Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 26199, for Peter Lake, New York

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(3-1776)
SERVICE: New York
Lake, Peter [&] Hannah
NUMBER: W. 26199; B.L.H. 26776-160-55
CONTENTS: [blank]

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8980
New York
Peter Lake of Dutchess in the State of N York who was a private in the Com'y. commanded by Captain Livingston of the Reg't. commanded by Col Davis in the N York line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the rth day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of May 1833 and sent to H. S. Hoffman Dutchess County, Pleasant Valley NY.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 - $160
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep 1833 - 40
[Total] $200

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by George Taylor, Clerk, 
Book E, Vol. 4 Page 24

Letter to Tho's Ewing Jr
Dec 4/51

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Civ. Dodge Campbell Oct 18/55
Set same Nov 20th

Vol [illegible] page 10.

70,158
Mch 3/55
April 14/55

Hannah Lake
Peter Lake dead  Private
Capt Pierce

a pensioner
Revol War

No 26776 iss May 23/36

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6055
New York

Hannah Lake widow of Peter who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence [illegible] the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of March 1853 and sent to Amos McMuzzy, Pres.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 120 Vol. 4.

Reg 3 m 55 - 70158

Death not shown

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14.358
Peter Lake

[illegible] S. Hoffman
Pleasant Valley
Dutchess NY

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14.358
BRIEF in the case of Peter Lake County of Dutchess in the State of New York
(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? [blank]
3. How old is he? 70
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Sub. in 1779 or 80, Spring | 9 Months | As a Private | Capt. Livingston, Col Dubois
Enlisted again for | Three years and continued till the end of the war. | As a private | Same Officers.
5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Dutchess Cty. N. Y.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? The opinion of the Court is defective in form.

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
[signed] F. Waugh Examining Clerk.
March 7, 1833

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[illegible] 1

State of New York, Dutchess County} ss
On this ninth day of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Hannah Lake aged ninety four years a resident of the Town of Union Vale in the county and state aforesaid who being duly sworn says and declares that she is the widow of Peter Lake deceased who was a private soldier in the company commanded by Captain P[illegible] in the Regiment of [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolutionary war between the United States of America and Great Britain - that said Peter Lake her said husband enlisted at New Town on or about the [blank] day of A.D. 17[blank] for the term of [blank] and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 17[blank]. Said Hannah Lake further states that she was married to the said Peter Lake on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. 17[blank] by one [blank] a [blank] and that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Cummings, that her said husband died at the Town of Pleasant Valley Sept 30th A D 1843 [blank] and that she is now a widow and that she said Hannah Lake makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the County land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3rd 1855. And the said Hannah Lake further declares and states that she is now deserving and has drawn for about three years a pension as the widow of said Peter Lake from the United States Government of $500 back pay & $80 per annum dollars and that she refers to the papers on file in the Pension office for [illegible] full and further proof. 
Hannah (X - her mark) Lake

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Dutchess County ss
Archabald L Colwell and Samuel Dodge residents of the Town of Union Vale in the County of Dutchess and State of New York upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by said Hannah Lake in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. 
Archibald L Colwell - X
Samuel Dodge - X
Subscribed and sworn before me this 9th day of April 1833
John H [illegible] Justice of the Peace

Dutchess County ss
Hannah Lake being duly sworn before me the undernamed Justice of the Peace of the county of Dutchess says that there is no family record or record of her marriage with Peter Lake in existence to her knowledge.
Hannah (X - her mark) Lake
Subscribed and sworn before me this day 9th day of April 1853.
John H [illegible] Justice of the Peace witness to the mark} Archibald L Colwell, Samuel Dodge
Subscribed and sworn before

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Bounty Land Claim of Mrs Hannah Lake
Widow of Peter Lake
Act of March 3, 1855
Boynton
War of the Revolution
claim suspended
Additional Evidense
See my Power of Atty on file
Amos W. Muzzy, Attorney
Panama, Chautauqua Co. N. Y.

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BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
Form of a Declaration to be made by the Widow of a deceased Person who has not had a Land Warrant.
State of New York, County of Dutchess} ss.
On this the 25th day of January A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six, personally appeared before me, Leonard B Sherman a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aaforesaid, duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes, Hannah Lake aged ninety six years, a resident of the town of Union Vale in the county and State aforesaid, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Peter Lake deceased, who was a private in the Company commanded by Capt. P[illegible]sy in the [blank] Regiment of [blank] commanded by Col. [blank] in the war of the Revolution, that her said husband enlisted at New Town in the War of the Revolution for the term of nine months & then for three years and continued in actual service in said war for the term of two years or more and was honorably discharged at the close of the war about the year A. D. 1781.
She further states that she was married to the said Peter Lake in Pound-ville State of Vermont on the first day of December A. D. by one Elic Nobles a Justice of the Peace and that her name before her said marriage was Hannah Cummings; that her said husband died at Pleasant Valley Co. of Dutchess on the thirty first day of September A. D. 1845 and that she is now a Widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855. And she refers to his & her former declarations for proof etc. on which she had obtained a pension under Act of 7th July 1838 of $80 per annum.
Hannah (X - her mark) Lake
signed witness to X Leonard B Sherman
We, George P Duncan and Archibald L Coldwell, residents of the town of Union Vale in above said County in the State of New York upon our oaths declare, that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Hannah Lake in our presence, 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 we have been acquainted with her for a number of years, and believe her to be a person of strict truth and veracity, and further that we have no interest in this claim.
[signed] George P Duncan
Archibald L Caldwell
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 she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim.
[signed] Leonard B Sherman Justice of the Peace.

