Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 29,121, John Dockstader, New York
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SERVICE: New York
Dockstader, John (Dachsteter, Hannes)
NUMBER: S. 29,121
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30377 Albany 30,377 
John Dockstader 
of Herkimer in the State of N. York 
who was a Pr. & Corp in the Company commanded 
by Captain Hartin of the Regt commanded 
by Col. Billinger in the N. York line 
for 3 months & 19 days Pr 12.09 
2 " 11 " Corpl. 8.66 
[=] $20.75 

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany 
at the rate of 20 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of Feb 1836 
and sent to J.A. Rasback Herkimer, N.Y. 

Arrears to the 4th Sept. '35   93.37 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March '36. 10.37 
[=] $103.74 

{Revolutionary Claim,} 
{Act June 7 1832.}
Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book E.2. Vol. 4 Page 17
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John Dockstader's
Pension Papers
14,347
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State of New York} 
County of Herkimer} ss. 
On this Eleventh day of October one thousand Eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting John Dockstader a resident of Herkimer in the County of Herkimer & State of New York aged Seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oathl make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 
That he Entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and Served as herein 
That when he attained the age of Sixteen Years which was the latter part of the year 1777 as he now believes he was Enrolled in a Company of Militia Commanded by Captain Henry Harter Lieut. John Damuth in the Regiment commanded by ^Col. Peter Bellinger & Lieut Col. Frederick Bellinger. Nicholas Herkimer was their General. That by the orders of his commanding officers he provided himself with a Gun & the usual Equipage and at all times kept himself in readiness to March at a minutes warning from the time of his Enrollment until the close of the Revolutionary war 
That he was called into service is the four[sic] part of the Year 1777 in the Company aforesaid at Herkimer ^then Tryon County & now in the County of Herkimer & State of New York where he then resided and was ordered to Fort Stanwix in the present town of Rome Oneida County having been drawn out of the Company in which he then was. does not recollect that any officers attended the March. After he this deponent arrived at Fort Stanwix he was placed under the command of Lieut. John ^George Weaver and was Employed constructing roads and bridges near said Fort some length of time and while thus Engaged he with the company in which he then was fell in contact with a party of hostile Indians & Tories, who after a short but Spirited resistance Yielded to the company in which he this deponent was. on Examination letters were found with said Indians & Tories written from Canada as
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deponent thinks and addressed to Several Inhabitants along the Mohawk River who were in favour of the British cause. The finding of these letters afterwards proved to considerable advantage the Militia, as many who Secretly assisted in the British cause were discovered ^he was out in this service about a month: and further says that he was afterwards ordered back to ^Fort Dayton at Herkimer where he was placed on guard and ordered or volunteered on Scouts by turns till sometime in the Summer he was then ordered to proceed to Fort Stanwix, commanded by Capt Henry Harter and Lieut. John Damuth aforesaid in the Regiment under Col. Peter Bellinger's command as aforesaid and under the Command of General Herkimer when an Engagement took place in which Gen Herkimer was Shot near Fort Stanwix - commonly called the Oriskany battle in which he this deponent was & Lieut. Col. F. Bellinger was taken prisoner in said battle. 
and further says he was afterwards marched back to Fort Dayton at Herkimer & was there on guard and building & repairing Fort Dayton, some length of time until ordered to Ticonderoga. does not recollect the officers attending the march towards that place, but he well recollects that he did proceed on his march with the Company ^almost to Schenectady when the news came that Burgoyne had surrendered to the United States forces, and his company was ordered back to Herkimer, where he served on Scouts and on guard and also further says that he afterwards volunteered under Ensign Bellinger on a tour south from Herkimer about fifty or sixty miles near & ^across the Unadilla River where a party of hostile Indians & Tories had killed Some of the Inhabitants, there took one prisoner. the Indians had a camp or Castle there, near the Carr place as ^it was then called. this last mentioned
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to us was as this deponent thinks late in the fall of the Year but is certain it was in the fall of the Year from the fact of their getting potatoes out of the ground which were not then gathered and shortly after the Oriskany Battle. and also at another time he volunteered under Captain Damuth ^who Commanded a company of Rangers to Oneida & Brothertown to check the progress of the hostile Indians and Tories. that ^they passed among the Brothertown Indians. The last named Indians he believes were neutral, was accompanied in this expedition by a company commanded by Capt McGee, which he believes were nine months men. 
at another time volunteered to and at Frankfort on a Scout when an Engagement took place between us and the Enemy and ^a soldier of ours was killed ^and we killed an Indian one of our party: and at another time he volunteered on a tour north some distance to the Mount place so called where two persons had been killed thereby Indians, and at another ^time volunteered on a tour East Scout some time. does not recollect how long, nor does he recollect the officers if any that attended. that he often volunteered & was called out on Scouts when no officers went along. that he was in service as above stated and guarding Fort Dayton until in the fall of the Year 1780. he believes he removed from Herkimer to Schenectady where he resided during the Winter & in the Spring of 1781, he removed to Greenbush, when he was immediately Called into service under Col Henry K. Van Rensselaer does not recollect the Company officers, but refers to Mr. Cornelius Van Deusen['s] ^Affidavit annexed, by whom he can prove the service in part and officers names. that he was then ordered to proceed to Half Moon. at Halfmoon he and a party were sent to take a party of Tories in the neighborhood proceeded in the night time and two of his party were Spot by the Tories and on his march passed through of Lansingburgh to Half Moon where he stayed some length of time, about a fortnight as he now believes. then marched to Niskauna [sic] & to Schenectady where he also served
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to us was at this deponent thinks late in the fall of the Year but is certain it was in the fall of the Year from the fact of their getting potatoes out of the ground which were not then gathered and shortly after the Oriskany Battle. and also at another time he volunteered under Captain Damuth ^who Commanded a company of Rangers to Oneida & Brothertown to check the progress of the hostile Indians and Tories. that ^they passed among the Brothertown Indians. The last named Indians he believes were neutral, was accompanied in this expedition by a company commanded by Capt McGee, which he believes were nine months men. 
at another time volunteered to and at Frankfort on a Scout when an Engagement took place between us and the Enemy and ^a soldier of ours was killed ^and we killed an Indian one of our party: and at another time he volunteered on a tour north some distance to the Mount place so called where two persons had been killed thereby Indians, and at another ^time volunteered on a tour East Scout some time. does not recollect how long, nor does he recollect the officers if any that attended. that he often volunteered & was called out on Scouts when no officers went along. that he was in service as above stated and guarding Fort Dayton until in the fall of the Year 1780, he believes he removed from Herkimer to Schenectady where he resided during the Winter & in the Spring of 1781, he removed to Greenbush, when he was immediately Called into service under Col Henry K. Van Rensselaer does not recollect the Company officers, but refers to Mr. Cornelius Van Deusen['s] ^Affidavit annexed, by whom he can prove the service in part and officers names. that he was then ordered to proceed to Half Moon. at Halfmoon he and a party were sent to take a party of Tories in the neighborhood proceeded in the night time and two of his party were Spot by the Tories and on his march passed through of Lansingburgh to Half Moon where he stayed some length of time, about a fortnight as he now believes. then marched to Niskauna [sic] & to Schenectady where he also served
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some time ^half a month then marched to Albany & from there returned to Green Bush and says that he there served on Scouts several times was ordered out by the officers, and also says that he served on guard by turns at night during the time that he resided there, which was nearly one Year or thereabouts as near as he recollects. And he then returned to ^Fort Dayton at Herkimer which he thinks was in the latter part of the winter or first part of Spring in 1782, recollects there was Snow on the Ground. And says after he arrived at ^Fort Dayton at Herkimer he was in service at fort Dayton on guard and other service most of the time till the Close of the Revolutionary war. that he volunteered in pursuit of the Indians and Tories after the Engagement between them and Mr Shell & his family, at that time two of Mr Shell's sons were taken prisoner by the Enemy and further says that he Escorted a prisoner to Canajoharie on his way to Johnstown, and was also ordered to carry officer ^and soldiers to Johnstown and was Engaged ^a number of days. Thinks fort Dayton not occupied till after Oriskany Battle:
And further says that during the whole of the war from the time of his Engagement in the service aforesaid he resided at Fort Dayton ^after Fort Dayton was occupied Except when he resided at Schenectady & Greenbush as aforesaid, and that at Fort Dayton in Herkimer he was ^much engaged Guarding Fort Dayton or on Volunteer service or called out or ordered ^out by his commanding officers. and further says that he was wounded near Fort Dayton by a shot received from a hostile Indian in the Revolutionary war. the ball went through his shoulder. and also says that he Volunteered to Andrewstown where the Indians, had killed four people & went to bury them. 
And further says he is certain that he did much Service ^in the revolutionary war that he ^has not stated but positively believes that the service which he recollects would amount to about or near three Years actual Service exclusive of the time he worked on the farm:
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and further says that after ^Lieutenant Col. Frederick Bellinger was taken prisoner in the battle at Fort Stanwix, Col Peter Bellinger was kept in Command of the Militia at Fort Dayton, as he now believes 
and that he was ^at another time ordered out to guard boats with provision to Fort Stanwix does not recollect the officers under whom he there served but thinks he can prove the service by John Frank for one boat trip:
That he was born at Canajoharie in Montgomery ^County in the Year 1760, has no record of his age, resided at Herkimer as before Stated when called into service, has resided at Herkimer Since the Revolutionary war and now resides at that place.
Was called into Service by his commanding officers & was frequently drafted out of said Company or ordered out by the officers on Expeditions. Each Company giving so many men. Volunteered Many times on Expedition, and on Scouts as before Stated in the declar[a]tion 
That he has no documentary Evidence or writing of any kind that he can refer to for particular dates but knows that from the time of his commencement in 1776 or first part of 1777, until the Close of the Revolutionary war he was always ^kept in readiness at a minutes warning as before stated, and was Continually in Service during said war 
That he hereby relinquishes Every Claim whatever to pension or annuity Except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and Year aforesaid in Open Court 
[Signed] Hannes Dachsteter
[Signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk 

