Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23300, for Christopher Lewis, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Lewis, Christopher
S. 23300
CONTENTS

20.660 New York
Christopher Lewis Lockport in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp y . commanded by Captain Hagedorn of the Reg t commanded by Col. Graham in the New York State line for 7 Mos & 23 days.
Enrolled on the Roll of New York at the rate of 25 Dollars 88 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of May 1831 and sent to his Prisoner Present.
Appears to the 4th of March 1831 $129.40 Tenants allowance ending 4 Sept " 12.94 $142.34
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832 }
Recorded by Wm Luce Clerk, bk E. 2 Vol. 4 Page 42
Let to 3rd appt. May 27. 1836.
Letter to J. S. D. (Ren), Esq., 21 Nov. 1836
to friend April 15. 1837 to S. M. Lean 6 Dec. 1837 to Hon. C. J. Mitchell 5 Jan. 1838

No 21866
Christopher Lewis Niagara Falls N.Y.
Admitted
Private 7 mo + 23 days
Pension Office
 Vol. 3. p. 40. 0.0.7  " 44 0.1.0  " 45 0.1.16  " 81 0.1.00 
 Claimant 3.23  for Pension 2  1871 2  7.23 
Diana Doolittle
Middleport Niagara Co. N.Y.
Mary G. Doolittle Niagara Co. N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
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 subjjoined 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.
Lee 88.45
A Statement, showing the Service of Christopher Lewis Hagan
   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.     Enlist July 1776 about 5 mo Private Col Smith 77 years Traditional Evidence   discharged spring 77 8 Capt Bowly Working stated in part by the   summer 78 Sergt Capt Sloan Lowell Massachusetts Court credible   until spring 79 Col Lebestone Anson Church & Titus   April 79 8 Private Capt Dodge Fern the rest of the   Vol Feb 79 about one month Col Bronson Evidence not certified to   Mad Spring 80 indefinite not quite 9 months  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has 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 enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; 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 [j] 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.
John C. Ashton

In the matter of the application of Christopher Lewis for a pension
Declaration No.
21858
John G. Gardner & Co. Inc. 105 Nassau St. New York, N.Y.

State of New York County of Niagara
On this second day of January A.D. 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Niagara now sitting at Lockport in said County, Christopher Levin aged seventy seven years in October last, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated - That he first entered such service under Colonel Smith in Captain Levin's Company of Militia and that one George Dean was Lieutenant of such Company at that time - That he so entered the said service some time on or about the first of July in the year 1776 (as near as he can recollect) and continued in such service at that time about five months when he was discharged the time for which he had so entered such service having expired, and that on leaving the service as aforesaid he went home to Washington Massachusetts and arrived home some time in January 1777 - That during the time he was so in the service as aforesaid he was engaged in no battle - That he with the other members of the Company mustered in Stockbridge Massachusetts and marched from thence to the North River near Albany and thence went in a sloop to New York where they were stationed from two to four weeks as near as he can recollect, and then they were marched to the Kings Bridge where they stayed a few days and then they were marched to the White Plains where they stayed until their time was out and he was discharged and went home - That no written discharge was given to this deponent as he believes nor to any other of his fellow Soldiers but this time being out they were told they might go home - That the mode in which he entered the said service as aforesaid was this, the Militia Company to which he belonged was divided into Claps, and each Clap had to furnish his man to go into the service and the Clap to which he happened to belong agreed upon deponent to go - That he deponent accordingly went or entered the service as aforesaid, and as he deponent calls it enlisted in such service for the said five months - That there were Continental regiments and Companies at New York and at White Plains at the time he was stationed there as aforesaid, but he deponent cannot

