Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,922, John Chesley, New York
Page 1

(8-1776)
Service   
New York 
Chesley, John   
Magdalena  

Number
W. 4922
B.L. Wt. 14962-160-55 

Contents [blank]
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Albany, N. York 31,705

John Chesley of Herkimer Co. in the State of N. York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Houk of the Regt commanded by Col Van Alstine in the N. York line for 11 months private. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of February, 1840 and sent to Hon. T. C. Chittenden, H. of Reps

Arrears to the 4th of March, 1840 $329.94
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sep " 18.33
$348.27
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk

Book [E?]2   Vol. 4   Page 12

Hon. T. C. Chittenden
July 20, 1840

Letter Hon D. Gott 10th April 1850
Page 3

1147
New York  Albany
Magdalena Chesley widow of John Chesley N.Y. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36, Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the [4th day of March, 1848 - crossed out]. 30th January 1852.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24th day of August, 1854 and sent to John Wilson
St Johnsville
N. York

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
July 29, 1848, Page 72 Vol. A

(32)

Date of death not on AB
Page 4

119.983/ Act Mar. 3/55
May 7/55

Magdaline   Wid
John Chesley   Priv

Private
Col Wiesenfeld
N.Y. Troops
Rev. War

[Illegible] July 48-1147

Ad 160 Acres Jany24/56

Dodge

Jno Wilson St. Johnsville N.Y.

No 14962 issued Jan 29/56

Vol. C1-100.
Page 5

State of New York
County of Herkimer
On this thirteenth day of Oct. 1832 personally appeared in open court before the court of common pleas in and for the county of Herkimer in the state of New York, now sitting John Chesley a resident of the town of West Brunswick in the county of Herkimer and state of New York aged seventy years, Who first being 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 7 1832- That he enlisted in the service of the United States, under the following named officers and served as here in states. That he was born in the town of Kinderhook in the (now) county of Columbia on the 13 day of January 1762. Was living in the town of Claverack in said county at the time he enlisted in the service of the United States and the Militia of the said town of Kinderhook made arrangements among themselves to procure or hire a certain number of men to go with the service, and in pursuance of said arrangement this deponent was hired as a substitute in this manner for Frederick Moot and entered under Capt. Houk early in the spring of the year 1778. in the Militia of the state of New York Lucias Osterhaut (does not know the Ensign) Marched to Johnstown and served one month and was discharged has no written discharge, this was in Col. Van Alstines Regiment. And again he enlisted at Kinderhook as a substitute for William Pike under Capt. Tisdell Marched to Cherry Valley was stationed there one month and was attached Col. Aldins Regiment served out his time and was discharged.
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and in November the same year he
enlisted the third time at Kinderhook
as a substitute for John Kittle under
said Capt Gershom Truesdale of New Concord. Marched to Schoharie and was stationed there one month and was dismissed, no written discharge-
and the said John Chesley further
declares that he again enlisted as a substitute
(but does not know the man for who he went)
At Kinderhook under ^ one St Hovenbar[?] who took them to Albany, then marched to Fort Plank and at Cooperstown and was put in Capt Fowler in the Light Infantry in Col. Weissenfelts
Regiment for nine months, and
Marched to Tioga Point in Gen. James Clinton
Brigade, met and fought the enemy at
Newtown near the Chemung River the
enemy consisted of Indians and Torries
commanded by Col. Brandt (Indian) and
Col. Butter a Torrie-- then the Americans,
this deponent being one, marched west
as far as Genessee River, some skirmishes
took place, Levi Boyd was killed by
the Indians, and then marched back to
Wyoming and stayed there a short
time, and then marched to East town[Easton?]
in Pennsylvania, and then marched
to Delaware River. remained there
a short time and then marched to
Morristown in New Jersey and there
went into Winter quarters, and remained
there until the expiration of his term
of nine months and was then discharged
had a written discharge signed by
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Thinks said discharge has a long time been lost or out of his possession and cannot now give any account of it. And the said John Chesley declares that he lived in Kinderhook after the war about thirty years, then moved to the town of Nassau in the county of Rensselaer lived there three or four years, then moved to Middlefield Otsego county then moved to Paris in the county of Oneida and lived there two years, then moved to Nobles Borough (now West Brunswick} in the county of Herkimer and has lived there ever since it being about sixteen years. Has no record of his age except in the records in Columbia County. he having been baptized there. And the said deponent says he has no documentary evidence that he knows of no person whom testimony he can provide who can testify to his service. But he thinks David Thorpe and John J Hemstreet of West Brunswick will vouch for his reputation as a soldier. And this deponent further declares that in or about the year 1819 he made application for a pension under the then existing Pension laws and failed to obtain one. Thinks the papers then made out and sent to the war department by Judge Wertel Willoughby may now be found in the department; the witnesses then sworn are since dead. And he has relinquished every claim to a pension or annuity except the present. And
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his name is not on the pension roll
of the agency of any state or territory.
Sworn in open Court
Oct 13th 1832
John Chesley [signature]
Julius Nelson Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the Investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier
and served as he states-
I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said Court of Common Pleas of the County of Herkimer, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Chesley for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of Office this 13th
day of October 1832
Julius C Nelson Clerk
Page 9

We John D. Hemstreet & David Thorp residing in the town of West Brunswick County of Herkimer & State of New York hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Chesly who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration
that we believe him to be Seventy years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion We further certify that
there is no clergyman residing in said town.
John D Hemstreet
David Thorp

Sworn and subscribed this
6th day of October 1832 
before me
Geo A Coppernoll Justice of the Peace
These are respectable men & it would be inconvenient for them to come &c