And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter and
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after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department and after interrogating him as to the several services set forth herein that the abovenamed John Dockstader the Applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and Served as he States; And the Court further certifies that John Frank, Cornelius Van Deusen, Peter P. Bellinger, ^Peter Bercki and Christopher Bellinger who were sworn in open Court to the Affidavits by them respectively subscribed are known to the Court to be persons of credibility and that the statements contained in their respective Affidavits are entitled to credit
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State of New York} 
County of Herkimer} ss. 
On this Eleventh day of October one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas now sitting, John Frank of German Flatts, County & State aforesaid, aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law, on his oath says that he resided at Fort Herkimer in the now town of German Flatts during the Revolutionary war. that he was well acquainted with John Dockstader, the person now Claiming the benefit of the late pension act, during the Revolutionary war. that said Dockstader was in the service of the United States, during the Revolutionary ^war in the Company of Militia Commanded by Captain Henry Harter, & Lieut Damuth at and about Fort Dayton, that said Dockstader served to protect and Guard boats with provision to Fort Stanwix in the present town of Rome, and near Oriskany some length of time. that at another time said Dockstader was on a tour south from Herkimer when he this deponent was present about and near the Unadilla River (Said Dockstader was under Ensign Bellinger) where a party of Indians & Tories had killed a number of Inhabitants and also says he has no doubt said Dockstader was in the Oriskany battle as it is commonly called when Gen Herkimer was Shot, and he has no doubt that said Dockstader did much other service during the Revolutionary war that he does not know of or now recollect. he this deponent being at Fort Herkimer & said Dockstader at Fort Dayton. about two miles apart, and further says he knows that said Dockstader was wounded in the Revolutionary war near Fort Dayton and also says that he knew said Dockstader ^during the war & has known him well ever since, and that he is hones, upright and a man of good character for truth and veracity and also recollects that said Dockstader was in several skirmishes when the Enemy had murdered and scalped inhabitants. Sworn to in Open Court Oct 11th 1832
[Signed] John Frank
[Signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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State of New York} 
County of Herkimer} ss. 
On this Eleventh day of October one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas now sitting, John Frank of German Flatts, County & State aforesaid, aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law, on his oath says that he resided at Fort Herkimer in the now town of German Flatts during the Revolutionary war. that he was well acquainted with John Dockstader, the person now Claiming the benefit of the late pension act, during the Revolutionary war. that said Dockstader was in the service of the United States, during the Revolutionary ^war in the Company of Militia Commanded by Captain Henry Harter, & Lieut Damuth at and about Fort Dayton, that said Dockstader served to protect and Guard boats with provision to Fort Stanwix in the present town of Rome, and near Oriskany some length of time. that at another time said Dockstader was on a tour south from Herkimer when he this deponent was present about and near the Unadilla River (Said Dockstader was under Ensign Bellinger) where a party of Indians & Tories had killed a number of Inhabitants and also says he has no doubt said Dockstader was in the Oriskany battle as it is commonly called when Gen Herkimer was Shot, and he has no doubt that said Dockstader did much other service during the Revolutionary war that he does not know of or now recollect. he this deponent being at Fort Herkimer & said Dockstader at Fort Dayton. about two miles apart, and further says he knows that said Dockstader was wounded in the Revolutionary war near Fort Dayton and also says that he knew said Dockstader ^during the war & has known him well ever since, and that he is hones, upright and a man of good character for truth and veracity and also recollects that said Dockstader was in several skirmishes when the Enemy had murdered and scalped inhabitants. Sworn to in Open Court Oct 11th 1832
[Signed] John Frank
[Signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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State of New York} 
County of Herkimer} ss. 
On the Eleventh day of October one thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas now sitting Cornelius Vandeusen of German Flatts, County & State aforesaid aged Sixty Eight Years and past, who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he was in the Revolutionary war acquainted with John Dockstader the person now claiming the benefit of the late pension act and now a resident in Herkimer, County & State aforesaid.  
that he saw the said Dockstader at Greenbush in the County of Rensselaer State of New York in the Revolutionary war he is certain that said Dockstader was there engaged in the service of the United States in the Militia Commanded by Captain Jacob D Fraised [?], Lieut. Mathew Sharp in the Regiment Commanded by Col Henry K. Van Rensselaer. that said Dockstader was ordered and did proceed in service. From Greenbush to Lansingburgh & Halfmoon on the North River, and to Niskauna [sic] to Schenectady and Albany, was in service some time, afterwards returned to Greenbush where he served on guard by turns at night there being no guard kept then by day. was frequently ordered out on Scouts as he this deponent believes. that said Dockstader resided Greenbush nearly or about one Year, with their that is deponents family, and as he believes said Dockstader was in service most of the time while he resided there as aforesaid in the Revolutionary war.
^he believes That said Dockstader was an active Soldier in the militia aforesaid and that he was a man of good character. and further says he is well acquainted with said Dockstader now and that he this deponent believes him to be honest upright and a man of good Character for truth and veracity. 
Sworn to in Open Court 
s/ Oct. 11th 1832
Cornelius (X his mark) 
[Signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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State of New York} 
County of Herkimer} ss. 
On the 11th day of October one thousand Eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared before me Charles Gray a Commissioner of Deeds of said County Peter P. Bellinger of the Town of Danube, County and State aforesaid aged Seventy two Years, who being first duly sworn doth on his oath say that he was well acquainted with John Dockstader of Herkimer, the person now claiming the benefit of the late Pension Act in the Revolutionary war.  That said Dockstader was in the Service of the United States in the Militia of New York in the Company comanded [sic] by Captain Henry Harter, as he now believes. stationed at Fort Dayton under Col Peter Bellinger commanding said Fort. that he this deponent is certain, that said Dockstader was continually in the service aforesaid from time to time on Scouts on volunteered service and on guard for several years. 
The Militia at that place were always kept ready to march at a minutes warning at said Fort. 
That he is certain that said Dockstader was ^in service as aforesaid several Years, does not recollect particular services Except guarding Fort Dayton. Yet he this deponent has no doubt that said Dockstader did much other service during said war and this Deponent knows that said Docstader is a man of truth.
[Signed] Peter P Bellinger 
Be it Remembered that on the 11th day of October 1832 personally appeared before me Charles Gray Comsr &c Peter P. Bellinger & subscribed & made oath to the above Afft.
[Signed] Chas Gray
s/ Sworn to in Open Court 
Julius C Nelson Clerk
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State of New York} 
County of Herkimer} ss. 
On the Eleventh day of October one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting Peter Bircki a resident of the town of Frankfort, County & State aforesaid aged Seventy Nine Years and past who being first duly sworn does on his oath say that he was acquainted with John Dockstader of Herkimer, County and State aforesaid, the person now claiming the benefit of the late Pension Act, in the Revolutionary war. That said Dockstader was in the service of the United States in the militia company commanded by Captain Henry Harter, as he believes in the Militia of New York. That said Dockstader Volunteered on an Expedition to Oneida and Brothertown, under Capt Damuth of the Rangers accompanied by Captain McGee with a company of Nine Month's men as he believes and he thinks this was in the year following that in which General Herkimer was shot in the Oriskany battle . 
[Signed] Piter Bircki 
s/ Sworn to in Open Court 
[Signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
Page 16

