Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10960, Isaac Voorhees, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Voorhees, Isaac or Voorheis,
R. 10960
CONTENTS
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State of New York ( Steuben County ) On this 25 th day of May 1844 personally appeared before me Isaac Voorhies a resident of the town of Pultney in the County of Steuben and State of New York aged eighty six years and being 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 7. 1832 The deponent sets forth and states that he was born in the state of New Jersey County of Somer- set town of Bedminster April 3. 1758. That he served in the army of the revolution and that those were rendered at various times in the militia of the state of New Jersey and as the British held possession of the City of New York during near the whole period of the revolutionary war and overrun the whole State in which this deponent resided and had her troops cantoned for a considerable length of time on the banks of the Delaware river and afterward took pos- session of and occupied the City of Philadelphia his native State participated in and was more annoyed by the predatory incursions and hostile movements of the enemy than any other of the States the militia of the State of New Jersey were kept almost constantly on the alert The deponent recollects the names of many of the various officers under whom he served but the names of some are forgotten. He however distinct- ly recollects the names of Colonels A urt Wines Freelinhuyse and Maddock and Captains Porter Logan McCoy and Sebring This deponent states that he is unable to procure

any documentary evidence of the length of time which he served in each of the various campaigns nor is there to his knowledge any person now living by whom he can prove services. That he served for a considerable length of time as a substitute for his father John Voorhis and during this period of service he served principally under Col Wines Capt Logan and Lieut Wayland and believes the whole time in which he served was between two and three years. That he was acquainted with Generals Washington Green Lee and Steuben. That he was with Gen. Washington under distressing circumstances being on one occasion for three days destitute of provisions. That he was in the battle of Monmouth. That at other times he was placed in very hazardous situations particularly at a time the enemy appeared in force of about five hundred being greatly superior to the Americans and that the disponent's commanding officer (Col Wines) observing the enemies baggage to be but slightly guarded selected the disponent and five others to attempt its capture which attempt was signally successful making a prize to the value of several hundred dollars. That the hazard run was great and notwithstanding the baggage and teams attached thereto were secured yet not one dollar of the avails went to the benefit of the captors. That two of the detachment escaped on board of the wagons which they drove off three were made prisoners one of whom fore to death the following night one returned home in about two years the fate of the other unknown. That the disponent to escape the dragoons was obliged to pass in front of the enemies line of infantry being exposed to their whole fire but as by

he escaped a miracle, unarmed And the deponent further says that he was engaged in a severe skirmish at Pluckamin and in others in driving back the marauding parties of the enemy And that he attended every call made on the militia of the State of New Jersey except one and on that occasion was unable on account of having the small-pox by inoculation in consequence of exposure from to that disease from a British prisoner and that he had a slight paralytic shock ascribed to the hardships endured in the service And this deponent further says that he re- moved from New Jersey to Rockbridge Co. Virginia from thence to Seneca Co New York from thence to Monroe Co N.Y. from that place to Michigan and from thence to his present place of residence and the deponent now  hereby certify that according to the best of his recollection the matters set forth in this declaration are true witness present Nathaniel Kelley { Isaac J. Voorhees mark
I Samuel White a clergyman residing in the town of Patten county of St. Lawrence and State of New- York do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Isaac Voorhees who has subscribed to the above declaration and that I believe him to be eighty six years of age that he is reputed and believed in this neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that I concur in that opinion and I do further certify that my acquaintance with him has been of several years standing and that he is a member of the church of which I am pastor that his character for integrity and uprightness is of the first order and from what I under- stand of his case have no doubt but that his claim is good Samuel White (Pastor of Robt. Miller J.P. the Presbyterian church This 25 th day of May 1844

