Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18,792, for Roswell Ray, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Ray, Roswell Leah
W. 18,792
CONTENTS

20.850 New York Roswell Ray of Milton Co. in the State of New York who was a fifer in the Comp. commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt. commanded by Colonel [blank] in the New York Line for 2 Years
inserted on the Roll of New York the rate of 88 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum. commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Oct. 1831 and Little Saratoga Balston Spa Arrears to the 14th of Sept. 1831 $ 220 Pension, allowance ending 4 Mch. 1831 44 $264
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by [Signature] Clerk, Book E. Vol. 1, Page 118

Report
2963 albs. New-York Leah Ray widow of Noswell Ray N.Y. who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Hifer
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Jany. 49 and sent to
Hon. W. B. Maclay Hou. of Reps.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2. 1848, Page 175 Vol. 4.

No 21875
Roswell Ray Millville - N.Y.
Admitted to prison May 11 1850 admitted to prison May 11 1850 3 mo prison
e Admitted Fifer 2 years
1744 220
Simon Nash Balston Spa Saratoga Co. N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the 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 show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
Cooch Poly
A Statement, showing the Service of Roswell Ray Milton
   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.     April 1780 9 Infan Major Groesbeck 92 years Traditional evidence   22 Feb 80 Col Livingston stated credible witnesses   until Dec 82 not stated credible   until Jan and 83 about 2 10  
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 here or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John Ashton

May Science spread her rays new On you and on the world around Happy Book
Happy Book

Doctor to 1 1/2 hour things

St. Louis, Mo. June 1861 to the President of the United States Respectfully yours J. C. [?] P.S. [?] Bread and [?] Bitterness my heart
[Faint, mostly illegible handwriting on the reverse page, with a prominent dark ink blotch in the center.]

[Faint, mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
Pair of Socks Coats for children Ten Livers &c. For Shirts &c. Binding
Smetty Baker 4.76 67.41 Dow 21.41 C.P.R.

Powell 1819 1821 1790 1789 1720 1822 1819 1791 1821 1820 1760 57 1821
Charlotte May was born the 14th of Oct 1789 Born the 10th July 1790 Unlis Darn 1793 Seneca was born 15th January 1790 1798 Girl Born 26 Feb 1801

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11 ... ... as ... ... all ... ... date ... 1789

Pay Sir John Capoz the Bank the Balance due and I hope to pay Balance of Account Shillings & goods at Edinburgh and charge the same to Account
Edinburgh March 18 Thos. Lee of Shannan Bank John Bell & Co. Dundee all money to the Bank    1829  1830  1831  1832    1796  1801  1804  1807    23  23  23  23    1804  1807  1810  1813    20  20  20  20  

March 28 This Recd of John John May John Day for value Recd Harrisonburg Pay J. W. County Harrison Harrison

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1585 1290
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[Handwritten signature]

N 32 Leah Ray Moor of Roswell NY
act 17 June 1844
Mammal before 1794 must be 23 Sept 1844
Adm 2 years per #88. per- m 23 Sept 1844
Adm act 2 July 48 #88.
per 4 March 1848
Gen Wm. J. Macday House of Reps

State of New York } on this tenth day of October in the year one Warren County } thousand Eight hundred and forty four personally appeared before me Joseph Woodward one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Warren Leah Ray now a resident of the Town of Greenbury County of Warren and State of New York aged Seventy Three years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed March the third one thousand Eight hundred and forty three and the declarant further states that she is the widow of Roswell Ray deceased late of the Town of Wilton County of Saratoga and State of New York that he was a pensioner of the United States and died in the Town of Wilton County of Saratoga as State aforesaid on the twenty third day of September in the year one thousand Eight hundred and forty four She further declares that her husband the aforesaid Roswell Ray was a Soldier in the Revolutionary war in the New York State Troops and says She has heard her husband say he served as fifer in a company commanded by Capt. Alial Sherwood and belonged to a regiment commanded by Van Schoick She says she has heard her husband say he was in an engagement at Fort Ann and was taken prisoner and carried to Canada and was given to the Indians who were under Carlton and thinks her said husband was detained as prisoner three or four years She further declares that she was married to the said Roswell Ray on the twenty Eighth day of June Seventeen hundred and eighty nine in the Town of Pitts Town County of Rensselaer & State of New York by Elder Barber a Minister of the Gospel declarant further saith that her said husband kept a record of their childrens ages in a small Pocket Book and she further declares that since the death of her husband upon examining his old papers & books she finds in the same book where her childrens ages were kept a record of her marriage kept by her husband the said Roswell Ray
Leah her Ray
Subscribed & sworn before me & Harmon Van Tassel witness the 10 th day of October 1844 Joseph Woodward one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Warren

