Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,316, for Thomas Kennedy, New York

Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
New York

Kennedy, Thomas
Dorothy

NUMBER
W. 16,316

Born in Ireland

Contents

Page 2

Date of widow's death not on aB

Page 3

[handwritten]
No 114933
Thos Kennedy N.Y
Circumstances of
his capture
i.j.
[illegible] Vol 3. p15 -
Col Gordon
Capt Collins, 2 years & one month
Prisoner -
retr
D. Wright-
[crossed out] Agent
Amsterdam
Montgomery County
New York

Page 4

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, shewing the service of Thomas Kennedy, Montgomery
Co. New York
Period when the
service was
rendered.
Volun 1776
"         1777 y

Duration of the
claimant's service.
Years      Months    Days
               4 or 5
about 2

Rank of
the
claimant.
Private &
Scout

Names and Rank
of the Company
officers under
whom he served.
Capt White
Capt Collins

Names and Rank
of the General
and Field officers.
Col. Gordon
Genl Gates

Battles in which the applicant was
engaged.
[blank]

Country through
which he marched.
To Stone Arabia
Schoharie
Fort Edward

Place of abode
when he entered
the service, and age
at the present
period-
Saratoga
aged 21

Evidence by
which the declaration
is supported
Traditionary

[handwritten] & taken prisoner & kept at Montreal till the surrender of
Cornwallis
Sound evidence of service from 1777 & detention
as a prisoner can certainly be obtained
if sought for - [/handwritten]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
Evidence of service from 1777 & detention

Page 5

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of [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, doth 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 and 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.
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
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 Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [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 day and year aforesaid,
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [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 applicacation [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
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

Page 6

3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there
subscribe and be sworn to, one of the 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
     To an Officer}
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given
and what has become of it?
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he 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
enquiry 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.
[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
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 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] year [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 phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
]g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix 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 records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses,
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from to [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] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Page 7

[handwritten] 
3324
Admitted
Private 2 years
__________________
M. J. Bonce Esq
Amsterdam
New York

Page 8

FAMILY RECORD

[column 1]
MARRIAGES.

Thomas Kennedy
Married to Dorothy
Wood, Feb 11 11778

Lucy
Kennedy
Married to Benjamin
backer Jan 11th 1786

Tene Kenney
Married to Joseph
Degraff Dec 15th 1799

Thomas W Kenny
Married to 
Catherine Seni feb
5 1809
---

[column 2]
MARRIAGES

James Kennedy
Married
to
Lucinda Grenell
Sept 11 1816

Dinetta Degraff
Married
Reece Harmon
Nov 1: 1823

Page 9

FAMILY RECORD.

[column 1]
BIRTHS

Thomas Kennedy
born. In the year
17 [illegible]

Dorothy
Wood
born in the year 175[illegible]

Lucy Kennedy on
the 3 of January
the year 1779

Jane Kennedy
born Jan 24th 1784

Thomas Kennedy
born Sept 10th 1784
-
David Kennedy
born Feb 14 1787

[column 2]
BIRTHS

Elijah Kennedy
born July 16, 1789

Abigail Kenney
born Sept 10th 1791
-
James Kennedy
born August 11 1794

Sally Kenney
born May 19 1797
---
Emanuel Seguff
17
born [illegible] the 19h 1803

Page 10

State of New York
Montgomery County
-
Personally appeared before the Subscriber
one of the Judges of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for the County aforesaid James
Kennedy who being a resident of the Town of
Broadville in County and State aforesaid who being
first duly sworn according to law doth on his
Oath make the following statements- That his Father
Thomas Kennedy died on the 13th day of March
1835 and that his Mother Dorothy Kennedy
is now a widow and has remained one
ever since the death of his Father
deponent further says that the Record hereunto
attached was cut from the Family Bible which
was kept by his Father Thomas Kennedy in
his life time and further this deponent saith
not

