Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 11358, for Thomas Scudder, New Jersey
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey
CONTENTS
Scudder, Thomas
NUMBER
S.18358
Carded
Page 2

20124
New York
Thomas Scudder
Thompson in the State of NYork
was a private in the Comp commanded
by Captain August of the reg. commanded by Col. Prouts 
in the N. Jersey
line for 13 months
---
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York
the rate of 50 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of
Aug 1833
and South
Woodcock of Fem's Ithaca
Arrears to the 4th of May '83  $100
Semi-anl. allowance ending 6 Sept 
25
---
$125

Revolutionary Claim,
June 7, 1832.
Recorded by C. Stiles
Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 3 Page 19
Page 3

Thomas Scudder
Pension Application

18335
Page 4

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832.
STATE OF NEW YORK
On this 3d day of October personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the
Court of Common Pleas
now sitting,
a resident of the town of Enfield in the county of Tompkins and state of New York, aged
eighty five 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 7th, 1832. That he entered
the service of the United States, under the following named officers and served as herein stated.

That he lived at Raway New Jersey at the time he
entered the service
That in the month of April 1776, he cannot recollect
the day he volunteered under Capt Moses Jaquish in
Col Cranes Regiment in the New Jersey State troops
& served one month at Tremly point as a guard &
was dismissed at the end of the time returned home
June 1776 the day he cannot recollect he was called
out again under the same Capt & Colonel & served one
month as agreed at the place above mentioned at
the and of which time he was dismissed
In August 1776 he was called out again under the
same Captain Colonel & served one month at
Tremlys Point above mentioned
The October following was called out again under the same
Captain Colonel & served one month at Preby
Court above mentioned
In March or April 1777
he was called out under the
same Captain Holonel & saved one month at
Trenty Point above mentioned
In June following he was called out & saved
one month under the same Captain Colonel at
Tranty point aforesaid
In September following he was called out & sund
one month under the same Captain Colonel at
Tremly point aforesaid
In November following he was called out & said
one month under the same Captain Colonet at
Frances Point aforesaid
March or April 1778 he was called out
said one month under the same Captain &
Colonel at Tremly point aforesaid
Page 5

The troops were enrolled for the purpose of a guard
& were called & served alternately every other month
during the winter season Tremly Point was the place
where they were stationed - This deponent cannot recollect
the particular day when each months service commenced
or expired. There were no continental troops stationed
near them
in March 1779 he cannot recollect the day he volunteered
under Capt Amos Moss in Col Edmund Thomas of the State
troops-- Marched to Elizabeth town Point, was the
stationed as a guard against the refugees & British &
and one month at the end of the time was dismissed
in May 1779 he volunteered under the same Capt
Hool last mentioned & and another month at
Elizabeth town Point as guard as last mentioned
In July 1779 he volunteered again under the same
Captain Colonel Last mentioned & served another month
at Elizabeth town point as a guard last mentioned
He cannot state the time of entering the same & of
being dismissed from the same with more precision
than above stated
In Oct 1779 he was drafted for three months in the
Militia under Captain Amos Most in Col Cranes
regiment to prove the Indians - that he kind Enoch De
camp to go in his place that he paid him full wages, but
does not recollect the amount- that the substitute second
out the time as this deponent believes
That he has no documentary evidence & that he
knows of no person whose testimony he can procure
who can testify to his service
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare
that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
his
Love
Thomas his x mark  Scadder
Page 6

The following questions were propounded by the Court to the applicant.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
Answer. At Elizabethtown New Jersey in the year 1747
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it
Answer. Has a record of his age at home in his Bible
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live?
lived at Elizabethtown when he entered the service - after the war moved to WEstfield NJ from there to Morristown - moved from there to Enfield where he now has since lived there for about 21 years.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute; and if a substitute, for whom?
Answer was called out, every other month during the most of his service 
considers himself a volunteer - was on a drafted but had a substitute
5. State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served; such
continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Answer. There were no standing troops near where he lserved therefore he is not acquainted with any officers  Served principally  as a guard at Tremlys Point at Elizabethtown
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
Answer. never had any written discharge
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.
Answer. Samuel Rolfe, John Saxton Joseph Moore
Levi Updike Carlos C. Applegate, Gilbert Updike

We Jonathan Rolf residing in the town of Enfield and County of Tompkins
and State of New York, and William Stover residing in the same place, hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with Thomas Scudder who has subscribed and sworn to
the above declaration, and that we believe him to be eighty five years of age, that he is reputed
and believed in the neighbourhood 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,
Jonathan Rolfe
S. Love Clk
William Slover

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting
the interrogations 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 Jonathan
Rolfe & William lover
who had signed the preceding certificates are
the town of Enfield and county of Tompkins and are creditable persons, and that their statements
are entitled to credit.
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
Samuel Love Clk
Page 7

No 18335
Thomas Scudder
Thompkinsler
May
Admitted
Private 15 months $30
Woodcock & Ferris
Ithaca
Tompkins Co
NY
Page 8

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
May 17 1833
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.

