Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 16931, Luke Crandall, New York
Page 1

New York
Crandall, Luke
or Crandell
W16931
Rachael
Page 2

[On the left half of the document a handwritten text reading from the top to the bottom of the image:]
Notification sent the 6th Nov. 1821 to Chas.
Townsend Esq. Buffalo N York

[On the right-hand side of the image]
17.709
New-York . R.
__
Luke Crandall
4
Niagara Co. in the state of New-York who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Van Schaick of the New-York line, for the term of four years.
____
Inscribed on the Roll of New-York, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 1st of May, 1818.
_____
Certificate of Pension issued the 18. of Sept. 189
and sent to Charles Townsend, Agent, Buffaloe, N. York
____
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1820... $:225
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. March 48
28 mos. 4/30.} 1821.---------- $273

{Revolutionary claim, }
{Act 18th March, 1818. }

Continued
Page 3

[the main part of this document is the on the right hand side:]
17,709
New York. Rs.
Luke Crandell
Niagara Co. in the state of New-York
who was a private in the regiment commanded by 
Colonel Van Schaick of the New-York
line, for the term of four years.
-----------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of New - York,
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on 
the 1st of May, 1818.
------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 18. of Sept. 183[last digit missing: note that a date in the 1830s is not likely, so it's probable that the last legible digit is actually a 2, though if sure looks like a 3]
and sent to Charles Townsend,
agent, Buffaloe, N. York
-------------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1820. . . $:225
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. March . . . 48 -
28 mos. 4/30} 1821. . . . . . $:273 [smudge]

{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818}

Continued

[On the left side of the page, near the center, written vertically from top toward bottom:]

Notification sent the 6th Nov, 1821 to ChS.
Townsend Esqr. Buffalo, N. York --
Page 4

[on the left-hand panel:]
6317
Albany, New York
--------------------------------
Rachael Crandall
widow of Luke Crandall, decd.

who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 1st of August 1833
of Erie Co. in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Compy commanded
by Captain Hicks of the Regt commanded
by Colo Van Schaick in the New York 
line for 2 years
----------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany NY
at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
--------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of [illegible]
1841 and sent to Same
Lake Springville N.Y.
------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $400.00

. . .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400.00
{Act July 7.}
{1838}
Recorded by D. D. Addison Clerk
Book A  Vol. 2d  Page 92

[On the right-hand panel:]
7

[written vertically on the right-hand side of the page in the direction from bottom to top:]
See letter to Hon M. Fillmore June 15, '42
Page 5

17,251
Luke Crandell
Private
Niagara Co: N.York
New - York line
1st May, 1818
Van Schaick's Regt
-------
not on roll.
Colos. Van Schaick &
Gansevoorts' regimts.
New - York line, 4 ys.
-------
Service proved by two Credible witnesses.
-------
Admitted.
Charles Townsend, Esq;
Judge
Buffalo, Niagara Co.
New - York
recd. 20. May, 1818.
Recd. 12. Augt. 1820.
Page 6

State of New York}
Niagara County --}Ss On this first day of May 1818 before the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County personally came Luke Crandall aged Sixty three years a resident of Concord in Said County who being by me first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions 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 Luke Crandall on the month of March or April of the year 1776 at Little Hoosack in the State of New York enlisted in the company commanded by Capt. Benjamin Hicks of the Regiment in the New York line of Continental Troops Commanded by Col Van Schaick; That he continued  to serve in Said Corps one year when he was honorably discharged ---
That in the month in May 1777 he enlisted in Capt Henry Tiebout Company of Col Peter Gansevoorts 3rd Regiment on the New York line of Continental Troops at Hellebarracks in the Said State of New York and that he continued to Serve in Said Corps or in the service of the United States untill [sic] the month of May 1780 when he was discharged from service in Morris Town in the State of New Jersey[maybe] --- That he was in the battles at Chemany point [presumably Chimney Point] and at the siege of Fort Stanwix in the State of New York ---
That he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support -- and that he had no other evidence now in his power
Page 7

of his said Services
Luke CrandLle [signature, by a person not used to writing]

Sworn to and declared before me the day and year aforesaid
Ch: Townsend
Judge of niagara Com. Pleas

I Charles Townsend Judge &c as aforesaid do certify that it appears to my Satisfaction. that the above Luke Crandall did serve in the Revolutionary War as Stated in the preceeding declaration against the Common Enemy --- And I now transmit this proceeding 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
May 1. 1818
Ch: Townsend
~

State of New York }
Niagara County }
Clerks Office }  I Frederick B Marill[or Meirill] Clerk of the County Aforesaid do hereby Certify that Charles Townsend before whom the preceeding affidavit appears to have been made is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County
Acting as Such under the authority of this State and that the preceeding &c signed is his Signature
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and affixed the County Seal at Buffalo this first day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & Eighteen
F: B Merrill
Page 8

State of New York}
county of Erie } On this Tenth day of June 1831 personally appeared in open Court [illegible] in the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County the Same being Constituted a Court of record by the laws of Said State Luke Crandall resident in Collins late the Town of Concord in said County of Erie aged about sixty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows. That in the Spring of the year 1776 he enlisted into the year service in Captain Benjamin Hicks Company in Col. Van Schaicks Regiment of New York troups, served about a year and was discharged- afterwords and he thinks in the month follow [big M]. he enlisted in Capt. Henry Tiebouts Company and Col. Peter Gansevoorts Regiment and did actually serve during that period and was honorably discharged at Morristown in New Jersey
That for said service he had received a pension from the United States, having made application for the Same on the 1st day of May 1818. The number of the Certificate appears to be 17.789.
And 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 gifts, sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any Part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself under the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an set to provide for Certain persons engaged in the land and 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 fract[??] for me any property or security, Contract or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed, and that the same is not worth more than the several Sums annexed to the article Ecspectricly [or Ecspectrably??]

over
Page 9

2 Chairs ------------------/----------------1.25
2 Axe, 16/--2 Ketsty 12f 1 Spade 6f ------4.25
6 Knives & forks - 8f - 1 old Tuba 8f -----1.25
3 Spoons 1/6. 4 Tin basins --2f -----------  .44
2 Tea Cups, & Saucers ---------------------   6
2 howby 1 hammel[wammel] 4f 2 bowls 2f- 1.50
2 pails 4f 1 old chest 1f --------------------  .62
1 Cow $12-. 1 knife $5. 6 illegible $2.50 -- 19.50
6 Fowles 3f. 4 pig 6 f ----------------------- 1.12
1 [illegible] front 26 Palmerto / ------------- .56
1 do -----S. Barcht[Basket?] --------------.11[16?]
---------------------------------------------- 30.30 [or 30.31 or 30.36; hard to say as the writing is very unclear; the same goes for the items inventoried and their values]
That he this defendant is by occupation a farmer, but in Consequence of the wrist of his left hand and three fingers of his right hand having been dislocated, and his left knee being much Swollen from the merche [mexete??] affections [infections?], he is unable to labor more than one day in the week
That his family residing with him consits [sic] of Rachel his wife aged Sixty years, she is very lame and infirm -- Philitus his son aged fifteen years who is in Part able to contribute to his own support -- That this declarant is indebted to different individuals, to about the Amount of Seventy dollars.
Luke  his X mark  Crandall
Sworn to and declared on 
this tenth day of June 1821
before me - James S Barton
clerk

[Written across Luke’s “signature” at 90 degrees, reading from the bottom toward the top of the document are the words:] 
on roll
Enld [enlisted] 9th May 1777 
Dis[charged]    9       “    1780

State of New York}
County of Erie } Ss  I James L Barton Clerk of said County and of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby Certify that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the record of the Said Court, and I do Certify that it is the opinion of the Said Court that the total amount in value of property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Thirty ------------dollars Thirty six  cents - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court on this sixth day of June 1821
James L. Barton

[Written vertically, reading from bottom toward the top in the lower left margin are the words:] 
Luke Crandall
17789
Page 10

