Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9467, Abraham Van Deusen, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Van Deusen, Abraham Shell, Elizabeth (Former widow)
R 9467
CONTENTS

This is to certify that on the twenty fifth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty seven Abraham Van Rensselaer of New York City Elizabeth daughter of Jacob Miller of Albany were joined together together
Attest { John Gannan Chaplain 1st New York Regiment

V2310
Elizabeth Shell formerly widow of Abraham Van Deusen
NY.
9H67
Spring 1880 NY July 22 nd

State of New York
Albany City Court, do on this thirteenth  thirteenth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared before the Justice of the Peace Court of the City of Albany Elizabeth Shell a Resident of the City of Albany in the County of Albany aged upwards of seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to Law do hereby make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 24. 1836. and the act explanatory of said Act passed March 3 d 1837.
That she was married to Abraham Van Dusen who was a Soldier in the service of the United States during the war of the Revolution. That she believes he was a Corporal. And this Deponent respectfully refers to the evidence on file and the Record remaining in the war office of the United States for the evidence of such services and for the duration of the same. She further declares that she was married to the said Abraham Van Dusen about the twentieth day of September One thousand seven hundred and eighty one (shortly after the escape of Arnold in that year) by John Gennu who was then chaplain of the Army at West Point. That her husband the aforesaid Abraham Van Dusen died in the month of October One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven about some years after his discharge. That there is no Record of her said marriage or of the date thereof and that the two individuals who were present at her marriage are since dead. That she was afterwards married to George Shell who died on the fourth day of August 1818. And that she was a widow on the 4 th day of July 1836. And that she remains a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof annexed and that she never has been taught to write her name. Elizabeth Shell

The word "Seventy nine" written as erasure, and the figure "8" in 1810. first line. also the word "thirteenth" on 1 st line —
Sworn to in open Court this 13 th day of July 1837. —
J. G. Watson Clerk
State of New York In the Court of the City of Albany } I certify that on the day & year above mentioned the foregoing declaration was duly made on oath before the said Court, being a court of record.
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said Court this 13 th day of July 1837. —
J. G. Watson Clerk

State of New York.
Albany City & County ss On this Eighteenth day of July in the year One thousand eight hundred and thirty Seven. personally appeared before me Charles B. Lansing a Commissioner authorized to take acknowledgments affidavits &c John Van Sandt legatee late cashier of the Bank of Albany. Comr known who being sworn says that about the year One thousand seven hundred and eighty five. And until death he was acquainted with Abraham Van Sandt by occupation a Tailor and who resided for some time in Hudson Street in the City of Albany and who was then reputed to be the husband of Elizabeth Shell and who is now the reputed widow of George Shell deceased.
Subscribed and sworn this 10 th day of July 1837. Before me - the within first written on paper. C. B. Lansing Commissioner.

State of New York
Albany City County ss On this nineteenth day of July in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven personally appeared Mrs Charles B. Snelling A Commission 10. Garrit B Van Sant
Of the City of Albany to me known who being sworn says that he is sixty seven and upwards years of age. That he is acquainted with Elizabeth Shell who is making an application for a pension and has been acquainted with her for about the space of forty years and upwards.
That he was also acquainted with Abraham Van Staten previous to his death. That he resided in the vicinity of said Van Staten. That said Elizabeth was generally reputed and he has no doubt was the wife of said Abraham Van Staten previous to his death. That said Abraham Van Staten died as near as the Deponent can recollect in the year One thousand seven hundred and eighty seven leaving the now Elizabeth Shell his widow that she was afterwards married to George Shell. And she as this Deponent also believes died on the fourth day of August one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.
That he became acquainted with the said Abraham Van Staten in the winter of 1703 and 1704 being the winter after peace was declared and was acquainted with him until his death.
Subscribed and sworn this 19 th day of July 1837. Before me - The blanks previously filled up and "eighteen" written in my presence
Garrit B Van Sant
C B Snelling Comr

December 20, 1928
Clara Weiler 327 Main Street Vincennes, Indiana
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.9467, it appears that Elizabeth Shell, widow of George Shell, who died August 4, 1818, applied for pension, as former widow of Abraham Van Deusen, on July 13, 1837 at which time she was aged "upwards of seventy-nine years", and living in Albany, New York.
In said application she alleged that she was married to Abraham Van Deusen of New York, about September 20, 1781, and also alleged that she was married September 25, 1780 and that she was the daughter of Jacob Miller of Albany.
Also, that said Abraham Van Deusen served in the Revolutionary War, she believed as a corporal, officers names, details and length of service not stated, and that he died in October, 1787, about four years after his discharge from service.

Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service and marriage as required by the pension laws.
There are no further family data.
The above noted Abraham Van Deusen is the only soldier of that name of Albany County, New York, found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Rev. War Section.
Sept. 20, 1918.
Mrs. M. V. Burroughs, Box 827, Clearwater, Fla.
Madam:
In reply to your letter of the 15 th instant, you are advised that there is no provision of law that would entitle the descendants of a soldier of the Revolution to bounty land or pension.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
See letter of Mrs. M. V. Burroughs and duplicate of this letter re Abraham Van Dusen, N.Y. W. 16456. I could not ascertain whether she was descended from either of these soldiers so put copies in O.V.O. (AW)

REJECTED
9464
P. O.
Elizabeth Shell
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18_____
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P. O.
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18_____
1916. Sept. 20. Mrs. M. V. Barnouphis, adorned cheerleaders - no title. and 1928 - kee go, shirt to Clara Wheeler, M.E.E. 1929 - Jan 9 - shirt to Mrs. W. M. Pinner - M.E.E. 1931 - Jan. 12 - Ellen J. Smithers

107 N. Locust St. Vincennes, Ind.
Dec. 4 1930.
Bureau of Pensions, Department of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-
I wish to obtain record of the services of a Revolutionary Soldier, Abraham VanDusen, husband of Polly VanDusen who came from the Netherlands and settled in New York State, and who we understand was given a land grant by the government after the war. This land consisted of acres upon which now rests the City of Manhattan Boroughs.
If you can give me any information on this, same will be very much appreciated. If there are any fees charged for this, please advise.
Yours truly,
Ellen L. Smith
ELS/GMV.

Ex. MMHF Div. Rev. & 18.
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON, D. C., Oct. 27 , 19 28
The attached letter is respectfully returned with the information that the data furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below as the information in your possession will permit and return to this Bureau.
Given name of widow
XXXXXXXX
Name of soldier Abraham Van Deuson
XXXX soldier at enlistment XXXX Address of XXXX  New York and after service Near Albany N.Y. XXXX Company Cicero Twp.
XXXXXXXX
State where enlisted New York birth
Date of XXXX
death
Date of XXXX
If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers.
Col. Goose Schraick Capt. Henry Tiebout - 5th Return attached letter with reply. 1st Reg. of New York Line.
E.W.MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Abraham VanDusen
Served in the Revolutionary War as a private under Captain Henry Tiebout's Company .
Third New York Regiment, commanded under Colonel Peter Gansevoort.
He enlisted May 4, 1777 for three years, was transferred July 1780 , to Captain Tiebout's Company also designated 5th Company .
First Company New York Regiment , commanded by Colonel Van Schaick; was promoted to corporal between April , 1781 and 1783 , the last record we have of him is May 1783.
Ellen Smith

New York
Elizabeth Hill
Superintendent Letter
Prof. G. Lansing Judge
2nd 1837 to C. B. Lansing
Reported at No. 16, 1837.
do - do - sent 21 st 38
Act 1836
See 38 - 4805
See Knight Van Rensselaer, vs. Abraham N.Y. 1838 act No 4805.

C. B. Lansing
March 21: 38
. 06

War Dep
Gen: H
March 21 1838
Sir
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 13 inst in reply to mine of 16 Nov. last in which I intimated the propriety of some explanation as to the circumstances under which you became possessed of a certain paper forwarded by you & purporting to be an original certificate of the marriage of Elizabeth Miller (Shell) to Abraham Vanduyzer. You state that she delivered it to you to be  verified  that you can produce the most satisfactory evidence that she is a worthy woman its genuineness upon oath, - and request to be informed what evidence the Dept. has of its falsity. In answer I have to state that it bears such internal evidences of forgery as to be obvious at a glance & is confirmed by the facts that the Chaplain is made to mispell his own name & to reduce his grade from a Brigade to a regimental Chaplain. C. B. Lansing Esq. Albany N.Y.

