Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15,970, Mans Van Vranken, New York

New York
Van Franken Maria Sarah
H. 15,970
CONTENTS

In the matter of Maus Van Franken an Applicant for a Pardon
24524
Direct to Charles Eppelstyn Livingston Columbia County State of New York
adm d 2 years pri 80-

State of New York County of Columbia
On this twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty three personally appeared before me John J. Miller Esquire Just Judge of the County Courts of the County of Columbia State of New York Maas Van Vranken a resident of the town of Gallatin in the County of Columbia and State of New York aged seventy six — years who being first duly sworn according to Law, took on his oath make the following declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 —
This Deponent Maas Van Vranken says that he was born in the year 1756 in the City of Schenectady as he is informed and verily believes and that a record of his age may be found in the Reformed Dutch Church of Schenectady and that this Deponent ever since his birth has resided in the City of Schenectady in the State of New York until some time in the year 1830 when this Deponent removed therefrom to the town of Gallatin in Livingston's Manor in said County of Columbia where this Deponent now resides in the family of the Rev. Herman Vedder — This Deponent says that he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. Viz. Under the Command of Ellis Honda as Captain and Andrew Van Patten as Lieutenant, the name of the Ensign this Deponent does not recollect — Captain Honda above mentioned resided at the commencement and during the Revolutionary war in the City of Schenectady and to did this Deponent and the greater part if not all of said Company —
This Deponent entered into the United States Service sometime in the year 1776 and continued to perform active duty during the whole of the Revolutionary war as a soldier therein whenever required or called out on duty —
This Deponent cannot state fully all the duty do

2 resided by him as such soldier during said war being confident that the same exceeded three years during all which time this deponent served as a volunteer for himself and not as a substitute. This deponent recollects that he was frequently called out and went to Canajaw- -aga and other places west of Schenectady to protect the inhabitants in that region of country. This deponent says that he was called out and marched under the command of Captain Honda of said mentioned to Still Water where General Schuyler then commanded. This deponent remained with said company some time and then marched to fort Edward and thence to fort Ann to guard the Magazine at fort Ann the time that this depon- -ent remained at Still Water and at said forts he cannot particularly remember and from fort Ann this depon- -ent thinks and believes he went to fort George and how long this deponent remained at fort George he cannot recollect.
This deponent further says while the troops lay at Stillwa- -ter he thinks General Schuyler stated to the troops that if they would volunteer and go to Bennington such volunteers should be well rewarded for their services. That this deponent volu- -nteered as one to go to Bennington and had crossed the river but was recalled and as this deponent now thinks and only believes because some of the officers claimed that they had no right to march their troops into another state or some such reason about marching out of the state was opposed.
This deponent further says that he lay with the troops of the United States under General Schuyler on Van Scha- -ack's Island in the Mohawk River but how long this de- -ponent cannot state distinctly. This deponent further says that he was present at the capture of General Burgoyne and the American Officers whom this deponent recollects were General Gates Commander in Chief, a Colonel Mogan a General Nixon from some part of New England the names of others this deponent does not recollect. This deponent believes that General Gates

took command of the American Army some time in the latter part of the Summer of 1777. This Deponent further says that he was present at the Battle of Stillwater which this Deponent thinks was fought some time in September 1777 but was not called in the Engagement at the time of the Second battle fought between the American and the British forces at Stillwater. This Deponent thinks and believes that he and some others of the American Soldiers were out on a scouting or hunting party and hearing the firing of the armies the party with whom this Deponent was together with this Deponent returned to the Camp but not in time to take part in the Engagement. This Deponent recollects a circumstance that took place at the time while the Enemy under Burgoyne lay at Stillwater. Viz: This Deponent with One Maw Schumahorn and one Simeon Groat all belonging to Captain Fonda's Company as this Deponent truly believes, volunteered and went out at night to reconnoitre and watch the movements of the Enemy and while out as such scouts had got near the picket guard of the Enemy and could distinctly hear them all the time of night and while lying in the woods this Deponent and those with him were discovered by some of Moyans Riflemen who would have fired at this Deponent and those with him had they not ascertained to what party he belonged. This Deponent says that he had got into the midst of Colonel Moyans Brigade of Riflemen who were posted in the woods and while there One of Moyans Scouts brought the News that the Enemy had left their Camp. That the Corps under Moyan Marched immediately and Entered the Enemy's Camp and this Deponent and those who came with this Deponent from Captain Fonda's Company also marched with Moyans troops into the Enemy's Camp. This Deponent recollects that Maw Schumahorn took a large trap kettle which he found and one of the others whom this Deponent thinks was Simeon Groat took a Gun properly belonging to or left by the Enemy. This Deponent says that the Enemy under General Burgoyne retreated from Stillwater to

Saratoga and then surrendered This Deponent thinks that General Burgoyne was captured some time in October 1777 - This Deponent further says that some time in 1776 or 1777 this Deponent under Captain Fonda was ordered to march from Schenectady to Johnstown to surprise and take prisoner Sir John Johnson. That this Deponent went with said Company of Captain Fonda to Johnstown But on coming there this Deponent thinks Sir John Johnson had fled and the Troops took and seized the furniture and personal property of Sir John Johnson and according to the impres- -sion of this Deponent removed the same to Johnstown near by and then left the same in different houses - how long this Deponent was absent on this Expedition he cannot distinctly state. This Deponent further says that during the years 1776 and 1777 this Deponent was frequently called out on alarms and went to Cohoes, Niskayuna and Ballston and other places not now particularly remembered to guard and protect the inhabitants in those Regions. In the year 1778 this Deponent was called out and went to Fort Hunter with the said Captain Fonda And this Deponent and six others from Schenectady took with them a field piece as this Deponent thinks and being believing it was a six pound- -nder This Deponent thinks that Colonel Abraham Wemple Commanded at Fort Hunter. This Deponent says that he remain- -ed at Fort Hunter until an alarm came there that the enemy and Tories under Butler had destroyed and burnt Cherry Valley and that fears were entertained that they would also attack Fort Plain and destroy the property about that place - This Depon- -ent and others volunteered and marched to Fort Plain and took with them their field piece of which this Deponent was Captain or Gunner. That when they arrived near Fort Plain this Deponent and his party fired their Cannon or field piece in order to alarm the Tories and prevent a further waste of property. That said party then marched towards the fort and coming up to the Church found in it men women & children who had fled thither for shelter & safety those who were in the Church went with this

