Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18213, Levi Van Auken, New York
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New York
Van Auken, Levi
Elizabeth
W.18218
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v 3673
Albany, New York
Elizabeth Van Auken
Widow of Levi Van Auken, deceased
NY
Who died on the 9th April 1830
of Albany in the State of New York
who was a Sgt & Lieut in the Compy. commanded
by Captain Grout of the Regt. commanded
by Colonel Nichol in the New York
line for 3 months Sergeant
3 months Lieutenant

Inscribed in the roll of Albany NY
at the rate of 55 Dollars ----cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of March
1842 & sent to G.F. Yates

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1841 $577.50
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March '42  27.50
[totals to] 605.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3d}
Recorded by DD Addison, Clerk
Book  C   Vol 1st,  Page 133

(facing page)
Lt. Albert Gallup, Nov 28, 1842
Page 3

State of New York 
County of Albany } Ss. On this 27th day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, personally appeared before the Justice’s Court of the City of Albany, (the same being a Court of record) Elizabeth Van Auken, a resident of the Town of Guilderland in said County and State, aged eighty two years in May last, 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 4. 1836- 
That she is the Widow of Levi Van Auken who was a Lieutenant and served as such in the revolutionary war, in a company of Militia, as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed- 
She further declares that she was married to the said Levi Van Auken, in the year that the tea was thrown overboard at Boston, before the Revolutionary War, but she cannot recollect the month or day of the month, but thinks it was in the month of April - She was married in the Town of Esopus (now called Kingston) in the County of Ulster, and the marriage ceremony was performed by the Revd. Mr. Doll, a Dutch Minister, who then resided in said town & at whose house they were married; that her Husband the aforesaid Levi Van Auken, died on the ninth day of April, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty; and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed –
She further declares that she does not know whither the said Mr. Doll is living or dead-- that she has no record of her marriage & does not know whether any such record exists or not. That if there is such a record, it is probably to be
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found on the records of the Dutch Church in Kingston - and that she has never learned to write & therefore makes her mark for her signature- 
[signed] Elizabeth Van Auken  X  her mark
Sworn to & subscribed, (by making her mark) this 27th day of January 1837 in open Court – 
[signed] J. G. Wasson Clk &c
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V1241
In the matter of the application of Elizabeth Van Auken for a Pension under the Act of July 4, 1836. 
N. York
m 75.
See Vol 6. p [page] 65 - $9.14 - 1781 
p 66  6.16  [1781]
[p 66] 8.14. [1781]
[p 66] 8.26, 1779 
[totals] $31.70 
1 mo & 6 days
3
[totals] 4.06 
admd
3 mo Sergt.
3. Lieut
$55 no deduction 
Giles F. Yates Esqr 
Albany N.Y.
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State of New York 
Ulster County SS:  John Lillie of Kingston in said County being duly sworn duly says that he is Pastor of the Reformed Protestant Dutch of Kingston, and has as such the Custody of the Register of Marriages belonging to said Church. That he has examined the said Register, and finds that on the 14th May 1775 Levi Van Auken was married to Elizabeth Turpenning [or Teerpenning] - That according to the belief of this deponent, the said entry was regularly made at the time, and is authentic - And further saith not 
[signed] John Lillie
Sworn this 6th day of February 1837 Before me 
[signed] John Van Buren first Judge of Ulster County Courts Counsellor &c
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10
Lemuel Jenkins Esq
Counsellor
Albany

[postmarked Feb 6]
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[COPY IS TOO DARK TO BE LEGIBLE, BUT APPEARS TO BE A LIST OF DATES]
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Rev
WIDOW, &c. 
No. 18.213
Elizabeth Van Auken 
Wid of Levi VanAuken Lieut, Rev. War
Act: July 4, 1836 
Index:- Vol. M, Page 296 
[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 10