I James H. Hotchkiss a clergyman residing in the town of Prattburgh County of Steuben and State of New York Do certify That I have been acquainted for several years last past with Isaac Voorhies That my ministerial labors were for nearly three years principally confined to the church and society of the Rev Mr White which is at present pastor in the town of Pultney and that I can attest to the good standing and unblemished reputation of the applicant and that I have no doubt of his having performed such revolutionary services as to entitle him to the benefit of the law passed for the relief of revolutionary soldiers June 7. 1832
Sworn & subscribed before me This 27 th of May 1844 James H. Hotchkiss. Before Me J. A. Johnson J. P.
I Josiah Doolap late justice of the peace Do cer- tify that I reside in the town of Pultney County of Steuben State of New York and for nearly thirty years have been personally acquainted with Isaac Voorhies and can testify to the uprightness of his character and within the period mentioned have heard him in repeated the instances re- hearse the incidents of his revolutionary services and have also heard him repeatedly say that he was lawfully and justly entitled to a pension and soon after and since the passage of law of June 7. 1832 have urged him to make an effort to obtain it but his scruples against the taking of an oath together with the idea that degradation was attached to the name of pensioner has hitherto de- laid him. The venerable old patriot is much impaired in body as well as mind and is now anxious to obtain a pension if it can be effected without his being required to testify I have no more doubt of the justice of his claim than if he testified in the strongest manner Sworn & subscribed before me This 25 th of May 1844 Josiah Doolap Robt Miller J. P.

I Andrew Voorhies Physician and surgeon Do hereby certify that I was born in the town of Canajoharie  Canajoharie county of Coeymans  Steuben and State of New York and that I am at present a resident of the adjoining town of Prattburgh that I was brought up in the said town of Prattburgh and that I am the grandson of Isaac Voorhies and that I passed some part of my early days with him under his care and the relations of my venerable grandfather of his sufferings and services together with others of the New Jersey militia during the revolutionary struggle made a strong impression on my youthful mind and of his integrity his rigid morality and of his strict conformity to his Christian principles I have had the fullest proof And I further testify that I have many times heard him say he was legally entitled to the benefits of the pension law and I have myself frequently endeavored to prevail on him to exert himself and obtain it but his repugnance to the taking of an oath and that his standing would be somewhat depressed by being called a pensioner has deterred him from making an effort to effect it A. O. Voorhies
Sworn & subscribed before me this 27 th day of May 1844
Before Me S. A. Johnson J.P.
Steuben County ss I William Hamilton Clerk of the County of Steuben New York Do hereby certify that Robert Miller and S. A. Johnson are now acting justices of the peace of the said County in the State of New York and that the signatures of Robert Miller & S. A. Johnson as annexed are genuine Witness my hand and seal of office the 5 th day of June 1844
Wm Hamilton Clerk

Honorable James A. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Sir
In compliance with the earnest and repeated solicitations of the friends of Mr Isaac Voorhies in order that he may obtain the benefits of the provisions of the pension law passed June 7. 1832 I have undertaken to render such assistance as my limited knowledge of such duties will enable me to perform. I will know that in the case in which I am now engaged all the regulations and rules of the department have not and cannot be strictly complied with The applicant through bodily infirmity and age is feeble but his mental faculties are superior to his physical powers and although in younger life he was in the habit of testifying in courts he now manifests a reluctance. Positive proof I suppose will be dispensed with as Gen Culp in his communication to the Hon S. Foot chairman of the committee on pensions in the senat e time has so reduced the number of those veterans and of the witnesses of their services and their sufferings that to demand of them positive proof independently of their own statements would be to deprive many of them of the benefit of the act In no case do I believe the benefits of the act afforded to would be withheld where the department should be satisfied that the services set forth in the declaration are performed. Of that fact no person acquainted with the applicant and heard his statements has a doubt and if the rules and regulations of the department can be favorably related what portion of our militia could so strongly claim that favor as the militia of New Jersey as their services were peculiarly severe and their sufferings great yet through the darkest period of the Revolution they adhered to Gen. Washington with inflexible firmness

