Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20017, for Henry Relyea, New York

SERVICE
New York
Relyea, Henry Elizabeth
NUMBER
N. 20017
CONTENTS

New York 28.694
Henry Kelyca of Ulster Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Swart of the 8th Regt commanded by Col M'Cloughry in the N. York Militia line for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 th day of May 1834 and sent to A. S. Soper Esq. Milton N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March 34 79 98 Per diem allowance ending Sep r 4 34 13 33 93 31
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Sam l H. Page Clerk. Book E Vol. 4 Page 119

Lower Ralston
Sept 11
Two terms of 8 & 9 mo disallowed - was burning coal etc.
Round
Stomper

State of New York Ulster County
I Jacob Lawson of the town of Marlborough in said County of Ulster, being duly sworn say that I am acquainted with Henry Relyea of New Paltz in said County of Ulster, now an applicant for a pension, that he first became acquainted with the said Henry Relyea in the summer of the year 1777 at Fort Montgomery - that the said Henry Relyea was at that time in the service of the United States and belonged to Captain Roos Company of three months men, and acted as a sergeant therein - this deponent well recollects of conversing with the said Henry Relyea, in the morning before the battle, in which the British took the said Fort in the month of October in said year - and did not see the said Henry after said battle, until since the Revolutionary war this deponent also understood that Captain Roos was badly wounded at said battle, and killed within a day or two afterwards by some British soldiers, who found him near a brook within a short distance from said Fort - and this deponent further says that the said Henry Relyea served in said company nearly three months, (according to this deponent's personal knowledge) - this deponent was also in said battle, and belonged to the Artillery under Captain Skatchin, and served until the close of the war
Sworn April 25 th 1834 before me
A Dyer. Just Judge Ulster County
his Jacob + Lawson mark
I certify that the above named Jacob Lawson is personally known to me to be a man of pecuniary and other good credit as a witness - April 25 th 1834
A Dyer Just Judge

Ulster County
Clerks office
Yrs: I. Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby Cer- tify that Abraham D. Bopper was on the day of the date of the within affidavit and Certificate First Judge of the County of Ulster duly Authorised to take affidavits &c and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge and justly believe his signature to the said within affidavit and Certificate to be genuine — Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court and County this twenty ninth day of April 1834.
Jacob Snyder

WE Benjamin Van Keuren a clergyman residing in the town of Goshen Ulster County and Wells Lake - residing in Newpaltz in said County. Hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Relyea who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 80 Years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that Opinion
Sworn & Subscribed the 11 th December 1833
A. D. D. D. Henry Van Keuren } Judges
B. Van Keuren Wells Lake
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 applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and denied as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Benjamin Van Keuren who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman - resident in the town adjoining of Newpaltz and that Wells Lake who has signed the same is resident in same place and is a person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
A. D. D. D. Henry Van Keuren } Judges
I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Henry Relyea for a Pension - Witness my hand and the seal of said Court this twenty ninth day of April 1834.
Jacob Snyder Clerk of said Court

State of New York Ulster County
ss. Peter Miller of the Town of Poughkeepsie in the county of Dutchess, being duly sworn, says he is well acquainted with Henry Velyea of the Town of New Paltz, in the said County of Ulster, now present before this deponent. — That about the first of April in the year 1779, the said Henry Velyea and this deponent enlisted together, with others, into the service of the United States for the term of eight months at Fishkill in the said County of Dutchess, under Captain Robert Cannell, and faithfully served said term of eight months, at Fishkill aforesaid, and was engaged at the burning of coal for the use of the army — That Col. Hays and Major Foy, commanded the American troops during said term at this place. —
Subscribed and sworn October 31 st 1832 before
Peter Miller
A. D. Soper, First Judge B. of Ulster County.
I hereby certify that the above named Peter Miller is personally known to me, and that he is a man of veracity, and entitled to full credit as a witness — October 31 st 1832
A. D. Soper Judge

