Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7252, John A Ferris, Continental New York
Page 1

Service
Continental New York

Ferris, John A.
"           Freelove S.

Number
W. 7252
B. L. Wt. 2029-160-55

Contents
Page 2

20.086
New York
John A Ferris
of Clinton Co. in the State of New York
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Walker of the Regiment commanded
by Colonel Lamb in the New York
line, for the term of 18 month,
from February 1780 to           1781

Inscribed on the roll of New York
at the rate of Eight Dollars per month, to
commence on the 21 day of Dec. 1829

Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of January
1830 and sent to J.D. Woodward
Plattsburg N.Y

Arrears to 4th of March 1830 $19.86
Semi-anu'l all'ce ending
$19.86
{Revolutionary Claim,
Acts March 18, 1818,
and May 1, 1820.}

Rec. Book D.
Vol. 5. fol. 87

1,2345
given to NW
Miles to Copy

[Right Side of document]
Copy of the within papers delivered to Hon R. Whallon
17. Mar 34 [1834]
See letter to Hon. T.T. Whittlesey
H.R. Jan 18. 1838-

Papers copied and
Sent to Hon S. Lawrence
14 March 1848.
Page 3

[Left Side of Document]
Let  to G. H Marks
Oct 29-?

{ March '55 - No. 12011

[Right Side of Document]
2,624
New York
Freelove S. Ferris
widow of John A. Ferris
NY
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
96. Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the[Crossed Out: 3d February 1853.]
3d March, 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the
24th day of Octr. 1853
and sent to
Saml H. Marks
Albany
NY
Died Feb. 9, 1856
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 73. Vol. A

(18)
Page 4

 STATE OF New York Clinton County, ss On this fourteenth day of April 1819, before me the subscriber , one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the county and State aforesaid: Personally appears John A. Ferris. aged fifty five years, resident in Plattsburgh in the said county and state who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled ""An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:"" That the said John A. Ferris enlisted in Duchess County in the state of New York in the company commanded by Captain Robert R Walker of the Corps of artillery, Col. Louis Reef,  that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the Summer  or Fall of 1781 when he was discharged from service in [?ay] [Rahway?] state of New Jersey that he was in the battle of Sullivans Campaign in Col Pawlings Regiment and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. [Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid - crossed out] that in April 1779 this deponent enlisted for nine months in Capt Isaac Woods Company in Col Pawlings Regiment of the New York line and continued in service in Sullivan's compain [Campaign] until some time in [February?] thereafter when he discharged at Stony Point New York State ^affirmed to & declared before me the day aforesaid   Caleb Nichols & Judge of Clinton Common Pleas &c
STATE OF NEW YORK,
Clinton County, SS. } Samuel Pangborn of Westport in the County of Essex aged sixty two years, being duly sworn, says that he is acquainted with John Ferris in the preceeding declaration named and described, and know that he served in the army of the United States in the war of the Revolution, as is mentioned in the preceeding declaration in the corps of artillery & further says not 
 Samuel Pangborn
Sworn the 14 Day of April 1819 Before me Caleb Nichols a Judge of Clinton, Common Pleas

I Caleb Nichols a Judge of the court of Common Pleas of the county of Clinton and state aforesaid, DO CERTIFY, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said John A Ferris did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the secretary for the department of war pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. & further certify that I am acquainted with the said John A. Ferris and that he is in reduced Circumstances & in actual need of assistance from his country for support  Plattsburgh April 14 1819 Caleb Nichols
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Clinton County ss: Henry [ink smudge- Van] Clarke aged sixty five
years being sworn says [th]at he is acquainted with the within named John A Ferris & knows that he served in the army of the revolution as
is mentioned in the within Statement and
further says not
Sworn & subscribed to this
14 April 1819 before me
& I Certify the Deponent
is a Credible witness
Reuben Hillaborth Commissioner to
do the duties of a Judge of the Supreme Court
[Right Side Signature] Henry Van Clarke x his mark

Clinton County ss: John A. Ferris the applicant within mentioned being duly sworn says that he
enlisted in the service of the United States
in the corps of artillery as within mentioned
some time in January, February or March
1780 that he enlisted in Pauldings [Pawlings] regiment for nine months & soon after the expiration of that time he enlisted in the Corps of Artille[ry] which must have been in the winter or early in the spring of 1780 & further says that he is very confident it was in February & further
says not 
 John A Ferris 
affirmed this 23 day of July  
1819 before me
Caleb Nichols
A Judge of Clinton
Common Pleas
Page 6

