Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 21462, for James Johnston, Pennsylvania

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Johnston, James or Johnson
N. 21462.
Betsey
CONTENTS

15. 141 Q New York
James Johnson 2 d
of Cayuta in the state of New York who was a Private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Thompson of the Pennsylvania line, for the term of One Year
scribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 25 of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of Sep. 1818 and sent to D. Woodcock Esq. Ithaca New York
Arrears to 4th of Sep 1819. 130.66 Semi-ann. all'ce ending Mar 1820. 48.00 16 Mo \frac{18}{30} $178.66
Cont d { Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. } Notif n sent Dec 7 th 1820 to D. Woodcock P.M. Ithaca. N.Y.

3617
New York alby
Betsy Johnston
widow of James Johnston.
who was a private
in the Pennsylvania line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of December 1843. and sent to Arad Joy
Ovid New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1. Page 107
Jr

This may certife that Isaack and John Sons of James Johnston and Bette were Baptized by me Jacob Johnson Minister of Jesus Christ at Wyoming. Decemr 22 nd 1784

James Johnston Private y 6 to y 7 Thompson Pennsylv a
Reg t Service wanted - Image Admitted the credibility of the witness -
To be returned to D Woodcock Station Post Office Maysville
Admitted

Sioga County - State of New York ss: On the twenty sixth day of April one Thousand Eight Hundred and eighteen before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Sioga and State aforesaid personally appears James Johnston aged sixty six years a resident of the town of Conesville Conesville county and State aforesaid who being by me first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the revolutionary wars"
That the said James Johnston enlisted in Lower Smithfield Township in the State of Pennsylvania in the Spring of 1776 security six in a company commanded by Captain Abraham Miller in Col. Thompson's Regiment in the corps of infantry infantry That he served one year in said corps and on the main of the United States when he was discharged from the service in Long Island in the State of New York that he was in a battle at Bunker's Hill Point near Boston and at the siege of Boston - and that he is reduced circumstances

and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services -
That he is not aware of any pension having hitherto been allowed him and does hereby relinquish all claim to every pension hitherto allowed him by the laws of the United States
James Johnston
Sworn to and declared before me the day and year first aforesaid -
Stephen Beers one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Tioga & State of New York
I Stephen Beers one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Tioga aforesaid do certify that it appears to my satisfac- tion that the said James Johnston did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding decla- ration against the common enemy and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and read before me to the Secretary for the department of war pursuant to the directions of the aforesaid act of Congress -
April 26 th 1818
Stephen Beers one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Tioga & State of New York

State of New York Tioga County
I certify that on the third day of October 1880 before me the subscriber personally came Peter Vandeborgart of the Town of Cayuta and being by me first duly sworn deposeth and saith that he lives in in the neighborhood of James Johnston the above petitioner. That he is well acquainted with his circumstances, that he has no real estate nor any personal estate of any consequence, that his bodily health and strength is such as enables him makes him unable to get a comfortable subsistence, that he thinks he really is in need of assistance of his country for support.
Witness - Benjamin Sedon
Peter his + Vandeborgart mark.
Stephen Beers Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Tioga aforesaid -
and I hereby certify that I am fully satisfied that the above named James Johnston is in indigent circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support -
Stephen Beers Judge as aforesaid

James Johnston Private 46 to 48 Temple Street Dublin Stephen To be returned to the undersigned post office through
Submitted
Sierra County, California
I certify that the within named Stephen Bays Esq. is duly commissioned and sworn and now is and was at the time of signing the within affidavit an acting Judge of the court of Common Pleas and that due faith and credit ought to be given to his official acts as such and that I am well acquainted with the signature of the said Stephen Bays and truly believe the above to be his own proper hand writing. I have marked set my hand and caused the seal of the said county to be hereunto affixed the 30th day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and ninety.
My Seal [Signature]