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State of New York, County of Dutchess} ss.
I, GEORGE H. TOMPKINS, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, Wo hereby Certify, That Leonard B Sherman whose name is subscribed to the annexed Jurat or Certificate, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly elected and sworn and authorized to take the same. And further, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Jurat or Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County, the 9 day of February A.D. 1856
[signed] Geo H Tompkins Clerk.

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July 14/52
Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake
Declaration Act of 1856. [illegible] 38

Presented by Amos W. Muzzy Attorney
Panama N.Y.

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State of New York, County of Dutchess} ss:
On this 22nd day of April A.D. 1852 personally appeared before Seward Barculo Esq. Judge of the Supreme Court in & for the State aforesaid (said Court being a Court of Record) Hannah Lake a resident of the town of La Grange said County aged Eighty nine years & upward, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 or of the 7th July 1838. That this is the widow of Peter Lake deceased who was a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7th 1832 and resided in the town of Pleasant Valley at the time of his death. That she always understood and verily believes that her said husband entered the service of the United States during the Revolution as a Militia Man & served as a substitute during the Winter of 1779 & commencement of the year 1780 for his brother Benjamin Lake from the town of Beekman, County of Dutchess State of New York & served out his time. That subsequently he engaged & entered the service of the United States for the term of Three years or during the Revolutionary War & served till War was ended. That she also, always understood that he received a written discharge & that the same was destroyed when his house was destroyed by fire several years ago. That he always lived in the County of Dutchess aforesaid. She

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further declares that she was married to the said Peter Lake in Poundwell or Pounall in the County of Bennington in the State of Vermont on or about the first day of December in the year Seventeen Hundred and Eighty one by a Justice of the Peace by the name of Nobles of whom she has not heard for a great many years. That her maiden name before her marriage as aforesaid was Hannah Cummings. That her husband the aforesaid Peter Lake died at the town of Pleasant Valley County of Dutchess & State of New York on the 30th day of September A.D. 1846 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by the proofs which will accompany this her declaration. That she has no family record of her said marriage or of the births & deaths of her children. That she had a marriage certificate but that the same was destroyed together with many other papers in the destruction of their dwelling house by fire several years ago and that to her knowledge or belief no record of her said marriage exists either public private or documentary, and relies in part for proofs of her marriage when the proofs which will accompany this declaration.
Hannah (X - her mark) Lake
Subscribed and sworn before me this 22nd day of April 1852 by the above named Hannah Lake who is a credible person & that the said Hannah from old age and bodily infirmity is unable to appear in open court and further that the reason the said above named

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Hannah Lake did not write her name to the foregoing declaration was because of extreme old age.
[signed] Seward Barculo
Justice Supreme Court of the State of New York
In presence of S Barculo - witness of & signature by making [illegible] saw Hannah Lake
[signed] Amos W. Muzzy

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State of New York, County of Dutchess, ss.
I, Joseph T. Adriance, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, and of the Courts of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Seward Barculo, Esq whose name is subscribed to the annexed declaration and thereon written was at the time of taking & signing the same one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dwelling in the said County, of Dutchess duly elected and sworn and authorized to take the same.
AND FURTHER, That I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said declaration is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affixed the Seal of the said County and Courts, the twenty second day of April A. D. 1852.
[signed] Jos. T. Adriance Clerk.

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Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake
Declaration Acts 1856 & 1838.

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Hannah Lake widow of Peter Lake
Declaration acts of 1836 and 1838

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July 14/52
Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake
Declaration Acts 1856 & 38

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I, Silvanus Danforth of Pownal in the county of Bennington & State of Vermont aged sixty seven years depose and say that I am town Clerk of said town and have the custody of the records where marriages are recorded and I have carefully examined & made diligent search of all of the town records where marriages would most likely be recorded and I can find no record of the marriage of Hannah Cummings to any person whatsoever. I further say that there are but few marriages recorded in said town records prior to the year AD 1815 and those few very informally recorded. I further say that it appears by the records of deeds there was families residing in said town of Pownal by the name of Cummings in the year 1781 and prior to and after the said year 1781 and that there was a resident by the name of Eli [illegible] in said town that officiated as a Justice of the peace during the years 1779 - 1780 - 1781 - 1782 - 1783 - 1784 - 1785 & 1786. I further say that I have never heard or known of any marriages being recorded in the County Clerks Office of said County nor of any law that required such record to be made in the County Clerks offices in this State.
[signed] S. Danforth

