Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,409, for Abraham Smith, New York

SERVICE
New York
Smith, Abraham Rachel
NUMBER
W.16.409
CONTENTS
S. at boarding, Sussex Co. N.J. wife res. at Mt. Morris Orange Co. N.Y. res. in 1832 Providence, Saratoga Co. N.Y. d. Aug. 24, 1837

Albany 4,362
Rachel Smith widow of Abraham Smith
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 1832 and who died on the 24 th August 1837 of Schenectady Co. in the State of N. York who was a Pr. Grenadiers in the company commanded by Captain McCarne of the reg't. commanded by Col. Nichols in the N. York line for 8 months Pr. & 3 months Grenadiers
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 37 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 25. August 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of October 1839, and sent to G. F. Yates Schenectady, N. York
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. '39 76.33 Semi-annual allowance ending Dec. 40. 18.83
$95.16
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown. Clerk. Book A. Vol. 2 Page 101

Paid at the Treasury under the Acts of April 6 th 1832 and Aug 23 1842 from 4 th Sept 1840 to 21 st Jan 1841. Ag t m o l o f o i o Nov 8 th 1842

25 No. 26 New York
Abraham Smith
of Saratoga in the State of N. York who was a Drum. &c in the Corps commanded by Captain Mearner of the Regt. commanded by Col. Nichols in the New York line for - 1 Yr. per $40 - 3 M. Drum 1098 $51
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 11 Dollars 25 Cents per annum to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28, day of Feb. 1831 and Little Co. S. & Smith Notary Public
Arrears to the 14th of Apr. 23 $127.50 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar 25.50
$153.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Book E,
C. McIntire Clerk Vol. 1. Page 86.

No 18204 Abraham Smith Saratoga County New York
Admitted Private 12 men Drummers 3 do
106 2550 12750
C. S. Grinnell Northampton New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
May 23 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjunct 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, showing the Service of Abraham Smith Saratoga County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted Dec r 1775 - 3 - Private Capt. Weasner Marched to Fort Independence 72 years New Windsor Traditionary evidence certified credible   Enlisted 28 July 1776 about 9 - private Capt. Weasner Col. Nichols Sohier's Bridge New York to Long Island Orange County New York. Clergymen's certificate &c - papers not properly Attached   Enlisted April 1777 about 4 - Drummer Skirmish Flat Bush  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following ( m ) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] 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.

STATE OF NEW-YORK, COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, Frederick R Van Ingen Deputy Clerk of said County,
DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That Albert A. Vedder before whom the foregoing Affidavit is subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Albert A. Vedder the Justice aforesaid and verily believe that the signature to said Affidavit and Certificate is genuine.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this 22 d day of May 1839.
E. R. Van Ingen Dep Clerk.

State of New York } Schenectady County }
I certify that the following is a true copy of the Record of the Baptism of Hermanus son of Abraham Smith and Rachel van Huyan and that the date is expressed in fair legible figures as follows which Record is contained in the Register of Baptism solemnized in the Reformed Dutch Church of Schenectady
"Dec. 19 th Bederen } 3. Kinderen } 1. Abraham Smith } 1. van Geloort } 2. Rachel van Huyan } 2. 1790 Nov. 7 } 3. Hermanus van Huyan } 3. Gelyngen } Rudolph van Huyan } Sarah van Franken"
From which Register it appears that Hermanus a son of said Abraham and Rachel was baptized by the Rev. Dirk Romeyn then Pastor of said Church, on the nineteenth day of December one Thousand seven hundred and ninety, and I further certify that it also appears from said Register that said Hermanus was born November the fourth one thousand seven hundred and ninety.
Jacob Van Vechten
I Jacob Van Vechten above named do hereby certify that I hold the office of Pastor in said Church and that the above is a true Extract from the Records of said Church as certified by me
Jacob Van Vechten
Sworn the 22 nd day of May 1839 before me
W. V. D. H. Justice of the Peace in and for the City & County of Schenectady

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Nov. 2 d , 1842.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The children of Rachel Smith, dec d a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, New York Agency, at the rate of Thirty Seven Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th July 1838, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1840, to the 21 st Jan'y 1841.  Respectfully, yours,
J. Woodruff Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

5237
Application of Rachel Smith widow
of Abraham Smith under the act of 7 th July 1838.
Married 7 th March 1784
Husband died 24 Aug 1837
Agent
Giles F. Bates Schenectady N.Y.
[Faint handwritten text, possibly "P. J. ..."]

