Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11624, John Jacobus Van Vorst, Continental New York
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Continental
New York
Van Vorst, John Jacobus
NUMBER
S. 11624
carded
CONTENT
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[3-part form: left part of form missing text illegible]
[Center part of form]
New York
20818.
John Jac Van Vorst
of Schenectada [sic in the State of New York
who was a Wagon Master in the commanded by Captain
of the N.Y commanded
by    in the Continental
line for 2 years.
Heretofore on the roll as a private.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany N.Y.
at the rate of 480 Dollars per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Increased from $80 per ann.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of June 1939.
and sent to G. F. Yates
Schenectada [sic], New York.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $3840.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep 39 240.00
=
Deduct former payments $4080.00
---
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by D. McCurdy, Clerk,
Book E Vol. 4 Page 88
[Right part of form]
Duplicate Certificate 20
1843 and sent to G. F. Y[text missing]
Schenectada [sic], New York
Page 3

DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
STATE OF NEW-YORK,}
COUNTY of Schenectady} ss.
On the [nineth -crossed out] twelfth day of October 1832 personally appeared in
open court, before the Court of Common pleas in the County of Schenectady now
sitting, John Ja: Van Vorst, residing in the county of Schenectady and state of
New York aged upwards of ninety years, who being first duly sworn according to
law, doth on his oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, and served as herein stated: That he was born in the town (or now City) of Schenectady on the nineteenth day of January in the year, one thousand Seven hundred & forty two
and from his birth until the present time, hath always resided there; that from the earliest dawn of the troubles between the
mother country and her American Colonies, he has uniformly espoused their cause, and that from the first commencement
of hostilities between them, he has ever been the warm supporter and Steadfast friend of the United States: That for some time previous to his appointment to the office herein
after mentioned, he did his utmost to bring about the freedom and independence of his country.
That in September 1777, he was duly appointed a Waggon Master by Henry Glen Esqr A.D. Quarter Master General, on his application for that purpose to, and by the authority of the Deputy Quarter Master General, of the Northern Department; and that by an express stipulation and agreement with the said Department, he the Declarer
was to receive as compensation, the pay of one dollar for each and every day, the year through, and also one & an half ration per diem; that in addition to his own personal Services as Waggon Master, from the time of his appointment, until the final close of the revolutionary war, he the declarer, at his own individual cost, of twenty eight pounds in specie, in March 1778, furnished a recruit, named John Able to enlist & serve as a private, in the army, for during the war, as by the documents hereto annexed, may fully appear
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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John S. Vrooman Clerk
John Jac Van Vorst

We Jacob Van Vechten a Clergyman, residing in the City of Schenectady and Jas Van Ingen
residing in the City of Albany
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John J. Van that who has subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ninety one years of age; that ^ from credible proof made before and in court he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Jas Van Ingen [signature]
Jacob Van Vechten [signature]
Sworn and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
John S. Vrooman Clerk [signature]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them,
that Jacob Van Vechten who hath signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergy man resident in the City of Schenectady and that James Van Ingen who has also signed the same, is a resident of the City of Albany and is a credible person, and that their statements are entitled to credit.
I John S. Vrooman Clerk of the County of Schenectady
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the matter of the application of John Jac. Vorst for a pension.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office,
this 13th day of October
A. D. 1832
John S. Vrooman [signature]
Clerk
State of New York
County of Schenectady to
Before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, personally appeared John Jac. Van Vorst, and made oath that he is the same applicant above named that by reason of old age & the loss of
memory, consequent thereon 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 in the
following grades. In the winter of the year 1775, this deponent served with a detachment of men under Captain Jesse Van Slyck in Colonel Abraham Wemple's Regiment of Militia of the State of New York and joined the troops destined to attack Quebec unto General Montgomery. He cannot possibly recollect all
the places marched through, or yet the names of all his officers, but knows that he was out in this expedition for a term not less than three weeks-In the year 1777, he was ordered out in said
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company of Captain Van Slyck to Fort Edward, but had not provided for or his march before he was detailed from the ranks by the Quarter Master General to serve as a Wagon master, but received no regular appointment till
the year 1777 he served constantly until the time of his receiving his commission in Sept 1777 which commission is hereto annexed. After receiving said commission he served constantly in his capacity of Waggon master until the end of the said war. In consequence of said appointment he was obliged to procure a substitute as set forth in said declaration to enlist & serve as a private during the war. The following are the names of places among others at which he served during said war at Fort Edward, Bemis heights. Snook Hill, Schoharie & Albany but the greatest part of his services were performed Barrack Master at Schenectady, and the
nature of his services required his attention at the last named place to superintend the transportation of ammunition, baggage & provisions to the different posts & passed occupied by the American troops and this Deponent further saith that while thus engaged he was not employed in any civil pursuit whatever for which service of two years [illegible] he claims a pension.
his
John Jac: X Van Vorst
mark
Scribed & Sworn this
18th day of June 1833
before me
J.D. Harman [signature]
Justice of the Peace

I, Joshua D Harman that 
Justice of the peace aforesaid, before whom the foregoing deposition of John Jac: Van Vorst has been taken, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Jac: Van Vorst
and that in consequence of his extreme
old age & bodily infirmity consequent thereon he is unable to write his name. He made the effort but did not succeed & accordingly made his mark Witness
my hand this 18 June 1833.
Joshua D Harman [signature]
Justice of the peace

