Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28,925, Albert Van Housen, New York

Page 1

(3-1776) 

SERVICE 
New York 

Van Housen, Albert or Van Husen. 

NUMBER 
S. 28.925 

CONTENTS

Page 2

31540
New York 31,540 – 
Albert Van Housen
Montgomery in the State of N York who was a Pri. in the Compy commanded by Captain McMasters of the Regt. commanded by - Fisher in the N York line for 6 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of Oct ‘38, and sent to M.J. Boovee and Amsterdam, N. Y. 

Arrears to the 4th of Sept $1 [illegible]
Semi=anl. allowance ending 
$ 16 [illegible]
{Revolutionary Act June 7,1832}

Recorded by R. Burdine [Clerk]
Book E2  Vol. 4  & Page [illegible]

Page 3

In the matter of Albert Van Housen for a Pension 
12.642 
7 June 1832. 
admd
6 mo pri 
20 $

M. J. Boovee Esqr.
Amsterdam N.Y.

Page 4

State of New York 
Montgomery County ss. On this thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty two personally appeared before John Hand Esquire one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in for the County of Montgomery Hugh McMaster a resident of Florida in said County aged Eighty years who being duly sworn doth say that he has heard read, the declaration subscribed & sworn to, by Albert Van Housen this day before John Hand Esquire above named in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. that he this deponent knows that the services mentioned & sworn to by said Albert Van Housen were perform as is in said declaration stated. that this deponent volunteered & served in the said Company with the said Van Housen from the year 1776 until the year 1783, in a company of Militia commanded by Captain David McMaster, & in a Regiment commanded by Col. Frederick Fisher

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at the time & in the manner stated in the declaration of the said Van Housen, that the period of service was about seven years. & that he has been well acquainted with the said Van Housen since the year 1776 the word “Year” interlined in 11th line before sworn to 
[signed] Hugh McMaster 
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid before me John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts
I do certify that Hugh McMaster above named is a credible person & entitled to belief Dated 6th June 1833 
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the Montgomery County Court

Page 6

State of New York 
Montgomery County ss. On this thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty two personally appeared before John Hand Esquire one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in for the County of Montgomery, Henry Staley of Florida in said County who being first duly sworn, saith, that he is well acquainted with Albert Van Housen, of said town who has applied for the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. that he has known the said Albert Van Houten since the year 1776, that he served in the same company of Militia with him the said Albert Van Housen, from the said year 1776 to the close of the war in the year 1783. in a Regiment commanded by Col Frederick Fisher & in a company of Militia commanded by Captain David McMaster, that he has heard the declaration this day made & sworn to by the said Albert Van Housen before John Hand Esquire for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of Congress above mentioned, read, and knows that the general facts so far as relates to the time & manner of service in the said Militia are true & that said Van Housen served in said Company about seven years 
[signed] Henry Staley X his mark
Subscribed & Sworn the day & year aforesaid before me John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts

Page 7

I do certify that Henry Staley the within deponent is a credible person & entitled to belief Dated 6th June 1833 
[signed] John Hand a Judge of the Montgomery County Courts

Page 8

State of New York 
Montgomery County SS }
On this Thirtieth day of August in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and thirty two, personally appeared before John Hand Esquire one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Montgomery Albert Van Housen, a resident of the town of Florida in the County of Montgomery and State of New York, aged Eighty two years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832,
that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, 
that he the said Albert Van Housen was born at a place called Lunenburgh (then Albany County,) now Athens in the County of Greene in the State of New York on the 15th day of October in the year 1750, that he never had any record of his age, but has kept his age from the statement of his parents which he believes is true. That he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier & as a volunteer in a company of Militia commanded by Captain David McMaster, Lieutenants, James McMaster & Lawrence Shuler, Ensign David Beverly. Sometime in the year 1776 but cannot recollect the particular day or month, that this company consisted of between thirty & forty privates and was attached to a Regiment of which Frederick Fisher was Colonel and John Newkirk, was Major and were known as a part of the Militia of Tryon County. that he served in said Company as a private from the time he entered the same, until the close of the War in the year 1783. that at the time he entered the service he resided in the town of Florida in the County of Montgomery (then Tryon) and has resided in the same town ever since the war,

