Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 4878, Nehemiah Baylis, Continental New York
Page 1

SERVICE: Continental New York
Baylis (or Balys or Bayles), Nehemiah (Rebecca)
NUMBER: W. 4878
Page 2

19348 
New York 
Nehemiah Baylis 
of Pittstown in the state of New York 
was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Matchen of the regiment commanded 
by Colonel Lamb in the New York 
line, for the term of 1777 - 1 year & 6 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of New York 
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on
the 7th of September 1824.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6 of Jany 1825 
and sent to the Hon J L Hogeboom 
House of Representatives 

portion of
Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1825  48-23 
[=] 48 - 23 

{Revolutionary claim,} 
{Acts March 18, 1818,} 
{May 1, 1820 & }
{1 March 1823}
Page 3

Left side:
Refd 
Let to Hon W. G. Hubbell Dec 19 '43 
[illegible- Cer?] to Pension Agt 12 April 1845 
To Michigan from 4 March 1844, 17 April 1845. Notification 
to Pension Agent Detroit Michigan 

Right side:
Michigan, 3213 
Rebecca Baylis 
widow of Nehemiah Baylis 
who was an Artificer N.Y. 
in the Revolution 

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

Certificate of Pension issued the 
4 day of Decr 1843
and sent to James Alley 
Howard, Steuben Co. NY 

[Act of March 3, 1843.] 
Recorded in Book A. 
Vol. 1. Page 102.
Page 4

[Postmark] DETROIT Mich. MAR 19
20 [postage]
Napoleon B. Lem Esqr
Norville
Jackson Co
Mich
Page 5

Application for a Transfer 

State of Michigan} 
Jackson County} ss 
On this 22nd day of March 1845 Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Jackson personally appeared Rebecca Balys who on oath declares that she is the same person who formerly drew a pension under the Acts of July 7, 1838 and March 4, 1843 for services rendered by her deceased husband Nehemiah Balys, that her name was placed on the pension Roll of the State of New York from whence she has lately removed, that she now resides in the State of Michigan where she intends to remain and wishes her Pension to be there payable in future. The following are her reasons for removing from the State of New York to the State of Michigan, viz. That her Niece Betsey Lemm with whom she had lived for a number of years removed to the State of Michigan County of Jackson for which cause it became necessary for her to remove also
Rebecca (X her mark) Balys 
Sworn & Subscribed to before me} 
the day and year aforesaid} 
[Signed] WM. L. PALMER Justice of the Peace 

March 22nd AD. 1845 
Oath of Witness 
State of Michigan} 
Jackson County} ss. 
On this 22nd day of March 1845 Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Michael Lemm who on his oath declares that Rebecca Balys is the identical person who drew a Pension as stated in the foregoing affidavit and is the same person who has sworn to and subscribed the above affidavit. 
[Signed] Michael Lemm
Sworn to and subscribed before me} 
the day and year aforesaid} 
[Signed] WM. L. PALMER Justice of the Peace
Page 6

Magistrates of Witness 
State of Michigan} 
Jackson County}  ss. 
I do hereby certify that Michael Lemm the Witness aforesaid is a person of truth and veracity 
[Signed] WM. L. PALMER Justice of the Peace 
March 22nd AD 1845 

County Clerks Certificate 
State of Michigan} 
County of Jackson} 
I Czar Jones Clerk of the circuit court of the Jackson County certify that William L. Palmer is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 25 day of March one thousand eight hundred and forty five. 
[Signed] Czar Jones Clerk
Page 7

State of New York Rensselaer County 
Mayors Court of the City of Troy in said County} ss. 
On this Seventh day of September 1824 personally appeared in open Court being a Court of Record for said City of Troy in the County aforesaid Nehemiah Baylis resident of the Town of Pittstown in the County of Rensselaer aforesaid aged sixty eight years who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he Served in the revolutionary war as follows -- to wit. that in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy five he entered the revolutionary army as a Soldier and Served under General Putnam one year and three months in the State of New York in the Companies commanded by Captains Schidmore, Ludnum an[d] Platt of the Continental Troops and that in the Year Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven he enlisted into the Corp of Engineers in Capt. Matchins Company in Col. Lambs Regiment of Artillery and was detached to work on the Chevaux-di frize [chevaux-de-frise] in the Hudson River and other works and Served one year and Six months and was then Honorable discharged, that in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine he this deponent volunteered in a Company Commanded by Capt Wood against the Indians under Col Brandt [Mohawk Joseph Brant] up the Delaware by some called the Minsink [Minisink] battle in which battle he this deponent was wounded in the head thigh and arm, that this deponent while he was in the Continental Service was wounded and otherwise disabled in the battle on Long Island against the Hessians, that he was in the battle against Rogers Rangers in West Chester County, that while in the service as aforesaid he was surfeited with heat which Together with his wounds renderd [sic] him wholly Incompetent and unable to provide a livelyhood [sic] for himself and wife by manual Labour, that his
Page 8