State of New-York,
ULSTER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE:
{ 88.
I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, Do hereby Certify= That Abraham L. Soper Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed Affidavit, a Deputy of the Ulster County Courts being first sworn in and for the said County of Ulster duly authorised to take affidavits, &c.; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said First Deputy — and verily believe the signature " Ch. L. Soper " — subscribed to the Certificate or the said annexed affidavit to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this Eleventh day of December 1832
Jacob Snyder

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 —
State of New York
Ulster County ss: On this Eleventh day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for said County, now sitting Henry Delylea a resident of the Town of New Paltz in the County of Ulster and State of New York, aged Seventy nine years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 —
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated
1 st In the winter of 1776, as near as this deponent can recollect he volunteered to serve two months at Fishkill in the County of Dutchess in a company commanded by Captain Swart. They marched through the Highlands by Peekskill and White Plains to Kingsbridge in the County of Westchester, during this term of service they had a skirmish with the British who had possession of the Fort Independence and Northway, near to Kingsbridge. The British sallied out on a hill a little south of the Fort, and were driven back again by the American Troops — we had three men killed and several wounded. Doctor Osborn of Fishkill was the Surgeon who attended to the wounded men — at the expiration of this term of service deponent returned home — having served the same as a private soldier —
2 nd In the Spring following, as near as this deponent can recollect he again volunteered to serve one month under Captain Swart, it was at the time the British came to and burnt Peekskill, the company under Captain Swart marched from Fishkill through the Highlands, directly to Peekskill, the British retreated back to the City of New York, the American Troops followed them below Croton River in the County of Westchester, at which place we struck tents, and remained until the expiration of said term — which I served as a private soldier

3 rd This deponent further declares, That having removed from Fishkill aforesaid, to the Town of Paltzkill (then belonging to the Town of Marlborough,) in the County of Ulster, at which place on or about the tenth day of July 1777, he volunteered to serve for the term of Three Months, under Captain Jacobus Roos, of Shawangunk, - that he served said term at Forts Mont = gomery and Clinton in the Highlands in the County of Orange and acted as a Sergeant in Captain Roos's company. about the time of the expiration of said term, Fort Montgomery was taken by the British, deponent was in the battle - on that day deponent was ordered to place sentrys about two Miles and half below Fort Clinton, the next morning on Monday the British commenced the attack, some of them came up the river in Roe Galleys, and fired on the Forts, but the most of them came by land they were met in the morning by the America troops at the place where deponent placed the sentry the day before, Colonel McLaughly commanded the American troops, and took with him from the Forts as many men as could be spared, and kept firing at the British and retreating, until he returned towards evening to the Fort - That night the British succeeded in taking the Fort - deponent, during the night after the battle succeeded in making his escape to the mountains, and returned home about three days thereafter Captain Roos was severely wounded in the battle and killed one day or two afterwards, by some British soldiers, who found him lying a short distance from the Fort, as deponent understood at that time - Colonel McLaughly was also wounded in said battle -
4 th This deponent further declares that about the first of April 1778 he enlisted for the term of nine months under Captain Cornelius Bragardus, at Fishkill aforesaid, and when not on duty was engaged at burning lines, which was used in erecting fortifications. In the two last months of this term of service, deponent

was engaged in erecting Forts and batteries at West Point. - That he served said nine months as a private. -
5 th This deponent further declares that about the first of April in the year 1779, he again enlisted at Fishkill aforesaid, to serve the term of eight months under Captain Robert Conolly, and was engaged during said term in burning coal for the use of the American Army. - during this term Peter Miller whose affidavit is herunto annexed served with this deponent. This company was equipped and liable to be taken for any purpose required by the army - deponent served therein as a private -
6 th This deponent further declares that after harvest, in the month of August 1780, as near as he can recollect, he served one month under Lieutenant Josiah Hasbrouck in guarding the Indian frontier, near Captain Brodhead at Sunnyside in Wawarsing in the County of Ulster - deponent at this time lived at Plattekill aforesaid and entered this service at this place -
7 th This deponent further declares that in the month of August 1781 he again served the term of one month under Lieutenant Jonathan DeWitt in guarding the Indian frontier, at Mumbaacus in Wawarsing in the County Ulster aforesaid. - he commenced said service immediately after the Indians burnt Wawarsing, and killed many horses and cattle, belonging to the inhabitants - and also carried away some children - deponent at this time lived at Plattekill aforesaid, and was called into service at this place -
This deponent further says in answer to the interrogatories, put to him by said Court -
1 st That he was born at Fishkill in the County of Dutchess aforesaid on the twentieth day of March 1753 -
2 nd He has a record of his age in his family bible -