Page 9

that he does not know but two or three of the said Company besides himself who are now alive, to wit. Henry Staley and Hugh McMaster by whom he can prove his services, that he was not in any battle during the period of his service that a part of the company to which he belonged was in the Battle of Oriskany but at the time of that battle he was at the German Flatts, that this battle was in the summer or fall of the year 1777, he recollects of hearing at the time of General Herkimers being wounded & that he died of the wounds which he received in that battle. that he recollects of seeing Col Willett after the battle of Oriskany and also at Bowmans Creek, and at Johnstown, that Col Willett was a very active brave officer in whom the inhabitants along the frontier as well as the army reposed great confidence. that the whole time he was in the service was spent in guarding the country from depredations from the Indian scouting parties British & Tories who were continually infesting the frontier committing minders siezing & carrying off horses cattle of provisions & burning houses & creating alarms, that sometimes the whole company were mustered, sometimes connected with other companies in the same regiment, at other times the company were divided into portions of four five or six & stationed at different places a few miles from each other, that he cannot remember the order of their marches or movements, but were quartered at different times at Fort Hunter, Florida, Caughnawaga, Canajoharrie, German Flatts, Fort Plain, Bowmans Creek Fort Stanwix, Fish House. Johnstown, and all along the Mohawk river. the company of Captain McMaster arrived at Johnstown just after the battle at that place was over, that they met Col Willett & his men just leaving the field, that the names of some of the Captains commanding other companies of Militia in the same Regiment were Capts Yeomans. Hodges,

Page 10

De Graaf, Pettingal & Maybe, that he never received any written discharge nor has he any documentary evidence of his service that he is unable from bodily infirmity to attend any Court of record to make this declaration. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State 
The word “the” in last line above & the words “and also” interlined on 2nd page before sworn to the word “which” in 9th line on 2nd page written on an erasure
[signed] Albert Van Housen X his mark
Subscribed & sworn to the day & year aforesaid before me John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts 

We Robert Casey and Alexander Murray the said Robert Casey residing in the town of Florida and the said Alexander Murray residing in Princetown within three miles of the said Albert Van Housen do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with the said Albert Van Housen who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration & we believe him to be Eighty two years of age, that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion 
[signed] Robert Casey  Alexander Murray
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts

Page 11

And I the said John Hand do hereby certify and declare my opinion that after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I do further certify that in my opinion the said Albert Van Housen is unable by reason of bodily infirmity to attend any Court of record to make his said declaration. And I do further certify that Robert Casey and Alexander Murray who have signed the preceding certificate are credible persons and are entitled to credit 
[signed] John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts 

I George D Ferguson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that John Hand before whom the foregoing proceedings were taken in the matter of the application of Albert Van Housen for a pension was at that time & still is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said John Hand and believe his Signature to the declaration certificates & affidavits taken before him in the foregoing proceedings to be the genuine signature of the said John Hand 
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court this Eleventh day of September in the year of Our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and thirty two. 
[signed] Geo: D. Ferguson

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In reply to your request of ___ received ___ for a statement of the military history of                       a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [crossed out: (or his widow's)] application for pension on file in this Bureau.  S. F. 28.925.

[BEGIN TABLE]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  |   LENGTH OF SERVICE.   |   RANK.   |  OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN.   |   COLONEL.   |   STATE.  |
1776  |  served at various times to end of war amounting to Over 2 yrs.  |  Pvt.  |  Lewis Groat Abner French David McMaster  |  Frederick Fisher  |  N.Y.  |
[END TABLE]

Battles engaged in, 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Florida, Montgomery Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 30, 1832. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, Florida, Montgomery Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, Born Oct. 15 1750, at Lunenburgh, N.Y.
Remarks: There is no data relative to family.

Respectfully, 
Commissioner.

