Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10,903, Gerret Van Vracken, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New York
Van Uracken, Gerrit or Van Franken, Gerrit
R. 10,903
CONTENTS

Robert Van Bracken
Sworn
20299
Sub Vol 4 Page 78

State of Ohio ss
Montgomery County ss I, Garnet Van Frankhen of Broadallin in said County and State being duly sworn deposes and saith in addition to his declaration heretofore made pursuant to the pension act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 that he went into the United States service and in the year 1775 in the month of June as he thinks he began and continued in said service until December following that from June till December he served five months. That in June a portion of the Company of which he belonged was ordered out. That this deponent volunteered and turned out for one month. That in July came home & then went again in a few days in the place of Leuk Van Frankhen a brother of this deponent that he came home in a month and then in a day or two went again into and served a second a month till some time in August or September and then again as he thinks went as a substitute for his said brother returned again in September in the fore part of October and then went again into service and continued for a month. That this deponent was out five times and for a month at a time. That he volunteered either for himself or his brother as a substitute each time and served as near as he can recollect from June till December except the few days at home between the different periods of his service. That most of said time he was at Half Moon Point as a guard about fifteen miles from this deponent's place of residence except that he was for a short time during said year at Fort Edward Saratoga but cannot say

432 4 actly at what time during the few months that he served this year, that the Company in which he was during this year was commanded a part of the time by Nicholas Van Buren but he did not do much duty. John Van Bracken was first Lieut- enant & Commanded Company. Nicholas Van Bracken was second Lieutenant. That the Company belonged to Col. Van Schoonhoven's regiment, that in the year 1777 he again went into service in the month of June and continued until the month of October and in the whole four months. That the deponent volunteered to serve a month and after the month was up he again volunteered & the next month took the place of his brother Leuck Van Bracken as a volunteer in his place and then again volunteered for another that the deponent recollects that he was out from June till October & served four months a month at a time & that there was but a day or two interval between each tour of duty. That he was in Capt. Danning's & Col. Company in Col. Schoonhoven's Regiment General Schuyler's Brigade. was at Fort Edward the first month and the next month at Saratoga and then went to Stillwater and stayed a few days and then went to Skaneateles and remained there till after the taking of Burgoyne some time in October. That in the year 1778 in the month of June volunteered or turned out to go to Cherry Valley for a month. continued at Cherry Valley one month and was under Captain Clines returned home in July, and soon after heard that

to go to Fort plane for one month and remained there a month was in Captain John Van Lembough, Company. was during these two periods in Col. Schuyler's Regiment. There was but a company or two at Cherry Valley or at Fort plane. That in the year 1779 he resided in Schenectady County a part of the time and went as a volunteer for one month to Stone Arabes in the now County of Montgomery went in September & returned in October served one month. That he went from Schenectady does not recollect his Captain's name in this service certainly. but thinks it was Captain Under Company in which he served. does not recollect who the Col. was. recollects that Major Schuyler or Colonel Schuyler commanded the regiment and that the adjutant was John (Lansing) and this deponent further saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively about all his service nor the precise length of time he served but he has served as long as stated as aforesaid besides he has been out a great number of times on scouts of which he has made no mention. That this deponent has served not less than twelve months as a private and for which service he claims and that he served with an embodied Corps called into service by Continental Authority and that during the time he served he was not employ- ed in any civil pursuit and that he done

duty as a soldier of the revolution during the several times, and the several periods aforesaid
The words "and" The word "out" introduced and also the word September Gerrit Smith
Subscribed and sworn to this 11 th day of December 1834 Before me Marcellus Weston justice of the peace
State of New York Montgomery County ss.
I George D. Ferguson Clerk of the County of Montgomery Do certify that Marcellus Weston Esquire whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the foregoing affidavit was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquaint- ed with his hand writing and do believe the signature of Marcellus Weston subscribed to the said Jurat to be genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 1 st day of January 1835 Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York
Schenectady County ss 2 Derek C. Groot being duly sworn doth depose and say that he this deponent is well acquainted with Gerrit Van Franken now a resident of Broadalbin Montgomery County an applicant for a pen- sion under the act of June 7 th 1832 and that he knew him during the war of the revolution and well recollects that the said Gerrit Van Franken did duly in said war in the same company with this deponent at Fort Edward as set forth in his said declaration. Also that this depo- nent was out with him the said Gerrit in actual duty at Cherry Valley once at Ballston and once at Half Moon Point and also on several other short expeditions that he was with the said Gerrit a month at Cherry Valley and as much as a month at Fort Edward to the best of this deponent recollection and belief that he cannot say exactly how long the said Gerrit served with this deponent at other places but well recollects he the said Gerrit services at the various places mentioned as aforesaid that this deponent served during the war as an orderly sergeant in the service of the United States
Schenectady County ss. I the undersigned person a justice of the peace do certify that Derek C. Groot above named appeared before me this seventh day of November 1834 and made oath to the foregoing affidavit and I certify that the said Derek C. Groot is a man of truth and oracy and that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief
Nicholas Van Franken District of the Peace for the Town of Schenectady County Schenectady

