Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32,610, Joseph Woolcott, New York

SERVICE
SERVICE New York.
Woolcott, Joseph
NUMBER _____
NUMBER S. 32.610
CONTENTS

30.810 Indiana
Joseph Woolcott. of Switzerland Co. in the State of Indiana who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Pierce - of the 1st Regt. commanded by Col. Willett in the N. York State line for 10 months & 10 days.
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 34 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of August 1836 and sent to Wm. C. Hester Esq. Pinter Retreat.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $ 172.20 Semi-ann. allowance ending at Sep. 17.20
$ 189.42
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Allen Clerk,
Book 82 Vol. 7 Page 141

26.746
Joseph Woolcott
Indiana
 10.10  32.72  1.11  34.44 
Hon. M. Hendricks Senate U. S.
Wm. C. Keen Printer Retreat Indiana

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjocined 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. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Joseph Woolcott
   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.     1781 1 6 P. Col. Willett N.Y. 68 N.Y. Tradition Not on Roll see note J.  
The applicant's statement of his services is not corroborated by the testimony of witnesses as required by the regulations, and he was too young to have performed the services at Fort Freneau in the year 1781.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, Feb: 28. 1834
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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

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

Joseph Woolcott
26 746.
admitted 10 mo 10 days
Direct to W m 6 Keen Painter's Street Indiana
Vol 8, Page 89 - 21 " 4 " 58 - 3.85 " 2 " 47 - 6.14 10.10

In the matter of Joseph Wolcott
An applicant for a pension, under the act of Congress of June 7, A. D. 1832. Recorded in book A page 381 C. Patton clerk.
The state of Indiana, Switzerland county, SS: On this 17th day of May A.D. 1833, Joseph Wolcott personally appeared, in open court, before the honorable, the Probate court, of the county aforesaid, being a court of record, Joseph Wolcott a resident of Switzerland county and Indiana aged fifty eight years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his said oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress, passed the 7th of June, A. D. 1832—that he, the said Joseph Wolcott entered the service of the United States, during the AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated—That he, the said Joseph Wolcott served, as a private soldier, for three weeks, in A.D. 1776, under capt. Turner = for six months, as a substitute for my father, in A.D. 1777, under captain Downs = for three months as a private soldier in A.D. 1778 - or 1779, under captain Breadbake = for three months as a private soldier in A.D. 1779 or 1780, under captain Young = for seven months as a private soldier, in 1780 or 1781, under captain Dier or Tapp = for twenty six months, as a private, then as a militia man and eighteen as an enlisted soldier as is more fully explained below:
And, that he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
The Court, then propounded the following interrogatories to the said Joseph Wolcott
 1. Where, and in what year were you born? I was born in Newington Connecticut, on the 27th of July A.D. 1764  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? I have none. It was recorded in the town records of Newington Connecticut.  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live? I lived in Stephentown Albany county, New York, when first called into service - continued for about 20 years in New York after the war - removed thence to Kentucky, and from thence to Indiana.  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted - did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute, for whom? Volunteered was drafted and finally enlisted and then as a substitute for my father  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 service. Lieutenants Thornton & Cole - Adjutant Moore - Captains James Cannon and Wright. Sergeant Major Bone who was appointed in place of - who deserted 
As to said Joseph Wolcott was drafted

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 service.
Thornton & Cole - Adjutant Moore - Captains James Cannon and Wright. Sergeant Major Cone who was appointed in place of - who deserted
21st The said Joseph Woolcot, was drafted in the fall of A.D. 1776, in Albany county, N.Y., in a company of New York Militia, commanded by Captain Ichabod Turner (Joe Read, lieutenant) of the regiment commanded by Col. Rensselaer and served for three weeks. He was stationed, with his company at Fort Edward, and continued there the whole time except for a few days, that he was detailed on a fatigue party to construct a causeway, or the road leading from Fort Edward to Fort Ann.
24th In 1777, I marched as a private, and a substitute for my father Augustus Woolcott, from Stephentown, N.Y. and served for six months, in a company of New York Militia commanded by Capt. Downs. From Stephentown we were when marched to Lake George fort, and were stationed there between three and four months - from thence we were marched to Stillwater, where we remained until I was called by my father. My father had been called out for nine months - I served for six months and he served the balance of the time.
In 1778 or 1779, I volunteered and served as a private soldier for three months in a company of New York Militia, commanded by Captain Breadbake. We were marched from Stephentown to a place called Stone Robbin and after a short time we were marched from Stone Robbin on to the Mohawk river to a small fort called Oneida (Indian Castle) (not the main Castle, but a small

