Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,658, Joseph Conklin, New York

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New York 
(8--1776)
SERVICE
NUMBER
W. 15658.
Conklin Joseph
Catharine
CONTENTS

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24.456

note New York
Joseph Conklin
of Cortland Co in the State of N.Y. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Dubois of the Regt commanded by Col Wynekoop in the NY line for 10 mo.

Inscribed on the roll of New York at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Dec 1833 and sent to Hon. P.G. Hathaway H reps

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. $83.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th March 34  11.11
$99.98

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 94

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Albany  5,382
Catharine Conklin
widow of Joseph Conklin
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832
and who died on the 3oth January 1838
of Cortland Co. in the State of N. York
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Dubois of the regt. commanded
by Col. Wynkoop in the N. York
line for 10 months
Inscribed in the Roll of Albany
at the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 30 January 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of May
1840 and sent to Hon. Amasa Dana, H.R.
Arrears to the 4th of March "40    69.79
Semi=annual allowance ending to Sepember 16.66  $86.45
Act July 7, 1838
Recorded by D. Brown  Clerk,
Book A. Vol. 2. Page 73.

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13868

indefinite service disallowed

Admd
10 mo pri
$33.33

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State of New York county of Cortland ss
On this 2nd day of Oct 1832 personally appeared in open court before the judges of the court of common pleas now siting Joseph Conklin a resident of Freetown in the county and state aforesaid aged 75 years who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 AD 1832
I Joseph Conklin of Freetown in Cortland county and state of New York do give the following account of my services in the Revolutionary War.
At the commencement of the said war I resided at Still Water in this state.  I enlisted as private for nine months in Capt. Samuel Von Vectans company in Col. Wynekoop and Lieut. Col. Phillip Van Courtlands regiment were stationed at Old Fort Ti (Ticonderoga) and a part of the time at Skeensborough served the time for which I enlisted and was discharged.  I think I enlisted in the spring of 1775.  I was in the army when Burgoyne was taken about one month cannot recollect the name of any of my officers.  From Still Water I moved to the town of Catskill then I was drafted and sent to Schoharie a private in Capt. Dubois company.

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stationed in the uper fort was there at the time that sir John and Brant came with their army served in this tour as near as I can remember about one month

I do not now know of any living witness by whom I can proove any of the above mentioned services neither have I any written evidence of that fact

I was born in Lunenberg in this State according to my best information in 1757 and am now 75 years of age have no record of my age after the war of the revolution I lived at a place called Freehold now in Greene county in this state have lived where I now live 26 years. never received a discharge

Abraham Aker and Daniel B Paddock my witnesses by whom to proove my character and the probability of my having been in the service in the revolutionary war
I do hereby relinquish every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Joseph Conklin his mark

subscribed & sworn the day 7 year aforesaid
Samuel Hotchkiss clerk

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And the said court do hereby declare this opinion after the investigation of the matter and after puting the interogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Abraham Aker and Daniel B Paddock who have signed the preceeding certificate are residents of the town of Freetown and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit

William Matting
Andrew Dickson
Joseph Reynolds
Aaron Brown
Oliver Kingsman
Judges of Cortland County Courts

Cortland County
I Samuel Hotchkiss a clerk of said county and also clerk of the court of common please of said county do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding. in the matter of the application of Joseph Conklin for a pension  Witness my hand and seal of office this 4th day of October 1832

Samuel Hotchkiss Jr Clerk

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We Abraham Aker Daniel B Paddock residing in the town of Freetown in Cortland county in the state of New York do certify that we are acquainted with Joseph Conklin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be 75 years of age and that he is reputed to be and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in the opinion
Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid

Samuel Hotchkiss clerk
Abraham Aker
Daniel B Paddock

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3808

Joseph Conklin
application for a pension under the act of 1830 or that passed at the last session of congress

