Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 22697, Richard Wood, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New York
Wood, Richard Lydia
N 22697
CONTENTS

Rep.
New York 1776
Sydia Wood
widow of Richard Wood who was a Lieutenant in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 117 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 th day of Sept. 1843 and sent to Joseph Ellis Bloomburgh, Sullivan Co., N. York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 116.

Abba Ireland daughter of Richard and Lydia Wood Record

State of New York } County of Orange } S.S. Be it known that personally ap- peared before me the Subscriber, a Justice of the peace within and for said County Elizabeth Ireland, a Resident of said County, aged 70 years, and made oath in due form of law, and on her oath states that she is the only surviving child of Richard Wood, and Lidia Wood, now both deceased , that her mother, the said Lidia Wood, made an application for a pension, under the Act of 1838, and obtained a pension at the rate of $117.32 per Annum, and that her mother the said Lidia Wood, was in the receipt of said pension, at the time of her death. Deponent further states that she has been informed and believes that her mother the said Lidia Wood, was entitled to an increase of her said pension at the time of her death, and that she this deponent believes she has an interest in said pension moneys, if any such increase of pension is due.
Sworn and subscribed before } me this 12 th day of December 1854. } Elizabeth Ireland
Thos. J. Hutton Justice Peace
Know all men by these presents that I Elizabeth Ireland do hereby constitute and appoint Joseph Ellis my true and lawful Attorney, to act for me in my name, and in my behalf, to examine the papers now on file, in the office of the Commissioner of pensions, which papers contain my said Mothers application under said Act and I further author- ize my Attorney the said Joseph Ellis to employ one or more Attorneys under him, to act for me in the prosecution of said pension claim, And I do hereby revoke all former powers of Attorneys, that may be on file for the prosecution of said pension claim. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12 th day of December 1854
Thos. J. Hutton J. P. Elizabeth Ireland James Patton Witness.

Be it known that personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace within and for said County, Barbara Ireland , aged 70 years, and acknowledged the above power of Attorney to be her act and deed, for the use and purposes above within mentioned.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 12 th day of December 1854.
Thos. J. Hutton Justice of the peace
State of New York. } Orange County Clerk's Office. }
ss:
I, Nathan Westcott , Clerk of the County of Orange, do hereby certify that Thomas J. Hutton whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument, and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the Peace, dwelling in said county, elected and sworn and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of such Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine; and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged or proved according to the laws of this State.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and a fixed the seal of the said County, the 19 day of December 185 4
N. Westcott Clerk.

L p Waldo Commissioner of pensions I authorize Thoms Humphkin Esq the re curion any papers on file and prosecute the claim December 24 th 1854 Joseph Ellis & Mary of Agua Island

Copy Lydia Brooks affidavit
V 3987 Lydia Brooks Claim for a Pinnige — N 4 Act 4 July '36 Walter Case New Windsor Agent
Mained 8 May 1781 Husband died Sept. 1793

State of New York 2 Orange County 8/2-
In this 5th - day of September the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid Lydia Wood aged 35 years a resident of the Town of New Windsor Coun- ty and State aforesaid a credible witness who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the ben- efit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4th 1836. That she is the widow of Rich- ard Wood deceased who was an Ensign in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Samuel Humphreys of the Regiment of Colonel Samuel Mc- Laughlin of the County aforesaid Silas Wood the father of the said Richard and James Carrigane were the Lieutenants of said Company John Beatty whose affidavit is annexed is the only person living with in the knowledge of Deponent who served in said Company - Said Company was organized at the Com- mencement of the Revolutionary War and Com- monly paraded at a place called the Square where deponent resided with her father Joseph Bellknap. The said Richard Wood was about thirty years of age at the commencement of the Revolutionary War and belonged to and served with said Company on all general alarms and with his detach- ment of said Company whenever said detachment per- formed its regular tour of duty in standing Guard on the frontiers - Deponent here precluded her from becoming intimately acquainted with the services of said Company in the Revolutionary War but De- ponent lived within the beat of said Compa- ny & within one half mile of the residence of the said Richard before her intermarriage with him and knows that he was always in the town aforesaid

2
the service of his Country with said Company or detachments therewith a Great Part of said War. Deponent often heard at the time and believes it to be true that in the year 1776 the said Richard served five months in the five months service at Fort Montgomery. This service commenced in the Spring and terminated early in the fall according to the best of my recollection. The Troops were engaged in fortifying at that place. Deponent had two brothers in service there at the same time with the said Richard Wood and a Brother Daniel Brinkman whose affidavit is annexed who was at that time exempt from Military service on account of his youth but was regularly sent down to said Fort with Provisions and Cloths for the persons in service there from our Neighborhood. He was afterwards at the time of Fortifying Fort Point and also when said Company was standing Guard on the Indian Frontier and at Fort Kill. Deponent will recollect that the said Richard in the Winter of the years 1778 and 1779 served
5
7
three months in the State of New Jersey. Deponent's brother Thomas was in the same service. The said Richard was at the Battle of Fort Montgomery - and afterwards stood Guard on the River to prevent the Enemy from landing for weeks - or more.
2
The said Richard in the year 1778 assisted in fortifying West Point and was engaged in that service upwards of two months as this Deponent has been informed and believes to be true. In the Fall of the year 1779 the said Richard served one month in the three months service at Fishkill in Dutchess County - Deponent has heard and verily believes that the said Richard served

