Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10,847, Christopher Vanderventer, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Vanderventer, Christopher or Vandeventer
P 10,847
CONTENTS

State of Ohio Medina County ss.
On the Probate Court
On this Sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three Personally appeared me Calvin B. Prentice Probate Judge in the County and state aforesaid. Christopher Pandeveuter A resident of the Township of Chatham in Medina County aforesaid Aged eighty eight years. Last March 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 Seventh eighteen hundred and fifty two
That He entered the service of the United States under the following named officer But from Old Age and the consequent loss of memory He cannot state precisely the 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 order
That He entered said service in the month of May in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one as a Draughted soldier in the Company Commanded by Captain Nathaniel Porter and Lieutenant Peter Pandeveuter in the Regiment or detachment Commanded by Colonel Frenalhouer and served to the close of the war under the same officers
That He resided in the Township of Beaminstre in Somerset County State of New Jersey when he entered the service And thinks from his best recollections that he was a Draughted soldier
And that the first Period of his service was to Trenton and remained there as guards about four months

And returned home in the month of August or September And remained at home but a short time which was called out in the month of October or November to go to Elizabethtown And on their way went through Morristown some forty or fifty miles And remained at Elizabethtown about eight months And was called to guard the Arsenal at a little village called at that time Pluckemin in Somerset County Think was called to Pluckemin in the month of August And remained there guarding the arsenal all that fall and winter and most of the next summer until Peace was finally declared General Knox deposited the Arms there at that time And the Arsenal was kept in a Meeting House at Pluckemin And that he remained at Elizabethtown through one winter
He further states that he has no documentary evidence of his service and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify as to his service
And that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity except the present And declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any State
Questions By Court
1 st Where and in what year were you born I was Born in Somerset County New Jersey in the 20 th of March 1765
2 nd Have you any record of your age
My Age is recorded in my father's bible And the leaf I want you to send to the Department
3 rd Where were you living when called into service I was living in Roxbury Township Somerset

County New Jersey. And after the war closed we moved into New York State and remained there about 25 years and then removed to Ohio and have remained here ever since.
4 th How were you called into service.
It was so long I cannot state positively whether I volunteered or was drafted. But think was drafted and not go as a substitute.
5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served. I was not much acquainted with the main officers of the war but knew a good many of their names. There was Gen. Lee and Washington Lafayette General Knox and others I don't recollect now.
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge.
I never received a written discharge but was dismissed by my Captain at the close of the war and he states the names of Samuel Booz, Philip Bisard, John Space and Abraham Oakley as persons who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his service as a Revolutionary soldier.
Before the Vanderwerker
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written before me Calvin B. Prentiss (Probate Judge) Christopher Vanderwerker
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by law and the war department that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that the persons whose certificates are required cannot be produced in court without considerable incon-

= venience and Expense to the Applicant And further that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher Vandeventer for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand affixing my seal of office this sixth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and fifty three
Calvin B. Prentiss } Probate Judge Medina Co. Ohio

The State of Ohio Meigs County 3 rd
Before me the subscriber A Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Authorized by Law to administer oaths for general purposes Personally Came Chauncy Stone And Abel Wood two respectable Clergymen of said County who being first duly sworn as the law directs. Deposeth and saith that they are well acquainted with Christopher Vandeventer And that he is a man of unquestionable Character for truth and veracity And that He is generally reputed and believed to have been a Revolutionary soldier in the Neighborhood where he lives And that they concur in that belief And that they have been acquainted with the said Christopher Vandeventer for many years And that they believe him to be of the age of eighty eight years
Rev Chauncy Stone Abel Wood
Subscribed And sworn to this twentieth day of May A.D. 1853 before me
Samuel Sooy Justice of the Peace
And I further certify that Chauncy Stone and Abel Wood who has signed the succeeding Certificate are Clergymen living in the Neighborhood of the said Vandeventer And that their Certificate is entitled to credit Samuel Sooy J.P.

