Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 264, Josiah Cramer, New Jersey
Page 1

( 3-1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey

Cramer, Josiah
Elizabeth

NUMBER
W. 264.

CONTENTS
Page 2

33. 207
New Jersey
Josiah Carner dec'd of __________ in the State of N. J. who was a private in the ________ commanded by Captain ________ of the ________commanded by ________ in the Revolution for two years
========================
Inscribed on the Roll of Trenton at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. & Endg 2d April 1833 --
========================
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 " day of Feby 1834 and sent toJ. M. Brown 
Pittsgrove Salem Co. N. J.
Arrears to the  4th of _____________
Semi-annual allowance ending ____________
========================
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by H. R. Weightman, Clerk,
Book E. 2 Vol. 3 Page 120
Page 3

6154
New Jersey
=============
Elizbeth Cramer widow of Josiah Cramer Capt Lloyd N. J.  who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
=============
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
=============
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of Sep 1853 and sent to J M. Brown Pittsgrove Salem Co N. J.
=============
Listed on Roll of Pensioners under Act Feby 2, 1848,
Page 287 Vol. 4

[note that "Act Feby" is torn off, but 1848 Act is usually February 2]
Page 4

3 Sept, 21 duplicate
7 July 1838, issued & sent 
J M Browne & P agt notified [Payment agent]
Page 5

Affidavit respecting family Record of Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer

[signed] John Brown
Pittsgrove
N. J.
Page 6

State of New Jersey County of Ocean}  ss. 
On this 29th day of April A.D. 1852 personally appeared before I. P. Peckworth a Justice of the Peace in and for said County James Spragg aged 70 years a resident of Mannahawkin County and State aforesaid who being duly affirmed according to law declares that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Cramer widow of Josiah Cramer dec'd who has made application for a Revolutionary Pension; that he has been connected with her family ever since her marriage with the said Josiah Cramer that he knows the family record hereunto annexed to be the original family record and the only one ever kept in the family that the said record was made by one William Fenton who married into said family and has always been kept in the family first by the parents of the said Elizabeth and since kept in the family of the said Josiah of Elizabeth Cramer that he never knew of any document showing the Marriage of the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer.
[right] his
[right] James   X   Spragg [X being his mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Affirmed and Subscribed before me this 29th day of April 1852
[signed] I P Peckworth Justice of Peace
Page 7

State of New Jersey County of Ocean ss }
I William I James Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State afore mentioned do hereby certify that I. P. Peck worth whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn. that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction
Given under my hand and seal of office at Toms River this twelfth day of May AD one thousand and eight hundred and fifty two.
[signed] Wm Imlay James
Clerk

[illegible Court Seal attached lower left]
Page 8

[title page from a printed Bible]

THE
NEW TESTAMENT
OF
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST:

TRANSLATED OUT OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK.
AND
WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS
DILIGENTLY COMPARED AND REVISED
========================
STEREOTYPE EDITION.
========================
STEREROTYPED FOR THE
BIBLE SOCIETY AT PHILADELPHIA.
By T. RUTT, Shocklevell, London
------
1812.
Page 9

[back side of previous Bible page]

James Spragg Sone[sp] Sone[sp] of John Spragg & Sarah his Wife Was Born March the First 1782

Elizabeth Spragg Daughter of John Spragg & Sarah his wife, was born October 25, 1774.
Page 10

No 14.399
Elisabeth Cramer
Ocean County N- J-
Revolutionary Clai for Pension
Act of July 7th 1838
- - -
Let [Letter] Oct 6, 1831,
J M Brown
Attorney
Page 11

State of New Jersey County of Ocean } SS.
On this 6th day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty one personal appeared before me D. J. C. Rogers A master in the high Court of Chancery of the State  of New Jersey Elizabeth Cramer a resident of Stafford Township in the County and State above mentioned aged 76 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to Certain Widows."That she is the widow of Josiah Cramer deceased who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Lloyd in the 2d Regiment of New Jersey under Col Shreves in the war of the Revolution that her said husband enlisted into the said service in the month of March A.D. 1778;, and was discharged in the month of July or August 1780; that he enlisted and served several diferent terms that she cannot recollect the particular dates of all his different terms of service nor all of the officers under whom he served that she believes he lived in Monmouth County at the time of his enlistment that she believes he was in several Battles but connot say what particular Battles he was in She further States that she was married to the said Josiah Cramer on the 12th day of October A.D. 1792. by one Daniel Conklin a Justice of the Peace at Union Township late Monmouth County and State aforesaid that her husband the said Josiah Cramer died as near as she can recollect 30 years since; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the Marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four: at the time above stated she further states that due search has been made for documentary evidence in relation to her said marriage and that none can be found She further

over
Page 12

Swears that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband as above stated and is still a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth   X   Cramer [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] Mark

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I hereby Certify that I believe the above named Elizabeth Cramer to be entitled to a pension agreeable to acts of Congress and that by reason of old age and bodily infirmity she is not able to appear in Court
[signed] David J C Rogers
Master in Chancery

State of New Jersey County of Ocean  } ss.
On this 6th day of June A D. 1851 personally appeared before me J C Rogers a Master in the high Court of Chancery of the State of New Jersey James Spragg a resident of Stafford Township County and State aforesaid who being duly Affirmed according to law declares that he is 68 years of age that he was acquainted with Josiah Cramer the aforesaid 16 years and knew him untill the time of his death that he was known and reputed in this vicinity to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and that he never knew a contrary opinion to exist that he died a stated in the foregoing declaration and that the aforesaid or above named Elisabeth Cramer is now his widow that her name previous to her marriage was Elisabeth Spragg
[right] his
[fight] James   X   Spragg [X being his mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Affixed and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I hereby Certify that the said James Spragg is a Credible witness.
['James Spragg' crossed out]
[signed] David J C Rogers Master in Chancery

[illegible Court Seal attached at bottom]
Page 13

State of New Jersey County of Burlington } SS.
On this 8th day of June One thousand Eight hundred and fifty one personally appeared before me Oliver W. P. Emley a Judge of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid Deborah Fenton aged 74 years a resident of Hanover Township County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath declare that she is well acquainted with Elisabeth Cramer the widow of Josiah Cramer deceased who has made the foregoing declaration for a Pension on account of the Revolutionary service of her said husband Josiah Cramer deceased. that she was well acquainted with the said Elisabeth Cramer before her marriage and has been acquainted with her ever since  that she was an eye witness at the marriage of the said Josiah & Elisabeth Cramer that she was personally present and saw them United in Marriage on the 12th day of October 1792 by one Daniel Conklin Esquire at Union Township late Monmouth County and State aforesaid that her recollection is clear in relation to these facts that from her own age at the time and from the ages of her Brothers & sisters of which she has a record and other facts and incidents she is able to make the statements positively as above she further states that the said Josiah Cramer was always reputed and believed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and that she never knew a contrary opinion to exist that he died as near as she can recollect about 30 years since and that the said Elisabeth has remained his widow ever since and is still his widow
[right] her
[right] Deborah   X    Fenton [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above named Deborah Fenton and that she is a credible witness as far as my knowledge extends
Oliver W. P. Emley Judge of
the court of common
Pleas of said County
Page 14

Extract of James Spraggs Family
Record;

Elizabeth Spragg Daughter of John Spragg & Sarah his wife was born October 25th 1774

I hereby certify that the above is a true extract of the Family Record of the family from which the said Elisabeth Spragg (now Elisabeth Cramer) originated
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 10th day of June 1851
[signed] David J.C. Rogers
Master in Chancery