recollect the number of any Regiment or the names of any of their Officers - That the time when he left New York as aforesaid and marched to Kings Bridge and from thence to White Plains was the time when the City of New York was evacuated by the American Army and taken possession of by the British forces. That as deponent believes, it was in July that New York was so evacuated - That the weather was extremely warm - That deponent stayed at home during the winter of 1776 & 1777 and in the Spring of 1777 and as deponent believes in the months of April or May he again entered the service of the United States in the Army of the Revolution in Captain George Sloan's Company of Militia and at that time entered such service for the term of Eight Months - That deponent and eight or ten others went from the said Town of Washington aforesaid with said Captain George Sloan and marched from thence to the Highlands on the North River where they were stationed between three and four months as near as he can remember and that from thence they went to Fort Edward - That they travelled in a Sloop from the Highlands to Albany, and from thence they were marched on foot to Fort Edward where he stayed about four months longer when their time were out and they were discharged - That the occasion of his going to Fort Edward was a call for volunteers for that duty - That Millikin was the Lieutenant of said Captain Sloan's Company at the time aforesaid - That deponent does not recollect the names of any of the Officers of the Regiment - That he resided in Washington aforesaid at the time he so entered the said service the second time - That as he supposes he enlisted in the said service - That he started from Washington aforesaid with said Capt. Sloan together with the said eight or ten others, and as they marched along through the country they were joined by several others, and by the time they got to the Highlands as aforesaid they had a company as he deponent should think of about eighty or ninety in number - That he cannot recollect who commanded at the said Highlands or at Fort Edward aforesaid at the times above mentioned, nor can he recollect the names of any of the Officers except the said Captain Sloan and Lieutenant Millikin - That on being discharged as aforesaid at Fort Edward he went home to Washington Massachusetts aforesaid where he stayed during the winter of 1777 and 1778 and in the Spring of 1778 as he thinks about May he with his father moved to Cambridge New York where he lived during the summer and the winter of 1778 and 1779 and in the summer of 1778 he was chosen a Serjeant in a Company of Militia at Cambridge aforesaid, and served as such Serjeant until the Spring of 1779 when and as he thinks about the first of April he entered or agreed

to enter the service aforesaid again and as he calls it enlisted for the term of Eight Months, and about a week after such enlistment he with several others who enlisted at the same time and from the same place went to Fort Edward where he entered upon duty and stayed Eight Months and that time he had the privileges of a Sergeant, and actually did the duty of a Sergeant but whether he had a Sergeant's Warrant he cannot recollect. That during the said last mentioned Eight Months service at Fort Edward one Lobestone or Levestone was Colonel, and one Bloodgood was Sergeant Major of the Regiment to which he belonged at said Fort Edward - That he cannot recollect the names of any other of his Officers - That after staying at Fort Edward for the time last aforesaid, his time being out he was discharged and he went home to Cambridge and that fall, to wit the fall of 1779 he again entered the service as a Volunteer, as a Ranger under Captain Hodge and continued in such service about one month during which time he ranged the country in the vicinity of Fort Edward and other northern parts of New York - That he then returned home again at Cambridge where he stayed the remainder of the winter of 1779 & 1780 and in the spring of 1780 and as he believes in the month of March or April of that year he went to Sunderland Vermont where in said March or April he again enlisted into the service of the United States for nine months - That he joined his company under that enlistment at a place named Manchester from whence they were marched to Castleton in the State of Vermont where they were stationed until they were discharged - That they were discharged a few days previous to their time being out - That soon after they arrived at Castleton the Captain of the company was taken sick and returned home and deponent cannot recollect the names of any of the Officers of the company or Regiment except
Bronson who was the Colonel. - Deponent further saith that he was not in any battle during any of the times he was so as aforesaid in the service of the United States - That he has no documentary evidence or paper evidence of any such service - That he never received any written discharge as he recollects, but when their time was out they were told they were at liberty to go home, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure to such service - He hereby acknowledges that where as aforesaid, once he recollects cannot

recollect the number of ...
Every claim whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. And in answer to the questions directly propounded to him by the board he says that - He was born in the county of Dutchess in the State of New York - That he cannot tell in what year he was born except from his present age which was seventy seven years on the eighteenth day of October last - That he has no record of his age - That when he first entered the service he lived in Washington Massachusetts - That at the close of the Revolutionary

That he now lives in Ithaca - That when he first entered the service of the United States the Militia Company to which he belonged was divided into companies each company to furnish his men and officers volunteered or as he calls it enlisted to go out of his company That the second time he entered the service he volunteered or as he calls it enlisted - That the third time he entered said service he as he supposes enlisted - The fourth time he volunteered as a ranger and that the last time he enlisted as he supposes or volunteered - That he cannot state the names of any of the officers or Continental or militia Regiments that served with him except those above given and that he never had any written discharge as he recollects or believes -
Subscribed and sworn before me the within open court the day & year first above written Henry Totten Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara County
Christopher Lewis
We the undersigned in the town of Royalton in the county of Niagara and Anson Church residing in the town of Ithaca in said county do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Christopher Lewis who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy seven years old; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he lives and has lived to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion  Subscribed and sworn to in open court this 2 nd day of January A.D. 1832 Henry Totten Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara County
Anson Church
Silas F. Ferris

