Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10895, Abraham Van Vlack, New York
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New York
Van Vlack, Abraham 
R10895
Margaret
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New York
24024

Abraham VanVlack of Dutchess Co in the state of New York who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Champlain of the Regt. commanded by Col. Graham in the New York line for 16 months and 22 days

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 55 dollars and 75 cents per annun.  to comment on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Oct. 1835 and  sent to W. VanVlack
La Grange

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 33'  $139.37
Semi-ant allowance ending  4 M 1821  27.87
                                              $167.24

{ Revolutionary Claim
June 7, 1832
Recorded by Go. C. Stiles Clerk
Book E.  Vol. 4.  Page 84 .
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State of New York
Dutchess County ss - }

On this twentyfourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appears in open court before the court of common place now sitting Abraham Van Vlack a resident of the town of LaGrange in Dutchess County and State of New York aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn 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 he entered the service of the United States in the militia of the State of New York in year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five in a company commanded by Capt. Joseph Horton in the Regiment of Col. Derrick Brinckerhoff in the Town of Fishkill in Dutchess County and State of New York that he marched to the Town of Patterson and Pawling in said Dutchess County for the purpose of apprehending and securing the disaffected to the cause of the United States that he remained there about two weeks when he returned and was discharged[inserted: or dismissed] That in the spring of the next year to wit. 1776 he went in the militia of the said Col. Brinckerhoff [inserted: in a company] under the command of Capt. William Fowler to the County of Columbia for the same purpose and was in that service about six weeks when he returned and was discharged– That in the summer of the same year he went in the malitia [militia] of the same Town and County to wit. Fishkill in Dutchess County in a Company commanded by Capt. Joshua Champlain to Fort Montgomery on
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the Hudson in the vicinity of West Point when he remained either five or six months and then returned to Fishkill and then went to White Plains in West Chester County under the command of Capt Jacob Griffin in the same Regiment of Militias where he remained six weeks in said Company when then term of service expired or they were relieved by the Militias from the north part of the same county of Dutchess he then took the place of one of the said Militias and remained there six weeks longer–  he does not reccollect [recollect] the name of the person whose place he took nor the name of the Captain under whome [whom] he served, but the regiment to which said company belonged was commanded by Col. Graham.  He then returned to Fishkill and in the spring of the same year 1777 he enlisted in a company of New York State Troops under the command of Capt. Henry Wyckoff in a regiment commanded by Col. Duboise went to Fort Constitution when he remained til the sixth day of October a day or two after the capture of Fort Montgomery went from there to Fishkill from here to Newburgh from there to Kingston when that village was burnt by the British when hearing of the capture of Burgoines Army he returned with the company to the neighborhood of Newburgh and were [crossed out: discharged] dismissed –  that the whole time he was employed in that Company was about nine months.  That in the year 1778 he went in the company of Capt. George Brinckerhoff in the Regiment of Col. Abraham Brinckerhoff in the militia to the highlands on the Hudson where he remained two weeks when he was dismissed
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[illegible] engaged in the service of the United States.

And that he was engaged at sundry times and almost all the time of the revolution besides the times before mentioned more than one year in the service of the United States in taking up Tories and in guarding the roads, and in keeping guard on the lines – from the year 1777-80.  That he was born in the town of Fishkill
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[illegible]832
[illegible]55

In Said County on the 22 day of Feb. 1755. and [crossed out: and]  that he has advised said ?? in that Town and the adjoining Towns of Beekman and La Grange ever since and is now living in the Town of La Grange in the same county that he is known to James Delong Thomas Martin and almost every man in the said Town that he has no record of his age but derived his knowledge of it from his mother.

Abraham Van Vlack

And he hereby relinquishes all claim to a pension by any Act of Congress  except the present and that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State
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State of New York
Dutchess County - Personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Dutchess who James Sleight being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was a Lieutenant in the Company of infantry Commander by Capt. Henry Wykoff and served in the Revolutionary War and served on season for a term of seven or eight months is uncertain as to the exact time that he was now more than eighty years of age and in consequence of infirmity is unable to go abroad and has not road out in several years.  The deponent further says that in the time of the Revolutionary War he was stationed at Fort Constitution on the Hudson near West Point does not recollect who his Colonel was that soon after the capture of Fort Montgomery he marched to Fishkill remained there a short time, went from there to Newburgh from there to Kingston at the time that Village was burnt by the British when hearing of the capture of Burgoynes Army they returned.  This deponent further says that he is well acquainted with Abraham Van Vlack and that he the said has shared service with him as a private in the same company during the term above mentioned and all the times of the service of the deponent as he verily believes.

