Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1112, for Simeon Stivers, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Stivers, Simeon
S. 1112
carded
CONTENTS

note 22990 New Jersey Simeon Stevens of Essex Co in the State of New Jersey who was a private in the Company by Captain Spear of the reg by Col Vanantwerp in the N.J. m. line for 12 mos. Newark
Inserted on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 day of Decr. 1833 and sent to A. Gifford Esq N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of Sept 1833 $108.33 Pension allowance ending March 31 - 21.66 $129.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk Book C Vol. 3 Page 31

payment rendered let to agent & notice to pensioner 3 June 1835
let to J. B. Miller 30 Oct 1835 do to P. Dickinson " "
not sent

Declaration of Simon Stevens
15734

with make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7 th June 1832.
That he was born on the fourth day of May Seventeen hundred and sixty one at Second River now called Pelham in the County of Ulster aforesaid. The family Bible which contained the original record of his age is lost. has a copy of it
When he first entered the service of the United States during the Revolutionary War he received a Second River Township of Stormfield in the County of Ulster where he continued to reside until after years since when he moved to New York of Ulster - and has resided here since. He served at different times in the Revolutionary War as a volunteer, in Seventeen hundred and Seventy six put his name on the Militia list and in June Seventeen hundred and Seventy seven volunteered under Captain Abraham Speer and served under him three months during the time went to Elizabeth River Fort Anthony Brown was Lieutenant. In 1781 he left the Regiment while there was a skirmish Jonathan Bliss one of our men was killed. Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt was our colonel & General H. was Major, in Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight was in the Regiment Captain Abraham Speer Captain Cornelius Speer and Captain J. D. served one month each. in Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine was out again under Captain Abraham Speer cannot now say exactly how long in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty was under the same Capt. Speer for three or four months. He also served monthly tours of duty under the following officers during the War but cannot specify the particular months namely Captain John Peck Captain Elyah Squire Captain Robert Nichols Captain Henry Grohman Captain Thomas

Williams, Captain Gebulon Jones, Captain Cyrus Pierce, Captain John Ogden, Captain Caleb Wheeler and Captain Samuel Huntington. He was in a Skirmish with the British at Second River and followed to New Bridge above Hackensack after Thun- thurs. Captain Thunhorst commanded the British at that time. Captain Pierce was in a Skirmish with the British at the mouth of the Hackensack, under Captain Henry Livingston. General Howe was in General intent to be there for the purpose of joining General Sullivan against the Indians, was out of various other places, till the close of the War was in the Battle of Connecticut Farms and Springfield, New Jersey.
General Pierce and his officers at the latter place - never received a written discharge from service, but did receive at the close of the War a Certificate for Twenty Months pay which he disposed of to one Charles Ogden for two & six pence on the pound does not recollect any Continental or Militia Regiment by name.
Is personally acquainted with and refers to the following persons for a Statement as to Character and traditional service of service in the Revolution, namely John Dyer, Capt. Abraham Spear, Hermannus Spear, Abraham H. King and Henry King.
Does not know any person living who served with him except his Captains Abraham Spear, Abraham H. King and John Dyer. Henry King and Hermannus Spear they can all testify to his having served in the War.
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 or Territory in the United States.
Simeon Pierce
Sworn and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid
A. Peeples, Judge

Philip C. Gray We the undersigned a Clergyman residing in the Village of Bloomfield Township of Bloomfield and George Price of the Township of Newark do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Simeon Stevens who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be to be seventy one years of age, that he is respected and beloved in the neighbourhood 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
A. Reynolds Judge
Philip C. Gray George Price
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 to the above named applicants as a Revolutionary Soldier and being as the States, And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Philip C. Gray who has signed the foregoing Certificate is a Clergyman residing in the town of Newark and that George Price who has also signed the same is a resident of Newark and as a credible person that their statement is entitled to credit. And the Court further certifies that Captain Abraham Siler who has signed the foregoing Certificate is a resident of the Township of Bloomfield and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.
Sam W. Miller - Judge
[Signature]

Erie County ss. I Elias Van Andrales Clerk of said Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Simeon Stevens for a Pension In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of Office this twenty second day of October A D 1832
Elias Van Andrales

