Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,038, Christopher Van Leuvan, New York
Page 1

(3-1776)

Service
New York

Van Leuvan, Christopher
or Vanluvan

Number
S.23.038

Contents
Page 2

5171
New York
Christopher Van Leuvan
Olive in the State of N. York [word illegible] was Private in the Company commanded 
[word illegible] Captain Schoonmaker of the Reg commanded 
[word illegible] Col. Paulding in the New York 
[word illegible] line for [illegible]


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

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Febry, 1833 and sent to Hon H. Brodhead

Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1832                     $120
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4th Mar '33       40
                                                                $160 
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}        

Recorded by Geo. C. Stiles Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 5. Page 148

See letter to P.M. at Marbletown 
April 6, 1836 & Shandaken
do. to A.G. Hardenbergh April
25. 1839 to Mrs. R. Paten
January 18, 1840
do to same Apr 29. 1840.
do to same June 11. 1840

Letter to Pensioner 13 April 1836.
Page 3

Ulster Com Pleas.

Of December term, one thousand
Eight hundred and thirty two.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

State of New York}
Ulster County} SS: 

On the Eleventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two Personally appeared in open Court now Sitting before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster Proceeding according to the Course of the Common Law, with a Jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount.  Keeping a Record of their proceedings having a clerk and Seal of their own, Christopher Van Leuvan, a resident of the town of Olive in the County of Ulster aged Seventy three years, who being first 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 under the following named officers, and Served as herein Stated.

That he was born in the Town of Marbletown in the County of Ulster and State of New York in the year 1759--

That he had a record of his age contained in the Baptismal records of the Reformed Dutch Church of Marbletown aforesaid.

That he lived in the town of Marbletown when he entered the Service of the Revolutionary War, or called into Service.

That he has lived Since the Revolutionary War in the town of Marbletown. And that he now lives in the town of Olive (Formerly Marbletown) Ulster County aforesaid.

That he Entered the Militia Service of the State of New York as a private Soldier in the Revolutionary War on or about the first of July in the year 1777 as a Volunteer in the Company Commanded by Captain Joachim Schoonmaker, for Three Months, and that Said Company rendezvoused at Marbletown in the County of Ulster. And marched from there by the way of Catskill to a place called Schoharie
Page 4

where he with the Said Company was Stationed as a guard. to protect the inhabitants from the incursions of the Indians and Torys, And Continued in Said Service untill Some time in the month of October following (1777) and then he with the Said Company returned to Kingston Ulster County aforesaid, and --- brought with them between 30 & 40 prisoners which were confined in the prison in Kingston, And went to Marbletown and was there discharged, after the full term of Three Months or more, received no written discharge. And that he does not recollect of any person alive who can testify to the above Service.

And that this applicant further declares that in the Spring of the Year following (1778) he again Volunteered in the Service as aforesaid in the Company Commanded by Captain Henry Paulding, Colonel Albert Paulding, Colonel Albert Pauldings Regiment for Seven Months. that he with the Said Company was in the Fort at the house of one Longyear in the Town of Shandaken, and Continued there in Said Service with Said Company untill Some time in the month of November following (1778) and Untill the full term of Seven Months and was then there discharged (Received No Written discharged). For the proof of this last Service he would refer you to the affidavit of Benjamin Rider hereto attached -- he being the only person living that he is acquainted with that can testify as to Said Service.
Page 5

And that this applicant further declares that in the Spring of the Year 1779 he again volunteered as a private Soldier as aforesaid, in the Company Commanded by Captain Charles W Brodheade for Three Months and he with the Said Company was Stationed at a Fort at Leurenkill in the Town of Wawarsing in the Said County of Ulster, And continued there in Said Service untill about the first of July following (1779) And untill the full term of Three Months and was then there discharged (received no Written discharge). And that he does not recollect any person alive who can testify to the above Service

And this applicant further declares that in the fall of the Same year 1779, he again volunteered in the Service as aforesaid in the Company Commanded by Capt Charles Brodhead, for Three Months and was Stationed at Fishkill Dutchess County and was there with the Said Company under the Command of Colonel Dubois, and Continued there untill late in the fall or the Commencement of winter following and was then there discharged after the full term of Three Months (Received no written discharge) And that he does not recollect any person alive who can testify to the above Service

And this applicant further declares that in the Spring of the Year following (1780) he again Volunteered in the Service as aforesaid in the Company Commanded by Captain Andrss Bevier for Nine Months. And that he and the Said Company was Stationed at Lagawack in the Town of Wawarsing in the County of Ulster (and was there engaged part of Said Campaign in the building a Fort) and Continued there untill late in the fall and was
Page 6

then there discharged after the full term of Nine Months (received no written discharge) And that he does not recollect any person alive who can testify to the above Service

And that this applicant further declared that in July in the year 1781 he again Volunteered in the Service as aforesaid in the Company Commanded by Captain Derrick Westbrook. Known by the name of Rangers for Five Months - and that he with the Said Company acted as a frontier guard along the line of the frontiers in the County of Ulster and was Stationed at different places in the Town of Marbletown Hurley Woodstock Kingston and Saugerties -- and was discharged with the Said Company in Rochester after the full Term of five Months. (received no received discharge) And that he does recollect any person alive whom he can get to testify to the above Service---

And finally this applicant declares that he has positively Served during the Revolutionary War in the Militia Service of the State of New York in the Capacity of a private Soldier, at Schoharie for Three Months at Shandaken for Seven Months at (Leurenkill) in the town of Wawarsing for Three Months at Fishkill Dutchess County for Three Months at (Lagawack) in the Town of Wawarsing for Nine Months, and as a guard in the Company of Rangers for Five Months.. Making Two Years and Five Months and more, for which he now Claims a pension
Page 7

And this applicant further declares that in addition to the above Services (all of which he volunteered) he was frequently drafted as one of a class, and Served as such draftsman when not in actual Service as a Volunteer as above Stated in the Capacity of a private Soldier, in the Year 1777 in the Company Commanded by Captain John Hasbrouck at Kingston Landing guarding the prisoners, for Three Weeks.. Same Company for One Month as a frontier guard in the Town of Wawarsing in the year 1778.  And in the Same year (1778) he was half a month in the Company of Capt Charles Brodhead as a frontier guard at Minesing, and in the Year 1779. Two Months in Captain Bowdewine Teerpenning as a frontier guard at Shandaken and Some others, which he deems unnecessary to relate in this his declaration,