I John S. Vrooman Clerk of
said County, do hereby certify that
Joshua D Harman, before whom the foregoing
deposition has been taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for said County that I am acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the signature to the Jurats of said deposition purporting to be his, is genuine witness my
hand & Seal of Office this 29th
day of June 1833
John S. Vrooman Clerk
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Increase 20818 A
New York
John J. Van Vorst
Who did on the 23 May 1844
of Schenectady in the State of New York
Who was a Wagon Master in the Compy commanded
by Captain   of the    commanded
by   in the
line for two years

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March 1831 & end 23 May 1844.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of
April 1850 and sent to
Hon. W. M. Seward S.U.S.
Increased from $480.00

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowances ending
Payable to only surviving children
James Van Vorst, John Van Vorst
&
Nancy Shirtliff

{Revolutionary Claim
Act July 7, 1832}

Recorded by J. P. Chase, Clerk
Book E2 Vol. 4 Page 7
Page 7

State of New York
Schenectady City & County ss  on this 18th day of April 1830 July personally appeared before me John Van Vorst and made oath in due form of law that he is a son of Gershom Van Vorst who was a son of John Jacobus Van Vorst who was a resident of said County and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $400 per year  that the said John Jacobus Van Vorst died on the 25th day of May 1844 leaving no widow surviving him but children whose names are as follows James Van Vorst John Van Vorst Gershom Van Vorst and Nancy Shutliff who now survives except Gershom - who died in the year 1849 and this declaration is made to obtain any arrears or increase of pension due the aforesaid 
[signed] Jno. G. Van Vorst
Subscribed & sworn to before this 18th day of April 1850 
[signed] A. C. Paige 
Justice of Sup. Court &c
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Schenectady City and County: It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Alonzo C Page one of the justices of the Supreme Court of the fourth Judicial district of the State of New York being a Court of record "That John Jacobus Vorst was a resident of said County at the time of his death and a pensioner of the United States of America at the rate of four hundred and eighty Dollars per year; that he died on the twenty third day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty four, leaving no widow but children whose names are as follows James Van Vorst John VanVorst. Gershom Van Vorst --- and Nancy Shutliff all of whom now survive except Gershom Van Vorst who died in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty nine 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 18th April 1850 
[signed] A. C. Paige
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STATE OF NEW-YORK
County of Schenectady, - Clerk's Office, } ss. 
I, DAVID P. FORREST, Clerk of the County of Schenectady, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Alonzo C. Paige Esq. before whom the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was, at the time of taking the same, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the 4th Judicial district duly elected, commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said Affidavit and Certificate is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, this 18th day of April 1850. 
[signed] D. P. Forrest  Clerk.
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15.998
John Jack Van Vorts [sic] [Jac. Van Vorst]
Schenectady Co N York 

[crossed out, Rejected] Admitted 
Wagon Master service
Wagon Master 2 years 
No ctf Company
480 per ann 
Congress
John J. Van Vorst
Paid June 1, 1782 $326.88
certificate no 1653 –
paid 1st June 1782 $506.88 
Cancel old & make out new certificate 

Giles F. Yates 
Schenectady 
New York
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WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 183 
Sir: 
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the service of John Jack Van Vorsts 
Period when the service was rendered  Sept 1777 -. 
Duration of the claimant’s services. Years, Months. Days.
Rank of the claimant. Waggon Master
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. 
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. 
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. 
Country through which he marched. 
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 90 years Schenectady N York 
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 
J. L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2 
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. 
The following regulations have been adopted: 
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. 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 actual 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, 1832. 
State, Territory or District of County } ss.
On this ___ day of ___ personally appeared (a) before __ A.B. a resident (b) of ___ in the county of ___  and State, territory or District of ___  ages (c) ___ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ___  , with ___ and served in the ___ (e) regiment of the ___ line, under the following named officers: 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which marched. [ ]This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ___
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. ____ A. B. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I _____ of the Court of ____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of ___for a pension. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ___ day of ___&c. 
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
 (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ___ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ___ , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ___ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. ___ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ___ and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ___ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
I ___Clerk of the Court of ___ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of ___ for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ___ day of ___&c. 
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 13

3 
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. 
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?}
6. {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 he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. 
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. 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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. 
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration 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 also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. 
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, 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 in the period or periods of the war when he served. 
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his of his service, and the different grades 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 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 about three or four months 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 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 in continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 14

Rev.&1812 Wars Section   [initials]
April 20, 1927 
Mrs. Elizabeth J. S. Weed 
242 West 104 St. 
New York City. 
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 11624 it appears that John Jacobus Van Vorst was born January 19, 1742 in Schenectady, New York. 
While a resident of Schenectady, New York he enlisted in the winter of 1775 and served three weeks in Captain Jesse Van Slyck's Company, Colonel Abraham Wemple's New York Regiment. 
In 1776 he again enlisted in the same company, but was shortly detailed to serve as wagonmaster, in which capacity he served until he received his appointment as such on September 17, 1777 and served under Henry Glen, Assistant Deputy Quartermaster General in the Northern Department to the end of the Revolution. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 12, 1832 while a resident of Schenectady, New York. He died
Page 15

