Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 9530, Abraham Van Steenbergh, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Van Steenbergh, Abraham Catharine
N 9530
CONTENTS

Lot. No. 1 Bldg 19 ap. 24 1909
24.967
New York
Abraham Van Steenburgh Ulster Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by A. Paudling in the N.Y. militia time for 10 mos.
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 26 day of March 1834 and sent to Jacob Dryden Clk. Ulster.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834. $100.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sept. 16.66 $116.66
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk, Book C Vol. 4 Page 88

Abraham Van Stembagh
by 29.009
Henry Wyckoff
Isaac
Dr. B...
adm d
10 mo. pri
$33.33
Four Post off

Ulster Common Pleas
Of September term 1838
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832.
State of New York
Ulster County
ss: On the Tenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty three. Personally appeared in Open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster, now sitting — Abraham Van Steenbergh a Resident of the town of Kingston, in the County of Ulster and State of New York aged 70 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 —
In answer to the several interrogatories, he deposes and says —
1 st That he was born in the town of Kingston in the County of Ulster and State of New York in the year 1763 2 nd That the Record of his age is contained in the book of Baptismal Records of the Reformed Dutch Church in the said town of Kingston in said County of Ulster — 3 rd That at the time he was called into service he lived in the town of Kingston and since the Revolutionary has lived and now lives in the same town and County — 4 th That he volunteered and was a Substituted for Philip Hudricks for one month —

And the said Abraham Van Steenbergh declares that he served in the Capacity of a private Soldier during the Revolutionary war in the militia of the State of New York as a substitute for one Philip Hendricks in the Company of Infantry commanded by Captain Tobias Van Buren in Colonel Albert Paulings Regiment of frontier guards. Stationed in a picket fort around the house of one Jacob Longyear in the town of Shandaken, Ulster County for the term of "One" month in the year 1778. and was at the end of said term of one month gubally discharged by the Captain aforesaid at said fort. that he has no documentary evidence of this service, that he remembers of no regular Officers, or Continental Regiments and no other Militia regiments except the Regiment of Colonel Pauling and for proof of this service would respectfully refer to the affidavit of Philip Hendricks attached - 1 month
2 o And the said Abraham Van Steenbergh further says in the year 1779 he served as a private Soldier in a detachment of militia stationed at the house of one Tobias Nykroop in the town of Saugerties, Ulster County Commanded by Lieutenant Hummel, now deceased, for the term of "one" month as a volunteer, and was there discharged at the end of said Month Service verbally by the said Lieutenant that he has no documentary evidence of this term of service and knows of no living witness to prove it - 1 month
3 o That in the year 1780, he volunteered in said service during said war for the term of "three" months in the Company of Levies Commanded by Captain Moses Cratine that the Company proceeded from Kingston the place of rendezvous down the Hudson River to Tappan, then to West point, Haver point to Dobb's ferry, thence back up the River to the City of Albany, then up the Mohawk River to Forts Plain and Herkimer, that Colonel Macdon commanded the Regiment and General Van Rensselaer commanded 3 months Buy a Horse affid

that he served out the full term of "Three" months, and at the End of said term was verbally discharged from said Service by the Captain of said Corps. and that he served as a private in this service. That he has no documentary Evidence thereof, but for proof would Respectfully refer to the affidavit of Benjamin Atkinson hereunto annexed -
4 th . That in the Year 1781 during said war he 3 months served as a private for the term of "Three" Months in the Company of Rangers (as a Volunteer) Commanded by Captain Moses Thomas. Stationed on the western frontier of the town of Hampton, at one Philip Hough-talings, and at the End of the said term of Three months was verbally discharged by Captain Thomas that he has no documentary Evidence of this service and for proof would Respectfully refer to the affidavit of John Le Schoonmaker hereunto appended
5 th And lastly that in the Year 1782 he served 2 months as a private during said war in the frontier guards 10 months  affidavit annexed as a Volunteer, in detachments Commanded by Lieutenants Becker and Van Buren Stationed on the northwestern frontiers of the town of Saugerties at the House of Tobias Nykkoop for the term of "Two" Months, and at the End of said two months was then there discharged by said Lieutenants, verbally that he has no documentary Evidence of this service and knows of no living witness to prove it except Philip Andrews, whose affidavit is also annexed hereto -
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

a query of any State - Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid } Abraham Van Steenbergh J. D. Soper First Judge Wells Lake } Samuel Stilwell } Judges Henry Weykoop }
We John Gosman a clergyman residing in the town of Kingston, Ulster County, and Peter Van Gaasbeck re- siding in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Abraham Van Steenbergh, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be SEVENTY years of age, that he is reput- ed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid }
John Gosman
P. V. Gaasbeck Jr
J. D. Soper, First Judge - Wells Lake } Samuel Stilwell } Judges Henry Weykoop }
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the allega- tions 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 John Gosman who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the town of King- ston and that Peter Van Gaasbeck Jr who has signed the same is a Resident of same town, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
J. D. Soper, First Judge -
Wells Lake } Judges
Samuel Stilwell
Henry Weykoop
Abraham Van Steenbergh Declaration