State of New Jersey Burlington Countyss.
I Joseph F. Burr Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County of Burlington do hereby certify that Oliver W. P. Emley whose genuine signature appears above is and was at the time of signing the same one of the Judges of the said Court duly commissioned and qualified and that the same is a court of record having general jurisdiction

Given under my hand and seal of office at Mount Holly this 18th day of June A.D. 1851. The words "duly commissioned & qualified interlined" before signing--- 
[signed] Jos. F. Burr Clk

[illegible seal affixed at left]
Page 15

Know all men by these presents that I Elisabeth
Cramer of Stafford Township County of Ocean and State of New Jersey do here make Constitute and appoint J M Browne of [illegible] Pittsgrove Salem County and State aforesaid my true and lawful agent and Attorney for me and in my name, to prosecute my claim for a pension and for any amount of Revolutionary pension that may be due and to receive my Certificates for the same which may be issued in my name and to all legal acts necessary to obtain the same; giving and granting full power of substitution and revocation hereby ratifying all my said Attorney shall do or cause to be done in and about the premises irrevocably in my name. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 10th day of June 1851
[right] her
[right] Elizabeth   X   Cramer [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark   

Sealed and Signed in presence of
David J.C. Rogers

Acknowledged before me this 10th day of June A.D. 1851
[signed] David J.C. Rogers Notary Public

[illegible seal affixed at left]
Page 16

[1st word 'Daniel' covered up] B. Bodine Clerk of the Court of Chancery of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that David J. C. Rogers whose name is signed to the foregoing Deposition of Elizabeth Cramer and Affirmation of James Spragg is one of the masters of this Court, and as such is authorized to take Depositions &c. the said Signature thereto is in his proper hand writing, and that full faith and credit should be given to his official acts. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court hereto this Sixteenth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. (1851)
[signed] Danl B. Bodine Clk

[illegible seal affixed at left]
Page 17

Second Regiment

Return of the Non Commissioned Officers and privates of the Second Jersey Regiment in service in January 1781, with the sums due to  each on account of the depreciation of their pay, agreeably to an Act of the Legislature passed Jany 6. 1781.

Capt. Lloyds Company
[table follows with 8 columns; column headings as follows with column data next to each:]
Named Josiah Cramer
Rank Private
Time in Service Mar 14, 1778 to Aug 1, 1780
Pay per mo. £2.10.0
Amt of Depn £64.12.0
State Stores £4.0.0
Cash recd of Comr £1.17.6
Amt £58.14.0

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true extract from Book A of Auditors Accounts page 11, as taken from and Compared with the original record in my office.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Trenton this seventeenth day of June Eighteen hundred & fifty one

[signed] Thos S Allison, Secy. of State

[illegible seal affixed at left]
Page 18

Mannahawkin June the 2d 1832
Josiah Cramer Died in the fall of 1834 as near as she can come at it at present But the facts can Be asertained [ascertained] here after
He was a soldier in the regular service in the Revolution from Stafford township Monmouth Co. N.J.  
His name is on the Roll at Washington
He never claimed a pension during his life his heirs are now entitled to it
His wife Sarah died leaving seven children of whom two only are now living Jedidah and Rebecca
Jedidah married Timothy Spragg now Dead of their children six are livingRebecca married Joseph Spragg they have nine children
Jedidah and Rebecca claim the right of their fathers pension from the close of the Revolution to the time of his death, or as far as their right extends
An application has it is said been made to the Pension office by and for another woman, named Elizabeth who claims to be his 2d wife but of which their is no proof and both Jedidah and Rebecca say that it was the talk at the time that it was not a lawful marriage,  But they lived together but had no heirs  Jedidah and Rebecca Claim the pension of their father. And the object of this communication is to put the facts before the department, and to protect against any allowance of pension being granted to Elizabeth, who have been told that a man by
the name of Josiah M. Brown of upper Pitts Grove Salem County N. J. has been trying to get it for Elizabeth, they do not want you to pay the money but without an order from them they have not give any order yet for it
Page 19

Please wright [write] as soon as you get this letter and let us no [know] how the matter is, direct your letter to Charles A. Spragg Ocean County Mannahawkin N.J.

yours with respect Charles A. Spragg
Page 20

Mannahawkin August 12th 1852

Sir

whe [we] received your letter of June 11th/52
whe [we] wish to know how mutch [much] money there is coming to us of the pension of Josiah Cramer deceased and what we must do in order to Draw it, whe are able to prove that Josiah Cramer said that he was not married to Elizabeth whe [we] have not imployed [employed] any one yet to get it for us, Pleas [please] write when you get this and let us know when it can be drawn, Pleas [please] direct your letter to Charles A. Spragg, Mannahawkin Ocean County, N.J. 

Respectfully your obediant  servents 
[signed] Jedidah Spragg
[signed] Rebeca Spragg
Page 21

264
Revy.    WIDOW, &c. 
[initials on edge] amn
-----------------
File No. 264 
Elizabeth Cramer 
Widow 
Josiah Cramer 
Priv. Rev. War. 
--------------------------
Act: Feb. 2. 1848.
Index:--Vol. A., Page_152 

[Arrangement of 1870.]

✔
Page 22

[left page]
No 14, 399
Elizabeth Cramer
Widow of Josiah
NJ

J M Brown Oct 6, 1851
J M Brown Dec 27 1851
J M Brown Jny 31 1852

Chas. A. Spragg June 8 1852
J M Brown      June 8 1852

Hon R. F. Stockton Aug 20 1852
J M. Brown Oct 6 1852
Chas A. Spragg Dec 6 1852
J M Brown Apr 20/53

Act July 7 1838

[right page]
No 14.399
Elizth Cramer
widow of Josiah
N. J.
---
Act of 7th July 1838

To. J.M. Brown Oct 6th/1851
To J.M. Brown Dec 27/51
To J.M. Brown Jan'y 31/52
Chs. A. Spragg June 8/52
J.M. Brown.     June 8/52
Hon. R.F. Stockton Aug 20/52

[last digit of some dates above were torn off]
[Completed the dates from same information from left page]
Page 23

[left page]
No 14,399
Elizabeth Cramer
widow of Josiah
NJ

J M Brown Oct 6 1851
J M Brown Dec 27 1851
J M Brown Jny 31 1852
Chas. A. Spragg June 8 1852
J M Brown June 8 1852
Hon R. F. Stockton Aug 20 1852
J M. Brown Oct 6 1852
Chas A. Spragg Dec 6 1852
J M Brown Apr 20/53

Act July 7 1838

[right page]
No 14,399
Elizth Cramer
widow of Josiah
N. J.
----
Act of 7th July 1838

To J M Brown Oct 6th/51
To J M Brown Dec 27/51
To J M Brown Jan'y 31/52
Chs. A Spragg June 8/52
J M Brown June 8/52
Hon. R.F. Stockton Aug 20/52
Page 24

State of New Jersey
Executive Department
By George F. Fort, Governor of said State
To all whom it may concern:
This is to certify that I have been well acquainted with Deborah Fenton, wife of William Fenton of the township of New Hanover, County of Burlington in this State, for twenty years past. I have never doubted her character for veracity. Learning that she has testified before Judge Emley of said County respecting the marriage of Josiah and Elizabeth Cramer with the view of establishing a pension claim now before the proper department at Washington, I would further state that I believe her testimony under oath or affirmation is entitled to full credit-

Given under my hand and privy seal at Trenton the twenty eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty two--
[signed]Geo. F. Fort

[illegible Seal affixed at left]
Page 25

[left side]
The last evidence
was mailed for Pension
office May 17th 1852

A copy of the appointment
of the Notary named
within is filed in the
Pension Office

[right side]
Deposition of Benjamin
Letts establishing the
Marriage of Josiah and
Elizabeth Cramer
In support
of Elizabeth Cramers
Revl. Pension Claim