State of New York} 
County of Herkimer} ss. 
On this 11th day of October one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas now sitting Christopher Bellinger of German Flatts, Herkimer County and State of New York aged Sixty nine Years in November next who being first duly sworn according to law does on his oath say that he resided at Fort Dayton in Herkimer, County and State aforesaid in the Revolutionary war. that he well knew John Dockstader the person now Claiming the benefit of the late pension act. that said Dockstader resided at Fort Dayton during &a part of the Revolutionary war, that said Dockstader Served in the Militia Company commanded by Captain Henry Harter, Lieut Damuth and Ensign Weaver at Fort Dayton aforesaid. that he believes said Dockstader was continually in the service of the United States in the Militia of New York State during ^a part of said war, but he this deponent does not recollect the particular service as he was not in service with said Dockstader. that he has known said Dockstader ever since the Revolutionary war and knows him to be and always has been an honest upright and good citizen and of good character for truth and veracity and further says that said John Dockstader was wounded in the Revolutionary war near Fort Dayton. and also further says he has always heard among the neighbours that said Dockstader was an active Soldier in the service of the United States in the militia aforesaid during ^a considerable part of the Revolutionary war but how long a period cannot state & does not know. 
[Signed] Christopher Bellinger 
s/ Sworn to in Open Court 
[Signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk
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State of New York }
Herkimer County} ss. 
Personally appeared before John Mahon one of the Judges of the County Courts being Courts of record of the County of Herkimer and State aforesaid George Folts of the town of Manlius and County of Onondaga State aforesaid who being by me duly sworn declares upon oath that he is well acquainted with John Doxtater of the town of Herkimer, County and State aforesaid, and that he this deponent well knew the said John Doxtater during the revolutionary War, and has known him Ever since, and this deponent well knows and Verily believes that said John Doxtater did continually do duty as a private in the ^New York Militia during the revolutionary War,  but he this deponent does not recollect the name of any of the officers under which Doxtater done duty ^Except as below stated, as he this deponent is now about Seventy Nine Years of age, and the great Elapse of time and old age together has impaired the memory of this deponent.
This deponent appears to be certain that said Doxtater done duty for a considerable time during the revolution
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in a Company of Militia commanded by Capt. Henry Harter and Lieutenant John Damuth. And this deponent further saith that he knew the Said John Doxtater during the revolutionary War to have been an active good Soldier during his service in the Militia aforesaid, and that said Doxtater was and still is a person of Excellent sober habits and good Moral Character. 
And this deponent further States that said John Doxtater was wounded by the Indians by a Shot received in the Shoulder during the revolutionary War. 
This deponent further saith that the said service was rendered by said John Doxtater aforesaid in the State of New York during the revolution. 
Subscribed and Sworn July 19th 1832} [Signed] Georg Fols 
before me -}
[Signed] John Mahon}
one of the Judges of the} 
County Courts of Herkimer} 
County And being Courts}
of record in the State of}
New York}
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State of New York}
Herkimer County} ss.
Personally appeared before John Mahon one of the Judges of the County Courts being Courts of record of the County of Herkimer and State aforesaid, Adam Hartman of the town of German Flatts County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn by me according to Law declares upon Oath that he is well acquainted with John Doxtater of the town of Herkimer, County and State aforesaid, and that he this deponent well knew the said John Doxtater during the revolutionary War, and has known him Ever since, and this deponent well knows and Verily believes that said John Doxtater Served during the revolutionary War in different Companys of Militia in the State of New York Commanded by Captain Henry Harter &[?] Michael Myers in the State aforesaid and this deponent further saith that he knows and believes that said John Doxtater Served as a private Soldier for upwards of two years in the Companys of Militia aforesaid in the State of New York during the revolutionary War.
And this deponent further States that said John Doxtater was wounded during ^the war aforesaid and was a good and brave Soldier. And this deponent further says
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that he ^this deponent is Eighty Six Years of age was wounded in the Revolutionary War, has nearly lost the use of his limbs so that he cannot walk or travel, but his mind and memory remains good.
Adam (X his mark) Hartman 

