Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S., John Van Houten, Continental New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental New York
Van Houten, John or Van Houtan
S. —
CONTENTS
Eleonard, Ellen or Helen Van Houten, widow of above soldier, was pensioned as the former widow of Isaac Blauvelt New York, W. 18204

24767 New York
John Van Houken of Rockland Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Smith of the Reg t commanded by Col l Nicol in the New York line for 2 Years .
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of Feb.  1834 and sent to P. P. P.  Clarkstown N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep'33 — $200. Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 34  40
$240.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Geo Cromwell Clerk, Book E Vol. 4 Page 85
Sup d . see letter 12 Sept. 1835 to J n ? Fleming P. Ag t do to J. T. Blanch Sept 29. 1835 — do to J. Van Houk P.M. Nov. 14. 1835 — do to P. Ag t at N.Y. J. D. Pyle Jan. 15. 1836 —

agregate under Capt Bell not duly specified -
9 mo claimed in San Francisco Co. proved to have been 6 mo only -
adm d
24 mo pri
80 $
agregate under
Bell
Graham
say 9 mo Lawrence
Whipple

State of New York, } ss. Rockland County, }
On this twenty seventh 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, John Vanhouten, a resident of the town of Clarkstown, in the county of Rockland and State of New York, aged Seventy three — years, the twentieth — day of May — 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 on or about the first of August, in the year 1776 he enlisted at Tappan, in a Company commanded by Capt. James Smith, in a Regiment commanded by Col m Isaac Nicoll of Goshen, and went to New York, and then to Kings Bridge where they lay until the British Army came into New York, when they retreated first to White Plains, then to Peek's Hill, where he remained until the first of January 1777 when his time being up, he was discharged and he went home — that then early in the spring of the year 1777 he entered the service, in a Company commanded by Capt. John Bell, Tunis Tallman was then Ensign, and served therein more than half of my time in guarding along the West Shore of the Hudson River from Closter to Haverstraw, and often on scouting parties through different parts of the county of Bergen, in the State of New Jersey, until the first of April 1778. Then Capt Bell having received Orders to enlist a company for nine months, I enlisted at a place called Nyack in the said Company for nine Months Tunis Tallman then being the first Lieutenant, in a Regiment commanded by Col s Graham, and first we guarded a short time along the Hudson River, then they crossed the river and marched to White Plains and lay there some time near a Regiment of the Continental troops said to be commanded by Col n Wisenwett then recrossed the river and marched to a place called New Bridge near Hackensack, until the British Army came there when they retreated and encamped at Paramus, and lay some time when we marched to Tappan, and was there discharged on the first of January 1779. soon after the discharge his aforesaid Capt. having again taking command of his company of Militia he was again called out on duty and served nearly half of my time in guarding and scouting as aforesaid until the first of March 1780, when he enlisted for nine months at Clarkstown in a Company commanded by Capt. Jonathan Lawrence, in a Regiment commanded by Col m Malcom and Major Hughes, and they first went to Albany, then to —
By master roll of staff & officers By these officers were in company and at Tappan

Schenectady, then along the Mohawk river to Fort Schuyler, then to Fort Stanwix near which they had an engagement with the British and Indians and in the month of December was discharged at Fort Stanwix when he returned home, and in the Spring of the year 1781 I was again ordered to perform my part of duty in the aforesaid Company under Capt. Bell aforesaid, and served therein a guarding and scouting as aforesaid, until the close of the Revolutionary War, that the time he served under Capt. Bell in the different towers of duty he is now unable correctly to state, but can confidentially declare that it exceeds one year exclusive of his enlistments, that he has no documentary evidence of any of his services, as he does not recollect ever to have received a discharge in writing, that during the war in the town of Orange and since the war he has resided in the town of Clarkstown aforesaid, that he has no Documentary evidence of any of his aforesaid services, and the only proof he can offer to prove any of his services is some who served with him in the Revolutionary war, that he can name John Lydacker Peter Smith Esq. Judge Cornelius P Blauvelt, and John G Blauvelt who can testify to his character and veracity. He hereby Relinquishes every claim whatever for 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 Pyle
John P. Vanhousen
State of New York
Rockland County, on the day and year aforesaid personally appeared in Open Court Juris Tallman, who being first duly sworn saith that he was well acquainted with John Vanhousen the above applicant and knows him to have served in a company commanded by John Bell of which he the deponent was first ensign and afterwards Lieutenant and knows the said John Vanhousen to have served in the Revolutionary war, as is by him stated in the above declaration, and that he was always a faithful Soldier and is a man of good character for veracity.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
In Open Court - David Pyle Clerk
his Juris X Tallman mark

