Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18190, John G Van Vranken, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Van Kliefken, John L.
W. 18190.
Betty
CONTENTS

1889 May 17 th New Certificate of Natu- -fication issued -
5.221
New York, Albany Mary Ann Blanken, also known as the widow of John G. of the State of N.Y. who was a Lieut in the by Captain [blank] of the by [blank] in the Revolution time for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 60 Dollars per annum, to commence on the March, 1831 & close 1 st Decr 1839.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of April 1853 and sent to A. Ray
Present
Recorded by Book [blank] Vol. [blank] Clerk, Page 360
Revolutionary { Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd

V1481
At 60
Selty Van Frankin widow of
John G. Van Frankin
Getty Van Frankin died Dec 1 1839
Adam J. Van Frankin
Harriet Yates 12 81
Abraham Van Frankin
Rebecca Fort 40 73
Surviving Children

State of New York County of Saratoga 3/8
On this Eighth day of February 1837 personally appeared before me Nicholas B. Boice one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Saratoga aforesaid Betty Van Vranken resident of the County of Saratoga town of Clifton Park and State of New York aged Eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836 That she is the widow of John Van Vranken who was a First Lieutenant in a Company of Infantry of the Militia of the State of New York which Company was commanded by Captain Manning Wischer in which Company Nicholas Van Vranken was Second Lieutenant and Horse Van Vranken was Ensign. This Company was formed from a part of the now town of Clifton Park and the town of Grafton then Albany County now Schenectady and Saratoga Counties.
And this deponent further saith that her husband John Van Vranken above named entered the Service of the United States as first Lieutenant as soon as it was as early as 1776 and there before and since as such during the War of the Revolution.

and this deponent further saith that she heard and usually believes that the Company to which her husband the said John G Van Vranken dec d afore named belonged and in which he served belonged to Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven's Regiment. And this deponent further saith the said John G Van Vranken resided in the town of then Halfmoon & Albany County now Clifton Park Saratoga County at the time he entered the service of the United States that he resided there during the War of the Revolution and until the time of his death - And Your deponent further saith that the most of her husband's services during the war of the Revolution was performed in the County where we then resided and north from the Mohawk River in the vicinity of the Canadian Lines. That she was informed and very believes that he was called out in service by general orders and orders from the commandant of the Company or the orders from the district committee, and Your deponent further saith that from the commencement of the Revolution until the close of the same the said John G Van Vranken was called into service at different times during the same at periods from two months to four or five days set as to the length of time he served the precise month and Year or days that he entered or the time he was dismissed

7 1 this defendant cannot ascertain as she has no documentary evidence in her possession whereby she can determine the same —
She further declares that she was married to the said John G. Van Braren on the sixteenth day of April the the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Six, that her husband the aforesaid John G. Van Braren died on the twenty third day of March Eighteen hundred and Eleven and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. Sworn to, and subscribed, Getty her Van Braren on the day & year above written, before — mark
Nicholas B. D. O. Judge of Saratoga County Court.
I the before named Judge do hereby certify that the above mentioned Getty Van Braren is unable to attend Court, by reason of old age & bodily infirmity and that she is a person of good moral character and also that her character for truth & veracity is good. —
Nicholas B. D. O. Judge of Saratoga County Court.

State of New York Saratoga County ss.
I Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the County of Saratoga do Certify that Nicholas B. Dye before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County. And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Judge and verily believe his signature subscribed to said affidavit and Certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal the second day of March 1837
Alpheus Goodrich Clerk

State of New York 3 Saratoga County 3
I Adiam Van Vranken resident of Clifton Park in the County of Saratoga and State of New York do hereby depose and say that I am Seventy Six Years of age That previous to and during the Revolutionary War and until the date of the death of John G Van Vranken formerly of Clifton Park, Saratoga aforesaid (Once Halfmoon Albany County) I was personally acquainted with the said John G. Van Vranken deceased, That on the 16 th day of April 1776 the said John G Van Vranken was lawfully married to Betty Van Vranken and that the said Betty has never intermarried but remains his lawful Widow
And I further depose and say that at the commencement of the Revolutionary War there was a company of Militia organized within the District where I resided that Captain Manning Vischer commanded said Company in which Company the above named John G Van Vranken was first Lieutenant Nicholas Van Vranken Second Lieutenant and Moses Van Vranken was Ensign. That said Company belonged to the Regiment commanded by Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven. That as early as 1775 the said John G Van Vranken was first Lieutenant in said Company under Captain Vischer above named and continued to serve as first Lieutenant and Lieutenant Colonel during the Revolutionary War
And I further depose and say that during the Revolutionary War and until the close of the same the vicinity in which the said Captain Vischer Company resided was much affected by Tories Indians etc and that much of the time during the three first Years of the War was necessarily devoted in defence of the Country