State of Vermont, Bennington County} ss:
The above subscribed & sworn to this 20th day of May AD 1852 before me and I certify the said Silvanus Danforth is town Clerk of the town of Pownal.
[signed] E. N. S. Morgan Justice of the Peace

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State of Vermont, COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE} BENNINGTON, ss.
I, Samuel H. Blackmer, Clerk of the County Court for the County of Bennington, being a court of record and having a seal, as hereto attached, do certify that E.N.S. Morgan Esq. was at the date of the paper writings to which this is attached, and now is a Justice of the peace within and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified: that his signature to the foregoing jurat and certificate is genuine: that the said paper writings are executed according to the laws of this State, and are in due form: and that as such Officer, he is duly authorized by the laws of this State to take acknowledgements of Deeds and Depositions, and to administer oaths, etc.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Court, at Bennington, this 20th day of May Anno Domini, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two.
[signed] S. H. Blackmer CLERK.

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State of New York, County of Dutchess} ss:
On this 22nd day of April A.D. 1852 personally appeared before me Silas E. Haight a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid duly authorized by law to administer oaths & affirmations. Samuel Lake aged sixty five years and upwards and Cornelius Burnet aged fifty seven years, residents of the County & state aforesaid who being duly sworn according to declare as follows: The said Samuel Lake states that he was a nephew of the late Peter Lake [illegible] late of the Town of Pleasant Valley in the County & State aforesaid. That his knowledge of the said Peter Lake and of Hannah his wife extends back for a period of about fifty nine years from the first. That at about his sixth years his Uncle the said Peter Lake & Hannah Lake his wife moved into the house occupied by his late Father Benjamin Lake and the two families lived together under the same roof for a no. of years, during which period and until the death of the said Peter Lake he was intimately acquainted with the said Peter Lake & Hannah his Wife and knew them to live together as Husband and Wife from about the year A.D. 1793 still the 30th day of September A.D. 1846 on which day the said Peter Lake died at Pleasant

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Valley in the County of Dutchess aforesaid.
That the said Hannah Lake was always reputed to be the Wife of the said Peter Lake and that the fact that she was his Wife was to his knowledge never questioned. He further states that he will remember the circumstance that his Mother was one day looking over some old papers belonging to his late Uncle the said Peter Lake, that she found the Certificate of the marriage of the said Peter Lake to Hannah Cummings, the then Wife of his said uncle and that he saw the said certificate of marriage and he and his said Mother read it. Which Certificate of marriage was as he believes destroyed by fire together with their dwelling many years ago. That he has lived under the same roof with the said Peter & Hannah Lake for a no. of years and has also lived as neighbor to them many years from which facts he is satisfied, that no Family Record or other documentary evidence exists by which the marriage of the said Peter & Hannah Lake can be proven or of the births of their children. And now declares

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that she is still a widow.
The said Cornelius Burnet doth depose and say that he has been intimately acquainted with the above named Peter Lake and Hannah Lake about forty years, that he has resided a portion of that time under the same roof with them and knew them to live together as Husband and Wife from that period till the death of the said Peter Lake. that the fact of the said Hannah Lake being the Wife of the said Peter Lake wants his knowledge never questioned and that the said Hannah Lake was ever reputed to be the Wife of this said Peter Lake that the said Peter Lake lived at Pleasant Valley in the County & State aforesaid on the 30th day of September A.D. 1846 and that he attended his funeral. And from the first that he resided a portion of the time under the same roof with the said Peter & Hannah Lake and has lived as neighbor to them for many years. And also from the fact that the said Hannah Lake now resides under the same roof with this deponant, he is satisfied that there is no Family Record or other Docum-

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-mentary evidence is in existence to prove the marriage of the said Peter & Hannah Lake on the births & deaths of their children And that she is still a widow.
[signed] Samuel Lake [&] Cornelius Burnet
Subscribed and sworn to before me on the day and year above mentioned.
And I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Samuel Lake and Cornelius Burnet and believe they are of the age above state and that their statement is entitled to full credit and belief.
[signed] Silas E. Haight
Justice of the Peace

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State of New York, County of Dutchess, ss.
I, Joseph T. Adriance, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, and of the Courts of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Silas E. Haight Esq. whose name is subscribed to the annexed affidavit and thereon written was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said county, duly Elected, Sworn & authorized to take the same.
AND FURTHER, That I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavit is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand, and affied the Seal of the said county and Courts, the twenty second day of April A. D. 1852.
[signed] Jos. T. Adriance Clerk.

