Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25574, Richard Ferris, New York

Page 1

(3-1776) 
SERVICE
New York

Ferris, Richard
           Catherine

NUMBER
W. 25574
B. L. Wt. 18012-160-55

CONTENTS

Page 2

[paper is folded in half]

[left half of paper reads]

let. to Thos Maxwell
19 Sept 18[??]
let. to Q Flemming Esqr
19 Sept 1834
Letter to Woodcock & Ferris
19 Nov. 1834
let to Hon. A. Ward
March 6, 1835
let. to Thos. Maxwell 14. Nov. 1835
Let. to Hon. A Ward 18 Jan y 1836
Let. to Same Dec 27, 1836 - do [illegible]
Hon. S. B. Leonard Jan 25, 1837
let. S. Crittenden, Jr. Esqr. 15. Nov. 1837
Thos. Maxwell, February 2, 1838
let to A.[illegible] August 23, 1843

[right hand side of paper]

-78     1170
New York
Richard Ferris
of Tioga in the State of New York
who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Boyd of the Regt. commanded by [squiggle line] in the New York line for 2 years and upward

_______________________________________________

Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum ~ cents per annum to
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of October 1832 and sent to Thos. Maxwell
________________________________________________

Arrears to 4th Sept. 1832.                       $120
Semi=antl. allowance ending 4 Mar. '33    40
                                                                 $160

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Geo. C. Stiles, Clerk,
Book D Vol. 5 Page 87

Page 3

State of New York Tioga County

on the 4th day of September 1832 before the above named Judges now sitting personally appeared Richard Ferris, a resident of the Town of Spencer in the County of Tioga aforesaid aged 70 years & [?] who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832:

That during the war of the Revolution he resided in the County of Westchester in the State of New York; that during the greater part of the war the British were in force in the City of New York and encouraged & [?] the depredations of the Tories & Refugees who were numerous in the Counties of Westchester & Dutchess. In consequence of which the militia of Westchester were required to be kept in constant service or readiness to perform service during the greater par of the war; that the [?] entered the Service in a militia company in the said County of Westchester commanded by Capt. Ebenezer Boyd Lieutenant David Ferris, Second Lieutenant Elijiah Drake & Ensign Joshua Drake, in the face of 1776 and continued in the same until the close of the war in November 1783 bound to Military Service, & actually performing such Military Service as the [?] of the times required in patrolling, mounting guard, and expeditions to various parts of the said County of Westchester. The rule was

Page 4

that each member of the said Company had to patrole every fourth night, & was engaged in such expeditions during the day, as necessity required, & that was every few days, as the Inhabitants were very much harassed. During the war, he was very frequently out in expeditions to White Plains, Rye, & Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Crum Pond, East Chester, West Chester, North Castle, and various other in Westchester County & the neighborhoods about New York. That all his Services [?] & amount to more than two years Service during the War -

That he was born in Scarsdale Westchester County, New York on the 11th April 1762 the record was furnished by his father & kept in his own bible. That he continued to reside in Westchester County until 1810 - when he removed to the County of Tioga where he has continued to reside. That the persons who served with him & are here present in court to prove his Services and Joshua Ferris & John Jones Esquires of Spencer in the said County of Tioga - He would refer to Henry Miller John Mc Quigg and Andrew Purdy of the said town of Spencer and the Revd Asa Cumming of the same town as to the neighborhood belief in regard to his Services - 

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any State.

Sworn & furnished
the Day & Year aforesaid
Green M Tuthill [?]

[Signed] Richard Ferris

Page 5

On the day & year aforesaid personally appeared in open court before the Judges aforesaid, Joshua Ferris of the town of Spencer in the said County of Tioga aged Sixty nine years [?] who being duly sworn doth on his oath declare that he is well acquainted with the above named Richard Ferris the declarant above sworn, that he knew him in the County of Westchester in the State of New York during the Revolutionary war, as he lived within a short distance of the said Richard Ferris; that he himself served in the same company with the said Richard Ferris, is acquainted with the events he declares & has no doubt that the said Richard Ferris served in the manner & for the term he has above related.

Sworn & executed
the day & year aforesaid
Green M Tuthill [?]

[Signed] Joshua Ferris

On the same day & year personally appeared in open court before the Judges above named John Jones of the Town of Spencer in the said County of Tioga who being duly sworn doth on his oath declare that he is well acquainted with Richard Ferris who has sworn to the foregoing declaration, that he knew him during the Revolutionary war, having lived a short distance from him in the said County of Westchester; That he served with him in the same company during the war, & is well acquainted with the Services above detailed  & has no doubt of the truth of the Statement of the above named declarant, his own age is Seventy one years and [?] -

Sworn & executed
the day & year aforesaid
Green M Tuthill [?]

[signed] John Jones

Page 6

We Richard Andrus a minister of the Gospel resident in the town of Erin in the County of Tioga, and Nathaniel Scofield a resident of the same Town do herby certify that we are well acquainted with Richard Ferris, the above named declarant: that we believe him to be of the age he represents; that he is reported & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion:

Sworn & Subscribed
the day and & year aforesaid 
Green M Tuthill [?]

[signed] Richard Andrus
Nathaniel Scofield

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogations required by the War Department, that the above named Richard Ferris was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states. And the said Courth further certified that the above named Joshua Ferris and John Jones Esquires who have sworn to the foregoing affidavits before the Court are residents of the Town of Spencer in said County, & are respectable & worthy citizens and entitled to full faith & credit -

That Revd Richard Andrus who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman of good standing & resident in the Town of Erin in the said County & Nathaniel Scofield Esq who has also signed the same is a resident of the Town of Spencer in said County, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to full faith & credit -

[signed] J.B. Bacon [?] Judge 

I Green M Tuthill clerk of the said Couth of Common Pleas do hereby [?] certify that the foregoing contains the [?] proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Richard Ferris

Page 7

[paper folded in half]

[left side]

No. 10350
Richard Ferris
- 76 -

Admitted 
[?] years

$80

In Vol 7, p 75 -
[?] 4.5.4

Agreeably to the [?]
by which John Jones [?]
was settled may be 157 [illegible]

[signed] Thos Maxwell
Elmira
New York

[right side]

[written in pencil]
10.66
666
______
4.00
3.33
67

Page 8

No. 10350

BRIEF in the case of Richard Ferris of Spencer County of Tioga in the State of New York
(Act 7 June, 1839

1.  Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  [Response] Before in Court

2.  If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [blank]

3.  How old is he? [Response] Seventy years and upwards

4.  State is service, as directed in the form annexed.

[Table]
Period.  Entered in 1776 in the Fall & continued until the close of the war in November 1783, at various terms and different services in all

Duration of Service.
Years, Months, Days
2 years & upwards 

Rank.  Volunteer

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Capt Ebenezer Boyd & compy
Militia Lieutenants David Ferris & Elijah Drake, Ensign Joshua Drake

5. In what battles was he engaged?  [Response] Not any

6.  Where did he reside when he entered the service?  [Response] at Westchester, New York

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? [Response] By living [illegible], by a [illegible] a resident of the same town, [illegible] & credibility are [illegible] are certified to by the Judges of the Court

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? [Response] The absence of the ribbons

Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

[Signature] Chas. S Wilcox Examining Clerk.