Rachael Crandall
Widow of Luke Crandall
Application for Pension



Samuel Lake
Agent
Springville Erie Co. New York
Page 11

State of New York}
Chatauqua County} Ss. Thankful Curtis of the Town of Stockton in Said County, being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath say, that She is Seventy Six years old last February that She is the Sister of Luke Crandall late of the Town of Collins Erie County in this State, who died on the first of August 1832 as she has been informed and believes. That in the time of the Revolutionary War they resided in Hoosick in the said State of New York. That her Brother the Said Luke Crandall was Married to Rachael Richards of the Said Town of Hoosick, according to her best recollection and belief, in June One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Seven, that they were married in the Said Town of Hoosick, that her Brother the Said Luke Crandall was absent in the Services of the United States before and after he was married, and that the Said Rachael Crandall is the Same person who was married to her Brother as above Stated, and as She is informed and believes, now lives in the Town of Collins in the County of Erie. --
------------------------------- her
---Samuel Lake }---Thankful   X  Curtis
Witness to Mark}------------ mark

Sworn and Subscribed}
the 3d. day of May 1838}
Before me and I certify }
the above deponent to be}
a credible Witness.
D. Beebe J P [Justice of the Peace, I assume]

Chautauqua County}
Clerks Office. Ss -- } I, George W. Tew, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Delos Beebe Esq was on the day of the date of the above affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that the signature "D Beebe" subscribed thereto purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County, this 3. day of May. A D 1838.
G. W. Tew Clerk
~
Page 12

3575
Rachel Crandall
widow of Luke.
NYork

Act 4 July 1836
Page 13

State of New York
County of Erie Ss.  On this 1st day of May 1838 personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Rachael Crandall a resident of the Town of Collins in the County aforesaid aged Seventy Seven 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 4th 1836; That She is the widow of Luke Crandall who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States, that her husband served in the war of the Revolution as a private Soldier as She was informed and believes but that She does not know in what Company or Regiment or the names of the Officers under whom he Served. The Deponent further declares that she was married to the Said Luke Crandall in the Town of Hoosick in this State on the 13th day of June in the year (1777) Seventeen hundred Seventy seven that her Said husband was in the Service of the United States after they were married and that the Said Luke Crandall her husband, died on the 1st day of August 1832 and that She has remained a widow ever since that period. as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed ----- Samuel Lake Witness to mark
---------------------------- her
--------------------Rachael  X  Crandall
-----------------------------mark
Sworn and Subscribed the }
1st day of May 1838 Before}
me. and from a personal  }
acquaintance, I certify the }
Deponent is entitled to credit & belief
Jonas Howe Justice

Note "in the Town of Hoosick in this State". interlined in the above affidavit --
Jonas Howe Justice
Page 14

State of New York}
Erie county  }Ss. John J Harrington being duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath Say that he was acquainted with Luke Crandall for rising of twenty years previous to his death and also with Rachael Crandall his wife, the within or foregoing Deponent 
that the Said Luke Crandall was a revolutionary pernsioner of the United States and died in the Town of Collins in this County on the 1st day of August in the year 1832. The Deponent further Says that he has been personally acquainted with the Said Rachael Since the death of her said Husband and that She Still remains a widow. The Deponent further Says that the Said Rachel is not able to attend Court, in Consequence of the infirmities of age without great inconvenience and risque of health --
------- John J Harrington [signature]
Sworn and Subscribed the 
1st day of May 1838 Before me 
and I certify, from a personal acquaintance that the deponent is entitled to credit and belief
Jonas Howe Justice

Note "of Age" interlined before Signing
in the above affidavit
Jonas Howe Justice

Erie County. Ss. I hereby Certify that I have been acquainted with Rachael Crandall mentioned in the foregoing affidavitz [sic] for Several years. that from the infirmities of Age, She Could not attend the County Court at Buffalo without great risque of health and much inconvenience -- I also certify that I was personally acquainted with Luke Crandall, the Husband of the Said Rachael, who died on the 1st of August 1832, and who was a pensioner of the United States, as I have been informed and believe --  
Collins May 1st 1838 ~
Jonas Howe Justice
Page 15

State of New York
Erie County Ss. Samuel Lake being duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath Say, that he has no interest in the amount of monies or in the Claim, by any pledge, mortgage, Sale, assignment or transfer, and that he does not know or believe that the Same has been so disposed of to any person whatever--
Samuel Lake [signature]
Sworn and Subscribed
the 1st May 1838
before me Jonas Howe, Justice

[there is a second document on a small slip of paper that is printed with blanks to be filled in by hand; I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]

Jonas Howe
Depositions
taking such Deposition
Justice of the Peace

Justice
"Jonas Howe"

15th. May A. D. 1838

C. H. Anderson Clerk [or C. K. Anderson]
Page 16

State of New York}
Chauque County} Ss Thankful Curtis being duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath Say that She is a Sister to Luke Crandall. late of the Town of Collins deceased. who was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death. that he left his wife Rachael Crandall a widow. who now resides in the Said Town of Collins as the Deponent is informed and believes. The Deponent further Says that her Brother the Said Luke Crandall was lawfully married to the Said Rachael in June One thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy nine. by Elder Barns a Clergyman, at a place there Called little Hoosack in Washington or Renselaer County in this State. The Deponent testifies to the date of the Marriage from her recollection. and having reference to other incidents that occurred about the Same period of time, but she testifies to the Marriage, from her knowledge of the fact. having a perfect and distinct recollection of the Same and the circumstances  attending the same -- The Deponent further Says that her Brother the Said Luke was absent from home after his Said Marriage, and as She then believed in the Service of the United States. and that it was well understood at the time he was married. that he was a Soldier--
-------------------------- her
---------------  Thankful  X  Curtis
--------------------------mark
Sworn to and Subscribed this }
21st day of August 1840 Before}
me, and I certify the Deponent }
to be a credible Witness -----}
Deloss Beebe {Justice of the Peace for the town Jeremiah Curtis ---------------------  of Stockton}
Page 17

State of New York}
Chautauque County} S. I George W. Tew. Clerk of said County. do hereby certify that Deloss Beebe Esq was on the day of the within affidavit. a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. duly elected and qualified. and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the within purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty second day of August. A D 1840.
G W. Tew Clerk
Page 18

Keziah Cook
Afft __
Page 19

State of New York }
Livingston County }Ss Keziah Cook of the Town of Groveland in Said County being by me duly Sworn according to law, doth on her oath depose and say that She is the eldest Child of the family of Luke and Rachael Crandall. That her Father died Several years ago in the Town of Collins in the County of Erie in this State, and that her mother now lives in Said Town of Collins, as She is informed and believes. That She the Deponent is a widow, has never kept a family Record and Cannot write. That She does not know her age from any positive knowledge or information, but from the best information She has on the Subject. and Calculations made by the ages of her Children. The Deponent believes She is Sixty years old, and may be older that Sixty. That her Brother Nathaniel (who has been dead many years) was the Second Child in her Fathers family. and that this Deponent is two years older than her Said Brother. as She was informed and believes __ ___ ____
----------------------------- her 
---------------------- Keziah  X  Cook
----------------------------- mark
---------------- Samuel Lake Witness to Mark
Sworn and Subscribed}
the 24th. day of September 1840}
Before me. and I certify the }
Deponent to be a Credible Witness}
John Benway Jr Just Peace

[A second document is affixed to the above document, mostly in print. I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]
John Benway Junr
twenty eighth
September 1840
Wm. H Stanley
Page 20

[I will transcribe only the handwritten parts of this image:]

M.B.H.
Wid File 16931
Rev. War.  ---------------------  April 12 1906

Madam:
Luke Crandall
and

Mch or Apr 1776 -- 1 year -- Private -- Benjamin Hicks. -- Van Schaick -- N.Y.
May 1777 -- 3 years. -- Private -- Henry Tiebout -- Peter Gansevoorts 3rd regt -- N. Y.