Albany Augt. 25, 1837.
James L. Edwards Esquire,
Commissr. of Pensions, 
Sir,
Referring you to your letter of the 18th of April last, I herewith send the affidavits of John Schoolcraft & of Mrs. Elizabeth Van Auken in support of her claim for a pension –
Very respectfully,
Your obed Servt
[signed] L. Jenkins
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Elizth [Elizabeth] Van Auken
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Albany, April 30th 1841 
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir. 
I have received your letter of the 21st inst. in the matter & of Elizabeth Van Auken widow of Levi Van Auken. In it you say that "the records of the army in the Executive offices at Albany, do not corroborate the statement" of Paul J. Hockstrasser a witness in the case, inasmuch as he [illegible] states, (which he did not in his original declaration) that Levi Van Auken “was his immediate commander while in the service” &c
You have of course all the evidence the Comptroller’s Records of this State foresaid. I have therefore not deemed it necessary to find the same again. On examining these records I find only one entry + beside that now furnished & herewith sent, viz a short tour expiring on the 12 Novr 1780 for which Van Auken was paid £3: 5: 2 1/3. In this tour Van Auken was first in command as well as in the 2 other tours, but the name of Hockstrasser does not occur in connection with this tour, and I have therefore not now given it + though it is no doubt included in the 3d service found in the “Book of Audited accounts,” also herewith forwarded. By refererence to the 
+ afterwards inserted in the certificate and inserted in the certificate
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list of officers given in connection with the name of Levi Vanant Lieut, will be found the name of Paul J Hockstrasser sergeant, thus furnishing the most direct evidence that said Hockstrasser served with, and under the immediate command of said Van Auken – (no captain’s name is mentioned) in two of the 3 only tours given to said records, being for the year 1780, & 1781 only. These records do therefore corroborate the statement of Hockstrasser. It will be observed, that of in the extract from the book of audited [illegible, prob. "accounts"] the name of Van Auken appears as Commandant of the company in which he was Lieutenant. I do not think it possible to get any more [illegible] testimony in this case.
I am very respectfully 
Your obt. Servt
[signed] G. F. Yates
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Albany Nov. 21st 1842- 
J.L. Edwards Esqr Comr Pensions-
Dr Sir –
Sometime since Mrs Eliza[beth is cut off] widow of Levi Van Auken obtained a pension thro’ the agency of G. F. Yates Esqr. - She receives her pension under the Act of July 1836 - She now claims to be entitled to more than the receives because her husband acted as Lieutenant from Oct. 28, 1779- to January 4th inclusive in that capacity- I enclose an extract from the comptrollers books of this State which goes far to strengthen the papers already on file in your office & which I hope will obtain for her what she truly needs & desires - an increase of pension- 
Very Truly to Yours –
[signed] Albert Gallup -
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Levi Van Auken
Oct. '81  £3. 13. 2
Nov. '81 2. 9. 4
Nov. 80.  3. 5. 2
[totals] £9. 7.. 5

[mathematical calculation]

less than 2nd
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Appl 2d Lieut Capt Groats Co Jun ‘75
P. J Hockstrasser dec. 
76 1m. Groats  Schoharie
77 1. Saratoga 
June 78 1 15 Sergeant Garrison duty Saratoga 
fall [78] 1.15
79  5. & [illegible] off at Fort Schoharie

Afft. Capt. Groat Lieut Van Auken
was frequently empld in making [illegible, oath?] for Van Auken
76. 1 mo. – 1
77  2. 1. Saratoga 
early part 78.  3.   Schoharie forts
79   3.  -  3  [Schoharie forts]
[79] 21
80- 10.
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Albany February 8th 1837.
James L. Edwards Esquire, 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Sir,
I enclose herewith the declaration & proof in the case of Elizabeth Van Auken, Widow of Levi Van Auken, on her application for a Pension under the act of July 4. 1836.
very respectfully 
Your obedt Servt.
[signed] L. Jenkins.
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In the matter of the application of Van
Auken widow of Levi Van Auken deceased
under act of Congress passed 4th July 1836.

