Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10,928, Michael Venus, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Venus, Michael
R 10,928
CONTENTS

22902
Micheal Venu Montgomery County New York
e
Hon. C. M c Vean H R Jacob Sull Palatine Montgomery Co. N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 31 1833
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, showing the Service of Michael Neenus Montgomery Co- N. York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1775 21 pr Capt. Brad. Col. Silock 80   " 42 " ley - Ny - Traditionary   July 1777 42 " — Gen Haer Living   1778 21 " Capt Liel Brig. Gen. Col   2 in all Waggoner   he thinks  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that 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, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which 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.
R. Newman clh

62
Supplemental Declaration Michael Ferris -

State of N. Yorke } Montgomery County } ss
On the 17 th day of September, 1834, Personally Affirmed Before me Jacob Hees a justice of the peace of the Town of Palatine in and for the County of Montgomery, aforesaid, Thomas Zilly of the same Town and County Aforesaid Who being duly sworn According to Law deponeth and saith that he was Person- ally Acquainted With Michael Vemus, at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, during the same and ever since, that I knew him to have been a Revolutionary Soldier, that belonged to the Company of Militia commanded by Lieut John Zilly from Spring 1779, and continued in rendering United States Service Until the close of the Revolution, in said Company, And in the Regt. commanded by Col Jacob Kloke, deponent believes whenever thereunto required deponent further saith that he is personally known, that Claimant has rendered Garrison duty at Fort Keyser, where he was drafted, and stationed, deponent further says, that he verily believes that Claimant has proved A good and faithful Soldier, from the commencement to the conclusion of the War, And that Claimant is a man of truth and Veracity, And his Testimony Entitled to full credit
Subscribed and sworn to this 17 th day of September 1834 Before me, Jacob Hees. J. P.
Thomas Zilly
State of N. Yorke } ss Montgomery County } ss
This may certify, that I Jacob Hees have been personally known with Thomas Zilly the witness in the foregoing affidavit named, for those Number of years past, and that he is a man of truth and Veracity And his Testimony Entitled to full credit — Dated this 17 th day of September 1834
Jacob Hees J. P.

State of New York
Montgomery County
Clerks office. ss: I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do hereby Certify that Jacob Heer, before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his handwriting & Verily believe that his name subscribed to said affidavit & to the foregoing certificate of Character of said Deponent is Genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 9 th October 1834
Geo: D. Ferguson.
on behalf of
us

Offide No. 2 Michael
State of N York Otsego County - } ss
On the 5 th day of September 1834 before me Mrs Jnodd - a justice of the Peace of the Town of Cherry Valley, and County Aforesaid came John Thompson of the same Town, County & State aforesaid who was duly Sworn deponeth and saith, Vizt according to law, that he is aged Seventy five years past and that he was personally acquainted with Michael Vanness previous to the Revolutionary War, during the same and ever since, and that he also saith that the Aforesaid Michael Vanness had been a revolutionary Soldier, from the commencement of the War until the conclusion of the Revolution, and that according to deponants knowledge and belief, said Applicant was a Sergeant in Capt. Jacob Bowman's company, from the commencement of the War until the Augt 1777 . When his Capt was Slain at Oriskana Battle , after which time said Claimant belonging to Capt. John Bowman's company, previous to Oriskana Battle , belonging to Col. Cox's Regt. Genl. Herkimer's Brigade , but after said Battle, and after said Genl. Herkimer & Col. Cox were Slain in said Battle as aforesaid, then under command of Col. Sam d Clyde and Genl. Frederick Rife's until some time in Spring 1779 after the Genl. Conflagration at Cherry Valley late in fall, previous, when claimant removed on the North side of the Mohawk river . With his family, then belonging to the Regt. Commanded by Col. Jacob Killock , same brigade deponant further depose and say, that he often and frequently was ordered out on Albany , and did march out with claimant, to repel the insursions of the common Enemy, Always found him one among the foremost, Willing to render such Services as Occurrences, on each and every Occasion required. And deponant further saith that Claimant always was considered a man of truth and Veracity, and considered his Testimony Entitled to full credit, and further saith not -
John Thompson
subscribed and Sworn to this 5 th day of Sept. 1834
before me Mrs Jnodd J. P.
State of N York } ss Otsego County - }
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with John Thompson the Witness Sworn on the foregoing Affidavit, knowing him to be a man of irreproachable character, truth and Veracity, and his Testimony Entitled to full credit - dated this 5 th day of Sept. 1834
Mrs Jnodd Justice of the Peace