In 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 Nitro Penn who has signed the above certificate is a resident of the town of Royalton and that Almon Church who has also signed the same is a resident of the town of Larkport in the county of Niagara and that they are both credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.  In presence of the Judges in open Court - in open Court this 8th day of January 1832 -
R. Fleming J. McCallum J. Butterfield  } Judges and members of said Court of Common Pleas
State of New York County of Niagara ss

State of New York
County of Niagara ss. I, Oleser Savage a citizen of the village of Medina in the county of Orleans being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is acquainted with Christopher Lewis in the above declaration named and has been so acquainted with him for about one year past. That said Lewis has been for some time past a member of the Baptist Church and that deponent was present when he joined the same which was by letter from another Church. That said Lewis is in good standing in said Church as deponent believes and as deponent also believes is a man of strict truth and veracity.
Subscribed and sworn in open court
of January A.D. 1838
Henry Attin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara County
Oleser Savage
State of New York
County of Niagara ss. I, Titus Derr of Royalton in the county of Niagara being sworn doth depose and say that he is acquainted with Christopher Lewis in the above depositions named and declaration. That he first became acquainted with him in Cornwall Vermont about thirty five or six years ago and lived in the same town of Cornwall aforesaid with him about twenty one years and deponent then moved into the State of New

York - That it was generally understood and believed and deponent always believed that he said Lewis was a soldier in the revolution and deponent has heard it frequently remarked that he Lewis was better entitled to a pension than some that had obtained it - That deponent saw said Lewis in Cornwall aforesaid several times after he deponent moved from there when deponent was on visits to the place and two years ago last May deponent returned to Cornwall aforesaid where he stayed until last September - That deponent found said Lewis living in Cornwall aforesaid and he lived there next neighbor next door to where witness deponent was stopping until a year ago last October when said Lewis moved away from there. That said Lewis has always been deemed by deponent and as deponent believes by all persons acquainted with him a sober, temperate, industrious man and a man of truth and veracity - That said Lewis deponent has for a great number of years past and as deponent thinks since a short time after he became acquainted with him, understood said Lewis to be a member of the Baptist Church in good standing - Subscribed & sworn to in open Court the 2 d of January 1833 Henry Allen Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara County Titus Farn

State of New York
County of Niagara
¶ Aaron Church of Lockport in the county of Niagara aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has been acquainted with Christopher Lewis in the annexed declaration and depositions named for about fifteen years last past - That he first became acquainted with him at Cornwall Vermont - That he was generally said to be as deponent understood uniformly among his neighbors respected and believed to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that he was also respected a man of truth and veracity and considered a wise and industrious man and has been ever since deponent knew him a member of the Baptist Church in good standing -
Subscribed & sworn this 2 d of January 1833 in open court Henry Atkinson of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara County
Aaron Church
I Henry Atkinson Clerk of the County of Niagara and by virtue of that office Clerk of the County of Warren Pleas of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher Lewis for a pension
in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court in open court this 2 d day of January A.D. 1833
Henry Atkinson Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Niagara County

for truth and veracity questioned by any person Franklin Buttsfield Judge of Niagara County Court
Christophorus Lewis and Evidence

In the matter of Christopher Lewis a Revolutionary Soldier, Application for an increase of pension
James Edmunds being duly sworn, deposes and says that he is a resident of the town of Holland in the State of New York, that he was in the service of the United States in the time of the Revolution, and that he now draws a pension. And this Deponent further says that some time during the war of the revolution he was at the Fort in the town of Castleton in the State of Vermont and that Colonel Bronson then commanded said Fort with whom he was personally acquainted, and this deponent has no doubt but verily believes that Christopher Lewis above named was a Soldier under the command of said Bronson at said Fort and although he does not now distinctly recollect said Lewis from loss of memory and lapse of time yet from circumstances mentioned by said Lewis he believes he must of been acquaint- ed with said Lewis and that said Lewis was a Soldier & served under the command of said Col. Bronson at Castleton Vermont Sworn and Subscribed before James Edmunds on this 6 th day of July in the year 1836 Franklin Butternuts Judge of Niagara County court

