Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File B.L.Wt. 71144-160-55, John A Van Valkinburgh, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Van Valkinburgh, John A. or Van Valkenburgh
B.L.Wt. 71144-160-55-
Sally
CONTENTS

Agnes Moul. or Moll. Act 3 d March 1855.
160 acres.
Wheeler H. Clarke. Hudson. New York. Esqy.
See Sally widow of John A. Van Valkenburgh application No 237. 612.
Agnes Moul widow of Isaac Moul or Moll Residence. From, Wheeler H. Clarke. Hudson. New York, Atty. Please attend to this in this Nov. 1857.

State of New York Resident County of... On the... day of... September one thousand eight hundred and thirty two publicly appeared in open court before the Court of assizes sitting John A. Van Valkenburgh a resident of the Town of Schoharie in the County of Schoharie and State of New York aged Seventy years of age next March who being duly sworn with deference to the oaths made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of January 21 st 1832 - That he entered the Service of the United States in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy Seven - As a Militiaman of the State of the State of New York was Captain Daniel Schoenbach - under Colonel Jacob C. Schoenbach as Major and John Brinkerhoff as Colonel and Jacob Schoenbach was drafted out and went in a company from the Town of Schoharie in the County of Schoharie when the United States were attacked by the enemy at Albany Schoenbach marched from Canajoharie to Albany where they were encamped in lines for about three weeks before the Indians that they were garrisoned at the place where not till then in the year one thousand eight hundred forty eight he was drafted to go and was ordered to guard the inhabitants and the Country in the County of Schoharie where he was in lines about three weeks at that place a picket was made around the meeting house which stood the place for a Fort when they arrived the Indians had been committing depredations and had murdered some of the inhabitants - Captain Van Valkenburgh one of the Officers - Colonel Jacob C. Schoenbach - Lieutenant Jacob Schoenbach and one officer from the City of Schoharie who seem to be and not seem to be and the other three officers were from Schoharie when he lived in Albany and from them they were marched to Schoharie as usual - Captain Woodford who was with him in company of Rangers and Scotts and and the next day after he left the camp near Schoharie he was killed by the Indians all of his company - Some after the death of him he was drafted and went in the Service of the United States from the Town of Schoharie as usual to the

The Town of Stillwater in Saratoga County where he was, contained a number of both North of them and the other side. The Militia generally went on the town. They marched by the way of Albany. They were not just. The officers were Daniel Schenck Captain. He was and at that time Schenck and Ensign Jacob Van Kinsburgh. The Field officers were General Henry Van Kleen. Major Van Buren. At Stillwater there were no regular troops at that time but the force there were all Militia. After the Battle there all discharged from Stillwater and West here. They were unarmed. Soon after he had returned home he was ordered out again by the State officers and went in the Army company to Still Water as ordered by Genl Albany, Watervliet and Albany to Saratoga where they remained a short time at Stillwater and from there marched to the City Schenectady where the Ar- my was billeted out for a short time and then they re- mained for a long time when they expected an attack from the Enemy to take the City. Was reinforced by Genl Henry Van Rensselaer and Major Van Buren and the Colonel Brinkerhoff and the other officers. All had to go to work about 7 or 8 miles and remained there at that time - after there was called from the Town of Schoharie in the fall a Winter when Captain Daniel Schenck went by the way of Albany to Schenectady and brought back 65 regular prisoners and some Tories and confined them in the Jail at Albany and General Gage went there to examine the prisoners of the regulars they were then mar- shaled to Watervliet as a place of rendezvous for that time and from there moved northward to the Town of Stillwater where the aforementioned officers Col. Brinkerhoff there. I think that there was nothing to do at that time there was many troops stationed at that place. I don't know was retained there he does not recollect. It was Colonel Brinkerhoff and which the company was at home in Schoharie every bit out of the Army they had taken a ton of clothing for him and Robbers which then invaded the place and often to go sit in a body a ton of Ensigns

