Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9589, for Gideon Simpkins, New York
Page 1

Service
New York
Simpkins, Gideon
Number
R,9589
Page 2

2157
In the matter of the application of Gideon Simpkins for a pension under the act of 15th May 1828 No 1
1839
To J.L. Edwards
Esqr Commissioner of Pensions

Hon. A. Brown
G.F. Yates
Atty
Page 3

under the act of Congress passed 15 May 1828.
State of New York
County of Rensselaer ⎬ ss
On this 30th
day of November 1839, personally appeared before me Gideon Simpkins, a resident of the town of Berlin in said County, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law,
doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed May 15th 1828-
That he entered the army of the United States in the year 1774 and according to the best of his recollection under the following named officers Col. Gansvoort, Lieut. Colonel Marinus Willett. The name of his Captain he cannot recollect
- but thinks Philip Conyne and- Burhous were officers of his company. He served in this engagement until the ensuing spring when he enlisted again, but the names of his officers he cannot remember. He thinks however that his Captain's name was Sites & and his Colonel Goosin Van Schaick. During the engagement last named or referred to, he belonged to the New York line - but this Declarant's memory does not serve him sufficiently well to state the number of the Regiment, and in fact is not certain that he served all the time in
the self same Regiment in said line, but this Declarant remembers well that he served until the full end and close of the war of the revolution. The principal post or
Page 4

garrison at which he served was  West Point. This Deponent thinks he was for a time commanded by one Colonel Vose, and he remembers the name of Capt. --- When he entered the service he resided in Dutchess County in said State of New York - that he never moved out of said state since the termination of said war, and now lives in said town of Berlin.

That he was not informed of his right or title to a pension until a few years ago, when he signed some papers in the matter of his application for a pension, but never received any returns thereof, and does not know why he received no pension.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present & he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in this state or any other:
That his written discharge from the service, as well as all his other papers were destroyed by fire together with the house in which he lived in 1791 or '92.

This Declarant does not know at present of any revolutionary soldier now living who can testify for him - The following are the names of some of his fellow soldiers who if living, will he thinks remember him & become witnesses for him, but this Declarant believes they have long since departed this life, & if living does not know where they reside. If their names are on the pension roll of any State, this Declarant prays that reference maybe made to their papers, and would like to receive from them such information, as may be serviceable to establish his identity, should
Page 5

State of New York
County of Rensselaer } ss.
26 miles from Albany

On this 30th day of November 1839, personally appeared before me the undersigned, Gideon Simpkins, a resident of the town of Berlin in said county, aged eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed May 15th 1828.

That he entered the army of the United States in the year 1779, & according to the best of his recollection under the following named officers Lt. Colonel Marinus Willett, & Colonel Gansvoort. The name of his captain he cannot recollect but thinks Philip Conyne and Burhons were officers of his company. He served in this engagement until the ensuing spring, when he enlisted again but the names of his officers he cannot remember. He thinks however that his captain's name was Sites and his Colonel's Goosin Van Schaick

During the engagement last referred to, he belonged to the New York line, but this Declarant's memory does not serve him sufficiently well to state the number of the Regiment and in fact is not certain that he served all the time in the selfsame Regiment, but this Declarant remembers well that he served until the fall and close of the war of the revolution. The principle past or garrison at which he served was West Point. This
Page 6

Declarant remembers the names of

When he entered the service he resided in the County of Dutchess in said State of New York. That he never moved out of said state since the termination of said war, and now lives in said town of Berlin.

That he was not informed of his right or title to a pension until about three years ago, when some papers were prepared for him in the matter of his application for a pension, but he never received any returns thereof & does not know what was done with them.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. He further declares that his written discharge from the service, as well as all his other papers were together with their house in which he lived destroyed by fire in 1791 or 1792 -- This Declarant does not know of any revolutionary soldier now living who can testify for him. The following are the names of some of his fellow soldiers who if living, will he thinks remember him & become witnesses for him, but this Declarant has been informed and believes that they have long since departed this life & if living  does not know where they reside. If their names are on the pension roll of any state, this Declarant prays that reference may be made to their papers, and would like to receive from them such information, as may be serviceable to establish his identity, should
Page 7

the proof he now furnishes not be sufficient viz - Thomas Allen, George Shell, George Shift, Peter Little, Jacob Bakehorn, Abraham Tompkins, Andrew Robinson, Abram Groat, James Patterson, John Boice, Stephen Barker, Joseph Clinton, Henry Winford, Peter Ostrander, John Wells. And this Declarant further saith that he received bounty from the United States in land, and a certificate for the reward of eighty dollars.

And this Declarant further saith that he never learned to write [illegible] or went to school any in his life.
 Gideon X his mark Simpkins
Samuel S Sturte witness
 Subscribed & sworn this day & year first aforesaid before me, and I certify that said Gideon Simpkins is unable to attend Court by reason of old age, and bodily infirmity, and further that there is no judge residing within twenty two miles from the resident of said Gideon Simpkins

Geo. T. Denison Justice Peace
Page 8

Declaration of Gideon Simpkins under the act of 15th May 1828.
Page 9

Rensselaer County Ss.
We the undersigned Hezekiah Hull & Peter Simmons residing in the town of Berlin in said county, and residing in said neighborhood of said county, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Gideon Simpkins, who has subscribed & sworn to the declaration hereto prefixed - that we believe him to be eighty years as he states - that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & we concur in that opinion, and that said Simpkins sustains a good character for truth & veracity, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
 Hezekiah Hull
Peter Simmons

Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid before me & I certify that said Deponents Hezekiah Hull and Peter Simmons
[text covered over by another paper]


State of New York
Rensselaer County Clerk's Office SS.
I, LELAND CRANDALL, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby Certify, that George T. Denison Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed Declaration & Deposition, was, at the time the the said Declaration & Deposition were made Justice of the Peace in and for said County: And further, that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe the above signature to be genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this Sixth day of December 1839
Leland Crandall
Clerk.
Page 10

Rensselaer County Ss
We the undersigned Hezekiah Hull & Peter Simmons residing in the town of Berlin in said county, and residing in said neighborhood of said county, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Gideon Simpkins, who has subscribed & sworn to the declaration hereto prefixed - that we believe him to be eighty years as he states - that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & we concur in that opinion, and that said Simpkins sustains a good character for truth & veracity, and that his statement is entitled to credit.

Hezekiah Hull
Peter Simmons

Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid before me & I certify that said Deponents Hezekiah Hull and Peter Simmons are both gentlemen of credibility.

Geo. J. Denison Justice Peace

State of New York
Rensselaer County Clerk's Office SS.
I, LELAND CRANDALL, Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby Certify, that George J. Denison Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the annexed Declaration & Deposition, was, at the time the the said Declaration & Deposition were made Justice of the Peace in and for said County: And further, that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe the above signature to be genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County, this Sixth day of December 1839
Leland Crandall
Clerk.
Page 11

Josiah Simpkins, Joanna Potter, Elizabeth Safford, Amy Lillibridge, Cornelius Simpkins, Augustus Simpkins and Avis Dymond, against the United States, in the matter of the Pension of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, late residents of Rensselaer County, deceased.
State of New York
County of Rensselaer SS. Be it remembered that on this nineteenth day of May, A.D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty six personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Josiah Harrington, aged sixty one years, and Polly Harrington, aged fifty nine years, both residents of the County of Rensselaer, in the State of New York, who, being duly sworn according to law, declare that from an early period of their lives they were well acquainted with Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, who was reputed to be, and we have no doubt was (as we were acquainted with her father and mother) before her marriage, Mary Brown, and that we also well know the children of the said Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, the names of the survivors of whom now, as we believe to be living, are Josiah Simpkins, Joanna Potter, Elizabeth Safford, Amy Lillibridge, Cornelius Simpkins, Augustus Simpkins and Avis Dymond; that always, from the time of their youths, they have been residents of the County of Rensselaer, and were always, well acquainted with Gideon Simpkins, until the time of his death; that the said Gideon Simpkins was always reputed to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and for his services in the war of the Revolution to have had a very considerable grant of land from the State of New York, but we do not now remember the exact quantity; that the said Gideon Simpkins has always been reputed to have sold the land, thus by the State granted to him, when very much intoxicated for the mere trifle of five dollars; that the Gideon Simpkins to whom these reputed things belong, as we have no doubt, was a resident of Rensselaer County
Page 12

in 1839, and until 1842, at which time he died in Berlin in said County and State, as they doubt not; and that they have no doubt but the Gideon Simpkins who was a resident of Rensselaer County in 1839, was the identical Gideon Simpkins who for his services in the Revolutionary war had the grant of the land from the State of New York above mentioned, and sold it when intoxicated to some person whose name they do not now remember, for five dollars, as people have always treated it as a fact in blaming his folly in the transaction.

John A. Harrington
Polly Harrington

The foregoing affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me by John Harrington and Polly Harrington on the day and year above written; and I certify that they are well known to me, and are credible persons, and that I have no interest in this claim, and that the letter "A." was placed between the words "John" & Harrington before execution.

John L. Sheldon

State of New York
Rensselaer County Clerk's Office

I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that John L. Sheldon, before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this 20 day of May A.D., 1856

A. H. Sheldon Clerk

No 10
May 1856
Page 13

Add.l evidence in case of Gideon Simpkins, 
N. York

No 8

Act of

[Illegible]

Col. M. Thompson
Present

Amy Lillibridge's Affidavit
Page 14

State of New York
Rensselaer County SS: Amy Lillibridge of the
Town of Berlin, said County and State, daughter of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, being duly sworn deposeth and saith that she has seen the Family Bible of the said Gideon Simpkins; and that the same recorded
the marriage of the said Gideon Simpkins
and Mary his wife; and that the said
record also contained a record of the births
of this Deponent, and of all her brothers and
sisters, all children of the said Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife - And this Deponent further saith that in the year Eighteen Hundred and Twelve, or thereabouts, the said Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife and their family, consisting of this Deponent among other children, lived at
the Town of Stephentown said County
and State - And that the family bible
before referred to, and containing the record
of marriage of the said Simpkins and
wife was kept in the house by them
the said Simpkins, wife and family as
before specified, occupied, in the said Town of Stephentown - That at the time and
while the said Simpkins and wife and
family lived at the said Town of Stephentown
the house by them occupied was burned down and wholly destroyed by fire, together with the contents thereof consisting of, among other things the Family
Bible of the said Gideon Simpkins, containing
Page 15

the record of marriage of the said Gideon
Simpkins and Mary his wife as herein before mentioned - And this Deponent further saith
that the name of one Elder David Mudge
appeared by said Bible record of said Simpkins to have been the person who performed the ceremonial of marriage of the said Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife
which said Elder Mudge as this Deponent
is informed and believes to be true is
now and has been long since dead and
gone - And this Deponent further saith
that she had often said and read the said
Record of Marriage contained in the said
Family Bible of the said Simpkins, prior
to the time the same was burned, having
always until that time lived in the family
with her parents the said Gideon Simpkins
and Mary his wife, and being at that
time about sixteen years of age - and
this Deponent further saith that the said
Record in the said Bible recorded the
marriage of the said Gideon Simpkins and
Mary his wife to have taken place some
time in the month of March of the year
One thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty
four; the exact day of the month on
which the said marriage occurred, as appeared by the said record, having been forgotten by this Deponent - And further this Deponent saith now Sworn to before me this 29th January 1853
Amy Lillibridge
29th January 1853

[Signature Illegible]
Justice Peace
Page 16

State of New York
Rensselaer County Ss: Amy Lillibridge of the Town of Berlin said County and State daughter of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, and applicant for the pension of Gideon Simpkins, being duly sworn says that the additional proof furnished for the purpose of procuring a further
adjudication of this case was not at a former adjudication of the claim within the knowledge of the said Claimant; or if any of it was in the knowledge of and attainable by this claimant, she was not at that time advised of its importance and
therefore did not present the same upon a former adjudication of this claim.

