Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,953, for Joshua Simmons, New York
Page 1

SERVICE
New York

Simmons, Joshua
Dep, Hannah
(Former widow)

NUMBER
W. 16,953
Page 2

Left page:

Rep 15 Feb 44

Right page:


New york City 3975

Albany N.Y.

Hannah Dep formerly the
widow of Joshua Simmons -decd. or
who died at Sea
of Suffolk Co in the State of New york
 who was a pri & Corp in the Co. commanded
By Captain —— of the Regt commanded
by Col —— in the Revolution
N. Y. line for 2 years 12 mo as Corp. & 12 mos as private

Inscribed on the Roll of New york city at the rate of 84 Dollars —— Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Feby. 1844 and sent to Hon. S. B. Strong, 
Ho. of Reps.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1843   $1050.00
Semi=annual allowance ending, 4 Mar 44   $42.00
$1092.00

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 4, 1836,}
(Section the 3d}

Recorded by F. L. Swann  Clerk.
Book C. Vol. 1 Page 112
Page 3

No 5192

Hannah Simmons
widow of Joshua

Act 4 July 1836.
Page 4

Note:  There is a large sun shaped seal, blacked out in upper left corner

State of New York}
Suffolk County}  SS

I George S Phillips Clerk of Said Court and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do Certify that Hugh Halsey whose name is subscribed to the annexed Declaration and Affidavits is First Judge of said Court, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that his signature therein annexed is genuine —
Given under my hand and the Seal of Said Court this tenth day of October 1840 —
Geo. S. Phillips Clerk

[Note:  The above letter has been placed over another letter of which only partial is shown.  The full letter can be seen on the next page.]
Page 5

State of New York}
Suffolk County} ss
On this sixth day of August one thousand eight hundred and forty personally appeared before Hugh Halsey First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, Hannah Simmons as resident of the town of Easthampton in said County aged eighty two 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- and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3d 1837 - That she was married to Joshua Simmons who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution in the month of September 1776 - that after the marriage the same fall he left home and went into the service as a soldier in the army of the United States.  that she understood that he continued in the service until his return which was seven years and eight months after he left home in the fall of 1776 as above states.  that her husband the aforesaid Joshua Simmons died at Sea on a voyage to the West Indies about four years after his return from the service of the United States -  and about the year 1788 - that she was afterwards married to Cyrus Dep - and that he is now living - but that he abandoned her more than fourteen years ago - and left her helpless to take care of herself - and unprotected - that he was cruel and berated her in an inhuman manner threatening her life and actually attempted to take it - and leaving the marks on her chin when he attempted to carry his threats into execution in attempting to cut her throat - that she now considers herself a widow - and that
[end of page]
Page 6

and such on the 4 of July 1886 and equitably entitled to the provisions of the Pension laws.. and she further declared that her said husband Joshua Simmons drew bounty lands in the State of New York - and was in the Service of the United States for a period of time - as by reference to the certificates of the Comptroller of the State of New York herewith annexed will more fully appear - that she was married to the said Joshua Simmons by the Rev Samuel Buel Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in the town of Easthampton aforesaid that she has no family record - and knows of none of any description.  that she has never received a pension and that this application is for her sole use & benefit
Hannah [X her mark] Simmons

Sworn& Subscribed by making her mark, before me this 6th day of August 1840 -
H. Halsey  First Judge
Suff Co. N Y -

Suffolk County ss
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of the said county do certify that Hannah Simmons who has appeared before me and signed the foregoing declaration by making her mark is unable from bodily infirmity to attend before a court or record for the purpose of making such Declaration -
August 6th 1840 -
H. Halsey First Judge
Suff Co -
Page 7

State of New York}
Secretary's Office}

I certify that it appears by the Military Register in this office that Joshua Simmons enlisted as a soldier in Captain Walker's company in the 4th New York Regiment on the first day of January 1777 to serve during the war, and was a Corporal in January 1781 & private in January 1782 - It also appears by the Balloting Book of the Commissioner of the Land office of this State that Joshua Simmons was a private in Capt. Hamtramcks Company in the 2d. New York Regiment at the close of the war and that 600 acres of Bounty Lands were granted to him by this State -  See printed Balloting book page 43.
Arch.d Campbell
Dep. Secretary

Albany April 1, 1840
Page 8

State of New York}
Suffolk County}  ss

Scipio Schellinger of Easthampton in said county being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he knew Joshua Simmons formerly of Easthampton aforesaid - that he this deponent is eighty four years old - that he was present at the house of the Rev Samuel Buel in Easthampton and saw the said Joshua Simmons married to Hannah Simmons who is an applicant for a Pension in the declarations hereunto annexed - that they were married by the said Rev Samuel Buell - that he does not recollect the year the marriage took place, but knows it was previous to the time Simmons went into the service of the United States in the Revolutionary War -
Scipio [X his mark] Schellinger

Sworn & Subscribed before me}
this 6th day of August 1840}
H Halsey First Judge
Suff Co.