fort that was known by the same name In 1779 or 1780, I volunteered and served as a private soldier for three months, in a com- pany of New York Militia commanded by captain Young. We were marched from Stephenstown to the Mohawk river and kept moving along said river from one for- t to another all the time; spending a few days at each of the following forts viz Fort Plain, Fort Plank, Fort Wolrot, Fort Rutkinan, &c alternately.
In 1780 or 1781, I volunteered and served as a private soldier for four months in a company of New York Militia, com- manded by capt. Young Newell or Wright We were marched from Stephenstown to the Mohawk river, and continued in same chain of forts, as last year.
In 1781, I volunteered at Schenectady as a private soldier, for nine months, in a company of rangers, commanded by capt. Pierce or Tapp. — and I served for seven months when I enlisted for two years at one time in a company commanded by Capt. Peat or Peak, lieutenant Campbell = in the regiment commanded by col. Willett, and was dismissed after serving Eighteen months I served as a waiter to Lieutenant Campbell for seven or eight months of the time and for four or five months as a waiter to Doctor Spangler. I served, altogether, faithfully, during the revolutionary war for the full space of thirty seven months and three weeks.

6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
I never received any, but a verbal discharge
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.
Thomas Davis John Clark Dudley Linville and Peter Bean and David Brown
8. Have you any documentary evidence of your services, and do you know of any person now living whose testimony you can procure to testify to your services?
I have no documentary evidence and know of no person living by whom I can prove the same
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid
Edward Patton Clerk.
Joseph Woolcott
Now  a Clergyman, residing in Switzerland county and state of Indiana  Switzerland  and Caleb Wright residing in Switzerland county, state of Indiana hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph Woolcott who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration—that we believe him to be Sixty Eight years of age—that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the REVOLUTION, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
Edward Patton Clerk.
his mark Caleb Wright
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 Joseph Woolcott was a REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that the person who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and that Caleb Wright who has signed the same, is a resident in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.
William B. Keen Judge
I, EDWARD PATTON, clerk of the Switzerland Probate Court, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Joseph Woolcott for a pension: and the proceedings of the said court In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Vevay, there is no clergy this day of
one thousand, eight hundred and thirty. the residence of said Joseph Woolcott. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Vevay, this 17th day of May A.D. 1833.
Edward Patton Clerk

Stuber County } Be it Remembred State of New York } that on the thirtieth day of January 1834 personally came Norman Wolcott and Charles Wolcott before me Henry Purvis one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County and after being Duly Sworn and while under oath Saith that they are Brothers of Joseph Wolcott and that at the time of and during the Revolutionary War between the United States and Great Britain they and their Brother Joseph and the whole of their Father's family Resided in the County of Rensselaer in said State and that Joseph Wolcott is about Ten or Eleven years older than they, and they were then about fifteen years of age and that Joseph Wolcott as they understood served in the Revolutionary war for the space of six years at different periods that they knew him to Equip himself and go into the Army and Remain there months and at other times not more than two months and during the whole time he was not at home at any time more than two weeks and they understood over a

and verily believe that he served in the campaign on the Mohawk River and at Fort Stanwix Schoharie and likewise at Oswego and that on his Return from Oswego he he suffered very much from the colic so much that he was confined for some time all which we certify to true as near as we can now recollect Sworn & Subscribed the day & year first { Norman Woodcock above written before { Charles Root one Henry Switzer Justice of the Peace
State of New York Steuben County ss. I William H. Bull Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Henry Switzer Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the time of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in for said County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. —
Witness my hand & seal of office at Patterson this 3 rd day of February A.D. 1834.
W. H. Bull