Amy Lillibridge
x her mark

Sworn to before me this 29th January 1853 
D. B. Green 
Justice Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK.
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } SS

I, HENRY A. CLUM, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that D. B. Green Esqr before whom the annexed
affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of
the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is
genuine.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this twenty fifth day of February A. D. 1853

Henry A Clum Clerk
Page 17

Gideon Simpkins 1 Regt N.Y. Bounty Land
[Signature: GWC?]

the assignees of
A Land Warrant was issued to Gideon Simpkins, a private of the 1st [?] NY Regiment on the 18th Oct 1790 

Van Schaick
Page 18

[Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.= crossed out]
9.5.89
P. O.
Gideon Simpkins
Service: _______, 18
REJECTED
Enlisted: ________, 18
Discharged: _______, 18
Application filed: _______, 18
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
Recognized.
Contract.
Cert. of Dis. 
Searched for _______, 18
Page 19

July 8, 1790
A Pat. for 600 acres of land located in Township 15 Lat 3 - was granted by State of N.Y. to afsd Gideon Simpkins —
Page 20

Gideon Simpkins
Just Rev.
N.Y.
Page 21

Important
Index
Page 22

Gideon Simpkins
act 15 May 1828
Rejected. See letter to G. F. Yates, Dec. 12, 1840.
to same May 6th 1841
Page 23

Warrant 7826 for 100 acres afsd. Oct 12 1790 to Isaac Bogart ass. of Gideon Simpkins
pr. 1st Regt N.Y. Cont'l line -
Page 24

N.Y
Let to Hon. H.P. Hunt Dec. 31 1841
" "     S. M. Bragg June 18 1844
M. Thompson Oct 15 / 53
Same Nov 28 1853
Thompson & Venable Apr 3
Act 15 May 1828
Page 25

N. York
Gideon Simpkins
let. to Hon. A. Brown 27 Dec. '39
Rejected. See letter to G. F.
Yates, Dec. 12, 1840.
H. P. Hunt Dec 31 41

Act. 15 May 1828
Page 26

9589
Gideon Simpkins
NY
Hon H.P. Hunt Dec 31 1841
S M Bragg June 18 1844 -
M. Thompson Oct 15 1853 -
Same Nov 28 1853 - Thompson & Venable Apr 3 1854 -
Hon R Sage 4 Jany 1855 -
M Thompson May 11 1855 -
A H Evans Jany 23 1856 -
Same Mch 3 1856 - Same
Mch 25 1856 - Hon R
Sage May 10 1856 - Varnum M Babcock June 13 1836 - Let Hon. R. Sage July 8 / 56
A H Evans July 30 /56
Agt Sec. [Ist?]. Jan 26 /57
A H Evans Feb. 13/ 57 see "decision"
[on side]
G F Yates 12 Dec 1840

May 15 1828.
Page 27

All material
Papers
Page 28

House of Rep
Wash April 24/56

Hon J. Minot
Com of Pensions

Sir,
I herewith enclose letters from V. M. Babcock, in relation to the application of the Simpkin heirs which I desire should be considered, if
any thing in them can be of any aid in the matter. The gentlemen, referred to by Mr. Babcock, Mr. Denison and Thomas, a man of high character and their statements can be relied upon. 
I am very respectfully
Your ob serv
Russell Sage
Page 29

House of Rep
Wash June 28/54

Hon J. Minot
Com of Pen

Sir,
I am desired by V. M. Babcock Esq. to inquire of you whether he is recognized by your department, as the agent in the case of
the heirs of Simpkins applicants for a
pension. Mr. B furnished some evidence to A H Evans, which was laid before you and by it he was recognized as the Agent. Mr B wishes
to revoke any such recognition, and
to be considered as the only Agent in
said case.

I am very respectfully
Your obt serv
Russell Sage
Page 30

Dear Sir
Washington Jany 8/56
Dear Sir,
A few days since, when in the Office, I was
surprised to learn that my "Simpkins" case had not been reported to the Secretary of the Interior. Will you be kind enough to have it
sent up without further delay as it is important to learn the result as soon as possible as I shall bring suit before the "Court of Claims" if the claim is rejected by Mr McClelland.
I am very sincerely
your ob. servant
A.H. Evans

Geo. C. Whiting Esq
Page 31

Power of Atty.
Gideon Simpkins
N.Y.
Examine the papers
Page 32

To
Varnum M. Babcock & Alexander H. Evans
Esquires, We hereby authorize and empower you as our Agents and Attorneys to establish our claims as heirs of Gideon Simpkins to the Pension to which we are entitled by the several acts of Congress relating to Pensions.
Stephentown August 2nd, 1855
Signed in presence of
John I. Dymond
Sybea Ayers
Avis Dymond
Joanna Potter
Page 33

Lyles vs Capt Jan 80
Mrs [illegible] 1782
[illegible]
Aug 1 1780
W A Roan Jun 17/81
Page 34

Les of Lyles 31st of Oct & 1 [illegible]1839
An June 7 1839
Page 35

Gideon Simpkins
New York
Page 36

Giden Simpkins
In addit[ion] to the reasons stated in the letter of
Commissioner Edwards of Dec. 12. 1840, [illegible] please see
respecting the same of Gideon Simpkins that the Act of Aug 15, 1828, I find that Simpkins in his declaration, alleges that be entered the army in the year 1778, under a Gen Willet, and served until the following Spring, when he enlisted again; Whereas the Gideon Simpkins, who was the [wars?] man,, enlisted a the 1st May 1778, under Caps Swartwout, and, and remained continuing in the service until the end of the war.
2d That he ? to the he state of New York 600 acres, which he, as his family must have  and not the [illegible...]

3d John Lillard, the principal witness under a to a letter the identity, stated that he saw Simpkins at Johnsown, 1781, served under Col. Willett - that Willett did not command ? in 1781 - He commanded stated them on Rolls in the office.


are now the
Warsaw, listed & the 1 May 1778 under
-
-
Capt Swartues, and remained continuing the
---

---
---
2 Hat he rode in all plain to the feet
of his being read and for the state of New York
600 Acres, where he his family must have seen
and not the said possession of said land has
the seal
not be had to him; for the such among
3d John Holland, the proper witness he
to state the identity not he saw
Simpkins of Johnston, 1780, ven and Col.
Willett Willer did not command on
Natal hapa 1781. He commanded Stobe
up of thee these on Rolls in the office
Page 37

4 Robt, a Badd, Stewart, another witness to the identity, has been stricken from the Rolls of New York In [illegible] and does not appear to have been restored. He is therefore a discredited witness and his testimony cannot be considered.
5 The experience of this officer has shown that a soldier of such distinguished merit as the Gideon Simpkins of the New York Line who served more than five years continuously earned[I think] the Badge of Merit, the gratuity of $80, a hundred Acres of Land from the United States, and 600 Acres from the State of New York, could not have been until 1839 and not have applied for one of the [illegible four words], which entered his case for his reputation as a mans' man must have had new shown and made him a man of worth in his neighborhood -- In New York no, thoroughly canvassed by sector, and experienced agents for pension, saw the man's[??] men who were entitled even such [or "were well"] known to them -- for their names even
Page 38

3
headed, not as a Albany, but among the children, have. It is here at ha[?], her Name Nat Simpkins, died in 1827 make some enquiry abouit a pension, and talked 9 Per [illegible] thereto when the Act of March 18, 1818. Nat who operation. But the reasons assigned for his failure to apply, [illegible] to my record [illegible four words] enabled -- for each of his papers had been destroyed, any person of ordinary intelligence could have informed her that there no Record [illegible two words] of his service in existence.
That Simpkins did serve in that period is probable -- but I cannot admit for no the War's [illegible] upon [or open] the present [illegible]. It is possible[?] that a further investigation[?] may show for which William Cooper, in 1863, got his title to the 600 Acres of Land awarded to the Wars[?] man.
March 22/56
[This guy's writing is really difficult. This is the best I can do]
Page 39

West Stephentown, 15th April 1856.
Hon R. Lage, Dear Sir, on more mature reflection I have concluded to trouble you again; for I wish to ascertain through you, -- whose kind offices I crave in this matter, what kind of proof, -- and exactly what kind, must be submitted to the Commissioner of Pensions in the Simpkins case.
If the proof must be positive [this doesn't seem to make a lot of sense, but I can't figure out any other word that the author may have intended] by those who know the facts, in such a way as to connect Gideon Simpkins with the several gratuities named in Decision of March 25th, then, of course the case must be abandoned at once; for no witness will be living. But if the proof of the reputed facts will do, then I might make it. But it strikes me, Dear Sir, that the Decision is a very palpable absurdity. I do not wish to carry the case into the Court of Claims, for I think it should be allowed by the Commissioner on the proof already sent.
Dr. Jeffrey W. Thames now of Troy, & George T. Denison Esq. & his brother, of Berlin are among my witnesses in the case; and I think you have knowledge that they are all men of high standing in society, whose testimony should be received  anywhere and everywhere. Judge Thames formerly resided in Berlin, and he & the two Dennisans [sic] were well acquainted with the old man, -- Simpkins, and all his children.
Allow me to avail myself of your expression to the Commissioner of your Confidence in the truth and
Page 40

veracity of the men named by me. They endorse all the other proof submitted in January by Evans, which was prepared and sent by me. I have the strongest confidence there is no imposition in this case, and that it ought to be allowed.
I trust you will be kind enough to ascertain the sort of proof, if any additional must be submitted, will do, & inform me. I am, Dear Sir, very respectfully your 
obedient humble servant,
Varnum M. Babcock
Page 41

State of New York,
Comptroller's Office,
Albany Feby 13th 1856
Hon. A. H. Evans
Sir. a patent was made out for Gideon Simpkins and his heirs, dated 8th July
1790 for Lot 83 in Township 15 in the Military Tract, (called Fabius) containing 600 acres. and the
said Patent was delivered to Major Connolly, as appears by Balloting Book. At the sale of lands for Taxes in 1815, 50 a in part of the above named Lot was returned for unpaid taxes and was purchased by Elisha Williams of Hudson, a celebrated Lawyer in his day. It appears from
the Tax books that Mr. Williams gave up the certificate of purchase he received from the Comptr on the ground that he was the owner of the Lot. The lands are located in the present County of Cortland
This is all the information
I can give you
Respy
A. W. Lee
Examg. Clerk
no charge for this
Page 42

Washington Feby 16/56
Dear Sir,
I take the liberty of troubling you for an item of information which possibly
you can furnish. I wish to identify the heirs of Gideon Simpkins by means of the land granted to him by the State of New York & for that purpose I ask the favor of you to read the within letter and let me know if you can tell where the soldier lived to whom the patent was issued and how he parted
with the title. Any information showing where patentee lived and who he was will be thankfully received and your
fee bill promptly paid
Please return this letter
Very Respectfully
Yr Obd Servant
A.H. Evans
The Recorder or County Clerk of Cortland Co. Cortland, N.Y. 
[Written in left margin] Did he live in Rensselear or Dutchess?
Page 43

Simpkins Case
[No 11?]