James Kennedy

Sworn to & Subscribed
this 13th day of February
1838. Before me John Hand
a Judge of the Court of Common pleas of
the County of Montgomery
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with
James Kennedy who has sworn to the above
affidavit & know him to be a creditable person
and that the statements by him made in said affidavit
are entitled to full credit
John Hand a Judge of the
Court of Common pleas of the County
of Montgomery

Page 11

State of New York
County of Montgomery
ss. February 13th 1838

I certify that after examining the declaration
affidavits & records hereto annexed declare my
opinion - That Thomas Kennedy, named in said
declaration was a private in the war of the
Revolution and has served in said war
and also been a prisoner in said War
as stated in said declaration - and that
Dorothy Kennedy the Claiment named into
said declaration was the lawfull wife of the
said Thomas and married to him as stated in
said declaration - and that her husband
the said Thomas died at the time stated in
said declaration and that she has remained
a widow ever since - I further certify
that the said Dorothy Kennedy is unable
to attend any of the Court of records
of said County by reason of bodily infirmity
John Hand a Judge
of the Court of Common pleas
of the County of Montgomery

Page 12

[handwritten]
State of New York
Montgomery County
On this 13th day of February
1838 Personally appeared before [crossed out] John Hand and
of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and
for the County aforesaid, Dorothy Kennedy, a resident
of the Town of Broadalbin County and State aforesaid
aged Eighty four years 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: That she is the Widow of Thomas Kennedy December
second who was a Private in the Militia in this
State in the Revolutionary War and served at different
periods one year and six months & was a
prisoner in [illegible] more than two years - I refer
the Pension Commissioner to the papers of my said
Husband now on file in his office - She further
declares that she was married to the said Thomas
Kennedy on the 11th day of February 1778 by the Reverend
Mr Smith in the Town of Shawn and State of Connecticut - 
and that her husband the aforesaid Thomas
Kennedy died on the 13th day of March 1835;
and that she has remained a widow [illegible] since
that period as will more fully appear by assurance
to the proof hereto annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written before me
John Hand a
Judge of the Court of
Common pleas of the
County of Montgomery
Dorothy L Kennedy
X mark.
I further certify that I am acquainted with the said
Dorothy Kennedy - who has sworn to the above declaration
and know him to be a creditable person & believe that the
statement by his made in said affidavit or declaration is entitled to
full credit. & she made his mark in Subscribed said declaration 
for the reason she never learned to write. - 
John Hand a Judge of the Court ┃
of Common pleas of Monterey County

Page 13

[handwritten]
State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerks Offices
I do hereby certify that the
within named John Hand Esquire whose name
is subscribed to the Jurats of the foregoing affidavit
was on the day of the date of the same a Judge
of the County Court of the County of Montgomery and duly
authorised by the Laws of the said State to administer Oaths
&c. in the said County and that his signature Subscribed
the same is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand seal of Office this 14th day of February 1838
A J. Comrie Clerk
[written sideways]
Admitted [illegible] 2 years
M. J. Bonce Esq
Amsterdam
New York [/sideways]

Page 14

[handwritten]
Thomas Kennedy
Declaration
14933
De
14933
25

Page 15

[handwritten]
State ofNew York
County of Montgomery
On this Eighteenth day of September in the year 
Eighteen hundred and thirty two
personally appeared before Samuel A. Gilbert one of the
Judges of the County Court for the County of
Montgomery Thomas Kenneda a resident of the town
Broadalbin in said County and State, aged Ninety
One years on the ninth day of October 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 seventh 1832 - This deponent was
born in and in the kingdom of Great Breton
in the County of Down in the year 1740 - & this
deponent has a record of his age in a family Bible
now in his possession. That this deponent when he
entered the service resided in the town of Ballston -
now town of Milton County of Saratoga & State
aforesaid - That he volunteered in the Malisha [Militia] of the
State of New York the first week in May in the
year 1776- under Capt. White & the redgiment [regiment] to
which this deponent belonged was commanded by
Colonel Schoonhoven - & that one Mitchel was Maj.
and this deponent first went from Milton aforesaid
to Stonearabia - from thence went to Schoharie was
there when Independence was declared from there
went to Fort Edward deponent cannot recollect what
length of time he staid [stayed] at each of the aforesaid places
that he returned home to Milton the last week in
Sept following - In the year 1777- this deponent
was out in scouting parties in Milton& vicinity aforesaid
during the most of the season-- and at the taking
of Burgoine this deponent with the company to
which he belonged then commanded by Capt
Collins in the regiment of Colonel Gordon was 
attached to the Army of
General Gates and
there continued untill [until] after the surrender of
General Burgoine