John G Bogert, being Duly sworn doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with John Vanhouter in the revolutionary war that he knows him to have served for five months in a Company Commanded by Capt James Smith as is by him stated in the above Declaration and from a long acquaintance with him, knows him to be a man of good character as to veracity.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year afore said.
In Open Court
David Pye Clerk
John G Bogert
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 applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that they are personally acquainted with Tunis Ballman and John G Bogert, who have signed the preceding certificates, and verily believe them to be credible persons and that their statements is entitled to credit. The court further certifies that all the above were in Open Court, and that the annexed certificate of Matthew Conklin was also read in open court.
Per Curiam
David Pye Clerk
I David Pye, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in the county aforesaid, Do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of John Vanhouter for a pension.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this twenty seventh day of November, 1832.
David Pye

Declaration of John Reinhouen

State of New York Westchester County S.S. Personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the peace of said County Mathew Carmlin And being duly sworn saith that he served in Capt Jonathan Lawrence's Company and in Col James Malcom Regiment for nine months in the year 1880 and was stationed most of the time at Fort Stanwix and that John Van Houten of the Town of Clarkson in the County of Rockland was enlisted for nine months in Capt Jonathan Lawrence's Company And in Col James Malcom Regiment and served the said nine months at the time this Respondent served aforesaid and that this Respondent and the said John Van Houten was regularly discharged At the same time at Fort Stanwix aforesaid
Subscribed and sworn this 28 th  before day of November 1832 me Gilbert Oakley Justice of the peace
Mathew this Carmlin mark
This is to certify that the above named Mathew Carmlin is of good moral character and a credible person according to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Gilbert Oakley Justice of the peace
Nathaniel Bayles Clerk of the County of Westchester State of New York do certify that Gilbert Oakley Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and believe the signature subscribed to be his & genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 25 th day of November 1832
N Bayles Clerk

Declaration 21371 of John Kanhouten
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to be a formal declaration.]
agreement, every one of us was a party

State of New York Rockland County } On this twenty ninth day of July, 1833, person- ally appeared before me Cornelius J. Blanvelt, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County. John Vanhousen whom I know is the identical person who, on the twenty seventh day of November 1832 did subscribe and swear to the annexed decla- ration, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following amendment to his declaration. That hav- ing neglected to have the answers by him made to the said Court as to the first and second interrogatories prescribed by the war depart- ment, written and sent to the war department with his declaration he doth now set them forth as they were by him answered to the said Court. To the first interrogatory. That he was born in the town of Orange, then Orange, New Rockland County, on the twentieth day of May 1759
To the second. That he has no record of his age, and does not think that his father ever had a record thereof, but his information respecting his age was received from his parents and other relatives from which information he believes his age to be 73- years
That in addition to his services by him set forth in the Company whereof James Smith was Capt. in the Regiment commanded by Col n Nichol, they lay at Fort Washington until the British Army came into New York, then retreated to Kings Bridge then marched to White Plains, and lay on the hill near the place the Battle was fought, they then after the battle decided, retreated and went to Peekskill, in which five months service he was a privet.
That in his service under Capt. Bell, who while in the Militia ser- vice belonged in the Regiment commanded by Col n A. Hawkes Hay, and Gilbert Cooper was Lieut. Col n in which company he served from early in the Spring 1777 until the first of April 1778. in that service he was most of his time employed as a guard along the west shore of the Hudson River from the Slatte to Verdratia Hook a distance of about five Miles. There being a continual guard kept along said River, has been as far as Haverstraw as a guard at that place, but his Capt n residing near the Slatte he was ordered by the Col n to guard the river along Nyack, in which service he was a private and served not less than six months
That he is unable to state more fully his service under Capt. John Bell in Col n Graham's Regiment, only that he was a private