James Sleight

Sworn and subscribed before me the 31sdt day of August 1832
James Delong Justice of the Peace
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We James H Denton and James Delong residing in the Town of Beekman in Dutchess do certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Van Vlack who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be of the age of 77 years that he is reported to be in the neighborhood in which he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution in which opinion we concur and that he is reported to be and we believe him to be a man of truth and veracity–

James Delong
James H Denton

Sworn and subscribed in open court Sept 24th 1832 
Henry J. Traver Clerk
Page 9

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states– And the Court further certifies that it appears to them and is known to them from personal knowledge that James Delong and James H. Denton both of whome [whom] who has signed the same are acting Justices of the Peace in said county of Dutchess and are residents of the Town of Beekman in said County are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit_

Henry J Traver, Clerk

I Henry J Traver clerk of the court of Common Place of Dutchess County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said court in the matter of the application of Abraham Van Vlack for a pension in testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office this twentyfourth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
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I Henry J Traver Clerk of the Court of Commons Clerk of the County of Dutchess do hereby certify that the following contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Van Vlack for a pension.

In testimony whereof [illegible] hereunto set my hand and affix [illegible] my official seal to the 25the day September A.D. 1832 

Henry J Travers Clerk

144.21 Abraham Van Vlack
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State of New York
Dutchess County SS}

On this ninth day of June one thousand eight-hundred and thirty eight personally appeared before me Daniel D. Akin a Judge of the court of common pleas of said County of Dutchess. Margaret Van Vlack a resident of the town of La Grange in said County aged eighty one 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 fourth one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. That she is the widow of Abraham Van Vlack, who was a private soldier in the militia of the State of New York and served in the revolutionary army and was a pensioner under the act of June seventh one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and that he had in his possession at the time of his death a certificate of pension given at the war office of the United States the twenty fifth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty three of which the following is a true copy -- 
War department revolutionary claims. I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Abraham Van Vlack of the State of New York, who was a private in the revolutionary army is entitled to receive fifty five dollars and seventy five cents per annum during his natural life, Commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semiannually on the 4th of March and the 4th of September in every year. Given at the war office of the United States this 25 day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. Lew Cass Secretary of war Examined and Countersigned J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions. She further declares that she was married to the said Abraham Van Vlack
Page 12

in the year one thousand seven hundred and eight eight, that there is no record of their marriage that she knows of and that she believes then there is no such record, and that she does not know of any person who was present at their marriage. That she said Abraham Van Vlack died on the nineteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty six and that she has remained a widow ever since -- as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed

And she further declares that in consequence of old age and bodily infirmity that she is unable to appear in court, and believes it is not probable that she ever will be.

Sworn and subscribed this ninth day of June 1838 before me 

Margaret Oansback
Daniel D Akin Judge of Dutchess County Courts
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State of New York
Dutchess County ss. }

George Upton of the Town of La Grange being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Margaret Van Vlack the widow of Abraham Van Vlack who was and is reputed to be a revolutionary pensioner that the said Abraham Van Vlack died sometime in the month of November 1836 that he is and was at the time of the death of the said Abraham Van Vlack the family physician of him the said Abraham and the said widow ever since his death -- that he thinks and believes that the said Margaret Van Vlack in consequence of old age and infirmity and bodily disease is unable to appear in open court and that he has no doubt that her statement is entitled to full credit.

George Upton
Affirmation made before me
the Eighth day of June 1838
Daniel D Akin Judge of Dutchess County Courts
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State of New York
Dutchess County SS

John Scouten of the Town of Fishkill in said County being duly sworn doth depose and say -- That he is a half brother of Margaret Van Vlack who is the widow of Abraham Van Vlack, who was a revolutionary pensioner under the act of June 7th 1832, that he the deponent has been acquainted with the said Abraham Van Vlack and the said Margaret Van Vlack as long as he can remember -- that they have lived together and been reputed as man and wife during hid acquaintance and that he has no doubt of the fact - That he is well acquainted with Henry A. Van Black a son of the said Abraham and Margaret Van Vlack, and that the said Henry A. Van Vlack is about the age of sixty years - and that the deponent is about the same age, and that the said Henry A. Van Vlack is entitled to full credit. That the said Abraham Van Vlack died in the month of November 1836 -
John Schouten

Sworn and subscribed before me 
The 24th Sept 1828
Daniel D Akin Judge of Dutchess County Courts
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State of New York
Dutchess County

James Delong being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is well acquainted with Margaret Van Vlack the widow of Abraham Van Vlack, who was a pensioner under the act of Congress of June 7th. 1832 That he has been acquainted with her the said Margaret, and her husband the said Abraham or nearly fifty years, that he is and has been acquainted with Henry A. Van Vlack the son of the said Abraham and Margaret. That he the said Henry is of about the age of sixty years as he the deponent believes. That said Abraham Van Vlack, and his said widow Margaret Van Vlack has always since this acquaintance of this deponent with them lived together and has been reputed to be husband and wife. That they have been reputed, the said, Abram Van Vlack and his widow Margaret Van Vlack respectable and entitled to full credit. That the said Abraham Van Vlack has been dead about two years and this deponent has been informed and believes to be true. 