State of New York } Joseph Woodward one of the judges of Warren County } the court of common pleas in and for the County of Warren. Certify that I have made enquiries of Respectable persons residing in the vicinity of Leah Pray within named & they inform me that she is of good Moral character & sound mind & I verily believe full faith & credit may be Given to her declaration as within set forth and that she is unable to appear in open court on account of bodily infirmary I also certify that she informed me that she never learned to write & therefore made her mark In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 10 th day of October 1844 Joseph Woodward one of the judges of the court of common pleas in for the county of Warren
State of New York Warren County } I Thomas Archibald Clerk of the said County do certify that Joseph Woodward before whom the proceedings of the within proceedings to have been known as as the acts of the same one of the judges of the County Court of the said County and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and duly believe his name Subscription to the same official to be his proper hand writing and Signature In Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said County this 10 th November 1844 Thomas Archibald Clerk

State of New York } Mary Ray being duly sworn Warren County { According to her deposition & says that she is in the Seventy first year of her age that she is a resident of the Town of Queensbury County of Warren and State of New York that she was intimately acquainted with Roswell Ray & Leah Ray his wife that she became acquainted with them previous to their marriage deponent says that she was married on the nineteenth day of February in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty nine & that Roswell Ray was married to Leah Sayer Some time in the month of June following deponent says she was present at their marriage and clearly recollects that they were married by Elder Barker a Minister of the Gospel being the same person who married deponent and deponent further saith that the said Roswell Ray died some time in the month of September in the year one thousand Eight hundred and forty four at the Town of Wilton County of Saratoga & State of New York and that Leah Ray the said Roswell Rays wife resides near deponent at this time that she has not inter- married since the death of her husband but remains a widow at this time
Subscribed & sworn before
me the 25 th day of October 1844
Harmon Van Tassel justice of the Peace
I certify that I have been personally acquainted with the above named Mary Ray for the last twelve years and know her to be a person of Good Moral character & of sound mind & verily believe full faith & credit may be given to her affidavit as above set forth
Harmon Van Tassel justice of the Peace

Shun & Kuoyah
Warren County , I know Archibald Clark of the said County the only time I heard him say before when the matter of ill-will papers to have been sworn as to the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace returned for said County and that one Will be granted with the kind writing of the said Justice and Clerk below her name subscribed to the said offi. return to be her proper hand writing and signature.
In Woburn where I have lately been and I hope the kind of the new Congress there is a very pleasant place Thomas Arlihotula Clark

State of New York } of Mariann Ray being duly Sworn County of Warren } According to Law deposes and says that She is Forty years of age that She is the daughter of Roswell and Leah Ray that her father Roswell Ray kept a record of his childrens ages in a small Pocket Book and the deponent says that the same book contains the record of her said parents Marriage in her fathers own hand writing deponent says that she remembers seeing the book containing said record from her earliest recollections and that said book was kept by her said father & in his possession until his death which took place at the town of Wilton County of Saratoga & State aforesaid on the twenty third day of September in the year one thousand Eight hundred & forty four deponent says that her said mother remains the widow of her said father at this time deponent says that her residence is in the town of Wilton County of Saratoga & State of New York and at this time she is on a visit at her Sisters in the town of Queensbury County of Warren & State of New York and further saith not
Subscribed & Sworn
Mariann Ray
before me the 17 th day of October 1844.
Harmon Van Tassel Justice of the Peace
I certify that the book containing the record of Roswell & Leah Rays childrens ages & their Marriage as referred to in the above affidavit is here with forwarded to Washington Harmon Van Tassel Justice of the Peace
State of New York } County of Warren }
I Herewith Archibald Clerk of the Supreme Court at Albany here known to have been known before him the proceedings of the prosecutors to have been known was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Supreme Court for said County and there I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & Clerk before his name subscribed to same affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature See Witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said County this 6 th day of November 1844 Thomas Archibald Clerk