X2402
Betsy Johnston
N.Y.
ad 4 July 36
rejected
In 78. d25

State of New York.
Soraphius County ss: On this third day of May One thousand Eight hundred and thirty Seven personally appeared before me Samuel M. Dean one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County of Soraphius, (being a court of record) Betsey Johnston, a resident of the Town of Enfield in the County of Soraphius State aforesaid aged Seventy Eight years on the 12 th day of January last past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836. That she is the widow of James Johnston who was a private in the Revolutionary war in the service of the United States, as will more fully and at large appear from the proofs now remaining on file in the office of the Secretary of War, or in the Pension office at Washington upon the strength of which the said James Johnston was placed on the Pension List Roll of the New York agency at the rate of Eight dollars per month and received his said Pension up to the time of his decease - That she is wholly unable to state and set forth the names or rank of the field and company officers under whom the said James Johnston served, nor is she able to state & set forth the day nor the month when the said James Johnston entered such service, nor the time when he left the same; nor is she able to state the number of engagements he was in during such service but for all which she respectfully refers to the proofs on file as aforesaid - That when the said James Johnston entered the service aforesaid he resided at Lower Smithfield in the County of Northampton & State of Pennsylvania and that a part of the time during said service, his family resided at Wyoming in the said State of Pennsylvania, That she as always understood from the said James Johnston prior to his decease that he enlisted as a private in the aforesaid service and served in the Continental establishment & under Continental officers - That she has no documentary Evidence in support of her said Claim other than the papers above referred to on file in the Pension office at Washington, and an Original discharge & Certificate "Signed W m Edwards Captain" dated "Pittsburg Jun y 11 th 1794" which is herunto annexed and which since the decease of the said James Johnston she found among his papers.
She further declares that she was married to the said James Johnston on the Eighteenth day of March 1778 - That her husband the aforesaid James Johnston, died on the twentieth day of August in the year One thousand Eight hundred

And truly five; And that she has remained a widow Even since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed -
Known to me and subscribed by the above named Betsey Johnston by making her marks on the day & year first above written before me the subscriber and I certify that I am acquainted with the said Betsey Johnston & that by reason of old age & infirmities she cannot write her name And I also further certify that the said Betsey cannot by reason of bodily infirmities attend in person in open court in any court of Record within the State aforesaid -
Samuel H. Dean A Judge of the County Courts of the said County of Tompkins.
her Betsey + Johnston mark

State of New York
Tompkins County ss: Hannah Hendricks, widow of Jacob Hendricks deceased, a resident of Ithaca in the County of Tompkins & State aforesaid Aged Sixty five years being duly sworn doth on her oath depose and say that she is the sister of Betsey Johnston named in & who has this day subscribed & sworn to the annexed declaration. That the maiden name of this deponent as also that of the said Betsey was VanOrman. And that they were both the children of Isaac VanOrman late of Lower Smithfield in the County of Northampton & State of Pennsylvania. That on the Eighteenth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and Seventy Eight (1878) the said Betsey VanOrman the sister of this deponent was married to James Johnston since deceased, by me — Rev. Esq at the house of her father; the above named Isaac VanOrman then a resident of Wyomissing in the County of Northampton and State of Pennsylvania. That the said — Rev. this deponent understood was a Justice of the peace at the time of the marriage of the said Betsey to the said James and that this deponent was present at the marriage and well recollects the time and that all the other persons were present at the marriage aforesaid yet she knows of no person now living who was so present.
And this deponent further saith that she has been well acquainted with the said Betsey Johnston late Betsey VanOrman and her husband the said James Johnston since deceased from the date of their marriage aforesaid up to the decease of the said James Johnston in the year 1825 and that during all that period they lived together as husband & wife, and raised a family of children. And that since the death of the said James the said Betsey has remained his widow.
Subscribed and sworn before me this 3rd. day of May 1887 Samuel H. Dean A Judge of the County Courts of the said County.
her Hannah Hendricks Mark
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Hannah Hendricks and that she cannot write her name from the fact as I firmly believe that she never learned to write. And I certify that the said above named Hannah Hendricks is a person whose reputation for truth and veracity is good and her statement entitled to credit — Samuel H. Dean