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

Christopher [X] Van Leuven
his mark

Sworn to & Subscribed the
day and Year aforesaid
J C Draper First Judge &
AG Hardenbergh
Abm. A Deyo 
Judges
Page 8

We Titus Bishop Clergyman residing in the town of Olive in the County of Ulster and Abraham G. Hardenbergh of the town of Marbletown in Said County, Hereby certify that were are well acquainted with Christopher Van Leuven who has Subscribed to and Sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be Seventy three years of age. that he reputed and believed in the Neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion

Titus Bishop

Soloman [X his mark] Crispell

Sworn and Subscribed the}
day and year aforesaid}
A Draper First Judge &
AG Hardenbergh
Abm A Deyo Judges

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 Titus Bishop who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman residing in the town of Olive in Said County of Ulster-- And that Abraham G Hardenbergh who has also Signed the Same as a resident in the town of Marbletown in Said County and is a credible person and their Statement is entitled to Credit
A Draper First Judge &
A G Hardenbergh
Abn A Deyo Judges

I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster, Do Hereby Certify. that the forgoing contains the original
Page 9

Proceedings in the said court, in the matter of the application of Christopher Van Leuvan for a Pension.

In Testimony whereof I Have hereunto Set my hand and Seal of Office this Twenty Eighth day of January one thousand eight hundred and thirty three-

Jacob Snyder
Page 10

Benjamin Rider's Affidavit
Page 11

State of New York}
Ulster County} SS: 

John Dunn of the town of New Paltz in Ulster County aged 73 years being duly sworn deposes & says. that he knew Christopher Van Leuvan of the town of Olive, a Soldier of the Revolution, and now an Applicant for a pension; That this deponent was in the Militia Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war, and was in the company commanded by Captain Charles W Brodhead in Colonel Hathorns Regiment, that the Said Christopher belonged to the same company and Regiment with this deponent: That this deponent Saw the said Christopher in Said Service for Three months or more in the year 1779 and knows that the Said Christopher continued to Serve in Said Corps in the capacity of a private Soldier until he was discharged: That the Said Company was Stationed in the town of Fishkill in the County of Dutchess in said State, and that the said Christopher Van Leuvan and the whole company were discharged there, in the fall of the year

And this deponent further says, that in the Spring of the Said Year 1779, this deponent volunteered in the Militia Company Commanded by the Said Captain Brodhead for three months, and was Stationed at a fort in Leuren Kill in the town of Warwarsing in the County of Ulster, and well knew the said Christopher Van Leuven, that he belonged to the Same Company with the deponent, and that this deponent saw the Said Christopher Van Leuven in Said Service in the Said Year 1779 for Three months -- and knows that the Said Christopher Van Leuven continued to Serve in Said Corps in the Capacity of a private Soldier until he was discharged.

John Dunn

Subscribed & Sworn this 26th day of}
January 1833 before me}

P.V.  Gaasbeek Jr
Justice of the Peace
Page 12

Ulster County SS: 

I do Hereby Certify that I am personally acquainted with John Dunn who Signed & swore before me to the facts Contained in the foregoing affidavit, that he is a credible person and entitled to credit.
P.V. Gaasbeek Jr
Justice of the Peace
Page 13

STATE OF NEW-YORK,}
Ulster County Clerk's Office,} SS.

I Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, Do hereby Certify, That Peter Van Gaasbeek Junior Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Ulster, duly authorised to take affidavits, Etc.; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the signature "P.V. Gaasbeek Jr" subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed Affidavit to be genuine.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this 28' day of January 1833

Jacob Snyder
Page 14

26 Jan 7 - John Dunn
Page 15

State of New York}
Ulster County} SS: 

Benjamin Rider of the town of Rochester Ulster County aged Seventy Years, being duly Sworn deposeth & saith that he is well acquainted with Christopher Van Leuven of the town of Olive, now an applicant for a pension, that this deponent was in the Militia Service of the State of New York in the Revolutionary war, and well knew the said Christopher, that this deponent was in the Company commanded by Captain Henry Pawling, Lieutenants Henry Van Howenbergh & John Van Drusen; there the said Christopher belonged to the same company with this deponent, that this deponent saw the said Christopher in said Service for Seven Months or more in the year 1778, and knows that the said Christopher continued to Serve in the said Company in the Capacity of a private soldier until he was discharged, and this deponent saith that he always understood that the said Christopher Van Leuvan volunteered into said service for the term of seven months, that the said Christopher was Stationed with said Company at one Jacob Lonyears in a fort in the town of Shandaken, Ulster County, and that the said Christopher was discharged in said County in the month of November in said Year at the fort aforesaid where the Company were all discharged

Benjamin [his X mark] Rider

Sworn and Subscribed
this 16th day of January 1833
before me
Asa Miller Justice
Page 16

State of New-York}
Ulster County Clerk's Office,} SS.

I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, do hereby certify, That Asa Miller Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Ulster, duly authorized to take affidavits, Etc. and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the signature "Asa Miller" subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed Affidavit to be genuine,

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this 28th day of January 1833

Jacob Snyder
Page 17

Benjamin Rider's
affidavit
Page 18

State of New York}
Ulster County} SS: 

Benjamin Rider of the town of Rochester in said County being sworn deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Christopher Van Leuvan in the time of the Revolutionary War,  that the said Deponent and said Christopher Van Leuvan did serve together in said War in the year 1778 -- on the frontiers at Shandaken in said County for the term of seven months in a Company commanded by Capt Henry Pawling, Henry Van Hardenbergh first and John Van Dusen second; ultimately in Col Albert Pawlings Regiment of Militia -- that they were discharged at the same time at Shandaken aforesaid after serving out said term of seven months

Benjamin [his X mark] Rider

Sworn & Subscribed this 17th
day of Sept. 1832 before me
Abm. G. Hardenbergh one of the Judges of Ulster County Common Pleas

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Fold3 File #20391540Additional names: Benjamin Rider, Christopher Van Leuvan, Henry Van Howenbergh, Abm G Hardenbergh, Benjamin Rider, Abm G Hardenbergh, Benjamin Rider, John Van Dusen, Christopher Van Leuvan, Henry Pawling. Image provided by Fold3.
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Ulster County} I do certify that on the 17th day of September 1832 Benjamin Rider (to me well known) appeared before me and made oath to and subscribed the above deposition in my presence and I do certify that he is a man of truth and veracity, and entitled to [illegible] credit as a witness-
Wm G Hardenbergh one of the Judges of Ulster Common Pleas
Page 19

State of New=York,
ULSTER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE: } SS. 

I Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, Do hereby Certify==That Abraham G. Hardenbergh Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed Affidavit, a Judge of the Court of Common pleas in and for the said County of Ulster duly authorised to take affidavits, Etc.; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe the signature "Abm G. Hardenbergh" subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed affidavit to be genuine.

In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this 28' day of January 1833

Jacob Snyder
Page 20

Christopher Van Leuvana

admd


A Vol 2 Page 28 $20.20 Mo 3 Day 1

Not a desertion -- See his order for pay in
1784


Hon Jn.o C. Brodhead
Page 21

BRIEF in the case of Christopher Van Leuvan
Town of Olive in the State of N. York
(Act 7th June, 1832)

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court of a Judge?  Open Court

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3.  How old is he?  73 Years

4.  State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

[Chart]

Period.
July In 1777  Volunt.
Spring of 1778. do
Spring of 1779. do
Fall of 1779. do
Spring of 1780. do
July 1781. do
In addition to the above he alleges 4 months & 6 days service in four Separate Tours

Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days.
...3...
...7...
...3...
...3...
...9...
...5...

Rank
As a
Private
"
"
"
"
"

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen.
Capt Isaac Schoonmaker N. York Militia
Capt Henry Paulding..."
Colo. Albert Paulding..."
Capt Chas. W. Broadhead.."
Capt C. W. Broadhead..."
Col. Dubois..."
Capt Andrew Bevier..."
Capt Derrick Westbrook..."

5.  In what battles was he engaged?

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Town of Marbleton N. York

7. Is his statement supported by living witness, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  Traditionary evidence and those living witnesses two of whom testify to the 2nd term of service of 7 mos. and the other, to the 3rd and 4th terms of service of 3 months each

8.  Are the papers defective as to form or authentication?  and if so, in what respect?  they are properly authenticated

x Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Wm Gordon
Examining Clerk
Page 22

March 18, 1937.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Louise H. Zimm 
Woodstock 
New York 

BA-J/ady
Christopher Van Leuvan
S.23038

Dear Madam: 

Reference is made to your letter relative to 
Christopher Van Leuven, John, Petrus, Andria,
Andrew, Zacharias and Peter P. Van Leuven, soldiers of the Revolutionary War. 

The record of the only soldier of that surname 
that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office is furnished you herein as found in the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.23038, based upon the military service of Christopher Van Leuvan in that war.

Christopher Van Leuvan, the name is also shown as Vanluvan was born 1759, in Marbletown, Ulster County, New York, day, month, and the name of his parents are not stated. 

While a resident of Marbletown, New York, 
Christopher Van Leuvan enlisted about July 1, 1777, served at various times to 1781, about two and one half years in all, as private in the New York troops under the following officers: Captains Jochem Schoonmaker, John Hasbrouck, Charles W. Brodhead, Bardowine
Tarpening, Andrew Bevier, Dirrick Wesbrock, Henry Pawling, and Colonels Jacob Hoornbeek, Albert Pawling, Hathorn, Dubois and John Cantine. In August 1781 he was taken prisoner by the British and Indians who took him to Fort Niagara, the following spring was shipped
to Fort Oswego, later he was removed to Niagara, thence to the fort at Detroit, and after peace was declared, in the spring 1784 he was discharged and returned home.

He was allowed pension on his application executed December 11, 1832 at which time he was a resident of
Page 23

Olive, formerly part of Marbletown, Ulster County, New York.

Soldier had a sister who was dead in 1839, her name and age not given. There are no further family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

[Written by hand] Date of death
not on A.B.
Page 24

Revolution 23038


INVALID.

File No. 23038
Christopher Van Leuvan
Pri. Rev War

Act:  June 7th 32

Index:--Vol. 2, Page 432
(Arrangement of 1879)

1937 Mar 18 Hist. to Louise H. Zimm. A.D.Y.
Page 25

Let. to Hon. Rufus Paten, Jan [illegible]

Same April 29 1840 same
June 11 1840 to same
June 19, 1840
Let to A. G. Hardenburgh
Apl 24, 1844
to Hon. J Russell Feb 27 [illegible]
Page 26

Christopher Van Leuven
Westbrook

N: 602

1280

[Illegible] Vol 2  [Illegible] 22
Page 27

October 19 1784

Sir

Will you be pleased to say what is due to me for three months service done with Captain Dirk Wesbrook to the Bearer hereof Robert Bathis  and you will oblige your friend 

Christopher Vanleuvan

Witness Casparus Shorter


to John Vandusan Paymaster
Page 28

evi:
Levi Lee July 75. Block Island - Capt Waterman 3 or 4 mo
Nathan Stanter - sometime after 75 was out two or three times under Capt. W. Noah Butterworth - at Block and with his company summer fall duration believes he served 9 mo in 75.76
Page 29

House Representatives
June 10. 1844

Dear Sir

I herewith transmit the account of Chas.
Cushney Esq., which you will please have forwarded to the proper officer for settlement.

Very Respectfully yrs.
Rufus Palen

J.L. Edward Esq.
Com. of Pensions
Page 30

House Representatives
May 12. 1849 (or 1840)
Dear Sir

Yours of yesterday stating that the
the account of Chas Cushney Esq, could not
be paid because he has rendered an account for the same services of a less amount, is to act.