one fortnight at Warwick in the County aforesaid To protect the arms we had purchased of France on the promise to our arms in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight and Deponent believes it to be true. In the year 1781 the said Richard served two months  and one half at Warwasing on the Indian frontier at two several times according to Deponent's rec- ollection and belief. The one in the Spring and the other in the fall of the year last a- foresaid. Deponent also saith that she was married to the said Richard Wood on the 8th day of May 1781 by the Reverend John Close Pastor at that time of the Presby- terian Church of the Parish of New Windsor and Chaplain to the contin- -ent army now deceased. Deponent is confident that the above statement of the services of the said Richard her late husband is correct, because her Brother Thomas Bellknap belonged to the same Company and detachment with the said Richard and served at the same time with him the said Richard. In the Revolutionary War the said Richard died on the — day of September in the year 1793 — according to the best of deponent's recollection and belief by a fall from a wagon waggon and deponent at the remains the widow of the said Richard not has- -ing been married since the death of the said Richard. and Deponent also saith that she has no documentary evidence of the said services of the said Richard Wood in said War in her pos- session, nor within her knowledge. Deponent will recollect of seeing the said Richard's Commission

4 th of Image of said Company about six years ago and at that time destroyed it as a useless paper —
Note the word "youth" on the 2 d page interlined above the word "age" erased the figures "8" "9" written on obliterations on the same page the word "six" interlined above the word "four" erased on the same page the words "and an half" on the 3 d page interlined also the word "waggon" on the 3 d page interlined above the word "horse" erased before signing —
Sworn in Open Court the 5 th day of September 1838 A. S. Benton Clerk
Her mark Lydia Wood
State of New York Orange County } I Albert S Benton, Clerk
of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Orange, Do hereby Certify that the above name Lydia Wood on the 5 th day of September 1838 appeared in the said Court of Common Pleas in Open Court and Subscribed the above declaration by making her mark, (She being unable to write her name) and was duly sworn by me to the truth of the same — and the said court are satisfied that the said Lydia Wood is a Credible witness — In testimony whereof I have
herunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court the 15 th day of October 1838. A. S. Benton Clerk
Lydia Wood Affidavit

State of New York Orange County
Personally appeared before the subscriber Daniel Bellknap a credible witness, and having been by me first sworn to depose and say that he is upwards of seventy two years of age, that he is the brother of Lydia Wood the applicant, to a question where affidavit is hereunto annexed, that the said Lydia is the widow of Richard Wood deceased late an ensign in a company of militia the. Commanded by Captain James Humphreys of the regiment of Colonel James McLaughlin of the Penn- sylvania Key Stone Battery, that the said Richard Wood was the son of Silas Wood, who together with James Humphreys were the lieutenants of said company, the said Silas Wood was af- terwards appointed conductor of teams for the Continental army, and forage master - The said Richard Wood was married to Lydia Bellknap on the 8th day of May 1781, by the Reverend John Close of the Presbyterian Church. The said Lydia is Deponent's sister. Deponent was intimately acquainted with the said Richard Wood, having lived during all the Revolutionary war within one half mile distance of him in the said Richard. The said Richard lived in the town of New London and Orange and at a place called the square until after the war and then moved to Newburgh where he lived until the time of his death which happened on the 10th day of September in the year 1792 or 1793, according to Deponent's recollection and belief. The said Lydia Wood still remains the widow of the said Richard, not having been married to any one since his death. At the commencement of the Revolutionary war the said Richard Wood was about thirty years of age; he was an able bodied man, and a zealous active friend of his country, as was his father also. Deponent had a brother by the name of Joseph Bellknap in the war.

actual service with the American Army throughout the war, and Deponent being too young to serve in the Army, was often sent with clean linen etc to him and others, who were in the service from the Neighbourhood in which Deponent then lived. Deponent frequently went to Fort Montgomery and often saw the said Richard Wood there in the year 1776 and 1777 and carried clothes to him - the said Richard. He (the said Richard) was then in the five months service according to the best of Deponent's recollec- tion and belief. The said Company of Captain James Mumford was divided into two detachments, one of which was ordered alternately to the frontier, sometimes serving on the Southern, at others on the Western fron- tier as circumstances demanded, inasmuch that one half of said Company was constantly in service with detachments, except in times of alarm, when the whole Company turned out in a body. The said Richard Wood turned out regularly with his de- tachment, unless prevented by sickness or accident. If the said Richard had shirked from duty at any time, Deponent thinks he should remember it, as he now does distinctly every case of the kind which occurred in the Neighbourhood. The demand for men was so great at that time, that every man who absented himself from military duty, was publicly treated with contempt. The said Richard Wood in the year 1776 served five months in the five months service at Fort Montgomery, & was engaged in erecting fortifications, and standing guard. The said Richard was at the battle of Fort Mont- gomery on the ninth day of October 1777 with his Company. On that occasion Captain Mumford was taken prisoner, and remained a long time in confinement in New York before he was exchanged. After the battle of Fort Montgomery the shattered

remaining of said Company relocated to New Windsor where they stood guard about three weeks, until the British had returned to New York. Deponent also saith that in the year 1778 the said Richard turned out with said Company, and worked at West Point under Knochke, Wirm and Machin as Engineers in all two months. This service commenced in the month of April in the year aforesaid, and terminated in the month of October of the same year with interruptions according to Depo- nent's recollection and belief - in the Winter of the year 1778 and 1779 he (the said Richard) served with said Company 3 months at Poughkeepsie, Tappan and Hackensack. Said service commenced in the month of December 1778, and terminated in the month of March 1779. In the fall of the year 1779, the said Richard served one month in the three months service at Fishkill in Dutchess County. The Militia were concentrated at that place with a view of mak- ing a combined attack on the British in New York in concert with the French Fleet then before Savan- nah. After the defeat of the allies before that place, the French Fleet suddenly left our coast, and the contemplated attack on New York was abandon- ed. The Militia returned home on parole after having served at Fishkill one month as you said. In the year last aforesaid the said Rich- ard served one fortnight at Warwick in the County aforesaid to protect the arms we had pur- chased of France in passing from Boston to our army. This service took place in the year one thousand  in the month  seven hundred and eighty eight. In the year 1781  1780 he served the said Richard served several two months at Warwasing on the Indian Frontier at two several times, the first service commenced sometime in the spring of said year and continued one month, accord- ing to the best of Deponent's recollection and belief. Depo- nent will recollects of going to carry clothes to the New