I Abraham Speer do hereby Certify that during the whole of the War of the Revolution I held a Commission as Captain in the Militia of New Jersey and was on duty every year with my Company from the Commencement to the Close of the Revolu- tionary Struggle and that Simon Stevens who has Subscribed to the foregoing Declaration did serve under me as a Soldier at several different times and in different years of the Revolutionary War and from the best of my recol- lection think that he served in the Company under my Command more than one year remember his first Volunteer- ing the year Trenton held and Seven Years and that he always performed his duty as a good and gallant Soldier cannot now Specify the particular months or years having lost my old Rolls - can be mistaken in the years as I have been in the habit of seeing him constantly ever since the War that I have always resided in the County of Essex
Sworn and Subscribed in Open Court This 19 th day of September A.D. 1832
Abraham Speer
Attest my hand and seal A. C. McLaughlin Judge

State of New Jersey
Essex County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Essex Simon Stevens 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 period mentioned below, and in the following grades; For three months I served as a Volunteer Private under Captain Abraham Speer in 1777. For three months I served as a Private Soldier under Capt. Abm Speer, Cornelius Speer and a Docket in 1778. For four months I served as a private Soldier under Captain A Speer in 1779. For three or four months, cannot now be positive which but am of the opinion the latter period, I served as a private Soldier under Capt. Speer in 1780. For six months I served as a private Soldier under different officers to wit: Captains Park, Ogden, Nichols, Forster, Williams, Jones, Pierson, Zedler, Wheeler and Burlington, and this deponent further saith that he is certain he served under other officers at various other times, not included in the above - and for such service I claim a pension
Sworn and subscribed before me
Simon Stevens
24th day of June 1833
John Stevens Justice of the Peace
The answers to the several interrogatories proposed will be found in the declaration hereto annexed and sworn to in open Court as by reference thereto will appear.

State of New Jersey County of Essex
I Elias Van Arsdale Junr. Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Essex Do hereby certify That Abraham Reynolds before whom the several affidavits in the annexed & foregoing proceedings were made Flaher - Anna Samuel B. Miller by whom the certificate thereunder written was signed, at the time when the said affidavits were made Flaher and the said certificate signed, were each of them justly sworn & said Clerk, residing in said County did commissioning and Sworn - and that the respective signatures "A Reynolds" & "Sam B. Miller" wherein they occur in said proceedings are genuine. - I further certify That John J. Plume before whom the annexed Affidavit of Simon Albee was made Flaher at the time of taking the same was & still is a Justice of the Peace for said County under the provisions of said Commission & Oath - That the name "John J. Plume" affixed thereto is his proper hand writing -
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of said Court at Newark the fourteenth day of August A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty three (1833)
E Van Arsdale Clerk

State of New Jersey
Essex County B.S.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Essex Captain Abraham Updegraff aged 86. Years who being duly sworn according to Law on his oath saith that during the whole of the War of the Revolution, he held a Commission as Captain in the Militia of New Jersey, and was on duty as Captain Commanding a Company every year from the commencement to the close of the War, that some years he performed more duty than others. That he is personally acquainted with Simeon Stevens remembers he was a Stout Boy when he volunteered in the Company under his command in the year Seventeen hundred Seventy Seven. That he was in the constant habit of seeing him occasionally, doing duty as a Soldier in different Companies and under different officers, remembers his serving under him on different occasions, and at several different times and in different years remembers his being with the Company when we marched to Staten Island also when at Augspackknock Hackensack & the English Neighborhood but owing to the great length of time elapsed cannot say how many different times he did serve monthly hours of duty under my command, or the years in which they were served, but remembers his having served many different times our hours of duty were generally for a month but frequently they were two months. - I was in my district was excused when his turn came but was always compelled to go and further saith not except that Stevens always done his duty like a good Soldier.
Abraham Updegraff
Subscribed before me this 11th day of September 1833 John L. Thomas Justice of the Peace

State of New Jersey County of Essex ss. I Edward Arsdale Junior Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Essex do hereby certify that John J. Plume before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Abraham Spren, was made & taken at the time of taking the same was and still is a justice of the peace for said County, duly commissioned and sworn: and that the signature "John J. Plume" subscribed to said Affidavit is his genuine signature. In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Newark, the South- day of September A. D. Eighteen hundred & thirty three (1833)— Edward Arsdale Jr. Clerk

10 mo indefinite Service disallowed
adm d 13 mo pre A43 33

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show 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 Simeon Starns  Essex County New Jersey
   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.     Vol 1777 3 - private Col. Van Cortlandt Capt. Spear, Major Hays 71 years Bloomfield Traditionary evidence, Clugmans   Served 1778 3 - private Capt. Spear, Capt. Dodd, Essex County Certificate, witness certified credible.   Served 1779 not stated - " Capt. Spear, New Jersey Home living witness - papers correct   Served 1780 3 3/4 8 " Capt. Spear   Served - not stated - " Col. Peck, Capt. Spence, Capt. Nichols, Capt. Decker  
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 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, 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 in 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 , in the militia, &c. without specifying the terms, 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.

