Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 7013, for Ezekiel Masten, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Masten, Ezekiel
R7013
CONTENTS

State of New York County of Sullivan ss.
On this Thirteenth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred & thirty three personally appeared in open court before Gabriel W Ludlum Thomas Crary and Platt Pelton
Judges of the court of common pleas in & for said county of Sullivan now sitting Ezekiel Maston a resident of the town of Thompson in the said County of Sullivan & said state of New York aged seventy five — years on the fourth day of February 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
And first he states that he entered into the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated to wit
That some time in the month of July in the year one thousand eight hundred & seventy six he this declarant entered into the service of the United States as a militia man in a company of militia commanded by Captain Matthias Jansen. That the Lieutenants name was Albert Rose & the Ensigns name was Jacob Rosekrans. That the Regiment to which he belonged was commanded by Colonel Johannes Jansen but the declarant cannot with certainty recollect the names of the other field officers. That his first term of service in said Jansens company was at Fort Montgomery on Hudson River where he served three months. That his next service in said company was at Lackawack in Ulster County to which place he was marched to oppose the inroads of the Indians & served there for three months. That he the said declarant after he left Lackawack was marched to Hudson River near Newburgh & remained in service in said company guarding against the Indians & the Regular troops of the enemy. That the principal part of the duty of the militia to which this declarant was attached was to guard the frontiers against the

.. Indians, which frontier was in & along the Valley of the Mamakating then in the County of Ulster. That during this service he was under the command of Captain John Newkirk, Lieutenants Conrad Bevier - & after him Elkanah Sears & then one Crawford whose Christian name he cannot recollect - That he this declarant from the time he first entered into the service as aforesaid remained in said service during the whole war, a period of at least six years - That he this declarant was regularly enrolled in said Newkirk's Company & remained therein as a soldier from the time he entered into said company until the close of the war a period of at least two years - That he served in said Sarsen's company for at least three years, & that he was occasionally commanded by other officers during the war - Among whom he recollects the names of Capt n M c Moody of Col l Hasbrouck's Regiment - Captain Bevier & many others -
That during the whole time from his first commencing service under Captain Sarsen he this declarant during the whole war was a soldier in the militia of the state of New York (except for about six weeks when he was in the service of a company of Rangers commanded by the above named Capt n M c Moody) most of said time was attached to the companies of said Sarsen & Newkirk according to the best of said declarant's recollection & belief & that during all of said period he this declarant was not employed in any civil pursuit, nor engaged in any other business except that of a soldier - excepting however that for some short periods he was permitted to return to the place of Residence of his father in the town of Shawangunk in said County of Ulster, & whilst at home assisted in the support of the family

And this declarant further says that he was born in the town of Shawangunk  Mamakating in the county of Ulster on the fourth day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred & fifty eight & that he has a record of his age in his family bible which is now at his house in this town about six miles from the court house
That he was living in said town of Shawangunk when he was called into service as aforesaid - that shortly after the peace (in 1784) he removed to the town of Mamakating in said county (now Sullivan) & remained there until about five years since when he removed to the town of Thompson in Sullivan county where he now resides -
That he was volunteer in the service & served the whole term as such, except for about three weeks when he was a substitute for one Hasbrouck -
That he never received any written discharge from his service, except after he was discharged from the Rangers as before mentioned, which discharge is lost -
That he is acquainted with several persons in his present neighborhood who as he believes can testify to his character for veracity & belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution & among others with James S. Van Inwigen & Hiram Bennett & Benjamin Gray -
And this declarant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state -
And he further declares that he knows of no clergyman who is acquainted with him or his services or who can testify to his age or services in the neighborhood where he now resides but that he is acquainted with James S. Van Inwigen Hiram Bennett. Benjamin Gray

