Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20283, for John A Ostrander, New York
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE   New York

Ostrander, John A.
Sarah

NUMBER
W.20283
Page 2

1990 New York

John Ostrander
of Schodack in the State of New York
who was a Priv Sergt in the Company commanded by Captain Lansing of the Regiment commanded
by Col Van Rensselaer in the New York 
line for 1 month 12 days Private
5 months, 8 days Sergeant

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 30 Dollars 98 Cents
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of 
November 1832 and sent to G Gould

Arrears to 4th of 4 Sept 1832  $46.47
Semianan, allowance ending 4 Mar 33  15.69
 $61.96

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Geo C Stiles Clerk,
Book D  Vol. 5  Page 119

A Buckman  Sep 10 42
do to same Sept 4 1842

died 4 May 40
Page 3

Albany 
New York

Sarah Ostrander N.Y.
widow of John Ostrander
who was a Priv & Sgt
in the Rev War

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
30 Dollars 98
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
18 day of June 1844
and sent to

John Fitch,
Troy, New York

[act of March 3, 1843.]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 110


Let to J Fitch June 24 1844
Albany agent May 5 1845
J Fitch May 21 1845
Same July 24 1855
Page 4

Brief  No 7757

John Ostrander

admitted
5:8 Sergt
1-12 days Private

25
1
3.33
1.33
30.99


Geo Gould
Agt
Page 5

BRIEF in the case of John Ostrander of Schodack County of Rensselaer in the State of New York (Act 7th June, 1832.)     
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?    In Open Court.  
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?   
3. How old is he? 71 years     
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
Period.  August 1777   Duration of Service  about 21 days   Rank    Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Colonel K. Van Rensselaer
Period.  Sept 1st 1777   Duration of Service  more than 21 days   Rank    Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Capt. O. Lansing
Period.   Sept 1st 1778    Duration of Service   1 month 7 days     Rank   Ord. Sergeant    Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served    Col Philip Van Alstyne and Col Butler
Period.   Sept 1st 1779  Duration of Service   1 month 7 days      Rank   Ord Sergeant    Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Colonel Vroman
Period.   Spring 1780   Duration of Service   21 days       Rank   Ord Sergeant   Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Lt. Colonel Beckman
Period.   Fall 1780   Duration of Service   more than 14 days       Rank   Ord Sergeant   Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Lt. Colonel Beckman
Period.   Fall 1781   Duration of Service   14 days       Rank   Ord Sergeant   Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Lt. Colonel Beckman
Period.   Fall 1782   Duration of Service   14 days       Rank   Ord Sergeant   Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Lt. Colonel Beckman
Period.   Fall 1782   Duration of Service   21 days       Rank   Ord Sergeant   Names of Generals and Field officers under whom he served   Lt. Colonel Beckman
126  4  4    84
5. In what battles was he engaged? Defeat of Burgoyne 
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? the Schodack New York    
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?   By one living witness & traditionary Evidence     
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?    They appear to be in due form    
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.     James Ord    4   24   42    Examining Clerk.
Page 6

8405
Sarah Ostrander
 NY
Act July 7 38
Page 7

State of New York
Rensselaer County  ss  Came before me Abel Buckman a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county Sarah Ostrander widow of John A Ostrander deceased late a pensioner of the Revolution who being duly sworn doth depose & say that she was born and brought up in the Town of Schodack in the state & county aforesaid and that she is now 66 years of age and that she this deponent and the said John Ostrander were married together on the 25th day of Sept in the year 1793 the record of which is in her family Bible and she was married by the Rev W. Remaine who afterwards removed to the state of New Jersey who is since dead and this deponent has always resided in the town of Schodack where she now resides and that her husband the said John A. Ostrander died on the 4th day of May 1840 and the deponent further says that she had 10 children by the said John A Ostrander 8 of whom are now living and that now remains the widow of the said John A Ostrander & further asks that her husbands pension may be extended to her this deponent as the law directs in such case made & provided.