State of New York
County of Herkimer }ss
At a court of Common Pleas held at the courthouse in Herkimer in & for the county of Herkimer the said being a court of record having by law a clerk and seal now sitting in the term of June 1834 the said court do hereby certify that it appears to them that John D Hemstreet who has signed the preceding certificate hereunto annexed is a resident of the town of West Brunswick in the county of Herkimer and State of New York and that David Thorp who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of West Brunswick in said county and state and that they the said John D Hemstreet and David Thorpe above named are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit and belief. And the said court further certify that in their opinion the said applicant cannot produce in court John D Hemstreet and David Thorpe without too much expense and inconvenience to him the said applicant to subscribe and be sworn to him the said certificate and that the said court have therefore received the said certificate on the same being authenticated according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this --- day of June 1834

State of New York
County of Herkimer Ss: I Julius C Nelson Clerk
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State of New York
County of Herkimer }ss
At a court of Common Pleas held at the courthouse in Herkimer in & for the county of Herkimer the said being a court of record having by law a clerk and seal now sitting in the term of June 1834 the said court do hereby certify that it appears to them  that John D Hemstreet who has signed the preceding certificate hereunto annexed is a resident of the town of West Brunswick in the county of Herkimer and State of New York and that David Thorp who has also signed the same is a resident in the said town of West Brunswick in said county and state and that they the said John D Hemstreet and David Thorpe above named are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit and belief. And the said court further certify that in their opinion the said applicant cannot produce in court John D Hemstreet and David Thorpe without too much expense and inconvenience to him the said applicant to subscribe and be sworn to their said certificate and that the said court have therefore received the said certificate on the same being authenticated according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this --- day of June 1834

State of New York
County of Herkimer } ss
I Julius C Nelson Clerk of the said county and of the court of common pleas in and for the said county do hereby certify that the forgoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Chesley for a pension and I do hereby further certify that George A Coppernoll
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before whom the certificate of John D. Hemstreet 
and David Thorp hereunto annexed
purports to have been sworn was at the date of
the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County of Herkimer duly commissioned and
qualified and I further certify that I am well
acquainted with the handwriting of him the
said George A. Coppernoll, Justice of the Peace
above named and that I believe that his name
subscribed to the said Certificate is his genuine
handwriting and signature - In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed my official seal this fourth day of
June 1834-
Julius C Nelson Clerk
-
16.128
In the matter of the
application of John
Chesley for a pension
-
7 June 1832
Albany New York
Declaration & proofs
3 mo militia
8 mo NY line
--
adm'd
11 mo pri
--
36.66

Hon J C Chittenden HR
Page 12

State of New York 
County of Montgomery ⎬ SS
On this 2nd day of August
A.D. One thousand Eight hundred and
Fifty three personally appeared before the under
signed, County Judge of the County aforesaid
Magdalena Chesley a resident of the town of
Minden County of Montgomery and State
of New York, aged Eighty two years, who
being duly sworn according to law, doth
on her oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefits of provisions
made by the act of Congress, passed or approved the 27th
day of July 1848. She declares on her oath
that she is the widow of John Chesley who
was a private in the Revolutionary army
in the war of the Revolution, that her said
husband was a pensioner of the United States
under the act of 7th June 1832 and
drew a pension of Thirty Six Dollars & Sixty Six cents
per annum, and begs leave to refer to the
proof of service of her said husband
now on file in the Pension Department
for evidence of service. 
She further declares that
she was married to the said John Chesley
on the Eleventh day of November in the
year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty
Eight, that her husband the aforesaid
John Chesley died on the Thirtieth day
of January in the year Eighteen hundred
and fifty two that she was not married
to him prior to his leaving the service
but the marriage took place previous to the
second of January Eighteen hundred, viz:
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at the time above stated. She further swears that she is now a widow and that she has never before made any application for a pension and remains the widow of the said John Chesley.

her
Magdalena  X   Chesley
mark

Witness  J W Hamilton

Subscribed & sworn to before me in open Court Aug. 2. 1853
P. Belding Jr
County Judge of
Montgomery County
Page 14

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

I, J. W. VAN DERVEER, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Samuel Belding Jr, Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledge to which this is annexed, was on the date of the same County Judge, in and for said County, dwelling in said County, duly qualified, and authorized by law to take the same, and that the said certificate of proof, &c., is taken according to the laws of this State. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe his signature to the said Certificate is genuine.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my official seal, at FONDA, this 2 day of August 1853.

J. W. VAN DERVEER Clerk.
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The following is a true extract from the record of marriages of the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack, as kept by the Revd John G. Gebhand when pastor of said Church, now in my possession. To wit-
" of 11 day November 1788 John Chesley & Magdalena Laud I zu getrouwt [dutch translation - married]"
 Ira C. Boice pastor
of the Refd D. Church
of Claverack
Novr 6th 1852

State of New York
Columbia County ⎬ SS.
Ira C Boice being duly sworn says he is Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Claverack in the County aforesaid, that the Records of said Church are in his possession, that the Revd J G Gebhard was formerly the Pastor of said church, that the record above is a true copy of the Record of the marriage of John Chesley to Magdalena Land and from said record it appears that the said John & Magdalena were married on the Eleventh day of November 1788 by the said John G Gebhard, pastor of the church as aforesaid, all of which I believe true
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Subscribed Sworn to before me this 4th day of April 1852   Ira C. Boice  Sign name here

