Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,046, Abraham Van Houten, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Van Houten, Abraham
S 23046
CONTENTS

New York 24. 50,
Abraham Vanhouten of Rockland Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commd. by Captain Cooper of the Regt. commanded by Col. Drake in the N. Y. mil. line for 24 mo.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum. to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of January 1833 and sent to Hon. Alward H. Rep.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833. $ 200. 00 Pension allowance ending Feb. 14. 40. 00 $ 240. 00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clk Book 4 Vol. 4 Page 85

20409 Abraham Vanhouten Rockland co New York
Wiesenfelds
All
Specification
Oct. 18. 33
✓
M Ward
David Rye Esq Scotland N.York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
27 May 1833 18 Oct. 1833
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. 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.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Abraham Vanhorne Rockland, New York
   Period when the service was rendered. 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.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1776 ✓ 3✓ private Capt. Cooke Bergen Hill 72 Rockland two living witnesses, as to his services   — ✓ 5✓ Capt. Blauvelt Col. Drake Lieut. Col. Halbert Long Island New York N. York   1777 + 3 Capt. Gann Col. Ray Long Island   1✓ Maj. Lee King's Bridge   Spy x Capt. Ordronaux Col. Ray White Plains   9✓ x Capt. Ordronaux Col. Harnett Red Bank   Spy 1778 x Capt. Ordronaux Paramus   1779 Tappan   1780 3✓ Capt. Laurens Col. Dubois Albany   — 1 Fort Plain   Spy x Capt. Ordronaux Fort Stanwix   21  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
x Applicant states his whole service under Capt. Ordronaux at more than 1 year.
In rolls

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops. 2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers. 3. Persons employed in the Naval service. 4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion ( g ) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of do hereby certify ( h ) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
 If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out. 
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 (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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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 [e] 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.
A part of the claim for pension as a corporal alleged in the supplemental declaration can be allowed in life but for the as indicated above under notes [e] & [f]

adm 24 mo pre 80%

State of New York. } ss Rockland County. }
On this twenty ninth day of November in the year A.D. 1832. personally appeared in Open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, now sitting. Abraham Vanhouten, a resident of the town of Clarkstown, in the county of Rockland and State of New York, aged Seventy two years, the seventeenth day of April, 1832. 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. 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated. That in the month of March 1776. he enlisted (at a place called New City, in the now town of Clarkstown) for three months, in a company commanded by Capt d Gilbert Cooper, Col d Name he cannot now recollect, and went to New York, to a place called Bunkers hill, and was stationed there some time, and then the said company returned to the now county of Rockland where he served until his term of service was expired. he then near the first of July, 1776 enlisted for five months, in a company commanded by Capt d John Blauvelt, John Rumsey first Lieutenant, in a Regiment commanded by Col d Drake Halbert Lieut. Col d and Nicholas Fish Brigade Major, went first to New York, then to Long Island, was near Gen d Starling when he was taken prisoner, then retreated with Gen d Washington's Army, first to New York, then to Kings Bridge, then to White Plains, then we marched to Peekskill, and was there discharged in the month of December following. then in the spring of the year, 1777. he enlisted for three months, in a company commanded by Capt d Garner, in a regiment commanded by Col d A. Hughes Hay, and served that time at Nyack and different places along the river as a guard. then when that term was expired, he enlisted for one month, in a company called Major Lee's Co. and served that time at different places in the now county of Rockland. then when that term of service was expired, being bound to do Militia duty when not enlisted, in a company commanded by Capt d Jacob Bunderdonk, Preselvert Vanhouten Lieut. in Col d Hay aforesaid. I entered the service in said company, and served therein guarding and scouting along the river and through the county now Rockland, and the county of Bergen, in the State of New Jersey, until the first of April, 1778. and was out near half of the time. then on the first of April aforesaid, at Nyack in the now county of Rockland, he enlisted for Nine Months, servd any half of said time in person & had a substitute for the remainder in a company commanded by Capt d John Bell, in a Regiment commanded by Col d Graham, and first guarded a short time along the river, then crossed the river and marched to White Plains and lay near a Regiment of the Continental line, said to be commanded by Col d Wisenoelt. then recrossed the river and