And I further depose and say that after my Enrollment which was in 1777. or the first of 1778 which was in the said Captain Vischer's Company as afore named I was out on several Expeditions under the said Captain Vischer in which the said John G Van Vranken (deceased) afore named served as first Lieutenant - one Expedition was at Lake George one also at Sarumy Street. one also at Saratoga and one at Fort Edward. Also was called out under the said John G Van Vranken at a great number of times on alarms, & short periods. And I further depose and say that the said John G Van Vranken was an active and efficient officer during the Revolutionary War that he was a warm friend to his Country, that he served in the Official Capacity as afore stated at all times and on all occasions, unless prevented by illness when his services were required from the commencement of the Revolutionary War until the close of the same
And I further depose and say that I have no means in my power whereby I can ascertain the precise amount of his service as to years or days. but that he served as afore stated in the Capacity as afore named during the Revolutionary War.
And that the said John G Van Vranken died in the town of Clifton Park aforesaid about twenty five years since and further this deponent saith not
Sworn & Subscribed this 11 th day of January 1837 before me J. Seth W. Higgins Justice Peace
Adm his J Van Vranken mark
J. Seth W. Higgins a Justice Peace & Com d of Peace in and for

7 1 The County of Saratoga County certify that Adair Van Vranken who subscribed and swore to the above affidavit before me on the date above named is personally known to me that he is a man of good moral character and that his character for truth and veracity stands high in the estimation of all those acquainted with him that owing to falsity of the right arm he cannot write his name. And that his statement as above is entitled to the fullest credence
C. H. W. Higginson Justice Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, }
I, ALPHEUS GOODRICH, Clerk of the county of Saratoga, Do Certify, that John M. Higgins Esq. before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature
WITNESS my hand and seal of Office, the 2 nd day of
March 183
A Goodrich Clerk

This Certifies that as appears from the Register of the Dutch Church in Schenectady, Johannes G. Van Vranken, whom I believe to be the same person referred to & described in the preceding documents as "John G. Van Vranken" ("Johannes" being the Dutch name for "John") and Gertruy Van Vranken (whom I believe to be the same person referred and described in the preceding documents as "Getty Van Vranken", "Gertruy" being the Dutch word for "Getty") that appeared as man & wife at the Baptism of their son Adam, on the tenth day of January one thousand seven hundred & seventy nine, before the Rev. Parent Kooman at that time the pastor of said Church - and I further certify that no record of the marriage of said John & Getty appears from said Register, there being a considerable hiatus in the register of marriages between the years 1775 & 1783 - or during the period of the Revolution. Given under my hand, and the seal of said Church  this seventh day of March 1837. -
Jacob Van Vechten
Pastor
I hereby certify that the above certificate to which the name of Jacob Van Vechten appears was sworn to by the said Jacob Van Vechten and subscribed the 7th March 1837 and I further certify that the above named Jacob Van Vechten is pastor of the Dutch Church above described before me G. A. D. Hall a justice of the peace in and for the County of Schenectady.

State of New York Schenectada County, Clerk's office .ss. I, Jonathan C. Burnham Clerk of said County, hereby certify, that Albert A. Vedder before whom the within affidavit purports to have been taken sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in & for said County, and that I am well ac- quainted with his hand writing & truly believe his signature subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing. Witness my hand and seal of office 7 th March Seventh in the year 1837.
Jon. C. Burnham Clerk

State of New York Schenectady County
I, B. Berck, 6 Great of Niscayuna in the County of Schenectady and State of New York On oath depose and say that I am Seventy Six Years of age that forevans and during the Revolutionary War and for some Years Since I was personally acquainted with John G Van Vranken deceased formerly of now Clifton Park in the County of Saratoga State of New York aforesaid husband of Betty Van Vranken whose declaration for a pension is to be hereunto annexed. That at the commencement of the Revolutionary War as Early as 1775 a company of Militia was in then the Town of Halfmoon now Clifton Park in which having Vrische was Captain John G Van Vranken above named was first Lieutenant Nicholas Van Vranken was Second Lieutenant and Moses Van Vranken Ensign in which Company I served as orderly Sergeant This Company belonged to Col Jacobus Van Schoon hoven's Regiment then Albany County now Sar- atoga & Albany County. The said John G Van Vranken first Lieutenant as above aluded to served as first Lieutenant in said Captain Vrische Company as above named from the commencement of the Revolution untill the close of the same
And I further depose and say that during the war of the Revolution I was at Lake George on a Campaign under the Command of the said John G Van Vranken also at Benes Heights also at Dunning Street and various other places at all of which places the said John G Van Vranken served as Lieut. Commandant or Lieutenant
And I further depose and say that the said John G Van Vranken was an active and efficient officer during the Revolution and served his Country zealously during the whole of said Revolution wherever called on