State of New-York,
Columbia County Clerk's Office. } SS.
I, D. C. NEEFUS, Clerk of the County of Columbia, do hereby certify that
E. G. Studley whose name is
subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument,
was, at the time, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and duly authorized
to take the same; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said
Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine. And
that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of the State of New York.
In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my name, and affixed the seal of said County, this
13th day of May    A.D. 185[3?]
D.C. Neefus
Clerk.
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State of New York
Montgomery County } ss
On this 28th day of April A.D. one
thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Martin Walrath a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Magdalena Chesley
aged Eighty four years last past a resident of Minden in the State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John Chesley deceased who was a private in the war of the Revolution and was a pensioner under the Act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 (she believes) and
drew a pension of thirty Six Dollars and sixty six
cents per annum. That she is now a pensioner
and is inscribed, on the pension list at Albany
pension Agency, in conformity with the act of 
July 29th 1848, at the rate of Thirty six Dollars and Sixty six cents per annum; and that her pension certificate bears date August 24th 1854, No 1147
Recorded in the pension office, on the Roll of Pensioners under act of February 2d 1848, page 72, Vol. A that the proof of her husbands service and death and her marriage to him are now on file in the Pension Office, at Washington with the other papers upon which her said pension was granted
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3d 1855".
Magdalena Chesley X her mark

We Catharine Bauder and John Wilson the former a resident of Minden
the latter of St Johnsville
upon our oaths declare that the foregoing
declaration was signed and acknowledged
by Magdalena Chesley in our presence
and
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and that we believe from the appearance and
statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that she is now a widow.
Catharine Bauder
John Wilson
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person the represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.
M. Walrath Justice of the peace

STATE OF NEW YORK,
Montgomery County Clerk's Office. } SS.
I. J. W. VAN DERVEER, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that
M. Walrath, Esquire, whose name is subscribed
to the certificate of proof or acknowledgement to which this is annexed, was on the
date of the same a JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, in and for said County, and dwelling in
said County, duly qualified and authorized by law to take the same, [sentence crossed out]
And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said JUSTICE, and verily believe his signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed my seal
at Fonda, this first day of May 1855
J W VanDerver Clerk. of
Montgomery Co.

119.983
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No 16128
John Chesley
Herkimer Co NY

Hon A Mann Jr
HR

[words crossed out]
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 16 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A statement, shewing the service of John Chesley Herkimer County NY

[Table columns: Period when the service was rendered. | Duration of the
claimant's service. Years/Months/Days | Rank of the claimant. | Names and Rank
of the Company officers under whom he served. | Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. | Battles in which the applicant was engaged. | Country through which he marched. | Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. | Evidence by which the declaration
is supported.]

1788 to Jany 1780 | [four periods] 1mo/ 1 mo / 1 mo / 9 mo | Private | Captn Houk, Lieut Ostenhaut, Captn Tisdale, Captn Fowler | Col VanAlstine, Col Aldam Asst Col Weissenfelt, Col Christion, Co Burnett, Col Butler | Newtown | [Fort] Johnson, Schoharie, [illegible], Albany, Cooperstown, Wyoming, Easton, Delaware, Morristown, N Jersey | 70 years, Columbia Co NY | Traditional evidence

I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolla of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, territory, or district of County of } ss
On this -- day of -- personally appeared (a) before -- A.B. a resident (b) of --
in the county of -- and State, Territory or District -- of aged (c) -- 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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) --, with -- and served in the -- (e) regiment of the -- line, under the following named officers:
(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.   A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I --- of the Court of --- do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of --- for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this --- day of --- &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the --- and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ---, who has subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be --- years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. --- who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the --- and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I --- Clerk of the Court of --- do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of --- for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this --- day of --- &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but it neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 22

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declaration above provided, according to the nature of his case.
         The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops, of Virginia.
     1. Where and in what year were you born?
     2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
     3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you live now?
     4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
     5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers
     6. 
{To a Soldier.{ Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
{To an Officer.{ Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
     7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
      The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
      The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and the inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
       The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
       Applicants unable to appear in Court by any reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
       Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of a proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is is genuine signature.
       No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rules laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For --- year -- months, and ----- days, I served as a --- and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from an other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains
the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses,
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
us the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule to note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Departures, with the declaration.
[handwritten] The court has not officially given the require certificate of the character
of the traditioners.
Page 23

February 17, 1931

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
EEL

Mrs. H. R. Johnson
420 West Fourth Street
Wellington, Kansas

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in
the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4922, that John
Chesley was born January 13, 1762, in Kinderhook, New York.
.
While residing in Claverack, Columbia County, New York,
he enlisted early in the spring of 1778, and served
three tours of one month each, the third enlistment being
in November of that year, as a private under Captains
Huyck and Gershom Truesdel and Colonel Van Alstine in the
New York Troops.

He enlisted in the year 1779, exact date not given,
served as a private in Captain Fowler's Company, Colonel
Van Cortland's New York Regiment, was in the battle of
Newtown, and in several skirmishes, and was discharged in
January, 1780, length of service nine months.

He afterward enlisted and served as a private in Captain
Fowler's Company, Colonel Van Cortland's New York
Regiment, length of this service three years, no details
given.

After the Revolution, he lived in Kinderhook, New York,
for about thirty years, then moved to Nassau, Rensselaer 
County, New York, where he lived for three or four
years, then moved to Middlefield, Otsego County, then to
Paris, Oneida County, where he lived for two years, and
then to Noblesboro (later West Brunswick), Herkimer County,
New York.
Page 24

He was allowed pension on his application executed
October 13, 1832, while residing in West Brunswick, New York.
In 1837, he was residing in Paris, New York, and
in 1849, in Van Buren, Onondaga County, New York.

He died January 30, 1852, in Van Buren, New York.
In 1840, it was stated that he had been blind for six years.