wife is now Sixty four years old and quite infirm and that he is absolutely in nead [sic] of the assistance of his county for support, and I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with Intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18th March 1818 and that I have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me Subscribed 
[Signed] Nehemiah Baylis
* 
[In margin] * Sworn to and declared on the seventh day of September 1824}
[Signed] Benj. Smith Clerk.

I have no real property whatsoever 
Personal property 
1 Mare ten years old worth --$25.00 
1 Two year old Colt -- 25.00. 
1 Cow $10, 1 Two year old Steer $5 -- 15.00 
1 Yearling Heifer $5, 1 Calf $2 -- 7.00 
Two Hogs $2.00, 10 Sheep $10 -- 12.00  
1 Old Waggon been used Sixteen years -- 8.00 
1 Waggon Chair $1, 1 plough old $1 -- 2.00 
1 Set drag teeth worth -- 1.00 
1 Fanning Mill 24 years old -- 5.00 
1 Old axe, 1 pol [?] wedges, 1 Short Chain -- 2.00
6 Knives and forks which have been used 20 years} 
6 pewter Spoons, 12 old plates and one platter and a} 
few other Small articles of kitchen furniture} -- 5.00
5 Chairs been in use about 40 years -- 2.00 
[=] $109.00

Pittstown July 27, 1824.
Page 9

I am a farmer by profession but So old and weak that I am not able to do but very little work.
[Signed] Nehemiah Baylis. 

State of New York} 
City of Troy}
Clerks office} 
I Benjamin Smith Cloke [clerk] of the Court of common pleas called the Mayors Court, held in and for the City of Troy do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Nehemiah Bayles did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceeding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months under one engagement, on the continental establishment. I also certify that the foregoing oath and schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court: and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the total amount of the value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule does not exceed the sum of one hundred and nine dollars. In testimony whereof I have hereto Subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court this seventh day of September 1824.
[SEAL]
[Signed] Benj. Smith Clerk.
Page 10

19,033
Nehemiah Bales
24 April

FREE [postage]
For the Secretary or Department of War
Washington
[STAMP] TROY MAY 12 [?]

Hon. Jas. L. Hogeboom
H.R.
Page 11

State of New-York,} 
Rensselaer County} SS. 
On this twenty fourth day of April 1818, before me the subscriber, first Judge of the County of Rensselaer personally appears Nehemiah Baylis aged Sixty Three years, resident in of Pittston in the County of Rensselaer in the said State who being by me forst duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:" That he the said Nehemiah volunteered in the year 1775 & served with & under Gen. Putman - One year & Three months in the state of New York in the companys commanded by Captains Sciddmore, Ludlum & Plott of the Continental Troops that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the last of August 1776 -- when he was discharged from service in West Chester state of New York 
in the year 1777 I enlisted in the Corps of Engineers Capt Matchins Company Col Lambs Artillery & worked on the Chevaux de frise in Hudson River & other works for One year & six months & was honorably discharged, and in 1779 [?] volunteered & was wounded & most disenabled, that he was in the battles with the Hessians on Long Island & at West Chester against Rogers Rangers & the Deleware against Brandt & the Savages when I was a Volunteer & wounded in the head, thigh & arm & have not received any pension and that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services. 
[Signed] Nehemiah Baylis
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid 
[Signed] Josiah Masters
I Josiah Masters first Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction that the said Nehemiah Baylis did serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. 
[Signed] Josiah Masters 

State of New York,}
Rensselaer County} ss. 
I Certify that Josiah Masters Esq. whose signature is affixed to the foregoing declaration, was on the Twenty fourth day of April last First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Rensselaer County 
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this Eleventh day of May A.D. 1818 
[SEAL]
[Signed] Joseph D Seldon Clerk
Page 12

