Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,381, for John I Pulver, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Culver, John D. Ann
N 16,381
CONTENTS

Albany 5960
Ann Pulver widow of John J. Pulver
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 8. October 1836 of Columbia Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Robinson of the regt. commanded by Col. Livingston in the N.Y. Militia line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany, N. York at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st 7 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 nd day of Dec r . 1840 and sent to Theodore H. Clarke Hudson, N.Y.
Arrears to the 4 th of Sep r . 1840 132.27 Semi-annual allowance ending Oct r 1840. 15.00
$ 147.27
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Book A. Vol. 2.
Clerk, Page 98

14205
14957 New York
John S. Pulver
of Rensselaer Co in the State of New York who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Robin, in the Regt. commanded by Col. Livingston in the N. Y. mts line for Genl.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14 day of May 1833 and sent to Geo Gould Esq.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 $ 60.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending Septm 15-00 $ 75.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. L. Williams Clerk. Book Vol. 4 Page 70
Died Oct 8, 1836

14959 John J. Pulver v Declaration for a Pension

State of New York County of Rensselaer
SS. On this ninth day of October A.D. 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Rensselaer, now sitting John J. Pulver, a resident of the town of Schoharie, in said County and State, aged eighty 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 Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he was born on the Livingston Manor, in the State of New York, on the 17 th Dec r 1757; he has no record of his age; In September 1778, while living on the Manor of Robert Living- stone, he was drafted for three months , in Captain James Robinson's Com- pany, under command of Col. Peter R. Livingston; he marched in said company to White Plains, and was there present at the battle fought there in the last of October: After that battle the troops retreated a little above Fort Washing- ton; he was there in service till Fort Washington was taken; soon after which, having served out his three months , he was discharged: he had a written discharge, but has since lost it: He then went home; and in May of the year following volunteered, with Captain Conradt. Clynne in a company of which Peter Pulver was Lt., under the command of Major Samuel Tenbroeck; with them he marched to Fort George; and was there under Gen. Philip Schuyler; and afterwards under Gen. Gates, and was with him, at the time of Burgoyne's Surrender in Oct. 1777, after that he went with the one half of the militia who were sent down the Hudson River, to meet the British; he went to Rhinebeck, whence the militia returned north. At Rhinebeck he was discharged in November, having served six months : he received no written discharge. He knows of no living witnesses that he could procure; & has no documentary evidence to produce. After the Revolu- tion he lived on Livingston Manor till about 1790; then at Schoharie about eight years; then at Charleston on the Mohawk more than a year; then at Carlisle, (Schoharie County), about two years; and ever since at Schoharie. He is so infirm that he cannot attend church; and the cler- gyman of his parish is a young man, and but lately settled; and does not know the declarant. He is well known to Obadiah Green Junior, & Abiel Buckman, of Schoharie, who can testify as to his character for veracity; and as to his reputation of having served in the revolutionary 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.
Sworn and subscribed the } John I. Pulver's mark A day and year aforesaid } Archibald Bull Clerk }
We, Abiel Buckman, & Obadiah Green Jr. residents of the town of Schoharie, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John I. Pulver, who has subscribed, and sworn to, the above declaration; that we believe him to be eighty years of age; that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution; and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day } A. Buckman and year aforesaid } Archibald Bull Clerk } Obadiah Green Jr.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he states: And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Abiel Buckman, & Obadiah Green Jr. who have signed the preceding certificate, are residents of the town of Schoharie; & are credible persons, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Archibald Bull, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Rensselaer, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John I. Pulver for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this ninth day of October A.D. 1832. Archibald Bull Clerk

Dec 15 1840
Dear My Address Mrs. Pulver
Pension Office
W. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

State of New York County of Columbia } ss We Ann Pulver widow of John I Pulver & Catharine Langdon daughter of said Ann & John Pulver & John D. Langdon all of Coak King Swom say that said John I Pulver was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States & a short time before his death he lived in the County of Rensselaer in this State. He moved a short time before his death from said County of Rensselaer to this town & lived until his death with his daughter said Catharine Langdon one of these deponents.
That he died in the month of October One Thousand Eight hundred thirty Six. but the particular day of the month of October these deponents cannot state. They have no record of his death. No money has been drawn since the 4th of September 1836 by said John I Pulver in his life time nor by his widow since his death.
The said John I Pulver died in October 1836 & according to their best recollection it was on the eighth day of October 1836.
Sworn to & subscribed before me me by the above deponents this 9th day of December 1840 who are of good character & entitled to credit Athanasius Hoarey Justice of the Peace Ann Pulver her mark J. Langdon John D. Langdon

Deposition - In Anna Palmer case
W. H. Clarke
Hudson St. York
Agent.

