Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 25168, for James Steenbarger, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Steinbarger, James or Steenbargh or Sternberger
No. 25168.
Rebecca
CONTENTS

369
Vermont, Burlington
Rebecca Steinbarger
widow of James Steinbarger who was a Private
in the Revolution
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 16 th day of June 1843. and sent to W. L. Fowler, Esq. West Alburg, Vermont
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 30.
Reported.

100000 - 98.959
Jamies Hemenway of the State of Vermont who was a Private in the Infantry commanded by Captain Briggs of the Regt commanded by Genl. Gates - in the Armies line for a
100000 - 98.959
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of April and 1831
Arrears to the 4th of March  120.00 Semi-ant. allowance ending Sep  20.00
$140.00 { Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Hemenway Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 93
V

I George Darby of Alburgh in the County of Grand Fle & State of Vermont Aged forty eight years do depose and say that I have been acquainted with Rebecca Steenbarger of Alburgh County & State afo d and James Steenbarger her late husband since the year eighteen hundred and eight I married one of their daughters (Rebecca) in the year eighteen hundred and thirteen Soon after I was married I was solicited by the afo d James to look over his papers and assort them which I did and we burnt such as were useless at that time I then saw a paper among them with the ages of their children recorded upon it and read them over and we had some conversation about it at the time and I fervidly believe the paper hereto annexed with my signature on it is the same record I then saw among their papers I am acquainted with their children ten in number and to my best knowledge and belief their ages correspond with this record, the afo d James & Rebecca could not read or write neither can any one of their children I do not distinctly recollect the year I looked over their papers and saw this record but according to my best recollection it was twenty five years ago
George Darby
Subscribed and sworn to at Alburgh this thirteenth day of November eighteen hundred and fifty
before W m L. Sawles Just. Peace
I further certify that the above deponent is a credible person and his statements are entitled to full faith and credit
W m L. Sawles Just Peace

Augusta M. Darby of Alburgh in the county of Grand Isle and State of Vermont Aged 23 years Do depose & say that I was at the residence of my Grandmother (Mrs. Rebecca Steenbarger) on a visit on the Eleventh day of Instant November in conversation with her about a pension she laid there was difficulty in proving her marriage that they once had a paper on which the family record was written but they could not find it. I requested her to let me look over my Grandfathers papers to which she consented & among those papers I found the paper accompanying this (on which I have placed my signature) with my Grandmother age & that of my uncles & aunts including my Mother eleven names recorded.
Augusta M. Darby
Subscribed & sworn to this fourteenth day of November A.D. one thousand eight hundred & forty
Before Mrs. L. Lowles Just Peace
I further certify that the above deponent is a credible witness & that her statements are entitled to full faith & credit
Mrs. L. Lowles Just Peace

Mr. L. Gowles Justice
State of Vermont Grand Isle County
I Joel Allen Clerk of the court of Grand Isle County certify that Wm L Gowles is a magistrate as above and that the above foregoing certificates purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this fourteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty
Joel Allen Clerk of the Court of Grand Isle County

Rebecca Steenbargh was born August 30 th in the year of our Lord 1763
Mary Steenbargh was born October 21 th in the year of our Lord 1781
Bengaman Steenbargh was born August 12 th in the year of our Lord 1783
Jane Steenbargh was born March 1 th in the year of our Lord 1786
Derick Steenbargh was born May 25 th in the year of our Lord 1788
Catharine Steenbargh was born October 12 th in the year of our Lord 1790
Stephen Steenbargh was born November 31 th in the year of our Lord 1793
Else Steenbargh was born February 17 th in the year of our Lord 1795
Rebecca Steenbargh was born June 6 th in the year of our Lord 1797
James Steenbargh jun r was born September 13 th in the year of Lord 1801

Anna Steenbough my Daughter was born March the 23 rd
in the 1840 Anna Steenbough was born March the 23 rd in the year of our Lord 1840.
George Darby Augusta Me March 4