Thos C. Reece Esq Printers Retreat Indianapolis

State of New York, Steuben Co. ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, one of the Justices of the peace within and for said county, Norman Woolcot, of said county, aged sixty eight years - and Charles Woolcot also, of said county, aged sixty six years, both were known to me, and after being duly sworn deposeth and saith that they are well acquainted with Joseph Woolcot, now of Switzerland county, State of Indiana - that said Joseph, during the American Revolutionary War, made his home at their father's house in Rensselaer county, State of New York aforesaid - that said Joseph is ten or twelve years older than they are - that is, is ten years older than Norman and eight years older than Charles - that said Joseph served for three weeks in the fall of 1776, in Albany county or at Fort Edward under captain Turner, of Col. Rensselaer's regiment - that said Joseph served as a substitute for his father Augustus Woolcot, for six months in 1777, in a company commanded by capt. Downs - that said Joseph served as a private for three months in 1778 in a company commanded by capt. Breadbake - that said Joseph served as a private for three months, in 1780, in a company commanded by captain Young - that said Joseph served as a private soldier in 1781, for fifteen months in a company of rangers, commanded by capt. Peat - after which he enlisted for two years in a company commanded by captain James Cannon and served for eighteen months - during this tour said Joseph served some times under Lieutenant Campbell as a waiter and then for some time in the same capacity under doctor James Spangler - that said Joseph during his various tours of duty, served

at various forts on the Mohawk river and at Oswego, at fort Stanwix &c. and that said Joseph served for more than two years in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War, in the services of the militia of the state of New York and further saith not.
Norman Woolcott Charles Woolcott
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 24 day of October A.D. 1834, and I hereby certify that said Norman Woolcott and Charles Woolcott, are credible persons and that full faith and credit is given to their oaths. Given under my hand and seal the day and year last above mentioned
Henry Switzer
Justice of the Peace
I Charles Woolcott do further say that from the Records of Justus Woolcott's family Records as Recorded in his family Bible Joseph Woolcott was Born Born July 27 th 1760
Charles Woolcott

State of New York County of Steubenville
vs. I William H. Bull Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Henry Switzer Esq. before whom the two affidavits of Norman & Charles Woolcott were taken was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in & for said County duly Commission- ed & sworn - and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe the signature of Henry Switzer to be Genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas, of said County this 30 th day of October - 1834.
W. H. Bull

Aug 22 nd Printer's Retreat Ind Aug 15.
for
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commisioner of Pensions, Washington City D.C.

Printer's Retreat, Ind c Aug. 15. 1836.
Sir.
Yours, upon the subject of Joseph Woodcott's claim for a pension, under the act of June 7. 1832, has been received. I am pleased that his name has been found, as I have no doubt, in my own mind, but that he served as a soldier in the war of the revolution. He is a feeble, old man, and the charity of the Government, however small, will be very acceptable to him. I have the honor to be
Your Obedt Servt
William C Keen
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.

The State of Indiana } Switzel and county } ss
Personally appeared before Me William C. Keen, Judge of the Switzeland Probate court, Joseph Wol- cott, of the county aforesaid, who after being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot give an positively as to the precise length of time he served or of the officers who commanded him on his various tours and he wishes to amend his original declaration in regard to his ser- vices in A.D. 1781. It should read as follows:
"In the year 1781, I, the said Joseph Wolcott, volun- teered at Schenectady, in the State of New York, as a private soldier, for nine months in a company of rangers, commanded by Capt. or Lieutenant Peat, and served about seven months, during which time he was stationed at Onida or Indian Castle on the Mohawk river - That, at the expiration of said seven months, with the approbation of his commanding officer, he enlisted for two years, in a company commanded by Captain James Cannon in the regiment commanded by col. Milet or Miller and was dismissed, at the house of doctor Spang- ler, two miles and a half above Fort Plank or the Mohawk, after serving for eighteen months. During which time he acted as waiter to the campbell for some time and then as a wait- er to doctor James Spangler and further saith not.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 25 th of August 1834. William C. Keen Probate Judge

