Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2471, Levi Conover, New Jersey

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(3-1776)
SERVICE
New Jersey  Conover, Levi    
NUMBER S2471
carded

CONTENTS

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22,133
Kentucky 22133
Levi Conover of Adair Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the com commanded by Captain Staut of the regt commanded by Col Dykins in the N Jersey line for two years Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 80 Dollars 0 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Oct 1833 and Robert Cravens  Columbia 
Arrears to the 4th of Sept                200 00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 40 00
                                                        $240 00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk 
Book E Vol. 7 Page 6

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10570
Levi Conover Case
Declaration

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Declaration of Levi Conover
State of Kentucky Adair County to wit on this 9th day of August 1832 personally appeared beffore the Justices of the Adair County Court Levi Conover a resident of Adair County and State of Kentucky aged 75 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration, in order, to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832-
That he entered the service in the year of 1775 or 6 under Capt Staut and under Col. Dykins. he served under Col Dykins about 18 months during which time he was at the taking of the Hessians and a short time afterwards he was in the battle of Trenton. and the next morning very early he assisted in attacking the British at Princeton. he then marched to Steeles Gap and laid there near about three weeks. he thinks he was then under the Command of Col. Nelson. He then marched for Brunswick hearing that the British were all there. the British heard of us coming and marched off to New York & boarded their

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vessels. He served under Col. Nickson in his horse Company about six months, and was in a great many scrimmages during the time. He laid at Elizabeth Town and Newark under the Command of Col. Scudder at the [illegible] he believes under the Command of Col. Scudder. he was a volunteer during his whole service which was between three & four years. He has no documentary evidence by which he can prove his services, and he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure, who can testify to his services-
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, (if any) 
Sworn to and subscribed, the day & year aforesaid-
Levi Conover

We Samuel Wilson a clergyman, residing in the County of Adair and Daniel Trabue residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Levi Conover

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who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we beleve him to be 75 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-
Sworn to & subscribed; the day & year aforesaid-
Saml Wilson
Daniel Trabue
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 Samuel Wilson who has signed the preceding is a clergyman, resident in the sd county and that Daniel Trabue who has also signed the same is a resident in the said county and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit.
I William Caldwell clerk of the County Court of Adair do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the

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application, of Levi Conover for a pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 23rd day of August 1832 and 41st year of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Wm Caldwell

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*He states that he served at the taking of the Hessians a tour of 4 months. That he served another tour of 3 months during which tour he was in the battle of Trenton and assisted in attacking the British at Princeton - that he served six months in Col Nicksons horse Company and had a great many skirmishes and frequently drove in the British Sentinels at Brunswick. That he was under Col. Scudder 6 months during which time he lay at Elizabethtown in the state of New Jersey. He states that he was under the Command of Col Scudder at Newark five months That he afterwards served a five month Tour under Col Scudder during which time he lay at Cammunipar?. He states further that he served under the same officers a great many more short Tour of a month &c making 3 years & 2 months
Levi Cownover
At a county Court began and held for the County of Adair at the courthouse in Columbia on Monday the 1st day of April 1833 the amended declaration of Levi Conover for a pension was this day exhibited in open court Subscribed and Sworn to by said Conover and ordered to be corrected and attached to his originall declaration for a pension made before In Court at the last August term thereof and the court

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declare their opinion that the facts stated in said amendment are true
Kentucky Adair County Sct
I William caldwell Clerk of the county Court for the County aforesaid do certify that the foregoing contain the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Levi Cownover for a pension by his amended declaration I do further certify that John Smith Esqr whose name is attached to the fore going affidavit is and was at the time Signing the same a duty gratified and acting justice of the peace for Adair County and a justice  of the Adair County Court and that the signature annexed to said affidavit is the genuine Signature of said Smith & that due faith and credit ought to be given to be his official acts as s[illegible]
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this 11th day of May 1833
Wm Caldwell cacc