Page 16

[handwritten]
In the year 1778 - this deponent continued under the
same officers as this deponent believes and
spent that season in the vicinity of Milton
aforesaid in endeavouring [endeavoring] to prevent the Indians
and Tories from committing depredations upon
the inhabitants - And in the year 1779 - this
deponent continued in the same services as in
the year before untill [until] the tenth day of October
in said year when this deponent together with
Colonel Gorden-- Capt Collins-- Capt Benedict
Esquire Walters & others were taken prisoners
by the British & Indians and by them carried
to Montreall [Montreal} where this deponent remained a
prisoner untill [until] the arival [arrival] of the [illegible] of
the surrender Cornwallice [Cornwallis] when this deponent
was discharged from his imprisonment and
returned home to his family in the month of
December following and this remained in Milton aforesaid
until the year 1794 - then moved to Broadalbin where
now resids [resides] - this deponent never received any written
discharge - That this deponent has no documentary
evidence and that he knows of no person who's
testimony he can procure who can testify to his
service or imprisonment-
And this deponent refers to Joseph Degolyer &
Daniel Stewart as persons who are acquainted with
me and can testify to my verasity [versacity] and corrobrate [corroborate] my statements in relation to the services
performed and imprisonment-
And this deponent hereby relinquishes every
caim[claim] whoever to a pention [pension] or annuity except the
present and declares that his name is not on the
pention [pension] roll of the agency of any State - 
Sworn to and subscribed
this 18th day of September 1832 
Thomas Kennedy
Before me Samuel A Gilbert
one of the Judges of Montgomery County Courts
-

Page 17

[handwritten]
State of New York
County of Montgomery
Js
We Joseph Degolyer &
Daniel Stewart residing in the town of
Broadalbin in said County hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with Thomas Kennady
who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed
Declaration that we believe him to be Ninety
One years of age - that he is reputed & believed
in the Neighborerhood [Neighborhood] where he resides to 
have been a soldier of the Revolution and
to have suffered the imprisonment by him
stated and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed
his 18th of September 1832.
before me Sam'l A Gilbert and
of the Judges of Montgomery County Courts
Joseph Degolyer
Daniel Stewart
And I the said Samuel A Gilbert one of the Judges of the
said court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Montgomery
Do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter
and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War 
Deppartment that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier and served as he states and I further certify that Joseph
Degolyer and Daniel Stewart are residents of the town of Broadalbin
in the County of Montgomery who have signed the preceding
certificate and are credible persons and that their statement
is entitled to credit. And I further certify that the said Thomas
Kennedy is too much enfeebled and debilitated by old age and disease
to attend in open court to make his declaration & application and
that it would endanger his life to require his personal attendance
in Court-
Samuel A Gilbert one of the
Judges of Montgomery County Courts

Page 18

State of New York
Montgomery County Ss
I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of
Montgomery County do hereby certify
that Samuel A. Gilbert, Esq before whom the foregoing
declaration of Thomas Kennedy purports to have been
sworn, & also before whom the foregoing certificate of
Joseph Degolyer and Daniel Stewart purports to have
been sworn, was on the day of the date of the said declaration
and certificate one of the Judges of Montgomery County Courts.
And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing
of the said Judge & verily believe that the name of the said
Judge subscribed to the said declaration, & to the said Certificate
of the said Joseph & Daniel, and also the name of the said
Judge Subscribed to the foregoing certificate of Character of
Witnesses & of inability of the applicant, is in each case the
proper hand writing of the said Judge.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seal of office the 29th September 1832.
Geo. D. Ferguson
[written sideways] Thomas Kennedy
Declaration to obtain a
[underlined] pension [/underlined]

Page 19

April 26, 1939

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
THOMAS KENNEDY
BA-J/MB J
W. 16316

Mrs. Frederick Stachla
R.D.#3
Munnsville, New York

Dear Madam:

The data which follow in regard to Thomas Kennedy were obtained
from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 16356, based upon his
service in the Revolutionary War.

