Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10963, John Voorhees, New Jersey
Page 1

Service: New Jersey 

Voorhees or Voris, John
Mary or Maria 

Number: R 10963
Page 2

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County

Before me Elijah Stout one of the Judges of Monmouth Pleas personally appeared Arintha Lambertson who having first duly sworn deposeth and saith that she is the daughter of John and Maria Vorhees that said John Vorhees died the 5th March Eighteen Hundred and Seventeen and that Maria Vorhees is now living and remains the widow of John Vorhees.
Arintha Lambertson her x mark

Sworn before me this 25th day of September 1854 and Ihereby certify the credibility of the above named Arintha Lambertson
Elijah Stout Judge
of Monmouth Pleas
Page 3

Record in the case of Mary Voris widow of John Voris of N.J July 7 1838.
From the Family Bible published at Hartford Conn. in the year 1816

"The Births of John Voris and Mary, his wife,  together with the names and births of their children are hereunder inserted"

Parents} John Voris born January 18th 1763
                Mary Voris born February 27th 1767

"their children' births as follows"
William Voris born March 1st 1786
Leah Voris bornSeptember 1st 1787
Mary Voris born October 4th 1789
Syntha Voris vorn December 13 1791
John Voris born September 17 1794
Jane Voris born December 6th 1797
Hendrie Voris born January 14 1801
James Voris born July 16th 1803
George Voris born March 25th 1806
Elizer Voris born November the 25th 1808

Deaths
James Voris died February 28th 1806
John Voris died March 5th 1851 and left a beloved partner to Lament his loss, with the surviving children
Lea Roberts died December 30th 1833 aged 46 years
William Vorihs Died May the 15 AD 1841 (over)
Page 4

(continued from previous page)

John Vorihs died Jan 30th 1842
Geoerge Vorihs died October 13th 1842
Page 5

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County

On this twenty seventh day of November AD eighteen hundred and thirty eight, personally appeared before one of the Judges of the Inferior court of Common Pleas of the County and State aforesaid Maria Voorhees a resident of the township of Middletown in the County and State aforesaid aged seventy one years and upwards, who is unable from bodily infirmity to attend Court, and who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows".
That she is the widow of John Voorhees who was a private in the army of the Revolution - that her said husband enlisted in a company of State troops under Capt. James Morgan of Middlesex County in the year 1781, and served some time but she cannot tell how long, and that he enlisted out of said company in the United States Army in Col. Ogden's regiment in the Jersey line she thinks - the Captain, name she cannot recollect, and that he served in the army aforesaid at least sixteen months and until the close of the war - that her said husband received a discharge from said service and kept it until his death, after which time it was supposed to be worthless  and was burnt up, and for the proof of the service aforesaid  she refers to the Records of the War Office - that previous to his enlistment under Capt.Morgan he had resided in Middlesex County and had been a good deal in the militia but under whom and at what time she knows not....
Page 6

(continued from previous page)

...that she has no documentary evidence of her husband's service, the discharge having been destroyed.  She further declares that she was married to the said John Voorhees on the sixteenth day of May in the year seventeen hundred and eighty five: that her husband the aforesaid John Voorhees died on the fifth day of March in the year eighteen hundred and seventeen - that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz: at the time state above.  That he said husband resided in Middlesex County when he first entered the service, and immediately after his leaving the army he resided in Middletown aforesaid where he resided until his death, and where this deponent now resides.
Maria Voorhees her X mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me Judge aforesaid the day endear above written.
Francis Murphy

State of New Jersey
Monmouth County
John Lequier being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was acquainted with John voorhees and Maria his wife, that the said John Voorhees was always reputed and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution - that the said John Voorhees alias John Van Voorhees died sometime in the year eighteen hundred and seventeen, and that the said Maria Voorhees was remained a widow ever since that period.
John Lequier

Sworn and subscribed before me Judge as aforesaid by the said John Lequier who is a credible person and whose statement is entitled to credit.
November 26 AD 1838
Francis Murphy
Page 7

State of New Jersey
Monmouth county
Personally appeared before me a Judge of said County James Otterson who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has in his possession the Register of theDutch Reformed Church of Freeholdcontaining among other things a record of marriages solemnized by the respective ministers of said church - that this is recorded in said register the marriage of Johns Voorhees and Maria Laquear on the sixteenth day of May seventeen hundred and eighty five in the hand writing of the Rev. Benjamin Dubois  then a minister of said church and that the following extract is a true copy from the said register which is expressed on the record in fair legible words and figures as follows to wit: May 16th 1785 John Voorhees and Maria Laquear.

