am personally acquainted with Hannah Simpson who has subscribed the within affidavit, and that I know her to be the same person she represents herself to be in said affidavit, and that she is still the widow of James Simpson, a pensioner, and that she is a highly respectable person.
[signed] Albert Cady Justice