Supreme
Tompkins County Clerk's office ss I. Arthur S Johnson Clerk of said County hereby certify that Samuel H Dean before whom the foregoing affidavits was taken and whose name is subscribed thereto was at the date hereof a Judge of the Supreme Court in and for the County of Tompkins and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe his signature subscribed to said affidavits and also to the certificate is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Tompkins this 8 th day of July 1837
Arthur S Johnson Clerk

State of New York
Tompkins County ss: Mary Williams of the Town of Elmer in the County of Chemung & State of New York the wife of David Williams aged fifty Eighty years being duly sworn doth on her oath depose and say that her maiden name was Mary Johnston and that she is the daughter of James Johnston & Betsey Johnston named in the annexed declaration of the said Betsey Johnston. That she this deponent was born at Lower Smithfield in the County of Northampton in the State of Pennsylvania where the said Betsey Johnston and the said James Johnston since deceased then resided. That when this deponent was quite a child her said father and mother removed from Lower Smithfield aforesaid to Wyoming on the Susquehanna River in said State of Pennsylvania where she has ever understood the said James Johnston had before resided & where he was married to the said Betsey Johnston whose maiden name was Van Daman.
And this deponent further saith that she will remember the time of the Battle at Wyoming aforesaid during the Revolutionary war although this deponent was then but a child. That from the earliest recollections of this deponent she has always understood and now has heard the same doubted or contradicted that the said James Johnston deceased was married to the said Betsey Van Daman now Betsey Johnston about the year 1778 at Wyoming aforesaid. That her said father & mother the aforesaid James Johnston and Betsey Johnston ever lived together as such man and wife from the earliest recollections of this deponent up to the time of the death of the said James Johnston in the year 1825. And that this deponent was the eldest child of the said above named James Johnston and Betsey Johnston.
And further this deponent saith that the said James Johnston her father aforesaid was always reputed to have served as a private in the war of the Revolution and that she never has heard the same doubted or contradicted and further that the said James Johnston received from Government a Pension for such service up to the time of his decease as aforesaid. And further this deponent saith not.
Subscribed & sworn before me this 12 th day of May 1837
Chauncy G. Heath J.P.
Mary her Williams mark
I certify that I am acquainted with the said above named Mary Williams and that she cannot write her name for the reason as she states & as I truly believe that she never learned to write - and I also certify that the said Mary Williams is a person of undoubted veracity and her statement is entitled to credit and belief -
Chauncy G. Heath J.P.

Tompkins County ss. I Arthur Johnson Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Chauncy G. Heath before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken and whose name is subscribed thereto was at the date or at the time of taking said affidavits a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Tompkins duly commissioned and qualified and that I am as acquainted with his handwriting and truly believe his signature subscribed to the said affidavits and also the above certificate is genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 28 th day of July 1837 Arthur S. Johnson Clerk
X 2402 Acting Johnston N.Y. Oct 4 July 36 Rejected x In 78. d 25

Copy of the Oath & Schedule of James Johnston 2nd ~~~~~
15.141 Cayuga Tioga Co NY 20 Sep '19
To be Returned to Daniel Woodcock Ithaca N.Y.

(Copy)
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Tloga COUNTY, }
On this Sixth day of September 1820 personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Common Pleas, holden in and for the said county, in said State, constituted a Court of Record, by the laws of said State, with power to hear, try and determine, all actions real, personal, and mixed, arising in the said county, and also all transitory actions, although the same may not have arisen within the said county, and with other powers, James Johnson 2 d aged sixty eight years, resident in the town of Gayuta in the said county, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows:
That he enlisted in Sower Smithfield county of Northampton & state of Pennsylvania in 1776 in Captain Abram Miller's company in Col: Thompson's rifle regiment in the Pennsylvania line for one year: that he was honorably discharged at Brooklyn on Long Island that he was a private in said company; that his declaration to obtain his pension was according to the best of his recollection made on the 25 th day of April 1818: & his certificate was dated on the 20 th day of September 1819 No 15.141
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March, 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the Revolutionary War," passed on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due me, nor have I any other income than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed, and by me subscribed.
That he has a wife aged Sixty three years who is unable to labour: that he has Ten children and neither of them assist this deponent in his or his wife's support: that he has no trade, and is incompetent by reason of his age, & infirmities to support himself, by labor and having no other way to support himself but by labor: he requires the