You have the particular items of the act. before you & can say how much the Department
is willing to allow

I presume Mr. C. will accept of whatever
the department considers just & equitable & would propose that you submit through me to Mr C. to pay such amount & thereby settle this small matter

Very Respectfully Yours
Rufus Palen

J.L. Edward Esq
Com of Pensions
Page 31

Sept 27
P227.
April 28, 1840
Pension Office
Ch van Leuven
NY
Hon R Palen
H.R.
Page 32

House Representatives
April 27, 1840

Sir

You will please forward me a dft. for the enclosed bill.

Very Respectfully Your Obt. Svt.
Rufus Palen

Hon. J. R. Poinsett
Secty of War
Page 33

Jan 18
[inked postal stamp] NEW YORK JAN 16
James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Christopher Van Leuvan
Page 34

Mechanics Bank
New York 16 Jany 1836

Sir

Christopher Van Leuvan a Private at $80 per annum whose pension is suspended by your Letter of the 13th Inst. was paid to the 4th of September 1835, on the 4th Ultimo

I am very Respectfully Your Obt. Serv.

Jn Fleming [illegible]

James L. Edward Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 35

[Letterhead]

LOUISE HASBROUCK ZIMM
WOODSTOCK
NEW YORK
GENEALOGIST

MEMBER OF THE
NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL
AND BIOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY

SPECIALIST IN
UNPUBLISHED RECORDS
OF ULSTER COUNTY

Feb. 8, 1937

Mr. A. D. Hiller,
Exec. Assistant,
Veterans Administration.

Dear Sir,-

In the published Pension List of Revolutionary Soldiers, there is the name of CHRISTOPHER VAN LEUVEN (or LUVEN) under Ulster County, N.Y. As I am preparing a history of the Van Leuven family, I should very much like to have an abstract of his papers.

I see from Comptroller Roberts' New York in the Revolution, that JOHN, PETRUS, ANDRIA, ANDREW, ZACHARIAS and PETER P. VAN LEUVEN also served in the Revolution in Ulster, Orange and Dutchess County militia. ANDREW was a Lieutenant, 1st Regiment, Ulster Co. Militia.

If you have pension papers of any of these, abstracts would be most helpful to me. Hoping that your bureau will undertake this, I am
Yours very truly,
[signed] Louise H. Zimm

[inked date stamp] RECEIVED MAIL SUB. DIV. VETS ADM.  SENDER[?] 18  
FEB 10 1937
Page 36

Isaac Robinson
Marbletown May 13
Chris Van Leuvan

J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 37

State of New York
County of Ulster Town of Marbletown

Mr. J. L. Edward Commisioner of Pensions -- Isaac Robison made application for a pension about the first of August in the year 1833 the papers was made out by Abraham G. Hardenbergh at that time. he says that he had a letter from you stating that the papers was Numbered and filed and that was all the information he could get -- I assisted said Robison in taking affidavits Etc Mr. Robison is anxious to know whether he shall obtain a pension or not and if not please state the reason -- possible he might give more satisfaction as to his claim. Please send me an answer direct your letter to Stone Ridge Post office town of Marbletown Ulster County New York State

Yours Respectfully,

Charles Cushney

[illegible] on the last of April last past there was handed to me a letter directed to the post master of Marbletown post office Requesting the affidavits of Cornelius Krom, Jacob T Roosa, Jacob P Merkle, John Bogart in relation to Christopher Van Leuvan a pensioner as to his going to the Indians & Toryes [sic] in the revolutionary War I have procured and taken affidavits sufficient to satisfy the Department I expect and herewith enclose expenses and Etc for taking affidavit $10

I am Respectfully your obedient servant

Charles Cushney J.D.
J.L. Edwards
Page 38

Stone Ridge
Dec 29

free

J.L. Edward Esquire
Commis of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

January 2, 1844
NY
J Acker
3 March 1843
Christopher Van Leuvan
Page 39

Stone Ridge NY 29th Dec 1843

J.L. Edwards Esq.

I herewith enclose the declaration of Johannah Acker, widow of Jacob Acker, for a pension under the Law of the 3rd March 1843 -- Enclose her Certificate to me, directed as above --

respectfully your Humble Servant
Abm G Hardenbergh

Some time since, I transmitted to your office affidavits, showing that Christopher Van Leuvan, did not voluntarily join the enemy in the time of the Revolution, but that he was abducted by the Indians and Tories -- If my memory serves me, I then recd an answer that the fact of his desertion was rebutted or contradicted by the circumstance of his having Recd pay for services under Capt. Derrick Westbrook prior to his abduction -- and that upon an examination of his case you could not allow for all the services stated in his Original declaration -- I couldn't find the papers relating to his case and wish you to state to me, what objections there are to his receiving a pension -- If I rightly recollect, I think he could be entitled to a less annual amount than was originally allowed to him, and the pension was withheld on that account--
Page 40

Will you have the goodness to examine this case, and inform me (if any) what objections there are to it-- what service you will allow, and what you reject.  Mr Van Leuvan is now very old and poor, and if he is entitled to any thing for his services in the Revolution, it would help him very much at present-- please answer this at your earliest convenience.

Respectfully yours
A G Hardenburgh

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 41

Stone Ridge, NY
March 7

Free

Hon. John C Brodhead
or if absent, J. L. Edwards Esq
Washington City 
DC

Chr Van Leuven
NY
Page 42

Stone Ridge N.Y. 2d March 1839

Dear Sir
Enclosed is an account of Charles Cushney against the War Department for services done at the request of the Comm of Pensions--I think the charge is reasonable, considering the distance, at which each of the Deponents named, lived from one another.

Will you have the goodness to present the account, and receive payment and bring the money with you when you return.