The soldier married November 11, 1788, in Claverack,
New York, Magdalena Laud. Their marriage was recorded
on the records of the Dutch Reformed Church of Claverack.

She was allowed pension on her application executed
August 2, 1853, at which time she was aged eighty-two
years and resided in Minden, Montgomery County, New York.
In 1855, she was still living and resided in said Minden.

There is no reference to children.

In 1854, Lydia Delano, then aged sixty-five years,
and David Delano, aged sixty-seven years, were residents
of Van Buren, New York, no relationship to soldier shown.

The above is the history of the only soldier named
John Chesley, of New York, found on the Revolutionary War
records of this bureau and said records fail to afford
any information in regard to Elihu or Thompson Phillips
or Philips.

No charge is made for this service.

Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 25

State of New York
Onondaga County } ss
On this 8th day of July AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Lydia Delano aged sixty five years last past a resident of the town of New Berlin in said county who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that she was well acquainted with John Chesley deceased (late of Van Buren) a pensioner of the US and also with his widow Magdelena Chesley. That the said John died in the month of January AD 1852 at the town aforesaid and deponent further testifies that the said Magdelena is the identical person who is the widow of the said John Chesley; that she has not intermarried since the death of her husband. but still continues his widow. that she now resides in the town of Minden Montgomery County in said state and that previous to her removal she resided in the said town of Van Buren; county and state above named.
Lydia Delano X her mark
witnesses Geo A Stanbury, EB Wigent
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
Geo A Stansbury Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named deponent and know them to be a resident of the town of Van Buren in said count of Onondaga That she is a reputable person and her statement worthy of full credence and belief.
Geo A Stansbury
Justice of the Peace
Page 26

State of New York
Onondaga County } ss
On this 8th day of July AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty four personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid David Delano aged sixty seven years last past a resident of the town of Van Buren in said county who being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with John Chesley deceased a pensioner of the US and also with his widow Magdelena. That the said John died in the month of January AD one thousand eight hundred and fifty two at the town of Van Buren aforesaid and deponent also testifies that the said Magdelena Chesley is the identical person who is the widow of the said John; that the said Magdelana has not intermarried since the death of her husband. but still continues his widow. that she now resides in the town of Minden Montgomery County NY in and that previous to her removal she resided in said town of Van Buren; county of Onondaga.
David Delano

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
Geo A Stansbury Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Onondaga County Clerks Office } ss
I certify that Geo A Stansbury whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the annexed instruments was at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, and duly qualified and authorized to take the same. And I further certify that I am well acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe the signatures to said Jurats are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Syracuse, this 7th day of August 1854.

Geo A Stansbury
Justice of the Peace

Barnard Slocum Clerk
Page 27

county of Onondaga.
David Delano

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
Geo A Stansbury Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named deponent and know that he is a resident of said town of Van Buren county of Onondaga that he is a reputable person and his statements entitled to full credence + belief.
Geo A Stansbury Justice of the Peace
Page 28

State of New York
Oswego County } ss
John Chesley of the
of the town of Paris in said County being duly sworn
doth depose & say that in the fall of 1852
in the County of Herkimer, he made application
for a pension under the act of 7th June 1832
before the Court of Common Pleas of said County.
That his papers were forwarded to the War
Department by Sherman Wooster Esq when as
he is informed they are now on file, that at the time of
making his first declaration he declared for
one years service only, believing at the time,
that one years service would entitle him to
a full Pension, and not knowing then of any
living witness by whom he could prove a longer
time of service. That since making said
declaration he has found a witness by the
name of Edward Walker who was in the service
with this deponent for the term of
three years, and whose affidavit of such
service has since been forwarded to the 
department that he this deponent has been
informed that further proof of the names of
his company & regimental officers is required
that owing to sickness age & bodily & mental
infirmities and the long lapse of time since
his service in the army of the revolution, it is
utterly impossible for him to recollect 
distinctly the names of all the officers under
whom he served-- that the officers were charged
& promoted, but he cannot tell in what
[illegible] that according to the best of his
recollection & belief he firstly served three months
in the militia, afterwards in the year 1778 or 1779
he enlisted for 9 months in the regular service
in the company of Capt. Fowler in Col Cortlands
Regiment under the command of Gen
Clinton that after his 9 months service had
expired he enlisted and served under the same officers
during the war, making in all a service of
Page 29

3 years or more most of the time he served under the same officer but he cannot recollect the names of any other officer in his company except Lieutenant Dennison who he thinks belonged to his company - he was well acquainted with Gen Clinton and Col Wiessenfelt but cannot tell whether he ever served under the latter. that he received a written discharge but cannot tell what has become of it. That he is sure he served his country faithfully for the term of 2 years and now when loss of sight, sickness & old age has over taken him he respectfully asks to be rewarded for his service. and further this deponent saith not.
John Chesley X his mark

Subscribed & sworn this 27th day of May 1837 before me. 
Avery Skinner Judge of Oswego County

I hereby certify that owing to old age and bodily infirmities, the above named John Chesley is unable to attend court and that in consequence of total loss of sight, and a palsied hand he is unable to write his name. And I further certify that from my knowledge of his character for truth & veracity and from the [assen?tations] of his family and neighbors, I have no doubt of the truth of his statements, and that his services justly entitles him to a full pension. 
Avery Skinner Judge of Oswego County
Page 30

State of New York
Oswego County
Clerks Office ss
I Marinus W Matthews Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Avery Skinner Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been taken and who under the forgoing certificate was at the time of taking said affadavit and making said certificate a Judge of the county courts in and for said county commissioner and sworn and duly authorized to act as such. And further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the court of common pleas of said county the 29th day of May AD 1837.
MW Mathews Clerk
Page 31

$8 Edward Walker
Afft
Page 32

Town of Bainbridge, County of Chenango } ss
Edward Walker ^ of the Town of Bainbridge in said county being duly
Sworn before E L Hyde one of the Justices
of the peace of said Town, make oath and
says that he was acquainted with John
Chesley and that he and this deponent were
out in the Revolutionary serves for three
years under the command of Capt Fowler
Lieut Denison, Coln Courtland, and
Genl Clinton, in the year 1779, and that
this Deponent and the said John Chesley
as this deponent verily believes were in the
Revolutionary services at the same time.
 Edward Walker X his mark
Peter Edick
[illegible]
Sworn & Subscribed
the 20th day of June 1837
before me
EL Hyde, J.P.