State of New York Otsego County ss I, Horace Lathrop Clerk of said County do certify that Oliver Budd Esqr. before whom the within Affidavit of John Thompson purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date of the same a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly elected & qualified And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to said Affidavit and Certificate of credibility to be his proper hand writing & signature Witness my hand & seal of Office this 6 th day of September 1834 Horace Lathrop Clerk By C. M. Richardson Deputy Clerk
Affidavit John Thompson on Michael Burns

State of New York Montgomery County ss
I further certify that after investigating the matter prescribed by the War department that the above recited is the truth; and that I am personally acquainted with the applicant - that he is of irreproachable character
State of New York full credit.
Montgomery County ss: Clerk's office. I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do hereby certify that David Spraker, Esq. before whom the foregoing application of Michael Phelan purporting to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Judge of Montgomery County courts. And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge and truly believe that that his name subscribed to said application and to the foregoing certificate relative to said applicant is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 9th October 1834.
Geo. D. Ferguson.

after and after putting the interogatories applicant was a revolutionary soldier and with the said David Spratt and entitled to Judge of West Court South
62 Supplemental Declaration Michael Kenney

Supplemental Declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress Passed June 7 th 1834 State of New York } Montgomery County } ss On the 8 th day of October  October 1834 personally appeared before me David Stracker and
On the 8 th day of October  December 1834. Personally Appeared before me David Sprucker one of the judges of the court of common Pleas and General sessions of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Michael Kenne A resident of the Town of Canajoharie, in this county and State Aforesaid, Aged Eighty two years past, — Who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 — That he entered the Service of the United States, Under the following named Officers and served as herein stated
A Statement showing the Service of Micheal Venus, of Montgomery County, State of N. York

   1775 Brought forward and Continued   0 2 1 Infantry Officers Genl Field Officers Battles in which State of N York Palatine, and Proof by which declaration is supported     do 0 0 8 Private Capt. Broadbent Col. Kloock Plainmount was Engaged do his present age Ordered out to Lachawawaga in order to take Sheriff White there County of Tryon was County of Montgomery v. said Sheriff, then pursuing himself subject to the British Government and by the Execution of his Office. He did follow in pursuit of the Whigs. When the friends of Liberty and American Independence had their meetings, exercising his authority by virtue of his Office in dispersing the Whigs, at one particular period he apprehended several of the well disposed friends, for adhering to the cause of Liberty and confined to the County Goal, headed and supported by V. John Johnson, Guy Johnson, Col. Cox, Col. Butler, and others then considered the first and most leading men in the then County of Tryon and its consequence of such strong and powerful opposition, the Inhabitants or Militia during the course of this year had to encounter much trouble and to render considerable services to the United States.   do during said year 0 2 00 do do do " " do " " Infractible to Space, particularly, but Plaintiff, without any limitation or Equivocation, state, that he did render the benefit of Service as placed opposite, exclusive of the foregoing statement of his services for and during said year.   1776 Jan r 0 0 10 do do Genl. Herkimer " " " " " " The whole Brigade Ordered out to Lachawawaga, then joined General Schuyler from there and marched to Johnstown, there causing surrender by V. John Johnson, with about 350 of his Associates to Genl. Herkimer.   do early in summer 0 1 0 Sergeant Capt. Bownan Major Cooperman " " do " " Plaintiff with his family latter part of March or first part of April removed from Palatine to Bownan's Creek in the Town of Lachawawaga into a different Regt. commanded by Col. Bownan Cox, and attached to the Company of Militia commanded by Capt. Jacob Bownan in which Company he was Evidently Appointed a Sergeant at least from the first of May said year, and continued a Sergeant for three years or until May 1779, when again removed to the Town of Palatine then belonging to Lieut. John Killen's Company of Militia in the Regt. commanded by Col. Jacob Kloock. When the Applicant was drafted and ordered to march to Fort Stanwix under the command of Major Cooperman, there rendering Services to the United States for 14 weeks.   do. 0 0 22 Ser. do Genl. Herkimer Col. Cox " " do " " The whole Brigade Ordered out in a force as a farm all wards to Lachawawaga Town of Johnstown there kept for some days then removed to Stone Arabia Town of Palatine, stationed at Fort Sullis 22 days from first to last, guarding against the incursions of the Enemy.   do during the said year 0 1 0 do do Col. Cox " " do " " Drafted and Ordered to Cherryvale at four different times watching and guarding, by rendering United States Service.   do during the same year 0 1 15 do do do " " do " " Ordered and stationed at a block house built and erected at Robert Flatt, for defence, rendering Garrison duty at this and different times during the year at least the length of time placed opposite also frequently went on Scouts with small parties.   1777 after first of May 0 0 22 do do Genl. Herkimer Col. Cox " " " " " " Drafted to Unadilla, Under Genl. Herkimer, and Col. Cox. There with Capt. Broadbent then a Captain (Col. 10th Regt. of Pennsylvania) body of British Troops, there encamped, for some days when the Genl. and Col. Bryant with a party of Militia, joined and engaged in Battle.  