6-2856

Page 13

Albert Van Housen 
1776. 0.0.7 at Caughnawaga on an alarm 
1776 0.0.7 at Johnstown 
0.0.7 at Johnstown 
0.0.8 at Johnstown 
0.0.15 at Johnstown 
0.0.15 at Johnstown 
1777 0.0.8 at Johnstown 
0.0.14 at Johnstown
0.2.21

Page 14

[left side – partially torn off]
… of Supplemental dedn. dated ,,, ‘33, 
… 5, 1837.
see letter 28 Nov. 1837 to Hon. M. J. Bovee 
Same Feb 28, 1838. 
same May 26 1838.


[right side]
Revo: 
New York 
Albert Van Housen 
Suspended act 7 Jun ‘32 
letter 23 Oct 1833 
to P. Potter 
do Hon C McVean 3 Mar 34 
Hon M. J. Bovee Oct 10 ‘36 same June 21. 1837

Page 15

New York 
Albert Van Housen 
Let to M J. Bovee May 26 1838 
same June 7. 1838 
to same 22 Sep. 1838

Page 16

No. 12,642
Albert Van Housen 
Vol 7 p 5 4 days
6  4 -
Suspd 8 –
5 – 10 –
3
9 – 5
34 days
8
42
Plate Potter
Schenectady

Page 17

No. 12,642
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Albert Van Housen 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? 
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 amout of pension he is entitled? There is no continuous service known in the department for the whole War - the applicant is required to furnish the date & length of each tour of service also the names of the officers under whom served
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
VII. 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 18

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? 
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 
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? 
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
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? yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [crossed out: No]
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 
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___ year ___ months, and ___ days, I served as a ___ For ___ months and ___ days, I served as a ___ 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. 
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.

Page 20

Conv. Nov 27
Albert Van Husen 

Hon J. L. Edwards
Pension Comr.
Washington D.C.

Amd. Nov. 28. 1837

Page 21

Amsterdam Nov 22. 1837 
Dear Sir
While I was at Washington you had partly concluded to allow Albert Van Husen a pension for 6 mo as a Private - as he is poor and is confined to his room by a cancer in his Ear it would be very comfortable [?] to him he cannot live long - If you decide to allow as above - Send on his certificate to me 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee

Hon. J. L. Edwards

Page 22

N.Y. Feb 10
Albert Van Husen 
N.Y.

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Pension Comr.
Washington D. C

Page 23

Amsterdam February 5, 1838 
Dear Sir 
Will you be kind enough to forward a copy of the declaration of Mr Albert Van Husen of this State, to me 
and oblige your friend 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee 

Hon J. L. Edwards

Page 24

To-day In ab Jan 24
Hon. M. J. Bovee
HR

Free
M. J. Bovee
Hon J. L. Edwards 
Pension Office
Washington D.C

Page 25

Washington Jany 23 1837 
Dear Sir 
It appears that you have not understood the letter of D. L. Cory in relation to the paper he alludes too in the case of Albert Van Huson he does not want a copy of the declaration as you state to me in your letter of the 21. instant I want as copy of his specifications I think is the letter If you cannot send me the copy of that small paper I shall be under the necessity of asking a copy of all his papers - I wish you would examine that letter some more & save the trouble of a copy of all the papers
I am yours with esteem
[signed] M. J. Bovee

J. L. Edwards Esq.

Page 26

[postmark]
AMSTERDAM N.Y. OCT 4

Oct 8. 
In ab NY.
Hon M J. Bovee

Free
M J. Bovee 

James L. Edwards Esq 
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C

Page 27

Amsterdam October 3. 1836 
Dear Sir
I wish you to reexamine the Pension Papers of Albert Van Husen of the town of Florida in my district & state your objections to me at large 
I am yours with esteem 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee 

J.L. Edwards Esqr.

P.S. I am informed that he has served more than three years in the revolutionary war 
M. J. Bovee

Page 28

In ab Nov 26 
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington D.C

[illegible] Novr. 27 ‘38

Page 29

Amsterdam Nov. 20, 1838 
Dear Sir 
Some time in October last I [illegible, recd?] a Pension Certificate in the case of Albert Van Husen for $20 per Annum I took the old mans down to draw the money and presented it to the Agent at Albany and his name was not returned to the Office - the expense of going to Albany is $6.00 that is lost in not having his name sent to the agent. 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee 

Hon J. L. Edwards

Page 30

In ab June 14.
NY.