State of Vermont } Grand Isle County } On this 11 th day of September 1838
personally appeared before me William Wait a Judge of the County Court within & for Said County of Grand Isle Rebecca Stenbarger aged Seventy 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 provisions made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 intitled An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows That She is the widow of James Stenbarger late of Alburgh in Said County deceased who was a private Soldier in the war of the Revo- lution She further declares that She was Married to the Said James Stenbarger at a place called Still Water in the State of New York by the Rev d Robert Campbell a Minister of the Gospel of the Congregational Order on the 28 th day of Feb y 1779 but have no documentary evidence of her marriage that her name previous to her Said Marriage was Rebecca Lake that her husband the sp d James Stenbarger died at Said Alburgh on the 31 st day of March A D 1838 That She was not Married to him prior

to his leaving the Social Unit the Marriage took place previous to the first day of January Nineteen hundred & Ninety four VIZ at the time above stated & that her said husband was a United States pensioner under the act of 7 th of June 1832 & that she is now his widow
John M. Powers
her Rebecca L. Stencharger Mark
Sworn to & subscribed this 11 th day of Sept r A.D. 1838
Before me William West Judge of Grand Isle Co. Vt
I Also Certify that the above named applicant cannot prove bodily infirmity Allured the Courts
William West Judge of Grand Isle County Court

State of New York Schatoga County
I Benjamin Morris of Stillwater in said County do hereby Certify that I am the Clerk to the Congregational Society of this Town, that I have examined the Book of Records which has been kept by said Society for eighty years past and that there are no Records of Marriages therein nor can I find among the Papers of said Society any Record of Marriages, nor can I find in this Town any Papers or evidence of Marriages by one Robert Campbell who was once a settled Minister over said Congregation that the said Campbell has long since been dead and the family removed from this part of the Country I cannot procure the evidence of Rebecca Lake's Subscribed and sworn Marriage before me this 3 rd Sept r 1838
Isabel Palmer a Justice of the Peace in said County
Benjamin Morris

I Jonathan Darby of Alburgh in the County of Grand Isle & State of Vermont aged Seventy one years do testify & say that at the time James Sturtevant late of Alburgh ap d . deceased & Rebecca Lake were married I lived in Still water a place so called on the North River State of New York that I was well acquainted with them previous to their Mar- riage & have been ever since & know that they were married at said Still water by the Rev d Robert Campbell a regular settled Minister of the gospel of that place the exact time I do not distinctly remember but have no doubt whatever that said Marriage took place at the time the the States in her declaration hereto attached (to wit) on the 20 th of Feb y 1779 I also know that the said James Sturtevant died on the 31 st day of March 1838 at Alburgh ap d . that he was a United States Pensioner & that the above named Rebecca has ever since said 31 st day of March been & is now his widow & further this deponent saith not
Jonathan Darby
Sworn to & subscribed this 6 th day October A D 1838 Before me H. Hovey Justice Peace
I certify that the above deponent is a credible witness H. Hovey Justice Peace

I John Bush of Alburgh in the County of Grand Isle & State of Vermont of lawful age do testify & say that at the time James Stuenharger late of Alburgh ap d deceased was married to Rebecca Lake now deceased I lived at a place then called Half Moon on the North River State of New York within one mile of said Stuenharger that I was well acquainted with them & have been since & that they were married by the Rev d Robert Campbell a regular settled Minister of the Gospel of that place I have no doubt I was not present at the said Marriage Myself as I recollect; but recollect it will & have no doubt it was at the time & place as stated in her declaration (to wit) on the 20 th of Feb y 1799 hereto attached & that they have ever since lived together as husband and wife & that said James Stuenharger died at said Alburgh on the 31 st day of March 1838 that he was a United States Pensioner under the act of 7 th June A D 1832 & that the above named Rebecca has ever since said 31 st day of March 1838 remained & is now his widow & further this deponent saith John Bush
Sworn & subscribed this 6 th day of Oct r . A D 1838 Before Me Frederick Hazen Justice Peace
I also certify that the above deponent is a credible witness Frederick Hazen Justice Peace