 3 rd He resided at Fishkill aforesaid and at Plattekill in the said County of Ulster, as above set forth at the several times he entered into the aforesaid service, and has resided ever since the Revolution in New Paltz aforesaid.  4 th He always entered said service as a volunteer.  5 th He recollects in addition to the officers above named, Colonel Hays and Major Freys at Fishkill aforesaid, and cannot name to a certainty any others - nor any other general circumstances than as above stated.  6 th He never received a written discharge, - but was discharged verbally, at the end of said term of service, - except after the battle at Fort Montgomery when he made the best of his way home as above stated -  7 th He is known to Ebenezer Miller and John A. Deyo of New Paltz aforesaid residing in the neighborhood of this deponent, who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution - 
This deponent further says that he has been unable to procure any other person than the said Peter Miller to testify to his services, nor has he any documentary evidence of the same - That he expected to have obtained the Reverend Benjamin Van Keuren, Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Esopus, being the nearest clergyman to this deponent to have testified before him but that said clergyman is in feeble health, and unwilling to leave home at this inclement season of the year -
This deponent hereby relinquishes 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 -
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid - A D W P C First Judge
Henry his mark + Relyea
Abm A Deyo A G Hardenburg } Judges - Jacob Mumpston

We Abner Miller and John J Deyo residing in the Town of New Paltz in the County of Ulster, and State of New York do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Henry Relyea of said Town, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy nine 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, and that he is entitled to full credit as a witness.  Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid  Abner Miller John J Deyo  J. D. Soper Hunt Judge Abner A Deyo Abner Hardinbrugh Jacob Trumpeboom } Judges
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after 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 Abner Miller and John J Deyo who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the town of New Paltz in this County, and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit -
J. D. Soper Hunt Judge Abner A Deyo Abner Hardinbrugh Jacob Trumpeboom } Judges

State of New York
Ulster County
Yrs! J. Jacob Snyder Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster in the state of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Henry Relyea for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this eleventh day of December 1832.
Jacob Snyder

5094 New York City
Reference
Elizabeth Kelley widow of Henry Kelley N.Y. City who was a Private in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of March, 1844 and sent to Mrs. J. Shurce No. 9 of Top
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 264

Seal
Ulster County Clerk's Office
I John P. Pigeon (Clerk of the County of Ulster) do hereby certify that William Soper Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits of William Frederick and of the Rev. J. H. Van Dorn purport to have been taken was at the respective dates of the same a Commissioner of Errors in & for the County of Ulster appointed duly Commissioned & sworn, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner and truly believe his signature to the said affidavits are genuine. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County this 14th day of March 1839
John Pigeon (Clerk) —
Marius D. M. Oct. 1781
husband since 14 March 1838
Elizabeth Pigeon
Elizabeth Pigeon
Rev. J. C. B. ...
William Frederick
105636

State of New York
Ulster County
ss. On this day personally appeared before me Henry Ralston, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ulster. Elizabeth Ralston a resident of the Town of New Paltz in the County of Ulster in the State of New York aged seventy seven years who being first duly sworn according to law, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Henry Ralston who was a private in the Militia in the Revolutionary Army, and that he served at various times and was at the Battle when first Montgomery was taken, and was several times against the Indians, that at the time of the Revolutionary Wars he resided in the County of Ulster aforesaid - This deponent cannot set forth all the services performed by said Henry Ralston, nor under what officers the services were performed, nor the time when it was performed, But that said service is set forth in a declaration made by the said Henry Ralston on which he obtained a pension under the act of 1832, and that the proofs of said service as duly made was annexed to said declaration, and are now on file in the Pension Department at the City of Washington City. And for the greater certainty of said service other necessary proofs thereof are of the same. This deponent says