marched to a place called the New Bridge, in the county of Bergen, near Hackensack, and lay there until the British army came up and we retreated to Paramus, and lay there some time, and then marched to Tappan Town, and was discharged the first of January 1779. Then early in the spring of the year 1779. I again entered the service under the aforesaid Capt. Onderdonk, the Militia being then classed. I did the duty of the whole class to which he belonged and was out from early in the spring until late in the fall more than six months without intermission, and continued doing duty in the said company when called upon during winter and the next Spring, until the month of June 1780, and during the said services he was employed in guarding and scouting as aforesaid, that then in the month of June 1780, he enlisted at Clarkstown, in a company commanded by Capt. Lawrence, in Col d Dubois Regiment, for three months, went to Albany, then up the Mohawk River to Fort Plain, then to Fort Stanwix, and after my term was expired through the solicitations of his officers enlisted for one month more and in that month had an engagement with some of the British Army and Indians, and after the time was up he was discharged and had to come home in severe cold weather which took him some time, and after he arrived home he again served under the aforesaid Capt. Onderdonk until the close of the war but he was not so often called upon to guard and scout as was the case in the first five years of the Revolutionary war, and verily believes he served more than one year under the aforesaid Capt. Onderdonk, putting all the time he was out on duty together. That he has no documentary evidence of any of his services, as he does not recollect ever to have received a written discharge. That he has always resided in the now town of Clarkstown, where he is well known. — 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 agency of any State. — Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
In Open Court David Dye Clerk
Abraham Van Houten

Nov r 29. 1832
Peter S. Van Orden of the town of Ramapo in the County of Rockland being duly sworn saith, that he is about 64 years of age and acquainted with Abraham Vanhouten of Carlstadt in said County that the said Abraham Vanhouten was with this deponent in the Militia service of the United States in the Revolutionary war in a company commanded by Jonathan Lawrence in a Reg t commanded by Col. Lewis DuBois, in the year 1780, that this deponent served with him at Fort Plain under an enlistment for 3 months and at the expiration of said term, he this Deponent and the said Abraham Vanhouten then volunteered to protect the Inhabitants from the savage barbarity of Johnson and Brandt which then threatened the defenceless Inhabitants of that Country, that when the said deponent was marched to defend his Country, the said Abraham was lame, which occasioned his stay at the fort. And the said deponent further states, that he is well acquainted with the said Abraham Vanhouten and knows and believes him to be a Good citizen a man of Veracity, and one on whom the greatest reliance can be placed for veracity in Sworn and subscribed. The day and year as above said David Pyle Clerk
Peter S. Van Orden

Peter Stephens, and Abraham Garrison both of Clarkstown in the County of Rockland being duly sworn deposeth and saith That they and each of them are well acquainted with Abraham Van Orden, from their days of childhood, to the present day, that they and each of them served with him as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, that they each personally know of the services by him set forth in his declaration (seen and examined by us,) in the Company of Captain Gilbert Cooper, Capt. John Blauvelt, Capt. John Gardner, Capt. Jacob Onderdonk, Capt. John Bell served only the first half of said last enlistment, then again under the aforesaid Capt. Jacob Onderdonk, then in the Company of Capt. Lawrence, and went on Northern Campaign as they then understood and verily believe that after his return home from said last service he again served in the Com. of Jacob Onderdonk before mentioned, and have no doubt of the performance of the services by him set forth under Capt. Lawrence That in their opinion and belief the said Abraham was a good soldier, and is now a respectable character and Citizen, a man of veracity and one on whose testimony the greatest confidence can be placed Sworn and subscribed Peter Stephens in our Court the date Abraham Garrison as above.
David Pyle Clerk.
And the said Court, do hereby declare, their opinion after the investigation after investigation of the matter, and after testing 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 Peter Stephens and Abraham Garrison whose testimony is herewith annexed are residents of the town of Clarkstown, and well known to us are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Peter DW. Smith Melchior J. Blauvelt } Judges of Rockland Daniel Johnson } County —

I David Pyle Clerk of the Court of Rockland County do hereby certify that the foregoing containeth the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Van-Houten for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Clarkstown this twenty ninth day of November A. D. 1832.
David Pyle Clerk
Declaration of Abraham VanHouten
20409