In Care of
J M Browne
Pittsgrove
N. Jersey
Page 26

State of New Jersey County of Ocean. } ss.
On this 27th day of May A.D. 1852, personally appeared before me Josiah M Browne a Notary Public duly authorized to administer oaths and affirmations in and for said State, Benjamin Letts a resident of Mannahawkin in the County and State aforesaid, who being duly affirmed according to law doth on his solemn affirmation declare that he is in the Eighty first year of his age that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Cramer of this place who has made application for a Revolutionary pension-- that he was well acquainted with her husband Josiah Cramer that he knew the said Josiah Cramer from his boyhood up to the time of his death that he did not have personal knowledge of the said Cramers Revolutionary service but that he was always reputed in the neighborhood a Revolutionary Soldier that he has often heard him relate tales of his service in said war; that according to the best of his recollection the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer lived together as husband and wife from the year 1791 or 1792, until the time of the said Josiahs death; that he was always intimate in their family
                                       see over
Page 27

and believes that he can recollect of their living together as husband and wife at least 60 years ago; that he did not see them married but that they were reputable people and lived as husband and wife and were reputed to have been legally married; that he thinks the said Josiah Cramer died about thirty years since and that his widow the said Elisabeth is still living and is the identical person who has made application for a pension on account of the services of the said Josiah Cramer
[signed] Benjamen Letts

Affirmed and subscribed before me the day and year first above written and I Certify that the said Benjamin Letts is a citizen of good reputation and is a credible and disinterested witness
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 27th day of May A.D. 1852.
[signed] Josiah M Browne
Notary Public

[seal affixed at left]
JOSIAH M BROWNE 
NOTARY 
[illegible center]
PUBLIC
NEW JERSEY
[/seal]
Page 28

9426.
New Jersey
-------------------
Elizabeth Cramer
widow of Josiah
who was a private,
in the Revolution
--------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
--------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the
14 day of Sept 53 and
sent to J M Brown
Pittsgrove
Salem Co NJ
---------------------------
[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 94
Page 29

11.54[cut off]
New Jersey
-------------------
Elizabeth Cramer
widow of Josiah
who died on the--------
of ---- in the State of N.J. 
who was a priv. in the ____ commanded
by Captain _____ of the ______ commanded
by ______ in the NJ
line for 2 yrs
----------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of N.J.
at the rate of 80 Dollars ---Cents 
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
-----------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 14
day of Sept 1853 and sent to
J M Brown
Pittsgrove
Salem Co
NJ
----------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of ___
Semi-annual allowance ending ____

{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838. }

Recorded by H E Robinson Clerk,
Book D  Vol. 1   Page 193.
Page 30

Pittsgrove N.J. Sept. 19, 1853

Sir

The pension Certificate issued on the 14th inst to Elizabeth Cramer were duly received, one of which is herewith returned for correction. The soldiers name was Josiah Cramer and it appears that through inadvertence the name is written in the Certificate (Joseph Cramer) please correct and return to me as soon as convenient.

Very Respectfully
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 31

Payment to be made at Trenton by P. Dickinson Esq
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of N. J.
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book D Vol. 1 Page 193.
[signed] H. E. Robinson Clerk.
Page 32

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.

I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7th, 1838, Elizabeth Cramer, widow of Joseph Cramer of N.J. who was a private in the Revolution
[lined thru] and died on the _______ day of _____ [/lined thru]
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1836, and terminating on the 4th of March, 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the last mentioned date; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death.

Given at the Department of the Interior, this 14th day of September one thousand eight hundred and 53.

[signed] R. McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned.
[signed] L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Cancelled & New Certificate issued-Joseph Cramer above should be Josiah Cramer
21 Sept 1853.

[Certificate has two long curvy lines through it indicating cancellation]
Page 33

Epping New Hampshire
Oct 16, 1851
Sir
Your letter of Oct 3d respecting Henry Riley's application for Invalid Pension and one of Oct. 6th by John Wilson respecting the Application of Elisabeth Cramer for Revolutionary Pension and mailed to Upper Pittsgrove New Jersey have just come to hand - respecting Elisabeth Cramer's Claim he says - "The service of a Daniel Cramer is admitted, but there is nothing to show that soldier refered to in the Certificate of the Secretary of New Jersey and the husband of the Claimant are one and the same person".  I think his mind must have been directed by the examination of some other claim as the said Elisabeth claims to be the widow of one Josiah Cramer (not Daniel) whose service was proved by the Certificate of the Secretary of New Jersey and whose identity was clearly established, in the same way as other claims that have passed through my hands and were admitted.  The Widow in her declaration stated in what Regiment [underlined] & Company [underlined] her husband served and the particular period of service [last four words underlined] which I was afterwards able to substanciate and Confirm by the Secretary's Certificate now filed in your Office - if that
Page 34

is not satisfactory it possible that it can be shown that no other soldier by that name served in the said Regiment & Company would such evidence be satisfactory?
Respecting the marriage he says "Before we can consider the evidence of witnesses we must know that none of a higher grade is in existence".  I think the Claimant under oath that no record proof or documentary evidence was in existence. This fact was arrived at after a long and thorough search had been made amongst all the records existing in the County where the marriage took place. Will a certificate of [illegible]arch from the County Clerk be satisfactory in connection with the evidence already in your office?  The person who testified in support of the marriage is believed to be the only living witness to the marriage - but any reasonable number can be found to testify that the dec'd Josiah & Elisabeth Cramer lived together as husband and wife until death separated them - please give this case another examination and inform me of the result at Upper Pittsgrove New Jersey.  The additional evidence in Henry Riley's case will be furnished on my return to New Jersey.
Very Respectfully [signed] J M Browne
[signed] Hon. Jas. E Heath 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington
Page 35

Washington June 8 1852
Hon James E Heath 
Comr. Pensions
Sir
I enclose herewith the letter of Mr Browne & the evidence that no family record [underlined] exists of the marriage of Elizabeth Cramer - as the establishment of this fact as I understand yr former views on this case was deemed the only difficulty in the way of Mrs Cramers claim for pension - I trust that there will[sp] be no delay in granting it once the pension which she is entitled to
Yr. obt sevt 
[signed] R. F. Stockton
Page 36

Nov. 12 1852
Revocation of a Power of Attorney to Edwards & Smith by J.M. Browne in the case of Elizabith Cramer for Revl. Pension
[signed] Cole
Page 37

Whereas I J.M. Browne of Pittsgrove in Salem County and State of New Jersey, by my certain power of attorney bearing date the [blank] day of [blank] 185[blank] did appoint Edwards & Smith of Washington D.C. my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name to prosecute the claim of Elizabeth Cramer for Revolutionary pension, as a substitute under me in my place and stead, given by virtue of a power of attorney vested in me by the said Elizabeth Cramer. As by the said power of Attorney, reference therunto being had, will will more fully appear.
Therefore Know all men by these presents, that I J.M. Browne aforesaid, have countermanded and revoked, and by these presents do countermand and revoke the said power of Attorney, and all power and authority thereby given to the said Edwards & Smith.
In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal, this 12th day of November 1852.
[signed] J.M. Browne {Seal}

Sealed and delivered in the presence of 
[signed] Sam Grubb
[signed] D. Jay [or Gay] Browne

District of Columbia County of Washington.  On the 12th day of November 1852, before me Sam Grubb, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, personally appeared J.M. Browne, and acknowledged the above revocation of power of attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes there in contained.
[signed] Sam Grubb J.P. {Seal}
Page 38

State of New Jersey County of Ocean} ss.
The Subscribers Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that Josiah Cramer resident of Stafford in said County who was a soldier of the Revolution died in Stafford of said County and State in the year 1833 on the second day of April.  Signed this 11th day of January 1854