Sworn and subscribed to me the day of [blank] day of September 1838. 

James Delong

Sworn and Subscibed this
24th day September 1838:
Daniel D Akin Judge of Dutchess County Court
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State of New York
Dutchess County

Henry A. Van Vlack being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is the son of Abraham and Margaret Van Vlack, that he (the said Henry) was born in the year 1779 that his mother this said Margaret Van Vlack is now living and of about the age of eighty one years and upwards as he has been informed and believes to be true. That his father the said Abraham Van Vlack died on the nineteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty six and that his mother the said Margaret, the widow of said Abraham, has remained a widow ever since. 

Sworn and subscribed
before me September 25th 1838
Henry Van Vlack

Sworn and Subscribed this 25th September 1838 before me Daniel D Akin Judge of Dutchess County Courts
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To J L Edwards Esqr [illegible] of Pension 

When the examination of George Upton John Scouten and Henry A Van Vlack whose affidavits are hereunto annexed who are to me not personally known there appears nothing but what they are entitled severally to full credit [blank space] With James Delong whose affidavit is likewise hereunto annexed I have been well acquainted more than twenty five years and I have no doubt his testimony is entitled to full weight 

Daniel D Akin Judge [illegible]

I am and have been well acquainted with the above named James Delong for the last fifteen or twenty years and know him to be a man of the first respectability and  of unquestionable integrity. 
Obadiah Titus [illegible]
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State of New York
Dutchess County ss}

I Daniel W. Bradle clerk of the said County Do hereby Certify that Daniel D Akin Esqr before whom the Annexed Declaration and Examinations were made was at the respective times of taking the same a judge of this Court of Common pleas of said County bring a Court of Records and having a Clerk and Seal. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe that the Signatures Annexed to be the said Declarations and Examinations is his genuine Signature respectively.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand under my seal of Office the Twenty Sixth day of September AD 1838.

Daniel. W. Bradle Clerk
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State of New York
Dutchess County ss:
Know all men by these presents that I William Van 
Vlack, the Son of Margaret Van Vlack (deceased) the widow 
of Abraham Van Vlack, who was a revolutionary 
pensioner, and who applied for a widows pension 
under the act of 4th July 1836. do hereby constitute, name 
and appoint H. C. Spalding of Washington City, my true 
& lawful attorney for me and in my name & stead, and 
for my use to examine all the papers now on the files of 
War Department, in reference to my said mothers 
application, and to file additional evidence, to prosecute 
the claim generally for the purpose of establishing 
the pension to which my said mother was 
entitled, and to all lawful things in the premises as I 
myself could do were I personally present, and 
I hereby cancel and annul any and all other 
power or powers of attorney by whomsoever and 
to whomsoever given in connection with 
or in relation to this case.
Witness my hand and seal, this day of
Wm. Van Vlack

Dutchess County ss-
On this 10th day of February 1853 came before
me William Van Vlack who acknowledged that he
executed the above power of attorney and certify that I am
acquainted with the said William and that he is
the person therein named
James S Monfort
Justice of the Peace
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STATE OF NEW YORK
DUTCHESS COUNTY, ss:

I, GEORGE H. TOMPKINS, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, Do HEREBY CERTIFY, THAT James S Monfort whose name is subscribed to the CERTIFICATE of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a
Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly
authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such Justice of the Peace, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine, and that the same is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this 22 day of February A. D. 1853
George Tompkins Clerk.
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Dutchess County RA.
William Van Vlack being duly sworn says
that he is the son of Margaret Van Vlack
widow of Abraham Van Vlack who was a
revolutionary pensioner and that his mother the said Margaret Van Vlack died on this 8th 
day of April 1839
Wm. Van Vlack
Sworn and subscribed
before me the 10th day
of February 1853-
James S. Monfort
Justice of the Peace
of
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14.421
Abraham Van Vlack
Dutchess Co. N York

5. 14
P.400
Admitted
Private 16 mo & 22 days

May 16 33

Wm. Van Vlack

La Grange
Dutchess co.
N.Y.
Page 23

BRIEF in the case of Abraham Van Vlack
Co. of Dutchess in the State of N. York
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge?  Open Court

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  77 years

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[Chart]

Period.                                            Duration of Service.          Rank.          Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
                                                       Years, Months, Days,         As a            Gen.

