Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11637, Bernard Van Valkenburg, New York
Page 1

SERVICE
New York

Van Valkenburg, Bernard

NUMBER
S.11637

carded
Page 2

19886

New York
Bernard Van Valkenburg of Columbia Co in the State of New York who was a private in the company commended by Captain Whitlock of the Regt commanded by Col Whitlock in the NY ma line for 7 m 3 d.

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 23 dollars 66 cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of May 1833 and sent to Joseph D Morell CC

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $47.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 11.83
$59.15

Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by W.L. Williams Clerk
Book E  Vol. 4 Page 84
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In the matter of Bernard Van Valkenburgh
applicant for a pension

19806
Page 4

State of New York County of Columbia ss  On this day to wit the 31st day of August 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the Justice Court of the City of Hudson in said county now in session Bernard Van Valkenburgh of the Town of Chatham in said county and state aforesaid aged seventy-seven 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 Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
In the fall of 1776 does not recollect the month thinks the month of November this applicant with the regiment then commonly called the Kinderhook regiment was called out to go up the Mohawk river to repel the aggressions of the Indians in the then Tryon County 60  or 70 miles from Albany. on this expedition this applicant served under the following officers and was bound to duty six weeks - the officers were Andrew Whitbeck - Colonel - Harmon Van Buren Major - Lambert Burgert Capt - Isaac Van Valkenburgh first lieutenant - John Van Alstyne 2d liuetenant - Andreis Whitbeck 2nd ensign -
The following spring was drafted to go to Lake George to protect a quantity of provision
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proceeded as far as Albany - was ordered to return and was kept on duty in and near the village of Kinderhook for the purpose of carrying into effect the orders and requisitions of a committee appointed to examine persons suspected of toryism - take oaths of allegiance  served three months on this expedition
The applicant further states that he was kept on duty as a minute man with the rest of his company except the time of service as above stated who would volunteer during the summer and fall of 1777.  for the purpose of scouring the country for tories for the space of two months at different times as served under the command of John Van Alstyne Lieutenant William and John Scott were serjeants during these scouting expeditions which extended through the county principally.
During the time of service as stated in the 2nd description Abram Van Alstyne was colonel and Isaac VanValkenburgh capt John Van Alstyne first lieutenant.
A few weeks previous to the taking of Burgoyne this applicant with several others of his company volunteered to take provisions to the troops then engaged in the bloody conflict at Saratoga was absent three weeks and returned home after the surrender of that army
This applicant further sets forth that he has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any person (except those whose certificates is hereto annexed) whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
Page 6

to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state;

Answers to the interrogatories

1. This applicant was born in the town of Kinderhook (then) county of Albany and State of New York in the year 1755
2. He has no record of his age
3  When called into service, lived in the town of Kinderhook aforesaid - has lived there ever lived Except the last ten years during which time he has resided in the adjoining town of Chatham
4 This applicant was drafted to go on the expedition up the Mohawk river drafted to go to Lake George - volunteered to go on scouting parties - volunteered to go to Saratoga
5th The names of the officers who were with the troops where served were those before mentioned. According to his best recollection the regiments this applicant remembers were those of militia to wit Kinderhook, Camaan, and Claverack.
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Does not recollect the names of the officers of the two latter

6th Never received a written discharge from service

7th the names of persons to whom I am known in my present neighborhood and who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution are Martin Van Deusen Peter Groot and James Van Valkenburgh
Birman his x mark Van Valkenburgh

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Hiram Wilbur, Clerk

We Martin Van Deusen Peter Groat & James Van Valkenburgh Do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Berman Van Valkenburgh who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration of age - That he is refuted and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Martin Van Deusen
Peter Groat
Van Valkenburgh

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Hiram Wilbur Clerk
Page 8

and the law court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states
And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Martin VanDeusen Peter Groat and James Van Valkenburgh are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit

I Hiram Wilber Clerk of the Justices court aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Bernard VanValkenburgh for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office, this 31st day of August 1832

Hiram Wilber Clerk

Direct to Martin VanDeusen Chatham 4 corners count and state aforesaid
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In the matter of Bernard Van Valkenburgh applicant for a pension
Col N.York
8322
Page 10

