Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,714, Moses Bishop, Conn.
Page 1

Service
Conn.

Bishop, Moses
Jerusha

Number
W. 20,714
Page 2

[right side of page]
17232   17,232B
New York
Moses Bishop
of Stephentown in the state of N. York
who was a private in the regiment commanded by
Colonel Burrill of the Connecticut
line, for the term of 1 year
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 14th of April 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th of May 1820,
and Sent to J. Bell Esqr.
Albany, New York
Arrears to 4th of March 1820, 181.56
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sept 1820, 48.00
22 17/30 & 11/30 months $229:56

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

Continued.

[left side of page]
Notification sent to Archibald Bull, Troy, N Yk
12 Jan 1821
Page 3

[left side of page]
686
New York Albany
Jerusha Bishop
widow of Moses Bishop
Con
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
40 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the
6th day of May 1843
and sent to W. B. Pierce Esq
Albany N.Y.
[Act of March 3, 1843]
& June 17
Recorded in Book A 
Vol. 2. Page 71

[right side of page]
No 216.
[illegible]
of Jany 23. 1845
Rep

Let. to W. B. Pierce
June 2, '46

to same Feb 4. '47
Page 4

Moses Bishop born March 4th 1758
Jerusha Bishop born December 21st 1765
They were married April 6th 1786
Roxana Bishop was born Nov 30th 1786
Alpheus Bishop was born Sept 21st 1788
Jerusha Bishop Junr was born Dec. [illegible] 1790
Delia Bishop was [obscured] July 9th 1793
Rana Bishop was [obscured] August 30th 1795
[illegible] Bishop was born February 4th 1798
Ralph Bishop born May 15th 1800
[illegible]anne Bishop born July 28. 1802
Charles Bishop born June 21 1805
Page 5

Declaration.

In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838 entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New-York,
Albany County } SS. On this third day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-three personally appeared before the Albany Justice Court now sitting Jerusha Bishop a resident of the town of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer and said State of New York, aged 77 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Moses Bishop late of the town of Stephentown in said State of New York who departed this life on the thirteenth day of April 1843. That her husband the said Moses Bishop was a soldier during the war of the Revolution and at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed March 18. 1818. That as this Declarant was not married to said Moses Bishop until after the said war of the Revolution she cannot relate the various particulars of his service therein, but that she has frequently heard him relate that he served for a number of years and under different Enlistments with the Connecticut troops to which he belonged & that among his officers she remembers the names of Captain Stoddard and Colonel Burrall.
And Declarant further saith, That she was married to the said [obscured] Bishop on the sixth day of April seventeen hundred Eighty six by John W Schermerhorn Esq JP at Stephentown: that the following persons were present at her marriage, to wit: Declarants father & mother brothers & sisters. all of whom are now dead except her brother Peter Roberts & a sister too young to remember the occurrence
That previous to her said marriage she resided in the town of Stephentown aforesaid and bore the maiden name of Roberts
That her husband the said Moses Bishop died as aforesaid on the thirteenth day of April last passed. That she was not married to him previous to the close of the Revolutionary war but that her marriage took place previous to January 1794 to wit at the time before stated.
Jerusha Bishop

Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid before said Court now sitting }
Thomas Bayeux Justice
I hereby certify that the above declaration was taken in open court as above set forth 
Witness my hand & official seal this 3d day of July 1843.
Thomas Bayeaux Justice
Page 6

Depositions of
Russell Hunt
& of Abner & James
Chamberlain
Page 7

State of New York }
Albany County } Ss 
Moses Bishop of the town of Stephentown & County of Rensselaer and State aforesaid, being duly sworn before the Hon Estes Howe Esq one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the City and County of Albany deposeth and says in addition & confirmation of his first Deposition that in the month of February 1776 he enlisted as a Private in the Continental Establishment in Col Charles Burrells Regt in the Company Commanded by Capt Luther Stoddard for one year in the Connecticut Line. That he served the term of his enlistment out and was honorably discharged in the year 1777. at Fort Independence he was in the Battle at Quebec at St Johns. Chamble [illegible] that he is extremely low in circumstances and prays that his Certificate may be dated from the term of his first making application before Judge Haringe to wit the 14th of April 1818 -
Moses Bishop

I Estes Howe Judge as aforesaid, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Moses Bishop did serve in the Revolutionary War, as stated in the preceding additional declaration against the common enemy in the Continental Establishment, and that he does stand in need of the assistance of his Country for support, and that the several witnesses whose affidavits hereto annexed are entitled to credit & belief and I now transmit the proceedings herd before me & others to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the act of Congress - sworn at Albany Feb 2d 1820
Estes Howe Judge
Albany Com Pleas
Page 8

City and County of Albany }
Clks office } Ss
I certify that Estes Howe was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Albany at the time of making the within Certificate and duly authorized to make the same and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe the signature of the Judge to the said Certificate to be his proper hand writing.
In Testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this 2d February 1820
Horatio Marchant
Dep Clk
Page 9

Edmond Grandey of Panton State of Vermont Testify and say, that in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Six I was acquainted with Moses Bishop then of Canaan, County of Litchfield State of Connecticut, now of Stephen Town County of State of New York and that in the month of February in the year above stated said Moses Bishop Enlisted as a soldier into the army of the United States for the term of one year and was attached to the Company of Capt Luther Stodard I being a Soldier in the same Company the Regiment that our Company was attached to was commanded by Col Charles Burrell we were marched from Connecticut to Quebec in Lower Canada, and from thence we retreated back to mount Independence on Lake Champlain and there served untill our time of Enlistment had expired
Edmond Grandey

State of Vermont }
Addison County ss } Panton the 20th day of September A.D. 1819
Then Edmond Grandey personally appeared and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Before me Saml Shephard Just Peace
Page 10

State of Vermont }
Addison County ss } I, Saml Swift Clerk of the County of Addison aforesaid, do hereby certify that Samuel Shepherd before whom the within affidavit was made, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace for said County, acting under the authority of this State; and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 22d day of September A.D. 1819.
Saml Swift Clerk.

[seal affixed at left]
Page 11

I Jesse Bishop of Panton in the County of Addison and State of Vermont testify and and say that Moses Bishop of Steventown in the County of Rensselaer in the State of New York in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy five enlisted into the service of the service of the United States as a soldier in the Company of Capt Nathaniel Beard in Col. Hinmens Regiment in the Connecticut Line and served in said Regiment in the northern campaign during the term of his enlistment and in the month of February in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy six said Moses Bishop enlisted in to said services in Capt Luther Stodard Company under the Command of Col Charles Burrell for the term of one year I also was a soldier in said Company and marched with him from Connecticut to Quebec we served there untill the six day of May then next then retreated to Mount Independence and served there the remainder of said term
Jesse Bishop

State of Vermont }
Addison County ss } Panton the 20th day of September A.D. 1819 then Jesse Bishop personally appeared and after being carefully examined and duly cautioned made solemn oath that the foregoing deposition by him subscribed contains the whole truth and nothing but the truth
before me Saml Shephard Just Peace

State of Vermont }
Addison County } I, Saml Swift Clerk of the County of Addison aforesaid do hereby certify that Saml Shepard, before whom the above affidavit was made, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace for said County, acting under the authority of this State and that his name thereto subscribed is his own proper signature. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 22d day of September 1819. Saml Swift Clerk
[illegible] Com. Pleas

[seal affixed at left]
Page 12

Russell Hunt of lawful age testifies and says that Moses Bishop served one year in the service of the United States in the year 1776 in the Regiment commanded by Col. Charles Burrell and in the Company commanded by Capt. Luther Stoddard -
Russell Hunt

Litchfield County ss. Canaan September 8th 1819 - Personally appeared Russell Hunt and made solemn oath to the truth to the foregoing deposition by him subscribed before me -
Joshua Cornwell Justice of Peace

Abner Chamberlain and James Chamberlain both of lawful age depose and say that Russell Hunt the signer of the foregoing deposition is of good standing in regard to truth and veracity -
Abner Chamberlain
James B Chamberlain

Litchfield County ss Canaan Canaan September  8th 1819 Personally appeared Abner Chamberlain and James B. Chamberlain and made solemn oath to the truth of the foregoing depositions by them subscribed before me Joshua Cornwell Justice of the Peace
Page 13

Declaration.
State of New York. }
Albany County. } ss.