May 23, 1844 in Schenectady, New York. He left no widow, but the following children: Gershom who died in 1849, James, John, Nancy Shurtleff (also spelled Shutliff and Shirtliff), Soldier's grandson, John G. Van Vorst, son of Gershom, was living in 1850, and of Schenectady County, New York. 
Respectfully, 
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

Henry Glen was near relative – no further fam data
Page 16

Continental
John J. Van Vorst
S.F. 11624.
Page 17

This certifies that I have made application to the Deputy Quarter Master General for the Northern Department for a wagon Master, I do further certify that I have by the authority of said D. Quarter Master General appointed John Jacobus Van Vorst to be a wagon master in my department –
Given from under my hand at Schenectady the 4th day of Sept. [year illegible]
[signed] Henry Glen A. D. Q. M. General
Page 18

242 West 164th Street
NEW YORK   Feby 18th 1927 
United States Department of Pensions 
Revolutionary War Dept. 
Washington, D.C. 
Please send me a copy of the pension papers of my ancester, John Jacob Van Vorst, who was pensioned Oct 12th 1832, at the age of 91 –
He inlisted at Schenectady in 1775, saw active service until the close of the war. 
The above information, I need to enable me to join the Daughters of the Revolution 
Respectfully 
[signed] Elizabeth J. Sawyer Weed
Page 19

FW/1 Rev. See
244 South River St.
Wilkes Barre 
Pennsylvania.
July 19th 1918 
Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C. 
Dear Sir:
Will you please tell me what is recorded in your Department
Page 20

concerning Jacobus Van Vorst, who served in the Albany County, New York Militia, Land Bounty Rights during the Revolutionary War?
Yours truly,
(Miss) G.F. Rockafellow.
Page 21

[left side]
1912, Mar. 13 Hist. to C. L. Baker 
1915 May 25 Hist. to Horace S. Van Vorst
1918 July 26 Hist. to Mrs. G. F. Rockafellow
1927 - Apl. 20 Hist. to Mrs. Elizabeth J. S. Weed [cut off]

[right side]
Rev War
11624
INVALID.
No. 11.624
John J Van Vorst
Wagon master Rev War
Act: June 7th 32 
Index:- Vol. A [?], Page 389 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 22

[left side]
[illegible] April 1839 
June 1839 

[center]
20.818
New York
John Jac Van Vorst of Schenectady in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Capt --- of the Regt. commanded by Col ___ in the --- line for a full term (Wagon Master 2 years) 

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Oct. 1833 and Sent to J Van Ingen Albany 

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. ’33 $200 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 No ’34  40
[totals] $240 
{Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Go. C. Stiles Clerk, 
Book E  Vol. 4  Page 84 

[right side]
Letter to G. [illegible, Moffat?] to same [illegible]
Page 23

RECORD DIVISION. 3-525. 
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C., 190_
In reply to your request of ---, received --- for a statement of the military history of John Jacobus Van Vorst a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [crossed out, (or his widow's)] application for pension on file in this Bureau.  S. 11,624 

[TABLE]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |   LENGTH OF SERVICE.  |  RANK.   |   OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. | COLONEL.  |   STATE.   |
1775   |  3 wks  |  Pvt.   |  Jesse Van Slyck   |   Abraham Wemple   |  New York  |
1776 & 1777   |     |   Pvt. & Wagon Master   |  Jesse Van Slyck   |       |       |
Commissioned Sept. 17, 1777   |  to end of war   |  Wagonmaster under Henry Glen, Asst. Dep. Q. M. Gen’l, Northern Department   |
[END OF TABLE]
Battles engaged in None stated 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Schenectady, N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 12, 1832. Cl. Al.
Residence at date of application, Schenectady, N.Y.
Age at date of application, b. Schenectady, N.Y. Jan. 19, 1742. 
Remarks: Soldier died Schenectady N.Y. May 23, 1844, leaving no widow, but the fol. chn.- Gershom (d.1849), James, John, and Nancy Shurtliff. In 1850 a grandson John G. Van Vorst son of Gershom testified in the claim 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Page 24

Rev Sec  H.
Vanguard Insurance
511 STATE ST. COR BARRET SCHENECTADY, N.Y. May 20th 1915. 
Dept. of the Interior 
Bureau of Pensions:- Washington D.C. 
Gentlemen:-
Can you furnish me with the Revolutionary and Pension record of Johannes (John) Van Vorst of Glenville, Schenectady Co. N.Y.? He was born Jan’y 19 1741 and died May 23d 1844. His death notice as published in a local paper says he was a Soldier of the Revolution and was in receipt of a pension. I am a lineal descendant of the above Van Vorst. Any charges in connection with the above desired information will be immediately remitted for 
Yours respt 
Horace S. Van Vorst
511 State St.
Schenectady N.Y. 
P.S.
It may be that his name is given as Johannes J. - Johannes  - or John

[stamped U.S. Pension Office May 21 1915]
Page 25

The Baker 
Art, Picture, and Frame Shop
49 Clinton Street, Plattsburgh, N. Y.
Mch 7 1912
Pension Office – 
Washington D.C. 
Will you copy for me the Revolutionary War Record of John Van Vorst who was drawing a pension in Schenectady N.Y. at the age of 104.  I would like any dates or any information you can give me of this man 
Should there be any cost for copying please advise me 
very Respy 
[signed] C. L. Baker
Box 200
Page 26