[signed] Jas. Gulick
[signed] Benjn. L. Irons.
[signed] Edward Allen
[signed] David J.C. Rogers

I do hereby certify that James Gulick Benjamin L Ironside David J C Rogers and Edwin Allen whose names are subscribed to the foregoing certificate are now and were at the date thereof Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas of said County and that the said signatures are in their proper hand writing. The testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Toms River this 11th day of January AD 1854

[signed] Wm Imlay James
Clerk

[illegible Court Seal affixed lower left]
Page 39

Pittsgrove N.J. July 15, 1853

Sir,
It is earnestly solicited that the Claim of Mrs. Cramer which this accompanies may receive an immediate consideration without subject to the order of business in your office. The reasons I offer are these. 
The Claim is a just one and has been overlooked and delayed - it has not received attention by the course of business in the Office. it has been on your files over two years, and when Commissioner Heath informed me the Office was only two months behind the Current date, this case has lain over six months without receiving notice - Another reason is that Claimant has been for a long time struggling along against the infirmities of age and poverty to keep from the Alms-House with the expectation of obtaining her pension. Your Office has heretofore, so far deviated from the rules, as to give an immediate Consideration under similar Circumstances, which is hoped will be the case now.
Very Respectfully,
[signed] J.M. Browne

[signed] Hon. L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 40

Pension Office
September 13th 1853.

Sir:
I have this day admitted the claim of Elizabeth Cramer, widow of Josiah, under the Act of July 7th 1838, &c., and will send you the certificate in a few days from this date. A certificate for the arrears due to her husband under the Act of June 7th 1832, will be issued as soon as a certificate from a court of record is filed, showing the precise day of his death. It is not sufficiently established by the testimony on file.

I am respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt.,
[signed] L.P. Waldo
Commissioner

[signed] J.M. Brown, Esq.
Pittsgrove,
Salem Co.
N.J.
Page 41

Washington
16 March 52

Hon James E Heath
Commr Pensions

Sir

You will receive by Mr Bayard the Enclosed letter of Mr Brown in relation to Mrs Cramers case.  You will oblige me by giving the subject your earliest attention and furnishing any information concerning it to Mr Bayard which he may desire.

Your obt Servt
[signed] R. F. Stockton
Page 42

No. 38,693
Josiah Camer decd
N.J.

Act 7 June 1832
Page 43

State of New Jersey
 Monmouth County } ss
I Daniel Christopher Clerk of the Court of said County do hereby Certify that I have examined the record of Marriages in my office and do not find therein any records of the Marriage of Josiah and Elizabeth Crammer - And I do further Certify that the absence of evidence of Marriages of an early date on the records of this office is not Conclusive evidence, that such Marriage did not take place. Neither is it at this time---

In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal office at Freehold this fourth day of November AD. Eighteen hundred and fifty one A D 1857 -
[signed] Daniel Christopher Clerk
[seal affixed at left]
Page 44

Hon. Jas E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 45

Upper Pittsgrove Salem County N. J.

Sir

I herewith send a Revolutionary Claim for Pension under Act of July 7th 1838  the party Claiming is absolutely needy not having the common comforts of life within her means please therefore not allow unnecessary delay in the examination of this claim.  please acknowledge

Most Respectfully
Yours &c
[aufbws] J.M. Browne

(June 18th 1851)

[signed] Hon Jas. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 46

Pittsgrove N. Jersey July 26. 1852.

Sir,

I take this the earliest opportunity to reply to your letter of June 8th respecting the case of Elizabeth Cramer for Revolutionary pension and of July 2d recommending that I furnish a Certified copy of my appointment as Notary Public (protracted sickness in my family has prevented my answering your communication sooner --- herewith is transmitted a copy of my appointment a Notary, which I hope will be filed as indicated in your letter to answer for all applications executed before me for your office; this is the third Certificate respecting my appointment which I have sent to your office and if this is not satisfactory I will send you the original appointment to be recorded in your office if the original can be returned-

Before replying to your communication of June 8th respecting Mrs Cramers claim I deem it proper to state that recently I have observed that less credit appears to be attached to applications for which I am agent than formerly And as I never have to my knowledge used unfair means to establish any claim it is to me a source of great
Page 47

perplexity and disagreeable feeling-- I have no fault to find with your office for I have learned that many frauds have recently been attempted and I suppose it to be your duty to regard all applications from sources ['from which' crossed out] with which you are not fully acquainted with some degree of suspicion and with great caution-- Now with this view of the matter I am desirous of having my character and intentions fully known to you. I will therefore throw myself into your hands so that all the business I have filed in your office or may hereafter file there with every item of evidence will be open to you for easy examination so that if you have at any time doubt as to my intention or credibility of evidence in any case you can easily investigate the matter - for this purpose I will refer you to the following list of persons of public trust whose credibility is vouched for by the position they occup -- who can satisfy you of my credibility; and who being situated in the different places from which applications and items of evidence originate can give satisfaction as to the credit due to such applications and items of evidence, I will refer you to { George F. Fort Governor of New Jersey
Page 48

Nathan T Stratton 
Mullica Hill Gloucester Co. N.J.
N. C. House Reps

Oliver W. P. Emly 
Jacobstown NJ 
Judge of Court Common Pleas for Burlington Co NJ

Isaac Johnson 2d 
Pittsgrove N.J. 
Judge of Court of Common Pleas for Salem Co. N.J.

David J. C. Rogers 
Cedar Creek N.J.
Judge of Court of Common Pleas for Ocean County and Master in Chancery

Samuel Downs
Tuckerton N.J. 
Master in Chancery

John D Thompson
Tuckerton N.J.
Collector of the Port

James G. Hampton
Bridgton N.J.
Attorney at Law and late a M.C.

J.P. Peckworth
Mannahawkin N.J. 
Justice of the Peace

A. B. Allen & Co.
Agricultural warehouse
N. Y

over
Page 49

Prof. N. F. D. Browne
Charlotte Hall M.d. 
Principal of Charlotte Hall School

James M Cochran
Medford N. J.
Baptist Minister

J M Challis
Roadstown N.J. 
Baptist Minister

Philip Brinkerhoop
Woodstown N.J. 
Baptist Minister

A. Philbrook 
Pittgrove N.J. 
Baptist Minister

Also Officers and members of the Baptist Church of Pittsgrove N.J. in which I have a membership.

Reference to any of the foregoing I trust will meet with a satisfactory response.

In your letter of the 8th ult. respecting the claim of Elizabeth Cramer for Revolutionary pension you state that it is alleged by one Charles A Spragg that Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer were never married; and that in this state of the case the claim cannot be allowed without the most incontrovertible proof of the legality and date of the marriage