James Otterson

Sworn and subscribed before me Judge as aforesaid by the said James Otterson who is a credible person and whose statement is entitled to credit -
October 12th 1838
John Hull
Page 8

State of New Jersey
Monmouth Count

I David H. Ellis Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the county aforesaid do hereby certify that John Hull and Francis Murphy Esquires before whom the foregoing proceedings were had and taken, were severally Judges of the said Court at the respective dates thereof duly commissioned and sworn  and that their respective signatures thereto are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereinto set my hand and Seal of Office this seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight.
D.H. Ellis Clerk
Page 9

Rev. War Section
Mrs. Harry B. Houghton
1943 North Avenue
Bridgeport, Connecticut.
May 18, 1923
Mont F
Cure
Dear Madam:
In response to your letter received April 5, 1933,
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revoolutionary
War pension claim R. 10963 and R. 10966 it appears
that John Voorhees or Voris was born January 18,
1763. He died March 5, 1817 in Middletown, Monmouth County,
New Jersey.
He married May 16, 1785 in Middletown, New Jersey,
Maria or Mary Laquear or Laqueer born February 27, 1757.
She applied for pension November 27, 1838 while a
resident of Middletown Township, Monmouth County, New Jersey
and alleged that John Voorhees or Voris while a resiident
of Middlesex County, New Jersey enlisted and served
in the militia, time and officers not stated, and then enlisted
in 1781 and served as a Private in Captain James
Morgan's Company, was transferred to Captain Lippard's
Company, Colonel Ogden's Regiment and served to close of
war. Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish
Page 10

sufficient proof of his alleged service as required by
the pension laws.
The children of John and Mary or Maria Voorhees or
Voris are as follows:
William, born March
1, 1786, died May 15, 1841.
Leah.
¶
Died December 30, 1833.
Mary.
October
4, 1789.
September 1, 1787, married Roberts.
Syntha or
Rynthia or
Arintha.
John.
W
W
December 13, 1791, married Lambertson.
September 17, 1794, died January 30, 1842.
Jane.
December 6, 1797.
Hendrie.
January 14, 1801.
James.
July
16, 1803, died February 28, 1806.
George.
March 25, 1806, died October 13, 1842.
Elizer.
" November 25, 1808.
The Revolutionary War pension claim Rejected File
No. 10963 and Rejected File No. 10966 refer to one person
only, John Voorhees or Voris whose record is furnished
you as above.
A history of the Revolutionary War pension claim
R. 10962 of John J. Voorhees and his widow Lucy was furnished
you May 7, 1923.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 11