Retracted into fort plain which was commanded by Colonel Cornelius Van Dyck as this Deponent thinks of Ulster - This Deponent further says that he and a party of Soldiers from Fort Plain went South of the Mohawk River in pursuit of Butler who commanded those Indian Tories who were burning and laying waste that Region of Country South of fort Plain That this Deponent and his party pursued the enemy three days but could not overtake them - This Deponent would relate a circumstance which took place at fort plain - When this Deponent arrived at fort plain he found among those of the Inhabitants whom they advised to take refuge in the fort a stocking weaver who was then weaving a pair of stockings for a Mr. Miller a preacher who then resided in Schenectady - This Deponent wished him to take down his loom and carry the same into the fort but he declined finally on being again advised by this Depo- nent and one Abraham Marcelus to remove his loom into the fort he consented and this Deponent and Marcelus as- sisted him in taking down the loom and putting the same up again in the fort. This Deponent wished said weaver to weave but he declined alleging as a reason that no person of ordinary genius could take down his loom and put the same up again as this Deponent & Marcelus had done and that he would not weave for fear this Deponent or Marcellus would learn his art of weaving - After this Deponent discovered the jealous disposition of the weaver This Deponent & Marcellus continued for several days while laying in the fort to annoy and tease the said weaver by pretending to examine his loom & rearing -
This Deponent says that he was frequently called out to go to Ballstown where there were many inroads from the enemy This Deponent recollects of going on one of those Expeditions under the Command of Captain John Van Patten with about Seventy men That as this Deponent now believes at or near the Junction of the Kiyadaugh Creek with the Hudson River This Deponent and those with him discovered on the opposite side of said Creek or River a party of the

Enemy Engaged in boiling something And when discovered by their gestures and actions, seemed to defy the party to which this deponent belonged and dared our party to fire - accordingly some of the party to which this deponent belonged fired at the enemy but said fire had no other effect than to cause the enemy to laugh at our party the more conceiving that the distance between them and this deponent's party rendered them safe from a fire from their small arms.
This deponent having a smart French piece loaded the same and crept down to the water edge and got behind a stump and fired at the enemy, one of the enemy fell whether he was much injured this deponent cannot say but believes that he was wounded as the enemy immediately fled.
This deponent recollects that on a certain occasion there were three negroes ran away from their masters in Schenectady and fled toward Ballstown and were pursued by this deponent and a company of five others and were retaken near the High Mills about seven miles north of Schenectady on their way to join the Tories at Ballstown and at the same time there were three Scotchmen who were Tories who were also taken and brought back to Schenectady by this deponent and those who were with this deponent. This deponent thinks that one Abraham Van Voorst was Captain of said company in said expedition. The negroes this deponent believes were John Glann's Pat, Jacobus Tellis Prince and Hermanus Van Mayech's Pat.
This deponent further says that he was one who located and took prisoner one John Duncan at his residence near Schenectady and conveyed him to Albany jail. Duncan was a man of wealth and a Tory. He had been a Major under the Crown of Great Britain during the Colonial government. He wore a uniform and had been an officer among the regulars. He was a Scotchman by birth a man of influence and excited and gave confidence to the Tories and other disaffected. This deponent would further state that during the years 1776 and 1777 he thinks and believes that he performed active service in all about nine months in each year. That said active service during said two

11 Years of 1776 & 1777 were rendered and performed principally with the Northern Army at Still Water Saratoga Kingsborough Fort Edward at Fort Ann and at Fort George under Generals Schuyler and Gates - And the service that this Deponent rendered in 1778 was principally at Fort Hunter at Fort Plain and at Cobleskill and other places west of Schenectady and also in and about Schenectady That the whole service so rendered by this Deponent during said year of 1778 at different times amounted as this deponent believes to about six months in the Militia of the United States. That the active service that this Deponent performed during the years 1779. 1780. 1781. and 1782 as a volunteer in the service of the United States, this Deponent believes amounted to four months in each year This Deponent says that said duty so rendered by him as such soldier as aforesaid was in and about Schenectady and at Ballstown, Helderberg, Schoharie Flats, Cobleskill, Johnstown & various other places north and west from Schenectady - This Deponent would further state that in the various Expeditions he has made as a soldier in the United States This Deponent has marched through that district of Country now called the Counties of Schenectady Montgomery Schoharie Saratoga Albany Washington and Otsego - This Deponent would further state that he has always marched when called out, that he always remained as long as the Company or Corps to which he belonged remained on duty from home and is certain that the amount of active duty performed by this Deponent in the United States Service either as drafted or as a volunteer as aforesaid stated is over two Years and as this Deponent verily believes full three Years - This Deponent would further state that his memory is too imperfect to enter more minutely into the various particulars attending the various Expeditions performed by this Deponent during said War - But this Deponent would refer to John Murchie, Simon Groot Isaac Treadwell & others of the City of Schenectady as persons who may remember some part

of the Services rendered by this Deponent during said war of the Revolution. And who are now living as this Deponent is informed and believes - This Deponent would refer to Captain Jellis Honda of Schenectady as a person who could give the desired information as to most of the active duty performed by this Deponent from Home under the said Honda as Captain were it not that said Honda is now and has been for some time as this Deponent believes insane and not of sufficient mind to give such information - This Deponent further says that he is well acquainted with Joseph C. Yates Esquire John DeGraff Esq. and David Boyd Esq. all of the City of Schenectady who are persons of known respectability who can from their knowledge of this Deponent and from their general acquaintance in said City of Schenectady state what the general character of this Deponent has been and this Deponent would also refer to the Rev. Jacob Van Katten of the Reformed Dutch Church of Schenectady as a proper person to state what the character of this Deponent has been down to the period when this Deponent left the City of Schenectady and since that time and while this Deponent has lived in the town of Gallatin he would refer to the Rev. Horace Ladd of the Reformed Dutch Church of said town of Gallatin and with whom this Deponent has resided to state what has been and what is now the character of this Deponent This Deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Mans Van Vranken
Sworn and subscribed this 23 rd of January 1833 before me
John J. Miller, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Columbia in the said State of New York