Siege of Fort Stanwix, And Chemuny Point .
Hoosick, N. Y.
May 1. 1818. his claim was allowed
Concord, Niagara Cr. N. Y. 
63 Years
He died Aug. 1. 1832 in Collins, Erie Co. N Y. He married Rachael Richards, June 13, 1777 at Little Hoosick, N.Y. Sh was 80 years of age in 1842. Her claim was allowed. They had a large family of children, Keziah, married - Cook, Nathaniel, and Philetus only names given. Soldiers sister was Thankful Curtis.
Miss Julia Atwater.
The "Trubee." 
414 Delaware Ave
Buffalo
N.Y
Page 21

Julia Atwater -- Rev -- 1906 Apr. 12- History to J
M.B.H.
16931
Rachael Crandall
Wid. of 
Luke Crandall
Priv. Rev. War

July 4, 1836
Index: Vol. A -- Page 155
Page 22

Rachael Crandall
Widow of Luke
Private -- Act 1838
$80 per anum.
Albany Roll
Send Cert. to Saml.
Lake, Springville, N. Y.

See Registers under
both acts & cate
The cafe on Plhem[???]
Page 23

no 7947
Rachael Crandall
Declaration
Act 7. July 1838
~

Samuel Lake
--- Atty
Affidavit relating to this Marriage --
Mrs. Curtis
Stephen Williams & Wif
George Richmond
Keziah Cook
Judah Rhodes
Spencer Crary
Saphrona Babcock
& her Husband
Page 24

State of New York}
County of Erie} Ss. On this 27th day of February 1841 personally appeared before me Bela H.  Colegrove a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Rachael Crandall a resident of the Town of Collins in Said County of Erie: aged Seventy nine years, who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefeit [sic] of the provision made by the Act  of Congress passed July 7. 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows", That she is the widow of Luke Crandall, who was a Soldier in the army of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States. She further declares that She was married to the Said Luke Crandall in June ____ in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven, at Little Hoosick in this State, that her husband the aforesaid Luke Crandall died on the first day of August Eighteen hundred and thirty two, that the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz at the time above Stated.--
-------------------------------- her
----------------------- Rachael  X  Crandall
-------------------------------- mark
Sworn to and Subscribed on the}
day and year above written }
Before me.--
 Bela. H. Colegrove
   A Judge of Erie Co. Courts

I hereby certify that the above named Rachael Crandall cannot by reason of bodily infirmity attend Court. --
Bela H. Colegrove -
a Judge of Erie Co. Courts

[Written in the left margin of the image, at 90 degrees to the rest of the text, reading from top to bottom are the following words:]
"Little Hoosick in this State" is interlined. before the paper was Subscribed and Sworn to~~
Bela H. Colegrove a Judge
Page 25

and thirty two, that the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four. viz at the time above Stated.--
-------------------------------- her
----------------------- Rachael  X  Crandall
-------------------------------- mark
Sworn to and Subscribed on the}
day and year above written }
Before me.--
 Bela. H. Colegrove
   A Judge of Erie Co. Courts

I hereby certify that the above named Rachael 

[There is a smaller document overlying the above document (which is the same document as is shown in Image 69) that is mostly printed, with blanks filled in by hand. I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]
Bela H. Colegrove
[poor image quality, but I believe it says:]
three times
a Judge
of Erie County Courts
Judge
22 March A.D. 1841.
Noah P. Sprague

[There is also a fragment of writing on the left margin, at 90 degrees from the rest of the text, and reading from top  to bottom. This is transcribed in full on the transcription for image 69, so I will not duplicate it here]
Page 26

In the Matter of 
Rachael Crandall
Widows pension
Additional 
Samuel Lake
Agent

New Declaration
Attached --

Hon. M. Fillmore
HR
Page 27

Declaration
(In order to obtain the benefiet [sic] of the 3d. Section of the Act of Congress of the 4th. July 1836 -- --)
~
State of New York}
Erie County ------}Ss. On this third day of January Eighteen Hundred and forty, personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County Rachael Crandall a resident of the Town of Collins in the Said County of Erie and State of New York aged Seventy eight years who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefiet [sic] of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 4th. 1836 That She is the widow of Luke Crandall who was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States. that her Said husband Served in the war of the Revolution as a private Soldier, as She was informed and believes, That She does not know in what Company or Regiment he Served, or the names of the Officers under whom he Served. --She further Declares that She was married to the Said Luke Crandall in the Town of Hoosick in the Said State of New York, the 13th day of June in the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven (1777) That her said Husband the Said Luke Crandall was in the Service of the United States before and after they were married. and that the Said Luke Crandall died on the 1st. day of August 1832 and that She has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed as well as to the proof on file, on which her Said husband was placed on the pension List ~
---------------------------- her 
------------------- Rachael  X  Crandall
--------------------------- mark
Sworn to and Subscribed 
the third day of January 1840
Before me 
Jonathan Hoyt
a judge of Erie
Co. Com. Pleas
Erie County Ss. I certify that the Said Rachael Crandall cannot from bodily infirmities attend the Court. --
Jonathan Hoyt
a Judge of Erie
Co. Com. Pleas
January 3d_1840
Page 28

[The images in this file are pretty uniformly poorly focused making transcription sort of difficult]

State of New York,}
County of Erie, Ss }I Cyrus K. Anderson, Clerk of the County of Erie, and also Clerk of the Court  of Common Pleas, for said County, Do hereby Certify, that Jonathan Hoyt Esqr whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of inking such proof or acknowledgment, a Judge of Erie County Common Pleas

in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and authorized to take the same. And, further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court and County, the 11th day of January A. D. 1840.
Cyrus K. Anderson Clerk.
by R. W. Padelford
Dep Clerk
Page 29

State of New York
Erie County}Ss. On this thirteenth day of October 1838 personally appeared before me Jonas Howe a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Rachael Crandall who being duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath Say She cannot recollect the particular times that her Husband Luke Crandall left home for the Service of the United States during the Revolutionary war. or the particular dates of his return home, and cannot Swear positively to his Services as She was not with him in the army. She only knows of his absence and being a Soldier in the Revolutionary War from the information of her Said Husband and others. at that time. and she well recollects that he was absent and as she believes, was in the Service of the United States after they were married, as Stated in her Declaration heretofore made and forwarded to Washington. She believes her Husband was a three years man and She recollects that he said he Served under Captain Tiebout and thinks it probable that he was at home on a furlough at the time of their marriage, but is not positive. that he had had the Small pox in the Army and remained at home two or three months and then left again for the Army __ The deponent further Says that their family record of their birth Marriage and the births of their Children kept or entered in the Bible was burned at the burning of their House in Vermont about forty five years past. That She was married as Stated in her Declaration by a Minister (Elder Barns) who was then Past the meridian of life. and She does not believe it possible to produce any Documentary evidence of her marriage. other than that now forwarded with her Declaration, except the Depositions of her neighbours who have been long acquainted with Deponent.
----------------------- her
-------------- Rachael  X  Crandall
---------------------- mark
Sworn and Subscribed this
13th day of October 1838
Before me -- Jonas Howe Justice
Page 30

I Jonas Howe a Justice of the Peace as aforesaid Certify that the Said Rachael Crandall Signed the foregoing affidavit by making her mark. that She is not able to write. I further Certify that I know of no law in this State requiring any records to be kept of Marriage in this State and believe there was no such law, until that lately passed requiring Pastors to keep such records, which law was passed about twelve years passed, according to my best recollection --
Jonas Howe Justice [probably]
Page 31

[This image contains the same document as shown in image 63, but is intended to display a  second document which is affixed to the first. This second document is mostly printed with blanks to be filled in by hand. That is the document I will transcribe here, and I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]

Jonas Howe
affidavit &
Certificate ---- taking the Same
Justice of the Peace

Justice 
of the Peace
"Jonas Howe"

5th Nov. 1835
C. K. Anderson Clerk
by R. W. Padelford Dep Clk
Page 32

State of New York
Erie County Ss. Stephen Williams & Prudence Williams his wife of the Town of Concord in Said County being by me duly Sworn according to law doth on their Oaths Say that they first became acquainted with Luke Crandall and Rachael Crandall his wife in the State of Vermont about  forty six years past. that they were neighbours in Vermont rising of Twenty year. when the Deponents mooved [sic] into this County, and that the Said Luke and Rachael also mooved into this County about the same time, and that the Deponents have been acquainted with the Said Rachel ever since their first acquaintance and with the Said Luke until the time of his death. That the Said Luke Crandall was a pensioner of the United States and died in the Town of Collins five or Six years pass. and the deponents have been informed and believe and that the Said Rachael Crandall now resides in the Said Town of Collins. The Deponents further Say that they never heard any reports against the legal marriage of the Said Luke & Rachael Crandall. that they lived together as man and wife and had a large family of Children, and the deponents have no doubt. of their legal marriage.
The Deponents further Say they have no interest in the Claim of the Said Rachael Crandall or in making this affidavit. & further Say not.
Stephen Williams [signature]
Prudence Williams [signature]
Sworn and Subscribed}
this 17th. day of October}
1838 Before me, and I certify}
the Deponents to be credible}
Witness from a personal }
acquaintance with them}
Wells Brooks Justice of the Peaceive
Page 33