The State of Indiana } Switzerland county } etc.
Be it remembered that on this 29 th day of November A.D. 1833, personally appeared before me William C. Keen, judge of the Switzerland Probate court, Thomas Davis, of lawful age who after being duly sworn depones and saith that he has been acquainted with Joseph Wolcott who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832, for the last twelve or thirteen years = that he verily believes that said Wolcott is of the age he represents himself to be = that he has frequently heard said Wolcott state that he served as a private soldier in the Revolutionary war; some years ago and in reference to the passage of said act = said Wolcott stated to this deponent that he served in the Revolutionary war as a private for something like the term of two years within this state of New York. That said Joseph Wolcott is a man of strict veracity and entitled to full credit and further saith not. Sworn to and subscribed the day and date aforesaid William C. Keen P.J. Thomas Davis his mark

The State of Indiana Switzland county 3 rd
Personally appeared before me William C. Keen, judge of the Switzland Probate court this 29 th day of November A.D. 1833, John Clark, of lawful age who after being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he has been personally and intimately acquainted with Joseph Wolcott, who is an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832, = that he verily believes that said Joseph Wolcott is of the age he represents himself to be = that I have frequently heard said Wolcott relate his services in the Revolutionary war = that said Wolcott informed this deponent some four or five years ago and frequently since that time and previous to the passage of the above named act, that he had served the United States as a private soldier, within the Revolutionary war for some thing like two years = that said Wolcott is a credible person and that full faith and credit ought to be given to his oath and further saith not. John Clark Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and date first above written.
William C. Keen P.J.

The State of Indiana Switzerland county 3/100
Personally appeared before me William C. Keen Judge of the Switzer- land Probate court, this 29 th day of Nov r AD 1833, Alanson Wolcott of lawful age, who after being duly sworn depo- seth and saith that Joseph Wolcott, who has made application for a pension under the act of Congress of June 7. 1833, is his father - that he has frequently heard his father say that he served the United States as a private soldier in the army of the Revolution for the space of two years - that his father has related the same story from time to time, and many times, long before the passage of said act of Congress and fur- ther saith not. Alanson Wolcott
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date first above written: and I certify that Thomas Davis, John Clark and Alanson Wolcott are credible per- sons. Given under my hand, this 29 th day of November AD. 1833.
William C. Keen,
Probate Judge

State of Indiana \text{ss} Switzerland County \text{ss} S.S. I Edward Patten Clerk of the Probate Court of said County. do hereby certify that William Keen Esquire was on the 29th day of August 1833. and now is Judge of the Probate Court of said County duly commissioned and qualified. and that full faith and credit is due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such as well in courts of law and justice as there out
In Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at Vevay this Tenth day of Feby AD 1834 Edward Patten Clerk

Printer's Retreat, Indiana
Nov. 20, 1834
Sir
Indorsed are the papers in the case of Joseph Wolcott, an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832 including additional testimony, as regd. by your act of Feb y 28, 1834. Permit me to draw your attention to the latter part of your objection, to wit " and he was too young to have performed the services set forth previous to the year 1787. " the old man is very frail and his memory almost entirely destroyed and you will discover by the testimony of Charles Wolcott that said Joseph was born on the 27 th July AD 1760: and not 1764 as stated by him, which would make him over 16 years of age when he first entered the service of the United States.
I have the honor to be
Your A ct . Asst
William C. Keen
Hon J. L. Edwards Commissioner

Joseph W. Elliott
Application for Land
From the Hon. Wm. Hendricks
No. Dec. 24. 1835

The State of Indiana } Stutzburg county } ss.
I Joseph Wolcott of the county aforesaid, aged twenty four years do, upon oath, testify and declare, that in the year one thousand, seven hundred and eighty-one, I enlisted for two years or "during the war," and served in company commanded by capt. James Cannon, in the regiment No. under the command of colonel Willett, of the Connecticut line and I continued in the service aforesaid un- til the close of the war. / sometime as a water for lieutenant Campbell and some four or five months in the same capacity under captain James Spangler when I was regularly discharged from said regiment, commanded by said col Willett at the residence of said captain Spangler, on the Mohawk river. I further declare that I have never received a warrant for the bounty land promised to me on the part of the United States; nor have I ever assigned or transferred my claim in any manner whatsoever, except an order given to lieutenant Campbell of the same regiment verbally, while I was in the service and further saith not.
J. S. Wolcott
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27 th day of November AD 1834.
William B. Keen Probate Judge.

