Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,755, Jacob Franciscus, Penn.
Page 1


(3-1776)

SERVICE
Penn. 
Franciscus, Jacob 
Abigail
NUMBER
W.14,775
-------------------------
CONTENTS
[rest of card blank]
Page 2

24.443 
Buffalo 
Jacob Franciscus 
Erie Co in the State of New York 
who was a private in the company commanded 
by Captain Ross of the Regt: commanded 
by Col Hand in the Pa. continental
line for 21 mo. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Buffalo 
at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Decr 
1833 and Sent to 
Hon M. Fillmore HReps 

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. $175.00 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March '34 — 35.00 
$210.00 [double underlined]
 
{Revolutionary Claim,} 
{Act June 7, 1832.      } 

Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, 
Book E Vol. 4 Page 7
Page 3

Jacob Franciscus 
Pension declaration 
21 mo. 2 engagements. 

12. 547.
Page 4

State of New York } 
Erie County           } ss. 

The within named & described Jacob Franciscus as being duly sworn deposes & says that he is from bodily infirmity utterly unable to attend the sitting of the Court of Common Pleas of said County which is today held about
twenty miles from his residence, in the City of Buffalo on the 27th Inst, and that he has had very severe Rheumatick [sic] Pains & a pain in the side for some years past which is the infirmity of which he complains. That he is apprehensive that the exertion & fatigue of attending court would be production of serious Consequences to his health that about two years last December is the last time he has been so far from home & that then he was sick for some days after his return and it was with much difficulty he recovered from the Effects of the fatigue and Journy [sic] aforsaid. And further saith not. 

Sworn & subscribed before me}
this 21st day of May, 1832        }

Jacob his X mark Franciscus 

James Stryker 
Judge of Erie County Court
Page 5

[Declaration of a Revolutionary Soldier who served in the REGULAR ARMY, to obtain a Pension under the Act of
Congress, passed June 7, 1832.]

State of New York,
Erie County, ss.} On this 21st day of August year 1830 at Aurora in said County personally appeared [in open court crossed out] before the Hon Darius Shafrin out of the records of the Court of Common Pleas, in said County, Jacob Franciscus a resident of Aurora in the County of Erie and State of New York, aforesaid, age 77 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 June 7, 1832, That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year 1775 as he thinks (blank space) and served in the Rifle Regiment of the Pennsylvania line, under the following named officers: Col Hand, Lieut Col. Thompson, Major McCoy, Capt. James Ross Lieut James Hamilton Ensign Frederick Horchy. That he enlisted at Lancaster Lancaster County Pennsylvania and Marched to Prospect Hill near Boston, then across part of the state of New York and to Horse Neck & New Haven & from there to  Prospect Hill & arrived there some time after the Battle of Bunker Hill. That the night before the British left Boston, his Regt. moved to Dorchester Point expecting an attack at that fort. The British left Boston & went out to Castle Island and there anchored & did not march to Boston after the British anchored his Regt returned to their Barracks and in a few days marched to New York City in a detachment under the Command of Genr. Morgan  That he staid [sic] at New York about a fortnight and then went to Long Island to a place called New Ettrick [#] near where the British Guard ship Ajia lay. That he staid [sic] then at New Ettrick aforesaid doing guard duty until the British fleet came in and when it came in sight he was in the steeple at New Ettrick meeting house as a sentry and was the first there who saw the fleet. The same day that the fleet came to Anchor the deponents term of service Expired. 

Immediately after his discharge moved to Philadelphia and two or three days after discharge enlisted under Col. Berry, Lieut Col. Alley Major McCoy Capt Dehough
Lieut Shafrin & Ensign Francis in the third Regiment of the Pensylvania (sic] Line
on the Continental establishment. That he staid [sic] in Philadelphia about one month and then marched to Amboy in New Jersey & from there after staying about a fortnight went to the City of New York marched through the city onto Long Island & staid [sic] there until the Battle of Long Island and in the evening of the day of the battle they retreated from the Island and went to New York staid [sic] there three
days and then had orders to march to the East side of Knight Ridge where he staid [sic]
about a fortnight and then marched to Fort  Washington and staid [sic] there until he
was given up by McCoy. That he was then taken prisoner but the fourth day
made his escape and Returned home his officers thuss [sic] supposing him dead
That he served under this Engagement about nine months. 

# New Ultrecht
Page 6

He hereby relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a Pension, or an annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State,
Jacob his X mark Franciscus 

Sworn and subscribed this 21st}
day of August 1832                   }
before me James Stryker            }
Judge of Erie Pa Court

And I the said Judge do hereby certify (inserted) & declare my opinion that the above named applicant Jacob Franciscus was a Revolutionary Soldier and he served as he states and that the forgoing contains the original procedures before me in the matter of the application of the said Jacob Franciscus for a pension. 