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State of New York
Cortland County
Clerks office ss
I Samuel Hotchkiss Clerk of said county do certify that Abraham Aker Esq before whom the within affidavits purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in said county duly commissioned and sworn his acts therefore in that capacity unto be regarded as such. Also that I am acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name hereto subscribed is genuine

Witness my hand and seal of office this 18th day of August 1832

Saml Hotchkiss Clk

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State of New York
Cortland County ss
On this 18th day of July 1839 personally appeared before me the subscriber William Bartlit a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county of Cortland and State of New York the same being a court of record Catherine Conklin resident of Freetown in the County of Cortland and state of New York aged sixty eight 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 7, 1838. Entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows that she is the widow of Joseph Conklin who was a pensioner under the act of congress passed July 7th 1832 She further declared that she was married to the said Joseph Conklin the fourteenth day of August seventeen hundred and eighty seven 1878. by the Reverend Mr Skinneman a dutch preacher in the Town of Cattskill in the county of Greene and state of New York - that her husband the aforesaid Joseph Conklin died on the thirtieth 30 day of January eighteen hundred and thirty eight 1838 - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated
Catherine Conklin

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before

William Bartlit
Judge of Cortland County Courts
I hereby certify that the above named Catherine Conklin cannot from old age and bodily infirmity attend the sitting of the Court.
William Bartlit
Judge of Cortland County Courts

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Affidavit of Joseph Conklin of Freetown Cortland County in the State of New York         
At the commencement of the revolutionary war I resided at Stillwater in said state.           
I enlisted I think in the spring of the year seventeen hundred and seventy five in a company of nine months men under the command of Capt Samuel Van Victan in the regiment commanded by Col. Wynekoop and Lieut Col Van Cortland stationed at Ticonderoga and Skeensborough served nine months and was discharged               
I was in the army at the time Burgoyne was taken about one month but cannot remember the name of any of my officers             
Mostly after I was drafted from the town of Catskill and put in Capt Dubois company sent to Scholahrie stationed in the uper fort was there when Sir John and Brant came with their army continued in this service about 1 month I do not now know of any living witnesses by whom I can prove any of my service neither have I any documentary evidence of the fact          
Joseph Conklin his mark       
On the 30th day of July 1832 came personally before me Joseph Conklin and being duly sworn made his mark on the above and says that it is a true statement according to his best recollection Abraham Aker Justice of the Peace Cortland County NY

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It is respectfully submitted to the department whether this applicant is not entitled to the benefit of the act of Congress passed 20th May 1830
By A Aker
In behalf of the applicant

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The undersigned do hereby certify that we have for several years been acquainted with Joseph Conklin the person named in the affidavit to which this is attached and that we have during our acquaintance resided in the same neighbourhood. And further that we believe he has served in the army in the Revolutionary was and that such is the general impression of the people of our neighbourhood

James Fuller
On the 18th day of August 1832 came personally before me James Fuller Samuel Young and Daniel B Paddock and being duly sworn subscribed thier names to the above certificate and say that it is mine

A Akers 
Justice of the Peace

I hereby certify that the above named witnesses are considered to be men of respectability in the neighborhood where they live and that they may be relied upon for truth and veracity
Abraham Aker Supervisor of the town of Freetown

I certify that I am acquainted with James Fuller Samuel Young, & Daniel B Paddock that they are men of respectability and may be relied on as men of truth and veracity

Saml Hotchkiss Clerk
of Cortland County

Aug 18 1832

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28.157            
Joseph Conklin            
Dr Grump will report to Genl Hathaway H.R.                   
Aomd Hon Hathaway 
Co. New York
The original declaration in this case should be returned to this office

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WAR DEPARTIENT
Pension Office,
Nov 18 33
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exists which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, /thus: }.   You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
a Statement, shewing the Service of Joseph Conklin in
Duration of the
claimant's service.
Rank of
Names and rank of the Field of-
Age at present,
the
officers under whom he served.
and place of abode
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
claimant.
when he entered
the service

spring of 1775 or 6  p mo  Private   Col Van Cortland Col Wynkoop, 
 
 1 [mo] private no officers

above  1 [mo] private  Capt Dubois

33.33
66.66
16.66
83.32


I am, respectfully,
your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS
Commissioner of Pensions