Page 9

[a list of Ferris family and birth/death dates]

Richard Ferris Born April 18 day --- [illegible] | James Ferris died 28th day 185[?]
Coty Ferris born [illegible] December [illegible]
John Ferris born [illegible] day in the year 1784
James Ferris born [illegible] day in the year 1785
Stephen Ferris born [illegible] the 19 in the year 1787
Mary Ferris born January in year-[illegible]
Susanah Ferris born January in year - 1792
Elizabeth Ferris born December [illegible] 1794
Danniel Ferris born April first day - 1796
Hester Ferris born Aoril 30 day - 1798
Hennary Ferris born June 20 18[illegible]
Gilbrand Ferris born September 18[illegible]
Susanah Ferris died April 14th day - 183[missing last number]
John Ferris died April 28 day - 185 [missing last number]

Page 10

[paper is mirror opposite of previous page]

Page 11

[paper folded in two halves, left & right sides]
[leftside]
5074
New York
Catherine Ferris
Widow of Richard Ferris who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private
__________________________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
________________________________________________

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Sept. 1849 and sent to Hon. H.S. Conger
Cortland Village, New York
_____________________________________________
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 70 Vol. 4

[right side]
Notification sent to Thos. W. Olcott, Oct. 31:49
Letter to Thos W Olcott
Also a Letter to G.M Sayles
Nov. 1: 1849

Page 12

State of New York
Tioga County

One this 24th day of August [illegible] 1849 personally appeared before me Charles P. Avery County Judge of Tioga County in said State of New York - 

the same being a Court of Record Catherine Ferris a resident of Spencer in the County of Tioga aged eighty six 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 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of Richard Ferris who was a private in the Revolutionary Army and who during his life drew a pension under the act of 1832 New York Agency at the rate of Fifty dollars per annum on account of his Revolutionary services.

She further declares that she was married to the said Richard Ferris at the close of the war of the Revolution or at the time of the proclamation of Peace at which time the inhabitants of the town of Cortland in the County of Westchester State of New York (the town in which this person resided at that time) held meeting of rejoicing that as one of those meetings her said marriage took place but the year month or day of the month she does not now recollect that her husband and the aforesaid Richard Ferris died on the 19th day of October 1846 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794, [illegible]: at the time above stated

[signature] Catherine Ferris

Sworn to and furnished on the day and year above written before me Charles P. Avery County Judge of Tioga County in the State of New York

Page 13

State of New York
Tioga County: I Charles P. Avery County Judge of the said County of Tioga hereby ------------- certify that the written named Catherine Ferris is a respectable person & that by reason of great bodily infirmity - she is unable & ought not to be required to appear in Open Court; her present place of residence being in the Town of Spencer in said County of Tioga & about fifteen miles from the Court House in the Village of [illegible] in said County of Tioga at which place the Court of Record is & for said County are held.

[Signature] Charles P. Aver
County Judge of Tioga County

State of New York
Tioga County      
I Moses Stevens Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Charles P. Avery Esquire, whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate & by whom the foregoing oath was taken was when the same ^ respectfully [illegible] Judge in & for the County, aforesaid,  dwelling in said County duly commissioned & sworn & that his several signatures above subscribed as genuine

Witness my hand & the sea of the Said County this 28th day of August AD 1849
M. Stevens Clk

Page 14

107.425 Act March 8/55
April Ferris 30/58
__________________________________
Catherine Ferris, 
widow of Richard Ferris [illegible]

______________________________________

Capt Boyles N.Y. Milt

War of Revolution
_______________________________
[illegible]Pensions

[in pencil] N.Y. [illegible] 48-5074

[illegible] Jas B Hoyt, Dec 24/55
[illegible]   "    " Jany: 15/56

Vol. F. 29. S

Page 15

107.425

Page 16

State of New York
County of Tioga

On this second 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 & State aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths. 

Catharine Ferris. aged Ninety one years resident of the town of Spencer, County of Tioga & State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the Widow of Richard Ferris deceased who was a private Soldier in the Company commanded by Captain Boyd as she thinks but refers to the affidavit of herself, husband and other witnesses by which she obtained a pension of fifty dollars per annum for services rendered by her husband in the revolutionary war

That her husband Enlisted in or about the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six and continued in actual service in the said War for the term of two years or more but respectfully refers to said affidavit - that her name before she was married [illegible] she further states that she was Married to the said Richard Harris in she thinks in the year 1778 
that said husband died the 19th October 1846 That she was Married by a Minister of the Gospel the Reverend Mr. Sackett and that she is now a widow at the date of executing this her declaration

She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land which she may be entitled under the Act approved March 3d 1855. She also declares that she has never received nor applied for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress before this. She refers to her declaration for her [illegible] for her husbands services & [illegible]

Catharine X [her mark] Ferris 

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identified person she represents herself to be and that I have no Interest in said Claim


Sworn

Page 17

also declares that she has never Received nor applied for bounty land uunder this or any other act of Congress before this. She refers to her declaration for her pension for her husbands services & [illegible]

Catharine X [her mark] Ferris

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identified person she represents herself to be and that I have no Interest in Said Claim

Israel S. Hoyt J.P.

State of New York
County of Tioga

On the 2d day of April AD one thousand eight hundred fifty five personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County of Tioga State of New York James S. Rumsey and John Mc Master residents of the County of Tioga and State of New York who being duly sworn according to law declare that they are personally and well acquainted with Mrs. Catharine Ferris. Who saw her make her mark to the foregoing declaration that they know her to be the identical person then represented and that she is now a Widow; and they swear they are disinterested witnesses

James S Rumsey
John Mc Master

State of New York. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 2d day of April AD 1855 and I certify that the said James S. Rumsey and John Mc Master are creditable and respectable citizens

Israel S. Hoyt J.P.

State of New York 
County of Tioga

Page 18

identical to previous page

Page 19

State of New York
Tioga County Clerks Office

I LeRoy W. Kingman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County certify that Israel S. Hoyt Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration & affidavit were made was at the time the same [illegible] date a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly elected & sworn & authorized to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and surely believe his signature above written to be genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of the said Court this 25th day of April 1855

L W Kingman Clerk

Page 20

November 30, 1931

BA-J/MCS

Mrs. Gertrude Thomas
Coudersport, P.O. Box 346
Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of November 12, 1931, requesting information in regard to Richard Ferris, a soldier of the Revolution.