State of New York
County of Clinton Ss;  On this Twelfth day of May 1829 personally appeared in the Court of Common Pleas of the County of
Clinton & State of New York before the Judges thereof in open Court being a Court of record pursuant to an act of the Legislature of the said State John A Ferris resident in the Town of Plattsburgh in said County of Clinton aged
Sixty seven years who being first sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 & the 1st of May 1820 that he the said John A Ferris enlisted as a private for the term of nine months in the month of April in the year of our Lord
one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine in the State of New York in the company commanded by Captain Isaac Woods in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Paulding [Pawling] in the line of the State of New York on the continental establishment, that he continued to serve in the said corps until the month of February 1780 when he was discharged from the service at Stoney Point in the said
State of New York. That immediately thereafter and in the same month of February 1780 the said John A Ferris again enlisted in Dutchess County in said State of New York in the company commanded by Captain Robert R Walker of the
corps of Artillery in Colonel Lambs Regiment in the line of the State of New York on the continental establishment
that he continued to serve in the said corps until the summer or fall of 1781 when he was discharged from the service in Rahaway [Rahway] in the State of New Jersey, that
he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present, that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any State, and that the following are the reasons for not making earlier application for a pension namely
that after the said John A Ferris' papers were first made out, they were forwarded to the war department and
Page 7

returned for a more particular statement of the service and enlistment, a further affidavit of which was made in the back of the said first papers, that the said applicant
did not further press his claim at that time in consequence of his supposed ability to gain barely a livelihood by manual labor, that since then & within a few months he has had a rupture in one of his blood vessels, and is unable further to labor for his support, which together
with his increasing old age compels him to apply for a pension at the present time: And in pursuance of the act of May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818
and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land
& Naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property
or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed as follows to wit,
Real Estate -  Five acres of land in the Town of
Plattsburgh aforesaid, 2 acres of which is
worth little or nothing, being subject
to Spring & fall floods, the other three
acres with the exception of a small
garden spot is used principally for
pasture, worth-----30.00
Personal Property - One 3 pail Kettle---2.00
one small dish Kettle 5/ 1 Griddle 8/----1.62
1 tea Kettle of 1 qt pot 1/6---.94
Page 8

12 plates large & small   1,08
 6 tea cups & saucers & 4 knives & forks 87
1 tea pot &sugar bowl & Milkcup    38
2 Cows   24.00
1 Heiffer   10.00
6 Sheep   4.50
1 Old pine chest & Andirons 5/    1.62
(signed) John A Ferris
That since the 18th day of March 1818 no changes have been made in my property except in the addition of the heiffer mentioned in the above inventory which was
Calved by one of the cows above mentioned,
And I do further swear that I am by occupation a stone Mason, and in consequence of a rupture in one of my blood vessels am unable further to pursue my said occupation, and am in very reduced circumstances and in actual need of assistance from my country for my support, that the only members of my family
are myself & Mary my wife now Eighty nine years
of age, and wholly unable to contribute to her support
(Signed )
John A. Ferris
Sworn & declared in open
Court on the Twelfth day
of May 1829 before me
(Signed) Smith Mead
Deputy Clerk

State of New York
Clinton County SS:} I Smith Mead Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Clinton do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said John A Ferris did serve in the Revolutionary 
war as Stated in the preceeding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months under
Page 9

one engagement on the continental establishment, I also
certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto
annexed are truly copied from the records of the said
court; and I do further certify that it is the opinion
of the said Court that the total amount in value of
the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is Seventy
seven dollars and two cents & a half
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand
and affixed the seal of
the said court on this fourth day of
June 1829
Smith Mead
Page 10

State of New York
Albany Justices Court ss
On this twenty eighth day of September A.D. one thousand
Eight hundred and fifty three, personally appeared
before the Justices Court of the City of Albany
in the State of New York, Freelove S. Ferris, a
resident of the City of Albany, in the County of
Albany and State aforesaid - aged Seventy two
years, who first being 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
on the 3d February 1853, granting pensions to
widows of persons who served during the
Revolutionary War. That she is the widow
of John A. Ferris, who was a private in said
war, and drew a pension under the act
of Congress passed March 18th 1818. at the rate
of $96- per annum, as will more fully appear
by refference to his pension papers now on file
in the pension office at Washington-
She further declares that she was
married to the said John A. Ferris, at Plattsburgh
 in the County of Clinton in the State of
New York, on the fifth day of November
A.D. One thousand Eight hundred and thirty
six; That her said Husband died on
the third day of March A.D. One thousand
Eight hundred and fifty three; that she
was not married to him prior to the second
of January, Eighteen hundred, but at the
time above stated. She further declares
that she is now a widow-
She further saith that she does not
know of any Record of her said
Over
Page 11

Marriage ever having been made or now
existing
Freelove. S. Ferris
Subscribed and sworn to
on the day and year first
above written before the
Justices Court of the City of
Albany aforesaid
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal
of said Justices Court
H.P. Nugent Clerk
Page 12