John M. Douglas Agent West Alliage N.Y. N.Y.
2538
State of Vermont Grand Isle County Clerks Office North Hero Oct 6 th 1838 I Joel Allen Clerk of the County Court within & for said County do hereby Certify that Frederick Warner is a justice of the Peace within & for said County duly Commissioned & qualified to act in that behalf & that his Signature hereto annexed is genuine & also that William Wait is a judge of the County Court within & for said County duly Commissioned & qualified to act in that behalf & that his Signature hereto annexed is genuine in witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed My Name & affixed the Seal of said Court the day & year aforesaid.
Joel Allen Clerk

J. A. Stumbaugh's 21.989. Declaration
M c M. Cowles. Albany
J. A. Stumbaugh
21.989. Declaration
21.989. Declaration
1/2

George Farby
Vermont } On this 24 th day of May A.D. in County of } 1832 Personally appeared before
Mr John M. Cook a Judge of the County Court within & for the County of Grand Isle ap d James Steinbarger a resident of Alburgh in the County of Grand Isle ap d & State ap d aged Twenty four 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 A.D. 1832 that I entered the Service of the United States as a volunteer for three Months & served as herein stated under the following named officers Capt d Joshua Taylor was my Capt d and Ezekiel Taylor was my Major the Colonels Name I do not recollect the Name I lived in when I entered the Service was then called New Dawn or Half Moon & now called Watford in the State of New York the exact day nor month I do not recollect but it was in the Spring I think of the year 1776 the first two Months I served at Saratoga & then we were sent up west to a place called Schaharie to fight the Indians & Tories but we had no engagement with them as they retreated as we approached & at the expiration of my time I was discharged & must have but Rec d no written discharge I think it was the next Spring I volunteered for Nine Months My Colonel Name was Gates My Generals Name was Schuyler & My Captains Name was Wright their Christian Names I do not remember the principal part of this nine Months was spent in beating prisoners & Military Stores for the American Army From a place called Still Water on the Hudson river to Saratoga the main body of the Army under Schuyler was then lying farther North opposing the progress of the British Army under Burgoyne & the remainder of the time I was with the Army & at the expiration of my term I was discharged & must have but Rec d no written Discharge I never was in a regular Battle but used to be sent out on scouting
John M. Cook

was then going for the British Army under Burgoyne & the remainder of the time I was with the army & at the expiration of my term I was discharged & went home but Recd No written Discharge I never was in a regular Battle but used to be sent out on Scouting
parties & we would sometimes have a Skirmish with the out posts of the enemy I recollect of being in an army I was born in a place called Fish Creek in the State of New York on the 3 rd day of September A.D. 1759 but have no record of my age I lived after the revolutionary war about twenty five years at New Pown New Waterford New York & then removed to the Town of Alburgh County of Grand Isle & State of Vermont where I have resided ever since & now reside I never Recd a written Discharge & have no documentary evidence of my Service Neither do I know of any person now living who testimony I can procure to testify to my Services I hereby relinquish every Claim whatever to a pension or annuity at the present & declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or territory
James L. Stenbarger mark
In presence of Wm Lawles
I sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Before me John M. Lawles Judge of Grand Isle County Court
We Wm Lawles & James Dooley Lewis Lawles George Hartley & Thomas Mearns Residing in the Town of Alburgh aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with James Stenbarger who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Security four years of age that is reported & believed in the neighborhood

We Wm L Sawles & James Dowdy Lewis Sawles George Farley & Thomas Morris Residing in the Town of Ellough ap d hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with James Steinhauser who has Subscribed & Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be Seventy four years of age that is reported & believed in the Neighborhood
where he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Wm L Sawles James Dowdy Lewis Sawles George Farley
Thos Morris
Sworn & Subscribed the day & year ap d Before me John M. Sawles Judge of Grand Isle County Court I John M. Sawles a Judge of the County Court within & for said Grand Isle County do hereby declare my 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 & further certify that there is no other man residing in the vicinity of the above named applicant & that the persons giving the above certificate (to wit) Wm L Sawles James Farley Lewis Sawles George Farley & Thomas Morris are residents of the Town of Ellough ap d are credible & sworn & that their statement is entitled to credit I also certify that the above applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court
Attest John M. Sawles Judge of Grand Isle County Court
State of Vermont I Joel Allen Clerk of the Grand Isle County Court within & for said
Grand Isle County hereby certify that John M. Sawles is a Judge of the County Court within & for said County of Grand Isle
& that the signature annexed is his genuine signature in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court