In 1775                                                                     14           Private         Capt Horton Col. Brinckerhoff
1776                                                                 1      12                "              Capt Fowler   "
Summer 1776                                             5 or 6                        "              Capt. Champlain Col Graham
another tour of six weeks                                 1      12               "               Capt Wycoff Col Duboise 
1778                                                                          14              "                Capt Brinckerhoff Col Brinckerhoff

5.  In what battles was he engaged?  None

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?

7.  Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  By living Witness

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

x  The deponent claims for other [illegible] services one year.

Examining Clerk.

J52
16.52
7-3
1.24
Page 24

[left]
Mrs. G. L. Nickerson
2 Platt Street
Poughkeepsie, New York

[right]
BA-J/ILL
Abraham Van Vlack
R-10895

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Abraham Van Vlack of Dutchess County, New York, also, the record of any other Van Vlack who applied for pension.

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 10895, based upon service of Abraham Van Vlack in the Revolutionary War.  This office is unable to identify the record of any other particular soldier with that name without his full name, approximate dates of birth and death, and residences at enlistment and after service.

Abraham Van Vlack was born February 2, 1755 in Fishkill, Durchess (sic) County, New York; the names of his parents were not given.

While a resident of Fishkill, New York, he enlisted and served as private in the New York troops at different times, shown as follow: in 1775, two weeks in Captain Joseph Horton's company, Colonel Dirk Brinckerhoff's regiment; in the spring of 1776, six weeks in Captain William Fowler's company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's regiment; from sometime in the summer of 1775, five or six months in Captain Joshua Champlin's company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's regiment, afterwards, six weeks in Captain Jacob Griffin's company, in that same regiment, and six weeks in Captain Gregory's company, Colonel Graham's regiment; from sometime in the spring of 1777, nine months in Captain Henry Wyckoff's company, Colonel DuBois' regiment; in 1778, two weeks in Captain George Brinckerhoff's company, Colonel Abraham Brinckerhoff's regiment: subsequently, on various short tours, amounting in all to more than one year.

Abraham Van Vlack was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on his application executed September
Page 25

24, 1832, at which time he resided in LaGrange, Dutchess County, New York.  Abraham Van Vlack had continued to reside in Dutchess County, New York, ever since his birth, in the towns Fishkill, Beekman and La Grance.  He died November 18, 1836.

Margaret Van Vlack (VanVlack), this soldier's widow, was a resident of La Grange, Dutchess County, New York, on June 9, 1838; she gave her age then as eighty-one years, but did not state the date and place of her birth nor the names of her parents.  She stated then that she married Abraham Van Vlack in the year 1788, but did not give the day or place of their marriage.  She died April 8, 1839.

September 25, 1838, Henry A. Van Vlack stated before a Justice of the Peace in Dutchess County, New York, that he was the son of Abraham and Margaret Van Vlack, that he was born in the year 1779, also, (in 1838) that his mother (Margaret) was aged about eighty-one years and upwards.  No explanation was given regarding the discrepancy in the date of marriage and the date of birth of this son; no reference was made to a former marriage of this soldier.

In 1838, one William Van Vlack was in La Grange, New York, his post office, Athensburg.  In 1853, William Van Vlack, the son of Margaret Van Vlack, was in Dutchess County, New York.

In 1838, Jon Schouten, the half-brother, of Margaret Van Vlack, soldier's widow, resided in Fishkill, New York; he was then about sixty years of age.

There are no further data pertaining to the family of Abraham Van Vlack in the papers on file in this pension claim.

Very truly yours, 



A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.







2.
Page 26

Daughters of the American Revolution
Mahwenawasigh Chapter
Poughkeepsie, New York

April 20, 1940

Veteran's Administration
Pension Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:

Will  you kindly advise if a Abraham Van Vlack (Revolutionary Soldier) of Dutchess County, New York, applied for a pension and what material on said application is available?

I wish this information to establish a line in the D.A.R.

Respectfully yours,
Florence Woodring Nickerson
(Mrs. G.L.)
Chapter Librarian
2 Platt Street

(over)
Page 27

If any other Van Vlack applied for a pension, may I please have this record, too?

Thank you!