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[illegible] 4358
In the matter of the application of Peter Lake

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seven days. It frequently happened while lying in this Fort that the Indians would approach within a few miles and commit murders & burn the dwellings of the defenseless inhabitants upon which [illegible] parties of which he was one time sent out in pursuit of them and at different times they were discovered and fired upon but at no other than the above mentioned time under any of them found dead. That he remained at and about Fort Herkimer until his time, which was nine months had expired. He then enlisted for three years or during the war and remained under the same officers at different places in that neighborhood, until the war ended, being frequently sent out on scouting parties as before stated but from the great [illegible] time cannot recollect any material events proper to relate here. That he then received a written discharge which was afterwards burnt together with the house and what it contained. Does not recollect by whom the discharge was given.
That he had a record of his age contained in his father's family Bible but cannot tell where it now is or what has become of it. That he has since the Revolutionary war and now does reside in the county of Dutchess aforesaid. That he is known in the neighborhood where he now lives by John S. Myers, Daniel Hibbard, James Frear & Laurence B. Frear who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. That he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.

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He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pensioner rolls of the agency of any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
[signed] Henry I Traver Clerk
Peter (X his mark) Lake

Mr James B Frear
residing in the Town of Poughkeepsie & county & state aforesaid and John S. Myers residing in the same place hereby certify that we are acquainted with Peter Lake who has subscribed and sworn to the above dictation, that we believe him to be seventy 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 to & subscribed this day & year aforesaid
[signed] Henry I Traver Clerk
[signed] J B Frear
[signed] John S Myers

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the war department, that the above named [illegible] court was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that [illegible[ has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the Town of [blank] in said Dutchess county, and that [blank] who has also signed this same is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Henry I Traver Clerk of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county of

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Dutchess do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Peter Lake for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal of office this twenty seventh day of September, one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
[signed] Henry I Traver Clerk

[illegible] $1.102

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State of New York, Dutchess County} ss:
On this twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for said county of Dutchess was sitting Peter Lake a resident of the Town of Poughkeepsie in the said county of Dutchess and State of New York aforesaid aged seventy years on the first day of August last past 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 7, 1832.
That he was born in the Town of Beekman, Dutchess county and State of New York as he is informed and verily believes to be true on the first day of August in the year one thousand seven hundred since sixty two. That he entered the service of the United States in the Spring of the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine or eighty - is not certain which - as a substitute soldier for his brother Benjamin Lake who was head of a class who was either to turn out one of their own numbers or furnish a man for nine months as such substitute. That he entered the company commanded by Captain Livingston, and was examined and passed muster by Captain Phelps who was called Muster Master at New Town in the County of Albany and remained there in camp for a month or two, and from there as one of a detachment taken from the company of Captain Livingston was marched to the city of Albany and from there went by water down the Hudson River to the landing at Fishkill and remained at the meeting house in the place one night during during which he was taken sick and next morning being unable to pursue the march in company with the others was left behind in

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the Captain Phelps who was commander of the company so detached as aforesaid had [illegible] of the residence of the men and returned to Fishkill Landing where he entered on board a sloop bound for Albany with Captain Phelps, and was from thence marched together with others comprising the company of Captain Pierce, whose Lieutenant was of the name of Prince to Schenectady, and from thence to Johnstown and remained there in the old lair which was pickited in and used as guard house for about three months and from thence under the same officers was marched to Fort Plain at a distance of about twenty miles from the former place where they remained in camp for a short time, perhaps one or two weeks and from thence under the command of Lieutenant Becraft and Serjeant Dickerson was marched to Fort Herkimer as it was called which was also a lair picketed and occupied as a Fort where he remained his time out under the command of Major Van Bunschoten and Colonel Dubois a part of the time from this place was frequently sent out on scouting parties sometimes to Fort Stanwix, where he with six others fell in with a party of Indians consisting of about double their number who rose up from among the weeds at a distance of about thirty yards and immediately fired upon us but did no execution. The fire was immediately returned by order of Lieutenant Peak who commanded this party by which one Indian was killed on the spot. The residence made a precipitable retreat and was pursued but was not over taken. From the Indian that fell in the skirmish his gun powder horn, tomahawk & scalping knife was taken and he left lying as he fell and returned to the Fort having been about

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[initialed] WS

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

August 17, 1928.

Mrs. Edward V. Howlett,
385 Huron Street, West,
Pontiac, Michigan.

Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 26199, it appears that Peter Lake was born August 1, 1762, at Beekman, Dutchess County, New York.
While residing in said Dutchess County, in the spring of 1779 and 1780, he served for nine months as a substitute for his brother, Benjamin Lake, under Captains Livingston, Phelps and Pearsey in Colonel Dubois' New York Regiment; at the expiration of this service, he enlisted and served as a private in same company and regiment until the close of the war.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of Poughkeepsie, New York. He died September 30, 1845, or September 30, 1846 at Pleasant Valley Dutchess County, New York.
Soldier married December 1, 1781 at Pownal, Bennington County, Vermont, Hannah Cummings. She was allowed pension

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COPIED BY ADY

on her application executed April 22, 1852, while a resident of LaGrange, Dutchess County, New York, aged eighty-nine years. In 1855 she was living in Union Vale, New York.
Children are referred to, Anna the second child, born in 1790, is the only name stated.
Respectfully,
[unsigned]
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

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Oct. 14. 1905
History to Mrs. A. Cunningham
Lincroft - N. J.
1910 Dec. 22 To Mrs George Worrall letter in S. File
9924 John Lake [illegible]
1919 Jan. 22. Hist to Chas. E. Weeks letter in R. 20520 Gilbert Weeks 
1920 Mch. 22 Hist to Henry R. Douglas [illegible]
1924 June 30 Hist to Marion Cromm
see claim in John Lake S. 9924
_____________________________________
1928. Aug. 17. Hist to Mrs. Edward V. Howlett [illegible]

[illegible]
WIDOW, etc.
File No. 26,199
Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake
[illegible]

Act Feb 2nd 1868
Index: Vol A, Page 622
(Arrangement of 1870.)

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26,776

160 acres

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Revolutionary Claim
Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake
New proof

Amos W. Muzzy
Atty.
Panama
Chautauqua Co. N. Y.

Page 38

State of New York County of Dutchess } SS 
On this 29th day of November A. D. 1852- personally appeared before me Samuel A. McCorey a Justice of the Peace in and for the County & State aforesaid Benjamin Sherow and Elizabeth Sherow his Wife- Keziah Storms and Samuel Lake - all residents of the County and State aforesaid- who being duly sworn according to law. do declare as follows - 
The said Benjamin Sherow states that he was well acquainted with Peter Lake late of Pleasant Valley in said County and with his Widow Hannah Lake - That he remembers to have seen the said Hannah Lake nurse three of her children prior to the year 1794- and he states that his age is Eighty three years- 
The said Elizabeth Sherow states- that she is Eighty one years old- that she was also well acquainted with the above named Peter Lake and Hannah his Wife- that she knew them to live together as Husband and Wife prior to the year

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1794- She further states- that she knows them to have lived together as Husband and Wife prior to 1794. from the fact that she worked for the said Peter Lake & Wife at the time of the birth of their second child Anna Lake in the year 1790- 
The said Keziah Storms states- that she is Sixty nine years of age- that she was well acquainted with the above named Peter & Hannah Lake- that she lived as a neighbor near to them- and she well remembers to have played with several of their children- ["and to" is crossed out] prior to 1794- and also remembers to have seen the said Hannah Lake nurse several of her children prior to 1794- and that she knew them to live together as Husband and Wife prior to that period- 
The said Samuel Lake states, that he is Sixty seven years of age- that he knew the said Peter and Hannah Lake to live together as Husband and Wife prior to the year 1794- that his memory in this respect is strengthened from the fact that the said Peter Lake and Hannah hi Wife lived at part of the time previous to that period in a part of his Fathers House- and he remembers to have seen the said Hannah nurse

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her child Anna Josie after its birth in 1798- and he also remembers to have played with her children prior to 1794- 
The above witnesses all sworn that they are disinterested witnesses- 
[signature:] Keziah Storm 
[signature:] Benjamin Sherow 
[signature:] Elizabeth Sherow 
[signature:] Samuel Lake 
Subscribed & sworn to before me the day & year first above written 
And I hereby Certify that Benjamin & Elizabeth Sherow. Keziah Storm and Samuel Lake are credible witnesses- [signature:] Saml. A. McCorey Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Dutchess and State of New York

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STATE OF NEW YORK. COUNTY OF DUTCHESS. } SS. 
I, Joseph T. Adriance, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, and of the Courts of said County, DO
HEREBY CERTIFY, THAT Saml. A McCord whose name is subscribed to the annexed Jurat or Certificate, and thereon written, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly elected and sworn, and authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Jurat or Certificate is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County and Courts, this 20th day of November A.D. 1852
Jos T. Adriance Clerk.

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Panama Chautauqua County N. Y. May 26 1856. 
Dear Sir- Your favor containing 2 copies of records Vet & Forms- are duly recd for which, please accept thanks- 
I beg leave to call your attention to the claim of- Hannah Lake of Dutchess Co- N Y for bounty land under Act of 1855 
She is the widow of Peter Lake who was a Rev- Pensioner and I also obtained a pension for her in March 1853 under Act of 7 July 1838- She is of the New York Agency- 
Her claim is suspended for "Record Evidence" which ["is not" is crossed out] objection is now removed by the 2nd Section of the new Act-
My Power of Atty- I filed in April last- Very truly yours [signature:] Amos W Muzzy Atty- 
S. Cole Esq- Pension office- Washingont. D. C. - }