and others who as he believes can testify relation to his age & services as a soldier by common report Sworn to and subscribed the day of June 1833 aforesaid Before me J. M. Foster clk of Sullivan County
Ezekiel Masten
We Hiram Bennett Benjamin Gray residing in the town of Thompson in said county and Benjamin Gray residing in the town of Thompson do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Ezekiel Masten who has subscribed and sworn to the above decla- -ration; that we believe him to be seventy five years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn and subscribed the day & year aforesaid -
Before me J. M. Foster clk of Sullivan County
Hiram Bennett Benjamin Gray
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the inter- -rogatories 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 the said Hiram Bennett who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the said town of Thompson and that the said Benjamin Gray - who has also signed the same is a resident of the said town of Thompson; that they are credible persons, and their statement is entitled to full credit. And further that there is no clergyman residing in the immediate vicinity of the said Ezekiel Masten. That the nearest resides in the village of Monticello and that he is well acquainted with the said Ezekiel Masten.
J. M. Foster clk

I Jesse M Foster Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Sullivan County do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Ezekiel Maston for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 28 th day of December A.D. 1833
Jesse M Foster. CLK
Hon. C. Boddle
Stad
Ezekiel Maston Pension Papers

State of New York
Orange County } ss:
Jacobus Swartout of the town of Deerpark in the said County of Orange being duly sworn deposes and says that he was eighty two years of age on the fifteenth day of November last that he was born in the said town of Deerpark (which said town of Deerpark in the part where this deponent was born, was at the time of his birth, and until it was set off to the said County of Orange, a part of the town of Mamakating in the County of Ulster) and has resided in said town from the time of his birth until the present time. And this deponent further says that he this deponent was a soldier in the revolutionary war. That he is well acquainted with Ezekiel Masten , whom he has known from his childhood. That his his first recollection of him, is as a boy, living in that part of the said town of Mamakating which is now in the County of Sullivan and was then in the County of Ulster as aforesaid. And this deponent further says that the said Ezekiel Masten was a soldier in the revolutionary war, but cannot distinctly recollect at the present time, whether he served in the militia or in the regular army. That he this deponent was with the said Masten at Fort Montgomery in the season of three months, at which time, this deponent served in the militia under Col. (or Lieut. Colonel) James McCaughy and in Captain Abraham Buddack's Company, and as this deponent now believes, the said Masten was then in the militia. And this deponent further says that he this deponent was with the said Ezekiel Masten during the whole of the war on the frontier (the valley of Mamakating) as a soldier, but that this deponent was in Captain Buddack's Company, and the said Ezekiel was in Captain Newkirk's Company, (the christian name of which said Newkirk this deponent does not recollect) as this this deponent thinks. That during having been just now to deponent in my presence J. J. Mun. Jr.

this deponent recollects of his (the said Master) saying in the fort at Manakating, during this period, and that he this deponent saw him the said Master at the time Picnicack was burnt. And this deponent further says that he heard the said Master frequently spoken of during the war, and that he was reputed to be a brave and faithful soldier. And this deponent further says that the said Colonel Master now resides in the County of Sullivan. And further this deponent saith not.
I do hereby certify that on the Thirty first day of May 1833, the above named Jacobus Swartout was duly sworn to the above by me. And further that I am well ac- quainted with the said Jacobus Swartout, & that he is a man of a fair character, and a cred- ible witness.
Subscribed and sworn May 31 st
1833 before me
Solomon Vern Ethen } Justice of the peace
State of New York } ss. Orange County }
I Asa Dunning clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Solomon Vern Ethen before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that I am ac- quainted with his handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper handwriting and signature —
Witness my hand and Seal of office this 25 th day of December 1833
Asa Dunning