State of New York} 
Rensselaer County} ss. 
I Josiah Masters first Judge of Rensselaer Common Pleas do certify that Nehemiah Baylis within named a resident near my neighbourhood owns a small farm & by his econemy & indistry of his family does not suffer for the necessaries of live: from his age & the injury of three wounds, he is unable to perform very little labor, is a meritorious man, I do not know to what exstent the war department constrains the words needs assistance from his country for support. I have therefore certified the facts. In the case heretofore committed it was verry much not to certify, unless the applicant was in extreme indigence. 
[Signed] Josiah Masters
Page 13

State of New York} 
County of Steuben} ss. 
On this Eighth day of January A.D. 1840 personally appeared before me Ziba A Leland First Judge of said County and presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the same County being a Court of Record, Rebecca Bayles a resident of Howard - in said County & State aged Eighty years last July, who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provission [sic] by act of congress passed July 7, A.D. 1838 
That she is the widow of Nehemiah Bayles late a United States pensioner who was a private in the army of the revolution - That she has no documentary Evidence in her possession of the services of her deceased husband as a private in the army of the revolution, but she is advised that the particulars of her deceased husbands revolutionary services, the names and rank of the field and company officers under and with whom he served, the day he entered the service and the time when he left the service, the nature character and particulars of his engagements and the service he performed and when and where performed and all such further particulars as may be useful in the investigation of the claim she prefers are to be found in the Records and memorials of the government. This portion of testimony she believes was furnished and authenticated and forwarded to the War Department by her late husband at the period he was inscribed on the pension list Roll of the New York agency. she prays this documentary and Record Evidence may be considered a part of hir [sic] case and referred to as [parcel?] thereof. 
She further declares that she was married to the said Nehemiah Baylis on the 11th day of November A.D. 1783 by Samuel Rowland Esqr a Justice of the Peace of the town of Pittstown Rensselaer County and State of New York. That she knows of no documentary evidence in support
Page 14

of her Marriage, that her husband the said Nehemiah Baylis died on the 16th day of September A.D. 1826, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. She prays further that the testimony of her Marriage and all other testimony heretofore forwarded that may be useful and proper to bring her claim to a fair and favourable result may be taken as a part of her case. 
Rebecca (X her mark) Baylis
Sworn to and Subscribed the 8th day of January 1840 before me. 
[Signed] Z A Leland 1st Judge  Steuben Co.

State of New York}
County of Steuben ss.}  
Betsey Lemm of the Town of Howard in said County of Steuben first being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith That she is acquainted with Rebecca Baylis above named and was acquainted with her before the death of her husband Nehemiah Baylis and has resided in the same family with the said Rebecca Baylis ever since the death of her said husband excepting the first three years next after the death of her said husband and that the said Rebecca has never married since the death of her said husband and still remains his widow. 
[Signed] Betsey Lemm
Sworn & Subscribed the 8th day of January 1840 before me
[Signed] Z A Leland
first Judge said Co.
Page 15

Revy
WIDOW, &c. 
File No. 4878 ow [initials]
Rebecca Baylis 
Widow of 
Nehemiah Baylis 
Artf'r. Rev. War 
Act: Mch. 3d '43 
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 30 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 16

Nehemiah Baylis NY. act 1818. when last pd?
G.M.C.
21. May '38

To 4th Sept 1826.
S.H.H.

N.York
Rebecca Baylis
let. to Hon. J.T. Andrews 14 March '38
"		"		" 29 May '38
Rejected 1838
see let to R. Campbell, April 24, 1838
do Hon. H. Hall Mar 2d '39
to J.C. Rouse 1 April 1839
do O.C. Meriall [?] Aug 17 '39
To Hon. H.P. Hunt 18 Dec 1839
To Hon. M. Mallory 9 Jany 1840
4 July 1836
Page 17

Albany 5058 
Rebecca Baylis 
widow of Nehemiah Baylis 
who was a pensioner under the Act of March 1818
 and who died on the 16. Sep. 1826 
of Steuben Co. in the State of N. York 
who was an Artificer in the company commanded 
by Captain Mackin of the regt. commanded 
by Col. Lamb in the N. York 
line for 1 year 

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany 
at the rate of 72 Dollars per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of February 
1840 and sent to Hon. Amasa Dana, H.R. 

Arrears to the 4th of Sep. '39  252.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar '40  36.00 
[=] $288.00 

{Act July 7, 1838.} 
Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 69 

Right side: 
Paid at the Treasury under the Act 
of the 6th April 1838  
from 4 March to 4 Sep 1840 
Agt Notified 8 July 1841.
Page 18

Crosswise:
Apl 7 '45
Mr Evans

f[ree - postage]
[Postmark] DETROIT Mich MAR 30
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington
Page 19

Pension Agency
Detroit 29 March 1845

J.L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I enclose Rebecca Balys application for a tranfer to this Agency. Her Post Office address is Norville, Jackson Co.
I am Sir respectfully
your obt. Servant
[Signed] E.P. Hastings
Pension Agent
Page 20

[Postmark] ALBANY N.Y. APR 10 [?]
James L. Edwards Esquire
Commissr of Pensions
War Dept
Washington City, D.C.