The primary object of the department is to guard against frauds which we may reasonably suppose has been practiced to some extent and I would venture to state that persons assisting the applicant are above all suspicion whether certifying or otherwise of imposition If a doubt remains referance may be had to the Hon William S. Hubbell our representative in Congress who is personally acquainted with most if not all of the characters of those persons whose names have in any manner been made use of I know him to be acquainted with the Rev. Gentlemen White & Hotchkiss with Josiah Durlap Esq and with the signature of the Rev Mr Hotchkiss and I have myself been in timably acquainted with him for a number of years You may perceive that the mark of the applicant appears rather awkward on the declaration but the reason for that is that he first attempted to fix his signature but was obliged to relinquish it. I indulge the hope that the documents now forwarded to the department may prove sufficient but if the oath cannot be dispensed with the applicant may yet be induced to testify it seems to be a matter of conscience with him I may fully hope the department will afford me every facility in its power to accomplish the object in view and thus subserve the cause of humanity by awarding to an aged patriot of the revolution that relief his country so honorably and humanely intended
On another subject I would speak a few words. There is in this town a pensioned widow whose I understand first marriage, for some years past has been her husband's death This may all be right but it appears to me that it could not be designed that a widow should draw back into the time in which her husband was drawing a pension. I hope Sir that all the expedition consistent with the business of the department may be used as death must soon deprive the old soldiers of the enjoyment of their country's bounty
Respectfully yours Mattaburgh Sturbin 6. May 27 1844
Ezra Chapin
If you Sir should think proper to communicate be pleased to direct to the subscriber at Mattaburgh Sturbin Co N.Y. Ezra Chapin

Isaac Woolies
Act. 1832 - in York.
A. H. Markland

State of Michigan County of Oakland
Be it Known, that on this Twenty fourth day of January A. D. 185 3 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Isaac S. Voorhees
resident of Pontiac in said County, and made oath according to law that he is one of the heirs of Isaac Voorhees who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of 1831 . That he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint C. W. BENNETT , of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of Isaac Voorhees for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Isaac S. Voorhees
Sworn to, subscribed, and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Isaac S. Voorhees to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
Samuel B. Beach Justice of the Peace
State of Michigan County of Oakland
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the court of  Circuit Court of  the county aforesaid , that Isaac S. Voorhees the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney, is the 10 child of the reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that Samuel B. Beach Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office, this Twenty Fourth day of January 185 3
Alma Pease Cassy Clerk of Oakland County Mich
1. Claimant's name or names in full.—2. Post Office address. 3. "That he is the identical man," or, "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c., &c. 4. Leave this line blank.—5. "He is," "she is," or "they are."—6. Revolutionary soldier's full name.—7. Claimant's signature.—8. Claimant's name.—9. Magistrate's signature. 10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of."—11. Magistrate's name.—12. Clerk's signature.
N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
10,960
P. O.
Isaac Voorheis
Service: _____
REJECTED
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
A.O. 1. Aug. 29, 1906
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

35.752
Isaac Voorhies
New York
Subj to Hon. A. S. H. Noble
Oct 3. 1844
10960
Act June 7. 1832

Washington City D.C. House of Reps. 1 Feb 1845.
Col. J. L. Edwards
Sir, Last Session I forwarded to the department a claim of Isaac Voorhees since which I have no recollection of receiving a reply to the same, My attention has been called to the subject by the individual (the Hon Ezra Chaplin) who sent it to me, will you be so good as to inform me of the result.
With Great Respect Yr ob t Serv t
M. J. Hubbell

Graveley
Hon. William S. Harbell
M. C.
Washington

Hon Wm S. Husbull
3 June 1844
Sir
I have undertaken to assist a man in Dutton by the name of Isaac Voorhis in obtaining a pension but I have not strictly adhered to the rules & regulations of the department. The old veteran manifests an unwillingness to testify to his declaration from conscientious scruples. The department wishes as it ought to do guard fraud. and I have obtained certificates of the fair reputation of the applicant from the Rev Mr White the reverend Mr Hotchkiss Josiah Dunlap Esq and Doctor Voorhis. Knowing as I do your personal acquaintance with the three first named gentlemen as well as with myself and believing that if doubts of a fraud existed on the minds of the department you Sir might perhaps be able to remove them as you are acquainted with the characters alluded to. And should you feel disposed should the time permit before the close of the session to call on Mr Edwards as I trust you will you will a favor on the applicant and receive my thanks I write but short as I have but a minutes to do so. I am now in Bath from which place I wrote I hope soon to enjoy the pleasure of meeting you in the midst of your constituents
Respectfully yours Ezra Chapin
Hon William S. Husbull
House of Reps.
Col. J. S. Edwards
8 June 1844.
The Hon Ezra Chapin who writes the above to the Gentlemen to whom he refers therein, are Gentlemen of first respectability
Your ob. Servt
Wm S. Husbull