Stamp:
Received
April 23, 1940
MAIL SUB-DIV
Reader No. 12
VETS ADM
Page 28

WESTERN UNION

R. B. WHITE
PRESIDENT

NEWCOMB CARLTON
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

J. C. WILLEVER
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT

1939 DEC 3 PM 1 23

[Telegram text]

PA114 31 5 EXTRA DL=BUFFALO NY 3 1236P
A D HILLER, ASST TO THE ADMINISTRATOR
VETERANS ADMN WASHDC=

URGENT PLEASE MAIL IMMEDIATELY RECORD OF PENSION CLAIM ABRAM [ABRAHAM] VAN VLACK BORN 1755 DIED LA GRANGE 1836 SERVED REVOLUTIONARY WAR FROM DUTCHESS COUNTY NEW YORK WIFE MARGARET = 

EDWIN E ELLIS 239 HUNTINGTON AVE BUFFALO NY

1755 1836 239 VLACK.

[Handwritten]
Sent to Mrs. Finch Navy Building L 12/4
R 1851

[Stamp] 
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MAIL SUBDIVISION
DEC 4 8 22 AM 1939
Page 29

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
MAIL SUBDIVISION
DEC 4 7 35 AM 1939

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
MAIL SUBDIVISION
DEC 4 10 01 AM 1939

RECEIVED
DEC 4 1939
INDEX
SUB-DIV.
Page 30

SILVER CREEK N.Y.
NOV 3 - 11
3-30 PM

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C

R 10895

PENSION OFFICE
NOV
4 1911

1831
73
1758
Page 31

Can you tell me whether the Revolutionary War pension records afford any information concerning John Christy (or Christie), Abraham Van Vlack, Johannes Clement.  I think all were from Dutchess Co. N.Y. Would probably have been in Dutchess Co. or Albany Co. regiments if they served.

Your truly,
E. May Christy

R 1940
Page 32

Duch. 12-91 Hon. J. H. Ketcham, H of R

1911 Nov 2 His to Mrs. E. May Christy

1929 - Jan 9 - Hist to F.G. Wheeler - ME.E.

1929 Mar 18 Hist. to Raymond E. Van Wyckle M, E., E.

1929 - Nov 26 Mr. F.G. Wheeler further advised, M, E, E

1939 Dec 4 Hist. to Edwin E Ellis, JLL.

1940 May 31 Hist. to Mrs. G. L. Nickerson JLL.

[stamp] REJECTED

10.89. D

P.O. Margaret Van Vlack
Service:  
Enlisted:  ____, 18
Discharged:  ______, 18
Application filed:  ____, 18
Alleges:  
Re-enlisted:  
Attorney:  
P.O.
___Recognized. ___Contract.
___ Cert. of Dis.   Searched for ___, 18
Page 33

La Grange Oct. 2nd 1838
Sir, Enclosed are the papers containing the
application of Margaret Van Vlack for
a pension on account of her deceased
husband Abraham Van Vlack who was a
pensioner under the act of June 7th 1832
as will appear by his certificate which is
herewith returned-
Please direct your answer to me at
Athersburg Post Office. Dutchess County N.Y.
James L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Washington

Yours with estime
Wm. Van Vlack
Page 34

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United 
States of the 7th June, 1832, Abraham Van Vlack
of the State of New York
who was a private in the Revolutionary Army.
is entitled to receive Fifty - five dollars and
Seventy five cents per annum, during his natural life, com
mencing 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 - 25 - day of
October one thousand eight
hundred and thirty-three
Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and
Countersigned. }
J L Edward
Commissioner of Pension
Page 35

Mr. Edwin E. Ellis
239 Huntington Avenue
Buffalo, New York.

BA-J/ILL
Abraham Van Vlack
R. 10895

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your telegram in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Abram Van Vlack, who was born 1755 and died in 1836.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 10895, based upon service of Abraham Van Vlack in the Revolutionary War.
Abraham Van Vlack was born February 2, 1755 in Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York; the names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Fishkill, New York, he enlisted and served as a private in the New York troops at different times, shown as follow: in 1775, two weeks in Captain Joseph Horton's company, Colonel Dirk Brinckerhoff's regiment; the spring of 1776, six weeks in Captain William Fowler's company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's regiment; from sometime in the summer of 1776, five or six months in Captain Joshua Champlin's company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's regiment, afterwards, six weeks in Captain Jacob Griffin's company in that same regiment; from sometime in the spring of 1777, nine months in Captain Henry Wyckoff's company, Colonel DuBois' regiment; in 1778, two weeks in Captain George Brinckerhoff's company, Colonel Abraham Brinckeroff's regiment; later, on various short tours, amounting in all to more than one year.
Abraham Van Vlack was allowed pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War on his application executed September 24, 1832, at which time he resided in La Grange, Dutchess County, New York. He had continued to reside in Dutchess County, New York, ever since his birth, in the towns of Fishkill, Beekman and La Grange. The soldier died November 19, 1836.
Margaret Van Vlack (Vanvlack), the soldier's widow, was a
Page 36