State of New York
City & County of Albany

SS. George W. Platt and Elizabeth C. Platt, his wife residents of the City of Albany, being duly sworn according to law severally deposed and say, that they are each respectively, 46 years old. That they formally resided in the town of Plattsburgh in the county of Clinton and said state of New York. And that they resided there from their youth until the year 1841, when they removed to the city of Albany, aforesaid.  
 That they were well and intimately acquainted with John A Ferris, a Revolutionary pensioner late of said town of Plattsburgh now deceased
That the said John A. Ferris died at his residence in said town of Plattsburgh on the third day of March last past, that he left him surviving, a widow, whose name is Freelove S. who is still living, and resides in the family of the deponents in said city of Albany. Deponents further state that the said.Freelove S. Ferris was married to the said John A. Ferris deceased, in the month of November 1836 at the then residence of the deponents, in the said town of Plattsburgh. That the marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Frederick Halsey, a Presbyterian clergymen of that town, now deceased. Deponents state that they were each respectively present at the wedding and saw the above named John A. and Freelove S. Married.  But cannot remember the precise day of the month on which said marriage took place but are sure it was in the month and  year above mentioned. Deponent further states.
Page 13

That the said Freelove S. Ferris- at the time of her marriage to the said John A. Was the widow of Benjamin Addison deceased and that she is the mother of said Elizabeth C. Platt, one of the above deponents.

Sworn to and subscribed on
This 29th day of September A.D. 1853 before me
H. P. Nugent
Justice of the Peace

[signatures of]

George W. Platt
Elizabeth C. Platt


I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with George W. Platt and Elizabeth C. Platt, his wife above named, and that their statements are entitled to the fullest credit.
And I further certify that I am in no way interested in the claim of Freelove S.  Ferris to a pension

H. P. Nugent 
Justice of the Peace
Page 14

Let to, S.H. Marks, June 9/55
Let to, S.H. Marks, June 20/55

Vol. 27.

12,011
Act 3 Mar '55.
Recd 24th Mar. '55.
Freelove S. Ferris widow of
John A. Ferris, private.
Capt. Saml Haight. N. Y.
Col. Gilbert Drake Mil.
New York
Ent'd
Dischg'd
Revolutionary War [of 1812 - crossed out]
Pension dated
Admit 160 acr July 3d/55
Boynton
2029 iss July 3/53
Sam'l H. Marks
Albany NY
Page 15

[Revolutionary Widows]
DECLARATION.
State of New York
County of Albany } ss.

On this 21st day of March -- A. D. 1855
before me, John J Cole a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the county and State aforesaid, personally appeared Freelove S. Ferris aged 74 years, a resident of the City of Albany in the State of New York who, being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the Bounty Land to which she is entitled under the Act of Congress approved March 3d, 1855.

That she is the widow of John A Ferris who was a private in the Revolutionary War; that, on account of the services of her husband, the aforesaid John A. Ferris in said war, she now receives a pension at the rate of $96. per annum, under the 2d Section of the act of 3 February 1853 as will more fully appear by reference to the evidence now on file in the Pension Office at Washington.

She further declares that she is now a widow; that she has never before applied for nor received any Bounty Land under this or any other Act of Congress.

Claimant's Signature. Freelove S. Ferris x her mark

We, Elizabeth C. Platt and Julia Platt residents of the city of Albany in the State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Freelove S. Ferris in our presence, and that we know her to be the identical person she represents herself to be.

Signature of Witnesses. Elizabeth C Platt,
Julia Platte

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the identical
person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. The words "2d Section of the" were interlined before signing
Magistrate.
John J Cole
Commr of Deeds
Page 16

and 1812
Section
MEE/ HMM

February 17, 1930.

Mrs. Mary Ferris H. Fortier
4428 7th Street, N. W.,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 7252, it appears that John A. Ferris was born sometime between the years 1759 and 1764, place not stated.

He enlisted at Swago [Oswego], Dutchess County, New York, about the commencement of the war and served one year as a private in Captain Philip Cooper's Company of New York Rangers.

In 1777 he enlisted and served three months in Captain Chamberlin's Company, Colonel Graham's New York Regiment, and three months under Captain Steward and Colonel Alden in the New York troops.

He also served three months, dates not shown, at Cherry Valley under Captain McKinstry and Colonel McKinstry, New York troops.

He enlisted in April 1774, served as a private in Captain Isaac Wood's Company, Colonel Pawling's  ^found in N.Y. book New York Regiment, was in "Sullivan's Campaign" and was discharged in February 1780. He immediately reenlisted in February 1780, served as a private in Captains Robert R. Walker's and Reed's Companies, Colonel Lamb's Continental Regiment of Artillery in April 1780 was promoted to 4th Sergeant and was discharged the latter part of November 1781.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1829, at which time he was a resident of Plattsburg, Clinton County, New York.

In 1829 he referred to his wife Mary then aged eighty-nine years. There is no further information relative to her. A son John was referred to in 1810.

The soldier married November 5, 1836, at Plattsburg, New
Page 17

Rev. &
Wars

York, Freelove S., the widow of Benjamin Addison. They were married at the residence of the widow's daughter Elizabeth C., the wife of George W. Platt.

The soldier died March 3, 1853 at his residence in Plattsburg, New York.