Pursuant to an Act of the Congress of the United States of America, passed March 18th, 1818, to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the said United States, in the Revolutionary War, I Moses Bishop aged 66 March Last of the Town of Steventown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New-York aforesaid, Do Hereby make the following solemn Declaration under oath, before the Hon. Samuel Hasing Esquire, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Albany and State aforesaid, in the terms following, to wit: - I do solemnly and sincerely swear and declare, that I am a resident Citizen of the said United States, to wit, in the town, county and state aforesaid; and that by reason of my reduced circumstances in life, I am in need of assistance from my country for support. I do further declare, that I served in the War of the Revolution, against the common Enemy, in the capacity of a Private in the Continental Establishment and that I served in the said War Six whole years that I belonged to Captain Nathaniel Beards Company, in Colonel Hinmans Regiment, in the Connecticut line - That I entered the said service on or about the first of  February in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy five and was discharged on the February following one thousand seven hundred seventy six that I left the said service by reason of an honorable discharge at that time then two years under Capt Luther Stoddard then under Capt [illegible] Col [illegible] regiment then Luther Stoddard again and received my discharge at Fort Independence the first - I had three or four honbl discharges but have lost them all. I was in the Battle of St Johns. Chamble
And I do further declare, that in addition to my former Declaration, and pursuant to the restrictions of the aforesaid Act, I do hereby freely relinquish every claim I have to any and every Pension which might or has been allowed me by the said United States. previous to the passing this Act.
In Witness whereof, I have subscribed this Declaration, in presence of the Judge above mentioned, at Albany in the State of New-York, this fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Moses Bishop
Sworn this 14th day of April 1818, before me } Saml Hasing Judge of Albany Com Pleas

Judge's Certificate.
State of New-York. }
City and County of Albany. } ss.
I Samuel Hasing Esquire, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Albany and State of New-York, (the said Court being a Court of Record within the said State) do hereby Certify, to the Honorable the Secretary of War of the United States, agreeably to the provisions of an Act of the Congress of the said United States, passed March 18th, 1818, 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 Moses Bishop named in the foregoing Declaration, personally appeared before me the said Judge, on this 14th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen,
Page 14

and in my presence subscribed the same Declaration; and at the same time, in due form of law, took an Oath before me, on the holy evangelists of Almighty God, that the said Declaration was true - And I having examined the said Moses Bishop touching the matters in the said Declaration contained, and having also taken the Deposition of the said Ebenezer Birch, which accompanies this Certificate and the said Declaration, and being satisfied that the facts stated therein are true, and the only evidence in the power of the said Moses Bishop to produce, I do further Certify, that it appears to my entire satisfaction, that the said Bishop did actually serve in the Revolutionary War aforesaid, against the common Enemy, in the manner and for the time by him stated in his said Declaration, and that the said Declaration is in other respects true. All which said proceedings had before me, and the testimony produced in the case, I do certify and transmit to the Honorable the Secretary of the Department of War, according to the direction of the Act of Congress aforesaid.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, at Albany in the State of New-York, this 14th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
Saml Hasing

From the evidence before me of the credibility of James [illegible] Esq. I am perfectly satisfied that full faith and credit is to be given to the testimony of Ebenezer Birch.
Saml Hasing
Albany July 15 1819
Page 15

[left side of page] Bishop

[right side of page] Moses Bishop
17232
[illegible]

Sept 20

C

Archibald Bull agent
Troy NY.
Page 16

State of New-York }
County of Rensselaer } SS.
On this Twenty fifth day of September 1820 personally appeared in open court, being a court of record for the said State called the Court of Common Pleas, having unlimited jurisdiction in Point of [illegible] and a record of its proceedings deploying the power to fine and imprison Moses Bishop aged sixty six years, resident in Rensselaer County in said state aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: In the year 1775 he enlisted under Capt Nathaniel Buel for one year. That he applied for a pension the fourteenth day of April 1818 & recd a Certificate No 17232 dated Thirtieth Aug 1820 for eight dollar per month. Says he was in the Connecticut Line that he served while in the army in Capt Waterbury & Burrells Regt is not positive as his memory fails him but that that he served in Col Hinmans Regiment in 17[illegible].
And I 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 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 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. to wit two Cows worth thirty dollars two calves worth eight dollars, eight sheep worth eight dollars, one pig worth twenty five cents. Poultry one dollar. one rickety [illegible] chair. one pot one kettle & tea kettle. one set [illegible] with other small articles of household furniture worth in all ten dollars. My family is composed of myself wife and four children. The eldest twenty years the youngest seven years. we have to support ourselves by day labor for such as [illegible] my wife is weakly and unable to assist. old age, poverty and [illegible] have rendered me unable to do much I have no house of my own. I live in one [illegible] and am unable to pay rent. Moses Bishop
Sworn to and declared in open court on the 25 day of September 1820
Archid Bull Dep. Clk.

[seal affixed at left]

I, Joseph S. Selden Clerk of Rensselaer County do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record 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 property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is fifty seven dollars and 25 cents. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this twenty fifth day of September 1820.
Joseph S. Selden
Clerk of the Court of the County of Rensselaer 

[written vertically in left margin] I have not property enough in all to pay my debts
Page 17

In reply to your request of ___, received ___ for a statement of the military history of Moses Bishop a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. 20,714

[five column table] Dates of Enlistment or Appointment./ Length of Service./ Rank./ Officers Under Whom Service Was Rendered. Captain. Colonel./ State.

2) Feb. 1776/ 2 yrs./ Pri./ Luther Stoddard. Charles Burrall./ Conn.