Crosswise:
Apl 16 1845
Mr. Evans
Page 21

MECHANICS' & FARMERS' BANK, 
Albany Pension Agency
April 14th 1845

JAMES L. EDWARDS, Esquire,
Commissioner of Pensions. 

Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 12th inst. I have to state, that Rebecca Baylis a Pensioner under the Act of 3d Mar 1843 at 72 Dollars per annum was last paid to the 4 day of March 1844 
I am, Sir, 
Very Respectfully, 
Your obt servt 
[Signed] Thos. W. Olcott 
PRES'T AND PENSION AGENT, 
Mr L. Jenkins
Page 22

J.L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Crosswise:
Jan 8, 1840
NY
Baylis
Hon. M. Mallory
HR
Page 23

Washington 7th Jany 1840 

Hon. JL Edwards 

Dr Sir
I enclose to you the letter of Robert Campbell Esqr. on the subject of Widow Rebeca Baylis application for Pension, will you please give me the necessary information and papers that I may enclose the same to him. 
I am Sir 
your obdt
Servt
[Signed] M Mallory
Page 24

Baylis
Page 25

House of Reps. 
Washington City 
12 Dec. 1843 

J.L. Edwards Esq. 
Dr. Sir 
I am requested to Enquire why Mrs Rebecca Bayles' Pension Certificate does not come to hand.
Also to ascertain if she would be entitled to back pay on her Husbands account, he not worth $500. when the bill passed and during that time, 
Would she not be entitled to a pension from the fact her Husband was Wounded and disabled while in Service, She shewing these facts 
With Great Respect 
yr. mo. obt. sr.
[Signed] Wm. S. Hubbell
Page 26

Bayles
[Postmark] WHITESTOWN N.Y. MAR [?]
[illegible - postage? or initials?]
James L Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City

Crosswise:
Jurat Mar 25 [?]
N.Y.
Page 27

Whitesboro Oneida Co New York 
March 13. 1838 

Sir
I have the honor to inform you that I wrote you requesting information in the case of Mrs Rebecca Bayles who has made application for a pension as the widow of Nehemiah Bayles late a pensioner and have recd no Answer. I likewise wrote to the Hon Mr Hall [?] a member of congress from Vermont and he forward me your Answer to him from which I learn that her case was provided for by the act of 1838 If married previous to 1794 and that documenty [sic] Evidence of her marrage [sic] should be procured if practicable. I would inform that at [illegible] of procuring the affidavit of Jonathan Rouse [Rowe?] who was present at her marriage that I made diligent search for documenty evidence but could find none. His affidavit accompanies application of Mrs Baylis and if it Should not be sufficient you will please inform me what more would be necessary. If you should further evidence as to the credibility of Mr Rouse I could forward you a commission [?] from Every Republican Governor of this State from the from Geo. Clinton down to DeWitt Clinton.
I would request your immediate attention to this and direct your Communication to me at Bennington Vermont 
Yours Respectfully 
[Signed] Joel C. Rowe 

James L. Edwards }
Com of pensions }
Page 28

House of Reps 
Feby 18th 1840

Hon J L Edwards 
Comr of Pensions 

Sir 
I send you inclosed the Pension papers of Mrs Baylis the widow of Nehemiah Baylis a Pensioner which I think you will find present a clear case 
Yours very Respy 
[Signed] Amasa Dana
Page 29

J.T. Andrews M.C.