Suffolk County ss 
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of said county do certify that Scipio Schellinger above named (although aged & infirm and his mental faculties somewhat impaired) is a credible person and this statement is entitled to credit- 
H Halsey First Judge
Suff Co -

Date 6 August 1840 -
Page 9

Suffolk County ss
Mary Buell of Easthampton in the County aforesaid being duly sworn saith that she is the widow of the Rev Samuel Buell formerly Pastor of the Presbyterian Church & Congregation in said town - that she now has in her possession the record kept by him of marriages - and that she has examined the same.  And that there is no record of any marriage after the year 1752 until 1793 - that she finds the following memorandum in said book of records the hand writing of the said Samuel Buell (to wit) "I have for a long course of years omitted putting down marriages which I think has been a faulty omission which I mean to remedy for the future - Easthampton January 1st 1793 -"
Mary Buell

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 6th day of August 1840-
H. Halsey First Judge
Suff Co

Suffolk County ss
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do certify that I am well acquainted with Mary Buell who has signed the above written affidavit.  that she is a credible person and her statement is entitled to credit -
H. Halsey First Judge
Suff Co-

August Sixth 1840 -
Page 10

Rev
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 16,953
Hannah Dep
Former wid. of Joshua Simmons 
Corp'l Rev War

Act:  July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. 9, Page 177

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 11

N. Y.  5792

Hannah Simmons widow of Joshua.

let to Mr H. Halsey
Nov: 16, 1840.

Copies of papers sub to Hon W. Smith 
apl 28. 1842.  Let to Hon C A Floyd.
Feby 4 '43

Act 4 July 1836 —
Page 12

5192

Hannah Dep
N. Y.

let to H. Halsey Nov. 16. 1840
"    "   Hon. C A Floyd  feb. 4. 1843
let to H. Halsey  May 26 1843
"    "   "   "           Oct 30


Act 4 July 1836
Page 13

War Department, 
Pension Office, 
February 13th 1844

Sir: 
Be pleased to inscribe on your roll the name of Hannah Dep formerly the widow of Joshua Simmons who was a Corporal and private at the rate Eighty four dollars and - cents per annum; commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, under the 3d section of the act of July 4, 1836, and pay her pension up to the time of the last semi-annual payment, if she should be still living and unmarried; and, if not, you will pay the money due up to the day of her death, or her marriage, as the case may be.
Pensions under the above act are to be paid immediately on the production of the proper vouchers.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
To the Agent for paying Pensions at Albany New York 30
[Handwritten sideways] Returned as requested by your letter of the 15th with -
Page 14

Payment to be made
at Albany New York
by T. W. Olcott,
Agent for paying Pensioners,
in the Agency of
Albany
New York
Issue a new certificate 
in this case - and 
make it payable at
New York
[Suffolk County belongs to the N. York Agency]
- 
Hon. S. B. Strong
H. Rep
Notify the Agents
at Albany
N. York

Recorded in the Pension 
Office, in Book C. Vol 1
Page 112 by
F. L. Swann Clerk
Page 15

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th of July, 1836, Hannah Dep of New york, formerly the, widow of Joshua Simmons who was a Corporal & Private in the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Eighty four dollars and - cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September.
Given at the War Office of the United State, this thirteenth day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty-four

[Embossed medallion attached]

Evaluated and Countersigned}
Page 16

In Open Court
Suffolk County
Court of Common Law [?] in and for said County having [illegible] on the 3"day of October 1843
It was proved to the satisfaction of this Court that Cyrus Dap who was the husband of Hannah Dap of Earlhampton in said County died in said town on or about the first of February 1841 - and that the said Hannah Dap his widow is still living and resides in said town of Earlhampton. 
Witness the signature of the Clerk and seal of Court on the day first aforesaid.
Samuel A Smith, Clerk
Page 17

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington.
Page 18

East Hamptons Suffolk Co March 11th 1848

IL Edwards, Esq
Dear Sir, 
I have been requested to state a few facts which have come to my knowledge concerning the claim of Hannah Dep. I think it was sometime in the year 1839 or '40 while assissting [sic] several widows from this town to obtain a pension. I was frequently applied to by this old woman to help her to get a pension for the services of her deceased husband. She said his name was Joshua Simmons or Simmany, and that he served as a soldier during the Revolutionary War and drew 550 acres of Bounty Lands - was gone from home seven years and eight months. This had uniformly been her only plain and simple story concerning the matter. I told her I would write to the department of State and see if any record could be found of the statement which she made. I did so, and obtained the certificate which you now have in possession and which I supposed was a record of the identical man sought for. But as this proof seems to be hardly admissible on account of the improbability of a Colored man holding a warrant office.
Page 19