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
CHENANGO COUNTY
Clerk's Office,
I, PEREZ RANDALL, Clerk of the county
of Chenango, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and
for the said county do have until that
Page 33

Peter Edick
Edward Walker X his mark
[illegible]
Sworn & Subscribed
the 20th day of June 1837
before me
EL Hyde, J.P.

STATE OF NEW-YORK,
CHENANGO COUNTY
Clerk's Office,
I, PEREZ RANDALL, Clerk of the county
of Chenango, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county do hereby certify that E. L. Hyde Esquire was on the 20th day of January 1837 a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith and credit are to be given to his acts in that capacity: And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe the signature to the annexed affidavit to be his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of the said county, and subscribed my name this 28th day of January 1837
P Randall Clerk
Page 34

Hiram Nolton Esq
8 April 1837

[stamp] FAIRFIELD APR 8 NY

Hon A Man Jr
MC
Frankfort 
Herk Co
Page 35

Hon A Mann Jr
Sir
Sometime in March Mr Peter Edick brought me the enclosed affidavit & wished me to hand or send it to you to forward to Com'r of Pensions & ask him to review old John Chesley's case. Edward Walker who read the enclosed affidavit is a pensioner & he declares that the old man served 3 years but there is an omission in not stating any other year than 1779 - Perhaps this will not inspire the fact stated of three year's service. The old soldier is blind, likely to go to the poor house unless he can get his pension. The old man knew President Van Buren when a boy & lived in the same neighborhood with President Van Buren at Kinderhook & they well knew each other. Now it is probable that the President knew his reputation as a revolutionary soldier & the old man desires you to write the President referring to these facts to bring it to his recollection & any way in which his recollections of the old mans being reputed to have been a soldier can be made evidence. And the war department would do the old man a kindness. -Please write enclosing this affidavit & request early attention to the case & if the affidavit is not full enough another can be obtained [illegible]. But the old man's declaration is for services less than 2 years & this afft proves three years. If the Comr of Pensions will return
Page 36

the declaration to be amended by stating
the whole time of his service he will amend
it accordingly-- The reason he did not
State his whole service was his extreme
delicacy although he had perfect consciousness
of serving longer-And Wooster
drew up his papers, which were so badly drawn
that it defeated the application-
I have strong sympathy for the poor old
man who suffers immensely with his
poverty & I pray you to qive every
aid to procure his pension. President
Van Buren, if he recollects the old man,
will remember his sterling integrity
& veracity & this will & ought to
go far in his case. Do not fail attending
to this case forthwith & you will
do service for an old man who will
thank you with a grateful heart-

I wrote you at Washington
enclosing old Mrs Waterman's papers
to get the order of Sec'y of war to pay on
the arrearages's of her husband Glading Waterman's pension due him at his death-
The old man lived in Ohio & drew his pension
there & I received proof & attached the
certificate with her power together & sent
them for such order. If done please
forward the papers to me.

Saml Franklin says he will
probably wish to hire your [Kohlhamer?]
house & he will know in a week -
Butler thinks $30 a year is enough. I
told him $40 - this he wont give - Will
you say to me the least [illegible]
Page 37

it for-
Probably you have learnt that
Danl Statuly is dead & John Has broke down
-- Davie Clark, who gave you
his rates for $1000 was at my
office the last of March. The Gap took an
assignment of John of all his personal
property in trust to pay preferred creditors
+ after paying them to pay all other
Creditors rateably - Clark & Gap are
preferred to secure the payment of your
notes-- After all I think you will
have to take back the property & you
had better see to it in due season -
Bradley Franklin wants to get
an invention which he has made
secured by patent. I told him I knew 
not the patent laws-- He intended
to write you to get information of the
whole proceeding & the expense
I should be glad to hear
from you - I hope you have
recovered your health - our
respects you & family
yours truly
H Nolton
Apl 8th 1837
Page 38

July 10
addl [evid?]
Jno Chesley

Revolutionary 
23
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
City of Washington


[stamp] FAIRFIELD JUL 8 N.Y.
Page 39

Hon J L Edwards Comr of Pensions
Sir
Herewith I enclose
you an amendment of the declaration
of Mr Chesley for a pension-
I beg you would
examine the same and deem it is
a declaration of his claim for three
years services. I am satisfied
that the old man is justly entitled
to a full pension and hope that the
proof may be satisfactory to the war
department so as to allow him a
pension for his revolutionary services-
He was unfortunate in not having
his papers made out for the whole of his
services in the first instance as also in
not knowing a full witness at the time
by whom he placed his three year service. 
you will observe that he
still thinks he served under Capt
Fowler but his memory is so much
impaired that he cannot recollect with
any certainty the names of his officers-
I would wish that his loss of
memory may be taken as a reason for
not requiring from him the statement
of the names of his Officers - Be pleased
to make a decision as early as your
convenience will permit & send me a
Certificate (if granted) at Fairfield
Herkimer County N.Y. The proofs were
forwarded by Hon A. Mann Jr MC
yours truly
H Nolton
July 6th 1867
Page 40