And I the said Judge after examining the said applicant and upon proof, offered before me do hereby certify that the said applicant by reason of bodily infirmity is would [sic] be unable to appear in any Court of Record in this County to make the above declaration and submit to the examination required in such cases:  the said Court of Records being all held in the City of Buffalo at a Considerable distance from the Residence of the said applicant. Given under my hand and seal
at Aurora aforesaid this 25th day of June in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred
and thirty two. 
James Stryker [signature] [seal]
Judge of Erie County Courts
Page 7

State of New York            }
Erie County Clerk's Office } ss.

I Noah P. Sprague Clerk of the County of Erie and of the Court of Common Pleas thereof
do hereby certify that the Hon James Stryker before whom the forgoing proceedings and had in the matter of the Application of Jacob Franciscus for a pension was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the County Courts of the said County of Erie duly appointed & from and acting as such and that free faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that Capacity And I further Certify that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge and that the signatures of the said Judge to the jurat of the foregoing declaration of the said Jacob Franciscus and to the Certificate of the said Judge following the said declaration and also to the [said crossed out] annexed affidavit of the said Jacob Franciscus are in the proper handwriting of the said Judge and are his genuine signatures 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 27th day of August. AD 1832. 
Noah P. Sprague [signature]
Clerk of Erie Co.
Page 8

12547 

Jacob Franciscus 

Admitted 
Private 21 months 

Hon. M. Fillmore 
HR 

["N. K Hall
Buffalo
N. Y" (scratched out)]
Page 9

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1852.

  The following regulations have been adopted:
  The law has been ensured 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, &e., Teamsters, Boatmen, &e. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in military service.
  Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
  As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, 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 the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1852.

State,
Page 10

8

[the following paragraph has hand-drawn brackets on either side]

alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person 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 attempted; 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 which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
[end of hand-drawn parenthesis]

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, 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 it?
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 whom?
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.
6.  {To a Soldier.  {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
     {To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7.  State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the 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.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character 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 inquiry 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 before 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 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, who 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 procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood 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 follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b]  The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides.  If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c]  The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d]  The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war where he served. [this line is underlined with the written notation "This is Done".]
[e]  Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the [hand-written notation inserted "The names of the Col is given but its serving by that officer that this old man is not the Cols name or are [illegible]" - whole sentence is rather faded] claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grade in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case 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:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--for---year---months, and --- days, I served as a -----.  For ---months and ----days, I served as a ----; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, 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 [in italics] about three or four months [end of italics] is too indefinite and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  
This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f]  The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g]  The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h]  The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, 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 contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass 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 credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k]  This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l]   If a witness cannot be found, the declaration must state the fact.
[small bracket before sentence]
[m]  The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration. [end of small bracket]
[handwritten below]
"As early as the declarant states.  This proof of his service"
Page 11

Claim of the Heirs
of
Abigail Franciscus
additional proof
---------------------
Page 12

[piece of of paper overlaying the the majority of the top of the page, including the following text: "James Chadderdon was
Born Aug 5th 1797. 
Abigail Chadderdon was
Born July 25th 1793. 
Phebe Chadderdon was
Born Nov 20th 1835."] 

[overlaid piece of paper covers the first two lines and all but the end of the third line, written "Abigail Franciscus", of the underlaid page] 
[visible text of the underlaid page: "The daughters of Jacob and Abigail Franciscus,
that after their marriage the deponent
entered her birth in their family Bible
as them related to him by her and her
Parents, and which he believes is true.
 
That he has once made affidavit
of that fact, refering [sic] to the said record,
and that he has now cut the Record
of that event from his bible and which
is hereto annexed, and which is the
Original record made by him as aforesaid 

Sworn and Subscribed   }
this 22d day of July        }
1852 Before me, and      }
I certify the Deponent is }
a credible person --
James Chadderdon [signature]

Stafford Pike Justice Peace 

I certify that I James Chatterdon cut..."] 


[piece of paper overlaying the bottom of the underlaid page. Text on piece of overlaid piece of paper: "State of New York}
Erie County Clerk's Office     } ss. I WELLS BROOKS, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that Stafford Pike before whom the annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature thereto, to be his genuine signature. 

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County
and the Courts thereof, this 26 day of July A. D. 1852. 
W. Brooks clerk.
[seal in bottom left-hand corner]
Page 13

Phebe Chadderdon was
Born Nov 20th 1835.
Page 14

State of New York} 
Erie County           }ss.  

James Chatterdon being
duly sworn according to law, on his oath
says, that he married Abigail Franciscus
the daughter of Jacob and Abigail Franciscus,
that after their marriage the deponent
entered her birth in the family Bible
as then related to him by her and her
Parents and which he believes is true.
 