aid of his country for support—
(Signed) James Johnston
Sworn & declared before me in open Court this 6 th day of September 1820
(Signed) Gamaliel H. Barstow First Judge
A True and just Inventory of the Estate both real and personal of James Johnson mentioned in the annexed affidavits—
Real property—none—
Personal property— the value appraised by the Court
  $125.00 3 Small Iron Kettles 2 Cows & 3 Heifers—   1 Tea kettle 8 Sheep—   1 old beesteed & bedding 2 Horses, which are old & poor   1 lot of Table furniture 3 Hogs & 6 pigs   3 pails & 2 Barrels 2 Calves   1 old Harp & Waggons 1 old plough   1 ax & one Hoe. 6 araz Teath   
Debts due by the said James Johnson
  due Daniel Skinner on Note $16.00   " George Pratz on Book. . . . . 24. 37   " Jesse Herremans. Book. . . . . 2. 00   " Isaac Miles. . . . . Note. . . . . 2. 25   " Cornelius Sebring Note. . . . . 22. 00   " Martha Green on Book. . . . . 25. 00   " James Mury on Note. . . . . 6. 00   " Daniel Bales. . . . . do . . . . . 2. 50   " William Gills. . . . . Judgment 3. 00   " Daniel Cavenaugh on Book. . . . . 1. 00   " George Sivers on Note. . . . . 50. 00   " Rogers & Dudley 2. 00   $156.12 
(Signed) James Johnston

  " George Pratz on Book. . . . . 24. 37   " Jesse Herremans. Book. . . . . 2. 00   " Isaac Miles. . . . . Note. . . . . 2. 25   " Cornelius Sebring Note. . . . . 22. 00   " Martha Green on Book. . . . . 25. 00   " James Murr on Note. . . . . 6. 00   " Daniel Bakes. . . . . do . . . . . 2. 50   " William Gillis. . . . . Judgment . . . . . 3. 00   " Daniel Bavenough on Book. . . . . 1. 00   " George Sivers on Note. . . . . 50. 00   " Rogers & Dudley . . . . . 2. 00   $156 12   (Signed) James Johnston
State of New York } To all County & }  I Thomas Chapwell Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas above mentioned do hereby certify that the oath & Schedule here to annex d are truly copied from the Records of the said Court: And I further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount or value of the property of the said James Johnston exhibited in the foregoing Schedule is One Hundred and Twenty five Dollars —  In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 7 th day of September 1820.  T. Chapwell Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21462
Betsy Johnston Widow of James Johnston Pre Rev War
Act March 3 rd 48
Index: Vol. 84 , Page 381
[Arrangement of 1870.]

6749
Reported
New York.
widow of Betsy Johnston James Johnston who was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and who died on the 17 th Aug t 1825 of Simpkins in the State of N. York who was a Private in the Co. B commanded by Captain _____ of the Reg t commanded by Col. Thompson in the Penn a line for 12 months
Inscribed on the Roll of N.Y. Albany at the rate of 40 Dollars _____ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of Aug 1842 and sent to Bradjoy Esq r Cid NY Arrears to the 4 th of March III
Semi-annual allowance ending
$200.08 { Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by Thos. S. Wood Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 85

V. N. York Betsey Johnson Letter to Sam l Crittenden Jr. 15. Nov. 1837
Rejected
Let to Arad Joy. July 21. '42 5 " " " " Aug. 20. '42 5
Act 4. July '36

Betsy Johnson wid of James Per l Law of '38 New York
in old case of mine from Abad Joy

8.398.
Betsy Johnston N.Y.
act 7. July 38.
admd 12 mo. pri 408
No deduction
Madison and N.Y.

Family Record.