I advised her to renew her application for the purpose of proving as far as possible the service of said Joshua by living witnesses, which is but traditionary yet it comes from the best source among them is our Presbyterian minister a clergyman of high standing and others of equal worth and respectability.
This said Joshua was doubtless the son of an Indian woman from the land of Montauk, of a very light complexion as his grandchildren now living are of a lighter color than that of ordinary Indians. And it is not fair to presume that he was barely considered in the army as a colored man and therefore was permitted for a short time to hold the office of Corporal as a reward for some particular service as it will be seen by his certificate that his promotion was merely temporary. I can only add that the said Hannah is honest poor and destitute and if she be entitled to a pension it will be a sure of relief to her and her grandchildren, who are likewise poor. 
Yours respectfully,
Josiah C Dayton
Page 20

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Washington
D. C.
Page 21

Bridgehampton N. Y. - Jany 21  1843

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions -

In my letter to the Department dated Oct. 1840. accompanying the Papers of Hannah Simmons widow of Joshua Simmons I mentioned that Simmons was a man of colour - which Iection ^to the claim of the widow I did not enter into any particulars - This *annum to my communication from the Department under date of Nov 15 1840 - satisfied me that her application could not be allowed on account of her second marriage with Cirus Dep who was then living - By the alteration of the Law and the death of her last husband, I suppose she is now entitled to a Pension provided she can make it satisfactorily appear to the Department that she was the wife and widow of the Joshua Simmins mentioned supposed to be true, and still suppose it to be true - but not thinking that could be an obj in the Certificate of the Comptroller of this State. - It will be made to appear by proof as I am told that Simmons was a very light coloured mulatto - and it it was not contrary to all rule that a person having the least black blood running in his veins should be promoted to the Office of a Corporal for a short time - I can see no good reason why it
[end of page]
*believe the writer meant to say ammendment
Page 22

It appears on reading the Certificate - that Simmons enlisted as a Soldier on the first of January 1777 - to serve during the war - that in January 1781 - he was a Corporal - but again a private in January 1782 - how long a time he acted as Corporal the evidence does not show us.  he might have been promoted for some special purpose for aught we can tell - and probably was as he was it seems a private the next January - I do hope that this slight tincture of the skin will not be an insuferable barrier in this case - but that she may have her pension without delay.  for she is aged and infirm - and in a short time she will need no aid as she will have gone to meet him whom she called her husband in another world - Please excuse my lengthy communication - and grant the widows prayer -
Respectfully
Your A W Hbl Svt
H. Halsey
Page 23

Smithtown NY
9 Octr

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



NY
Cyrus Dep

Oct 12 1843

Henry Halsey
Bridgehampton
NY
Page 24

Bridgehampton  Suff Co  N Y -
5 Oct 1843 -

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Yours of 26 May last requiring proof of the death of Cyrus Dep the last husband of Hannah Dep who is an applicant for a pension was duly recd. and a few weeks afterwards I sent you the affidavit of the Rev Mr Ely of Easthampton proving his death and the time thereof.  Your letter required the proof to be corroborated by the Certificate of a Court of records - but as no court of record was to be held until this time -  that proof was certified in such manner as I supposed might [illegible] the purpose - but as I have not heard from the department in relation to it - I now send a Certificate of the Court that his death has been proved to the satisfaction of the Court  which I trust will be satisfactory provided other proof was not - Will you have the goodness to take up this matter and decide upon it - as it has now been a long while before the Department -
I should be pleased to hear soon -
I am very Respectfully
Your Ovt Servant
H. Halsey
Page 25

Bridge Hampton, N Y}
April 19"}

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


Printed on the side:

Apl 22d 1843
NY

Hannah Dep
Page 26

Bridgehampton N. Y. Apl 18 1843.

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir-
I enclose the papers of Hannah Dep. widow of Cyrus Dep - and formerly the widow of Joshua Simmons for a Pension under the Act of 1836 and subsequent acts relating thereto - you have had this claim before you on a former application.  and I understand it was not rejected but suspended for further proof which should be more satisfactory - this same evidence concerning the marriage of Hannah to Joshua was furnished in this case on the first application - that was furnished in all the other cases of widows from that town which evidence in their cases was deemed sufficient - that proof is now on file - the certificate of the Secretary of State of the State of N Y was obtained before her declaration was first made - and the reason was that it was deemed pertinent to see if her statement in relation to Bounty lands were correct - But this great objection seems to be that he was a Coloured man - and here I may be permitted to express a hope that this widow will not be debarred of a pension for this cause - if she has in other respects satisfied the department of her just claim - if there is nothing which precluded the possibility of a Coloured man's holding a warrant office at least as high as  Corporal - I do hope the department will see fit to grant this widow a pension - and that I may have the pleasure of receiving a Certificate for her benefit which will gladden her heart to her dying day — 
Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Hugh Halsey
Page 27

J L Edwards
Pension Office

Written sideways on page:

Jan 27 1843

NY
Hon Simmons

 Hon C A Floyd
HR
Page 28

I enclose further testimony in the Case of Hannah Simmons asking for a pension under the several acts relating to widows &c
January 27th 1843.