[Chart] Statement, shewing the service of Thomas Sander Tompkins

Period when the
service was
rendered
1776
June 1776
Aug 1776
Oct
March 1777
June--
Seph
---
March 1878
val March 1779
of May 1779
vel July 1779
Oct 1779

Duration of the
claimant's service
1
1.
1.
┃ 3
11
Rank of
the
claimant.
private
Names and Rank
of the Company
officers under
whom he served.
Captain
quish
same up
ditto
Lotts -
Will
dittoditto

ditto
his
Copthop
Names and Rank
of the General
and Field officers.
Col Grant
Kent
some Col
ditto
dells
lages
to
ditto
ditto
dicts
Col The
made
Colony
Battles in which
the applicant was
5
engaged.
Country through
which he marched
Place of abode
when he utered
┃ the service, and age
at the present
periodhe
deration
is supported
.
Trenley
Point
Padilia
┃ Kaway evidince
Elizabeth In
Town
┃ Elizabeth
point
Town
Elizabeth
Town
in
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 9

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.
of
On this
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
Ste, Terrio of
County of
day of
A.B. a resident (b) of
personally appeared (a) before
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
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
(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 he 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.
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
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
and C. D. residing in (the same)
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
who has
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.
1
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 10

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
{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?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
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 chair
acter and standing of other persons, give
ing 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
fore required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of
proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein request
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
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.
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.
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.
conforming to the rule.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language to
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 all fidavit 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
recollected, he served not less than the periods mentioned her, and in the handdays
, 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 the 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 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.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
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 pubseal
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.
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
at 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 to are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in
note applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 11

[column 1]
Feby -13-1900
History to
Mrs Fannie E. S. Heck
the "Colonial "City

Mich. 17, 1904. This Heck advised hist
furnished as above-- letter of ing. in

[column 2]

Revy War
11358

INVALID.

File No. 11358
Thomas Scudder
Priv Rev War
---
Act: June 7 1832
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 332
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 12

11358
Appl Lot 30 1832
Enfield N-85
1786 Elizabethtown NJ
Cape mon Jaquard
Col Crane
4 Mos

77 sam off
1m

M77 Cape Moss
cal Thomas
1 n
78 Capt Maas
Col Crane 1 m
79 Mass
gram 7 m
no bal
Page 13

38 or 9
Fonst Heck
Page 14

Ithaca May 31 1833

Dr Sir
We return the papers of Thomas Scudder with a further are [illegible] insisted on in the accompanying letter

Yours respectfully
Woodcock Harris

JL Edwards Esq
Washington
Page 15

[stamp] O.W.R. DIVISION FEB 3 1900 RECEIVED

awn

The Colonial 
Washington D.C
Jan. 30, 1900
Bureau of Pensions
Gentlemen
Will you
Kindly
send me certificate of the
revolutionary services of
Youst Hector of Penn, first
of Pennsylvania Rifle
Regiment & after the battle of
Long Island where the
Rifles were badly but up
transferred to 13th Penn
Regiment Capt Anderson
Company
I would like also
Page 16

advance for answers to these enquiries
I am
Yours very Respt
(Miss) Fannie E. S. Heck
The Colonial
Washington D.C.
Page 17

a statement of services of
Thomas Scudder of N. Jersey
-
One Thomas Scudder of N.
Jersey Militia received a
pension for services. Was there
not however a Captain Thomas Scudder from N. Jersey or
Pennsylvania
Is any roster of Indian
Wars on the Western part of
Va. (now W. Va) occuring
a little before the time of
the Revolution, preserved
If so does the name of
Martin Callendine appear
other on them or on Revolution
any lists. He is known to
have taken part in Indian
Wars.
Thanking you in
Page 18

advance
for answers to these enquiries
I am
Yours very Respt
(Miss) Fannie E. S. Heck
The Colomal
Washington D.C.

[stamp]  US PENSION OFFICE K FEB 1 1900