Subscribed and Sworn}
by the deponents making his} 
mark July 20th 1832}
before me}
[Signed]  John Mahon 
one of the Judges of the}
County Courts of Herkimer}
County being Courts of record} 
in the State of New York} 

I do hereby Certify that I have been acquainted with Adam Hartman that made the foregoing affidavit upwards of thirty five years, he is a person of good Character, when under Oath is to be believed is very infirm has lost the the use of his Limbs so that he cannot walk or travel July 20th 1832.
[Signed] John Mahon
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I Julius C Nelson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer do Certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of John Dockstader for a Pension, And I the said Clerk do further Certify that John Mahon Esqr before whom the preceding Affidavits purport to have been sworn, was on the day of their date one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Herkimer, and duly authorized to administer Oaths 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this thirteenth day of October 1832 
[SEAL?]
[Signed] Julius C. Nelson Clerk
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14,347
John Dockstader

Admitted
Corporal - 2 mo & 11 days
Private - 3" & 19 "
[=] 6 -- 
5.15-17
May 4th 1833
p. 373

In Vol. 5 p 10 - $10.03
"  "  "  "  11 - 7.33
[=] 17.36   Corp 2 mo & 11 days
Private - [illegible #s adding up to 3.19] 
In Vol. 5 p 8 - 3.19