This Certifies , that as appears from the Register of Baptism belonging to the PROTESTANT REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH in the City of Schenectady, Maas, Son of Maas Van Kranke and Annatje Van De Volgen — his wife, was baptized on the 30 th day of May , in the year, 1756.
CERTIFIED,
Jacob Van Vechten
V. D. M.
Schenectady, Feb. 23. 1833. The undersigned further certifies that he is well acquainted with the above named individual & knows him to be a man of character & veracity; that he has for many years been a member, & also an elder of this church; that in modern style he spells his name Maas Van Kranke; that he resides at present with his daughter in the town of Galatin, Columbia county; & that he is the same individual who applies for a pension under a late act of Congress.
Jacob Van Vechten, Pastor P. R. D. C. Sch.

I certify that I am now, and have been well acquainted with Maun von Franken Loquin upwards of fifty years last past, during which time he resided in this city and has uniformly sustained a good and unquestionable moral character holding offices of trust and extensive confidence in this community both in church and state.
Schenectady 27 th Feb y 1833.
Joseph C. Yates
I am well acquainted now and have been intimately for more than fifty years with Maun von Franken Loquin as above by Gov y Yates and entirely concur in the character given above James V t Ryer

11 State of New York } ss County of Schenectady }
Cornelius Z. Van Santwood of the City of Schenectady in the County of Schenectady being duly sworn doth depose and say, that he was in the time of the revolutionary War has been ever since and is now well acquainted with Mns Van Franken who has subscribed and sworn to the declaration herunto annexed. That this deponent always understood and believes that the said Mns Van Franken was enrolled in and belonged to a company of minute men embodied as this deponent believes in the latter part of the year 1775 and commanded by Captain Jellis I. Fonda. This deponent distinctly recollects that the said Mns entered with zeal and ardour and activity in our revolutionary struggle, that he continued to be actively engaged during the whole course of that struggle in performing the duties to which the militia of that day in this district were almost constantly called, He was indeed "a good man and true", and although this deponent cannot specify after such a lapse of years the precise time the said Mns was engaged in the service of the United States, still this deponent has no doubt and firmly believes that during the course of the revolutionary War the said Mns performed more than two years actual service as a soldier in the militia service of the United States
Corn. Z. Van Santwood
Subscribed & sworn this 22 d day of February 1833. before
Wm. D. Van Franken.
I, Warranus T. P. before whom the preceding deposition of Cornelius Z. Van Santwood has been taken do hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with said Cornelius

I know Van Santvoord and know him to be a gentleman of character and veracity, whose statement is entitled to full credit — Witness my hand this twenty second day of February 1833.
Wm Lloyd  Hearne

11/ State of New York } County of Schenectady } Jo
21 John Quackenbush of the city and County of Schenectady & State of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Hans Van Franken who has subscribed and sworn to the declaration herunto annexed, both before the revolution and ever since, that he knows him to have served in the militia at different times during the revolution, that from the lapse of time since that eventfull period he cannot distinctly state the whole period the said Hans was in actual service, yet he can well remember that he was on duty during the operations which resulted in the capture of General Burgoyne, that they were together in that service at least three weeks and as deponent believes a longer period than three weeks, that the said Hans and deponent belonged to a detachment which did duty on Van Schaicks Island in the Hudson river where they served three weeks and as deponent believes more than three weeks that the said Hans and deponent formed part of a detachment sent in pursuit of some Tories who resided at a place called hermitage on a road leading from Albany to Schenectady, where they captured an influential Royalist by the title of Captain or Major Duncan whom they delivered to the commandant at Albany. That the said Hans was one of the party who went in pursuit of Butler & Brant to Cherry Valley and at the time as this deponent verily believes when Butler was slain, That the said Hans was engaged in that expedition for more than three weeks that he was in the expedition sent in pursuit of Sir John Johnson but what time he was engaged in this service this deponent cannot state. This deponent further saith that he verily believes that the said applicant was in service as a minute man

during a great part of the revolutionary struggle Subscribed from John Quackenbush this 22 nd Feb y 1833
Warren Root Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Schenectady -
I Herewith give before whom the preceding deposition of John Quackenbush has been taken as here Certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Quackenbush and know him to be a Gentleman of character and veracity, whose statement is entitled to full credit. Witness my hand this twenty third day of February 1833.
Warren Root Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Schenectady -

10 State of New York Columbia County ss:
I Herman Vedder a clergyman residing in the Town of Gallatin in said County of Columbia hereby certify and declare that I am well acquainted with M c Lean Van Marken who has subscribed and sworn to the above to the above declaration and that I have been well acquainted with him for upwards of thirty years that I believe him to be of the age stated in his declaration that I believe him to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that he has always and does now sustain a fair and irreproachable character.
Sworn and subscribed this 23 rd day of January 1833 before me
Herman Vedder
John S. Miller, first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Columbia in the said State of New York

State of New York County of Schenectady ss.
Simon A. Groot of the City of Schenectady in said County, being duly sworn and examined, doth depose and say, that he was in the time of the revolutionary war, and is now well acquainted with Hans Van Vranken, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration - that this Deponent served for the most part in other companies, and in other campaigns during said war, than those in which he the said Hans alleges in his said declaration to have served - this Deponent however has personal knowledge of the military services of said Hans in the militia of this State during said war, having seen him perform such services on several occasions - this Deponent remembers in particular to have seen said Hans in company with the militia from Schenectady who proceeded to Johnstown in the month of January 1777 (as this Deponent thinks) to capture Sir John Johnson who surrendered himself and his tenants and dependants prisoners of war - this Deponent remembers also to have seen said Hans with the troops under Generals Gates & Arnold when the latter took the Camp of the Hessian, during the northern campaign of the year 1777, which eventuated in the surrender of General Burgoyne & his army - and this Deponent further says that the facts set forth in said declaration in which this Deponent is referred to as having taken a part (under the name of Simon Groot) are substantially true & correct according to the best of the knowledge, recollection & belief of this Deponent - but this Deponent cannot tell on how many occasions or for how long a period in the whole, the said Hans served as a soldier during said war
651. Subscribed & sworn this 23 rd February 1833 before me Wm. M. Lutter of the Bar