who were in the service there at that time from the neighbourhood of New Windsor. When Deponent arrived at Colonel Johnsons on the side of Shawan Gunk Mountain his hands were freezing cold, - Colonel John- son sent an escort with us across the mountain Deponent carried clothes to the said Richard Wood at the same time - The second tour of service of the said Richard on the Indian frontier was in the fall of the year last aforesaid, according to the best of deponents recollection and belief Deponent also went during said tour to carry clothes to the said Richard & others, they were station- ed at the Warwarsing Church, Newk, & De withs during this last tour, and continued in service on this tour according to Deponents recollection and belief six weeks. Deponent cannot be mistaken as to the service of the said Richard on each of the tours before mentioned, because he had two brothers in the service at the same time, by the name of Joseph and Thomas Bellknap. The latter of whom belonged to the company of the said James Humphrey, and served in the same detachment with the said Richard Wood. Deponent Distinctly recollects that his brother Thom- as served at West Point with the said Richard, and under his command -
Sworn to and subscribed this 18th day of April 1838 before me
Daniel H. Hensy.
Note the name "Wood" on the 1st page interlined also the word "said" also the words "of New Windsor" on the same page The word "said" on the 3rd page & the word "with interruptions" also the word "in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight"

also the figures "1780" interlined and the word "four" and the word "In the month of" and the figures "1778" and the word "served" in the same line with the figures last named also the word "served" in the next line below erased also the word "East" & the word "mountain" & the word "clothes" on the 4th page interlined before signing
Walter Gase Justice of the Peace

Lydia Wood —
Daniel Bellknap
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20 v. 1, p. 10
Ms. A. 9. 2. 20 v. 1, p. 10

State of New York } Orange County } ss
Personally appeared before The subscriber
a Justice of the Peace
in and for the County of Orange John Deaty a Credible Witness who having been by me duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is a Pensioner of the United States under the law of Congress of June 7th 1832 and is upwards of eighty five years old. Deponent served as a Soldier in the Company of Captain James Humphreys of the Regiment of Colonel John McLaughlin in the Revolutionary War in which Company Silas Wood & James Carrington were Lieutenants and Richard Wood a son of the said Silas was an Ensign. The said officers of said Company were elected by the Company and afterward commissioned by the proper authority. Deponent well recollects that at said election one Stickney and the said Richard Wood were Candidates for the office of Ensign in said Company. Deponent voted for said Wood, who was duly elected and was afterward commissioned and served as Ensign in said Company throughout the War of the Revolution. Deponent also saith that he cannot state with certainty the length of time he served in the respective towns of service he performed with said Company in said War on General alarms, or with detachments thereof when ordered on the frontier, on fatigue, or to stand guard, nor can he state the towns of service performed by the said Richard Wood, nor the continuance thereof with accuracy; more I am on reflection and after conversation with persons who were in the service from the commencement to the end of the war whenever called on. That I served as a corporal instead of a private in said Company, and that I served a greater length of time than I recollect at the time I filed my declaration for a Pension. Deponent also saith that in consequence of sickness

for a long time in the war, it is probable the said Company were out in actual service at times when Deponent was confined at home with sickness. Sure I am that if the said Richard Wood had omitted or neglected to turn out with said Company or Detachments, when his duty required he would have been considered as disgraced in the eyes of the Public, & the Circumstance would have made a lasting impression on my mind - Deponent also saith that said Company was divided into detachments, which served alternately an equal length of time as nearly as convenience could be for the purpose of equalizing the burdens of the war - In the month of August 1776 the said Company the said Company was ordered to Fort Montgomery on a general alarm. We turn out accordingly, and were engaged in that service one week - In the month of December 1776 the said Company was ordered to the frontier in the State of New Jersey; Whilst at Haddon we were ordered to the English Neighborhood under the command of General George Clinton. We attacked the Enemy at that place, and took their Guard prisoners; We served in the State of New Jersey one month - In the month of March one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven there was a general alarm at Fort Clinton, our Company were all ordered out, and served there on that occasion eight days - In the month of April thereafter said Company again at the place last named on a general alarm, eight days. In the month of June thereafter said Company served one month

In the four months service. In the month of August next thereafter there was an alarm at Fort Montgomery, and the whole company turned out, and served there ten days. In the month of September there after said company served at Fort Montgomery and continued to serve there until after the battle of Fort Montgomery, in which battle the said Captain James Thompson was taken prisoner and several of his men were killed. The remains of said company continued to serve at New Windsor until the British had returned to New York (which was about six weeks according to Deponent's recollection & belief) Deponent during that term of service was taken sick with the measles, and was discharged on that account, and returned home where he remained all winter sick. In the month of August 1778 a detachment of our company was ordered out on a general alarm against the Indians, to a place calledunk on the Indian frontier. We were commanded by Captain Gahagan who with Robert Semple and Adam Dible, were killed by the Indians. Colonel Reid then commanded all the troops engaged in that battle. We were engaged in this service one month. In the month of October thereafter we were again ordered tounk under the command of Captain Dillford on an alarm, and remained there one month. In the month of April 1779 there was an alarm at West Point and the Fort of Dean, and our whole company turned out and served there until the danger had subsided. In the month of July there after I served on the frontier half a month with the said company against the Indians. In the month of June 1780 there was an alarm at Fort Point and the whole company were ordered out, and went down accordingly. For more information