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comr of Pensions
Washington

Crosswise:
Mar 6.
Jurat [?]
NY
J.T. Andrews
H.R.
Page 30

Free [postage]
[Postmark] Lansingburgh New York Sept. 13
Honl. J.C. Calhoun
Secretary of War
Washington City

Crosswise:
old case [?] 19,033
Nehemiah Baylis

E.W. Walbridge,
Lansingburgh N.Y.
Rec'd. 20 Sept. 1824
Susp'd. See letter 4 Dec 1824
Page 31

Honl. J.C. Calhoun,
Sir, Enclosed I send you a copy of the Declaration & Oath of Nehemiah Baylis, for the purpose of a pension. Mr Baylis has applied for a pension before this in the year 1819. If he could draw his pension the time of his first application I should be much pleased; He is honest old man, & quite feeble and is in want of his pension to live. His wife is old & infirm & not able to do any thing toward a living. Should his application be granted, and I presume it will, you will please to inclose his certificateto me  at this place. 
Respectfully Yours &c
[Signed] E. W. Walbridge 

Sept. 13, 1824 
Lansingburgh 
Rensselaer County 
New York
Page 32

Whereas the Bairer [sic] Nehemiah Balys in July 1779 was a residenter in Goshen in Orange County and State New York a Refugee from Jamaco [Jamaica] on Long Island at the Same Time I the Subscriber Commanded the Company of  Exgemts [?] in Goshen aforesaid &, on allarm of the Indians attacking Minisank [Minisink] in the Said County the Said Nehemiah Balys as a Voluntere [sic] Joined my Company and went with me on the allarm and was with me at the Battle with the Indians on Delaware River on the 22 July 1779 Where I was taken prisoner by Captain Brant & Carried to Niagara and from that to Canada where I remained a prisoner upwards of four years and on my Return was Informed the Said Nehemiah Balys was wounded in the Said Action and was for a long time under the Care of Docter John Gale and Docter Jonathan Livezy as Witness my hand this Second Day of November 1792 
[Signed] John Wood
Page 33

Schaghticoke November 20th 1818 [?] 
William Ray of the Town of Pittston in the County of Rensselaer & State of New York, do solemnly swear & declare in the presence of Almighty Good, That in the revolutionary war I was a Soldier & while stationed at Newburgh & Newindsor, I was acquainted with Nehemiah Baylis who had enlisted in the Corps of Engineers commanded by Capt. Matching in Col. Lambs Regiment of Artillery & I know he worked for more a year in that service & Regiment on the Cheveaux de frise
William [X his mark] Ray
Sworn before me the 20th day of November 1818 
[Signed] Josiah Masters first Judge 

I Josiah Masters certify that the above named William Ray is a Credible Witness 
[Signed] Josiah Masters first Judge
Page 34

Orange County ss.  personally appeared before me John Homan of the Town of New Windsor County of Orange and State of New York - who being duly Sworn according to Law, deposeth and Saith - Nehemiah Baylis (as he well recollects) did serve as an artificer in Captain Thomas Mackins Company in Colonel Lambs Regiment of Artillery for and during one whole year in the Continental Service - in the Warr of the Revolution - he thinks he Served in the years of 1777 and 1778
[Signed] John Homan
Sworn before me the}
4 day of Dec. 1818}
[Signed] Joseph Morrell
Commissionr 
 
State of New York} 
Orange County} 
[SEAL]
I David M. Westcott Clerk of the said County of Orange do hereby Certify that Joseph Morrell is one of the Commissioners in and for the said County - duly Commissioned and Sworn and by Law authorized to take any Affidavit or other Oath to be read or used in any Court of Record within this State, and that the signature "Joseph Morrell" above written is the proper
Page 35

Continued upside down at bottom:
hand writing of the said Joseph Morrell - In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said County of Orange the fourth day of December 1818.
[Signed] D.M. Westcott

I Certify that I am acquainted with the within named John Homan and that he is a man of of truth whose Affidavit may be Believed.
Decr. 4th 1818
[Signed] Joseph Morrell
Commissr.
Page 36

Left side:
Howard 
August 11 

Center:
free [postage]
Honl. James M Porter
Secretary of War
Washington D.C.

Right side:
3599 
Howard N.Y. 
Aug 9 '43 
James Alley 
Declarations of 
Rebecca Baylis 
& Tryphena Bling
for Pensions.
A 83. Rec Aug 16/43 
Pension Office. 
N.Y.
May 3d 1843
Page 37

Howard Steuben Co N.Y. Augt 9th 1843 

To the Hon Jas. M Porter Secretary of War 

Sir 
inclosed you will receive the Affidavits of Rebecca Baylis & Tryphena Bling with a Certificate thereunto the Clerk of Steuben County for the purpose of obtaining their Certificates to Enable them to draw their pensions under the Act of the 3th March 1843 
if all Correct Send their Certificates to Howard Steuben County New York & if there Should be any informality in the Allready inclosed please in form me in what Shape to proceed to obtain their Certificates to Enable them to draw their pensions 
Respectfully Yours
[Signed] James Alley
Page 38

J.L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Page 39

Bennington, May 24. A.D. 1839. 