That he has once made affidavit
of that fact, refering [sic] to the said record,
and that he has now cut the Records
of that event from his bible and which
is hereto, annexed, and which is the
Original record made by him as aforesaid 

Sworn and Subscribed   }
this 22 day of July          }
1852 Before me, and      }
I certify the deponent is }
a credible person ~        } 
James Chadderdon [signature]

Stafford Pike Justice Peace 

I certify that I saw James Chadderdon cut
from his family record the Birth of his wife
as it was therein recorded, and I have no
doubt of its being the original and correct
record of that event ~  Stafford Pike
Justice Peace 
[seal in bottom left-hand corner]
Page 15

Heirs of
Abigail Franciscus
Revo. pension claim 
Additional proof 

Samuel Lake Atty 
Buffalo NY
Page 16

State of Vermont  }
Orange County     } ss.

I S M Flint clerk of this county court in the county of Orange and State of  Vermont, do hereby certify  that upon diligent search in my office I can find no  Record of the marriage of Jacob [underlined] Franciscus [underlined] and Abigail [underlined] Franciscus [underlined],

And I also certify that by the laws of the State of Vermont, County clerks are not required  to keep a record of marriages in their said offices.
 
I [sic] testimony whereof I have hereunto  Subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal this third day of August  A.D. 1852. at Chelsea in said County. 

S M. Flint County Clerk [signature]
Page 17

Jacob Franciscus Born June the 12 AD
--------------------------------------------
1752 Died in June the 14 day 1834 Jacob Franciscus was eighty two years and five days of age when he died this is the text preach to his funeral
Amos the 4 Chapter and the 12 Verse
Prepare to Meet thy God

[may be a signature at bottom of page, but is is cut off and illegible]
Page 18

Abigail Franciscus 
--------------------------
Born June the 8 1761 
--------------------------
Died in October the 1 day 
in 1828, Abigail 
Franciscus was 77 years 
and three Months old 
when she died
Page 19

Cathrine Taber Born february 
the 22 AD 1896.   Died in august 
the 19 1938 Cathrine taber was 
42 years of age and five months
Page 20

11.402 
New York CA 
--------------------------------
Abigail Franciscus decd, 
widow of Jacob Franciscus 
who died on the [blank] 
in the state of [blank] 
who was a Private in the [null] commanded 
by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded
[blank] in the Pa line for  
Revolution 
---------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany 
at the rate of 70 Dollars [null] Cents 
per annum to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1836. End 9. 1. Oct. 1838 
----------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of 
Oct. 1852 and sent to 
Geo Lake 
----------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of Buffalo NY 
Semi-annual allowance ending  [blank]

{Revolutionary Claim,} 
{Act July 7, 1838.        }

Recorded by R. McRae clerk, 
Book D Vol. 1 Page 157.
Page 21

Letter to 
Saml. Lake 24th June 1853
Page 22

State of New York } 
Erie County           } ss. 

I Peter M Vasburgh Surrogate of said County, do hereby certify that at a Surrogates Court held in and for said County before me the said Surrogate at Buffalo on the [blank] day of June AD. 1851 personally appeared before 
the said Court, John Franciscus Son of 
Abigail Franciscus who was the widow of Jacob 
Franciscus (and was a Revolutionary pensioner 
of the United States,) who being duly sworn according to law, on his oath makes the following declaration, that he is Sixty Six years of age and now resides in Bennington in Wyoming County in this State, and is the son of Jacob and Abigail Franciscus, that his said Father was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States and died in the town of Bennington on the 14th day of June 1834 leaving his mother the said Abigail Franciscus his widow and that she survived him and lived until the first day of October AD 1838 at which time she died in the Town of Wales in said County of Erie and State of New York, and the deponent attended her funeral, That this Declaration is made in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th AD 1838 entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows or to obtain the amount of pension due the said Abigail Franciscus at the time of her death
Page 23

and which might have been obtained by her had she made application for the same. ~
I further declare that my Mother the said Abigail Franciscus was not married after the death of her said Husband, but that she died a widow ~ I further declare that George Franciscus residing in Indiana, Betsey Eddy residing in Michigan Abigail Chatterdon and the deponent are the only Surviving Children and heirs of the said Jacob and Abigail Franciscus ~ that my sister Abigail Chatterdon resides in Alden in this County 

The Deponent believes his Father received a pension of Ninety Six dollars a year & resided in this county when he obtained the same ~ and further says not             
[signed] John Franciscus

Subscribed and Sworn before 
me this 19th day of June 1851. And I also certify that from the testimony hereunto annexed, and from the [illegible] of James Chatterdon on oath I am satisfied that the said Abigail Franciscus died on the 1st day of October 1838 and that George Franciscus, Betsey Eddy, Abigail Chatterdon and John Franciscus are her only surviving children and heirs at law ~

In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set 
my hand and seal of office this 19th
day of June 1851.
[signed] P. M. Vasburgh 
Surrogate
[seal affixed]
Page 24

dropped Berry no Such Col. 
Rev Pa. Archors No 1. page 248 
[ditto marks] 247 
[ditto marks] 237 
AW [initials]
Page 25

[Printed table with handwritten data]
aw

[continued from previous page] sion on file in this Bureau. [Handwrtten:] Jacob Franciscus wid F 14755

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDRED. - CAPTAIN. - COLONEL. | STATE.