STATE OF NEW-YORK. County of Schenectady, CLERK'S OFFICE,
ss.
I, JONATHAN C. BURNHAM, Clerk of the county of Schenectady, do hereby Certify, that Nicholas Van Vranken whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised 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 of proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, the 7 th day of November 1834.
J. C. Burnham CLERK.

State of New York
Schenectady County ss I Nicholas P Van Vranken being duly sworn doth depose and say that he this deponent is well well acquainted with Garret Van Vranken who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 and that to the knowledge of this depo- nent the said Garret done Military duty in the Ser- vice of the United States in the war of the revolution for the several periods and at the several places afore- said set forth in his said declaration except that he does not recollect of his being a at fort plank as set forth but at Fort plane. That this deponent was not with the said Garret at Cherry Valley nor at Fort plane but was with him at the other places mentioned in said declaration; most of said time at some of the places mentioned and knows that the said Garret was at said places from his actual knowledge except the said Cherry Valley and Fort plane. That this deponent is a brother of the said Garret and that during the said war that he well knew the several times and places when the said Garret was called out as mentioned in his said declaration. That in the year 1778 the said Garret served in a company com- manded by Lieutenant John Van Vranken and in which this deponent was second Lieutenant. That this deponent from his own knowledge of the service of the said Garret believes and has no hesitation in saying that he has served as long as stated in his the said Garrets declaration and that the said Garret was a good soldier and firm while dur- ing the war of the revolution and further saith not. (The word "aforesaid" erased)
His Nicholas P. Van Vranken marks
Schenectady County ss I the undersigned a justice of the peace

for the Town of Schenectady in the said County. thereby certify that Nicholas P. Van Rensselaer on this seventh day of November 1834 subscribed and made oath to the foregoing affidavit and that he is a man of truth and veracity and that his statements is entitled to full credit and belief
Nicholas P. Van Rensselaer Justice the Town of Schenectady County Schenectady
Subscribed and sworn before me this the 9 th day of Nov. 1834 Nicholas P. Van Rensselaer Justice
STATE OF NEW-YORK. } County of Schenectady, } 88. CLERK'S OFFICE,
I, JONATHAN C. BURNHAM, Clerk of the county of Schenectady, do hereby Certify, that Nicholas Van Rensselaer whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised 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 of proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, the 7 th day of November 1834.
J. C. Burnham CLERK.

State of New York
County of Schenectady p 3 Clause I (Van Vranken being duly sworn doth depose and say on his corporal oath that he this deponent is well acquainted with Garret Van Vran- ken of Broadalbin Montgomery County the person who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That the deponent saith that he knew the said Garret during the war of the revolution and that he well recollects that during said war he the said Garret was called out in actual duty as a soldier and that he served under Captain Saring Fisher and Col. Van Schoonhoven's regiment at that part of the time he was stationed at Fort Edward and was marched from there to Stillwater, that he served faithfully for the term of three months and a half to the knowledge of this deponent and was honorably discharged. That he served from the first of August in the year 1777 until the middle of November of the same year that he knows that said Garret was out during the greater part of the war at various times and places recollects of his being at Saratoga Fort Edward Half Moon point and at Hoosayuna but cannot say how long at all the various times and places except as aforesaid stated in the year 1777.
Clause II and so forward
Schenectady County p. I the undersigned person a justice of the peace do certify that Clause I Van Vranken above named appeared before me this seventh day of November 1834 and made oath to the foregoing affidavit above subscribed by him and that his character for truth and veracity is and that his statement is entitled to full credit & belief. Nicholas Van Vranken Justice of the Peace said County