Shed of James Johnson half of a dollar for the purpose of enabling me to petition the assembly of the State of N York for bond for him I say send p me I had from Wyoming 21 st of aug t 1783

I do hereby certify that James Johnston after faithfully serving a Private Soldier in my Company in full Tour of duty is hereby Discharged from the Service of the United States
Reading Decm. 11 th 1794 W. Edwards Col.

Ithaca July 28 th 1842
Hon J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir - I do hereby accept of a widows pension under the act of 7 th July 1838, and I stipulate and agree & make application for a pension under that act, and I further hereby agree to, & do by these presents with draw all claim to any other or further pension except such as the act of July 7 th 1838 entitles me to do
Witness, John Fisher
Luisa V. Skinner
her Betsey X Johnston mark
Luisa V. Skinner

Aug 19-42
My
Beloved Mother
Johnson
J. L. Edwards Comm. Pension, Washington D.C.

Ovid Seneca Co New York Aug t 15 th 1842
Hon J. S. Edwards
Dear Sir
I inclose a letter which contains some further history of the service of James Johnston - I Respectfully refer you to the deposition of Samuel Van Norman of the 13 th July 1842. in the case of Betsy Johnston; you will please notice that he assents to actual service of Johnston after the marriage; the letter mentions particulars, of the battle of Wyoming which took place in 1778 later in the year than March, at which time Mrs. J. was married, therefore that Battle must have been after the marriage, you will also please notice the letter names Seven months service with Labar still later in the year 1778. although it is not at present before you in proof, yet you see what Mr Stokes writes that Mr Van N. says, he will do, if it is worth any thing, it backs up his former deposition & establishes 7 months service positively, if you after having his deposition of service will accept of this letter as establishing 7 months it will save the sending to Pa for his further deposition if not, I can procure his deposition for the 7 months service of James Johnston after his marriage -

Mrs Johnston although about 88 years of age, has tolerable recollection & says after they were married & keeping house, that their house was burned & all the house hold property destroyed & they driven for shelter into the fort at Wyoming, she knows as well as her brother Samuel Van Norman that her husband was engaged in actual service after their marriage, that they were both acquainted with & saw quite too much of the butchery & bloody deeds of Wyoming the summer of 1878. — Will you accept of the 7 months service of James Johnston as fully made out after his safe marriage, if so that added to the 9 months already in proof will make 2/3 of a whole pension to the widow — With great Respect Your Mother Col. Supt. Acad. Socy

29. Aug 1886.
Hon J. L. Edwards Court of Pensions Washington D.C.

Ovid Seneca County New York
Aug. 25th 1842
Hon J L Edwards
Dear Sir
I have to inform you that Mrs Johnston accepts the pension under your proposal in yours of the 21. July. I rec d a few days since the directions from her by mail which I here inclose - you will please to forward to me the pension certificate for her -
I am Very Respectfully your most Ob t Serv t .
Abad Jay

July 21. 1842
N.Y.
Bellevue Johnson
J. L. Edwards Pension Agent Washington D.C.

State of Pennsylvania ss, On the 13 th day of July County of Monroe 3 1842. personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County of State Samuel Van Norman a resident of the same, who after being first duly sworn according to law, deponeth & saith - to wit, That he is eighty years of age, and that he is a brother of Betsy Johnston, the identical widow of James Johnston late a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, That the said Betsy his sister was married to the said James Johnston in March 1778 in Wyoming Pennsylvania by the Rev George Dove, that this deponent was present at the marriage or wedding, that the said Betsy Johnston now the widow Betsy Johnston, as well as the widow of James Johnston is the identical person as above intended to be named, and that the said James Johnston late her said husband was a soldier in the army of the war of the Revolution, and that he served in the said war of the Revolution after his said marriage to his said sister Betsy, that this deponent being familiar with the movements of those times, well recollects that the said James Johnston was engaged in actual service in the said war of the Revolution after his said marriage as referred to above, this deponent concludes that the said James Johnston must have served in the war & army of the Revolution after his said marriage as above named to the year 1782 at least from one to two years Subscribed & sworn before me Samuel Van Norman this 13 th day of July - 1842
John Murch S.P.