have to refer - She further declares that She was, legally married to the said Henry Walzer by Stephen Grootchop, Minister of the Gospel of the Dutch Reformed Church, who preached at the New Paltz & New Hurley Church as; On the eleventh day of October One thousand seven hundred and eighty one in the town of New Paltz aforesaid, She also says, that there were several present at her wedding, but she cannot now say who any of them are now living, she also says, that she has no record evidence of said marriage - that her name before marriage was, Elizabeth Weismiller and that her first child, which she had by said Henry Walzer, was, Mary, who was born on the second day of August One thousand seven hundred and eighty two and on the eighth day of September following she was, baptized by said Stephen Grootchop at the New Hurley Church, She also declares that she lived with the said Henry Walzer as husband & wife until the time of his death, which was, on the fourteenth day of March, eighteen hundred & thirty four since which time she has remained still continuing his widow, She further declares, that she was not married to him the said Henry Walzer, from the time of his leaving her since but that the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, eighteen hun- dred and ninety four viz, at the time above stated, She also declares

that on account of her age and debility she cannot attend at Kingston the place of holding of the Courts of Record of this County which is at the distance of about seventeen miles from the residence of this deponent;
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day & year above mentioned before me
Elizabeth X  Walton
R. H. Hume, Judge of Ulster County Courts
Ulster County, ss. I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Elizabeth Walton who made the foregoing declaration and that she is the widow of Henry Walton who was a pension- er at the time of his death; that she sub- scribed the foregoing declaration by making her mark in my presence, for the reason that she could not write her name. I also certify that, on account of her ad- vanced age & general debility, she is unable to attend at Kingston the place of holding Courts of Record, for this County, on the 31 st Decr. 1838
R. H. Hume, Judge of Ulster County Courts
Ulster County ss. I, John Ferguson Clerk of the County of Ulster & of the Court of Common Pleas of the same do hereby certify that when the foregoing affidavit of Elizabeth Walton was taken was at the date of the same a Judge of Ulster County Courts duly Commissioned and sworn. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and that his signature to said affidavit is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court & County this 10 th day of Decr. 1839 John Ferguson Clerk -

Ulster County ss: William Frederick Sun being duly sworn says that: He was well acquainted with Henry Ralphe late of the town of New Paltz in said County, a pensioner, Deceased this deponent says that he attended the funeral of the said Henry Ralphe and that he died about one year last month leaving Elizabeth Ralphe the widow who has made her declaration to obtain a pension, his widow and that the said Elizabeth has since the death of her said husband remained his widow, and that this deponent has been acquainted with the said Henry & Elizabeth family for fifteen years past. Sworn before me This 24 Jany 1839
William F. Frederick Sun mark
Wm Soper Commissioner of Deeds
Ulster County ss: I certify that I am well acquainted with William Frederick the above deponent and that he is a man of respectability and credit and that the facts contained in said affidavit is entitled to belief; and that the said William Frederick signed his name by making his mark thereto in my presence being unable to write his name date Jany 24 1839
Wm Soper Commissioner of Deeds

I A Vanderwee Pastor of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of New Hurley hereby certify that I have the care and keeping of the Records of said Church and find in the Register of Baptisms that Henry Ralphe and Elizabeth Wasmuller appeared as husband and wife at the baptism of their daughter Mary on the eighth day of September Seventeen hundred and eighty two. The record is in fair legible words of English as follows.
1782
  Sep't 8  Henrick Ralphe  } Maria  } Vade     Elizabeth Wasmuller      Feb. 2 Aug t 1782  Moeder  
The date in the first column is the time of the baptism; That in the second column is the time of the child's birth. I further certify that the record of marriages kept by Stephen Gouletche while pastor of this church is perfect — given under my hand at New Hurley June 4 1859
J. A. H. Vanderwee Pastor of (New Hurley)
State of New York
Delaware County } J. A. H. Vanderwee being duly sworn says that the foregoing is an exact transcript from the Church Book forming the Church record for the New Hurley congregation as shown before me this 4th day of June 1859. J. A. H. Vanderwee Minister of the Gospel.