Recorder or County Clerk
Cortland
Cortland Co.
New York
Elisha Williams & wife Deed to Eleazer James
in 1812, and to others, a large share of Lot 83, in Truxton, but we do not find where he gets title.
Also one Wm. Cooper, in 1803 deeds the whole
lot No. 83, Truxton to one Samuel Ogden, and Cooper's 
title is not on our records
Respectfully Yours
Rufus A Reed
Clerk Cortland Co N.Y.
Page 44

West Stephentown May 22nd, 1856.
To the Hon. J. Minot Com. of Pensions.
Dear Sir, please find enclosed application of Myra [or Myla or Myld] X Douglass under act March 3rd 1855, and also the affidavits in the Matter of heirs of Gideon Simpkins, & Mary, his wife, suspended for specific proof.
[in the left margin, written perpendicular to the rest of the writing:] X -- Taken out Adams
Allow me, Dear Sir, to state a few reasons why the kind of proof herewith enclosed is submitted.
Firstly. By the phraseology of the Decision of Suspension, transmitted to me lately, ^ by A. H. Evans Esqr I take it there were two Gideon Simpkinses in the same Military Organization, in the Revolution, one of whom had, and the other had not, "Eighty dollars, -- one hundred acres "of land from the United States,  and Six hundred acres of "land from the State of New York, as a gratuity for services in "the Revolution, and the required proof seems needed to connect "the Gideon Simpkins, who was a resident of Rensselaer "County in 1839" with the activities[this word is very indistinct, and could be some other word] in order to identify him and entitle his heirs to the Pension claimed.
Secondly, If the patents to Simpkins, and his Deeds of sale, and the Records founded upon them could all be found, which is questionable and would be attended with much expense and trouble; still some kind of [illegible] proof would, no doubt, be requisite, to connect the same Gideon Simpkins, with the Patents, the Deeds and the Records; so that the same trouble must be met as in the case of the gratuities themselves; "the Simpkins" resident in Rensselaer County in 1839, must still be identified as having, at least, -- had one of the Patents.
Thirdly. A well attested reputation that "the Gideon Simpkins "who was a resident of Rensselaer County in 1839," had the
Page 45

gratuity of a lot, piece, or parcel of land from the State of New York for his service in the Revolution, seemed more available and proper[?] than any other proof now to be had; and to be sufficient of itself to carry entire conviction that the same Gideon Simpkins had all there: and this identifies him as the person to whose heirs the Pension is due.
I may be mistaken, but it does seem to me that the proof now transmitted is better than any other, unless I could show the patents themselves, for the lands. I must confess, however, that as yet, I find no one that knows anything about the "Eighty dollars, one hundred acres of land from the United "States" -- You will see by the  proof how foolishly Simpkins disposed of his six hundred acres of land, for the merest trifle, and may judge by that what would become of the Eighty dollars; and what small Estimation he would likely place upon the 100  acres of land from the United States. He may, and he may not have disposed of the 100 acres of land. As there is no traditional evidence that Simpkins sold this, that I can find. I strongly believe that such interest in it as Simpkins [two illegible words] of remains now to his heirs. As their Agent in these matters, I respectfully request the Department will communicate what disposition, if any, was made by him (Gideon Simpkins) in his lifetime of the 100 acres of land from the United States. 
I have the honour to be, Sir, with high consideration
your very obedient humble servant
Varnum M. Babcock 
Agent of Josiah Simpkins
Joanna Potters & others.
Page 46

Remarks upon the proof now transmitted.
After the lapse of time has destroyed all the eye witnesses to a fact tradition becomes the most important kind of evidence to provide. There is no motive to anyone to falsify a tradition, excepting to such only as have, or think they have an interest against its truth. Hence a tradition is always delivered in truth in all its main features, except by such as are opposed to the acknowledgement of it. In the case of Simpkins I find none opposed to the truth of the tradition, that, for his services in the Revolution, he had from the State of New York, a grant of 600 acres of land, and sold it to someone for only five dollars. Tradition is the foundation for all history, Sacred or Profane. A fact which, at first, was only tradition is faithfully Recorded by some one, and thus it is the basis of all true history. It was a a [sic] tradition that the immortal Washington performed certain acts in the Revolution very important to the furtherance of the cause in which he was engaged. The tradition has been faithfully recorded, and thus became History. It is also true that Gideon Simpkins[inserted as superscript] performed certain services to his country in the Revolution, and that the State of New York,  rewarded him therefor with 600 acres of land, which he sold for only five dollars, but this is only tradition, and not history, but just as true notwithstanding this[??perhaps] as if the life and acts of Gideon Simpkins were fully recorded in the History of the Revolution. Washington was in the most conspicuous position in that great and glorious struggle, and it must be admitted, I think  that Simpkins was in the most obscure position. While therefore the acts of Washington are all specified in history, Simpkin's being only one among the thousands,
Page 47

commanded by him is only alluded to in history: and we must go to the muster rolls to find that he was there. Tradition must do the rest for him. Perhaps it is true that there is a Record that Gideon Simpkins had a gratuity of $80-- one hundred acres of land from the United States, and 600 acres of land from the State of New York for services in the Revolution." We take it there must have been two of the name Gideon Simpkins under the same officers in the Revolution; and that but one of them had the then gratuities. In this case the Muster-rolls or other Records might not identify which of the two had the gifts. Moreover, if there were patents or deeds made to Gideon Simpkins for the two grants of land, and on his selling one or both tracts, if he made deeds therefore -- all these Records could not distinguish one of the Gideons from the other: it must still be parole[?] proof, to pride in some way, which Simpkins had the deed, and which Simpkins made the deed of Sale.
The well authenticated tradition that Gideon Simpkins a resident of Rensselaer County in 1839. was always reported to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and to have had from the State of New York, for said services, 600 acres of land, or a quantity of land [added as superscript] seems to be reasonably sufficient and satisfactory proof to identify him as the man, and his heirs as the rightful claimants of the Pension under the Acts of Congress in the promises. 
All which is submitted by your obedient servant, 
Varnum M. Babcock
Hon J. Minot Com of Pensions
Page 48

Argument
in Case
of Gideon Simpkins
of 
N. Y.

M Thompson
Atty
Present
Page 49

Washington City .D.C. Aprl 23/55
To Hon L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions{
Sir
It is believed that a careful, enlightened, just and equitable reconsideration (or consideration propriae personae) of the claim of Gideon Simpkins, of N. York, for a pension under Act of June 7th 1832, could not fail to result in its admission. If it were felony, by Act of Congress, to have served in the war of the Revolution in the manner shown by the declaration and evidence in the case of Simpkins there is not an enlightened and impartial Judicial tribunal[inserted as a superscript] in the United States, that would not pronounce Simpkins guilty upon the evidence on file in your office in his case.  Simpkins declared he entered the war in 1778 or 1779 under Lt. Col. Marinus Willett & Col Gansworth [Gansvoort], and re-entered under (he thinks) Col. Van Shaick,
Page 50

(2)
N. York line, and served to the close of the war, a period of more than two years, and I believe he did so serve.  If he swore truly and did not, in fact, commit perjury, then he did so serve, and is accordingly entitled to a pension for two years service.
Are you prepared, by disbelieving his declaration to say he committed perjury?
It is declared, that said Gideon Simpkins recieved [sic] 600 Acres of Bounty land in 1790, for such services, as the above stated; and the Certificate of the Comptroller of N. York shows that Gideon Simpkins did recieve [sic] 600 Acres of Bounty land, for just such services as those declared for by said Simpkins. Did Simpkins lie? And do the records of the State of N. Y. also lie? Did Simpkins and the State of N.Y. Conspire, by means
Page 51

(3)
of perjury, and falsification of the records to rob the General Government out of a pension for the former? Impossible! For when Simpkins made his declaration no reference was made to the N. Y. records; and Simpkins, it is fair to suppose, knew nothing of said records. This latter impression is Confirmed by the fact that the Comptroller's Certificate was not deduced, because not applied for, until 1852, many years after Simpkins made his claim. Can there be a doubt that the Simpkins in the declaration and the Simpkins who recieved [sic] the 600 Acres of land, named in the Comptroller's reciept [sic], are one and the same person? 
If there is such a doubt I should like to know the loop or hinge upon which it hangs. Account, if you can, for the
Page 52

[this writer consistently misspells received and receipt] 
(4)
remarkable coincidence of Gideon Simpkins declaring upon oath that he performed Certain services at certain specified times, under certain officers named, and recieved a land warrant for 600 Acres, & that in ignorance of the N. Y. records; and long years thereafter, a reference to those records proving that Gideon Simpkins recieved a warrant for 600 Acres of land for just such services, under just such officers, & just such time as declared for, under any other hypothesis than that the Simpkins in the declaration & the Simpkins upon the N.Y. records is one and the same person: Where is the other Gideon Simpkins? Echo answers where! You have one of them before you, tell us, if you can, where the other is.
Page 53

[note that the sixth page of this letter is missing, and that there are two copies of page 4, on images 75 and 76]
[this writer consistently misspells received and receipt, etc.] 
(4)
remarkable coincidence of Gideon Simpkins declaring upon oath that he performed Certain services at certain specified times, under certain officers named, and recieved a land warrant for 600 Acres, & that in ignorance of the N. Y. records; and long years thereafter, a reference to those records proving that Gideon Simpkins recieved a warrant for 600 Acres of land for just such services, under just such officers, & just such time as declared for, under any other hypothesis than that the Simpkins in the declaration & the Simpkins upon the N.Y. records is one and the same person: Where is the other Gideon Simpkins? Echo answers where! You have one of them before you, tell us, if you can, where the other is.
Page 54

[this writer has trouble with the "i before e except after c" rule]
(5)
But aside from what is concieved to be the conclusiveness of the N. Y. records to fix the service, time & identity of Simpkins, the parole evidence in the case is sufficient for that purpose, & to show a pension of two years to be due. Hezekiah Heall, Peter Simmons, Amy Lillibridge, Mary Simpkins, Joseph Carley, Harriet Harrington, John Foilard, Robert Stewart and Avis Rounds, co-temporaries and companions in arms with Gideon Simpkins: shown to be the oldest and most respectable persons in the Country, and wholly disinterested, and having had the fairest opportunities of knowing his character, & services testify to the same, in the most satisfactory & conclusive manner, leaving in my judgment, in any
Page 55