The original declaration in this case should be returned to this office

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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7. 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line, "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, dratted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1.
The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim-
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
88.
On this
day of
personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of
in the county of
and State, Territory or District
of
aged (c)
years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make tie
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)
with
and
served in the
(c) regiment of the
line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service (and if he serv-
ed under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers ;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and
the country through which he marched. of This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolu-
tionary soldier, and served as he states.
I
of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of
&c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
vears of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have beena soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo-
Tutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,
Clerk of the Court of
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this
day of
&c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commis-
sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser-
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at-
lempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex-
pected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Voluntecrs, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did yon volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
To a Soldier.
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv-
6.
en, and what has become of it?
To an Officer.
Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes-
tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
hig genuine signature.
No payments can be ma.le on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7. 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can pro-
cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
() The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doiag so by reason of bodily infirmity in which case the declarant will_fo!
low the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do 80, he anust assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claini cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit ir the following words:
" ersonally 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 aa to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollectien, he served not lesa than the periods mentioned below. and in the following grades:-For year months, and
days I served as a
For months and days, served as a and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in
the militia, & c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration
is
highly objectionable. Jt must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or places wherethe service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent au-
thority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pub-
lic seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which con-
tains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the ertifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
Ijl 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 witnessses
who are required to set forth in their aflidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service. and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of
the
wit-
nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper oflicer, under his seal of office.
L The notes froin [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required
by
rule
in
note (j) applies to contincatal troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If witness caunot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answer* to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the doclaration.

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3808
New York

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3808
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Joseph Conklin
which require further
proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides ? It does.

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? He did.

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? He has.

V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he
served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? He has.

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
He has not

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
He has not

VIII. Have the Court given their opinion? It-has not
 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
He has

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed ? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguish-
ed from
any other seal ? It is, & is so distinguishable.

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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 revolu-
tionary service ? no clergyman's evidence

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain-
ing it ?
none

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 ? He has.

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 ?

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 ?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct ? They are not.

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily ? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered ? none of them are

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 mc, 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 recol-
lection 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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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 adminis-
ter the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the affidavits must be properly au-
thenticated, as above directed.
+ 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 officc of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being im-
properly attached to the certificate.

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Freetown Corners Dec 11th 1833

Sir
The application of Joseph Conklin for a pension under the Act of June 1832 which was examined and rejected by you on the 18 nov. last together with the original declaration in his case and other papers as by you requested are herewith forwarded to your office. The applicant is still suffering under severe bodily infirmity and in very destitute circumstances and on considering his case  I think it advisable to return this paper for another examination with such remarks by way of explanation and in one case an alteration which I consider myself authorised to make
The period when his first tour of service commenced he says was in this spring of 1775 or 6 but particularly confirmed it to the time when Gen Montgomery's troops returned from Quebec which he says was in one of those years. I did not think it my duty to tell him the year those troops returned but to write his own words
His second tour of service that in the northern army is I acknowledge an exceptionable item in his declaration unless your rules on that subject are relaxed in which it would be immeasurable to expect this item I am authorised by the applicant to withdraw from his declaration as it is not probable that any thing more satisfactory on the subject can be obtained from him
In that part of his dec - relating to his service at Schoharie the idea was intended to be conveyed that he was not attached to any regt till his company arrived at the place of destination and that Col Vrooman there commanded the Regt and that surely was Lieut Col as he believes

Page 24

as to the period when this last mentioned service was performed he refers to the time when Sir John and Brandts passed through Schoharie