I hereby certify that I have well acquainted with James Cummings, the within named de- ponent for twenty years last past, having resided during that term of time in the same neighborhood and I do know him to be a man of truth and veracity and that he is so reputed to be by all his neighbors — I never heard his reputation for truth and veracity questioned by any person Franklin Buttsfield Judge of Niagara County Court
his Law Evidence
State of New York Niagara County Clerks Office
I Aijah H. Mose clerk of said County do hereby certify that Franklin Buttsfield Esquire before whom the within affidavit or deposition was taken was at the time of taking the same a Judge of Niagara County Courts duly appointed and sworn and that I am well acqu- ainted with his hand writing and verify below the signature "Franklin Buttsfield" within subscribed to be his genuine signature
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of said County at Lockport this 24 th day of August A.D. 1836
A.H. Mose clerk

Ray alton N. 93 Nov 23 c
Yours
J. P. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Raystown Niagara Co. N.Y. Nov 22 d - 1837 -
Sir -
In reply to Your Letter of the 15 th inst I would state, that the papers of Christopher Luceis, in relation to his application for confirmation of pension, were Mailed and forwarded by me on the 2 d day of March 1837
I rec d a Letter from you under date of April 14 th stating that the papers of Asa Ripley and Christopher Luceis had been received —
It may be proper to state, that Mr. Luceis forwarded on the 26 th August 1836 his own affidavit and one from James Edwards to Francis A. Leitch Esq. who replied on the 5 th of September that the papers had been received, and had carried them to the pension office — On the 1 st of Oct. 1836 Mr. Leitch again wrote to Mr. Luceis that nothing further could be done in his case, unless the names of the officers, or some of them, under whom Mr. Luceis served, were given — To supply that deficiency, was the object of the papers forwarded to you on the 2 d of March last — Mr. Luceis is confident that his name must be on the Massachusetts Rolls, if so, with the Proof already adduced. He fondly cherishes the hope that his full pension may be granted him — Prays to forward me your decision in his case as soon as practicable — I am, very Respectfully Your Obedient Servant
Norman McLean
J. L. Edwards Esq. —

David Munn Affidavit

Niagara County State of New York
Personally came before me Daniel Dey Esqr one of the Justices of the peace in said County David Wisner and on being sworn gives the following Statement that he was a Soldier and served in the War in the Revolutionary war for Independence that he served a part of his time on Long Island and in New York and at the White Plains was at the Battle at that place and through the course of the war at different places that he is now acquainted with Christopher Lewis who applies for a pension and from his relation of what took place at the Battle of the White Plains and at other places during the war Verily believes that the said Christopher Lewis was there as a Soldier and from the acquaintance I have had with said Lewis I believe him to be a man of truth David Wisner Sworn before me this 19 th day of April 1836 Daniel Dey Esqr

Christopher Lewis
instead
Mr Dickinson
25. Paid
Francis A Dickinson Esq Pension officer Washington city
Francis A Dickinson Esq

Rec d 19 Oct 1836
Knowlesville Oct 11 th 1836 6140
To A. Perkins Esqr For Sir yours of the 10 th inst is at hand I served in the Brigade commanded by Genl. Fellows Col Smiths Regiment Capt Rowly company 2 d Ploune 2 d Lieutenant Melkin the above officers command the Massachusetts troops at New York I served five months at New York and four months at the highlands under a continental Col do not recollect his name then volunteered to go to fort Edward under Col Livingston and Stillagoor Bloodgood served four months under them the above information I hope will be sufficient  Yours Respectfully Christopher Lewis
Knowlesville Oct 11 th 1836
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Christopher Lewis and consider him a man of undoubted veracity and from appearances think him entitled to pension for his services in the army of the revolution which service I have no doubt in my own opinion he performed
Knowlesville County of Orleans State of N.Y.
John Aldrich Post Master at Knowlesville

Christopher Lewis Act. of Revolution Service
as corroborative evidence

6
first
While living in Washington Mass went to the famous Benington battle arrived after the battle was fought helped bury the dead and went to Pittsfield as one of the guard to attend the prisoners. had no officers before we arrived at the ground and do not recollect the names of any officers were under
was sent from Col. Livingston for 90 men for rangers was urged to go again as sergeant and had a blanket and provision found extra as a condition for going went out under Capt. Dodge of White Creek or Cambridge scoured the woods as far as Ft. George & Charlotte and returned in one month