  1777 Part in June for duty 0 1 15 Sergt do Col Peter Garrison & Col Willett do " "   do 6th Augt 0 0 15 do do Genl Harkness & Col Cox at the time of Oriskany Battle do "   do from Spring Until late in fall 0 2 10 do do Capt John Bowman Until 6th Augt. Under Jacob Bowman Col Saml Clyde do to 6th Augt do "   1778 July 0 0 8 do do Capt John Bowman Col Clyde do "   do, for part in fall 0 0 22 do do do do do "   do 11th Nov? 0 0 8 do do do do do "   do late in fall 0 1 0 do do do do do "   do, during the whole year 0 1 2 do do do do do "   do do 0 1 18 do do do do do "   do do 0 0 16 do do do do do "   1779 June 0 0 22 Private Lieut Kelly Col Killock Col Waggner do do "   1 7 4 
Drafted to Fort Harrison then under the direction of Col Garrison & Col Willett then and there rendering services to the United States, for the length of time placed opposite - shutting up, and obstructing Wood Creek by falling trees, scorp, said creek and other duties.
Ordered out the Militia in Mass, when Clairmont had cut his leg accidentally before wounded, in consequence went on horseback after travelling exceeding thirty Miles, Genl. directing him to return to Fort Dayton with his horse where to be stationed, and accordingly did return to Fort Dayton in rendering Garrison duty until after the Battle at Oriskany and until the Militia did return from battle, 15 days.
At different times drafted to Cherry Valley, and often and frequently, ordered and stationed at the block house at Hunts rendering Garrison duty watching and guarding against the incursions of the Indians, at least for the length of service placed opposite - both Clairmont, his Col, Col. H. Capt. Bowman were slain at Oriskany Battle, after which time Col Saml Clyde, had the command of said Regt. and John Bowman Capt. of said Company to the close of the Revolutionary War.
Ordered out by Regt at the time of Genl Conflagration at Springfield, Murthering Scalping and prisoners taken.
Ordered and called out by Regt at the time of Genl Conflagration Upper part of German Flats, & Harkness on the North side of the Mohawk river opposite, Burning Murthering and prisoners taken, length of time placed opposite.
Ordered and called out at the time of the Genl Conflagration at Cherry Valley, and Schoharie.
Drafted and ordered to Fort Dayton there stationed in rendering Garrison Service.
Drafted and ordered to Cherry Valley at least at four different times, stationed at the fort, in rendering Garrison duty each tour 8 days.
Ordered and stationed at the block house at Bruns-mans creek, Vt situated at Hunts at various and different times, rendering Garrison duty at least the length of service placed opposite.
Is drafted two tours, the one to Fort Blank and one other at Fort Wallerath each 8 days, in guarding and watching against the incursions of the common Indians.
Ordered out and Marched to German Flats, at the time of the Incursion and General Conflagration at the lower part of German Flats and fall hill, now Harkness County, then Tryon, Burning Murthering Scalping and Prisoners taken to Canada. Clairmont with his family then in the Spring early removed to Palatine to his former place of residence, Vt into Palatine, into the same beat and Regt left early in Spring 1776, again belonging to Lieut Kelly's Company Col John Killock Regt of Militia, Capt John Bowman was personally wounded at Oriskany Battle although not mortally wounded, but declined holding command of said Company. Carried over