State of New York
Sullivan County ss Sarah Terwilliger of the town of Thompson in the county of Sullivan aforesaid being duly sworn deposes & says that she is Eighty four years of age & is the eldest sister of Ezekiel Masten who is now present - That at the commencement of the Revolutionary war with Great Britain she resided with her father Johannes Masten who then lived in the town of Shawangunk in the county of Ulster in said State of New York -
That her brother Ezekiel Masten also resided at her said Father's - That the said town of Shawangunk was then on the frontier between the Indians & the American Settlements & was continually exposed to incursions & alarms from the Indians - That some time in the year one thousand seven hundred & seventy Six & as she thinks in the summer of that year her brother Ezekiel entered into the service of the United States as a volunteer in the militia of the State of New York under the command of Captain Matthias Jansen; That the regiment to which he belonged was commanded by Johannes Jansen a brother of the said Captain Jansen -
That her said brother continued in the said service from that time until the conclusion of the said war & was only occasionally at home for short periods of time -
That she recollects that her said brother Ezekiel during said war served under various officers beside Captain Jansen & remembers the names of Captains Newkirk, & Lieutenant Bevier - and further saith not -
Sworn & subscribed this 12 th day of June 1833 before me and I certify that I know the above named Sarah Terwilliger & that she is a credible witness -
Chas
Sarah Terwilliger
Mark
J. F. Knapp J. P. Sullivan - the affidavits having been first read to deponent in my presence J. F. Knapp

I further certify that I am acquainted with the within deponent Sarah Scrovellynn and at the time of her making the within affidavit she is in her perfect sound mind -
P. H. Dunn Esq.
William County Clerk's Office
I, Jesse M. Foster Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Peter H. Dunn Esq. before whom the within affidavit was sworn and also who subscribed the preceding Certificate was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that the signa- tures to the said Affidavit & Certificate are his & genuine witness my hand & Seal of Office. December 28 th 1833
Jesse M. Foster CLERK
Erskine Masters Pension Papers

I Jesse M Foster Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Sullivan County do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Ezekiel Maston for a Pension-
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 28 th day of December A.D. 1833
Jesse M Foster, Clerk
Ezekiel Maston Pension Papers
Hon. C. Boddie
Strad

January 29, 1932
BA-J/AWF
Mr. Walter E. Hope 15 Broad Street New York City.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Ezekiel Masten, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 7013, based upon the military service of Ezekiel Masten during the Revolutionary War.
Ezekiel Masten, the son of Johannis Masten, was born February 4, 1758 in Shawangunk, Ulster County, New York. Shawangunk was on the frontier between the American and Indian settlements.
He stated that while residing in said Shawangunk, with his father, he served from sometime in July 1777, three months as private at Fort Montgomery in Captain Matthias Jansen's company in Colonel Johannis Jansen's New York regiment, and continued to serve at various times as a private in the New York troops under Captains Matthias Jansen, John Newkirk, McMoody, Bevin, and Colonel Hasbrouck. He guarded the frontiers in the Mamakating valley, was in several skirmishes with the Indians, and was in service until the close of the war.
He moved in 1784 to Mamakating, Ulster (later Sullivan) County, New York and thence to Thompson, Sullivan County, New York.
He applied for pension, June 13, 1833, then residing in Thompson, New York.
The claim was not allowed, as proof of six months

service as required by the pension laws was not established.
The soldier's sister, Sarah Terwilliger, was in 1833 eighty-four years of age and living in Thompson, New York.
There is no reference to wife or children.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator
One Ezekiel Maston S. 28801 is quite similar to Ezekiel Maston R. 7013 - but the - R. 7013 is the one requested by Walter E. Hope - but - he was not a pensioner leaf.