Van Huysen

Hon. J.L. Edwards 
Pensions Commr.
Washington D.C

Page 31

Amsterdam June 1. 1838.
Dear Sir 
yours of the 7th instant is at hand and in reply say that you have probably overlooked some of the services in the case of Albert Van Husen - you object to some of his services at Johnstown - since your letter of the 26th of May last past I have examined the Annals of Tryon County and find that such services were made now at Johnstown as stated by the Claimant Scouts were frequently ordered out to Johnstown - you do not object to any other part of his statement in your letter to me dated January 30 1837 - you say that the claimant should state the date & duration of each term and the names of the Officers should be given the claimant has done so. & I have no doubt correctly - you did promise me If that was done you would give him a small Pension - now at this late hour

Page 32

you ask the poor old man for more testimony- you have an abundance of testimony in his case to prove more than 6 months – I stated in my letter that it was next to an impossibility to make him understand on account of his being very deaf – Since your letter of the 26th of May last past I have conversed with an old inhabitant of this County who says such service as stated by the claimant were performed at Johnstown, but that he was not acquainted at that time with the claimant - I do hope you will allow him a small pension before he dies, 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Mathias J. Bovee

J. L. Edwards 

PS. I produced the testimony in Van Husens case of D. McGraw which I considered understood
M. J. Bovee

Page 33

In ab Oct 16
Dr Crump 

Hon J.L. Edwards 
Pension Commr.
Washington D.C

Page 34

Amsterdam Oct 13. 1838 
Dear Sir 
After doing all I was requested by the department in the case of Albert Van Husen there has not been a certificate forwarded to me, he is entitled to a small pension beyond a doubt 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee

Hon J. L. Edwards

Page 35

No Snee [?]

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Commr. of Pensions 
Washington D.C

Page 36

Amsterdam May 29. 1838 
Dear Sir 
Yours of the 26th ultimo is at hand and in reply say that the old man is so deaf that it is next to an impossibility to make him hear - he is confined with a cancer and has been for 2 years last past the [illegible] I had with the Commr. was to obtain as much as I could the year in which the services were rendered and in that case a small pension would be allowed If you should reject a part of the time you State in your letter Mr Van Husen would still be allowed for a small pension as you find his name on the rolls for 6 months I hope you will send me a certificate for a small pension as he is needy - I do very believe that Albert Van Husen has served two years but the services were so various it is impossible to get them all

Page 37

before the department - I do hope you will forward me a certificate in his favor soon – Mr Van Husen is a man who has always been considered a valuable citizen & an honest and upright in all his dealings - I have known him son since I was a child 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee

Hon J. L. Edwards

Page 38

In ab  May 21
N.Y 

Hon J. L. Edwards 
Pension Commr
Washington D.C

Thos Clarke
Thos McMaster
A. Van Husen

Page 39

The
Amsterdam May 18. 1838 
Dear Sir 
It is unpleasant for me to call you attention again to the case of the Widow Anna Clark. 

[side note] admd & forwarded

The letter you sent me long since has been complyd with & why the certificate has not been forwarded I know not, the case of the Widow McMaster has been complyd with agreeable to your former letter, a certificate [illegible] ought to have been [illegible] in the case of Albert Van Husen his case has been complyd with agreeable to your former letter & a certificate has been expected - I do hope on the Receipt of this letter you will forward the above certificate as the applicants are all poor & stand in immediate need 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee

Hon J. L. Edwards

Page 40

Rev. War Section. 

July 28, 1921. 

Mrs. Frank N. Becker, 
3 Guy Park Avenue, 
Amsterdam, N. Y. 
Madam: 
In response to your letter dated July 18, 1921, you are advised that for the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid and date of the death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Survivor file No 28925, Albert VanHousen, you should forward this letter to the Pension Section, Interior Department Division, General Accounting Office, 14th and B. Streets, S. W., Washington, D. C.  Albert Van Housen, Certificate No. 31540, issued October 20, 1838, rate $20 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, New York Agency. Act June 7, 1832. 
Very respectfully, 
acting Commissioner.