If Mr. Brodhead has left Washington, Mr Edwards is requested to enclose the amount or a draft to me.
Respectfully Yours
Abm G Hardenburgh
Page 43

Hon. J. C. Brodhead
HR
Page 44

Stone Ridge 19th Feby. 1839
Dear Sir, Enclosed herewith I send you three affidavits respecting the case of Christopher Van Leuvan - 
Van Leuvan was a pensionee under the Law of 1832 at the rate of $80 a year -  in 1835 his pension was stopped on account of some affidavits which were forwarded to the pension office stating that in the war of the Revolution he had joined the enemy - Van Leuvan is a very poor man and illitirate ,[illiterate] and says that his pension has been stopped unjustly - and in order to have him restored to the pension list. The enclosed affidavits are transmitted - 

You will see the affidavits and read them yourself - his own affidavit discloses the manner in which he was brought into the power of the enemy - Mrs. Syone who was a neighbor to him in the Revolution, and who is a woman of whig extraction, and of the first standing for Credibility, shows by her affidavit that the Statement made by Van Leuvan is probable if not true - Jacob Chambers, who you know has for many years been a magistrate of this County, and also a member of our State Legislature, States circumstances which I think conclusively repel the idea of Van Leuvan having been a tory -
  
I have no doubt that the affidavits which have been forwarded are founded on reports which were spread after his abduction; and firmly believe that the affidavits now sent contain the truth - 
  
I have undertaken to assist Van Leuvan in having his pension restored to him, merely because I believe it has been unjustly withdrawn, and feel charitably inclined to him on that account, and on account of his present destitute condition-
Page 45

We have no news of importance here - farther shared that Cully and his adjuncts here in obedience to a mandate from Poughkeepsie are 
endeavoring to get up an indignation meeting against our Senate - but from what I can learn their meeting will prove a failure, except in some of the Conservative papers --  the fact is the whigs have no sympathy for Mr. Tallmadge and if they would speak out according to their feelings, they would rather rejoice than weep for Mr. Tallmadge's defeat - indeed some of the most respectable of them express their satisfaction at the Course of the Senate - how ever a few may be dragged in. who at the same time will secretly juggle at Mr. Tallmadge's defeat - 

Dear Sir, I hope you will pay particular attention to VanLeuvan's case and endeavour to have his pension  restored -- he is very poor and I believe entitled to a pension - 

According to your request, a few days ago I sent you a list of my applications heretofore sent to the pension office - I hope you will call Mr. Edward's attention to them --
Truly yours
Abm G Hardenbergh
Page 46

I have just rec'd the enclosed certificate - it does not belong to me - I believe Judge Wynkoop is Mrs. Krom's agent - you had better direct it to him
Page 47

Town of Marbletown Ulster County New York State SS:

I Cornelius Krum do solemly swear that I was acquainted with Christoper Van Leuvan in the Revolutionary war and do not know that he did any services [services] as a soldier in said war and as to his going to the Indiens and toryes [Tories] to niagary
I have heard say he did but I know nothing about it of my own Certain Knowledge
Cornelius Krom [signature]


Subscribed and sworn May 4 1836} 
Before Me}
Charles Cushney J.P.}

Town of Marbletown Ulster County New York State
I Jacob P Markle do solemly swear that I had seen Christopher Van Luvan at the time of the Revolutionary war Does not know that he Did any duty as a Soldier in said war and says that I knows that said Christopher Van Luvan Did go to Indians and torys to Niagary- 
and did not return untill the said war terminated

Jacob [his X mark] P Merkle


Subscribed and sworn}
May 4th 1836 before -}
Charles Cushney. J.P.}


Town of Marbletown Ulster County New York State

I Isaac Robison do solemly swear that I was acquainted with Christoper Van Leuvan at the time of the revolutionary war. Said Van Leuvan served as a soldier at the Commencement of said war a short time then went to Niagary to the Indians & Toryes [Tories] and did not return untill after the war terminated

Isaac Robison

Subscribed and Sworn}
May 6th 1836}
Charles Cushney J.P.}
Page 48

New York State Ulster County Town of Marbletown
I Zachariah Roosa Do Solomly Swear that I was acquainted with Christopher Van Leuvan at the time of the revolutionary war - Said Van Leuvan went to Niagary to the Indians & toryes [Tories] in said war and did not return untill the war terminated

Zachariah [his X mark] Roosa

Subscribed and sworn May}
the 12th 1836 before me}
Charles Cushney J.P.}
Page 49

Chambers who had been an officer in the Revolution, and his uncle Joseph Chambers who also was a warm Whig belonged, with others, to said Committee. that said deponent altho but a boy recollects that Johannis Keaton, John Van Vliet, Henry Bogart and some others after their return from the Enemy were tried by said Committee, found guilty of having been tories and sentenced to be tarred and feathered, which said deponent recollects was put in execution -- said Deponent then heard his mother ask his father and his said Uncle what they would do with Christopher Van Leuvan, who had then also returned, they answered that they thought he ought not to be punished, as they believed that he had been taken off against his mind, and had been deceived --- that it was so generally believed at that time -- Said Deponent farther states that after the Revolutionary War, the tories were particularly intimate with one another, associated together, and had very little intercourses with the Whigs, and had very strong prejudice against them -- that they never associated with this said Christopher Van Leuvan, and acted towards him with the same coolness that they did towards the Whigs --- that the said tories afterwards in election would uniformly vote. on questions which they suspected or believed had any connection with the interest of Great Britain) on the side of British Interest.--
that on such questions the said Christopher Van Leuvan uniformly voted on the American side, and was disliked by the tories -- Said Deponent from the above circumstances believes that said Van Leuvan never voluntary entered the British Service and believes that the statements first made by said Van Leuvan to said Deponent is true

Jacob Chambers

Sworn & Subscribed this 13th Feby
1839 before me - and I do Certify that said Jacob Chambers is a man of truth and Veracity and that his statement is entitled to full credit
Abm G Hardenbergh Commissioner of Deeds
Page 50

State of New York, Ulster County [illegible] Jacob Chambers of Marbletown in said county aged sixty two year being sworn says that he is well acquainted with Christopher Van Leuvan formerly of Marbletown aforesaid, now of the town of Olive in said County - that he has been intimately acquainted with said Van Leuvan since the year 1799. that about that time or shortly aftwerwards said Van Leuvan told this Deponent how he was brought among the enemy - that some time towards the latter part of the Revolutionary War for the said Van Leuvan together with some others went back into the woods to do some work; said deponent thinks to gather a crop which belonged to one Casparus Besimer, who had been removed from there on account of suspicion of harboring the enemy there -- that after finishing said work he together with others wents a hunting. and while out he the [then] said VanLeuvan was very unexpectedly brought into the power of the enemy -- that he fell in with a party of tories and Indians, who took him. requested him to enlist which he refused - that they then told him he must go with them and he should be otherwise employed, and if he would not do that, he must go as a prisoner, and be at the mercy of the Indians - that he then as a matter of necessity went with them, suffered much on his journey, or was engaged in working at the forts while there - that he never was on any excursion against the Americans - that at one time he made his escape, got within 12 miles of Fort Stanwine and was retaken and conducted back---- Said Deponent has frequently heard said Van Leuvan make the above statement uniformaly the same -- 
Said Deponent farther states that after the war, when the Tories came back, there was a Committee in said town of Marbletown consisting of warm whigs, which said Deponent beleives was a kind of self constituted tribunal  that said Deponent well recollects that his father Jacob
Page 51