It appears that in this tour of service as well as that which is withdrawn and also near the close of his declaration where he says that he served not less than eleven months the words that he served as a private are omited which I at that time thought were implied particularly in the last tour in the war as that he was drafted and I cannot see that it would be contrary to your rules to accept it as such now from this with only authority of the applicant through his agent that he now claims only for 10 months service as a private.
With these remarks I would submit the papers for another examination
I would refer your Hon. to Gen Samuel G Hathaway one of our numbers of Congress from this dist. who is partially acquainted with the applicant and well acquainted with most of the witnesses    

Hon.
James L Edwards
Com of Pensions

Page 25

May 11. 1840
6998

NY
7 July 1838

Hon JL Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington City

Hon Amasa Dana
H. R.

Page 26

House of Reps
May 8th 1840

Hon J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Dear Sir

I send you enclosed the pension papers of Mrs. Conklin which you well have the goodness to decide upon as early as may be convenient and oblige

Your Obt Srvt
Amasa Dana

Page 27

N.Y.
Rev Widow, & c.

File No. 15658
Catherine Conklin
Widow of 
Joseph Conklin
Priv. Rev. War

Act: July 7th 1838

Index:  Vol. A, Page 148

[arrangement of 1870.]

Page 28

Albany. Joseph Conklin Act June 7. 1832
to what time paid?    V L

Died 30th Jan 1838   p. of that paid  JH

Page 29

Abraham Aker Esq
Freetown Corners

Page 30

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 4 1833
SIR:
I return herewith the paper in support of the claim of the person whose name is hereto annexed.
These papers are in several respects defective. The case is accompanied by a brief. The objections are contained in the negative answers, in red ink, given to the questions.
Particular attention should be paid to the explanatory notes subjoined to the brief.
The extraordinary press of business in this office, arising from the great number of claims under the act of June 7, 1832, has hitherto prevented us from attending to the applications sent by you. The investigation of the cases presented under this law has been difficult and laborious, and notwithstanding the greatest exertions have been made by this Department, an earlier attention to
your business has been found impracticable.
The brief has been prepared to meet all cases, and thus to save the excessive labor which would otherwise be imposed upon the office, and which would consume so much time as to render the delay two fold greater than it now is in the investigation of claims and writing letters. Each case is considered correct in all respects except in relation to those questions to which a negative answer is
affixed. No other alteration or addition will be required.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
Saml Hotchkiss Esq
Freetown Corners
N. Y.
Jos Konklin

Page 31

State of New York
County of Greene  
Be it known that on the twentyninth day of April 1840 personally appeared before me John Van Vechten a Justice of the peace of the said County of Greene Brogon Hoff a resident of the Town of Catskill in the said County aged forty six - years who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he holds the office of pastor of the reformed dutch church in the town of Catskill in the County of Greene and that he has diligently and faithfully examined the records of said church [illegible] the towns of Catskill, Athens, & Coxacked in said county and of the several pastors of said church previous to the year 1800 and that there is no record of marriage of Joseph Conklin to his wife Catherine to be found and that during the pastoral change of Rev Johanas Schuman there is no record of marriage to be found after the year 1762 and further this deponent saith not

Revd Bragen Hoff
Paster of the Reformed
Dutch Church Catslia

Sworn and subscribed before me the day & year above written and from personal Knowledg of the subscriber I am fully satisfied of the truth of the statement made by him
John Van Vechten Justice of the Peace

Page 32

State of New York Greene County. I certify that John Van Vechten Esq. before whom the within affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace of the said County duly elected and qualified and that his signature to said affidavit is his genuine signature.
Witness my hand and the seal of the said county this 30th day of April 1840.
William F. B. Heermance
Clerk of Greene County N. Y.