all men in the night and all they found they were safe from the kind of the Volkan being full of holes all men were that he has been engaged in the town in all about the town of five or six years and then he was on duty was engaged at home - Wm. Moll Moll Isaac Moll Walter Moll -
Isaac was with him at Scholamie also at Schumadady and at Stoney Robie and at Still Water was with him at Fort Edward note at his father was, Walter was at Scholamie
The six tall lines above I read as follows. viz
"All about the town of five or six years; and when not abroad "on duty was engaged at home, James A. Moll, Stoney Stoney, "Isaac Moll Walter Moll -
"Isaac was with him at Scholamie also at Schumadady and at Stoney "Robie and at Still Water, was not with him at Fort Edward "but his father was, Walter was at Scholamie."

Set. 10. 14. Frank. Jan. 3, 1857 End
237. 612 Feb 2 Mus 55
Feb 14th Jan 1857 Sept 8th 1857 Mch. 10. (56) Sally Van Valken- burgh, widow of John A. Van Valken- burgh, dec. Pri.
Sally Widow of John A. Van Valkenburgh, Pri.
Revolutionary War
A paper inside belonging to his former application
No Papers W: 160 ac, Sept. 7/57
Spec. B. B. Dyer
James Wheeler H. Clarke Estates Hudson N.Y.
Vol V- 81

237.612. Sally Van Valkenburg widow of John A. Van Valkenburg Revolutionary died 3rd March 1856. 160 acres.
Filed by, Wheeler H. Clarke, Hudson, New York

It is presumed that you will find John H. Van Alstyne's Application for a pension under act of 7th June 1832.
The old paper mentioned came from the Pension Office in his case.

State of New York County of Columbia ss. On this 28 th day of February in the year one thousand eight hundred & fifty six personally appeared before me Wheeler Clarke a Commissioner of And in for said County and State, Sally Van Valkenburg c c c c, aged 81.75 - years a resident of Schoharie County of Schoharie & State of New York, who being first duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of John A Van Valkenburg who was a private in the war of the Revolution, and continued in actual service in said war 14 days & upwards, as she believes - That her said husband in his life time applied for a pension for his said Revolutionary services & she refers to his statement and such other evidence as may be produced. She further states that she was married to the said John A Van Valkenburg in the City of Albany in said State on the 15 th February 1798 by the Rev. Mr. Bissett a minis- ter of the Reformed Dutch Church. That her maiden name was Sally Van Denburgh. She has a record of her marriage in the fami- -ly Bible, and it was recorded in said Bible soon after the marriage - That her - (over)

said husband said John A. Van Valkenburg died at Schoharie in said County of Rensselaer on the 25 February 1841. and that she has not since intermarried but continues the widow of said John A. Van Valkenburg. She makes this decla- ration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled under the act approved on the 3 d day of March 1855 and she further declares that she has not applied for nor obtained under this or any other act of Congress any bounty land -
Sally her  X Van Valkenburg - mark
Affidavit of two witnesses - We Amos Castle & Smith Castle, residents of Schoharie County of Rensselaer State of New York, upon our oaths declare, that the forego- -ing declaration was signed & acknowledged by Sally Van Valkenburg in our presence & that we believe from the appearance & statement of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. Deponents further say that they know of their own knowledge that said John A. Van Valkenburg & said Declarant lived together as husband & wife up to the time of his death, and that said John A. Van Valkenburg is dead and that said Declarant is now a widow and the widow of said John A. Valkenburg, and was on the 3 d (February)

March 1855 was and ever since hath been and now is the widow of said John Van Valkenburgh. She are in noway interested in the claim.
Amos Castle Smith Castle
Magistrate, Certificate.
The foregoing declaration & affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day & year above written; and I certify I know the affiant to be a credible person. That the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interest in this claim. And I certify that I examined said Family Bible which is an ancient Dutch Bible printed in "1736". and the Entry therein of said marriage is as follows.
"1794. February the 15. then John & Van Valken- burgh joined in the bonds of matrimony with Sally Van Dan burch".
Wheeler A. Clarke.
Commissioner of Deeds.