Sarah Ostrander her mark

Sworn & subscribed before me this
30th day of August 1842
A Buckman a Justice of the Peace

I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the said Sarah Ostrander who signed the above affidavant and that she is a credible witness August 30 1842
A Buckman an Justice of the Peace

NB
I further certify that the reasons given by the above named Sarah Ostrander for making her mark to the above affidavit was that she was a bad writer when young and now being old could not write her name A Buckman August 30 1842
Page 8

State of New York
Rensselaer County    Came before me Abel Buckman a Justice of the Peace of and for the said county Peter Ostrander who being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is 67 years of age and that he was born and brought up in the town of Schodack in the county and state aforesaid and that he this deponent was well acquainted with the within mentioned John A ostrander deseased & is also well acquainted with Sarah Ostrander the within mentioned widow and this deponent was present in the month of September in the year 1793 when the said John A Ostrander and Sarah his wife were married together by a minister of the [illegible] Rev W Remine at the town of Schodack theis deponent now lives and has always lived in this about one mile of the said John A Ostrander & Sarah his wife who now remains the widow of the said John A Ostrander deseased and further this deponent saith not.

Peter Ostrander
Sworn & subscribed before me this 31st day of August 1842

A Buckman Justice of the Peace

I the said Justice do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Peter Ostrander who signed the foregoing affidavit and he is a credible person & entitled to credit as a witness given un my hand at Schodack this 31st day of August 1842. 
A Buckman Justice of the Peace
Page 9

State of New York
Rensselear County Clerks Office
I Charles Hooper Clerk of said county do certify that Abial Buckman Esq before whom the annexed deposition of Sarah Ostrader & Peter Ostrander purport to have [illegible], at the several dates viz the 30th & 31st August instant of taking said depositions a Justice of the Peace of the County of Rensselaer residing in said County duly qualified
And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice & verily believe the signature of said Justice subscribed to said depositions his genuine signatures
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the official seal this 31st day of August 1832.  Chas Hooper Clerk

To the Commissioner of Pensions War Department
Sir I send you the application of the widow Sarah Ostrander claiming a pension hoping that the affidavits are sufficient for her to obtain the same if you should want any further proof of the marriage I can furnish it if so you will please write to me direct your letter to the Castleton Post Office Rensselaer County State of New York

Yours Respectfully
A Buckman
Page 10

8.405
Sarah Ostrander
NY
Act 7 July 38
Page 11

FREE

To the Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington D.C.

10 Sep 1842 
D. Crump

Castleton NY
Sept 8th

8.405
Sarah Ostrander
N. Y. 
Act 7 July 38
Page 12

State of New York
Rensselaer County   On the Twentieth day of May One thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Abiel Buckman a Justice of the Peace of the County of Rensselaer aforesaid Sarah Ostrander a resident of the Town of Schoedack in said county of Rensselaer and state of New York who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd day of March 1843 granting pension to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War  That she is the widow of John A Ostrander who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution who  died on the 4th day of May 1840 and that her Husband the said John A Ostrander did receive an annual pension up to his death and she is now sixty eight years of age and was married to the said John A Ostrander in the year 1793 the proof of which marriage is now at the pension office at the War Department as this deponent is informed and believes she having made application for a pension in the year 1842.

Sarah Ostrander  her mark
Sworn & subscribed before me this twentieth day of May 1842
A Buckman Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE } ss  I, Charles Hooper Clerk of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby certify , That Abiel Buckman whose name is subscribed on the annexed Instrument was, at the time the same [unreadable], one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Rensselaer, dwelling in said county.  And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate is genuine, In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of said County, this 9th day of March A. D. 1844  Chas Hooper   [seal]
Page 13

State of New York
Rensselaer County  On the twentieth day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Abiel Buckman a Justice of the Peace for the County of Rensselaer aforesaid Sarah Ostrander a resident of the Town of Schodack in said County of Rensselaer and state of New York who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the foregoing declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of congress passed on the 3rd day of March 1843 granting pensions to persons who served during the revolutionary war  That she is the widow of John A Ostrander who served as a private soldier in the war of the Revolution who died on the 4th day of May 1840  and that her husband the said John A Ostrander did receive an annual pensin up to his death and she is now sixty eight years of age and was married to the said John A Ostrander in the year 1793 the proof of which marriage is now at the pension office at the War department as this deponent is informed and believes, she having made application for a pension in the year 1842.