[note that the sixth page of this letter is missing, and that there are two copies of page 4, on images 75 and 76]
(7)
long deferred claim. Is it likely, or is it reasonable to suppose for a moment, that so many persons of such age, respectability, & opportunities of knowing the facts & circumstances to which they have testified, have testified falsely or been mistaken. 
All the presumptions of law and of reason must be in favor of the truths to which they have testified, & not that all or any of them have testified falsely & committed perjury.
In regard to identify & service, I will only add, what cannot be contraverted, that if Gideon Simpkins & those whose testimony corroborates his declaration, together with the N York records by true & nothing but true, this claim should be allowed; & that if you reject this claim, you thereby brand Simpkins, all the witnesses & also the N.Y. record, with perjury & falsity [inserted as superscript], so far as your action can fix
Page 56

(8)
such a stigma. Which horn of the dilemma will you take? Nous Verrons.
Upon the question of marriage, the claim of Amy Lillibridge is equally clear and unquestionable; unless you assume in utter disregard of the most satisfactory & conclusive evidence to the contrary, that Gideon Simpkins & Mary Brown (Simpkins) lived together adulterously throughout a long life and raised bastard children bearing their name; & that all the testimony in favour of the marriage is false, & that the several old and respectable witnesses, who have testified to the marriage & to their cohabitation as man & wife, have sworn falsely or been mistaken. Pray what motive could you assign to these disinterested witnesses for having, according to your theory, sworn
Page 57

(9)
falsely. A decent respect for the opinions of others, & for the parties interested, require you to say why you reject a claim, well founded, if the testimony of witnesses be true. What interest have these witnesses in proving that Gideon & Mary Simpkins were married, & that they were always regarded as man and wife: if, in fact, they were not married, & not always regarded as man & wife? I take it for granted, that you must admit that the evidence shows conclusively that Gideon & Mary Simpkins lived together as man & wife, and were universally so regarded for more than sixty years. Will you then bastardize their issue, by denying that they were legally married? You cannot under any rule of law known in England
Page 58

(10)
or America, bastardize the issue after the death of the parent. It is a well settled rule of the Common law, that a party may prove his own marriage by evidence of matrimonial cohabitation & repute, in all Cases except Criminal conversation, polygamy & the like. This rule of law has been arrived at by every Court in England & America, that has ever had occasion to decide the question, down to the present day. It is correct beyond all doubt. Lord Mansfield says "The reason of the distinction is obvious'.  "The law always presumes that every man & every woman, leads an innocent & moral life, unless the contrary be shown in the particular case. If (quoth he) therefore, two persons are living together as husband
Page 59

(11)
and wife, professing & reputed to be married, the law, which must of necessity presume, ether [sic] that they are in fact married, or else that they are Criminal & immoral persons, adopts the former conclusion; that is, regards them innocent." You thus percieve [sic] that you are bound by a uniform unbroken current of decisions upon the point, both Englesh [sic] & American, to regard & treat Gideon & Mary Simpkins as man & wife, lawfully married until the contrary be proved. You need not point to any rule or regulation of your office; for any rule or regulation made in derogation of private right; & in contravention of law is not valid, & would be set aside in a competent tribunal, to which, thank God, such questions can now
Page 60

(12)
be adjourned, in case of necessity.
I have the honor to be
Most Respectfully 
Your Obdt: Svt:
M. Thompson
Atty for Simpkins.
Page 61

Washington --- March 28th 1834
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Coms. of Pensions
Sir
We think there are only two points to be considered, in the case of Gideon Simpkins for revolutionary pensions, to wit:
First that a man of that name, did serve in the revolution.
Second That he is the claimant we represent.
As to the first, it is clearly established by record evidence from New York that a Gideon Simpkins enlisted as a soldier in the 3rd New York regiment commanded by Col. Peter Gansevort, and was mustered to the end of the war: and that he was in Capt. Swartswouts company.
As to the second. First Joseph Carley, a soldier of the revolution, testified that he was on duty at the same time with Simpkins and believes he served to the end of the war. Second John Foliard, a revolutionary pensioner testifies that he knows this Gideon Simpkins to be the identical person who served with him in the
Page 62

revolution. The same evidence is given by Budd, alias Robt. Stewart.
Avis Rounds' testimony shows conclusively that the marriage did take place, having been present when the ceremony was performed.
How your office can continue to deprive this man's heirs of their just rights ["just rights" underlined] in the face of this evidence must remain a mystery to us.
A re=examination of the claim will much oblige
Your Obt. Servts.
Thompson J Venable
Page 63

Washington D.C. Sept. 28th 1853
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr. of Pensions
Sir
On the 4th of December 1852 and 4th May 1853 I inclosed [sic] material additional evidence in the case of Gideon Simpkins of N. Y., since which time I have had no report upon the case; fearing that it has been overlooked, I respectfully ask a reexamination.
Respectfully &c. 
M Thompson
per to.[not sure about the preceding] Clement Venable
Page 64

To,
The Hon. The Commissioner of Pensions

In the case of Gideon Simpkins decd whose heirs have applied for a pension the undersigned residents of the County of Rensselaer & State of New York do hereby certify that they are personally acquainted with Amy Lillibridge of the town of Berlin in said County a witness in behalf of said application - and that said Amy is a respectable person & highly credible as a witness. Her testimony is entitled to full belief  Dated Nov. 17. 1853
Robert A Lottridge
John Price
Page 65

I am well acquainted with Robert A. Lottridge District Attorney and John Price Sheriff of said County and certify that they are persons of high respectability and the statement above by them made is entitled to implicit confidence.
Nov. 17. 1853
David S. Seymour
Page 66

Washington D.C. Nov. 22nd 1853

Sir
I herewith inclose [sic] the certificate of Robt. A. Lottridge, District attorney and John Price Sheriff of Renssalaer [sic] County N. Y. for the credibility of Mrs. Amy Lillibridge one of the  witnesses in the case of Gideon Simpkins.
Respectfully & C.
M. Thompson
per C. Clement Venable

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr. of Pensions
Washington 
D.C. 
~
Page 67

Troy,
June 14, 1844
Sir,
Amy Lillybridge daughter of Gideon Simpkins who served as a Militia man in the State of New York, wishes me to write you respecting her fathers pension. She is very poor and has a large family to support, with an intemperate husband, She says she has been at a great deal of trouble and expense to make her father comfortable. She further states that her father employed Giles F. Yates, to make application for a pension, and he has put them off sometimes telling them there was no act by which he was entitled, sometimes that congress was willing but you would not grant it, and various other pretences [sic], You wrote me awhile [sic] ago that it would be necessary to procure you [sic] correspondence from the agent who had been employed, in order to find out what is wanting; but that would be impossible, for in this case Mr. Yates has told the daughter that the pension cannot be procured but refuses to give up any papers, She knows that her father is entitled to a pension, and she wishes to know
Page 68

what is wanting that she need not be delayed longer than is necessary in procuring it as she is very needy, If you will inform me what is wanting you will do her a great favor.
Respectfully Yours
S. M. Bragg

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Washington City,
D.C.
Page 69

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I complied with the requisitions made in the case of Gideon Simpkins under the act of 1828, but have received no answer. Please write to me at Albany N. Y. 
very respectfully
G. F. Yates
Jany 19 -- 1841
Page 70

Schenectada, Nov. 23d -  1840.

In the matter &c. of }
Gideon Simpkins,}
for a pension ---}

To J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Since the receipt of your letter of the 27th December 1839, I have used every exertion in my power to furnish the proof of identity required in this case. I have been fortunate enough at length to obtain several affidavits which give such particulars respecting the applicant and his services, that no Doubt can remain as to the identity of the applicant and the Gideon Simpkins who received County land &c. His name is a very uncommon one. I venture to assert that there was not during the war of the revolution another person of the same name living in the United States. Having furnished the best evidence the case will admit of, & having literally
Page 71

complied with your requisition to get the testimony of a witness who can Specify the names of some of his officers, I confidently expect a favorable decision. The application is under the act of May 1828.
I am very respectfully
your obt. Servt
G. f. Yates
~
Page 72

In the matter of the} 
application of Gideon}
Simpkins for a pension}
under the act of 15th}
May 1828}
In answer to the letter from the Pension office dated 27th Decr last, I would observe --
That the applicant informs me, that Nathan Howard Esq of Troy made out the applicant's papers under the act of 7th June 1832, and as soon as I can see him I will obtain his affidavit of the particulars. According to the opinion of the applicant the claim was rejected or suspended & the papers returned - and this is doubtless the reason why they cannot be found in the Pension office. The objection was that the services of the applicant were not sufficiently specified to comport with the rules of the Pension office. On being employed to present the claim, I gave myself no trouble relation to that application, but commenced de novo under the act of 1828.
Page 73

as the act of 7th June 1832, expressly provides, for those only "who are not entitled to any benefit "under the act for the relief of certain surviving "officers & soldiers of the Revolution passed the 15th "May 1828" &c
The applicant found it impossible when he made his first application, to procure a witness. Anticipating this objection under the present application, I took the pains to get the applicant to State in his declaration the names of as many of his fellow soldiers as he could recollect, in the hope, that at least some of them were still living; & if so, he will be glad to ascertain their places of residence & if possible procure, their affidavits. They did not perhaps serve in the same company with him, but he remembered them by name & thinks they may remember him. If none of these are living, it will be entirely out of his power to get a witness.
As to his bounty land, he does not remember ever to have employed any agent to procure it. A few years after the close of the war, he transferred all his title to his land to another person.
Very respectfully
Schenectada Jan. 7: 1840. Giles F. Yates
Page 74

Berlin Rensselaer Co N/Y
July 15. 1839~
Dear Sir~
I wish you would inform me the reason of the delay in the progress of Gideon Simpkins Pension Claim, he is verry [sic] much out of health, and his friends are verry [sic] anxious that the business should be -- as speedily got along with as possible -- uncertain about his Staying in this world a great while at the most -- if he should get over the present illness I feel somewhat interested for the Old man in his getting a pension granted him, as he is old and decriped [sic] and has been so for some years past - and his few connection[not 100% sure on this word] in not verry [sic] affluent circumstances -- makes rather a hard life for him, I think if he is in [titled?--there's a word missing] to a pension he
Page 75

ought to have it and considering his Situation I feel it my duty to assist him all in my power
Yours respectfully 
D. W. Struter

You will please inform me whether any thing can be done [smudge] not soon as he is very uneasy about the matter.
DWS
~
Page 76

Hon Geo. C. Whiting,
Washington
D. C.
Page 77

West Stephentown 27th Nov. 1856.
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting,
Dear Sir, please find enclosed transcript of letters patent, conveying to Gideon Simpkins, (the Father of Joanna Potter, & others, who are his heirs) 600 acres of land for his gratuity for Revolutionary services. In connection with the traditionary evidence of the Harrington,  heretofore transmitted we deem this sufficient to satisfactually establish the facts required by the former decisions of suspension.
Very Respectfully
Varnum M. Babcock
West Stephentown
N. Y. -- &
Alexander H. Evans,
Washington D. C.
Agents of Joanna Potter,
Josiah Simpkins &
others, in the
Matter of the Pension of
Gideon Simpkins.
Page 78

