Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10,859, Peter Van Driessen, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Van Driessen, Peter
R 10,859
Anna
CONTENTS

24872
New York
48 8 1/2
Peter Van Driessen of Lewis Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain House of the Reg t commanded by Col Block in the N York line for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Mar 1834 and sent to Hon A Mann Ho Reps
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 34 — $120.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep 34 20.00 $140.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Bro. Cromwell Clerk Book E Vol. 4 Page 88

13.209
Paris
Verneuil
By consent of Hon A Mason Esq
adm. cl
12 m. p. m.
40 pp

State of New York
Schuylkill County } Is: Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of said County Peter Van Driessen of Martins- burg in said County who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that in the year 1777 and printed of 1778 he served as a private in the New York Militia as stated in his Declaration at least Nine months in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jacob Block in the Company commanded by Captain Christian Hornbuss Sentinial Tinnerman.
That from sometime in May 1778 till some time in November following he served in the Militia aforesaid and under the officers above named being at least Six months —
That in the year 1779 he served at least Nine months during the year under the officers above mentioned in the Militia aforesaid
That in the Summer of 1780 he served at least Five months under the officers above named —
That in the year 1781 he served at least three months under the officers above named
That he also served during the Summer and fall of 1782 and was under the officers above named — that he served as a private during

the several period above mentioned in the New York Metetia -
Peter Van Driessen
I certify that on the 25 th day of May 1833 personally affirmed before me the above named Peter Van Driessen and made oath in due form of law to the above affidavit Ela Collins Justice of the Peace in Lewis County, New York -
Clerks office, Lewis County N.Y.
I Carlos P. Seoiril clerk of said County do hereby certify that Ela Collins Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn to have been taken was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County dwelling in said County duly Commissioned and sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that the signature "Ela Collins" above subscribed is his true proper hand writing - Given under my hand & seal of office this the 27 th day of May 1833 Carlos P. Seoiril Clerk

State of New York
Schenectady 3 rd : Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace of said County, William Risner of Harrisburgh in said County aged Twenty Six years who being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is well acquainted with Peter Van Driessen of the Town of Altamontburgh in said County and did know him in the time of the Revolutionary War that this deponent does know that said Van Driessen did live in the New York Military in the year 1777. under Captain Christian Housd under Col. Bloch that this deponent saw him frequently in the Service in said year 1777. but cannot tell the precise time of his entering and leaving the Service. and this deponent further states that he saw said Van Driessen in the Service of the United States frequently after said year 1777 to the end of the War and he thinks under Captain Housd above mentioned and in Col Bloch regiment - that this deponent was with said Van Driessen at Fort Housd in Palatine Montgomery County New York for a considerable time but this deponent is not able to state the length of time said Van Driessen lived each year
William his Risner mark
I certify that on the 24 th day of May 1833 personally appeared before me the above named William Risner known as a man of truth and veracity and made oath in due form of law to the truth of the above affidavit -
Master Reed Justice of the Peace

Clerks office Giles County Yp: I Carlos P. Scott Clerk of Giles County do hereby certify that Thaxter Reed whose name appears with as a justice of the Peace was on the day mentioned within by him as such a justice of the peace in and for said County of Giles dwelling in said County duly Commissioned and sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe the signature "Thaxter Reed" subscribed within to be his own proper hand writing. Given under my hand & Seal of office this 27 th May 1833 Carlos P. Scott Clerk

State of New York County of Lewis 3/3
On this 28 th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of Common Pleas now sitting Peter Vandriessen a resident of the town of Martinsburgh in the county of Lewis and State of New York aged Sixty Nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath Make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - And to the first interrogatory as prescribed by the War department this deponent answers That he was born in the city of Schenectady in the State of New York on the 21 st May 1763.
To the second interrogatory. That this deponent has a record of his age Made (as he believes) by his father in a German Hymn Book which this deponent exhibited to this court
To the third interrogatory. That when this deponent entered the service he resided in the town of Palatine County of Montgomery & State of New York And that since the revolution he has resided within the boundaries of the original town of Palatine aforesaid. but now the town of Openheim until the year 1828, when this deponent removed to the town of Martinsburgh aforesaid where he now resides
To the fourth interrogatory. That this deponent was called into the service as a volunteer under Capt Christian House & Lieutenant Finerman or Finerman
To the fifth interrogatory. This deponent Mentions the names of Gen Herkimer Gen Vanrarsdale Col Block Maj Andrew Fink & Maj Schyler as some