And I further depose and say that during the Revolutionary War the section of the country in which I lived and in which our Company was situated was much infested by the Enemy being contiguous to the invasion of Sir John Johnson on the West and the Canadian Borders on the North by which a great proportion of our time for the first part of the three first years of the Revolution was engaged in service of our Country
And I further depose and say that I have no means in my power to determine the length of time the said John G Van Vranken above aluded served as to months and years precise time but that the said John G Van Vranken served as afore stated in the special capacity as afore stated during the Revolutionary War at all times when called into service I am confident as I served in said Company as Orderly Sergeant during said War and that my name is enrolled on the pension list Role of the New York Agency And further this deponent
Saith no Sworn and subscribed before me this 11 th day of January 1837- Devick C Groot
I Victor Putnam one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Schenectady County that I am personally acquainted with Buck Groot who sworn & subscribed to the afore and above affidavit before me and that the said Buck Groot is a man of good moral character and of strict truth in veracity Victor Putnam justice
State of New York Schenectady County ss. Jonathan C. Burnham clerk

of said County do hereby certify that Victore Putnam before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his signature subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature.
Witness my hand and seal of office March seventh A.D. 1837
Jon. A. Burnham clerk

The People of the State of New-York,
To all to whom these Presents shall come, or may Concern,
SEND GREETING:
KNOW YE, That we having inspected the Records of our Surrogate's Court, in and for the county of Schenectady, do find that on the twelfth day of May in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred and fifty three before Stephen H. Johnson County Judge of said County, Letters of Administration were in due form of law granted (upon all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of Gitty Van Vranken late of the town of Glenville in said county, deceased,) unto Abraham Van Vranken of the town of Clifton Park in the County of Saratoga State of New York as Sole Administrator which letters have been duly recorded in our office, and still remain in full force and unrevoked. And that the said Abraham Van Vranken filed a bond as required by the Laws of this State
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, our County Judge of Schenectady county hath hereunto affixed his hand and the seal of our said court this twelfth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three
Stephen H. Johnson County Judge.
The above named Gitty Van Vranken, was the Widow of John G. Van Vranken deceased.
S. H. Johnson County Judge

In the matter of the application of Gitty Van Vranken widow of John Van Vranken deceased for a pension under the act of 4 th July 1836. ss.
The deposition of Garret Van Vranken of the town of Mayfield in the County of Montgomery in the State of New York, aged eighty years and upwards, who deposes and says, that he was enrolled in the Company of Militia commanded by Captain Nanning Fisher in the Regiment of Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven whose Regiment belonged to the military beat in which this Deponent resided, namely that in which the town of Niskayuna was then comprised. The other officers of said Company were John S. Van Vranken First Lieutenant, Nicholas Van Vranken 2 d Lieutenant & Elias Van Vranken Ensign.
That he was thus enrolled in the year 1776, and then and there became I had been before well acquainted with his first Lieutenant John S. Van Vranken aforesaid. The aforesaid Nicholas Van Vranken was the brother of this Deponent. In the spring of the year 1779 this Deponent moved to Schenectada & was enrolled in the Regiment of Colonel Abraham Wemple.
The first military expedition in which this Deponent engaged, was in the year 1777, in the spring of that year at Halfmoon point - but Deponent does not remember that his Lieutenant John Van Vranken was with him on this oc-