State of New York County of Columbia ss. I hereby certify that Whulitt Clarke, before whom the foregoing affi- davit and declaration was made were made is & was at the time of making the same an acting Commis- sioner of Pds in & for the County & State aforesaid duly appointed & qualified & duly authorized by law to administer oaths - & that his signature to said declaration & affidavit are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my seal of office this 7th day of March A.D. 1826. D. C. Keefer Clerk

John A Vans Walthamstow
Nov 14/85
Dec 17/88

5 On demand I Promise to Pay Abraham I Wolf or Bearer the sum of Seventeen Dollars and Eight five Cents With Interest un Till Paid Schodack December 19 1818
John J Van Valkenburgh

I'm a lean leather leg Note 1815 Jan 1 st $13.82
John N. Marshall Cash Note $13.82
Mr. John N. Marshall on the within Note two dollars thirty five cents for interest the sum of $2.35

ondmand I promise to pay Callikane Schermerhorn and Philip L Schermerhorn Exors of the Estate of Cornelius L Schermerhorn Descd the sum of thirteen Dollars and Eighty two Cents
Jan'y the 11th 15 Witness John Bauwheyste
John D Van Valckenburg
received the int This Note not settled when you pay over the last Note 1817 Dec. 15 th

John H. Van Kalkenburg Note $18 Jan 13 th $12.00 for Cash Cost due in one Month
18/18 Jan 13 th on the Withno Note eight dollars $8.00

Due Johnathan Stanton or bearer twelve dollars due in one Month for Cash Lent Wadsworth January 13 th 1818
John A Van Valkenburgh

Sally Van Valkenburgh
Widow of
John Van Valkenburgh
Rev of Clinton, for
No acres of
Land.
Act of 3 rd March 1853.
237.612
From.
Wheeler H. Clarke
Andrew
New York
NY.

State of New York
County of Rensselaer ss To Abraham J. Van Valkenburg of Schoharie in said County being sworn says that he is the son of John A. Van Valkenburg, late of said town of Schoharie deceased. That his mother Sally Van Valkenburg, is said John A. widow that applied for Bounty Land for the Revolu- tionary services of his said father said John A. Van Valkenburg. That he has always understood from his said father that he served in the war of the Revolution.
That he the said John A. Van Valkenburg in his life time employed Mr. Bulkley of Kinder- hook, Columbia County New York to get him a pension under act of 7th June 1832 for his said Revolutionary services, and he thinks Mr. Bulkley undertook to & did draw his said father's declaration to get such pension. as he the said Bulkley afterwards claimed pay for his services in drawing papers for his said father to get such pension. He said father That his father in the time of the Revolution resided in Schoharie as deponent is informed and continued to reside in Schoharie until his death. Deponent is now 52 years old. The three notes hereto annexed by wafer are respectively signed by my said father. Deponent has seen said Bulkley with said father in company when they were engaged in business relating to such pension. Deponent has heard his father say he had served in the Revolutionary war Deponent has heard him say this repeatedly.
My said father died in the year 1841. Deponent further says that his said father said he served in Captain Schermerhorn's

Company. Deponent knew Captain Daniel Schermerhorn until his death, the same Daniel Schermerhorn, under whom my said Father claimed that he served in the Navy. He the said Daniel Schermerhorn resided in Schodac aforesaid and died in Schodac. Deponent is not interested in the claim of his said Mother.
+ Abraham J Van Valkenburgh.
Sworn to & subscribed before me by the said Deponent this 17 th day of August 1857 who is well known to me and is a credible person & witness. I am not interested in this claim nor engaged in its prosecution.
+
A. Schermerhorn Justice of the Peace
State of New York County of Rensselaer ss. I John P. Ball Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Abraham Schermerhorn, whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit of Abraham J Van Valkenburgh is an acting Justice of the peace for said County duly elected and qualified & duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that his signature above is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 21 st August 1857 after words "an acting" & "peace" herein interlined.
John P. Ball Clerk of Rensselaer Co. N.Y.