Supplemental Depositions
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STATE OF NEW-YORK
COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY,
CLERK’S OFFICE, } ss
Archibald Campbell Clerk of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That William B Pierce before whom the annexed Affidavits were subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner of Deeds and verily believe that the signatures to said Affidavits and Certificates are genuine. 
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this 23d day of December 1841. 
[signed] Archd [Archibald] Campbell  Clerk
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State of New York 
County of Schenectady } ss  Isaac Groot of Watervliet in Albany County & State aged Eighty two years being duly sworn saith, that he was a soldier during the revolution and is now a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. That during the war of the revolution he was well acquainted with Lieut Levi Van Auken whose widow is now an applicant for a pension. That said Levi held the Commission of Lieutenant in the same Regiment of militia to which deponent belonged, viz the Regiment of Colonel Nichols, & served therein from the beginning to the close of the Revolutionary war. In the fall of the year 1776, Deponent served in company with said Lieutenant Levi Van Auken on and expedition to Lake George for the term of at least twenty six days. In the Summer of the next year 1777 a large part of said Regiment proceeded to fort Edward & fort Ann in anticipation of the arrival of the British forces under Genl Burgoyne & was absent thirty days - afterwards they were again called out previous to the capture of Burgoyne and remained on duty until his capture for a period of at least one month. Said Van Auken was on duty as Lieutenant as aforesaid during both of these tours of service. In the spring of the year 1778 he again served with said Van Auken for a period of not less than twenty five days upon an expedition to Fort Hunter & Caughnawaga, and in the fall of the same year upon a similar expedition to Schoharie Lower fort for a term of sixteen days. Deponent has seen said Levi on duty at other times during said war, but as these expeditions were performed by detailed parties & not by whole companies or Regiments, he is not positive that he Deponent served in company with him said Van Auken except upon the times above stated. That said Levi Van Auken was esteemed a good and valiant offi- [officer]
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[officer] and was warmly devoted to the American interest & performed a large amount of service during said war
[signed] Isaac Groot
Subscribed & Sworn this 10 day of September 1841. before me, and I certify that Isaac Groot is a credible witness. --- Note “thirty” or and & twenty-five" interlined 
[signed] Wm B. Pierce Comr of Deeds 
In the above matter } ss-
Philip Webber of the town of Berne in said County of Albany, aged Eighty six years and upwards being duly sworn saith, that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and is now a pensioner of the United States, under the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. That he is well acquainted with Isaac Groot who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing statement or Deposition and well recollects that he said Isaac Groot was a soldier of the Revolution, and belonged to the Regiment of Militia commanded by Col. Francis Nichols, and served therein throughout the whole of said war - and also that Levi Van Auken was Lieutenant in the same Regiment - That the tradition of the times represent said Levi Van Auken as having served faithfully and in numerous expeditions during said war, but this Deponent is unable from his own personal knowledge to give the particular [details] of the revolutionary services of the said Levi [Van] Auken. 
[signed] Philip Webber  X his mark
Subscribed and sworn this 27 day of October 1841, and I certify that Philip Webber is a credible witness- 
[signed] Wm B. Pierce  Comr of deeds.
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Elizabeth Van Auken


J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington D.C.

[vertical text in left margin]
Jurat June 10,
Jurat
NY.
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Schenectada [Schenectady] June 5 1839,
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir,
Elizabeth Van Auken, widow of Levy or Levi Van Auken, engaged we eight or nine months ago to see to her claim for a pension under in act of 4th July 1836, which was originally in the hands of L. Jenkins Esq of Albany, who declines attending to pension applications. As her declaration was handed in two years ago, I take it for granted you will not object to attend to her request asking a report in this case, although out of the usual order of business in your office. Perhaps a copy of the last letter written by you on the subject, will do for the present, any thing to let me know what is still required to make out her case, if any thing.
Very respectfully 
Your Obt Sert 
[signed] G. F. Yates
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State of New York 
Albany County } ss Peter Relyea of the Town of Guilderland in said County, being duly sworn, deposeth as follows, Viz- 
I am eighty years of age & am a Pensioner of the United States, under the act of June 7, 1832- 
I was well acquainted with Lieut. Levi Van Auken, (now deceased) during the revolutionary War - I served as a private in the Company of Militia under his command - I was with him on a tour to Lake George, but I do not recollect in what year.
I think we were out on that tour, at least two weeks – Van Auken had the command of the Company at that time, & Col. Valkert Vedder was our Colonel - After that I was out with said Van Auken, in the service at Schoharie, two summers but I do not recollect in what years - Derrick Hemstead was one of our officers - he was a Lieutenant or Ensign –
I think we served at last two months in the course of each of the two summers-The mode of our service was this - A certain part of the Company served about two or three weeks at a time, and were then relieved by others of the Company, and went home - and after a lapse of two or three weeks went again to Schoharie, & relieved those who were on duty, and thus continued to serve alternately, during the summer & fall of two years - The summer or season before Schoharie was burnt I recollect I served under Van Auken & under Capt Groat of the same company, at the Middle fort in Schoharie - and the summer that Schoharie was burnt I served at the Stone Church Fort, and I think Van Auken was with us- 
The next year in the fall, I served according to the best of my recollection, at Fort Hunter - I think Van Auken was with us - Groat was our Captain at first, and was succeeded in the Command of the Company by Van Auken - Van Auken was Lieutenant when Groat was Captain - I understand that Groat resigned, & I know that Van Auken had the command of the Company, but whether he was appointed Captain or such I do not know- 
I was also at Saratoga with the Company under the command of Van Auken, I think the year before Burgoyne was taken - the
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were stationed with two or three companies of Militia in the flatts not far from Genl Schuyler’s House & Mills – we were there about two weeks, as near as I can recollect 
[signed] Peter Relyea
Sworn and subscribed this 29th day of December 1837 before me
[signed] L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds 