Payments to be made 
New York 
Pres. U.S.B. of M. Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of New York 

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Vol. 4.
Page 84  by G.C. Stiles Clerk.
Page 27

WAR DEPARTMENT. 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. 
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Jac Van Vorst of the State of New York who was a private in the Revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and --- cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 5 day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty-three 
[signed] John Robb Acting Secretary of War. 
Examined and Countersigned. } 
J L Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
47 yrs Glenville 1833 then aged 93 years Born Jany [?]
Page 28

Documents on the application of J J Van Vorst

Lansing - Rev Pen
Page 29

I John H. Wendell of the City of Albany and State of New York, formerly a Captain in the first Regiment of the New York line of the American Revolutionary Army, and subsequently a Brigadier General of Militia in the City and County of Albany, do hereby Certify and declare, that I am well acquainted with Mr. John J. Van Vorst of the City of Schenectady and state aforesaid; that I knew him whilst he was engaged in the Waggon Masters Department in the service of the United States, as well anterior as subsequent to his appointment as a Waggon Master, by the late Henry Glen, Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General in the Northern Department, during the American Revolutionary War  that the said John J. Van Vorst was a zealous and active friend to the Cause of his Country, during her struggle for liberty with Great Britain - That he was frequently employed as a confidential Messinger or Express for the purpose of conveying important communications and intelligence from Schenectady to various quarters of the American Army - That he was much approved of, and highly respected, for the active and faithful discharge of his duties as Waggon Master - And I do further Certify that I was well and intimately acquainted, with the late Henry Glen, who was Assistant Deputy Quarter Master General during the whole of the American Revolution, and that the signature as such to the Certificate of the appointment of the aforesaid John J. Van Vorst, as a waggon Master, is of his own proper hand writing
Page 30

writing - And I do most heartily Concur with the said John J. Van Vorst, in the prayer of his petition to the Honble the Congress for a pension during the remainder of his life, and for the payment to him of the arrears of such pension. –
Given under my hand at the City of Albany the 13th day of February in the fifty fifth year of American Independence AD 1832 
[signed] J. H. Wendell 
City & County of Albany Ss. 
[crossed out, James Van Ingen] On this 22d day of Sept 1832 before me William L Osborn Justice of the Peace personally appeared James Van Ingen, of the said City, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that the signature J. H. Wendell to the preceding certificate affixed, is the proper hand writing and signature of John H Wendell of the said City of Albany, made and subscribed on the day when the said certificate purports to bear date, and that the said John H. Wendell, hath since the said date, departed this life – 
[signed] Jas. Van Ingen
subscribed & sworn to the day and year aforesaid before me 
[signed] W. L. Osborn Justice of the Peace
Page 31

I James Van Ingen, of the City of Albany in the State of New York, do hereby Certify and declare, that I am well and very intimately acquainted with Mr. John Jacobus Van Vorst of the City of Schenectady, now upwards of ninety years of age; that he was a Waggon Master under the late Henry Glen, whom I also well knew, and who was an Assistant, Deputy Quarter Master General in the Northern Department, that the said John J. Van Vorst was a staunch friend to the Liberties of his County, during the whole of her struggle and that he has always borne, and still bears the character of an honest upright man; that he was held in great estimation for his activity and faithfulness in performing difficult and hazardous journies as an Express rider, in carrying dispatches from Schenectady to different quarters of the American Army - that I have very lately been to the place of his Residence, for the purpose of visiting him and his wife, who has been, for a number of years last past, and still is, greatly afflicted with Cancer, whereby she has already lost the entire sight of her left eye, and a part of the bridge of her nose, and is threatened with the loss of the sight of her remaining eye - that she is, & during the whole of my acquaintance with her always was, a woman of an uncommonly vigorous mind; and is now suffering severe afflictions; and is together with her aged partner, in straitened and needy Circumstances - That I was intimately acquainted with the
Page 32

late Henry Glen, whom I knew to be a Deputy Quarter Master General in the Northern Department, and with whose hand writing I have for the last fifty years been well acquainted, and whose signature Certificate, as A.D.Q.M. General, is of the proper handwriting of the said Henry Glen - that the residue of the said Certificate is in the proper hand writing of my deceased the William Van Ingen, who, at the time the said certificate purports to be and date, was Chief Clerk in the office of the said Henry Glen at Schenectady during the whole of the Revolutionary War with Great Britain - and I do most heartily join with the petitioner John J. Van Vorst in his prayer to Congress for a pension during his life, and for the payment of the arrears of such pension.
Given under my hand at the City of Albany the 13th February 1832 
[signed] Jas. Van Ingen.
Page 33

late Henry Glen, whom I knew to be a Deputy Quarter Master General in the Northern Department, and with whose hand writing I have for the last fifty years been well acquainted, and whose signature Certificate, as A.D.Q.M. General, is of the proper handwriting of the said Henry Glen - that the residue of the said Certificate is in the proper hand writing of my deceased the William Van Ingen, who, at the time the said certificate purports to be and date, was Chief Clerk in the office of the said Henry Glen at Schenectady during the whole of the Revolutionary War with Great Britain - and I do most heartily join with the petitioner John J. Van Vorst in his prayer to Congress for a pension during his life, and for the payment of the arrears of such pension.
Given under my hand at the City of Albany the 13th February 1832 
[signed] Jas. Van Ingen.