C. B. Lansing
Nov. 15, 1857
O. C.

War Dep
Pen: off Nov 11, 37.
Sir
The paper purporting to be the original certificate of the marriage of Mrs. Elizabeth Shell to Abraham Van Duzen dec. & enclosed in papers of 30 ult. has been recd. & filed with the other papers.
There are upon its face such evidences of its not being genuine that it is desirable to know from whom you recd it & under what circumstances.
Her claim is rejected in consequence of the presentation of such a paper.
C. B. Lansing Esq. Albany N.Y.

July 24. 1837
O.C

War Department Pension Office
July 24 1837
Sir
Abraham Van Deusen Secy
The papers of Elizabeth Hull widow of George Hull have been examined & filed - The proof in regard to the marriage of the claimant is not satisfactory. In a case where no record evidence of marriage can be found the testimony of a credible witness present at the occasion is usually required - The claimant should in a supplemental affidavit state her age, give her name before marriage and the residence of her father's family at that time
I have the honor
Hon G. G. Lansing Albany New York

In the matter of the application of Elizabeth Shree for a pension
State of New York.
City & County of Albany ss. I Elizabeth
Shree being first then duly sworn, doth depose and say that since her declaration for a pension, she has upon a search among her papers, found the Original Certificate of her marriage made and delivered here at the time of her marriage with Abraham Van Duzee. And which Original Certificate is annexed to this affidavit.
Subscribed and sworn to this
Elizabeth her mark Shree
having stated that she was not within name the 20th
of this month 1871 C.B. Lansing Commr

Ms. A. 6. 2. 24 July 24
Ms. Luce. Hon.
James L. Edwards
PAID
Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.

James L Edwards Esq
Sir
The enclosed papers have been handed me with request that they should be sent to you with such information as I could state from my own personal knowledge - The old lady Mrs Shell formerly Mrs Van Deusen is known to me as a most poor industrious woman. The witnesses are of our most respected and respectable citizens and worthy of entire credit - The signatures are genuine and the officers commissioned and qualified -
I would also add that by a reference to the balloting book of the first New York Regiment it will be seen that both Van Deusen & Shell were entitled to and received a Military Lot - The fact of the Marriage is shown by the Mssrs Van Lant -
I am very respectfully Your obed Serv
G. Lanning
Albany 20 July 1857

In at Mar 20.
NY.
J. S. Edwards Esq. Comptroller of Public Works Phila Pa

Albany March 13 1807.
Sir.
In the hope that the Retiring & Consolatory you have had the submittal with Department could be obtained I have delayed any further action in the case of Mrs Elizabeth Shell - And have now in answer to yours of the 16 th Nov last, to say that the Certificate of her marriage was obtained from Mrs Shell herself who stated to me that she had found it among some old papers and produced to me at the same time and which I now have in possession the Certificate of discharge of her late husband George Shell - She has, if I recollect sum to the authenticity of the Certificate. And if I have not, can furnish the Department with satisfactory evidence of the old lady's character by some of the most respectable citizens who have been acquainted with her for a length of time - She tells me as well as her former husband was engaged in the Service and this fact with her being a very worthy woman. Strengthens her claims and calls for a favorable consideration of her case - I would ask of the Department the evidence of the validity of the Certificate. We are unable to produce further evidence of her marriage
Respectfully Yours.
C B Lansing
Hon. S. L. Edwards.

IN REPLY REFER TO
3-2562
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section. AWF
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON
January 3, 1931
Ellen L. Smith 107 West Locust Street Vincennes, Indiana.
Dear Madam:
I advise you that the data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this bureau to make intelligent reply to the queries contained in your letter.
Please fill out such of the blank spaces below, as the information in your possession will permit, and return to this bureau.
First name of widow Polly - not sure Full name of soldier ABRAHAM VANDUSEN - or Van Dyke or Dyke or Dykeman Residence of soldier at enlistment New York Residence of soldier after service New York not sure Name of state from which he enlisted New York Approximate date of birth Don't know Approximate date of death " "
Kindly return attached letter with your reply.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner.