Thomas Kennedy was born in County Down, Ireland, October (? ) 19,
1735, or in 1740 (both dates given). The names of his parents were
not stated.

While residing in that part of Ballston which later became Milton
in Saratoga County, New York, Thomas Kennedy volunteered the first week
of May, 1776, served as private in Captain White's company, Colonel
Schoonhoven's New York regiment, was at Schoharie when Independence was
declared, went to Fort Edward from there and returned to Milton the
last week of September, following. In 1777, he was engaged in scouting
about Milton and its vicinity in Captain Collins' company, Colonel
Gordon's New York regiment, and was at the surrender of Burgoyne. He
continued to serve during the years 1778 and 1779 in Captain Collins'
company, Colonel Gordon's New York regiment, engaged in guarding the
country around Milton from depredations by Indians and Tories and was
taken prisoner October 10, 1779, by the British and Indians, carried
to Montreal, Canada, where he was held until after the surrender of
Cornwallis, when he was released and returned to his family in December,
following. It was stated that he was actually engaged in service one
year six months and was held prisoner more than two years.

The soldier continued to reside in Milton, New York, until 1794,
then moved to Broadalbin, Montgomery County, New York, where he died
March 13, 1835.

Thomas Kennedy married February 11, 1778, in Sharon (?), Connecticut,
Dorothy Wood, who was born Mar (?) 14, 1750, place not stated, nor names
of her parents shown.

Page 20

Dorothy Kennedy was allowed pension which was due her husband,
Thomas, at the time of his death, on her application which was
executed February 13, 1838, while she was living in Broadalbin, New York.

The following family data are shown in the claim:
Lucy Kennedy, born January 3, 1779; married Jan. 11, 1796, Benjamin Backer.
 
Sene " " January 24, 1781; married Jan. 24, 1781, Joseph Degraff.
Thomas W. "  " September 10, 1784; married Feb. 5, 1809 Catherine Lewis.
David " " February 14, 1787
Elijah " " July 16, 1789
Abigail " " September 10, 1791
James " " August 11, 1794; married Sept. 11 1816, Lucinda Grenell, and in 1838 living in Broadalbin, New York.
Sally "" March 19, 1797
Emanuel Dagraff, " " June 4, 1801
Diretha Degraff, " " December 19, 1802; married Nov. 1, 1823, Reece Harmon.

Thomas Kennedy's brother, John Kennedy, married Hannah___   who, in
1833, was aged seventy-seven years and a resident of Broadalbin, New York
. No further data were given in regard to John or to his wife,
Hannah, whose maiden name was not stated.

Enoch Wood, brother of soldier's wife, Dorothy Kennedy, served
with Thomas Kennedy in the Revolution and was taken prisoner with him.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name
and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of
Dorothy Kennedy, soldier's widow, you should write to the Comptroller
General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and
cite the following data: Dorothy Kennedy, widow of Thomas, certificate
No. 2109, issued June 14, 1838, rate $80 per annum, commenced March 4,
1831, Act of July 4, 1836, Albany, New York Agency.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 21

April 26, 1939

XXXXXXX
BA-J/MLB
XXXX

Mrs. Frederick Staehla
R. F. D. #3
Munnsville, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you requested the
Revolutionary War record of Thomas Kennedy, of Montgomery County,
New York, also to know whether there are on file any records of
soldiers named Backer, of New York State.
There are no claims for pension or bounty land on file based
upon service in the Revolution of any soldiers with surname Backer
who served from New York State or who applied for pension while
residing in that state. If the particular soldier of that surname
used any other spelling of name, and you will state the other
spellings, furnishing his full name and as much as possible of the
following data in regard to him, another search of the records will be
made in your behalf, and a report furnished: approximate dates
of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after
service and given name of wife or widow.
The record of Thomas Kennedy, W. 16316, is furnished you
herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 22