I certify that the above Deponent is a credible witness 
[signed] L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds
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Official signature of the Magistrate  L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds
STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
County of Albany  } ss.
I Henry B. Haswell Clerk of the Albany County Court, of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Lemuel Jenkins Esq is a Commissioner of Deeds &c in and for said County of Albany duly commissioned and qualified; that his Commission is dated on the 18th day of February 1837 and will expire on the 17th day of February 1839 and that his signature above written is genuine 
Given under my hand and the seal of said County the fourth day of January 1838. 
[signed] H.B. Haswell  Clerk.
Page 27

In the matter of Elizabeth Van Auken, Widow of Levi Van Auken, a claimant under the act of July 4, 1836. – 
Affidavit of Peter Relyea & Paul J. Hockstrasser 


Hon Albert Gallup 
HR
Page 28

Albany County
Town of Berne } Be it known that before me a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid personally appeared Paul J Hochstrasser, and made oath in due form of law that he was personally acquainted with Lieut Levi Van Auken an officer in the revolutionary Army and served under him as orderly Sergeant at the following places three months at Schoharie before it was burnt the year before, it was burnt. three months at Schoharie the year it was burnt, was at the burning of Schoharie, was one month at Fort Plain lay at Saratoga one month of the time Burgoine surrendered, was one month and a half at one Beckers on the west side of the north river the year after Burgoine was taken, lay at Schenectady one month and was at Fort Hunter one month. 
This deponant says he served under Lieut Van Auken at the above named places as orderly Sergeant, that he is now seventy six years of age 
[signed] Paul J. Hochstrasser + his mark
Sworn and Subscribed this his 1st day of January 1838 before me.
[signed] Lyman Dwight Justice 

Albany county
Town of Berne } I certify that Paul J Hochstrasser is a man of good character & standing of good reputation & credit for truth and veracity 
Dated January 1st 1838. 
[signed] Lyman Dwight Justice
Page 29

State of New York 
Albany County } ss:  I Henry B. Haswell Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Lyman Dwight before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn and whose is subscribed to the certificate of credibility was on the day of the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County and that his name Subscribed to the same are his genuine signatures
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said County this fourth day of January 1838. 
[signed] H. B. Haswell  Clerk
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Bern N.Y.  March 2d      10 
Mr. Henry Van Auken
West Guilderland 
Post office 
Albany Co 


Hon. A. Gallup HR
Page 31

Additional evidence of Paul J Hochstrasser in support of the claim of the widow of Lieut. Levi Van Auken
State of New York 
Albany County } ss  Paul J Hochstrasser being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was at the Capture of Burgoine at Stillwater or Saratoga and that Capt Groot commanded a company of which Levi Van Auken was Lieut. and of which this deponent was orderly sergeant - and that this deponant and the said Levi Van Auken served from the 20th of Sept. 1777, to the 20th Oct. 1777 in the taking of Burgoine one month and this deponant recollects of Regimental officers there Gen Gates Arnold and Lincoln 
This deponent cannot give a positive statement as to the time served at Beckers on the west side of the north river but as near as he can recollect was from the 1st March to the 3d of April 1778. at which place Levi Vam Auken was Lieut of the company  Further this deponent saith that Lieut Levi Van Auken served as a commander of a company from the 2d day of August 1780 to the 2d day of Nov of the said year at Schoharie - Schoharie was burnt by the British and Indians in the month of Oct 1780 and that the said Levi Van Auken served three month after this time in and about Schoharie to the best of my knowledge - And further this deponant saith that the said Levi Van Auken served one month at and about Fort Plain as a Capt or Lieut of a company at which place a Col. Marinus Willet commanded and was acquainted with a Lieut Gross this service was performed from the 1st of May to the 1st of June to the best of his belief also one month immediately thereafter at Schenectady in further saith not
[signed] Paul Hochstrasser X his mark
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 1 day of March 1838 
[signed] Lyman Dwight Justice
Page 32