UNITED STATES ARGUS -- Extra.
By request of several military friends we republish
the letter of Colonel Grandin,
We call the attention of our readers to the
letter of Col. Grandin in this day's issue. The
Colonel is an independent candidate for Congreas
; and from the number of illustrious
names he presents to the public, endorsing his
ability and talents, we feel quite assured the
Colonel would make an excellent member,
DEAR SIR: -- An old friend and correspondent
would respectfully submit the following
In another column of our issue for to-day,
will be found the address of William Grandin,
an independent nomination for Congress from
the Third District of this city, whose friends
conceive him to be a most acceptable candidate
for this political emergency. As we are in the
budding new era of independent nominations,
when our disenthralled people despise the paltry
machinations of corrupt and wire-pulling cliques
we can recommend a careful perusal of Mr.
Grandin's circular to every intelligent voter in
the district, as being a frank and original statement
of individual merit, sustained by the testimonials
of distinguished political merit. The
present Congressional contest being that which
is technically styled "a free fight, we conceive
every man has a perfect right to a consideration
of his merits and capabilities for office, by discriminating
electors. In this view of the case,
we consider that each voter in this district
would do well to ponder on the nomination of
Mr. Grandin, and, if convinced of his probity
and competency, to deposit a vote in his favor
would be but a proper tribute to talent and
worth in these political days, when honest persons
are not hourly discovered by the lamp of
Diogenes."
The foregoing is clipped from a paper of large
circulation, and professedly independent. It is
however, simply the opinion perhaps of an
individual conductor of the public press, and as
such will pass at its just rate and value among
men and voters. In these troublesome times, it is
the privilege of all men to think and to act
with entire freedom and independence.
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE THIRD CONGRES
SIONAL DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternily:-
Believing in common with the most patriotic,
sale men of the country, that primary elections.
conventions and caucuses have justly fallen into
disrepute and condemnation, because of the
composition of them of selfish, interested, unprincipled
men; and, moreover, that it is the
right and privilege of any man to ask directly
for the voice of his fellow men, either in his
public or private relations; and in this regard,
ing in the option of
private or of men eminent for
worth, I have consented in
this form to submit my name and humble pretensions
as a candidate for Representative in
Congress from the Congressional district of my
native state, wherein your suffrages control
destinies. Without pledges or promises, except
a firm and lifelong belief in the principle of the
first and second commandments, and of the
necessary corollary drawn from them, to wit:
Equal and exact justice to all men, I respectfully
submit the following testimonials now in
my possession:
This testimonial was forwarded to me in
1844, four years after I had resigned from the
army and taken up the privileges and duties of
ne
FORT JESSUP, Louisiana, Oct. 11, 1844.
sterling integrity. He will, if you choose, give
ate of the United States Military Academy
man, and is possessed of high attainments and
and late a lieutenant in the army, served with
me in Florida for more than two years the
had satisfactory proof of the estimate in which
greater portion of the time under my immediate
was held by Gen. Taylor, and how he has
discharged the trusts which have been confided
observation. He was present at the battle of ever, your friend.
Okeechobee, the 25th of December, 1837, where
to him by late Secretaries of the Treasury. As
he acted in the most gallant manner, evincing
on that as well as on other occasions, great
JEFFN DAVIS.
coolness and judgment -- so much so, that when
New York, July 28, 1840.
was placed in command of the army operating
Sir -- The bearer of this letter, Lieutenant
in that territory in the spring of 1838, I selected
William Grandin, is a gentleman of character
him as a member
and capacity, who has served in the war of
he served until May, 1840, when it
Florida for some time past, with bravery and
said command in consequence of ill health and
credit, and who has recently returned to his
as a matter of course, the military relations
native state. It was his desire to be placed
between myself and Mr. G. were dissolved. I
upon the recruiting service in this city.
advised him to resign and turn his attention to
in order that he might be permitted to give a
civil pursuits -- particularly to the profession of
portion of his attention to the study of law, in
the law -- which he did, and settled in his native
which he has made considerable progress, restate
-- New York; since then, though sepasigning
eventually the military profession, in
rated from him, I have continued to feel the
which not much is to be gained in the way of
deepest interest in all that concerns his welfare
name, and nothing in the way of fortune. Mr.
and success in whatever business he may em-
Grandin is a young man of fine talents, and if
bark.
such considerations may be taken into the ac-
TAYLOR.
Bvt. Br. General U.S. Army
count, he is able, by the exertion of his talents,
HEAD QUARTERS OF THE ARMY,)
to aid the democratic cause I remain, sir truly
yours,
WASHINGTON, Nov., 1844.
I have been gratified by the perusal of the
W. C. BRYANT.
within letter from Gen. Taylor, and doubt not
I might give other testimonials, from D. S.
the justice of the commendation he bestows on
Dickinson, John A. Dix, Silas Wright, and
Mr. Grandin, late an officer in the army. This
others; but forbear. If from the fact of perofficer
served under my immediate observation
sonal frienship, the sequence of political coinciin
the Cherokee Nation, in 1838. I was very
dence of opinion can justly be drawn, and because
favorably impressed with his real, intelligence,
one is personally on terms with another, he necactivity
, and gente WINFIELD SCOTT
essarily endorses and approves all the peculiar
tenets of political faith, professed by that
WASHINGTON, March 3, 1854.
other, then I must be set down as the friend of
Dear Sir -- In the closing hours of my official
Gen. Pierce, Col. Davis, Gov. Marcy, Gov.
career, among my last acts, I desire to express
McClelland, Gov. Seward, Judge Douglas, John
the deep interest in your welfare and happiness,
P. Hale, Secretary Guthrie, Gov. Seymour,
which I feel most sincerely. The ability and
Pierre Soule, George Sanders, Gov. Dickinson,
fidelity with which you have discharged many
Edmund Burke, Thurlow Weed, Col. Orr, John
duties, which I have at different times chosen
M. Clayton, and hundreds of others who have
to entrust to you, in consequence of the firm
made their mark upon the day and the events
conviction with which I knew they would be
of the times. If not, -- not. If successful in
discharged by you, deserve the highest commenthis
appeal to my fellow-citizens of the Third
dation, and merit the continuance of my confi-
Congressional District, the only pledge I shall
dence and esteem. With the sincere hope that
make is to fulfil and perform all the duties of
your course may continue onward and upward,
the station impartially, honestly, zealously, and
unselfishly.
and that the abilities you possess may ever be
Your obedient servant,
exercised in your usefulness and advancement.
WILLIAM GRANDIN.
I remain your friend,
119 and 121 Nassau street
WM. GRANDIN, Esq.
R. J. WALKER.
The maxims of independent thought are simple
and just. "Do unto others as you would
Dear Sir -- I am informed by W. Grandin,
that others should do unto you;" "equal and
Esq., of New York city, that he is about to
exact justice to all men;" "liberty equality,
visit Washington, and desires a letter of introfraternity
;" "no cliques, factions or sections,"
duction from myself. It gives me pleasure to
state that I have formed a very favorable opinno
proscription for sake of opinion upon any
ion of his talents, intelligence and principles.
subject: "no prohibition by law upon anything
Respectfully,
not in itself obnoxious to constitutional objection
;" "freedom of thought of speech, and of
LEVI WOODBURY.
action."
James K. Polk, President of the United States
.
If all men would proceed upon such ground,
Col. W. Grandin -- The within letter may
there would be no demand for the utter abhorpossibly
be of some service to you, and therefore
rence in which all just and righteous men must
I send it, and with it offer you my best wishes.
hold oppression, cant, bigotry, and fanaticism.
J. J. CRITTENDEN.
Upon such grounds only, I respectfully solicit
Washington, March 3, 1853.
the independent support of my fellow-citizens of
the Third Congressional District.
The following is the letter alluded to by Mr.
Crittenden:
WILLIAM GRANDIN.
Senate Chamber, Aug. 17, 1550.
My Dear Sir -- This will introduce to you Col.
Military Goods.
Wm. Grandin, who served with Gen. Taylor as
The subscribers offer for sale at the lowest market prices.
one of his staff in Florida. After which serfull
assortment of
vice he left the army, studied law, and has been
words, Chapeaux, Sashes,
employed both by Mr. Walker, and Mr. Mere-
And Equipments of every description for the
rear, as
They also have for sale on the most favorable terms, Mapendent
Treasury. I can say that he is a true
terials for Society's Regalia, Guns, Pistols, Percussion Caps
and Sporting men, one a co-
No. 2 and Malden tans
Page 12

John Voorhees or Voris
New Jersey               R109663

An "extra" of the United States Argus, date not shown, issued in the interest of Wm. Grandin independent candidate for Congress from the 3" New York District, has been removed from this claim and locked up in the Record Division.