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
February 11, 1939

Mrs. Ralph Ricketts
116 South Market Street
Johnstown, New York

THOMAS KENNEDY
W. 16316
BA-J/MLB

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you
requested the Revolutionary War record of Thomas Kennedy who, you
state, was born in Ireland in 1735, had wife named Deborah, resided
at Ballston, Saratoga County, New York, Galway and Broadalbin, New York, 
and died in 1835.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon
service in the Revolution of a Thomas Kennedy in which it is shown
that he had a wife Deborah, however, a record has been found of a
soldier of that name which tallies closely, otherwise, with your
description. It follows as found in pension claim, W. 16356, based
upon service of Thomas Kennedy in the Revolutionary War.
Thomas Kennedy was born in County Down, Ireland, October (?) 19,
1735, or in 1740 (both dates given). The names of his parents were
not stated.
While residing in that part of Ballston which later became Milton
in Saratoga County, New York, Thomas Kennedy volunteered the first
week of May, 1776, and served as private in Captain White's company,
Colonel Schoonhoven's New York regiment, was at Schoharie when
Independence was declared, went to Fort Edward from there and returned
to Milton the last week of September, following. In 1777, he was
engaged in scouting about Milton and its vicinity in Captain Collins'
company, Colonel Gordon's New York regiment and was at the surrender of
Burgoyne. He continued to serve during the years 1778 and 1779 in
Captain Collins' company, Colonel Gordon's New York regiment, engaged
in guarding the country around Milton from depredations by Indians
and Tories and was taken prisoner October 10, 1779, by the British and
Indians, carried to Montreal, Canada, where he was held until after the
surrender of Cornwallis, when he was released and returned to his family
in December, following. It was stated that he was actually engaged in
service one year six months and was held prisoner more than two years.

Page 23

The soldier continued to reside in Milton, New York, until 1794,
then moved to Broadalbin, Montgomery County, New York, where he died March 13, 1835.
Thomas Kennedy married February 11, 1778, in Sharon (?) Connecticut, Dorothy Wood, who was born Mar (?) 14, 1750, place not stated,
nor names of her parents shown. No reference was made to any other
marriage of the soldier.
Dorothy Kennedy was allowed pension which was due her husband,
Thomas, at the time of his death, on her application which was
executed February 13, 1838, while she was living in Broadalbin, New York.
The following family data are shown in the claim:
Kennedy, born January 3, 1779; married Jan. 11, 1796,
Lucy Kennedy, born January 3, 1779; married Jan. 11, 1796, Benjamin Backer.
Sene "                "     January 24, 1781; married Jan. 24, 1781, Joseph Degraff.
Thomas W. "      "     September 10, 1784; married Feb. 5, 1809, Catherine Lewis.
David "               "     February 14, 1787
Elijah  "               "     July 16, 1789
Abigail  "             "    September 10, 1791
James   "              "    August 11, 1794; married Sept. 11, 1816, Lucinda Grenell, and in 1838 living in Broadalbin, New York.
Sally  "                  "    March 19, 1797
Emauel Degraff    "    June 4, 1801
Diretha Degraff    "    December 19, 1802; married Nov. 1, 1823, Reece Harmon.