State of New York Sullivan County /s/ Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace in & for the said county of Sullivan Ezekiel Maslen of the town of Thompson in said county who being duly sworn deposes & says that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grades. - For three months in the year 1777 & just before Fort Montgomery was taken as a private in Captain Matthias Jansons company I was stationed at said Fort performing duty in garrison - That the regiment to which he belonged was commanded by Colonel Johannis Jansons - That his lieutenants name was Aldert Rose & the ensigns name was Jacob Roskheans. That said company belonged to the militia of the state of New York & was called out & embodied as the declarant believes under competent authority.
That in the year 1778 this declarant served as a private in the same company at a place called Lackawack in Ulster county for more than three months & was engaged in guarding the Frontier against the Indians. - That he this declarant continued in service as a private in the said company for at least three years & was actually engaged in said service in garrison & in the field at least eighteen months. - That after he was discharged from Captain Jansons company he served as a private in a militia company commanded by Captain John Newkirk in guarding said Frontier for at least six months in garrison & in the field. - That he was engaged in several skirmishes with the Indians, particularly at Mankakating, Wawarsing & Pemmack. - That he this declarant was in actual service & duly enrolled in the militia during the whole war. - That in addition to his services above mentioned he served as a private in a militia company commanded by Captain Mr Moody for at least five months & was stationed at New Windsor on the North river but the exact time of this service he cannot recollect but he remembers seeing General Washington there & also his Lady.

That he the declarant was actually enrolled in some regularly embodied company of militia during the whole war & actually performed his duty as a soldier in the field & in Garrison during some part of every year but he cannot now recollect nor state the exact periods of such service except as above - He is however positive that his service in the field & in Garrison could not be less than for the period of three years -
A Statement showing the service Ezechiel Masten
   Period when the service was Rendered Duration of the claimant's service Rank of Claimant Name of Rank of Field Officer under whom served age at present & place of birth Proof by which declarant is supported -   Months     1776 not exactly recollect   1777 3 Private Johannis Sauren 76 Jacobus Swartswout   1778 3   1779 12 Sarah Teuwellegen   1780   1781 Capt Newkirk   1782 18 & M c Moody   1783 & others  
Sworn this 5 th day of
March in the year 1834 before me & I certify that I am acquainted with Ezechiel Masten & that he is a credible witness
Ezechiel Masten
P. F. Hume J.P.
Sullivan County
Clerks Office
I Jesse M. Foster clerk of said County do certify that Peter F. Hume Esq before whom the above Affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in said County And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and rightly believe the signature to the foregoing Affidavit is his & genuine - Witness my hand & seal of Office Sep r 1. 1834
Jesse M. Foster & C.R.

I, Jesse M Foster clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Sullivan County Do certi- fy that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application Ezekiel Morton for a Pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this First day of September A D 1834 :
Jesse M Foster, CLK
Ezekiel Morton

R. G. Street
24 Sept 1834
O.C.
Rec. Vol. 33 pa. 142
Endors this has been placed on file

Quilt
War Dept Pension Off Sept 34 24,
in
The claim of Ezekiel Masten has been again examined & is suspended. The regu- lations require that each term of engagement shall be separately recited as to period, length grade names of Comp'y. & Reg't Officers - place &c. He claims for 18mo under one Militia Capt. 1mo 12 day under another & 18mo under a third. The militia service of that part of New York rarely exceeded one month.
The papers in the case of Mr. V. Conkling have been examined and his alleged service under Capt. Cummins as a guide disallowed. The employment of guides is not under mili- tary obligatory altho he may be allowed the pay & rations of a soldier. Excluding that service the remainder is less than 6mo The minimum provision of the act of June 32 His claim is therefore disallowed & his papers with those of Ezekiel Masten placed on our files x over
act of June
Randall S. Street Monticello N.Y.

Quat
* with respect to the claim of Isaac Howell now asserted for the first time , altho founded upon Continental service. Some reason should be assigned for the delay - The service in Gibb's corps of life guards is susceptible of proof and the regulations require the best evidence in the power of claimants to produce. The fact alleged that one of the life guards should be taken by the forces & carried to the enemy would seem to require some proof, and the circumstances attending his enlistment into the British service & his dis- mission should be stated. His claim is sus- pended & his papers placed on file.
B.G.
R. G. S. G. Secy 24 Sept 1834
Ms. B. 1. 6 v. 33 p. 442

29264
Eykhui Mattin 2 nd N.Y.
act. 7. June '32-
dc
Han C Bodle House Raps N.Y.

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

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

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

J. L. Edwards Esq. Dear Sir
I am requested to forward the enclosed additional testimony in the case of Ezekiel Bratten — and to state that it contains all the Record evidence in the office of the Comptroller of N.Y.
Yours Truly John Van Buren
House Rep July 26/41

