Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,169, John J Van Eps, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Van Eps, John J.
8 17 169
CONTENTS
Carded

New York N o . 24.957
John J. Van Eps of Schenectady Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt. commanded by Col. Wm. Keep. in the N. York Troops line for 11 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York - at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25. day of March 1834 and sent to Hon. J. Crammer M.R.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1834- 109.98 Semi-ann. allowance ending 6 Sept. " 18.33 $128.31
{ Revolutionary Claims Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk Book E, Vol. 4 Page 88
A.B. shows death "death" Rep Dec. 1841
176 A

1985 17
In the matter of the application of
John J. O'Gros for a pension —
No 78 to the care of Giles F. Yates Esq. Schenectady N.Y.

State of New York County of Schenectady ss 3
On this twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred & thirty two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County, now sitting, John J. Van Eps a resident of the Town of Rotterdam in said County & State, aged Eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 -
He was born in the City of Schenectady then township in the County of Schenectady in the State of New York on the twentyfourth day of October 1751 - He has no record of his age except in his father's family Bible & in the Register of Baptisms of the Dutch Church in the City aforesaid When he was called into the service of the United States in the army of the revolution, he was living in a part of said township called the Bowland, and since the revolutionary war, he has lived in the same place and he now lives in the Town of Rotterdam aforesaid - He entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
In the year 1775, he was enrolled in the Company of Minute men commanded by Captain John Mlynbus in the Regiment whereof Abraham Wimple was Colonel and served in the same until the year 1777 when he was attached to or enrolled in the Company of Militia commanded by Captain Abraham Oothout in the said Regiment

His other officers in the first named company were Lawrence Myndert & James H. Peck. Lieutenants & Abraham D. Truax En- signs - In the Company of Abraham without aforesaid his other officers were John Roseboom & Nicholas Barhydt Lieutenants, Cornelius T. Van Santvoord Ensign. His field officers Abraham Curtis & Myndert Wemple Majors. In the year 1776, he was with the troops that took Fort Johnson. In the year 1777, he was ordered to Fort Edward & performed duty at that post and the other posts in that vicinity with the troops under Generals Schuyler Arnold & Gates until and after the surrender of Bur- goyne, and he served with the detachment that escorted Burgoyne to Albany. Previous to this campaign & during the remainder of said war, he was out on numerous tours of duty, the precise periods of which & the length of time he served in each he cannot specify. It is well known that alarms were very frequent, & that detachments of militia were called out continually, as there were no regular forces in the vicinity of Schenectady or even along the frontiers west of that place to guard them. He has performed garrison duty sundry times at Fort Edward, Forts Plain Plank & Hunter. He was in the different campaigns when the Mohawk's country was laid waste & also when Ballston was burnt by the enemy, & to Beekmantown & other places.
If he should be required to say how long in the whole he served in these different tours & expeditions expeditions, he can honestly say for twelve months

He has marched & performed duty at Albany under Col. Mynkoop for nine months, also at Skene- sborough with artificers, which nine months are in addition to the twelve months above stated. THE FOLLOWING are the names of some of the regular officers whom he knew, or who were with the troops where he served, and such continental and militia regiments or companies with which he served, or as he can recollect, viz: Col. Wemple, Genl. Schuyler Genl. S. L. Gates & others and this claimant further declares that in addition to the twelve months above specified, he served for eight months at Skene- sborough in a company of artificers commanded by Capt. Jacob Noorman. He never received any written discharge from the service.
He has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except those whose depositions are hereto annexed.
The following are the names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution, to wit: Simon H. Groot & Cornelius L. Van Sartvoord
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first aforesaid
John S. Noorman
Clerk.
John S. X this Van Eps mark