15/54 Simeon Stevens Essex County New Jersey
see his affidavit in Hermann Speers case N.J. multifarious affair
86.66 21.66 108.33
J. I. Plume, Newark, New Jersey

State of Pennsylvania,
Essex County. Personally appeared before me John S. Shaeffer a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Essex Simon Jones who being sworn Smith, that since the breaking of his relationship with his mother he has remembered particular which transpired during the Revolutionary War. Not before mentioned by him. That after the three months he was made Captain Abraham Speer in the year 1777. He was drafted in Captain May's Company Company in March 1778 and served under him one month. During this month the Company lay at Red Bank and drew out Return regularly every third day. The Company was quartered in the Old School House after one month expired we were permitted to return home after one month after was again called out under Captain Abraham Speer and served under him one month. In the same year under Captain Brockus Speer one month and Captain Percy Dods one month in Col. Philip Van Courtlandt Regiment That the last of September or first of October of the year 78. I went under Captain Henry Brockus for a skirmish under Genl. Howe, after the business that the Company got as far as Red Bank there we got news we were not wanted and ordered to return on our return at Wilmington we were discharged any time was out when at Cape & Delaware for the service after its expiration under the officers first mentioned he was at Red Bank Newark and Elizabeth town. But at what time or under which of the officers he was at the particular places he cannot now undertake with certainty to say. as he remembers perfectly of drawing his rations for the whole time specified. That in the year 1779 his Mother was desirous he should continue at home his Father and two older Brothers having enlisted in the Continental army his Eldest Brother was killed in service with Genl. Montgomery, that his Father also died or was killed in Pennsylvania at the Battle of Brandywine, that in 1779 he was drafted and went out again under Captain Abraham Speer but he cannot state the particular months, remember doing duty under

him four times that year that in the year 1780 he was again made Captain Abraham Speer three or four months that he was also under Captain Abraham the same year two months that during the battle of Brandywine and Red Bank he was under Captain Speer after the battle at the latter place the enemy retreated towards Red Bank and our Regiment made a bold charge and pursued them to Goodrich's farms that there an express arrived from Red Bank to the Colonel order the whole Regiment off as fast as we could go. That in the year 1781 he performed four times of the month each under Capt R Speer & one under Captain Abraham and that in 1782 he also performed two months under each of them by Speer & Abraham but cannot say the particular months - the deponent cannot be more particular and feels confident the foregoing is correct and that he has heard more things than he has stated - further hath not
Simeon Stevens
Sworn & subscribed before me this 2nd day of December 1833 John L. ... Justice of the Peace
State of New Jersey County of Essex
ss. I Elias Van Arsdale Junior Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in & for said county of Essex do hereby certify that John L. ... when the foregoing affidavit of Simeon Stevens was made & taken, at the time of taking the same was & still is a Justice of the Peace for said county, residing therein, duly commissioned & sworn, and that the signature "John L. ..." subscribed to the head of the affidavit above said is genuine. Witness my hand & seal this third day of December A.D. Eighteen hundred thirty three -
Elias Van Arsdale Jr. Clerk

INVALID.
File No.
1112
Simeon Stivers.
Pris. N. J. Mil.
Act:
June 7 1832
Index:—Vol.
a
, Page
355-
[Arrangement of 1870.]

James L. Edwards Esq.
Cont. of Papers.

James L. Edwards Esq. Caret of Pensions
Dear Sir,
Mr. Simon Stearns has called on me for a line to you respecting his character as a man. His is the case of a suspended pension. & he has been constrained to rely on his own unfulfilled memory - He sustains as I believe, a very good character - He leaves near to me & I have always considered him a worthy, well disposed man - & whose statements would be made in the spirit of truth.
Yrs. Respectfully,
Abraham Lincoln

State of New Jersey, Essex County. Vs. Personally appeared before me Samuel H. Miller the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Essex Simon Shivers of the Township of Newark County of Essex and State of New Jersey. Who being by me duly sworn on his oath deposed and saith, that he is the same Simon Shivers who has a Pension Certificate granted him for $43-25 Cents Per Annum dated at the War office of the United States the 31 st day of December 1813, and signed by Decatur Secretary of War. — And that he was informed by a letter from G. H. Edwards Esq dated the 3 rd day of June last that the payment on his Certificate had been suspended. And that a new Declaration showing each term of his actual service in detail must be made and transmitted with the best evidence he can produce. — Therefore the said Simon Shivers now saith, that owing to the great length of time and the consequent loss of Memory he cannot now state positively as to the precise length or periods of the war when he served but according to the best of his recollection at this time he served as a drafted private soldier in the War of the Revolution under the officers of the time, place and not less than the periods mentioned below.
That he first entered the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war by being enrolled in a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Abraham Speer in Colonel Philip Van Courtlandt Regiment at Second River now called Belville in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey and was called into actual service in the latter part of April 1777 and done one Month's duty in the said Month of April and May under the said Captain Abraham Speer.