4th
days. Deponent cannot recollect whether the said Richard Wood belonged to the said Detachment of said Company with Deponent, but he does not entertain a doubt that, he said Richard was in the service whenever engaged, as both he and his father Silas Wood were very zealous and active men, and the respective Detachments of said Company were ordered to serve an equal portion of time, that the burden of the War might be equalized as much as possible.
Sworn to and subscribed this - 2 14th day of May before me
John Beatty mark
Note the word "the said Company" on the first page interlined and the word English on the same page written on an erasure
Walter Case Justice of the Peace
I certify that John Beatty above named subscribed the foregoing affidavit in my presence by making his mark attesting at the same time that owing to a trembling hand the consequence of old age he could not write his name, & I verily believe it to be true -
Walter Case Justice
Silas Wood John Beatty Affidavit

John of New York Orange County
Personally appeared before the sub- scriber a brother of the Plaintiff in and for the Coun- ty of said Orange County and a credible witness to me per- sonally known who having been by me duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he is seventy eight years of age and a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7th 1832 That at the commencement of the Revolutionary war Deponent belonged to the Company of Captain Jacobus Rose of Hardenbergh Regiment who was killed at the Battle of Fort Montgomery and succeeded in the Command by the first lieuten- ant of said Company named Cornelius Har- sten Deponent was well acquainted with Richard Wood who was the son of Silas Wood and husband of the applicant Lydia Wood whose maiden name was Lydia Bellknap and who still remains the Widow of the said Richard Wood deceased not having been married to any one since the death of the said Richard, who some years after the Revolutionary war died by a fall from a wag- gon. Deponent was the Cousin of the said Richard Wood. The said Richard was Ensign of a Compa- ny of Militia Commanded by Captain James Humphrey - In till the battle of Fort Mont- gomery when the said Humphrey was taken prisoner and confined in the Sug- ar House in New York, as deponent was informed and believes to be true - Sometime in the Month of January Deponent 1777 De- ponent together with the Company to which he belonged, was ordered to Poughkeepsie and stood guard there about six weeks, McLaughlin Regiment

lay at the same time about two miles off the Company of Captain Lewis. Humphrey afore said belonged to McLaughry's Regiment, and was encamped with it. Whilst Depo- nent was encamped at Brandywood as afore said, he saw the said Richard Wood whilst Deponent was on parade, and afterwards had some conversation with the said Rich- -ard, and understood from him that he was then in actual service with his said Company, which was encamped with the Regiment of Colonel Mc- Laughry as aforesaid. Some part of said Reg- iment went down to the English Neigh- bourhood under General George Clinton, as Deponent was informed and believes to be true. Deponent has often heard, and ver- y believes, that the said Richard Wood served as an Ensign of said Company, throughout the Revolutionary War - and from the nature of the service, Deponent has no doubt that the said Richard turned out with said Compa- ny, on every general alarm, and with his Detachment whenever ordered to stand Guard on the frontier. , Abraham Wood.
Sworn to and subscribed this 3 25th day of April 1888 be fore me -
Walter Cose Justice of the Peace Note the word "Deponent" on the first page erased before signing. Walter Cose Justice
Abraham Wood

State of New York Orange County } ss
Personally appeared before the subscriber Lyman Lee a Credible Witness and having been by me duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say that he is aged seventy three years and was born in the year one thousand seven hundred sixty five in the Town of New Windsor County of State aforesaid That in the year 1779 Deponent was an apprentice to one Jacob Mills who lived at the square in the Town County & State aforesaid - Deponent well recollects Richard Wood late the husband of Lydia Wood the applicant for a pension whose affidavit is herewith annexed. At the commencement of said war he said Richard lived also at the square aforesaid, and afterward moved to Newburgh. In the year one 1776 the said Richard was ensign in the Com- pany of Militia commanded by Captain James than Sperry of the Town aforesaid, of which Company Silas Wood the father of the said Richard was first Lieuten- ant and James Carrigan Second Lieutenant Said Company belonged to the Regiment Commanded by Colonel James McClellan of the said Town of New Windsor. Deponent well recollects that the said Rich- ard was stationed one summer at Fort Monmouth and was engaged in erecting fortifications at that place, as deponent was at that time informed and believes to be true. The said Richard was absent from home all summer and a part of the fall and it was currently reported that he was engaged in the five months service at that place. Deponent well recollects that the said Richard Wood was in service with said Company in the winter of the year 1776 & 1777 at Peham's Hackensack and the English Neighbourhood 3 months and at Fishkill one month in the fall of the year 1777. In the year 1779 Depon- ent then being fourteen years of age left the said Jacob Mills

and went to West Point and enlisted in the Company of Captain James Fairlie of the United States Army Depo- sant was employed by said Fairlie as a writer when not on parade Shortly after Deponent joined said Company of Captain Fairlie in the said Fairlie was ordered to Newburgh with Ensign Mitchell De- puty Quartermaster General who was his (the said James Fairlie) Brother in law. He (said Fairlie) order- ed Deponent to go with him - Deponent went accordingly and remained with him at Newburgh until the close of the war, Deponent wore uniform and drew his rations regularly - During all the time aforesaid Deponent will know the said Richard Wood, has heard him often spoken of as an ensign, and knew of his being often in the service, but the particular tours, length and duration of the service of the said Richard Deponent can not now state with more precision. —
Sworn to and subscribed & Thirteenth day of July  September 1838 { Lyman L. Before me ————— }
Note the word "know" on the second page of this affidavit erased before signing & the word "has" in the first paragraph and the word September interlined above the erasure —
Walter G. Smith