occasion. His second expedition was to Fort Edward, when the whole Company of his said Captain Manning's Rifles were on duty. This fort being occupied by the regular forces, the said Company lay encamped in its vicinity. The said Lieutenant John Van Vranken was in active service on this occasion, but how long he served there or remained on duty at said Fort this deponent cannot recollect or does not know for the reason that he this deponent was detailed with a part of his company to serve at Gosen's patent under command of one of the sergeants of his company named Elsworth. Afterwards he served at the different posts and passes occupied by the American army in the neighborhood of Stillwater the principal one of which was called the "Borough" - here the whole of his company under command of Captain Fisher was on duty. He was in what was termed the retreat of General St. Leger, and during the descent of Genl. Burgoyne he was all the time on duty, with said Officers. The length of this last tour was at least one month after this, this deponent has no personal knowledge of said Van Vranken's services.
In the matter re John Van Vranken Off: of Garret Van Vranken
Garret Van Vranken
On this 14 th day of February 1838, personally appeared before me the undersigned Garret Van Vranken above named, & he made oath that the facts set forth by him in the foregoing deposition are true, and I certify that he is a credible witness.
Victor Putman Justis in and for the County of Shenandoah
at Marsh

STATE OF NEW-YORK, County of Schenectady, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, SILAS H. MARSH , Clerk of the County of Schenectady, Do hereby Certify, That Nestor Bulman Esq. before whom the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to said Affidavit and Certificate is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, this Eighteenth day of December 1844.
S. Bulman Justice of the Peace  S. H. Marsh Clerk.

New York State Revolutionary Claim
Getty Van Vranken widow of John V. m
Act of 4 th July 1836.
Suspended Case

Enclosed
1. Letter of Atty & brief 2. Certif: - Copy of app't of app't as 1 st Lieutenant 3. Certificate of Court as to death of widow & names of children 4. aff't of Garnet V. Maken

✓ 1481 New York
Lydia Van Marken
Suspended - Let to
J. W. Higgins 16 Mar '35
Let to James May 26. 1837
May aft 1837
Robt - 4 Feb '36

-

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18196
Getty Van Franker Wid. of John G. Van Franker Lieut. Rev. War.
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. m , Page 296
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of New-York, { COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE.
Power of Attorney No. 4. H. Yates Albany Sept. 1852
I, DAVID P. FORREST, Clerk of the County of Schenectady, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Alex. C. Morrison Esq. whose name is subscribed to the CERTIFICATE of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed instrument and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Commissioner of Deeds for the City and County of Schenectady, dwelling in the said City, commissioned and sworn, and duly authorized to take the same. AND FURTHER, That I am well acquainted with the hand-writing of such Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate of proof or acknow- ledgment is genuine, and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, the 29 th day of Sept 185 2 .
James H. Caw  Dep. Clerk.

TO THE HON. THE COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS:
I appoint Mr. Giles F. Yates, of Schenectady, N. Y., my true and lawful attorney, with power of substitution, to prosecute before you the claim of Gitty Van Vranken widow of John G. Van Vranken for a pension under the act of 4 th July 1836.
and I hereby revoke all powers of attorney by me at any time heretofore made.
You will be pleased to allow him, or his substitute, to examine the papers on file in your office relating to this claim. Witness my hand and seal, this Twenty Eighth day of September 1852.
Abraham Van Vranken
J. P.
Signed, sealed and acknowledged before me—
Aly. J. Thomson Clerk of Dist

Getty windows of John V. Frank

State of New York County of Schenectady } ss
I, Stephen H. Johnson County Judge of said County, do hereby Certify, that at a Surrogate's Court held in & for said County, before me the said County Judge at the City of Schenectady in said County on the 29 th day of September instant it was, satisfac- torily proved to me that Getty Van Frank widow of John Van Frank , late of the town of Glenville in said County, died on the first day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine . That she left her surviving the following named Children, viz- Adam J. Van Frank , Harriet Yates wife of Andrew Yates , Abraham Van Frank , & Rebecca Fort wife of John D. Fort . That the said Adam J. Van Frank & Harriet Yates have since died, & that Abraham Van Frank & Rebecca Fort , are the only surviving Children of the said Getty Van Frank deceased, and are over twenty-one years of age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of said Court this 29 th day of September 1852
S. H. Johnson County Judge

Certified copy from minutes of apt. of John W. Barker as 1st Lieutenant Octr 1775.