Revolutionary claim
FREE
Hon J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington City

com apl 29
Dans
Jno Chesley
NY

[stamp] LITTLE FALLS N.Y. APR 25
Page 41

Little Falls Apl 24th/39
Hon Comr of Pensions
Dr Sir
I am incessantly
urged by some applicants for pensions
to make you too much trouble I fear
in regard to their cases -- Widow Davis
is desirous of knowing the fate of her
application made some time in the
forepart of last winter - I believe I 
have never had any advice from you in
relation to the disposition which you
have made of her case. Also 
John Chesley made an application
very early after the passage of the act of
1832 & the papers were amended and
returned back to the pension office. He
converted his first application by claiming
for services which had been omitted.
As he is truly deserving I would respectfully
ask you to review his case and if a part of his
services are satisfactorily proved I would
earnestly solicit to allow him a pension
for such service - I have every reason to believe
that he was a brave soldier, & true patriot and
preformed all the service he states - He is blind
and very poor and truly a small pension will
bring to him very great relief 
Yours truly
H Nolton
Page 42

H Nolton
Apl 1839
O Robinson Esquire
Mexico
Oswego Co NY
[stamp] LITTLE FALLS NY APR 24
Page 43

O. Robinson
Esquire
Sir
your note of the
20th inst has been received-
Mr Chesley's application, is suspended
for further proof. The papers were
originally made by Judge Wooster since
deceased & on account of some defects
in the papers they were returned & 
committed to my hands by Esq Thorp-I amended
the papers & Mr Chesley made a mistake as
to the length of time he served. I procured proof
of a much longer term that he had claimed for. I
drew an additional affidavit which he
made oath to & all the papers were returned
& by that time the war department had found it necessary to require proof of service by two
witnesses to guard against fraud & they then
made the definition of that character. I got
Hon. A. Mann Jr. to make search for Capt
Fowler in New York, under whom Mr Chesley served but he could find no such man & whether
he is dead is not known, but probably he is
dead. I cannot find the last letter from Comr of
pensions but the above is according to my recollection
& is reasonably the state of the matter as it now 
stands. For a long time I used unceasing efforts
to get the pension allowed. I had the application
presented to President Van Buren at last
Page 44

for his aid because Mr Chesley was
formerly acquainted with him but the
President said it was a matter particularly
belonging to the war department & declined
interfering. If you desire more particular
information I would refer you to the
Comr of Pensions who will answer any
enquiries you wish to make. If my memory
serves, you will find it about as I have
stated above-- I wish you would write to
the Comr of pensions on the subject. If
I could do any thing further that would
be of any avail I would do it very cheerfully -
upon the whole I will write in Comr
of pensions again & I wish you to write
also & see what may happen - If any
thing transpires of importance I will advise
you of it.
Yours truly
H Nolton
Apl 24th /39
Page 45

P.S. I have just finished a letter to
the comr of pensions pressing him
in the most earnest manner to review
Mr Chesleys case & allow a part
of a pension if the proof for that part
is deemed sufficient in case he is
not allowed the full claim.
HW
Page 46

Col Wiesenfelt
Col Courtland
Capt Fowler
[stamp] LITTLE FALLS [illegible]

O Robinson Esquire Mexico
Oswego County NY
Page 47

O. Robinson Esq
Dr Sir.
Within is the answer
of the Comr of pensions in Mr
Chesley's case - yours truly
May 20th 1839
H. Nolton
Page 48

War Department,
Pension Office
April 30. 1839
Sir,
In answer to your letter of the
24th inst. I have to inform you that the case of
Mrs Catharine Davis will be taken up in turn, and
when acted on, will be duly reported according to the
rules laid down in the enclosed circular.
John Chesley's claim cannot be admitted
upon the proof exhibited. The alleged service of 9 months in 1779 cannot be allowed unless he will state the names and rank of the officers under whom he served. A due examination of the rolls will then be had, and if they should confirm his statement, he will be
allowed for the service proved by the rolls. There is no record evidence that he served in the regular army as he states, and if he did so serve, the books would unquestionably shew that he did
I am very respectfully,
Your obt. Servt.
J L Edwards
H. Norton, Esqr
Little Falls
New York.
Page 49

John
Chestley's
Papers for a Pension
Hon T. C. Chittenden
H R

Jno Chesley
Page 50

Hon. T.C. Chittenden,
Dr Sir
Enclosed I send you some papers in the case of John Chestley an applicant for a pension. Chestley resides near me & is a worthy man & entitled I have no doubt to a full pension. The application was made as you will see several years ago & has been put off & delayed from time to time. The enclosed proof from the Secretary's office of this state has never been before the Department & it seems to me that it is sufficient for the 9 months therein mentioned. Mr Chestley is an old man he has been blind for the last six or more years besides he has had a shock of palsy which has rendered one half his body useless & I very much doubt whether his mind is in such a situation as to be able to give any thing like a connected history of his services or of the names of his officers.  I want you to examine the enclosed papers call at the Department & see whether you cannot get his pension allowed & if not ascertain the particular objections & the proof wanting & I will endeavor to get it supplied. For your trouble I will see you paid.
Truly yours 
O. Robinson
June 6 1840
NB In case further proof is necessary before a pension can be allowed you will return the enclosed papers to me
Page 51