S.C.A.
Nov. 16, 1911
Page 13

New York
Nov 29 1854

Sir
   A week since I forwarded the affidavits of Joseph Wallling of Monmouth Count N. Jersey, required by your office as by the examination of the cases of Martha Crawford, Martha Laquear and Mary Voris.
Page 14

(continued from previous page)

Has such Affidavits been received at the Pension Office?

Yours Resply

Wm. Grandin
Page 15

left side of paper

15203
Mary Voris
widow of John - NJ

Wm. Grandin  Aug 22 1854  L
same               Aug 29      "    T
 " not found    Sep 14      "    R
"  not found    Sep 29      "    D
"  not found    Oct 18       "   T
"                        Nov 21     "    T

over

right side of paper

Lect. Mt.           Dec 20 / 54  not found
Han H Fish and FB Cutting  Dec 21 / 54
 not found    (above entry crossed out)
Let. Wm. Grandin  Jan 7 1838
Let. same Jan 12 / 55 (crossed out)

July 7 1838
Page 16

No. 15203

Mary Voris
widow of John
New Jersey

Letters to Wm. Grandin
Aug 22, 1854 (crossed out)
" same  Aug 29 1854  (crossed out)
W. Grandin 14 Sep 1854 not found
same Sept 29, 1854  not found
   "     Oct 18 1854      not found

Act July 7, 1838
Page 17

N. Jersey

Maria Voorhees
John

Let. to JM Hartshorn 25 May '39
do to Sec. War March 10 1840
(the above crossed out)

10963

Act July 1838
Page 18

Apr 4th 1923

Pension bureau
Washington DC
Records of Revolutionary War 1776

Dear Sir,

  To assist in identifying soldiers in the War records of the State of New Jersey, will you kindly send me copies of these rejected pensions as follows.
Very gratefully
Ena Houghton
(Mrs. H.B.)

John Voorhees - Rejected Claim No. (10963)
John Voris - Rejected Claim No (10966)
John J. Voorhees - Rejected Claim No (10962)

(written below in pencil with arrow pointing to last entry of John J Voorhees: Furnished May 7, 1923
Page 19

Consolidated 10,966 with
Mary Voris 
Service: 10,963

Enlisted: NJ. REJECTED
Page 20

left side written vertically:

1923 May 18 1923.  Hishe (?) to Mrs. Harry B. Houghton (Ena) (initials) MMHF

right side:

10963

Maria Voorhees
REJECTED

Alleges: Printed list of 1852 gives "no captain's name given - no proof of service" MMHF
Page 21

Martha Crawford
Martha Laquier
Mary Voris
Page 22

Statement

In the matter of the applications of Martha Crawford, Martha Luquear, and Mary Voris, for pensions, the widows respectively of W. G. Crawford, John Luquier and John Voris, privates in the War of the Revolution.

"The evidence in this office is very imperfect of Militia Service"
Pension Office Aug 22, 1856

"There is no record evidence whatever, that the officers themselves under whom Crawford and Luquier are alleged to have served, were in the Service"
Pension Office Aug 15 1854

Per contra (underlined)

"There is (a fact which was accidentally  overlooked in the last examination) abundant testimony (underlined) that Samuel Carhart and Thomas Walling commanded companies of Monmouth N.J. Militia for several years (underlined) during the Revolutionary War"
Pension Office Aug 26 1854

Refer to Tripletts Digest page 63 for the Military Acts relating to the New Jersey Militia.
Page 23

New York Aug 15 1854

Sir
   I have the honor herewith to transmit the declaration of Mary Voris (underlined), widow of John Voris an enlisted soldier in the Revolutionary War.  
The certificate of Daniel Christopher Clerk of Monmouth County is on file in the pension office, affixed to the papers in case of Mary Luqueer (underlined) to the fact that Elijah Stout (underlined) the certifying Judge, is a judge of the Court of Records.

Yours Respy
Wm. Grandin
Page 24

Wm. Grandin
Aug 22  / 33
Page 25

Pension Office
Aug 22, 1854

Sir
    The application of Mary Voris, widow of John, of N. Jersey, under cover dated and post marked the 15th, and also your separate letter of the same date, have been received, and the claim is filed under the Act of July 7, 1838.
 The   name of Voris and Vorhies is found on the rolls of the N. Jersey Line.  The name of John Voris is not found on the rolls of Ogden's regiment, but the name of John Vorhies is borne on the rolls of the 2nd regiment for a few days less than six months service.  There is nothing to identify ever this service with that mentioned in the claimants declaration; and the service is too short to entitle her to a pension if identified.
The date of the marriage is not proved. It should be shown by record if any exists.