I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster in the State of New York Do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the ori- ginal proceedings in the said Court in the matter of the Application of Abraham Van Steenbergh for a pension -
In Testimony whereof I Have hereunto Set my hand and Seal of Office this - tenth day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three -
Jacob Snyder

John B. Schumann for about fifteen length } off
Cap Homans
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

State of New York
Ulster County ss:
John Ed Schoonmaker of the town of Kingston in Ulster County aged 70 years who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Abraham Van Steenbergh of the same place a soldier of the Revolution and now an applicant for a pension. and this deponent says that during the Revolutionary war he lived with his father on the western frontiers of the town of Kingston and will remember that the Company of Rangers commanded by Captain Moses Youngman now dead was stationed at Major Philip Houghtaling's above one mile south from his father's. and that he has on or about the year 1781 often seen the said Abraham Van Steenbergh in the service does not now remember for what length of time -
Subscribed to me this 11 th day of Oct 1833
John Ed Schoonmaker
before me P. V. Gaesbeek Jr J. Pease
Ulster County ss: I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Ed Schoonmaker, who has sworn to the above affidavit before me, that he is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit -
P. V. Gaesbeek Jr
Justice of the peace
Ulster County ss
Clerk's Office ss:
I, Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that Peter Van Gaesbeek Junior was on the day of the date of the above affidavit a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Ulster duly authorized to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe his signature to the above affidavit and certificate to be genuine - Witness my hand and the seal of the said Court and County this 26 th day of October 1833.
Jacob Snyder

4 foot about 4000 1 1/2 Paramus 1 - Bergen 2 Blue Mountain 4 4.2 miles above 12
30th
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint handwritten text on the right side of the page]

State of New York Ulster County } ss
Philip Hendricks of the town of Kings corn in Ulster County aged 84 years a Soldier of the revolution being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is personally acquainted with Abraham Van Stenbergh of the farm-plain a Revolutionary Soldier and now an applicant for a pension - that this deponent was in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war on the Northern frontiers of Ulster County stationed at the house of Johas Nykosh in the town of Saugerties in Delaware Commanded by Lieutenants Boker and Van Leuvan for the term of two months and more in the year 1782 and well knew the said Abraham, that the said Abra- ham now lives and was born and always lived the next neighbour of this deponent. That the said Abraham belonged to the said detachment and served at the time and place aforesaid for two months and more in the capacity of a private soldier
Subscribed and sworn this 10 th day of September 1833 before me J. V. Gausbeck Jr Justice of the Peace
Philip Hendricks
Ulster County ss: I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Philip Hendricks who signed & swore to the foregoing Affidavit. That he is a credible person and that his statement are entitled the word two in said affidavit altered to one
J. V. Gausbeck Jr Justice of the Peace

Ulster County
Clerks Office
Isd: J. Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby Certify that Peter VanGaasbeck Esq. was on the day of the date of the within affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his signature to the within affidavit and Certificate to be genuine Witness my hand and the seal of the said Court and County this twenty sixth day of October 1833 -
Jacob Snyder

State of New York
Ulster County } ss
ss: Benjamin Atknon of the town of Marbletown in the County of Ulster and State of New York aged 74 years a soldier of the revolution being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is well acquainted with Abraham Van Stenburgh of Kingston in said County a soldier of the Revolution and now an applicant for a pension. that this deponent was in the United States Service in the Revolutionary War and was in the Company commanded by Captain Almon Canine in Colonel Malcoms Regiment of New York levys and well knew the said Abraham that the said Abraham was in the same company and Regiment with this deponent, that this deponent saw the said Abraham in said service for the term of three months and more in the year 1780 and knows that the said Abraham continued to serve in said Corps as a private until he was discharged that this service was down the Hudson River & then back up the River to Albany then up the Mohawk to Fort Stanwix, Fort Herkimer and other places and fort places etc.
Subscribed & sworn this 10th day of September 1833 Benjamin Atknon F. V. Gansbuck Jr Justice of the peace
Ulster County ss: I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Atknon, who has sworn to the above Declaration before me that he is a credible person & that his statement is entitled to credit. F. V. Gansbuck Jr Justice of the peace