Sarah Ostrander  her mark
Sworn & subscribed before me this twentieth day of May 1843
A Buckman a Justice of the Peace

I certify that the above named Sarah Ostrander is to me well & personally known and that she is does not write her name as she testified before me and I do hereby certify that she is a credible witness May 30 1843

A Buckman a Justice of the pace of the county of Rensselaer
Page 14

J L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions
Sir some time in the latter part of summer of 1842 I made out the papers for the said Sarah Ostrander to obtain a pension & sent the same to your office which contain I presume sufficient  evidence to entitle her to a pension under the Act of the 3rd of March 1843 if that is not sufficient please let me know & if new papers are required I will make them out
Schodack Rensselaer County & State of New York
Village of Castleton May 22d 1843  
yours respectfully 
A Buckman

NB The grounds are which the Sarah Ostrander application was rejected last, you was she claimed under the law of July 7 1838 and that her husband did not die until May 4 1840  She not being a widow at the time the act was passed
Page 15

State of New York Rensselaer County } ss   Charity Schennerhorn of the town of Schodack in the County of Rensselaer being duly sworn says. That she is the sister of Sarah Ostrander (now Mrs Sarah Traver).  That she was present at the marriage of her sister the said Sarah Ostrander to John A. Ostrander (now Mrs Sarah Traver). They were married on the 25th day of September in the year of our Lord (1793) seventeen hundred and ninety three by the Rev W. Romaine who then was a reformed Duch. devine of the town of Schodack. They were married at my Fathers house Schodack March 8th 1844  Subscribed sworn this Eighth  day of March 1844 before me }  Charity Schennerhorn 
The words "to John A. Ostrander” are [unreadable]  John Carpenter Justice of the Peace in and for the town of Shaddock    
State of New York 3 Rensselaer County Clerks office } ss:   I Charles Hooper Clerk of said County do hereby certify that John Carpenter whose name is subscribed to the above jurat was at the time the same bears date one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Rensselaer duly elected and sworn. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to said Jurat is genuine     
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County this 9th day of March 1844 Chas Hooper Clerk
Page 16

Troy  March 9th 1844   
J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Com [Commissioner] of Pensions 
Sir,    
Yours of the 17th of Feby 1844 has been duly received & in answer to it state that the papers in relation to the claim of Mrs Sarah Ostrander widow of the late John Ostrander, who has since been married to Mr. Traver are herewith annexed.  
The two declarations are I trust sufficient, & properly authenticated    
In regard to the proof of the marriage of Mrs Ostrander to Mr Ostrander I produce the affidavit of Mrs Schennerhorn, who saw Sarah Ostrander her late husband John A. Ostrander married.   
I hope that the application will be allowed I ask for her the same amount per anum that her husband the said John A. Ostrander drew    
And that this application will receive your earliest attention   
I remain yours &c    John Fitch  Troy  New York
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
Page 17