and served Nine Months as is stated in the annexed Declaration That in the Spring of the year 1779 he again, being bound to do Military duty again entered the service under the said Capt Bell, in Col n Hays Regiment and served in said company as a guard along the Nyack shore, and went as far down the river as to Sneedens landing, and to Tappan Town, and one or twice was at Haverstraw, being out nearly all the time until late in the fall of that year, and a considerable time in the winter season, in which company he was a private and served not less than six months between the first of March 1779 and the first of March 1780.
That on the first of March, he enlisted as a private for nine months in a company commanded by Capt. Jonathan Lawrence in a Regiment commanded by Col n Malcom, and they lay some time at Clarkstown some time at Nyack until the month of July when they started to Albany, then Schenectady then to Fort Stanwix and while on their March to Fort Stanwix he being on a picket guard in advance of the main army was attacked by a party of Indians and the main army coming to their relief they were saved from being taken prisoners, and while they lay in the fort their supply of provision being cut off by the enemy they was put, for some time on allowance and suffered greatly for the want of Provision —
That, he then again in the Spring of the year 1781 again entered the service as a private under Capt John Bell, Gilbert Coppers then commanded the Regiment and served therein two and three weeks at a time as a guard along the river until the News of Peace arrived the exact time he cannot recollect, but according to the best of his recollection he did not serve less than four months.
And by reason of age and being for several years severely afflicted with much pain occasioned by a fall that I have been unable to move but by the help of sticks, my memory is so much impaired that I am unable more fully to set forth my services and having faithfully served my country during nearly the whole Revolutionary war, being so much engaged therein, that I could not have any time to perform any civil pursuit, and for the above recited services of thirty nine months services I claim a pension sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me
Com d J. P. Blauvelt Judge. John Sackett

We William Palmer a Clergyman, residing in the town of Clarkstown and John Lydacker in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John 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, and we concur in that opinion sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.
Con. J. Blauvelt, Judge.
William Palmer John Lydacker
I, Con. J. Blauvelt Judge, as aforesaid hereby certify that it appears to me that William Palmer who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Clarkstown, and that John Lydacker who has also signed the same, is a resident of the same place and is a creditable person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I do further certify that the Interrogatories prescribed by the war Department were all satisfactorily answered by John Vanhouten at and before the Court of Common Pleas in said County, on the twenty seventh day of November last past, and of which said Court I was one of the Judges.
Con. J. Blauvelt, Judge.
I, David Pye, Clerk of the County of Rockland, hereby certify. — That Cornelius J. Blauvelt, Esq., who has taken the deposition of John Vanhouten, the applicant, to his amended declaration, and the deposition of the Rev. William Palmer, and John Lydacker, was, on the day of the date thereof, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Rockland, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorised to take depositions and acknowledgments. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe that the signature of Con. J. Blauvelt subscribed to the same is Genuine and that the papers of John Vanhouten are in the same condition in which they passed the Court, on the twenty seventh day of November, 1832, and that the amended declaration, and additional testimonies, are now added annexed to them —

No. 21.371
John Vanhouten Rockland County New York
R. J.
Wills of Col. Mathew Capt. Lawrence Susp.?
adm d
David Pye Agt. Clarkstown P.O. Rockland co. N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 28 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, showing the Service of John Vanhouten Rockland County N.Y.
   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.     Enlis 1776 5 Private Capt. Smith Col. Nicoll To N.Y. to Kingsbridge 73 years Living Milneses.   " 1777 6 " " Bell to White Plains Rockland County, N.Y.   " 1778 9 " Lt. Tallman Col. Grahams to Peekskill   " 1779 6 " " From Closter to Haverstraw   " 1780 9 " Capt. Lawrence Col. M'Lean Crossed Hudson River to White Plains to Red Bridge Penna   " 1781 1 " Capt. Bell Major Hughes marched to Tappan to Allamuchy to Schenectady to Mohawk River to Fort Schuyler to Fort Stanwix  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
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 _____
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 (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 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.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Danile G. Davidson Exams Clerk

Rev. John Van Kanten New York Suspended act 7 Jan '32 letter 26 Oct 1833
To
D. Tye