Hon J. Van Buren
July 28, 41
90

Quincy
500.
Pen off July 28 '41
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the addl. evidence enclosed in exurs of 26 inst in the case of Ebenezer Master of Shaw angunk) has been examined & filed.
In his declaration he asserted no service under the officers designated in the Compts (certificate) and he can not therefore avail himself of the service credited to his name without some proof of identity. The aggregate of the 3 terms is less than 6 months.
Y.C. r
W. John Van Buren A.R.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
111109
P. O.
Ernest Hostetter
Service:
Enlisted: _____, 18__
Discharged: _____, 18_____
Application filed: _____, 18
The printed list of 1852. shows reasons of suspension - Alleges: _____
"He did not serve six Re-enlisted:  months"
Attorney:
P. O.
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18_____
1932 Jan. 29 - train E. Walter E. Hope sees 1932 May 3. Walter E. Hope ad. coat to photo. Mr. W. H. 3 1932 June 6. Photo mailed to Walter E. Hope & A. E. M. 1932 1935 - June 3. Dorothy E. Pellatt advised no person claim for Johannes Walter E. 1935 June 10 - left E. Smallings cottage

New York
Ezekiel Mastin — Suspended —
So. 11th & 12th Street 24th Sept 1832
let to Hon. Van Buren July 28. 1841
7013

H. J. Van Buren NA

The number and amount of Certificates issued by the Treasurer of the State of New York for Series 8 th Military Service &c Continued from Books No. 2. 3. 4 th
   No. When given Private     1779 Nov 22 13.109 Ezekiel Maston 3 5 3   1779 April 7 17.608 Ezekiel Maston 1 6 8   1780 June 12 44.481 Ezekiel Maston 11 3 3/4  
State of New York Comptroller's Office Albany March 30 th 1840
I hereby certify that the above are true extracts from Book 3. 4. 8 th now remaining in this office and also that it appears from the same Book that the said Ezekiel Maston served the 1 st & 3 rd terms above named under a with Capt John Van Rensselaer and the second with Nicholas Beman Esq d and it also appears that Albert Lansing was a Col l Comm d for the years 1779 & 1780
M.W. Conway D.P. Smith Trotter

December 10, 1935
Ezekiel Masten-R.7013 Ezekiel Mastin-S.28801 BA-J/AWF
Dorothy E. Pelloth 19 Tonnele Avenue Jersey City, New Jersey
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Ezekiel Masten of New York State, and verification of the spelling of his father's name.
The Revolutionary War record of Ezekiel Masten, file # R.7013, is given herein as found in his claim for pension.
The Revolutionary War record of another Ezekiel Mastin has been found on file under file # S.28801, and is furnished herein, which may interest you, also, as he was from Shawangunk, New York.
Ezekiel Masten-R. 7013
Ezekiel Masten (as he signs) was born February 4, 1758 in Shawangunk, Ulster County, New York; he was the son of Johannis Masten , name of his mother not given.
He stated that while residing in Shawangunk, with his father, he served from sometime in July, 1777, three months as private at Fort Montgomery in Captain Matthias Jansen's company, Colonel Johannis Jansen's New York regiment, and continued to serve at various times in the New York troops under Captains Matthias Jansen, John Newkirk, Moody, and Bevin, guarding the frontiers in Mamakating Valley, was in several skirmishes and was in