Yours &c.
C A Floyd
Page 29

In the matter of Hannah Simmons -

Further Proof to be given to the Commission -

Affidavits of  
Barrillia King and Eloise Lester -

N.Y.

S. B. Strong
House Reps

Hon S. B. Strong HR
Page 30

Sworn and Subscribed}
this 10th day of November 1845}
before me}
Josiah C Dayton, Justice of the peace

State of New York}
County of Suffolk} 
Eloise Lester of the Town of East Hampton County of Suffolk and State aforesaid being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is in the 84th year of her age.  That she well knew Joshua Simmons and Hannah his wife.   was well acquainted with Hannah both before and after she was married, cannot tell when, or at least the particular time she was married but is certain or has every reason to believe
[end of page]
Page 31

that she was married to the said Joshua, at or about the commencement of the Revolutionary War.  as they had one child before he, Joshua went into the war that she frequently saw the said Hannah while Joshua was in the war.  That she always understood, that he (Joshua) served the most of the Revolutionary War.  and drew Bounty Lands.
Eloise [X her mark] Lester

Sworn & Subscribed}
this 10th day of November 1843}
before me,
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace

State of New Yoru}
County of Suffolk}  ss
I Josiah C Dayton of the Town of East Hampton, a Justice of the peace of the said county do hereby certify that I know & am well acquainted with Barzelia King & Eloise Lester, above names; that they are respectable & credible persons, and their statements are entitled to credit
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}
I Samuel A Smith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Josiah C Dayton is a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified; that his commission was dated on the First day of January 1842.  and will expire on the last day of December 1845 and that his signatures above written are genuine.  
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 4th day of January 1844
Samuel A Smith. Clk
Page 32

Smithtown NY}          1 oz
Oct 12th}

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


Written on side:

No 5192.
Oct 12. 1836

N. Y. 
July 4. 1836
Han. Simmons
Page 33

Bridgehampton N. Y.
Oct. 1840—

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
At the request of Hannah Simmons and her friends I forward you certain Papers asking for her a pension under the act of 1836.  when she first applied to me she said she was sometimes called Sinnamon. Simony & Simmons - she stated that her husband Joshua left home in the fall of 1776 to join the Army of the Revolution.  She then having been married to him but a short time - and that he was absent until after Peace took place - she also stated that he drew bounty lands so she had been informed.
He was a coloured man and she is a coloured woman which accounts for the name - I enquired of her neighbours respecting her husband and they uniformly say that they always understood he served during the war - but as his enlistment was not here, no living testimonies can be procured of his services - I informed her that if he drew bounty lands - I thought it would be sufficient evidence of his service - On enquiry at the Office of the Secretary of State of New York I obtained the facts set forth in the Certificate of the Dep. Secretary annexed to the enclosed application - and I trust other widows may be found at the Department at Washington - When I was called on the 6 of Aug. last to take her Declaration in writing it turns out that after the death of Joshua her husband she again married one Cyrus Dep - but as he had abandoned her - she considered herself a widow and entitled to all the privileges of a widow under the Pension acts - She is one of those individuals whom the law intended to reach - and if there is equitable relief for her, she being very poor
[end of page]
Page 34

it would be to her a service of comfort in her declining years -
Respectfully
Your Obt Servt -
Hugh Halsey


The applicant requests that all communication mey ^be addressed to me -
HHalsey
Page 35


Smithtown N. Y.
Aug

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



Written on side:
Aug 21. 1843
NY 
addl proof
Hannah Dep
Page 36

Bridgehampton Suff Co N Y—

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Your note of 26 May last in relation to the claim of Hannah Dep was duly rec'd - you require "satisfactory evidence of the Death of her last husband Cyrus Dep - corroborated by the Certificate of a Court of Record within this jurisdiction of which he may have died"  Our County Court sit only in the months of January, May & October and consequently no opportunity has been had to procure such certificate since the receipt of your letters - nor will there be until Oct. next - I have therefore procured the Affidavit of the Clergyman residing in the town where Cyrus Dep lived & died.  and have a First Judge of the County Courts of this County what are our Courts of Record Certified as to the credability of the person making the proof.  and also that the form is satisfactory to me - and I could wish that this proof might be satisfactory to the Department
I trust the Certificate granting Hannah Dep a Pension according to the proof exhibited in her papers will be made & forwarded according to her earnest request - Please direct to me -
I am Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servant
Hugh Halsey