a resident of La Grange, Dutchess County, New York, on June 9, 1838; she gave her age then as eighty-one years, but did not state the date and place of her birth nor the names of her parents. She stated then that she married Abraham Van Vlack in the year 1788 , but did not give the day or place of her marriage. She died April 8, 1839.
September 25,1838, Henry A. Van Vlack stated before a Justice of the Peace in Dutchess County, New York, that he was the son of Abraham and Margaret Van Vlack, that he was born in the year 1779, also, in 1838, that his mother(Margaret) was aged about eighty-one years and upwards. No explanation was given regarding the discrepancy in the date of marriage and date of birth of this son; no reference was made to a former marriage of the soldier.
In 1838, one William Van Vlack was in La Grange,NewYork, his post office, Athensburg.  In 1853, William Van Vlack, the son of Margaret Van Vlack, was in Dutchess County, New York.
In 1838, John Schouten, was a resident of Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York, aged about sixty years; he was a half-brother of Margaret Van Vlack, the soldier's widow.
There are no further data pertaining to the family of Abraham Van Vlack in the papers on file in this pension claim.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 37

Mr. F. G. Wheeler
810 East College Avenue
Appleton
Wisconsin
Dear Sir: 
I advise you that the date of marriage of Abraham Van Vlack and Margaret, as given in Bureau letter of January 9, 1929, as 1788, is correct as plainly shown in the papers on file in the Revolutionary Wary pension claim R. 10895. 
However, Henry A. Van Vlack, in 1838, stated that he was the son of the above named Abraham and Margaret Van Vlack and that he was born in 1779. He also stated in 1838 that his mother was then about eighty-one years of age. 
Also, one John Schouten of Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York, stated in 1838 that he was a half brother of the soldier's widow Margaret, and that he was then aged about sixty years, and that Henry A. Van Vlack, the son of said Abraham and Margaret Van Vlack, was about the same age. The age of the son William is not given.
The family data here given, and that which was furnished you in the previous letter, are all that are contained in the papers on file. 
This Bureau has no general genealogical data. 
Very truly yours,
Earl D. Church
Commissioner.
Page 38

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MEE/eel

March 15, 1929



Raymond E. Van Syckle
1729 Ford Building
Detroit, Michigan

Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 10695, it appears that Abraham Van Vlack was born, February 2, 1755, in Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York.

While residing in Dutchess County, New York, he enlisted at Fishkill in 1775 and served two weeks in Captain Joseph Horton's Company, Colonel Dirk Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment.

He enlisted in the spring of 1776 and served six weeks in Captain William Fowler's Company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment.

He enlisted in the summer of 1776, served five or six months in Captain Joshua Champlin's Company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment, then re-enlisted and served six weeks in Captain Jacob Griffin's Company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment, and again re-en-
Page 39

listed and served six weeks in Captain Gregory's Company, Colonel Graham's New York Regiment.

In the spring of 1777, he enlisted and served nine months in Captain Henry Wyckoff's Company, Colonel Du Bois' New York Regiment.

In 1778, he enlisted and served two weeks in Captain George Brinckerhoff's Company, Colonel Abraham Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment.

In addition he served on various short tours amounting in all to more than one year.  All of the above service was rendered as a private.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of La Grange, Dutchess County, New York, and then stated that he had always lived in Dutchess County, in the towns of Fishkill, Beekman, and La Grange.

He died, November 19, 1836.

The soldier married, in 1788, Margaret, her maiden name is not stated.  She died, April 8, 1839.

Their sons, Henry A. and William, were living in 1836 and 1853, respectively.  Their place of residence is not given.

Respectfully,

E. W. MORGAN 
Acting Commissioner.
Page 40

January 9, 1929

F.G. Wheeler
325 East Harris Street
Appleton, Wisconsin

Sir:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 10895, it appears that Abraham Van Vlack was born, February 2, 1755, in Fishkill, Dutchess County, New York.

While residing in Dutchess County, New York, he enlisted at Fishkill in 1775 and served two weeks in Captain Joseph Horton's Company, Colonel Dirk Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment.

He enlisted in the spring of 1776 and served six weeks in Captain William Fowler's Company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment.

He enlisted in the summer of 1776, served five or six months in Captain Joshua Champlin's Company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment, then re-enlisted and served six weeks in Captain Jacob Griffin's Company, Colonel Brinckerhoff's New York Regiment, and again re-en-
Page 41

listed and served six weeks in Captain Gregory's Company, Colonel Graham's New York Regiment.