I wish first respecting this matter to
Page 50

acquaint you with the origin and source of this false and unjust allegation and it may be proper for me to state in the first place that nearly up to the time that Mrs. Cramer made applications for a pension, I lived near Manahawkin in Stafford Township the neighborhood where Mrs. Cramer lives and am acquainted with nearly every person in the whole place and am therefore able to give a fair statement of this matter;
This false statement by Chas A. Spragg was incited by avarice [underlined] and jealousy [underlined] and is without the least provocation which you will readily perceive by a little consideration.
Your humble Claimant Elizabeth Cramer was the second wife of Josiah Cramer and the children of his first wife who now allege that the said Elizabeth was not married to Josiah Cramer have always lived at variance with Mrs. Cramer and ever since she made application for a pension they have tried to hinder her and through ignorance have thought that by so doing they could obtain the pension for which Mrs. Cramer applied. they applied to me to know if they could not by some means obtain the pension instead of Mrs. Cramer. I informed them that as Mr. Cramer died previous to 1831, they had no claim on 
(over)
Page 51

his account but this did not satisfy them and they knowing that Mrs. Cramer was in want of more evidence to satisfy your department of the legality of her marriage made this false statement to your office for the purpose of injuring Mrs. Cramer and if possible of obtaining the pension she had applied for.
Now I am fully warranted in stating that such an opinion (that Claimant was not legally married) never existed in the neighborhood where Mrs. Cramer always lived-- Before making application for Mrs. Cramer, I conversed with all the old credible citizens of the place respecting her marriage and they all agree in saying that they were always reputed husband and wife and that a contra opinion never existed where they were known many of them remember this time when they were married and although they were not present they knew the justice who married them and say there was not a doubt to the legality of the marriage, that they were credible people and would not have lived otherwise - herewith is transmitted the evidence of Benjamin Letts one of the oldest and most credible citizens of the place his testimony has been received at the pension office in other cases and his credibility vouched for-- his evidence in this case was not given with the view of controverting the statement by Chas A. Spragg as it was taken before it was
Page 52

known that such a statement had been made therefore it does with greater force controvert that statement--
You will readily notice from the foregoing statement and from the letter of Chas A. Spragg itself that the statement it contained respecting Mrs. Cramer's marriage was based upon the worst of motives viz., self interest, avarice, and jealousy and that is utterly false.
On the other hand let us notice what evidence there is of the legality and date of Mrs' Cramer's marriage-- in your letter you state that "The claim cannot be allowed the widow without the most incontrovertible proof of the legality and date of the marriage." Now it is contended and can be shown that such proof is  already filed in your office. The proof by Mrs. Fenton is positive and clear in these two points and of a character which cannot be [underlined] controverted.
Her credibility was vouched for according to the rules of the Department and if that is not to your satisfaction it can be vouched for in any reasonable manner-- besides this her testimony is strengthened by the evidence of two old and credible citizens of Mrs. Cramer's neighborhood who state they knew the said parties to live together as husband and wife sixty years ago - One of these witnesses is James Spragg who is I believe
Page 53

an uncle of the Chas. A Spragg who alleges that Claimant was not legally married and the other is Benjamin Letts whose testimony is herewith enclosed both old and credible citizens.  Mrs Cramer could furnish a large amount of proof of this kind from that place showing that the opinion advanced by Chas A Spragg was never known there - but it seems unjust to put the widow to any further expense when she has already complied with the rules of the Department in furnishing incontrovertible proof of the validity of her claim

In this State of the case I do not see how her claim can be withheld. I believe she has proved her claim in a satisfactory manner - her case has been a long time on your files and I hope it will now receive attention at once.  and if the case is not satisfactory please let me know immediately the usual delay may be avoided.

Very Respectfully
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon Jas E E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 54

George F. Fort
Governor of the State of New Jersey
To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting
Know ye, that reposing special trust and Confidence in the integrity, prudence and ability of Josiah M Brown of Pittsgrove in the County of Salem I have thought fit to constitute and appoint, and by these presents do constitute and appoint him the said Josiah M Brown a Notary Public in the State of New Jersey, to do, execute, and perform, according to law, all such matters and things as to the said office of Notary Public in the State of New Jersey doth belong or appertain to be done. To have and hold the same, with all the powers, privileges, fees, perquisites, rights and advantages to the same belonging or appertaining.

In testimony whereof the Great Seal of the State of New Jersey is hereunto affixed,

Witness the hand of the said Governor, at the Citty of Trenton this twenty fourth day of June AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty one and of the Independence of the United States the seventy-fifth [signed] Geo F Fort
By the Governor

[signed] Thos S. Allison
Secretary of State

[seal affixed upper left containing illegible initials]
Page 55

State of New Jersey County of Salem ss }
I Charles F H Gray a Justice of the Peace in and for the Countyaffore said [aforesaid] do hereby Certify that the foregoing ['fore going' crossed out] is a true and literal coppy [copy] of the original Commission or appointment of Josiah M Brown a Notary Public for this state as examined and compared by me this 9th day of July A.D. 1852 that I am well acquainted with Mr. J M Brown and cordially reccommend [recommend] him to the confidence of all.

[signed] Charles F.H. Gray
Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey County of Salem ss
I Samuel Copner Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that Charles F.H. Gray before whom the above affidavit was made, and signed the same, is now and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such are worthy of full faith and credit and that his signature above signed is genuine.

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office at Salem this 12th day of July AD 1852.
[signed] Samuel Copner Clerk

[seal affixed at left]
Page 56

New Jersey Roll
Josiah Cramer, dc [deceased]
who was a private New
Jersey troops
-------------------
Act June 7, 1832,
$80 per Ann.
Com March 4 1831
End April 2. 1833
when he died
---------------------
Payable to
Elizabeth Cramer
widow &c
-----------------

[signed] J M.Brown
Pittsgrove
Salem Co N.J.
Page 57

[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

Brief in the case of Josiah Cramer, decd
Ocean County and State of New Jersey
act June 7, 1832.
-------------------
Claim ("original" or " for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by the rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Record evidence of service.
Widow pensioned under Act of July 7. 1838
-------------------

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

Name and residence of Agent
[signed] J. M. Brown,
Pittsgrove N.J.

Examining Clerk.
[signed] Ogden Niles
Page 58

[printed form, blanks filled by hand] 

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Cramer, widow of Josiah
Ocean County and State of New Jersey
act  Act July 7, 1838, &c
-------------------------
Claim, (original, or for increase.)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Record evidence of service
Satisfactory parole evidence of
Marriage prior to 1794.

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

Name and residence of Agent
[signed] J M. Brown
Pittsgrove
N. J.

Examining Clerk.
[signed] Ogden Niles
Page 59

New Jersey Roll
Elizabeth Cramer
widow of Josiah
who was a private
N Jersey troops
------------
An Act July 7, 1838
March 3d 1843, & &
------------
2 years private
$80 per Ann
-------------
Com. March 4, 1836
------------
[signed] J. M. Brown
Pitts grove,
Salem Co
N. Jersey
Page 60

Pittsgrove N.J. July 15, 1853

Sir,

By your report of the 20th April last,  respecting the claim of Elizabeth Cramer for Revolutionary pension, I am informed that "Before the testimony of Mrs Fenton will be received as conclusive to establish the date of the Marriage of Elizabeth Cramer,  she must fortify her memory by collateral circumstances, and show how she is enabled to fix the date of that event. And that it must be shown that no record of it can be obtained.

Enclosed please find all your Office requires for the admission of Mrs. Cramer's claim.  By this testimony Mrs Fenton has not only furnished the collateral circumstances by which she is enabled to remember the date of said marriage, but she is now able to furnish a witness to fortify and confirm her testimony and a witness to establish the date prior to the
year 1794.

I think this evidence with that now on file must be satisfactory to your office.

Mrs Fentons credibility is vouched for by the certificates of the Governor of N Jersey, Judge Ely and Justice Brown, and her testimony is now
Page 61

fortified by the testimony of Mrs Turner a highly credible person.  She has a very retentive memory and her faculties seem as good as a person's of fifty years, her testimony fixes the date of the marriage early enough to come within the provisions of the act under which Mrs Cramer Claims.

I beg leave to inform you that it has already been shown to the satisfaction of your office, that no Record of the marriage can be obtained.
A Certificate to that effect from the Clerk of the County, the only place of records at the time, and for many years after said marriage, is filed with Mrs. Cramers papers in your office.

Has not your Office, now as much evidence as has ever been required in such cases, and will it not receive an early consideration and allowance.