Nov 1856
Page 79

[I will transcribe only the handwritten parts:]

Gideon Simpkins
Montgomery
Fabius
Eighty-Three containing Six hundred acres

Gideon Simpkins

Eighth --- July
fifteenth

30 day of November 1790
Lewis A Scott Secretary
Geo Clinton

Lib. Mil. Pat. No. 5 page 336

do hereby Certify the same to be a correct transcript therefrom & of the whole of said Patent
Given under my hand & Seal of Office at the City of Albany this Twenty fifth day of November one Thousand Eight hundred & fifty six

J T Headley
[illegible] state
Page 80

State of New York}
Rensselaer County} Ss: Be it known, that before me, Archibald Bull, County Judge of the County of Rensselaer, a Magistrate duly authorised [sic] by law to administer oaths, personally appeared Jeffrey W. Thomas, a resident of Rensselaer County, in the State of New York, and made oath in due form of law that for more than fifty years now last past he has been personally acquainted with the family of Gideon Simpkins late of Berlin, in the County and State aforesaid, deceased, that he knows that the said Gideon Simpkins was reputed to have been a revolutionary soldier; that the said Gideon Simpkins was reputed to be the husband of Mary, formerly Mary Brown, and that Josiah Simpkins was the reputed eldest child of the said Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife; that from his own personal knowledge of the said Josiah Simpkins he has no doubt but that he is more than sixty six years of age, that he has attentively considered the facts set forth in the affidavit of Josiah Simpkins made before William J. Shelden the 22nd day of September, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, - and also the facts set forth in the affidavit of William Potter, Joanna Potter, and John Dymond, made before John L. Shelden the ninth day of December, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five, and from his own personal knowledge, and from the consideration of the facts set forth in the said two affidavits he has no doubt but that Gideon Simpkins was married to Mary Brown in the county of Albany in the month of March, A. D. one thousand seven hundred and eighty eight, that Josiah Simpkins their eldest child was sixty six years of age on the fifteenth day of February A.D. 1855., and that the said Josiah Simpkins, Joanne Potter, Elizabeth Safford, Amy Lillibridge, Cornelius Simpkins, Augustus Simpkins and Avis Dymond are the children, and now the only living children of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife; that Gideon Simpkins died at Berlin, in the county of Rensselaer and State  of New York the thirtieth day of September A. D. 1842. leaving a widow, that Mary
Page 81

Simpkins, the aforesaid widow died at Stephentown in said county and State the 8th. day of April A.D. 1852. And the said Jeffrey W. Thomas further declares that he knows the affiant George T. Denison and Daniel Denison, to the first affidavit, and the affiants Mehetable R. Shelden, and Varnum M. Babcock to the second affidavit to be credible persons.

Jeffery, W, Thomas
Sworn and subscribed this fifteenth day of January, A.D 1856, before me, in Open Court
Archibald Bull
County Judge of the County of Rensselaer.---

State of New York}
County of Rensselaer} Ss: I, A. H. Sheldon Clerk of the County Court of the County of Rensselaer, holden at Troy in and for said county, the 15th day of January. A,D. 1856 do hereby certify, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Gideon Simpkins, late of Berlin in said County and State was a reputed Revolutionary soldier, that the said Gideon Simpkins was married to Mary Brown in the county of Albany in the month of March, A.D. 1788; that Josiah Simpkins, their eldest child was sixty six years of age the 15th. day of March, A.D. 1855. - that the said Josiah Simpkins, Joanna Potter, Elizabeth Safford, Amy Lillibridge, Cornelius Simpkins, Augustus Simpkins, and Avis Dymond are the children, and now the only living children of the said Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, and that the said Gideon Simpkins died at Berlin the 30th. day of September, A.D. 1842, and that the said widow, Mary Simpkins died at Stephentown the 8th. day of April, A.D. 1852. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 15th. day of January, A.D. 1856.
A.H. Sheldon Clk
of The County Courts of the County
of Rensselaer.
Page 82


State of New ["York" is obscured but assumed]
County of Rensselaer} On this ninth day of November, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, William Potter aged seventy two years, Joanna Potter, aged sixty-two years, and John Dymond, aged forty six years, residents of Rensselaer County, in the State of New York, who, being duly sworn according to law, declare that they and each of them have for many years been acquainted with the family of Gideon Simpkins, a revolutionary soldier, late of Berlin, deceased, that is to say, the said William Potter has been acquainted with the said family including Gideon Simpkins, and Mary his wife and all their children, during the full life time of part of the said living children until this time; and with the father and mother, and Josiah Simpkins fifty-three years; the said Joanne Potter has been acquainted with said family all the time that her memory extends back to, being one of them; and the said John Dymond has been acquainted with all the members of said family about thirty years; and the said William Potter, Joanna Potter and John Dymond, upon their oath aforesaid declare that they have no doubt that Gideon Simpkins was married as he always has been to them reputed to be, to Mary Brown in the month of March, A.D. 1788, and that Josiah Simpkins the oldest child of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife was born on the 15th. day of February, A. D. 1789, that Joanna Potter the next child now living was born the 13th. day of July, A. D. 1793, that Elizabeth Laffen [Safford?] another child of Gideon Simpkins was born the 6th. day of May, A. D 1795; that Amy Lillibridge, another child of Gideon Simpkins was born the 1st. day of May, A.D. 1797, that Cornelius Simpkins, another child of Gideon Simpkins was born the 29th.[could be 28th] day of April, A.D. 1800; that Augustus Simpkins was born the 13th. day of June, A.D. 1803; and that Avis Dymond, another child of Gideon Simpkins was born the 26th day of August, A. D. 1805.

And we further declare upon our oaths as aforesaid that by
Page 83

and that Avis Dymond, another child of Gideon Simpkins was born the 26th day of August, A. D. 1805.

And we further declare upon our oaths as aforesaid that by an intimate acquaintance with the several members of the family and by frequently comparing our ages we have no doubt of the correctness of the reputed marriage, and of the reputed ages of the children of Gideon Simpkins & Mary his wife as herein stated; and that Josiah Simpkins, Joanna Potter, Elizabeth Safford; Amy Lillibridge, Cornelius Simpkins, Augustus Simpkins, and Avis Dymond are the children, and all the living children, (or believed to be living,) of the said Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, at this time. We know that Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife are both dead; and that the said Gideon Simpkins died at Berlin, in said county and State on the 30th. day of September, A. D. 1842, the said Joanna Potter and John Dymond having been at his funeral; and that the said Mary Simpkins, the widow of Gideon Simpkins, died at Stephentown, in Said county and State the 8th day of April, A. D. 1852, the said William Potter, Joanna Potter and John Dymond having been at her funeral.
Wm Potter
Joanna Potter
John Dymond

The foregoing affidavit was subscirbed and sworn to by William Potter, Joanna Potter, and John Dymond on the day and year above written in the presence of Mahitabel R.. Shelden and Varnum M. Babcock, who, upon their oaths, declare that the said William Potter, Joanna Potter and John Dymond are, as they truly believe, credible persons, and that they have no doubt of the entire truth of the matters testified to in their affidavit.
Mehetable R. Sheldon
Varnum M. Babcock
The foregoing affidavits were subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year above written: and I certify that William Potter, Joanna Potter, John Dymond and the affiants are credible persons, and that I have entire con-
Page 84

fidence that the matters testified to are true, not only from the confidence to be reposed in the persons testifying, but from a personal knowledge of Josiah Simpkins, whose appearance would indicate the age of Sixty Six years, and that I have no interest in this claim.
John L. Shelden
Justice Peace
~
Page 85

[The handwriting at the very top and on the right margin are from the preceding document (Image 44), so I will not transcribe them again.]

STATE OF NEW YORK
RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE,} SS.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that John. L. Sheldon before whom the annexed affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was, at the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this 29. day of Decr A. D., 1855
A H. Sheldon Clerk.
~
Page 86

Sir,
In the case of Gideon Simpkins under the act of 
1828 pending before you I send the enclosed affidavit which I request may be filed with his papers. It has been inconvenient for me to procure any additional testimonys, but this I understand has been done by a Mr Tilley who is now the agent in this case. Your main objection was that the applicant was not sufficiently identified. You took occasion to remark also, that it was a singular circumstance and militated against the claim, that the applicant had slept so long upon his rights. To remove this incidental objection I adduced on a former occasion an affidavit of a gentleman who wrote at the time in the law office of Alonzo G. Hammond Esqr Attorney & Counsellor at Law &c. I now present the affidavit of Mr Hammond himself, who testifies that Simpkins applied as early as 1827 & also in 1830 to him (said Hammond) to have him prepare the necessary papers in the matter of his application for a pension..
As to the main objection above referred to, and which you said would be removed by the testimony of two witnesses, the Hon Hiram P. Hunt who has now charge of the claim, has testimony to offer for your consideration

Very respectfully
You -- obt Servt
G.F. Yates

Hon J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington Decr 31. 1841
Page 87

Dec. 1841
Act 1828


John Tilley,
agent
Grafton
Rensselaer Co

N Y


Hon H P Hunt
HR
Page 88

State of New York}
Rensselear [sic] County Ss:}
John Foliard of the City of Troy in said State & County 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 under the act of Congress passed 18th March 1818. That Gideon Simpkins of the Town of Berlin in said County, has this 11th day of December 1841, informed this Deponent that he is now applying for a pension. and that hitherto he had been unable to obtain it. by reason of his not being able to identify himself. to be the person who served during the war of the Revolution. until lately he had a conversation with Eliphatil [Eliphalet] familiarly known by the name of Robert or Budd Steward, with whom he was acquainted at Johnstown & other places in that vicinity. and having heard that this Deponant was alive & residing at the City of Troy he now came to See this Deponent. having been well acquainted with this Deponent during the Revolutionary war.
This Deponent further Says that he well knows the Said Gideon Simpkins to be the Same individual who did Serve during said war. And as he believes is justly & honorably entitled to receive a pension therefor.
And on conversing with the said Gideon Simpkins, he finds him to be the Same  person whom he frequently Saw on duty with the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Van Schaick at the same time this Deponent served during said war in the Company of Captain [?all] in the Second New York Regiment of
Page 89