State of New York
Rockland County ss Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County, Abraham Vanhouten, 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 services, but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For three months in  a year I served as a private in a company commanded by Capt Gilbert Cooper; for five months I served in a company commanded by Capt. John Blaauvelt, for three months, as a private in a company commanded by Capt John Garner, for one month I served as a private in Major Lees Cere, for four months and fifteen days I served as a private in a company commanded by Capt John Bell, for four months I served as a private in a company commanded by Capt. Lawrence, and for one year and fifteen days I served as a corporal in a company commanded by Capt Jacob Onderdenk, and for such service I claim a pension
Sworn and subscribed this ninth day of July 1833 before me
John T. Blanch Justice of the peace
Abraham Van Houten
We Alexander H. Warner, a clergyman, residing in the town of Clarkstown, and Jacob D. Clark residing in the same, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Abraham Vanhouten, who has subscribed and sworn to the above and annexed declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution ary and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed this 9 th day of July 1833 before me
John T. Blanch Justice of the peace
Alexander H. Warner Jacob D. Clark

And I the said John T Blanch a justice of the peace do certify that Alexander H Warner who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergiman resident in the town of Clarkstown in the County of Rockland and that Jacob De Clark who has signed the same is a resident in the town and County aforesaid and is a Credible person they being both to me personally known
John T Blanch Justice of the peace of Clarkstown County Rockland
I David Pyle, Clerk of the County of Rockland, do hereby certify, That John T Blanch, Esq r , whose name is subscribed to the preceding affidavits, was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorised by law. And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe his signatures subscribed to the same, is genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ninth day of July, 1833.
DAVID PYLE

State of New York Rockland County } ss. }
Personally appeared Before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, Peter Stephens aged 72 - years, who being duly sworn saith he is personally acquainted with Abraham Van Houten of the Town of Clarkstown, who has applied for a pension under the Law of Congress of June 7 th 1832 who on his oath deposeth and saith he has a perfect Recollection of serving with the said Abraham Van Houten in the War of the Revolution as fellow Soldier (being members of the same Company) For three months under Capt John Gerner, and that he the said Abraham Van Houten was in the summer 1777, engaged in guarding the shores and landing places along the North River from Hackensack to Sneekens Landing near the Jersey line, and that the said Abraham Van Houten served out his time faithfully. And this deponent further saith that he also has a perfect recollection of serving with the said Abraham Van Houten in the year 1778, in a company commanded by Capt John Bell, in Colonel Grayhams Regiment, for nine months that the said Van Houten was with the company stationed at Nyack, that said Van Houten served four months and a half, the rest of the nine months was served by his substitute. From Nyack the company were marched to White Plains, and after remaining some time, the company was attached to a body of troops commanded by Major Peter Fell, from White Plains the company were marched to Larry Town, and recrossed the River, and was marched from thence to Hackensack, and from there to the New Bridge, from New Bridge went to Paramus, from Paramus to Rockland County, that the said Van Houten served out his time faithfully as a good and faithful soldier. And this deponent further saith that he was a neighbour of the said Van Houten during the war and

still is a neighbor, and that he is personally acquainted with him, and knows that the said Van Kouter in the year 1779 volunteered for one month under Capt Jacob Onderdonk, and was engaged in guarding along the shores & landing places from Nyack to Haverstraw & has always understood, and verily believes that he faithfully served out his time in said Company and was honorably discharged. This deponent further saith that he knows that in the year 1779. he the said Van Kouter, served one month as an express rider, by order of Major Lee. And this deponent further saith that he knows that the said Van Kouter served one month and a half, in a company of Capt Jacob Onderdonk, and was engaged in guarding along the shores and landing places from Haverstraw near Stony Point, and that he has always understood he served out his time faithfully and was discharged honorably.
This deponent further saith that he knows that in the year 1780. the said Van Kouter, served one month under Capt Jacob Onderdonk then stationed the greater part of the time at Tappan doing guard duty, and has always understood and verily believes that the said Van Kouter faithfully served out his term in this Company as was honorably discharged.
Subscribed & sworn to before
We this 14 th day of December 1837 J. Mott J. Stephens
John T. Blansky (Justice)