Very Respectfully Yours &c.
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon. L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 62

Upper Pittsgrove Salem Co. New Jersey
Nov 10, 1851.

Sir

Agreeable to your instructions respecting the Claim of [underline] Elizabeth Cramer [/underline] for Revolutionary Pension, I herewith enclose a Certificate from the Clerk of Monmouth County showing that no record proof exists of the Marriage in question - Ocean County where Claimant now resides was recently formed from Monmouth County - [underline] It is now respectfully requested that the evidence of Marriage now in your Office be examined.[/underline]

Enclosed also is a Certificate from the Secretary of New Jersey showing that no other soldier by the name [underline] Josiah Cramer served as Claimant States in her declaration [/underline] - proving clearly the identity of the Soldier mentioned in the Certificate from the Secretary now on file in your office and the husband of Elizabeth Cramer to be the same -  When the Certificates are issued in this Case please forward them by mail to me at this place.

Very Respectfully Yours
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon Jas E Heath
Commr of Pensions
Washington
Page 63

Pittsgrove N.J. March 30, 1853.

Sir

On the 5th of November last I called at your office and filed the evidence which was required to remove the objection to the allowance of the Claim of [underline] Elizabeth Cramer [/underline]  for [underline] Revolutionary pension, [/underline] and [underline] had the promise [/underline] that the case should receive attention in about two months, and as nearly five months have elapsed and the Case has not yet been heard from, I wish to remind your office that perhaps the case has been overlooked and has not received attention in its turn.

Very Respectfully
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon. L P Waldo
Commission of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 64

Pittsgrove Feby 7. 1853

Sir,

On the 5th of November last I left papers in your Office containing additional evidence in the case of Elizabeth Cramer for Revolutionary pension, to be filed; and was then told that the case would receive attention in about two months
And as more than three months have passed since that time - I deem it proper to call the attention of your Office to said Claim, and hope to have an issue of the case soon.

Very Respectfully
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon J E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington D.C.
Page 65

Mount Holly N.J. Jany 23. 1854

Sir,

I herewith enclose your letter of September 13th 1853, respecting the claim of Elizabeth Cramer and the arrears due to her husband under the act of June 7, 1832.  And also the required Certificate from a Court of record.  
please issue the Certificate for the arrears due Josiah Cramer and direct it to me at Mount Holly N.J., as this is now my place of residence

Very Respectfully
J M Browne

Hon L.P. Waldo
Commr of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 66

Pittsgrove N.J. Nov. 3. 1852.

Sir,

Your report dated Oct 6, 1852. on the case of Elizabeth Cramer was duly received.

By this report I am  informed that the evidence already filed is not sufficient to remove the objections made by Charles A Spragg, to the admission of the claim, and that your office must give credit to his statement until it is shown that his motives were not of a Credible Character.

In my letter to your office of 27 July last I made statements showing the disreputable source from which the statement of Mr Spragg came, supposing that as your office had considered a mere statement against the admission of the claim, that it would also consider a statement made in favor of it, when at the same time that statement was based upon evidence - this will explain, why I took the liberty of submitting the statement refered to, expecting it to be duly considered.

I now have the pleasure of transmitting sworn evidence from the highest source of 
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Page 67

Credibility, fully corroborating my statement respecting the objection made by Mr Spragg and also of the Credibility and correctness of the evidence previously filed.

In presenting the accompanying evidence it may be proper for me to call your attentionto the credibility of the witnesses.  the Credibility of Judge Oliphant who has made one of the affidavits herewith presented must be approved from the offices of high trust which he has been so long honored with, and the position he occupies in the place gives him more than usual opportunities for being conversant with the opinions and views of the citizens of the whole neighborhood.

The Credibility also of Justice Peckworth whose Certificate corroborating the statement of Judge Oliphant is appended, is vouched for by the public position he occupies as Justice of the Peace, Commissioner of Deeds, Wreck Master &c.

The Credibility of James Spragg is also vouched for by Justice Peckworth. Mr Spragg is a person who makes a statement under oath with the greatest caution, he has been for many years well acquainted with the family affairs of all the parties. And with the feeling that exists between the children of Josiah Cramer by his first wife, Charles A Spragg, and the Claimant Mrs Cramer.  Mr James Spragg lived in the family of Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer as he states from the year 1791 or -92 until the
Page 68

Josiah Cromer died.  The evidence presented by these witnesses represents the sentiment of all credible and disinterested persons in the community where Mrs Cramer lives and is of itself of such a credible character, that it cannot fail to satisfy your office that the statement made by Charles A Spragg is not entitled to the least credit, and that his motives were bad.

I would again Call your attention to the testimony of Deborah Fenton which establishesd the legality and date of Mrs Cramer's marriage.

It appears from the correspondence of your office that the testimony of this witness has been either overlooked or that the credit which was due has not been given to it. I have laid this matter before Governor Fort in whose neighborhood witness lives and who has for many years been acquainted with her, and he has given a Certificate showing Mrs. Fenton's Credibility as a witness in the case in question which is herewith enclosed.  I think that your Office must now be satisfied that better evidence of the marriage than this by Mrs Fenton corroborated as it is by the testimony of James Spragg who establishes the marriage previous to 1794, and also by the corroborating testimony of others, cannot be had, and need not be looked for.  I claim that the most stringent rules of your office have now been complied with.
In the Rules prescribed by the
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Page 69

President of the United States, and adopted by the Secretary of War, respecting the act under which Mrs Cramer claims, it is provided that where Record proof of the marriage cannot be had "the fact must be shown by one or more respectable persons, whose credibility must be certified by the officer who may administer the oath."

I claim that this rule has been abundantly complied with, by the testimony of Mrs Fenton and Mr James Spragg, which was filed with Mrs Cramer's Declaration, and by other corroborating testimony filed since.

I cannot think that your office after fully considering this evidence of Marriage, and the testimony now filed respecting the statement made by Charles A Spragg, can give the least credit to his statement, or longer delay the admission of Mrs Cramer's claim, but if this should not be the case, I would respectfully request your office to take special care to preserve all the papers I have filed in the case.

Very Respectfully
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon J. E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington Dec
Page 70

Affidavits of Judge Oliphant and James Spragg, and Certificate of Justice Peckworth
Showing the falsity of the statement made by Charles A. Spragg respecting the claim of Elizabeth Cramer for a Pension

Within Let [Letter] to J M Brown Sept 13/53

In care of J M Browne
Pittsgrove
Salem Co. N.J.
Page 71

State of New Jersey, County of Ocean. } ss
On this 20th day of October A.D. 1852, personally appeared before me I P Peckworth a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to administer oaths in the County and State aforesaid.
Benjamin Oliphant Esquire aged 62 years a resident of Stafford in the County and State above mentioned, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Cramer of the above named place who has made application for a Revolutionary pension as the widow of Josiah Cramer a Revolutionary soldier deceased. that he was also well acquainted with the said Josiah Cramer, that he knew the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer to live together as husband and wife thirty eight years since that they lived as such until the said Josiah died.  that they were always reputed husband and wife in the neighborhood, and that he never knew a contrary opinion to exist that he has been conversant with the whole neighborhood and that it is his opinion that a contrary opinion respecting the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cromer never existed - and that Daniel Conklin Esquire by whom
over
Page 72

they were reputed to have have married was for many years a Justice of the Peace, and that from his knowledge of the matter he has not the least doubt of the legality of the said marriage of Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer. 
He also further states that he is acquainted with the children of Josiah Cramer by his first wife, and also with their children one of whom is Charles A Spragg, who as he has been informed, has written a letter to the Pension Office stating that the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer were never legally married and he further states that such a statement is not entitled to any credit in the neighborhood where the parties in question have always lived, that he believes the said Charles A Spragg is not credibly authorized in making such a statement, but that he has either been misinformed in relation to the the matter as was written falsely.