12. Copy of Febr 1833 affidavit
I Warrantus Peck — before whom the preceding deposition of Simon A. Groot has been taken do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with said Simon A. Groot, and know him to be a gentleman of character & veracity, whose statement is entitled to full credit. Witness my hand this twenty third day of February 1833 — Warrant Peck Justice of the Peace in & for the County of Schenectady
State of New York Schenectady County Clerk's Office John S. Vrooman Clerk of the County of Schenectady, do hereby certify that Darrell Peck Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavits of Comrs. L. V. Sanwood John Quackenbush & Simon A. Groot was taken was a Justice of the Peace in & for the County aforesaid at the time of taking the same, and that the signature "Darrell Peck" is genuine — In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 2 nd day of March A.D. 1833. John S. Vrooman Clerk

at Bonn in 1771 when arrested took Olefin camp J. W. Lyde and Judy G. Thibon Thanks for John Holub

I John S. Miller first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Columbia do hereby declare my Opinion after the investigation of the matter of Maas Van Frankin who has presented to me his declaration to obtain a pension under the act of Congress passed the 7 th of June 1832. And after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department That the above named Maas Van Frankin the said Applicant was a revolution-ary Soldier and served as he states — And I do further Certify that Herman Riddr who has signed a certificate hereto annexed is a Clergyman of the Reformed Dutch Church and resides in the town of Gallatin in the said County of Columbia And that his statement is entitled to credit he being a man of chara-cter and standing in the community — And I do further Certify that it duly appears to me that Harmannus Peck Esquire before whom the annexed affidavits of Cornelius Z. Van Sant-voord John Deackenbop & Simon A Groot were taken was a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Schenectady and that his signature to said affidavits by him taken is genuine all of which is duly auth-enticated by the Clerk of the County of Schenectady under the seal of his office — And I do further Certify that from the proceedings hereto annexed had before said Harmannus Peck it appears that Cornelius Z. V. Van Santvoord, John Deackenbop & Simon A Groot who have respectively signed and sworn to the annexed affidavits are gentlemen who reside in Schenectady and are Credible persons and that their statements are entitled to full credit — And I do further Certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph C. Yates late Governor of the State of New York that I am acquainted with his handwriting and believe the Certificate by him subscribed to be genuine and I also state that I am not acquainted with James V. P. Rydy but am informed of believe he is now Post Master at Schenectady City & I further Certify that their statements are entitled to the highest degree of credit —

And I do further Certify that Hans Van Vranken the Applicant whose declaration is hereto annexed from bodily infirmity cannot attend Court to make his Application and that I attended at the place of his residence in Gallatin in said County of Columbia to take his statement and deposition. And I do further Certify that I have noted the erasures of alterations or interlineations before subscribing. Viz. in the Declaration of Hans Van Vranken Page 2 d in the 6 th line from the bottom the word "under" erased and the word "at" interlined in Page 3 d in 15 th line from top the word "place" interlined in Page 6 th line 10 th from top the word "fixed at" interlined in same page in 2 nd line from bottom the word "about" erased also in 7 th page line 10 th from top the word "about" erased in the certificate of Norman Ditter Page 13 th line 5 th from top the word "other above" erased — dated the fourth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
John J. Miller, first Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Columbia
State of New York Columbia County - § I Joseph D. Monroe Clerk of the said County of Columbia do certify that John J. Miller Esquire before whom the preceding declaration was made and by whom the above certificate is executed, was at the date of the same a not judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of Columbia, that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and justly believe his signature to said declaration & certificate to be genuine — Given under my hand & seal of office this 13 th day of March A D 1833 —
J. M. Woodell Clerk

14613
New York
Maus Van Brant of Columbia in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain. Fonda of the Brig. commanded by Col. Singler in the N.Y. line for 2 years
Cert. originally made Van Brant corrected Nov 8. held to the within agent.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 st day of June 1833 - and sent to Charles Livingston. Columbia N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. $100 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Feb 1833. 40
$200
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by George Taylor Clerk, Book 8, Vol. 4, Page 84

3178 New York
Sarah Van Frankin died widow of Mearus Van Frankin who died on the
of _____ in the State of _____ who was a Rev. in the _____ commanded by Captain _____ of the _____ commanded by _____ in the _____ line for _____
N.Y. Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 80 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 st day of March, 18 _____ July 1833 _____ and 1. April 1838.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Jan y 1833 and Seuit Co A. H. Markland Issues to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by _____ Clerk, Book _____ Vol. _____ Page 365

County of Columbia ss. STATE OF NEW-YORK, ss.
On this twenty eighth day of April 1837, personally appeared before me John J. Miller first Judge of the said County of Columbia in the said State of New-York Sarah Van Vranken a resident of the Town of Gallatin in the county of Columbia aforesaid and State of New York; aged seventy eight 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 4, 1836: That she is the widow of Mans Van Vranken who was a soldier in the Regiments commanded by Colonel Wemple and others, during the war of the revolution, and received in his life time a pension of eighty dollars per annum under the act of 7th June 1832
She further declares that she was married to the said Mans Van Vranken on the sixteenth day of August , in the year seventeen hundred and seventy-eight ; that her husband, the aforesaid Mans Van Vranken , died on the first day of July 1833 - and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereunto annexed.
Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before me has  Sarah Van Vranken mark
John J. Miller, first Judge of the said County of Columbia in the said State of New-York
State of New York ss
On this twenty eighth day of April 1837, personally appeared as above the Rev. Hermann Fedder of said Town of Gallatin in the County of Columbia in said State, and being duly sworn and examined, doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with the above named Sarah Van Vranken , that said Sarah Van Vranken , has been a resident of said town for more than ten  five years last past, that said Sarah Van Vranken since the decease of her said husband Mans Van Vranken , has remained and is now a widow, she not having married again since the decease of her said husband. Hermann Fedder
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above