The State of Ohio } Medina County } ss
Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly Authorised by Law to administer Oaths for general purposes Personally came Isaac Vandeventer Aged 43 years who being first duly sworn according to law Deposes and saith that he is the son of Christopher Vandeventer who was a revolutionary soldier And that he is a resident of the Town of That name said County aforesaid And that from his earliest recollection he has always believed that his father was a Revolu- =tionary Soldier And that he has often heard him tell of his services in the war And of his being at Elizabethtown And of attending the Funeral in the Meetinghouse And that he has often heard his Brother Peter Vandeventer who served in the revolutionary war And was an Officer over him say that Christopher Vandeventer was with him in the war And further that the belief has been general wherever he has lived that he was a Revolutionary Soldier And that he has never heard it disputed by any one. Isaac Vandeventer
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 20 th day of May, A.D. 1853
Samuel Sory J.P.

And I further certify that Isaac Vanderwater who has subscribed to the preceding Affidavit is a man of undoubted character for truth and veracity
And also that for many years I have been acquainted with Christopher Vanderwater and have lived in the same neighborhood and that he has generally been reputed to have been a Revolutionary soldier and as for myself I have not the least doubt of the fact
Samuel Sney Justice of the Peace
State of Ohio
Medina County ss
I John B Young Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of State hereby certify that Samuel Sney Esq is a Justice of the Peace in said County duly commissioned & qualified that his commission was dated on the 1 st day of May A D 1831 and will expire on the 1 st day of May A D 1834 also that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand the Seal of said Court at Medina this 7 th day of May A D 1833 John B Young Clerk

Peter Vandeventer Son of Christopher Vandeventer and Mary his Wife was Born the third day of July the year 1755 on Tuesday at 3 o'clock in the morning
Jacob Vandeventer their Son was Born on Wednesday Morning 10 of the Clock the 30 day of March the year 1757
Mary Vandeventer their Daughter was Born on Sunday Morning 10 o'clock the 7 day of November the year 1762
Christopher Vandeventer their Son was Born on Wednesday two o'clock in the morning the 20 day of March the year 1765
Isaac Vandeventer their Son was Born on Sunday Eleven Clock in the morning the 31 day of January in the year 1768
John Vandeventer their Son was Born on Monday three Clock in the morning the 12 day of February 1770

Before and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city, and the sanctuary, and the temple were in danger. 161.
18 For the care that they took for their wives and their children, their brethren, and kinsfolks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.
19 Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad:
20 And now when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in aray, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,
21 Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands towards heaven, and called upon the Lord, that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy.
22 Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner, O Lord, a thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib, an hundred fourscore and five thousand. b Chap. 8. 19.
23 Wherefore now also, O Lord, of heaven, send a good angel before us, for a fear and dread unto them.
24 And through the might of thine arm, let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.
25 Then Nicanor and they that were with him, came forward with trumpets and songs.
26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.
27 So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew five thousand men: for
29 Then they made a great shout, and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language. Before Christ 161.
30 And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens, both in body and mind, and who continued his love towards his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and his hand, with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
31 So when he was there, and had called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,
32 And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that blasphemer, c which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty. d Chap. 14. 33.
33 And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.
34 So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.
35 He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
36 And d they ordained all with a common decree, in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before e Mardocheus day. d 1 Mac. 7. 49. e Esth. 9. 17, 21.
37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an end.
38 And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.
39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water

Family Record,
Very frail.
John's birth date at bottom of page is Feb. 12, 1770, should it be torn off.
MMS

No 38. 1884
Christopher Vanderventer Ohio
D Drestill Augt 31. 1853 Same Oct 6 1853 Same Apr 10 1854 Sum May 11/57
108219
Sum 7. 1832

REJECTED
10.847
P. O. _____
Christopher Vanderwerker
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18 .
Discharged: _____, 18 .
Application filed: _____, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18 .