1) Feb. 1. 1775/ 1 yr./ Nathaniel Buel Hinman
3) Feb. 1. 1775/ 1 yr./ Titus Watson Herman Swift.
4 Feb. 1. 1775/ 1 yr./ Luther Stoddard Herman Swift.
Served in all six years.
Battles engaged in, Chambly, St Johns, Quebec.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Canaan, Litchfield Co., Conn
Date of application for pension, Apr. 14, 1818. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Stephentown. Rensselaer Co., N.Y.
Age at date of application, B. Mch. 4, 1758. He died Apr. 13, 1843 at Stephentown N.Y.
Remarks: He mar. Apr. 6. 1786, at Stephentown, N.Y. Jerusha Roberts who was born Dec. 21, 1765. She was allowed pension on her appl. ex. July 3, 1843 while a resident of Stephentown, N.Y. Children: Roxana, b. Nov. 30, 1786; Alpheus, b. Sept. 21, 1788; Jerusha, b. Dec. 29. 1790; Delia, b. July 9, 1793; Hosea, b. Aug. 30, 1795; Eliza b. Feb. 4, 1798; Ralph, b. May 15, 1800; Marianna b. July 28, 1802; Charles, b. June 21, 1805.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 18

[left side of page] No 216

[illegible] Reso. of
Jany 23 1845
Res

[right side of page] 9278
New York
Jerusha Bishop
widow of Moses Bishop
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818
and who died on the 13th April 1843,
of Albany Co in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Compy
commanded by Captain ___ of the Regt. commanded by Col Burrell in
the Conn line for One year
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany 
at the rate of 40 Dollars ___
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day
of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of
May 1845, and sent to Wm B. Pierce Albany, N.Y.
Total amount, $200.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by [illegible] Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D Vol. 1. Page 529
Page 19

[left side of page] Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 20.714
Jerusha Bishop
Widow of
Moses Bishop
Priv. Rev. War
Act: Mar. 3d /43 & June 17" 1847
Index: - Vol. A. Page 64

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side of page]
Jan. 29. 1913. History to
W. W. Cone.
Letter with Cl. W. 23.613
Richard Bishop F.W.
Page 20

Silas Thomas Esq
Affidavit
Page 21

I Silas Thomas one of the Justices of the Peace in the County of Rensselaer, do solemnly swear, that I live about one mile from Moses Bishop, said to be the Revolutionary Soldier I know he gave a Conveyance of his house and Land on the 6th day of August in the year 1817 Since which time he has owned no house nor Land to my knowledge or belief that he now Old infirm, and poor - I have been informed my Name was made use of at the War Department to Stop the Payment of said Moses Bishops Pension - if that was the Fact I further Swear if my name was made use of in that case it was without my knowledge or Consent
State of Newyork Rensselaer County December 28th 1822
Subscribed and Sworn Before Me Silas Thomas
Stephen Norton J. P.

State of New York }
Rensselaer County }
Clerks Office } I certify that Stephen Norton, whose signature appears to the Jurat above was on the day of the date of the above affidavit a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Rensselaer duly sworn and authorized to take said affidavit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the the seal of said County this 30th day of April 1823. -
Ben Smith Clerk
Page 22

Moses Bishop
Petitioner
Page 23

To the Hon the Secretary at War of the U States
The Petition of Moses Bishop A soldier in the Revolutionary War Most respectfully represents that in the month of September 1821,I was informed at the New York Agency that my Pension under the Law of the 18th of March 1818 was suspended in consequence of information received at the War Department "That I had put my property out of my hands - to obtain my Pension and that I had means to support myself &c &c.
Hon Sir That wrong Statements have been made to the Department over which you Preside. Unfavorable and unjust. And in their consequences Cruel and Destroying to your Petitioner I have no doubt - And that there is men in every Section of the Union who are opposed to the Principle of the Law aforesaid. And will do every act in their power to Present an old worn out Soldier of the Revolution from Receiving the Munificence of Government.
But Hon Sir it is well known to my Brother Soldiers of that day that I was in the Army a principal part of that War and did my duty faithfully - I was with Genl Arnold on Bemis heights in the Famous Tuesday Battle and had Seven Bullet holes shot through my Cloths, and my constitution broke down in that Service
I know Sir my Claim is Just - My Confidence in the War Department Unshaken
I therefore submit to your Hon The following affidavits and Certificates for the information of the War Department of my true Situation and property.
Moses Bishop
Stephentown December 18th 1822
The Honbl J. C. Calhoun Secy at War
Page 24

Stephentown December 23 1823
Hon Sir/
After our friendly interview at Albany, wish your assistance with the Honbl Secretary at War in the case of Moses Bishop he was a Revolutionary Soldier, was in one of the Battles at Bimus Heights had several bullets shot through his Cloths. I was in that Campaign and well remember the Severities of it - and can yet feel very sensably for a Soldier of that day - Moses Bishop came home from the Army, obtained a poor piece of Land worked on it had a Log house to Live in, Cleared a few acres of Land became in debt in 1817 before the Pension Law passed sold his Land to his Son & assigned his Lease over to him as is the Custom or the manor after the Pension Law had passed, he applyed and was Placed on the Pension List on the New York Agency in May 1820 - in 1821 forwarded a Schedule of Property under the Amendatory Act and was Continued on the Pension Roll he unfortunately got at variance with a person, who to Injure Bishop made Some Communications to the War Department his Pension is Suspended Last winter affidavits & other papers were sent to the Honbl John D Dickinson the Representative from Rensselaer Co to Remove the Suspension which were presented to the War Department, and Mr Dickinson Received the inclosed communication which he inclosed to me, the Papers was made out (as I supposed) agreeable to Directions & sent on to the War Department by mail - No answer has been Received - probably they have miscarried - or the Honble the Secretary at War from the Press of business has been prevented from Examining them - or if there is any Defect in those papers sent - we know not. I hope Sir you will call for information at the War office & write me - what has prevented Bishops being restored, if those papers are incorrect pray Direct me explicitly
The person who communicated against Bishop is Removed, to the Satisfaction of his Neighbbours - Bishops Service and privations in the Army are well known his poverty is such that his Children (who are poor) or the overseers of the poor must assist him this winter as they did Last or Suffer he must
His Lease was assigned to his son, as has been a Custom on the Manor more than 30 years, Rensselaer Co not made a Recording County till since the assignment of course not necessary to Record them - they have been Recorded to obtain Copies
Page 25

to forward to the War Department agreeable to Direction inclosed to Mr Dickinson
Thus Dear Sir I have wrote the History of Bishop Long as it has been it seemed necessary what is proper will be Done by you that he may be Restored
I am Sir with Due Respect
Your Obedt Servt
Hosea Moffitt

The Honble John W Taylor
Page 26

[left side of page]
To be sent to J Bell Albany New York

[right side of page]
Moses Bishop
Col. Burrills
Conn Regt
1776 - 1 year
14 April 1818.

"J. Bell, Esq
Albany
N. York"

Admitted

Stephentown Rensselaer Co N.Y.
Page 27

Ebenezer Birch being duly sworn saith that he served one year from February 1776 as a fellow Soldier with Moses Bishop named in the foregoing Declaration under the Command of Capt Luther Stoddard in Colonel Jonathan Burrels regmt That he was a faithful soldier and further saith not.
Ebenezer X his mark Birch
Sworn this 14th day of}
April 1818. before me }
Saml Hasing
Judge of Albany Com Pleas

City and County of Albany }
Clerks Office }
I certify that the above named Samuel Hasing was a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County at the time of taking the above Affidavit and that the signature is in his proper hand writing
Witness my hand & the seal of said County this 14th day of April 1818.
George Michael Clerk
Page 28

[left side of page]
Moses Bishop, pr.
Albany County, N.Y.
Various services -
2 years in Col. Heman
Swift's regiment,
Connecticut line -
14. April, 1818.
Not found on the rolls.

Saml. Haring, judge.
Joseph Bell, agent,
Albany, N.Y.