Page 41

Rev  MH
Amsterdam, N. Y., July 18, 1921. 
Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Revolutionary War Section, 
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sir;- 
Can you give me the date of death of Albert Van Husen of the Town of Florida, Montgomery County, N. Y., who was a pensioner of the Revolution, # SF 28925? 
Yours very truly, 
[signed] Edith V. Becker 

Mrs. Frank N. Becker, 
93 Guy Park Ave., 
Amsterdam, N. Y.

[stamped]
U.S. Pension Office Jul 20 1921

Page 42

Amsterdam, N. Y., Oct. 1, 1917. 
Department of the Interior, 
Bureau of Pensions, 
Rev. War Records Section, 
Washington, D. C. 

Gentlemen:- 
We have yours of the 28th ult. and thank you for record contained. It gave us information we have been searching for for a long time. 
Can you advise us whether the following received Revolutionary pensions, and give us record :-
1- Albert Van Husen, Mohawk Town, Montgomery Co. N. Y. 
2- Cornelius Van Wormer. We do not know where he lived, but think possibly he was the one who served in the 11th Regiment, Albany Co., and the Levies, Col. Willett. 
3- Bildad Wright, Northampton, Mass., who later moved to Hartland, Conn- 
4- Michael Dunning, Pownal, Vt. 
5- Thomas Smith, Pittstown, Renssalaer Co., N. Y. 
6- Henry Joslin, Richmond or Hopkinton, R. I. 
Yours very truly, 
[signed] Edith V. Becker 

Mrs. Frank N. Becker, 
365 Division St., 
Amsterdam, N. Y.

Page 43

28925 
Revy INVALID. 
File No. 28.925 
Albert Van Housen*
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32”
Index: - Vol. 2, Page 495 
{Arrangement of 1870.}

* W.D.G. 

1917. Oct. 5. History to Mrs. Frank N. Becker, F.W. 
1921, July 28. Mrs. Frank N. Becker infd. her to obtain date of death
En

Page 44

In ab Sept 10. 
NY

Hon J. L. Edwards
Pension Commr.
Washington D.C

Page 45

Amsterdam Sept 7. 1838 
Dear Sir 
I know of no good reason why I have not [illegible, recd?] a certificate in the case of Albert Van Husen - as the only and last objection was that their had not been two tours of 14 days at Johnstown – I then stated in reply that the Annals of Tryon County show it to have been so & while a Member of Congress the department made me a promise If I forwarded the specification of services and give the [word obscured] certificate and be Issued - I hope to receive it soon
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee 

Hon J. L. Edwards 

PS. I expect a certificate for between 7 and 8 months – 
M. J. Bovee

Page 46

Amsterdam April 17. 1838
Dear Sir
Enclosed I forward you a Statement in favor of Albert Van Husen for 7 mo. 16 days agreeable to your letter - If their is any service rendered in Capt McMasters company in the years 1781, 1782 & 1783 - that will be added to the 7 mo. 16 days & forward me a certificate as soon as possible the - old Gentleman is confined to the house and has been this two years with a cancer he is blind & very deaf - he is an object of [illegible] - he swears that he has no doubt but he served more than two years let me hear from this soon – 
I am yours respectfully 
[signed] Matthias J. Bovee

Hon J. L. Edwards

Page 47

State of New York 
Montgomery County } ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Albert Vam Husen who being duly sworn deposeth and says that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served as follows - The first duty he recollects was on an alarm to Caughnawaga 10 miles then he remained two days and was given one week in the year 1776. the next term was 6 at Johnstown remained at that place one week in 1776. The next service was at Johnstown one time a week in 1776, another time at the same place Eight days in 1777 at some other time at the same place fourteen days in 1777 at an other time he went to Bowmans Creek and remained two days then marched to Caughnawaga and remained fourteen days in 1777 - he recollects of being at the block house at Sacandaga on guard and in scouting parties for different times not less than one week at a time in 1777 & 8 - at the time of the Oriskany Battle he was ordered to the place & on his way met the army returning the battle was over he was gone about 5 days in 1777. he was twice on guard at Fort Plain Eight days at a time in 1777. in the year 1778 he