State of New York Rockland County ss.
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Rockland Francis Van Houten aged Seventy two years who residing in the Town of Ramapo in said County. who being duly sworn doth depose and say. That he is well acquainted with Abraham Van Houten who has made an application for a Pension under the Law of Congress passed June 7. 1832 That he was well acquainted with him in the war of the Revolution. That he has a perfect recollection of serving with the said Abraham Van Houten in the war of the Revolution as a fellow soldier in the Company of Capt John Garmer for the period of three months, in the summer of 1777, and were engaged in guarding the shores and landing places along the North River, from Wachensack to Sneadens Landing near the Jersey line, and that the said Abraham Van Houten served out his time faithfully -
And the said deponent further saith that he has a perfect recollection that the said Abraham Van Houten, was in the years 1779 & 1780, a soldier in a Company of Captain Jacob Vanderkirk, and that was engaged in guarding along the shore and landing places on the North River, That the said deponent was a neighbor of the said Abraham Van Houten, and a fellow soldier in the same Regiment -
Francis Van Houten
Francis Van Houten sworn before me the 10 th day of December
1833
Daniel Johnson Justice
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Francis Van Houten and know him to be a person of veracity and that his statements are entitled to credit. Daniel Johnson Justice

State of New York Rockland County } ss } J
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Abraham Van Houten of said County aged seventy three years and being duly sworn saith as follows Ver.
I am the same Abraham Van Houten who on the 29 th day of November 1832 made a declaration before the Court of Common Pleas to obtain a pension under the law of June 7 th 1832 whose declaration has been returned as defective in its specification, and also as to the interrogatories.
In answer to the Interrogatories, he says he was questioned in open Court, on the 29 th of November 1832. That he was Born in the Town of Clarkstown in the County of Rockland and State of New York, in the year 1768. That the records of his age is recorded in a Book kept for that purpose, belonging to the Reformed Dutch Church at Clarkstown in said County. That he now and always has resided at Clarkstown in said County
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, served as herein stated that in the month of March 1776, he enlisted for three months in a company commanded by Capt Gilbert Cooper, and the Regiment by Colonel A. Knapp Hovey, then stationed at the New City in Clarkstown, now County of Rockland, and State of New York and was marched from thence to Nyack, a landing place on the Bank of the North River from which place we were conveyed with Boats to the City of New York, at which place we were landed, from thence we were marched to a place called Bunkers Hill on York Island, at which place, the deponent with the rest of the company were employed in building a Fort, in which employment as near as he can recollect they were engaged for more than two months, from which place they were marched

to the city of New York, from thence they were conveyed with vessels to Tappan. I float where they remained a few days, when his term of enlistment expired, having served the full period, He then was dismissed, and returned home -
In the latter part of June on the first of July 1776 He enlisted for five months, under Capt John Blauvelt then stationed at Clenkstown, now county of Rockland and state of New York, from which place we were marched to Nyack, in said county a landing place on the bank of the north River, from which place we were conveyed in Boats, to the City of New York, at which place we joined the Regiment commanded by Colonel Samuel Drake, from which place we were marched to Long Island near Brooklyn, where we were employed for some time in building fortifications, - Sometime in August same year, the British landed on Long Island, at which place the battle of Long Island was fought. The American Army, was forced to give way & retreat, and the deponent with his company also retreated in the night, across the east River, to the city of New York, and from thence to Kings Bridge, near Fort Washington, where some time was spent in building barracks, in which the deponent was personally employed, from thence they retreated to White-Plains where some entrenchments were thrown up for defence here the Battle of White Plains were fought, after it was over Genl Washington with the main Army retreated to Kings Ferry, and there crossed, our Regiment commanded by Col Drake, marched up the River to Peekskill, where we were stationed for one month as near as he can recollect, from which place we were marched to Kings Ferry, and there crossed the north River, to a place called Haverstraw at which place his term of enlistment expired & was honorably discharged, the latter part of

November or the first of December 1776 -
In the summer of 1777 He volunteered for three months under capt John Garner, and was engaged in guarding the shores and landing places along the north River, from Haverstraw to Sneedens Landing near the Jersey line. That the said company was under commanded by colonel A. Hawks May.
In the month of April 1778. He enlisted in a company commanded by capt John Bell in colonel Grayhams Regiment, for nine months, then stationed at Nyack Rockland County, in which company he served four months and a half. The other four months and a half was served by his substitute which he employed from which place they were marched to Haverstraw where they were stationed. Doing guard duty they crossed the north River, and landed in Westchester County, and from thence was marched to White Plains, and there joined the main Army. Here we remained some time, our company was then attached to a body of troops, commanded by Major Peter Fell, from which place we were marched to Larry Town, and re-crossed the River and was marched from there to Hackensack & from thence to a place called the New Bridge. Here we were stationed for some time, doing guard duty, at which place we received intelligence that the British light Horse had wounded and killed a number of the Americans, stationed at a place called the Liberty Pole by which we were induced to retreat to retreat to Paramus. At Paramus we were stationed a short time doing guard duty - from Paramus we were marched to Rockland which was then in those days Orange County. And while in Rockland County was engaged in guarding the shores and landing places, from Nyack to Tappan Landing. That he served out his time faithfully and was then a