written, before me
John S. Miller, first Judge of the said County of Columbia in the said State of New York
State of New York ss
On this twenty eighth day of April 1837 personally appeared as above Anna Maria Myndense of said town of Gallatin in the county of Columbia in said State, and being duly sworn, and examined, doth depose and say that she is well acquainted with the above named Sarah Van Vranken, that said Sarah Van Vranken, has been a resident of said town for more than five years last past, that said Sarah Van Vranken since the decease of her said husband Maud Van Vran- ken, has remained and is now a widow, she not having married again since the decease of her said husband. Anna Maria Myndense
Sworn & subscribed to on the day and year above written, before
John S. Miller, first Judge of the said County of Columbia in the said State of New York
State of New York County of Columbia ss
I John S. Miller before whom the preceding affidavits have been taken, do certify that the before named applicant & Deponent Sarah Van Vran- ken, is unable to appear in Court, by

reason of bodily infirmity - and I further certify that the affiants the Rev d Herman Vedder and Anna Maria Mynders are witnesses of credibility. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand seal , this twenty eighth day of April - One thousand eight hundred & thirty - seven
John I. Miller, forsooth Judge of the said County of Columbia in the said State of New York
State of New York County of Clerk's office
James Storm - Clerk
of said County, do hereby certify that John I. Miller - before whom the preceding affidavits of Sarah Van Vranken & Anna Maria Mynders and Herman Vedder, purport to have been taken, was at the time thereof and is now First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County - duly qualified, & that his signature to said affidavits, or those purporting to be his, are genuine signatures.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 23 rd day of May - 1837.
In the absence of James Storm Heinrich Coersingen
Deputy Clerk

This Certifies, that as appears from the Register of the Reformed Dutch Church of Schenectada Maus Van Vran- Ren, and Sarah Marselis, appeared as husband and wife at the Baptism of their daughter Annaantie on the 16 th day of May 1779 - And I further Certify that I can find no record of the marriage of said Maus & Sarah, for the reason that there is an hiatus in the Register of Marriages solemnized by the Rev. Barnt Vrooman then pastor of said Church during the period of the American revolution, or when said Maus & Sarah were alleged to have been married - and I further certify, that I am well acquainted with said Sarah, and have been for more than twenty years last past, and that I was also during the life time of said Maus well acquainted with him the said Maus that they were always reputed to be lawful husband & wife, and I entertain no doubt of the fact - And I further certify that I believe the said Maus & Sarah referred to in the preceding documents in the matter of her application for a pension, are the identical persons referred to and described in this my Certificate. Given under my hand this 21 st day of June 1837.
Jacob Van Vechten, Pastor of the R. D. Church at Schenectada

The Deposition of Cornelius T. Van Santvoord of the City of Schenectada, in the County of Schenectada in the State of New York, who testifies and says that he is now eighty years of age, and was an Officer in the war of the revolution & is now a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 That he resided during the war aforesaid in said City, then township, and was well acquainted with Mans Franken and Sarah his wife the same persons referred to and described in the preceding Certificate of the Rev. Jacob Van Keulen. In this Deposition was previous to the intermarriage of said Sarah & Mans, Well acquainted with them respectively, who were both born & brought up in said township and were schoolmates & companions of this Deponent This Deponent was not present at their marriage, yet remembers hearing it reported at the time thereof, (which this Deponent believes was at the time set forth in the preceding declaration of said Sarah) that they were thus married, and he this Deponent has no doubt of the fact. This Deponent further testifies that said Mans & Sarah lived together as husband & wife until the day of the decease of said Mans, and that said Sarah is still unmarried according to the best of his knowledge information & belief.
Corn T. Van Santvoord
On this twentieth day of June 1837, personally appeared before me

The undersigned, Cornelius L. Van Sant- voord to me well known, who made oath, that the facts set forth in the fore- going deposition by him signed, are true & correct & I certify, that said Corne- lius L. Van Santvoord is a credible witness.
Asaph Merrill Perry J.P.

The Deposition of John Schragg of the town of Mohawk in the County of Montgomery in the State of New York, aged eighty - two years and upwards, who testifies & says that he is now a pensioner of the United States under the act of 7 th June 1832, having been during the war of the revolution, a private in the Company of Militia commanded by Captain John Van Patten in the Regiment of Colonel Abraham Wemple in the District of Schenectada. That he this Deponent was during said war well acquainted with Hans Van Vranken the same person referred to and described in the annexed documents, and was acquainted with said Hans Van Vranken since the year 1770, or since he this Deponent was four or five years of age - this Deponent previous to said war was a resident of the township of Schenectada where said Hans also resided - This Deponent was also previous to said war, well acquainted with the present widow of said Hans Van Vranken, & knew her before her intermarriage with said Hans when she still bore the name of Sarah Marselis. This Deponent was not present when said Hans & Sarah were joined in wedlock, but this Deponent remembers well the time it occurred, and when the fact was notorious among the friends and acquaintances of the parties & of the citizens of Schenectada generally. Of this Deponent remembers right said marriage took place some time in the summer of the year 1778. This Deponent also knows that said Hans Van Vranken served as a private in the militia of the District of Schenectada.

affairs in the Regiment commanded by Col. Abraham Wemple - and further that said Mans & Sarah lived together as husband & wife after said intermarriage until the day of his death.
On this 20 th day of July 1837, personally appeared before me the undersigned, John DeGraff above named to me known, who made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by him signed are true; & I certify, that said John DeGraff is a credible witness.
John DeGraff Justice of the peace
The Deposition of Simon A. Groot of the City of Schenectady in the County of Schenectady in the state of New York, who testifies & says, that previous to & during the war of the revolution he resided in the then township of Schenectady, and is now Eighty one years of age - At the time this deponent was well acquainted with the aforesaid Mans Van Vran-ker & his widow Sarah before the commencement of said war - that said Sarah before her intermarriage with said Mans bore the name of Sarah Marselis. This deponent is intimately with said Mans & Sarah continued after their marriage which this deponent believes took place in the Summer of the year 1778 with the said Mans until the day of his death & with said Sarah until the present time. This deponent was not present at the performance of the marriage ceremony.