State of New York § County of Schenectady § ss.
On this Twentieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County now sitting —
James W. Ryley president of the City of Schenectady — in the County Schenectady — who being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he was in the time of the revolutionary war and is now well acquainted with John J. Van Eps who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration; that this Deponent knows the said John J. Van Eps that he served in the Regiment Commanded by Col Abraham Wemple, and also remembers in particu- lar to have seen him on duty at Stone Arabia, and always was considered a good & faithful Soldier — Sworn in open Court the day & year aforesaid
James W. Ryley
John S. Voorhies — Clerk

State of New-York, County of Schenectady } ss.
On this Twentieth day of October one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of common Pleas in and for said County now sitting Simon A. Groot a resident of the City — of Schenectady in the County of Schenectady who being duly sworn, doth depose and say, that he was in the time of the revolutionary war and is now well acquainted with John J. Van Eps who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration; that this Deponent served in the same Company with said John J. Van Eps in the year 1775 at Lake George to wit in the Company commanded by Captain Jacob Treeman being a company of artificers for the term of about six months Further that said John J. Van Eps served in the year 1776 at Skeneborough for about eight months in the same Com- pany, and also that said John J. Van Eps served at Coeymans in the same Company for the term of about eight months.
Simon A. Groot
Sworn in open Court The day & year aforesaid
John S. Woodman Clerk

State of New York Schenectady County ss.
John Selhoff of the town of Camillus in the County of Onondaga, being duly sworn and exam- ined, doth depose and say, that he is well acquainted with John J. Van Eps of the town of Rotterdam in the County of Schene- ctady, an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, that he this de- ponent knew said John J. Van Eps in the time of the revolutionary war, and knows that he was a private in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain John Mynderse in the Regiment whereof Abraham Wemple was Colonel during the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy- seven & was afterwards attached to Captain Abraham Dothout's Company in said Regiment and served therein to the termina- tion of said war - this Deponent being a member of a different Company in said Regiment, did not become personally acquaint- ed with all the services of said John J. Van Eps, yet remembers that said John J. Van Eps performed military duty at the

following places: viz, at Schoharie, Stone Arabia, Cobleskill, Helderberg, Pater- ton & that Hunter, yet verily believes that said John J. Van Eps faithfully served his country during the whole of said war.
Given & subscribed this 24th day of August 1832 John De Graff mark Wm Strong J.P.
I William Strong Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Schoharie do hereby certify that on the twenty- fourth day of August one thousand eight hundred & thirty-two, personally appeared before me John De Graff who has signed the foregoing deposition and made oath that the facts set forth in said deposition are true & correct, and I further certify that said John De Graff is well known to me to be a man of credibility & that his statements are entitled to credit. Wm Strong J.P.
State of New York County of Schoharie ss. On this day personally appeared John J. Van Eps, known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing deposition, and acknowledged that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 24th day of August 1832 J. B. D. Vrooman Clerk

of the date thereof, and is now a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, and the signature of the said W. M. Strong is his genuine signature. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office this twenty fifth day of August, one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two.
John S. Vrooman Clerk
State of New York County of Schenectady } Clerk's office } ss
I, John S.
Vrooman Clerk of said County, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said County, do hereby certify that James V. S. Ryley and Simon A. Groot who subscribed and swore to the foregoing depositions before me in open Court at the time thereof appeared to said Court and I hereby certify them to be men of the first respectability and that their statements are entitled to the fullest credence and belief.
Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court & County, this thirtieth day of November
1833.
John S. Vrooman Clerk

WE Simon A. Groot residing in the City of Schenectady in the county of Schenectady aforesaid, and Cornelius L. Van Santvoord residing in the same place — John J. Van Eps who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be Eighty one 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.
Subscribed and sworn the } day and year aforesaid }
John J. Nooma Clerk.
Simon A. Groot Corn. L. Van Santvoord
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 Simon A. Groot & Cornelius L. Van Santvoord who signed the above certificate are residents of said City of Schenectady , and are both — credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
John J. Nooma Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of Schenectady do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John J. Van Eps for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this seventeenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty- two .
John J. Nooma Clerk.