Continental forces. This Deponent further says that by conversing with Said Gideon Simpkins he finds him to be the same person with whom he conversed with Several years ago about Revolutionary matters. & this Deponent well knows him to be the identical person who thus[then?] Served in the war of the Revolution.
This Deponent particularly remembers having seen said Simpkins on duty at Johnstown, Fort Stanwix, West Point. & other places with Said Regiment. According to the best of this Deponents recollection (& in this said Simpkins concurs) he saw said Simpkins on duty at Johnstown & was in company & well acquainted with him in the year 1781. Said Simpkins was there under the Command of Col. Willett and this Deponent well Remembers a number of incidents which occurred at that time, and particularly acting & serving together in erecting a platform on the South side of the Jail. within the pickets at that place. And also, of associateling [sic--associating?] together, with a girl by the name of Polly Lytle who then lived in said Jail with her fathers family & was well known to many of the soldiers. and also, of wrestling with Said Simpkins. all of which incidents, the said Simpkins recollects & all the particulars appertaining to the Same, so clearly & distincly [sic], as to leave no manner of doubt that he is the Same Gideon Simpkins who listed & served during the said Revolutionary war. And he believes he did so enlist & serve until the end of the said war. And this Deponent further Says that said Gideon Simpkins as he believes was
Page 90

sick & confined for some time at Schenectady & that he Simpkins was there under the Command of Colonel Willett. & he belives [sic] it was in the year A.D. 1779.
John  his X mark  Folliard 
Subscribed & sworn}
before me this 11th day}
of December 1841. & I }
certify that I belive [sic] him}
a credible witness.}
F.N.Mann Judge of
Renss - Com Pleas &
Counsellor in Sup Court

[in the following, I transcribe only the handwritten parts:]

Francis N. Mann
Deposition or affidavit
[illegible; best I can do is "saun beans date"]
Judges of the Court of Com. Pleas
Francis
N Mann
20th day of Decr. 1841
Leland Crandall
Page 91

State of New York }
County of Rensselaer}  Budd alias Robert Steward of the Town of Petersburgh in the County of Rensselaer in said State aged seventy eight years who now is applying to have his name restored to the pension list of the United States being duly sworn saith that when he served in the year 1781 in which year the battle of Thurlough took place he well remembers that one Gideon Simkins served at the same time but under what officers he this Deponant cannot say, only that said Simkins served in Colonel Willetts regiment this Deponant recollects that when he was on duty serving his engagement in said year 1781 at Johns Town he saw Said Simkins there also and he remembers him well, from this circumstance that he this Deponant and said Simkins for amusement were accustomed often to wrestle together and this Deponant having lately seen and conversed with said Simkins is satisfied and accordingly, so testifies, that Said Simkins who has as this Deponant has been informed applied for a pension, is the same person who served in 1781 as aforesaid
Robert  his X mark Steward
Subscribed and Sworn
to this 16th day of December 1841
Before me Orland D Thurber Justice Peace

I hereby certify that the above witness 
[and the rest is obscured under a slip of paper with the following info, of which I will here transcribe only the handwritten parts]

Orlando D. Thurber
Depostion of affidavit
sum bears date [can't make sense of it]
Justice of the Peace
Orland
D. Thurber

20 day of Decr 1841
Leland Crandall
Page 92

[note that this image is of the exact same document as image 37, except that three lines at the bottom of this document were obscured by an overlying document in image 37]
State of New York }
County of Rensselaer}  Budd alias Robert Steward of the Town of Petersburgh in the County of Rensselaer in said State aged seventy eight years who now is applying to have his name restored to the pension list of the United States being duly sworn saith that when he served in the year 1781 in which year the battle of Thurlough took place he well remembers that one Gideon Simkins served at the same time but under what officers he this Deponant cannot say, only that said Simkins served in Colonel Willetts regiment this Deponant recollects that when he was on duty serving his engagement in said year 1781 at Johns Town he saw Said Simkins there also and he remembers him well, from this circumstance that he this Deponant and said Simkins for amusement were accustomed often to wrestle together and this Deponant having lately seen and conversed with said Simkins is satisfied and accordingly, so testifies, that Said Simkins who has as this Deponant has been informed applied for a pension, is the same person who served in 1781 as aforesaid
Robert  his X mark Steward
Subscribed and Sworn
to this 16th day of December 1841
Before me Orland D Thurber Justice Peace

I hereby certify that the above witness 
is a man of truth and Veracity
{Orlando D Thurber Justice of}
{the Peace of Petersburgh}
Page 93

In the matter
of 
Gideon Simpkins
under the act of
May 1828.

No 6

July 1841
Page 94

State of New York }
Rensselaer County} S.S.
Alonzo G. Hammond of the City of Brooklyn County of Kings in said State of lawful age being duly sworn deponeth and saith, that he is by profession a Lawyer and as such has been considerably Employed in processing pensions under the several laws of the United States for Soldiers of the revolutionary War -- That several Years past, and as the deponant believes in the Year 1827 Mrs. Amy Lillabridge wife of Royal Lillabridge and daughter of Gideon Simpkins called upon this deponant in relation to making an application for a pension for her said father Gideon Simpkins -- that again some time after wards and as this deponant believes in the Year 1830 she again called upon this deponant for a like purpose -- that those interviews were at the office or house of this deponant in the Town of Berlin in the County of Rensselaer where he then resided -- that this deponant then informed her what would be necessary for her father to establish to enable him to succeed and directed her to search for the necessary Evidence -- that she informed this deponant and as he believes truly, that she had Expended considerable time in searching for Evidence and had not then been able to find any satisfactory --
And this deponant further saith that he has known the said Gideeon Simpkins for some twenty five or thirty Years last past -- that he is represented[I'm not sure about this] and as this deponant believes truly to be about Eighty Years of Age -- that he has Ever since this deponant knew him been a crippled and infirm man and improvident in his habits --
And this deponant further saith that he has Ever since he knew the said Simpkins heard his claims to have been a Soldier of the Revolutionary Wars and talked much of his services therein and further saith not
A. G. Hammond
Sworn & Subscribed }
Before me this 17th day of }
July 1841.}
Geo T. Denison Justice Peace
I Certify that I am acquainted with Alonzo G. Hammond the above named deponant and that he is of good moral Character & entitled to full Credit -- Geo T. Denison Justice Peace
Page 95

State of New York}
Rensselaer County}Ss.
Clerk's Office} ------I Leland Crandall Clerk of said county, do hereby Certify, that George T. Denison before whom the within Deposition purports to have been Sworn, was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County - duly appointed & qualified, and that his signature to the jurat of said affidavit, & to the Certificate subjoined to said Deposition, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal, this fourteenth day of December 1841.

Leland Crandall Clerk
Page 96

Gideon Simpkins
Isaac Simpkins

for Capt. Triplett
& G. F. Y.

NY
Act '32
cmp[??]

F F C Triplett
Page 97

Gideon Simpkins. This case I have worked at several years & have several affidavits which I have never filed. A Mr. Howard who made out the papers represented G. S. as serving in the Regt of Col. Vose, a Massachusetts man. This can be accounted for from the fact that Vose's troops were raised some of them on the western frontiers of Massachusetts, bordering on the town in New York State in which G. S. lived - I think Berlin Rensselaer County. Simpkins belonged however to the N. Y. Line & he is identified as such by much parole[not sure about this word] testimony. A Mr. Bogart who ran a sloop on the Hudson after the war employed him as a hand on board of his sloop knew him well, & heard him converse about his bounty lands &c but Mr Bogart being aged & living many miles from Simpkins (I have seen him often) I could never get to testify, but their are sundry other affidavits - I have an original Document showing he was sick at Schenectady, a fact proved, I think, by other [the word "other" seems to be scratched out] witnesses.
I wish you [and the rest of this line is obscured by an overlying document, which follows:]

Gideon Simkins [sic] is found on the N. Y. roll, but there seems to be no such case in the Office[it actually looks like it starts with an A, but otherwise it looks like office]
Isaac Simkins is a claimant, but his name is not on the rolls of the N. Y. line at all. Yet the case is so strongly supported that I think it must have merit. 
The Comptroller of N. Y. can probably furnish the requisite information.
[a word or words obscured] papers in the case of
Page 98

[note that this is the same document as in image 31, except this document is complete, while the document in image 31 is obscured toward the bottom - the last three paragraphs and signature:]

Gideon Simpkins. This case I have worked at several years & have several affidavits which I have never filed. A Mr. Howard who made out the papers represented G. S. as serving in the Regt of Col. Vose, a Massachusetts man. This can be accounted for from the fact that Vose's troops were raised some of them on the western frontiers of Massachusetts, bordering on the town in New York State in which G. S. lived - I think Berlin Rensselaer County. Simpkins belonged however to the N. Y. Line & he is identified as such by much parole[not sure about this word] testimony. A Mr. Bogart who ran a sloop on the Hudson after the war employed him as a hand on board of his sloop knew him well, & heard him converse about his bounty lands &c but Mr Bogart being aged & living many miles from Simpkins (I have seen him often) I could never get to testify, but their are sundry other affidavits - I have an original Document showing he was sick at Schenectady, a fact proved, I think, by other [the word "other" seems to be scratched out] witnesses.
I wish you would examine the papers & see when[could be "where"] the shoe pinched - Perhaps my papers may apply the remedy.
You perceive by your mem: annexed, that at the time you made it the papers could not be found.

If you will furnish me with particulars of case of Isaac Simpkins I think I may be able to help it through.

G. F. Y
~
Page 99

Gideon Simpkins
5: May 1828

No 5
~
Feb 1841


Agent
G.F. Yates
Schenectada
N.Y.

[On the left side, written at 90 degrees, from top to bottom:]

Giles F Yates Esq
Schenectada N.Y
Page 100

County of Rensselaer Ss.
Robert A[or H] Lottridge of the town of Berlin in Said County, aged thirty four years, being duly sworn Saith, that about Eleven or twelve years ago, and according to the best of his recollection in the year 1830. while he this Deponent was engaged in the Study of law in the office of Alonzo Hammond Esq in the town of Berlin - in Said County. Mrs Lellibridge daughter of Gideon Simpkins of Said town of Berlin in behalf of her father the Said Gideon Simpkins applied to said Alonzo Hammond to act as Attorney or agent for Said Gideon Simpkins to procure for him a pension for his services in the war of the revolution -- but this Deponent is unable to give any account of the services of said Simpkins during Said war, as he never charged his memory therewith, if he ever heard the Same.

Robert A. Lottridge

Subscribed & sworn this}
16th day of February }
1841. & I certify that }
said Robert A Lottridge is a}
credible witness -- } 
Geo. T. Denison Justice Peace

[below is a transcription of the handwritten parts of a printed document that is overlaid over the above document:]

George T Dennison
affidavit
same beaes date [no ideal about this, but it keeps popping up in this series of images]
Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace
18 -- February 1841
Leland Crandall
Page 101

In the matter of the application }
of Gideon Simpkins for a pension}
under the act of 15: May 1828. }

To J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir

Since I last wrote you respecting this claim, Mrs Lillibridge the daughter of Mr Simpkins, has called to see me & taken the affidavit herewith sent. I do really think that her simple statement of facts will satisfactorily answer the objections you have been pleased to make in your last Communication, especially the one that has reference to his sleeping so long upon his rights.

&As to his being the identical person who received bounty land as a soldier of the New York line (a fact you seem to think doubtful), I have discovered in Albany County where Mr Simpkins then lived & where those lived who had to do with his bounty land, a clue to certain testimony, which if it be possible for me now to obtain, the actors being dead, I shall endeavour to
Page 102

obtain, though it will cost me much time money & trouble to do so. This testimony if obtained, will establish his identity beyond doubt.