State of New York
Columbia County ss. I, Gray W. Buckley of Kinderhook in said County being sworn Says that he is an attorney and Coun- sellor at Law and that in the year 1832 he was employed by John A. Van Valkenburgh then of Schoharie Rensselaer County in said State to procure for him a pension under act 7 th of June 1832 for his Revolutionary Services. That this deponent drew his John A. Van Valkenburgh Declaration and other papers and went with him to the City of Troy before a court of Record where the papers were duly executed and deponent sent them to Washington to the Commissioner, and the printed paper being annexed and upon which I have endorsed my name was received by this deponent in answer to said Application.
And this deponent further says that he has seen the said John A. Van Valken- burgh write and now has possession of a certificate which I know to have been executed by him and from my knowledge and recollection of his hand writing and from a comparison of his signature to said certificate with his signatures to the annexed notes the said signatures to said notes are undoubtedly in the hand writing of the said John A. Van Valkenburgh - Deponent further says that the said

John A Van Volkenburgh is dead and at the time he drew his application for a Pension he had a Wife then living and from information and belief she is still living
From my best recollection the said John A Van Volkenburgh stated in his declaration that he served in Daniel Schermerhorn Company of New York Militia -
Deponent is not interested in this claim Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19 th August 1857. by deponent who is a Credible person and Witness - I am not interested in this claim
George W. Bulkley
State of New York County of Columbia ss I, David C. Keefus, Clerk of said county do hereby certify that John H. Stickel whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit of George W. Bulkley is & was on the day of its date an acting Justice of the peace within & for said County duly elected & qualified & duly authorized by law to administer oaths and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 20 th day of August 1857. D. C. Keefus Clerk

Bounty Land - No. 194. 396 Do 190.098. Do. 217. 891. Do 235.978. Do 237. 612.
Hon. Geo. C. Whiting, Comr of Pensions. Washington D.C.

71.124.
160 acres.

J. H. Custis 18 March 1847 — A. Lee June 8/40 or 46
Brief to H. R. Bristol Nov 23-33 I do not find any Papers on his Files

I presume you cannot consider it impossible that John St. Vant Altruitings off. has been lost by you.
Such things have in other cases occurred. May have been in his case. I hope you will find it however.

237. 612.
Hudson, New York. August 25 th 1857.
Sir I enclose herewith the additional evidence in the case of Sally Van Valkenburg widow of John Alan Valkenburg.
I send the annexed note signed by him to show that he signed his name John A.
In your letter to me dated 3 rd Jan y 1856, [Then 1857] you say, that "the brief sent with his her application was sent John Alan Valkenburg at his request & not in consequence of an application for a pension as he never applied therefore."
The Affidavit of Mr. Bulkley & the enclosed form I think establishes the fact that Mr. John A. Van Valkenburg did apply for a pension. The printed form never was sent unless an application was filed.
It is submitted that the additional evidence establishes the fact that the husband of Sally Van Valkenburg did apply for a pension.
Then it is the same person who served in the Schuylkill County  Washington There is but one John A. Schuylkill

to be found on the Rolls of New York Matriculation. There is another John but only one John A. His husband was John A. Van Valkenburgh. His son so swears. The notes sent herewith show the fact that his name was John A. Van Valkenburgh. Mr. Bulkley proves the hand writing, as the same of the John A. Van Valkenburgh who applied for a pension, & that he said he served in Daul Schenck's Company. The son swears he said he served under Daul Schenck.
The Comptroller's certificate shows there was a John A. Van Valkenburgh that served under Daul Schenck. I hope you will find John A.'s application that he made it there is no doubt & he must have alleged 8 months service in all. That is in 1777 &c, and at the time in the Comptroller's certificate mentioned.
I hope you will attend to this immediately as it is a very case & the widow is advanced in years.
Res d Yours
Whitelaw H. Clarke
How Geo. C. Whiting Cous, &c