Spencer Sept 9 th /53
Sir
In reply to your note of Aug 31 st /53 in the case of Christofer Vanderwater of Ohio. I would say that it is not very probable that he can procure such Evidence as you require. Neither do I understand the regulations of department to ask it of him. If so they have furnished me with the wrong Documents. You have the Certificate of the Sec y of State of New Jersey that there is no records of Matrimonial Cases in Existence in that State and of Course you Can't Expect him to furnish the same Evidence that is required where murder calls for it. You say there is no proof of his Service. I would just say that you have his own Evidence & that corroborated by good Circumstantial Evidence such as the law of Ill s requires. and all that has been furnished in most all Matrimonial Cases at least I know of a number that has received their Claim on the same kind of Evidence.

There exists no presumption against Matilda Cores on account of Muster rolls Now I have not seen the Applicant since I received your line but I will let him know what is asked of him and if any thing more can be furnished by way of Corroborative Evidence it will be sent But I shall still urge the Claim with the Evidence already sent to the office and am fully of the belief that it is enough
I take
Yours & C. S. [?] D. Dupkell

Spencer Aug 8 th 53
Sir
Enclosed I send you a Certificate in full in the Case of Christopher Vandewater And in reference to the Revolutionary Records of the State of New Jersey You will see that the rolls of Walutin Companies have not been preserved thence no presumption can exist against him on account of Muster rolls I believe nothing now remains to be done in this Case The proof is all complete or at least all that can be had in the Case and all that the Law calls for in such cases I would be Exceeding glad to have it sent soon as I expect some move to leave here in about two months Please give information at your earliest convenience as Applicant is anxious to hear from it
Your Ob st Serv t D. Drespell
L. T. Malco: } Cov of Paris } 3
(Adams Spencer Medina Co Ohio)

State of Ohio
Spencer June 29 th / 33
Sir
Enclosed I send you the statement of the Secy of State New Jersey. The name of Christopher Vandeventer cannot be found on the Revolutionary records. And it could scarcely be expected in militia cases at least as the records are exceedingly imperfect which fact you have from the Secy of State in the case of Free Gift Taylor so much so that no presumption should exist against any claim on account of their not being found there. I believe the evidence in this case now is complete or at least meets the demands of the Law and the regulations of the department. I hope this matter will be attended to soon.
Respectfully yours D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D. D.

Spencer June 18 th /53
Sir
I send you the Application of Christopher Bendeventer for Pension for Revolutionary Service I Believe the Evidence in his case is Complete Except the Certificate of the secretary of State New Jersey for which I have made Application and will forward it as soon as received Please inform me what is wanting if any thing
Your Oble Servt.
D Dripkell
S. P. Waldo. Attorney

STATE OF NEW-JERSEY,
Department of State,
Trenton, June 18. 1853
D. Driefkell Esq. Sir
Yours of the 9 th instant came duly to hand
Yours first letter enclosing $5 was received; Search was diligently made for the name of Chris- topher Vandeventer, but it could not be found , and this fact was written out, and a letter duly mailed for you; but whether it was directed to the proper State , I now cannot say — There are half a dozen Post Offices named Spencer , — the envelopes to letters are apt to be thrown aside, and as you do not give the name of your State in your letter, perhaps it may have been sent in the wrong course — I send this to Ohio.
Respectfully D. D. T. Allinson Sec. of State.

Plymouth Ohio April 14 th 1857
Dear sir
I wish to call your attention to the claim of Christopher Vandewater of Ohio for service as a Revolutionary soldier. The matter has been neglected by me for some time on account of other business that seemed to press upon me. As to the merit of the claim I have not the least shadow of a doubt and I think that in the prosecution of the claim that all the requirements of the law have been fully met and I cannot conceive why it is that the matter should be thus neglected. Every effort has been made to procure second evidence and the testimony of persons knowing to his service. And you know that in the absence of such testimony that traditional and circumstantial evidence must be admitted. And on that ground I claim that that the case ought to be allowed. Please give your attention to this case and send soon
Your obed t servant
D Dresskill
Make returns to Plymouth Richland Co Ohio

The State of Ohio Medina County ss 3 On This 1 st day of April A.D. 1854 Before me the subscriber a Notary Public in and for said County and state of Ohio Personally came Abraham Okey who being duly sworn Deposeth and saith that for upwards of sixty years he has been well acquainted with Christopher Vandeventer of Ohio That he has lived Neighbour to him for much of the time And that he has always heard it said that he was a Revolutionary soldier That the belief wherever he has lived has been gener- al. And that he has not the least doubt but that he was a Revolutionary soldier And served as he has always stated That he has always heard him say that he served as a Militia man.
Abraham Okey.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at the County of Medina on the day and year above written
D Drefkell Notary Public And I hereby Certify that the witness sustains an unquestionable Character for truth and veracity where he is well known D Drefkell N.P.