State of New York
Columbia County ss Bernard Van Valkenburgh first duly sworn says he has seen the objections to his pension papers. and among the series of objections the numbers 12-13 & 16 are marked 'No' in red ink. In answer to no 12 this deponent states that he is not acquainted with any clergyman whose certificate he can procure - that there is none in his vicinity. In answer to the 13th this applicant further states that he has not nor ever had any documentary evidence of his service as a soldier of the Revolution. nor does he know of any living witness whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service - these are the reasons why such proof cannot be had.
In answer to the 16th (objections) this applicant can see no reason why the papers are not authenticated. they having the seal of the court as the certificate of the clerk with his signature as required by the pension act and the regulations therein contained.
This applicant further states that it is set forth in his declaration herewith returned that he had no documentary evidence of his services as a soldier of the revolution on that he knew of no persons whose testimony he could procure who could testify to his services as of a consequent such proof cannot be had further this deponent saith not

Bernard his x mark Van Valkenburgh

Subscribed and sworn to this 24th day of November 1832 before me Gates Clerk & Customers of the Peace Martin Van Densen witness
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State of New York
Columbia County ss I Joseph D Monell clerk of the said court, do certify that Gates Clark esq before whom the affidavit within, on this paper, purports to have been sworn, was at the state of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county. And that I am acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper handwriting and signature

Witness my hand and seal of office the 27th day of November 1832. Jos D. Monell Clk
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No 19800

Bernard Van Valkenburg
Columbia Co N.York

admitted.
7 mo 3 days Private.

14470

Joseph D Monell Ck
Colombia Co N.Y.
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war DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sin:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necefsary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, /thus: }/ you will, when
you relurn your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
columbia 60 negat
a Statentent, shewing the Service of Bernard Van Valkenburgh Columbia Co NY

[chart]
Period when the service was rendered / Duration of the claimant's service. Years - Months - Days / Rank of the Claimant. / Names and Rank
of the Company officers under whom he served. / Name and Rank of the General and Field Officers. / Battles in which the applicant was engaged.  / Country through which he marched. / Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. / Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

Draft 1776  / 1 (mo) 12 (days) / Private / Cap [illegible] / Col Whitlock / [blank] / to the Mohawk / aged 77 Kinderhook N. York / Traditionary

drafted 1777 / 3 (mo) / [blank] Lt Van Alstyne / Maj Van Buren /[blank] Lake George Albany

minuteman 1777 / 2 (mo)

Vol " / 21 (days)

7 (mo) 3 (days)

 
 
I am, respectfully,
your obedient servant;
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This la N has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia,' and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service. but not those who
were occasionally employed with. the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &amp;c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &amp;c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who furned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
9. The State Troops. Militia, and Volunteers.
s. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolla of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claim-
ing the benefit of this Taw as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first in-
stance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of th.e Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
ss.
County of
On this
day of
personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
aged (c)
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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (i))
, with
and
served in the
(e) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service: (and if he serv-
ed
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &amp;c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever toa pension or an annvity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not $111 the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolu-
tionary soldier, and served as he states.
I
of the Court of
dohereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceeding&lt; of the said Court in the matter
of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
&amp;c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claimsa pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar 10 the foregoing. with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
, who has
ubscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbort.ood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo-
lutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court urther certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
do I ereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
&amp;c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commis-
sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser-
vices of the applicant, and such circunistances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will sostate in his declaration (1) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 15