Wm. Grandin Esq.
119 & 121 Nassau St.
New York City
Page 26

New York, Aug 25. 1854

Sir
   Herewith I have the honor to transmit additional proof of service of Captain Samuel Carhart, John Luqueer and William G. Crawford in the Army of the Revolution.  I confidently trust that these positive affidavits will insure a prompt reply.
 I also send, herewith, proof of service of John Voris (underlined) in the Revolutionary Army, and the identity of his widow Mary Voris. One week since I wrote to Rev. Mr. Willis, present pastor of the Church, for a certified copy of the Register of Rev. Mr. Dubois, but as yet have received no reply.  The fact of the marriage is however established by the affidavits of Mrs. Beers on file (a pensioner) and of Joseph Walling herewith sent to you.
Yours Respectfully,
Wm. Grandin
Page 27

Service of John Voris - Revol.

widowhood of Mary Voris

Afft. of Joseph Walling

August 24 ' 54
Page 28

State of New Jersey Monmouth County

Joseph Walling aged ninety one years of Raritan township (formerly Middletown) being duly sworn, deposes and says that he knows positively  and so swears that John Voris served in the Revolutionary War for more than two years. That he knew John Voris to be the husband of Mary Luqueer, and that several children were born to them.  That he knows Mary Voris now living in Raritan Township to be the identical widow of said John Voris
Joseph Walling his x mark

Sworn before me this 24th day of August 1854.  I also certify to the credibility of Joseph Walling, above named.

Elijah Stout Judge of Monmouth Pleas
Page 29

New York, Aug 23, 1854

Sir
   John Voris and John Vorhies may have been applied to the same person on the army rolls, but the probability is that they were different persons.  Mrs. Voris could not state positively the name of the Captain or colonel under whom her husband John served.
So soon as it can be procured, I shall transmit record evidence of the marriage of John Voris and Mary Luqueer, by Rev. Mr. Dubois, whose records are in existence in possession of the present pastor of the church.  Also proof positive that John Voris served for more than two years in the Rev. Army.
I shall be obliged for an answer in the cases of John Luqueer and William G. Crawford.

Yours Respy.
Wm. Grandin
Page 30

W. Grandin
Aug. 29 / 52
Page 31

Pension Office
August 29, 1854

Sir
 In reply to yours of the 2_ last, I have to inform you that the widow of a revolutionary pensioner, whose husband was inscribed on the roll in the year 8124 is entitled to a pension in her own right.
If her husband was allowed a pension on account of wounds, or disability, the widow is not entitled, unless satisfactory proof be furnished showing that he died of such wounds or disease contacted while in the service of the United States.
I enclose the forms in the letter case.



Wm. Grandin
New York
Page 32

page torn on top - possibily W. Grandin
Aug. 29 /53
Page 33

Pension Office
Aug 29 1854

Sir
   Your communication in relation to the case of Mary Voris widow of John of NJ - Act July 7 1838 - has been received and filed with her papers.  When you file the additional evidence of which you speak the case will be reported to you.



William Grandin Esq.
New York
NY
Page 34

119 & 121 Nassau St. 
N.Y. Aug 15. 1854

Dear Sir
  On the 8th June I put into the Post Office here, a letter with the affidavit of Mary Voris (name underlined).   Has it been received at the Pension Office?
                                   Yours Truly,
                                   W. Grandin
Page 35

Trenton Sept 8. 1854

W. Grandin Esq.
Sir
  I enclose herewith the certificate requested in your letter of the 5th. __st.
   The fees therefor will be one dollar upon each.
Respectfully,
Thos. S. Allison
Page 36

Key Post Aug 30th 1854

Wm. Grandin Esq.

Dar Sir:  I enclose the certificate and affidavit of the Rev. Mr. Willis Pastor of the 1st Reformed duch (Dutch?) church of Freehold.  I saw the records of Rev. Dubois about with there can not be any mistake.
I trust this together with the affidavit of Joseph Walling and what evidence they have at Washington will procure a pension for the old lady as she is very needy and that she is entitled to it on one will doubt the hears her testimony and that of others.

Yours truly in haste,
Elijah Stout

NB I would have attended to this sooner but have been absent for some days.
Yours
Elijah Stout

(NB is Latin for Nota Bene =  note well)
Page 37

New York Sept 16. 1854

Sir,
  I have the honor to acknowledge your favor of the 14th _?_, respecting the claims of Mary Voris, Martha Luqueer and Martha Crawford.
  I sent one week since the sworn and certified certificate of the marriage of Mary Luqueer and John Voris 1785.  Has it not been received?  The name John Voris is upon the New Jersey Roll, as a letter from the Pension Office informs me.  The proof of his service is found also in the affidavit of Joseph Walling (underlined) 91 years old, who swears directly (underlined) and positively (underlined) that John Voris (underlined) served in the Revolutionary War for more than two years as also that Mary Voris is his identical widow.
Yrs. Resp.
W. Grandin
Page 38

New York Sept 11. 1854

Sir
   Please find herewith two additional (underlined) certificates of the Secty of State of New Jersey.
   Aside from the negative testimony and fact stated by him in these certificates, the full law and regulations have been fulfilled by the "positive" (underlined) proof of two witnesses, and the entire probabilities.
    Relating as these certificates do to the same subjects through different claims they are both enclosed in one envelope.
Yours Respy.
W. Grandin
Page 39

3752
March
1838
Page 40

(Print VERY faint and hard to read)