In the spring of 1777, he enlisted and served nine months in Captain Henry Wyckoff's Company, Colonel Du Bois' New York Regiment.

In 1778, he enlisted and served two weeks in captain George Brinkerhoff's (Brinckerhoff's) Company, Colonel Abraham Brinkerhoff's (Brinckerhoff's) New York Regiment.

In addition he served on various short tours amounting in all to more than one year.  All of the above service was rendered as a private.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of La Grange, Dutchess County, New York, and then stated that he had always lived in Dutchess County, in the towns of Fishkill, Beekman and La Grange.

He died, November 19, 1836.

The soldier married, in 1788, Margaret, her maiden name is not stated.  She died, April 8, 1839.

Their sons, Henry A. and William, were living in 1836 and 1853, respectively.  Their place of residence is not given.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

[hand written]
Did not state age or date of birth of son Henry A as it conflicted with marriage date.
Widow has half-brother John Schouten who testified in the case
Page 42

reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] statement of the military history of Abraham Van Vlack 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.  

Reg: 10.895

[chart]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
1775
Spring 1776
Summer 1776
"
Spring 1777
1778

LENGTH OF SERVICE
2 wks
4 wks
5 mos.
6 wks
6 wks
8 mos
2 wks

RANK
Pri.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED

CAPTAIN
Joseph Horton
William Fowler
Joshua Champlin (Champlain)
Jacob Griffin
Gregory
Henry Wyckoff
George Brinckerhoff

COLONEL
Dirk Brinckerhoff N.Y.
" "
" "
" "
" Graham Dobois
Abraham Brinckerhoff

Battles engaged in, 
Residence of solder at enlistment, Fishkill, Dutchess Co. NY
Date of application for pension, Sept 24, 1832, Allowed
Residence at date of application, La Grange, Dutchess Co. NY
Age at date of application, Feb 2, 1755 at Fishkill, NY
Remarks:  Sol, mar 1788 Margaret
he died Nov 19, 1836: she was 81 yrs of age and a resident of La Grange NY in 1838, she d. Apl 8, 1839. In 1838, son Henry A, stated that he was born in 1778. Son William was alive in 1853; widow's half bro. John Schouten (Scouten) testified in [illegible]
Page 43

L. W. B.
R. 10895.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

O. W. & N. Div.
REVOLUTIONARY

March 12, 1898.

Sir:-

Replying to your recent communication I have the honor to advise you that Abraham Van Vlack made an application for pension on September 24, 1832, at which time he was 77 years of age and residing at La Grange, N. Y., and his pension was allowed at the rate of $55.75 per annum, to commence March 4, 1831, for his actual service as a private in the N. Y. troops, Revolutionary war, for a period of sixteen months and twenty-two days:  apart of the time he served under Capt. Champlin and Col. Graham. He enlisted at Fishkill, N.Y. in the year 1775.  Exact dates of enlistment and discharge not stated in his application for pension but can probably be obtained upon application to the Chief of the Record and Pension Office, War Department, this city.  The date when pension ceased can probably be obtained upon application to the Hon. Aud [illegible] for the Interior Department, Treasury Department, this city.

Very respectfully,

Second Deputy Commissioner.

Hon. John H. Ketcham,
House of Representatives.
Page 44

810 East College ave.
Appleton, Wisconsin.
Nov. 20 1929.

Department of the Interior,
Rev. & 1812 Wars Div.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen,-     Attention of MEE/eel

On Jan. 9th, last, you very kindly sent me the Revolutionary War record of Abraham Van Vlack, Rev. War Pension Claim R.10895.

In this you state that he was married to Margaret ------ in 1788.  You also mention sons Henry A and William.

I write to ask if the date 1788 is quite distinct on the record.  He was born in 1755, and from other sources, Henry A. seems to have been born in 1779 and another son in 1777, with several others before 1788.  Would you please verify this for me.

Is there anything else on the record, that might lead to more definite information regarding this man, such as any other relative's names, or claims.  I am trying to work out the early history of some of Mrs. Wheeler's people.

Yours very truly,

F. G. Wheeler

FGW/FGW.

[stamp]
REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS SECTION
NOV 22 1929
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 45

MICHIGAN SOCIETY SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
1729 FORD BUILDING
DETROIT MICHIGAN

[stationery heading]

PRESIDENT LEE M. HUTCHINS GRAND RAPIDS
VICE-PRESIDENT FRANCIS C. CAMPBELL DETROIT
VICE-PRESIDENT MILTON E. OSBORN LANSING
SECRETARY RAYMOND E. VAN SYCKLE DETROIT

REGISTRAR CLARENCE M. BURTON DETROIT
CHAPLAIN REV. JOHN DYSART FLINT
HISTORIAN DR. WILBERT B. HINSDALE ANN ARBOR
TREASURER FRANK G. SMITH DETROIT

December 15 1928

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Sir:-
Please advise family data and military service of ABRAM [ABRAHAM] VAN VLACK, (VLECK) Durchess [Dutchess] Co. N.Y. Militia, born 1755 died 1836, resided Fishkill? N.Y.