Court within & for Said County of Grand Isle & that the Signature annexed is his genuine Signature in testimony whereof I have hereunto At My Hand & applied the Seal of our Said Court at North Hero in Said County this 15 th day of June A D 1833 Joel Allen Clerk
of Caldwell Manor L.C. to wit of Allburgh I Simon Griggs of Lawful age do testify & say that I am well acquainted with James Hemburgh of Allburgh & have been acquainted with him ever since he was a boy that I was in the Army with him in the revolutionary war & am personally knowing to his performing the Services Stated in his Declaration & amendment Except he is mistaken in one particular which is the year that we were up to Schobarric which was the next year after in stead of the year before Burgoyne was taken we were in the Army together at the same time & under the same officers Except at the Battle of taking Burgoyne when he was with a number of others detached to remain families farther back from the vicinity of active operations & farther this deponent saith not  State of Vermont } Grand Isle County } SIMON GRIGGS Allburgh 26 th Dec r A D 1833 Then personally appeared Simon Griggs who in My presence subscribed the above affidavit & made solemn oath that the same contained the truth the whole truth & nothing but the truth Before me John M. Dowles Judge of G d Isle Co ty Vt

1833
That I am well acquainted with James ... and that he was a person of good character ... and that his statement is entitled to credit
Grand Isle County ss } I hereby certify that the Siman Griggs Albany 26th Decr 1833 } the within Deposition is a credible person and that his Statement is entitled to Credit Attest J. M. Pools Judge of Grand Isle County Court
Siman Griggs Albany 26th Decr 1833
Siman Griggs Albany 26th Decr 1833 I have been well acquainted with James ... and that he was a person of good character ... and that his statement is entitled to credit

On this 26 th day of Dec r A 1833 Personally appeared James Stuenharge who has made his Declaration before me dated 24 th day of May A 1833 & forwarded the Same to the Secretary of war & which has been returned for Supplementary action or for proof & numbered 27989 & on Oath Makes the following amendment to Said Declaration that my Colons Name was James Schanauer the precise Month or day of the Month when I entered the Service & left the Same I cannot remember but it was very early in the Spring of the year 1777 & late in the fall when I was discharged that I was a Soldier during nine Months in Said year & Subject to all the duties & penalties of a Soldier & what Services I performed were performed in obedience to the Commands of My Officers I further State by way of amendment as ap d that I was mistaken in one respect which is that my first Service was performed in the year 1777 which is the nine Months Service Stated in My Declaration & the next year 1778 I served three Months & was sent up to Schenectady as Stated in the Declaration ap d . I further State that at the taking of Burgoyne I was detailed with a number of others to remove families & effects farther back from the Scene of active operations I further State that I cannot by reason of old age & infirmary & the consequent loss of memory State precisely the Month nor day of the Month when I entered & left the Service but according to the best of my recollection I served not up there the above mentioned periods as a private Soldier James his Stuenharge mark Sworn & Subscribed the day & year ap d Before me John M. Doolittle Judge of Grand Forks Co. W.