Said Freelove S. Ferris was allowed pension on her application executed September 28, 1853, at which time she was seventy-two years of age and resided in Albany, Albany County, New York,
with George W. and Elizabeth C. Platt. The widow died February 9,1856.

The name Julia Platt appears. No relationship is stated.

No charge is made for this service, and one dollar, the amount of your remittance will be returned to you in due time.

Very truly yours,

EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.
Page 18

1930, Feb. 17. Hist to Mrs
Mary F. H. Fortier, M. E. E.
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 7252
Freelove S. Ferris
Widow
John A. Ferris
Pvt. Rev. War

Act: Feby 3/53
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 233
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 19

State of New York,
City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office

I, Robert Harper, Clerk of the said City and county, and of the Courts of Record therein, do hereby CERTIFY, that John J Cole whose name is subscribed to the jurat of the annexed affidavit, was, on the day of the date thereof, a Commissioner of Deeds, in and for the City of Albany, duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the
said Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said jurat is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and annexed my official seal, this 22 day of
March 1855

R Harper Clerk

State of New York,
City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office
SS,
I. Robert Harper, Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby CERTIFY, that Henry P
Nugent, whose
name is subscribed to the Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was, at the time of taking such Proof or Acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorized to take the same: That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of Proof or Acknowledgment is genuine: And that the said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal, this 29 day of Sept 1853
R Harper Clerk.
Page 20

Pension Office
Oct. 19, 1853
No 3369
Sir
Please report time of
last payment to or death
of within named pensioner
Respectfully &c
J Cole
for Comm

F Burt Esqr
3 aud
Present

John A. Ferris
Act 1818. $8 p. month-
Died 3d March 1853, Paid
to his death
F Burt
Auditor
Page 21

36743 N York
John A Ferris
let to JD Woodward 19 April '39
Let to Hon. S. Lawrence
March 31 '48
Letter John Ferris 10 to Oct 1849
 file Mch '30
Act 7 June 1832

2029
160 Acres
Page 22

No. 12,011
ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.
Received Mar 24th 1855

Freelove S. Ferris widow of
John A. Ferris pr. 
Capt. Saml. Haight
Col. Gilbert Drake
N.Y. Mil.
War of Rev.

Warrant 2029 160.55
Saml H. Marks,
Albany,
N. Y.
Page 23

34.145
John A. Ferris

For Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 24


Plattsburg N.Y. April 2. 1839
Col Edwards Comr &c
Sir,
I enclose the Pension Certificate of John A. Ferris & his statement on oath &c If upon an examination of the Rolls it appears that he served as a Sergeant, is entitled to an increase of pension, he wishes you to issue a new certificate under the act of June 7, 1832 & send same to me by mail.
Yours respectfully
J.D Woodward
Page 25


20.859
John A. Ferris
Original Pension claim
appeal to the
Secretary of War
No. 1.
Page 26

Maria Wilson &
Samuel Pangborn's
affidavits in support
of the Claim of Mr
John A Ferris to a
Pension-
No. 2
pen: to com: 21 Dec. 1829
Recd 24 Dec. 1829
Page 27

State of New York
County of Essex ss. 
Samuel Pangborn a resident of the town of Westport in said County aged Seventy two years being duly sworn on the holy evangelists according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he was well acquainted with John A Ferris (now a resident of Plattsburg in the County of Clinton) previous to the year 1780. That Deponent well recollects that said John A Ferris did enlist as a private soldier in the month of February 1780 at a place called Swago [Oswego; Union Vale] in the County of Dutchess and State of New York into Captain Robert R Walkers Company Col Lambs Regiment of United States Artillery in the New York State line on the old continental establishment. That deponent was well acquainted with said Ferris at the time and after his enlistment and knows and swears that said Harris did serve in
said Company line & Regiment on the old continental establishment from the time of his said enlistment until the fall of the year 1781 when the said Farris was Honorably discharged from the said service at Totaway [Totawa]] in the State of New Jersey - Deponent served in the same Company
with said Ferris during the whole of the time from said Ferris enlistment to the time of his leaving the service and was his mess mate Deponant was at Totaway [Totawa] when said Ferris was discharged
as aforesaid and understood at the time he was honorably discharged which deponent now believes to be true. Deponent further says that for thirty years past he has resided in the town of Westport in said County and has not seen said Ferris for several years past until the day when the said Ferris called upon deponent to make the above statement Deponant knows him to be the identical John A Ferris who served with him as aforesaid, to be an honest man & to have always sustained a good character.

Samuel Pangborn

Alexander Spencer Sworn to and subscribed before me this second day of December 1829 and I certify the Deponent to be credible and respectable person.