State of New York County of Schenectady p 3 1- Claus J Van Franken being duly sworn doth depose and say that he the deponent is well acquainted with Garret Van Franken an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 and that he well recollects that during the war of the revolution the said Garret did duty one month in July as he thinks in the year 1777 that he was a good whig & a faithful soldier that this deponent will not say pos- sibly how long the said Garret was in said service, that he was not with him but that he lived a neighbor when he was drafted or called out and knows he went into service as was reported and understood and this deponent believes from his own knowledge and the general understanding in the neighborhood at that time that he served as stated in his said application in the year 1777
Claus J Van Franken
Schenectady County p 3 I certify that on the seventh day of November 1834 came before me the undersigned a justice of the peace Claus J Van Franken and subscribed and made oath to the foregoing affidavit that his char- acter for truth and veracity is good and his statement entitled to full credit and belief
Nicholas Van Franken justice for the town Niskayuna County Schenectady 1834

STATE OF NEW-YORK. County of Schenectady, CLERK'S OFFICE,
88.
I, JONATHAN C. BURNHAM, Clerk of the county of Schenectady, do hereby Certify, that Nicholas Van Vranken whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid
dwelling in the 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 of proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, the 7 th day of November 1834.
J. C. Burnham
CLERK.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page, likely bleed-through from the original document.]

STATE OF NEW-YORK. County of Schenectady, CLERK'S OFFICE,
88.
I, JONATHAN C. BURNHAM, Clerk of the county of Schenectady, do hereby Certify, that Nicholas Van Vranken whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument in writing, and endorsed thereon, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised 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 of proof or acknowledgment, is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official seal, the 21 st day of November 1834.
J. C. Burnham CLERK.

State of New York } (Montgomery County) } On this twentyfirst day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirtytwo personally appeared in open court before the court of ass- -semblies of the county of Montgomery now sitting, Garret Van Bracken a resident of the town of Brantingham in the county of Montgomery and State of New York, age seven- tyfive then being the fourth day of March 1882, who being first duly sworn accord- -ing to law, with an oath, made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June second in the year 1882. That he the said Garrett entered the service of the United States under the follow- -ing named officers and served as herein stated. That your affi- -davit entered the service at the town of Niskayuna then in the county of Albany & there in the army of Shenandoah, under Lieutenant Colonel Van Bracken who com- -manded the company, that he the said Garrett served from the month of June 1878 under Lieutenant Colonel Van Bracken until the month of December the same year at the Moon point, on a yard about five miles, that he the said Garrett the above mentioned five months of

a volunteer That in the month of May or June in the year 1877 at the town of Nishakuma aforesaid by the said Garret again vol- unteered under Captain Man- sing Lishner to go to Fort Devens there he the said Garret in the company commanded by Captain Lishner after said and at that time to go to Fort Devens and Dineen (Col. Schenk) having Regiment in General Schenk's Brigade and stayed at Fort Devens about a month, and then the whole Brigade went to Saratoga and remained at Saratoga about a month that the Brigade then went to Stillwater stayed a few days then the company to which he the said Garret belonged under the command of Captain Lishner after said returned to Nishakuma after said to guard the inhabitants from the enemy and remained in the service until in the month of October after Burgoyne was taken and was then discharged that he the said Garret that season was in the service of the United States for a period of five months That in the fore part of the month of June in the year 1878 at the town of Nishakuma aforesaid by the said Garret again volunteered under Captain the Collins and went to Champlain and stayed there under the said Captain Collins about one month and then returned back
1764

to Nishaburna of service again as a general affair that in the month of July the same year he the said Garret went to Fort Plank under Captain Dolan. Then from Brough and stayed there about a month or more and in the latter part of the month of August he the said Garret returned back to Nishaburna and was discharged That he the said Garret served as a soldier of the Revolution that he served about two months and a half. That in the month of September as near as he can state in the year 1777 he the said Garret Volunteered again to go to Stone Mula in the then county of Dyer but now the county of Montgomery and in the month of the Captain who commanded the company which he the said Garret then belonged he the said Garret has forgotten but the said company was attached then to the Regiment commanded by Major Stearns Patten who had the com- mand and the major of said Regiment was Major Lakin That he the said Garret in said company and Regiment stayed at Stone Mula one month and then returned home and was discharged That he the said Garret at that time was at that time in the service as a soldier of the said one month. That the said Garret your applicant has served in all during the Revolution as a soldier of the United States of as much as thirteen months and a half. That he has never received a regular discharge but was discharged always verbally