Thomas Kennedy's brother, John Kennedy, married Hannah ____ who, in
1833, was aged seventy-seven years and a resident of Broadalbin, New York.
No further data were given in regard to John or to his wife, Hannah, whose
maiden name was not stated.
Enoch Wood, brother of soldier's wife, Dorothy Kennedy, served with
Thomas Kennedy in the Revolution and was taken prisoner with him.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension, the name and
address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of Dorothy
Kennedy, soldier's widow, you should write to the Comptroller General,
-2-

Page 24

General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the
following data:
Dorothy Kennedy
widow of
Thomas Kennedy
Certificate #2109
Issued June 14, 1838
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act July 4, 1836
Albany, New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Page 25

[contents of box upper left] This Bureau can furnish the military
record of only such Revolutionary soldiers
as were pensioned or whose widows were
pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department.
Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolutionary 
War may also be found on file in the 
archives of many of the original States. [/boxed]

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
L. W. B.
W. 16316.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
June 13th, 1898.
Sir: -
Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Thomas
Kennedy made an application for pension on September 18th, 1832, at
which time he was 91 years of age and residing at Broadalbin, N. Y.,
and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private
in the New York troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served
under Capt. White and Col. Gordon. He enlisted at Ballston, N. Y.
His widow, Dorothy, made application and received a pension for the
service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. A. P. Cochrane,
15 West 37th St.,
N. Y. City.

Page 26

[Stamped]
OLD WAR & NAVY
MAY 31 1898
FILES.

Page 27

[handwritten]
15 - West 37th St
New York City May 26th '98
Dept of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C                           K
Hon. Sec'y
Will you send me full information
of Thomas Kennedy of the Revolutionary War -
Lived at Schenectady N.Y. After
moved to Bedford Co Pa. and was
first Sherriff of Somerset Co Pa.
Kindly let me have his military
record.
Yours truly
A. P. Cochrane
[stamp]
U. S. Pension Office
MAY 27
[/stamp]

Page 28

[handwritten]
R.D. 3, Munnsville, N.Y.
March 10, 1939
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
Messrs:
I wish to obtain a copy of the service of
[underlined] Thomas Kennedy [/underlined] and his pension record, if any.
He was a soldier during the Revolutionary war, and
& I believe he lived at the time in Montgomery County,
New York state.
Have you any records of service or pension
of any soldiers named Backer, [inserted above line "? only Jacob of Pa"] in the Revolutionary war.
This family also lived in New York state.
Thanking you for anything you may send me along these lines, I am
Respectfully yours
Mrs. Frederick Stachla
[stamped in lower corner]
RECEIVED
MAR 11 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS.ADM. 36
READER [/stamp]

Page 29

[handwritten]
Johnstown N.Y.
Dec. 31, 1938,
Per & 1812 War Sector
Bureau of Pension
Pleas [please] send me a copy
of pension of a
Thomas Kennedy,
his wife Deborah,
lived at Ballston
Saritoga [Saratoga] Co then to
Galway
then to Broadalbin
New York,
[stamp]
RECEIVED
JAN 1939
MAIL & [illegible] - DIVISION
VETS.ADM
23
READER
[/stamp]

Page 30

[handwritten]
he was in
Ireland 1735
died about 1833.
buried
Perth Gallaway
I would like to
know if there are
any children,
These are
all I have,
Sarah Jane 1792,
James, 1794,
Mrs Ralph Ricketts.
116 S Market St.

Page 31

3 - 871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
---
Briefed by F.W. Mch. 13, 1911.
Claim No.
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier Thomas Kennedy.
Service N. Y.
Additional Service.
Rev. War
No. [check mark] claim, State records
[check mark] 190__
No claim, combination records [check mark], 190__
REMARKS:
No Inv. or Rej. claim
as above
O - 8
Chief Division

Page 32

[handwritten] 1939. Sep. 11 - Hist to Mrs. Ralph Ricketts MLB
1039. Apr. 26 - Hist to Mrs Frederick Stachle MLB
June 1398
A P Cochran
NY City [/handwritten]
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16316
Dorothy Kennedy
Widow of
Thomas Kennedy
Pri Rev War
---◆---
Act July 4th 36
Index: Vol. a, Page 393
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 33

[handwritten]
New York
Thos Kennedy
Rev[illegible
_____
Suspended
Per let [Lt?] [illegible] D. Dwight
Apl 24. 1834
Act 9 Jan '32