Page 43

Rev. and 1812 War Section. 
June 30, 1924. 
Marion Cronin,
515 N. 34th St.,
Lincoln, Nebr.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the 
Revolutionary War pension claim, W.26199, it appears that Peter Lake was born August 1, 1762 at Beekman, Dutchess County, New York.
While residing in said Dutchess County, in the spring of 1779 or 1780, he served for nine months as a substitute for his brother, Benjamin Lake, under Captains Livingston, Phelps and Pearsey in Colonel Dubois' New York Regiment; at the expiration of this service, he enlisted and served as a private in same company and regiment until the close of the War.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of Poughkeepsie,

Page 44

New York. He died September 30, 1845 or September 30, 1846 at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, New York. 
Soldier married December 1, 1781 at Pownal, Bennington County, Vermont, Hannah Cummings, she was allowed pension on her application executed April 22, 1852, while a resident of LaGrange, Dutchess County, New York, aged eighty nine years. In 1855, she was living in Union Vale, New York.
Children are referred to, Anna the second child, born in 1790, is the only name stated. 
The above noted soldier is the only Peter Lake found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau. Respectfully,
Commissioner.

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[note: the top of this page is missing, cut off, and many of the entries on the form are faded, possibly no longer visible at all] 

a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  spring 1779 & 1780 LENGTH OF SERVICE. [multiple illegible words] 
RANK. private 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. { Livingston Phelps Pearsey 
COLONEL. Dubois 
STATE. New York 
Battles engaged in, [blank, or faded to invisible] 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Dutchess Co. New York 
Date of application for pension, Sept. 24, 1832. His claim was allowed. 
Residence at date of application, Poughkeepsie, New York 
Age at date of application, [faded, illegible] N. Y. 
Remarks: Sol. married at Powhan, Vt Dec 1 1781 Hannah Cummings  
he died Sept 30 [illegible] at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co N Y [illegible few words] 
when application [several illegible words] 1833 while 89 years of age   Children are referred to Ann was born [illegible words] in 1790 in the  [illegible words]  
Respectfully,
6 -- 2896
Commissioner.

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January 30, 1919. 
Mr. Charles E. Weeks,
Edgewood,
120 Columbia Ave. Rhode Island.
Sir:
In response to your letter dated the twenty-third instant, you are advised that the Gilbert Weeks whose history was mailed to you on the
twenty-second instant, is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau, and answered the very meager description given by you.
The date of death of Hannah Lake, widow of Peter Lake, is not shown on the records of this Bureau. 
For the date of last payment of her pension, and name of the person to whom it was paid, you should apply to the 
Auditor for the Interior Department, Auditors' Building, 14th & B Sts. S. W., Washington, D. C.
giving him all of the following data: 
"Hannah Lake widow of Peter Lake, certificate No. 6,055, issued March 10, 1853, for $80.00 per annum from March 4, 1848, under the Act of February 2, 1848, at the New York Agency." 
Very respectfully,
[signature:] G W Saltzgaber  
Commissioner

Page 47

not a wars man nor among Dubois' rects-

Page 48

Pension Office Sept 22d 1855

Page 49

Poughkeepsie April 11th 1855 
Dr Sir Enclosed are the papers applying for bounty land for Hannah Lake of the Town of Union Vale in the County of Dutchess the wife of a revolutionary Soldier- 
She is 'very aged and infirm' and now enjoys a pension from the government and says when the pension was obtained all the original papers she had concerning her husband are gone and lost - We suppose as she is 'a pensioner' now the only proof you would require strictly would be the fact she is 'living and a widow' - 
If you should require more relative [??] the papers and the substance of what is 'on file on her application for a pension - 
Send the warrant to us 
Yours st Doge & Campbell attys for Hannah Lake

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Poughkeepsie N. Y. Nov 16. 1855 
J. Minot Esq  Commr 
Dear Sir Yours of the 18 inst in relation to claim of Hannah Lake No 70-158 was duly recd. Mrs Lakes husband never was a pensioner. She now draws a pension under the Act of Feby 2 1848. And is Recorded in the Pension office in Vol 4. page 120 and her Original pension paper is dated March 10. 1853. and she refers to the Proof already on file in your department - she is now very infirm and very poor. and is unable to get the testimony as the living witnesses are all dead. We hope that no

Page 51

technical objection will prevent her obtaining her Warrant, as the full proofs Entitling her to it are on file in your Department. please let us hear from you soon as it would sooth her few declining days on Earth to be satisfied that Republics are not ungrateful 
Your sr Dodge & Campbell Attys.

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Panama Chautauqua County N. Y. Dec. 9 [or 4?] 1852. 
Hon. J. E. Heath- In your Report to me, (of rather that of Mr Cole) on the application for a pension of Hannah Lake, Widow of Peter Lake, late a Rev-y Pensioner of the N. Y. Agency. you say. "let the witnesses "fortify their ["recollection by" is crossed out] testimony by collateral circumstances- Let them state how the fix the date of the marriage prior to 1794" 
I am happy to be able to furnish you the enclosed new affidts [affidavits] which I trust you will deem amply sufficient. 
I am Sir- Very Repectfully Your Obt. Servt. [signature:] Amos W. Muzzy .