Charles Gray
Herkimer N.Y.
Page 23

14,347
BRIEF in the case of John Dockstader 
County of Herkimer in the State of New York 
(Act 7th June, 1832.) 
1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? 
3. How old is he? 72 
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period | Duration of Service (Y-M-D) | Rank | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served
In 1777 | about 1m | private | Lieut. Weaver
-- -- | not stated | ditto | Capt. H. Harter, Col. P. Bellinger, Gen Herkimer
Vol.  Fall | not stated | ditto | Ensign Bellinger
 do. --  | not stated ditto | Capt. Damuth
do. -- | not stated | ditto | none mentioned
do. -- | not stated | ditto | "    "
do. -- | not stated | ditto | "    "
*
5. In what battles was he engaged? Oriskany 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Herkimer Cnty N.Y. 
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Witnesses 
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? They are not attached to the Seal as required. 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
[Signed] F. Waugh Examining Clerk.
March 7" 1833.

* 1780 Spring | not stated | private | Col. Van Renssalear [sic]
"And further says he is certain that he did much service in the Revolutionary war that he has not stated, but positively believes that the Service which he recollects would amount to about or near Three years actual Service."
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29121
Revy INVALID. 
File No. 29, 121 
John Dockstader 
Corpl Rev War 
Act: June 7" 32 
Index: -- Vol. 2, Page 111 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

Crosswise left:
N.Y. Jan 30.

Revolutionary Claims

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Herkimer Jany 24
Page 26

Herkimer January 23, 1836

Sir
Yours of the 8th Inst. I presented to Mr. John Dockstader he says that he served in Col. Van Renssalaer's Regiment in one successive term two months and Eight ^days as draftsman but owing to his old age and the difficulty of obtaining witnesses to testify positively to the particular services, as Most of them that Served with him are no more. he has lately found some persons that were knowing to some of his Services and one in particular whose age and debility is such that he is almost insenble [? insensible?]. under all these difficulties he has concluded to rest his claim on the allowance of the services named in Your communication of the 15tth ult., that is two months & Eleven days as corporal and three months and Nineteen days as private, and prays a pay certificate accordingly.
I am Sir Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
[Signed] John A. Rasbach

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Page 27

John Dockstader

Herkimer
Decr 29 1835  Revolutionary claims
Free [postage]
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Crosswise left: N.Y. Jan 4
Page 28

Herkimer Decr 28. 1835 

Sir
Yours of the 15th inst is rece'd in which You state that Mr. John Dockstader of Herkimer is Entitled to a pension on Evidence taken from the archives of New York for Two Months and Eleven days as Corporal and three months and Nineteen days as private and that if he should claim beyond that time he must produce further proof 
I read your letter to Mr. Dockstader and he thinks he ought to be allowed more time and requests of You if not inconsistant [sic] to have You state from which claims of Service in his declaration You make up the above time. he thinks he could show more time but as it is a great ^trouble to get witnesses he should like to know what part of his claim is sustained that he may with less Expense get his claim further sustained. In his declaration he states that he was wounded in the Revolution war by a shot from the Enemy in an Engagement which confined him one month and he thinks he ought to be allowed that time 
If the above request be inconsistant he wishes You to forward him a pay Certificate for the amount allowed 
Respectfully your 
Obedient Servt &c 
[Signed] John A. Rasbach

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Com of Pensions
Page 29

John Dockstader

Revolutionary Claims
J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Herkimer Decr 4

Crosswise left:
N.Y. Dec 9.
Page 30

Herkimer Dec. 3, 1835 

Sir
I received Yours of the 17 ultimo, and have read it to Mr. John Dockstader of Herkimer Claiming the pension in question. he says there must be a mistake in relation to said claim in the war department which is supposed to have taken place in consequence of another person by the name of John Dockstader who resides in Montgomery County and who has also made application for a pension. You state in Your letter that pay rolls of Capt Abraham Veeder's Company have been found, and that John ^Dockstader Claims in his Declaration to have ^served under him, in 1779 & 1780 
Mr. Dockstader of Herkimer the claimant says he does not know that a Capt. by that name served in the Revolutionary war, and you will perceive by referring to the declaration of John Dockstader of Herkimer and the affidavits of John Frank, Christopher Bellinger, Peter P. Bellinger, Peter Biercki & Cornelius Van Deusen who testified in support of his claim - that he does not claim for services under Capt. A. Veeder. You also in your letter refer to Capt. Davis in Col. Fisher's Regiment. Mr Dockstader claims no Services under him and says he knows of no such officers serving in the Revolution war - there seems therefore to be an Error in consequence of Two claimants of the same name residing in different places. By referring to the original declaration & affidavits You will perceive. Mr Dockstader sets forth his claim as John Dockstader of Herkimer and says that in his declaration, he sets forth no
Page 31

services that he did not perform and still persists that he performed more than are set forth and says that he never received any pay whatever for any services and that at the time set forth in his declaration that he was drafted under Col Willet to go to Oswego he furnished at his own Expense grain for horse feed on that Expedition for which he never received any pay - he does not recollect the Exact quantity of grain - but was about a load 
Mr Dockstader is very anxious to have his claim decided as he wishes to know whether he is to receive a pension or not and is quite urgent 
Respectfully Your Obt. Servant 
[Signed] John A. Rasbach

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Page 32

Revolutionary Claims
FREE [postage]
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Comr. of Pensions
Washington

Crosswise left:
N.Y. Mar 31
John Dockstader
Page 33

Albany 27. March 1835 

Dear Sir 
Enclosed I send you an Amendatory Afft. of Mr. Dockstader in support of his application for a Pension -- The papers in his case were forwarded by me perhaps Eighteen months ago -- You please have the same examined and when have communicate to him or with John A. Rasbach the result. 
I am at Albany where you will please direct if you shall direct to me- I prefer however that You direct to the applicant or Mr John A. Rasbach at Herkimer, Herkimer County St. New York 
I remain Respecty &c
[Signed] Chas Gray