Ulster County Clerks Office
Yo: I, Jarot Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby Certify that Peter VanGaasbeck Junior was on the day of the date of the within affidavit a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly authorized to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his signature to the within affidavit and Certificate to be genuine ————— Witness my hand and the seal of the said Court and County this twenty sixth day of October 1833.
Jarot Snyder

State of New York Ulster County } ss.
On the Seventeenth day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared Samuel Post of the town of Sangerfield County and State aforesaid who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is Seventy two years of age that this deponent was in the Militia Service of the State of New York in the revolutionary war and was a Sergeant in the Company of Rangers commanded by Captain Moses Yeomans in Colonel Frederick Abraham Abraham Vansteenburgh of the town of Kingston of the County aforesaid that this deponent was in said Service aforesaid in said year of 1781 for the term of six months or more and knows that the said Frederick Abraham Vansteenburgh served in said Company for the term of three months or more in said year of 1781 in the capacity of a private Soldier and that he continued to serve until duly discharged. And this deponent further saith that the said company was stationed at different places in the said County of Ulster but that their head quarters was at one Mr John Hoaghtaling's in the town of Kingston for the protection of the frontier of said County against the Indians and Tories and that the said Company was discharged on or about the first of January in the year 1782 and further saith not
Sworn and subscribed before me this 17 th day of October 1883
Samuel Post
Henry Wynkoop one of the Judges of the County Courts of the County of Ulster
State of New York Ulster County } ss.
I do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Samuel Post that he is a man of truth and veracity and his statement entitled to full credit
Henry Wynkoop

Ulster County
Clerk's office 5/6: I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby certify that Henry Wynkoop Esquire was on the day of the date of the within affidavit one of the Judges of the County Courts of the County of Ulster duly authorised to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judges and verily believe his signature to the Certificate of the within affidavit to be genuine — In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the twentieth day of November 1833.
Jacob Snyder

New York - CH
Catharine Van Steenburgh widow of Abraham Steenburgh N.Y. who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
described on the Roll at the rate of 33 Dollars 33
cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
2 February 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 st day of June 1853
and sent to
Peter Van Gaasbeck Jr. Kingston, Ulster Co., N.Y.
recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 9-20-1842, Page 86 Vol. CH.
Oct 3 February 1853

Catharine Van Steenbergh widow of Abraham Van Steenbergh p 33.33
Adm. P 33. 33 pr ann Commg. 2 Feb 1853
Simon Van Gaasbeek & of Kingston Ulster county N.Y. Agent

Declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 3 rd February 1853.
State of New York County of Ulster } ss: On this Eleventh day of June personally appeared at a Surrogate's held in and for the county of Ulster in the Village of Kingston before Henry Brodhead Jr. Surrogate of said County, Catharine Van Steenburgh a resident of the town of Kingston, in the county of Ulster, aged sixty seven years, who being 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 3 rd February 1853. that she is the widow of Abraham Van Steenburgh who was a private and prisoner of the United States of the revolution- ary war, and was enrolled on the pension list at the rate of Thirty Three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, payable at the pension agency in the City of New York, that the said Abraham Van Steenburgh resided in the town of Kingston County of Ulster in the State of New York at the time of his death.
She further declares that she was married to the said Abraham Van Steenburgh on the Eighteenth day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty six and that she has no other or private record of said marriage that her husband the aforesaid Abraham Van Steenburgh died on the Fifth day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty six - that she was married to him at the time above stated. She further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the act, and is still a widow, and that she has never before made an application for a pension. Catharine her Van Steenburgh sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written marks Notary. F. Van Saenbeck
In testimony whereof the said Surrogate hath hereunto set his hand & affixed his seal of office the day & year first above written. Henry Brodhead Jr. Surrogate of Ulster County

State of New York } County of Ulster }
I certify that Henry Brodhead Esq. before whom the foregoing declaration was made, and who has hereunto subscribed his name and affixed his seal of Office, was at the time of so doing Surrogate in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office as Clerk of the County Court of said County this 21 st day of April - 1853.
M. Sheldon Clerk

State of New York
County of Ulster } ss: Thomas Kenton of the town of Kingston in the County of Ulster and State aforesaid aged fifty five years, being duly sworn according to law deposes & says that he was well acquainted with Abraham Van Stenburgh in his life time now deceased and is also well acquainted with Catharine Van Stenburgh his widow. That this deponent was present at the marriage of the said Abraham Van Stenburgh with the said Catharine Van Stenburgh in the winter of 1826. That they were married by one David Hunt a Justice of the peace in the town of Marbletown in the County and State aforesaid now deceased and this deponent further says, that the said Abraham and Catharine lived together as husband and wife and were always reported as such & that the said Abraham died on or about the thirty first day of October in the year 1835
Sworn this 14 th day of June 1853 before me
Rev. Henry Brodhead Surrogate
I further certify that the above affidavit is a true and correct copy. Henry Brodhead Surrogate
State of New York
County of Ulster } ss: Elizabeth Warren of the town of Kingston in the County and State aforesaid aged sixty years of age being duly sworn deposes and says, that she was well acquainted with Abraham Van Stenburgh deceased in his life time and also with Catharine Van Stenburgh his widow. That this deponent was present at the marriage of the said Abraham & Catharine. That said marriage took place about twenty seven years ago in the winter