Aug 1 1843 —
Page 37

State of New York}
Suffolk County}  ss
Samuel R Ely a Clergyman residing in the the [sic] Parish of Easthampton town of Easthampton County of Suffolk being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Cyrus Dep late of said town deceased.  that the said Cyrus Dep was the husband of Hannah who was formerly the widow of Joshua Simmons dec'd who was reported to have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary war - that the said Cyrus Dep who was the husband of the said Hannah now Hannah Dep is dead - that he died on or about the Second day of February in the year one thousand eight-hundred and forty one - that he this deponent attended the funeral of the Said Cyrus Dep as the officiating clergyman - and is positive that he died on or about the time above stated -
Samuel R. Ely

Sworn & Subscribed}
before me this 1st day}
of August 1863}
Hugh Halsey  First Judge
Suffolk County N Y

Suffolk County ss
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of the County Court of said County do Certify that Samuel R Ely who has subscribed and sworn to the above written affidavit is a Presbyterian Clergyman in good and regular standing in the town of Easthampton in said County - that he is a credible person and his statements entitled to full credit - and I do further Certify that it has been satisfactorily proven before me by the Said Samuel R Ely that Cyrus Dep named in the above affidavit died on or about the second day of February 1841—
Hugh Halsey  
First Judge of the County Courts
Suff Co—
Page 38

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}  ss.

I Samuel A Smith Clerk of the Court of Common pleas for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that Hugh Halsey is First Judge of the County Court of said county and that at the date of the within certified he was duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature to the within certificate is genuine—
Given under my hand and the seal of said County the 17th day of August 1843
Samuel A Smith  Clerk
Page 39

5192

Hannah Dep
alias Simmons
formerly widow of
Joshua Simmons
N. Y.

act 4 July '36 & 3 March 37—

Admd
12 mo pri
12 mo Corpl
$84

Hon. S. B. Strong
H. R.
Page 40

A large medallion shaped seal is found upper left corner 

State of New York}
Suffolk County}  ss
I Samuel A Smith Clerk of Said County and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do Certify that Hugh Halsey whose name is subscribed to the annexed declaration affidavits & Certificate as First Judge of said County, and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge.  and verily believe that his signature thereto annexed is genuine - And I do further Certify that Josiah C. Dayton whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavits is a Justice of the Peace in the town of Easthampton in said County.  and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his Signature thereto annexed is genuine—
Given under my hand and the Seal of said Court this fourteenth day of March 1843—
Samuel A Smith - Clerk
Page 41

State of New York}
Suffolk County} ss
On this 3d day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Hugh Halsey First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County - Hannah Dep, a resident of the town of Easthampton in said County in the eighty fifth year of her age who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the third section of the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 - and an act of the last Congress extending the provisions of the act of 1836 to all who are widows at the time of their application  That she was married to Joshua Simmons ^who was afterwards a soldier in the war of the Revolution in the months of September 1776. by the Rev Samuel Buell DD. in his home, that after this marriage the same fall he left home and went into the service as a soldier in the war - that he went away from Sag Harbor Long Island with Major John Davis and Dac Gardiner - she went to Sag Harbor with him.  staid there all night - next day Major Davis & Dact Gardiner ^came there  - there was a house full of folks  Major Davis called Joshua, and said they were ready to go - and Joshua went away with them - thinks they went across to Connecticut - She told him "he was doing into the war" but he did not make her any reply - Shortly after Major Davis's wife (who lived in Easthampton and whom she well knew) told her that Joshua was in the service - and had enlisted during the war and would have five hundred and fifty acres of bounty land - her said husband was gone from home seven years and eight months - and that she has always heard and has every reason to believe that he was a Soldier in the army nearly or quite all that time
Page 42

After he came home she frequently heard him speak of being in the war - but can not now relate but one particular.  that is - That a company were sent out from their station and were come upon by the Light horsemen - and nearly all killed - when a few of them made their escape by getting into a swamp or woods until the Light horsemen were gone and then returned to their tents - Joshua while at home talked a great deal about his five hundred and fifty acres of Bounty Land - said it was worth a dollar an acre.  and had two mill streams upon it.  and that he was going on it to live.  but he never went - a few years after he began to go to Sea to the West Indies - went a few voyages - he died at Sea   that she was afterwards married to Cyrus Dep by Doctor Lyman Bucher - that he Cyrus Dep died about two years ago - that she is now a widow and resided in the town aforesaid - that she has no family record and knows of none - of any description of either of her marriages - that she has never received a pension and is very poor - and that this application is for her sole use and benefit - that for other proof of his service she refers to the proof hereunto annexed - the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of New York and other documents heretofore filed in the Pension department at Washington
Hannah [X her mark] Dep

Sworn to and subscribed before me this second day of March A D. 1843
Hugh Halsey  First Judge Suff Co. N Y -

I Hugh Halsey First Judge of the County of Suffolk                   [end of page]
Page 43

in the State of New York do Certify that Hannah Dep who has made and signed the above declaration for a pension is unable by reason of bodily infirmity to appear before a court of record to make her declaration - the place of holding such court being twenty eight miles distance from her place of residence—
March 2 1843
Hugh Halsey  First Judge
Suff Co—
Page 44