Page 53

Act of June 1844 &c. 
Hannah Lake widow of Peter N. Y. Admd. 7 July 1838 
2 Years of Pri $80 00/100 per Annum issue 30 Sept 1846 when he died 
Cert to Amos W. Muzzy Present

Page 54

Washington D. C. Oct 2. 1857 
Sir, Enclosed herewith is the declaration of Hannah Lake widow of Peter Lake deceased, who was a pensioner N. Y. roll, for pension under Act of 1835, to which I request your attention. Very Respectfully Your Obdt Sert [signature:[ Thos Ewing Jr 
James E. Heath Esq Comr of Pensions }

Page 55

Mr Muzzy states that he lives 800 miles from Washington and that he has only her small pension Was in the office on which additional evidence was forwarded 3 months ago 
G W Cole is too much engaged he can get Mrs [Mr?] Willett [??] or Mr [W?]  Hanson to look at them 
J E Heath Comr 
Act 7- July - / 38 
Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake of the New York Agency - also - William Chappel Act. 7. June / 32

Page 56

Hon. J. E. Heath - Dear Sir- Mr Cole says the pension claim of Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake decd late of New York, and also of William Chappel of New York case only be taken up by order of the Commissioner which I would fair hope may be done - as my residence is Eight hundred miles from here - 
I am Sir- Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servt- [signature:] Amos W. Muzzy. 
Washington 4 - March 1853-

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Pension Office March 9/53 
New York Roll Act 7 June 1832 Peter Lake pri $80 pr. Annum To what time paid? [signature:] Hanson 
Paid to 4th March 1846 B. L. B. [initials] 
Mar. Boyan 3d, Aut: Office 
N. B. The above I find on the N. Y. City Roll.- Please always name the Agency- Your obt srt [signature:] B. L. Boyan 
To Mr - Hanson, Pension Office

Page 58

Brief in the case of Hannah Lake widow of Peter County and State of New York act 7 July 1838 
Claim, ("original," ["or "for increase," is crossed out] [blank] 
Proof exhibited, (if original.) Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance. 
Her Husband was a Pensioner under Act of 7 June 1832 Proof of Marriage & death of Husband, &c and - 
(If for increase.) Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? [blank]

Page 59

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Peter Lake which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration  in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [blank] 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. *Has he mentioned 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? yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of  June 7, 1832? yes 
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

Page 60

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Two Citizens 
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes 
XIV. +If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? [blank] 
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? [blank] 
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? [blank] 
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? [blank] 
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes 
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes 
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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 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 [blank] months and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] ; and for such service I claim a pension.

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3 
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 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 shewn 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. 
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 
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 claimants 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. 
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Page 62

O W Y N aJ 
[rectangular stamp:] 
[faded, illegible] & NAVY 
OCT 12 1905 
FILES 
P. B. 
Lincraft Oct 9 
To the Pension Agent Washington D. C. 
Dear Sir I am a decendent [descendant] of Peter Lake or Leake one of the Revolutionary Pensioners I would like verry much to get a Copy of his services during the war. of the Revolution he was my great grandfather. my grandfather: Cornelius Burnett

Page 63

was in the war of 1812 and my own Father George W Burnett. also my husband was in the Cival [Civil] War and my Brother was in the Cuban war so I would like verry much to get my great grandfathers record for my own boys if you can get it you will greatly Oblige a patriotic Widdow [signature:] Mrs. A. Cunningham. Lincraft. Monmouth N. J. Ca

Page 64

Rev. Sec. m 
120 Columbia Ave., Edgewood, Rhode Island. Jan 23 1919 
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C. 
[circular stamp:] U. S. PENSION N OFFICE JAN 25 [illegible year] 
Dear Sir I received the Revolutionary War Records of Gilbert Weeks. and Peter Lake, which you have sent me, and find you did not state the date of the death of the Widow of Peter Lake. which I particularly want to know. you state when she got her pension and you must have the date of her Death. as her pension would cease at that date - will you kindly let me know that date - the report your have sent me of Gilbert Weeks must refer to another man of that name, if he applied for a pension in 1828- the Gilbert Weeks I refer to. was born in 1741. and died in 1799. is buried in the Dutch Reformed Church yard in Fishkill Village N. Y., I do not suppose there were any Pensions in 1700. so am doubtfull if this is the department to apply to concerning him. if it is not can you tell me where to apply - an early reply will greatly oblige- Your any truly Chas E Weeks

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Rev Sec 2 Enc 
Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York
Fraunces Tavern Corner Broad & Pearl Streets New York City March 4, 1920. 
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,
Gentlemen:-
Will you please send me the Revolutionary record of Peter Leake who was born in Beekman, Dutchess County, New York on August 1, 1762, and died in Pleasant Valley, N. Y. September 30, 1846. 
He was pentioned September 24, 1832. I would like this information to establish the eligibility of an applicant for membership in this Society, and would thank you if you will give it your prompt attention, 
Yours very truly, [signatruer:] Henry Rusell Browne Secretary.
[circular stamp:] U. S. PENSION D OFFICE MAR 5 1920