The data contained herein are obtained from papers on file in pension claim W.25574, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Richard Ferris.

He was born April 11, 1762, at Scarsdale, Westchester County, New York, and lived there until 1810 when he moved to Tioga County, New York.

He served every year from sometime in 1777 until November, 1783, in short tours, amounting to about two years and four months in all, as private with the New York troops under Lieutenant Daid Ferris (who was his only brother) and Captain Ebenezer Boyd and Colonel Samuel Drake.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832, at which time he was living in Spencer, Tioga County, New York.

He died October 19, 1846, in Tioga County, New York.

The soldier married in Cortland, Westchester County, New York, soon after the proclamation of peace, Catharine Lent of Cortland.

She was allowed pension on her application executed January 15, 1846, at which time she was eighty-five years of age and was living in Tioga County, New York.

Page 21

Richard and Catharine Ferris had the following children:
John born July 26, 1784, died April 28, 1805.
James born December 10, 1785, died February 28, 1805.
Stephen born August 25, 1787.
Mary born March 19, 1789.
Susanah born January 11, 1792, died April 1, 1803.
Elizabeth born December 7, 1794.
Daniel born April 1, 1796.
Hester born April 30, 1798.
Henry born June 20, 1800.
"GilBard" born September 7, 1804.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller
Assistant to Administrator

[Note indicating John] this son made, an affidavit herein in 1849, Cayuga County, N.Y. At that time, he gave the above date as that of his own birth-

The John Ferris who died in 1805, may have been soldiers father -

Page 22

Richard Ferris N.York
Act 7 June 1832
$80 per ann

to what time was he last paid?

Pension Office
April 26th 1845
GCA

Page 23

State of New York
County of Tioga

I, Moses Stevens, Clerk of the said County of Tioga, certify that Augustus T Garey Esquire whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument, and thereon written was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice of the Peace and verily believe the signature to the said certificate is genuine.

In TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have here to set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 22d day of February 1845

Moses Stevens Clerk

Page 24

13901
Catharine Ferris
widow of Richard
New York
__________

Suspended let [illegible] N.S Conger
Judge 1849

Act of July [illegible]8

Page 25

609

New York
________________________________
Catharine Ferris widow of Richard Ferris
who was a Private in the Revolution
_________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 dollars -- cents per annum, to commence on the 19th day of Oct, 1846
________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Sept 1849 and sent to 
Hon. H.S. Conger
Cortland Village
New York
__________________________________
[Act of JUNE 17, 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 75

Page 26

18.012

Rev. War

Page 27

107425
Catharin Ferris
widow
Richard 

H Boynton

Halsely Valley NY
March 4th

J. Minot
Com. of Pension Office
Washington City

Page 28

1170

New York
___________________________________
Richard Ferris, of Tioga in the State of N.Y.
who was a Private in the Co commanded by Captain Boyd of the reg commanded by [blank] in the NY line for 15 months
Reduced from $80 per annum

Died 19 Oct. [page torn]
See letter to Agent
April 28- 45

Letter to Hon. H.S. Conger
& [illegible] audit July 26, 1849
__________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834
when his pension was suspended
_________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of April 1846 and sent to Arad Joy Esq
_______________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of [illegible]
Semi-annual allowance ending N.Y.
_____________________________________
Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by F L Swann, Clerk
Book [illegible] Vol. 4 Page 24

Page 29

State of New York
Cayuga County

John Croft of said county aged Eighty seven years whom I certify is a respectable person being duly sworn according to law [illegible] and say that he was personally acquainted with Richard Ferris late of Tioga County N.Y. deceased who was a pensioner of the United States New York Agency at the rate of Fifty dollars per annum and his wife Catharine that in time of the Revolutionary War and after the close of the said war the said Richard Ferris and his said wife Catharine resided in the town of Cortland Westchester County N.Y. that as the close of the Revolutionary war in 1783 the inhabitants of the said town of Cortland held meetings of rejoicing as the proclamation of peace that at one of the said meetings the said Richard Ferris was married to Catharine Lent who is now the widow of the said Richard Ferris and is making application for a Pension as the widow of the said Richard Ferris that this  [illegible] was at their wedding and saw them married that they were married by the Revd Mr Sackett
Subscribed and sworn to this 27th day of June 1849 before me Harvey Heath Justice Peace

[Signature] John Croft

Page 30

Richard Ferris 
10.350
7.8

Post office Elmira N.Y.
Care Thos Maxwell Agent

Page 31

blank

Page 32

State of New York
Tioga County

On this 15th day of January 1849 personally appeared before the [illegible] a Justice of the Peace in and foresaid County Catherine Ferris a resident of said County aged eighty five years who being first duly sworn according to law, declare and says that she is the widow of Richard Ferris deceased who during his life drew a pension under the act of 1832 New York Agency at the rate of fifty dollars per annum on account of his Revolutionary services that at the close of the Revolutionary War the inhabitant of the town of Cortland in the County of Westchester State of New York (the town in which this [illegible] resides at that time) held meetings of rejoicing at the proclamation of peace she further declare that she distinctly [illegible] and that she cannot be mistaken when she deposes and says that at one of those meetings of rejoicing she was married to the said Richard Ferris by a Presbyterian Minister the Revd Mr Sackett but the month or day of the month she does not now recollect that her husband the aforesaid Richard Ferris died on the 19th day of October 1846 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 vis at the time above stated. This Claim is made under the Resolve of July 1, 1848. She further swears that she is now a widow. 

[signature] Catharine Ferris

Sworn to and [illegible] on the day and years above written before me Cutter Woodruff Justice Peace

Page 33

I certify that the within named affidavit is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the within affidavit.

Cutter Woodruff Justice Peace 

Note the words "of the war" in the tenth line from top in the within declaration erased before execution.

Cutter Woodruff Justice Peace

State of New York
Tioga County

I Moses Stevens Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Cutter Woodruff is a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the 1st day of January 1847 & will expire on the 31st day of December 1850, and that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand and Seal of the Said County this 16th day of January 1849.

M. Stevens Clerk

Page 34

State of New York
Cayuga County 

Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justic of the Peace in and for said county Danile Ferris of the County of Tioga after being duly sworn according to law [illegible] and that he is a son of Richard Ferris late of the said county of Tioga deceased and his widow Catharin who is making application for a pension for the service of her husband the said Richard Ferris in the war of the Revolution that the attached family record kept by the said Richard Ferris during his life time of the ages of his family that it was kept in the hand writing of his father the said Richard Ferris that he has known the said Richard Ferris that he has known the said record more than thirty years and has always regarded it as the true record of the ages of his father and mother the said Richard and Catharine Ferris and their children.