I hereby certify that previous to the year eighteen hundred and twenty-Seven there was no law in this State requiring a record to be kept of marriages; but that since that time a record is necessary in all cases. 
Dated at Springville Erie County & State of New York the 17th day of October AD. 1838
Wells Brooks
Atty of the Sup Court
Page 34

[This image contains the same document as shown in image 60, but is intended to display a second document which is affixed to the first. This second document is mostly printed with blanks to be filled in by hand. That is the document I will transcribe here, and I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]

Wells Brooks
affidavit
taking the
Same a Justice of the Peace
Justice
of the Peace
"Wells Brooks"

5th day of Nov. 1838.
C. K. Anderson Clerk
By R. W Padelford
Dep Clk.
Page 35

Rachael Crandall
afft. --


Hon. M Fillmore
H.R.
Page 36

State of New York
Erie County Ss. Rachael Crandall being by me duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath Say, that she is yet the widow of Luke Crandall, and has not been married Since the death of her Said Husband, that She has received her pension for five years only: that She considers herself entitled to a pension for life. as her Husband was a Soldier when they were married, and continued in Service afterwards
She further on her oath Says, that Reuben Bumpus Cyrus Green, Catharine Green. Thomas Hill and wife, Rhoda Bumpus & Rachael Huested were present at their marriage. in Little Hoosack, as heretofore Stated. ~
---------------------------- her
------------------- Rachael  X  Crandall
---------------------------- mark
Witness to the mark -
Warren Tanner
Ludden S Romans

Sworn and Subscribed this 
6th day of April 1842
Before me.~
Warren Tanner Justice of the Peace

Erie County Ss -- I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Rachael Crandall. the above deponent, that She is Sound in mind and body, for a person of Such advanced age. and that She is a person of credibility ~
Warren Tanner, Justice
dated April 6th 1842
Page 37

[This image contains a document that is mostly printed, with blanks to be filled in by hand. I will transcribe only the handwritten parts of that document. It is affixed to another piece of paper with the name of the affiant and the name of some official, such as a lawyer or judge. The printed document first:]

Warren Tanner
Esqr

a Justice
of the Peace

Justice

14th April 1842

[The associated names are as follows:]
Rachael Crandall
afft. --

Hon M. Fillmore
HR
Page 38

House of Rep. Jany 6.. 1846.
Sir.
I have the honor to enclose you a letter from Samuel Lake, Esq. and some additional testimony in the case of the widow of Luke Crandall as I suppose.
Will you do me the favor to comply with the request contained in Mr. Lake's letter.
Respectfully Yours
Millard Fillmore

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Page 40

Springville  N Y
June 9, 1842
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir. I herewith enclose an affidavit of the marriage of Rachael Crandall widow of Luke Crandall. who has received a pension for five years -- On referring to my Letter to the Secy. of War of 31.July 1841 and the answer thereto, I perceive I was mistaken in supposing that traditionary evidence was admitted to proove [sic] Services. I had not been informed that the rules first adopted had been revoked, but the Conclusion is irresitable [sic], that the testimony of living witnesses is as good to proove a marriage as any other fact, or Services of a Soldier. for there is allways [sic] a record kept of Soldiers Services but none of Marriages in this State. except the private family record ~ On referring to your letter of 11. Sept. 1840 you Say, "record evidence of the birth or baptism of the eldest child may serve to establish the fact", -- (the marriage) The child was never baptised, consequently no record. In your letter of 7. Dec. 1838 it is Stated "the date of the marriage be established by record evidence, or the testimony of a credible witness having knowledge of the fact", -- and in another letter of Decr 5, 1840 it is Stated that the date of the marriage. "must be established either by Record evidence, or if Such evidence  cannot be produced. by the testimony of a Credible witness who can Specify the date of his or her own knowledge," -- Now the enclosed affidavit States the marriage to have taken place in Little Hoosack. performed by Elder Barns Soon after the Commencment [sic] of the Revolution in the year 1777 or 1778 that he was present "He On refering [sic] to the testimony on file it will appear that Mrs. Curtis Swears to the marriage as above Stated, but the discrepency [sic] as to the date in her two affidavits, is attributed to the means She resorted to, to ascertain the year
Page 41

which was to estimate from the age of herself and the Children of the family. The testimony of Barbour Babcock and his wife proove [sic] the oldest child to have been born Some two years or more previous to the expiration of the Services of Luke Crandall who enlisted in the Spring of 1777 for 3 Years and Served to the Spring of 1780 --
This State had no law requiring Records of the Marriages or Births. and as has been Sworn to, the widow or her family. had no Record. the Original family Record in their Bible having been burned with their dwelling many years gone by --
Under Such Circumstances, to require Record proof. when other Claims are allowed on the testimony of witnesses would be wicked ~ Whether the marriage took place in 1777 or 78 is immaterial. if the fact is established that they were married previous to the expiration of the Service of her Husband, she is entitled for life, and all the testimony positive and Circumstantial (age of children) proove that to have been the fact. ~~
The widow gave me the names of 7 or 8 young persons who were present at her weding [sic]. and I have traced most of them to the grave, but have been So fortunate as to find one. -- I send the Letter from Mr. Deming to Show how I obtained the afft. enclosed, which I wish you would return to me. ~
I have devoted much time in endeavouring [sic] to collect the proof for this old wooman [sic], more on her age than my own (Tho She pays me) . and I believe I have never obtained but 3 or 4 fraudulent Claims, and as Soon as they were discovered to be fraudulent they were promptly reported by me. Elijah Gray of Genesee Co. is one I recollect, who was Stricken from the Rolls of Revolutionary pensioners. and afterwards Sent to the Penitentiary. ~-- I hope for your favourable decision ~ Yours &c Samuel Lake
Page 42

Springville N.Y.
June 9: 1842.
Samuel Lake,
appeals from decision of Commr of Pensions in case of Rachael Crandall

[On the left side of the page is the address to whom the letter is to be sent, written at 90 degrees from the above return address, and reading from top to bottom:]

Hon M Fillmore
In Congress


[At the bottom of the page written upside-down is the following:]
F104
Page 43

Springville NY.
M. Fillmore Esq
Sir I regret to tax you but must. to make myself understood I will be Short and explicit.
Widow Crandall obtained 5 Years pension but is entitled for life. now due 400.$ & over. Read letter No. 1. & 2 which will give you an insight into the Case. -- I want a rehearing, and the proof now forwarded with that on file, proovs [sic] the marriage to have been before his service expired & she is entitled for life ~
Please hard [heed?] the Conv. of Pensions the prooff [sic] with my letter, -- and do ask for a decision as Soon as possible, if unfavourable [sic], which I hope will not be the Case, will you look over the Bundle of letters. and request Mr. Spencer to review the testimony on file which is as follows. Mrs. Curtis proovs marriage to have taken place in 77 or 78. her 2nd. affidavit States "She was present and testifies from her own knowledge" that it took place in 79 according to her best recollection -- calculated the time from estimating her own age. No record to refer to. that Crandall was in Service after Marriage ~
Testimony of Babcock & Wife prooving the birth of the Child to have been 2 years before the expiration of the Service. a Strong Corroborating Circumstance, all on file ~
Service expired in May 1780. -- --
Affidavit of Reuben Bumpus States he was present at the weding [sic], agrees with the others as to place, name of the Minister &c. Says it was Soon after the Commencment [sic] of the Rev. War in the year 1777 or 78. __ This affidavit herewith enclosed -- a map of other testimony on file going to proove the age of the oldest Child, but the testimony