Page 34

[handwritten]
[left margin sideways] June 7 [/margin]
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Pension Com's
Washington
D. C

Page 35

[handwritten]
Amsterdam June 2 1838
Dear Sir
It is long since I forwarded
the papers of Dorothy Kennedy Widow
of Thomas Kennedy should be pleased
to hear from them
I am yours respectfully
Matthias J Bonce
Hon J L Edwards

Page 36

[handwritten]
Thomas Kennedy
Papers
additional Affidavit
stating circumstances
of Captain the thing called
for by last direction
of [illegible] of Pensions
Thomas Kennedy
pension
Affidavit

Page 37

[handwritten]
Montgomery County ss 
Thomas Kennedy of Broadalbin
Montgomery County in the State of New York
doth depose and say that at the time he
was taken prisoner as stated in hi
original application for a pension
and carried to [illegible] -- he was in
the United States Service, that he had
obtained permission
with several others
in the service who were his neighbors
from Col Gordon to go home for
a single night & visit their families
the forces to which they and depondent
belonged then being
in the neighborhood
in which
deponents family {illegible] -
depondent & the others who were permitted
to visit their families
at this time for
single night
were 
to join the forces
again
the next morning - being this
night the Indians
and some whites under
Capt. Fraser made a
descent upon the neighbors at 
and before unit was captured
& kept in captivity in his own house - & 
stated in his original explanation - 
Thomas
[his mark X]
Kennedy

Page 38

[handwritten]
I certify that on twentieth day of February
[illegible] the within named Thomas Kennedy to me well
known appeared before me and made oath to the truth
of the within affidavit and subscribed his name to the same
by making his mark as Witness my hand this
20 day of February 1834
John Wilson Justice of the peace
State of New York
Montgomery County
I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of
Montgomery aforesaid, do hereby certify that John
Wilson before whom the foregoing affidavit purports
to have been sworn was on the date thereof a
Justice of the peace in & for the said County; &
that I am well acquainted with the hand
writing of said Justice & truly believe that his
name subscribed to the said affidavit & all to the
above certificate is Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & the seal of my office
this 19th day of March 1834
Geo. D. Ferguson

Page 39

[handwritten]
Amended declaration
of Thomas Kennedy
for a Pension
& accompanying
Affidavits

Page 40

[handwritten]
Amended declaration of Thomas Kennedy
for a pension -
Personally appeared before me the undersigned
a Justice of the peace of the town of Broadalbin
in the County of Montgomery and State of
New York Thomas Kennedy of the same
place who being duly sworn
deposeth and saith
that by reason
of old age and
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 as a private
Soldier in the revolutionary war
not less
than three and a half years - 
including two years that
this deponent was a prisoner of
war in Canada - & for this service I
claim a pension - that Thomas Kennedy
(his mark X)
Subscribed & sworn 
before me this 5th July 1833 -
John Wilson Justice of the peace

Page 41

[handwritten]
certify that for more than twenty years
past I have been acquainted with
the above named Thomas Kennedy
& that he is a man of fair character
& entitled to credit. I further certify
that he is reputed & believed in the
neighborhood where he resides to have been
a soldier of the Revolution,
in that opinion I concur -
at least twenty years
ago told
me the story of his service &
imprisonment voluntarily as
stated above although more in
Detail -
July 5 1833 - John Wilson Justice of the peace

Page 42

[handwritten]
Montgomery County Hannah Kennedy
wife of John Kennedy deceased
aged seventy seven years being duly
Sworn doth depose and say that she
married John Kennady a Brother
of Thomas Kennedy in the annexed
deposition named during the
revolutionary war - this deponent
was acquainted with said Thomas
and was neighbor to him for more than
a year previous to her marriage
and has confirmed her acquaintance with
him - deponent remembers and
states that said
Thomas was out
as a Soldier at different times
in the revolution, any service but
the number of times or length of
Service deponent cannot state -
but deponent well remembers