Apr or May 1775 | 1 year | Pvt. | James Rose - Hand | Penn. |  [over]

Spring of 1776 | 9 mos | - | Dehuff - Atlee [strikethrough 'Berry'

Was taken prisoner during Surrender of Ft. Wash'n but escaped the next day. 

Battles engaged in, Retreat from Long Island
Residence of soldier at enlistment,:  enlisted at Lancaster, Lancaster Co. Pa.
Date of application for pension,: Aug 21, 1830 This Cl was al [very faded]
Residence at date of application,: Aurora, Erie Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, Born June 12 ^1752 Died at Bennington N.Y. June 14. 1834
Remarks: Soldier married Abigail Dunnell ^of Thetford Vt. about 1782. She was born June 8. 1761 and died Oct. 1. 1848 at Wales Erie Co. N.Y. Their children were John b. July 18 1784; George; Betsey Eddy; Abigail b. July 25. 1793, mar. James Chadderdon Jany 1. 1818; and Lewis.
Page 26

Rev Rev War

[stamp] Record Division
Nov 26 1907
Page 27

[initials at top right-hand corner of page]

Dear Sir:
 
Will you please 
send me Revolutionary 
record of 
Jacob Franciscus 
List - 1831 
Erie Co. 
New York 
also John Frost 
List - 1840 
Erie Co. 
N. Y.
Page 28

And oblige 

Yours very truly 

Anne M. Sawyer 
Box 64 Lockport 
N.Y. 

Nov. 21st 
[stamp at the bottom right of page: "PENSION 
A 
U. NOV 23 1907 S. 
OFFICE"]
Page 29

WIDOW, &c. 
-------------------
File No. 14,755 
Abigail Franciscus 
Widow of 
Jacob Franciscus 
Pri Rev War 
--------------------
Act: July 7th 38 
Index:— Vol. A, Page 254 

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 30

1907 Nov. 30, Hist. to Anne M. Sawyer [initialed] V. L. M.
Page 31

Mar: 10/52 
Addl evi. in 
case of Abigail 
Franciscus. 
Saml .Lake 
Buffalo 
N.Y. 

[stamp "FREE" - sideways on right-hand side of page]
[stamp] "BUFFALO 
Mar 
4 
N. Y."] 
J E Heath Esq. 
Comr. of Pensions 
Washington
D. C.
Page 32

L 
[stamp]
BUFFALO 
MAY 
31 
N. Y.
 
[stamp "FREE"] [upper right-hand corner of page]

L P. Waldo Esq 
Comr. of Pensions 
Washington 
D. C.
Page 33

June 2d 1852

Rel: to case of 
Jacob Franciscus 
deceased 

[insert paragraph symbol] Saml. Lake written 
to 24 June /53 

James Chatterdon 
South Alden 
Erie Co. 
N. Y.

[stamped sideways at right-hand margin]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS [page damaged] 
Commissions
Page 34

March 24, 1833 
-----------------------
Rel: to claim of 
Abigail Franciscus 
decd widow of Jacob 

Saml. Lake 
Buffalo 
N. Y. 

[stamp pressed upside down "FREE"] 
[stamp "BUFFALO 
MAR 22 
N. Y."] 

J E Heath Esq. 
Comr. of Pensions 
Washington 
D C.
Page 35

No 14.511 

Abigail Franciscus 
widow of Jacob. 
Vermt.
 
Act 7th July 1838 

Saml. Lake. Jan: 27th 1852 
Same June 22/ 52
Page 36

[Envelope addressed to]
Hon. J E Heath
Comr of Pensions
Washington DC

[Round postal stamp]
BUFFALO NY
[Illegible date] 22

[Stamp] FREE

[Handwritten perpendicular to the addressee:]

June 27 - 1851
Appl. of Abigail
Franciscus dec.d [wi]d
of Jacob under
Act 7th July 1
N.Y.

Sam.l Lake
Buffalo
NYork


[Handwritten over above text lightly]

L
W Trip[--page torn]
is m



10
Page 37

Aug 10/52 
Addl evi: case 
of Abigail Franciscus
decd wid of 
Jacob. 