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By way of amendment & to full the requisitions of the war Department the declarant States that he was born in the State of New Jersey, Middlesex County on the 10th day of October 1757. That he has a record of his age at his residence in this County - He lived in the State of New Jersey Middlesex County when called into the service & remained there 8 years after he left the service. He then removed to Fayette County Ky lived there about 8 years then removed to Adair County where he now resides. He states that if he ever received a discharge or discharges he does not recollect it if however he did he does not know what had become of it or them He states that he is known in his neighbourhood to Samuel Wilson the clergyman who has signed the Certificate in his original declaration & to Daniel Trabue who has also Signed sd. Certificate besides a great many others in the neighbourhood who could if it were necessary testify that they believed he was a soldier of the Revolution
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for Adair County Levi Conover, who being duly sworn, deposeth

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and saith, that, by reason of old age, and Consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positvely as to the precise length of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below, and in the following grades; For 3 years and two months I served as a private in the militia service for which I claim a pension.
John Smith J P

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Levi Conover
Kentucky
from 1776 private 2 yrs $80
5.19.
Robert Cravens

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BRIEF in the case of Levi Conover County of Adair in the State of Kentucky (Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
[2.] If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 75
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. In 1775 or 1776
Years, 1 
Months, 1, about 
Rank. as a private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Capt. Staut, Col Dykins Col Nelson, Col Nickson Col Scudder
5. In what battles was he engaged? Trenton,
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? not stated
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? tradition
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? correct

Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned. 
Chs W Forrest Examining Clerk.

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May 3, 1939.
Mrs. Mary F. Barley 720 Ocean View Lane Whittier, California
BA-J/ILL Levi Conover S. 2471

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Levi Conover, who served from New Jersey and received pension while a resident of Adair County, Kentucky.

Levi Conover was born October 10, 1757, in Middlesex County, New Jersey: the name of his parents are not shown. His brothers, William and John, served in the Revolutionary War also.

While a resident of Windsor Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey, Levi Conover belonged to Captain Samuel Stout's company of New Jersey militia just after the burning of the tea in Boston, was called out and served on various monthly tours under Colonels Duychinck and Hyer in the years 1775 and 1776, was in many skirmishes in the vicinity of Brunswick and Elizabeth Town; after 1777, he served on different tours in his brother's, Captain William Conover's company under Colonels Nielson and William Scudder in the New Jersey troops during the remainder of the war; his entire service amounted to at least three years. Levi Conover stated that his brother, William Conover, served with him under Captain Samuel Stout, and that when Captain Stout resigned, William was commissioned captain of that "old company".

William Conover continued to reside in Windsor Township, Middlesex County, New Jersey, for about eight years after the Revolutionary War, moved then to Fayette County, Kentucky, where he resided about eight years, then moved to Adair County, Kentucky (formerly in Green

[written on right side of letter] N. J. Book shows that Wm Conover was capt. also - John Conover. Capt. Samuel Stout was wounded in 1777 - no later serving

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County).

Levi Conover was allowed pension on his application executed August 9, 1832, at which time he resided in Adair County, Kentucky: he had resided there since about 1798.

The soldier made no reference to wife or children.

One Peter J. (?) Connover resided in Adair County, Kentucky, in 1833, but did not state any relationship to the soldier's family: he signed his name Connover.

Levi Conover, the pensioner, died January 18, 1837.

In order to obtain the name of the person to whom the last payment was paid, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:

Levi Conover
Certificate #22133
Issued October, 12, 1833
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Kentucky Agency.

Very truly yours,

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

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State of Kentucky Adair County}SS
Be it remembered that on this day of September 1833 before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Adair State of Kentucky came levi Conover a resident Citizen of the County & State afsd who being just & duly sworn states that on the 9th day of August 1832 he made his declaration in the worshipful County Court of the County of Adair State of Kentucky for a pension under the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832 that he also on the 1st of April 1833 made an additional Declaration in said Court both of which was sent on to the pension office and have been returned and are now before him, and he offers this as an amendment to said for former(?) declarations and in explanation of the facts and Circumstances stated thereon he states that from his old age and the great length of time since the services was performed and the consequent loss of memory he is not able to state with [illegible]ssion the precise number of tours he served serving the war of the revolution