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}  SS
I Samuel R Ely a Clergyman in the town of East Hampton in said County do hereby certify that I have examined the marriage record kept by Rev'd Samuel Buell D.D. which is now in possession of his widow Mary Buell and which begins Sept 19th A. D 1796
And I do also further certify that I find upon the said record a hiatus from Dec 17th 1753 to January 1st A. D 1793 in which there is no marriage recorded -
And I do hereby certify that I have not had knowledge of any record either Town or Church (except the one here spoken of) of any marriage which took place within the time above specified in the town aforesaid
Given at East Hampton this 25th day of March 
A. D. 1843
Samuel R Ely

Sworn before me this 25th day of March 1843-
Hugh Halsey First Judge
Suff Co -

Suffolk County ss.
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of Suffolk do Certify that I am well acquainted [end of page]

*Hugh Halsey First Judge
Suff Co -
*This signature is on a page placed under the above declaration, not part of it.
Page 45

with the within named Samuel R Ely who has signed and sworn to the within and foregoing Certificate
that he is a Clergyman of regular standing of the Presbyterian order - that he is a credible person and his statements entitle to full credit—
March 2d 1843—
Hugh Halsey First Judge
Suff Co—

Notation on bottom of letter:

To
J Dayton Esq
Page 46


State of New York}
Suffolk County}  ss
David Baker Jun of Easthampton in said County being duly sworn saith that he is Clerk of said town and has been for the last eight years - and has the records of said town in his possession
that he is conversant with said records as far back as the year 1700 and has often examined the same
that he has never seen on said records the record of any marriages - and verily believes that marriages were never recorded in the town records of said town—
David Baker Jr.}
Town Clerk}

Sworn & subscribed before me this 
2d day of March 1843
Hugh Halsey  First Judge
Suff Co -

Suffolk County ss.
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of the said County do certify that I am well acquainted with David Baker Jr who has subscribed & sworn to the above deposition - that hs is a credible person and his statement entitled to full credit—
March 2d 1843
Hugh Halsey First Judge
Suff Co—
Page 47

State of New York}
Suffolk County} ss
I Samuel R Ely a Clergyman residing in the town of Easthampton in said County hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Hannah Dep who was subscribed and sworn to the annexed Declarations and I believe her about eighty five years of age -  that her first husband Joshua Simmons is reputed in this neighbourhood where she resides to have been a soldier of the revolution.  and I concur in that opinion - and I further Certify that the said Hannah is a credible person - and that her statements are entitled to credit —
Samuel R Ely

Sworn & Subscribed before me this
2d day of March 1843—
Hugh Halsey First Judge
Suff Co—

Suffolk County ss
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of said County do Certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Samuel R Ely who has signed and sworn to the above written certificate - that he is a Clergyman in regular standing of the Presbyterian order - that hs is a credible person and his statements entitled to full credit—
March 2d 1843—
Hugh Halsey First Judge
Suff Co—
Page 48

State of New York}
Suffolk County}  ss
Mary Dayton of the Town of East Hampton in the said county being duly sworn, Deposeth & saith, that she is in the 74th year of her age.  that she now resides & always has resided in the Town of East hampton.  she well knows Hannah Dep, she served her time until she was 18 years old with deponents father Daniel Conklin; she was a nice, faithful, honest, girl & woman & believed her to be so at the present day, & believes that she was married to Joshua Simmons by Dr Samuel Buel, D.D. before, he Joshua. went into the service.  as much as if she see him married, Deponent further ^saith, that she recollects the said Joshua Simmons & fully believes that he served during the Revolutionary War, and was entitled to Bounty Lands
Mary Dayton

Sworn & Subscribed this} 
20th day of Feby 1843 before me}
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}  ss
I Josiah C Dayton of the Town of East Hampton a Justice of the peace of the said county, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Mary Dayton who is a woman of high respectability & of full standing in society, and whose statement is to be believed.
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace
Page 49

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}  ss
Capt David Hedges being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he is in the 81st year of his age.  that he resides, and always has resided in the Town of East Hampton, that he well knew Joshua Simmons, & Hannah his wife, both before & after they were married.  they were frequently with the colored people at his fathers house, that he fully believes they were married before he went into the services, but did not see them married.  has always understood & verily believes that he served in the Revolutionary War & was entitled to Bounty Lands.  Shortly after he left the service he went to sea where he believes he died.  Knows Hannah his widow at the present time whom he believes to be a woman of truth & veracity.
David Hedges

Sworn & Subscribed this 20th day} 
of Feby 1843 before me}
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}
I, Josiah C Dayton of the Town of East Hampton, Justice of the peace of the said county, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Capt David Hedges above named who is a highly respectable inhabitant ^of the town, aforesaid.  & whose statement is entitled to credit
Jonah. C. Dayton  Justice of the peace
Page 50