State of New York I, Cornelius J. Fonda do hereby certify that I am the person described in and who executed the foregoing affidavit, and that the facts stated therein are true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I have been at the justice of the peace in and for the county of Saratoga, State of New York, since the day of my birth, and have been a resident of the town of Milton in said county and have been by me the duly sworn deponent and say that by reason of old age and the infirmities of memory I cannot in detail precisely and specifically as to the precise length of time but to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned from April 1780 until February 1783 for three years and nine months including my commission I served as a justice of the peace for such service I claim a pension
Roswell Ray
Subscribed and sworn this 22 nd day of June 1833
C. J. Fonda Justice
State of New York I, Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the County of Saratoga do hereby certify that Cornelius J. Fonda before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the justices of the peace in and for said County and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature
Witness my hand and seal of Office this twenty seventh day of June A.D. 1833
A Goodrich Clerk

Roswell Ray for a Pension
21875

State of Vermont ss. I Samuel Hoag one of the Clingmans men of Milton in the County of Saratoga do hereby certify that I have been personally acquainted with Russell Ray of the town of Milton in the County of Saratoga for the term of sixteen years and thereby know him to be a man of truth and veracity and to be believed on oath and do hereby certify from the frequent conversation had with the said Russell Ray that he was Adolphus in the last Revolution - was in the Great Britain
Given December 27th 1832 before J. Fonda J.P.
Samuel Hoag
Saratoga ss. I hereby certify that Samuel Hoag the person who has executed the above deposition is one of the Clingmans of the town of Milton in the County of Saratoga December 27th 1832 I further certify that the said Samuel Hoag is a man of good report and standing before J. Fonda
State of New York ss. I William L. Goodrich Deputy Clerk of the Saratoga County Court, of Saratoga, do certify that Cornelius J. Fonda before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County, and that I am acquainted with his handwriting and rightly believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, to be his proper handwriting and signature -
Witness my hand and seal of office the twenty ninth day of December 1832.
W. L. Goodrich Dep. Clerk

State of New York S. Cornelius S. Forda one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Saratoga before whom the within Affidavit was sworn hereby certify that I am well acquainted with S. Cornelius S. Forda as known to the within Affiant and that he is a clergyman residing in the town of Witten in the county of Saratoga and that he is a person of good character and his Statement entitled to credit given under My hand at Witten this — 22 d day of June 1833. C. S. Forda
State of New York Saratoga County ss I Alpheus Goodrich Clerk of the County of Saratoga do certify that Cornelius S. Forda before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness My hand and seal of Office this twenty seventh day of June A D 1833 A Goodrich Clerk