[stamp "BUFFALO
AUG 7
N. Y."] 
Saml. Lake
Buffalo 
N. Y. 
[stamp "FREE"] 

J E Heath Esq. 
Comr. of Pensions 
Washington 
D C
Page 38

Claim for Rev. Pension 
By the Heirs of 
Abigail Franciscus 
---------------------------
Additional Proof 
---------------------------
Samuel Lake Atty 
Buffalo NY
Page 39

State of New York }
Erie County           } ss.  Eli Hall being duly sworn 
according to law on his oath says, that he 
has been acquainted with John Franciscus 
son of Jacob and Abigail Franciscus 
for forty years, that he belives [sic] his age 
to be corectly [sic] Stated in his foregoing 
deposition, that he has been well acquainted with the family, who are all of good character and reputation ~

Eli Hall [signature]

Sworn and Subscribed         }
this 21st day of February      }  
1852 Before me and I certify}
the deponent is a man of     }
good character & is entitled } 
to full credit  ~

Stafford Pike. J. P. [signature]
Page 40

one made by his daughter which was 
forwarded with the applications 
[crossed out "Sworn and subscribed 
this 21st day of February | James Chadderdon
1852 Before me and 
I certify the deponent to be 
a person of good character 
& entitled to full credit 
Stafford Pike" 
Justice Peace
Page 41

State of New York }
Erie County           } ss. James Chatterdon  being  being (repeated) duly sworn according to law on his oath says he was married to Abigail  Franciscus on the 1st day of January in the year of 1818 that she is the daughter of  Jacob and Abigail Franciscus deceased, that  soon after their marriage the deponent  entered the birth of his wife in their family  Record in their Bible, and that the Record is as follows, “Abigail Franciscus Born July 25th 1793” that the record was made from the relations of his said wife and her parents, and he has no doubt of its being true, the deponent further says he has been well acquainted with the family about thirty five years, and with John Franciscus a Brother of his wife and he believes his age is correctly Stated  in his affidavit ~ And the deponent further says, that there is no other record  of the death of the Widow Abigail Franciscus than the one made by the Daughter of this deponent, and which was forwarded to the department with the Application 

James Chadderdon [signature]

Sworn and subscribed }
this 1st day of March   }
1852 Before me ~        }
Stafford Pike [signature]
Justice Peace 

I also certify that the above deponent is a man of good character & entitled to full credit an belief. He is Post Master in  South Alden in this County. 
Stafford Pike [signature]
Justice Peace
Page 42

State of New York,                   }
ERIE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE} ss.
[SEAL]
I, WELLS BROOKS, Clerk of said County and of the Courts thereof, certify that Stafford Pike Esq before whom the annexed affidavit was taken, and whose name is subscribed in the certificate of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature thereto, to be his genuine signature.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, 4 day of March A. D. 1852

Wells Brooks Clerk. [signature]
W. Anderson, clk  [signature]

State of New York  }
Erie County            } SS

[Seal]
Page 43

State of New York}
Erie County          } ss
John Franciscus being duly sworn according to law, says that he made application for the pension due his mother Abigail Franciscus, the month of June last, that efforts were made to obtain Records of the Marriage of Jacob Franciscus and his wife Abigail, but the deponent was informed that the Town records where they were married in Vermont contained no marriage Records previous to the year 1800. The Deponent has no record of the Marriage of his Parents or the births of the children, and no family record of his own birth, the Deponent thinks he stated the same in his application and that his age was then correctly stated & that he is now Sixty Seven years of age the 18th day of July last that he does not believe there is any family record of the Marriage of his parents or the births of the children of the family in existence, or any private or public record thereof —
[signed] John Franciscus
Sworn and subscribed           }
this 21st day February            }
1852 Before me, and              }
I certify the Deponent to be a}
man of good character & is   }
entitled to full credit.
 Stafford Pike Justice Peace
Page 44

State of New York }
Erie County           } ss.
Abigail Chatterdon being duly sworn according to law on her oath says she is the Daughter of Jacob and Abigail Franciscus that she was born in Westford Vermont and is the third child of the family, as she has been informed and believes is true, and is now fifty Eight years old last July. that she is the wife of James Chatterdon, who soon after their marriage entered her age in ^ a family Record & then put in their family Bible, with other family records which record is true according to her best recollection information and belief. The Deponent further says that her Brother John Franciscus she believes to be Sixty seven years of age last July and that her parents had been married two years before his birth, that she was so informed by her mother - She further says that her sister Betsey Eddy is older than this deponent and one Brother George Franciscus who is younger than the deponent

[signed] Abigail Chatterdon

Sworn and Subscribed               }
this 21st day of February           }
1852 Before me and                  }
I certify the deponent to           }
be a person of Good Character }
and is entitled to full                  }
credit and belief —                     }

Stafford Pike Justice Peace
[seal]
Page 45

State of New York}
Erie County          } Ss.
Harriet Chatterdon being duly sworn according to law on her oath says she is thirty one years of age, that she will recollect the deaths of her
Grand Parents Jacob, and Abigail Franciscus, that the said Jacob Franciscus died in Bennington New York on the14th day of June 1834, and that the said Abigail Franciscus widow of the said Jacob died in Wales in this County, on the 1st day of October AD 1838. that she the deponent arrives [sic] at the dates of these deaths from a memorandum or record of the same at the time, made by her in a memorandum book kept by her, from which memorandum Book I cut the two leaves which are hereto annexed and are in my handwriting, and I now have no doubt of the correctness of the Record.