State of New York
Secretary's Office
It appears by the Military
Register in this Office that John Chestley enlisted
for nine months in the 4th New York Regt
Capt Davis Company on the first of May 1779
and was omitted January 1780 on the Muster Roll
Frederick Weissenfels was Lieut Col. Comm'dt of
the said Regt.
I do not find that said Chestley
was in Col. VanCortlands Regiment and no land
has been granted to him in the military Tract
nine months men were not entitled to land.
Wiessenfels was afterwards Colonel of
Regiment of Levies raised in this State but there
is no list of the Soldiers names belonging to the
Levies in this Office.
Arch'd Campbell
Dep. Secretary
Albany June 24. 1839.
Page 52

John Chesley
Certificate of pension

Hon D Gott
HR
Page 53

War
Department
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the law of
the United States of the 7th June 1832 John
Chesley of the State of New York who was a
Private in the War of the Revolution is
entitled to receive Thirty six Dollars and
sixty six cents per annum, during his natural
life, commencing on the 4th day of March
1831, and payable semi annually, on the 4th
of March and 4th of September in every
year.
Given at the War office of the United States
this third day of February
one thousand Eight hundred and forty.
J R Poinsett
Secretary of War
(LS)
Examined and
Countersigned
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
(Endorsed)
"Payment to be made at Albany by T. W. Olcott Esq
"Agent for paying Pensions in the Agency of Albany N.Y.
"Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Vol
"4 Page 12 by  S.A. Elliot Clerk
"Eight years in 1840 in Parish from West Brunswick
"Herkimer Co. N.Y.
(Memorandum) He now lives in Van Buren
Onondaga County aged 87. Jany 1849
Page 54


St Johns Ville N.Y. August 10th 1854
Hon L P Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir The
application of Magdalena Chesley, widow of John; of New York under the act of July 29th 1848; was filed in the Pension Office in May or June (I believe) of 1853, her papers were forwarded to said office by Jas W Hamilton
on the 22d day of Sept 1853. Mr Hamilton received the following Report in said case the following is a true copy.
"Pension Office
September 22d 1853
Sir
The application of Magdalena Chesley widow of John
of New York, under the act of July 29th 1848, has
been examined. The identity of the widow, the date of her husbands death, and the fact, of her widowhood, must be proved, and certified; in the manner prescribed by the printed rules herewith enclosed."

J. W. Hamilton Esq. Fort Plain N.Y.
L.P. Waldo Comm

Mr Hamilton having moved
from Fort Plain, Widow Chesley, has engaged me to proceed and take testimony in her case; and I now send you two affidavits in order to comply with what is required in the letter above stated.
When a report is made in this case; or a certificate granted
Please forward it to me; at St Johns Ville N.Y. & not to Mr Hamilton he having surrendered the papers in this case to me, Respectfully Yours
John Wilson
Page 55

Magdalena Chesley
widow of John Chesley
New York
Act July 29, 1848
Admitted
Priv of Infy 11 months
at $36.66 per annum,
from Jany 30th 1852, when
he died-
Certificate payable to
the Claimant,
Atty
John Wilson
St Johnsville
N. York
Page 56

Breif in the case of Magdalena Chesley, widow of John Chesley
Montgomery County and State of New York
act July 29, 1848
Claim, (original)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
John Chesley of Montgomery Co, N.Y. was pensioned under act of
1832 and pension paid, at $36.66 per annum to his death,
Jany 30. 1852.
Marriage proved by Record of Rev'd D. Church at Claverack.
Date of John's death & widowhood and identity of Magdalena
proved by affidavits of two witnesses who are certified
to be credible-
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Date of Marriage Nov 11, 1788
Death of John & Widowhood certified by court
Name and residence of Agent
John Wilson St Johnsville New York
S.G. Dodge Examining Clerk.
Page 57

No 1.284.
-
Magdalena Chesley
widow of John
New York
Let J.W. Hamilton Sep 22/53
Act 29 July 1848
Page 58

New York
John Chesley
Revol
Suspended
Let to Hon A
Mann June 13
1834
Same - Apl 25, 1837
See let to Hon. John J. De Graff
Oct. 27, 1837
do to H. Nolton, April 30. 1839-
Act 7 June 32
Page 59

Pension Office
Aug 21, 1854
Sir please say to what date
the pension of John Chesley of N.Y.
Albany Agency under act of 1832,
at $36.66 was paid-
Very respectfully
30 Jany 53
S. Cole
Acting Commer
F. Burt Esq
3d Audr.
Paid to 30 Jany 1852,
when he died
W. H. Taylor
Actg 3rd Aud'r
Page 60

CHARTERED BY CONGRESS JANUARY 5, 1905

HON. WOODROW WILSON, President
MR ROBERT W. DE FOREST, Vice President
HON JOHN SKELTON WILLIAMS, Treasurer
HON JOHN W. DAVIS, Counselor
MR ERNEST BICKNELL, National Director 
MR. CHARLES L. MAGEE, Secretary

NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON NURSING SERVICE
MISS JANE A. DELANO, Chairman
MISS ISABEL McISAAC, Vice-Chairman
UNION TRUST BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D. C.
 Rev Sec
Jan. 29, 1915
To the Pension Office
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir.
Will you kindly send me
the Revolutionary Army Record
of John Chesley
Kinderbook - West Brunswick
Herkimer Co. New York
Yours truly,
Jane A. Delano
1940 Biltmore St.
Washington D. C.
Aft. 53.
Page 61

Stamped In. ret. Env.
Box 21
St Cloud Florida
January 30
Hon Washington Gardner
Com of Pensions Washington D.C.