of the Officers whom he knew but cannot now recollect any particular Continental or Militia Regiment to which he was attached. That this deponent commenced his service at Fort House in Palatine aforesaid situated about nine Miles above Fort Plain on the Mohawk River and on the opposite bank of said River from Fort Plain. That this deponent's first duty was in finishing the Fort & raising Pickets &c. and that he was Seven Months on duty in and about said Fort. That his service commenced as he verily believes in the Month of April 1777. That he volunteered for one year. That he served Seven Months as above. And that then by reason of the illness of his father he procured a substitute by the name of William Peppke who performed his (this deponent's) duty for the term of three Months . That this deponent then returned to his post and served the remaining two Months of his engagement.
And this deponent further states that he again volunteered either immediately or very soon after the expiration of the above time but does not recollect the precise time of engagement.
And this deponent further says that he continued in the service as a volunteer from the time of this last engagement to the close of the war, except that he procured a substitute for the term of three Months by the name of Dennis Hellerbolt . That in the summer of 1778 (he believes) he was detached with many others as a reinforcement under Lieut. Timmerman or Timmerman and Marched to Fort Stanwix that while there the Fort was attacked by the Indians in which a private by the name of Nicholas Brown was wounded by a Musket ball passing through his body after which said Brown drew a Pension.

That after remaining at Fort Stanwix about two weeks he returned to Fort House after which this deponent went on a tour of duty to the town of Springfield now in the County of Otsego and also on a tour of duty to Stoney Arabia in the County of Montgomery. And also many other like tours of duty which consisted of scouting and forage parties. Securing women & children and defending them. And this deponent further says that in the performance of these several duties he was several times at Fort Plain and in various sections of the Mohawk valley & the surrounding country. That he was dismissed at said Fort House but did not receive a written discharge (which answers the fifth interrogatory as prescribed by the War department) And that the whole period of his services as above will not vary much from five years - And further that he gives the names of the Rev. Bartholomew Williams and William Risner to whom he is known and who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on or on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid Carlos P. Scott Clerk
Peter Van Driessen
We Bartholomew Williams a clergyman residing in the town of Martinburgh County of Lewis and William Risner in the same place hereby certify

that we are well acquainted with Peter Vandriessen who has subscribed and sworn to the above declar- ation; that we believe him Sixty Nine years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolu- tion and that we concur in that opinion Sworn and subscribed } Bartholomew Williams The day of year aforesaid } William Stisner Carlos P. Scovil Clerk } Mark
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter of after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
And further this Court certifies that it appears to them that Bartholomew Williams who signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman residing in Martinsburgh, Lewis County aforesaid and that William Stisner who has also signed the same is a resident of the same place, and is a credible person. And that this statement is entitled to Credit
I Carlos P. Scovil Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Peter Vandriessen for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 20 day of Septem- ber 1832
Carlos P. Scovil Clerk

12029
The matter of the Application of
Anna Van Driessen for a Petition Prison
July 7. 1845.
L. Knox Atty
Soroville
Living County New York

State of New York County of Lewis ss. On this third day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty five personally appeared before the subscriber a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Lewis Anna Van Driessen a resident of the town of Martinsburgh County of Lewis and State of New York aged seventy years who being first duly sworn accor- ding to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pension to Captain's widows
That she is the widow of Peter Van Driessen who was a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7 th 1832 at the rate of Forty dollars per annum.
She further declares that she was married to the said Peter Van Driessen on the twenty fourth day of October in the year One Thousand Seven hundred and ninety three. That her husband the aforesaid Peter Van Driessen died on the 13 th day of July in the year 1844. That she was not married to him previous 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 stated Subscribed & sworn the
day & year first above written before me
Calvin Lewis a judge of Lewis Co
her Anna X Van Driessen mark

I hereby Certify that the above named Anna Van Driessen is unable by reason of old age & infirmity to appear before a Court of Record to make a declaration dated May 3 rd 1845. Calvin Lewis Judge Jr

Peter Van Driessen married to Henry Dreyer October the 24 - 1833 Patrick L. ...
State of New York Lewis County } ss: 11
On this 3 rd day of May in the year 1845 personally came before me, the under- signed a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County Ziba Know who being duly sworn deposes & says that he is well acquainted with Anna Van Driessen widow of Peter Van Driessen who was a pensioner of the United States, and resided in Martinsburgh Lewis County and State of New York That the said Peter Van Driessen died on or about the 13 th day of July 1844 and that the said Anna has continued a widow ever since the death of her said husband; And deponent further deposes and says that she cut the annexed record of the marriage of said Anna to said Peter Van Driessen from a family bible in the possession of the said Anna & that the same was by her attached to this affidavit
Z. Know
Sworn & subscribed the day and year above written before me Calvin Lewis Judge etc
I hereby certify that Ziba Know Esquire who has this day appeared before me & subscribed & sworn to the foregoing affidavit is to me well known, and that he is a person of truth and veracity. Dated May 3 rd 1845. Calvin Lewis Judge etc