Marriages
May eighth one thousand seven hundred and eighty one Richard Wood and Lydia Belknap of New Windsor on Precinct—
I certify that the above is a true copy of the Record with the Exception of the date which is entered on the Record in full legible figures as follows "1781 May 8"
James Sherwood
I James M Sherwood above named declare and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in the Town of New Windsor County of Orange and State of New York and that the above is a true extract  copy from the Records of said Church with the exception above mentioned certified by me
Given before me this 4 th day of May 1838—
James Sherwood
Note the word "extract" written above the word copy erased before signing
Walter Basc Justice of Peace
State of New York Orange County } I Albert S. Burdon, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Orange, Do hereby certify that Walter Basc, be- fore whom the foregoing affidavits of Daniel Belknap, John Wyat, Abraham Wood, Lyman Lee and James M Sherwood were Subscribed and sworn, was at the time of

taking the same a Justice of the peace in and for the said County; And further, that I am well acquainted with the hand wri- ting of the said Justice, and verily believe that the signature to the said affidavits is genuine - In witness whereof I have here- unto set my hand and af- fixed the seal of the said County this 15 th day of Octo- ber 1838
J. T. Newton Clerk

New York 4,969
Lydia Wood widow of Richard Wood
who was a pensioner under the Act of and who died on the 1. Sept. 1793 of Orange Co. in the State of N. York who was a Lieutenant in the company commanded by Captain Humphrey of the regt. commanded by Col. M c Cloughry in the N.Y. Militia time for 8 months & 24 days
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 117 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30. day of January 1840 and sent to Hon. Nath l . Jones, H.R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '39 410. 65 Semi-annual allowance ending 4th Mar. '40 58. 66 $ 469. 31
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A, Vol. 2 Page 110

V N. York Lydia Wood
Letter to Hon. N. Jones 1. March 39. to Walter Can 3. Sept 1839 to same 11. Nov. 1839 to Hon. N. Jones 14. Jan. 1840
Act July 7. 1838 - 6415 Act July 16. 1838 3987

Ray  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 22697
Lydia Wood
wid of
Richard Wood
First Rev. war.
Act: March 3 d  1843
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 85-8
[Arrangement of 1870.]

6415
Col McCloud Capt Humphrey Smith
Manned 8 May 1781 Disbanded 2nd Feb 1793
In Role of Prisoners taken at Fort Montgomery in Oct 1776-
Admitted Lieut 8 Mts & 24 days
For Battle of HMS

State of New York Orange County ss.
On this 25 th day of May 1843 personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Lydia Wood a resident of Orange County aged 90 years or thereabouts who being duly sworn according to law doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed March 3 rd 1843 granting pensions to certain widows of persons who served during the war of the Revolution that she is the widow of Richard Wood decd. who was a soldier and served in the war of the revolution and that she applied for and received a five years pension under the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 at the rate of one hundred & seventeen dollars thirty three cents per annum and that she has not intermarried but still continues the widow of the aforesaid Richard Wood
Subscribed & sworn before me the day & year above written by making her mark The words "the widow" interlined before executed
Lydia her Wood mark
Dan d Moore Justice of the Peace for Orange County
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named applicant and believe her to be of good character and that the above statements made by her are correct and that from my own knowledge know that she applied for & received a five years pension from the United States
Dan d Moore Justice of Peace

State of New York } Orange County } G
Personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the justices of the Peace in and for said County John Ireland - a resident of said County aged 68 years who being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he was personally acquainted with Richard Wood dec d a late resident of Orange County and with Lydia Wood his wife who is now his widow and signed the within declaration and that she has not intermarried but continues the widow of the aforesaid Richard Wood and that the aforesaid Lydia Wood applied for & received a five year pension under the act of Congress passed 7 th July 1838
Subscribed & sworn before me this 25 th day of May 1843
John Ireland
Dan Moore Justice of Peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named John Ireland and believe him to be entitled to full credit & belief
Dan Moore J. Peace

STATE OF NEW YORK, ORANGE COUNTY, }
SS. I, LEBBEUS L. VAIL, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County
of Orange, Do HEREBY CERTIFY, That Daniel Moores before whom
the foregoing Affidavits was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the
same, a Justice of the Peace in, and for said county : and further,
that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Affidavits
said Affidavits and verily believe that the signature to the is genuine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of
the said County, the 29 th day of May
184 3.
Lebbeus L. Vail Clerk By H. Vail Dept. Clerk