In the matter of John A. Ostrander  applicant for pension 7751
Page 18

State of New York County of Rensselaer City of Troy } ss   On this fifth day of September, 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Mayor's Court of the said City of Troy, now sitting, John A. Ostrander, a resident of the town of Schodack, in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York, aged 71 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832    
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he was born the 8th day of August 1761 at Schodack (then in the County of Albany) now in the County of Rensselaer aforesaid: He has a record of his age in his family bible; but no other proof.  Early in August 1777, then residing in Schodock, was called out in the militia, in a Company of Captain Nicholas Staats, of which the Lieutenants were Obadiah Lansing, and Philip Staats, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Kilian Van Rensselaer, but which marched under Lt. Col. John Beckman to Green Island in the Hudson River, a little above where the City of Troy now is); he served there about 3 weeks, & was discharged & returned home; but he never received a written discharge; about 1st Sept. 1777 he was again drafted in a company commanded by Obadiah Lansing, in the same Regiment under Lt. Col. Beckman, he marched to Bemis Heights near Saratoga & was there at the time of fighting the battle in which Burgoyne was defeated, just before his surrender; but Capt. Lansing's company was not ordered on the field, till just as the battle was ended. He then marched to Saratoga, & was there when Burgoyne surrendered; & was then discharged after having served more than 3 weeks & returned home.  about 1st Sept 1778 was called out with the militia under Captain Turner Lt. Martin C. Van Buren, & Ensign Hosea Moffit, & marched to Schoharie, & joined a regiment commanded by Col. Philip Van Alstyne at Schoharie tower fort, after a few days he left the tower fort, & went to the middle fort (Schoharie) & joined the regulars under Col. Butler, & served in this term as a duty Sergeant, for five weeks & was then discharged. In Sept. 1779, was called out, with the militia, in Captain Nicholas Staats's Company, whose lieutenants were Obadiah Lansing & John Ostrander, in a Regiment commanded by Col. Froman, marched to the middle fort (Schoharie), & served there as orderly sergeant for 5 weeks; then discharged, & returned home.
Page 19

In the spring of 1780, he was again called out with the militia as orderly sergeant, in the same company, & under same company officers, as last mentioned, in a Regiment commanded by Lt. Col Beckman, he marched to Fort Hunter, on the Mohawk, & served there 3 weeks, & was then discharged & returned home. In the fall of 1780, he was again called out in the same company, as orderly sergeant, & marched to Schenectady, thence to Johnstown, then to Fort Plain, then to Little Falls, & was there discharged having served more than 2 weeks. In the fall of 1781, he was called out in the same company, as orderly Sergeant, marched to Schenectady, & then to fort Hunter, then back to Schenectady, having served 2 weeks. In the spring or summer of 1782, he was called out in the same company & marched to Schenectady, & there remained till discharged, after serving a fortnight. In fall of same year called out again in same company and marched to Schenectady, & then to Saratoga & was there discharged after having served 3 weeks. He never had a sergeants warrant and has no documentary evidence to produce. He knows of no living witness, by whom he could prove his service, except Abraham Van Beuren, whose affidavit is hereto annexed. The Clergyman of whose church he is an elder, is sick and cannot attend to testify. He is well known to Abiel Buckman and Abraham Van Buren of the town of Schodack, who can testify to his character for veracity, & to their belief of his serving as a soldier of the revolution. He has always resided where he now lives. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity except the present, & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. John A Ostrander    
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid } Archibald Bull Clerk
Page 20

We Abiel Buckman and Abraham Van Buren - residents of the town of Schodack, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John A. Ostrander, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 71 years of age; that he is an elder of his church; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & that we concur in that opinion    A Buckman   Abraham Van Buren’s mark X
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid }  Archibald Bull Clerk 
County of Rensselaer City of Troy, ss. Before the Mayor's Court of said city, now sitting Abraham Van Buren, of the town of Schodack in the County of     
Rensselaer County ss  I, John A. Liddel, a clergyman residing in the town of Greenbush, in said County hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John A. Ostrander, who is an applicant for a pension from the United States, under the act of June 7th 1832, & who resides in the town of Schodack; I believe him to be 71 years of age; he is an elder of my Church, & is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, & I concur in that opinion.    John A. Liddell  Pastor of the Prot. Ref. D. Church of Greenbush
Sworn to & subscribed the --- John A. Liddell 5th day of September 1832 A Brickman a Judge of Renssaler County Court
Page 21