Daniel Ferris

Subscribed and sworn August 22d 1849 before Harvey Heath Justic Peace

I certify that the above named Daniel Ferris is a respectable person.
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

I hereby certify that Harvey Heath was a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Cayuga State of New York as the foregoing affidavit purports to him [illegible] that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & truly belive his signature to the foregoing to be genuine. Dated Sept 6, 18[??]
H. W. Conger

Page 35

State of New York
Tompkins County

Richard Ferris of the Town of Spencer in teh County of Tioga & state aforesaid being duly sworn doth upon his oath depose and say that his is the same identical Richard Ferris named in and who swore to his original Declaration to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7 June 1832 & who was placed upon the Pensioners Roll during the year 1832 and whose Pension on re-examination of his claim has been suspended by the Department but whose original Declaration remain on file in the Pension Office at Washington.

And further this [illegible] saith that the following is a full and perfect a statement of his service during the Revolutionary war for which he claimed a Pension for which he now claims to be reinstated on the Roll of Pensioners ^ as he is able to [illegible] forth that by reason of old age and infirmity, the lapse of time and the great variety & number of expeditions in which he was actually engaged he is unable to state particularly the precise time & length of time he was so engaged under his service expeditions in the Revolution.

That in 1778 on or as early as the first of April he was enrolled as a member of Captain Ebenezer Boyds company in Col. Samuel Drakes Regiment of the New York State troops at Cortland in the County of Westchester and remained in the same company doing actual service as a private in said company when called upon during and until and after the close of the Revolutionary war. That David Ferris who was first Lieutenant in said company was an elder brother of this despondent. That in the year 1777 [illegible] before this despondent was enrolled in the said Company he volunteered to serve in said company under the Command of his said brother Lieut David Ferris on scouting parties along & through the South part of Westchester County that during summer and fall of that year this despondent was in actual service with said company under Capt Boyd as such volunteer and under his said brother as Commandant of Patrol at various times from 3 to 6 days & sometimes longer at a time in the whole a time not less than one month.  That after he was enrolled in said Company the first of April 1778 as aforesaid the aforesaid Company of Capt Boyd together with the other Companies in said Regiment was elapsed so that in each Company there were eight elapses two of which said elapses were in actual service on patrols & [illegible] as guards on the line every night when not in service with the Company or Regiment that this despondent from the first of April to as long as the first of Dec. following when not in other actual service with the Company or Regiment actually served as such elapsed Militia Man in said Company sometime under the Capt & sometimes under the aforesaid Lieutenant David Ferris every fourth night.
That during the year 1778 aforesaid this despondent was in actual service with the whole of said Company in cases of alarms & to repel & prevent the enemy from crossing the Croton River at the various crossing places a goodly number of time and was in such service from 4 to six days each time. That during the said period the whole Regiment Commanded by Col Drake were also called out several times near 5 to 10 days at a time with whom this despondent served under the aforesaid Capt Boyd in guarding the lines of the enemy & marching from place to place along the Croton River and other places in the County of Westchester. That in Nov of the same year he with said company men

Page 36

in our town actually in such service for a term of at least three to seventeen days of which time they encamped in bush houses [illegible] for that purpose at P[illegible] B[illegible] after which they marched to Veils Forge & were gone at least six days longer. That during the period aforesaid from the 1st of April to [illegible] of Dec 1778 at the various times above specified he was in actual service under arms as patrol & with said company & Regiment on scouting expeditions & guarding the lines a period in the whole amounting to at least five months.

And this despondent on his oath aforesaid further said that from the first of April 1778 to June or July 1783 during each season from April to Dec he was in actual service in the aforesaid company mostly patrolling in [illegible] as aforesaid not less than every fourth night & often time were out in such service  for from 5 to 15 days at a time with the entire Company & sometimes the Regiment. That during such time the despondent served as a private and on the patrols as aforesaid were generally under the direct command of Lieut. David Ferris & the aforesaid Capt Boyd. That during the whole time aforesaid such service was on the line in the southern part of Westchester County along the banks of the Croton & Hudson Rivers that said Company being situated so near the lines of the enemy they were required some of them to be continually on duty in the service - that often when they sat down to eat a meal of victuals at their own houses they were called upon & actually left the table each one [illegible] his musket & starting again on duty - that during the year 1778 he served a term as above stated - that in 1779 he was actually engaged in such service under arms at different times sometimes from 3 to 5 days & at other time two weeks at a time for a period in the whole amounting to at least six months - That during the year 1779 aforesaid a portion of the British lay within [illegible] of said Col. Drakes Regiment at V[illegible] & Stony Point under Command of Gen Henry Clinton [illegible] -

That during the year 1780 from April to Dec he continued in the same service engaged on Scouting parties with his [illegible] aforesaid & with the aforesaid Company & Regiment in guarding the lines & [illegible] actually employed as often as every fourth night & sometime for several days at a time at many different times a period in the whole amounting to at least five months -

That in 1781 from April to about the middle of Nov this despondent remained in the same service as such private in the aforesaid Company and Regiment actually employed & under arms doing duty as such [illegible] Militia Man & in the Company under said Capt Boyd aforesaid in patrolling, scouting & guarding the line in the County of Westchester aforesaid at different periods and every fourth night when not otherwise engaged with said Company a period in the whole amounting to at least five months Continued service -

That in 1782 from April to Dec & in 1783 from April to June or July he continued actually to serve in the same Company & Regiment & in the same manner as in 178- & 1781 and in & near the County of Westchester aforesaid every fourth night when not otherwise engaged as a patrol at different times in the manner above specified a period in the whole of at least

Page 37

Six months - That in the year 1781 he was engaged with the aforesaid Regiment under Col Drake for a period of at least three weeks at one time in marching through the counties of Westchester & Putnam for the purpos of driving the fat cattle & hogs out of the reach of the enemy which he thinks was in the month of November - for which last mentioned service he received certificates for pay for one months service - That during the fall of 1782 this despondent with the aforesaid Reg. under Col Drake was actually engaged in foraging & transporting hay & oats & other provisions from White Plains, Rye, Mannmouth to Cortland & to the [illegible] villages for the use of Genl Heaths Brigade and other portions of the American Army thru quartering in that vicinity- And that in whole he was actually engaged in the service of the Revolutionary War from 1777 to 1783 as private in the above mentioned Regiment at the different periods above stated period in the whole amounting to not less than two years and four months continued service-

And further this despondent saith not-

{signature] Richard Ferris

Subscribed and sworn before me this 8th day of February 1837
[signature] Caleb B Drake JP

I certify that I have been well acquainted with the said above named Richard Ferris for thirty years past and that during such acquaintance he has sustained a good reputation for truth and veracity and his statement entitled to full credit and belief.