State of New York Orange County } p.
On this twenty eighth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid Lydia Wood a Resident of the Town of New Windsor in said County aged eighty six years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838, entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Richard Wood who was a Lieutenant in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain James Humphrey deceased, of the Regiment of Colonel James McLaughy of the County aforesaid, in the Revolutionary War; on which Regiment Company Silas Wood and James Carmigan were first and Second Lieutenants, and the said Richard Wood Third Lieutenant or Ensign, until the said Silas was appointed Wagon Master or Conductor of teams, when the said Richard (his Son) was promoted, as deponent at that time, and since then, has been informed and believes to be true. John Beatty a Wagon for deponent served as a private in the said Company with the said Richard, as deponent has also been informed and believes, and is the only person living who belonged to said Company in said War, within the knowledge of this deponent. Deponent also saith that the said Richard served five months in the five months service at Fort Montgomery as a Lieutenant, viz from the Month of April 1776 to the month of September next thereafter, as she has been often informed by her Brothers Joseph and Thomas Bellknap deceased, who were engaged in the same service, and also by her Brother Daniel Bellknap

whose affidavit annexed to her original declaration for a pen- sion under the Law of July 4 th 1836, is on file at the Pension Office, to which she begs leave to refer as testimony in this case. She said Richard was taken Prisoner by the Enemy at the battle of Fort Montgomery, and remained a prison- er five months and twenty four days, viz to the 30 th th of March 1778, as deponent it was informed by Hon- =athan Sears Esquire, who was taken Prisoner at the same time, and by others, and deponent believes it true. This affidavit is on file at the Pension Office, and depon- ent begs leave to refer to it for further proof of the service of the said Richard, and deponent also saith that the said Richard Wood served as Lieutenant as a- foresaid, three months in the year 1778 & 1779 in the State of New Jersey. Deponents brother Thomas Bell =Knapp was in the service for Proof of which service, deponent refers to the affidavit of Abraham Wood, and other affidavits on file with her said Declaration, at the Pension Office. The said Rich- =ard assisted in fortifying West Point in 1778, and served there two months, as deponent has been informed and believes, and one fortnight at Warwick to guard the arms purchased of France, on their Passage to the Army. The said Richard al- =so served in the fall of the year 1779 one month at Fishkill in the three months service as deponent has been informed and believes to be true. Deponent also saith that she was married to the said Richard Wood, on the eighth day of May 1781 by the Reverend John Close De- ceased, a transcript from whose record of said Marriage is also on file at the Pension Office. and deponent also saith that her Husband the said Richard Wood died on the  day of September 1793. That she has not, nor cannot pro- =duce any evidence that she was married to the

said Richard, Prior to his leaving the service, but her said marriage took place previous to the first day of January 1794, to wit at the time above stated. And Deponent further saith that for the purpose of obtaining a Pension under the Act of July 4th 1836, she appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Orange, and made oath to the truth of her said original declaration now on file at the Pension Office at Washington City as aforesaid, and Deponent further saith that she is wholly unable to attend Court, by reason of her bodily infirmities—
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me
Note the word Regiment on the first page erased— her Lydia X Wood mark
J. A. Clinton one of the Judges of Orange County Common Pleas
Orange County ss I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Lydia Wood, that she is the widow of Richard Wood deceased, who served as a Lieutenant in the Army of the Revolution as above described as I have been informed and believe. I further certify that it satisfactorily appears to me that the said Lydia cannot attend Court by reason of her bodily infirmities. November 28th 1839.
J. A. Clinton one of the Judges of Orange County Common Pleas

State of New York
Orange County ss. I Albert G. Britton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Orange Do hereby certify that James G. Clinton within named is a Judge of the said Court, and that the within Signature purporting to be his is genuine - In witness where- of I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said County the 22 d day of January 1840
A. G. Britton Clerk

To answer requires by the arms

Washington, June 30 1855- Hon L P Waldo Sir
At the request of Tho Lumpkin Esq, the Agent in the Case of Lydia Wood Widow of Richard, of New York I have examined the papers up on which her Claim to a pension was allowed and find that she alleged more Service than was Computed in the adjustment of her Pension.
In her declaration she states that her husband was appointed a Lieutenant to Capt James Humphreys Co. of Col McLaughlin's Regiment in the Spring previous to the Capture of Fort Montgomery - that she served 5 mo previous to that Capture of that Fort was taken prisoner and retained in captivity 5 months that subsequently he served 3 months, - Making his whole Service upward of 13 months.
Her Wood was allowed a pension for 8 mo 24 days only and an increase for 5 months only  the period of his imprisonment is now asked
Very Respectfully Yours Ob t Serv t Chas Lee (Agent)

6415
Dec 6
New River City Va
NY
July 7. 1838
Flora
Lydia Wood wid: of Richard
James & Edwards —
Commissioner etc
Washington City D.C.
Apr:
Richard Mynheer 24 Nov 1777 died 30 Nov 1794
for line

Richard Woodhull 24 March 1777 bury 30 March 1777
W.P.
Free
6415 Dec 6 New Windsor NY Dec 30
W.P. July 7. 1838
Non Lydia Wood mid: of Richard
James L Edwards —
Commissioner
Washington City D.C. —

Yours
James L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed is the affidavit of Dean Wood an applicant for a Pension under the Law of July 7 th 1838 in conformity with instructions in the Letter of George E. Brown Esq. of November 11 th 1839 directed to the subscriber - As there are certificates of the County Clerk on file in your office that James G. Clinton is a Judge I do not think it necessary to send another at this time
I Remain Respectfully
Yours
Walter Case

near Washington along Free
Hon
James L Edwards —
Commissioner of Pensions —
Washington City