Stationed at Elizabeth Town & at the point. And in the Month of June and July done one Month duty under Captain John Peat Stationed at Elizabeth Town point. And in August and September done one Month under the said Capt. Stephen Speer Stationed at the said Elizabeth Town point. Commanded by Col. Van Courtland and continuing by Colonel Thomas, & Major Samuel Hays. — And in the Month of October and November done one Month duty under Captain Henry Geraldman Stationed at Second River near Belville under the Command of the S d Col. Van Courtland & Major Hays. — Making four hours of duty in the year 1777 of one Month each or above State. — And this deponent further saith that late in the fall and part of the winter he done one Month duty under the said Captain Speer as a substitute but cannot now recollect for whom he served but was Stationed at said Belville under the Command of S d Col. Van Courtland. And this deponent further saith that in the year 1778 he continued enrolled in the same Capt. Stephen Speer Company & in Col. Van Courtland's Reg t and in the Months of February and March done one Month duty under Capt. A. Speer Stationed at Belville under Col. Van Courtland & Major Hays. & in the Months of April & May done one Month duty under Capt. Henry Geraldman, Stationed at Elizabeth Town point Commanded either by Col. Thomas or Col. Van Courtland. and in the Months of June & July done one Month duty under the said Capt. Henry Geraldman, Stationed a part of the time at Woodbridge and between there and New Brunswick at the time of the Monmouth Battle & early in July and soon after the Battle at Monmouth was marched from there to a place

called Millford near the Delaware River or well as he can now recollect & as he understood for the purpose of going into the Indian Settlements and was there for some time under the command of the now Colonel of General or Colonel Winder and was on duty more than one Month before he returned to New Brunswick Belleville. - And in the Months of August & September done one Month duty under Capt. Thomas Williams Station at Woodbridge under the command of Col. M c Douglass & Col. Hurd and in the Months of October & November done one Month duty under Captain Abraham Speer Station at Belleville under the command of Col. Van Courtland. - Making five Months of duty in 1778 of one Month each.
And this deponent further saith that in the year 1779 he still continued enrolled in the same Col. Abraham Speer Company & in the said Col. Van Courtland Regiment & in February & March done one Month duty under the said Capt. Speer & in April one Month done one Month duty under the said Captain Speer. - And in June & July done one Month duty under Capt. Amos Dood & in September & October done one Month duty under the said Captain Speer. Stationed the whole of the time at what is now called Belleville under the command of the said Col. Van Courtland & Major Hays except when out on expeditions. - And late in the fall and four part of the winter in the same year he done one Month duty under Captain Hanting Stationed at Newbern under the command of Col. Van Courtland Making five Months in Monthly tours of one Month each in the year 1779.
And this deponent further saith that in the year 1780 he still belonged to the said Col. Abraham Speer Company and in January & February and whilst

The River too hard frozen over done one Month duty under Captain Speer & in April and May done one Month duty under Captain Henry Gerolomon & In June and July done one Month duty under Captain John Speer at the time of the Springfield Battle & went from Belvoir with Lieutenant Hermann Speer to help him there with his party of Artillery & after arriving there joined his own Company under the said Captain Hermann Speer & in the Months of October & November done one Month duty under Capt. Gerolomon, Making four Tours of duty in the year 1702 of one month each. Taken the whole of the time at Belvoir under the command of Colonel Van Courtland & Major Hays except when at Springfield and on other excursions to meet the enemy.
And this deponent further saith that in the year 1703, he still belongs to the said Captain Hermann Speer Company and to the same Col. Van Courtland's Regiment. In the Months of February & March done one Month duty under the said Capt. Speer & in May & June done one Month duty under Capt. Gerolomon & in August one September done one Month duty under Captain Speer & In November & December done one Month duty under Capt. Gerolomon. Making the whole time at Belvoir and along the river under the command of Col. Van Courtland & Major Hays. Making four Tours of duty.
And this deponent further saith that in the year 1704, he still continues in the same Company and Regiment & in the Spring of said year done one Month duty under Captain Speer & in June & July done one Month duty under Capt. Gerolomon and in September done one Month duty under Capt. Speer & in November & December done one Month duty under Capt. Gerolomon. Making four Tours of