County of Washington State of New York - Anthony County of Wash- Town of Easton, ss. I Richard of said Town, being duly sworn doth depose and say that said deponent has knowen Roswell Ray fifty four years and in the spring of 1780 say last of April or first of May said deponent with said Roswell Ray joined a company of soldiers at Fort Ann commanded by Capt Adiel Sherwood 1st Lieut Ezekiel Roberts and 2d Lieut Cornelius Baldwin and continued at said place untill the 27th of November of said year when said Fort was taken by the British, Indians & Tories and said deponent and Roswell with the rest of said company were taken prisoners and were taken from thence to Fort George at which place there was an action took place and the garrison of said Fort George which consisted of Warner's regiment command- ed at that time by Major Shipman were mostly killed or taken prisoners Fort burnt and all the prisoners from both Forts were taken to Tienduega and at that place the prisoners taken at Fort Ann were given over to the Indians and carried by them in boats to St Johns among said prisoners were said deponent and said Roswell Ray and from thence we were taken to Lapeerrie by Indians and launched back across into the river and said prisoners were taken across for said crossing and landed just above Montreal and said Roswell was robbed of his coat by Indians just after our landing we were then taken to Montreal and taken from the Indians by the British and put into prison where we continued through the winter and in the spring said Roswell was separated from said de- ponent and said deponent understood said Roswell was sent down to Quebec and often heard of his being impris- oned at that place while said deponent was kept at Montreal and further this deponent saith not Subscribed and sworn this his 25 th day of August 1832 Richard X Anthony before me Dorastus D Dennis Justice. mark of the Peace of said Town

State of New York
Washington County ss I Dearest D. Dennis one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County do certify that I am acquainted with Richard Anthony who subscribed and swore to the preceding affidavit and that he is a credible person and his statement is entitled to credit. Dated December 26 th 1832. Dorastus A Dennis
State of New York
Washington County ss I Jesse S. Leigh Clerk of said County do certify that Dearest D. Dennis before whom the within affidavit was taken - was at the time of the same and still is one of the Justices of the Peace of the Town of Easton in and for said County - and that I am acquainted with his hand writing, and truly believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court the twenty sixth day of December one thousand eight hundred & thirty two -
J. S. Leigh Clerk - P. J. Prouty Dist. Dyer.
Richard Anthony Affidavit Russell Ray Pension Claim
Richard Anthony
Affidavit

State of New York Saratoga County ss.
On this 28 day of december under in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally ap- peared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in said County now sitting Roswell Ray a resident of Wilton in said County aged sixty nine years and seven months, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following de- claration in order to obtain the ben- efit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - That he entered the service of the United States un-
der the following named officers. that he lived in Saratoga District in Albany County and state of New York where he served as herein stated. In the
no 1
on April 28th January of the year 1780, in the month of April he was hired by the Head of a class whose name was Humaw Groesbeck, at Scaghtecoke in this state, and went of our of  into a Regiment of Albany County Militia commanded by Peter Yates - John H. Groesbeck, Major - He was hired
hired by a class

for the period of nine months. The troops that were raised were to go to West Point. This deponent was lame when the troops marched & could not go. He soon recovered from his lameness, and went to Major Brackeb to get his pass in order to join his Regiment, and was told by him that delinquents must go to the North instead of the South, and accordingly gave him a pass to Fort Edward. When he arrived there he was ordered by the commanding offi- cer, Col. Henry Livingston, to go on to Fort Ann and he did so. At Fort Ann there was a company commanded by Captain In what Regiment he was not recollected Adiel Sherwood, Ezekiel Roberts being first Lieut. and Cornelius Baldwin being second Lieut. a company stationed at Fort Ann, in order to keep Garrison & go on scouting This de- ponent was there attached to said company as a fifer. He continued doing duty as a fifer as a fifer  under the aforesaid officer there until the 22 d of November in 1780  as he thinks, when a party of 800 British Troops with 200 Tories & 200 Indians came in the night and surrounded the Fort.
In the morning a party was beat, and the American Officers demanded what they wanted. They said they demanded the Fort

off American captain. S. Shriver aforesaid The officer sent out a flag, & after holding a consultation, surrendered them, soldiers prisoners of war. They were then taken out & placed under a British guard. They were marched to Glens Falls & there encamped. - From thence as prisoners under the said guard they were taken toward Lake George. Col. Warner's Regiment was stationed at commanded the said Regiment at Lake George aforesaid Lake George. Major Chapman sent out a part of his Regiment, which lay in ambush for the purpose of retaking up them, on Gage's Hill. They (the ambushed Amer- icans) were discovered by a party of British Indians who brought word to the British Officers; These parties were immediately sent out to take them. The British attack- ed the Americans as they lay in ambush. a skirmish ensued which lasted about 15 minutes. The British killed & took the whole of the party except five Among the party killed was Captain Thomas who commanded said Ambush Pill of the American army, & Ensign Mc- Sorley. Pending the engagement there had been several shots fired from Fort George. The Fort was demanded