Freehold Dec 7. 1838

Sir
    I herewith send the papers of Maria Voorhees widow of John Voorhees upon her application for a pension under the Act of July 78 1838.
   The service for which a pension is claimed is 16 months in the Army under Col. Ogden the Jersey line, and she refers to the (smudged word) documents in the Department for the proof - her husband  had a discharge but it was destroyed as she testifies.
Mot respectfully
Your obl. servt.
J.M. Hartshome

J.L. Edwards  Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Page 41

In the matter of the claims of 
Martha, widow of John Luqueer
Martha, widow of Wm. G. Crawford
Mary, widow of John Voris

To The Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
   Please to take notice the above named claimants apply for the benefits of the Acts of congress severally approved,
March 3rd 1843
June 17th 1844
Feby 2nd 1848
July 7th 1838

New York, Nov 23. 1854
Wm. Grandin
Atty for Claimants
Page 42

(upper right corner) 256

Pension Office
Nov 21 1854

Sir
In the cases of Martha Crawford widow of William C. of NY, Martha liqueur widow of John of NY and Mary Voris disown of John of NJ - under the Act of July 7 1838 - I have to inform you that that no allowance can be made until it is clearly shown when how long their husbands respectively served.  It is not enough that a witness swears to a service of a particular length.  He must  show how he knows that a service of the given length was performed.  Mr. Walling does not meet this point.   He attempts to show how he knows the parties referred to were in service. This point is not now in dispute.  How over he knows that they served one year or two years?  Was the service continuous? Did they enter into the service at a given time and remain in it for one or two years as the case may be?  Or were they occasionally in service as the exigency of the times required? You will readily perceive  the necessity of this particular relarity (?).  Under the pension Laws, pensions are graduated according to the length of service and the must be clearly defined, the.....
Page 43

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.....expressions used by witnesses that a soldier served a "long time" "more than two years" etc. are much too indefinite.


William GRANDIN Esq.
New York
NY
Page 44

New York, Nov 22. 1854

Sir,
   I am in the receipt of your favor of yesterday's date, in the matter of the claims of Martha Luqueer, Martha Crawford, and Mary Voris, widows respectively of John Luqueer, Wm. G. Crawford, and John Doris, soldiers in the war of the Revolution.
 Joseph Walling is now aged ninety two years.  He gives the reasons (underlined), and the "how" (underlined) he knows (underlined) and positively (underlined) swears the service and the length (underlined) of it, of the above named men, to wit from his age of fourteen (underlined) years to sixteen (underlined) years, certainly (underlined), and he firmly believes (underlined) during the whole period of Captain Carhart's service in the war.  This must have been therefore between the years 1776 and 1779. In one of your letters it is said "There is abundant testimony that Captains Carhart and Walling.......
Page 45

(continued from previous page)

....served several (underlined) years during the War". 

Your Old. Servant 
Wm. Grandin
Page 46

New York, Sept 27, 1854

Sir
    Please find herewith enclosed proofs in the cases of Martha Luqueer and of Mary Voris.
 I sincerely    trust that these, with the original private records this day forwarded by Adam of Express, may obviate any objections recently suggested by the Pension Office.  All the proofs forwarded in the three cases of Martha Luqueer, Mary Voris, and Martha Crawford bear intrinsic and moral tests of truth.
Yours Respy.
W. Grandin
Page 47

New York Nov 23, 1854.

Sir
I have just returned from my sixth visit to Monmouth County New Jersey (celebrated ground) in the matter of the claims which  have been before your office for many months.
 The accompanying affidavit explains "how" the deponent Joseph Walling is enabled positively to fix in his recollection the facts setforth and explained in the two preceding affidavits of Mary Voris.  These matters are positively, distinctly, and clearly stated, and with the upmost consistency. The figures of the years must necessarily be 1776 to 1779, for Mr. Walling and Mrs. Voris state their firm belief that the claimant's husbands were engaged in the battle of Pleasant Valley or Monmouth, and this according to history took place June 28, 1778.
Page 48

In reference to Mary Voris, you have there affidavit of Mr.s Beers as to her worthiness and respectability, in addition to the several certificates of Judge Stout.
Joseph Walling probably the oldest person in Monmouth County, retains unusual activity of body, and strength of mind, has numerous direct and collateral relatives of worth and standing, has always lived in the town Middletown now Raritan, and is universally known as a man of worth, probity, honesty and "respectability", as certified repeatedly by Judge Stout.
In the expression of hope that these matters so much postponed may be speedily settled, I trust I am not trespassing upon the limit of official or personal respect and courtesy.
Your Obt. Servant
Wm. Grandin
Page 49


Pension Office,
Dec. 21, 1854.
Sir
I have the here to acknowledge the
receipt of your note cover one from W
Grandin by relative to certain claim
persion pending on this office, and to state
not said claims have the day or the application
sale of that gentleman. he reported to the
Secretary of the Interior
I hav &c
Page 50

to
Pension Office
Dec. 21, 1854

Sin
I herewith when the letter of
Grandin, Esq, and have the honer
all that the case refered to be
an her reputed to the Secy of the
Interior