8
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at-
tempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in winch they reside, and there
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propoand the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account
of
service in the Milítia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is itP
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whomP
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
To a Soldier.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-
en and what has become of it?
6.
To um Officer.
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of itP
7.
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes-
tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
Il one of these persons is a Ciergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the char-
acter and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration be-
fore required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the
proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested
to
perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or
by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, whe may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can pro-
cure, taken and aurhenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighhorhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity in which case the declarant will fil:
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declaraat must make bis declaration in the county where he resides. If be should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for nôt
conforming to the rale.
[c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or perioda of the war when he served.
Every coutinental officer or soldier mast give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim
cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language su
definite as to enable the Department to determ-ne to what amount of pension be is entitled. In a ease where the applicant cannot, by reason
of
the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
" Persoually appeared before me, the undersigued, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith. that, by reason
of
old
age, aud the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recoliectien, he served not less than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:- For yeur months,
and
days, served as a For mouths and days, served as a and for such service I elaim - pension."
It is importaut, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifyir expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensious merely state that they served two years
in the militia, & e. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of elaration
is
highly objectiouab 1: must, 111 every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served: the duration of each term of eugagement:
the
particular place or place. w here the service was performed that the applicant served with au embodied corps called into service by competent au-
thority; that be was either in the ficld or in garrisou; aud for the time during which the service was perforined, he was not employed in any
civil
jursuit.
If The law makes the reliuquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
h
The Cierk must give his certificare in every case.
(i) The Clerk must dix his scal. and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distiaguished from any other seal, or if he has no pab-
lie seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying oflicer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which con-
tains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or uarrow ribben, the euda of which must
vass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
.
(J)
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two cedible witnessee
are
required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's eutering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as
well
ho
aesses, as and the official character and siguature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper oflicer, under his seal of office.
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the wit-
13° The notes from (a) to [:] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers aud State Troops, The proof required by rule in
mote
Ul
applies to coutineutal troops only.
This traditiowary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
lin? The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and seut to thre War Department, with the declarations
Page 16

11637
3-649
Bureau of Pensions.
Bernard Van Valkenburg

Appln Oct 31 1832
Chatham Hudson Co NY

En Fall 1776
Capt Burgert
Col Andres Whitbeck
1 1/2 mos

1777
Capt James Van Valkenberg
Col Abule Van Alstyne
3 mo

1777
2 mos

3 weeks

no battles

Ar JF Force
Minneapolis Minn
Jany 16 1900
Page 17

OW & R
Northwestern National Life Insurance Company.
W.F. Bechtel, President
Executive Department
Minneapolis, Minn

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir

Can you give me date of the death of Bernard Van Valkenburg who served in Capt Burgerts Co, Col. Andrew Whitbeck, New York troops, also in Capt Isaac Van Valenburg Co in Col. Abraham Van Alstyne Regiment NY Troops and who was pensioned under application filed Oct 31, 1832. Revolutionary War service.
Thanking you in advance for the information

Yours very truly
D. J.F. Force
G27 Andren Bld
Page 18

 
DR. J.F. FORCE PRESIDENT.

The Northwestern Life Association of Minneapolis

322 & 324 HENNEPIN Ave:

Minneapolis Minn.
Nov. 28, 1899.
U. S. Pension Commissioner,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
I am looking for information concerning Barent Van Valkenburg, who died Jan. 15, 1344, aged 90 years.
His grandchildren claim that he was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War. will you kindly me you
inform if you have his record in the Pension Office. His home was supposed to
be Col-
umbia Co., N. Y., for he was buried at Stuyvesant Falls, Columbia Co., N.Y.
Very truly yours,
Dr. J.F. Force
Page 19

Dr. J.F.Force President
Wallace Campbell, Vice President
C.E.Force, Secretary.

The Northwestern Life Association of Minneapolis.

Northwestern Building.
Secretary's Office.

Minneapolis, Minn. Nov. 3, 1899.

Pension Commissioner,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:-
I am seeking for a record of the service of Barent Van Valkenburg who is said to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War and to have drawn a pension for said service. Mr. Van Valkenburg died in Columbia Co., N.Y., Jan. 15, 1844. Any information your office can give me, I will be thankful for.

Yours very truly,
Dr. J.F. Force

[stamp] US PENSION OFFICE NOV 6, 1899
Page 20

[column 1]
Jany 16  1900
Mil. Histy to Dr. J.F. Force
Minneapolis, MN

Mch 10 1903
To above How to get data of last payment of pens

May 27 1904
to Above at N.Y. City name appears only Bernard

[column 2]
11.637

Rev war

INVALID

our

11,637
Bernard Van Valkenburg
Priv.Rev. War

Act: June 7' 1832
Index: - Vol. A, Page 389

[Arrangement of 1870.]