State of Pennsylvania County of Monroe ss.
I John Keller Prothonotary of the Court of common pleas in and for the said County do hereby certify that John Muser, Before whom the within Affidavit was made, was at the time thereof and still is an acting Justice of the peace duly Commissioned and qualified so to act in and for the said County, and that full faith and credit are due and of right ought to be given to all his Official acts as such, and that his signature thereunto set is Genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Stroudsburg this 13 th day of July A.D. 1842.
John Keller Protho. per Saml. Muser.
I certify that Samuel Van Norman who subscribed to the annexed deposition is of good character & is fully to be believed, & that full faith and credit & belief ought to be placed upon the annexed deposition of his, and that I have good reason to believe & do believe that he is of the age as set forth by him. Dated July 13 th — 1842
John Muser D.L.A.

Ovid Seneca 6 o New York July 16 th 1842
Dear Sir
I address you in behalf of Widow Betty Johnson who once made application for a pension, as will appear from your answer under date of Nov 15 th 1837. which letter I have before me, I was at Mrs Johnsons a few days since, the papers inclosed were handed to me there, and said you have the proof of the marriage & the inclosed papers at least would show some evidence of it, Mr Johnson was called Bittle or was common & as is now common in many places - the rest would be some evidence of his service entitling him to land -
As I am not in possession of all that has been done in her case, I beg you to allow me (if the proof which will be now before you is not sufficient to entitle her to a pension) to ask what further proof you require & how the case stands - Mrs Johnson is confined to her house - It is very easily accounting for Mr Johnsons not trying to prove more service than he did, as nine months service I think was all that was required under the act of 1818 - no doubt but he could have then proved much more -
Your very obed Servt. Isaac Joy
N. 13. I have due me 3 or 4 letters in answer to mine, which will no doubt be answered as they have heretofore been when my turn comes, am much obliged & much indebted for the favor. Your obed Servt. I. Joy

You have the positive proof of the Marriage & of the Service of Mr Johnson by the disposition of Mr Van Norman, as well as the identity of the widow
J. L. Edwards Pension Agent Washington D.C.
Henry Johnson
h. v.
July 21. 1842
There was a few years since a Mr Luce in your office with whom I formerly had an acquaintance - I refer you to him as to Hon Mr McEllion, Hon John Maynard & Hon V. Birdseye, Hon Mr Gilmore & Hon W. D. Morgan C. Morgan - I refer to those names that you may learn something of me, & of the justice of the applications so far as I am concerned, as I only act as an agent, & I wish not to be an agent in any case where there is one doubt of the justice of the claim, nor will I aid in such a claim knowing
Your very Ob d Serv t Brad Joy

2402 Aug 5
Ms NY H. H. H. 333 E. J. R. Harris, Jr. Restoration
Hon J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Pension Office Washington D.C.

Ithaca N. York July 31. 1837
Sir
Enclosed herewith are the papers of Richard Finnis, an applicant to be reinstated upon the Roll of Pensioners. It seems he was struck from the Roll upon the ground that, by his original papers on file and upon which his name was placed on the roll; the precise term or terms of his service as a militia man does not sufficiently appear - From the very nature of the case it is impossible to particularize the hour or day of his entering or being discharged from service under his various tours in the Revolution but from his own afft & from the affts John Lewis & John Hyatt attached I think it will sufficiently appear to authorize the department in reinstating him on the Pension List Roll.
Also enclosed are the papers in behalf of Mrs Betsey Johnston an applicant for a Pension under the Law of Congress of the 4 th July 1836. Please give the above an examination as early as is practicable and inform me as to the result and I remain
Your Obt Servt Sam l C. Lawrence
Hon J. L. Edwards Compt. of Pensions