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But he does most positively state that he served not less than the tours hereafter named and in the grades herein after stated and that for the time for which the services was performed he was not employed in any Civil pursuit and that all the tours and services herein after named was done and performed in a Corps Called into service by Competent Authority and for which services he claims a pension that he lived in the County of Middlesex state of New Jersey in Windsor township and belong to the malitia Company Commanded by Capt Samuel Stout, that soon after the Burning the Tea in Boston and the Disturbances between great Britton and America broke out Capt Stouts Company was classed or arranged by Classification or drafting he does not recollect which But so it is he distinctly recollects that the whole Company was to serve in the following

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manner one half to serve one month and as soon as they were relieved the other half was to take place this he thinks was in the year 1773 or 74 and he positively states in this way he servd under the aforesaid Capt Stout in that and the next years at least twelve tours of one month Each William Conover his brother was just in all these tours he was in Colo Hires regiment The principle duties required of them was to guard a long the south and north Rivers and was several times opposite New York at a place the called Comm[illegible] General Scott & putnam and others was frequently with them but he was mostly under the Command of Colo Hires Maj. Scudder was there Commanding as Major he states positively in this way he served as a drafted or classed malitiaman in the war of the revolution one year under the aforesaid officers he states that after this Capt Stout resigned and his brother William Conover was Commissioned Capt of Stouts old Company

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and his brother John Conover Ju?t & Colo. Hires resigned and Major Scudder was appointed & Commissioned Colo & under these officers he served as before not less than six tours of one month Each & one of four months and was mostly engaged as he has stated in his first services except in his last tour and the last tour above mentioned he served four months altho was called out for but one month but the necessity seemed to riquire his longer stay in the army and at the request of his officers he did stay and was in this tour or part of it put into Colo. Dykins Regiment and while with him he was at the taking the Hessians & at the Battle of Trenton & princeton he states That in his former declaration he finds that it is stated that at the taking of the Hessians he served 4 months and at the battle Trenton & princeton 3 months this was he assumes must have been a mistake of the draftsman at all events he positively declares he did not so understand it when it was read to him and he is

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now Confident he has now correctly stated the facts so far at least; Knows he has served before this time the number and length of tours as charged and more he states that the date of his first tours was incorrectly stated in his former declaration as will as his Colo. this he did not at that time understand at the time the same was had to him; nor did he know at the time Either of his former declarations was drawn that it was necessary to state Each tour seperately and distinctly he states That after this time Colo. William Nickson turned out in the character of Captain of a horse Company in which company and under whose Command this declarant Turned out as a volunteer for six months and in the character of a volunteer he served of the united States immediately upon his so volunteering and marched on Brunswick and there Joined Colo Scudder

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Regiment in which regiment he continued at Brunswick a short time & was continually Kept in service reconiting? the Country to monmouth Cranbury and other places where they were Commanded to go having many skirmishes with the enemy and in this way he served faithfully the full term of six months being the time for which he volunteered and was by his Captain Honorably discharged this he thinks was in the latter part of the year 1777 he returned home and again Joined his old Company and was again subject to be Called out Every other month as heretofore and he states that after he returned from the last mintioned service he served as a private malitiaman untill the final Close of the war that is when called out according to the Classification theretofore made in his Company and in his Company and in this he states that he did not serve

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less than Twelve tours of one month each & one of these months he states that the tour of three months was performed when he was called out by his Class and it became necessary that he should continue longer and was by his officers requested so to do which he done and a considerable part of this tour he was at trenton and this he presumes was the 3 months mentioned in his former declaration as being at the battle of Trenton tho this was long after the Battle at Trenton in the afsd three months tour he was in Capt longstreets company and all the other Tours mentioned since he was in Capt Wm Conovers Company and the entire time in Colo. Scudders Regiment tho the same regiment was occasionally commanded by Colo. Nelson & others he further and again states that all the aforesaid services was performed in a Corps called into service by competent authority and that he never was

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engaged in any Civil pursuit That he was Either in the field or in garrison and for all said services he Claims a pension he states that the mistakes made in his former declarations as to date & was not understood by him and indeed he himself might not have understood or at least recollected the dates as well as he now does when he has reflected more upon the subject
1 Quest. where and in what year were you born
    Answer I was born on on the 10 day of October one thousand seven hundred and fifty seven agreeable to the information of my parents & the register furnished me all of which I believe to be true in Middlesex County New Jersey
2 Have you any record of your age if so where is it
Answer I have a record as furnished by my parents now at home which Correspond with the above date