That he has no documentary evidence of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. That he knows of no person by whom he can prove the whole of his services but that he thinks he knows of some person by whom he can prove a part of his services. That he the said Darius was born in the town of Litchfield then in the County of Albany now in the County of Schoharie on the 18th day of March in the year 1757 when he the said Darius lived in the town of Schoharie until in the spring of the year 1779 he the said Darius removed to the town of Schoharie and lived in the town of Schoharie one year and then returned to Litchfield and lived there for years then removed to the town of Delmar and lived there eighteen years then removed to the town of Christiana and lived there until the 19th day of May 1828 when he removed to the town of Brandalton where he now lives. That he the said Darius has no record of his age in his papers, but that the record of his age was kept in his father's family Bible the date of which as respecting his own age he distinctly recalls. That he is acquainted with the following persons residing in his neighborhood who can testify as to his character for truth and veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution to wit: Marcellus Weston & Stephen Smith. That he hereby relinquishes any claim whatever as a pension or annuity except the present and all other existing rights not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.

That he cannot prove any blaze  man who having or had been anything else his money is a Soldier of the Revolution, GARRELL  Resigned We Marcellus Weston residing in the town of Brandalbin in the county of Montgomery have Stephen Wait residing in the town of Brandalbin in the county of Montgomery hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Garret Van Vran den who has subscribed and sworn to the the above certificat declaration that we believe him to be seventy five years of age that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides as he has been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion Sworn and subscribed The 21 st day of September Marcellus Weston 1832, in open Court. Stephen Wait Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Applicant was a revolution- ary soldier, and served as he stated. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Marcellus Weston and Stephen Wait, who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of the town of Brandalbin in the county of Montgomery and are credible persons, & that their statement is entitled to credit.

George D. Ferguson, clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery aforesaid, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Garret Van Brunt for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 21 st September 1832.
Geo: D. Ferguson

Garrett Van Vranken New York
Sun. Oct 1832.
H. H. Markland

State of New York . County of Fulton . }
Be it Known, that on this Twelfth day of April A. D. 185 3 , before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Peter Van Branten
resident of Breadalbin in said County, and made oath according to law that he is the legal heir of  Garrett Van Branten who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of
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 Garrett Van Branten 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. Peter Van Branten
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Peter Van Branten to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
Ira C Sears Justice of the peace
State of New York . County of Fulton }
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of Record herein held that Peter Van Branten the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the identical son of the reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that Ira Sears 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 Twelfth 14 th day of April , 185 3
Ira C Sears Peter W. Plantz Clerk Ira C Sears Justice of the peace
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.

State of New York } County of Fulton } ss: I Nathan J. Johnson County Judge of Fulton county acting as Surrogate do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me that Garrit Van Vranken was a resident of Broadalbin in the county of Fulton in the State of New York and that he died in Broad- albin in the county of Fulton State of New York in the year 1839. on the 19 th day of October, that he left no widow. that he left children whose names are. Peter Van Vranken William Van Vran- ken and John Van Vranken
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Surrogate's court of our county of Fulton. at John- town this fourteenth day of April in the year of our Lord 1853
Nathan J. Johnson County Judge etc

20299
Garret Van Vranken Montgomery N. York
e
Hon. C. M. Van Horn George D. Strong Johnstown N. York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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. These 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.
Statement, showing the Service of Garret Van Franken Montgomery
See W. H. ...
   Date of entry into service. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Yrs. Mos. Dys.     June 1776 5 pr. Lieut Van Franken 75 Albany Co. N.Y.   May 1777 5 " Capt Fisher Col Schoonmaker N.Y. Testimonial   June 1778 + 2 15 11 " Capt Collins Stone Asala   1779 1 " Maj Bath Gut-   13 11   1781 0 20 Capt Fisher  
+ See Vol 8/p 15 4 p 3 am, respectfully,
81 - not on the roll of
Your obedient servant,
Capt. Collins Company for 1778
J. 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,
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 A. B. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[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 day 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 he 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 time, 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.
[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.
R. Newman

Rev. & Miss War Section.
Alb
August 24, 1928.
Nellie Howe Blood, 275 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, New York.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 10903, it appears that Gerret Van Vrakem or Garret Van Vranken was born March 10, 1757 at Niskayuna, Albany County, (which was later Schenectady County) New York.
He applied for pension September 21, 1832 at which time he was residing at Broadalbin, Montgomery County, New York, and alleged that he served in the New York Troops from June 1775 or 1776 to September 1777, at various times under Captains Nicholas Van Dercer, Hanning Vischer, Collings, John Van Derburgh, Fondu, and Colonel Van Schoonhoven, and was out many times in scouting parties.
The claim was not allowed, as there was no specific proof of the service as alleged.
The soldier died October 19 1832 at Broadalbin, New York leaving no widow, but the following children survived him: Peter, William and John. The name of soldier's wife