Page 33

State of New York
Cortland County

On this fourth day of May 1840 personally appeared before the subscriber Thomas Mott Jr Esqr a Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Cortland and State of New York - Abraham Smith Resident of Virgil in said county of Cortland aged sixty six years last March Who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Catherine Conklin widow of Joseph Conklin and this deponent further says that Joseph Conklin was married to his wife Catherine in the town of Cattskill in the County of Green and State of New York on the fourteenth day of August seventeen hundred eighty seven 1787 - at the house of William Smith by a dutch priest there residing in the Town of Catskill in said County of Greene by the name of Schumman
This deponant further say its that Joseph Conklin was an uncle to this Deponent and the reason of his recollecting the time of the marriage was that they both lived at William Smiths in the year 1787 - and at the time of their marriage of said Joseph Conklin to the said Catherine his wife - and that the deponent went to live with the said William Smith about the middle of the month of June 1787- and that the deponent was then about thirteen years of age - and that the marriage took place in about two months after this deponent went to live with his uncle and this deponent further saith that the said Joseph & Catherine Conklin lived together as husband & wife untill the death of the said Joseph Conklin and further this deponent saith not

Page 34

sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before 

Abraham Smith
Thomas Mott Jr J. Peace

I hereby certify that the above named Deponent Abraham Smith sustains a good character for truth and varacity in the town where he resides and that his oath is entitled to full credit

Thomas Mott Jr JP

Page 35

6998

Catherine Conklin
Act 1838

Married 14 Aug 1787
Husband died 30 Jan 1838

Col Wynkoop
Capt Dubois
New York Line 1776

Admitted
Private 10 months

Hon. Amasa Dana
H. R.

Page 36

State of New York
Cortland County

On this fifth day of May one one thousand eight hundred and forty- personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county of Cortland Eliozer W Edgcomb resident in Cortland Village Cortland counrt & state of New York aged forty six years - who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose & say that he is acquainted with Catherine Conklin and was acquainted with Joseph Conklin some time previous to his death. This deponent further sayth that the said Joseph Conklin was a pensioner of the United States at the time of his death and that Catherin Conklin is the widow of the said Joseph Conklin and has remained his widow ever since his death and that the said Joseph Conklin died in the Town of Freetown in the County of Cortland on the thirtieth (30)th day of January one Thousand Eigth Hundred and Thirty Eight (1838) and further the deponent saith not.

Sworn and subscribed this day and year first written before me D Dawks supreme Court Justice of the Peace

E.W. Edgcomb

I hereby certify that the above named deponent Eloizer W Edgcomb sustains a good character for truth and veracity where he resided
D. Hawks Justic of the Peace

Page 37

State of New York
Cortland County  I certify that William Bartlit Esq Daniel Hawk, Thomas Motts Jr before whom the within affidavits purports to have been taken were at the dates of the same the said William Bartlit a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas & the said Daniel Hawk & Thomas Motts Jr Justices of the Peace in & for said county. duly elected & qualified and that their signatures to said affidavits are genuine
Witness my hand & the seal of the said county this 5th day of May AD 1840.
Oren Strinsen clerk of Cortland County N. York

Page 38

Cortland County
Freetown New York
Act 10th 1833

As this is the third declaration drafted and forwarded me for the same applicant an explanation may be necessary  first was made soon after the Act of June 1832 was passed I had then but very little knowledge of the regulations of the War Department on that subject that application was of course defective in several material points the second was taken in open court in this county I think about a year ago also without the proper understanding of your regulations as I had not seen them before I went in to court with the applicant near the close of its siting I did not then understand that the clergymans certificate was indispensible or that a reason must be assigned why it was not obtained I am well acquainted with the clergyman of our vicinity and will venture to say (and would as [illegible] had he been at hame this [illegible] from conversations with him on the subject  but did I then understand that so much particularity was necessary in the history of his services. Considering the good character of the applicant and his very necessitous circumstances and his bodily infirmity it was thought proper to make and other application some additional particulars have been obtained from him but I cannot deny that this relation of his services is not as full as I could with  I presume nothing more particular will ever be obtained  He seems to be almost lost to all the other events of his early life as to his services in the Revolution. I think it not probable that any better [illegible] part of his declaration can ever be obtained [illegible] to increase from adjoining neighborhoods the number of certificates of  which I am convinced ought be close. His hoped that all the circumstances of his and almost helpless man who is dependent on the companion of his youth for support will be relieved from the strong hand of poverty that sometimes bean heavily on him