Christopher Lewis Revolutionary soldier
first
10. 44 6. 60 3. 98 Volunteered in Washington Drip. 2 nd year of the war had muster at Stockbridge under Capt Rowley 1 st George Sloan - - Milakin 2 nd Lieut. Embodied in Col. Smiths reg. at New York were there 5 months at which time was the retreat from New York
The next year went to the highlands under Capt Sloan for 8 months dont remember any other officer Staid 4 months when an alarm being came from Fort Edward, volunteered to go there the remainder of the time under the Capt.
3 year had moved to Cambridge in the State of New York and also Capt Sloan a draft being called for volunteered for 8 months under Capt Sloan with the privilege of a Sargants birth went to Fort Edward and were in Col. Livingstone Regiment Bloodgood was Sargant major to and were there 8 months. - Time out 1 st dec. 4 year enlisted in Castleton in the state of Vermont for 8 months
Immediately after return from Fort Edward an order was sent from Col. Livingston for 90 men for rangers was urged to go again as Sargant and had a blanket and provision found extra as a condition for going went out under Capt. Hodge of White creek or Cambridge scoured the woods as far as Ft. George & Charlotte and returned in one month

Also at Sunderland stoped with uncle Matthew Lewis There enlisted for 9 months lay at Castleton the whole time. The captain went home sick after a few days. do not know his name dont remember the names of any officers except Col. Branson were one out on a scout during this time got lost were 3 days without provision were at Chestotte and in sight of the British shipping near enough to hear them talk on board the vessels This last time was at or about the close of the war in all the above cases where the words volunteered or enlisted are made use of we were considered militia of the different States
Deacon Tinker of Newfane may be consulted as corroborative evidence
Christopher Lewis Act. Q. Master Service

To all whom it may concern —
The undersigned certify that they have long been acquainted with the bearer Christopher Lewis at present residing in the Town of New Fane in the County Niagara —
Mr. Lewis is reputed to have been a soldier of the Revolution and the undersigned have no doubt of the truth of his reputation — Mr. Lewis is an honest man and entitled to full confidence in his statements — Nov 14 1835 —
A. Gardner
W. Dayton
S. C. Wright, P. Martin New Fane
A. M. Wood
Garman Shaw
Joseph Hervey Knapp
Daniel Edson
Samuel Van Horn  New Fane
James Van Horn

H. Baker Esq. Post Master Middle Port Albany Co. N.Y.

Mr. Baker, Dear Sir
Unforeseen occurrences Prevented my prosecuting the old Soldiers' Claims to Completion — Ally, Angeline of Medina has their business in Progress — to whom I would refer them if there can be no doubt but their claims will be allowed if faithfully attended to. Please expedite the Parties Concerned as soon as you can —
Very truly Yours J. S. Atkinson
I understand Mr. Ripley's Pension is obtained
Dec. 26/1835

Rev
W. G. Bedfords Esq., Medina Orleans County N.Y.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
June 26 th 183 .
SIR,
I HAVE received your letter requesting me to examine the rolls in this office for evidence of the services of
Christopher Lewis
in the Revolutionary War. Thousands of similar applications have been made; and they are daily presented in such numbers, that it is impossible for me or my clerks personally to attend to them, without neglecting the usual business of the office. I therefore found it necessary to establish a rule (of which public notice was given) requiring that examinations should be made by the applicants themselves, or their friends or agents. They are allowed free access to the rolls and records, and every facility in my power to afford. If they discover any evidence of the services claimed, they are furnished with blanks for the purpose of preparing certificates for my signature. These certificates are compared by me or one of the clerks with the rolls pointed out to us, and, if true, they are signed by me. This is cheerfully done without any charge. Nothing has ever been asked or received for these services by any one connected with the office. I believe this is all that can be reasonably required of me; and all that can be done without neglecting my incumbent duties.
There are two gentlemen (Messrs. HOMER and WHITE) who, for some time past have been constantly employed in assisting the old soldiers, and who expect a trifling remuneration for their trouble in making the search and preparing the necessary certificate. As, for the reasons already stated, I cannot myself attend to the case stated by you, I shall place it in the hands of these gentlemen for investigation, and request them to communicate to you the result.
The rolls in this office, though numerous, are very defective, irregular, and incomplete, a fact of which the War Department at Washington is well informed. It is therefore always uncertain whether the services claimed, although they may have been faithfully rendered, can be proved by our records. In a majority of cases, a part only of the service can be shown from the existing rolls. Whatever evidence can be discovered, will be furnished to you at a small charge by the gentlemen whom I have mentioned.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Wm. Sufels. Depy Secretary.