We Abiel Buckman and Abraham Van Buren - residents of the town of Schodack, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John A. Ostrander, who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 71 years of age; that he is an elder of his church; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion    A. Brickman   Abraham Van Buren’s mark X   
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid }  Archibald Bull Clerk   
County of Rensselaer City of Troy A. Before the Mayor's Court of said City, now sitting Abraham Van Buren, of the town of Schodack in the County of Rensselaer, being duly sworn, says that he has heard the declaration of John A. Ostrander, (above subscribed & sworn to) read; and that this deponent served with the said Ostrander, & had personal knowledge of all the services, in the said declaration mentioned, from & after the 1st Sept. 1778     Abraham Van Buren’s  mark X
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid   Archibald A. Bull Clerk
And the said Court does hereby declare its opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to it that John A. Liddell, who has signed the certificate hereto annexed, (and sworn before Judge Buckman, of Rensselaer Common Pleas), is a clergyman, resident in the town of Greenbush; and that Abiel Buckman, who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in Schodack, and a Judge as
Page 22

aforesaid, and a credible person; and that Abraham Van Buren who has affixed his mark to the said certificate, and also to the affidavit of services of said applicant is a resident in the town of Schodack, and is a credible person, and that their statements are entitled to credit.    
I, Archibald Bull Clerk of the Mayor's Court of the City of Troy, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of John A. Ostrander for a pension     
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and the seal of my said office this sixth day of September A.D. 1832. Archibald Bull Clerk 
In the matter of John A. Ostrander applicant for pension 7751
Page 23

for the matter of 
Sarah Ostrander
Widow of John Ostrander
Page 24

State of New York Rensselaer County ss    John Gray Pastor of the Mitchskill Reformed Church in the town of Schodack in the County of Rensselaer and State of New York being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he has the charge of the records of the said church and has had charge of said records for the last ten years. The records now in his possession are the only records the church ever had & they are of a good state of presentation have been continued from the first organization of the said church untill the present time. That from said record it appears that within year "one thousand seven hundred and ninety three September twenty fifth "John Ostrander Sally Carpenter were married by the Rev Mr.  Romeyn" 1793 (a true copy) September 25th 1793. John Ostrander & Sally Carpenter were married. This appears from the record which records various affidavits have been made by me in other cases. And I further depose and say that I am the pastor of the reformed Duch [Dutch] Church aforesaid. And that the above is a true extract from this record above mentioned, belonging to the Mitcheskill reformed dutch church the record "Buisted" in Dutch means "Confirmed" in the English terms. John Gray Dated Schodach June 5th 1844   John Gray   
Subscribed and sworn this fifth day of June 1844 before me. the word June is underlined  John Carpenter Justice of the Peace    
Rensselaer County Town of Schodack Rensselaer County Clerks office }      I Charles Hooper Clerk of said county do hereby certify that John Carpenter Esq was at the time the foregoing affidavit purported to have been sworn to a Justice of the Peace of the county of Rensselaer residing in said county duly commissioned herein. That I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice verily believe his signature subscribed to the above to be genuine.  
In testimony whereof I have set my hand & affixed my official seal this 7th day of June 1844. Chas Hooper Clerk
Page 25

Rev Widow &c

File No. 20283

Sarah Ostrander
widow of 
John Ostrander
Sergt rev war

Act March 39, 48

Index: Vol M, Page 104

[arrangement of 1870]
Page 26

8479
Albany
New York

Sarah Ostrander widow of John Ostrander
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 4 May 1840
of Schohdack in the State of New York
wwho was a Priv & Sgt in the compy
commanded by Captain Lansing of the
Reg commanded by Van Renssellaer in the
Rev War line for

Inscribed on the Roll of albany 
at the rate of 30 dollars 98
cents per annum to commence on the
4 May 1840

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of
June 1844 and sent to
John Fitch Troy NY

Total Amount, $ [blank]

(Act July 7, 1838.)
Recorded F.L. Swann Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1 Page 173

Another of Be made

Repo. June 15.