Van Valkenburg 237612
Boynitown May 23 rd
Mr. Winchester 192298
Mr. Shaver 235978
Mrs. Fonda 217891
Mrs. Hallenbeck 194896
Mr. Street
Emily
Wheeler Clarke
Hudson
NY

Hudson, New York. Dec. 9th 1856.
How & Dear Sir }
I have several cases pending before you claiming bounty land under act of 3rd March 1855, and which I think ought to be attended to as I think then - "Turn" - must certainly have come.
First. Mr Van Valkenburgh No. 237.612 Revolutionary case.
Second. Mr Winchester No. 190. 1198.
Mr Shaver No 235. 978.
Mr Fonda No 217. 891.
Mr Hallenbach No 194. 296.
Additional evidence has been forwarded in the two latter cases.
If consistent please attend to them claiming -
Yours very resp. Wheeler H. Clarke.
How, Geo. C. Whiting, Dear Sir,

11,369
John A. Van Valkenburgh
Wheeler H. Clark Hudson

11,369
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John A. Van Valkenburgh which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? It does
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Hee did
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Hee has
V. * Has he mentioned 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? No
An affidavit is required stating each tour of actual service in the field or garrison
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Hee has
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Hee has
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Hee has
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Hee has
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? It is, & is so distinguishable

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no Clergyman's evidence
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? none
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
Witness should state in his own language what knowledge he has of claimant's service.
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? has
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? no
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? It does
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? no 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are not
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. 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 the 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.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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.

JA Van Volkenburg
Elijah Partee Kindhook
Elijah Castler Kindhook
HR Bristol Eng Fray NY
 778.25 40  552. 226  300. 130  100. 100  30. 400  70.  80.  130.  100.  200.   778.25 40 

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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. 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, shewing the Service of
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES 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 days 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
Each term must be specified in detail as above required & proved by the best evidence. If claimant's memory is explanatory evidence

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry 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 _____"
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.
unpained there is the greater necessity for precision

to Hood May 10/56 R
No. 237. 612
Sally Van Valkenburg
No. 237. 612
Additional Evidence
Ref?
Sally Van Valkenburg widow of
John Van Valkenburg
Act 3 rd March 1856.
Service in Captain Dane Schenck's Company Oct 1787.
Pay $1. 10. 11. —
upward of 14 days pay.
Filed by Wheeler & Blake Hudson
New York —

State of New-York, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
Albany, March 8 th 1856.
I Hereby Certify , That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned," I find the following, viz:
   NAMES. No. OF BOOK. NO. OF CERTIFICATE. DATE. £ S. D. RANK AND NAME OF COMPANY OFFICER. RANK AND NAME OF FIELD OFFICER.   £ S. D.     Jno Van Valkenburgh Private 3 12209 1780 July 31 — 12 5 Capt. James Magee Col. Morris Graham   John Van Valkenburgh do 3 12448 1780 Aug t 31 2 13 4 do do do Do   Jno. Van Valkenburgh do 3 12496 1780 Oct r 15 4 17 9 do do do Do   John Valkenburgh do 6 28156 1781 Aug t 27 1 5 7 do Jno Van Wee do Philip P. Schuyler   John Valkenburgh do 7 32880 1781 May 31 — 8 — for subsisting 2 of Col. Pawlings Reg t of New Levies.   John A. V Valkenburgh do 8 41361 1781 Oct r 24 1 10 11 Capt. Dan l Schermerhorn Col. William Van Rensselaer   John Van Valkenburgh do 8 45405 1780 Oct 26 1 11 4 do Isaac P Van Valkenburgh Col. Abm Van Alstyne   Johannis Volkenburgh do 10 46044 1780 Oct 28 — 16 8 do John L De Witt Maj Adrian Wynkoop  
I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, £ 13:16:0 - and find them to be correct.
A. V. Lee Clerk.
Philip Schuyler Comptroller.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Van Vleck, James GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8815 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED July 16, 1789 to Rachel Van Vleck, Legal Representative.
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.