No 19857
John J. Van Cops Schenectady 6 N. York
e. j.
Publication Dec 22 88
Admitted Parrot 11 months
Hon J. Crum Home Ritz N.Y.
Giles F. Yates age Schenectady N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjuncted notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of John J. Van Eps Schenectady 6 th 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.     Enrolled 1770 Munroe Man all at Schenectady to 1776 Private Cap Myn dine Col Dren field Regt Age 81 Schenectady Jas V. J. Ryely   He can testify say he served three months Artificer Cap B. Th. 1 st Regt Genl Smith Maj Smith Fla. & Pa. Bowland 6 th N.Y. Simon A. Grover as to 22 on the   He can testify say he served three months Artificer 1 st Regt as of P. & K. Genl Schuyler Genl Clinton St. Plank St. Hunter In o Dr. Grover in the whole war.   He can testify say he served three months Artificer 1 st Regt as of P. & K. Genl Clinton Genl Gates Beauvoir Traditional   He can testify say he served three months Artificer 1 st Regt as of P. & K. Genl Myn Genl Brown Skaneateles on   He can testify say he served three months Artificer 1 st Regt as of P. & K. Genl Brown  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
No claim for service as an Artificer can be allowed except under an enlistment in the Continental Army.

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 —————; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
No claim for service not specified in the manner indicated above under note a can be allowed

May 9, 1932
BA-J/MLB
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
JOHN J. VAN EPS
S. 17169
Mr. K. B. Schotte Grieme Lumber & Supply Company Amsterdam, New York
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of May 2, relative to John Van Eps, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 17169, based upon the military service of John J. Van Eps in the Revolutionary War.
He was born October 24, 1751, in Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York.
While living in a part of the township of Schenectady called Bowland, he enlisted in the spring of 1775 and served on numerous tours until the end of the war, amounting to more than three years in all, as a private in the New York troops, under Captains John Mynderse, Abraham Oothout, Jacob Vrooman, Taunis Bradt, Van Slyck, Jellis Fonda; Major Hale; Colonels Abraham Wemple, Isaac Vrooman, Wynkoop and Yates. During his service he was with the troops in January, 1776, that took Sir John Johnson.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 20, 1832, while a resident of Rotterdam, Schenectady County, New York.
There are no family data on file.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

KUNO B. SCHOTTE, PRESIDENT & TREASURER
JOHN P. NELSON, VICE PRESIDENT
CHARLES L. NILES, SECRETARY
GRIEME LUMBER & SUPPLY CO.
PLANING MILL MANUFACTURERS OF DOORS, SASH, BLINDS & BRICK
OFFICE, YARD & MILL, FOOT OF ERIE ST. PHONE 112
AMSTERDAM, N.Y., May 2, 1932
Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pension , Revolutionary War Section, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Referring to your letter of the 29th. ulto. would say that John Van Eps was baptized 1751, he died in 1839 and was the son of Jacob and Margarita Peek Van Eps, and lived either at Schenectady or Glenville, N.Y. all of his life.
Yours very truly,
K. B. Schotte

1932-May 7 Hist. to N.B. Schott B
17. 169 INVALID.
File No. 17. 169
John J. Brennan Br. Geo. W. W.
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 448
[Arrangement of 1870.]

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions -

Schenectady Mar. 17. 1834
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions Sir
In your communication (dated the 4 th inst) to the Hon. John Cramer of the House of Representatives, you state in reference to the claim of John C. Van Eps , that on a relinquishment by him of all claim under the act of 4 th June 1832 for revolutionary services except for eleven months , a pension will be granted for that term.
Mr Van Eps has signed such relinquishment & the same is herewith returned to you together the other papers in his case.
I have the honor to be your Ob t serv t
J. H. H.