Alexander Spencer
Justice of the Peace
Page 28

State of New York
County of Essex
I, Leonard Stow, Clerk of the County of Essex aforesaid do certify that Alexander Spencer before whom the within affidavit of Samuel Pangborn was taken was at the time of taking the same and still is a Justice of the Peace of the town of West Port in the said County duly authorised & sworn and acting under the authority of this State, and that his signature is in the proper hand writing of the said Justice I being well acquainted with the same In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and the seal of the said County at Elizabethtown this Fourth day of December 1829-- 
Leonard Stow, Clerk of Essex C
Page 29

State of New York
County of Clinton
Maria Wilson of Plattsburg in said County aged Seventy two years being duly sworn on the holy Evangelists according to law deposeth and saith that she is now well acquainted with John A Ferris of said town applicant for Pension and has been well acquainted with him ever since his infancy, and further that Deponant well recollects that said John A Ferris entered the army of the United States on the old continental establishment at Swago [Oswego/Union Vale] in the County of Dutchess in the State of New York.
That he enlisted in the month of February in the year 1780 in Captain Robert R Walters Company Col Lamb's Regiment of United States Artillery in the New York State line on the old continental establishment. Deponent at the time said Ferris went into the service resided at Swago [Oswego] in said County of Dutchess. Deponant further says that said Ferris served in the said Company, Regiment & line on said Continental establishment as Deponant understood at the time and believes to be true from the said time, until the summer or fall 1781 when he was honorably discharged from service at Totaway [Totawa] in the State of New Jersey. During the time said Ferris was in said services he was and or twice at Swago [Oswego] aforesaid on furlough where Deponant saw him, dressed in the uniform of a soldier of U.S. Artillery.
Deponant further says that soon after said Ferris was discharged from the service he returned to
said Swago [Oswego]. Deponent well recollect the time that said Ferris enlisted in Col Lambs Regiment as aforesaid from the fact that his service in Col Paulding's [Pawling's] Regiment of nine months was completed
during the same month of his entering & enlisting into Col. Lambs Regt. Deponant understood at the time said Ferris left the service, that he had an honorable Discharge, but Deponent never saw it to her recollection. she has understood for a great number of years that it was lost or destroyed, which she believes to be true. Deponant was well acquainted with Samuel Pangborn who served in the same
Company with said Ferris. It is several years since Deponant has seen him, & she cannot say whether
Page 30

he is living or not-- Deponent knows him to have been an honest man.
Maria Wilson X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of December 1829 and I certify the Deponent to be a credible and respectable person I being well acquainted with her.
J Lynde, Justice Peace

State of New York
County of Clinton Ss 
I John Walworth Clerk of the County of Clinton aforesaid do certify that John Lynde before whom the within affidavit of Maria Wilson was then was at the time of taking the same and still is a justice of the Peace of the town of Plattsburg in the County aforesaid Duly authorized and sworn and acting under the authority of this State, and that his signature is in the proper hand writing of the said justice I being well acquainted with the same. I witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and the seal of the said County at Plattsburg this Eleventh day of December 1829.
John Walworth Clerk of Clinton County
By Smith Mead Dep
Page 31

To the Honorable
J. H. Eaton
Secy of War
Washington
Page 32

Plattsburgh, NY Dec. 14, 1829

Hon. Secretary of War:
Sir:

John A. Ferris has at length ascertained that Samuel Pangborn is living in the town of Westport, and his friends here, have contributed to pay his passable to that place in order to procure the affidavit which is enclosed with that of Maria Wilson.  These affidavits I believe complete the testimony in Ferris' Case, and entitle him to a Pension.  The Paper referred to in your letter of the 7th July last addressed to Henry K. Averill Esq. to which your clerk alluded, was only a wrapper & is enclosed.  It was thought of no use, & therefore not sent with the other papers.  I submit whether Ferris is not entitled to a Pension from the 14th April 1819 the time when the affidavit of Van Kleek (since dead) & Pangborn were made and if not, there whether he is not entitled from the 27th February 1829 the time whereby a letter from the Department to  H. K. Averill, Esq. the services of Ferris (now proven by two credible witnesses) were admitted.  Please to send the certificate of Pension (where found) to me by mail.
Very Respectfully Yours
J. Douglas Woodward
Page 33

the same [illegible]
that I expect to go tomorrow to the
forth township, to see my brother Lewis
and don't know when I shall come home 
their fore done [illegible] for mee till you
see mee I am doing
verry well and find
work enough so no more at present only 
to stile myself your faithfull friend
and constant husband untill
death.
Plattsburgh Nov 27th 1810 
John Ferris
P.S.
Betsy Brady dyed October 22
the remainder of the family
are all well and sends
their respects
to you all I humbly trust that Hannah
has set out to save the Lord
Page 34

Give my love to my father and mother
and to my son John remember me
to James and Doris & their famualys
and to Jonathan Conant & to old Mr
Haze and his family I have heard
nothing of Peter since I have been hear
we have had happy times and prayer meetings
at mister Pollys give my love to Thomas &
Clarry and to you my loving wife bee faithfull to
the lord I wood send money if I had a opertunity
Page 35