State of New York Columbia County } ss. I, William Miller Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Alpheus Mooney whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Deposition & certificate was at the date thereof a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid dwelling in said county & duly authorized to take the same.
That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said justice & verily believe that the signature to said deposition is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said County the 10th day of December 1840. William Miller Clerk
Deposition -
In Re: Phoebe Call
W. H. Clarke
Hudson N.Y. Agent.

In
On the other sheet is the deposition of 3 witnesses to prove the death & the time thereof of John J. Palmer.
I presume it will be satisfactory. Please forward the Certificate as soon as possible
Resp Yours Whitelaw H. Clarke
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Hudson New York
Oct 10th 1840.

7392 Ann Pulver of New York
Columbia County
W. H. Clarke Hudson Agent
March 27/79 Hudson N.Y.

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress of the 7 th July 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"
State of New York
Columbia County ss. On this 5 th day of October 1840. personally appeared before me William E. Root one of the Justices of the Justice Court of Hudson the same being a court of Record
(personally) Ann Pulver a resident of the town of Coakley in the County aforesaid aged 74 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838. entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of John L. Pulver who was a private in the war of the Revolution, for his services she refers to his statement made to obtain his pension under an act of 7 th June 1832 she did during his life time receive a pension under said act of Thirty dollars per annum & at the time of obtaining it he resided in

the County of Rensselaer in the State of New York that she was married to said John C. Pulver On or about the month of October Seventeen hundred and eighty four or 1784. That my first child was a son named Peter J. Pulver My second a daughter named Catharine the widow David Langdon. She was born on the 27th September 1788 is now living. That she was married before the first day of January 1794 On or about the year 1784 or 1785 by Jacob Ford. That he was married on the day of October 1836. Anna C. Pulver Sworn before me this 5th of October 1840 Mark Wm E. Heath Justice of the Peace Court

State of New York Columbia County ss. I Catharine Langdon of Coakate, in said County being grown day. I am the daughter of John & Palmina and Ann his wife. That my brother Peter son of said John & Ann was older than myself. He is now dead. I was born on the 27th September 1788 as I was always told by my said Parents and as I believe. My Record of my own age as put down in my late husband's Family Record is in the words of Francis Towne. "Catharine Langdon was born Sept. 27, the 1788" My Mother now lives with me I am the widow of my said father said John & Palmina has not intermarried since his death I am unwilling to part with my Family Records. My father died in October 1836.
I now subscribe before me this 5th October 1840.
Wm E. Heath Justice of the Justice Court
Catharine Langdon

I hereby certify that I believe the above named Catherine Langdon entitled to credit. Mr. O'Heath Justice of Peace

State of New York
County of Columbia ss. While at Clarke of Hudson in said County being sworn says that several months ago he was applied to by Ann Pulver the widow of the late John J. Pulver mentioned in the annexed declaration to obtain her pension. That he then went to Isaac Ford & found the Record of the late Jacob Ford and examined the record of Marriages carefully through to find the marriage of said John J. Pulver & his said widow but could not find it. Said widow informed this deponent that said Jacob Ford married her the said late husband said Jacob Ford as appears by his record was a justice of the peace at the date of the marriage of said John J. & Ann Pulver, said widow.
This deponent is well acquainted with Catharine Langdon whose affidavit is hereto annexed. She is a very respectable woman & is entitled to credit.
Sworn to & subscribed Before me this 11th day of October 1870. Wm. D. Heath Justice of Peace
William H. Clarke

I hereby certify that in my judgment the above named William H Clarke is entitled to credit.
Wm E Heath Justice of the Peace John P. Hubbell Of Schoharie
State of New York } Columbia County } City of Hudson } Be it known that on the 5th day of October 1840 before the subscri- ber one of the Justices of the Peace Court of the City of Hudson aforesaid the name being a Court of Record personally appeared before me at the town of Coxsackie in said County Ann Palmer named in the annexed declaration and made the said declaration before me upon her oath by me duly administered

and there submitted to an Examination thereupon before me, and the said Catharine Langdon took the annexed deposition before me and I also did there examine the family record of said Catharine Langdon birth and verily believe the birth of said Catharine is therein stated truly and the extract contained in said Catharine's affida- vit is truly & correctly transcribed from the said Record, and I further certify that said Declarant is by reason of bodily infirmity unable to attend in person before a court of Record as such courts are held about sixteen miles from her residence. All which I hereby certify. Wm B Heath Justice of the peace
State of New York Columbia County City of Hudson } ss. } I, Henry S. Van Rensselaer, clerk of the Justice's Court of the City of Hudson aforesaid do hereby certify that William E. Heath named in the annexed paper was at the date thereof now is one of the Justices of the Peace of the Justice's Court of the City of Hudson aforesaid, that said Justice's Court is a