[signature] Caleb B Drake JP

Page 38

Richard Ferris
appl

Page 39

State of New York
Tioga County

Richard Ferris being duly sworn says that his declaration to obtain a pension under the act of 7 June 1832 has been heretofore made and is on file in the War Department that a pension of 80 dollars per annum was granted on which he received his annuity until the 4th March 1834 when the same was suspended at the War Department and a more particular detail required in relation to his services - He has already stated in his said declaration that he was one of a class in Capt Boyds company of Militia of Westchester County in the regiment commanded by Col Samuel Drake which patroled every fourth night from 1778 to 1783 in [illegible] - The great length of time which has elapsed since his Services were rendered, will of course render it extremely difficult if not impossible to detail with the precision which seems to be required all his services - From what remains in his memory he submits the following estimate as the best which it is now in his power to make -

Iin the year 1778 in the month of May as he thinks he was enrolled in the company of Militia in Westchester County commanded by Capt Ebenezer Boyd attached to Col Samuel Drakes regiment the company was divided into 8 classes, two to serve each night consequently the despondent [illegible] serve every fourth night, to patrole in the neighborhood to prevent the depredations of the Tories & Cowboys during this year despondent was out as many as four time on an average of not less than six days at a time when the Regiment was called out and as many as four times of five days each in expeditions to Terrytown, Croton River, Crum Pond & other places in the County of Westchester - besides frequent calls for short periods of which he cannot give definite details.

This Service added to his patrolling every 4th night & during the year would make not less

Page 40

than six months of service during the year one thousand and seven hundred seventy eight-

In 1779 besides his patrol service as before mentioned he was called out in frequent expeditions he thinks as many as five times of six days each; served one month near Crum Pond Meeting house, while the British [illegible] at Verplanks Point - The service he performed in this way & his patrol service amounted from his best recollection to seven months service -

In the year 1780 he was engaged patrolling each 4th night as usual - In October he was stationed one month at Pine's Bridge under Capt John Drake: was out with his company not less than 6 times of 5 days each to various points on the Westchester lines; and twice with the Regiment once in the lower part of the County hear the British lines 15 days and the other five days the calls were frequent for shorter periods of three days but he cannot enumerate the number: but is certain that all his services of the year 1780 was eight months.

In the year 1781 was on patrol each 4th night as before when not on other duty. Was out to his recollection on the lines in Scouting parties as many as five tours with his Company of 6 days each & with the Regiment 4 times of an average of 9 days each. In November the whole Regiment was called out under the orders of Genl Heath to secure & drive to the American lines all the hogs in the County not absolutely needed for the substance of the families in whose possession they were found to prevent their being taken to the enemy. Was out in this expedition eighteen days. Has no doubt that he rendered this year 8 months service-

Page 41

In1782 besides his patrole service; he was out with the company under Capt Boyd five times for six days each; Twice under Col. Drake, six days each: once with the Regiment at [illegible] near Horseneck ten days and various tours of three days each to different points on the lines-

He has no doubt that he performed this year six months actual service-

In this year the patrols continued until the latter part of the month of June - [illegible] but little military service was some in other parts of the Union, the peculiar situation of the County of Westchester rendered it necessary much longer than elsewhere -  Scouts were kept constantly on the alert. [Illegible] Williams & VanWert the captors of Major Andre belonged to the same Regiment with the despondent-

The despondent was engaged in three skirmishes with the enemy in preventing their landing from their boats-

He sums up his service as follows
1778 - 6 months
1779 - 7 months
1780 - 8 months
1781 - 8 months
1782 - 6 months
1783 - 1 and 1/2 months scouting
____________________________________________
36 1/2 months

Richard Ferris

Sworn & subscribed before me the 22d Sept 1835
Th Maxwell JP
Tioga Co NY

Page 42

Halsey Valley
Tioga Co NY
March 4, 1856

Hon. J. Minot
Comm. of Pensions

Dear Sir

Enclosed is the comptrolling Certification of the Services of Richard Ferris in the Revolution as evidenced to obtain Land Warrant for his widow Catharine on her application No. 107.425 which was suspended for want of [illegible] widower.

I would enquire if the application of Ichabod Spencer & Stephen L Pert application & endeavor are satisfactory if not [illegible] inform me at your convenience -

Halsey Valley
Tioga Co NY

Truly [illegible]
J.B. Hoyt
Agent

Page 43

[page with information on the left and right sides]

[left side of page]
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 2S574
Catharine Ferris
Widow of 
Richard Ferris
Rev. War

Act Feb. 2nd 1848
Index: Vol A, Page 234
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side of page]
1911 Oct.24 Hist. to Miss Mary F. Hall
letter in File 46471
Nathaniel Scofield 
1914 Oct. 2 Histor to Mrs. C.O. Seabring
1915 Apr. 7 Mrs. Seabring notif.
[illegible] fur. only one statement to the same person.
_____________________________________
1931 Nov 30 hist. to Mrs. Gertrude Thomas rec'd.

Page 44

[written perpendicular to the page] 
Catharine Ferris
wid
Richard 

Boy[illegible]

[written parallel to the page]
From

Hon. J. Minot
Comm. Pension Office
Washington City D.C

Halsey Valley NY
Jan 8th

Page 45

Rev Sec

Spencer, NY
Sept. 29, 1914

Pension Department
Washington, D.C.

I wish to get all information I can about my great-great-great grandfather Richard Ferris, who served in the Continental Army in our Revolutionary Was. He was born in 1761, I think, and as far as I have been able to

Page 46

[contd]

find out, at the time of his enlistment, he lived in the town of Greensburg on the Hudson.

After the close of the war, he moved to Spencer, Tioga Co. New York - and his pension was paid him here. He died Oct. 19, 1846 - His wife Catharine Lent ^ Ferris was paid his pension after his death until her death April 11, 1855.

This I have found out from the old records here but I wish this substantiated. Will you

Page 47

send me whatever record you have of his services entitling him to the pension and also the record showing it was also paid to his wife after his death.

I wish to join the Daughters of the Revolution and that makes it necessary to present substantiated records. 

Very Respectfully, 
Mrs. C.O. Seabring

Spencer, Tioga Co.
New York

Page 48

Spencer, NY
March 30, 1915

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Will you please send me the Revolutionary war record of Richard Ferris who resided in Westchester Co. at the time he enlisted, which was in 1776, I think-

I wish this record as proof of my eligibility for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution

Page 49

Any information regarding his length of service, rate of pension, etc. I shall be very gland to obtain-

Very Respectfully,
Lena S. Seabring

(Mrs. C.O. Seabring
Spencer, Tioga Co.
New York

[date stamped] US Pension Office Apr 1 1915

Page 50

R. Ferris 1179 $80

Payments to be made at New York by Presd U.S. [illegible] B. Bauk[?]
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of 
New York

Recorded by Geo. C. Stiles
Clerk in Book D Vol. 5
Page 87

Page 51

War Department
Revolutionary Claim

I certify that in conformity with the Law of the United States, of the 7th June 1832, Richard Ferris of the State of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary Army

is entitled to receive Eighty dollars per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 29th day of October
one thousand eight hundred and thirty two

Lew Cass
Secretary of War

Examined and Countersigned
J.L. Edwards

Page 52

Aug. 15th 1843

[illegible] J.L. Edwards [illegible] to this pension certificate & making the inquiry why Mr. Ferris was [illegible] off as a pensioner & asking him to look over the proof in his care & to issue a pension certificate for such a pension as the proof warrants.