Boston June 26 th 1835
Sir,
We have again thoroughly examined the rolls, and documents relating to the Revolutionary War for evidence of the services of Christopher Lewis, but are unable to find his name on any of the rolls. The rolls of Captains Rowleys and Sloats Company, are not found for the years that E.L. claims to have served in, under them. The rolls which are in this Office are only those of Massachusetts Company, of course where he claims in 1779 & 1780, under Col. Sebestone and Col. Brownson evidence of their services is not in this Office. In Decem r , 1833, R.T. Strong Esq r requested search to be made for evidence of Mr Lewis' services at the same time stating the Officers names that he claimed to have served under. We made the search and wrote Mr S. the result, and stated that our fee was two dollars, also requested him to give us further information if in his power, and we would search again, since which we have not heard from

him.
Mr. your will soon meet to us, better said
Yours Respectfully
Deacon Homer
Homer While
He
O. S. Bedfords Esq. Medina Orleans County N.Y.

Mr. Studi's certificate.

Christopher Lewis, an applicant for a pension, resided in Cornwall, Vermont, for about thirty years previous to his removal in the year 1831, into the State of New York. Having been born in that town, and resided there, and the immediate vicinity, up to the year 1824, I was intimately acquainted with Mr. Lewis for about twenty five years. He was, as he still is, a man of singular simplicity of character, and the most scrupulous uprightness. I do not believe he would swerve a hairs breadth from the truth, for any earthly consideration. Mr. Lewis was, during the whole, or the greater part of the time that I was acquainted with him, in Cornwall a very correct professor of religion of the Baptist denomination. He was reputed to have served as a soldier of the Revolution.
William Slade M.C.
Washington
May 26. 1836.

NY Oct 23 rd Peyton W. 16 Ch. Devos for incumbrance 2660 Ans. 7/10/76. B371
Yours
Edwards Commission of Pensions Washington City

Rayalton, Niagara Co. N. Y. Oct. 16 th 1835-
Sir,
My Dear Sir,
I have had applications to procure pensions for Widows of Revolutionary soldiers under the Acts of July 4 th 1836 and March 3 rd 1837, and have been unable to procure the necessary instructions and forms prescribed by you for carrying the aforesaid Acts into effect - Will you have the goodness Sir to forward me copy
M c Christopher Lewis is very anxious for your decision in relation to his application for an increase of his pension, whereof voucher I forwarded to you some months since.
Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant
Shiran M c Lean
Hon. J. L. Edwards -

WASHINGTON, D.C. OCT 19 10-PM 1906
THE SPACE ABOVE IS RESERVED FOR POSTMARK POSTAL CARD. THE SPACE BELOW IS FOR THE ADDRESS ONLY.
Chief Clerk
Commissioner of Pensions Washington - D. C.

W Please send a report of Christopher Lewis of Niagara County N.Y. in list of 1840's Mrs Robert Tilton 190 Delaware Avenue Buffalo N.Y.

Petition
23300.
INVALID.
File No. 23300
Christopher Lewis
Rev. Rev.
Act: June 7 th 1891
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 289
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1906 Mar. 1 - History to Mrs. Robert Fulton.

In the Matter of the Application of Christopher Lewis of Lockport Niagara Co. N. York for a Pension
15. 1189. 249
Thomas Dunlap Agent Middleport Niagara Co. N. York