Arcade N.Y. Oct. 16. 1928.
Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions. Washington D.C.
My Dear Sir:-
Will you please send a copy of the military service of Abraham R. Van Deusen . born about 1750. He resided at Kinderhook N.Y. and served in the Eighth (8 th ) Regt. Albany Co. Militia under Col. Rabb. Van Rensselaer.
Respectfully.
Mrs. W. M. Pinney.
Arcade N.Y.

Arcade. N.Y. Jan. 2-1929.
The Dept. of Interior. Washington. D.C.
Dear Sirs:-
Stamp Enclosed
On Oct 16, 1928, I wrote the Dept. of Interior asking for a copy of the Revolutionary Military record of Abraham R. Van Dusen born about 1750, probably at Livingston Manor, N.Y. but to date have had no reply.
I sent no money in the letter as I had been informed there were no charges connected with these services. If, however, I have been mis-informed in regard to this, will you please notify me & I will send whatever the account is as I am very anxious to obtain this copy of the record at as early a date as possible.
Thanking you for this attention, I am
Very Respectfully -
Mrs. W. M. Pursey.
Arcade.
N.Y.

FRANK WEILER CARPETS, RUGS, CURTAINS, DRAPERIES 327 MAIN STREET VINCENNES, INDIANA.
October - 1928
Pension Dept. Washington D.C.
only one Jalbury Co.
any dates or information you can send will furnish concerning Corporal Abraham Van Deusen - under Capt. Henry Debout Gibouti Fifth Co. First Reg. the New York Line. command- ed by Col. Goose Van Schaick - 1777 - will be very highly appreciated. For D a R. record.
Very truly
Clara Weiler
327 Main St.
Vincennes
Indiana

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 507/643 January 12, 1931
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
Ellen L. Smith 107 West Locust Street Vincennes, Indiana
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 9467, that Elizabeth Shell, widow of George Shell, who died August 4, 1818, applied for pension, as former widow of Abraham Van Deusen, on July 13, 1837, at which time she was aged "upwards of seventy-nine years", and living in Albany, New York.
In said application she alleged that she was married to Abraham Van Deusen of New York, about September 20, 1781, and also alleged that she was married September 25, 1780 and that she was the daughter of Jacob Miller of Albany.
Also, that said Abraham Van Deusen served in the Revolutionary War, she believes as corporal, officers' names, details and length of service not stated, and that he died in October, 1787, about four years after his discharge from service.
Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service and marriage as required by the pension laws.
There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

TOA West Pouch Street Bitten I. Smith
W.M. Pinn Head Post Office Station
January 9, 1929
Mrs. W.M. Pinney Arcade New York
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R.9467, it appears that Elizabeth Shell, widow of George Shell, who died August 4, 1818, applied for pension, as former widow of Abraham Van Deusen, on July 13, 1837 at which time she was aged "upwards of seventy-nine years", and living in Albany, New York.
In said application she alleged that she was married to Abraham Van Deusen of New York, about September 20, 1781, and also alleged that she was married September 25, 1780 and that she was the daughter of Jacob Miller of Albany.
Also, that said Abraham Van Deusen served in the Revolutionary War, she believed as a corporal, officers names, details and length of service not stated, and that he died in October, 1787, about four years after his discharge from service.

Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of service and marriage as required by the pension laws.
scn  There are no further family data.
The above noted Abraham Van Deusen is the only soldier of that name of Albany County, New York, found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau, and said records fail to afford any information in regard to Abraham R. Van Deusen.
Due to the very large number of inquiries similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the bureau is unable to make immediate reply to each request pertaining to soldiers of the Revolution. Letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in order of receipt.
No charge is made for this service.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Nov 3 rd Adreiss
Eliz: Shell
Samuel J. Schuchert Esq. On the way from Washington a. 1856

Sir
By the enclosed you will perceive, that Mrs. Shree has found the Certificate of her Marriage with Abraham Van Dusen as this was the only obstacle interposing to her obtaining the pension, we trust a certificate will regain her.
Albany Oct 30 1837.
Respectfully yours. C. B. Larkins.
M m Sal l L. Edwards.