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, of the 7th July, 1838, entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New York, ss:
On this ninth day of October 1838, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Schenectada in said State — Rachel Smith a resident of the city of Schenectada in the county of Schenectada — aged Seventy six 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, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Abraham Smith who was a private, sergeant, and drummer in the Militia of the State of New York militia in the war of the revolution, and served as set forth in the papers now on file in the war Department, in the matter of the application of said Abraham for a pension under the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832 — that said Abraham Smith received under said act last named an annuity of fifty-one dollars — and further that her maiden name was "Van Housen", & that she was married by Rev. Ralph Van Olinda pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Paramus, New Jersey.
She further declares, that she was married to the said Abraham Smith on the seventeenth day of March — in the year seventeen hundred and Eighty four; that her husband, the aforesaid Abraham Smith died on the twenty fourth day of August 1837 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz. at the time above stated.
her Rachel Smith mark
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written, before the Judges aforesaid in open Court — W.W. Dredway D.p. Clk
I certify the foregoing to be the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Rachel Smith for a pension, had in said Court. Witness my hand & the seal of said Court, this 9 th day of October 1838.
W.W. Dredway D.p. Clerk

STATE OF NEW-YORK, COUNTY OF SCHENECTADY, } ss. CLERK'S OFFICE.
I, William W. Breduay Deputy Clerk of said County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That J. S. Harmon before whom the foregoing Affidavit was subscribed and sworn, was at the time of taking the same a Judge of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified as such; and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said J. S. Harmon and verily believe that the signature to said Affidavit and Certificate is genuine.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, this 21. day of November 18 38.
W. W. Breduay P. p. Clerk.

The Deposition of Rachel Van Hoosen of the town of New Scotland in the County of Albany in the State of New-York who testifies and says that she has - been well acquainted for the last sixty - years with Rachel Smith - The same person referred to and described in the accompanying papers as an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1858. - That she was also well acquainted with Abraham Smith - The former husband of said Rachel _____ during his life time. That said Abraham Smith - departed this life about one _____ years ago, and that since his decease the said Rachel Smith - has remained single and unmarried and is still unmarried. And this deponent further saith that she & said Rachel resided together previous to the year 1784 in the same house in the County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey - and remembers well when she said Rachel who was a sister of the husband of this deponent got married, to wit in the year 1784 & that until the day of his death they said Abraham & Rachel lived together & were esteemed as husband & wife. Rachael her Van Hoosen mark
On this ninth 8 th day of September 1858 personally appeared before me the undersigned Rachel Van Hoosen - above named to me well known who made oath that the facts set forth in the foregoing deposition by her signed are true; and I certify that said Rachel Van Hoosen is a credible witness. - and I further certify that said Rachael Van Hoosen cannot write her name in consequence of old age & infirmity
J. D. Harman Justice of the peace

Abraham Smith's application for a pension under the act of June 7 th 1832
18204
V
Admitted
Paid 12 mo
Drummer 3 do
3-
5- 1776
3-
11