service until the close of the war.
This soldier, Ezekiel Masten, moved in 1784 to Mamakating, New York, and thence to Thompson, Sullivan County, New York.
He applied for pension, June 13, 1833, then residing in Thompson, New York. The claim was not allowed, as proof of six months' service, as required by the pension law, was not established.
There is no reference to wife or children of Ezekiel Masten. His sister, Sarah Terwilliger, was in 1833 eighty-four years of age and living in Thompson, New York.
*****
Ezekiel Mastin-S.28801
Ezekiel Mastin was born March 22 or 25, 1750 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York, and when five years of age moved to Shawangunk, New York. The names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Shawangunk, he enlisted and served as a private with the New York troops, as follows: from September 1, 1776, one month in Captain Case's company, Colonel Cantine's regiment; from November 1, 1776, one month in Captain Terpenning's(?) company, Colonel Cantine's regiment; from July 1, 1777, four months in Captain Matthew Jansen's company, Colonel Weasiner's (?) regiment; from November 1, 1778, one month in Captain Matthew Jansen's company, Colonel Cantine's regiment ; from November 1, 1779, one month under Lieutenant Peter Decker in Colonel Cantine's regiment. His service was guarding the frontiers against the incursions of the Indians.
He was allowed pension on his application executed

September 10, 1835, at which time he was living in Shawangunk, New York, where he had lived since moving there, when five years of age.
There are no data in this claim concerning the family of Ezekiel Mastin.
If you desire information in regard to the last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this soldier, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and cite the following:
Ezekiel Mastin Certificate # 30814 Issued August 26, 1836 Rate $26.67 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of June 7, 1832 New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

June 3, 1935.
Dorothy E. Falloth 19 Tonnels Avenue Jersey City, New Jersey.
BA-J/ILL Ezekiel Masten R. 7013
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request to know if there is a claim for pension on file based upon service of Johannes Masten of Shawangunk or Mamakating, New York, in the Revolutionary War. You state that you have seen certified photostatic copy of proof of the fact that he did receive a pension.
There is no claim for pension on file based upon service of Johannes or John Masten of New York State, under any spelling of the surname.
Your citation in regard to photostatic copy in which the name of Johannes Masten was shown, pertains, perhaps, to the pension claim of an Ezekiel Masten, whose father was Johannis, and who was born in the town of Shawangunk, New York. If you are interested in the claim of Ezekiel, in which the name of his father, Johannis, is shown, it will be furnished upon request.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

19 Tonnele Avenue Jersey City, N. J. December 7th, 1935
Had been here when this was rec-
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
Attention Mr. A. D. Miller Reference BA-J/111 Ezekiel Masten R. 7013
Gentlemen:
On October 29th I wrote you requesting information regarding Ezekiel Masten, such as date of birth, etc. To date I have not received your reply, and while I do not wish to seem impatient, it is necessary that I have this information before I can proceed along this line of my research and therefore I should very much appreciate anything you can do to get this information for me promptly.
Please accept my thanks for your courtesy and prompt attention.
Yours very truly
Dorothy E. Pelloth
Dorothy E. Pelloth

19 Tonnelé Avenue Jersey City, N. J. October 29th, 1935
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
Attention Mr. A.D. Hiller Reference BA-J/111 Ezekiel Masten R.7013
Gentlemen:
It is my understanding that pension was granted to Ezekiel Masten of Shawangunk, New York after the Revolutionary war. Will you be so kind as to give me any information you have as to date of birth, etc. about Ezekiel Masten. Do your records give any information about the names of his parents? I believe, from previous correspondence which I have had from you, that the name of his father is given, namely Johannis Masten. Can you tell me - is the "i" in the name clearly an "i" or might it be an "e".
Please accept my thanks for your courtesy and for any information which you may be able to give me.
Yours very truly
MORSE CHAIN COMPANY
Dorothy E. Pelloth
DEP-

R.W. 1812. No. 103.
May 25, 1932.
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim for pension of
Ezekiel Masten, R.7013.
1 page which was omitted from order of May 20, 1932.
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

Rev. & 1812 no. 101.
May 20, 1932.
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
541
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev.War claim for pension of Ezekiel Masten, R.7013.
Actual 1 of each page.
UNCERTIFIED.
$1.80.....12 pages
xxx
Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.
Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
[Faint handwritten notes:] June 13-1932 just 21 1/2 June 13-1932 for Sh... & ...