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(3)

3. where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolution and where do you live now
Ansr. I lived in the state of new Jersey middlesix County Windsor township when I was called into service and continued in that place untill about Eight years after the Close of the war I then moved to Kentucky Fayatte County where I lived untill about the year one thousand seven hundred and ninety Eight when I moved to and settled where I now live (then Green) now Adair County
4 How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom
Ansr. I hardly know in what character I entered or what name to give the whole of my service I have it seems stated in my former declaration that I

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was a volunteer but in that it is probable I was mistaken so it is the company to which I belong was Classed and Each man belonging to the company had to go every other month in this way I entered the service every time except the time I entered in the Larger(?) Company the part of two other tours I continued one for four months and the other for three months and in these two tours I would suppose I volunteered after my month was out and the time I was in the Larger(?) service I volunteered I never was a substitute for any person

5 state the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served such Continental & malitia regiments as you can recollect & the general Circumstances of your service
Ans General Washington Wayne Mesler & others Command sometimes the regiments I have before named as far as I now recollect & I have also given the general Circum

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stances of my services as far as I recollect 

6 did you ever receive a discharge from service if so by whom was it signed & what has become of it
Ans. I never received a written discharge as I now recollect if I ever did I have lost them but I was always regularly discharged when I left the service tho think it was verbal

state the names of persons to whom you are known in your present 
my neighbourhood who can testify as as to your character & for rank(?) and their belief as to your services as a soldier of the revolution
I have named the reverend Samuel Wilson and Colo Daniel Trabue in my first declaration I understood that number to be sufficient I could name all the old settlers in the neighbourhood where I live and believe every one would give me a good character & their belief that I have been a soldier of the revolution I will however give some additional names who reside near me to wit Edmond M Waggener Daniel Suddarth Esqr James Fraser George Wagley Peter Conover Benjamin Bell James McCosky Andrew Russel Otha Wheat Daniel Dulany Williamson Pitman

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Asa Pitman Lawson Ben Lilley Levie Conover 
we the subscribers & signers neighbours of said Levi Conover

residing in the County of adair state of Kentucky and near neighbours to Levi Conover who has signed the foregoing amended declaration we unhesitatingly state that he is a man of high respectability that he is a credible person & his statement is entitled to Credit we also believe he is the age he states & that he is Reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have Been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion sworn to and subscribed the day & year afsd.

Edmund M Waggener
Daniel Suddarth
James Frazer
Geo Wagley
Parker C. Henkin
Peter F. Connover
Ben Bell
James McCroskey
Andrew Russell
Oathey Wheat
Wmson Pittman
Asa Pitman
L Montgomery

I generally certify that I believe that the above named Levi Conovers oath is entitled to credit.

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(4)
Milton P Wheat J P AC
State of Kentucky Adair County}
I Milton P Wheat a Justice of the peace in and for the County afd do hereby Certify that the above named applicant Levi Conover this day subscribed and sworn to the above amended declaration before me and I further Certify and declare my opinion after putting the several interragotories mentioned by the war department and fully investigating the matter that the said Levi Conover was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states and that he is a man of high respectability and I further certify that Edmond M Waggener Danl Suddarth, James Fraser George Wagley Peter Conover Benjamin Bell James McCrosky Andrew Russel Otha Wheat Daniel Dulaney Williamson Pitman Asa PitmanLawson & Benjamin Pelly are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to Credit and that they are all residents of the County of Adair state of Kentucky Given under my hand the Day & year afd
Milton, P. Wheat JP

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State of Kentucky Adair County}sct
I William Caldwell Clerk of the County Court for the County of Adair do hereby Certify that Daniel Suddarth whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is & was at the time of Signing the Same a duly qualified & acting Justice of the peace in & for the County of Adair & that the Signature o annexed to Said certifcate is the genuine Signature of Said Suddarth & that due faith & credit ought to be given to all his official acts as Such
In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand & affixed the Seal of Said office this 14th day of September 1833 & 42nd year of the Commonwealth of Ky
Test Wm Caldwell c.a.c.c.