Harriet Chadderdon [signature]

Sworn and Subscribed         }
this 14th day of June            }
1857 Before me, and            }
I certify the Deponent to be }
a credible person ~
Stafford Pike Justice of Peace
in said County of Erie
Page 46

State of New York }
Erie County            } ss. Elizabeth [Betsey crossed out] Burt being duly Sworn according to law on her oath says that she was well acquainted with the Widow Abigail Franciscus who died in the Town of Wales in this County on the 1st day of October A.D. 1838, that she arrives at the date of the ^ death of the said Abigail from reference to her own family incidents and from being well acquainted with her, that the deponent assisted in dressing the corpse for the grave, and attended the funeral [crossed out]

[signed] Elizabeth Burt

Sworn and Subscribed }
this 14 day of June       }
1851 Before me, and    }
I certify the Deponent  }
to be a credible person}
Stafford Pike Justice in and for said County of Erie

State of New York}
Erie County          } ss
Reynolds Cole being duly sworn according to law on his oath says that in the year 1838 Lewis Franciscus resided in a house belonging to the Deponent and was a tenant of this deponent, that his mother the Widow Abigail Franciscus resided with her son Lewis, and died in the fall of that year, and I am confident she died on the 1st day of October 1838 I attended the funeral — Her Husband Jacob Franciscus died in the town of Bennington New York Several years previous to the death of the said
Page 47

[Handwritten] Abigail Franciscus and that at the time of his death he was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States as I understood at the time & now belive [sic] to be true ~

Reynolds Cole [ signature]

Sworn and Subscribed      }
this 14 day of June            }
1851 Before me, and         }
I certify the Deponent to   }
be a credible person         }

[Printed certificate]
State of New York            }
Erie County Clerk's Office} ss

[seal]

I, WELLS BROOKS, Clerk of said County, and of the Courts thereof, certify that [handwritten:] 'Stafford Pike'  before whom the annexed affidavit [strikethrough 'was'] were taken, and whose name is subscribed [handwritten:] 'to' the certificate's' of proof thereof, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, duly elected, sworn and acting as such, and authorized to take the same; and further, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signature's' thereunto, to be his genuine signature's' ~
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said County and the Courts thereof, this' 20th' day of 'June' A.D. 1851.

[signed] Wells Brooks  Clerk.
Page 48

Abigail Franciscus, and that at the time of his death he was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, as I understood at the time & now belive [sic] to be true -

Reynolds Cole [signature]

Sworn and Subscribed       }
this 14 day of June             }
1851 Before me, and          }
I certify the Deponent to    }
be a credible person           }

Stafford Pike Justice in
and for the County of Erie

[folded document underneath]
Page 49

[Illegible] & Declaration obviating Brief Objections

State of New York
Erie County ss: On this 22d day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred & thirty three personally appeared before me the undersigned Edward Paine [illegible] of the County Courts of the County of Erie personally appeared Jacob Franciscus who being duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following ^additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
This deponent saith that by reason of old age and the great lapse of time he cannot swear possibly to the precise day or month when he entered the service of the United States as
Page 50

annexed declaration & the foregoing additional declaration that we believe him to be 77 years of age that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that we concur on that opinion -

Aaron Riley
Charles P. Person [signatures]

Sworn & subscribed before me this }
22 day of May 1833                          } 

Edward Paine
one of the Judges of Erie County  

I hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jacob Franciscus [name underlined] who has subscribed & sworn to this foregoing Declaration & that he is of good character and unquestionable veracity.
I further certify that I am well acquainted with Aaron Riley & Charles P. Person who has subscribed & sworn to the said certificate that they are each of residents of the town of Aurora in the County of Erie & are credible persons & that their statements are entitled to credit.