in the town of Markertown by a justice of the peace named David Hunt now deceased, and this deponent further says that the said Abraham Stathare also may thereafter during the life of the said Abraham lived together as husband and wife and were united as such and is now dead —      Elizabeth Warren
Subscribed this 19 th day of June 1858 before me
Henry Brothhead Jr. Surrogate of Ulster Co. and I further certify that the above affidavit is a person of truth and veracity,
Henry Brothhead Jr. Surrogate

29009 Abraham Van Stenburg N.Y.
Col. Malcolm '80
adm cl

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 subjjoined 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 Abraham V. Steenbergh N.Y.
   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.     Sub 1778 1 priv. Capt. Van Duzee Colo. Pawling 70. entered service in said State and still lives there - Years old born in N.Y.   vol - 79 - 1 " Lieut. Hummel Traditionary - and   80 3 " { Capt. Galt Colo. Malcom 2 living witnesses - brotherly   81 3 " Capt. Yeomans Certificate of clergyman   82 2 " Lieut. Docken an citizen - papers authenticated   10 Months as private  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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,
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 2 (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: _____ the time he left the service: (and if he serv-
[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 (S) 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 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) _____, who has 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
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, (1) 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 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 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 places 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 [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 continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 9530
Leatharine Van Steenburgh Wid
Abraham Van Steenburgh Brnt Rev. War
Act: February 3 rd  1853
Index:—Vol. 86 , Page 295
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Act 3 Feb. 1805

Abraham Van Heuckelom wedow Catharina Van Heuckelom

Pension Office 13 June 1853
Sir,
As the date of Abraham Van Steenburgh's death, does not as proved by the affidavit of Thomas Keaton, exactly correspond with the date recorded here, I must require some additional evidence clearly identifying the husband of Catharine Van Steenburgh, who now applies under Act of 3 February 1833, as the very man who was pensioned . The affidavits filed, say nothing of his pension; they only show that such named parties were married.
I am Resp'd Yours &c.
Peter Van Gansbeck Esq., Commissioner Kingston Ulster Co., N.Y.
872.
all the proof in copy was furnished to the department when the balance due the widow was paid & the certificate was returned. The

of Abraham Van Scheenbrughes death was also then given when first in her recollection and the proof herewith sent was of course merely from recollection & not so much to be relied on as the former as there was no record proof to be found
L Van Gaasbeck

Brief in the case of Catharine van Elenbergh, wid. of Abraham, Ulster County and State of N York act 3 Feb. 1853
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a junior under Act of June 1832. Marriage, death of husband, & identity of widow proved by credible witnesses
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent Peter Van Raasbeck Jr Pinehurst Ulster Co N.Y.
M. Rae Examining Clerk.

Catharine Van Stenburgh additional proofs

State of New York County of Ulster } ss:
On this twentyeth day of June A.D. 1859 before me a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid personally appeared Peter Van Gaasbeek to of Kingston, who being by me duly sworn according to Law, deposes & says, that he was well acquainted with Abraham Van Steenburgh late a revolutionary pensioner of the United States now deceased, that this deponent prepared the papers on which he procured his pension Certificate and also all subsequent applications for half yearly payments during his life time, and also for his widow Catharine Van Steenburgh for the balance due from the last half yearly payment until his death. And this deponent further says that the said Widow Catharine Van Steenburgh now applying for a pension is the widow of the aforesaid Abraham Van Steenburgh that this deponent lives in the same town with the said widow and knew her before & after her marriage with the said Abraham Van Steenburgh, and this deponent further says that the said Abraham & Catharine, were always reputed to be husband and wife, and have never been disputed or called in question by any of his relations.
Subscribed & sworn before me the day & year aforesaid
Rich d W. Wappenschtein of the Peace
P. Van Gaasbeek to 3
I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named affiant & would place full confidence in his assertions Rich d W. Wappenschtein of the Peace

State of New York, ULSTER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, ss.
I CERTIFY, That at the date of the certificate of proof, acknowledgment, to which this is subjoined, the said Richard M. Tappan Esq. was a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and duly authorized to take the same, and that I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 20 th day of June A. D. 185 5 .
M Sheldon
Clerk of Ulster Co.