No. Under Act '43
6056

No 133
Certificate under Joint Resolution of 25 January 1845 at $30.98 per annum issued as the 17 April 1845. issued on the 17 April 1845 at arg 4 March 1836. to 4 May 1840 from
which time her pension has already been claimed under Act
7th July 1838
Page 27

Sarah Ostrander married 2 Sept 1843 paid to the day of her marriage July 23, 1855    Ra  J  Finman  Auditor
Pension Office
July 21 1855
Sir 
Please inform me to what date the pension of the within Sarah Ostrander was paid.  
Very respectfuly
L. P. Waldo
Commissioner
R. J. Atkinson Esq
Third Auditor
Married 2 Sept 43
Page 28

Pension Office
July 21 1855

Sir Please inform me to what date the pension of the within Sarah Ostrander was paid. 
Very respectfully 
L P Waldo
Commissioner

R.J. Atkinson Esq
Third Auditor

Sarah Ostrander married 2 Sept 1843 paid to the day of her marriage July 23 1855
Robt J. Atkinson
Auditor
Page 29

James L Edwards Esquire
Commissioner of Pension 
War Dept
Washington City D.C.

May 5 '45
Sarah Ostrander or Traver NY
5726-43
Page 30

Albany Pension Agency   
May 2d 1845     
James L Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions    
Sir,  
 Sarah Ostrander claims the arrears due her under the act of 7 July 1838, from the 4th March 1836 to the 4th of May 1840 - In her affidavit of identity & power of attorney she describes herself as Sarah Ostrander though she is now the wife of   Traver having been married to him on the 2nd of Sept. 1843.  
We have declined paying on the numbers presented because we suppose she ought to describe herself as Sarah Traver, formerly Sarah Ostrander, and should have executed her vouchers accordingly - as this is a peculiar case, I have to request the form of your instructions in relation to it.    
We have already paid her under the Act of 1838, from 4 May 1840 to 4 March 1841 - under the Act of 1843 from 4 March 1843 to 2 Sept 1843, the day of her marriage to Traver - Whether her vouchers were executed by her as Sarah Ostrander or Sarah Traver we do not know as they have been sunt with an accounts to the Treasury Department.  We hope they will be allowed, but apprehensive they may not If objected to in that Dept with you will confer a favor by obtaining their allowance should the objections be disputable    
Very respectfully 
your obt Svt 
Thomas W Alcott 
Pres & Pen Acct
Page 31

Mar 22 '44
[stamp] TROY NY JUN 20

FREE

James L Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions 
Washington
Page 32

Troy  June 20th 1844

J L Edwards ESq
Commr

Sir

I have received the certificate of pension for Mrs Sarah Ostrander and it does not allow her but ten months pension vis from the 4th May 1840 to 3th March 1841. It is evident that a mistake has been committed. That she should have been allowed 5 years in one certificate & the additional one year in an other one.

Allow me to call the attention of the department to this fact & ask their immediate attention to the same. A that I may hear from the department soon

Yours John Fitch 
Troy NY

J L Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 33

Judge Waldo
Comm of Pension
Page 34

Judge Waldo    
Sir    
Will you be so kind as to communicate to me at Troy Rens Co. N. Y.   the conclusion arrise at in the Mis Ostrander Case, a widow of the Revolution, the [unreadable] left the other day Yours John Fitch Troy, N. Y.
Page 35

May 15 '45

[stamp]  TROY NY MAY 13   FREE

Mrs Ostrander

J L Edwards
Comm of Pension
Washington DC
Page 36

Troy May 12th 1845 JL Edwards Comm of Pensions Sir Please send me a copy of the letter sent to M. Olcott in Albany. in relation to the case of Sarah Ostrander.    
I do not want a copy of the last clause of the letter as I consider it a private matter and do not think other people should see it     
I shall lay my reasons before the department why Mrs Ostrander now Mrs Traver should receive payment under the act of 1838. and under the resolution of Congress at the last session.    
Yours &c    
John Fitch esq    
JL Edwards Esq    
Washington
Page 37

No Act 1843 Got6 June 10 1844

[stamp] TROY NY JUN 8 NY

Sarah Ostrander married to John Ostrander
25 Sept 1793. husband died 4 May 1840
$30.98 per am to commence
4 May 1840
or 31 Ju 2 certificates
act '38 & act 1843. Enter & number the cefe under act '43

Albany roll

John Fitch Troy N.Y.