Dear Sir I am trying
to get data of one John
Chesley a private in the
war of the revolution from
New York State. I got a
part of his record from
the library of Archives
from Albany NY but it is
not complete. As I know
he drew pension I thot I
could get from the records
of the pension office the date
of his birth and death which
last occurred in 1854 or 1855
On his death his wife
Magdalena drew pension
Page 62

$18.00 or $36.00 per quarter till
her death in 1864 or 1865
1864 I think in the fall.
As I do not know
to whom to address this
will you please put this
in the hands of the propper [proper]
person so that I may get
all the information possible.
If a remittance is required
let me know and I will
remit at once.
Hoping to get the
Information requested I
am your very Thankfully
Mrs Amanda Sharp
Saint Cloud Florida
Box 21
[stamp] THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FEB 2 1922 U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 63

St JohnsVille NY May 3d 1855
Hon L. P. Waldo
Com of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed I send you the
declaration of Wid Magdalena Chesley 
Please acknowledge the receipt of the same
Yours very respectfully
John Wilson
Page 64

Wellington Kansas
Jan 21, 1931
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
Dear Sir-
Will you please let me have the price
of a copy of the pension papers of the following
---
O
Elihu Phillips b 1760 Vermont d 1799 Vermont
was in the Revolutionary war. Residence?
married 1781 Elizabeth Spear - born 1762. Mass
His father Thompson was probably in the war.
---
John Chesley (also a brother) was in the Rev. war.
He received a pension for a short time.
Died at the age of 96 years (blind).
He married Magdalene Debout*. (Lived in Pulaski NY)
Their daughter Lydia - married 1810 Daniel Delano
1789-1876/7
of Oswego, N.Y.
--
Would like to know the cost of a copy of pension papers
as there are several ancestors that I would like to
have some information of their war records.

Thanking you
I am,
Sincerely
Mrs. H. R. Johnson
420 West fourth St
Wellington Kansas
REV
[stamp] PENSION B JAN 26 1931 OFFICE US

We will send history & say 
no charge is made for this service
* [other records show Magdalena Laud]
Page 65

1915, Feb. 4, History to
Miss Jane A. Delano  FW
1922 Man hist. to Mrs. Amanda Sharp Ew.
1931 - Feb 17 - Hist to Mrs L. R. Johnson EES

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4922
Magdalena Chesley
Widow
John Chesley
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: July 29 1848
Index:--Vol. A, Page 128
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 66

14.962
8
Rev Army
Page 67

[Typed]
[Indent] In reply to your request of [Blank], received [Blank]
for a statement of the military history of [Handwritten: "John Chesley"]
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his ([Crossed-Out: "or" Replaced With: "and"] his widow's) application for pen-
sion on file in this Bureau. [Handwritten: "W.F. 4922."

[Table]
[Typed] [Column 1: "DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT."] [Column 2: "LENGTH OF SERVICE."] [Column 3: "RANK."] [Column 4: "OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED."] [Column 5: "STATE."
[Typed] [Column 4.1: "CAPTAIN."] [Column 4.2: "COLONEL."]
[Handwritten]
[Column 1: "Spring 1778"] [Column 2: "1 mo."]  | - | Huyck / - | NY
1778 | 1 mo. | - | Gersham Truesdell / Van Alstine | -
Nov 1778 | 1 mo. | - | Gersham Truesdell / - | -
1779 (served to end of war) | - | - | Fowler / Lt. Col. Weisenfels

Battles engaged in, Newtown.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Claverack, N. Y.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 13, 1832. His cl was al.
Residence at date of application, West Brunswick, Herkimer Co. NY
Age at date of application, B Jan 1, 1762, Kinderhook, NY.
Remarks: He mar. Nov 11 1788 at Claverack NY Magdelena Laud
he died Jan. 30, 1852, at Van Buren, N.Y. and she was allowed pension on her ap. ex. Aug. 2, 1853 while a resident of Minden, Montgomery Co. N.Y. aged 82 yrs
(No fur[ther] fam data En) 3-1-22
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
6 -- 2856
Page 68

[Handwritten] [Right Align]
M Chesley
Ap. for Pension

To be sworn to before 
Judge Belding -

JW Hamilton
Atty
Fort Plain 
NY
Page 69

[Typed] [Right Align] [Sold by JAMES HENRY, 67 State-st. Albany.]
[Typed] [Left Align] State of New-York,
} ss.
COUNTY of [Handwritten: "Onondaga"]

[Right Align] I, [Handwritten] Barnard Slocuim
Clerk of the [Insert, Handwritten: "County"] Court [Hand-Crossed-Out: "Of Common Pleas"] of said County, (the same being a Court of Record,) do hereby
Certify, that at a [Insert, Handwritten: "County"] court [Hand-Crossed-Out: "Of Common Pleas"] held in and for said county, before Judges thereof, 
at [Handwritten: "Syracuse"] on the [Handwritten: "25th"] day of 
[Handwritten: "April"] 18[Handwritten: "53"] it was proved by the adduction of testimony satisfactory to the said 
Court, that [Handwritten: "John Chesley"
late of the town of [Handwritten: "VanBuren"] in said county, died on the {Handwritten: "30th"] day of
[Handwritten: "January A D 1852"] ; that 
at the time of his death, he was a pensioner of the United States under the Act of [Handwritten: "the 7th of"]
[Handwritten: "June 1832"] and that he left a widow him surviving, named [Handwritten: "Magdelena"]
who is still living and resides in town [Handwritten: "of 
Minden Montgomery County NY"] 
[Tab] In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal
[Tab] [Tab] of said Court, this [Handwritten: "25th"] day of [Handwritten: "April"]
[Tab] [Tab] [Tab] 18[Handwritten: "53"]
[Right Align] [Handwritten : "Barnard Slocum
Clerk"]

[Left Align] STATE OF
}ss.