I beg leave to call your attention to some facts which appear to have a bearing on this case. I find on examining revolutionary Rolls, that the same soldier was one year in one company & Regiment & another year in another. If therefore perfect Rolls of every year of the war could be obtained, I think Mr Simpkins statement would be confirmed, that he served successively or at different times under Cols Willett, Gansevoort & Van Schaick. as well as under different Captains.

I am very respectfully 
your obt Servt
G. F. Yates
~

Schenectada Feb 10. 1841.
Page 103

To J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

[on the left margin, reading from bottom to top:]
Gideon Simpkins
Page 104

Schenectada Feby 6th 1841
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
In the matter & of Gideon-
Simpkins under the act of 1828}
---
Sir
Your letter of the 12th Dec. [illegible] did not reach me until my arrival here yesterday.
There are always two sides
to every question, and I would respectfully represent that every position you have taken in your letter
bearing against this claim is susceptible of explanation; without which explanation, I grant you, you may have found reason to come to the conclusion you have done. It becomes my duty therefore to "present the other side of the question, which hear."
Mr Simpkins is a very aged, poor, neglected & lame man, is confined to the house, and has no intercourse except with his family, and immediate circle of acquaintances. He resides in an obscure corner of a small town situated in a remote part of the County of Rensselaer. You are under a misapprehension therefore in reference to the "density" of the population in the midst of which he resides. His daughter upon whom he
depends for support, has transacted all the business that has been transacted  relative to making out his
papers, or getting them made out. He could get no one to assist him, or could [illegible] no one to undertake the agency of his case until1837, when his papers were made out under theact of 1832, as stated in his declaration which done, it was all Mr Howard could be induced
Page 105

to do in the premises, for he like hundreds of others who once acted as agents, are very anxious to avoid the great troubles & perplexities
attendant upon such agencies. Mr Howard says he has had several cases before you and once visited you, to urge the allowance of a
pension for a soldier who served in Riley's Company of Rangers, but will have nothingmore to do with pension business. The declaration made out by Mr Howard was taken to Washington by a drunken agent who lost the papers. Thus for my information respecting his original application, which if remember right has been confirmed by the affidavit of
Mr Howard, or can be if required. When the daughter of Simpkins applied to me to undertake the case, She said her father had received bounty land. It was in consequence of this information that I wrote
to Mr Gordon to ascertain whether he had received any bounty land, it being my duty as an agent to present the claim under such act, as would be most advantageous to the applicant, a course that has been recommended
by Mr Taney when Attorney General in one his decisions. I have written often for information to Mr. Gordon for the names of persons whohave received or are returned as entitled to bounty
land, and do not make a practice to state the
name of the Captain of the Company or Colonel
of the Regiment under whom the applicant served - it
being sufficient for Mr Gordon to know the line in which
service was rendered. In the case of Simpkins, I could
not with certainty ascertain the names of the officers under whom he last served. I have never
seen Mr Simpkins. He resides at least sixty miles from
this city in an out of way place to which there
is no regular line of stages running, and my
information of his services had to be obtained by
correspondence with illiterate persons- Mr Simpkin's
Page 106

himself cannot write. I proposed a series of interrogatories to which answers were returned & in this way elicited the facts. Among other things I asked him to give the names of some of his fellow soldiers & he gave those you will find in his declaration. I have no means of ascertaining whether all of them served in the same Regiment with Simpkins- If your records show they do, will it not afford
evidence of his identity?
Mr Simpkins resided in Dutchess
County during the war, and my effort to show that the Gideon Simpkins who received bounty land hailed from that county, which would clearly establish his identity, have proved unsuccessful. The records in the office at Washington which would disclose such facts having been lost, as the Clerks informed me after the most diligent search. I have taken unwearied pairs to obtain satisfactory proof on that point, and that I have not been succeeded, is my misfortune, not my fault.
It is possible that on personal
interview with Mr Simpkins I shall be enabled to to elicit some new facts, which may satisfy you as to his identity. His name is an uncommon one, and it would be very remarkable
if there two revolutionary soldiers of that name.
I have been acquainted with a larger number of revolutionary soldiers, than perhaps any other one individual of my age, and I confidently assert, that their character is not in the main such as you suppose it to be. At least half of those with whom I have been & am acquainted, declined of themselves
to get pension, and when they applied, they were persuaded thereto by their friends. Many of the applications made to me, have proceeded in the first distance from their children & rela-
Page 107

tions. that Mr Simkins did not apply before he did (& he may have aught I know) is not at all astonishing to me
Very respectfully
your obt sevt
G.F. Yates
Page 108

In the matter of }
Gideon Simpkins under}
the act of 5[??] May 1828.}

To J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir.
I send enclosed, an affidavit going to prove that Simpkins did not wait until after the passage of the act of 1832, before he made efforts to obtain his pension. Have the goodness to file said affidavit with Simpkins's other papers, as I have  other affidavits to present on the same[?] head, which shall be forwarded as soon as procured. Affidavits as to Mr. Simpkins's identity are are also being procured, and shall be forwarded for your inspection as soon as obtained.
I am very 
respectfully 
Your obt Servt
G. F. Yates
~
Schenectada Feb 3[?] 1841
Page 109

Gideon Simpkins
Applicant

No 2

Sept. 1840

Agent 
Giles F. Yates
Schnectady
N.Y.
Page 110

State of New York}
Rensselaer County}
On the 17th day of June 1840 Personally appeared Mary Simkins [sic] resident of the town of Stephentown in the County & State aforesaid aged seventy years the 10th day of April last who being first duely sworn According to law doth on her oath say, that she is &  long has been acquainted with Gideon Simkins now of the town of Berlin in this state first acquaintance about fiftyfive years since in Albany County this State N.Y. I have often heard it said of him the said Gideon that he was a patriot & soldier in the American army in the revolution the truth of which I never heard called in question nor have I any doubt of it myself on the contra I fully believe he did faithfully serve his country in that eventful period but how long he served I know not -- I have often (long & many years since) heard him, his Father, & many others speak of his leaving under arms at that time - I have heard him tell of Marching in the army from time to time & from place to place & being at different stations the places of all of which I do not now recollect, but I do recollect of hearing him say he was at White Plains, Stoney Point & Schenactady  & of being sick while at the latter place.
The said Gideon was a native of Fredricksburgh Dutches County this state residing with his father John Simkins in that place at the time he entered the service -- he must be about eighty years old 80, or more -- I have heard his father his mother & many others his copatriots in that day state of his being a revolutionary Soldier I have heard them & him state (in times long since gone by) many things about his services the particulars of which I cannot now call up -- but I do remember of his saying he served with Col. Willett -- & an officer by name Peter Ganswort his title or grade I cannot now recollect -- The said Gideon was & is now illiterate cannot read a word even in print and about 52 years ago he submitted to me papers for the purpose of having them read
Page 111

the said papers was appertaining to his services as a soldier &c one of those papers was a certificate of dismission or discharge  from service, And a paper among them also entitling him to the right of Bounty land. 
Which said  papers to geather [sic] with all other papers & effects must have been burned with his dwelling house which was burned about forty nine years since -- About 47 or 48 years ago I happened to be present when a gentleman (whose name I do not now recollect) called on the said Gideon & applied to him for the purchase of his right to bounty lands due him for his revolutionary services but they did not agree on a price, he did not then sell -- I do not now, or did I ever know any other Gideon Simkins but the one herein about set forth -- I have heard one Tompkins & the said Gideon talk togeather [sic] on the subject of the revolution & its incidents & the part they each respectfully had taken in it & that they served togeather [sic]
Mary Simkins
Seth Reach
witness

Subscribed & Sworn}
this 17th day of June}
1840 before me }
John L. Shelden }
Justice Peace }

I certify that the above De=
ponent Mary Simkins, is a 
credible witness.
John L Shelden
Justice Peace

State of New York}
Rensselaer County}
Clerks Office } Ss I Leland Crandall Clerk of said County do hereby certify that John L. Sheldon before whom the above affidavit of Mary Simkins purports to have been taken was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for Said County duly elected & sworn, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
Witness my hand & official seal this Second day of July , 1840. Leland Crandall Clerk
Page 112

State of New York
County of Schenectady  Ss Joseph Carley of the town of Glenville in said County aged 79 years & upwards being duly sworn deposeth and saith that during the War of the Revolution he this Deponent was a soldier of the United States regularly enlisted and served as such in the New York Line, Second Regiment, Continental  Troop in the Company Commanded by Captain John I Halmtramck, until the close of said War. That during said service he frequently met with Gideon Simpkins the same person refered [sic] to & described in the accompanying papers as an applicant for a Pension. That said Simpkins was also on duty at the same time with this Deponent but in a different regiment, and Deponent believes that he served until the close of the war under the Command of Capt Syts with whom Deponent was well acquainted. And this Deponent further saith that said Gideon Simpkins now resides in the town of Berlin in the adjoining county of Rensselaer and is an applicant for a Pension as aforesaid under the Act of Congress passed May 28, 1828
Joseph Carly [signature]
Sworn & Subscribed this 21st day}
of September 1840, & I certify }
that said Joseph Carley is a }
Credible Witness
Richd. McMichael Justice Peace
~
Page 113

State of New York}
County of Schenectady} Ss.
Clerks Office. }   I Theodoric R. Van Ingen Dep Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Richard McMichael before whom the within affidavit of Joseph Carley purports to have been taken was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly Commissioned & Sworn & that his Signature to said affidavit is genuine.
Witness my hand & official Seal this 25 day of November 1849
JR Van Ingen
Dep Clk
Page 114

State of New York}
Rensselaer County}Ss
On the twenty forth Day of June 1840 personly [sic] apeard [sic] before me Hariet C. Herington a resident of the town of Berlin County and State aforesaid aged fifty five years being duly Sworn according to Law Doth say on her oath. that She is acquainted with Gideon Simpkins now of Berlin in this County and I have been acquainted with him for about[I think] fifty years in was acquainted with him at ["generous Tattent" is what it looks like] Albany County this State on a place known as Nockstook and at Hancock Park this County Massachusetts and about at Stephentown in this county and Berlin where he now resides and have Seen him or heard of him as often as once a month since I was four years old I have always lived within fifteen or twenty miles of him and a part of the time within two miles this was fifty years agone I have never known a man by the name of Gideon Simpkins except him I have often heard it Said by John Simpkins the father of the Said Gideon -- that he Gideon was a Soldier in the american army of that revolution and also have herd [sic] the Same from many others.
The truth of his having Served his country in that war i never have Doubted nor heard doubted by any one, I have herd [sic] the Said Gideon tell of Marching at Several different times and to Several Different places - I recollect of hearing that his hous [sic] was burnt Down and herd him Gideon Say that his papers and every thing else was burnt -- and I know that the Same Gideon now lives in the town of Berlin and is a cripple and has bin [sic] for many years.
and this Deponent further ses [sic] not
Harriet C Harrington [signature]
Sworn and Subscribed 
Before me this 24 day of 
June 1840
Hiram. Shaw Com
of Deeds of 
Berlin R. County
I certify that the above Deponent Hariet Simpkins is a credible witness
Hiram Shaw Com
of Deeds of
Berlin Rensselaer

[Underneath the above document on the image is another sheet of paper with one and one half lines of handwritten text, which I will transcribe below. These are the same lines that can be found at the bottom of Image 18]

and about 52 years ago
papers for the purpose of having them read
Page 115

State of New York
Rensselaer County Clerks Office} Ss I Leland Crandall Clerk of Said County do hereby certify that Hiram Shaw before whom the foregoing affidavit of Harriet C Harrington purports to have been taken was at the time thereof a Commissioner of Deeds in & for Said County duly appointed, & Sworn and authorized to take Such affidavit & that his Signature thereto is genuine
Witness my hand & official Seal this Second day of July AD 1840
Leland Crandall Clerk
Page 116

Revokation and homes [I can't swear to this]
Simpkins claim.