State of New York Saratoga County ss Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace of the town of Providence for the County of Saratoga State aforesaid & Abraham Smith 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 being as follows in the foregoing grades. For three months I served as a private under Capt. Weaver Lieut. Col. Miller & Ensign Edsell we were garrisoned at Fort Independence opposite West Point until the expiration of the said three months, there was two companies besides the one to which I belonged garrisoned there also, there was no Col. in command at Fort Independence Capt. Weaver being the oldest Capt. took command the above service was rendered from the month of Dec. 1775 and the month of April 1776 and that during the time I was not employed in any civic pursuit - In the year 1775 & the fore part of the year 1777 I served as a private for at least nine months under the command of Capt. Weaver, Major Logan, and Col. Dean which said service in the following manner, at Kingsbridge in erecting fortifica- -ions a detachment of our Regiment was sent to Westchester on the East river to drive back a party of the British & protect the place, from thence back to Kingsbridge from Kingsbridge the whole Regiment march'd for the City of New York thence to Flat Bush or Long Island where we joined a large body of the American forces at this place a sharp skirmish took place the American forces were obliged to retreat about one mile above Brookline from thence the whole American forces march'd back to the City of New York under the command of Genl. Washington from New York the public stores were ordered to Kingsbridge under the charge of our Regiment & thus upon our arrival at Kingsbridge

we were sent from there to East Chester after a stay of a few days (during which time) a brief commanding was kept up and were ordered to West Chester where we lay a few days encamp on the Delancey farm from thence to Kingsbridge from Kingsbridge to White Plains, then to Gold Ferry where we remained a few weeks, then to Fort McHenry & finally Bunker Ridge in Jersey where our Regiment quartered during the winter until the month of April when my term of service having fully expired and being faithfully served I was discharged. For at least three months I served as a drum under Capt Wood who when I joined was engaged in mustering men in the towns of Goshen & Middletown in the County of Orange after Capt Wood raised his regiment of men we marched for Smith's Cove where we were attached to a regiment commanded by Col Nichols. we were ordered at Smith's Cove during the service of the police three months frequently detachments were sent out to reconnoitre and arrest the Tories in the destruction of property to prevent them from furnishing the enemy with provisions I was not employed during the above period in any civic pursuit & for my revolutionary services I claim a pension.
Subscribed & sworn to before me Abraham Smith On this 6th day of June 1833
Sylvester Briggs Justice of the Peace
State of New York Saratoga County - 31
I, Alpheus Packard Clerk of the County of Saratoga, do hereby certify that Sylvester Briggs before whom the foregoing Affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same qualified in the District of the peace in and for the said County; and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and hereby declare his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature -
Witness my hand and Seal of Office the Seventh day of June 1833
(Note - the word "Sylvester" written on an erasure)
A Goodrich Clerk
Several months before this date I had obtained a commission

Saratoga County ss On this fifth day of September 1852 personally appeared in open court before of Common Pleas of the County of Saratoga the said the court of common pleas now sitting Abraham Smith a resident of the town of Providence in the County of Saratoga and State of New York aged seventy two 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 served as herein stated, in the month of December 1775 at New Windsor in the County of Orange & State of New York & enlisted by signing a roll under Capt. John Weasner Lieut. Alexander Miller and Ensign Edsall for 3 months we laid at New Windsor until the month of Jan y following when we march d from New Windsor down to Fort Independence opposite West Point we remained at Fort Independence until the month of April when we were discharged & returned to the town of Warwick in Orange County my supplemental native place shortly after my return the same Capt. John Weasner received a commission to raise a company of nine months men & after raising them they march d immediately to Kingsbridge. on the 25 th day of July 1776 I repaired to Kingsbridge & again enlisted under Capt. Weasner our company was attached to a regiment commanded by Col. Isaac Nicholas Major Logan we were engaged at Kingsbridge in erecting fortifications for about two or three weeks a small detachment was taken from the regiment & sent to Westchester lying on the East river for the purpose of protecting the place we remained at Westchester about eight days when we ordered back to Kingsbridge where we remained until some time in August when the whole Regiment march d for the City of New York from Kingsbridge to Long Island then to Flatbush where a large number of the American forces had gathered at this