State of New York } Secretary's Office } Albany Oct. 5. 1852
I certify that the following persons were appointed and commissioned officers of a Company in the Regiment of Militia in Half Moon & Ballston District in the County of Albany, whereof Jacobus Van Schoonhoven was Colonel on the 20 th day of October 1775 viz
Manning N. Visscher Captain John Van Franken 1 st Lieutenant Nicholas Van Franken 2 d Lieutenant & Maas Van Franken Ensign.
All which appears by the records of the provincial Congress of New York in this Office.
Arch d Campbell Dep Sec. of State

Schenectady May 12/ 53
Hon. S. P. Waldo Commr of Pensions. Sir.
I have been appointed Administrator of the Estate of my mother Gitty Van Branten to whom a pension has been awar- ded. Some of my Brothers & Sisters who survived my mother, have lately departed this life. I am differently advised as to the manner of my bound to distribute the pension money that may come into my hands, the laws of the U. States & of this State being in conflict. And being de- sirous of discharging my duty according to law, I beg the favor of a reply to the following enquiry -
Must I distribute said money equally among my Sisters

brothers who at present sur- vive, or must I take in as share of the distribution, the representa- tives of my deceased sisters & brothers, who survived my mother? Your reply at your earliest convenience will much oblige
Yours ob! sent
Abm Van Franken
P.S. Please address your reply to the care of
Alex r J. Thompson Esq
Schenectady N.Y.

Hon. L. P. Bradley Comm. of Pension Sir
In the case of Getty Van Vranken expressed in the within pension certificate. I now learn that it has been pending for a long time, and recently admitted on documents evidenced
It appears from the within statement that from one of the children a now advo. that two of the children named in the Pension Cert. is now advo. and he asks instructions how to act.
If you see it proper ( hope there can be  to  get no objection) to give the Cert. pay. to the administration. I should be glad, as it certainly will make the parties to loco. the amounts due under the allowances soons. & at less expense than an advo. in each case.
The instructions may be sent as requested, but - the pension Cert. I would like to receive
I remain Sir
M. G. G. G.
Alas. May
4. Mar. 18th 53

Epitr Van Frankem widow of John Act of 4 th July 1836 - 1 st Lieut. in Capt. N. Hiskins Co. Col. Van Schouhoven -
1776 & 1777 service of 6 mos - in all sworn to by contemporaneous soldiers Deitch C. Groot orderly serg - in same Company & Adame Van Frankem private Henant V. Frankem - only surviving mem- bers of said Company in 1837 -
The record proof relates to the years 1780 & 1781 - and amounts to nearly 4 mos - 10 mos - in all - 2 mos in 1778 not asked for though testified to - It ought to be good for 12 mos I think widow died in 1839 - Sec. I think - 8 years & 9 mos pay due - Certif d copy of Appt as Lieut in Oct - 1775 - power of atty to me
Filed Oct. 30 1852 -

Adam J Van Vranken
Harriet Yates
Abraham Van Vranken
Rebecca Fort

New York Dec 3/52 J. C. Heath Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir,
Alexander Ray Esq. of your City, is hereby authorized to act as my substitute in the matter of the application of Gitty widow of John Van Vranken died for a pension under the act of 4 th July 1836.
Within a few months past I filed a power of attorney in this case, & previous to leaving Washington I left a brief to be filed with the papers, giving a recapitulation of the parole proof of the service rendered by Van Vranken in the years 1776, 1777, 1778 & 1779, attested to by the surviving contemporaneous soldiers of his Company and of the record proof from the N.Y. State Records furnished by the certificates of pay for balances due in the years 1780 & 1781. I also adduced new proof from the N.Y. Secretary of State's office showing that Van Vranken was

appointed lieutenant in the fall of 1775, being previous to the period of the commencement of his alleged tours of service.
I am respectfully (Your mo: ob: Servt)
Giles H. Yates

Washington Apr. 16 th 1853
Hon. L. P. Ward. Com d of Pensions. Sir,
I am obliged to you, for your letter of the 16 th in the case of Betty Vanbrankin of New York ad 36. Widow of Lieut. John.
I beg leave to submit a summary of the case as presented to me by A. F. Gats Esq.
It is I understand alleged, that claimant husband served six months in Burgoyne expedition in 1775-76. 5 months for service in that expedition has been uniformly allowed, he drew a pension and an extra pay. Contemporary soldiers, only serving members of Capt. Fales and Lieut. John Vanbrankin company in 1757. State then they served under Lieut. V. V. P.; and Mr Gats filed on the 20 th Oct; a certified copy of applicant husband's appointment in Oct 1775 as Lieut.
I now enclose you an attested Cert. from the Compt. of New York, from the payments made to Lieut. John Vanbrankin they now indicate more service than 4 mo. claimed under the Cert. It seems to be rather a mixed service, but I think, that 12 mo. might be allowed. Ever, Sir, &c. Hope N. Y.