Dear Sir,
By request of a near relative of the within named applicant & friend I write you on behalf of Rebecca Baylis, and enclose her declaration, with the testimony of Joel C. Rouse. I am informed by her friend my employer, as well as by her enclosed declaration, that further and sufficient evidence to establish her rights under the law of July 1838, are now in possession of the department. 
Will you have the goodness to examine the enclosed papers as well as the further testimony in your possession, and referred to by the declarant in her last declaration, and as soon as convenient after due consideration, make known to me your decision in her case. Should you decide she is entitled to a pension certificate under the law aforesaid, her relative & friend now here, wishes it may be sent to my care, as he will leave this place for the residence of Mrs Baylis, about the 20th of June ensuing, or sooner, if the certificate should be granted & received previous to that time. I have no personal interest in this last request, and can only say it will be a safe medium of conveyance to the old lady, & through the hands of her approved agent will be delivered to her. 
It would be appear by a letter now before me from the the Pension Office, signed by Geo. Wm. Crump, that previous to the law of July 1838, Mrs Baylis had preferred her claim for pension as widow of Nehemiah Baylis, and that this application was rejected in March 1838. Among the papers accompanying this her application, I am informed there are authenticated papers bearing testimony important & necessary in the present application, and which it is requested may be examined. This letter
Page 40

was addressed to Hon. J. T. Andrews, and further states that (Mrs Baylis) "in her declaration it is asserted that he (her late husband) died 10th Sept. 1825, whereas it appears that his stipend was paid to 4 Sept. 1826." It now appears that Nehemiah Baylis died 16 Sept. 1826 -- this is the correct day. How the error as to the death of Mr Baylis happened cannot now be explained -- it was probably a clerical error, in Mrs Baylis' first declaration. This is probably unimportant as it is now corrected. 
As to service of her late husband Nehemiah Baylis it is presumed the Department is in possession of sufficient testimony, as he was placed on the pension roll I believe in Sept. 1824. This evidence she prays may be resorted to, and examined as testimony in her case. 
From this evidence of service, from the authenticated evidence accompanying her first application and the declaration & testimony within forwarded -- it is supposed her claim is established very plainly. 
Please consider the case immediately. 
Yours &c 
with esteem & respect,
O.C. Merrill.
P.S. I enclose Nehemiah Baylis'} 
certificate of Pension}

J. L. Edwards Esq. 
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
Page 41

State of New York }
Steuben County } ss. 
on the fifth day of August 1843 personally appeared before me Rebecca Baylis a resident of the town of Howard in the County of Steuben and State aforesaid aged Eighty four years who being duly Sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following Oath in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3th day of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of Nehemiah Baylis who was an Artificer in the War of the Revolution, but Cannot recollect who he served under, and that She is the Identical person named who drew a pension for five years under the Act of the 7th July 1838 and that she received Seventy two dollars per annum and that the Certificate which she drawed her money on was Signed by J R Poinsett Dated 20th day of Febry 18[??] and that She has not intermarried but Continues the widow of the above named Nehemiah Baylis 
Sworn and Subscribed the 5th day of August 1843 
Before me [Signed] A. A. Olmstead} Justice
Rebecca (X her mark) Baylis

I certify that the above named Rebecca Baylis is personally Known to me and that she is the Identical person which has heretofore drawn a pension for five years under the Act of the 7 July 1838.
Howard August 5th 1843. [Signed] A.A. Olmstead } Justice
Page 42

State of New York }
Steuben County ss} I William Hamilton Clerk of the said County do Certify, That Augustus A. Olmstead Esquire before whom the preceeding Affidavit purports to have been Sworn, was at the date of the same, One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Steuben and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his Signature Subscribed to the said Affidavit, and also to the preceeding Certificate to be his proper hand writing and Signatures 
Witness my hand and Seal of Office this Ninth day of August A.D. 1843. 
[SEAL]
[Signed] Wm Hamilton Clerk 

Crosswise:
A83
3599 
Rebecca Baylis 
$72

James Alley
Howard
Steuben Co
N.Y.
Page 43

Pittstown Sept 8th 1819 
Having been personally acquainted with Mr Nehemiah Baylis upwards of twenty one years and having been likewise his principal family physician for a considerable part of that time -- I do hereby certify that said Baylis has ever been from my earliest Knowledge of him a person of feeble slender constitution and who in consequence of which has during that time very frequenly [sic] been unable to attend to his ordinary occupation -- his disorder is a nervous one and was occasioned by overheating and inflaming the system and by credible report was done during several engagements while in the revolutionary service he has also sears of wounds received while in said service which together with his former in injury ought to entitle him to a pension which by an act of Congress was granted for the relief the wounded and disabled revolutionary soldiers of his description 
[Signed] David Doolittle
Page 44

Payable semi-annually. The first payment on this Certificate will be made on the 4th of March in the year 1825 at New York by the Prest. U.S. Br. Bank

Recorded by B.L. Beale
Clerk, in Book B, Vol. 5 page 168
Exd. J.L. Edwards
Page 45

War Department, 
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. 