County of Niagara
In this fourth day of September in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Three, personally appeared in open court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County Christopher Lewis a Resident of Lockport in the County of Niagara and State of New York aged Eighty Seven 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 of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he entered the Service of the United States and served under the following named officers as hereinafter stated.
That he was born (as he understands) in Dutchess County (he does not know in what Town) in the State of New York on the Eighteenth day of October in the year 1755. He was and with his parents when an Infant to Washington in the State of Massachusetts. That he has no Record of his age. That he resided in said Washington when called to arms. Soon after the Revolution he removed to Cambridge Washington County, New York, remained there about Seven Years when he removed to Cornwall, Addison County, Vermont, where he resided until October in the year 1831 when he removed to Lockport upon said when he has since resided.
That he volunteered at said Washington about the first of July 1776 for five months, went to Stockbridge where he joined a company commanded by Captain Rowley, in which George H. Hove was Sergeant and Mr. Milbourn was Second Lieutenant, marched to the North River near Albany, when he went on board a Schooner to New York and joined a Regiment commanded by Col. Smith, and served under the command of Genl. Fellows. was stationed a while at New York, then they were marched to Kingsbridge & remained a few days, then they were marched to White Plains and remained there until some time in January when he was discharged or discharged (but found no written discharge) and returned home. He was not in the Battle at White Plains, but his Company was stationed in sight thereof. There were other Continental and Militia Regiments with him during the time of duty, but he cannot recollect the numbers of said Regiments or the names of the Officers. He recollects seeing Generals Washington & Putnam on this occasion. He served four months at this time.

That In the month of April or May in the year 1777. at Wash- ington aforesaid, he enlisted as Volunteered (he does not know which) for Eight (Months) went with Captain Stearns & eight or ten others and went to the Highlands (he cannot recollect the name of other company officers or in what Regiment he served, if any.) He was stat- ioned at the Highlands between three and four months when a detachment was sent to Fort Edward - he went with Captain Stearns on board a Schooner to Albany where they stayed about a week - from there they were marched on foot to Fort Edward where he served the remainder of his term, about four months longer - served at this time Eight Months and was dismissed or discharged (has received no written Discharge.)
That In the Spring of the year 1778. (he thinks in May he went to Canbridge where his father then resided) to live with him a while. While at Cambridge he was chosen a Serjeant of Militia (he refers to Canbridge in the County of Washington and State of New York.) In the Spring of the year 1779. he thinks about the first of April, he again Volunteered or Enlisted (he does not know which) for Eight Months, went to Fort Edward where he joined a Regiment, commanded by Col. Liberator or Sevoldon, of which one Blankgood was Serjeant Major. He does not recollect the name of this Captain or other Company officers. The Captain was ill and went home after they arrived at Fort Edward. He remained at Fort Edward until the ex- piration of his term of Eight Months. He served this Eight Months as a Serjeant - but has lost his Serjeant's Warrant. He was dismissed or discharged - but received no written Discharge. Immediately after he arrived home, he volunteered as a Ranger under Capt. Hodge and returned to Fort Edward where and in that vicinity he served One Month and was dismissed.
That in the Spring of 1780, he was staying with an Uncle at Sunderland, County of Bennington and State of Vermont, and about the first of April, he enlisted (in the Vermont Troops as he supposes) went to Manchester where he joined a Regiment commanded by Col. Brownson. He does not recollect what he was attached to a company - at all events he does not remember any officers. He was marched to Castleton where and in that vicinity he served out the term

He does not recollect, until he was attached to a company - at all events he does not remember any officers. He was marched to Castleton where and in that vicinity he served out the term of his enlistment. Nine months. He remembers at Castleton, Col. or Genl. Ethan Allen who he thinks commanded that post. he was dismissed or discharged. Having served according to his present recollection full nine months. He is inclined to think he belonged to a company (for he recollects that his Captain or some Captain was taken sick and went home)
That since his previous Declaration, he recollects that in the summer of 1777, while he resided at Washington, Mass. & Andover, he was called out on an alarm and went to Bennington, arrived there on Sunday after the Battle - assisted in burying the dead, and guarded the prisoners as far as Pitsfield where he was dismissed and went home. After the War, he returned from Cambridge to his Father's residence to Washington and remained and removed his family to Cambridge before State.
That he has no Documentary Evidence of his service, nor does he know of any person whose testimony he can prove and who can testify as to his service as a Soldier of the Revolution. He never received a Discharge or Commission.
That he is not acquainted with any Clergyman in Lockport, and has few acquaintances in town who know anything of his character. He is known to Eleazar Clark Jr a Clergyman residing at Medina, with whom he was acquainted while staying with his children at Ridgebury in the County of Orleans which town the village of Medina is situated. He is also known to Titus Fenn Esq. and Roger Avery of Royalton a town adjoining Lockport, who can testify as to his character for truth and veracity and their belief of his service as a Soldier of the Revolution. He is also known to Eldon Church of Lockport who has now removed out of the country.
He hereby renounces every claim whatever to a Pension or any pecuniary except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State.
That the number of the applicants is very poor.
I swear to and subscribe the day and year aforesaid before me
J. W. Cullum Judge of Morgan County Court
Christopher Lewis