5884 2538
Rebecca Steinberger vs
act of July '38-
adm'd 12 mo/pri 40 pp.
Died on 31 march '38 pen: com. 1 april '38.
W. A. Lyman W. Ellburgh vs
5884
2538

State of Vermont } On this 27th day of May Grand Isle County } A 1840 personally appeared before me Joseph M. Mott one of the Judges of Grand Isle County Rebecca Steenbargen a resident of Alburgh in Grand Isle County and State of Vermont aged eighty one 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 4th 1836, that she is the widow of James Steenbargen who was a private in the revolutionary war who was allowed a pension under the act of 7th June 1832 his certificate numbered 28.259. and recorded in the pension office in Book C. Vol 3 page 93 She further declares that she was married to the said James Steenbargen on the 20th day of Feby 1779 at Stillwater in the State of New York by the Rev Robert Campbell that she has had ten children by the said Steenbargen the eldest of whom is sixty one years and the youngest is thirty years that the said James Steenbargen died on the 31st day of March 1838 and that she has re- -mained a widow ever since that time as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto attached she further declares that she is unable to obtain any record evidence of her marriage her mark Rebecca Steenbargen in presence of John Brink Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before J. M. Mott Judge
I certify the above declarant from bodily infirmities is unable to appear in court and that she is a credible person J. M. Mott Judge

I John Bush of the parish of St Thomas in the Province of Lower Canada of lawful age do testify and say that I was acquainted with Rebecca Steenbargen prior to 1779 then residing in a place called Newtown in the State of New York her maiden name was Rebecca Lake I lived a near neighbor to her, and her reputed husband James Steenbargen for a number of years after, they were reputed to have been married in 1779 they had a number of children six or eight before they left that place which was about the close of the seventeenth century I have since been well acquainted with them in this place for a number of years, they have always lived in the relation of Husband and wife, and I am acquainted with ten of their children, I was also acquainted with the Rev Robert Campbell of Stillwater in the State of New York, I was married by him, the eldest of James & Rebecca Steenbargen's children is now sixty years of age the said James Steenbargen died March 31st 1838 and Rebecca has remained a widow ever since that period I have always esteemed Rebecca Steenbargen a very credible person
John Bush
Sworn to and subscribed on the 29th day of May 1840 at Alburgh Grand Co. County and State of Vermont before J. M. Mott Judge
I certify that the signer of the above deposition is a credible person J. M. Mott Judge

I Jonathan Darby of Alburgh in the County of Grand Isle and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say that I was living in the Town of Newtown in the State of New York in the year of 1779 I was there acquainted with James Steenbargen & Rebecca Steenbargen his reputed wife I resided there some years after and they lived in the relation of husband and wife during the time, they had a number of children I have lived near them in the Town of Alburgh for the last forty years am well acquainted with them and their children some which are now quite aged one over sixty years I was also acquainted with one Robert Campbell a minister of the gospel in Stillwater in the State of New York in 1779 James Steenbargen died in this Town on the 31st day of March 1838. I believe Rebecca Steenbargen to be a very credible person
in presence of
Hiram Dary
his Jonathan X Darby mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the 29th day of May 1840 at Alburgh in Grand Isle County and State of Vermont before J. M. Noyes Judge
I certify the signer of the above deposition to be a credible person J. M. Noyes Judge

I Thomas Marvin of Alburgh in the County of Grand Isle and State of Vermont of lawful age do testify and say that I am and have been acquainted with Rebecca Steenbargen a resident of this town for the last forty years I was also acquainted with her husband James Steenbargen who died in this town on the 31 st day of March 1838 I was a resident of this town when James & Rebecca Steenbargen aft. came into the place they brought with them a number of children from two to fifteen years of age I am also acquainted with one of their daughters that was married before they came here but afterwards removed with her husband to this vicinity who is now near sixty years of age there are still a number of their children residing in this vicinity I would not be understood to say these children are positively the sons and daughters of the afo d James & Rebecca Steenbargen but they have always been acknowledged & reputed as such here and the afo d James and Rebecca have always since they came to this town lived in the character of Husband & wife till the decease of the afo d James and since that time she has remained a widow Thos s Marvin
Sworn to and subscribed on the 29 th day of May 1840 at Alburgh Grand Isle County Vermont before J. M. Mox Judge
I certify that I am personally acquainted with the signer of the above deposition and that he is a credible witness J. M. Mox Judge