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Page 34

Herkimer NY Revolutionary Claims
May 26 1835
Free [postage]
J.L. Edwards Esquire
Coms. of Pensions
Washington

Crosswise left:
N.Y.  May 27
ret'd [?]
Page 35

Sir 
I herewith return you the papers of John Dockstader with an Amendatory declaration & such authentication as by your Brief you require 
Mr. Dockstader swears to three years service including all his actual service from the commencement to the close of the Revolution. He states also the officers under whom he served. His service was chiefly in the grade of a private, although he swears that he served as corporal for Some time of his service -- you will perceive that he does not give the length of the different periods of his service, and which from the manner of Service of the Militia of this district, is no doubt impossible.
The account given of the Militia Service, by our Revolutionary people, and in which they all agree, is that in pursuance to military orders issued at the commencement of the War they were compelled to warn [?] & equip and at all times keep themselves in readiness to march at a minutes warning.
That they continued subject and served [?] under the same orders during the whole period of the War. The district of country now composing Herkimer & Montgomery counties was during the period of the War the frontier and much and continually exposed to the depredations of the enemy. All the settlements along the Mohawk in this district were burnt and the inhabitants collected and lived at Forts erected in different places along the River. These Forts and places of Safety required an armed force for their defence [sic] and were chiefly defended by the Militia of the district, and from the great exposure and the frequent and unexpected attacks upon them, required the almost constant and the most vigilant duty of the Militia.
It was in these Forts that our applicants from this County performed most of the service for which they claim and consider themselves entitled to pensions.  Their service at these Forts was the performance of the ordinary garrison duties. Whenever the enemy made his appearance at any of these forts or in the neighborhood the Militia were called out from the different Forts to appose [sic] or pursue him. The occasions of
Page 36

being thus called out were frequent and for no fixed or certain periods; when the enemy was driven back the Militia were marched back to their respective Forts. At times they were engaged in their civil pursuits labouring on & cultivating their lands but but so much they were at all times exposed, that when engaged in their farm labour, they were obliged to go out in large parties, with their arms and an armed guard around them when at labour. 
Although all were equally subject and performed more or less public service yet some served longer and rendered more important service than others. The more active and patriotic of our Revolutionary Militia were no doubt engaged in the public service of the Country for more than one half of the whole period of the War; and of that number according to the Testimony of Respectable witnesses appended to his declaration, was the applicant Mr. Dockstader. 
I am Sir very respectfully 
Your obt. servt.
[Signed] Chas. Gray

J.L. Edwards Esquire 

Herkimer May 18. 1833
Page 37

New York
Revol.
John Dockstader
Suspended
See letter to
Chs. Gray
6 August '33
let to A Rasbach- Apl 7 1835
let C McVean Esq., Aug 3d 1835
Act 7 June '32
let. to J.H. Rasback 15 Dec. '35
"   "   " 8 Jany '36
Page 38

Revolutionary claims
23 [?]
free [postage]

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of pensions
Washington
Herkimer Augt 10

Crosswise:
N.Y.
Aug 14
John Dockstader
Page 39

Herkimer 8th August 1835 

Dear Sir
In your last communication upon the subject of Mr. John Dockstader's pension claim of the 7th April you observe that "at the close of the Revolutionary war pay rolls of the Militia of [illegible] of Newyork generally were made out" &c. and next "a comparatively small number of pay rolls have already been obtained from the office of the Comptroller of Newyork, as soon as those relating to the service in question are received a further examination of this claim will be had." 
The intense anxiety felt by the applicant and his continual applications to us for information on this subject will be a sufficient apology for again calling your attention to this subject. Mr. Dockstader has the reputation having been an active and useful man in the War of the Revolution, and no doubt rendered some important service on behalf of his country during that period. We doubt not that if his papers entitle him to a pension that justice will be done him. In order to relieve him from suspense however we would ask that his case may be examined and decided. He will no doubt be more at ease to know the fate of his application even if denied, than be left in suspense. 
If the business of your office will permit the examination to his papers we hope you will do Mr. Dockstader the kindness to do so and inform him of the result 
I remain very respectfully yours
[Signed] A. Rasbach

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Page 40

State of New York} 
Herkimer County} ss.  On the 14th day of March 1835 
Personally appeared before me Nicholas Smith a Justice of the peace in said County, John Dockstader of Herkimer who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to all the services he performed in the Revolutionary War neither can he now State the length of time he served on all occasions during said war 
But is positive of the services and the length of times of the Several Services hereinafter mentioned - to wit; 
In the month of May 1777 he was drafted under the Command of Col Frederick Bellinger, Capt. Henry Harter and was ordered to proceed and did proceed to Fort Stanwix (now Rome) commanded by Lieut John G. Weaver and then and there served one month of which he is positive [1- in margin] 
In the month of July as he thinks in the same season he was again drafted and placed under the command of Capt Damuth commanding a Company of Rangers and was accompanied by what was called nine month's men and proceeded to Oriskany to guard ^boats with provision to that place ^and Fort Stanwix and Scouts was then in service sixteen days [-16 in margin] 
In the forepart of August of the Same Season he was drafted under Captain Harter above named, and proceeded to Oriskany at the time when the Oriskany battle took place, was in that Engagement at which time Genl. Herkimer was wounded of which wound he afterwards died Served that time not less than Eight days [-8 in margin]
About the last of September of the first of October in the same Year he was again drafted under Captain Harter above named to proceed to Ticonderoga at the time of the Surrender of Genl Burgoyne but the company in which he was did not reach Ticonderoga as Burgoyne had Surrendered before they could arrive and they were ordered back to Fort Dayton. Ensign John Bellinger assisted Capt. Harter on this occasion at that time he served Twelve days. [-12]
In the month of February 1778 he was drafted to pilot troops to Johnstown, does not recollect the officers in attendance but is positive he served  Eight days [-8]
[subtotal appears to end in .6?]
Page 41