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1794, entitled “An act for the settlement of the [ay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz: 
1779 Oct. 28 To the 4 of November Inclusive ┃ Levy. Van. Auken a. Lieut  62, 15, 4 

STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE, Albany, April 15th 1842.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. A, 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. [blank] in Col. Philip P. Schuylers Regt.

Philip Phelps
Dep Comp.
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In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1794, entitled “An act for the settlement of the [ay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz: 
1781 Novr  4
29.304 Levy Van Auken Lt 2 9 4
29305 Derick Hamestraet En 1 18 8
19.306 John Schoolcraft Sergt 0 15 0
29.307 Paul Houghstrauter  do  0 15 0
1781 Oct 21
29.273 Levi Van Auken Lieut 3. 13. 2
29274 Derick Heemestraet En  2 17 2
29.275 John Schoolcraft Sergt 1 5 8
29.276 Wm Bramble do 1 5 8 
29.277 Paul Houghstrauter  do  1 5 8
1780 Nov 12
29.339 Levy Van Auken Lt 3 5 2 1/3
STATE OF NEW YORK. 
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, April 30, 1841. 
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 6 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 Comdt of the Company in Col. Philip P Schuyler Regiment
Second Lt Levy Van Auken " " Philip Schuyler Regiment. 
Third, "Lt Levy Van Auken " Philip P Schuyler 
Fourth, " Lt Levy Van Auken " " Philip P Schuyler
Fifth," "Comdt of the Company " " Philip P Schuyler 
Sixth, " Lt Levi Van Auken"" Philip P Schuyler
Seventh, "" Lt Levi Van Auken " Philip P Schuyler
Eighth, "" Lt Levi Van Auken " Philip P Schuyler 
Ninth, "" Lt Levi Van Auken " Philip P Schuyler
Tenth," "Comdt of the Company " " Philip P Schuyler 
I further certify that Lieut Levy Van Auken appears as first in Command in the three tours of service above named 
[signed] John A. Collier 
Comptroller
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Abstract of Pay due to Col Philip P. Schuyler and his Regt of Albany County Militia ordered in the service of the United States of America to repel the Common Enemy from the 28 October 1779 to the 4th of November 1781. on the different commands as per vouchers following viz
No. 47 Lieut Levy Van Auken’s Pay Roll 1  £12.10.5
No. 48 ditto  “  “  2  22.5.2
No. 49 ditto  “  “  3  28.0.0

State of New York
Comptrollers Office 
Albany April 30. 1841 }  I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from an original Entry on page 151 Book A Audited accounts now remaining in this Office 
[signed] John B. Collier Comptroller
Page 35

[illegible] at Mar 16 N.Y.

Mrs Van Auken

To.
J.L Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Washington

Hon. A. Gallup
H.R.
Page 36

March 16th 
J. L. Edwards 
My Dear Sir 
I enclose another affadavit of Paul J Hochstrasser in support of the application of the widow of Levi Van Auken - I was acquainted with Mr. Van Auken in his life time & have heard him speak of his service in the revolutionary war without referring to a pension, long before the passage of any law for the benefit of those who served in the Militia. He claimed to have performed more service than Hochstrasser testifies to. I know nothing of the matter other than what I have heard from Van Auken - Hochstrasser I have known for 20 years. I was born & raised within a few miles of his residence. I [illegible] upon his statement (which I believe is more particular & precise than the former) & I have no doubt that if all the facts could be proved (at this late day impossible) the applicant would be entitled to all she asks. This is one of Mr. Jenkins cases -
Yours truly 
[signed] A. Gallup -
Page 37