Gideon Simpkins
N. Y. Aug 1828 [this ink is almost entirely faded away, so I'm not sure about the month]



Varnum M. Babcock
West Stephentown
N.Y.
Page 117

Know all men by these presents: that whereas we, Avis Dymond and Joanna Potter of Stephentown in the county of Rensselaer and State of New York, in and by our informal letter of Attorney bearing date in the year A. D. 1855, did make, constitute and appoint Varnum M. Babcock of Rensselaer County in the State aforesaid, and Alexander H. Evans of Washington, in the District of Columbia our true and lawful Attorneys, for us, and in our names, to prosecute our claim as heirs of Gideon Simpkins, a Revolutionary Soldier for the arrearages of Pension, which, under arears laws of Congress may be our due, as such heirs, as by the said letter will more fully appear: Now therefore, we, the said Avis Dymond and Joanna Potter, have worked, countermanded, annulled and made void, and by these presents, do revoke, countermand, annul and make void, the said letter of Attorney, and all power and authority thereby given, or intended to be given, to the said Alexander H. Evans: And we have made constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make, constitute and appoint the said Varnum M. Babcock of said county of Rensselaer in the State of New York our sole true and lawful Attorney for us, and in our name, place, and stead to prosecute our claim aforesaid, to a full and final conclusion, giving and granting unto our said Attorney, full power and authority, to do and perform all our every act and thing whatsoever necessary and requisite to be done, in and about the premises as fully, to all intents and purposes, as we might or could do if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that our said Attorney shall lawfully do, or cause to be done, by virtue thereof.
In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the 18th day of July[very faded ink, but I think the date is correct] in the year one thousand Eight hundred and fifty six. Sealed and delivered}
In the presence of }
Sarah S[?] Segior [very faded, not sure]
Leydia Leatt}

Avis -- his X mark -- Dymond
Joanna Potter
[comment: I assume Avis Dymond is the daughter (rather than son) of Gideon Simpkins, since she has a different last name. The official who took down the wishes of Dymond and Potter seems to have written "her mark" over and under Dymond's X based on the letters of the word, but also just as clearly dotted the i. Because of that, I transcribed the "her" as "his", but I really think Avis Dymond was a woman]
Page 118

State of New York}
County of Rensselaer} Ss:
On this 22nd. day of September, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Josiah Simpkins, aged sixty-six years, a resident of Berkshire County in the State of Massachusetts, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Josiah Simpkins, who is the Eldest son and heir of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife, which said Gideon Simpkins was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; that his said father was married to Mary Brown at Albany County in the State of New York, in the month of March, A. D. one thousand seven hundred and Eighty Eight; that the said declarant was Sixty six years of age on the fifteenth day of February, A. D. 1855; that Joanna Potter, Elizabeth Lefberd, Amy Lillibridge, Cornelius Simpkins, Augustus Simpkins and Avis Dimond are living children and the only living children of the said Gideon Simpkins & Mary his wife; that his said father, Gideon Simpkins died at Berlin in said county and State the 30th. day of September A.D 1842; and that the said Mary Simpkins his mother died at Stephentown in said county and State the 8th. day of April, A. D. 1852.
Josiah Simpkins

We, George T. Dennison and Daniel Denison residents of Rensselaer County, in the State of New York, upon our oaths declare that we are acquainted with Josiah Simpkins, and from his appearance and Statements know him to be the person he represents him self to be; that we were also acquainted with Gideon Simpkins & Mary his wife, and
Page 119

believe that they respectively died at the times set forth in the affidavit of this date, made by the said Josiah Simpkins, and that the statement therein of the names and number of the heirs of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife is correct.
Geo T. Denison
Daniel Denison

The above affidavits were subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year afore written; and I certify [several words are obscured by a second document overlaying the first] Simpkins to be the person he represents [the rest of this paragraph is obscured by the second document]

[The second document in this image is partially a print document: I will transcribe only the handwritten parts]

Wm J Sheldon Esq
29 -- Decr  --  1855

A H Sheldon
~
Page 120

believe that they respectively died at the times set forth in the affidavit of this date, made by the said Josiah Simpkins, and that the statement therein of the names and number of the heirs of Gideon Simpkins and Mary his wife is correct.
Geo T. Denison
Daniel Denison

The above affidavits were subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year afore written; and I certify that I know Josiah Simpkins to be the person he represents himself to be; that the affiants are credible persons and that I have no interest in this claim.
Wm. J. Shelden Justice

[this is the same affidavit as in the next image (Image 9) except that the overlying document that obscures part of the first affidavit in Image 9 has been folded out of the way so that the entire original affidavit is legible.]
Page 121

In the matter
of Gideon
Simpkins under the
act of 15 May
1828 -
additional afft
No 4
Feb 7/ 41
11
In charge of
Giles F. Yates
Schenectadn
N. Y.
Page 122

State of New York
Schenectada County ⎬ ss
---
Ama Lillibridge of the Town of Berlin in the County of Rensselaer in said State, aged forty one years, being duly sworn saith, that she is a daughter of Gideon Simpkins now
an applicant for a pension under the actbof Congress passed May 15, 1828. That her said father previous to his residing insaid town of Berlin (which he has done for about Eighteen years last past), resided in Stephentown in said County, previous
to which he resided in Westerlo Albany County, Cocyman Albany County, Rensselar & Albany County, and during the revolutionary war & for a short time time thereafter as she has been informed & believes in the County of Dutchess in said State -that her said father resided for the first four or five years of the period of his residence in said town of Berlin with her brothers Josiah Simpkins and Augustus Simpkins after the expiration of said five years or thereabouts the said Gideon Simpkin took up his residence with her this
Deponent & he has resided with her up to the present time, & still resides with her - That during the time he resided with said Josiah Simpher brother, he the said Josiah being intemperate and incompetent to transact
Page 123

business, he the said Gideon Simpkins being a cripple, feeble & unwell, applied to her this deponent to aid him in procuring a pension, to which he said he believed he
was entitled. She was thus applied to in the month of April 1827, or about 
fourteen years ago. She remembers this date from the fact that her daughter Almira was then two years of age, and is now sixteen. Previous to said month of April 1827, the said Gideon Simpkins in presence of this Deponent on many occasions
spoke of his revolutionary services, and when he heard of persons drawing pensions for their services in the revolution, he would remark that he ought to have a pension as well as they, but no person offered to aid him in the premises and this Deponent also recollects that previous to 1818, or before any pension law was passed he often talked about his revolutionary services, and was fond of recounting them-- but this Deponent was then too young to understand or treasure up in her memory his account of the same. That in consequence of his application to this deponent as aforesaid, she called upon a lawyer then residing in said town by the name of Alonzo Hammond
Page 124

formed her it would be necessary to produce papers showing that he had served as he alledged upon her informing Mr Hammond that his papers were destroyed by fire Mr Hammond then observed that it would be necessary to procure witnesses who could testify to his services. She thereupon consulted her father in this point, and he gave the names of a member of soldiers who if living he said would or could testify for him that the last time he heard of them (which would now be thirty years ago) they resided in Dutchess County & Albany County in said State of New York - that upon making inquiry she could not ascertain whether they were still living, or if living where they lived, and she was not in possession of the requisite pecuniary means to travel
to those counties (nor was her father)
or incur the expenses that would be
necessary to ascertain the fact, nor
could she get my are to undertake
the business without pay. She never did any thing further in the premises till the wrote to Mr Giles F. Yates of the City of Schenectada, hearing that he the said Giles F. Plates was conversant with pension business & would not charge for
Page 125

his services unless or until he obtained a pension - save an unsuccessful & half way effort made through Nathan Howard of the City of Troy- That as long as she can remember, and before pension laws
were passed, she heard her father speak much & often of his bounty land that a man by the name of Isaac Bogart was engaged in procuring it, or
had something to do with it in behalf
of her said father - that her father's house was burnt before she this Deponent was born, and therefore she never saw her father's papers but that Mary Simpkins whose testimony she is informed has been taken in the matter of this claim) she has often heard speak of the same & of the title of said Gideon to such land as shown by his said papers now destroyed as aforesaid. And this Deponent further saith, that one Tompkins who has now been deceased seventeen years called several times to pay a visit to
her father - that they conversed about
revolutionary matters & of their participation in the military services of said war -  the said Tompkins having been brother soldier with said Gideon
Simpkins her father - that she listened
to their conversation and remembers
among other things hearing them relate
Page 126

that said Gideon Simpkins was for
time sick at Schenectada of the
smallpox, and was then under the
command of Colonel Willett. This
circumstance she has repeatedly heard her father relate both before and after said conversation. She has also heard her father relate that he served and was stationed at West point after he left Schenectada, and that at the end of the war he was discharged at West Point - That he then received a written discharge signed by an officer whose
name she does not recollect. That said Gideon Simpkins was on duty in the regular army when Major Andre was taken and that he saw her executed, he being then a continental soldier on duty. That he was in the battle at White Plains - That her father has often mentioned the name of of Colonel Gansevoort & Goosen Van Schaik as officers under whom
he served - she also remembers the names ofthe following named officers Majer Parsons & Sites, & he frequently spoke of private soldiers by the name of Shawl  or Shill Boyce & Ostrander, and others she cannot now remember. And this Deponent  further Saith, that she frequently heard her
father say that a man by the name of
Isaac Bogert had something to do about her father's & bounty land - and that after the revolutionary war he was in the employ of a relative of said Bogart by the name of Bogart who was in com-
Page 127

and of a vessel or sloop on the
Hudson river - which Bogert then resided in Albany-
Ama her X mark Lillibridge
Note the words "and this Deponent
further saith" were written on [illegible] Subscribed & Sworn this 9th day of February 1841, and I certify
that she is reputed to be a
credible witness & that the foregoing deposition has been carefully and to her & sworn to by her with a full knowledge of all the facts therein contained but that she is unable to write her name owing to [illegible]. Note "brother" & "And this Deponent fur-" written on [illegible] before execution.
Wm P. Pierce
Commissioner of Deeds
State of New York
County of Schenectady Ss
I Theodore R. Van Ingen Dep Clerk of said
County do hereby certify that William P. Pierce above named is a Commissioner of Deeds in said County duly Commissioned & [illegible] & that his signature above written to the first of the affidavit of Anne Lillibridge is Genuine.
Witness my hand & official seal
this 9th day of February 1841
T R Van Ingen Dep Clk