Ulster County ss: I certify that I am well acquainted with the Rev. J. H. Vanderveer the deponent in the foregoing affidavit and know him to be the Pastor of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church at Newburgh and that he is a man of respectability and credit - Dated June 4 1839
Wm. John Coeymans of the said
Notary Public's Office
I John Ferguson Clerk of the County of Ulster do hereby certify that William J. Coeymans Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits of William J. Vanderveer of the Rev. J. H. Vanderveer purport to have been taken was at the respective dates of the same a Commissioner of Piers in & for the County of Ulster aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn, and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner and justly believe his signature to the said affidavits are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County this tenth day of June 1839
John Ferguson (Clerk)
105636
Elizabeth Phelps
Mrs. M. Oct. 1781
February 14 March 1835
Elizabeth Phelps
Rev. J. C. Burdick
Madison
New York

25714
Henry Relyea Ulster County New York
A. D. Soper Milton, Ulster County New York

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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Henry Dilyea Ulster County New York
   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.     Vol Winter 1776 - 2 - private Capt Swart, 79 years Traditional evidence None Witness   Vol Spring " - 1 - " Capt Swart, County of Dutchess N. York. Certified credible.   Vol 10 th July 1777 - 3 - Sergt. Capt Root, Col McLaughry   Enlisted Apr 1778 - 9 - private Capt Bogardus,   Enlisted Apr 1779 - 8 - " Capt Conoly   Enlisted Aug 1780 - 1 - " Lieut Harbrough   Served Aug 1781 - 1 - " Lt. Leuvillegeu Battle at Fort Montgomery  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service: (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I, _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 _____. 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 three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualitying 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.

V N. York
Elizabeth Relyea
Set. to Hon. J. C. Brodhead 15. July 1839 to same 7. Oct. 1839
Act July 1838

5828 New York
Elizabeth Relyea widow of Henry Relyea
who was a pensioner under the Act of June 7. 1832 and who died on the 14. March 1835 Ulster Co. in the State of N. York who was a Private in the company, commanded by Captain Sewart of the regt. commanded by Col. Clougherty in the N. Y. Militia time for 8 months
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23. day of Sept. 1840, and sent to North J. C. Brookhead, Modena N. Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1841 $ 133.50 Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Act July 7, } 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book 9. Vol. 2. Page 104

New York City
Henry Kelyea out June 7, 1832 to what time paid?
John Hany 593 at $26.66 per acre N L
to be paid June 14 March 34
Due 14 March 1835 for that period JH

Rev WIDOW, &c.
1918 Nov. 27 List to Mary H. Douglas Letter in W. 10693 Jacob Relyea
File No. 20017 Elizabeth Relyea Widow of Henry Relyea St. Helena.
Act Mar. 6 34 48
Index: Vol. M , Page 156
[Arrangement of 1870.]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Simon Kelpa 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.     March 1776 2 mos. Pvt. David ✓ N.Y.   Spring following 12 mos. " David   Feb. 12 1777 12 mos. Cpl. Isaac Rosa William   Apr. 1 1778 2 mos. Pvt. Corporal Rosa   Apr. 1 1779 8 mos. Pvt. Robert Connolly Hays   Aug. 1780 1 mos. Lieut. Colonel M'Clure   Aug. 1781 1 mos. Lieut. Colonel M'Clure  
Battles engaged in, Fort M'Henry
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Richland & Northville
Date of application for pension, Dec. 31, 1838
Residence at date of application, New Paltz, Ulster Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born Feb. 20, 1755 at Fishkill, Dutchess Co. N.Y.
Remarks:
He was born Feb. 20, 1755 at New Paltz, N.Y. Elizabeth, his wife, was at New Paltz on an app. of Dec. 31, 1838 while a resident of New Paltz. He was 83 years of age. Children: Mary, b. Aug. 12, 1782. Corralia, a daughter, Sarah, b. May 18, 1843. A resident of Esopus, N.Y.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