Page 53

State of New York
Tompkins County

John Hyatt of the town of Barton in the County of Tioga & State aforesaid being duly sworn deposed & saith that he is seventy four years of age and that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary Service at various periods from 1776 to the close of the War at Westchester County NY in Capt Alvin Purdys company in Colonel Samuel Drakes Regiment of New York Militia- That while he was in such service he was well acquainted with Richard Ferris who has subscribed & sworn to the annexed affidavit- That during every year from 76 to 83 he saw the said Richard Ferris in actual duty on the field at different times and at various places in & near the County of Westchester in patrol in Capt. Boyds Company in the same Regiment with this deponent - That he well remembers seeing said Richard actually engaged in the aforesaid service at Pines Bridge on the Croton River, at Rye and at North Castle also near the Hudson River with his said company & Regiment - that said Reg. with said Richard at one time remained in service for as much as three weeks at Pines Bridge & marched from there to Monmouth towards White Plains -  That he also well knows that said Richard Ferris was actually engaged in  aforesaid service with his said company & Regiment at various other times in the County of Westchester during the aforesaid period-
That on all occasions when said Regiment were on duty as a Regiment which was upon an average at least five time every year he remembers having seen said Richard with said company actually and actively engaged in such service - that he has heard the said annexed affs of Richard Ferris said and he verily believes the said Richard service as he has therein stated and set forth.

John Hyatt

Sworn and subscribed before me this 8th day of February 1837

Caleb B. Drake JP

I certify that I am well acquainted with the said above named John Hyatt and that he is a person of undoubted veracity and his statement entitled to full credit and belief.

Caleb B Drake JP

Page 54

Tompkins County

I Arthur S. Johnson Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Caleb B Drake whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavits and before whom the said affidavits were taken, was at the time of taking said affidavits a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature subscribed to the said affidavit is genuine

In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 27th day of July 1837.

Arthur S. Johnson Clerk

Page 55

State of New York
Tompkins County [?]; John Jones of Spencer in the County of Tioga & State of New York being sworn deposeth & saith that he is seventy seven years of age, and that during the Revolutionary War he was a soldier in the service of the Revolution from 1776 to the close of the war in 1783.  That during & before the Revolution he was well acquainted with Richard Ferris who has subscribed and sworn to the annexed affidavit; that they were children together and raised in the same neighborhood in the town of Cortland in the County of Westchester & State of New York.  That in the year 1777 he saw said Richard Ferris engaged in service in Capt. Ebeneezer Boyd's company in Col. Samuel Doakes Regiment in which said company this deponent served as orderly sergeant.  That in 1778 this deponent as orderly sergeant in said company enrolled said Richard Ferris as a member of said Capt. Boyd's Company.  That during the war from 1778 up to the close of the Revolution at various times he saw the said Richard Ferris actually engaged as a soldier of the Revolution in said Company.  That this deponent kept the roll of said company on which said Richard Ferris name appeared during the aforesaid Tours.  That he well remembers that on all occasions when the roll of said company was called that the said Richard Ferris appeared and answered to his name and actually served with said company in the aforesaid service during every season from 1777 to 1783.  That he well remembers seeing and encamping with said Richard Ferris during the above period while in actual service with said company and Regt. at different places and various times, sometimes for three weeks at a time.  That said Richard Ferris was in a different [illegible] from that in which this deponent served & of which this deponent had the command on patrols. That said Richard was in the class [illegible] the command of [illegible] and David Ferris who was first Lieutenant in said company.  That he well remembers encamping at Reeves bridge on the Croton River for two weeks and forward with said Richard while in such service.  That said Richard was in the service with said company in foraging for about one month in 1782 engaged in furnishing Genl. Heaths Regt & other portions of the army with provisions & stores.  That he also well knows that said Richard was in said service under Capt. Boyd in said regiment engaged for about one month in driving fat cattle & hogs through Westchester & Patman counties so as to place them without the reach the enemy which was in Nov. 1781.  That he also

Page 56

well knows that the said Richard was in actual service during the above period at various other times with his class under said Lieut Ferris and with said company under Capt Boyd - That he has heard the annexed affidavit of said Richard Ferris [illegible] and from what this despondent know in relation to the service of said Richard during the Revolution verily believes he served as is stated and set forth by him in his said affidavit - And further this despondent saith not - 

John Jones

Subscribed and sworn before me this 8th day of February 1837

Caleb B Drake JP

I certify that I am well acquainted with the said above named John Jones & have been so acquainted with his for about thirty years past and that the said John Jones is a person of undoubted veracity and his statement entitled to full credit and belief -

Caleb B Drake J.P.

Page 57

[written perpendicular to page]
Aug 18 1843
NY
[post marked] Ithaca N.Y. Aug 15

Richard Ferris

[written parallel to page]
J. L. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Page 58

Ovid Augt 15th 1843

Hon. J L Edwards

Dear Sire

One the 29th Oct 1832 a Pension certificate No 1179 was issued to Richard Ferris for $80 per annum under the law of June 7th 1832, but in 1834 the pay was withheld & since that time he has not received a dollar. I am his agent, duly appointed by him, I hold his original pension certificate, the object of this letter is to ascertain what the objection is to Mr Ferris being paid the amount named in his certificate or what the difficulty is, that it may be removed, may I ask you to do me the favor of answering the above enquiries & if I may be allowed to [illegible], to ask you to grant to Richard Ferris above mentioned such a certificate as the proof of his services in your hand will authorize -
Respectfully I am your Obd Servt
Arad Joy

Page 59

Tioga County State of New York

On this 19th day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty five before me Augustus T Garey a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County personally appeared before me Richard Ferris who being by me duly sworn deposes and says that he was a private under Capt Ebenezer Boyd and that Samuel Drake was the Col and that Joseph Strang was Major and that he served under said officers during the revolutionary war that he commenced service in the year 1777 and that when he [illegible] it was at the age of fifteen by the consent of his father and that he was not discharged from duty until the close of the war and that in 1776 when many of the inhabitants in our Town went to New York to receive protection from the British my father was chosen one of seven committeemen all whigs to desire what means to take and my father was Chairman of the said Committee and stood from 1776 until the close of the war and that during his service he never was released from duty [illegible] other times but that he must be ready at a minutes warning for duty and that [illegible] at the time of said service in Weschester County state of New York and that himself and David Ferris were the only sons of his father and that his brother David was first lefttinant under the said Capt Boyd as wil appear by reference to affidavits and papers at Washington and he himself did at least two years actual service during said war not to say anything about Patrolling and that his father lost a great deal of Property during the war among which was a large Barn with a quantity of grain in it set on fire by the Tories and that his father was appointed Commissioner to see to Confiscated property and that his father lost thirteen hundred dollars by Continental money and further that he is much grieved to see many receive a Pension who he knows did but little if any service while his father himself and brother were [illegible] and did much service during the war and he has thus far been neglected sworn and subscribed before me the day and year first above mentioned Augustus T. Garey J.P.