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[circular symbol] DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 
General Richardson Chapter Pontiac, Michigan 
385 Huron St. West. 
Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington D. C. 
Dear Sirs: I am searching for all data on file regarding a Revolutionary War pensioner - Peter Lake of Beekman Dutchess Co N. Y. 1762; mar [married] 1781 Hannah Cummings, served as private in Capt Livingston's Co., Col. Dubois' Regt. New York Line ; d. 1846 in Pleasant Valley N. Y. Can you add anything to the above? If so will be most appreciative Sincerely May R. Howlett ( Mrs Edward V.) 385 Huron St West Pontiac Michigan.

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No 14.733 
Hannah Lake widow of Peter N Y 
Amos. W. Muzzy Oct 4 1852 
"  "  "  [Amos W. Muzzy] March 8/53 
This letter in Rev. Claims- Wm. Chappel - 
S-22677- I.L.L - 4/12/34 
July 7. 1838

Page 68

727 New York 
Hannah Lake widow of Peter who was a private in the Revolution 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the ["4th day of March, 1843." is crossed out] 30 September 1846 
Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of March '53 and sent to Amos W. Muzzy Prest. 
[ Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844. ] 
Recorded in Book C & 
Vol. [illegible] Page 79

Page 69

Dutchess County SS Alford Van Vlack and Calvin F Colwell of Union Vale in said County being duly Sworn says he knows Hannah Lake of Union Vale in said County who has signed the annexed declaration and that he also knew Peter Lake the husband of Said Hannah in his life time - that said Peter died on or about the 30th day of September A. D. 1845 - that said Hannah Lake is now the widow of said Peter Lake she having never married since said Peters death - This deponent further says that during the life time of said Peter and for more than seven years before his death and that during said time and up to the time of said Peters death said Peter and Hannah Lake lived in the Town of Pleasant Vallie in said County and cohabited and lived together continually as husband and wife and were generally reputed to be married and this deponent verily believes they were married 
and that they while so living together claimed to be lawfully married - [signature:] Calvin H Colwell 
[signature:] Alfred Van Vlack 
Sworn to before me this 9 day of April 1855 [signature:] John H Ollivett Justice of the Peace

Page 70

Dutchess County SS The foregoing declaration and affidavits were Each and Every of therein duly Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the days and years above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons ; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim April 9th 1855 [signature:] John F Ollivett Justice of the Peace

Page 71

STATE OF NEW YORK. COUNTY OF DUTCHESS. } SS. 
I, GEORGE H. TOMPKINS, Clerk of the County of Dutchess, and of the Courts of the said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, THAT John H. Olivet Esqr 
whose name is subscribed to the annexed Jurat or Certificate, and thereon written, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, duly elected and sworn, and authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said Jurat or Certificate is genuine. 
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County and Courts, this 12 day of April A. D. 1855 [signature:] Geo H Tompkins Clerk.

Page 72

Hannah Lake yo Amos W. Muzzy Power of Attorney 
Revy claim for bounty land- Act 1855- suspended-

Page 73

State of New York County of Dutchess } Be it known that on this 9th day of February 1856- before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace within and for the County & State aforesaid- personally appeared Hannah Lake a resident of Union Vale in the County aforesaid and made Oath according to law- that she is the widow of Peter Lake who is a soldier of the Revolution - that she has heretofore filed her claim for Bounty Land under the Act of March 3rd 1855- thro her Attys- Messrs Dodge and Campbell of Poughkeepsie N. Y. and which is suspended. 
That she is directly interested as a claimant as aforesaid, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence as arguments as are Agent may use in prosecuting said claim- Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Atty and authority heretofore given I hereby Constitute and appoint

Page 74

Amos W. Muzzy of Panama Chautauqua County N. Y. as a true and  lawful Attorney to further prosecute my said claim for the Bounty Land under the Act aforesaid - And I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said Claim, at Washington or elsewhere- to file additional evidence or arguments to 
appoint one or more Agents or substitutes under him for the purpose, herein expressed . and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present - 
Hereby satisfying ["all" is crossed out] and Conferring all that my said Agent shall lawfully do in the premises- - 
her X mark Hannah Lake 

of [signature:] Leonard B Sherman 
[signature::] Archibald Calwell 
Signed worn to and acknowledged before me on the day and year first above written. And I hereby Certify- that I believe the said Hannah Lake to be directly interested in said Claim as set forth. and to be the identical party therein alledged- 
[signature:] Leonard B Sherman Justice Peace

Page 75

Hannah Lake Widow of Peter Lake - 
Date of the original Pension Paper March 10th 1853 Pension commenced on the 4th March 1848, Recorded in the Pension office on the Roll of Pensioners under the Act February 2d 1848- Page 120- Vol 4