Getty Van Krankindeo widow of John G. adm? NY
July 4 1836
6 months Sish p 160 per annum from 1 March 1831 to 1 Dec 1839
when she died
Pay to
Adam J. Van Krankin.
Harriet Yates
Abraham Van Krankin
Rebecca Fort
Surviving Children
Cert to A May Esq Present

Brief in the case of Getty VanKraukin widow of John G. County and State of New York act July 4 1836
Claim, ("original," or " for increase ")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record of his appointment as Lieut - Payroll proof of service Documentary & payroll proof of marriage
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
A Ray Esq present
Thomasa Kiplett
Examining Clerk.

Washington
Sept 6 / 57.
J. E. Heath Esq. Comm ee of Pension Sir
I herewith present to you a letter from Giles. F. Galt Esq. requested that you might be pleased to consider me, as authorized to act in the case of Gitty Van Nranken for him.
The files of the additional widowed in the case. On the 30 th ult o . When the case comes up for examination. I have to request before it be finally decided, that I may be allowed to make some explanations in regard to the service in 1775.
I remain Sir
Your Order
Abn. Noy

Abstract of Pay & Subsistence due to Col. Jacobus Schoonhoven's Regiment of Albany County Militia for service &c. when ordered out in the Service of the United States to repel the common enemy as per Pay Rolls. viz.
   Officers Names.  Commencing.  ending.  Amount.      Lieut. John Van Vranken. No 19.  1780. Aug t 15 th  1780. Aug t 24.  £ 26: 13: 1 3 / 4    ditto. 20.  1781. Oct. 10 th  1781. Oct. 18.  £ 47: 10: 7 1 / 2    ditto. 21.  , 25 th  Nov. 4.  £ 60: 13: 3 3 / 4    (audited 15 th October 1784)  "   
Comptrollers Office
Albany Nov 10 th 1852
I certify the above to be a true extract from an original entry at page 111. Book A Audited Accounts, now on file at this office Andrew E. G. Clerk
J. C. W. H.
Comptroller
Andrew E. G. Clerk
certif o 2/
A. Ray Esq. Please use the above in the case of Gitty V s Vranken (3 d Case) The service rendered previous to 1780, was paid for. What the U. S. owed for service in 1780 & 1781, they had not the cash to pay for. Therefore they gave certificates. G. F. H.

1481
May
Elmer Smith the Act of June July 4-1836
NY ass't post Getty von Franken Act 1836
Elmer Smith N.Y. May 5. 36 Secretary of War
Genl. Sebastian Station Office
Washington D.C.

Captain Park Saratoga State of New York May 5 1837
Sir
The affidavits of Adam Van Kampen & Dutch C Groak is herewith enclosed for your examination
Every thing should still be in print You will please send me word and I will see the applicant and comply with your requisitions
I am Yours Truly
M. Huggins
for J. S. Edwards

Pension claim under the act of July 4 th 1837
Wm
Hon. Secy of War
Clifton Park N.Y. Mariana 8 th
NY Apr 5 36 3 rd Sec.
March 13. 1837
14660

Clifton Park Saratoga County March 7 th 1837
Sir Enclosed is the declaration of Betty Van Vranken Mary of John Van aged 21. all of which is left in my care to be submitted respectfully Yours. Short Suet J. W. Wiggins
Am B. F. Butts

Washington D.C. Oct. 29 th /52
Hon: J. E. Heath Commissioner of Pensions
Sir.
You will receive accompanying this note, papers relating to the claim of the heirs of Getty Van Vranken widow of John , for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832.
I have been engaged in the prosecution of this claim before, but now present a new power of Attorney, which will be found on file with the papers.
The widow declared for the revolutionary services of her husband as follows.
He was 1 st Lieutenant, or Lieutenant Commandant in the Company of Militia belonging to the Military Post in which he lived, from the 20 th day of October 1775 until the close of the revolutionary war. Point, in the company commanded by Captain Manning Fisher, of which Nicholas Van Vranken was 2 d Lieutenant and Maas (otherwise spelt Morn) Van Vranken Ensign, and in the Regiment of Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven.
I now adduce from the Records of the