JL Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 38

Troy June 7th 1844

J L Edwards
Comm of Pensions

Sir
Yours of the 31st May was duly received and has since been acknowledged in a letter which was directed to me through a mistake returned.
The additional proof which you required of the marriage of Mrs Sarah Ostrander to John Ostrander is I think herewith furnished. & I trust will be satisfactory no stronger proof can be produced than the old record of the church. This record I know to be a true transcript as stated by John Gray Affidavant.
I understand from Mr Gray that various other persons had resorted to the old record to obtain proof of their marriage in order to obtain a pension. The record is part in Dutch except in [illegible]
Enclosed is the affidant of Mr Gray properly authenticated
Hoping that this proof will be entirely satisfactory: that in a few days I shall receive a certificate giving her as large a pension as the law will allow her. for she is a waiting well deserving a lady 

Yours o c 
John Fitch
Troy Rens Co NY

JL Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington
Page 39

[stamp] TROY NY MAR 5

March 7 1845.

Bl Sarah Ostrander
Res Jan 25 1845

Comm

JL Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington DC

FREE
Page 40

Troy March 5th 1845

JL Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions

Sir

Enclosed I send the application of Sarah Ostrander of Schodack Rens Co. N Y. for her arrears of Pension which the late act or resolution allows her. I believe it is in conformity to the regulations of the department & conformity to the regulations of the department & agreeable to the instructions you so obligingly sent me. May I ask the speedy attention of the department to the same

Yours &c
John Fitch
Troy NY

JL Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington DC

A H Sheldon is the new County Clerk of Rens Co
Page 41

Sarah Ostrander
under joint resolution & act of July 1838 -

Adwd: c $30.98 per ann:
from 4 March, 1836 to 
4 May, 1840 -


John Fitch Esq
Troy N. York
Page 42

Declaration In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of the 28th January 1845     
Whereas the act of the 30th of April 1844. prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make this statement & under oath to obtain the benefits of the resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of John Ostrander who was a private & sergeant in the war of the revolution, I have drawn a pension at the rate of thirty dollars & ninety eight cents per annum from the 4th of March 1843 to the first of September 1843 & from the 4th of May 1840 until the 4th of March 1841  and now ask for the amount due me from the 4th day of March 1836 to the 4th day of May 1840 from the first of September 1843 to the 4th of March 1844 when my former pension commenced.  Sarah Ostrander her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 3 day of March 1945 at Schodack Henry M. Smith  Justice  
Witnessed in presence of Benjamin Fitch.  
I certify that the declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit   
Henry M. Smith Justice
Rensselaer county ss     
I Ambrose H Shelton clerk of the county of Rensselaer do hereby certify that Henry M. Smith whose name is subscribed to the above certificate and affidavit was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Rensselaer, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that his name subscribed to the said transcript is his proper handwriting and signature.    
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county this Fourth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty five A H Shelton Clerk
Page 43

J Fitch
May 21/44

FREE

JL Edwards
Com of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 44

[stamp] TROY MAY 16 NY

FREE

JL Edwards Esq
Com of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 45

Troy May 15th 1844   
JL Edwards    
Comm    
Sir    
The Hon. D.L. Seymour has had the kindness to send me your letter to him of the 13th of May last. It grieves me to hear that you have not received the papers in the case of Sarah Ostrander. I caused the unauthenticated declaration to be duly authenticated & furnished an affidavit of Charity Schermerenhom who saw Mrs Ostrander married to John Ostrander & who well knows Mrs Sarah Ostrander ( Now Mrs Traver & the fact of their marriage can be proved by some 4 or 5 other persons who was present at the marriage    
The papers were - all sealed together in a proper manner & duly sealed and fastened together by the clerk of Rensselaer county &c     
On the 11th day of March 1844 they were enclosed and sent to you & on the paper which contained them made a statement of the facts which the case presented.    
They have either miscarried or are overlooked in the department. If they are not on file in the department. I will make out another set of papers and send them to Washington - but it would be a great favor to me. if you would cause a search to be made for them in the office - because to get a new set of papers - will cost 20 dollars & Mrs Ostrander (now Mrs Traver & her husband are not able to be at so much expense    
Please let me hear from you soon & if they are not in the Department I will immediately furnish another set Yours &c 
John Fitch Troy NY    
JL Edwards Com [Commissioner] sec of Pensions Washington DC
Page 46