1779
Brought forward and continued
  1 7 4   do from early in Spring 0 0 22 Private Lieut John Lilly Cpl Filock Cpl Waggoner Maj G. W. Fox " " N. York Palatine, and his present age Proof by which declaration is supported once drafted to Fort Plank, there Stationed, in rendering Garrison duty, guarding against the incursions of the Incendiaries   do do 0 0 8 do Capt. Miller Do " " do " drafted and Ordered to Fort Paris, rendering Garrison duty, watching and guarding against the incursions of the Incendiaries   do do 0 1 2 do Lieut Lilly do. " " do " Ordered on draft at four different times, to Fort Keyser, there Stationed, in rendering Garrison duty (eight days) each time   1780, May 22 0 0 8 do Lieut Lilly Cpl Waggoner " " do " Ordered out and Marched to Johnstown Digt at the time of the General conflagration at and around Canajoharie, Murdering, Robbing and the taking of a Great Number of Prisoners, Men, Women, and Children, then joined Under Command of Cpl Filock, when passing the Incendiaries to the Village of Johnstown, where John Johnson after getting into the Woods finding himself surrounded by the Americans, surrendering both Women and Children, suffering them to return to their respective homes, inflicting nothing shall not father nor brother, whereupon to depend on their protection   do latter part in February & forsook in March 0 0 14 do Lieut Lilly Cpl Filock " " do " On an Alarm, Ordered out to Fort Ticonderoga there Stationed, watching and guarding against the incursions of the common Enemy   do in April 0 0 14 do Lieut Lilly " " " do " to a block house near frontier in the neighborhood of the Mohicans, rendering United States duty of watching and guarding against the incursions of the expected Enemy from Canada   do July & fore part of Augt 0 0 15 do Lieut Lilly Genl Van Rensselaer Cpl Harper " " do " Cpl Filock Regt Ordered out in Mch at the time when Capt Gray with his boats and Company of men loaded with powder, to Fort Stanwix, were attacked between Fort Stanwix and Fort Schuyler by Capt Brant and a body of Indians and Tories, with about 400, when Brant took a circuitous route down the Mohawk river on the south side of the same, about forty Miles, causing a General conflagration, near the equal half of the upper part of the then Town of Canajoharie all around Fort Schuyler connected with the usual business of Murder &c.   do Oct 19th 0 0 2 do Capt Gray Genl Van Rensselaer Cpl Dubois " " do " At the time when Cpl Brown was slain in Hoosac and Genl conflagration, up along the Mohawk river from Canajoharie, distance of 20 Miles, and all that valuable Ancient settlement of Hoosac, all desolate with little exception, only claimant was not infort Engagement was not advised or warned previous to the first Engagement, but claimant after Battle went with others in pursuit of John and his Incendiaries, when Engaged in Battle, Cpl Filock, Cpl Filock, Cpl Filock drafted and Ordered to Fort Keyser, there Stationed, in rendering Garrison duty, guarding against the Incursions of the common Enemy   do at different times during the Spring, Summer & fall seasons 0 1 0 do Lieut Lilly Cpl Filock " " do " drafted and Ordered to Fort Paris two times & days each in rendering Garrison duty, guarding against the   do do 0 0 15 do Capt Miller Maj Fox " " do " drafted to Fort Paris two times & days each in rendering Garrison duty, guarding against the 