H Hamilton Fish
Senate State
Page 51

Wm. Grandin
Jan 12 / 55
Page 52


Penn Office
Jan 12 1855
Sir
your left the matter of the claim,
Mark Lequeer, Martha Crawford and
Mary ons smitted to the Secretary of the
Interior, has he refered to the office and
or reproved that the report of the of
to that offer made a the 20 December
last, hang a "fully affirmed," and made the office and the duties
one to other clamor, examine the
said cous, unless also the production
of he being had not a natural
to the issue,

Wm Gardin Esq
ttoney at Law New York City
Battin N.Y.
Page 53

New York, Dec 26. 1854

Sir
   I have this morning been favored with a letter from Mt. Cutting, one of our Representatives, to the effect, that certain claims for pension for which I am the attorney, "have been this day (21st) on the application of that gentleman,
__ported to the Secretary of the Interior".
If this refers to me, I can only say that I am not conscious of having as yet made any such "application" to your office, but have at all times endeavored to maintain and demonstrate officially and otherwise a just courtesy and consideration.
Reply. Yours
Wm. Grandin
Page 54

New York, Feb 22. 1855

Dear Sir,
    I have been to New Jersey to find if possible further testimony in the matter of the claims of Mary Voris, Martha Crawford, and Martha Lequeer.  These widows are in almost abject want - I find a general belief and tradition existing that the husbands of these women, during their lives did perform the good service required of them by their country as set forth in the several affidavits forwarded in their several cases.  In my judgement, you could not err either in Law, Equity, or generosity by granting them a pension for at least six months, for there exists every moral reason to it.  Will you not take all things into consideration and let me hear from you as soon as possible?
Respectfully Yours,
Wm. Grandin
Page 55

J.M. Hartshorn
25 May 1839
Page 56

437

War Department
Pension Office
25 May 1839

Sir
 The papers of Mrs. Maria Vorrhees widow of John Vorrhees have been examined and filed - It is said that the claim _?_  husband found in Col. Ogden's reg't of the Jersey Line name of his captain not recollected - This is a material omission.
Unless the name of his captain is furnished there can be no satisfactory investigation of the claim.


J.M. Hartshorn
Freehold
NJ.
Page 57

New York, Sept 27. 1856

Dear Sir
 I h  ave just received from New Jersey, and herewith transmit, the family records of John and Mary Voris - and of John and Martha Luqueer, by Adams _?_ Express.
   May I ask your Dept. to acknowledge the receipt of these records, and also a return of them to Judge Elijah Stout of Keyport N. Jersey, after an examination of them shall have been made.
In haste, Very Respy.
Your Obt. Servant

Wm. Grandin
Page 58

State, City, and County of New York
In the matter of the claims of
Martha Luqueer
Martha Crawford, Mary Voris
The widows respectfully of
John Luqueer
Wm. G. Crawford
John Boris, private in the War of the Revolution for Pensions.
William Grandin of said State, City, and County being duly sworn deposes and says that he is duly empowered by Letters of Attorney to act for the above recited claimants, and that he has not interest in any monies that may be allowed in virtue of said claims or either of them, by any pledge, mortgage, sale, assignment, or transfer, nor does he know or believe that the same has been to disposed of to any person whatever.
Wm. Grandin

Sworn before me this 28 day of Nov. 1854
J. (D?) B. Taylor
Commissioner (?)
Page 59

Freehold Aug 29 1854

Wm. Grandin Esq.
D. Sir
   Yesterday afternoon I went down to see Mr. Willis Pastor of the 1sr Ref. Dutch Ch. of Freehold (now Marlboro) for the purpose of ascertaining if there was any record of the marriage of Jno. Voris to Mary Luqueer whilst Rev. Benj. Berry Dubois was pastor.  Mr. Willis informed me that Elijah Stout Esq. of Keyport had just been there and obtained a certificate of the marriage from him together with his affidavit.  The record is in the following words and figures, to wit:
"May ye 16th - 1785 John Voorhees and Maria Laquear".
Mr. Willis informed me that the Justice did not seem to know exactly how to take the certificate or draw the affidavit. Should he be incorrect write me and I will attend immediately to getting another in proper form.
In Haste
Very Truly yours
A.R. Throckmorton
Page 60

94
War Department
Pension Office
March 10, 1840

Sir
   In the case of mrs Maria Voorhees, widow of John Voorhees,  referred  to in the enclosed letter from Mr Hartshorn, I make the following Report:
   The rules requiring that every widow who may apply for the benefits of the Act of July 7, 1838, shall set forth the name of the Captain under whom her husband served.  The claimant in this case failed to comply with the rule, and an appeal is now made for the decision on the ground that this Dept. never required the soldier to give the name of his Captain, in applying for a pension under the Act of June 7, 1832. Mr. Hartshorn is mistaken. If he will read the rules a copy of which is enclosed he will find that the the claimant if a soldier was required to name his Captain (See words underscored) in the form of the declaration on page No. 1.  The note quoted by Hartshorn is only an explanation for the guidance if the person who may draw up the declaration.  In the form of the declaration a blank is left before the word "regiment" and it frequently happened before the note was published that the blank was filled up with the number of the regiment, and the name of the Colonel was omitted.   Hence (?) the note was annexed to the regulations.
The necessity of the rule is obvious in almost every case, but it is particularly necessary in this case, that it should be rightly adhered to, as these are several of.....
Page 61

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....the name of John Voorhees on the list of the New Jersey Soldiers; but no one of that name can be found on the rolls of the regiment in which it is alleged he served.
Mr Hartshorn says that it appears from the records of the War Department that a land warrant was issued to John Voorhees.  I find that a man of that name did obtain bounty land, but whether he was the husband of the claimant does not appear.  If she could prove that she is his widow, the proof would still be defective, as the fact of his having received land merely shows that he served to the end of the war. It does not show...