On the 22d Sept 1832 personally appeared before me the subscribing Justice of the peace in the City of Albany, James Van Ingen, of the same City, who made oath before me to the facts stated in the preceding certificate 
[signed] W. L. Osborn Justice of the peace
Page 34

I James Van Ingen, of the City of Albany in the State of New York, do hereby Certify and declare, that I am well and very intimately acquainted with Mr. John Jacobus Van Vorst of the City of Schenectady, now upwards of ninety years of age; that he was a Waggon Master under the late Henry Glen, whom I also well knew, and who was an Assistant, Deputy Quarter Master General in the Northern Department, that the said John J. Van Vorst was a staunch friend to the Liberties of his County, during the whole of her struggle and that he has always borne, and still bears the character of an honest upright man; that he was held in great estimation for his activity and faithfulness in performing difficult and hazardous journies as an Express rider, in carrying dispatches from Schenectady to different quarters of the American Army - that I have very lately been to the place of his Residence, for the purpose of visiting him and his wife, who has been, for a number of years last past, and still is, greatly afflicted with Cancer, whereby she has already lost the entire sight of her left eye, and a part of the bridge of her nose, and is threatened with the loss of the sight of her remaining eye - that she is, & during the whole of my acquaintance with her always was, a woman of an uncommonly vigorous mind; and is now suffering severe afflictions; and is together with her aged partner, in straitened and needy Circumstances - That I was intimately acquainted with the
Page 35

writing - And I do most heartily Concur with the said John J. Van Vorst, in the prayer of his petition to the Honble the Congress for a pension during the remainder of his life, and for the payment to him of the arrears of such pension. –
Given under my hand at the City of Albany the 13th day of February in the fifty fifth year of American Independence AD 1832
[signed] J. H. Wendell

City & County of Albany Ss.
[crossed out, James Van Ingen] On this 22d day of Sept 1832 before me William L Osborn Justice of the Peace personally appeared James Van Ingen, of the said City, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that the signature J. H. Wendell to the preceding certificate affixed, is the proper hand writing and signature of John H Wendell of the said City of Albany, made and subscribed on the day when the said certificate purports to bear date, and that the said John H. Wendell, hath since the said date, departed this life –
[signed] Jas. Van Ingen
subscribed & sworn to the day and year aforesaid before me
[signed] W. L. Osborn Justice of the Peace
Page 36

I Barent Bleecker, of the City of Albany, the President of the Bank of Albany in the State of New York, do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the late Henry Glen, who during the war of the American Revolution was in the Quarter Master General's Department, in the service of the United States; and that the signature of the said Henry Glen to the Certificate of the appointment of Mr. John J. Van Vorst as a waggon Master in the Quarter Masters Department, is of the proper handwriting of the said Henry Glen - And I do cheerfully concur in the petition of the said John J. Van Vorst to the Honble Congress, for a pension during the remainder of his life; and for the payment to him, of the arrears of such pension. –
Given under my hand at the City of Albany, the 13th February 1832 
[signed] Barent Bleecker
Sworn to by Barent Bleecker Esqr. this 22d Sept. 1832 before me 

Albany County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned Justice of the Peace Barent Bleecker who admitted that he had subscribed the foregoing and was sworn by me in due form of Law this 28th day June 1833. 
[signed] Gerrit L. Dox  Judge
Page 37

City and County of Albany Clerk Office ss }
I hereby certify that Gerrit L Dox whose signature is affixed to the within affidavit was on the day of the date of the same purports to have been taken a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and County of Albany duly qualified according to Law and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature Thereto subscribed to be his own proper hand writing. Witness my hand and the Seal of the said County this twenty seventh day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirty three 
C A Ten Eyck [illegible]
Page 38

Rec Apl 23. 1850.
Hon. Wm H. Seward 
Encloses papers in the case John Jacobus Van Vorst, for an increase of pension, and requests that the Pension Agent at Albany be ordered to pay the amt to the Adm. 
W Alli 
Letter to Hon W. H. Seward 
April 24th 1850.

Refd. to Comm of Pensions Dep. Internal 
April 24 1850
Page 39

A.
John J. Van Vorst 
New York 
Schenectady Co.
increase for $480 to $600 on 4 Mrch 1831 to 23d May 1844 when he died, payable to children James Van Vorst & John Van Vorst and Nancy Shirtliff 

Hon. W. R. Seward  J.U.S.
Page 40

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Washington City
D.C.

[postmarked Schenectady N.Y. Aug 8 43]

[illegible]
Page 41

Schenectady 5th August 1843
Sir
I sent you some time since my Affidavit that the Pension Certificate of John Jac Van Vorst was lost by me after it came in my Possession and as the Old Man is very uneasy about it I have to ask as a Particular favour that you send it me at your earliest convenience also the Certificate of Sarah Vedder Engelica Vrooman and Susannah Kerns Widows under the act of 3 March 1843 for one year 
Very Respectfully 
Sir, your Obed Servt.
[signed] Richd McMichael 

J. L. Edwards Esqr 
Washington City
Page 42

Increase of Pension 
John Jac V. Vorst

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington 
D.C.
Page 43

Schenectada, June 14th 1839 
Sir.
I am favored with your letter of the 10th inst. relative to John Jac. Van Vorst’s application for an increase of his pension, and in compliance with your directions I return enclosed his old pension warrant. 
I am very respectfully 
your mo. obt. Servt 
[signed] Giles F. Yates 

To J. L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 44

Van Vorst

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington
D.C.