State of New York
Lewis County Clerk's Office
I, Julius A. White Clerk of said County do certify that Calvin Lewis was on the day of the within declarations & affidavits a Judge of Lewis County Courts duly appointed & qualified and that the signature within purporting to be his is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this 30th day of June in the year 1845
Julius A. White Clerk By J. B. Blumuth Dep Clerk Alk absent

13. 209
Peter Vandmeissen Lewis Co. N. York
13209
e. v.
J. Lewis Lowville Lewis Co. N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Peter Vanarsen
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     April 1777 to - 9 Private 69 years New York Tractatus of Montgomery & Blighman   June 1778 -   Periods of duration of service not stated - nor the names of the officers under whom he served -   The subsequent states - that the whole period of his services as above will not vary much from five years  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Applicant required to furnish the best evidence to support his declaration that he can procure, and state specifically the date & length of service, with the names of the field officers under whom rendered.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
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 the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) 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 served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ 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 _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ 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 commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, 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 testify 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 traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so 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 in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must 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 public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

June 26, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Miss Winifred Van Driessen #30 N. LaSalle Street, R.1325 Chicago, Illinois
BA-J/HEL Peter Van Driessen-R.10859
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Peter Van Driessen, who served in the New York troops and received a pension while a resident of Lewis County, New York, in 1833, also, the Civil War record of your ancestor, Laton Rice.
The record of Peter Van Driessen given herein was obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.10859, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War. There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of a Laton Rice in the Civil War.
Search made by Mrs. Anderson Index Div.
Peter Van Driessen was born May 4, 1763, in Schenectady, New York. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Palatine, Montgomery County, New York, Peter Van Driessen volunteered and served as a private with the New York Troops, as follows: from April, 1777, nine months, was stationed at Fort H Huse on the Mohawk River "about nine miles above Fort Plain" and assisted in building the fort at that place; from May, 1778, six months; during this tour, he was detached and went under Lieutenant Timmerman to Fort Stanwix and was there when the fort was attacked by the Indians; during 1779, nine months; in the summer and fall of 1780, five months; in 1781, three months; during the summer and fall of 1782, he served on short tours, on forage and scouting parties, engaged in protecting and defending the women and children; went on one tour to Springfield( which was later in Otsego County) and to Stone Arabia and was in the skirmish with the Indians at the latter place. All of the above service was rendered in Captain Christian House's Company, Colonel Jacob Klock's New York Regiment.
After the war, he lived in Palatine (that part which was later called Openheim), New York until 1828, when he moved to Martinsburgh, Lewis County, New York.

Peter Van Driessen was allowed pension on his application executed September 20, 1832, while residing in Martinsburgh, New York.
The soldier married October 24, 1793, Anny or Anna Dewey. She was living in 1845 in Martinsburgh, New York, and was then aged seventy years.
He died July 13, 1844, place not shown.
No reference was made to children.
The name Patrick Van Driessen appears, relationship now shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

12029
Anna Van Driess
NY
Wed Peter
Set to John August 13 1838 and May 22 1840
act 7 July 1838
10859

New York Rev:
Peter Van Dreefen Suspended Act. Jan 15 1833 1833.
Act. 28 Jan 34 to Hon. A. Mann
12 mo. by consent
resnd Mr. Mann. Act. June 32.

Room 1325, #30 N.LaSalle St., Chicago, Ill., June 19, 1935
To the Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Revolutionary War Section.
Gentlemen:-
Please may I receive such information as is contained in the pension recieved by my ancestor
Peter Van Driesen born about 1761
served in N.Y.Militia as a Private, in the Revolution.
Under act of 1833 he received a pension, while a resident of L Lewis Co.N.Y.
I am having difficulty in obtaining such proof as needed for the D.A.R. so hope there may be some family data. Thanks much as I am anxious to have this at an early day before I leave for Cal. the first of the month next.
Also, could you tell me where to apply for Pension received during the Civil War. An ancestor by the name of Laton Rice, served in the South, was born in Vermont, came out to Illinois, lived in Kane Co. was sheriff there, and had some record also as a grocer and merchant. Am not certain he was pensioned but think undoubtedly he was . He had sons John Irving and Isaac W., both of whom served in the War.
Thanking you for any and all that I may receive,
Sincerely yours,
Winnifred Van Driesen
(Miss) Winnifred Van Driesen, #30 N.LaSalle St.R.1325, Chicago, Ill.