provincial Congress of New York, a certified copy of the appointment of the applicant as such 1 st Lieut. on the 20 th October 1775.
The alledged services are thus detailed.
In 1776 & 1777, at Lake George, Dunning Street, Fort Edward, Stillwater, & other posts and passes occupied by the American troops while serving in the "Northern Department" so called, and in the vicinity of the Canadian lines, and in the last named year in the expedition which eventuated in the surrender of Gen l Burgoyne and his army in October - in all at least 6 months . In the expedition last named alone , the militia tours of Officers were never less than 5 months leaving one month for the service in 1776, which is short of the reality.
It has been repeatedly shown in other claims of this character for Levy and militia service, that the archives in the Comptroller's office of New York State at Albany furnish no proof of service except generally. The rule requiring proof from  cotemporaneous soldiers to has however in this case been complied with.
Derick C. Groot orderly sergeant of applicant's company testifies that appt. served at least six months in 1776 & 1777. Adam Van Vranken another cotemporary

testifies that app't served 6 months previous to the enrolment of Deponent in the spring of 1778, and at least 4 months after his enrolment (in 1779, 1780, & 1781).
When preparing the papers of Garret Van Vranken another cotemporary, I secured his affidavit for applicant, but never filed the same. I now present it for that purpose.
Garret Van Vranken belonged to the same Reg't Beat with John from 1776 to 1779 only, when he moved to the Schenectady Beat. His personal cognisance of the services of applicant is therefor limited. He testifies to his being on duty at Fort Edward & Stillwater & other northern posts, but being himself detailed from said company to serve at other posts he cannot of course specify length of the tours rendered by the applicant.
Thus all the living witnesses that could be produced have been produced in this case.
The only documentary evidence found in the Comptroller's office aforesaid, as appears from the same on file with the papers, shows a service of nearly 4 months in 1780 & 1781. It should be borne

in mind in reference to this evidence, that it shows only balances of pay due for terms of service terminating at their expiration dates , in the Levies or State Troops & Militia , (the Levies being from the militia) & by no means do they afford evidence of all the service rendered by given persons even in the years named, much less in the years previous to those which are named in the Books containing entries of those balances, to wit, for the years 1775, 1776, 1777, & 1778 . — as to those years these Books are silent — whole Regiments were paid "in the lump", they were paid , and no certificates promising pay were given. These Books contain only an account of certificates for balances due as before stated, which were given several years after the war in 1790 .
One witness swears to 2 months service in 1778. But as 10 months in the aggregate is all that is declared for, I will only urge the allowance of 10 mos service, as 1 st Lieutenant or Lieutenant Commandant.
The widow died on the 1 st Dec 1839, as will be seen by Certificate of Court herewith sent.
If further explanations are requested from me, I will endeavor to furnish them when this case comes up for adjudication. I am mo: respectfully Yours O b Serv t  Chas. H. Noble

Payable to Abraham Van Vranken, Adm r for the benefit of himself and Rebecca Post, only surviving children,
Payment to be made at Albany by J. W. Olcott Esq r Agent for paying pension- ers, in the Agency of
New York
Albany
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book I. Vol- ume I. Page 360. by
Clerk.
A Ray Present
H. R. Weightman

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 4 th July 1836, Getty Van Brantkin deceased, widow of John G. Van Brantkin who was a Lieutenant in the Revolution, was entitled to a pension, and having died on the 1 st December 1839, her only surviving children, Adam G. Van Brantkin, Garnet Van Brantkin, Abraham Van Brantkin and Rebecca Hart, are entitled to the amount at the rate of one hundred and sixty dollars per annum, from 4 th March 1831, to 1 st December 1839, when she died.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this twenty second day of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty-Will
W. L. Marcy
Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned. } J. M. [unclear]
J. M. [unclear] Commissioner of Pensions.

State of New York Schenectady County
Seventh & Great of my knowledge in the County of Schenectady and State of New York aged 77 years being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is the iden- tical Seventh & Great who made an affidavit before him Patrick one of Justices of the peace of said County in relation to the services of Lieutenant John G. Van Brunt deceased which affidavit was sworn to the claim of Betty Van Brunt his Widow of the said John G. Van Brunt. And I further depose and say, that in relation to the services of the said Lieutenant Van Brunt above named thereof I have no means in my power whereby I can determine the precise day and date of his the said Van Brunt's services but will recollect of my serving under him at Lake George also at Saratoga Street also at Fort George also at Fort Schuyler at various times during the Year 1776 and 1777 at least Six months during the two Years above named at all of the services the said John G. Van Brunt served as first Lieutenant or Lieutenant Commandant. And I further de- pose and say that from and after the Surrender of Gen- Burgoyne in 1777 at Saratoga the duty in volume or Captain Fisher's Company in which Lieutenant John Van Brunt deceased above named served as Lieuten- ant and I served as Sergeant was confined to the County of Saratoga which was then Albany County and extended to the North bounds of our State, that during said space of time the said John G. Van Brunt as above named served at least four months in actual service. And I further deposes and say that by reason of old age and consequently loss of memory I cannot recollect the precise time or extent the services of the United States as to day month or Year