Mar 27.
In at N.Y.

[postmarked Schenectady NY Mar 23]
Page 45

Schenectada Mar 21st 1839 –
J. L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir.
At the repeated solicitations of John Jac. Van Vorst of this City, now in his 97th year, I ask a reexamination of his claim for a pension under the act of 1832. He was placed several years ago on the pension roll, but not at the rate which he concerns [considers?] himself entitled to. He received a Commission or appointment from Henry Glen Esq Dep. Quarter Master General, which Commission is on file with his papers. This commission he says, shows the authority he acted under, the exact purport of it I do not know, but he informs me that he was overseer of the public stables at Schenectada, issuet of wood, & superintended the riding of teams and expresses. He without question was employed in the continental establishment as an officer in the Quarter Master Department, & yet received only the pay of a private 
I am very truly 
Yours 
[signed] Giles F. Yates
Page 46

State of New York 
Schenectady County SS 
In the matter of the application of John Jac Van Vorst for a new Pension Certificate –
Richard McMichael being duly sworn Saith that in making his first affidavit in this matter he has delayed making application for a new Certificate for the reason that the same would not be deeded untill the 4th of September next. Should the Pensioner so long live or untill after his death should he die before that time and also with the hope of recovering if possible the old Certificate which is lost. But that Deponent has made diligent search for the same among the Pension papers of said John Jac Van Vorst in his Custody, but cannot find the same and is Satisfyed the same is Lost 
[signed] Richd McMichael
Sworn before me this 10th day of July 1843
[signed] B. V. S. Vedder J. Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, 
County of Schenectady, Clerk’s Office } ss.
I, Archibald Campbell Clerk of said County DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Benjamin V. S. Vedder before whom the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signatures to said Affidavit and Certificate are genuine. 
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this 10th day of July 1843. 
[signed] Archd Campbell Clerk.
Page 47

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
War Department 
Washington D.C.

In at June 7.
NY
Page 48

Schenectada May 29th 1839 
To J.L. Edwards Esq 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Sir.
I have received your letter of the 1st of April last in the matter of the application of John Jac. Van Vorst for an increase of pension, & beg leave to submit the following answers to the objections urged in your letter.
It is objected "that the pensioner's Commission (as Wagon Master &c) is signed by Henry Glen As: Dep. Quarter Master General” that his commission should have been granted by the wagon Master General, or that "the authority to appoint wagon masters, appears to have been vested in the Wagon Master General," and that “the assistant Dep. Qr. Mr. General had no authority to make the appointment.”
It is also objected that "as the claimant appears to have been subject to admit, and to have paid for a substitute, it is clearly to be inferred, that he was not considered to be in the continental service" 
To answer the last objection first, I would state that Mr. Van Vorst was not subject to a draft after his appointment as W. M. in 1777, and does not pretend to have been in the Continental service previous to his
Page 49

said appointment. If so represented in his original papers, or in any letter of his Attorney James Van Ingen, it is a blunder of his said Attorney - As to the first and principal objection, I beg leave to refer you to the Journals of Congress 14: May 1777, 19th Section from which it will be seen that officers of the rank of Henry Glen, were expressly authorized to "appoint as many Wagon Masters as the service from time to time” required. Mr. Van Vorst was a near relative of Mr. Glen, and an intimate acquaintance of Genl Fish (& other officers) who have identified him.
I flatter myself that when the foregoing facts in considered in connection with the testimony on file in his case, that the decision of your Department as originally made, allowing him only the pay of a teamster, will be rescinded and a stipend awarded in conformity with his true rank & services. 
I am respectfully 
Your obt Servt
[signed] Giles F. Yates
Page 50

State of New York 
County of Schenectada } ss
John Jac: Van Vorst of the town of Glenville in said County aged one Hundred and two years, being duly sworn saith, that owing to old age, failing eyesight, and bodily infirmity, he has been obliged to confide his business to others - That his daughter Mrs Nancy Shurtleff was originally entrusted by him with the charge of his pension certificate or warrant & other papers of importance, and subsequently thereto Giles F. Yates of Schenectada was thus entrusted - about a year since this Deponent committed the custody of his said pension certificate to his friend Richard McMichael Esq of Schenectada aforesaid. That said Richard McMichael Esq is the same magistrate before whom he took the required affidavit, and acknowledged the power of Attorney necessary in the occasion of his drawing his semiannual payment as a pensioner up to the 4th day of March last past. And that Deponent receives a pension of $480 per annum as a Wagon Master under the Act of 7 June 1832 
[signed] John Jac. Vn Vorst  X his mark
Subscribed and sworn this 12th day of April 1843, before me
[signed] Richd McMicheal J. Peace
Page 51