honourably discharged -
In the month of May in the year 1779. He volunteered for one month under Captain Jacob Onderdonk, and was engaged in this service in guarding along the shores and landing places from Nyack to Haverstraw, that he served out his time faithfully and was honourably discharged.
In the summer of 1779. according to his best recollection, (or at any rate it was the same time Stony Point was taken,) he was selected by order of General Lee, as an express rider, in which he was engaged for one month and then discharged.
In the month of August in the same year above stated he volunteered and served one month and a half in the company of Capt Jacob Onderdonk, and was engaged in guarding along the shores and landing places from Haverstraw until near Stony Point, that he served this time faithfully and was discharged.
In the month of February 1780. He volunteered and served one month under Capt Jacob Onderdonk then stationed the greater part of the time at Tappan in the State of New Jersey doing guard duty. From Tappan we were marched to Clarkstown Rockland County & was discharged. He also says that Col A. Hawkes Hoag was the Colonel in command, during all his services mentioned, except as he has otherwise expressed in relating his services as above stated - From the great length of time which has elapsed since the before recited services were rendered many particular facts have escaped his memory. He has related all which he can remember as connected with his services and which are calculated to explain them. In the recitation he may in some instances have fallen into mistake he asks a reasonable allowance for the frailty of human memory, whilst he has faithfully and conscientiously recorded the substance of all he can conscientiously to the

In the month of June 1780 He enlisted under Capt Lawrens in Col Dubois Regiment at a place called Clarke town in the now County of Rockland State of N. York for three months from which place we were marched to Albany and from thence to Fort Plain here we stationed for sometime from thence we were marched to Fort Stanwicks here he was stationed untill the expiration of his three months service performing at each and every place guard duty - At the expiration of his service his officers immediately after the above men- tioned service was performed Volunteered and served another month who still were stationed at Fort Stanwicks on the Mohawk River at which place he remained during the month performing guard duty - in the last month of service they had a Skirmish with the British and Indians who were then stationed on the frontier at that place in which engagement a number were killed and wounded on both sides served the term and was Honorably Dis- charged Discharged at Fort Stanwicks and went home
After his arrival at home He again served under the aforesaid Capt Underdonk untill the close of the war in the Militia of which Services he cannot give the Period
From the great length of time which has elapsed since the before Recited Services were rendered many particulars must have escaped his memory He has Related all which he can Remember as connected with his Services and which are calculated to explain them In the order of time and in the names of some of his Superior officers he may perhaps in some instances have fallen into mistakes He asks a reasonable allowance for the frailty of human memory whilst he has faithfully endeavoured to adhere to the truth in all the events and occurrences of which he has spoken and truly believes that he faithfully served his Country in the war of the Revolution for the full periods of Twenty five months being in actual Service in the field and Garrison for each term alledged and was not employed
enclosed the river and

in any civil pursuit during the time for which he claims a pension under the Law of Congress of June 7 th 1832
The deponent further saith that in the month of June 1777 He volunteered and performed one month service as an express Rider for Major Lee which was called Lee's Corps which Corps was stationed at different places in the now county of Rockland, this last men- tioned service of one month under Major Lee was omitted by the Drawer of the amended Declaration Subscribed & sworn to before me this 14 th day of December 1833 John T Blanch Justice
Abraham Van Houten
State of New York
Rockland County
I, David Pyle, Clerk of the said County. Do Hereby certify. That John T Blanch, before whom the preceding amended Declaration of Abraham Van Houten was sworn, and before whom the annexed affidavits of Peter Stephens, Paul Seaman and John Hutton was sworn, and Daniel Johnson, before whom the annexed affidavit of Tunis Vanhouten was sworn, and whose names are subscribed to the respective certificates, are justices of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that their respective names subscribed thereto, is their genuine signa- tures.
In testimony whereof, I have here- unto set my hand and seal of office this eighteenth day of December 1833
David Pyle