  do do 0 0 15 do Capt Miller Maj For do drafted to Fort Paris two tours 3 days each in rendering Garrison duty, guarding against the incursions of the Indians, for which 15 days   do, in Winter 0 0 8 do Lieut Kelly Col Kleck do Ordered out by Company to Col Kleck on an Alarm, guarding against the incursions of the Indians   1781 June 0 0 8 do do Col Willett do Ordered out under Col Willett to Bonneau Creek on an Alarm, at the time when a Mr Young was murdered by the Indians, believing his buildings burnt   do, during the whole season from Spring until late in fall 0 0 24 do do Col Willett do Ordered and Stationed at Fort Raynor in rendering Garrison Service, guarding against the incursions of the Indians, at 3 different times each 3 days   do 0 0 14 do Capt Miller Maj For do Ordered twice to Fort Paris on Alarms, each time one week   do 0 0 15 do Lieut Kelly Col Clyde do drafted to Fort Clyde, there Stationed rendering Garrison duty, guarding against the incursions of the Indians, the length of time placed opposite   do 0 0 8 do Capt John Hop Col Kleck do Ordered out Plaintiff believes the whole Regt to Fort Hop, there Stationed, in watching and guarding against the incursions of the Indians, at the time of a serious Alarm,   do Oct 19th 0 0 3 do Lieut Kelly Col Waggoner Col Willett Johnstown Battle Ordered out by Regiments, at the time of Johnstown Battle, Col Waggoner Regt, forming, under Col Willett Evidently before the arrival at Johnstown, under Willett when all under Col Willett, when in front of Maj Rop & Col Willett when detached, was attacked to Maj Rop's decision, at which time a serious engagement ensued, many lives lost, prisoners taken on both sides, Col Willett & Maj Rop both sustained the loss of Battle and Maj Rop with his Associate Indians took to flight   1782 0 3 13 do Lieut Baker Col Kleck Col Waggoner do during said year Plaintiff finding it impracticable to specify or enumerate the particular dates and times and services rendered has rendered to the United States, although from the early part in Spring until late in fall the inhabitants of the Town of Palatine, have been continually annoyed, and harassed, by the Indians, lurking around in the woods, often and frequently executing their barbarous cruelties, first in March murdering a Mr Davis in Africa, taken John Hering a Prisoner, in May murdering a Mr Noble, burning a fort with the last but only one left in the Town, taken the Miller a Prisoner, in July, taking three brothers, Col Willett's prisoners with two boys for Bonner to Canada, same month taken a Mr Haring with his family Prisoners, at different times taking Philip Ennis and Conrad Neah Prisoners, and foremost in Augt, a most cruel murder on John Read's wife and in September or October, taking two young men, Leonard and Melchard Baader Prisoners, all in one and the same Town, and Plaintiff feeling satisfied that such was the same in the present Town of Canajoharie, and in consequence of such frequent occurrences, the Station was almost continually alarmed and called out in pursuit of the Enemy, and the inhabitants constrained to seek protection in forts and block houses, and for so long the Plaintiff, as a soldier, ordered to guard, all those fortifications in rendering Garrison duty, &c 
Total 2 6 25 3/4 And for such Services as stated in the foregoing supplemental declaration the Applicant claims a Pension, as Sergeant, for 1 year 2 Months & 16 days, and for the residue, as his Hon or the Pension Commissioners may deem most proper
Subscribed and sworn to this 8 th day of October 1834 before me. David Spahr Judge of Court of Common Pleas
I certify that the above named Michael Venus old age (By me Dec 3. 1834 David Spahr Judge of Court of Common Pleas) I certify that the above named Michael Venus old age (By me Dec 3. 1834 David Spahr Judge of Court of Common Pleas)
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declare that his Name is not on the Pension Rolls of the agency of any State. Michael X Phenix Venus mark A.B. The word Phenix erased & the Venus substituted by me Dec 3. 1834 David Spahr Judge of Court of Common Pleas