John J. W. Eps 2 d Supplement All.
1834.
J. J. W. Eps
out British island

State of New York County of Schenectady
ss }
John J. Van Eps the applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. Doth swear
1. mo.
that in the year 1776. in the winter of that year he was engaged at least one month as a soldier in guarding the City of Schenectady and Also this deponent further says that in the year 1777 in the Spring of the year he was engaged on like duty as aforesaid for the
2 m.
Term of two months and that in the year 1778 during the months of March April May and June making a period of four months at least one half of which time he was
2 mo.
on actual duty as a guard to the City of Schenectady being two months and further that in the year 1779. in December and January of 1780 he was also on guard at Schenectady
2 mo.
for the further period of two months and further that in the year 1780 he was also engaged as a guard at the City of Schenectady in the months of July August and September
3 mo.
and further that in the month of January in the year 1783. he was also engaged as
1 mo.
a guard to the said City of Schenectady and this deponent further says that Captain John Meydence had the command at the City of Schenectady part of the time and
Major Wimple and Walter Swits part of the time And this deponent therefore submits to the Honorable the War Department whether he ought not to be allowed for the time above

specified. And this deponent further says that he was attached to the Continental line or State Troops during the several periods which he served during the war of the Revolution as an artificer and that his services were not on any civil contract but were performed in pursuance of a martial engagement that he was subject to be put under arms at the option of the officers in command and for further particulars I refer to my original declaration and to my supplemental deposition. And I this deponent further say that according to the best of my recollection and belief Simon Brads was a Captain in the Continental line and I believe that Jacob Vrooman was a Captain in the State Troops or in the Continental line. I do therefore claim that it appears from this deposition and from my said declaration and my supplemental declaration or affidavit that the period which I performed duty in the army of the Revolution one way and another amounts to more than three years and I have not the slightest hesitation in declaring under my corporal oath that if I could recollect all my services to my Country during said war it would exceed that period and I do therefore claim and insist under my oath aforesaid that I am entitled to a pension of and for the full period of two years and with the purest consciousness of my own right I submit to the Honorable the Officers of the War Department whether I am not entitled to such pension as aforesaid under the act by virtue of which my claim is founded.

Sworn before me in Open Court of Schenectady Common Pleas January 22 d 1834 John T. Mooman Clerk.
John J. Van Eps
I certify the foregoing to be a part of the proceedings had in said court in the matter of the application of John J. Van Eps for a pension - Witness my Hand & Seal of Office the day & year last aforesaid -
John T. Mooman Clerk
State of New York } County of Schenectady } ss
I John J. Van
Eps above named who have subscribed & sworn to the foregoing deposition, do swear that I am the identical applicant for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, therein named, and also named in the original proceedings & supplemental affidavit, of which said deposition is amendatory, - and I hereby renounce and relinquish all claim under said act for revolu- tionary services, except for Eleven months and claim a pension under said act.

for Eleven months services only
Subscribed & sworn This 14 th day of March } John S Van Eps 1834, before me Stephen A. Daggett Commissioner of Deeds &c.
State of New York County of Schenectady Clerk's Office
J. Elias F. Yates
Deputy Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Stephen A. Daggett before whom the foregoing In- strument has been sworn to, was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner to take affidavits &c in said Court, & that his signature above written is genuine.
Witness my hand & Seal of Office This fourteenth day of March 1834.
J. H. W. S. Deputy Clerk
2114

John J. Van Eps
Supplemental affid'ts
This declaration should
be made in open court

State of New York } County of Schenectady } ss.
John A. Van Eps of the town of Rotterdam in said County, aged Eighty-Two years and upwards being duly sworn, do depose and say, that I am the same person who has subscribed and sworn to the declaration herunto annexed under the act of 7 th June 1832 - that I cannot by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, swear positively as to the precise length of my different tours of service in the war of the revolution, nor to all the particulars of such service; but according to the best of my recollection I served not less than the periods mentioned below in the grade of a private soldier. In the Spring of the year 1775, I enlisted in a Company of artificers commanded by Captain Jacob Vrooman, and served therein for the full term of six months at Lake George. I enlisted & served in the year 1776, commencing in the Spring of that year, in the same Com- pany of Captain Jacob Vrooman for the term of Eight months at Skeneateles- ough. I also enlisted & served for the term of nine months at Coeymans in Cap- tain Funis (Bradt's) Company of artificers. My employment while in these several Com- panies, consisted in erecting fortifications, pre-