Please direct to Freetown Corners

Abraham Aker
Agent for the applicant

Page 39

State of New York
Cortland County
Clerks Office SS
I Samuel Hotchkiss a clerk of the said county do hereby certify that William Bartlet Esq before whom the within affidavits of Joseph Conklin. Daniel B. Paddock, Samuel Young & Abraham Aker purports to have been sworn, was at the date thereof a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said county of Cortland or of the County Courts of said county duly commissioned & sworn Also that Abraham Aker before whom the affidavits hereto annexed purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Freetown in said county duly elected & sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said William & Abraham and verily believe their names subscribed to the annexed affidavits to be their genuine handwriting & signature.
Witness my hand & seal of office at Courtland this October 15th AD 1833 Sam Hotchkiss

Page 40

I hereby certify that I have been well acquainted with Joseph Conklin the person whose application for a pension is herewith forwarded from any childhood up to this time the 39th year of my age with the exception of some five or six years commencing about the year 1805 or so in which he preceeded by father's family in removing to this town and that for the most part of the time except as above excepted that some he resided in our neighbourhood and that some of any first recollections of this man are leaving him in conversation with my father relate some things that he said took place while he was in the army in the Revolutionary war I cannot however recollect any that I think would be useful him to relate at the period of which I am now speaking but I recollect hearing him say I think often and that several years ago that Phillip Van Courtland was Col. or Lieut Col. I cannot say which often regt in which he served in that war.
This I remember from the following circumstances a young man by the name of Artimus Van Courtland lived not far from us when we lived in Freehold in the County of Greene with whom we were acquainted  he was said to be an illegitimate son of Col. Van Courtland which I have no doubt was the case.
On account of some singular traits in his character he was often spoken of in the neighborhood on such occasions I recollect hearing Conklin say I believe repeatedly that he served in his fathers regt.

Page 41

From these circumstances it is my impression that I have heard him make such statements before he mooved from Freehold which will be observed by his declaration is about 27 years ago but I wish to be understood as not being positive as to the particular point of time. Otherwise than as above stated.
And I would further certify that I have often heard of his services in the Revolution that is contained in his declaration with this exception that I do not remember hearing him name the [illegible] officers of his company when he served 9 months such statements I believe I have heard from him before any stir was made. to obtain pensions under the Acts of June 1832
And further that the said applicant is like many people of his age very illiterate but these words do not properly convey this idea he can in fact neither read or write and I presume never could that is so it has always been understood and I believe it to be a fact and that to all appearances he never was blessed with a very active penetrating mind and that old age & infirmity has left him considerably [illegible] On some points his recollection seems to be clear on others confused
And further that his character for truth  veracity & honesty stands good in the neighbourhood and for aught I know always did
And I further certify that the Clergyman whose residence is in this vicinity is now absent on a missionary tour to the state of

Page 42

Pennsylvania have heard him say he expected to be back about the first of december has been gave but a short time and that the proper officer to examine the applicant could not without considerable expense and inconvenience be obtained before the clergymen left home

Abraham Aker
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid

Wm Barthl
Judg of Cortland County Courts

Page 43

The undersigned do hereby certify that we are acquainted with Joseph Conklin who has subscirbed and sworn to the foregoing declaration and that our acquaintance with him has been as near as we can recollect about the length of time set oposite our names and that we believe him to be of the age set forth in his declaration that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion and further that we reside in the same neighbourhood with him
Daniel B Paddock 29 years
William Dickinson year 6
James Haight 4 years
James Paddock 9 year
John Akorn 33 years
Amos West 20 years
Caleb Shepard 27
Wm Shepard 20
Amos W. Shepard 20
Samuel Paddock 9 years
James Fuller 30 years
Benjm Conger 20 years