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Honl. J. L. Edwards
Washington City

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Columbia (Ky) Sept 14th 1833
hi I have seen your letter to Levi Conover relative to his application for a pension -; That he would practice a frou???. I am confident ?? man who knows him could believe for a moment. I have been acquainted with him for upwards of 20 years: and he stands without suspicion for the truth and honesty. The discrepancy of his declaration is the result of the confusion of facts from time inst???? intention to impose on the department I am confident and full faith may be given to him
Respectfully
Honl J. L. Edwards
Nathan Gaither

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P. S. Mr James Smith who is also an applicant I have known for many years; I can state that he stands as fair as any man for than qualities which entitles him to confidence-
N Gaither

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Levi Conover
Ken
[illegible]

Rob Cravens
Columbia Ken

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WAR DEPARTMENT
Pension Office,

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 nessecary 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 compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

A Statement, shewing the Service of Levi Conover
Name and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.  Capt Stout Col Scudder
States that he served at the taking of the Hessians 4 months, and at the Battle of Trenton & Princeton 3 months [illegible] This statement is incorrect, The Hessians were taken at the time of the battle of Trenton and the action at princeton was only a few days afterwards. It is well known that the militia of N. Jersey were usually called out for a month at a time in each town and from this ?????? it is highly probable that the actual service of the applicant was for a much less period of service than is claimed by him. He should amend his declaration accordingly. 
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 "Cintinental 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 rolls of the reular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians 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 [blank] County of [blank] }ss.
On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank]  A.B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, oath on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] 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 atnd State in which he resided when he entered 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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank], 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 [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of [blank] &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 Miltia 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 [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank] 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 days 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 [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if 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

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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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 atlempted; 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 declarations 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 now live?
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, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
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 commissiuon, 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 Revolutiuon.
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 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 inquiry whether the belief is general and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the 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 the 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 of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his 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 is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated 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.

[line accross middle of page]

(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 rule 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 Deparetment to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration of 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: [blank] For [blank] year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank], For [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; 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 prase 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 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 any 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 recrods 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 as 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.
[finger stamp pointing right] 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 in note (j) applied 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 Department, with the declaration.

Page 37

720 Ocean View Lane
Whittier California
March 10, 1939
Mr H. D. Hiller,
Administrator Veterans Bureau Washington, D. C.   REC'D MAR 14 1939 mail sub-div. vets adm reader 4

Dear Sir:
I have found in a list of men granted pensions for service in the American Revolution the name of Levi Conover, of Adair County Kentucky dates 3 - 4 -1831 and 10 -12 -1833 age 77 yrs and that he served as a private in New Jersey.
Could I have a copy of his pension papers? that is, - the statement he made regarding his wife and family. He must have had a large family as the census of 1810 list him as head of family of 14. 
Is there a charge for this service of yours and what is it?
Very Respectfully yours
(Mrs) Mary F. Barley

Page 38

Rev War 
2471
INVALID
File No. 2471
Levi Conover Pri. N. J. Line
Act: June 7, 1832
Index:- Vol. A, page 73.
(Arrangement of 1870.)

Oct. 25 - 1901
Geo. Conover
Virginia, Ill
_________________
1939 - May 3 - Hist. to Mrs. Mary F. Barley - ILL

Page 39

S. H. Petefish.        L. A. Petefish.    Geo. Conover.
O. Skiles                                          Matt Yaple.

Petefish, Skiles & Co.
Bankers
Virginia, Ill., Oct - 19 1891

Com of Pensions
Washington DC
Dear Sir
I am informed that my Grand Father Levi Conover of Adair County Ky Made a declaration for a pension in 1832 Either for himself or Garrett Conover his father - As a matter of family history I desire a copy of what the department shows as to his service in N J army - & if there are any charges properly belonging to its procurement - I will pay same -

Yours Respt
Geo. Conover
Virginia

The name at that date was spelled Cownover.

Page 40

2471
Levi Conover
Aug - 9 - 1832
Adair Co Ky - 75
75 Middlesex Co N. J.
Capt Stout
Col Dykins
[illegible]
Trenton & Princeton
Born Oct. 10, 1757
Middlesex Co. N. J.