[lots of misspellings here. They are all in the document, not my transcription]
Page 44

of the 4 persons above Stated are what I rely upon, and if Such testimony is requested then there is a departure from the general Rule of the department. for I know that Claims have been allowed on less positive proof. -- The Affidavits are entitled to more Credit than they would be had the witnisses [sic] testified positivily [sic] to a day of the month and year. without any record to refer to, to arrive at Such Conclusion, and what  difference does it make whether the marriage was in the year 77. 78 or 79 as he Crandall Served til May 1780 ~
The Convn. of Pensions Says the proof is Satisfactory that they were Husband and wife before Jany 1794 in Sec Letter No. 3. to yourself--
With this additional proof I think it will appear Satisfactory that the old Wooman [sic] Just ready to go into eternity did not Swear falsly [sic] --
We are all well. Nothing new. 3d. party meeting here today. They act as tho Heaven earth and Hell will or Should be mooved [sic] and I dont [sic] know but we shall all go to hell. When I think of the Conduct of Some men in regard to the Rhod Island matter I feel faint. but the result, as well as the failure of the New York destructions in the late Charter Contest, and the triumph of order and law, over brute passions. rather revives and encourages -- Go on to all you can. and remember the greater the obstacles the more merit in triumph ~ God preserve us and our Country ~ Yours as ever 
Samuel Lake
Page 45

House of Rep.
June 14. 1842
Sir
I herewith transmit the papers mentioned in the foregoing letter of Mr. Lake on the application of Mrs. Crandall and will thank you if the claim is not allowed to return to me this letter.
In haste 
Millard Fillmore

J. L. Edwards Esq
Com. of Pensions
Page 46

[Left side]
Pension Office, June 21 '42
Commr of Pensions.
In case of appeal of Mr 
S. Lake pension of Mrs Ra-
chel Crandall

[Crossed out below:]
Let this affidavit [or affiant?]
[and there is another line which I can't decipher]

[and another line, which may read:] (over)

[Right side]
Pension Office 
Under the very used rules which are necessarily adopted to ground against imposition, the Comm. of Pensions was fully justified in the doubts in this case. But upon a careful comparison of the testimony, and applying[perhaps] it to the law of marriage in New York and the practice under that law, I am constrained to Say that this evidence would be abundant in the [illegible] of that State to establish a marriage prior to 1780. I refer particularly to the evidence of the ages of the children of Crandall, the eldest of whom must have been born before 1781 - and as, living together in the [character?] of man and wife, constitutes a marriage in N. Y.[perhaps] without any proof of an actual ceremony, we must conclude that there was a marriage Sufficiently early to legalise[perhaps] the birth of the eldest child.
I think the old lady Should have her Pension. The fact of marriage Soon after enlistment, does not in[illegible] me so Strongly as it has the Commr. July 12, '42.
J. C. Spencer
Page 47

Pension Office
June 21: 1842
Sir,
In obedience to your orders I have the honor to make the following report upon the appeal of Mr. Lake transmitted by Hon M Fillmore in the application of Rachel Crandall.
She was allowed a pension under the Act of 7 July 1838 and the object of the present application is to obtain one under that of 4 July 1836. By my letter to Hon M Fillmore of 17 inst you are apprized of the ground upon which it is disallowed. It should not escape observation that the fact to be established is one almost universally susceptible of proof by the highest grade of evidence, and that the evidence of it exists in the hands of the claimant. The failure to address such evidence direct or confirmatory of a marriage alleged to have been consummated 2 or 3 weeks before (the records shew) he was enlisted for 3 years, justifies the Department in requiring the secondary evidence so liable to err in relation
Page 48

to distant dates  to be explicit and certain.
I have the  honor to be 
Very respectfully 
Your Obed. Ser.
J. L. Edwards

Hon: John C Spencer
Secretary of War.
Page 49

Sarah Crandall

Mr. Fillmore
M. C.

Dec 7

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Pension office


Hon. M Fillmore
H. R
Page 50

[Images 42 and 43 are identical, except that image 42 is sharper and clearer than image 43]

[A stamp or postmark says:]
BUFFALO
NO 30
N. Y. [probably]

The Hon. M. Filmore
In Congress
Washington City
Page 51

[Images 42 and 43 are identical, except that image 42 is sharper and clearer than image 43]

[A stamp or postmark says:]
BUFFALO
NO 30
N. Y. [probably]

The Hon. M. Filmore
In Congress
Washington City
Page 52

To what time was Rachael Crandall, act 7 July 1838, paid? (on Albany Roll)
J. L. Edwards
July 13. 1842

Paid up to 4th March 1841, (termination)
B L Bryan
Page 53

Afft in case
of Rachael Crandall
Page 54

State of New York
Erie County Ss. On this 11th day of December 1840 personally appeared before me Charles C Severance a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Spencer Crary to me known, who being by me duly Sworn doth on his oath Say, that he is Fifty Seven years old last July, that he testifies from a family record and Such information as bears no doubt of his being correct. that he has been acquainted with the family of Luke Crandall ever since his earliest recollections. that the Deponent was well acquainted with Nathaniel Crandall the eldest Son of the Said Luke Crandall. and that the Said Nathaniel was about four years older than this Deponent. that the Deponent testifies from an intimate acquaintance during their minority and knows well that when Deponent was Eighteen the Said Nathaniel was of age and for himself. that said Nathaniel Married and settled in Danby, and that until that time, they lived neighbours in the Town of Wallingsford in Vermont. That the Said Luke Crandall had a Daughter named Keziah who was the eldest Child in the family, who the Deponent is informed now lives in Livingston County, and is the widow Keziah Cook -- and that the widow of the Said Luke Crandall now lives in the Town of Collins in this County -- & further says not. ----
Spencer Crary [signature]
Sworn and subscribed this 
16th day of December 1840}
Before me. and I certify the }
above Deponent to be entitled}
to full credit and belief --- }
Charles C Severance
Justice of the Peace in
Said County N.Y.
Page 55

J L Edwards Comr. of Pensions
The papers first Sent in the Case of Rachael Widow of Luke Crandall claiming a pension were deemed insufficient -- No objections then being made to her Declaration taken by a Justice of the Peace.
Additional testimony forwarded with a new Declaration before a Judge of our Court of Common Pleas -- This testimony also deemed insufficient
A Second affidavit obtained from Mrs. Curtis in which She States (as required by letter from the the pension Department) that she the Deponent "testifies from her own personal knowledge of the fact" being present at the time -- But the witness could not testify with equal certainty to the date, but Says it was during Some period of the Revolution
The claim Still Suspended, but the letter Stated that the birth or baptism of the eldest child might establish the fact of the marriage --
The enclosed affidavit with others on file in the pension Office prove conclusively the eldest Child to be rising of 62 Years old and carry the marriage back to the time stated by the widow. and that he was a Soldier when married
If the testimony in this case is still deemed insufficient, you will please hand all the papers to Mr. Fillmore, as we intend of make a Special application to Congress as a last resort for relief for Rachael Crandall
Samuel Lake her Atty
Page 56

[there are two documents here, one presumably pasted on top of the other. The underlying document is, I believe, the same document as in image 39. I will start with the overlying document, which is largely printed, and I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]

Charles C. Severance
proof of Affidavit
taking
Such Proof -- Justice of the 
Peace -----------
Justice
"Charles C. Severance"
24th Dec 1840
R W Padelford
Dep Clerk

[the following is a transcription of what can still be seen of the underlying document:]
Before me. and I certify the }
above Deponent to be entitled}
to full credit and belief --- }
Charles C Severance
Justice of the Peace in
Said County N.Y.
Page 57

House of Rep. Dec. 4. 1838.
Sir.
At the request of Samuel Lake, I have the honor to enclose you the application of Rachael Crandall a widow for a pension. 
Respectfully Yours
Millard Fillmore