5631
Elizabeth Relyea
Ad July 7. 1831
Marr'd 11 Oct. 1781
Husband died 14 March 1833
Col M c Cloughry } N.Y. Capt Sweet — } Militia
Admitted
Pivale 8 mo $26. 66
Hon J. C. Broadhead Modena N.Y.

Oct 4. John - let Miss Elizabeth (the) (the) (the) Mokena Ill. 1. Oct.
free
L. Edwards Esqr Washington District of Columbia

Modena Oct. 1 st 1839
Sir
The enclosed affidavits in favour of Mrs. Relyea I hope will be satis- factory to you — From the information I have received of her husband his and my own knowledge of them I have every reason to believe she is entitled to a pension
Very respectfully
Your obedt Servt
J. G. Brodhead
J. S. Edwards Esq

War Department Pension Office Oct. 7. 1839
Sir
In reply to your letter of the 1 st inst. respecting the claim of M rs Elizabeth Relyea, I have to state that it does not appear, from the evidence afforded by the books in the Treasury Department, that Henry Relyea, a pensioner under the act of June 7. 1832 died within a year of the time that the claimant's husband's death is alleged to have taken place. The claimant may perhaps be able to give some explanation.
I am respectfully
Your obed. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Hon. J. C. Brodhead Modena N. York

Sept 21. 1840
Mr. Cooper Eliz Relyea,
Modena N.Y. 19 Sept.
free
L. Edwards Esquire Pension Department Washington

Modern Water Company
Sept. 18 th 1840
Sir
I regret that the papers of Mrs. Relyea has been mislaid. I trust she will lose nothing by their not being forwarded. before, will you have the goodness to give them your immediate attention, you may rest assured that the statement she has made is made in good faith and that no grant will be committed on the government in granting her Pension. Should you grant her request. ————— Please send the Certificate to me and I will forward it to Mr. Soper her agent.
Very respectfully
Your Obedt Servt
H. C. Brodhead
J. S. Edwards Esqr

Milton Pa May 1 st
New York Pet. 5. May 3. 1857
J. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington City District Columbia

Sir
Milton Ulster County New York May 1 st 1834 -
Enclosed I return the pension papers in behalf of Henry Nelson - with an additional certificate given by the Rev d Benjamin VanKirk the clergyman residing near St. Regis, and of Wells, where he was one of the Judges of the County - also an additional affidavit made by Jacob Rawson of St. Regis Service at Fort Montgomery I believe no further proof can be obtained, unless it be the hearsay declarations of persons, made in their last hours who have been long since dead - I think the applicant a worthy old man, and entitled to a pension for at least 8 months - since -
Respectfully Yours O.K. Hunt Ad 10/16

Henry Reluga Departed this life March 14 th 1835

State of New York }
Ulster County } ss: Elizabeth Relyea of the town of New Paltz in said County being duly sworn says that on the 31 day of December 1838 she made her declaration before the Hon. Rhodena H. Stone to obtain a widow's pension, as the widow of Henry Relyea late of said Town a pensioner. And that in said declaration she set forth that said Henry died on the 14 th day of March 1834, that at the time of making said declaration she was from home and had not, any time or moment of said death, with her; she therefor gave it in as she honestly believed at the time to be correct, from what calculation she at that time made, as to the time of said death. This deponent has since ascertained that said Henry Relyea her said husband died on the fourteenth day of March One thousand eight hundred and thirty five as will appear from the annexed minutes of said death which was set down for this deponent some time after his death & saw into her bill. She also says that she is seventy eight years of age and that she is now infirm and that her memory of things of recent date is impaired.
Sworn before me the
4 day 1840
Witness my Commission of Deeds
Elizabeth Henry Relyea mark
State of New York }
Ulster County } ss: I certify that I am acquainted with Elizabeth Relyea the above deponent and that she is reported to be the widow of Henry Relyea late a pensioner and that she sustains a good character for truth and veracity and that the foregoing statement of