In 1778 in the month of June as he now believes he Volunteered under Capt. McGee and proceeded to Deerfield on Scouts and then and there served two days 
Some time in the summer (the month he cannot now state positively) in the Year 1778 he was drafted and proceeded under Capt. Damuth Commanding a company of Rangers to Oriskany, and Fort Stanwix on Scout and to guard ^boats with provision to said Fort Served that time Sixteen days 
In the month of Sept. of the same season he was drafted under Capt. Harter but was not accompanied by him does not recollect the officers in command and proceeded to Andrewstown where a party of Indians & Tories were destroying every thing that came in their way Served Two days 
In the month of August 1778 there was an Engagement between a Small party of our men and a party of Indians and tories on the Mohawk river near Herkimer when several of our men were wounded at that time this deponent says he was wounded and by reason of said wound was confined  one month 
In 1779 in the month of July or August as this deponent now believes he was drafted to Serve on Scouts with draftsmen from the East under Col. Peter Waggoner and some regular officers from Fort Herkimer, their names not recollected served Six days 
In 1779 In the month of Sept. as he now believes as near as he can recollect the time he Volunteered under Capt. Damuth to Oneida a place called Brothertown to check the progress of Tories and Indians Served at that time Eight days 
In the Same month as near as he can recollect time he Volunteered under Ensign Bellinger on a tour about fifty miles south from Herkimer along the Unadilla River Served Eight days ^at this time we took one prisoners  
In the Same month or in October following as near as he can recolect [sic] the time he was drafted and went on a tour north along the West Canada Creek to what was Called the Mount place, does not recollect the officers in attendance Served four days
Page 42

3.18 [carried over]
In the month of September as near as he can recollect the time he was drafted and went in pursuit of Indians & Tories at the Battle between Mr Shell and the Enemy at this time two of Mr. Shell's sons were taken prisoner was out and served one day 
In August 1779 or 1780 he cannot recollect which year he Volunteered under Beckbred & Dygert rank of Officers not recollected and was accompanied by a Lieut of the Rangers named Adam Belmer and went to Deerfield at that time an Engagement took place between us and the Enemy and Several were Killed and Wounded on both sides Served two days [-2]
In 1779 about the first of the winter he was drafted to guard prisoners to Johnstown Served five days [+?]
In 1780 in October as near he can recollect the time, he was drafted and was accompanied by Continental troops and was commanded by Lieut. or Capt Doughty or Dooty, on a Scout and went East some distance north from the Mohawk thence to the River and back to Fort Dayton Served three days [-3]
In the ^same Season as near as he can recollect the time he was drafted and went to Schenectady does not recollect the officers but recollects that one Adam Hartman was in company and from Schenectady returned to Fort Dayton Served four days 
In the spring of 1781 he this deponent went to Greenbush he was then drafted under Henry Vandusen who was a Lieut as he thinks and went out on Scouts Served four days [-4]
In Sept or Oct 1781 was drafted under Col. Henry K. Van Rensselaer in a company commanded by Captain D Frased, and proceeded from Green Bush to Half Moon from thence to Niskayuna from thence to Schenectady and from thence to Albany where after sometime we were In dismissed Served on this tour Two months & Eight days [2.8 in margin]
In 1782 he returned to Fort Dayton at Herkimer
About the first of Feby 1783 ^as near as he can now recollect the time he was drafted under the command of Col. Willet to proceed to Oswego with Regular troops under his command that he proceeded with
[subtotal 6.5]
Page 43

6.05 [carried over]
said Troops but did not reach Oswego on account the intense Cold and want of provision when we returned to Fort Dayton Served Twenty four days [-24]
this deponent says he performed much other service during said was but cannot now recollect the particulars Sufficiently minute to set it forth. Of the service herein before described he is positive
[subtotal 6.24]
[Signed] hannes dachsteter
Sworn & Subscribed  
before me the day and 
Year above written 
[Signed] Nicholas Smith Justice 

State of New York} 
Herkimer County }
Clerks Office ss.}
I, E.A. Munson Deputy Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Nicholas Smith Esq. whose name is subscribed to the above befor [sic] whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and duly authorized to act as such and that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe the signature of "Nicholas Smith" subscribed to the said affidavit is genuine. In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 21st day of March 1835 
[Signed] E A Munson Deputy Clerk
Page 44

State of New York} 
Herkimer County} ss. 
Personally appeared before Charles Gray Commissioner of Deeds &c John Dockstader, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of the great lapse of time and that his services rendered in the Revolutionary War and for which he claims a Pension were for times and periods indefinite, he cannot swear positively as the precise length of his service, but according the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the grades following --
For two years and six months I served as a private and some part of the said time as a corporal but am unable to state how long I served as a Corporal and how long as a private yet I do recollect and therefore that I state that I served most of that period as a private in a company of Militia commanded by 
Capt. Henry Harter 
Lieut. John Damuth
Ensign Peter Weber 
In a Regiment commanded by 
Col. Peter Bellinger 
Lieut. Col. Fredrick Bellinger 
Genl Nicholas Herkimer 
For six months I served in a company of Militia commanded by 
Capt. Jacob D. Fraiser 
Lieut. Matthew Sharp in a Regiment commanded by 
Col Henry K. Van Rensselaer as a private and for such service I claim a Pension
Page 45