I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Laws of the United States, of the 18th of March, 1818, 1st of May 1820 & 1st March 1823 
Nehemiah Baylis late a Private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the New York Agency, at the rate of eight dollars per month, to commence on the Seventh day of September one thousand eight hundred and twenty four. 
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Sixth day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty five
[SEAL]
[Signed] J.C. Calhoun 
Secretary of War.
Page 46

TREASURY DEPARTMENT. 
Second Comptroller's Office
June 25th 1841. 

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Rebecca Baylis, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of Seventy two Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7th July 1838, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March to the 4th Sept. 1840 [?].
Respectfully yours, 
[Signed] Albion K. Parris 
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions, 
Present.
Page 47

183
Hon. James L. Edwards
Comr of pensions
Washington City
Howard
Feby 10

Crosswise:
Febr 9
Jurat
NY
Page 48

Bath Steuben Co New York 
February 11. 1839 

Mr. J. L. Edwards 

Sir Mrs. Rebecca Baylis Widow of the Late Nehemiah Baylis a pensioner of the revolution has made an application for a pension under the act granting pensions to widows of revolutionary Soldiers and her claim has been rejected My object in writing is to have you inform me on what ground her claim was rejected and whether She is not entiled [sic] to a pension under the act of last Session granting pensions to widows for five years 
Yours respectfully 
[Signed] Joel C. Rouse 

PS  forward me the necesry papers for making application the different acts 
[Signed] J C Rouse
Page 49

N.York
Aug 23

[Postmark] BATH N.Y. AUG 17
FREE [postage]
JL Edwards Esq
Commissioner of pensions
Washington
Page 50

Bath NY. 17 Aug 1838 

J L Edwards Esq 

Dear Sir
Will you please forward to me a copy of the pension Law passed at last Session of Congress in behalf of the widows of decd pensioners and also the set of forms addopted you under said Law 
[In margin:] Reg: sent Aug 23 1838.

Will you inform me that decision has been made in reference to the case of Rebecca Baylis forwarded to you by the Hon J T Andrews 
Yours Respectfully 
R Campbell Jr [?]
Page 51

Saratoga County ss: Jonathan Rouse of Saratoga Springs Saratoga County in the State of New York being duly sworn before me the undersigned Chancellor of the state of New York -- deposeth & saith that he is aged seventy six years. That he is the brother of Rebeca Baylys widow of Nehemiah Baylis deceased. That he was acquainted with the said Nehemiah Baylys during his lifetime. That the said Rebecca was married to the Said Nehemiah Baylis at Pittstown Renselaer [sic] County in the State of New York about the Eleventh day of November AD 1782. That this deponent was present at the Marriage of the said Rebecca and the said Nehemiah Baylis. That they were married by Samuel Rowland Esq a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Rensalaer.  And this deponent further saith that said Nehemiah Baylis died on the 16 day of September 1825 at Pittstown aforesaid. That he was present at his death. That it was supposed & this deponent supposes that the said Nehemiah Baylis died of the consumption. And this deponent further Saith that the said Nehemiah Baylis, from the time of his service in the revolutionary war never was a healthy man and this deponent believes that the disease of which he died had its origin in the privations and hardships & suffering Which he endured during the said War. 
And this deponent further saith that the said Rebecca & Nehemiah lived together as husband & wife from their Marriage until the death of the said Nehemiah and the said Rebecca has always from the time of his death remained & still is a widow & unmarried.
And this deponent further saith that he is old & infirm in body & unable without great inconvenience to appear in Court. 
[Signed] Jonathan Rouse
I certify that before me came} 
Jonathan Rouse to me known} 
& made & subscribed the foregoing}
(over)
Page 52

affidavit this 18 day of September}
1837. And I further certify that he is}
a man of reputable character & that}
his affidavit is Entitled to credit}
& that I have long been acquainted with him many years
[Signed] R Hyde Woodworth
Chancellor of the State of New York
Page 53