Non
James L Edwards
Sir
In the letter of Geo. Wm Crumb of Sept 3. 1839 relative to the claim of for Lydia Wood to a Pension it is stated in conclusion that "Upon the proof on file the Claimant is not entitled to the benefit of the act of July 4. 1836, but may be allowed a pension under the act of July 7. 1838." Mrs Wood who now resides with her grandson John X Ireland in Houston Street New York, has been endeavouring with the assistance of the said Ireland, to find Evidence of the service of Richard Wood her late Husband, at Warwarsing on the Indian frontier in the year 1781, after his marriage, with a view to obtain her pension under the law of July 4th 1836, but I presume they have not succeeded as they were to have written to me long since on the subject, I have therefore advised her to accept of the 5 years Pension under the law of July 7, 1838. I am at a loss to know whether it will be necessary for the applicant to appear again in Court, and swear to the services of her late Husband a second time or whether the Evidence now on file at the Pension Office will be considered sufficient on her relinquishing her claim under the Law of July 4, 1836 upon said. Her extreme old age and absence from the County render the latter course very desirable. Will you have the goodness to inform me whether she must make a new affidavit, or will the old one answer, upon her signifying her acceptance of the five years Pension? I hope you will excuse this request, though it may not be strictly in conformity with the Regulations of the Pension Office, as it originates in my ignorance, and an earnest desire to secure the hard earned bounty of the Country, to a helpless widow near 90 years old, whose Poverty compels her to seek a temporary home amongst her relations, and whose infirmities render it difficult for her to return again to this County. I shall on the

Most of an answer to this letter endeavored to bring this business to a speedy close.
I remain Very Respectfully Yours —
Walter Case
New Windsor November 7 1839 —
my

New Windsor N.Y. June 5 th
J
May June 8 Add Ch of Lydia Wood, act 36 file Non
James L. Edwards —
Commissioner De
Washington City
D. C.

June 3 d 1839 -
Hon
J. L. Edwards,
Sir
Extreme Illness prevented me from answering your letter of March 1. 1839 to Hon Nathaniel Jones, relative to the claim of Lydia Wood, sooner. Enclosed is her supplemental affidavit giving all the explanation in her power, relative to the services and imprisonment, of her late Husband Richard Wood. Permit me also to refer you to the affidavit of Nathaniel Sears being filed on file at the Pension office by the Hon Nathaniel Jones, in the case of the said Lydia Wood, I have not seen the said affidavit or a copy of it, but I have seen a letter of said Nathaniel to the applicant since he made the said affidavit, which states that the said Nathaniel & the said Richard Wood were taken prisoners at Fort Montgomery at the same time, and that he knew the said Richard to have been in service in the Revolution as an Ensign or Lieutenant, upwards of eight months. The affidavit of Nathaniel Sears here will not be doubted by any one who knows him, and there was no other Richard Wood in the service from this County - Sears lived in this Neighborhood at the commencement of the war, and would not have been mistaken as to the person. From the affidavit of John Beatty it appears that he left the service on account of sickness before the battle of Fort Montgomery, and continued home until spring, which may account for the discrepancies in these affidavits (if any exist) Daniel

Bellknap and Lydia Wood do not pretend to have been personally acquainted with the services of Richard Wood, and from the nature of the case they could not have been. The size of one, and youth of the other precluded them. It is true Daniel Bellknap occasionally carried clothes to his Brothers & others, & said Richard Wood at those times in service, but this must have ceased after the Surrender of Fort Montgomery, until the commencement of the Fortifications at West Point in the Spring of 1778 - The evidence of the residence of the particular town of service of the applicants Husband, is clear and conclusive as could be expected at this late Period. Richard Wood was Ensign of the Company during all the time Mr John Beatz belonged to it, and turned out on all General alarms. This is not inconsistent with Daniel Bellknap & Lydia Wood's statement viz that he was in the five months service, which commenced in April and terminated in August next thereafter. In December 1776 he was one month at the English Drippingburghood under George Clinton (according to Mr Beatz) He was taken prisoner with Dripping at Fort Montgomery, and returned a prisoner to the knowledge of Dripping 3 months. This was probably in Beatz's absence at Home sick. In the month of March 1777 the said Company were all ordered to Fort Clinton and served there 8 days on a General alarm according to Beatz, and in the month of April next thereafter the Company served on a General alarm at the same place. In the Month of June next the said Richard served with a Detachment of said Company one Month in the four Months service. In the Month of August next thereafter the whole Company served at Fort Montgomery ten days. In the Month of September & October succeeding said Wood served at Fort Montgomery one Month & ten half. In the Month of April 1778 there was a General Alarm at West Point &

The Forest of Dean & the whole Company turned out. In the month of July next, there was an alarm on the Ordian frontier and the whole Company served one half month. In 1780 there was an alarm at West Point and all the Company served there 8 days - By collating the Testimony in this case as above I have made it manifest to myself at least, that there are no irreconcileable contradictions in the Testimony amongst the witnesses. The original affidavit of the applicant is substantially supported by Daniel Bellknap, Lyman Lee & John Beatty. Agreeably confess I never heard of Richard Wood having been a prisoner to the Enemy until I read the letter of Jonathan Sears Esquire above alluded to, but from my acquaintance with Mr. Sears, I should not doubt his affidavit on file stating that fact, sooner than I should doubt the imprisonment of Bonepart a Albany , or any other Historical fact of which I was not an eye witness - Jonathan Sears Esquire has held the offices of Sheriff, Judge, and Legislator in this State, and would not degrade himself for any consideration which a poor old woman like the applicant could give name, much less for what she could give - If we reject the Testimony of Jonathan Sears we must presume him guilty of deliberate perjury, but the humanity of the Law admonishes us to presume every Man innocent until proved guilty, and enjoins that we should in all cases endeavour to reconcile the Testimony of witnesses, which I think may be easily done in this case -
I remain very Respectfully Yours Walter Base