In the same matter &c 
Giles F. Yates of the City of Schenectada in said County, being duly sworn saith that for the last year or more the pension warrant within referred to in the within affidavit of John Jac. Van Vorst, has been in the custody of Richard McMichael Esq within named, That the same was originally in the hands of the within named Mrs Shurtliff, with whom the said Van Vorst lived and subsequently in the custody of this Deponent for safekeeping - This Deponent is privy to all these facts for the reason that he had been employed by said Van Vorst & his said daughter to procure the pension of said Van Vorst as a Wagon Master. This Deponent saw said pension warrant previous to and after the said Van Vorst drew his semiannual stipend up to the 4th day of March last, in the possession of said McMichael. That on said Michael's informing deponent that he had lost or mislaid said Warrant, he Deponent assisted said McMichael in searching for the same, and after diligent & thorough search the same could not be found – According to best of Deponent’s recollection said pension Warrant or certificate was dated in June 1839, and was granted to said John Jac. Van Vorst as a Wagon Master, awarding him an annual stipend of $480 per annum 
[signed] G. F. Yates
Subscribed and Sworn this 19th day of April 1843, before me 
Archd McMichael  J. P.

[in left margin] In the matter &c of John Jac: Vn Vorst
Page 52

In the same matter [Viz?] 
Richard McMichael of the City of Schenectada in said County testifieth & saith, that he is the magistrate referred to in the preceding depositions of John Jac: Van Vorst & Giles F. Yates, as having made out the papers of said John Jac: Van Vorst in the matter of his drawing his semiannual stipend up to the 4th day of March last - That said pension warrant or certificate had been since said Van Vorst then last drew his semiannual pension money, to wit in the fall of 1842, in the custody of this Deponent pursuant to the request & direction of said Van Vorst - That after said Van Vorst had executed the necessary papers whereon to draw his pension money up to the 4th of March last, the said pension warrant was again taken by this Deponent at the request aforesaid to keep & safely preserve for said Van Vorst until the same should be wanted - That he this Deponent returned home on a wagon immediately after said Van Vorst had executed said papers, and deponent distinctly recollects that he had said pension warrant or certificate with him after he left the house of said Van Vorst together with other papers put up in the same parcel or bundle. That he put away on his return home said parcel or bundle, and
Page 53

a few days after, having occasion to examine the papers in said bundle, he could not find said pension warrant. That he afterwards several times made diligent search for said warrant among his papers, but could not find the same, and has not until this day been able to find the same - and he is satisfied and assured that the same is lost, but how or where deponent is unable to say, unless the same was lost when deponent was travelling from the residence of said Van Vorst on the occasion aforesaid to Schenectada aforesaid – 
And this deponent in behalf of said Van Vorst prays that a new certificate of pension warrant may be issued to said Van Vorst
[signed] Richd McMichael
Subscribed & Sworn this 19 day of April 1843 before me 
[signed] Roswell Perry J. P. 

State of New York 
County of Schenectada Clerks office  } ss  I Archd Campbell Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Richard Michael Esq before whom the preceding depositions of John Jac. Van Vorst & Giles F. Yates purport to have been sworn was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County, duly commissioned & qualified to act as such & that his signature to the jurat of each affidavit is genuine - And I further certify that Roswell Perry Esq before whom the preceding deposition of Richard McMichael Esq purports to have been sworn was at the time thereof Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified & that his signature to the jurat of said affidavit last named is genuine  Witness my hand & official seal, this 24th day of July 1843.
[signed] Archd Campbell  clerk
Page 54


John J Van Vorst [illegible] Cert

File with [illegible] 571 or 572
Page 55

[illegible] Boyd’s Certificate -as to John Jac. Van Vorst services as Waggon Master 
18th February 1832.
Page 56

John Abel who was   John J Van Vorst’s hired soldier’s rect. for £28, in full for enlisting for during the War with Great Britain - and Jas. Van Ingen's Certificate.
Page 57

I James Van Ingen of the City of Albany, do certify, that I am well and intimately acquainted, and have been from my youth and earliest recollection, with John Jacobus Van Vorst, who hath made and subscribed the declaration hereunto annexed; and that I do verily believe the facts by him therein stated to be substantially true in every particular - And I further certify, that William Van Ingen whose name is subscribed as a witness to the receipt of John Abel, which is also hereunto annexed, and who is deceased, was the eldest brother of this Deponent: - that at the time the said Receipt purports to bear date, my said brother was a Clerk in the employ of Henry Glen Esquire then AD Quarter Master General in the Northern Department, and resided with the said Henry Glen in the Town (now City) of Schenectady: That the name “Willm Van Ingen –“ subscribed to the said receipt, is of the proper handwriting of my said brother; as is also the whole of the body of the said Receipt; that the memorandum at the bottom of the said receipt, in these words & figures, “Pat to John Abel for No. 73 Tully. 600 acres was delivered to Jeremiah Van Rensselaer,” has been, as I do verily believe, written there, by a person in the Secretary’s office of the said State of New York. And I do further declare that I am now sixty five years of age, and upwards.
[signed] Jas. Van Ingen
Subscribed and sworn to this 9th day of June 1832 before me 
P. S. Van Ingen
Notary Public
Page 58