Page 48

was on guard at Fort Stanwix with the whole Brigade under the command of Genl. Van Rensselaer at two periods of fifteen days Each, in the year 1776 & 1777 he was three times at Johnstown a week at a time in the year 1777 he was at Saratoga Eight days he was at Tribes Hill four days in 1777. he was once a week at a place called Van olindas in 1778 in the year 1778 he was twice at Herkimer gone 4 days Each time in 1778 was 4 days at Fort Dayton, their was a place on the North side of the River called Lewis Groats - he recollects of being stationed at this place Groats as often as 5 times and not less than 8 days at a time in the year 1778-1779 & 1780 the above services were all served under Captain Lewis Groat Abm French & David McMaster his last services were under Captain McMaster who was my last Captain - I have performed much more service than I have stated but cannot give the times - I have served in the Revolutionary war more than two years as a Private Soldier & for such service I claim a Pension 
[signed] Albert Van Husen X his mark
Subscribed before me this 14th day of April 1838. 
[signed] Andrew Thatcher Justice of the peace
I do hereby certify that this deponent is a man of veracity and Great Credit it to be put in the statements made by him 
[signed] Andrew Thatcher Justice

Page 49

State of New York 
Montgomery County Clerks office } ss 
I do hereby certify that Andrew Thatcher Esquire whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the annexed affidavit &c was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in & for said County and duly authorized by the Laws of said State to administer oaths and that his signature subscribed to the same is genuine 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the seal of my office this 16th day of April 1838 
[signed] A J Comrie Clerk of Montgomery County

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In ab

Hon M. J Bovee
HR

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State of New York 
Montgomery County ss }  Daniel McGraw a Revolutionary pensioner him sworn says that he was well acquainted with Albert Van Housen during the war of the Revolution, & that a Jugement [?] saw said Van Housen through the whole war on duty & in actual service & in different companies & in the first campaign – 
That the first service he knew said Van Housen to be engaged in was in Capt Abner French Co & thinks in the year 1776 after which said French entered the regular service - That he well recollects said Albert was drafted & went to the Blackhouse under Capt Vrooman & was out that time 2 or 3 weeks –
That at the time of the battle of Johnstown in the year 1781 said Albert was then under capt McMaster (known as Willets battle) and that time at have a week thinks more –
That he was at Fort Johnson with said Albert on duty, as guards, was there 8 or 10 days said Albert was then in capt Maher's Co, this was before Burgoyne was taken –
That said McMaster Co was called one of the smartest Companys in the regt & was out a great deal during the whole period of the war & that said Albert was much engaged with the Co after he joined it, until the close of the war - but as to the particular times & places of his service

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he cannot now state with precision at this [illegible] period 
And the reason why the said Albert was not called upon as a witness for this Deponent is because he did not then know that he was as a [illegible]
[signed] Daniel McGraw X his mark
Sworn to this 20th day of Feby 1837 before me 
[signed] Samuel Newkirk Comss. of Deeds 

I certify that the reason why this deponent did not subscribe his name is on account of his being verry blind and confined to his bed with the reumatism
[signed] Saml. Newkirk comss of Deeds

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State of New York 
Montgomery County } Garrit Newkirk a Revolutionary pensioner being sworn says that he well knew Albert Van Housen as a soldier during the war that this Deponent did not enter the service until the year 1777 or 78 but frequently saw the said Albert in the service before that time. thinks he belonged to Cape Frenchs Co. in the year 1776 that French entered the Regular service as Ensign in Capt McKean's Co. 
After that Deponent was at the Block house, & Capt McMaster’s Co with said Albert came to their relief, was out at that time, one month and said Albert, was there 8 or 10 days - But to state all the times & places that he saw said Albert in service during the war is impossible though this much this Deponent can state without hesitation, that he was well acquainted with said Albert from the beginning to the end of the war & that he was one of the most active ready & constane soldiers of the Militia during the whole period of the war - That he has heard the supplemental statement of said Albert made by him on the 1st day July 1833 read over twice & that from the best of recollection & the knowledge he has of said Van Housen he has not the least doubt that said statement is substantially correct & that he