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Page 58

Will the Commissioner make a descision [sic] without much delay
~
Page 59

Springville Erie Co. NY
July 31~1841
James L Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
On refering [sic] to your letters and the proof forwarded to remedy the objections to allowing the Claim of Rachael Crandall, the conclusion is irresistable [sic]. that the rules adopted by the Secretary of War in relation to the Marriage of persons claiming pensions as widows of Revolutionary Soldiers is extremely ridged [sic], and in many instances amount to a rejection of the claim --
Believing that the widow was (and is) entitled to a pension for life I have taken time and paid quite a Sum in endeavouring to find some more positive proof -- On receiving your letter of the 8th of January 1841. Saying you was Satisfied they were Husband and wife before January 1794 and "that there would be no objection to allow her claim under the act of 7. July 1838 if She would make a Declaration to that effect" I had Judge Coligrove go to the residence of the old Lady and take her Declaration. Complying with the law and the form as far as she could without Swearing falsely, intending to Send it on agreable [sic] to her directions ~ The next mail brot [sic] me a letter from N. Howard P M. at Stephentown Stating that he had learned the residence of a witness . I therefore delayed, obtained and forwarded to you the affidavit of Sophrona Babcock & Husband prooving [sic] the age of the eldest child which with the other testimony on file, I expected would have been deemed Sufficient to establish the claim, as you had Stated in your letter of the 11. Sept. 1840. that the proof of the Birth or baptism of the eldest child would establish the fact -- I have recived [sic] your letter of July 13. 1841 [or July 15] and have concluded to forward the widows Declaration hoping that you will allow the 5 years pension without any delay -- the necessities
Page 60

of an aged wooman [sic] plead for immediate relief and you will recollect that nearly 3 years have elapsed since the first application
I wish you would also inform me whether you would be authorized to allow the claim for life provided we could procure positive proof of the marriage having taken place at the time Stated in the Declaration ---.
I expect the papers will all be kept on file. So that reference could be had to them hereafter if necessary ~ Respectfully Yours &c
Samuel Lake Atty
~
PS. If consistent with your Official duties will you refer this claim to the Secretary of War. or consult him on the propriety of allowing the Claim for life. I do think the mass of testimony, taken together, is conclusive ~
Page 61

H. R. June 17, 1842.
Hon. M. Fillmore.
Inc. appeal of Samuel Lake 
from  decision of Comr Pensions
in case of widow Crandall.
F104. Rec June 20/42.
Pension Office 
Report -
Page 62

House of Rep. June 17. 1842.
Sir
At the request of Samuel Lake, Esq, I transmit the enclosed papers in relation to the application of Mrs. Crandall for a pension. He thinks the Commissioner of Pensions has not done the old lady justice and desires to appeal to you and requests that you will examine the papers on file in the Pension office. 
Respectfully Yours
Millard Fillmore
Hon. John C. Spencer
Secy. of War.
Page 63

Stephentown N.Y.
Apl. 23.
Free
N. Howard P. M.
Samuel Lake Esqr.
Springville
N. Y.
Page 64

Stephentown Apl. 23d 1841
I  inclose [sic] you the afd. of Mr. Barber Babcock & his wife (who was a [illegible]) I took Mrs. Babcocks aft. before I knew that her husband knew any thing about it I thus learned that he knew the same as his wife and testified too and I then drew his aft. stating that what his wife had sworn to was correct except seeing the first child at 3 or 4 days old. I am well acquainted with Mr. Babcock & his family when young or an [illegible] at the Carpenter & Joiners trade I worked part of a season [illegible two words] Babcock in the year 1799 & have been acquainted with him from that time to this  And as I have stated in taking this aft. They are people[??] of undoubted good Moral character and this Testimony cannot be called into question by those of their acquaintance  They were acquainted with all the [illegible--persons, perhaps, or people] which you named in your letter. Those that you named  as being present at the wedding were all dead or had moved out of the place many[??] years ago  Mr. Babcock was of opinion that it was impossible to find any person now who was at the wedding
If this testimony should not be sufficient to prove the Marriage I don't know what would, taking it altogether  But should any further explanation be required from Mr. Babcocks wife  I will call on them again if required
I have been 3 [perhaps] times up to Berlin & taken all opportunity among the old in-habitants and found Mr. B. & wife were the best evidence I could find 
I hope Wid.[perhaps] Crandall will get her pension if she does I have it with you to say what I shall have for my trouble & expence [sic]
Yous Truly
Nathan Howard
Saml. Lake Esqr.
Page 65

[right side up text:]
May 31.1841
NY.
Adolfff [or "AdolfSS"]
Rachel Crandall

[text to the right of the above, at 90 degrees reading from top to bottom, partially obscured by the above text:]
Springville NY.
May 26

[text below the first section, at 90 degrees to it reading from top to bottom:]
Jas. L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 66

Springville Erie Co. NY
May 24, 1841

J L Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Sir
In your Communication of the 8th of Jany. last in relation to the Claim of Rachael Crandall for a pension, you Say that you are Satisfied the Mairiage [sic] took place previous to 1794 and would allow the pension under the act of 1838 for 5 Years. ~
Being fully persuaded that She is entitled to the pension for life I could not advise to that step. besides I cannot See how She can comply with the law of 38 without Swearing falsly [sic]--
I herewith enclose affidavits which I consider more positive and Conclusive than any testimony we have been able to obtain __ The birth of the first Child also proved to have been as early as the year 98 or 99 -- and you will recollect that you Stated in your letter of the 11 Sept. 1840 "that Record proof of the birth or baptism of her eldest child may serve to establish the fact" the marriage --
We have no records of Births or Marriages in this State, and Oral proof by witnesses I believe is admissible in all Cases when there is no record --
Mrs Curtis Swears to her being a Witness to the Marriage of the parties by Elder Barnes. before the year 1780 -- 97 or 99 and the last date I think was an error, and now we produce proof that the marriage took place as early as 77, or 1778 and that the child was born within a year after the Marriage -- I forward the Letter from Esq Howard to Show how we procured the testimony --
Witnesses might commit perjury but all these circumstances can't lie --
Respectfully Yours &c
Samuel Lake Atty &c
Page 67

[starting with the right side up parts nearest the top:]
Sept 8 1840
N.Y.
Add praf[??]
Rachel Crandall

[now going to the ride up section of disembodied  words and parts of words on the far right side of the image:]
act~
warded
de to
the
a new
had
other 
then

hick
se

[Now going to the writing at 90 degrees from the previous text, and reading from top to bottom, starting with a return address:]
Springville N.Y.
Sept 4

F[I think it might stand for Free]

J L. Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 68

Springville Erie Co. N.Y.
Sept 20. 1840
J L. Edwards Esq. Comr. Pensions
Sir I herewith enclose affidavits, additional proof of the marriage of Rachael Crandall widow of Luke C. a pensioner deceased ~
The Testimony of George Richmond is as Strong as circumstantial testimony in the Case can be - back to the year 1786. and I have again had another affidavit of Thankful Curtis taken. in which I have used the words indicated in your letter, requiring further proof, to be necessary.  viz "that the witness must testify from his or her own knowledge" of the fact~
I reced. a letter from the first papers forwarded requiring further proof. no objections were made to the widows Declaration taken by a Justice of the Peace. but learning from other Cases that a new Declaration would probably be required. I had the Judge take the Same as required in other cases. which with the affidavits of Stephen Williams and wife were forwarded.
The enclosed is all the testimony which we can procure. and and if Satisfactory please Send a Draft for the amount due up to 4th September Inst. or in Case the Claim is not allowed please return all the papers above mentioned ~
Respectfully Yours &c
Samuel Lake
Atty for claimant
Page 69

House of Rep.
Dec. 6. 1809.
Sir,

I have the honor to enclose herewith a letter from Samuel Lake, Esq. requesting me to procure the papers in the case Rachel Crandall a widow applicant for a pension.
Please transmit them to me & Much oblige 
Yours 

Millard Fillmore

Com.of Pensions
Page 70

[the document is extremely faded]
Clerk Certificate
as to official[perhaps]
[and I can't decifer any more--but it's a pretty short document--just 4 or 5 more words]
Page 71