State of New York 
City of Schenectady
I John Sanders, of the City of Schenectady do certify, that I am intimately acquainted with Mr John J Van Vorst of the same place; who, during the whole of the Revolutionary War with Great Britain, was a waggon Master under Henry Glen who was a Deputy Quarter Master General - that the said John J. Van Vorst was a faithful, and highly useful friend to his County, and was frequently employed, on important and confidential occasions, as an Express Rider; and learning that he has presented a petition to Congress for a pension during the remnant of his (in all human probability) short life, I do most heartily concur with him in his prayer therefor 
Given under my hand at Schenectady the 9th October 1832 
[signed] John Sanders
Sworn & subscribed before me this 9th day of October 1832 in open court
[signed] John S. Vrooman clerk
Page 59

I do hereby certify that during the Revolutionary War I was a Major of the 2nd New York Regiment in the line of the Army of the United States, that from the early part of the year 1781 until the month of August of that year I was stationed at Schenectady on the Mohawk River with a part of that Regiment; that the late Henry Glen was Deputy Quarter Master General at that place, that from the best of my recollection and belief John Jacobus Van Vorst (now upwards of ninety years of age) was then a Waggon Master or Waggoner and connected with the Quarter Master Department under Mr. Glen 
Given under my hand the 29th day of February 1832 
[signed] Nichs [Nicholas] Fish
Page 60

General N. Fish's Certificate in favor of John Jacobus Van Vorst of Schenectady. -
-
Page 61

State of New York 
City of Schenectady
I Jellis J. Fonda, of the City of Schenectady, do certify that I am well and intimately acquainted with Mr. John J. Van Vorst of the same place, having all my life resided in the neighbourhood of the said Van Vorst; that he was appointed a waggon Master in the early part of the American Revolution, and served faithfully and honorably during the whole of the war; that he is now ninety years old and upwards - And I do Sincerely Concur in his petition to Congress, for a pension and for all the arrears due thereon 
Given under my hand, the 16th Feby. 1832 
[signed] Jellis Fonda
Page 62

I James Van Ingen of the City of Albany, do certify that I have been acquainted with Jellis Fonda, by whom the within Certificate has been signed; from my youth until the present time; that the said Jellis Fonda has always resided in the near neighborhood of John J Van Vorst within mentioned, and has always sustained, and doth still sustain, the character of an honest, upright man and that he is now upwards of Eighty years of age –
Albany February 29th 1832
[signed] Jas. Van Ingen
Page 63

State of New York 
City of Schenectady 
I Joseph C Yates of the City of Schenectady, do Certify, that I am well acquainted with John Jacobus Van Vorst of the City of Schenectady, now ninety years of age and upwards, that he was reputed to be a Waggon Master in the Quarter Master General’s Department during the whole of the Revolutionary War, & a friend to the Liberties of his Country during her Contest with Great Britain, and has always borne the reputation of an honest man - and I concur in his petition to Congress, for a pension, and for the payment of the arrears of such pension 
Given under my hand at the City of Schenectady the 13th day of October 1832
[signed] Joseph C. Yates
Subscribed & Sworn in open Court the 13th day of Oct. 1832 
[signed] John S. Vrooman Clerk
Page 64

I Alexander Boyd of the Town of
Middleburgh, in the County of Schoharie, in the State of New York, Do certify, that I am well acquainted with John Jacobus Van Vorst, of the City of Schenectady, who, during the Revolutionary War, was a Waggon Master, under Henry Glen, then a Deputy Quarter Master General in the Northern Department, that the said John Jacobus Van Vorst was an active and useful man and a warm friend to the American cause; that he was often employed, whilst in the Waggon Masters Department, as a messenger or Express Rider, to Carry information from Schenectady to various stations of the American army; and that he was highly Esteemed, and confided
in as Such Messenger or Express-rider; and ^that he served faithfully during the whole of the Revolutionary War -
Given under my hand at Middleburgh
the 18th day of February 1832.
Alexander Boyd
Page 65

[Black Stamp] FREE
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.

[Perpendicular text]
July 26, 1843.
In relation to life of Isaac Van Worts
Pen certificate
Wm Evans

[postmarked] SCHENECTADY NY JUL 24
Page 66

Schenectada [sic], July 24th 1843
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Sir.
I send enclosed sundry affidavits touching the loss of the Pension Certificate of John Jac Van Vorst ^granted under the act of 7 June 1832.
As the new certificate will not be wanted until the 4th of September next unless the pensioner should die before that time, I have retained until now the affidavits in question. I thought too in the meantime that the old certificate might possibly be recovered. But of this then seems now no hope. I advised Mr McMichael to make a new affidavit after making search again, stating the result of his search. A few days ago he told me that he had made such affidavit & forwarded it to your office. It becomes necessary therefore for me to forward the enclosed at this time, as the last affidavit is predicated upon the foregoing.
I am very respectfully
you mo: Obt Sert [Your most obedient Servant]
G. F. Yates [signature]
The new certificate may be sent either to
Mr McMichael or myself - G. F. Yates
Page 67

To 
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 68

J. L. Edwards Esq
Dr. Sir
At the request of John Jac: Van Vorst, I return to your department for your final decision his papers under the act of 7th June 1832. If the provisions of the act are construed to extend to waggon masters the decision in his case I have no doubt will be favorable. He is upwards of
ninety years of age & his memory in consequence is so very defective, that it was
impossible for him to make a more full
supplemental deposition than he has done
Yours respectfully
G. F. Yates
Scheny June 24. 1833