Niagara, and had been obliged to work hard while there -- 
[to the right side of the page is the large signature] Mary Lyon
Sworn & Submited this 13th
day of Feby 1839 - and 
I do certify that the said Mary Lyons is a person of truth and Veracity and that her statement is such [illegible] to full credit - 
Abm G Hardenbergh
Commissioner of Deeds
Page 52

State of New York

Ulster County: Mary Lyons of Marbletown in said County aged Eighty years, being sworn says that before the Revolutionary War, during the same, and since she was well acquainted with Christopher Van Leuvan, now of Olive in said County of Ulster that said Van Leuvan was considerably engaged in the service on the American side in said War - that some time towards the latter part of the war said Christopher Van Leuvan, (as said Deponent was then told by his sister who lived in the family with him, and is now dead) went in Company with some others in order to hunt, and that after that the family did not hear of him until he returned, after the close of the war - that his said Sister then told this Deponent that said Van Leuvan must have been taken prisoner, as she was certain that he intended to return home in the evening of the day on which he went from home - that his said Sister told this Deponent. that said Van Leuvan had taken nothing with him but the clothes he had on, his gun and some provision for the day - that his said sister and the rest of the family, as also the neighbors did not believe at that time that said Van Leuvan had gone off to join the enemy - Said Deponent further states that after the war said Van Leuvan returned - that a few days after his return he called to see said Deponent's brother Casparus Shurter, who was a warm Whig that she then heard said Van Leuvan tell her said brother, that when he was out on said Hunting party, very unexpectedly he came upon a party of Indians and tories, who took him and conveyed him to Niagara - that he went against his will, and that he has never been out on any excursion with them, that he had suffered much in his journey to
Page 53

Ulster County: On the 2d day of February 1839 before me came Christopher Leuvan to me known and made oath to and [illegible] the witness affidavit before me; I do further certify that said Christopher Van Lean is a man
of truth and veracity, and that his statement is
entitled to full credit - 

Abm G Hardenburgh
Commissioner of Deeds
Page 54

thus in repairing said fort for some time till the peace, when I was discharged and permitted to go home-- when [illegible] turned without delay-- said Deponent further states that after he left the American service by being decayed and circumvented as above stated he never bore arms, but was employed
as above stated.

Said Deponent further states that he is a poor
Illiterate man, and has had no one to assist him in order to explain the circumstances underwhich he was brought into the power of the money - that some of his neighbors
who have confidence in him, and who feel for him on account of the services that he performed in the American cause, as also on account of his sufferings while in Captively as aforesaid, have lately come forward to assist him to procure a removal of his pension, which has been unjustly taken away from him, and that on reports which were circulated immediately after his abduction.  Said Deponent would further state that his services
as stated in his original declaration have been performed by him in the Revolutionary war - and much more on fronts and alarms, which said Deponent then and now could not particularize.  

Said Deponent further states that when he was brought into the power of the enemy by the said Casparus Besimer, he understood afterwards on the way to Niagara, that said
Besimer had got a bounty for him, and that said Berimer was engaged by the enemy in procuring recruits and prisoners that said Besimer shortly after said deponent was taken,
was permitted to return home.

Christopher X (his mark) Van Servan

Sworn at Saberibed this 2d February 1839 before me
A Hardenbergh Commissioner of Deeds
Page 55

Sudden two or three armed men came out, and told me to come in.  I refused, they then insisted on my joining them- they were as I then found, a British recruiting Sergeant and a few recruits - they wished me to inlist, which I refused to do, telling them that they were strangers to me and that I belonged to the American side. They then told me if I would not enlist I should be conducted to Niagara as a prisoner and at the mercy of the Indians, who they said, they would join in a few days.  I told them I would not bear arms against my country.  They then told me, If I went with them peaceably I need not bear arms, but should be otherwise employed and be paid.  I then assented to go with them on a promise of good wage, prefering that way, to being carried a prisoner at the mercy of the Indians. 
 In a few days we started for Niagara, where we arrived after a very fatiguing travel of about twenty days, when I was put in the fort, and not permitted to go beyond the [illegible] work or the same sentinels.  Where I continued till the following spring, when I and others were shipped and landed at Old fort Oswego, where we were put on fatigue in building a New Fort where I continued that summer and
the next winter cutting and processing timber for the fort and fuel for the Garrison.  the next spring and summer I was continued in
the same service, and was frequently solicited to enlist, which I uniformly refused, and begged permission to return home. In the
month of June in this summer growing impatient I resolved to desert, according I and a British enlisted Soldier made our escape,
travelled up the Oswego River to Three Rivers. 
Then up Oneida River to Oneida Lake then along Oneida Lake to wood Creek and
up the same to a certain large bend in the same about 12 miles from Fort Stanwic when we were taken prisoners by two Indians and
two whites sent out after us, and conducted back to Fort Oswego when I was put in a dungeon until I did promise to remain under
command until I was discharged. I received no other punishment, my comrade was tried by a Court Martial, and as I was then informed severely punished-- I was removed from
Owsago to Niagara and from thence to Detroit, was engaged
Page 56

State of New York
Ulster County ss. 