J L Edwards
Commr of Pensions

Lemuel Jenkins, Esqr.
Albany
N. York

[postmarked Washington D.C. Jul 26]
Page 38

1241

Aug 28
Addl [illegible]
V Eliz. Van Auken

James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissr of Pensions
War Dept
City of Washington
Page 39

State of New York 
Albany County } ss   John Schoolcraft of the Town of Guilderland in said County, being duly sworn deposeth as follows Viz. - I am a Pensioner of the United States and am seventy six years of age & [illegible] - I well knew Levi Van Auken now deceased, in the Revolutionary War - In the year 1777, some time in June I went with the Company then commanded by Capt John Groat in which I was a Sergeant, to Saratoga, & Fort Edward - the said Levi Van Auken was Lieutenant of said Company, & went with us - We were in the service that time, not less, according to the best of my recollection, than six weeks -  
In the year 1778 our company was again ordered into the service & went to Schoharie & Lieut Van Auken went with us-- We were stationed at the Middle Fort principally - & same part the time in the Upper and Lower Forts - I think Lieut Van Auken served at different times in that year, not less than six weeks, at the different forts in Schoharie with the Company –
In the years 1779 & 1780, the said Van Auken was again in the service as Lieutenant of said Company, -
In the year 1780 we went on several tours of duty, at least twice, to Schoharie, under the command of Lieut. Van Auken - I think Capt Groat had resigned.
Van Auken must have served in this year not less than six weeks at the different Forts in
Page 40

Schoharie   In the year that Schoharie was burnt which I think, was the year 1781, and were again in the service at Schoharie - but I cannot state have long –
I think in the year 1782, (it was after Schoharie was burnt) our Regiment was ordered out & went to the north under Col. Philip P. Schuyler. The whole regiment marched to the north to what is now all Washington County - There was an alarm that the British & Indians & Canadians were coming down, & then we were sent out to repel them - On our return we passed through the town of Clifton Park & stopped some time at Schenectady where we were billeted in the houses. Lieut Van Auken was with us & had the command of our company - I was orderly Sergeant & acted as his Clerk – We were out on this tour not less than two weeks & I think about three weeks- 
Lieut Van Auken was a good Officer & faithfully attended to his duty & was always ready to go when called upon to under military services - and most of the time was the commandant of the Company 
[signed] John Schoolcraft
Sworn & subscribed this 24th day of August 1837 before me 
[signed] L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds 
I certify that the above deponent is a credible witness- 
[signed] L Jenkins Comr of Deeds
Page 41

State of New York
Albany County } ss.  Elizabeth Van Auken of Guilderland in said County, being duly sworn deposeth that she is the widow of Levi Van Auken who was a Lieutenant of a company of Militia, during the Revolutionary war - They were married in the spring of the year that the tea was thrown overboard at Boston - and her Husband died in April 1830 - Her name before she was married was Elizabeth Teerpenning – She has never learned to write 
[signed] Elizabeth Van Auken  + her mark
Sworn & subscribed this 24th day of August 1837 before me 
[signed] L Jenkins Comr of Deeds
State of New York 
Albany County } SS.  I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Lemuel Jenkins Esq before whom the foregoing affidavits purport to have been sworn and whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of credibility was on the day of the date of the same one of the Commissioners of deeds in and for the said County and that his name Subscribed to the same are genuine signatures .
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name & affixed the Seal of the said County this 24th August 1837.
[signed] C.A. Ten Eyck Clerk
Page 42

State of New York
Albany County } ss. George Scrafford of the Town of Guilderland, in said County, being duly sworn, according to law, deposeth as follows. Viz. I am seventy seven years of age & upwards & am a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7 1832 - I served as a Sergeant in the Company of Militia commanded by Capt. Jacob Van Order, during the revolutionary war - I was well acquainted with Levi Van Auken, who was an officer in Capt John Groat's Company- 
I recollect to have seen him in the service in said Company at Saratoga in the year 1777 - and also at the Stone Church in Schoharie, the year that the Village of Schoharie was burnt – 
He was on both these occasions acting as an officer of said Company - but how long he served I do not able to state- 
[signed] George Scrafford
Sworn & subscribed this 27th day of January 1837 before me 
[signed] L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds 

I certify that the above named George Scrafford is known to me & is a credible Witness 
[signed] L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds 