Pension Office
6th July 1829
No 4
Page 36

Appeal to the Secretary of War from the decision of J.L. Edwards Esq. in the case of John A. Ferris

Plattsburgh June 25th 1829
Hon J. H. Eaton
Secretary of War
Sir
Your Letter of the 16th June inst, returning the pension claim of John A Ferris was recd. It will appear by the draft of a Letter from Mr Edwards of the 27th of Feby last, that a declaration was then forwarded to the department, and returned for amendment as to his inventory, the service being admitted. The letter is in the words War Department Pension Office
February 27th 1829
---
Sir - the documents transmitted by you to this office in support of the claim of John A Ferris have been examined the service set forth by him is admitted, but before a decision can be had he must amend his declaration by stating the changes which have taken place in his property since the 18th of March 1818 agreeably to the instructions contained in the note (9) attached to the blank form herewith inclosed. The papers are herewith returned.
I am respectfully, your obt servt
James L Edwards
Page 37

accordingly the applicant amended his declaration in open Court agreeably to the Blank form-- There is attached to his declaration a former one made in 1819 which contains the affidavits of two witnesses as to his service as stated in his declaration, these Witnesses are now both dead and the claimant is unable to procure the aff'ts of any other  witnesses, not knowing where to find any of his company - the claimant stated in his declaration forwarded last winter, that these witnesses were dead, but in consequence of the letter of Mr Edwards above copied, did not think it necessary to repeat it in the amended declaration but conformed strictly with the blank form.
It is therefore submitted to the Honorable Secretary of War himself on perusal of the papers, which are herewith inclosed to him, whether the applicant should not be placed on the roll.
I am Sir very Respectfully
Your humble & obt Servt
Henry K. Averill
Page 38

John A Ferris
Rev. Pension Claim
Col Lamb Regt Art. 1780 & 1781
Col Paulding " N.Y. June 1779
Not on Roll
Paulding's was not a continental
Regiment. The time of entering
Lamb's regt must be stated, and
proof adduced of the service
The deposition of a credible
witness will be received.
Page 39

Sir.
[the rest of the document crossed out]
Page 40

State of New York
Albany Justices Court ss. 
I, Henry P. Nugent, Clerk of the Justices Court of the City of Albany in the State of New York (the same being a Court of Record) do hereby certify that it has been proved to the satisfaction of said Court by the testimony of G. W. Platt and Elizabeth C Platt, both credible witnesses, that John A. Ferris, late of the town of Plattsburgh, in the County of Clinton in the State of New York, was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $96. per annum. That he died at his residence in the said Town of Plattsburgh on the third day of March A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and fifty three leaving a widow whose name is Freelove S. Ferris who is now living with the above named G.W. Platt in the said City of Albany- 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said
Justices Court this twenty eighth day of September A.D. one thousand Eight hundred
and fifty three -
H.P. Nugent Clerk
Page 41

John A Ferris
declaration of Services as a
Sergeant &c to accompany
his pension certificate under act
of 18 March 1818

5-
Page 42

State of New York
County of Clinton

I John A. Ferris of Plattsburgh in said county aged 80 years, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the U S., declare that I enlisted in February 1780 at Swago [Oswego], Dutchess  County. NY as a private into Capt. Robert R. Walker's Co. Col. Lamb's Regt. US Artillery NY line Continental establishment & soon after joining the company  ^ in April was promoted to 4th Sergeant & served in said Co. in that capacity until the company was disbanded after the taking of Lord Cornwallis, 18th June and honorably discharged in Nov. 1781 (latter part signed by Col. Lamb Capt. Walker resigned in the Spring of 1781 & Capt. Reed took his place & I belonged to Capt. Reed Co. from the time he took the command until I was discharged as aforesaid and I had a sergeant's warrant signed by Capt. Walker but  lost it. & do I declare that I served one year & nine months as a sergeant of artillery in Col. Lamb's NY Regt. I also served as a private in Capt. Wood's Co. Col. Pawling's NY Regt. from April 1779 until July 1780 nine months - (my time of enlistment & paid out Totaway [Totawa] when Capt. Walker left the company I served as a volunteer sergeant under Capt. Reed.). In my declaration to obtain a pension made under the Act of 1818 prepared by H. K. Averill I stated my enlistment & service as a private but my services were as above stated and my name with it stated be found [illegible] in Capt. Walker & Reeds rolls as a sergeant & a private in Paulding's Regt.   I claim an increase of my pension in the act. June 7, 1832. [illegible] April [illegible]

In the commencement of the war I served in Capt. Philip Cooper's Co. NY Rangers as a private one year I was in Capt. Chamberlains Co. Col. Graham NY Regt. three months in 1777
John A. Ferris [signature]

Sworn & subscribed before me on this 20th February 1829 & I certify the Deponent is a credible person