[right side of page]
Moses Bishop's
Declaration is drawn
up incorrectly - Let
him make a new one, & set forth the
service in Burrell's
regt. only - as that
service appears to be proved by the
testimony of one
or more witnesses
Page 29

I Enoch Benedict one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Rensselaer do hereby Certify that I have been personally acquainted with Moses Bishop of Stephentown in the County aforesaid for ten to twelve years past and due Certify that by his Reduced Circumstances he Stands in need of the provision of the act of Congress of the United States passed 18th March 1818 entitled an act to provide for Certain certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war given under my hand at Nassau this 3rd day of June 1818
Enoch Benedict one of
The Judges of Rens. Com. Pleas

State of New York
Rensselaer County } ss. I Certify that Enoch Benedict whose genuine signature is affixed to the above instrument was at the time thereof one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Rensselaer - 
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said County this 30 June 1814
Joseph D Selden Clerk
Page 30

State of New York }
Rensselaer County }
The undersigned being well acquainted with Ebenezer Birch who subscribes himself as a witness of the Service of Moses Bishop in the Continental Army before Judge Haring the 14th of April 1818 know him to be a man of respectability entitled to full faith and credit. Subscribed & Sworn to before me the 9th day of June 1819
Lovett Head Justice of Peace
Jas. L Hogeboom
A Buckman
Robert Hitchcock
Hosea Noyes
Page 31

Rensselaer County
Clerks Office }
I certify that Lovett Head was Justice of the Peace at the time of signing the within instrument for the County of Rensselaer and that full faith is to be given to his action as such - in witness whereof I have subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the County this 30th June 1819.
Joseph D Selden Clk
Page 32

State of Connecticut
Comptrollers Office
Hartford 22 Sept 1843
On application for evidence of the service of Moses Bishop in the war of the Revolution, alleged to have been rendered "two years under Luther Stoddard, then under Capt Titus Watson, Colonel Smith's Regt., then under Luther Stoddard again" I have examined the records and files of this office and find as follows:
Luther Stoddard Commanded a Company in Colonel Charles Burrels Regt raised in January 1776 for one year to serve at the Northward. There is upon the books of the Pay Table Committee among others this charge "Sept 10 1777 United States I do order on the Treasurer Capt Luther Stoddard for life of his Company, Col Burrels Regt, retreating from Canada."
Titus Watson was a Captain in the same regiment and there is this charge on the Pay Rolls journal, "January 30 1778 United States to order on Treasurer Capt Titus Watson for Hospital Expense in his Co [pound sign] 102.2.1 less 10.1.3 Burrells Regt"
There are no Pay rolls of either of the companies Titus Watson was a Captain in the 7th Regt of the Connecticut Line, commanded by Col. Heman Swift (not Smith) But I do not find the name of Moses Bishop among the soldiers of Swift's Regiment.
Page 33

It is not stated at what period, nor where the last alleged duty under Capt Stoddard was rendered I do not find his service entered on the Pay table Ledger yet he may have rendered other militia or Coast Guard duty.
Gideon Willis Comptroller
Page 34

In the matter of the application
of Jerusha Bishop for
pension under the act of
July 7. 1838. } Albany Sept 25. 1843.

Sir/
I have the honor to enclose to you the Certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut obtained agreeable to your requirements.
It appeared that Luther Stoddard commanded a company in Burralls Regiment in 1776, one year, during which time was the expedition to Canada. Should this correspond with the original statement of Moses Bishop I would respectfully submit whether the widow should not be allowed therefor in the absence of payroll of both of said companies of Stoddard & Watson.
I have the Honor to remain
With Great Respect
Your Obt Svt
Wm B Pierce

To Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 35

In the matter of the application
of Jerusha Bishop for pension under
the Acts of July 7. 1838 March
3. 1843. & June 17. 1844 } Albany N.Y.
January 6. 1845.

Sir/
The application of Jerusha Bishop was pending on the 17th of June 1844, and, I believe, her case is embraced in the provisions of the joint resolution recently passed by Congress.
This is the case in which I was superceded by Mr Bragg of Troy, but in which my agency has since been acknowledged. As the widow is frequently applying to me to learn the result of her application, which has not received your attention since July last, I would respectfully request that a certificate be issued for the one years service which you acknowledge as proved.
The enclosed affidavits I received some time since. They show the character of Mr Bragg, and I would also respectfully refer you to Lemuel Jenkins Esq of this city. I have recently been informed that Mr Bragg is now under indictment for fraud in obtaining pension money under false pretences.
I have the honor to be
Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
Wm B. Pierce

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 36

In the matter of the
application of Jerusha
Bishop for a pension
under the Act of July
7. 1838. } Albany Sept 26.1843.

Sir.
I would respectfully inform you that I have just received the enclosed letter in addition to the Comptrollers Certificate which I forwarded to you by yesterdays mail.
You will perceive that Mr Colton charges $6 or $8 for evidence that Moses Bishop enlisted into Captain Stoddard's Company in Feby 1776 - Now if this is additional to the service which you inform me is proved already to wit, the service of one year, & if you do not feel at liberty to allow a full pension after the present exhibits, I suppose it will be best for the applicant to pay Mr Colten for his evidence. Will you have the kindness to inform me what service is proved, in case the present proofs are insufficient to secure a full pension?
I have the Honor to remain
With Great Respect Yr Obt Sevt
Wm B. Pierce
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Page 37

War Department
Pension Office
January 25th 1823
Sir
Herewith enclosed are sundry documents committed to this office by you in the case of Moses Bishop, whose case has been suspended in consequence of information having been received that he had conveyed away his property in order to obtain a pension. The affidavits herewith returned want the certificates usually required in such cases. The Magistrates who administer the oaths should certify to the credibility of the witness, and the official character and signature of the Magistrates should be certified to by the proper Officer, under his seal of office. An authenticated copy of the deed of conveyance alluded to in Mr Thomas's affidavit, should accompany these documents, whenever they may be again forwarded to the Department.

Yours, very respectfully,
Your Obed Sevt
J. L. Edwards

Con: J. D. Dickinson,
House of Representatives
Page 38

Albany N.Y.
April 21st 1845.

Sir/
The claim of Jerusha Bishop having been overlooked & delayed a number of months beyond the time it was entitled to examination I would respectfully request that the present application may receive early attention if such a privilege may be awarded consistent with the rules of your department. The widow attributes the long delay in the adjustment of her claim to inattention of mine, and on this account alone I am induced to solicit all the privilege she may justly receive.
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Wm B. Pierce

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

House of Representatives
January 7. 1824

Sir
By the enclosed letter of Hosea Moffitt who was a member of the 13th Congress & is an old gentleman of great respectability, it appears that the papers in the case of Moses Bishop were made out & forwarded to the Department of War agreeably to the instructions contained in your letter of the 25th January 1823. The statement of Mr Moffitt appears satisfactory & is entitled to full credit, if however any obstacle should yet remain to the restoration of Bishop have the goodness to enable me to answer his letter.
With great regard
Your obedt sevt
John W. Taylor

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 40

In the matter of the application
of Jerusha Bishop
for a pension under the
Act of July 7. 1838. } Albany March 28. 1844

Sir/
I have no means to prove the additional service of Moses Bishop & would therefore respectfully request that pension for one years service may be granting to his widow & a certificate issued accordingly.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Sevt
Wm. B. Pierce

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 41

Albany N.Y. March 4. 1846.