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by M. Rice
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. 24763
Claimant John Van Houten
Soldier or Van Houten
Service Continental and N. Y.
Additional Service  Rev. War
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 191 _____
No. _____ claim, combination records _____, 191 _____
REMARKS:
no Ref. or Surv. other than above.
MAR 30 1911

Sept. 11
Mr Van Hook Wynona
24763
James L. Edwards Esq 4 Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Mechanics' Bank.
New York Sept 9 th 1835.
Sir.
Vouchers have been presented to me by the attorney of John Van Houten of Rockland County a private at $80 per Ann for payment of his pension now due, John T. Blanch Justice of the Peace for said County is the Magistrate before whom the pensioner appeared for identification &c; the signature of Van Houten both to the Certificate of Identity & the Power of Attorney were (as the Attorney states) made by & in the handwriting of the said Justice. Payment was of course refused.
I state these circumstances with the view to enquire whether it is not proper to suspend the pensioner, and also whether I can with propriety hereafter, in your estimation, attach any faith or credit to the acts of said Justice.
It is much to be regretted that means cannot be afforded us by the War Department for testing the signature of pensioners. I am very respectfully &c.
James L. Colwards Esq e
W m Fleming Pres'd't per 35

5/15/28
Mr Van Klief
24/53
To Hon. Blankton 25 th Street
J L Edwards Esq r Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City 

Clarkstown Rockland County September 24 1835
Dear Sir I enclose you this Letter It appears from what I can ascertain that the power of Attorneys Drawn by me for the pensioners Will not be accepted of in the pension office in the City of New York Nor at Washington Since the one of John Van Houten I Now Although A Stranger to you State the Case as it is I received a few Lines to call and make out a power of Attorney for Mr Vanhouten to draw his pension as I formerly had Mr Vanhouten an aged man cannot write So well as he has done he forgets the Letters I have been to make them Out on a different paper which he wrote after. This Last time I told Him it would be the best for him to write his name as long as he could He took the pen and said he would try but it being the same as before and I being in a great hurry having other business to attend to assisted His hand in writing his name he at the Same time having hold of the pen. Now Sir that is all i have done and it is the only Case I ever did assist pensioners in writing their Name I then thought it Would answer the Law I have seen and heard in certain Cases where The Like was done in assisting persons in writing their Names And I Now Solemnly Declare unto you that what I have done i have done It innocently I did not Intend practicing any fraud on the Bank nor the Department and I trust I may be the Last man in The County of Rockland who that would do an act Like it Wilfull I have been in public business nearly five years and am willing To Leave my Conduct with all those who know me. The profits Arising from pensioners in making out power of Attorneys Is not At all my intention of writing to you I want to Satisfy you that I am not guilty of any wilfull act for which I am Suspended please to write me a Letter If the above Statement Will Satisfy you of my innocence, and If not write to me What more is required in order to remove my Suspension
Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
J L Edwards Esq
John T Blanch
N.B. I was in the pension office Last week and they informed me by writing a Letter to you would they believe restore me to right again. He

Nov 14 Jno Van Horn
My Dear
24763
Friend
My dear Noo 11 th
Dear
James L. Edwards Compt. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Nyack Rockland County Nov 10 th 1835
Hon d Sir
Inclosed I send you the power of Attorney to draw my fathers John Vanhouten Pension with the accompanying Affidavits for your inspection, if they will answer please to send them to the Agent for paying pensions in the city of New York where I will call to receive the pension, if they are not satisfactory - please to return them to directed to Mr. Post Master at Nyack with directions what more is necessary to be done.
J. L. Edwards Esq e
Your ob t Servant
John Van Houten