State of New York ) Daniel Shoemaker of the Town Tioga County of Tioga in the County of Tioga being duly sworn deponeth and saith That he was born in Smithfield Township Northampton County in the State of Penn- sylvania and resided there until the year A.D. 1802 and is now sixtyseven years of age and this deponent further saith that James Johnston the soldier named in the annexed declaration resided in the Town of Smithfield aforesaid and a near neighbor to this deponent and that in the year seventeen hundred & seventy six the said James Johnston en- listed in a rifle company commanded by Captain Abraham Miller (the said Capt Abraham Miller at that time resided about six miles from this deponent) for the term of one year and that the said James Johnston did enlist at this deponent's dwelling house into said company and that the said James Johnston was absent from the Town of Smithfield about thirteen months. He then understood and always since that time has understood that the said James during his absence as aforesaid was in the said Capt. Miller's rifle company doing the duty of a soldier and this deponent further saith that he has been acquainted

with the said James ever since the revolution- ary war and from the above facts which he was acquainted during the revolutionary war and his acquaintance with him since that time he believes all the facts stated in the said James declaration are substantially true and this deponent further saith that he has no interest in the event of said James applica- tion for a pension and further saith not sworn & subscribed before David Shoemaker on August 21 st 1819
Elijah Shoemaker Com d &c. I Certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Daniel Shoemaker and know him to be a credible witness and as such entitled to due credit Elijah Shoemaker Com d &c.
State of New York } J. Thomas Macwell Clerk of the Tioga County ss. } County of Tioga do Certify that Elijah Shoemaker whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit was on the day of the date of said Certificate a Commissioner appointed by law to take affidavits &c. That I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Commissioner & verily believe the signature of Elijah Shoemaker thereto subscribed is the proper handwriting of the said Commissioner - In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County of Tioga this 23 rd day of August 1819
J. Thomas Macwell Clerk

James Johnston 15 Dec. 24 th 1818
Proof 16
Send to D. Woodcock P.M. Ithaca N.Y.
h

State of New York Tompkins County
ss: William Van Orman of the Town of Ulster in the County of Tompkins being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was born in the town of Smithfield in the State of Pennsylvania and resided there until he was thirty years of age this deponent is now fifty five years of age - and this deponent further saith that James Johnston the Soldier named in the annexed declaration resided in the Town of Smithfield aforesaid and a near neighbour to this deponent - and this deponent further saith that in the year 1776 the said James Johnson enlisted in a rifle company commanded by Captain Abraham Miller. (The said Captain Miller at that time resided about five miles from this deponent) for the term of one year as this deponent was then informed and believes to be true - that the said James was absent from the town of Smithfield more than a year he then understood and always since that time has understood that the said James during his absence as aforesaid was in the said Captain Miller's rifle company doing the duty of a Soldier and this deponent further saith that he has been acquainted with the said James ever since the revolutionary war and for the greater part of

The time lived a near neighbor to him and from the above facts which he was acquainted during the revo- lutionary war and his acquaintance with him since that time he believes all the facts stated in the said former declaration are substantially true and this deponent further saith that he has no interest in the event of the said James's application for a pension and further saith as
Subscribed & sworn before me August 19. 1819.
William Van Arman
Edmund G. Pelton Comr.
I Certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named William Van Arman & know him to be a Credible Witness as to the facts entitled to the credit.
Edmund G. Pelton Comr.
State of New York
Tompkins County ss.
I George P. Frost Deputy Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Edmund G. Pelton Esq. Before whom the above Affidavit appears to have been taken was on the day of the date thereof a commissioner for taking Affidavits &c. duly commissioned
and sworn as such commissioner. And further that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said commissioner and very believe the signature Edmund G. Pelton, signed to the above to be his proper hand writing. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at Ithaca this 27 th day of August 1819.
Geo. P. Frost
Deputy Clerk.