State of New York } ss Montgomery County }
On the 28 th day of February One thousand Eight Hundred & thirty three Personally appeared before me John Hand one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Montgomery Aforesaid Michael Nevers, a Resident of the Town of Catskill, in the County of Montgomery, and State of New York Aforesaid, That he was born in the City and County of New York, on the tenth day of June in the Year One thousand Seven Hundred and fifty two, now aged Eighty years, Eight Months & ten days, Who being first duly sworn According to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration In order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 1 st 1832
That he entered the Service of the United States Under the Following Named Officers, and Served as herein Stated. Viz That he Entered the Service of the United States, in the Regiment of Militia, commanded by Col Jacob Kloock & Lieut Col Peter Waggoner, Genl Nicholas Herkimer's Brigade, Attached and drilled in the Company commanded by Capt John William  Beady in the year One thousand Eight hundred & Seventy Five
That this claimant declares, that he finding it impracticable To describe, or enumerate the Various duty & Services performed from the year 1775 to the year 1783 to the close of the Revolutionary War, All he can recollect of the first Season Viz from Spring until In the fall, Occasionally have been Ordered together by the Com- ing Officers for the purpose being Organized and trained calculated to comply with the requisitions of the Old Congress In conformity of a certain Resolution passed by them on the Twenty Seventh day of May in the same year 1775 Whereas it was Resolved by Congress, That the Militia of New York be armed and trained and in constant readiness at a Moments Warning
And that the Applicant declares that he also kept himself In constant readiness conformable to the forgoing Resolution on a Moments Warning, did turn out on each and Every Occurrence and Emergency, Whenever thereunto required or warned
That the Applicant declares, that his first Expedition he was ordered Under Capt John  Herkimer with his Company of Militia he believes in January 1776 to March to Schuylerville and after their Arrival joined Genl. Schuyler with his Militia

from Albany and Schenectady, there remained for several days all and The whole body of the Militia, organizing and were paraded on the Ice on the Mohawk river, and after several days were spent, all the Militia Under the command of Genl Schuyler Marching to Johnstown. There Met by John Johnson as it was believed with 300. or 400 men all in Arms Then Genl Schuyler causing a surrender of John - on Parole
This Applicant further declares that he was drafted to March to George Saltonstall's Situate or residing on the Indian road to Johnstown Near the edge of the Woods there Stationed for three weeks, watching and Guarding Against the incursions of the Succandienes, and also continually Scouting, spying the Enemy, north easterly through the Woods, then Under the command of Capt Breadbeg
That The Applicant further declares the same year 1776 he was drafted to march to Fort Stanwix in summer, to perform labour at the Fort and other duty, for six weeks
Again, the latter Part of June or forepart of July 1777 drafted To March to Fort Stanwix, Accordingly went for six weeks with other cutting and felling trees into Wood pack calculated to stop the passage of Genl. St. Leger by John Johnson, & the Britten, some British, Tories and a large number of Indians. When all the Militia were discharged in returning to their respective places of Abode down the Mohawk, at a distance of about forty Miles the Claimant had to travel; some exceeding, others some less, and after their return, the Second day again warned, to March to Fort Stanwix Under Genl. Herkimer Ordered out with the Company of Militia to which he belonged, Comman- ded by Capt John Breadbeg, and when the Militia on their march to Fort Stanwix, Genl. Herkimer discovered the Claimant riding on horseback, when the Genl. personally approaching him, after Inquiring finding that the Applicant could not travel on foot, in consequence of a soreous wound, vizt a cutt in his leg which he had, when the Genl. discharging him, allowing him of returning home to his place of residence
The Applicant further declares, he believes in the year 1776 Under Capt Breadbeg, with the whole Company, Stationed at Brown- er for three weeks watching and Guarding against the incursions of the daily expected Enemy
That the Applicant declares that he hath been drafted with others and sent to Fort Dayton, in Herkimer continued, for weeks on duty, he believes in the year 1776