Christopher Van Leuvan of the town of Olive in said County being sworn says that he is in the eightieth year of his age; that he has been a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of 1832 at the rate of Eighty Dollars a year, and received said pension until the 4th September 1835. when (as said Deponent was informed) his said pension was stopped, on account of a charge that he had enlisted and taken up and in favor of Great Britain, and against our Revolutionary cause -- said Deponent swears that said charge is false and untrue -- and in explanation thereof would State that said report originated from the following circumstance which happened towards the end of the Revolutionary War  -- that in the year 1781, said deponent being in the American service, and stationed on the frontiers in
Marbletown in said County of Ulster, the said Deponent, together Lodewych Hoornbeek, Glondy Middagh, Cornelius Hoornbeek anda few others whose names said Deponent does not now recollect was detached as a party to go about 5 miles N.W. from the Inhabitants into the woods with one Casparus Besimer to cut and
gather a crop of grain and Hay belonging to said Besimer -- that said Besimer had some time previous been removed from said
place on suspicion of being unfriendly to the American cause and of harboring the Enemy - that we went and gathered said Crops and put the same in stacks, that on the day previous
to our finishing the stacks it was agreed that all the said party should return except myself and Besimer, who were to stay in order to finish and top out some stock the next day -- this was done. Besimer and I having finished the stacks, we agreed to return home. Besimer then proposed, that if we took somewhat of a circuitous route we might kill a Deer or two,
to which I agreed, after we had traveled about 1 1/2 miles we came to a place called the Beaver Stone House, being a cave in the Rocks, before that time unknown to me, when on a
Page 57

Sudden two or three armed men came out, and told me to come in. I refused, they then insisted on my joining them -- they were as I then
found a British recruiting Sergeant and a few recruits -- they wished me to enlist, which I refused to do, telling them that they were strangers to me and that I belonged to the American side. They then told me if I would not enlist I should be conducted to Niagara as a prisoner and at the mercy of the Indians, who they said, they would join in a few days. I told them I would not bear arms against my Country -- they then told me, If I went with them peaceably I need not bear arms, but should be otherwise employed and be paid -- I then assented to go with them on a promise of good wages -- preferring that way, to being carried a prisoner at the mercy of the Indians -- in a few days we started for Niagara, where we arrived after a very fatiguing travel of about Twenty days, when I was put in the fort, and not
permitted to go beyond the Breast work or the Inner Sentinels -- where I continued till the following spring, when I and others were
shipped and landed at Old fort Oswego, where we were put on fatigue in building a New Fort where I continued that summer and the next winter cutting and proving timber for the fort and fuel for the Garrison, the next spring and summer I was continued in the same service, and was frequently soluted to enlist, which I
uniformly refused, and begged permission to return home. In the month of June in this summer growing impatient I resolved to
desert, according I and a British enlisted Soldier made our escape, travelled up the Oswego River to Three Rivers, then up Onieda River
to Oneida Lake then along Oneida Lake to Wood Creek and up the same to a certain large bend in the same about 12 miles from Fort Stanwic where we were taken prisoners by two Indians and two whites sent out after us, and conducted back to Fort Oswego where I was put in a dungeon until I did promise to remain under Command until I was discharged -- I received no other punishment, my comrade was tried by a Court Martial, and as I was then informed severely punished -- I was removed from Oswego to Niagara and from thence to Detroit, was engaged
Page 58

State of New York, Ulster County Clerks Office ss: 

I John Ferguson Clerk of Ulster County, and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County do certify that Abraham G. Hardenburgh before whom the annexed affidavits of Christopher VanLeuvan, Mary Lyons and Jacob Chambers were taken, was, on the day of the dates of the said several affidavits, a Commissioner of Deeds in and
for said County, duly qualified and Commissioned as such, and authorized by the laws of the State of New York, to take affidavits -- and I do further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner of Deeds, and verily believe the signature "Abm G Hardenburgh" to said several affidavits and the certificates of Credibility accompanying the same to be genuine ---

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and
affixed the seal of the said Court
and County this fifteenth day of
February One thousand Eight hundred
and thirty nine --

John Ferguson,
Clerk
by Richard Keator Dep. Clerk
Page 59

Mrs. Lyons affidavit
Page 60

State of New York
Ulster County Clerk's Office SS:

I do certify that Abraham G Hardenburgh before whom the annexed affidavits of Christopher
VanLeuvan and Mary Lyons were taken, was, on the day of the date of said affidavits, and the certificates accompanying the same, a Justice of the peace in and for said County, elected and qualified as such, and authorized by law to take affidavits. I do further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice
and believe his signature to said affidavits and certificates to be genuine-

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of
said County this Third day of February
one thousand Eight hundred and forty five -
Joseph N. Tuthill Clerk
Page 61

State of New York
Ulster County ss: 

Christopher Van Leuvan of the town of Olive in
said County, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he is Eighty two years old -- that in the fall of the year 1832 he employed Peter Van Gaasbeck Esq. to make application for a pension for said Deponent under the act of
7 July 1832 -- that when he applied to said Van Gaasbeck a Court of Common pleas was held for said County; many old Soldiers were at the same time as said Van Gaasbeck so that he was much hurried, and said Deponent then made
Statement of his revolutionary services to said Van Gaasbeck, as hereinafter stated, and if the declaration of said Deponent differs from said statement, said Van Gaasbeck in the confusion and hurry of business must have made a mistake in drawing said Deponents declaration


Said Deponent served in the Revolutionary War as follows -- In the year 1777 served in a Detachment of Militia, as a Volunteer in a company commanded by Capt Joakim Schoonmaker, under the command of Majors Albert Pawling and Adrian Wynkoop, was stationed at Schoharie and Harpersfield -- served from July till October, and was discharged after serving three months -- this part of the Country was much infested with Tories and Indians, we had a Battle with them; drove them off and took upwards of thirty prisoners, and brought them to Kingston
Goal -- when I returned from said service, I was ordered and Marched to Saratoga to stop the progress of Burgoyne, when we came to
Albany, we received the news of Burgoyne's surrender, and we were then ordered back to Kingston, and were there engaged in guarding prisoners & served under Capt John Hasbrouck, in Col Jacob Hoornbeeks Regiment for three weeks

after being discharged from the above service late in the fall of 1777 and in the winter of 1778 served for the Term of three months on the Frontiers at Wawarsing in the Company of Capt John
Page 62

Hasbrouck; was engaged in guarding property, which had been carried from Kingston to Wawarsing, when Kingston was burnt, from
the Depredations of the Indians and Tories