Of facts are entitled to the fullest credit and always I further certify that I made out her declaration taken before the Hon. R. H. Hines and at that time her recollection of the year of her husband's death was uncertain and uncertain the day of the month she was sure, and from the calculation there made she concluded that he must have died in 1834 - I also certify that on calling on her this 4 day 1840 and requesting her to state the time of her husband's death, she referred to her Bible, and opened to where the annexed paper was doubled up and secured to one of the leaves, which paper I took from the Bible she wrote and it to the department. I further certify that she signed the foregoing affidavit in my presence by making her mark. She being very old and unable to write her name. Date May 4 1840
M rs Sophie Cummings Davis

State of New York
Ulster County, ss. Mary Relgea of the town of New Paltz in said County being duly sworn says that Mary Relgea late of said town or province died on the fourteenth day of March One Thousand eight hundred and thirty five. She this deponent says, that she has a distinct recollection of the day of the month and also recollects the year from the circumstance that she was on board the Towboat Columbia as Chamber-Made when she was sent for to attend the funeral of said Mary Relgea her fatherland and that said boat at that time sailed from the Milton landing. This deponent also says that Elizabeth Relgea the person who has made application for a widows pension is her motherland and the widow of said Henry - and that she is very old infirm and forgetful.
Sworn before me. Mary Relgea This 1 st day 1840
My S on Com ss of Deeds
Ulster County ss. I certify that I am acquainted with Mary Relgea the above deponent and that she is a respectable lady and that her foregoing statement of facts are entitled to belief - Aug 4. 1840
My S on Com ss of Deeds

State of New York
Ulster County ss.
I, John Pruyn Clerk of the County of Ulster do hereby certify that William Dopton Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits of Elizabeth Relyea & Mary Relyea purport to have been taken was at the respective dates of the same a Commissioner of Deeds in & for the County of Ulster aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn & authorized to take the same. And further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Commissioners and readily believe his signatures to the said Affidavits are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 15 th day of January 1840 —
John Pruyn Clerk.

Eliz. Riley 5456
$26.66 per m
Has Jeremiah Russell A.R.

STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. County of Ulster
On this Eighteenth day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty- three before the subscriber, a Justice of the peace in and for said of Ulster
personally appeared Elizabeth Relyea a resident of the town of Ester in said county, aged Eighty one years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 3d of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolu- tionary war:
That she is the widow of Henry Relyea who in the revolutionary war a private Soldier in defence of his country for which he was awarded a pension under the act of Congress of the 7 th June 1832 that her husband the said Henry Relyea died the fourteenth day of March in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty five
She further declares that she was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, and that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the said act was twenty six dollars and sixty six cents
She further declares that she is still a widow, as will more fully appear by refer- ence to the affidavit of Sarah Rothermuss her nurse Sworn to and subscribed on the day } Elizabeth X Relyea and year first above written. } mar d Marinus V. Wheeler, justice of the Peace
I Certify that the above declarant is personally known to me, and is the widow still of Henry Relyea and who was a pensioner is a respectable citizen & entitled to full credit
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. County of Ulster
I, George A. Gay clerk of said county, do hereby certify that Marinus V. Wheeler Esqr was on the day of the date of the above jurat and certificate, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, duly appointed and qualified, and that the signature above, purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of of- fice and subscribed my name, this 15 th day of September 184 3 .
G. A. Gay Clerk

State of New York County of Ulster Yrs.
Sarah Polhemus of the town of Esopus county of Ulster and State of New York being duly sworn deposes and saith that she is the grand daughter of Elizabeth Polhemus who is the widow of Henry Polhemus who was a pensioner, that her grandfather the said Henry Polhemus died on the fourteenth day of March 1835 and that her grand mother the said Elizabeth Polhemus has ever since the death of her husband remained and is still a widow and is now a pensioner for five years & is now an applicant for a pension under the late law of Congress and further saith not.
Sworn to and Subscribed on this 18 th day of May 1843 before me and certify that said deponent is a reputable citizen and her statement entitled to full credit.
Marinus A. Wheeler, justice of the peace