Washington D.C.
February 27. 1839
I El Nathan Sears a resident of Sullivan county in the State of New York aged seventy Eighty three years Having been a soldier of the revolu- tionary war and being at this time a Pensioner Do certify on oath, that I was well acquainted with Richard Wood who was in the year 1777 a Lieutenant in Captain Humphreys Company in Colonel M c Cloughry's Regiment of Militia in which Regiment my Company commanded by Captain Faulkner belonged at the time - which said Richard was then in a three months service which term of service expired about the 6 th of October in the year aforesaid, at which time the said Richard, then being a Lieutenant was taken a prisoner - was taken to New York and was put upon his parole on Long Island Myself being a prisoner taken at the same time and remained a prisoner twelve months and twenty days - I therefore did not see Lieutenant Wood from the time he went on parole till the end of the war
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 27 th February 1839. El Nathan Sears J. Wiltz jr. S. Peace for Washington County District of Columbia

Lydia Wood
Supplementary
affidavit
Walter base
agent—

State of New York } Orange County } ss
Lydia Wood having been duly sworn deponeth and saith that she was married to her late husband Richard Wood on the 8th day of May 1781. as aforesaid Previous thereto she often heard that said Richard was at different times in service as Ensign or second Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War. Deponent always understood that the office of Ensign was the same as that which is now called second Lieutenant. Deponent now well recollects that the said Richard Wood was absent from home at one time about 3 months in the early part of the said war, and was a prisoner to the Enemy as Deponent heard at the time from the father and mother of the said Richard, who often lamented the situation of the said Richard as a prisoner as aforesaid, expressed great concern for his safety on account of the cruelty exercised by the British towards their Prisoners. Deponent does not now remember where the said Richard was taken prisoner, nor where he was confined, but she has been recently informed by Nathaniel Sears Esquire, that he the said Richard was taken prisoner at Fort Montgomery, and confined as a prisoner three months, and deponent believes it to be true. James Humphrey the Captain of said Company was taken prisoner at the same time and place. Deponent also saith that the five months service at Fort Montgomery commenced sometime in the month of April 1776, as deponent has been informed and believes to be true.

and terminated with the month of August and thereafter. Deponent has been informed and believes that the said Richard was at Fort Montgomery in the five months service, at the time of the said alarm in the month of August, and joined his said Company when they came down at said alarm, as stated by the said John Beatz, and served with it. Deponent also saith that she cannot explain the apparent discrepancy between her original declaration, and the affidavit of the said of the John Beatz on file, which is alledged by the Commissioner of Pensions to exist, otherwise. Deponent also states that in the time of the said war, the scarcity of men was so great, the Points on the frontiers to be guarded so distant from each other, & in such opposite directions, & the inroads of the enemy so sudden, frequent, and irregular, that there was but little regularity in the service of the detachments of Militia. They were often transferred from one Regiment to another, from one Company to an other, and from the Southern to the Western frontier. Deponent had two Brothers viz Thom- as Bellknap & Joseph Bellknap deceased, who were often in service as Militia Men through- out said war, with said Richard, and they often in- formed Deponent of the said services of the said Richard as aforesaid, and also of his services herein after related, and deponent believes it to be true. Deponent has heard the affidavit of the said John Beatz read, (a copy whereof annexed to Deponents said Declaration is on file at the Pension office) & it does not appear that the the said John was in the five months service, nor does it appear that he was always in service with his said Company or Detachments thereof in said war, but on the contrary, he was confined at home by sick- ness from a short time before the surrender of Fort Montgomery.

untill the next spring thereafter. It may there- -fore have easily happened that the services the said Richard in the five months service may have escaped the Revolution of the said John Beatz, as he is a very aged man. Deponent also saith that said Richard served three months at Bruneboon and in the Serreys, as she has been informed and bele- -sever, and that Abraham Wood a Pensioner of the Town of Montgomery & County upon said where affidavit is annexed to the ap- plicants original declaration on file, who in the same service at the same time and place Deponent often heard the said Richard relate his services in the Revolution after we were married, and Deponent thinks she heard him say he was taken Prisoner by the Enemy, but Deponents memory is so treacherous have -ing been impaired by age, that she cannot state with confidence the particulars of his capture or imprisonment. Deponent also saith that in making her original declaration on file, she was necessarily gover- -ned by the information of others, as to the service of the troops after Fort Montgomery surrendered to the Enemy, and as she did not distinctly recollect the time of the capture and imprisonment of the said Richard as aforesaid, she stated in substance that the shattered remains of said Company returned to New Windsor where they stood guard about 4 weeks, whereas she in fact ought to have stated that the remains of said Company after said Battle, with the exception of those persons who were taken Prisoners, of whom I believe the said Richard

and was one, stood guard at New Windsor about four weeks. Deponent also saith that the it was the Common Report in the Neighborhood where Deponent then lived, that the said Richard served 3 months at Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie & Hackenback, as aforesaid, and also one month at Fishkill in the year 1779, one fortnight at Warwick, and two months at Warwasing on the Indian frontier in the year 1781. Deponent also saith that the Militia in the Revolution generally served in Detachments which were commanded by the officers of the Company alternately, except in case of alarm, when the whole Company turned out. That her Brother Daniel Bellknap who at the commencement of said war was about 11 = years of age was regularly sent with Provisions & Clothing to his said Brothers, Joseph, & Thomas & others, in service from the same Neighborhood, of whom the said Richard was one. & Deponent often heard from her said Brothers that the said Richard was in actual service on the Southern & Western frontiers, at the time of his said service, and also at Fishkill in the year 1779 —
Sworn to & subscribed this 23 rd day of April 1839 before me
Lydia H. Good mother
Note the word "not" on the first page & the word "surest" on the second page and the word "on" on the third page interlined & the word "of the" on the second page erased before signing
Walter Case Justice
Lydia H. Good mother