State of New York } p
Rockland County } On this tenth day of November, A.D. 1835, personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a justice of the peace in and for said county, Peter Smith, John Lydacker, and John Lemarest, residents at Nyack, in said county, who being each respectively sworn, according to law, did depose and say, that they are perfectly well acquainted with John Vanhouten named in the Pension Certificate copied in the annexed power of Attorney, and the identical person named therein, and have been personally acquainted with him, the two first, for many years past, the last for some time, being residents in his immediate neighborhood, that the said John Vanhouten has always had the reputation of a perfect honest man, and just in all his dealings, and do not believe that the said John Vanhouten would knowingly defraud the Gen d Government or any other person.
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me
John Stagg Justice Peace
Peter Smith John Lydacker John Lemarest
I, John Stagg, the Magistrate aforesaid, do certify, that I am personally acquainted with Peter Smith, John Lydacker, and John Lemarest, the above deponents, and know that they reside in the immediate neighborhood of the said John Vanhouten, and know them to be men of unblemished reputation, whose affidavits are entitled to the fullest credit, and am also acquainted with the said John Vanhouten, and know him to be of unblemished reputation.
John Stagg

State of New York } ss
Rockland County } ss
On this tenth day of November, 1835, personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of the peace, John Vanhou-ten, the Pensioner named in the Pension Certificate of which the annexed is a copy, who being duly sworn according to law, did depose and say, that on the day of the drawing signing his first power of Attorney, in Septem-ber last, he being on that day very infirm and his hand very unsteady that John T. Blanch was requested by him to assist in writing his name, which was done, both having held of the pen, that he had no intention to defraud, and did not think he was doing wrong.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me
John Vanhou-ten
John Stagg Justice Peace

(Under Act of 7th June, 1832.)
State of New-York, Rockland COUNTY, } ss.
Be it Known, That before me, John Stagg a justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared John Vanhouten and made oath, in due form of law, that he is the identical person named in an original Certificate, in his possession, of which (I certify) the following is a true copy:
WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIMS.
I Certify, That in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th of June, 1832, John Vanhouten of the state of New York who was a Private in the Revolutionary War
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable, semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every year.
GIVEN AT THE WAR OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES, this 20 th day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven
(L. S.)
Examined and Countersigned
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
Lewis Cass Secretary at War.
That he now resides in the town of Clarkstown in said County and has resided there for the space of Forty years last past and that previous thereto he resided in the town of Orange in said County
SWORN and Subscribed before me, this 10 th day of November 1835
John Vanhouten
John Stagg
J. Peace.
Know all Men by these Presents, That I, John Vanhouten of Clarkstown a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, do hereby constitute and appoint John Vanhouten Junr. my true and lawful Attorney, for me, and in my name, to receive from the Agent of the United States for paying Pensions, in the City of New-York, my Pension, from the fourth day of March 1835 to the fourth day of September 1835
WITNESS my hand and seal, this tenth day of November 1835
Sealed and delivered in presence of
John Stagg
John Vanhouten
State of New-York, Rockland COUNTY, } ss.
BE IT KNOWN, That on the tenth day of November 1835 before the subscriber, a justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared John Vanhouten above named, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, the day and year last above mentioned.
John Stagg Justice Peace
N. B. The deposition, as well as the Power of Attorney, must be signed by the Pensioner; and every interlineation, erasure, or alteration of a word or figure, must be noted, in due form, by the Magistrate.

Jan 14 M c owan Hanley My wife
Black December 8 January Hon. Free
James L. Edwards Compt. of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Dec. 20 th 1835
Hon d Sir
At the request of Mr Vanheuten I inclosed send you the papers in his case with the duplicates, if they now will answer please send orders to the agent in New York for paying pensions to pay the same, if still deficient please to return them to him or me with the deficiency noted.
I remain Respectable &c
Your Humble Servt
David Pyle
Hon d J. L. Edwards

State of New York
Rockland County ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county John Tice of the County of Bergen and State of New Jersey aged 68 years who being duly sworn saith he is personally acquainted with John Vanhouten of the County of Rockland and State of New York who has applied for a pension under the Law of June 7 th 1832 who on his oath deposes and saith that he has a perfect recollection of serving with the said John Vanhouten as fellow soldiers in the war of the Revolution for the full term of six months under Capt Jonathan Lawrence in Col. Dabois Regiment then stationed in the now County of Rockland from which place they went to Albany from thence to Fort Plain where the Regiment was stationed for sometime from which place they were marched to Fort Stanwix where we were stationed for some time - performing guard duty at each and every place - from Fort Stanwix the company was marched to Albany at which place to the knowledge of the deponent the said John Vanhouten was Honorably discharged
The deponent further saith at the time he entered the company of the said Capt Jonathan Lawrence the said John Vanhouten above mentioned was at the time a soldier in said company then stationed in now Rockland County
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 28 th day of December 1833
John Tice
John T. Blanch Justice
I John T. Blanch do hereby certify that John Tice who has sworn to the above affidavit is a man of veracity whose statement is entitled to credit
John T. Blanch Justice