COPIED BY ADY
is not given, and there are no data as to their marriage.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873
1928 Aug 24. Heed to Nellye Howe Blood copy
10903 P. O. Garnet Van Frank
Service: _____
Enlisted: REJECTED , 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
The printed list of 1852 shows reasons for suspension
Alleges: _____
"He must specify by his witnesses the period, duration, grade, locality, and officers' names of the service of each tour."
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

20299 New York Darius Van Vranken Sussex Co. St. Lawrence St. Lawrence St. Lawrence June 25. 1826 St. Lawrence
10903

275 Guy Park Avenue Amsterdam N.Y.
Oct. 8, 1927
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Have you a record of Gerrit Van Vranken , Albany Co., N.Y. in the Revo- lutionary War pension claims?
If so may I ask you for the data found therein, that

would be of value for a U. A. P. line. viz:
1. Where enlisted? 2. Company? 3. discharged when? 4. date of pension? 5. where living at date of pension? age? 6. Date + place of death? 7. Date + place of marriage 8. Whom did he marry? 9. Birth of wife? 10. Daughter of whom? 11. Was she allowed a

pension at his death? 12. If so, where was she living?
When was the pension discontinued?
If you find the record of the mentioned Revolu- tionary hero, as much of the requested data that is available will be very gratefully received.
Very truly yours
Nellie Howe Blood

A. P. Demuth 19. Sep. 1838
O. C.
Rec Vol 39 Page 46

War Department Pension Office
Sept. 19 th 1836
Sir The additional evidence sent in support of the claim of G. Van Vranken contained in your letter of the 12 th instant has been examined to gether with his the supplemental affidavits of the claimant as per which is now signed by the claimant not heretofore mentioned. He must make his supplemental supplemental declaration in open Court - The affidavits of Dirick C Groar and Isaac Groar are too indefinite; they should give the period and the names the officers in under Town - The additional papers are herewith returned A. P. Dunscomb Esq Broad Street N.Y.

War Department Pension Office June 28 th 1836
Sir,
The papers of Garret Van Vranken whose claim is referred to in your letter of the 20 th inst. have been again examined - Since the previous examination the pay rolls of Capt Fisher & Capt Collins have been obtained from Albany - The claimant states in his that he served five months in Capt Fisher company in 1777. 2 1/2 months in Capt Collins company in 1778 one month in under Major O'Callaghan in 1779 & 5 mo in Capt under Lieut Van Vranken company in 1776. The pay rolls of Capt Fisher show that all the service rendered by the claimant in that company was 20 days. His name is not borne on the rolls of Captain Collins Company for the year 1778 - The five months claimed to have been rendered in 1776 may be considered doubtful.
45-11-1-10 June 29 1836

In order to a satisfactory examination of the further, it he should, give the names of his officers in such towns, particularly the Captain and the name of the place or places where under all circumstances
Hon. M. J. Bruce
June 28. 1836
A. G.
Rec. W. 38. Pa. 304
Hon. M. J. Bruce
Hon. R. P.
A. G.

Hon. M c Vean
28 Jan 1835
O.C.

War Dept. Pension R Jan'y 35
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the pension claim of Garret Van Vranken has been again examined & suspended. He alleges 5 hours of militia duty in 76 of one month, two of which appear to have rendered in obedience to his own duty as a militia man. the others as a substitute. Any extraordinary service beyond that required of a militia man, should be specially proved. Not more than 2 mo could be allowed in the present condition of his papers for the service of 76. So also of the service in 77, not more than 2 mo could be allowed as the allegation of repeated & continued substitution of different persons can not be admitted without specific proof. His papers are placed on file -
at 7 June
As the testimonial certificate bears the names of the Agt & of the gentleman in whose handwriting the declaration was drawn, it would be as well to obtain the testimony of others to which the agent refers -
Go/25
For C. M. Vran.