State of New York Rockland County ss fs
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Rockland John Britton aged twenty three years, and Paul Seaman aged eighty one years, both of the County of Rockland, who being duly sworn do each for himself depose and say, that they are well acquainted with Abraham Van Houten who has made application for a pension under the law Congress passed June 7. 1832 that they were well acquainted with him in the war of the Revolution. That he was a soldier therein. That the said deponents well remembers that the said Abraham Van Houten, served as a soldier in the year 1776, in a company commanded by Captain Gilbert Cooper, Regiment of Colonel H. Brinkerhoff Key, then stationed at the New City in Clarkstown now County of Rockland, and State of New York and was marched from thence to Nyack, a landing place on the Bank of the North River, and were conveyed in Boats to the City of New York, and after being landed were marched to a place called Brinkerhoff's Hill on York Island, at which place the deponents with the rest of the company were employed in building a Fort, in which employment as near as they can recollect they were engaged for more than two months, from which place they were marched to the City of New York from thence they were conveyed in vessels to Sappen Sloat where they remained a few days when their term of enlistment expired. The said deponents together with the said Abraham Van Houten, as fellow soldiers were engaged in this service for the full period of three months and after the time expired were discharged and went home.
And these deponents further saith that they

also have a perfect recollection that the said Abraham Van Buren did in the year 1776 also enlist and serve as a soldier for the period of five months under Capt John Blauvelt and were stationed at Clarkstown, now County of Rockland and State of New York, from which place the said company were marched to Nyack, in said County from which place we were conveyed in boats or vessels to the City of New York, and there joined the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Samuel Drake, from which place the company were marched to Long Island near Brooklyn, where we were employed for some time in building fortifications That in August of said year, the British landed on Long Island, and then the Battle of Long Island was fought the American Army was forced to give way and retreat, and the company also retreated in the night across the East River to the City of New York, and from thence to Kings Bridge, near Fort Washington where some time was spent in building barracks in which the deponents as well as the said Abraham Van Buren was engaged being fellow soldiers at the time from Kings Bridge the company retreated to White Plains and some entrenchments were thrown up for defence, and here the Battle of White Plains was fought, after it was over Genl Washington with the main army retreated to Kings Ferry, and then crossed the Regiment of Colonel Drake to which Capt Blauvelts Company belonged.

marched up the River to Peakskill where we were stationed for one month as near as they can recollect, from which place the said Company were marched to Kings Ferry, crossed the River to Haverstraw and was there Honorably discharged the latter part of November or the first of December 1776, of which Company the said Abraham Van Houten was all the time of the said five months a soldier and faithful -
Subscribed & sworn to } his Paul + Seaman before me this 18 th day } mark of December 1833 } John Hutton John T Blanch (Justice)
I do Hereby Certify to the Commissioners of pensions & Secretary of War that Peter Stephens Paul Seaman & John Hutton whose affidavits with their signatures now attached to the amended Declaration of Abraham Van Houten are Creditable persons and fully intitled to belief
John T Blanch (Justice)

4 6 City Mill
Revolution
23046 INVALID.
March 24/96 Mil, His Mrs. Phoebe B. Cupina
File No. 23046
Abraham Vanburen
Br Rev War
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 399
[Arrangement of 1870.]
m

O. W. & N. Division.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
F. S. M. E. C. 8.23046
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., March 24, 1896.
Madam:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- Abraham Van Houten --- a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Mch. 1776 3 mos. Pvt. Gilbert Cooper Not stated. N. Y.   July 1776 5 mos. Pvt. John Blauvelt Drake N. Y.   Spr. 1777 3 mos. Pvt. John Garner A. H. Hay N. Y.   1777 1 mos. Pvt. Not Stated. Major Lee N. Y.   Apr. 1778 4mos.15dys. " John Bell Weissenfelt N. Y.   June 1780 4 mos. Pvt. Lawrence Dubois N. Y.  
He also served at different times about one year and fifteen days as a corporal in Capt. Jacob Onderdonk's Co., Col. Hay's Regt. During his service in Capt. Lawrence's company he participated in a slight engagement with the British and Indians.
Battles engaged in,
As above.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Clarkstown, N. Y.
Date of application for pension, November 29, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Clarkstown, N. Y.
Age at date of application, Born at Clarkstown, N.Y., in 1760.
Remarks:
Very respectfully,
Mrs. Phebe B. Chipman,, 908 McPherson Square, City.
Deputy Commissioner.