See act Aug 2
1842
she was then a widow

Mr McRae will examine her case - particularly Mr Fitch will be here on Friday - I would be glad to get an ans to the agency at Albany to pay the widow her 4 years arrears
Page 47

Troy Feby 2 1853 
To the Comm of Pensions 
Sir    
In relation to the claim of Sarah Ostrander who filed her claim in the year 1841 or 2. I think and who was allowed a small pension under the Act of July 7 1838. and under the act giving one year additional pension.  I most respectfully request your personal attention    
The Pension department in conformity to the Law passed January 23d 1845 gave her a pension certificate pay commencing 4th March 1836 ending 4th May 1840 As she was by the act of July 7 1838 entitled.    
The act of 28 Jany 1845 expressly extending the Act of July 7, 1838 gives her the full benefit of the act giving 4 years additional pay    
And although married again “the marriage of the widow after the death of her husband for whoes services she claims a pension under the act of July 7 1838 is no bar to her drawing a pension under the act of July 7 1838."  Neither can it be a bar from drawing a pension under any act serving and continuing the act of July 7, 1838      
Her right to the 4 years pension the certificate of which she has no 133 dated April 13th 1845 accrued under the act of July 7, 1838 & the act July 23 1845 confirmed & continued the act of
Page 48

1838. Her right to the 4 yrs pension had become a vested right. It had accrued while she was the widow of John Ostrander. and no subsequent legislation can take it from her.   
The proofs were all filed as will be seen by the filing theron a 4 year previous to her marriage to wit July 1843. And it was the neglect of the department in overlooking her papers - That they were not examined in their proper order of reception. Had they had been examined she would have received her certificate while she was Sarah Ostrander     
The department says in a letter to me If the claim should hereafter be established Mrs Ostrander cannot be allowed a pension beyond the period of her last marriage to wit July 1843 This proves that the marriage of Mrs Ostrander was known to the department previous to the granting of the certificate no 133 dated April 17 1844.  In a letter to me dated May 21 1844 the proofs have been found. the department will in a few days examine them    
Mr Jenkins the clerk in the pension agency office Albany refused to pay the cert no 133 and wrote to the department concerning it and the department answer - under date May 5th 1845. "That when the pension certificate was issued for arrears under the act of July 7 1838 in the case of Sarah Ostrander from the 4th of March 1836. to the 4th of May 1840. it was not known that she had again married"
Page 49

AS the certificate was for claim under the act of July 7, 1838 - I cannot see how her marriage in July 1843 can properly disturb rights acquired previous to 1838      
The joint resolution of Jany 23 1845 expressly provides for such cases as hers and gives to all who drew their pay under the Act July 7, 1838 and of the act approved March 3 - 1843. for additional pay - This is precisely the present case and her marriage July 1843 does not affect her claim.   
It is clear from the records of department - see letters & cert -  examine cert - that the claim was filed in the department - A long time previous to her second marriage - proofs perfect -  and more than a year previous to her marriage July 1843 filed Aug 1842     
She was the widow Ostrander when the Act of March 3 1843 was passed. She had the benefit of the act of 1838 the one year act - & the law gave her four years more.  She was married to John Ostrander before 1800.    
John Fitch 
Troy NY     
Sarah Ostrander widow of John, married Conrad Traver who was a revolutionary pensioner, with whom she lived until Travis death. She continued to live after Travis decease his widow until her death some three years time