In the spring of the year 1778 served one month in a company commanded by Capt. John Hasbrouck on the frontiers at Wawarsing and
immediately after, half a month under the command of Capt Charles W. Brodhead

In the same year said Deponent served for the term of Seven months on the Frontiers at Shandaken, was stationed at Jacob Long year
served as a volunteer in the Company of Capt Henry Pawling under the command of Major Albert Pawling, who acted as Col. in this expedition a detachment of about fifty men, were surprised by the Indians, had a Battle with them, several were killed, among whom was Johannis Rider

In the spring of 1779 said Deponent served for the term of three months on the frontiers at Wawarsing in the Company of Capt.
Charles W. Brodhead from the latter part of March or beginning of April -- was engaged in guarding the Frontier

In the same year after my return from the above service the Company to which I belonged was ordered to Fishkill in Dutchess County, served in the Company of Capt. Charles W. Brodhead
was attached to the Regiment of Col. Hathhorns, were put in the Church, then encamped in the Burying ground -- the British were then expected up the River to attack West point -- was engaged in this servicethree months

In the year 1780 served for the Term of nine months on the frontiers in the militia company of Capt. Andres Bevier, in Col John
Cantine's Regiment, was stationed at Laghawark, built a fort and guarded the frontiers. this service commenced early in the spring after serving for some time (said Deponent cant say how long) under Capt Bevier Said Deponent was transferred to the Company of Capt Derick Westbrook and served under him, about three months, and was discharged late in the fall of the said year 1780 -- he was in the service this Season for nine months in both the above companies-
Page 63

In the year 1781 said Deponent served in the Company of Capt Henry Pawling, was stationed on the Frontiers at Gaugh Kripplebush at the house of Ephraim Chambers -- was engaged
in scouting and guarding along said frontiers -- in the month of August in said year said Deponent with seven others was ordered by said Capt Pawling to go with Casparus Besimer, who owned a farm in the
woods back of Gaugh Kripplebush, to guard him and his hands who were about gathering hay on said farm -- the soldiers helped
gather and stack the hay -- after we had done, said Besimer and I went a hunting, said Besimer led me into the woods, and we shortly came to a Cave in the Rocks; it was about Sunset. Besimer proposed we should go into said cave and stay there all night, and the next morning go on a Hunting -- we went in and to my surprize (sic), I found then, said Besimer had betrayed me into the hands of a set of Tories, who harbored in said case, and were plundering the Inhabitants of the frontiers. I was immediately taken prisoner by the tories, kept under guard three or four days, and then taken off to Niagara, had a tedious and tiresome
March, and when I arrived was told that I must immediately take up arms in favor of the British, or otherwise go to work. I refused the
former, and was then put in a fatigue Class, and put at work at the fort where I was obliged to work very hard, and was continually under guard -- was offered scant in provision -- in the winter was obliged to chop wood and draw the same -- was often solicited to take up arms against my Country and always refused --
the next spring made an attempt to escape, but was overtaken and brought back -- confined in a dungeon for some time, and then put to work again -- was after that taken into upper Canada
to a place called Detroit and was there again pressed to, to take up arms, which said Deponent again refused, and was
then put to hard work again -- was watched so closely that he had no opportunity to escape, and then made at
Page 64

his mind considering the great distance he was from home and also the probability of his being captured, and then being obliged to undergo greater hardships, to remain until he
was exchanged or discharged -- continued there in Captivity until in the Spring of 1784 after peace, and was then permitted to return ---- after said deponents return home, he called on Derick Westbrook his captain under whom he had served, and got an order for his
pay for services under him before his abduction as aforesaid -- said Deponent further states that he stated the circumstance of his being taken prisoner and confined as aforesaid at the time Mr Van Gaasbeek made out his original declaration, who at that time stated that it was necessary to incorporate that in the declaration, as he made out time enough to entitle him to a full pension without it-

Christopher [his X mark] VanLeuvan

Sworn & Subscribed
this 28th day of May 1840
before me

[Unsigned]
Page 65

State of New York}
Ulster County}SS

Mary Lyons of Marbletown, in said County being sworn says that she is in the Eighty second year of her age -- that she is well acquainted with Christopher Van Leuvan, now of the town of Olive in said County of Ulster, was well acquainted with him before the revolutionary War, during the same and afterwards -- in the time of the Revolution, said Deponent and said Christopher Van Leuvan lived in the same neighbor hood -- said Deponent had a brother named Casparus Shuster who was much engaged in the service in said War -- and knows that said Christopher VanLeuvan was much in the service in company with her said Brother Casparus-- heard this at the time from her said Brother -- towards the close of the war recollects very well that said Christopher Van Leuvan, went up to where Casparus Besimer then lived, west of Marbletown, that she then heard that he went up there to guard and assist said Besimer in gathering his Crops -- that he took no clothing with him except what he had on, and no provision, and that the family expected him back very shortly. that two young women were to accompany said VanLeuvan up to Besimer in order to pick Strawberries, but were prevented because there were signs of rain in the morning -- that said VanLeuvan did not return until after the war –-  that at that time it was thought very strange that said VanLeuvan did not return:  as he was not suspected at that time of being friendly to the enemy -- but on the Contrary was believed to be strongly attached to the American cause 

said Deponent saw said VanLeuvan after the war, when he returned; he then stated that after he arrived at Besimer’s he went out a hunting, and was then taken prisoner at a place called the Rough Fly, by a party of Tories; put under guard and marched through the wilderness to Niagara, where he was kept a prisoner until the time of his discharge -- that he had been often solicited to take up arms against his Country, had uniformly refused. and had been kept at work around the fort

said Deponent further states that before his abduction said VanLeuvan was considered to be very friendly
Page 66

to the American cause, and was much engaged in the Service; and it was generally believed in the neighborhood at that time that he had not gone away with any intention of joining the Enemy -- but it was believed then that he had been taken by the Tories and Indians, who were then lurking about the frontiers –

Mary Lyons

Sworn the 20th day of
June 1840 before me, and 
I do Certify that said Deponent is a credible person. and that the testimony is entitled to full credit –
Abhm G Hardenbergh J. Peace