said Maria & Sarah; yet the fact of their marriage at the time aforesaid, was notorious among the friends & acquaintances of the parties & the citizens of Schenectady generally. This Deponent further saith, that said Sarah since the death of said Maria, has remained single and unmarried, and is still unmarried according to the best of this Deponent's information, belief, and further that said Maria & Sarah lived together as husband & wife & were universally reputed & believed to be such until the day of the death of said Maria. Simon A. his Groot
On this 20 th day of July 1837, personally appeared before me the undersigned, Sophia Wesselso before named to me well known, who made oath, that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by her signed are true, and I certify that she is a credible witness, and I certify that said Simon A. Groot cannot write his name but makes his mark owing to old age & bodily infirmity.
Roswell Perry, J.P.
State of New York County of Schenectady Clerk's Office } ss
I, Jonathan A. Burnham, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that Roswell Perry was on the day of the above deposition of Cornelius L. Van Santvoord, and on the day of the above or foregoing deposition of Simon A. Groot, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County of Schenectady, duly appointed & qualified, & that the signatures to said depositions, purpor-

ting to be his is genuine. And I further Certify, that John H. Van Eps was on the day of the date of the foregoing deposition of John DeGraff a Justice of the peace in & for said county, and that the signature to said deposition of John DeGraff purpor- ting to be his, is genuine. And I also Certify, that I am well acquainted with the Reverend Jacob Van Kistlen Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Schen- ectady & with his handwriting, and that I know him to be pastor of said Church & to have custody of the Records thereof, & that the signature to the foregoing certificate, purporting to be his, is genuine
In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my offi- cial seal this 22 nd day of July 1837.
J. C. Drownham Clerk
M. P. Van Eps Jacob Van Kistlen
2352

24.624
Maureen Franken Columbia Co New York.
In Vol 5. p 21. $0.66 - 1779 " 1.80 - 1780 " 4.20 - " 23 2.66 - 1779
9.32
assn d
Charles Epsstyne Livingston. Columbia Co New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of M rs Van Franken Columbia Co New York.
   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.     1776 " 9 " Priv Gen Schuyler Col Fonda 76 years Greece Witness born R. Van Santvoord.   1777 " 9 " " Gen Schuyler Col Fonda 74 days N. York " John Quackenbush   1778 " 6 " " " Simon A. Groot   1779 " 4 " "   1780 " 4 " "   1781 " 4 " " see if doubtful   1782 " 4 " "  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
2,112 20 6
8.0 5. 13.00 4.33 2 12
Det. Bruns

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 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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.  [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.  [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.  [d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.  [e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deponeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."  It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.  [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.  [g] The opinion of the Court is always required.  [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.  [i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.  [k] The notes from [a] to [j] 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.
Joseph Rowen

Hildreth's Hist U.S. Vol 3 page 263
The Grav of Sarah Maschus wife of M. V. who departed this life April 1st 1838 aged 79 years 11 months & 27 days
Nicholas Van Vranken Esq n
Resides of May 1 st 1838.
Mary Van Vranken died 1833 died 1 July 1833 Sarah Van Vranken died 1 April 1838 Nicholas Van Vranken & his children
Please execute the above copy yours & W.P.C.
Wheeler H. Clarke. New York Atty.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Joint Resolve of Congress, passed July 6. 1848, Entitled, "A joint Resolution relative to evidence in applications for pensions"
State of New York Schenectady County ss. On this 18 th day of January 1849 personally appeared in open court before county court of said county, the same being a court of Record Nicholas Van Vranken of Schenectady in said county & on behalf of himself & his sister Helen M c Dougall, makes the declaration under oath in due form of law duly administered in order to obtain the benefit of the above mentioned Resolve of Congress. That M c Dougall Van Vranken late of the County of Columbia in the State, the Father of this declarant and his said sister Helen M c Dougall in his life time obtained a pension of $80 per Annum under act of Congress passed June 7. 1832, for his services in the war of the Revolution, introduced on the 1 st day of July 1833. That his said Father left at his death his surviving Sarah Van Vranken his widow, who is the Mother of declarant & said Helen M c Dougall. That the said Sarah Van Vranken, in her life time applied for a pension as the widow of said M c Dougall Van Vranken & on account of his Revolutionary services, but did not succeed in obtaining a pension as declarant believes, and died April 1838. That declarant's Mother said Sarah Van Vranken died in the town of Gallatin in the County of Columbia aforesaid & left her surviving declarant said Mrs. Helen M c Dougall both of Schenectady & Mrs. Harriet Vidder, late of Gallatin deceased who died in the year 1840. Declarant further says he attended the funeral of his said Mother at Gallatin aforesaid and recorded in the time of her death in his declarant

Bible & which was recorded soon after his death. Subscribed thereon to in } open court this 18th } Nicholas Van Franken day of January 1849. } J. W. Jones, county judge of Schenectady county

State of New York Columbia County } ss. Herman Vedder of Gathalim in said County, being sworn says, that he was well acquainted with the Sarah Van Vranken, the widow of Hans Van Vranken named in the annexed declaration of Nicholas Van Vranken. That said Sarah Van Vranken at the time of her death resided with this deponent and died on the first day of April one thousand eight hundred thirty eight at Gathalim. & was buried in the church burying ground of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in Gathalim of which this deponent is the Pastor. That there is erected at her grave a marble stone on which is inscribed the words of epigraph following vizt.
"The Grave of Sarah Marsellus wife of Hans Van Vranken, who departed this life April 1 st . 1838, aged 79 years 11 months & 27 days"
That the figures are fair & legible.
That said grave stone was erected with the said inscription thereon soon after the decease of said Sarah Van Vranken.
Sworn to the substance thereof this 23 rd day of January 1849 before me Richard Gail } Herman Vedder Justice of Justice's Court Hudson
State of New York Columbia County } ss. I certify that the above named, Herman Vedder is known to me, that he is the Pastor of said church as stated in his affidavit & that he is entitled to credit. January 23 rd 1849. Richard Gail Justice of the Peace