Sir
Moses Bishop was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of March 18. 1818.
His widow Jerusha Bishop applied for a pension under the Act of July 7. 1838 & for want of evidence of service received but $40 per annum. It is stated that Moses Bishop her husband served upwards of three years under Captains Luther Stoddard & Titus Watson. From the certificate of the Comptroller of Connecticut it appears that there are no pay rolls of said officers' companies, but it also appears that they were on command during the years that Moses Bishop claimed to have served under them. Such being the fact it is respectfully submitted in view of the proofs now offered whether this original statement of Moses Bishop should not be received as evidence, in the absence of rolls & the widow or her representatives be allowed the amount of pension to which they would be entitled had the records been perfect or other proof obtained.
I am sir
Very respectfully
Your Ob Servt
Wm. B. Pierce

Hon J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 42

Comptrollers Office - Connecticut
Hartford 23 Aug. 1845.

On application for evidence of the service of Moses Bishop in the War of the Revolution, I have examined the documents remaining in this office relating to that War, and find the following evidence of the service of Officers under whom he is said to have been, but no Pay Rolls of their Companies have been found
In the accounts of the late "Pay Table Office" this entry
"United States . . . . . . . . . Dr
1777 Sep. 10 -To order on Treas. fm Cap. Luther Stoddard for Losses of his Company Col. Burrell's Regiment retreating from Canada . . . . . . . } [pound sign] 253.13.6"
In an account with Col. Burralls Regiment it is stated to have been raised in January 1776 for one year.
From the following entry it appears that Cap. Titus Watson was also of the same Regiment in that expedition,
"United States . . . . . . . . . . Dr.
1778 January 30 - To order on Treas. fm Cap. Titus Watson for Hospital Expense & Losses his Company Burrells Regiment. . . } [pound sign] 112.3.4"
In the record of settlements made with the Connectt. Line of the Continental Army, and under the head of "Settlement with the 7 Connt. Regt. Heman Swift Esq Colonel before January 1780."
Cap. Titus Watson is stated to have commenced service in that capacity, January 1st 1777 & to the time of that settlement, January 1st 1780, to have served 3 years. & in a subsequent settlement with the same Regt. & colonel, "for the year 1780," he is credited for 12 days service, from 1 January 1780.
A Carrington, Comptroller
Page 43

In the matter of the application
of Jerusha Bishop
for pension under the act
of Congress passed July
7. 1838. } Albany March 9. 1844

Sir
The case of Jerusha Bishop not having been heard from the widow is fearful that her certificate may fall into the hands of one Bragg who has visited her & endeavored to persuade her to sign some papers giving him authority to proceed. She says that the report is that this Bragg sustains an infamous character, that he once committed forgery & was compelled to leave the State in consequence & that he is now under indictment for some offence or misdemeanor I never saw this Bragg & know nothing of him, but from similar report, but as the widow desired I have prepared the enclosed Power of Attorney.
Her papers were sent to Washington in July last & additional proofs sent Sept. 25th since which the case has not been heard from. The widow is very needy & desires that as soon as her case is reached a certificate may be issued for the amount to which she appears to be entitled.
I am very respectfully
Your Mo Obt Sevt
Wm B. Pierce

Hon J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 44

State of New York
City & County of Albany } ss  Jerusha Bishop of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer & said State of New York hereby declares that her original attorney William B. Pierce of Albany N.Y. is the only attorney she has ever employed in the matter of her application for a pension under the law of July 7. 1838 & that if any other person or persons shall make application to the Pension office in her behalf it is without her knowledge or authority but that she hereby renews the power in William B. Pierce her said Attorney & request that her pension certificate when issued may be sent to him.
Witness my hand & seal at Albany aforesaid this fifth day of March A.D. 1844
Jerusha Bishop
Sealed & delivered in presence of } R L G Bancroft 

State of New York
City of Albany ss: } On this fifth day of March AD 1844. before me personally came Jerusha Bishop to me known to be the same person described in and who executed the foregoing Power of Attorney and acknowledged that she executed the same as her act & deed for the uses & purposes therein mentioned -
R L G Bancroft
Coms of Deeds
Page 45

State of New-York, }
City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office. } ss.

I, William Mix, Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby certify, that R. L. G. Bancroft 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 Com of Deeds in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the same County, and duly authorized to take the same: And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Commissioner 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 my official seal, the fifth day of March 1844.
William Mix Clerk.
Page 46

In the matter of the application
of Jerusha Bishop for pension
under the act of June 17. 1844 } Albany July 8. 1844

Sir,
I would respectfully inform you that I was informed by the son of the above applicant with whom she lives & who conducts all her business, that his mother had never executed a paper to Mr Bragg. I am now informed by the widow who has visited me for the purpose that she did sign a paper to Mr Bragg, but that she had no idea of superceding me, or of making any change against me. Bragg had visited her a number of times previous when her son was at home, and was informed that his services were not required. He visited her again in her sons absence & by imposing upon her ignorance persuaded her to execute a paper, the purpose of which she did not understand, being informed by Mr Bragg that it was only to assist me in obtaining her pension. I have no fears of any further interference in the matter & would respectfully submit the claim for such an allowance of pension as may appear due under the several acts.
I have never in any instance appeared in the character of a
Page 47

public informer, and had I not been nearly undermined & attacked I should not mention the name of Bragg or his connection with pensions. but being compelled to do so in self defence I shall at as early a day as possible put you in possession of the facts as to what I refered in my last letter.
I am very respectfully
Your Mo Obt Sevt
Wm. B. Pierce

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 48

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.

[vertically at right] Hon B. Tappan
Senate US
Page 49

Albany May 24. 1844.
Sir,
In justice to myself I beg leave to call your attention to a clause in your letter of the 20th inst to the Hon Benjamin Tappan viz. "It is proper to apprise you that this claimant superceded Mr Pierce by the appointment of Mr Bragg upon the ground of extortion, and that subsequently Mr Pierce has obtained her disavowal of that act & a formal renewal of his original employment."
The widow Bishop came to my office to inquire the progress of her claim & then & there informed me that she had been visited by Mr Bragg who endeavored to induce her to take the business out of my hands & entrust the same to him but that she had no confidence in Bragg & declined to do so.  With regard to the charge of extortion I would simply observe that I have never made or caused to be made any bargain whatever with Widow Bishop as to the amount of my compensation, but only that my charge would be regulated by the amount of trouble & expense incurred. If Mr Bragg has forwarded any paper purporting to come from Widow Bishop it must be a forgery, and it is proper that he should be dealt with according to law.
I beg leave to call your
Page 50

attention to the enclosed letter from James McKie Esq one of the most respectable & influential gentlemen of Washington County. While I was engaged in prosecuting the pension claim of his mother Elizabeth McKie, this same Bragg visited him & endeavored to supercede me, but the widow declined having any thing to do with him. This letter will explain in what light Mr Bragg is regarded by the respectable portion of our community.
Such being the case I would respectfully request that no communication from Mr Bragg may be received to my prejudice until the matter is duly investigated.
The charge of extortion comes with a poor grace from Bragg who but a short time ago drew upwards of $800 for a poor widow in Warren County & paid her but a little upwards of $100 & that in goods from a store. This information I received from Winant Van Derwecker Esq of the town of Northumberland, who was acquainted with all the facts & from whom full information may be obtained.
With regard to my own habits of charge I would respectfully refer to all for whom I do business
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Wm. B. Pierce
Page 51