The  word Eight written over an erasure on the first page before signed } [signed] B Oliphant

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and  year first above written. And I certify that the said Benjamin Oliphant whose signature appears to the above affidavit has been one of the Judges of the County Court for ten or fifteen years and that he is a person of high credibility and a credible and
Page 73

Disinterested witness
J. P. Peckworth Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey County of Ocean } ss

I Isaac P Peckworth a justice of the Peace in said County do hereby Certify that I have been a resident of the Township of Stafford in the County and State above mentioned for thirty years past, and have held the office of justice of the Peace for twelve years, that I have known Elizabeth Cramer who is mentioned in the foregoing affidavit of Benjamin Oliphant by reputation for many years, that she has always been reputed, the widow of Josiah Crammer in the neighbourhood where she has lived, that it is my opinion that the said Josiah & Elizabeth Crammer were legally married, and that this is the opinion of all respectable citizens who are acquainted with them, and that the statement made to the Pension Office by Charles A Spragg, referred to in the said affidavit is not in my opinion entitled to credit -

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 21st day of October AD 1852
[signed] J.P. Peckworth

[illegible seal affixed lower right]
Page 74

State of New Jersey Ocean County } ss
On this 21st day of October AD 1852 personally appeared before me I P Peckworth a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths and Affirmations James Spragg aged 72 years a resident of Stafford in the County and State aforesaid and affirmed according to law that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Crammer of Stafford in the County and State above mentioned who has made application for a pension as the widow of Josiah Crammer a Revolutionary soldier deceased, that he was well acquainted with her husband the said Josiah Crammer that he knew them to live together as husband and wife until the death of the said Josiah, and that they were always known and reputed husband and wife by all who knew them, and the contrary opinion never existed. He also further States that he is well acquainted with Jedidah & Rebecca Spragg who are the children of the said Josiah Crammer by his first wife, and also with their children one of whom is Charles A Spragg, who has made a statement to the pension office that the said Josiah and Elizabeth Crammer were never legally married in behalf of the said children of Josiah Crammer; and he would further state that there has been for many years a feeling of jealousy and enmity manifested by them against
Page 75

the said Elizabeth Crammer and that the Statement which they have made by Charles A Spragg to the Pension office is not entitled to any credit whatever, that it is well known in the neighborhood that the statement referred to was made from the worst of motives
[right] his
[right] James   X   Spragg [X being his mark in lieu of signature]
[right] Mark

Affirmed to and subscribed before me this 20th day of October AD 1852 and I certify that the said James Spragg is a creditable and Disinterested witness

[signed] I. P. Peckworth Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey County of Ocean ss }
I William I James Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State above mentioned do hereby Certify that I. P. Peckworth whose genuine signature appears to the three within certificates is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit. and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general Jurisdiction
Given under my hand and

[illegible seal affixed at left]

over
Page 76

seal of office at Toms River this twenty fifth day of October A D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty two.
[signed] Wm Imlay James
Clerk
Page 77

State of New Jersey 
I Thomas S Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that it appears from the records in my office that Josiah Crammer served as a private in Capt. Lloyd's Company of the Second Jersey Regiment from March 14, 1778 to August 1. 1780 and that during that period, no other person of that name is mentioned as having served in said company or Regiment, 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my hand and seal at Trenton this third day of November Eighteen hundred and fifty one .
[signed] Thos. S. Allison 
Secretary of State

[illegible State Seal affixed upper left]
Page 78

Pittsgrove Salem Co. N Jersey 
May 15, 1852.

I have been informed by the Hon. R. F. Stackton respecting the claim of Elizabeth Cramer for Rev. Pension that your office had decided: "that the family record showing the marriage took place prior to 1794 or the birth of children before that date should be produced -. or the failure to produce it satisfactorily vouched for; and that then there would be no difficulty in the way of her obtaining her pension."
The accompanying affidavit with the leaf of the New Testament annexed has upon it the only scrip of family record that exists relating to the family of the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer and this only shows the[underline]  Claimants age or birth [/underline] - it is certain that no documentary evidence of her marriage exists - the [underline] testimony of Deborah Fenton [/underline]  which has been already [underline] filed [/underline] and considered respecting the said Marriage is [underline] positive [/underline] and I think ought to be [underline] satisfactory [/underline] if the Certificate of the Judge before whom Mrs Fenton was
Page 79

sworn is not sufficient to establish her credibility it can be don from other sources. I presume that if you will refer to Mr Stockton he can satisfy you of the standing of Judge Emley before whom Mrs Fenton was sworn. You are respectfully requested to give this case immediate attention it has been on the files a long time and it is hoped that evidence is now satisfactory and that Mrs Cramers Certificates will now be issued. 
Very Respectfully  
[signed] J M Browne

[signed] Hon Jos E Heath 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington 

By politeness of Hon R Y Stockton 
NJ Senate 
Washington
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State of New Jersey County of Burlington } ss.
On this 12th day of July one thousand eight hundread and fifty three personally appeared before me Samuel Brown a Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Deborah Fenton a resident of Hanover Township in said County and made oath according to law. that she is the identical Deborah Fenton who was present at the marriage of Josiah and Elizabeth Cramer, and who made affidavit respecting said marriage which is filed in the Pension Office at Washington City with the application and papers of said Elizabeth Cramer for Revolutionary pension: that in her said affidavit she fixed the date of said marriage from her memory that the principal circumstances which enable he[r] to recollect the date of said marriage is the fact that [underline] she went to line in the family of the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer on the day of their marriage [/underline] and that it [underline] was her birthday the day on which she was sixteen (16) years of age. [/underline] and that she [underline] herself was married four years afterwards at the age of 20 years [/underline] that these facts have always been clear in her memory and have often been spoken of since they took place. that she has no record of her own marriage but has a [underline] record of her age a copy of which accompanies this affidavit. [/underline] 
[right] her
[right] Deborah   X   Fenton [X being her mark in lieu of signature]
[right] mark

Witness present
[signed] Samuel Brown 
[signed] Malcom Brown
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Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first before mentioned and I certify that Deborah Fenton is a credible witness, and that I have no interest whatever in the prosecution or result of the said pension claim. 
[signed] Samuel Brown 
Justice of the Peace.
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State of New Jersey County of Burlington } ss. 
On this 12th day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally before me Samuel Brown a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths. Hannah Turner aged 86 years a resident of Hanover Township in the County aforesaid and made oath according to law that she is a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States. that she was born and brought up in Stafford Township now Ocean County State of New Jersey in the immediate neighborhood with Josiah and Elizabeth Cramer and Deborah Fenton who are mentioned in the foregoing affidavit. that she has been intimately acquainted with them ever since her earliest recollection. that she believes the statement of Deborah Fenton to be correct respecting the date of said marriage. that she recollects of hearing it often said [underline] that Mrs Fenton went to live in Mr Cramer's family at the time of their marriage and that she was 16 years of age at the time. [/underline] and she further states that previous to the said marriage of Mr & Mrs Cramer that she had married and moved away to the place where she now lives [underline] and that in the year 1793 she went back on a visit and that she then visited the family of the said Josiah & Elizabeth Cramer that they were then living together as husband and wife, and that it was then said that they were married the year previous, that she often heard the said Elizabeth's Father and Mother state these facts that they talked of it more than common from the fact that they were opposed to the  [/underline]
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[underline] marriage. that she recollects well that the said marriage took place previous to the year 1793 and that the said Josiah and Elizabeth Cramer were living as husband and wife at that time and were reputed [/underline] as such and that she never heard a contrary opinion. 
[right] her
[right] Hannah   X   Turner [X being her mark in lieu of signature] 
[right] mark