George Stevens
Justice of the peace
Page 43

I served at Cherry Valley under Col McKinster & Capt McKinster, his brother, a three months tour & under Col Alden, who was killed by the Indians another three months, I think Capt Steward- I served another the three months, served now in the officers name in New York Militia in 1778
---
I think Brunt Butler [illegible] Springfield & Cherry Valley same year I served
John A. Ferris [signature]
Sworn before me March 4 1837.
JD Woodward, Master in Chancery
Page 44

H. of R. March 15/48
Hon J.L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
I regret the necessity of
again troubling you in reference to
the case of John A. Ferris. you will see
one referring to my letter that it
was not copies of his papers on
file that I wanted. but a certificate
from the records of your office
showing the service of said Ferris in Capt
Isaac Woods Co & Col Pauldings N. Y. Regt in
1779 & in Capt. Robert R. Walker's Co Col Lambs Regt of N.Y. Artillery in 1780 & 81
with great respect I am
[one?] & truly yours
S. Lawrence
J.L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions

#Lamb
Page 45

House of Reps
March 6, 1848.
Sir
The Committee on Revolutionary Pensions who have in charge the Petition and papers of John A Ferris a pensioner on the New York Roll who Claims some arrears of Pension will thank you to furnish for their use a certificate from the records of your office showing the service said Ferris in Capt Isaac Woods Co Col Pauldings New York Regt in 1779, and
Capt Robert R Walker's Co. Col Lamb Regt of New York Artillery in 1780 to 1781.-
Respectfully Yours
S. Lawrence

Jas L Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Page 46

Plattsburgh N.Y.
July 9th 1849
Sir
I am a Revolutionary Pensioner under the
act of Congress approved 4th July 1836.
and as there was money due me for back
Pension from the date of the act up to issuing
my pension certificate I take the liberty of
addressing myself to you in hopes that I may
find out whether it has been allowed by
Congress or not. My Petition has been duly
laid before that body some seven or eight years
ago and I am under the correction that it must
have been allowed as several others similarly
Situated have long since drawn their money.
Will you please to look over your records
and see if it is the case as I am old and
very needy, address me at Plattsburgh
N.Y. to the care of Royl R Platt for which
I shall be ever greatfull.
I am sir, Respectfully your
obt servant
John Ferris [signature]
To Col J L Edwards
Pension Comsser [Commissioner]
Washington City
DC
Page 47

Albany September 29, 1853
Sir,
I herewith enclose the declaration of Freelove S. Ferris, widow of John A. Ferris deceased.
for a pension under act of February- 1853 - together with certificate of a court of Record as to
the fact of her husband being a pensioner in his lifetime, the date of his death &c. Also the conjoint affidavit of George W. Platt & his wife Elizabeth Platt, in proof of the identity. Marriage
&c of the said Freelove S. Ferris - And trust the same will be considered sufficient  to entitle her to a pension under said act.
I am sir,
With much respect 
Your Obt servant
Saml. H. Marks

L.P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 48

Albany October 27, 1853

Sir:
The enclosed certificate is made to commence on the 3rd March-instead of the 3rd February. I return it herewith for correction.

I am Sir
with much respect
your obedient servt.

Sam'l H. Marks

To:
L.P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 49

State of New York,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
Albany, June 28, 1855.
I Hereby Certify, That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates
issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the
late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” I find the following, viz:
[columns] NAMES.| No. OF BOOK. | NO. OF CERTIFICATE. | DATE. | L S.D. | RANK AND NAME OF COMPANY OFFICER. | RANK AND NAME OF FIELD OFFICER.

John Ferris Private | 3 | 10.346 | Nov 26, 1780 | " | 8 | 10 1/4 | Lt Joseph Miller | Col Thomas Thomas
John Ferris Private | 3 | 13.508 | March 27, 1781 | 6 | 2 | 7 | Capt. Samuel Lewis | Col Thomas Crane
John Ferris Private | 5 | 20.317 | Nov 2. 1717 | " | 7 | 1 1/3 | Capt Samuel Haight | Lt. Col. Gilbert Drake
[totals] 6 | 18 | 6 7/12

I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, 
and find them to be correct.
HP Hasurt Clerk
Jas M Cook Comptroller
Page 50

Albany June 16th 1835.

L. P. Waldo Esq
Comm of Pensions

Sir, 

Your two letters of the 9th inst are duly received; informing me of the Suspension of the claims for Bounty land under act of 3d March last of Mrs Freelove S. Ferris No 12.011, and of Elizabeth Gilmore No 11.818, (each of whom are pensioners of the U.S.) for the reason that, "The Revolutionary service of their husbands does not appear of record in your office".