on the date of our dismissal from the Service at the different periods, but that during the Revolution any time the said John J Van Vranken deceased after named Service not less than ten months in actual Service as a Lieutenant or Lieutenant Colonel in Captain Manning's Troop of Cavalry of Militia in Colonel Jacobus Van Schoonhoven's Regiment, or in the one first by him commanded in the Militia of the State of New York, and for such Service I really believe the said Jenny Van Vranken after named widow of the said John J Van Vranken deceased is justly entitled to a pension under the act of July 1836 and further the deponent saith not known and subscribed this 21 st day of April 1837 before me Derrick C Groot Notary Public Victor E Putnam
Victor Putnam one of the Justices of the peace in and for the county of Schenectady do certify that Derrick C. Groot who subscribed and swore to the above and affidavit before me on the date above named is well known to me as a man of good moral character and of strict truth and veracity Victor E Putnam

State of New York Schenectady County Clerk's Office B.S.S.
I Jonathan C. Burnham Clerk of the County of Schenectady do hereby certify that Victor Putman Esq before whom the annexed affidavit of Drick C. Groot purports to have been sworn was on the date of said affidavit a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Schenectady & duly authorized to administer oaths, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that his name subscribed to said affidavit and to the certificate of Character following is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed my official Seal the 22 nd day of April A.D. 1837
J. C. Burnham Clerk

State of New York 3 Saratoga County 31
I Adam Van Vranken resident of the town of Clifton Parks in the County of Saratoga and State of New York aged 76 years. On oath depose and say that I am the identical Adam Van Vranken who subscribed and swore to an affidavit before Seth W. Higgens one of the justices of the peace in and for the County of Saratoga in relation to the services of Lieutenant John S. Van Vranken deceased as an officer in the army of the Revolution which affidavit was attached to the declaration of Betty Van Vranken widow of the said John S. Van Vranken and forwarded in her behalf for her claim for a pension - And I further depose and say that as I before stated in the above referred Affidavit that I was enrolled in Captain Manning's Militia Company of Militia of said State in the Spring of 1778 that at my date of Enrollment the above named John S. Van Vranken was first Lieutenant in said Captain Manning's Company and served as such for an after during the Revolutionary War that in the years 1778 and 1779 I was called out to Fort Edward also to Saratoga Street also to Fort George on operations in which the said John S. Van Vranken served as first Lieutenant and Lieutenant Commandant that during said two years the said John S. Van Vranken at least two months and more and I further depose and say that from the first of the year 1780 to the close of the Revolutionary war I was called out on duty in the service of the United States as a militia man under the said Lieut Van Vranken at least two months and I generally believe more, and I further depose and say that from my own

Your knowledge of the said Lieutenant John Van Vranken? services from the year 1778. to the close of the War and also of my recollections in the history of the said John. S. Van Vranken services from the commencement of the Revolution up to the date of the time of my Enrollment being in the same of a rough acquaintance with him during that time and knowing my brother Moses serving as Quartermaster in said Company among said War I am well satisfied and really believe the said John served at least six months previous to the date of my Enrollment, and he served four months and more after my Enrollment until the close of the Revolution. All of which services the said John S. Van Vranken just served as a First or Second Lieutenant in the Com- pany & Regiment as above named. And I further depose and say that old age and consequent loss of memory prevents my giving the minute detail of the time he entered the service as to day or month and the date of his being dismissed therefrom but that he did serve the cause of his country in actual service as a first Lieutenant in the Company above named four months from the date of my Enrollment and further saith not
Sworn and Subscribed this 21 st day of April 1837
Adam J. Van Vranken mark
before me
of New York 3 rd Dist. W. H. Wiggins Justice Peace
to the County of Saratoga do hereby certify that Adam Van Vranken who subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit before me on the date above named is personally known to me as a man of good moral character and of strict truth and veracity and that I also presume his writing his name.
Seth W. Wiggins Justice Peace

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. SARATOGA COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, }
I, ALPHEUS GOODRICH, Clerk of the county of Saratoga, Do Certify, that Seth W. Higgins before whom the annexed affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper hand writing and signature
WITNESS my hand and seal of Office, the Second day of
April 183
Alphonsus Goodrich Clerk