[Postmark] BATH N.Y. FEB 24
FREE [postage]
Hon Jno T Andrews
Mem of Congress
Washington

3204- 36
&
7477- '38
Rebecca Baylis
widow of Nehemiah
N.Y.
Hon. J.T. Andrews
HR
Page 54

State of New York} 
Steuben County} ss: 
On this eleventh day of October 1837, personally appeared before Robert Morrell Esquire Circuit Judge of the sixth circuit at a circuit court held in and for the County of Steuben, being a court of record, Rebecca Bayles a resident of Howard in said County of Steuben and State of New York and who being first 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 4th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3d 1837. that she was married to Nehemiah Bayles who was a Soldier of the Revolution on the eleventh day of November 1782 at Pittstown Rensselaer County in the State of New York by Samuel Rowland Esquire a Justice of the peace: that the said Nehemiah Bayles died on the 16th day of September 1825 at Pittstown aforesaid of consumption as this deponent believes occasioned by the hardships privations and sufferings which he endured during the Revolutionary War. That this deponent and the said Nehemiah Bayles, from the time of their marriage as above stated, until the death of the said Nehemiah Bayles, lived together as man and wife; that this deponent has not been married since the death of the said Nehemiah Bayles, but still remains his widow. 
And as to the rank which the said Nehemiah Bayles held in the army of the Revolution, and the services which he performed during the Revolutionary War, this claimant refers to the evidence and vouchers thereof to be found on file at the War department of the United States. 
Rebecca (X her mark) Bayles 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before the above named Circuit Judge in open Court and read over to applicant - In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County
[Signed] Wm. H. Bull Clerk
Page 55

Bath 24 February 1838 

Hon Jno T Andrews 

Dear Sir 
Enclosed I hand you papers to be presented at the Pension Office to procure a pension for [Mrs?] Bailis a widow of a Revolutionary soldier 
Please examine these papers & if possible obtain a pension 
Yrs truly [?]
[Signed] R Campbell Jr
Page 56

State of New York}
Steuben County ss.} 
I Ziba A Leland first Judge of said County as aforesaid do hereby certify that that the above named Rebeca Baylis by reason of bodily infirmity and age is unable to appear in court and that I am personally acquainted with her the said Rebecca and also the above named Betsey Lemm and that their moral characters are good & of good standing in [illegible] and that their statements are entitled to full credit
[Signed] Z A. Leland 

State of New York} 
County of Steuben ss} 
I, William Hamilton Clerk of the said County, do Certify that Ziba A. Leland Esquire before whom the preceeding affidavits purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, First Judge of the County Courts for the said County. And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavits and Certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand seal of Office this 10th day of February A.D. 1840 
[Signed] Wm Hamilton Clerk
Page 57

Previously ent'd See No 5477

M'd 11 Nov 1782
Husband died 16 Sep 1826

Col Lamb}
Capt Mackin} N.Y. Line
Admitted
Private 12 months
Artillery Artificer

Hon. Amara Dana
HR
Page 58

Common Wealth of Pennsylvania} 
Erie County ss} 
Casper M Rouse of Wattsburgh in said County being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Rebecca Baylis of the Town of Howard in the County of Steuben in the State of New York who is this Deponents Sister, that he was present at the marriage of the said Rebecca to Nehemiah Bayles and saw the ceremony performed by Samuel Rowland a Justice of the peace of the Town of Pittstown Rensselaer County in the State of New York which Town the said ceremony took place and that said Marriage took place in the fall of one thousand seven hundred and eighty two or one thousand seven hundred & eighty three deponent not contain which of those years the marriage took place of the said Nehemiah and Rebecca but is certain that it was one of those years and in the fall of one of those years 
[Signed] Casper M Rouse
Sworn and subscribed this 29th day of January 1840 before me}
[Signed] James C Price J.P. 

State of Pennsylvania} 
Erie County ss.} 
I, William Kelley Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do Certify that James C Price Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was Sworn to, was at the time and still [?] is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn, to all whose official acts as such full faith and Credit is due, and this his signature is genuine 
In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court this 30th day of January 1840 
[SEAL]
[Signed] William Kelley Pro.
Page 59

[mis-filed?]

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51 
12 - 5 - 41 
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME: Baylis, William,  GRADE: Private, LINE: Crane's Continental Artillery (Massachusetts)
WARRANT NUMBER: 3829,  ACREAGE: 100,  ISSUED Mar. 26, 1792  to Francis Graves, 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.