Witness present 
[signed] Samuel Brown
[signed]  Malcom Brown 

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written and I Certify that the said Hannah Turner is a credible and disinterested witness. 
[signed] Samuel Brown
Justice of the Peace.
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Deborah Fenton Wife of Wm Fenton was born Oct 12, 1776. 
----------------------------------------------
State of New Jersey County of Burlington } ss. 
I hereby certify that the above is a true extract from the original family record of Deborah Fenton that said record does not contain the accounty of her marriage but only contains her birth and the births and deaths of other members of the family. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of July 1853 
[signed] Samuel Brown 
Justice of the Peace.
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State of New Jersey County of Burlington } ss.
I Joseph F. Burr Clerk of the County Court in and for said County, do hereby certify, that Samuel Brown whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing papers is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly commissioned and sworn: that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit: and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of record having general jurisdiction. 
Given under my hand and seal of office at Mount Holly this fourteenth day of July 1853. [signed] Joseph F. Burr clk.
[seal and ribbons attached to the left]
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additional evidence in pension case to be referred to the Examiner who had charge of the case --- Triplett A
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Upper Pittsgrove   Salem Co. N. J. 
Feby 7. 1852. 
Sir,
Your letter respecting the case of Elizabeth Cramer of the 31st ult. is received in which you say, "There is no evidence in the Case of Elizabeth Cramer to show that her husband performed the service mentioned in the Certificate of the Secretary of State of New Jersey". 
I was a little surprised at this declaration and considering the amount of evidence I have forwarded to your office to establish this fact I have come to the conclusion that either the evidence has not reached your office or that it has been overlooked. I shall therefore proceed to sum up the evidence which has been forwarded and endeavor to show clearly that the evidence identifies the husband of Mrs. Cramer with the Soldier mentioned in the Certificate of the Secretary of New Jersey - I shall first consider Mrs. Cramers declaration she mentions in her declaration four facts worthy of notice which with the other evidence establishes her husbands service - 1st She States that he served in the 2d  (Second) Jersey Regiment,  2d she states that he served in Captain Lloyd's Company; 3d She gives the particular period of his service and 4th sShe gives the rank he held while in service, (over)
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Upper Pittsgrove Salem Co. N.J.
Feby 3. 1852.

Sir:

Your letter respecting the case of Elizabeth Cramer of the 31st ult. is received in which you say: "There is no evidence in the case of Elizabeth Cramer to show that her husband performed the service mentioned in the Certificate of the Secretary of State of New Jersey".
I was a little surprised at this declaration, and considering the amount of evidence I have forwarded to your office to establish this fact I have come to the conclusion that either the evidence has not reached your office or that it has been overlooked. I  shall therefore proceed to sum up the evidence which has been forwarded and endeavor to show clearly that the evidence identifies the husband of Mrs. Cramer with the Soldier mentioned in the Certificate of the Secretary of New Jersey - I shall first consider Mrs. Cramer's declaration she mentions in her declaration four facts worthy of notice which with the other evidence establishes her husbands service- 1st She States that he served in the 2d (Second) Jersey Regiment, 2d She States that he served in Captain Lloyd's Company 3d She gives the particular period of his service and 4th She gives the rank he held while in service. (over)
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these facts She states from her recollection alone
She says that for many years before her husbands death he was so disabled and infirm as to be confined to the house and that tales of his Revolutionary service were his principal theme and that some years before his death he would narrate the whole history of his service many times during the same day forgetting each time that he had related it perhaps only a few hours before and that he always related the account of his service nearly in the same words. It was princifully by this means that the facts stated in her declaration were established in her mind.
After her declaration was executed I proceeded to Trenton to the Office of Secretary of State (expecting to find documentary evidence either there or inYour Office) Secretary Allison [underline] demanded the widows declaration or statement of her husbands service [/underline] (that being according to the rules of that office) and I presented Mrs Cramer's declaration and that officer [underline] found her husband Josiah Cramer's service recorded. [/underline]  A Certified Copy of which was forwarded to your office with the declaration and other papers-- Secretary Allison remarked at the time that [underline] this documentary evidence being found after the declaration was presented was conclusive evidence of identity. [/underline]
You will please notice that the [underline] facts mentioned in the declaration are fully authenticated  by the Certificate from the Secretary of New Jersey [/underline]
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and in connection with another Certificate from the said Secretary forwarded to you on the 10th of Nov last showing that [underline] no other soldier by the name of Josiah Cramer served in the Regiment Company rank and for the period [/underline] as stated in the widows declaration you will notice that Mrs. Cramer's husband is identified with the soldier mentioned in the certificate above mentioned and I think you cannot fail to be [underline] satisfied that there is evidence that the husband of Mrs. Cramer performed the service mentioned in the Certificate of the Secretary of New Jersey, the fact that such evidence is found on record of service corresponding with the widows declaration the certificate forwarded the 10th of Nov last is positive and conclusive evidence that the Soldier mentioned in the records is identical with her husband. [/underline]

Respecting the marriage
You say "Nor is the date of her marriage satisfactorily established. Mrs. Fenton should state what circumstances impressed on her mind the exact day it occured". Now I am sure that if you were fully aware of the reliable source from which this testimony came it would be  satisfactory. And I think if you will carefully notice Mrs Fenton's testimony you will find  circumstances stated which impressed on her mind the date of Mrs Cramer's marriage - in her (over)
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affidavit you will find language nearly as follows viz: [underline] that her recollection is clear in relation to the statements made that from her own age at the time and from the ages of her Brothers & Sisters of which she has a record [/underline] and from other facts and incidents she is able to [underline] make a positive [/underline] statement respecting the said marriage- in connection with these circumstances it may be proper to add that Mrs Fenton [underline] lived in the family [/underline] and was intimate with all its concerns - she says occurred to impress her mind with the facts Stated in her testimony and with other things might be mentioned [underline] births and deaths [/underline]  - it  is hoped that Mrs Fenton's [underline] testimony and explanation [/underline] will prove satisfactory her [underline] testimony is positive [/underline] and [underline] cannot be rebutted [/underline]- her credibility is certified to by a Judge who had been acquainted with her from his childhood and who stands high in point of credibility in the community  where he lives - and I can if you wish it furnish any evidence - you may want from Mrs. Fenton's neighborhood to establish her credibility, but I think this will be deemed unnecessary I know of no reason why her testimony should not be satisfactory respecting said Marriage -

In conclusion I will direct your attention to the fact that in the war of the Revolution the State of New Jersey was a constant scene of action and bloodshed and that nearly all who were capable of bearing arms were in active service  consequently there
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are many claimants for gratuities under  the present laws but in consequence of the loss of nearly all the Revolutionary documents in this State there are but [underline] very few [/underline] who can find evidence of service at this day - hundreds of declarations are made but for want of evidence of service according to the rules of your Department they are never perfected - Mrs. Cramer your humble Claimant is one in a thousand who is fortunate enough to find documentary evidence of her  husbands service. She is highly worthy of the benefit for which she asks under the law She performed the arduous duties of nursing for many years a disabled Revolutionary Soldier who died leaving her in a destitute condition. She has been able to furnish your department with the evidence required by the printed rules and hopes that it will be considered in that spirit of liberality which your Department recommends, please give these explanations and arguments your early attention and if found Satisfactory as I trust it will please forward the Certificates to me by Mail.
Very Respectfully
[signed] J M Browne

To
Hon Jas E Heath
Comr of Pensions
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[printed form, blanks filled by hand]

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Crammer, Andrew GRADE Private LINE New Jersey

WARRANT NUMBER 8176 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED September 9, 1790
to John Pope, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.