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}  ss
Samuel Schellinger, being duly sworn deposeth & saith.  That he was well acquainted with Joshua Simmons, both ^before & after he went into the Revolutionary War.  That he knew him about as well as he did any of his father's family.  He (Joshua) was very frequently at his fathers house with Scipio.  He (witness) has often heard him talk of his serving in the war and often heard that the said Joshua served a long time, or during the war, and was entitled to Bounty Lands.  Should think he went away from here with Major Davis.
Samuel Shellinger

Sworn & Subscribed this}
24th day of Feby 1843 before me}
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace

Suffolk County} ss
I Josiah C Dayton of the Town of East Hampton a Justice of the peace of the said county do hereby do hereby [sic] certify that I am well acquainted the above named Samuel Schellinger who is a respectable inhabitant of this town & whose statemrnt is entitled to credit
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace
Page 51

County of Suffolk}
Scipio Shellinger, of the Town of East Hampton, in the said county being duly sworn, deposeth, & saith, that he is in the Eighty Seventh year of his age.  Says that he well knew Joshua Simmons, knew him from a boy, until he died.  He was the son of an Indian woman from the land of Mantauk of a light complexion.  was with him almost every week & sometimes every day whenever he (Joshua) was in the Town of East Hampton.  & Deponent farther saith; that he was present at the house of Rev Samuel Buell in East Hampton & saw the said Joshua Simmons married to Hannah, who is the present Hannah Dep, cannot tell the year nor the month, that they were married, but knows it was before he (Joshua) went into the army.  Recollects every particular about his going away from home.  when he supposed he listed in the army.  cannot tell where he listed but thinks he went away with Major Davis.  always understood he listed during the war.  & were entitled to a large tract of Bounty Lands.  he was gone from home a long time—  cannot tell how long.  when he, Joshua, returned home witness went immediately to see him frequently heard him talk of being in the army but cannot tell of but one particular, that is.
That a small number were sent out from the company, upon what he called a skouting party, & that they were come upon upon [sic] by the light-horsemen.  & nearly or quite all were killed, except he (Joshua) & one or two others who made their escape by secreting themselves in a pile of logs until the light horsemen went       [end of page]
Page 52

away, and then returned to the army.  Frequently heard him (Joshua) say while at home that he meant to go on to his Bounty Lands to farm it but he never went  
Shortly after he went to sea where he (witness) understood he was lost.
Scipio [X his mark] Schellinger

Sworn & subscribed this}
this [sic] 28th day of Feby 1843}
before me}
Josiah C Dayton, Justice of the peace

Suffolk County}  ss
I Josiah C Dayton, of the Town of East Hampton, a Justice of the peace of the said county, do certify that I am well-acquainted with Scipio Schellinger, above named who is a colored man, & although aged, & infirm his reccollection seems to be little impaired.  he is a credible person & his statement is to be credited.
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace
Page 53

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}
I Josiah C Dayton of the Town of East Hampton, a Justice of the peace of the said county do hereby certify that the testimony hereunto annexed subscribed & sworn to, before me has been taken in my presence.  & reduced to writing under my direction by my son, a Boy under Fifteen years of age in consequence of having in a great measure lost my own eye-sight.
Josiah C. Dayton

Sworn & Subscribed before me}
this 2d day of March 1843— 
Hugh Halsey First Judge
Suff Co

Suffolk County ss
I Hugh Halsey First Judge of said County do certify that I am well acquainted with Josiah C Dayton who has subscribed & sworn to the above affidavit.  that he is a credible person and his statement entitled to credit
March 2d 1843
Hugh Halsey  First Judge
Suff Co
Page 54

Josiah C Dayton, Justice of the peace

Note:  remainder of page is blank
Page 55

Hon C A Floyd
HR



Note:  remainder of page is blank
Page 56

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}  ss
Be it known that before me Josiah C Dayton a Justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid  personally appeared Hannah Simmons the widow of Joshua Simmons and made oath in due form of Law, that she is the identical person named in a Declaration made before Hugh Halsey, one of the Judges of the court of common pleas of the said county on or about the year One Thousand Eight Hunddred [sic] and Forty— to obtain a Pension, under the third section of the Act of the Fourth of July 1836.  but has been told that she was barred in consequence of a second marriage to Cyrus Dep, who was then living but has since died in winter of 1841.
She is now told, that by an act passed at the last Session of congress, she now, being a widow is entitled to the benefit of the before mentioned acts.  She therefore now renews her application by referring the commis'r of Pensions to her before mentioned declaration proof of her husbands service, marriage, & which she is told is on file in the Pension office; that she is now a widow & resides in the Town of East Hampton County & State aforesaid.
Hannah [X her mark] Simmons

Sworn & Subscribed}
this 11th day of Jan 1843}
before me,
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace

The above named Hannah Simmons further states under oath that her husband Joshua Simmons was the son of an indian
[end of page]
Page 57

woman of a very light complexion and never had a drop of negro blood in him. She well knew his mother Jane Simmons.
Hannah [X her mark] Simmons

Sworn & subscribed this}
20th day of Jan'y, 1843 before me, }
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the Peace.
Page 58

State of New York
Country of Suffolk
Samuel Schellinger being duly sworn saith he is in the 79th year of his age, has always resided in the Town of East Hampton That he well knew Joshua Simmons both before & after his service in the Revolutionary war, should think he was a mulatto man of a light complexion, recollected the time he was married, to Hannah, by hearsay, but was not present at the marriage. Shortly after his marriage he listed & went into the army & thinks he served during the war reccollects[sic] of his returning home out of the war thinks he went to sea in a year or two after his return home, sailed from Sag Harbor, was in the West India trade, does not know how many voyages he went, but finally died upon one of the voyages, and deponent further saith, that he has always known & is well acquainted with his widow Hannah, knew her second husband, Cyrus Dep, cannot tell when she married him, who his now dead and Hannah his widow, is still living poor, unmarried and resides in the said town of East Hampton.
Samuel Hellinger
Sworn & Subscribed this}
20th day of Jan'y 1843 before me}
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the Peace
Page 59

State of New York
County of Suffolk SS
Samuel Parsons, being duly sworn, saith that, he now resides & always has resided in the Town of East Hampton; that he was ninety years old on the sixth day of November last; that he well knew Joshua Simmons was of a very light complexion, thinks he must have been a mulatto man, he often see him before he went into the army & after he come home, has often heard he listed & served during the Revolutionary War, that he has always known his widow Hannah, whom he believes to be a woman of truth & veracity & that she is now living poor, unmarried & resides in the said Town of East Hampton. 
Samuel Parsons
Sworn + subscribed this 20th day of January, 1843, before me, 
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County of Suffolk, SS
Elisabeth Parsons being duly sworn saith that she is 67 years old in June last, that she has always resided in Town of East Hampton the she well knew, & often see, Joshua Simmons after the Revolutionary War, that when quite a girl she lived near by him. Should think he was a mulatto man of a very light complexion, knows nothing of his service in the Revolution. Except that she has heard from others has always known and been well acquainted with his widow Hannah whom she believes to be a woman of truth & veracity who is unmarried & resides in the Town aforesaid.
Elisabeth Parsons
Sworn & subscribed this 20th day of January 1843 before me, 
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the Peace
Page 60

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}
David H Huntting being duly sworn, saith, he is an Overseer of the poor of the Town of East Hampton, & has been since the first of April 1840.  That he well knew Cyrus Dep. who was chargeable upon the Town of East Hampton, at the time of his death, & who died on the first day of February 1841.  Deponent further saith, that he well knows Hannah, his widow who is still living, is unmarried, & resides in the Town aforesaid.
David H Huntting

Sworn & subscribed this}
13th day of Jan'y 1843. before me}
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace
Page 61

State of New York}
County of Suffolk}  ss
I J Madison Huntting of the Town of East Hampton being duly sworn, deposeth & saith that he well knew Cyrus Dep, who was chargeable upon the Town aforesaid.  furnished him merchandise out of his store previous to his death.  and at the time of his death which he finds by referring to his books took place on the first day of February 1841.  he also knows Hannah, his widow who is still living is unmarried & resides in the town aforesaid
J Madison Huntting

Sworn & Subscribed this}
16th day of Jany 1843}
Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace
Page 62

W.
Josiah C. Dayton esqr.
Easthampton 
L.I.
[Stamp reading:] NEW YORK Jan 10
Page 63

Josiah. C. Dayton, Justice of the peace—

State of New York]
County of Suffolk}  ss
I Samuel A Smith Clerk of said county do certify that Josiah C Dayton is a Justice of the peace in and for the said county duly qualified as such.  and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe that his signature above written is genuine
Further - said Justice holds his office, four years from 1st of Jan 1842
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said County the 14th day of January 1843
Samuel A Smith. Clerk
Page 64

State of New York
County of Suffolk

I, Josiah C Dayton Justice of the Peace of Said County do hereby certify that I live in the immediate neighborhood and am well acquainted with the several persons whose affidavits are hereunto annexed namely; Hannah Simmons, Samuel Schellinger, Samuel Parsons, Elizabeth Parsons, David H Huntting, & 
J. Madison Huntting, they are all credible respectable persons & their statement entitled to credit.

And I do also further certify that Hannah the applicant although a very aged woman yet her faculties seem to be but little impaired [unintelligible text] told but one plain and simple story that has ever come to my knowledge, concerning her claim.

Given under my hand at East Hampton this 21st day in January 1843.

Josiah C. Dayton, Justice of the peace