Count of Record, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said William E. Heath and know his signature, to said Declaration, affidavits & certificates hereto annexed are in his own hand writing & are his signatures.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Count this 7th day of October One thousand Eight hundred & forty,
Henry S. Van Rensselaer
1000

14959 M c J. Pulvin Ransford Co N.Y.
admitted.
9 nco. Private.
George Gould New-York -

BRIEF in the case of  John J. Rubien  County of Rensselaer  - in the State of N. York  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? infirm  3. How old is he? 80 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Septm In 1776 drafted - 3 - Private Gen. Col Livingston   May 1777 vol - - - Capt. Robinson   Octm 1777 - 6 - Capt. Clyne   Hardeschd - - - Gen. Schuyler  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? White Plains  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Manor of Livingston  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? not defective 
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
John S. Ashton Examining Clerk.

To be used in
Anne Pulver case widow of John Pulver Act of 1838
W. H. Clarke Hudson N.Y. Agent

State of New York Columbia County ss, I Herman Kiddle of Gallatin in said County being Sworn say I have in my possession the records of Baptist Church of the Church in Gallatin in the County of which I am the Officiating Minister. I find on said Record the following Entry viz Catharine, born September Twenty Sixth Seventeen hundred & Eighty Eight parents John Pulver & Anne Brissie I also find another Entry as follows John born September Twentieth Seventeen hundred & Ninety That said first Entry is made in the words & figures following to wit -
Catharine born 26 th Sept r 1788. parents John Pulver, Anne Brissie
The second as follows. John born 20 th Sept 1790. parents John Pulver Anne Brissie
That the figures are fair & legible in both Entries Sworn & subscribed before me this 24 day of October 1840 by me Herman Kiddle Who is a Minister of the Gospel & entitled to credit (The word Baptism erased before signing -)
That I find the records of said Church

State of New York } Columbia County } G. J. William Miller Clerk of said County do hereby certify - that Charles Esselstyn whose name is subscri- bed to the foregoing Deposition was at the date thereof a Commissioner of said in & for said County, That I am well acquaint- ed with the hand writing of said Charles Esselstyn & verily believe the signature of said Charles Esselstyn to said Deposition to be his hand writing & genuine signature.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 12th day of November 1840. William Miller Clerk

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16381
Anne Pulver Wid of John A. Pulver since Rev War
Act: July 9th '38
Index:—Vol. 16 , Page 1214
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Albany - John J. Pulver act June 7. 1832 to what time paid? VL
10 th & 2 nd 1836 JH
Oct 1836

7392
Ann Pulver
Act. July 7. 1838
M d Oct. 1784
Husband died 8. Oct. 1831
joined to 4 th Sept 1831
Col Livingston } New York Capt. Robinson } Schuylkill
Admitted
Private 9 months $30-
Wm H. Clark Esq, Hudson N.Y.

N. York Anni Pulver let. to W. H. Clarke 12. Oct. 1840 to same 20 Nov. 1840
E
Act July 1838

Nov 14. 1876
N.Y.
Add proof Anna Pulver,
Hon.
Jas. S. Edwards, Comt. of Pensions, Washington.
ENCLOSURE
Pension office.
of

Sir,
Enclosed I send you the deposition of the Rev. Mr. Redder which proves the birth of Catherine Pulver (now Mrs. Botham) Langdon.
(Mrs. Langdon delineated) hitting the half go from her bible.
Her family Record was in a new Bible & the record made about 15 years ago.
You will see that the church record & family record agree in date of Catherine's Birth viz 26 Sept. 1788.
You will also see that John a younger son was born Sept 20 th 1790 - This is the same individual who forwarded his brother's papers to you which my letter refers -
The enclosed deposition will I think be deemed sufficient
Resy yours
Wheler H. Clarke
Hon J. Edwards,
Hudson N York Oct 1840.

Oct 9 1874
My
Anna Pulver
act 1838
ante.
J. L. Edwards.
Comt. of Pensions Washington
Pension Office

Sir
Enclosed are Mr. Pulver papers. His late husband was put on the Roll as John J. Pulver his daughter Mrs. Langdon says it was John J. Pulver. Mr. Pulver lived in the County of Rensselaer when he was put on the Roll at $30.
John Pulver of Schoharie the son of the declarant has sent an application for his mother in this case, but the declaration was taken before ordinary justice of the peace. His guardian however refused to in connection with the enclosed.
Please attend to this & substitute this application with the one forwarded by said John Pulver or rather connect them both then when united take the place the former does on the calendar. Please address to me instead of him.
Respectfully Yours
Whitelaw Clarke
Hudson N York Oct 1840
Hon J. L. Edwards

John G. Paterson BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Citizens only XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? yes XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? no XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? answered
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn 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.
† QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
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 claimants 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.
† QUERE XVI.  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 paper 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.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.