State of New York
Ulster County, ss. Cornelius Relyea of the town of New Paltz in said County, being duly sworn say, that he is the son of Henry and Elizabeth Relyea and that the said Henry Relyea late of said town of New Paltz, was a pensioner at the time of his death. And that he died on the fourteenth day of March 1834. and at the time of his death he resided with this deponent, and this deponent was present at his death funeral, this deponent also says that Elizabeth Relyea the individual who made her declaration to obtain a widows pension, before the Hon. Wheeler H. Dine, is the widow of said Henry Relyea said deceased pensioner, and that she has since his death received his widows.
Cornelius Relyea
Sworn before me This 10 day of Sept
1839
Wm Soper Commissioner of Oaths
Ulster County ss. I certify that I am acquainted with Cornelius Relyea the above deponent and that he is a respectable gentleman and that his statement as set forth in the foregoing affidavit is entitled to the fullest credit and belief
Sept 10 1839
Wm Soper Commissioner of Oaths

State of New York
Ulster County ss: I, Rhenberk Hime of the town of New Paltz in the County aforesaid being duly sworn says, that he was acquainted with Henry Ralgea late of the town of New Paltz aforesaid and that he was a pensioner at the time of his decease and this deponent also says that the widow of said pensioner Henry Ralgea, to wit: Elizabeth Ralgea made her declaration to obtain a widow's pension before this deponent, as one of the judges of said County, that this deponent was well acquainted with said Elizabeth, and knows, by general reputation, that she is the widow of said Henry Ralgea
Sworn before me
Aug 12 Septm 1839
R.H. Hime
Wm Soper Comr of Deeds
Ulster County ss: I certify that I am well acquainted with Rhenberk Hime Esq the above deponent and that he is one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Ulster and that he is a man of great respectability and that his foregoing statements are entitled to the full credit and belief
Wm Soper Comr of Deeds
State of New York
Ulster County ss: I, Rhenberk Hime of the town of New Paltz in said County being duly sworn says that he is the son of Henry and Elizabeth Ralgea, that the said Henry

State of New York
Ulster County, ss: I, Jeremiah Ralston of the town of New Paltz in said County, being duly sworn says that he is the son of Henry and Elizabeth Ralston, that the said Henry Ralston, late of the town of New Paltz aforesaid, was a pensioner at the time of his death, and that he died on the fourteenth day of March 1834. This deponent was not present at his death nor funeral, but this deponent knows that he died at that time by general reputation in the neighbourhood and understanding in the family. And this deponent also says that Elizabeth Ralston now here present and who is the individual who made the declaration before the Honorable Wheeler H. Allen Judge of Ulster County, Court, to obtain a pension, is the widow of the said Henry Ralston, and mother of this deponent and that she has remained his widow since the death of the said Henry
Given before me This 15 th Septm 1839
Jeremiah Ralston
Wm Lofgren - Commissioner of Deeds
Ulster County ss: I certify that I am well acquainted with Jeremiah Ralston the above deponent and that he is a respectable man and that his foregoing statement is entitled to the fullest credit - and belief
Sept 10 1839
Wm Lofgren Commissioner of Deeds

State of New York Ulster County ss.
I, John M. Ferguson Clerk of the County of Ulster do hereby certify that William Soper Esq. before whom the foregoing & annexed affidavits of Cornelius Kelyea, Robert H. Hine & Jeremiah Kelyea, purport to have been subscribed & taken was at the respective dates of the same a Commissioner of Pleadings in & for the County aforesaid duly Commissioned & sworn, & further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Commissioner & truly believe his signatures to the said several affidavits are genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said County this tenth day of September 1839
John Ferguson Clerk