That the Applicant further declares that he was drafted tisua to Fort Clyde, two weeks on duty each tour What year doth Not recollect
That the Applicant further declares, that he was Ordered out Under Capt. Kelly attached to his Company he believes the whole Regt Then Under the command of Lieut. Col. Peter Waygans at the time of The incursion of the Incendiaris on the German Flats than County of Tryon, Now Horkimer County on duty for 3 weeks, he believes in the year 1778 Also in 1780 Guarding Capt Gray with his boat men & boats with provisions to Fort Paris
The Applicant further declares that he hath been called out when The Town of Horkimer Vizt chiefly all the buildings were burnt by the Incendiaris. Capt Brannott at the head, from sayada, particular year And the Number of days the Applicant doth not remember but believes in 1779
The Applicant further declares that he hath resided, about Three Miles from the main Fort Vizt Fort Paris in Stone Arabia, in the same Town of Palatine, When he hath been frequently Ordered out, Watching and Guarding against The incursion of the common Enemy, but the Number of days, and tours, and times your Applicant cannot describe
Your Applicant further declares that he was Ordered several times To fort Plain and to fort Blank Watching & Guarding &
And your Applicant further declares, that for the three last years previous to the conclusion of the War, he removed from the North side of the Mohawk river, on the South side of the said River, at a distance of About Eight Miles from the river Near the head of Bowmans Creek, more contigous, and more dangerous, on account of the Incursions of the common Incen- diaries, then Situate and a resident in the Town of Canajoharie and he believes then yet in the County of Tryon, Now Montgomery County, then, and to the close of the Revolutionary War attached to the Company of Militia commanded by Capt. Jacob Bowman, and Regt commanded by Col. Samuel Clyde And that he the said Applicant hath continued to reside in the said Town of Canajoharie during the remainder part of the War and Subject to be Obedient and under the command of Col. Clyde and Capt. Bowman, Until the close of the War, and that he still remains to reside in the said Town of Canajoharie, but at present in the Village of Canajoharie.
That the Applicant further declares, that he often and frequently hath been called and warned on many Occurrences, often to Cherry Valley Watching and Guarding against the incursions of the common Enemy, often sent on scouts spying the Incendiaris in the Woods &c

But to be regretted after such length of time, are Slaves, of breeding, Fifty years, not being enabled to describe the Number of days & tours But satisfied, that much Services which hath been performed by him the said Applicant, is totally forgotten, and omitted,
That the Applicant further declares that he entered the Service of the United States from the commencement to the close of the Revolution That he complied with the requisitions of the Old Congress as well than the laws of the State of New Yorke, and his Superior Officers during the war, and that he is conscientiously satisfied and declares that he hath performed duty and Services, Not only for himself & the citizens of the then County of Tryon, but calculated, in preserving the rights Liberties and Independence of then all the citizens of the Colonies, now in these United States, and that he did not only risk his life and treasure in achieving the same but satisfied and firmly declare that his Services and duty, so performed as mentioned in the foregoing, and such as he hath performed doth exceed two years from first to last of the said War,
And that he the said Applicant declares that he is reduced to Indigent circumstances, besides his Age and Infirmities, in consequence of which he cannot attend before Open Court at their next sitting
And that the Applicant 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 - - - - -
Michael X Vaneus Mark
Sworn to and subscribed, The day and year aforesaid
Before me - V. B. - the word - John Breadley - and a few other small intimations were made before the execution hereof -
John Vane one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts

We Peter W Dornier a clergy man residing in the Town of Palatine in the County of Montgomery, And Joseph Waggoner, Residing in the Town of Minden, And County of Montgomery Aforesaid, Herby certify that we are well acquainted with Micheal Ventz. Who has Subscribed and Sworn to the Above declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty 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. Peter W Dornier. Sworn and subscribed before Joseph Waggoner. The day and year Aforesaid
John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts
And the said Judge do hereby declare his 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 said Judge further certifies that it Appears to him That Peter W Dornier who has signed the preceding certificate Is a Clergyman. Resident in the Town of Palatine, And Joseph Waggoner who is a Resident in the Town of Minden, and is a credible person, And that their statement is Entitled to credit
John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts

State of New York } Montgomery County } ss. On the 21 st day of February in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty Three Personally Appeared before me. — John Hand one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Montgomery In the State of New York, Joseph Joseph Waggoner of the Town of Minden and County aforesaid, who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he has been personally acquainted with Michael Deno, previous to the Revolutionary War, during and after the same, and ever since,
That he this deponent saith, that the said Michael, hath been a true Whig and proved a friend to his Country, that this deponent hath been in Service, and on duty With him the said Michael, on drafts Occasionally, and verily he believes that he has done duty and Services whenever there was required and that this deponent at no time found him deficient on any Occurrence or Emergency nor heard that he the said Michael hath refused in performing his duty as a Militia Soldier. further this deponent saith that Sworn and subscribed before me Joseph Waggoner the day and year aforesaid John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts
Montgomery County ss. — I certify that I am personally acquainted with Joseph Waggoner who has sworn to & submitted the above affidavit and that he is a creditable person — and that the statements made by him in said affidavit are entitled to credit — John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts

State of New York
Montgomery County } ss — On the 21 st day of February in the
year of our Lord 1833. personally appeared before me John Hand one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Montgomery, late Henry Waffel of the Town of Canajoharie, County of Montgomery and State of New York Aforesaid. who was duly sworn, deposeth and saith that he hath been acquainted with Michael Vener, the person whose Name is subscribed to the foregoing Annexed declaration, previous, for and during the Revolutionary War, And ever since, that he hath entered the Service of the United States, attached to the Company commanded by Capt John Breadbag, in the Reg t of Militia commanded by Col Jacob Klock, Genl Harkness Brigade, and that he this deponent saith that the Applicant was a true Whig and friend to his Country's cause, and that he did belong to the same Company with him this deponent that they frequently and often were called out together sometimes in Mass. some times by drafts, and at other times by Companies And that the said Applicant, always has shown a Willingness in performing his duty and Service, without any hesitation whatever, And that the said Applicant was a person to be beloved when Under Arms, and in general a person of good report And further this deponent saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed before
Me. the day and year Aforesaid
John Hand one of the Judges of the Montgomery County Courts
Henry Waffel Mark

State of New York Montgomery County } /s
I John Herd one of The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas In and for the County of Montgomery Aforesaid, do certify that I am Personally acquainted with the within Named Henry Wauffel made not this affidavit  every respect Given Under my hand this 11th day of March 1833. I know him to be s. l.:
John Herd one of The Judges of the Montgomery County Courts
Declarations Michael Kenner

State of New York, Montgomery County, Clerk's Office
S. George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the county of Montgomery, do hereby certify that John Rand, Esquire, before whom the foregoing declaration of Michael Venus purports to have been sworn; and also before whom the foregoing certifi- cate of Peter W. Domeier & Joseph Waggoner, purports to have been sworn, also before whom the foregoing affidavit of Joseph Waggoner & Henry Waffle purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Judge of the County Courts of the said County; and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge & truly believe that the name of the said Judge subscribed to the said declaration of the said Michael Venus, and to the certificate of the said Peter W. Domeier & Joseph Waggoner, & also to the certificate of Opinion of the said Judge of the truth of the applic- ants declaration and of Character of the said Domeier & Waggoner; and also to the affidavits of the said Joseph Waggoner & Henry Waffle and to the certificates of and Credibility of the said Joseph & Henry is in each case Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 23 d February 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

New York
Micheal Venns
Rejected
24th Dec r 1834
to Han C McVean
Article Service generally - not outside family lower
10928

10,928
P. O.
Michael Vinnus
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
REJECTED
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18