P.S.
Since writing the foregoing letter I have been informed by Mr. Gardner of the Comptrollers Office that this same Bragg recently obtained $500 for another poor widow & paid her but about $50
Page 52

Troy
February 25. 1844

Sir
Jerusha Bishop of Stephentown Rensselaer Cty Widow of Mosses Bishop deceased has applied to me to have me assist her in procuring her Pension. She says Mr Pierce of Albany undertook to assist her but [illegible] tells her that he has a great deal of trouble in proving he is her husbands and if he suceeds in doing it he shall want half the Pension she says he made out the papers last July. I have undertaken to help her in processing the necessary proof of her marriage providing it has not been satisfactory done. as soon as you can reach it in  turn and if there is anything lacking will you please to inform me what it is and you will oblige
Respectfully yours
Saml C M. Bragg

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commission of
Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 53

Let. W. B. Pierce 11 Sept 43.
        "      "  23 March 44
Hon B. Tappan 20 May -
to Wm B. Pierce March 28. 1845.

accept 12 mos service
Page 54

Sir permit me to transmit to you the situation of the property of Moses Bishop of the Town of Stephentown in the county of Rensselaer and State of New York as he is drawing cash from the public chest I feel it indispensably my duty to inform you of the unjust maner in which it is obtained in the fall of Eighteen hundred Eighteen the said Moses Bishop disposed of his property consisting of a farm good dwelling house an barn cattle sheep and hogs to his son Hosea Bishop supposed to be for the purpose of defrauding his creditors as he ever after refused to pay his debts Shortely after he had dispenced with his property he petitioned for a pension and obtained it he has never been out of possession of his property and is now in the full enjoyment of the whole if an investigation is made Silas Thomas of the Town of Stephentown will be a material witness as he draughted the collusive conveyance of the whole of the sd Bishops property - -
Stephentown August 6th 1821
Roswell R. Chapman

The honerable
John C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Page 55

Washington March 1st 1845

Sir
I have been requested by Mr Wm B Pierce to ask the attention of the Department to the Claims of Jerusha Bishop and Welen Wilson for Pensions which have been lying for months unnoticed - Mr Pierce supposes they have in some way been passed over and would find himself greatly obliged if the papers should have an early consideration
I have the honor to be
Sir Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
C. D. Lewis

James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 56

Remove the suspension
in M. Bishop's
case & inform
the Hon. J. W. Taylor
4 Feb 1824

Suspension removed 4 Feb 1824 - See letters to Agent & Hon J. W. Taylor -
Page 57

[left side of page]
and twenty-three
Ben. Smith Clerk.

[right side of page]
Paul Roberts }
Moses Bishop } To
Certified Copy of a Lease

Moses Bishop }
Hosea Bishop } To
Certified Copy of an assignment
of said Lease -
Page 58

This Indenture made and concluded this twenty fifth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Eight Between Paul Roberts of Philipstown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York of the first part and Moses Bishop of Stephentown in the County aforesaid of the second part Witnesseth That the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred Dollars to him in hand well and truly paid by the said party of the second part before the signing hereof, the receipt of which he doth hereby acknowledge; and likewise for and in consideration of the yearly Rents covenants and conditions hereinafter contained hath granted bargained sold aliened released and confirmed and by these presents doth grant bargain sell alien release and confirm unto the said party of the second part and unto his heirs and assigns for ever all that certain lot or parcel of ground lying and being in the Town of Stephentown aforesaid and described as follows viz Beginning at a marked chestnut stake standing at the South West corner of the Lot of Thomas W. Roberts, thence due South fourteen chains and eighty eight links to a marked hemlock tree, thence South seventy six degrees and thirty minutes East six chains and ten links to a large white birch tree, thence due South fourteen chains twenty links, thence due East thirteen chains and thirty four Links, thence due North thirty chains and fifty four links, thence due west nineteen chains and twenty six links to the place of beginning, containing fifty acres of ground To have and to hold unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns for ever the above described premises with the appurtenances thereunto belonging, excepting always all such exceptions, conditions and restrictions as are contained in the original Release
Page 59

granted by Stephen Van Rensselaer Esq to Zophar Roberts of the same as reference being had thereunto will more fully appear to the said party of the second part or his heirs or assigns residing and paying therefor yearly and every year the rent of five bushels of good clean merchantable wheat to be delivered at the [illegible] House of the said Stephen Van Resselaer Esq on the first day of January of each and every year - And the said party of the first part for himself his heirs executors and administrators doth covenant and agree to and will the said party of the second part that he the said party of the second part or his heirs or assigns will and truly and truly paying or causing to be paid the yearly rents above reserved and agreed upon, and submitting to and fulfilling the conditions and restrictions on the part of the Lessee in the above mentioned Release to be Submitted & fulfilled, he shall and lawfully may peaceably and quietly have hold occupy possess and enjoy the said piece or parcel of ground herein above granted or mentioned or intended so to be, with the appurtenances thereunto belonging forever And the said party of the second part for himself his heirs executors administrators and assigns doth covenant and agree with the said party of the first part that he will from time to time well and truly pay or cause to be paid the above reserved rents, and faithfully fulfil all the conditions on his part to be paid or fulfilled by this indenture according to the true intent and meaning thereof - In Witness whereof we have herewith set our hands and seals on the day first above written.
Thomas W. Roberts Paul Roberts Ls
Alpheus Bishop Moses Bishop Ls

State of New York }
Rensselaer County } ss Be it known that on the 29th day of April 1823 before me personally
Page 60

appeared Paul Roberts to us known to be the same person described in and who executed the above Instrument and acknowledged to have executed the said Instrument for the uses and purposes therein mentioned and I having examined the said Instrument & finding no erasures or interlineations do allow the same to be Recorded.
J. W. Thomas Judge of Rea. Com Pleas

Recorded April 30th 1823 }
at Six o'Clock P M }
Ben Smith Clerk

This Indenture made the second day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and seventeen between Moses Bishop of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York of the first part and Hosea Bishop of the same place of the second part Witnesseth That the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of one hundred Dollars lawful Money of the United States to him in hand paid before the sealing hereof the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged both bargained sold assigned and set over, and by these presents doth bargain sell assign and set over unto the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns for ever all the Estate right title interest claim or demand whatever of him the said party of the first part of and to the will in Indenture of Lease and of and to the premises therein described and released by Paul Roberts to him the said Moses Bishop - He the said party of the second part paying the rents and fulfilling the covenants therein mentioned to be fulfilled and paid by the said Moses Bishop - He the said party of the second part shall hold the same in all respects as the said party of the first part doth and hath held it by virtue of the said within lease In witness whereof the said party of the first part hath hereunto set his hand and seal on the day above written -
Moses Bishop Ls
In presence of Alpheus Bishop
Ralph B. Bishop
Page 61

State of New York }
Renselaer County } ss  Be it known that on the 29th day of April 1823 before me personally appeared Moses Bishop to me known to be the same person described in & who executed the above Instrument. And acknowledged to have executed the above Instrument for the uses & purposes therein mentioned And I having examined said Instrument & finding no obliterations or interlineations do allow the same to be Recorded.
J. W. Thomas Judge of Real. Com Pleas.
Recorded April 30th 1823 }
at Six o'clock P.M. }
Ben. Smith Clerk.