In reply, I will inform you, that John A. Ferris, the husband of Freelove S. was a pensioner under the act of 18th March 1818, up to the day of his death, which occurred on the 3d day of March 1853 as shown by the Books in the Pension agency in this city-- is it not strange then, that "his services do not appear of record in your office"- I am fully aware that the
3d Section of the act of 3d March last, requires a service of "Fourteen days" to be established by "recorded evidence". Now if the evidence of the services of Ferris, appear on file in your office sufficient to justify the allowance of a pension of $96 per annum, to him, & his widow after him, does not
Page 51

her claim upon the present proofs, come clearly within provisions of the act-- if not, then I confess my entire ignorance of the letter and spirit of the law. I have before me, a letter Dated & reading thus-
"Pension office"
"Washington March 22d 1855."
"Dear Sir, when all the necessary evidence is on file in this office, a repetition of that evidence will not be required, it will be necessary however to furnish proof of continued widowhood and identity."
"Verry respectfully &c"
" S. Cole"
"for Com"

"S.H. Marks Esq"
"Albany N.Y."
The above, I regard as a common sense promulgation of the law, and its requirements, with which I intend (as an agent for claimant) fully to comply-- but if claimants are to be required to furnish a transcript of the record of service from the archives of the several states where such records exist, many of them will have gone to their long homes, before their claims can be adjudicated-- I desire to be sit right
Page 52

in this matter, as it will be to my advantage to abandon the large number of Revolutionary Claims I have in hand, rather than subject myself to the trouble & expense of furnishing a record of the service
of those Revolutionary Men, for the small amt offered while I have a conscience to charge claimants when the gratuity is so small, and especially as then would be little or no prospect of furnishing any further evidence that I know you must have had on file in your office before the first pensioner could have been allowed.

and again; if no other evidence then Record evidence is admissible; Thousands of as good claims as can be presented, based upon payroll evidence must be rejected altogether.

It seems to me, that such evidence as was legally admissible, & sufficient to establish a claim, when admitted & filed become "recorded" evidence, and comes clearly within the [meaning?] of the act, without assuming to dictate you in your decisions or requirements, I have frankly expressed my views, and most
ardently wish they might harmonize with yours upon this subject-- (over)
Page 53

The case of Mrs Gilmore is similar to that of
Mrs Ferris, her husband having been a pensioner,
but died over 20 years since-
An early reply to this letter will much oblige
Your Obedient Servt
Saml H. Marks
Page 54

Albany N.Y. March 22d 1855-
L.P. Waldo Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I herewith enclose the Declaration
of Freelove S. Ferris, widow of John A Ferris decd, a person under the [act of - crossed out] 2d Section of the act of 3d February 1853
for Bounty Land under the act of 3d March 1855,
I am Sir
With due respect
Your Obedient Servant.
Saml H. Marks
Page 55

Albany June 28th 1855,
L. P. Waldo Esq
Sir
I herewith enclose a certificate
of the Comptroller of New - of the the service
of "John Ferris" which if by comparing it
with the evidence on file in support of
the Pension claim of "John A Ferris," it is
found that he served under the officers
named in said certificate, & at the time therein
specified-- I should think it pretty conclusive
that he was the same man who drew
the pension - and that it ought to remove
the objection raised in the claim of
his widow Freelove S. Ferris for Bounty
land under act of 3d March 1855-

Mrs F is very feeble & low - you
will oblige me therefore by responding
at as early a day as possible-

I am Sir
your obt svt
Saml H. Marks

I herewith enclose part of an old letter furnished by Mrs F
Signed John Ferris - without the "A"
Page 56

Brief in the case of Freelove S.  
Ferris widow of John A. Ferris  Albany County and State of New York act of Feb. 3- 1853

 Claim (" original", or "for increase".)

 Proof exhibited, (if original.) Record of husbands service in office
 Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. Husband a pensioner under act of March 18, 1818 at $96 per annum also a private in New York line 18 mos Paid to his death March 3. 1853 
Allowed $96 per annum to commence March 3. 1853 

(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
 Marriage proved by George W. Platt & Elizabeth C. Platt of said County who are certified to be credible Death" Auditors, report

 Identity & Widowhood proved by credible witnesses.

 Name and residence of Agent 
 Saml W. Marks Esq
 Albany 
N. York 

Examining Clerk.
 J L Gray
Page 57

Cash---$1.00
[stamp] FINANCE DIVISION Book Keepers Desk JAN 25 1930 Bureau Of Pensions

Washington, D. C.
Jan. 27, 1930
To the Honorable
The Commissioner of Pensions:
Dear Sir:

I am desirous of joining the Daughters of the
American Revolution, and that they require some proof of my ancestor being a pensioner and Revolutionary soldier.
I find that he was a pensioner by the name of
John A. Ferris, enlisted from Duchess, Clinton County, N. Y.,*
Will you kindly furnish me with a copy of pension certificate and other papers that would be of assistance to me.
Enclosed find a small fee for copies and if more
is required kindly inform me.
Trusting to hear from you as soon as possible, I
remain,
Very truly
Mary Ferris H. Fortier [signature]
Mrs. Mary Ferris H. Fortier
4428 7th. St. N. W.
Stamp Enclosed
[stamp] Jan 28 1930
[* enlisted from Dutchess Co; later lived in Clinton Co.]