And this Deponent further saith that the period of Two Years and Six months service hereinbefore stated as rendered in the Militia under Capt Henry Harter and the said six months under Capt Jacob D. Fraiser was rendered at intervals and at different periods during the Revolutionary War commencing in the spring of the year 1777 and continuing to the close of the War 
That when I attained the age of sixteen years which I believe and fall of the year 1776 I was enrolled in the Militia in the Company of said Capt Henry Harter - that pursuance [sic] to orders then issued to the Militia as I understood and believe and of which corps I was a member I provided myself with a Gun and the other necessary equipage and at all times kept myself in readiness to march out at minutes warning-- that I then resided at Herkimer on the Mohawk River where I still reside which during the period of the War was a frontier settlement and continually as well in the Winter as Summer season, exposed to the enemy - that a Fort called Fort Dayton was at Herkimer to which the Inhabitants of that district had resorted for safety and in which they lived during the greater period of the
Page 46

Revolutionary War - that a guard and force sufficient to defend said Fort was constantly kept at said Fort and that the force stationed at said Fort during said period was chiefly the Militia of that district that there were occasionally some Regular Troops stationed at said Fort for the defence [sic] thereof, but this Deponent recollect[s] no Regular Officers stationed at said Fort Except Ensign Duty - that most of the services rendered by this Deponent were at said Fort in the performance of the usual garrison duties - that besides the usual garrison duties I was repeatedly ordered out appose [sic] the enemy as heretofore stated in my declaration - that I repeatedly volunteered but that when so ordered out or volunteered I never was ordered out or volunteered for any certain or definite period - that the term of such services depended upon circumstances - that whenever the enemy was expected to make an attack upon any of the settlements or other places along the Mohawk and other places and when attacks had already been made, the militia which I was attached was usually
Page 47

ordered out to appose [sic] or pursue the ending and after the departure of the enemy which was usually in the direction of Canada we returned again to Herkimer & Fort Dayton to the discharge of our Garrison duties - that at times when no enemy was [illegible] to be near I with others were engaged in our civil pursuits in the cultivation of our lands and not infrequently when engaged in our fields in this manner were we attacked by the enemy* - 
that the services rendered in the company of Capt Henry Harter as herein before set forth was done at different periods during the Years 1777-1778-1779 & part of the year 1780 and parts of the Years 1781 & 1782 - that the services rendered in the Company of Capt Jacob D. Fraiser was done in the years 1780 & 1781 as this Deponent now believes although he cannot say certainly whether the service under Capt Frasier was in those years - but I do know that was absent from Herkimer & Greenbush & Schenectady about a year during said War and that both before I went Schenectady & Greenbush and after I moved back to Herkimer I served under Captain Harter aforesaid-  that General Nicholas [Herkimer]

Crosswise in left margin:
* and that the attacks from the enemy were so uncertain & frequent that when engaged in labour in the fields we had sentinels placed around the [illegible -boundaries?] and by night and by day and in Winter and in Summer and kept on guard duty at said [Fort?].
Page 48

Herkimer was wounded and of which wound he died, in the Oriskany Battle in which Battle I was also engaged - Lieut. Col. Frederick Bellinger was taken prisoner at the Oriskany Battle - that said Bellinger some time after his imprisonment returned home on parole but never after took command - that I do not recollect who succeeded General Nicholas Herkimer in command -
To the 5,6 & 7 interrogatorys [sic] presented by the War department I answer as to the 5th Interrogatory
That Lieutenant Mason who with some continental troops was stationed at Fort Herkimer about two miles from Fort Dayton where I was stationed and Ensign Duty who was stationed at Fort Dayton are the only Regular officers with whom I ever served-
that I served also on different ^accasions [sic] with the troops in the Militia Regiment commanded  by Col. Peter Waggoner of Palatine with whom I was well acquainted and Col. Jacob Klock with whom I was not personally acquainted - that I served also with continental troops being nine months men and Rangers under the command of Capt. McGee or McKeene and Capt. Marks Demuth - that I served also with Regular troops belonging to the Regiment called the Jersey Blues but do not remember any of the officers -
6th Interrogatory - I never received any discharge for any of my services
Page 49

7th I am Known to Jacob P. Weber, John Mahon & Michael Hoffman who reside in my present neighborhood and who can testify as to my Character for veracity and their belief as to my services as a soldier of the Revolution -
And I further state for the names of the Militia officers under whom I served at Greenbush during my absence from Herkimer I rely upon the information of Cornelius Van Deuson that for the reason that I resided at Greenbush and served under those officers but for the term of about one year and that ^he [?] then removed to Herkimer, and have never since seen any of them I had forgotten their names - And further saith not 
[Signed] hannes dachsteter 

State of New York} 
Herkimer County} ss:  I Charles Gray a Commissioner to take Affidavits to be read in Courts of Record and the proof of Deeds &c do hereby Certify that on the 15th day of May 1833 appeared before me the said Charles, John Dackstader of the Town of Herkimer in the County and State aforesaid and Subscribed and in due form of law made oath to the foregoing Affidavit 
And I do further certify that I am and for several years have been, well acquainted with the said John Dackstader and that he is a person of fair character, that he is reputed and esteemed
Page 50

as a man of truth and veracity and he is entitled to full credit 
[Signed] Chas. Gray

State of New York} 
Herkimer County} 
Clerks Office} ss. 
I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said County do Certify, that Charles Gray Esqr before whom the preceeding affidavit purports to have been sworn, was, on the day of the date of the above certificate a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County, Commissioned and Sworn and duly authorized by Law to administer oathes &c and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name Subscribed to the Said Certificate to be his proper hand writing and Signature- 
Witness my hand and seal of Office this 
18th day of May 1833 
[SEAL]
[Signed] Julius C Nelson Clerk