State of New York }
Rensselaer County }
Clerks Office } I certify that the above and foregoing are true copies from the records now remaining in this office. -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this sixth day of May one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three
Ben. Smith Clerk.
Page 62

Troy Jany 21st 1824
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Sir -
I duly received the papers in the case of Moses Bishop transmitted in June last & then determined as soon as my business would permit to visit the neighborhood about thirty miles distant from this place where the petitioner resides -
I am well acquainted with the magistrate before whom the affidavit of the Bishops were taken, but have there some doubts of the propriety of the conveyance from the Father to the [illegible] understanding that they were both poor - I have since been so much engaged that I have not had leisure to go out to make the inquiry and have therefore delayed writing in answer to your first communication -
I have this morning
Page 63

seen Gen Hosea Moffitt who resides near Bishop and who formerly represented this district in Congress he states that the transfer from the father to the son was a fair bona fide transaction - that the property was about to be sold by the old mans Creditors, that they consented to the sale to the young man upon his undertaking to secure their debts & gave him from this time to make the payments & released the old man on his executing the conveyance - that he is well acquainted with the property so sold & that the consideration paid by the son was the full value - I am now satisfied of the fairness of the sale and of the real poverty of the old man and am very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Jno D Dickinson
Page 64

Statements of the inclosed papers
Page 65

Sir
inclosed herewith agreeable to directions from the War Department is two affidavits from Moses Bishop, - and Hosea Bishop - Sworn to before Silas Thomas Esqr who has Certified to the Credibility of the said Moses Bishop, and Hosea Bishop the witness
The Clerk of the County has Certified under Seal of Office that Silas Thomas was a Justice of the peace for said County at the time
Esq. Thomas has made an affidavit, Sworn to before Stephen Norton one of the Justices of said county which is also Certified by the Clerk of the County -
in the year 1819 a Law was passed in the State of Newyork - making it necessary to perfect the title that all Land Conveyances in Rensselaer County should be Recorded in the said County of Rensselaer. Last winter it was made General in every County in the State
The inclosed Lease from Paul Roberts to Moses Bishop - and the assignment on the back of said Lease, from said Moses Bishop to Hosea Bishop, being Prior to the Law of 1819 were not acknowledged and Recorded, till Copies was Required at the War Department - Copies could not be Certified, till acknowledged before the proper officer and Recorded in the County Clerks office which is done and the copies forwarded
all which is respectfully Submitted by
Hosea Moffett for Moses Bishop
Page 66

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Joint Resolution of January 23. 1845.

Whereas the Act of the 30th April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same service during which my husband was a pensioner I now make the following statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the Resolution above mentioned.
I am the widow of Moses Bishop who was a private in the War of the Revolution. I have already applied for a pension under the Act of July 7. 1838, and in addition to the amount due me under said Act now ask for the amount due me from the 11th day of March 1836, to the 13th day of April 1843 when her said husband Moses Bishop died
Jerusha Bishop
Sworn to & subscribed before me }
on this 19 day of April }
1845 Amos James of Stephentown Justice of the peace }
Rensselaer County N.Y. }
& I certify that the declarant }
is personally known to me & that }
she is the same individual she }
represents herself to be in the foregoing }
affidavit
Amos James Jun Justice of the peace
Page 67

State of New-York, }
Rensselaer County Clerk's Office, } ss.
I, Ambrose H. Sheldon, Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that Amos James Jun before whom the annexed affidavit was made and whose name is thereunto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized by law to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Affidavit is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County, this twenty four day of April 1845
A H. Sheldon Clerk.

[seal affixed at left]

State of New York }
Rensselaer County }
Clerks Office } ss

I ___ Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Amos James Jr
Page 68

Declaration
In order to obtain such pension as may be due under the Act of July 7. 1838. March 3. 1843 & June 17. 1844.

State of NewYork }
Albany County } ss On this second day of July 1844 personally appeared before the undersigned Jerusha Bishop, a resident of Stephentown, in the County of Rensselaer in said State of New York aged 78 years & upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the pension which may be her due under the Act of July 7. 1838, March 3. 1843 & June 17. 1844. That she this Declarant has already filed a declaration under said act of July 7. 1838, with papers proving her identity & marriage to Moses Bishop for whom she claims pension & which papers she now refers in this her application, and requests that such pension may be allowed her as upon a re examination of her claim may appear her due under all or either of the above acts. And declarant further saith that Wm B. Pierce of Albany NY is her only authorized agent to prosecute this her claim & to correspond on her behalf with the proper authorities for allowing the same at Washington.
Jerusha Bishop
Subscribed & sworn the day & }
year above written before me}
R L G Bancroft
Com of Deeds }
Page 69

State of New-York, }
City and County of Albany, Clerk's Office. } ss.
I, William Mix, Clerk of the said City and County, do hereby Certify, that R LeGrand Bancroft 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 Commissioner of Deeds in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County and duly authorized to take the same: And that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Commissioner 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 my official seal, the Eighth day of July 1844
William Mix Clerk.
Page 70

Moses Bishop } and
Hosea Bishop

Affidavits
Page 71

Moses Bishops Affidavit
I Moses Bishop of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer State of Newyork Do solemnly Swear, that on the 6th day of August 1817 - I was so Embarrassed by debts I then Owed, that I sold Fifty acres of Land with an Old Log house to Raise money to pay my debts and Conveyed it by deed.
That Since that time I have owned no House nor land, all the property I now own in the World is, one yearling, two Small Swine, and - a moderate Share of Household furniture Scarsely Sufficient to make a poor family Comfortable, and not as much as the Law of this State exempts from Execution to every poor man who owns no Real Estate -
Moses Bishop
Rensselaer County December 18th 1822
Sworn Before
Sworn before me
Silas Thomas Justice peace

Hosea Bishops Affidavit
I Hosea Bishop of Stephentown in the County of Rensselaer & State of Newyork Do solemnly Swear That on the 6th day of August 1817, I know that my Father Moses Bishop, sold his House and Land (50 acres) to Raise money to pay his debts, and that he owns no house or Land, nor has he owned any since the Sale aforesaid - that his property at this time is, one yearling, two small swine & a Small pittance of Household furniture
Hosea Bishop
Rensselaer County December 18th 1822
Sworn before me
Silas Thomas Justice peace

Rensselaer County I Silas Thomas one of the Justices of the Peace in said County do hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with Moses Bishop and with Hosea Bishop, That they maintain a good moral Character, and that their truth and veracity with me is not doubted.
February 10 1823. Silas Thomas Just peace
Page 72

State of New York }
Rensselaer County }
Clerks Office } I certify that Silas Thomas who has taken the affidavits of Moses Bishop and Hosea Bishop which appear on the other side of this sheet was on the day of the date thereof one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Rensselaer duly sworn and authorized to take said affidavits
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 30th day of April 1823
Ben. Smith Clerk