Page 43

[handwritten]
that said Thomas was taken a
prisoner of war during the revolution
& carried to Canada and
kept there a prisoner about
two years - deponent has a
distrust with relation of this part
and that a number of other persons
with whom deponent was then
acquainted were taken prisoners
at the same time among whom
were a Mr Vincent - Mr Sprague
Mr Patchin Mr Wood & others -
deponent now lives [crossed out] in
Broadalbin Montgomery County &
State of New York
July 5 1833
[illegible] &
before me
July 5 1833
her mark 
Hannah Kennedy
Wilson Justion of the peace

Page 44

[handwritten]
I have for more than fifteen years
past been acquainted with
the above named Hannah
Kennedy & Certify that she is a
credible person entitled to
belief-- she is the wife of John
Kennedy now deceased John
Kennedy was the brother of Thomas
Kennady. July 1833-
John Wilson Justice of the peace

Page 45

[handwritten]
Montgomery County ss Dorothy Kennedy the
wife of Thomas Kennedy in the
annexed deposition named aged
Eighty two years being duly sworn doth
depose and say that about two
years after the commencement of the
revolutionary war this deponent was
married to the said Thomas- this
deponent & the said Thomas lived
in what is now called the town of
Milton in the County of Saratoga -
this deponent well
remembers that the
said
Thomas was out in
the revolutionary war & served as a
soldier at
different times but the
length of time deponent [illegible] [crossed out] old age and the
consequent loss of memory cannot
State with precision - but deponent
well remembers that about two

Page 46

[handwritten]
years before the close of the war
the said Thomas was taken a
prisoner by a party of Indians
from Canada accompanied
by some tories among whom
was a Capt Frasier with whom
deponent was previously acquainted -
said Thomas was taken to Canada
and detained there as a prisoner
a little more than two years when
he was released & retired home -
at the time said Thomas
was taken prisoner he was in
the Service - one Enoch Wood
a brother of this deponent. John
Sprague Jabez Patchin & others
with whom deponent was
acquainted were taken prisons
but none of these persons live
near the residence of this deponent

Page 47

[handwritten]
This deponent further says that [crossed out]
according to the best of her
recollection the said Thomas
was out in the service not
less than one and a half year
besides the imprisonment
aforesaid - July 5 1833-
Subscribed & Sworn
e this July 5 1833-
John Wilson Justice of the peace
Dorothy Kennedy
her mark X
I am well acquainted with the above
named Dorothy Kennedy & Know
her to be the wife of Thomas Kennedy
named in & who subscribed and
rook one of the annexed depositions.
She is a woman of good reputation
& entitled to full faith & credit -
I have been acquainted with her
for more than twenty years -
July 5 1833 - John Wilson Justice of the peace

Page 48

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerk's Office

I, Richard H. Cushing Deputy Clerck of the County of Montgomery do certify that John Wilson Esquire whose name is subscribed to the jurats of the foregoing affidavits [possibly "jury"] [unsure] to have been made by Thomas Kennedy, Hannah Kenneda, and Dorothy Kenneda and also to the certificated written under each of the said affidavits was at the time of taking the name[?] a justice of the peace 

[Transcription in progress]

Page 49

[handwritten]
NY Feb 20
4 July 38
30 Sec
[written sideways]
Hon J. L. Edwards
Pension Commissioner
Washington 
D.C
[/sideways]

Page 50

[handwritten]
Amsterdam February 16th 1838
Dear Sir
Enclosed I forward you this paper
in the case of Dorothy Kennedy Widow of
Thomas Kennedy Claimant was on the
testimony contained in the papers of her
said Husband now on file in your office
If Thomas Kennedy were in service for
men than two years that fact is settled in
the books of the State of New York in [illegible] office
of the department - he has been paid
in one item by the State of New York
& [illegible] pension will be allowed as a
matter of course- I saw in the N. York
rolls the second of Ferdinand Sammons who
was paid at one time for the whole of his
imprisonment being about 2 years & 4 mo -
Mr Sammons was taken a Prisoner
at the home of his Father
I am yours respectfully
Matthias J. Bonce
Hon J. L. Edwards