State of New York}
Erie County } Ss. George Richmond being duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath Say that he  first became acquainted with Luke Crandall and Rachael his wife in the Town of Wallingsford Rutland County State of Vermont as early as the Year One thousand Seven hundred and eighty Six. (that Said acquaintance was previous to the deponents marriage which was in the year 1787) and knows that the Said Luke & Rachael Crandall then lived together as man and wife and had several children. that the deponent has known them Since that period to the time the Said Luke Crandall died in the Town of Collins in this County. both having mooved [sic] into this County about 30 Years past; that the Said Rachael Crandall now lives in the Said Town of Collins, as the Deponent has been informed and believes, and has been the mother of a large family of Children with whom the deponent has been acquainted. that the oldest Son of the Said Luke and Rachael Crandall was at least six or Seven years older than the Deponents Son who is fifty two years old, - Having been so long acquainted with the Said Luke & Rachael Crandall and never having heard any reports against their being lawfully married. The Deponent has no doubt of their marriage as Stated in the affidavit of Thankful Curtis dated 21st. Augt. instant. and further says not __ __ __
George Richmond [signature]
Sworn and Subscribed }
this 30th day of August}
1840. Before me and I further}
Certify the Deponent to be }
a credible witness __  __ }
Note the words 'large family of" written on an erasure [befo]re signing 
Frederic Crary Justice of the Peace
Page 72

[image  begins with what appears to be the end of a paragraph:]
a credible witness __

[the rest of this image is a printed document with blanks to be filled in by hand. I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]
Frederick Crary
deposition
making the same
Justice of the Peace
Justice
"Frederick Crary"
first September 1840
Page 73

[starting with the right-side-up part:]
Oct 16. 1840
N.Y.
adde[illegible]
Rachel Crandall

[the rest of the image is written at 90 degrees to the above, reading from top toward the bottom of the page, consisting of a return address and date and below that the address of the intended recipient, I assume:]

Springville N.Y.
Oct 12

Jas. L. Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 74

Springville Erie Co. New York
October 9 __ 1840
J. L Edwards Esq Com. Pensions
Sir I herewith enclose you two affidavits in proof of the claim of Mrs. Rachel Crandall to a pension. there has heretofore been forwarded much circumstantial proof of marriage. and the enclosed is not positive. and in fact no positive proof can be obtained --
The afft. of Wd. Curtis prooves [sic] the marriage positively but the date not certainly established. Having no records it can hardly be supposed that dates of ordinary transactions could be established with as much certainty as the facts themselves[not 100% sure on this, but it seems to fit the context] -- The enclosed affidavit of Keziah Cook proves that the Marriage took place in the year 1779 or previous
Having no Record and being uneducated She has it seems forgotten her age. She calls herself 60. but Swears She may be older. which is the fact. __ The other enclosed afft. from Mrs. Perigo is to the point, Showing that the age of Mrs. Cook, the oldest child of Luke & Rachael Crandall to be 61 or 62 years. and She arrives to the Conclusion from refering [sic] to circimstances [sic] & events which have left the impression upon the mind clear -- The Similarity in the ages of her Son and Nathaniel Crandall the 2d. Child, the age of her son 60 Years last February. and that Nathaniel was the 2d. Child in the family -- The conclusion is clear that Mrs. Cook must be 61 or 62 years old carrying the date of the Marriage to the period Stated by the widow
The Dark day referred to  is recorded in History and at the time made a deep impression on the Minds of most people. and was the Subject of much Speculation
I do hope these with other circumstances will be deemed sufficient and that the claim will be allowed for the old Lady lives with a Son with a large family all poor. and the aged Mother is but poorly provided for. --
Respectfully Yours &c
Samuel Lake Atty
Page 75

State of New York
Erie County} Ss.  Judith Perigo of Sardinia in Said County being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath depose and Say that She is now Eighty two years old that She was Married in the year 1779 that the Deponents eldest Son is now Sixty years old last February. -- The Deponent further Says that She became acquainted with Luke Crandall family soon after the close of the Revolutionary war and  both resided in  Wallingsford Vermont. and lived neighbours to each other for many years. The deponent further Says that the eldest Son of the Said Luke Crandall was about the Same age of her own Son. that his name was  Nathaniel. The Deponent is positive there could not have been more than one years difference in the ages of the two cannot Say which was the oldest
Altho Deponent has no record of her marriage her recollections are clear and  perfect in regard to the time as well as the ages of her Self and family. That She well recollects that her son above mentioned was about three Months old when the dark day came over the land in the year 1780. The Deponent further on her Oath Says that the Said Luke Crandall & wife had a Daughter named Keziah who was older than Nathaniel__ The Deponent further Says that the said Luke Crandall died in the Town of Collins Several Several years past. and that his wife Rachael Crandall now lives in the said Town of Collins as she has been informed and believes. 
Judith Perigo [signature]
Sworn and subscribed }
the 2d. day of October 1840}
Before me. and I certify the }
Deponent to be a credible witness}
& remarkably intelligent and }
correct in her reccollections [sic]}
Frederic Crary Justice of the Peace
Note. The name "Perigo" is written on an erasure and the word "many" interlined before Sworn to_
Frederic Crary Justice
Page 76

Note. I wrote the name Judith Rodes in the affidavit. which name She usually bears. but it appeared She had married a 2d. Husband Perigo. She is a Widow. and is entitled to a pension povided [sic] She could make the proof of her Husband services. - S. Lake

[below the above text, and on the left margin of the sheet, at 90 degrees to the above text, reading from the bottom of the page toward the  top, is the following:]

Judith Perigo
Afft.
Page 77

[This image is of a document that is mostly in print with blanks to be filled in by hand. I will transcribe only  the handwritten parts:]

Frederic Crary
Deposition
taking the same
Justice of the Peace
Justice
"Frederick Crary"
6th Octr 1840.

C. K. Anderson Clerk
By R. W. Padelford Dep
Page 78

State of New York}
Rensselaer County} Ss. Sophrona Babcock of Berlin in the County & State aforesaid being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath say that she resided in this place during the Revolutionary War then called Little Hosick [sic] now Berlin aforesaid in Said County that she is now 79 years of age that she was well acquainted with Luke Crandall recollects that the said Luke Crandall was married to Rachel  Richards as she learned from common report in the Town at that time which she believes was true 
that the Marriage took place in the year 1777 or 1778 that they the said Luke and Rachel lived together as man & wife and had children and that they moved from this place soon after the Revolutionary War That the said Luke Crandall was a soldier. and was absent in the service after he was Maried [sic] The deponent also remembers Eld. Barns & this deponent was married to Barber Babcock at this place by the same Eld. Barns who lived at that time in this county[not 100% sure about this word] but she cannot say that he married the persons above named as she was not present at the wedding or marriage aforesaid but from her acquaintance with all the parties at that time and after wards she has no doubt of the fact of Marriage as above stated That she was at the house of the said Luke Crandall in 3 or 4 days after the Birth of their oldest child which took place within one year after the marriage
-------------------------  her
--------------- Sophrona  X  Babcock
-------------------------- mark
Sworn & subscribed this 17th. day of April 1841
Before me Nathan Howard Com. &c.
And I also certify that I am well acquainted with the said Sophrona Barber that she is a credible person & her testimony is entitled to full credit & belief
N. Howard Com. &c.
I Barber Babcock husband of the above named Sophrona on oath do say that all the facts stated above he was knowing too except his wife seeing the young child 3 or 4 days old as above stated by her
Barber Babcock [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed before me the 17. day of Apl. 1841
and I certify also that I am well acquainted with the above named Barber Babcock that he is a credible person and his testimony is entitled to full faith & credit
Nathan Howard Com. &c.
Page 79

[This image is of a document that is mostly in print with blanks to be filled in by hand. I will transcribe only  the handwritten parts:]

Nathan Howard --
certificates of  --
affidavits
same bears date
Commissioner of Deeds
Commissioner
twenty second April 1841
Delance[or perhaps Leland] Crandall
Page 80

Reuben Bumpus
afft.