[written vertically at left]
Moses Bishop } and
Hosea Bishop
Affidavits
Page 73

State of New York }
City & County of Albany } Ss

Peter Roberts of the town of Nassau in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York aged Seventy three years on the seventeenth day of June last passed being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that he is a Brother of Widow Jerusha Bishop who now resides in town of Stephentown in said County of Rensselaer and is an applicant for a pension. That this Deponant was present at and witnessed the marriage of his Sister the said Jerusha to Moses Bishop who died on the thirteenth day of April last, and who was at the time of his death a pensioner of the United States under the Act of Congress passed March 18. 1818. That said marriage occurred in the Spring of the year (1786) Seventeen hundred and eighty six. And that from said time until the day of the death of the said Moses Bishop she the said Jerusha lived with him the said Moses Bishop as his lawful wife, and that since that time she has remained  his widow single and unmarried And Deponant further saith that he remembers the precise year of said marriage from a number of circumstances, among which are the following That Deponant was fourteen years of age when his fathers family moved to Stephentown and that the next year his said sister Jerusha was married as aforesaid And Deponant further saith that his said sister is four and a half years older than himself and Deponant well remembers that his said sister was twenty years of age but not yet twenty one when she was thus married to Moses Bishop as aforesaid And Deponant further saith that his said sister Jerusha was thus married to
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Moses Bishop as aforesaid. And Deponant further saith, that his said sister Jerusha was thus married to Moses Bishop at the time aforesaid by John W. Schermerhorn Esquire who was then a Justice of the Peace in the said town of Stephentown or that part thereof now called Nassau, and where Deponant and said Jerusha then lived at their father's house. And Deponant further saith that he has examined the family record of his said Sister Jerusha which is herewith produced and well knows that the same was written by Deponants Brother Paul Roberts now deceased who was an excellent writer having been employed as a School master when only seventeen years of age. And that Deponant from his personal knowledge can testify that the fact of marriage and the birth of children contained in said record are true and correct
Peter Roberts
Subscribed and sworn this third day of }
July 1843 before me and I certify that said }
Peter Roberts is a credible witness }
word "date" on first page erased and "year" interlined -
J. M. Settle
Com of Deeds
Page 75

State of New York }
City & County of Albany } ss
Ralph Bishop of the town of Stephentown, County of Rensselaer & State of New York aged forty three years on the fifteenth day of May last being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is the seventh child of Moses & Jerusha Bishop. That his father the said Moses died at Stephentown aforesaid on the thirteenth day of April last and that his mother the said Jerusha still lives in Stephentown aforesaid and is an applicant for a pension. That the accompanying family record has been in the possession of his said parents Moses & Jerusha Bishop as long as this Deponent can remember. That it was contained in an old bible now too old for use and was recently taken there from by this Deponent. That Deponent from his own personal knowledge can testify that said record has been in said bible for more than thirty years and he was in habit of referring to it when a boy, and that Deponent tore the same from the said bible for the express and only purpose of sending the same to Washington in the matter of the application of his said mother Jerusha for a pension his father the said Moses having been a pensioner at the time of his death under the Act of Congress passed March 18. 1818
Ralph Bishop

Subscribed & sworn this third day of July 1843 }
before me & I certify that said Ralph Bishop }
is a credible witness
J. M. Settle
Com of Deeds -
Page 76

State of New York }
County of Albany }
Clerks Office } ss I H B Haswell Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Jacob M Settle, before whom the foregoing affidavits of Peter Roberts & Ralph Bishop purport to have been taken was at the time thereof a Commissioner of Deeds in & for said County duly Commissioned & sworn & I do further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said commissioner, have examined his signatures to the Jurats of said affidavits & verily believe the same to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal this tenth day of July A.D. 1843.
H. B. Haswell Clerk

[seal affixed at left]
Page 77

In the matter of the application }
of Jerusha Bishop for a pension under }
the act of Congress of July 7. 1838  }
Albany July 10. 1843

Sir,
I would respectfully solicit your attention to the accompanying evidence in support of the above application.
The applicant Jerusha Bishop was married to Moses Bishop as early as April 6th 1786. She was married by a Justice of the Peace, an officer not then required by law in this State to preserve a record of marriages. No public record can be found of this marriage. The widow furnishes a family record which bears evident marks of age Said record is duly authenticated by the affidavits of Peter Roberts & Ralph Bishop.
The applicant respectfully submits this record: the testimony of a personal witness; & of two neighbors who knew the facts in proof of her marriage, being the best proof that can be furnished in the case. You will please notice that the witnesses state why they remember the date of said marriage.
The applicant also respectfully refers to the papers already on file in the matter of the application of her late husband the said Moses Bishop for a pension under the act of March 18. 1818. in proof of service.
I have the Honor to remain
With Great Respect
Your Mt Obt Servt
Wm B. Pierce

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 78

9211
Jerusha Bishop
Applicant for pension
Act
July 7. 1838.
died 13 Apl 43

Agent
Wm B. Pierce
Albany NY

[written vertically at right]
Charles Harper Clk
Page 79

State of New York }
Rensselaer County } ss.
Demas Woodward of New Lebanon in the County of Columbia and State of New York aged Seventy five years being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she has been acquainted with Moses Bishop who died at Stephentown in the month of April last for upwards of fifty seven years, and before his marriage to Jerusha Roberts whom deponent has also known for an equal length of time. That deponent was not present at the marriage of said Moses and Jerusha but well remembers the time of its occurrence & that the same occurred nearly or quite fifty seven years ago. And deponent heard of said marriage at the time thereof and knew that afterwards and until the said day of the death of the said Moses they the said Moses and Jerusha lived together in Stephentown aforesaid as man & wife and raised a family of Children, and that Deponent has never heard said marriage doubted or questioned, but that said Moses & Jerusha always sustained a reputable character as husband and wife, and that the said Jerusha since the death of her husband the said Moses, has remained a widow.
Demas Woodward

Subscribed and sworn this 5th day of July }
1843 before me and I certify that said Demas }
Woodward is a credible witness }
Geo. W. Norton
Justice of the Peace }
Page 80

State of New York
County of Rensselaer } ss Abijah Bush of the town of Nassau in said County aged Eighty eight years being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was a soldier during the war of the revolution and is now a pensioner of the United States. That he has been acquainted with Moses Bishop who died at Stephentown in the month of April last for upwards of fifty seven years, and before his marriage to Jerusha Roberts whom Deponent has also known for an equal length of time. That Deponent was not present at the marriage of said Moses & Jerusha but well remembers the time of its occurrence & that the same occurred nearly or quite fifty seven years ago. And Deponent heared of said marriage at the time thereof and knew that afterwards & until the said day of the death of the said Moses they, the said Moses & Jerusha lived together in Stephentown aforesaid as man and wife and raised a family of children, and that Deponent had never heared said marriage doubted or questioned but that said Moses & Jerusha always sustained a reputable character as husband & wife & that the said Jerusha since the death of her husband the said Moses has remained a widow.
Abijah Bush
Subscribed & sworn this 5th day of July 1843 }
before me & I certify that said Abijah Bush is }
a credible witness. }
Geo. W. Norton
Justice of the Peace }
Page 81

State of New York }
Rensselaer County }
Clerks Office } ss I Charles Hooper Clerk of said County do hereby certify that George W. Norton before whom the foregoing affidavits of Demas Woodward & Abijah Bush purport to have been taken was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly elected & sworn. And I do further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, have examined his signatures to the Jurats of said affidavits & verily believe the same to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand & affixed my Official Seal this 10th day of July A.D. 1843
Charles Hooper Clk