Off Mar Sept 13 th 1833
Sir
I rec d yours of fifth inst o this morning. And in relation to the Claim of Christopher Vandewater I would say that the Declaration was made out on the 6 th of June May 1833 and I think were sent about that time. The Claims under the act of June 7 th 1832 the papers were all made out precisely according to the forms and regulations of the department for carrying into effect said act. And the proofs are all complete in the absence of records proof and there is no records of Writings Cases in that state. And I hope you will not harass the old Patriot (who has ever sustained the republican principles of his country) by requiring of him what the Law does not contemplate. But will send it soon.
Your aff e Serv t D Dreykell
Cale Acting Com r

Spencer Ohio April 1 st / 84 Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you the Affidavit of Abraham Shely a Credible witness in the Case of Christopher Vandewater A Revolution soldier which you will see is the best Evidence of the kind that can be produced And in the absence of Direct testimony must prevail And I would just say in Reply to yours of the 6 th Oct / 63 that the requisitions there spoken of cannot be complied with in this Case I have taken all the pains and been to all the Expense that I thought necessary to obtain it if such were in Existence but have not been able to procure it. And I am sure from the Regulations of the department furnished me that I have done all the law requires in any Mohawk Case you speak of long established usages and well defined and reasonable practice or regulations of the Department I wish to say in the regulations and long established practice of the department has been to allow such Claims on less such Evidence as I have furnished. And I know of not a single Case of the kind that such Evidence has been furnished But on the other hand many can be referred to that have had their Claims allowed on traditional testimony I can refer you to the Claim of my Free Griffith Taylor of Ohio whose Claim was granted on precisely the same kind of Evidence and the same kind of Case & from the same state. You say that man is mortal and if he neglected to apply and procure such Evidence in time it is his own fault. Truly man is mortal (hence the humanity)

of the Law which says "to require Positive proof after the lapse of so many years would be to deprive many of their Just Claims.. The law requiring positive testimony in revolutionary cases applies only to volunteers and Matriculation where Muster rolls exist. you have the secretaries Certificate that no Muster rolls of Matriculation cases are in existence in the state of New Jersey Now I think the case is fairly made out according to law and the regulations of the Department and I cannot see the justice in withholding this claim when others of the same kind have been allowed on the same evidence. This Affidavit will close up the testimony in the case. And I want to know immediately what you do in the case. And if this does not satisfy you enough to allow the claim you can certify the papers to Congress. Mr Johnson is the representative from this District.
Yours Ob t Serv t D D. Updegraff
5961 55 5-591

State of New Jersey
I Thomas S Allison Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that I have made diligent search among the records relating to the military service, during the Revolutionary war, in my Office, but do not find the name of Christopher Vanderwerker therein.
And I do further certify that with a few exceptions, the rolls of Companies and Regiments who performed service during that war as Militia men or State forces have not been preserved in this or any other public office in the State. In the year 1784 Commissioners were appointed to settle claims for balances due to persons who performed military duty, and for the depreciation of their pay, and the record of proceedings thus authorized is in this Office, but being confined to a settlement for balance of pay then due, is not conclusive evidence that persons not named therein, had not performed service during the said war of the Revolution.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Trenton this twenty third day of May Eighteen hundred and fifty three.
T. S. Allison Secretary of State

The foregoing is a copy of certificate sent to you on May 23 d . immediately after receipt of your letter of May 15. enclosing 85—
About a month since, a second letter was received, to which I also replied immediately.
Herewith, is Answer Number Three
Respectfully Thos. S. Wilson Trenton June 29. 183