1935. June 26 - Visit to Miss Minicifred Van Driessen E&L
REJECTED
10 859
P. O. _____
Anna Van Driessen
Service: _____
Widow Peter Van Driessen
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Printed list of 1852 shows cause of
Application filed: _____, 18
suspension "for"
Alleges: _____
further proof"
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

G. Knorr 22. May 1846,

489 Prussian Office May 25. 1846
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 17 th inst. I have to inform you that a report was made in the Court of Anna Easton widow of Giles Easton and Anna Van Orsren widow of Peter Van Orsren on the 13 th August last and addressed to you at Seneca N.Y. a copy of which is herewith enclosed.
G. Knapp Seneca N.Y.

Sir
Gen H Aug. 13 '45
In the case of Anna Van Dripen the rules should be complied with by adducing the evidence required to establish the date of the marriage, which in this case is not likely to be satisfactory unless some other record than that filed can be found — The im- portant part of that family Regis- -ter viz the year is lately defaced & apparently by design — whether that has been produced by retracing the figures or altering them — or by the humidity of the wafers upon which those figures alone were pasted can not be determined — And without giving any opinion upon that point the proof is rejected because the slip taken from the rest of the register does not bear that incontestible appearance of genuineness & authen-

-ticity as to the year which would make a private proper evidence of a long past date -
The alleged services of her husband in Col. Klock's regt. of militia under Capt. House should be verified by the books of the Compt. at Albany - His declaration shows that he was born in 1763. and alleges that he was 9 mos in the militia service of 77 when he was 14 years old - Such a statement will not be admitted without very satisfactory proof
Giles Eaton dec d has no claim for arrears under act 1818 which his widow can assert By that act the pension commences when the proofs are perfected - Hence if his claim was not allowed in his lifetime there is pension -
J. Knox Esq. Lowville N.Y.

Hon William Jr
W
Rec. Vol. 30. pa. 249

War Dept Tennessee June 26 34
Sir
In reply to your letters of enquiry of 23 & 24 inst I have the honor to inform you that the claims of Solomon Trueman & Peter Van Kleeper were suspended on 17 Aug '33 & the reasons therefor communicated to J. Garris esq.
The claim of Seth Baker was suspended on 26 Oct '33 and the grounds of suspension communicated to J. G. Ripley esq.
abt 7. June
Hon A Mann Jr.

Jarvis
12 Aug 33
Rec Vol 9
Page 458

War Dept R 10859
Pension Off
Aug 12 1833
Sir
The claims of Peter Van Kliefen & Solomon Freeman have been examined & suspended - The first alleges 2 years & eight months actual service commencing in his 14 year when he could  should not have been competent to perform the duties of received as a soldier in the regt. in the field.
of the only pr. The regulations require the best evidence in the power of a claimant to produce & it can not be admitted that his alleged service is susceptible of no better proof than the indefinite & general deposition of a single witness -
Could not find any ref to this letter in Solomon Freeman's case The claim of Solomon Freeman is founded upon service which if correctly received may be fully  most supported by testimony from the records of Motts in the office of E.D. Bangs Esq. Secy. of State - Thus papers are placed on file - Lavis and Lowville Oct 7 June

Pensioners
   No Name Rank Company Service     ✓ 16280 Van Dusen Gloudy Pvt Coyne N. Y. Line   ✓ 19492 Vanduzer, Henry " Vanduzer "   26837 Van Driesen, Jas. S. " Beach " Mil   48711 Van Driesen, Peter " Col. Clark " "   Widows   ✓ 16456 Van Dusen, Annie Wid Van D. Abram Pvt. N.Y. Sec   ✓ 8192 Vanduzer, Juliana " " Christopher Capt. "   ✓ 2480 Van Dusen, Martha " " Williams " Com. "   ✓ 7776 Salisbury, Rachel " Van Dusen, Cornelius Sergt. N.Y. Sec  
Not Pensioners
   ✓ 10850 Van Dusen, Catherine, Peter - L. Jenkins   ✓ 10851 Van Dusen, Matthew - J. B. Pottell   ✓ 10852 Van Dusen, Rachel, William - L. Jenkins   ✓ 10859 Vandriessen, Anna, Peter - L. Knorr   ✓ 10860 Van Dusen, Adolph - P. Vandusen  

Snowville Lewis County N. York May 17. 1846.
Sir.
In the month of June 1845. I enclosed to you a Declaration & afft in the case of the application of Anna Van Driessen widow of Peter Van Driessen for a pension and have received no information in relation to them up to this time.
I also enclosed in some wrapper an application of Anna Easton for arrears of pension due to her late husband Yela Easton and of which I have heard nothing.
Will you do me the favor to inform me if those papers are on file in your office, and when I may expect a decision upon the claims.
I am Respectfully Yours &c
J. Knapp
J. L. Edwards Esq Commr. of Pensions Washington D.C.