Subscribed and sworn before me this 10th day of October 1833 and I hereby certify that the said persons who have so subscribed their names and sworn to the above certificate together with those whose credibility is certified to by Judge Barlitt in the foregoing declaration are all the men who may be said to be the most substantial witnesses that reside in the neighbourhood of the applicant and that they are credible persons and their statement entitled to credit

Abraham Aker
Justice of the Peace

Page 44

State of New York County of Cortland Ss.
On this fifth day of October 1833 personally appeared before me William Ballitta Judge of Cortland county courts Joseph Conklin of Freetown in the county and state aforesaid aged 76 years who being first duly sworn 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 enlisted in the spring of 1775 or 1776 as a private for 9 months in Capt Samuel Van Vertuns company John Ball 2nd Lieut. James Vanwaggoner ensign the name of the first Lieut forgotten and Col Wyne Kup [Wynkoop] (as he pronounced the name) commanded the regt. and Phillip Van Courtland was Lieut. Col served at the following places lake George Skeensborough and old fort Ti (Ticonderoga) in this state thinks there were no other troops stationed there but saw others pass by. that the one went with a small detachment to Crown Point to carry provision and amunition to the troops stationed there went by water with boats when on the way met Montgomerys troops returning from Quebeck [Quebec] served the time for which he enlisted cannot remember any further particulars - And that he now resides in Freetown Courtland County State of New York

Page 45

And that he was called or ordered in to service a short time before Burgoyne surrendered was at Saratoga in Gen Gates army saw the british lay down their arms  says he saw Gen Arnold then and that he was wounded in his leg. Cannot remember the name of any of his company or field officers or any other particulars that would be usefull to relate. Says he served at least one month this tour.

And that he was drafted and organised in company at Catskill in this state under the command of Capt. Dubois cannot remember the name of any other company officer marched to Schoherie were stationed in the uper fort Col. Vrooman commanded then there was also a Col. there by the name of Seeley thinks he was Lieut. Col. thinks there were no regular troops there. Was there in service when Sir John and Branett passed through the place saw the bones of people the enemy had murdered and burned in a house followed the enemy to the Mohawk river not far from Fort Plain and that Gen. Vanrenschler [Van Renssalaer] took the command somewhere on the way from Schoharie remembers an officer by the name of Harper but cannot tell what rank. Served this tour about one month

And he further says that he does not know of any living witness by whom he can prove any of his services in the Revolution and that he has no documentary evidence of that facts
Was born at Lunenburgh in this state according to his best information in the year 1757 and that he is now 76 years of age
Has no record of his age

Page 46

was living at Stillwater in this state when he entered the service as a 9 month man and also when he entered service the 2nd time in the army that captured Burgoyne, When he was drafted as aforesaid lived at Catskill also in this state. Since the Revolution has lived at Freehold in the county of Greene state aforesaid has lived where he now does 27 years that is in the same town
He never rcd [received] a written discharge but was verbally dismissed
And he names as persons to whom he is known in his present neighbourhood Daniel B. Paddock & Samuel Young who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier in the Revolution
And that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the length of time he served in the Revolution but thinks he served not less than eleven months
And 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

Joseph his X mark Conklin
Subscribed and sworn this day and year aforesaid
Wm Barthl
Judge of Cortland County Courts

We Daniel B Paddack & Samuel Young residing in Freetown hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Conklin who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 76 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.

Daniel B Paddack
Samuel Young

Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid
Wm Barthl
Judge of Cortland County Courts

Page 47

And I William Bartlitta Judge of Cortland County Courts do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the before named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and has served as he states.
And I do further certify that it appears to me from my own examination and information from others that the applicant is unable to attend the court by reason of bodily infirmity
And that Daniel B Paddack Samuel Young are residents of the town of Freetown and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Wm Barlitta
Judge of Cortland
County courts