State of New York Rockland County
Personally appeared before the Subscribers a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Van- houter of the town of Clarkstown in said County who being duly sworn saith that he is the same John Vanhouter who on the 27 th day of November 1832 made a Declaration in open court then sitting and is the same John Vanhou- ter who made an amended Declaration in the latter part of July or the first of August 1833 before Cornelius Blauvelt a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas which papers are now placed on file in the pension office for want of two witnesses who must set forth the time of the claimant entering the Service. The time and manner of his leaving the same — This deponent since receiving the letter sent to D Pyle Esq r and signed by J L Edwards Commissioner of Pension has bestowed more thought and reflection on the subject, he has endeavoured to repeal his memory with the history of the times by which he has discovered his error in setting forth in his first Declaration that he served nine months in Col. Malcoms Regiment
The Regiment to which Capt. Jonathan Lawrence belongs and of which company the deponent was a private for the full period of nine months was commanded by Col. Dubois — The error was created in this wise the Regiments of Col. Malcom & Col. Dubois went up together. Col. Malcom acted as commandant of the two Regiments which occasioned the mistake — John Tiso, Henry Looper who were in the same company with himself — He hopes to obtain their depositions to corroborate with his statement that he served in Capt. Jonathan Lawrence company in a Regiment commanded by Col. Dubois, together with any other proof he may be able to find Subscribed and sworn to before John Vanhouter me this Thirteenth day of Dec r 1833 Percy Smith Justice of Peace

State of New York Rockland County } S. David Pyle, Clerk of the county of Rockland, hereby certify that Peter Smith before whom within amended declaration of John Kanhouten was sworn, and John T. Blaneh, before whome the annexed affidavit was John Tice was sworn, and whose certificate is thereunto subscribed are Justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that the respective signatures subscribed thereto is the genuine signature, of such Justice.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office, this tenth day of January, 1834.
David Pyle

State of New Jersey Bergen County ss
Personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said county Henry Cooper of the same place aged 72 years who being duly sworn saith that he is personally acquainted with John Vanhouten of the county of Rockland in the State of New York who has applied for a pension under the Law of June 7 th 1832 who on his oath deposeth and saith that he has a perfect recollection of serving with the said John Vanhouten in the war of the Revolution as fellow soldiers for the full period of six months in a company command- ed by Capt Jonathan Lawrence in Col. Deboice Regt. Stationed in the county of Rockland for sometime from there they went to Albany from which place they were marched to Fort Plain here we were stationed for sometime from which we were marched to Fort Stanw- ix here we were stationed performing guard duty at each and every place as above stated - from Fort Stanwix we were marched to Albany performing at which place to the knowledge of the deponent the said John Vanhouten was Honorably discharged Sworn & subscribed before me } Henry J. Cooper this 28 th day of December A.D. 1833
Col. J. Westervelt Justice of the peace
State of New Jersey, County of Bergen ss; I Abraham Westervelt Clerk of the county of Bergen Clerk of the inferior court of common pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that Cornelius J. Westervelt Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Oath of the above affidavit of Henry Cooper was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned & sworn; & further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice and verily believe that his signature to said Oath is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 27 th day of December A.D. 1833. J. Westervelt, Clerk.
Turn over

I do hereby certify that Henry Cooper who has sworn and subscribed to the within affidavit is a man of credit and fully entitled to belief.
Connelly. Westport B. I.

State of New York Rockland County
I David Pyle Clerk of the County of Rockland Do hereby certify that Peter Smith before whom the Affidavit of John Vanhouten amended Declaration was taken And John J. Blanche Before whom the Affidavit of John Tiso was taken where at the Date thereof Justices of the peace Duly Sworn and commissioned in and for said County and I further certify that I am acquainted with the Hand writing of said Justices and hereby Believe their Signatures Genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office this _____ day of _____ 1934