List to Walter E. Hope:
Sol. decl. June 13-1833 & Court record. 4 pages Jacobus Swartwout's affid. May 31-1833 2 " Sarah Derwilliger's affid. June 12-1833 & 2 Court records 3 " Sol. statement Mar. 5-1834 & Court record 3 " 
xxx
SI DO ..... TB Sales
UNCELEBRATED
Respectfully B. ACTS.
Respectfully to the Honorable the Hon. J. M. ...
Respectfully
of the Hon. ...
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Respectfully the Hon. ...
Respectfully
Respectfully the Hon. ...
W. L. 101 B. d 181
SV-T/NOTES

May 3, 1932.
BA-J/MCHF
Mr. Walter E. Hope, 15 Broad Street, New York City.
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letters in regard to securing a complete transcript of the record of Ezekiel Masten, R.7013, whose record was furnished you on January 29, 1932.
The record already furnished you contained all the essential facts in regard to birth, parents, other relatives, residences, service, etc. as found in the papers on file in his claim for pension.
If you still desire the record again, photo-static copies will be furnished you at the rate of fifteen cents a page.
The number of pages to be copied is twelve.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this office by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

WILLIAM W. T. WILSON HOPE EMMEE EVARTS BENNETT GEORGE E. HITE, JR. FREDERICK W. KOBBE SINCLAIR HAMILTON GEORGE W. JACQUES ARTHUR A. GAMMELL VANDERBILT WEBB MORRIS HADLEY DONALD MACKENZIE ARCHER P. CRAM TIMOTHY N. PFEIFFER EUGENE H. SOUTHALL G. FRANKLIN LUDINGTON FRANCIS T. CHRISTY
MILBANK, TWEED, HOPE & WEBB A MERGER OF MASTEN & NICHOLS WITH MURRAY, ALDRICH & WEBB 15 BROAD STREET NEW YORK
ADMINISTRATIVE MAY 18 1932 RECORDED
GEORGE WELWOOD MURRAY ARTHUR H. MASTEN GEORGE L. NICHOLS COUNSEL CABLE ADDRESS MILTWED UPTOWN OFFICE 347 MADISON AVENUE
May 17, 1932
BA-J/MMHF
Dear Sir:
I am in receipt of your courteous favor of May 3rd with reference to the record of Ezekiel Masten, R.7031. I would like very much to have a photostatic copy of the twelve pages and am enclosing herewith my check for $1.80 in payment therefor.
With appreciation of your courtesy,
Yours faithfully,
A. D. Hiller, Esq., Assistant to Administrator, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.

THOMAS M. ROBINSON JOHN D. ROBINSON WILLIAM M. ROBINSON GEORGE E. HILL FREDERICK W. ROBBE SINCLAIR HAMILTON GEORGE W. JACQUES ARTHUR A. GAMMELL VANDERBILT WEBB MORRIS HADLEY DONALD MACKENZIE ARCHER P. CRAM TIMOTHY N. PFEIFFER EUGENE H. SOUTHALL G. FRANKLIN LUDINGTON FRANCIS T. CHRISTY
MILBANK, TWEED, HOPE & WEBB A MERGER OF MASTEN & NICHOLS WITH MURRAY, ALDRICH & WEBB 15 BROAD STREET NEW YORK
GEORGE WELWOOD MURRAY ARTHUR H. MASTEN GEORGE L. NICHOLS COUNSEL CABLE ADDRESS MILTWEED UPTOWN OFFICE 347 MADISON AVENUE
February 9, 1932
BA-J/AWF
Dear Sir:
Please accept my thanks for your favor of January 29th and for the information relative to Ezekiel Masten , soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Will you be good enough to inform me whether it would be possible to obtain a complete transcript of your record upon this subject? I shall be glad to pay the cost of it, and will remit my check upon being advised of the amount. I trust that you may find it possible to comply with this request.
With much appreciation,
Yours faithfully,
A handwritten signature in cursive, appearing to read "A. D. Hiller", written in dark ink.
A. D. Hiller, Esq., Assistant to Administrator, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.