State of Indiana Switzerland County S.S.
I, Edward Patton Clerk of the Switzerland Circuit Court do hereby certify that William C. Run at the time of taking the within affidavit was an acting Judge of the Probate Court of said County, and that to all his acts lawful acts as such Judge, full faith & credit are due & ought to be given while his official
Subscribed whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of our Switzerland Circuit Court affixed at Vevay this 11 th day of Nov. A.D. 1835 Edward Patton Clerk

Mr. Hendrickly respects to Mr. Gordon and asks if the within be entitled to land
23. Dec: 1835

Joseph Wolcott applies for land and a pension his papers herewith filed
Direct to Printer Natural, Indiana,

The State of Indiana, 31. Switzel and county, 31.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace within and for said county. Joseph Wolcott aged about seventy four years of the county aforesaid, who after being truly sworn deposed and saith - that he continued to live in Rensselaer county State of New York for many years after the revolutionary war - that the next year af- ter he entered the service of the United States, he gave lieutenant Campbell of Col. Willett's re- giment, under whom he was serving as a waiter, a verbal order to procure his certifi- cate for promised land - that said Camp- bell promised to purchase the same, but never paid, said deponent any thing for said land - that said Campbell after he left the service of the United States resided in Albany N. Y and continued to promise said deponent that he would procure his said land for him - that he removed from Albany to the city of New York, where by after marrying a widow woman - that said deponent went several times to the city of New York, to see said Campbell but never could find him at home - that said Campbell died in the city of New York, and this deponent believing said Campbell had got said land and deposited him out of it that he bought no further for the same and further saith not - Joseph Culps
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 16th day of May A.D. 1836; and I hereby certify that said Joseph Wolcott is a reputable person and I believe him, from his general appearance, to be of the age mentioned above. Given under my hand and seal this day and date last aforesaid Joseph Culps J.P.

The State of Indiana Switzerland county ss
J. Edward Patton, clerk of the Switzerland Circuit court do certify that Joseph Culpep, before whom the within affidavit was taken, was on the said 16 th day of May A.D. 1836 and still is, an acting justice of the peace within and for said county and that the signature to the within is in his own proper hand writing Given under my hand and the seal of said Switzerland Circuit court, at Vevay, this 17 th day of June A. D. 1836.
Edward Patton clerk By Phileas M. Trout Dept.

Joseph Wolcott
Direct to Printer's Retreat, Indiana

(Extract)
War Department Pension Office Feby 5. 1835.
Sir
The papers of Joseph Wolcot have been again examined! In addition to the militia service set forth, he alleges that he enlisted to serve two years in Col. Willetts regiment in 1781. or 1782. Those who enlisted and served in said regiment were entitled to Bounty Land from the State of New York. The applicant resided, for a period of twenty nine years after the revolutionary war, within thirty miles of the seat of government of that State, yet it does not appear from the records in this office, that he ever received any Bounty land. A satisfactory reason should be given why, if he enlisted and served as stated, he never received said land. There were no tours of militia service between the years 1796. and 1799. for so long a period as set forth by the applicant. The papers will be filed with suspended cases in this office.
(Signed)
Hon W. Hendricks. Senate U. S.
I am &c.
S. L. Edwards

Suspended
See letter to Hon. W. Hendricks 25. Feby. 1835 do 24 Dec " let. 28 July 36 W. C. Keer.

32610 Pay INVALID.
File No. 32,610
Joseph Wolcott Di Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1824
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 463
[Arrangement of 1870.]