Niagara County ss: Mr. Elmer Savage a clergyman residing in the village of Medina in the County of Ohio; and Titus Fenn and Roger Avery of the Town of Royalton in the County of Niagara hereby certify that we are acquainted with Christopher Lewis who has sworn to and sub- scribed the foregoing Declaration. And I Elmer Savage certify that I have been acquainted with the said Declarant one or two years - that I know him to be a Member of the Baptist Church in regular standing - that I believe him to be of the age of thirty seven as he states in his Declaration, and have no doubt from what I have heard that he was a Soldier of the Revolution, and also believe him to be a man of veracity: And Mr. Titus Fenn and Roger Avery certify that we are well acquaint- ed with the said Christopher Lewis; that we knew him in Connecticut thirty five or forty years ago when we at that time resided that he was at the time, and has ever since been, reported to have been a Soldier of the Revolution. That we believe him to be of the age of thirty seven years. That we have often many years since heard him give the details of his services in the Revolution as he has stated in his foregoing Declaration. And that we have no doubt he served as he states. That inasmuch as we know anything about his respec- tation in that respect in his present neighbor- hood, we believe he is thought to have been a Soldier of the Revolution. That we have never heard it doubted; and further that he is a man of integrity and veracity in every respect.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me J. McCallum J. P. D. Niagara County Court
E. Savage
Titus Fenn
Roger Avery

Weyburn County Court Order
And the said Court do here by 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 this Court further certifies that it appears to them that Elazar Savage who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergyman residing in the Village of Medicine in the County of Orleans; and that Titus Penn and Roger Avery residing in the town of Royalton in the County of Niagara are credible persons, and that their statements is entitled to credit.
Calvin Hotchkiss
J. McCollum Member of the Court.
D. Van Horn
N. Day Jr.
I Henry Collins Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Niagara do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher Lewis for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this Fourth day of September in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Three.
The words "Titus Penn" on this page erased before the execution of these papers and substituted "and submitted" and subscribed on 3rd day of Septm. 1833 Henry Collins Clerk

Niagara County ss; On the Third day of September in the year of our Lord one Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty four , personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, Christopher Lewis a Notary of said County who being duly sworn with on his oath makes the following Supplemental Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed Jan'y 1 st 1832. That the foregoing Declaration subscribed to by him on the Fourth day of September last is true according to the best of his recollection - That since making said Declaration he has ascertained that he can prove some part of his claim by his Brother Joseph Lewis who made in a distill part of the claim and who cannot be produced in Court and that he also hopes to obtain the depositions of Mrs. Maria Lewis and Samuel Lewis heirs of the estate of Herbert , and further he has power to said Joseph Lewis the day and year Christopher Lewis
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 3 rd day of September 1834 Henry Collins Clerk Niagara County ss.
Henry Collins Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for this County of Niagara hereby certify that the foregoing papers purporting to be the proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Christopher Lewis for a pension on the Fourth day of September last, contain the original proceedings of said Court in the said matter on that day; And that the above Certificate of Clara Savage Titus Form and Roger Ave-ry was submitted and sworn to on that day in open Court; And that the Certificate of said court was made on that day; And also that the above Supplemental Declaration was made and subscribed by said Christopher Lewis on oath in said Court on the day of the date hereof
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this Third day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty four Henry Collins Clerk

File New File 23 300 Rev. Mar -
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D. C.,
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Christopher Lewis , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Vol. Washington, Mass.   July 1. 76 4 mos Rowley Smith Mass.   Apr 10 May 77 8 " George Sloan "   + May 78 — Det. of Militia N.Y.   Apr 1, 79 8 mos Lt Lt. Maj. Bloodgood Livingston "   Fall 79 1 mo. Ranger Hodges "   March 80 9 mos. — Brownson Vt.  
Battles engaged in, none -
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Washington, Mass. + Cambridge, N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Jan'y 2, 1833.
Residence at date of application, Lockport, Niagara Co., N.Y.
Age at date of application, B Oct. 18. 1755 in Dutchess Co., N.Y.
Remarks: after war returned to Washington where he married + removed to Cambridge, N.Y.
visiting with Matthew Lewis at Sunderland, Vt. Very respectfully,
Commissioner.