faring materials therefor - in making can- non Carriages, & boats & other articles for the use of the American army. My service at Coeymans as aforesaid I believe was rendered in the year 1778, under command of Colonel Mynkoop, & while engaged at Skeneborough & Lake George I remember that one Major Hale & Colonel Yates had the Command.
In the month of January 1776 I marched with a detachment of militia from said Regiment & accompanied by said Colonel & my Captain John Mynduse aforesaid to Albany where we waited for the troops from Claverack & elsewhere to march to Johnstown which we did & there captured Sir John Johnson & his ten- ants & dependants. In this expedition I was under arms fourteen days. In the fall of the year 1777 I marched with a detachment of men from said Regiment under command of my Captain Mynduse aforesaid & Colonel Wemple to wit in the beginning of the month of September & served with the northern American army until after the capture of Burgoyne & his army on the 17 th Oct r then next at Fort Edward Bemis Heights & the other posts occupied by the Americans. I then marched with the detachment that brought Burgoyne prisoner to Albany, and remained on duty at Albany nearly two days performing garrison duty & imme- diately thereafter under command of Colonel Wem- ple aforesaid I joined the detachment that recon- noitered General Poor's Brigade to Coeymans but served in this tour only a few days, that portion of said detachment which consisted of Colonel Wemple's men were ordered back. During the whole of this tour from the beginning of September 1777 I was under arms for a term exceeding

forty days - In the summer of 1778, when Brant at the head of 4 or 500 Indians & Tories laid waste the Canajoharie district, I performed garrison & field duty with the militia from Schoharie under command of Major Wemple & Capt. Coothout & Barker & was under arms on this occasion at Fort Plank for the term of thirty days, and was a part of the force engaged in burying the dead. I performed garrison duty I think in the year 1779 at the middle fort of Schoharie under Captain Myndus & Col. Isaac Vrooman for the term of fourteen days - after this tour before my return home I was drafted & pursuant thereto remained on duty at the last named fort for a term of twenty-one days or 3 weeks - when Gordon was killed & I think in 1780, I was under arms at Ballston under Captain Mynourse & Major Swift for fourteen days. I performed garrison duty (year not recollected) at Stone Arabia for at least three weeks under Captain Myndus aforesaid - Under Captain Van Slyck & Ellis J. Hondage I served as a spy for three days in company with 150 men to Beavertown & assisted in apprehending 8 prisoners. In addition performed my quota of duty in guarding Schoharie for at least two months each year for four years at least under the command of the officers aforesaid Reg- iment & Albert Mabe & Jacobus Teller & one Finlitz - and when as my six months services at Lake George aforesaid is not set forth in my original declaration I hereby relinquish the same and claim a pension for two years and six months services - and I further testify that while employed in these services I did not engage in any civil pursuit whatever but was all the time under arms -
Subscribed & sworn this 30 th day of Nov r 1833 before me John D. X Van Eps mark J. D. HERMAN Justice of the Peace
I, John L. Vrooman Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Joshua D. Hermon before whom the foregoing deposition of John D. Van Eps purports to have been taken was at the time thereof a Justice of the peace in & for said County, & that his signature thereto is genuine. Witness my hand & the seal of said County, this 30 th day of November 1833 - John L. Vrooman Clerk
+ no specification

County of Schenectady ss
On this 22 nd — day of January 1834, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County, John J. Van Eps above named who has signed the above deposition, and the said John J. Van Eps being duly sworn in open court as aforesaid, deponeth & saith that the facts set forth in said depo- sition by him signed are true & correct witness my hand and seal of office — Sworn before me
John J. Van Eps Court of Schenectady Pleas this 22 nd day of January 1834, John Vrooman Clerk