J. M. Mott
State of Vermont Grand Isle County
I Joel Allen Clerk of the County of Grand Isle certify that Joseph M Mott is one of the Judges of Grand Isle County court and the above and foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 30th day of May in the year of one thousand eight hundred and forty
Joel Allen Clerk

Burlington Vermont 6035.
Rebecca Steenbarger widow of James Steenbarger - dec.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832 and who died on the 31 st of March, 1838 - of Grand Isle co. in the State of Vermont - who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Wright - of the Regt - commanded by Gen. Gates - in the Vermont - line for 12 months private -
Inscribed on the Roll of Burlington at the rate of 40 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 1 st 1 st day of March, 1838. } April
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Feb- ruary 1841 and sent to W. H. Ly- man, W. H. Burgh, Vermont -
Arrears to the 1 st of Sept. 1840 = $ 95.89 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Nov 41 = 20.00
$115.89
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by S. A. Elliot Clerk, Book Vol. 2 Page 56.

5084
Rejected
Let. to M. H. Lyman July 27. '40 " " May 11 - "

2538
✓ yet
Wm. H. Lyman July 27, 1840.
act. 7. July '38

Ref
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 28168
Rebecca Steenbarger
wid. of
James Steenbarger Priv. Rev. war
Act March 3 rd 1873.
Index: Vol 8 , Page 250
[Arrangement of 1870.]

James Stenbarger
Carmite
1 Mr P. $ 40
John W. Powell Esq. Alburgh W

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Nov 19 th 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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of
James H. Hargrave, Jr
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

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

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry 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.
Was he, when a Genl Volunteer, subject to Military penalties? a regular Soldier, subject to all the duties of a Soldier?

James Steinberger V th 40 th - all 7 June '32 last paid?
16 Jan 41.
p st 4 th March 1838
14
EMC

West Alburgh Vt. May 2 nd
May 8. 1840
Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.

West Alburgh Vt May 1 st 1840
Dear Sir
At the request of Mrs Rebecca Steenbarger (the widow of the late James Steenbarger of this place who was enrolled on the pension list of the United States) I take the liberty to address these few lines to you in her behalf. She informs me that some eighteen months since she employed one J. M. Soules to prepare her papers & endeavor to obtain a pension for her & that he told her that he had completed the papers & forwarded them to the Department for which he drew from her ten dollars since which time he has told her he has recd. nothing respecting them and last week he informed her that she need no longer expect any thing from our government as they were so much involved they would allow no more pensns which has induced her to believe there is something wrong on his part. She has requested me to enquire of the department whether the papers have been recd. there & if so what situation they are in any information respecting it would be veryy thankfully recd. by her.
I am sir with respect Hon J. L. Edwards                      Your humble Serv Commissioner of Pensions                      Wm H Lyman
PS I am a near neighbor of the old lady and would say that if she is entitled to a pension that she needs it as she is very aged & infirm and rather destitute of property & will probably not need a pension long
Wm H. L.

Hon. J. L. Edwards Washington D. C.

West Alburgh Vermont Nov 14th 1840
Dear Sir
Accompanying this I send you what evidence I have obtained from the Comptrollers office of the State of N York in regard to the services of the late James Stenbarger also a paper purporting to be the record of the birth of his widow & that of their children by your letter of the 27th July I am informed of his declarations in 1833 I did not know what they were previous to the receipt of it by the evidence from the comptrollers office it appears that he was mistaken in the year but no person here of his acquaintance would believe intentionally as he was an illiterate and aged man and a great number of years had passed since the services were performed his memory did not place the time and affair exactly as they were but whether this is to deprive his widow of a pension is not for me to say, and any thing I could say on the subject would be wholly superfluous I therefore forward you such evidence as I have obtained and leave the same to your favorable consideration
I am respectfully your
Servt Wm W Lyman
Hon J L Edwards Commissioner of Pensions

2538 Rebecca Sternberg Vt act 9 July 38
2538 Ai sent Oct 16 76 7 July 1838, OCT 19
FREE Dear S. E. Edwards Cant of Pensylvania Possian Affin Washington City D.C.