State of New York Columbia County ss. I, James Storm clerk of said County do certify that Richard Paul, before whom the foregoing affidavit of the Rev. Herman Vedder was taken was on the day of the date thereof a justice of the peace in & for said County, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Richard Paul & verily believe his name subscribed to said affida- vit to be his hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 26 th day of January A.D. 1849. James Storm Clerk
State of New York Schenectady County ss. I, Samuel W. Jones, County Judge of the County of Schenectady aforesaid, do certify that on the 18 th day of January instant, Nicholas Van Franklin above named, appeared before me and made the foregoing declarative. That I am well acquainted with the latter Nicholas Van Frankin he is a respectable man & entitled to credit.
That from the Evidence produced before me I am fully satisfied that Sarah Van Frankin in said declaration named, died the first day of April One thousand Eight hundred & thirty Eight. That said Nicholas Van Frankin & Helen M c Dougal named in said declaration are the only surviving children of said Sarah Van Frankin & that they both reside in Schenectady New York.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the 30 th day of January 1849 after the word Schenectady was above interlined. S. W. Jones, County Judge

State of New York Columbia County Schenectady County } ss. I Silas H. Marsh clerk of said county of Schenectady do certify that Samuel W. Jones before whom the foregoing declaration of Nicholas Van Vranken was made & by whom the foregoing certificate was executed, was on the days of the dates thereof respectively county judge of the county of Schenectady duly qualified to act as such.
That I am well acquainted with the hand- writing of said judge & verily his name subscribed to said declaration & certificate to be his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county, this 30 th day of January 1839,
S. H. Marsh, Clerk

Per WIDOW, & Co.
No. 15970 Sarah Van Bracken Widow of Marius Van Bracken Dr. Rev. War
Act July 4 th 36 : Vol. Mr , Page 296
[Arrangement of 1870.]

J. H. Hanzel June 3, 1839
Sarah Ann Frankew N.Y.
Act to her N.Y. City voter March 27, '49
Act to Whalen H. Clarke August 4, '49
" Hon. D. H. Silvester May 1850
" W. H. Seward 12 June 1850
over
Act 4 July 1856

1806 New York Sarah Van Frank Separated - let to Mr. F. Bates. Aug 4 1837 - known Aug 1837 - J. D. L. Sept 3. Jan 1839 A. L. Nov 6 Jan. 1840

Pension Office July 6 1833
N.Y. Rolls, Albany } Act June 7 1832 } $80 per annum }
Mans Van Brankin To what time paid?
J. P. Gallaher Esq 3 auditor
J. Triplett
There is no such name as the above on the Albany Roll, but I find Mans Van Brankers, at $80. p. an. who died 1 st January  July 1833, and he is paid to his death. — Perhaps the latter is the name sought after. B.S.B.

Israel,
Israel N.Y.
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
District of Columbia

Schenectady 27 th May 1839
Dear Sir
Fully aware of the pressure of the official duties of your station I have with much reluctance presumed to trespass on your time, hoping thereby to obtain information touching an application which has been unsuccessfully made for a widows pension, by which information I might know what different steps are essential to effect that object, or that it is hopeless and therefore not have it pressed farther. Well aware that your official duties, call for more attention than would leave much time for private correspondence and conceiving it probable that those duties were more onerous during the session of Congress and immediately after it, I have delayed writing till now; and without further apology shall briefly state the case in the hope that you will gratify me with the information sought, especially if as I trust the reference to the pension papers of said above alluded to widow her husband is not difficult to be made. If however your time forbids this gratification I trust you will pardon the presumption About 7 or 8 years (I think) ago my Father-in-law Mans Van Brant obtained a pension of $80 per annum for Revolutionary services, founded on his own affidavit corroborated by surviving companions and certificates of the best citizens of this place among which was the late Governor Yates certifying his patriotism and zealous devotion to the cause of his country. As near as I can recollect his compatriots affidavits established his services to have amounted to about 10 months active services besides being frequently engaged for short periods of 3, 6, and 9 days

in anticipated attacks from the Indians, but the archives of the pension office doubtless will furnish the information which as a public guardian you alone can be guided by. The old gentleman died about 4 years since and about 2 years since his widow made application which was denied if I am correctly informed upon some alleged error in the papers of her husband, what that error was I believe I am not correctly informed as the papers were made out at her residence about 70 miles distant. If I am correctly informed the error as stated was founded on a discovery that the old gentleman had not served as long as stated in the affidavits accompanying his application. I am also informed that the war office as not keeping all the rolls and records of the militia service of this state and if so it will readily account for any discrepancy between the affidavits and the records in your possession, as most if not all his duties were performed in that service. Some of his witnesses are still alive and all of them were professors of religion in the best standing in their church all belonging to the Dutch church and touching whose credibility or general character the best evidence can be obtained from their pastor and others. If therefore the application of the widow Sarah Van Vranken was rejected on account of the error above supposed, and the pension office as not keeping the muster rolls and other records of the militia service of this state; and withal a corroboration of the facts given in the original papers meaning the old gentleman's can be of any service in obtaining the widow's pension or any other practicable proof is deemed necessary may I presume so much as to ask the favor of you to point out the course to be pursued. It has been thought necessary here to produce proof by a person or persons

of the regular marriage of the parties having taken place before or during the war who was or were eye witnesses of the fact. if this is essential her case is hopeless as it is believed that not a soul is now living who can attest to that fact. But many are now living who have known the parties long before marriage who will readily attest to the unimpeachable character of both as moral & religious persons before the commencement of the war which would amount to almost positive proof of the same fact as that would be incompatible with the parties living in adultery which would have been the case if living as man and wife they were still unmarried
I have been perhaps tediously minute and with the hope of being favored with an answer will only add that I shall feel with all proper gratitude the sense of the obligation your compliance will impose, and if by possibility an opportunity should occur to reciprocate the kindness, it will afford the most sincere pleasure to your very humble servant
Daniel M c Dougall
Commissioner of Pension's

J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.
James Van Rensselaer
Mr. Gage Aug 15 N.Y.