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served during the war much more time than he or any one at this time can specify from mere recollection – 
All of which is stated according to the best of this Deponents recollection & belief – 
[signed] Garrit Newkirk 
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of Feby. 1837. before me 
[signed] Samuel Newkirk Comss of Deeds

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served during the war much more time than he or any one at this time can specify from mere recollection – 
All of which is stated according to the best of this Deponents recollection & belief – 
[signed] Garrit Newkirk 
Subscribed and sworn to this 20th day of Feby. 1837. before me 
[signed] Samuel Newkirk Comss of Deeds

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State of New York 
Montgomery County ss  Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of the County of Montgomery Albert Van Housen who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively 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, and in the following manner. he also swears that in consequence of such loss of memory he cannot give the particular date or year in which each tour of service given was performed, but they are as follows. the first duty he recollects was on an alarm to Caughnawaga 10 miles there he remained two days then returned home in the winter of the first year went with the whole regiment to Johnstown where there was about 800 Militia stationed at a place owned by Sir John Johnson, they all remained above a week expecting the enemy under the command of Johnson, then returned home. the company of Captain McMaster was divided into 4 or 5 classes, each class taking their tour of standing guard & scouting in periods of from 5 to 8 days at a time, in this manner he recollects of being on guard at Picquet Fort Johnstown one time a week. One time 8 days at another time two weeks, he went once to Bowmans Creek upon an alarm stayed there two days then there was an alarm & they were ordered to Saratoga they were marched from Bowmans Creek to Caughnawaga, then the order was changed & they remained on guard at Caughnawaga two weeks, it was 20 miles to Bowmans Creek & 10 miles from thence to Caughnawaga then they returned home, he recollects of being at the Block house at Sacandaga on guard and on scouting parties four different times not less than one week at a time, at the time of the Oriskany Battle he was ordered to that place & on his way met the army returning the battle was over. he was gone about 5 days, he was twice at Fort Plain on guard 8 days at a time 28 miles from home. the year after the Oriskany Battle he was on guard at Fort Stanwix with the whole Brigade under the command of Gen Van Rensselaer guarding the batteaux which carried provisions to that place & the cattle which had been taken by the enemy & retaken by the Americans he was twice on this duty two weeks each time, he recollects being stationed on guard with one class of his company consisting of 6 or 7 men at a place called old Fort

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now Fort Johnson) three times not less than a week at a time, he thinks more he recollects while he was on guard at Fort Stanwix that Fort Plain was burnt by the enemy, and many depredations & murders committed by the enemy once he recollects of being ordered to Saratoga and was gone 7 or 8 days on this expedition with the whole of his Company when Burgoyne was there, there was a place on the North side of the Mohawk river called Lewis Groats. where he lay on guard & was off on scouting expeditious more than at any other place, the scouting parties generally were towards the Block House at Sacandaga or towards Saratoga, on one of these expeditions he assisted with three or four others of his Companies in taking two tories one by the name of Fitzpatrick the other Lambagh & they were sent with them to Albany where they were kept as Prisoners, he can recollect of being stationed at this place (Groats) as many as 5 times, & not less than 7 or 8 days at a time, was once 4 days at Tribes Hill, once at a place then called Van Olindas a week or more serving his tour of guard, he was twice at Herkimer 50 miles from home 4 days gone each time, was once at Fort Dayton 4 days. the above are all the periods of time he now recollects of serving more than one or two days at a time which was the greatest part of his duty generally upon false alarms & within 4 or 5 miles of home he is therefore unable to make any correct estimate of time on actual duty but believes excepting the winter season the proportion of time was about one half, he believes he can safely swear that his actual duty performed during the whole period was more than two years as a private soldier and for such service he claims a pension 
[signed] Albert Van Housen X his mark
subscribed & sworn this 1st day of July 1833 before me
[signed] Reuben Howe justice

State of New York, Montgomery County Clerks office, ss.  I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of Montgomery County Common Pleas do hereby certify that Reuben Howe before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Justice of the Peace of the said County; & that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice, & verily believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit is Genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this 13th July 1833. 
[signed] Geo: D. Ferguson