K SON PE MBREE RTS ANNETT TE, JR. K W. KOBBE AIR HAMILTON GEORGE W. JAQUES ARTHUR A. GAMMELL VANDERBILT WEBB MORRIS HADLEY DONALD MACKENZIE ARCHER P. CRAM TIMOTHY N. PFEIFFER EUGENE H. SOUTHALL G. FRANKLIN LUDINGTON FRANCIS T. CHRISTY
MILBANK, TWEED, HOPE & WEBB A MERGER OF MASTEN & NICHOLS WITH MURRAY, ALDRICH & WEBB 15 BROAD STREET NEW YORK
GEORGE WELWOOD MURRAY ARTHUR H. MASTEN GEORGE L. NICHOLS COUNSEL CABLE ADDRESS MILTWEED UPTOWN OFFICE 347 MADISON AVENUE
April 28, 1932
Dear Sir:
Under date of February 9, 1932, I wrote you in- quiring whether it would not be possible to obtain a complete transcript of your record relative to Ezekiel Masten , soldier in the Revolutionary War, but I have not received a reply. Will you be good enough to advise me whether it will not be possible to obtain this record. As stated in my previous letter, I shall be glad to pay the cost of it and to remit my check upon being advised of the amount. -
Yours faithfully,
A. D. Hiller, Esq., Assistant to Administrator, Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.

19 Tonnele Avenue Jersey City, N. J. May 15th, 1935
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
search further Would you be so kind as to tell me whether you have any record of a pension being given to Johannes Masten of Shawangunk or Manakating , New York, for services in the American Revolution? I have seen certified photostatic copy of one Johannes Masten, proof of having received it, but I could not tell from that whether it was the Johannes Masten of either of the two towns given above. If you have record of this, will you tell me the service rendered by him and also his record of birth, if possible?
Please accept my thanks for your courtesy.
Yours very truly
Dorothy E. Pelloth Dorothy E. Pelloth

ALBERT G. MILBANK BEVERLEY R. ROBINSON WALTER EWING HOPE HARRISON TWEED WILLIAM DEAN EMBREE WILLIAM M. EVARTS LAWRENCE BENNETT GEORGE E. HITE, JR. FREDERICK W. KOBBE SINCLAIR HAMILTON GEORGE W. JACQUES ARTHUR A. GAMMELL VANDERBILT WEBB MORRIS HADLEY DONALD MACKENZIE ARCHER P. CRAM TIMOTHY N. PFEIFFER EUGENE H. SOUTHALL G. FRANKLIN LUDINGTON FRANCIS T. CHRISTY
MILBANK, TWEED, HOPE & WEBB
A MERGER OF MASTEN & NICHOLS WITH MURRAY, ALDRICH & WEBB
15 BROAD STREET NEW YORK
GEORGE WELWOOD MURRAY ARTHUR H. MASTEN GEORGE L. NICHOLS COUNSEL
CABLE ADDRESS MILTWED
UPTOWN OFFICE 347 MADISON AVENUE
January 22, 1932.
Dear Sir:
I am enclosing a memorandum with respect to one Ezekiel Masten , who was the recipient of a pension from the Government for his services in the American Revolution. I would appreciate it very much if I could be furnished with a complete copy of all records in the Bureau with respect to him, and shall be glad to pay any charges which may be incurred in furnishing this record. Will you be good enough at your convenience to advise me whether it will be possible to secure this record?
Thanking you in advance,
Yours very truly,
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.

EZEKIEL MASTEN (born c. 1760; died after 1840), son of Johannes Masten Jr. and Sara De Witt. Of Mamakating and Thompson, in Sullivan County (formerly Ulster County), N. Y.
Received a pension from the U.S. Government for his services in the American Revolution. In 1840 he was eighty years old, and residing in Thompson, Sullivan County, N. Y.
(Census of Pensioners, 1841)