State of New York 
Albany County. } ss.  I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Lemuel Jenkins Esq before whom the preceeding affidavits purports to have been subscribed and sworn and whose name is Subscribed to the certificates of credibility was on the day of the date of the same one of the Commissioners of Deeds in and for the said County - and that his name subscribed to the said affidavits & certificates is his proper hand writing and Signature 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said County this 28th day of January 1837 
[signed] C.A. Ten Eyck Clerk
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State of New York 
Secretary's Office }  I certify that Levi Van Auken was on the 22d day of June 1778 appointed Second Lieutenant of Captain John Groats company in the Regiment of Militia in the County of Albany command by Colonel Philip P. Schuyler - All which appears by the minutes of the Council of appointment in this Office 
[signed] Archd Campbell   Dep. Secretary
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State of New York 
County of Albany } Ss:  John Schoolcraft of the Town of Guilderland in said County, being duly sworn according to law, deposeth as follows Viz. 
I am seventy six years of age, and a Pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7, 1832-
I was well acquainted with Levi Van Auken, during the revolutionary war - and served in the same Company with him as orderly Sergeant. In the early part of the Revolutionary War, the company was commanded by Captain John Groat & it was a company of Militia belonging, in 1777, to the Regiment commanded by Col Marinus Nichols, and afterwards by Col. Philip Schuyler. The other officers of the Company besides Capt Groat were Barent Mynderse, 1st Lieutenant, and the above named Levi Van Auken who were the second Lieutenants 
I think in the year 1778 or 1779, Capt Groat and Lieutenant Mynderse resigned their command in said Company and the command of the Company devolved upon Lieut Van Auken - and he continued in said Company of Lieutenant commandant from that time to the close of the war-
I was several times out with said Company under the command of Lieut. Van Auken & engaged in actual service, during the Revolutionary War - He was always ready & prompt to go on duty whenever he was called upon - but from defective memory owning to my advanced years, I am not now able to state the particulars of his services. I recollect hearing he was engaged on tours of duty, at the Middle Fort in Schoharie and at Saratoga - and that he had the Command of the Company on those tours - I was, at the same time, orderly Sergeant of said Company. In the year 1777 we were together on a
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tour of duty to Saratoga - and I think it was in the year 1778 that we were at Middle Fort in Schoharie - But I am unable to state the length of time we were engaged on these tours 
[signed] John Schoolcraft
Sworn to & subscribed this 25th day of January 1837, before me 
[signed] Lemuel Jenkins Comr of Deeds – 

State of New York 
Albany County } ss. John Schoolcraft above named, being duly sworn, further deposeth that he is acquainted with Elizabeth Van Auken Widow of the within named Levi Van Auken -  She resides in the Town of Guilderland in said County & I believe she is upwards of 80 years of age - The said Levi Van Auken has been dead some years, about five years - I knew the said Levi & Elizabeth as Husband & wife as long ago as in the early part of the revolutionary war - I think as early as the year 1777 - She has remained ever since her said Husbands death, and now is a Widow. 
[signed] John Schoolcraft
Sworn to & subscribed this 25th day of January 1837 before me 
[signed] Lemuel Jenkins Comr of Deeds 

I am acquainted with the above named John Schoolcraft & he is a credible witness- 
[signed] L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds -
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State of New York 
Albany County } Ss.  George Scrafford of the Town of Guilderland, in said County, being duly sworn according to law, deposeth as follows. Viz. I am seventy seven years of age & upwards, & am a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7. 1832 - I served as a sergeant in the Company of Militia commanded by Capt Jacob Van Order, during the revolutionary war - I was well acquainted with Levi Van Auken, who was an officer in Capt John Groat’s Company- 
I recollect to have seen him in the service in said Company at Saratoga in the year 1777 - and also at the Stone Church in Schoharie the year that the Village of Schoharie was burnt –
He was on both these occasions acting as an officer of said Company - but how long he served I am not able to state- 
[signed] George Scrafford
Sworn to & subscribed this 27th day of January 1837 before me 
[signed] L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds 

I certify that the above named George Scrafford is known to me & is a credible Witness- . 
[signed[ L. Jenkins Comr of Deeds