Edward Paine one
of the Judges of Erie
County
Page 51

amended declaration was on the said 22d day of May 1833 the day of the date thereof a Judge of the County Court of said County duly commissioned & sworn & acting as such that full faith & credit is to be given to his acts in that capacity and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and that the said three signatures are in the proper hand writing of him the said Judge
And I do further certify that James Stryker Esq before whom the annexed Declaration & affidavit of Jacob Franciscus appears to have been sworn & whose name is subscribed to the jurats thereof & also to the certificate following said declaration all bearing date of the 21st day of August 1832 was on the day of the date thereof respectively one of the Judges of the County Courts of the said County of Erie duly commissioned & sworn & acting as such and that full faith and credit of to his acts in that capacity & further certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge that the said signatures to the jurats of said Declaration affidavit & to said certificate are all in the proper hand writing of such Judge
In Testimony whereof I have sworn to and subscribed my hand & seal of office at Buffalo this 30th day of May 1833.
Noah P. Sprague Clerk 
of Erie County
Page 52

J E Heath Esq   Buffalo March 21 1853
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir,
The heirs of Abigal Franciscus widow of Jacob Franciscus have lately receive the pension due the widow at her death, at $70.00 per annum from the [from - Struck Thru] 4 March 1836 to 1st October 1838. The family say their
Father received $96.00 per Annum. If so, why is not the same amount allowed the Heirs of his widow. Was Jacob Franciscus a during war soldier-
Respectfully Yours
Samuel Lake
Page 53

Jacob Franciscus
died 14 June 1834
---
Abigail Franciscus
Died 1st Oct 1838
---
children
George Franciscus
---
Betsy Eddy
---
Abigail Chatterdon
---
John Franciscus
Page 54

Buffalo Augt. 7th 1852
J E Heath Esq
Com of Pensions
Sir
I received your letter of the 23d June last in relation to the claim of the Heirs of Abigail Franciscus and agreeable to the request herewith forward the Original Record referred to in your letter, together with the certificate
of the Clerk of the County in which the
parents were married, by which you will see that the counties of that State have no record of Marriages,
As the last objections or requisitions are complied with, and the claim has been
Suspended for a long time. I hope to receive a certificate without further delay. ~
Respectfully Yours
Samuel Lake
Page 55

Brief in the case of Abigail Franciscus wid of Jacob
County and State of Vermont
act July 7 1838
_____________
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner at $70 per annum
Act June 7 1832
Proof of Marriage, Documentary & paid [?]

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Saml Lake
Buffalo
 NY

Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk.
Page 56

Abigail Franciscus 
decd widow of Jacob 
NY [Vermont crossed out] 
Admd. 21 months 70$ 
per annum from 
4th March 1836 to 
1st Oct. 1838 
When she died
-------------------------
payable to 
George Franciscus 
Betsy Eddy 
Abigail Chatterdon & 
John Franciscus 
only surviving children 
--------------------------
Cert to 
George Lake 
Buffalo 
NY
Page 57

No 14.511 [underlined] 
Abigail Franciscus 
Widow of Jacob Franciscus 
[underlined "a Revry pensioner decd."] 
-------------------------------
Claim for 
Widows pension 
By [underlined "her Heirs"] 
Vermont 
Act 7 July 1838. 
---------------------------------
Jan: 27th 1852. (letter) 
Samuel Lake Atty 
Buffalo NY
Page 58

State of Vermont, Orange County…ss.} I C.W. Clarke Deputy Clerk of County Court of the County of Orange in the State of Vermont, do hereby certify that R M Gleason is acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county dated on the 30th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty and will expire on the thirtieth day of November next, and that his signature to several certificates hereto attached is genuine.

Given under my hand and seal of said County Court, this 23d day of April A.D. 1851. 
 
Cornelius W. Clarke Deputy Clerk. [signature] 

[top of bottom page cut off]
…credible witness RM Gleason Justice of Peace State of Vermont}
Orange County   } Ss Thetford town clerk office April 25th 1851
I certify that I have carefully examined the Records of Marriage of said Thetford and do not find the record of Jacob Franciscus marriage
I further say that there is not a record of but few marriages in said Thetford previous to 1800.  
Attest Chas Crocker town clerk
Page 59

State of Vermont }
Orange County   } Ss
I, Asahel Burnham being duly worn according to law say that I am 73 years of age that I was well acquainted with Jacob Franciscus and his wife whose name before her marriage was Dunnell that they lived together in the town of Thetford in the County aforesaid had a family of children and sustained the relation of husband & wife several years previous to the year 1794.  That an [sic] referance [sic] to their own family records and incidents the deponant [sic] is confident his acquaintance with them commenced as ^  soon as the year 1790.  

Asel. Burnham [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed this 22nd day of April 1851 before me and I certify the deponant {sic] to be a credible witness.  
R M Gleason Justice of Peace

State of Vermont  }
Orange County     } Ss
Thetford Town clerk office April 25, 1851
  I certify that I have carefully examined the Record of Marriage of said Thetford and do not find the record of Jacob Franciscus marriage.
I further say that there is not a record of but few marriages in said Tetford previous to 1800
Attest Chas Crocker Town clerk
Page 60

State of Vermont }
Orange County    } Ss

I Michael Barnham being duly sworn according to law say that I am 76 years of age that I was well acquainted with Jacob Franciscus and his wife whose name before her marriage was Dunnill that they lived together in the town of Thetford in the County aforesaid had a family of children and sustained the relations of husband and wife several years previous to the year 1794 That on reference to their own family record and incidents I the deponant [sic] am confident I am acquainted with them & any acquaintence [sic] commenced as of the year 1790

Michael Barnham [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed this 22nd day of April 1884 before me & I certify the deponent to be a credible witness.