(multiple lines crossed out)

....when he entered the Army and on that point proof is essentially necessary, because the amount of the pension depends on the length of the service and that can not be ascertained unless the time of enlistment can be determined.
_?_  (signature illegible)

Hon. J. R. Poinsete
Secretary of War

No. 3752
(paper torn) ___t 1838
Page 62

Martha Crawford
Martha Luqueer
Mary Voris 

(Mary Voris underlined)
Page 63

A soldier is always in the line of his duty when he is not under arrest, in confinement, or furlough or absent without leave, although at the moment no particular or active duty may be devolved on him.
Attorney Genl. Apl 6. 1815
Secty of War Apl 10. 1849

To establish the relation of widow, proof of a marriage in fact cannot be required - that is by witnesses present at the ceremony, or by official records; general reputation and cohabitation are sufficient prima facie.
Atty Genl June 23. 1846

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party, 
To require from the applicant positive proof of service from a contemporary servitor, would, after the lapse of so many years, be to deprive many of them of the benefits of the law; and as no presumption is raised against the militia by the nonexistentance of rolls in the Department, there is no good reason why this requisition should be extended to them.
Triplett _?_ 26
Page 64

Mary Voris - 
Declaration 

Widow of John Voris
Act July 7. 1838




Wm. Grandin
New York
Page 65

(note - writing very faint)

State of New Jersey, county of Monmouth

Mary Voris aged eighty six years, being first duly sworn according to law deposes and says, and makes this her declaration on oath to obtain the benefits of the provisions of any Act of Congress which may insure to her benefit.
Deponent declares on oath that she is the widow of John Voris, an enlisted soldier in the Army of the Revolution, in the company of a Capt. Lippard and Reg. of Col. Ogden, as she verily thinks and believes, for further testimony of which she asks the reference may be made to the Rolls and Records of New Jersey on file in Washington.
That she was married to the said John Voris, at her father's house in Middletown, N. Jersey, in the year 1785 by the Rev. Mr. Dubois of the Dutch Reformed denomination.  That said John Voris died in 1817.  That she has remained since his death and now is a widow.
Mary Voris her X mark

Witnesses Wm. L. Roberts
Walter J. Vanpett
Page 66

State of New Jersey, Monmouth Co.

Rynthia Lambertson aged sixty three years being duly sworn deposition and says the she is the daughter of the foregoing declarant and knows that she is the identical widow of the said John Voris mentioned in said declaration.
Cynthia Lambertson her X mark

Witnesses
Wm.L.Roberts
Walter J Vanpett

I hereby certify the on this 7th day of August A.D. 1854 personally appeared the above named declarant Mary Voris, and made oath to the same.  Also Rynthia Lambertson at the same time and made oath to the deposition signed by her.
I also verify my entire belief in the credibility  of said Mary Voris and Rynthia Lambertson.

Elijah Stout Judge
of Monmouth Pleas
Page 67

E. Stout Judge M.C.P.
Aug 14 1854

Declaration Mary Voris
aff Rynthia Lambertson

Wm. Grandin
Atty.
Page 68

State of New Jersey Monmouth County

Ann Beers aged 74 years having first duly sworn according to law deposit and saith that she has known John Voris and Mary Voris for fourth years has lived a neighbor to  them during that time the they lived together and was universally
_?_ as Man and Wife and had a number of children.

Anne Beers

Sworn before me this 14th August A.D. 1854 and I hereby certify the credibility of the above named Anne Beers

Elijah Stout Judge
Of Monmouth Pleas
Page 69

Town of Marlboro, Monmouth Co., State of N. Jersey
I hereby certify the following to be a true copy from the Record of Marriages kept by the Rev. Mr. Dubois, which is expressed on the record in legible characters as follows:
"May 16th 1785 John Voorhees and Maria Laquear"
Ralph Willis

I, Ralph Willis, depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the 1st Ref. Dutch Church of Freehold in the county, town, and state aforesaid, and that the above is a true extract from the Records of said Dubois, as certified by me.
Ralph Willis, Pastor
of 1st Ref. D.Church of
Freehold, N. J.

Sworn before me this 28th day of August 1854 and I hereby certify the credibility of the above named Ralph W. Willis

Elijah Stout Judge
of Monmouth Pleas
Page 70

(note: blank/torn space in center of page  - assumed correct words added)

Mr. Grandin Esq.
Dear Sir
You will find the records of John Laquere and John Voris at JM and A Marsh grocery store.  
I believe No. 263 West St. NJ.
It is between Barkley and Robertson St.

I would have attended to (this) before but our court (has) been sitting and I (could) not leave. 
 
If anything further is wanting please inform me and I will attend to it without delay.

Yours in haste
Elijah Stout
Page 71

(back side of previous page, note blank/torn spot in center of page)

William GRANDIN Esq.
New York