State of New York
Albany County } ss:  I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Lemuel Jenkins Esq before whom the preceeding affidavits purports to have been subscribed and sworn and whose name is Subscribed to the certificates of credibility was on the day of the date of the same one of the Commissioners of Deeds in and for the said County, and that his name subscribed to the said affidavits & certificates is his proper hand writing and Signature- 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said County this 28th day of January 1837 
[signed] C.A. Ten Eyck Clerk
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In the matter of the application of the widow of Levi Van Auken under the act of 4 July 1836 

Attorney G. F. Yates Schenectada {Schenectady] N.Y.
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State of New York 
County of Albany } ss.  Paul J. Hockstrasser of the town of Bern in said County, aged seventy nine years, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he was a [private, crossed out] soldier during the war of the revolution, & is now a pensioner of the United States under the act of 7th June 1832. That during said war this deponent served as a Sergeant in a Company of Militia in said County of Albany whereof one John Groat was the Captain & Levi or Levy Van Auken Lieutenant. That said Captain Groat was believed to be a disaffected person & for this or some other reason was very seldom in active duty, and the command of said Company devolved principally on said Levi Van Auken the Lieutenant of the Company. One John Schoolcraft now deceased was often employed by said Lieutenant Levi Van Auken to make out rolls & do the writing required to be done by said Levi Van Auken as Commandant of said Company, & this deponent himself was occasionally employed in the same way & therefore well recollects, or better than he otherwise would have done, the fact of said Levi Van Auken being the first in command in said Company- 
If this Deponent's memory serves him right, he served in said Company under said Captain Groat & said Levi Van Auken as Lieutenant at the head of Lake George, he thinks in the fall of the year 1776 - for the term of one month and an half 
In the fall of the year 1777, or during the harvest time of that year, he this deponent marched with a detachment of Militia from the Regiment to which he belonged, from the Heldebergh, where he then resided & proceeded to join his
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Brigade under command of General Ten Broek, which served with the Northern army at Saratoga, Stillwater, Fort Edward & other posts & passes occupied by said army in their contest against the British forces under General Burgoyne. On this occasion he this Deponent served for a term of at least one month- He was under the immediate command of said Levi Van Auken Lieutenant as afore said - That said Levi Van Auken served as long as he this Deponent did on this occasion, & how much longer before and since, this Deponent has no personal knowledge of, but understood that the service of the militia officers in this engagement was more than two months 
That in the early part of the summer (or Spring) of the year 1778, detachments of militia passed over the Heldebergs on their way to the Schoharie forts - said detachments were from the County of Albany & the Regiment of Col. Schuyler on this occasion the company to which this Deponent belonged was called upon to do the like duty, and he with a like detachment or the whole of his said Company under command of said Levi Van Auken Lieutenant as afore said marched to the Stone Meeting House, (called the lower fort) of Schoharie, and at said fort, and also at one Becker's (which he believes was called the Middle Schoharie fort) & also at the upper Schoharie fort he performed garrison duty under the immediate command of said Lieutenant Levi Van Auken for the full term of three months. The year Schoharie was burnt by the British & Indians
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he this deponent served under command of said Lieutenant Levi Van Auken for the like term of three months at Brakebeen & the other Schoharie forts, towit in the summer of that year, which he believes was in the year 1779.
In the fall of the year before Schoharie was burnt he served with a detachment as aforesaid under the immediate command of said Lieutenant Levi Van Auken, & in the Brigade of said General Ten Broek at Fort Plain for the term of at least one month the said Levi Van Auken serving with him this Deponent in all the before specified expeditions or tours for the same length of time at least as he this Deponent served in the same. In the year 1779 the said Deponent served under said Lieut. Levi Van Auken at Fort Plain with Genl Van Rensselaer for at least three weeks  In 1780 also at Schenectada, & Fort Hunter & other posts in the Mohawk Valley at different times under different engagements, which this Deponent is now unable fully to specify, for a term of ten days or more in each engagement - also in several short terms in pursuit of tories - but this deponent cannot specify or give dates 
[signed] Paul J. Hockstrasser X his mark
Subscribed and sworn this 12th day of March 1841, before me, and I certify that said Paul J. Hockstrasser is to me well known, & that he is a creditable witness 
[signed] Lyman Dwight Justice
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State of New York 
Albany County } ss:  I Henry B. Haswell Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Lyman Dwight before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the jurat a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County and that his name Subscribed to the said jurat is his proper hand writing & signature
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said County this 15th day of March 1841 
[signed] H.B. Haswell Clerk