War Department
Pension Office
June 28. 1836
Sir
The paper of Garret Van Vranken, whose claim is referred to in your letter of the 20 th instant, has been examined - Since the previous examination, the pay-rolls of Capt Fisher and Capt Collins have been obtained from Albany; The claimant states that he served 5 months in Capt Fisher's company in 1777; 2 1/2 months in Captain Collins company in 1778; one month under Maj. Bout-Howt. and 5 months under Lieut Van Vranken in 1776. The pay-rolls of Capt Fisher show that all the service rendered by the claimant in that company was 20 days - His name is not found on the rolls of Capt Collins company for the year 1778 - The five months claimed to have been rendered in 1776 may be considered doubtful; In order to a satisfactory examination of it he should give the names of his officers in each term particularly that of

his captain and the name of the place or places where each tour was rendered
Respectfully
J. L. Edwards
Hon. M. J. Bovee Have Rip, N.Y.

Marshallin City Sept. 14 th
Free
Sept 16 N.Y.
Induce
Hon. J. L. P. Charles
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
G. Van Kliefen

Brandallin, Sept. 12. 1836
Sir -
In pursuance of a suggestion in a note addressed by you to Mr Bone of the house of Reps. of June 28. last, (which is herewith forwarded) in relation to the pension claim of Garrit Van Vranken, he has made a new statement setting forth particularly the places where he served, and the officers under whom, and the time, to the best of his recollection. This statement is not drawn up with the formality required by the regulations of the department in an original declaration to establish a pension claim. But it was supposed from the reading of your note above referred to that such formality was not required in this case. Mr Van Vranken has likewise taken pains to procure two affidavits, which establish four months of the services which he claims to have rendered, but in consequence of the recent death of another of his witnesses, he cannot now prove the other two months.
Mr V.V. is suspicious that his former declaration differs in many respects from the directions he gave his attorney. He says he never claimed for more than six months services.
Yours &c
A. T. Beman
J. S. Edwards, Esq.

[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
Affidavit of Jesus B Groale
Francis J. Groale
[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]

Schenectady County } the state of New York } 25 August 1836 and town of Viskayuna } This Day Came one fore me Derrick C Groot and Whos sworn and sayeth that is well acquainted with garrit Vanranken and served in the one and same Company to gader under the Command of Captain Visher and the Company Whos lodged in Blase to serve in the Revolution Wore from Time to Time as the Ware Bould on by the authority of the united states and further This Deponent says that the said garrit Vanranken Whos one month at Fort Plank under the Command of Captain Ballings in the year of 1777 and there served one month at Charlavalle under the Command of Captain John Vanderburne in the year of 1777 and further This Deponent says that the said garrit Vanranken served one tower in Baultown under the Command of Captain Visher and further This Deponent says that garrit Vanranken served as a skouting party during the greater parte of the said Revolution Wore in order to defend the in states from the in vation of the inners and further This Deponent sayeth that
Schenectady County { Town of Viskayuna { August the 25 1836
Derrick C Groot
I Certify that the above oath Whos taken before me this the 25 August 1836
Michae Butman quotes in and for the County of Schenectady
Note. The Deponent above named is mistaken in one point. The service of Garrit Vanranken at Charlyvale was under the Command of Capt. Collins. and that at Fort Plank under Capt. Van der Berg - to the best of Vanranken's recollection. A. P. Demarest

On behalf of the said Isaac Groote do hereby certify that the within is a true copy of the original
The Within a — affidavit of Isaac Groote taken on the 25 August 1836

Mr. J. P. Bous
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page, mostly illegible.]
Dear Mr. Joyce HR Jan 27.

Riskayuna August 25 th 1836
and Isaac Groat came before me and Who's sworn and sayeth that he the said Isaac Groat Who's well acquainted With the said Gerrit Vanbrucken and knows the said Gerrit a good and faithful soldier there said Revolution War and this the present brother says that says the said Gerrit Vanbrucken in the year 1778 at forth ad Word under the Command of Captt Visher faithful in the service of the united states of America
Isaac Groat
state of New York Schenectady County and town of Riskayuna
as August 25 th 1836 I Certify
This Day Came me before me Isaac Groat and Who's sworn to the fore going statements or Declaration as facts
Victor Putman justice of the peace of the town of Riskayuna in the said County of Schenectady
State of New York
City County of Schenectady Clerks Office
I Jonathan C. Burnham Clerk of the County aforesaid Do hereby certify that Victor Putman is a Justice of the Peace in the said County duly elected and qualified; and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and the seal of said County the twenty ninth day of August A.D. 1836
J. C. Burnham Clerk