Sheshequin Pa }
13th March }
free

Harvey Deming Esqr. P. M
Salisbury
Addison Co
Vermont
Page 81

Bradford Couinty (SS)

Before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the sd. County of Bradford, on the ninth day of March 1842 personally came Reuben Bumpus of Rome Township County aforesaid and being by me duly sworn according to  law doth depose and say That soon after the the commencement of the Revolutionary War cannot distinctly recollect the year but thinks it was in 1777 or 1778 he was present and saw Luke Crandel and Rachel Crandel (then Rachel Richards) married by Elder Barns, and that they were married at little Hoosick in  the State of New York. Deponent further saith that he well recollects that Rhoda Bumpus Cyrus Green and wife Catharine and Thomas Hill and wife were present at the wedding-. Deponant further saith that he knows of Luke Crandel being in the Revolutionary War that he sd_ Luke  Crandel, Stephen Sabens, James Coon and Thomas Searles enlisted at the same time
Further Saith not. --
--------------------------  his
-------------------Reuben  X  Bumpus
---------------------------mark
Subscribed in presence of 
Geo Kinney
Eli Billings

Sworn and subscribed before me this ninth day of March 1842. Geo Kinney } Justice of the Peace.

I Do hereby testify that I have long been acquainted with Reuben Bumpus the foregoing Deponant and that his reputation for truth and veracity is good and should be accredited as such. Witness my hand at Rome Township aforesaid the 9th day of March 1842
Geore Kinney Justice of Peace
Page 82

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County ss
I David Cash Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County do certify that Geo. Kinney whose name is subscribed to the within instrument is & was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly Commissioned & sworn  And further that I am acquainted with said Kinneys Handwriting and verily believe the within to be his own proper signature  In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court at Towanda the 11th day of March 1842
D. Cash Prot
P. Lymon E D Noy[I have no idea what this is: perhaps some kind of occupation? or judgeship?]
Page 83

Sheshequin, 12th March 1842
Harvey Deming Esqr.
Dr Sir:-- Your letter of the 15th Ulte. came to hand the 20th. As soon as I conveniently could, I set about complying with your request. In the first place I sent out a young man who lives with me to enquire [sic] of Mr. Bumpus if he recollected any of the matters mentioned in your letter.- It was found that he did recollect, distinctly, the most of it -- he appeared rather at a loss whether the Marriage of Luke Crandall & Rachael Richards was in 1777 or 1778, but married they were, & in his presence.
Having now the way clear, the 9th inst. I engaged a a Justice of the Peace to go out and take Mr. Bumpus' affadavit [sic], and yesterday I sent my son to Towanda (the seat of Justice for Bradford County) For the Certificate of the Prothonotary, that Mr. Kinney was an acting Justice.
 I had to engage Mr. Kinney $2.50
dollars for his services - when he
came back, he said he would not
do it again, such travelling, for five dollars _ Although I have done three times as much as Mr. Kinney, besides the expence [sic] for the Prothy. certificate (having to send ten miles for it) I will be satisfied if you send me a five dollar bill that will be current  in N. York -- out of which, I will pay the Justice - reserving one half for my own trouble. 
Respectfully 
Your Obt. Servt.
Joseph Kingsbery

[written along the left margin, going from bottom toward the top, is the following text:]

Please return this 
Letter. S. Lake
Page 84

State of Vermont}
Rutland County }
On the this 12th day of June 1820 personally came before me Amos Thompson one of the Judges of Rutland County Court Thomas Searls of Hampton State of New~York, aged sixty nine years and after being duly Sworn according to law, testifies & says- that he well remembers & has a purfect [sic] knowledge that Luke Crandall enlisted as a private soldier for three years in the spring of 1777 in the company commanded by Capt. H. Tibout or Tibutt in Col. Gansvoorts Reg. New-York line on the continal [sic] establishment in the revolutionary war -- that he received an honorable discharge in the Spring of 1780 in New-Jersey - the name of the place not recollected -- that the said Crandall now lives in the Holand purchase State of New-York. And further the deponant [sic] says not. ~
Thomas Sarles [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed before me the day and [illegible] as above
Amos Thompson
Page 85

State of Vermont}
Rutland County Ss} This certifies that I have been acquainted with Thomas Sarles the aforesaid deponant [sic] for more that twenty years, and know him to be a credible witness
Amos Thompson Judge
Rutland C. C.

State of Vermont}
Rutland County Ss}
I Robert Pierpoint Clerk of Rutland County Court do hereby Certify that Amos Thompson Esq was on the 12th day of June AD 1820 and Still is an assistant Judge of Rutland County Court and duly qualified to administer the oath aforesaid and that the above are his Signatures
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Rutland in the County of Rutland & State of Vermont this 15th day of June 1820
R. Pierpoint
Page 86

State of New York}
Rensselaer County Ss} Jonathan Brown of Pittstown in Said County being duly Sworn testifies & says that Luke Crandall was entisted [sic] as a private Soldier in Captain Benjamin Hicks Company of Col Jose Van Shaicks Regiment of the New York line on or about the last of Feby. or the first of March in the year 1776 by him this deponent who then held an Ensigns Commission under Capt Hicks in said Company - That he the said Luke Served in Said Company as a faithful Soldier on the Continental establishment from that time until the January then next following when he was honorably discharged; and this deponent further says that the said Luke Served as a private soldier in Col Gansevoorts Regiment of the New York line after he was so discharged as aforesaid, on the Continental establishment, either in the Service for three years or during the war but can not State particularly as this deponent did not belong to said last mentioned Regiment and further Says not.
Jonn Brown [signature]
Subscribed & Sworn to before}
me this 29th Sept. 1819. }
Isaac M. Conibe, one of
the Comms. &c. to take all 
affidavits &c.
Page 87

State of New York}
Rennselaer County Ss.} I do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with Jonathan Brown whose signature is affixed to the within affidavit and that he is a credible witness
Done 29 Sept. 1819
Isaac W. Conibe one of the Comms &c to take affts. &c.

State of New York}
Rensselaer County Ss:} I certify that Isaac W. Conibe [could also be Conilie or Conihe] was at the time of taking the within affidavit one of the Commissioners &c. duly authorized to take the Same that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the Said Commissioner & verily believe the signature to the the said affidavit & the above certificate is in his proper hand writing 
In testimony whereof I have set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 29th day of September 1819.
Joseph D Selden Clerk
~
Page 88

See letter to T. W. Olcott P. tgt
July 14, 1842. repeating[???] this case.

No 3755
[Alb]any, New York
Rachael Crandall,
widow of Luke  Crandall, decd.
who died on the 1. August, 1832, 
of Erie Co in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Comp commanded 
by Captain Hicks N.Y. of the Regt commanded
by Col. Van Schaik in the New York 
line for 2 Years
______

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 80 Dollars ----- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
________

Certificate of Pension affixed[?] the 14 day of July
1842  and sent to Hon:
M. Fillmore, H. Rep
_______

Arrears to the 4th of March, '42   ----  880
Semi=annual allowance ending [illeg]   40
The five years pension under}
act 7. July '38 to be deducted} -------- 920

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 4, 1836,}
Section the 3rd[? or 31?]}

Recorded by Theodore L. Moody, Clerk,
Book C. Vol. C. Page 109
Page 89

Issue a certificate for
Rachael Crandall
under the act of 
July 4. 1836 & send it 
to Hon M. Fill-
more H. R.
1)st3[??] Notify the Agent
& direct him to deduct 
the payment of the
five year pension --
Page 90

Pension Office
September 3d. 1841

honor to acknowledge the receipt 
in relation to the case of Mrs 
is you propose a final ad
aim upon the present exhi
be necessary to enter more fully
in to repeat that the two months 
it ( the highest non commission
2 months 2 days as Captain
7 and November 1778 are 
she will be satisfied with
2 months for his Service from
the end of the War. there is 
granting it upon the parol
and of increasing it, if it
the margin to the pay certifi
ounted to more.
herewith enclosed __
I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully
thard Your Obed St
States
[this seems to be the right hand portion of a document that was torn down the middle]
Page 91

Buffalo April
4th
1906

[there is a seal or stamp with the letters O. W. & N. DIV. APR 6 1906 FILES]
Commissioner of Pensions 
Dear Sir
Will you Kindly Send me the record of Luke Crandall of the Pension List of the year 1818 Erie County N. Y.
You will greatly oblig me by so doing
Toma[maybe] Gray Truly __
Page 92

([illegible])
Julia Atwater
414 Delaware
Avenue
"The Trub[??]
Buffalo,. N.Y.

[[A seal reads:] U.S. PENSION OFFICE
A
APR
5
1906