R. M. Gleason Justice of Peace
Page 61

Buffalo March 3d 1852

J E Heath Esq
Commr of Pensions

Sir, Yours of the 2nd January is received, in which you say the claim of the Heirs of Abigail Franciscus have been examined & filed. You state that from the depositions, it is inferred that there is family record &c. & that the same must be forwarded, or if not the ages of the children must be prooved [sic]- I herewith send affidavits of two of the Heirs and other proof to corroborate their statements, which I hope will be satisfactory, and if so that the claim will be allowed without much delay as it has remained on file for a long time-- You will perceive that the 3d Child was born in 1793 ---

Respectfully Yours
Samuel Lake [signature]
Page 62

Buffalo June 20th 1857 

Hon. J E Heath 
Comr of pensions 

Sir, Please acknowledge 
the Receipt as I suppose the claim must 
remain on file for some time ~

Respectfully Yours
Samuel Lake [signature]
Page 63

Buffalo May 31, 1853

L P Waldo Esq
Comr of Pensions

Sir 
Jacob Franciscus recd a pension of $96.00 per Annum and died leaving a widow who died Oct 3, 1838 without receiving a pension. This was obtained by the Heirs, but 70.00 a year, Will you state the reason why $96 a year was not paid to them. 
They suppose he was a during War Soldier ~
Respectfully Yours
Samuel Lake [signature]

PS
Please direct to James Chatterdon
South Alden Erie Co. N Y. who is
Post Master & the Husband of one of the
Franciscus Heirs
S.L.
Page 64

Pension Office 
Oct. 25 1852

NY Roll, Buffalo
70$ per annum  }
Act June 7 1832 }
Jacob Franciscus pri 
to what time paid?
J. Triplett

Died 17th June 1834, paid 
to his death
BLB

J. S. Gallaher Esq
3d Auditor
Page 65

State of Pennsylvania }
Lancaster County       } SS

 On this twenty first day of
September A.D. 1833. Before me Samuel
Dale an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for said County personally came Jacob Lindey of Warwick Township Lancaster County aforesaid ^ aged seventy nine years who on his solemn oath saith. I was well acquainted with Jacob Franciscus formerly of Lancaster County County PA (but now as I am informed of Erie County State of New York) that the said Jacob Franciscus enlisted in the beginning of June 1775 for one year under Captain James Ross, that deponant [sic] and he marched out together in the 1st American Regiment under Col. Chambers. That at the end of one year and two weeks we were discharged, and the said Franciscus returned home with me. During that term of service we were in several skirmishes with the British but in no particular battle except that of Long Island.
  That the said Jacob Franciscus after his return home entered in the flying camp but not being in the same company with me
I have no knowledge of the time or manner of his leaving it.     

        Jacob Lindey [signature]

Sworn & Subscribed before me Sept. 21st
1833  Sam Dale [signature]

At the same time and place personally came Colonel Jacob Slough of the City of Lancaster who on his solemn oath doth depose & say I have a perfect recollection of Jacob Franciscus having marched out in the summer of 1775 in Captain James Ross Company of riflemen.  I understood from others that their term of enlistment was for one year.  I remember to have seen the said
Page 66

Jacob Franciscus after his return home.
Jacob Slough [signature]

Sworn & Subscribed before me an associate }
Judge of the Court of Common                      }                      Please [Pleas] of Lancaster County this 21st   } day of September A.D. 1833                           }
Sam Dale [signature]

At the same time and place personally came Jacob Long of the City of Lancaster who on his oath says I was well acquainted with Jacob Franciscus and know him ["to him" crossed out] to have marched out in Captn. James Ross company of rifle men in the year 1775, which I understood at that time was for one year. I am about seventy five years of age and the said Jacob was older than I. 

Jacob Long [signature]

Sworn and Subscribed before }
me September 21st 1833.       }
Sam Dale [signature]

I Samuel Dale an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County before whom the above depositions were taken do Certify that Jacob Lyndey who has signed the first deposition is a Citizen of Warwick Township, Lancaster County and that Jacob Slough and Jacob Long who have signed the other two are citizens of Lancaster City, and that they are all respectable and credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit 
Sam Dale [signature]

State of Pennsylvania}
Lancaster County       } Ss
I Christian Bachman Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said County Do Certify that Samuel Dale Esquire before whom the within and foregoing affidavits were made, was at the time, and now is, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, duly Commissioned and qualified; and that the signatures annexed are his genuine signatures.
 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the seal of said Court at Lancaster this twenty first day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
Christ. Bachman [signature]
Prothy.