Albany 12 th Aug t 1837.
In the matter of the application of Sarah Van Vranken , widow of Mary Van Vranken dec d for a pension under the act of 24 th July 1836.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir.
With the making out of the papers in the matter of the application of said Mary Van Vranken under the act of 7 th June 1832, I had nothing to do, and therefore cannot say whether his alleged services were represented as having been all performed in the Company of Capt. Jellis or Jellis J. Fonda , in the Regiment of Col. Abraham Wemple . The son of Mrs Van Vranken who resides in this City, thinks they were not so represented. If they were, which I am led to infer, was the case from the perusal of your letter in the above matter dated the 5 th inst, they

was so improperly. If my knowledge of these affairs is right, every man of proper age was enrolled as a member of some company of militia, but he did not always and of necessity serve in such company, there perhaps on occasions when the whole Regiment was called out. A certain number of men were drafted out of each company, or a number of companies in the same Regiment, who were placed under the command of a Captain who was selected from one company, & select from another & so on. No services of a militia-man in one town or under one engagement, could have been as long as 9 months in 1776, 6 months in 1778, and yet Mr Van Vranken may have served for these periods of time in these years under different officers & in different towns. I beg the favor to be informed who were Mr Van Vranken's witnesses, that I may obtain from specific depositions from them, if living, for the benefit of this widow. I have several pay Rolls of Capt. Peter J. Tonda's company in my possession, (he being a relative of mine), which I will forward to your office if you desire it. I am yours respectfully S. H. M. W.

P.O. Enclosed is a statement of a draft made in Fonda's company by July 1778. All the individuals named on this list are deceased except John Van Eps & perhaps Simon (J.) Vrooman.
Simon (J.) Vrooman John Van Eps Cornelius Van Eps J. Van Eps

Ward
To J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.

J. L. Edwards Esq Commission of Pensions Sir
Accompanying this you will receive papers in the matter of the application of Sarah Van Franker , widow of Mans Van Franker deceased for a pension under the act of July 1836.
I am yours
very respectfully
Giles F. Hark
Chincoteague July 21 st 1839

Sarah Van Vranken Deed Widow Maas Van Vranken N. York
Qam? July 4 th 1836
$80 75 / 100 p r annum from July 1 st 1833 when she died to April 1 st 1838 when she died
pay to Nicholas Van Vranken Hellen McDougal only surviving chil: dren -
Cert: To A. H. Markland Present

Sarah Van Vranken Deed Widow Maeas Van Vranken N. York
Qam? July 4 th 1836
$80 00 / 100 pr annum - from July 1 st 1833 when he died - to April 1 st 1838 when she died
pay to Nicholas Van Vranken Hellen McDougal only surviving chil: : areh -
Cert: To A. H. Markland Present.

Washgtn May 20. 1850.
My Dear Sir,
Will you do me the favor to inform me whether an application for a pension for the widow of Sarah Van Bracken widow of Meems Van Bracken a Revolutionary Soldier has been made, by any one in the State of New York, whether it is pending, and what is the condition of the subject. and greatly My
Your humble servant
William H. Seward
A. Hunsicker
J. S. Edwards
Comm. of Pensions

Brief in the case of Sarah Van Branten  deed  widow of Mary - County and State of  New York act July 4 1836
Claim, ("original," or for increase )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a Pensioner under act June 7 1832 at $80 - pr. Annu proof of marriage, recorded
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
A. H. Markland Esq Present
Name and residence of Agent
J. P. H. Hanson Jr Examining Clerk.

J. L. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir:-
I was requested to inquire how the case of Mrs Van Kuren stood? She was the widow of M c aus Van Kuren, survived him many years & she drew a pension under the act of 1832. - The application is on behalf of her heir heirs for arrears I believe -
Will you be good enough to send me a copy of the pension laws? Did I not enclose a letter some time ago from D. R. Olney to me to be answered & has it been -
Yours Affly R. M c Intosh -
Was: 16 th April '57.

Jan 1. 1840
Dobunp
Van Brant Reer
1 L. Edwards Esq.  Louisiana of Austin Washington
A. Brown A.R.
Jan Van Brant Reer. C.S.G. Aug 20 of 36. etc 2352

She died 1 Apr 1838
Leaving
Husband died 1 July '55
Nicholas Van Marken &
Helen M c Dougall

Washington June 31. 1839
Sir I am requested to submit to your consideration the matter contained in the enclosed letter
Respectfully yours ANDREW NEWTON
J. L. Edmonds Esq.

Hudson, N York, July 3 rd 1849.
Sir,
Enclosed I send the app n of Nicholas Van Brantkin, for self & Mrs. M c Dougall, under Reserve of July 1, 1848.
M c Van Brantkin was an app t for a pension under act of 4 th July 1836.
It is claimed that a pension of $800 per annum should be allowed from July 1 st 1833 to April 1. 1838, or from March 4 th 1831 to April 1. 1838.
Res ly Yours,
W h ulst Clarke,
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Comr &c,

Sarah Van Vranken deed. wid. of Mans Van Vranken.
Power of Attorney
19. Dec 56
Nov 27-1852
M c Knight

State of New York } County of Schenectady }
Be it Known, that on this Twenty third day of November A. D. 185 2 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Nicholas Van Franken
resident of Schenectady in said County, and made oath according to law that he is a legal heir of Sarah Van Franken, who was the widow of Frans Van Franken the identical man who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of 4 th July 1836 .
that he is directly interested as a claimant in said pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney, and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint O. W. BENNETT , of Washington City , my true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute the claim of Sarah Van Franken for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Nicholas Van Franken
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Nicholas Van Franken to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
John G. McChesney Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Schenectady }
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of Schenectady County that Nicholas Van Franken the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the child of the reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that John G. McChesney Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office,
this Twenty third day of November 185 2
James G. Cox Clerk
1. Claimant's name or names in full.—2. Post Office address. 3 "That he is the identical man," or, "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c., &c. 4. Leave this line blank.—5. "He is," "she is," or "they are."—6. Revolutionary soldier's full name.—7. Claimant's signature.—8. Claimant's name.—9. Magistrate's signature. 10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of."—11. Magistrate's name.—12. Clerk's signature.
N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.