[signature] Richard Ferris

Page 60

State of New York
Tioga Coiunty

On this 18th day of February one thousand eight hundred & forty five before me the subscribed one of the Justices of the Peace of said County personally appeared John Hyatt of the Town of Barton in said County of Tioga who upon his oath. [illegible] he was well acquainted with Richard Ferris from the year 1775 to the close of the Revolutionary War and that the said Richard served in the army of the United States & that he served under Capt Ebenezer Boyd & Col Samuel Drake & he [illegible] said Ferris served in the army more than two years in the coarse of the was & firmly believes he was a faithful soldier in the army & that said Ferris lived in the time of the said war in the County of West Chester in the State of New York and the service [illegible] he served under the same Capt.

John Hyatt X [his mark]

Sworn and subscribed the day and year first above written before me. Israel S. Hoyt Justice of the Peace

Page 61

Hoyt Justice of the Peace

State of New York
County of Tioga

I, Moses Stevens, Clerk of the said County of Tioga, certify that Israel S Hoyt Esquire whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument, and thereon written was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice of the Peace and verily believe the signature to the said certificate is genuine.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 22 day of February 1845
Moses Stevens Clerk

Page 62

I Augustus T Garey the Justice of the Peace before whom the said Richard Ferris has this day made affidavit to state that I have known this said Richard Ferris for twenty five years and that he always has and now does stand fair in community as a man of truth and veracity and further that he stands in much need of a Pension which I believe he is justly entitled to.
Augustus T Garey Class leader in the Methodist E Church

I Horace C Hubbert- do certify that I have been acquainted with Richard Ferris for twelve years and as far as I am personally & by common report acquainted I believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and stands in need of a Pension

Horrace C Hubbert
Class Leader Methodist E Church

Page 63

[top of form is cut off]

for a statement of the military history of Richard Ferris a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAS, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
W. File 25.574

Dates of Enlistment or Appointment: Served every year from Fall 1776 to Nob. 1783 in short tours amounting to more than 2 years

Rank: Private

Officers under whom service was rendered
Capt Ebenezer Boyd
Col Samuel Drake
Lt David Ferris, brother of soldier

State: N.Y.

Battles engaged in , [check mark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Westchester Co. NY
Date of application for pension, Sept 4, 1832. His claim was allowed 
Residence at date of application, Spencer, Tioga Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born Apr 11, 1762 at Scarsdale, Westchester Co., N.Y.; died Oct. 19, 1846
Remarks:  He married in Cortland Co. N.Y., after the Proclamation of Peace, Catharine Lent, and she was pensioned on her application executed Jany 15, 1849 while a resident of Tioga Co. N.Y. at 85 years. Children John (b. July 26, 1784, d. Apl 28, 1805), James (b. Dec. 10, 1785, d. Feb. 28, 1805), Stephen (b. Aug. 25, 1781), Mary b Mch 19, 1789, Susanah (b. Jany 11, 1792, d. Apl 1, 1803), Elizabeth b. Dec. 7, 1794, Daniel b. Apl 1, 1796, Hester b. Apl 30, 1798. Henry b. Apl  30, 1798, Henry b. June 20, 1800 & GilBard b. Sept 7, 1804

Respectfully, 

Commissioner.

Page 64

Bradford County

On this 14th day of February AD 1845 before me the subscribed a Justice of the Peace in & for said  [county] personally appeared Godfey Vought of Rome Township in said county of Bradford, who upon his solemn oath saith that about the year 1778 while in the service of the United as a soldier he well remembers that one Richard Ferris was also in the army with whom he had for a long time been acquainted that the said Ferris served under Capt. Boy in Westchester County State of N.Y. Samuel Drake Col.

Godfrey Vought X [his mark]
Sworn and Subscribed before me the day & year above written
L S Maynard J.P.

I do certify that Godfrey Vought is a neighbor of mine with whom I am well acquainted and that he is a respectable citizen and character good for truth and veracity.
L S Maynard

Page 65

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County

I Aaron Chubback [illegible] notary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that L. S. Maynard before whom the withing proceedings were had is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified that the signatures purporting to be his are geniune.

In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court Towander[?] this fourteenth day of February AD 1845
A. Chubbuck [illegible]
By N.I. Keeler [illegible]

Page 66

[written parallel to paper]
March 11. 1845
[illegible]
Richard Ferris

[written perpendicular to page]
Hon. J.L. Edwards
Comm of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Page 67

Ovid March 8th 1845

Dear Sir

I beg leave to [illegible] in the case of Richard Ferris whose papers are on file in your office, & who has formerly been a pensioner  - 
please in reply five me a full state of the case if you do not grant a pension, please give the reason, the objection & say what is further required.

Respectfully Your Most Obd Servt
Arah Joy

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

Page 68

Ithaca NY Sept 22

J.L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Richard Ferris

Page 69

Elmira Sep 22 1835

J.L. Edwards Esq

Sir

Enclose the aff. of Richard Ferris whose pension under the act of 7th June 1832 was suspended in Sept 1834, and more particular details of his service required. He has given the best detail possible after a lapse of more than 50 years. I hope it may be satisfactory.

Ths Maxwell

Page 70

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County

Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. Polly Vought widow of Godfrey Vought a resident of [illegible] in the County of Bradford aged 91 years who being first duly sworn according to law. Deposes and says that she was well acquainted with Richard Ferris and knew of the marriage of the said Richard Ferris to Catharine Lent which took place about one year before this despondent was married and that this [illegible] was married in AD 1783. his despondent well remembers the time that Richard and Catharine were married as she says made considerable racket in the evening of the same day with horns & pans in consequence of the marriage taking place. She further states that the said Richard Ferris and Catharine his wife resided in the town of Spencer Tioga County New York and further saith not -

Polly Vought [X her mark]

In presence of Lewis Vought

Sworn & subscribed before me this 18th day of June AD 1849 Bruester Forbes

State of Pennsylvania
Bradford County

I Allen M Kean[?] notary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bradford State of Pennsylvania do certify that Bruester Forbes before [illegible] the [illegible] proceedings [illegible] had, was & is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing & above signatures purporting to be his is genuine. Witness my hand & official seal at Towander this 27th day of June A.D. 1849