Frank Stokes D.M.
Abad Joy Esq
Orion
Seneca Co New York

Stroudsburg Aug 10 th 1842
Sir I recd yours of July 27 th
I have seen Samuel van Norman he says I recollect very well that Johnson was at the Battle of Wyoming he started out with my father I was at the fort, they came to the fort Mr Johnson with my mother all all the rest of family with number other crossed the river over to Wilkes Berry same day, Next day we all started for the Delaware That fall or next Spring Mr Johnson went out seven months men I recollect very well that Melker Lahan went out with him and returned with him they was out seven months I do not know what officer they were under and Melker Lahan recd Pension from United States there was number other out they are all dead and Lahan is dead so long ago I do not recollect any more than I have mentioned
If the above information will be of any benefit to you Mr van Norman is ready to make oath to same
I remain your
A most Joy Esq
Stokes
Mrs Johnston was married in March 17.78.

4467
Betsy Johnston
$40 per an
Arad Joy
Orch
N.Y.
to Anthony when of age and after death of her mother the 11th day of September

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 3 rd March, 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have since pensions under the act of July 7, 1838.
(State of New York)
County of Tompkins ss. On this 28 th day of August 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County
Betsy Johnston a resident of the town of Newfield in said county & State aged Eighty Nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war.
That she is the widow of James Johnston who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution & a pensioner of the United States that he served under various officers —
and that she is the identical person & widow to whom was granted a five years pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 at the rate of Forty dollars — per annum. She further declares that she is still a widow & the widow of the aforesaid James Johnston
Subscribed & sworn before me this 28 th day of Aug t 1843 Moses Crowell J.P.
Betsy Johnston mark
I certify that the above named Betsy Johnston is a respectable person entitled to full credit —
Moses Crowell J.P.
(State of New York)
County of Tompkins ss. Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in & for said County John Fisher of Ithaca in said County & after being duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith that he is personally acquainted with the above named Betsy Johnston the widow of James Johnston who is by the above making application for a pension, this deponent further saith that the above named Betsy Johnston — is the identical widow of James Johnston & the identical person to whom was granted a five years pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 that said pension was for Forty dollars per annum That this deponent was personally knowing to the facts as here set forth & that she has not since married but remains the widow of the aforesaid James Johnston
Subscribed & sworn before me this 28 th day of Aug t 1843 Moses Crowell J.P.
John Fisher
I certify that the above named John Fisher — is a highly respectable person and is fully to be relied upon in his deposition full faith & credit is due to it.
Moses Crowell J.P.
Answer to be returned to Brad Joy Ovid, N.Y.

State of New York } County of Tompkins } ss. Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in & for said County, Richard Davenport - of Enfield in said county & on being duly sworn according to law deponeth & saith that he is personally acquainted with Betsey Johnson - within named who is applying for a pension & that she is the identical widow of James Johnson who was a pensioner of the United States, & that she is the identical person & widow who received a five years pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th July 1838 at the rate of Forty dollars per annum and that she has not intermarried but remains the widow of the aforesaid James Johnson  Subscribed & sworn before me } This 28 th day of Augt 1843 } Moses Cromie J.P.  Richard his Davenport Witness
I certify that the above named Richard Davenport is fully to be believed that he is a respectable person and full faith & credit is due to his deposition above.
Moses Cromie J.P.  State of New York } ss. I, Willet B. Goddard Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Moses Cromie before me the then proceeding affidavit, purporting to have been made and whose name is subscribed to the three several certificates, attached thereto was at the date of the same an acting Justice of the peace in & for the County of Tompkins duly qualified to act as such and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said justice and every other signature to the three several affidavits, & certificates, genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said County at Ithaca this 11 th day of September 1843  W. B. Goddard Clerk By J. Pittendrue Deputy.
11/16/43 Betsey Johnson $110 per an had for and n.h.