John M. Sowles Agent

West Alburgh Vt May 30th 1840
Honored Sir
At the urgent Solicitation of Mrs Rebecca Sleenbarger I have been induced to undertake to prep- -are her papers to substantiate her claim to a pension how far I have succeeded you will be the proper judge my not being a professional man it will not of course be expected that the stile of the papers or the language made use of as good as that of the learned professions. I have ende- -avored to get a plain unvarnished statements of facts in the case and I would request that you will so far as you can consistantly with the duties of your office look over any informalities that may occur in the papers it was noted in your letter to me that if you were reminded that this case had been delayed quite a length of time in consequence of the Conduct of her former agent I am Sorrow that you would give it an early examination I would add the the request that this may be the case as the applicant is far advanced in years and wants the annuity to make her few remaining days as comfortable as possible pleas direct any communications on the subject to me at West Alburgh Vt
I am with respect your most obedient Servt Wm. H. Lyman
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
I have been personally acquainted with the above, William H Lyman Esq of Alburgh for twelve or fifteen years past, and most cheerfully state that he is a man highly respectable in character
Cyrus Harrington

Adw private p 40.
Send to H. Le Soules
West Albury
Vermont
Burlington Agency.

State of Vermont } On this first day of April 1843 Grand Isle County } Personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace within & for the county of Grand Isle, Rebecca Sternbarger a resident of Alburgh in the county of Grand Isle and State of Vermont aged eighty four years who being first duly sworn ac- cording to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the third March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the Widow of James Sternbarger who was a private in the New York Militia in the Revolutionary War, and obtained a pension of forty dollars per year during his natural life, and previous to the termination of the act of the 7 th July 1838 granting a pension to certain widows, my said husband died and a pension was granted to me by the said act, of forty dollars per year & I drew said pension two years I think before the expiration of the said act. It is now im- possible for me to remember the service or the regiment that my husband served in having no copies of the papers sent to you, all I can do is to refer you to my declaration then made now in your presence, & further declare that I am still a widow. I swear to this. Rebecca Sternbarger mark
Lewis Dowles } Witness
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before Lewis Dowles Jr. Just. Peace.
I hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the above Rebecca Sternbarger & fully believe the declaration above made, is true.
Lewis Dowles Jr. Justice Peace
State of Vermont } I Joel Allen clerk of the Grand Isle County } county court within & for the county aforesaid hereby certify that Lewis Dowles Jr. is a justice of the peace within & for said county, that he was appointed by the Legislature at the session thereof in October last past for the year en- suing, & that I am acquainted with his signature and know the same to be his own signature. Attest Joel Allen Clerk over

Sir
Phar. Stud. " Wm. L. South West Alburgh Vermont."

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th day of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz :
  1781 Oct 19. 19484 James Steenbarch Gri = 1 = = 1 = = 2/3 =   1781 Nov 4-19.528 James Steenbark do = 1 = = 1 = = 2/3 =   1778 Sept 21-20.008 James Steenburgh do = = 5 = = 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, October 26. 1840. }
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. _____ now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz :
  First—under Capt.  Joshua Taylor  in Col.  Jacobus Van Schoickeren  Regiment.    Second, " "  Joshua Taylor  " "  do  do    Third, " "  Syrannus Collins  " "  do  do    Fourth, " "   " "   "    Fifth, " "   " "   "    Sixth, " "   " "   "    Seventh, " "   " "   "    Eighth, " "   " "   "  
M. O. Duryea Dep. Comptroller

Comptroller's Office Albany Oct. 26. 1840
William H. Lyman Esq., West Albany Vt.
Sir
After considerable delay sustained merely by the discovery of a large quantity of revolutionary documents which are now indexed, I am enabled to transmit such evidence as the records of this office afford of the revolutionary services of James Stirling. It will be observed that the services do not appear to have been submitted under the officey stated in his declaration. I nevertheless send such as can be gathered from the records.
Very Respectfully Your Ob. Servant H. W. Endaway Dip. Comptroller
Jan 75.
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1/PB
W. William H. Lyman
West Alburgh Vt.