Lowville Dec 17 th 1833
Hon J. L. Edwards.
Sir
I have the pleasure to hand you enclosed two Affidavits certifying to the services of Peter Van Driper in the Revolutionary war which it is hoped will be sufficient evidence to sustain his claim for a pension, and you are respectfully solicited to a re-examination of his claim with the enclosed additional testimony and inform me as soon as convenient of the result — The enclosed Affidavits were obtained after much cussing and travel to find the persons (Andrew Palslee and Chas. Bishop) who made them —
I have not been informed of the result of a re-examination of the Claim of Solomon Freeman since I had the pleasure of sending you the additional Affidavits touching the same many weeks since — If you have had such examination will you be so good as to inform me by return Mail of the result —
I am dear Sir Yours
Very Respectfully Kent Davis

State of New York } County of Jefferson } 
Andrew Palple of Newark County of                            in the Province of Upper Canada being duly sworn deposes and says that he is twenty five years of age. That he is well acquainted with Peter Van Driegen of Martinsburgh in the County of Lewis in said State of New York, and that he was acquainted with said Peter previous to the Spring of the year 1777. That in the Spring of the year 1777 aforesaid, the said Peter Van Drie- gen and this deponent both entered the service of the United States, and volunteered as private soldiers in a Company of Militia of the State of New York Commanded by Captain Christian House in Colonel Clock's Regiment of New York Militia. That the said Peter entered the service as aforesaid and joined Captain House's Company at Fort House in the County of Montgomery in the State of New York aforesaid, and that he served as a private soldier as aforesaid from the time of his so volun- teering as above mentioned until the close of the Revolutionary war in the year 1783, a period of upwards of five years. That the said Company was principally at Fort House during the time aforesaid, for the purpose of acting a- gainst the unfriendly Indians in the neighbor- hood, and that they frequently made excursions into the neighbouring Country, and were during the time of service aforesaid, at Fort Plain, Fort Herkimer and Fort Stanwix, and were engaged in the skirmish which took place with the Indians at Stony Arabia in said County of Montgomery -
His Andrew X Palple Mark
Sworn & Subscribed this 30 day of October in the year 1833 before me Jotham Dorr J.P.

✓ The Justice before whom the within affidavit was subscribed & sworn do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Andrew Palshe who has subscribed & sworn to the same, and that he is a credible person - Dated October 1833-
..... J. CALHOUN, Fancy Job Printer, Watertown, N. Y. .....●
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Jefferson County Clerk's Office,
I, PELEG BURCHARD , Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that John Ives Esqr ————— before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, —————
was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace ————— in and for the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same.—And further, that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
WITNESS my hand and Seal of said County, this Second ————— day of November ————— in the year 1833
Peleg Burchard Clerk By David Finley Dept Clerk. .....●

State of New York.
Jefferson County ss.
Charles Bishop being by me the undersigned Justice of the Peace of the County aforesaid duly sworn doth Depose and say that he is well acquainted with Peter Van Druyn and that he first became acquainted with the said Peter at a place called Fort House on the Keokuk River and at the time he became acquainted with the said Peter he the said Peter was in the Revolutionary Service at the place aforesaid that he served in the company commanded by Capt Christian Hone in Col. Jacob Clock Regiment And this deponent further states that he does not recollect the year he first became acquainted with the said Peter but to the best of his recollection the said Peter was engaged in the service as aforesaid about four years. This deponent also states that during the above period the said Peter went out on an alarm or express to Springfield, also at an other time to Ferrys Mills & when said Peter returned this deponent recollects of hearing said Peter tell of one William Cook being taken prisoner at the Mills aforesaid also that said Peter went to Fort Danwicks also to Stone Arabia And further this deponent saith not.
Sworn & subscribed before
On this 30th day of Sept 1832 -
Charles his Bishop Brooks
Alvah Kimmey Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Charles Bishop is a credible person. that his statements are to be relied upon
Alvah Kimmey Justice of the Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Jefferson County Clerk's Office, }
I, PELEG BURCHARD , Clerk of said County, do hereby Certify, that Mark Himmey Esq. _____ before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, and also whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate of Credibility was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same.—And further, that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the same, to be his proper hand writing and signature.
WITNESS my hand and Seal of said County, this Sixteenth day of October in the year 183 3 J. P. Buchanan Clerk.