of duty in the year 1902. of one month each Station in which time at Bridge & along the lines under the Command of Col Van Courtlandt & Major Hayes.
Making his whole Service as a private soldier in the War of the Rebellion less than one two months & for such Service he claimed a pension under the act of Congress of 1890. And this deponent further saith that the Service herein stated is true to the best of his knowledge in the War of the Rebellion was fought & actually performed, that he was duly called out by the government and actually stationed at the different places mentioned in this declaration during Military duty all that time & for the time during which the said Service was performed he was not employed in any civil service.
And this deponent further saith that he was out on duty & in actual Service more than one half of his time the four first years mentioned in this declaration and as much as one third of his time the two last years that he served in said war. That he was twice on Station Island with Capt Abraham Speer one in 1865 and one in 1870. And that he does now know of any more witness now living that can testify to his Service with any more precision than those heretofore sent with his papers and does now know of any other witness except Army King whose affidavit is hereto annexed.
And this deponent further saith that he always believed he was justly entitled to a full pension under their law & that if he stated in his old declaration that he served three months in any one hour of duty it is not what he meant to have stated as he was generally one month on duty and one off - from the time he first entered the Service until the close of the year 1865.
Sworn to and Subscribed at New York in said County October the 20 th 1895. Before me Sam l H. Miller Justice of the peace. Simon Stevens

Sung Shing

State of New Jersey Essex County ss. Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Henry King of the Township of Bloomfield County of Essex and State of New Jersey well known to me to be of good standing in society and fully entitled to belief as a witness. — And being by me duly sworn on his oath deponeth and saith that he is eighty years of age that he was a Soldier in the war of the revolution that he was during said war well acquainted with Simon Shaver now residing at Newark in the County of Essex and State of New Jersey that he believes the said Simon Shaver to be as much as seventy four years of age. — and is well knowing that the said Simon Shaver belonged to a Company of Militia commanded by Captain Abraham Speer and attached to Col. Philip Van Courtlandt's Regiment. And this deponent further saith that he frequently saw the said Simon Shaver on duty and in actual service under the command of the said Abraham Speer and Capt. Henry Gerlach from the year 1777. to the close of the war of the revolution is fully believes that the said Simon Shaver done more than two years actual service during said war. and further saith not.                      Henry King Sworn and subscribed at Newark in said County September 20 th 1835 before me
Saml. H. Miller Justice of the peace

W. Simeon Throop
John L. O'Sullivan
Sam L. Wells - Simeon New - York.

State of New-Jersey Essex County — S. Personally appeared before me Samuel R. Miller a Justice of the peace in and for said County — John S. Purne Esq., of the Township of Newark in the County & State aforesaid. — Well known to me to be a Man of good standing & entitled to belief as a Witness. And being by me duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say, That he is well acquainted with Simon Shivers of the Township of Newark in the said County of Essex and Believes him to be or much or seventyfour years of age A Man in good standing in society and entitled to belief as a Witness. — And this deponent further saith that he went with the said Simon Shivers to Captain Abraham Speer for the purpose of taking the said Capt. Speer's affidavit in support of the Claim of the said Simon Shivers for a pension, which affidavit was then & there taken before him the said John S. Purne or a Justice of the peace as by reference to the same will appear, which affidavit this deponent believes was sent to the pension office with other papers. — And this deponent further saith that the said Capt. Abraham Speer is now dead & said deponent now recollects that Capt. Speer then stated that the said Simon Shivers belonged to his Company as a private Soldier during the war of the Revolution & was certain that the said Simon Shivers done a number of Monthly hours under his command, But could not Name nor Recollect the particular months nor years when said service was performed. — But that he the said Capt. Speer was on duty himself nearly all the time during said war. — And deponent further saith that George Price is also dead whose affidavit was also sent to the war department in support of said Shivers' application. Sworn and subscribed at Newark, — S. Purne in said County October the 6 th 1835. before me — Samuel R. Miller — Justice of the peace

State v. John Gray County of Essex
34. I Chas Van Breda junr Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Essex do hereby certify that Samuel B. Miller Esq. before whom the several affidavits hereto annexed of John S. Shive, Mary King & John S. Thorne were respectively made & taken at the time of making the same, was at that time one of the Justices of the peace of said Court, resident therein, duly commissioned & sworn and that the signatures "Sam B. Miller" subscribed to the affidavits of said affiants respectively are genuine. —
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Newbed the Twenty second day of October A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty five. —
Chas Van Breda junr

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Stives, William GRADE Private LINE New Jersey
WARRANT NUMBER 8775 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED December 21, 1798 To - not shown
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.