[signature] Allen M Keen Notary

Page 71

State of New York
Cayuga County

Personally appeared before the subscribes a Justice of the Peace in and for said county John Ferris of the County of Tioga after being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is a son of Richard Ferris deceased and his wife Catharine who is applying for a pension as the widow of the said Richard Ferris was a Revolutionary pension of the United State under the act of 1832 New York Agency at the rate of fifty dollars per annum that this despondent was born on the 26th day of July 1784 as appears from the record which this despondent has of his age which is the correct record of his age as he has always been informed by his said parent that this despondent is the first child of his said father and mother the said Richard and Catharine Ferris

John Ferris

Subscribed and sworn to this 15th day of January 1849 before me 
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

I certify that the above named John Ferris is a respectable person.
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

Page 72

13.901

Catharine Ferris
Widow of Richard
New York
_________

married before 1794
Husband died Oct 1846
Rejected

[illegible] Act 17 June 44
$50.00 per ann

M 19 Oct-1846
Adm Act 2 July 48
$50.00 per ann
[illegible] March 1848

Hon. HS Conger
[illegible]
Act 7 July 1848 NY

Page 73

State of New York
Cayuga County

Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Daniel Ferris of the County of Tioga aged fifty three years after being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is a son of Richard Ferris deceased and his wife Catharin who is making application for a pension as the widow of the said Richard Ferris for Revolutionary services performed by him that this despondent is the seventh child of his said father and mother and that his mother the said Catharine Ferris is still a widow

Daniel Ferris

Subscribed and sworn to January 15th 1849 before me
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

I certify that the above named Daniel Ferris is a respectable person
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

I hereby certify that Harvey Heath is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Cayuga in the State of New York, that he has been such Justice for several years [illegible] that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his signature as certain in the foregoing papers to be genuine [illegible] July 16, 1849
H.S. Conger

Page 74

State of New York
Cayuga County

Sarah Jones of the County of Tioga aged eighty years being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that she was personally acquainted with Richard Ferris and his wife Catharine in the town of Eastham Westchester County N.Y. before the was of the Revolution and well recollects the time of their marriage that this [illegible] was married 

Sarah Jones

Subscribed and sworn to August 22d 1849 before me
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

Note the words 'and says' in the fourth line from top [illegible] before execution
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

I certify that the above named Sarah Jones is a respectable person
Harvey Heath Justice Peace

Page 75

Richard Ferris
NY
Act 7 June 1832

Adm. 15 mo private
$50.00 per annum

From 4 March 1834
When his former pension was suspended

Arad Joy Esq
Ovid NY

Page 76

Cortland Village N.Y.
Sept 6, [illegible]9

J.L. Edwards Esq

Sir: I send you papers in support of the claim of Catharine Ferris

Yours
H. S. Conger

Page 77

Jas L Edwards Esq
Commissioner
Home Deparmtne
Wash DC

Dear Sir

I have been appointed the agent to collect the pension of Catharine Ferris widow of Richard Ferris date 12 Sept 1849. the original Pension as{illegible] as the [illegible] in my hand I have applied to T.W. Olcott to draw the money on the Pension.
The instructions to pay such pension have not been forwarded to the agent TW Olcott will you send forward the papers so that I can collect the pension.

Respectfully yours

GM Sayles

Please inform me when the papers are forwarded GMS

Page 78

Cortland Village N.Y.
July 16, [illegible]9

J.L. Edwards Esq
Com. Pensions

Sir: I send herewith papers in the case of Catharine Ferris

I am respectfully your
H.S. Conger

Page 79

Haley Valley, Tioga Co. N.Y.
Jany 8 1856

Hon. J Minot

Sire: I recd your letter of the 24th [illegible] stating that the Service of Richard Ferris a Revolutionary soldier ^ whose widow made application for a land warrant under the act of the 3d of March 1855. Saying that said Ferris [illegible] of service does not appear in the pension office.

The widow Ferris relied upon the evidence that her husband obtained his pension, which he did obtain a pension for [illegible] services in the Revolutionary War. Since her husbands death, there were two affidavits obtained testifying to the service of the said Richard Ferris by Godfrey [illegible] & John [illegible] I thought perhaps the affidavit had been over looked -

Page 80

If those affidavits are not sufficent or cannot be found the Widow Ferris [illegible] will endeavor to obtain other evidence of the service of the said Richard Ferris.
[illegible] I S Hoyt a Justice of the Peace of this County & has been about 18 years [illegible] says he took the affidavit of the above named John Hyatt an old Revolutionary soldier as to the service of Richard Ferris which Hyatt said he was in the said Revolutionary War with R. Ferris & that he served a long tour [illegible] make their statements to [illegible] refer you to said affidavits if they are {illegible] if you will please [illegible] if the affidavits are found whether they will be sufficient to obtain the warrant for the said Widow Catharine Ferris.

Yours Respectfully
James P. Hoyt
Agent

Page 81

State of New York
Comptroller's Office
Albany, February 28th 1856.

I Hereby Certify, That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned," I find the following, viz:

Name: Richd Ferress Private
No. of Book: 7
No. of Certificate 35038
Date 1780 July 1
-4 5 4 
Rankd and Name of Company Officer:
Captain Ebenz Boyd
Rank and Name of Field Officer: Colonel Samuel Drake

I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, [pound symbol] 3:4:3 and find them to be correct.
S W Lee Clerk

Page 82

Rev. War Section

April 7, 1915

Mrs. C. O. Seabring,
Spencer,
Tioga Co., N.Y.

Madam:-

In response to your letter dated the thirteenth ultimo, your are advised that the history of Richard Ferris, W. File No. 25,574 Rev. War, was furnished you under date of October 2, 1914, and it is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish more than one such statement to the same person.

Very respectfully, 
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner

Page 83

Coudersport, Penna.,
November 12, 1931

Director of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I am trying to get the revolutionary war record of my ancestor, Richard Ferris, that I may have same to use in the D. A. R.  I have been told that I can probably get full information from you.  Following is the information I have been able to gather, but it is insufficient, and I will appreciate anything additional that you may be able to supply me, such as has [sic] regiment, company, etc.:

"Richard Ferris enlisted in Westchester County, N.Y. for service in the Revolutionary War, and served every year from the Fall of 1776 to November 1783 in short tours amounting to over two years. His rank was a private under Captain Ebenezer Boyd, and Colonel Samuel Drake, New York State. His file number is 25574, Dept. of Interior, I believe that is the department. He applied for pension Sept. 4, 1832 while living at Spencer, Tioga County, N.Y. His claim was allowed. He died October 19, 1846."

If you can give me additional information which you may have in your office I will be greatly indebted to you.

Please excuse my poor specimen of typewriting, My business is linotyping rather than typewriting.

Thanking you in advance I am
Very respectfully, 

(Mrs) Gertrude Thomas
P.O. Box 346
Coudersport, Pa

[date stamped] Received Nov 14 1931
Receipt Section
Pension Files [illegible]