Your truly

Raymond E. Van Syckle
Secretary.

W.P.Favorite, descendant.

[hand written] pensioned.
Page 46


325 East Harris st.,
Appleton, Wisc.
Mar. 19, 1928.

U. S. Pension Office,
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen,-

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORD.
ABRAHAM VAN VLACK.

I am trying to get information concerning the
Revolutionary War record of one Abraham Van Vlack, [note "only one"]
who lived in Dutchess County, N. Y. during the
Revolutionary War, and I understand enlisted from
Fishkill.
Could I procure a copy of what information you may
have concerning him, if any. He is referred to as a Capt.
in published records. Is this true?
Would I be able to get any further information from
the Adjutant General's Office?

Yours very truly,
F.G. Wheeler [signature]
F. G. Wheeler
Page 47

H.C. Spalding
Page 48

Washington 24th Feby 1853
Houble Jos E. Heath
Comn of Pensions,
Sir
I submit the accompanying
power of Attorney from William Van-
bleak, the Son & legal heir of Margaret Van
bleak, deceased the widow of Abraham.
The widow applied for a pension under
act of 4th July 1836 and the case has been
suspended. You will please permit me
to examine the papers on file in the case.
Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert.
R. C. Spalding
atty
Page 49

Abraham Van Vlack
La Grange
Page 50

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abraham Van Vlack which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? [illegible]

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? n

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  no

V.  *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?  No

VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?  no

VII.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? N

VIII.  Has the Court given their opinion?  n

IX.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?  n

X.  Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? n
Page 51

2

XI.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  no

XII.  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?  no

XIII.  If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?

XIV.  If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? [illegible]
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  [illegible]

XV.  Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  no

XVI.  Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [illegible]

XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  Yes

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades, For ----- year---- months, and ---- days, I served as a ---- For ---- months and ---- days, I served as a ------; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 52

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the
pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite
, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the
officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objection
able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration
of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the
applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either
in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed
in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must
prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of
the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the
regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths
must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not
written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate
must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the
certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 53

State of New York
Dutchess County ss– Personally appeared before me
the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the Town 
of Beekman in said County of Dutchess Abraham Van Vlack who
being duly sworn doth depose and say that by
reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory
he cannot swear positively as to the precise
length of time he served in the revolutionary war
but according to the best of his recollection he served
not less than the periods mentioned below and in
the following grades– In the company of infantry under 
the command of Capt. Joseph Horton two weeks – in the 
company of Capt William Fowler four weeks– in the
company of Capt. Joshua Champlin five months– in
the company of Capt. Jacob Griffin six weeks–
That he served as a substitute for another militia man
in a company in Col. Graham's Regiment the name 
of the Capt. of which he does not distinctly recollect,
but according to the best of his recollection the name 
of the Capt was Gregory six weeks-- in the Company of Capt. Wyckoff New York State troops eight months
in the Company of Capt. Brinckerhoff two weeks-
That he served as a private all the time he did serve
That he served at different times for short periods the precise times
and the names of the officers he cannot recollect at least one year
Sworn and subscribed before me this sixth day of August
eighteen hundred and thirty three
James Delong J.P.
Abraham Van vlack
Page 54

I James Delong one of the Justices of the peace
In and for the County of Dutchess in the State of
New York, having on the thirty first day of
August in the year 1832, taken the affidavit of
James Sleight of and concerning the Services of
Abraham Vanvlack in the Revolutionary War
of the United States do hereby certify that I
have known the said James Sleight, for many
years that I have known him for some
years as Colonel of the Malitia [Militia] in this County
and that he has always sustained a fair
and respectable characters
Witness my hand this 6th day of August
1833
James Delong J.P.

State of New York
Dutchess County I Henry L Traver Clerk of the said
County do hereby certify that James Delong Esquire before
whom the within affidavit or examination purports to
have have taken and before whom the above certificate
purports to have been made was at the time a Justice
of the Peace in and for said County duly elected and
Sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily
that the signature of his name affixed to the said
affidavit or examination and subscribed to the said
Certificate are the genuine signatures of said Justice
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of the said County
the seventh day of August AD 1833-
Henry Traver Clerk