place we had a sharp skirmish with the british but were driven back about one mile above Brooklyn at this time Genl Stirling of the british Army was taken prisoner together with his Brigade Gen George Washing- ton was obliged to evacuate Long Island & the british took possession Gen Washington then March d our Army into the City of New York which We was soon obliged to leave & the british took possession in Sept of the same year, the public Stores were ordered to be removed to Kingsbridge under the charge of our Regiment & some others but I was too young to know the officers names who accompanied us & Genl command of the other Regiment on our way from New York to Kingsbridge we had several skirmishes with detachments of the british troops we however finally arrived at Kingsbridge with the public Stores in a few days our Regiment was sent to East Chester, a party of the british landed at Froggs point March d & occupied East Chester & put up fortifications when a brisk cannonading commenced between our Army & theirs our Regiment & some others were ordered from East to West Chester where we remained for a few days encamp d on the Delancey farm while there about 30 of us were sent up above Bombadier Island to watch the movements of a british 74 that had cast anchor near the island we remained there until about 3 o'clock in the morning no relief being sent we went into camp & the Army had March d for Kingsbridge we pursued and overtook them after our arrival at Kingsbridge within a short time we were all ordered out of the barracks when the barracks were set on fire burnt down and the main Army moved for White Plains, about 30 or 40 men under the command of Ensign Easell of our Company were ordered to take the road up the North river we had advanced about a short distance when we discovered a body

of Light Horse when we altered our route by going direct to the mouth of Spitting deer creek where a Scow long which we took space over to the Jersey Shore kept up the river until we got to Kings ferry and the river & went directly to White Plains & joined the Army the battle was fought the day before we got there in a few days the British moved off followed by the main body of our Army towards New York. Our Regiment together with some others went to Dob's ferry where we remained about 4 weeks - We then crossed the river & went to the Jersey Shore through Elizabethton & Bacon ridge where we remained during the winter & until the month of April my enlistment having expired I then entered the service under Lieut. and where name I have forgotten as a Drummer he had received a commission from government & was engaged in enlisting men in the County of Orange I continued with him until August following 1777 when I returned home I have no documentary evidence, since I know of no person whose testimony I can procure or who can testify to any service that is now living
The following interrogatories were propounded by the Court
 1 st Where & in what year were you born? In the town of Hardis County of Orange & State of New Jersey in the year 1760  2 d Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it? - I have none -  3 d Where were you living when called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom? In the town of Warwick, County of Orange and State of New York - I enlisted by signing a roll 

where have you lived since the revolutionary war & where do you now live?
I continued in the State of New Jersey a short time when I removed to the town of Princeton in the County of Schenectady from thence to the town of Providence in the County of Saratoga & State of New York where I have lived for the last 30 years & still live -
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 service but Colonel Van Dyke commanded a regiment of regular troops as I then understood from my youth at that time I am unable to give the names of officers who commanded other regiments, I cannot give a more general or detailed history of my services than is above stated
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it? I have no recollection that I ever received a written discharge
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Reverend Lebbeus Armstrong Col. Lodowick P. Shear
I do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State Sworn & subscribed the Abraham Smith day & year aforesaid in open Court Richard Palmer Clerk

We Lebbus Armstrong a Clergyman residing in the town of Ballston and County of Saratoga and Lodowick P. Shaw residing in the town Providence hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Smith who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy two years of age that he is respected & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn & Subscribed Lebbus Armstrong the day & year aforesaid Lodowick P. Shaw
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 Lebbus Armstrong who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the town of Ballston and that Lodowick P. Shaw who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Providence and is a credible person and that their state- ment is entitled to credit
I Thomas Palmer Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Saratoga State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Abraham Smith for a pension in testimony whereof I have set my hand & seal of office this fifth day of September 1832
(25)
Thomas Palmer Clerk

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
Decem ber 21, 1923.
Mrs. J. C. Rickey, 1100 Jersey St., Quincy, Ill.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 16409 , it appears that Abraham Smith was born in Hardie, Sussex County, New Jersey in 1760.
While residing in Warwick, Orange County, New York, he enlisted in December 1775 and served three months in Captain John Wisner's Company.
He enlisted July 25, 1776 and served in Captain John Wisner's Company, Colonel Isaac Nicolls' New York Regiment, was in the battle of Flat Bush and several skirmishes, and served nine months. He then went as drummer in Captain Wood's Company, Colonel Nicolls' Regiment and served three months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed

September 5, 1832, while a resident of Providence, Saratoga County, New York. He died August 24, 1837.
Soldier married at Paramus, New Jersey, March 17, 1784, Rachel Van Housen, she was allowed pension on his her application executed October 9, 1838, while living in Schoenectady, New York, aged seventy six years. She died January 21, 1841.
Their son, Harmanus, was baptized December 19, 1790. Other children are referred to in 1842, no names stated.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

Oct 11
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.
Rachel Smith
Sim-

Schenectada, October 7 th 1839. J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
I had nothing to do with the original application of Abraham Smith for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832, & therefore know nothing of the nature or merits of this application. And all Mrs Rachel Smith his widow knows on the subject, is generally, that he conceived himself to be entitled to more than he received, & that he accordingly employed a Mr Shew to forward his claim for an increase of pension. But it would seem that Mr Shew has done nothing in relation to it, as she supposed he had.
If Mr Smith in his original declaration claimed to have served only 15 months as a Drummer & private, and 9 months part of this time, was for a tour in 1776 under Col. Nichols (as explained in your letter of the 3 rd ult o ) in which some soldiers served only 5 months, and you are of opinion that Abraham Smith should be allowed only 5 months for that tour, then it is unreasonable for the widow to expect on her application more than an allowance for 11 months in the whole. She therefore will not refuse to receive the amount, so that a further examination may be had in the event of her being able to procure the necessary proof showing service beyond the 11 months allowed.
Very respectfully Your obedt Servt
G. H. W. S.

Oct 2 Com- Rachel L Smith New York J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.

Schenectada Sep r 28 1839 J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
I have communicated to Mrs Rachel Smith widow of Abraham Smith , the contents of your letter of the 3 rd inst. She says she cannot consistently with her present opinion of her rights, consent to accept a pension for a less term than her husband did, more particularly since he made application for an increase of his pension; which application she believes has never yet been decided upon. Mr John Shaw was the agent in that matter, and she prays that it may be investigated.
I am very respectfully
Your mo: O bt Servt
Giles F. Yates

52037 N.Y. 7 July 1838. Apr 22
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions War Department Washington D.C.

Schenectada April 18 1839
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir
I transmit herewith the Declaration of Rachel Smith widow of Abraham Smith under the act of 7 th July 1838. Mr. Smith was a Pensioner under the act of 7 th June 1832
I am very respectfully Your H on or's
J. F. Yates

V 4362 N. York
Rachel Smith
lit. B. 1841. B. 1842. July 1829
1830 to 1831
1831 to 1832
Albany Roll
$37:66 per annum
8mo. Pr. 3mo. Dr. Mly.
Send cert: to G. F. Yates, Esq.
Schenectady
N. Y.
Ad. July 1838

Albany Abraham Smith ad June 7. 1832 to what time paid V L Died 24 th Aug. 1837 / 8 th that paid June 6. 1837 118

Small. Very fine and add fine and Rachel Smith,
L. Edwards Esq. Comm r of Pensions War Dept. Washington D.C.

Schenectady June 4 th 1839 J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Sir: Apprehending that the proof of marriage in the matter of the application of Rachel Smith widow of Abn Smith for a pension under the act of 7 th July 1838, is not as perfect as it should be, I forward the enclosed affidavit which I hope will prove fully satisfactory -
I am very respectfully &c.
G. H. G. S.

J. C. RICKEY & CO. 1100 JERSEY STREET QUINCY, ILLINOIS
Nov. 6 '23
Com. of Pensions
Washington, D. C.,
Will you please let me know if there is a pension record for Abraham Smith a sergeant in a company of Orange Co., N. Y., minute men commanded by Capt. Johannes Blanvelt, under Col. Ann Hawks Hay, in the Revolutionary War.
He is supposed to have become a lieutenant, served through the war, and drawn a pension.
Yours truly
Mrs. J. C. Rickey

1923-Dec. 21-Heir to Mrs. J. C. Richey and
N.Y.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16409 Rachel Smith Widow of Abraham Smith Post New York
Act July 28 88
Index: Vol. 11 , Page 123
[Arrangement of 1870.]