and given up, and all the prisoners lodged therein. Major Chipman was amongst the prisoners & was let go on his parole. In the morning the prisoners were taken out of the Fort which was then, to- gether with every thing else of a com- bustible nature, burnt up. They were then marched along the west side of Lake George to Ticonderoga; The British shipping lay at Ticonderoga, with a number of bateaux. Part of the Troops were put on board the shipping and a part given in charge to the Indians he and a number of other prisoners went with the Indians & were taken through the Lake to St Johns When we  they arrived at this place the In- dians obtained rum, & the prisoners were taken out of their possession for the night. At (Every night during the passage they were taken on shore, & were secured by ropes passing round their bodies the was extending either way - & an Indian laying on each end.) On the following morning we  they were again delivered to the Indians, each boat crew taking the prisoners that they brought thro the Lake

They were taken to La Prairie, & there embarked in bark canoes on the St. Lawrence & crossed over to Montreal. Soon after he crossed he was stripped of his coat by the Indians. They were then marched to a large Hall where an Officer held a conference with the Indians through an interpreter. The British Guard was then marched up & that the prisoners were delivered to the Guard. They were imprisoned at Montreal through the winter. In the spring of 1781 this deponent with other prisoners was sent down to Quebec and was kept at Quebec and Three Rivers until into December 1782. He was then sent up the St. Lawrence soon after made his escape from the British & brought away some Russians along with him. This was in February or March of 1783. This deponent further saith that the whole time he was in the service on this expedition including the period of his imprisonment, amounts to about  ten months years. He has no documentary evidence of his service.

He was born on Livingston's Manor there in the county of Albany state of New York in the year 1763 - Was a servant of his age at home Since the Revolutionary war has resided in Scaghticook Rensselaer Co. of Easton County of Wash- ington & in Pittstown Rensselaer County & from the latter place moved to Wilton Saratoga County where he now resides & where he has resided for 20 years past. Never received a written discharge. Sister Emma, Cyrus Ray. Both Ray & Broadhurst Emerson are well acquainted with this defendant & can testify as to his character for veracity & their belief of his services as a soldier  John Noble late a Justice of the Peace of the Town of Northumberland in said County now of Malta in said County of the Revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or pecuniary ex- cept the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed the Proswell Ray day & year aforesaid In open Court Wm. Goodrich Clerk
He hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true copy of the original now on file in the office of the Secretary of War  Respectfully  his  son  John Noble  Justice of the Peace

We, John Angle - - - , a citizen residing in the town of Milton in the county of Saratoga, State of New-York, and Franklin Hoag - - - residing in Milton in said county hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Roywell Ray who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be sixty 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.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
In open court Wm L. Goodrich Dep. Clerk
Wm L. Goodrich Franklin Hoag
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 abovenamed applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Angle - - - who has signed the preceding certificate, is a citizen resident in the town of Milton in the county of Saratoga, State of New-York, and that Franklin Hoag - - - who has also signed the same is a resident in the town of Milton in the county of said is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Wm L. Goodrich Deputy, clerk of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Saratoga do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the appli- cation of Roywell Ray - - - for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of - - - office, this 28 day of Decr. in 1837.
Wm L. Goodrich Dep. Clerk

Department of the Interior,
Office of the
Deputy Commissioner,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., May 3, 1895.
Mrs. E. D. Dickinson,
No. 720 West Genesee St.,
Syracuse, N. Y.
Sir:—
In reply to your request for a statement of the services of Roswell Ray in the Revolutionary War, I have to advise you that it appears that he enlisted in April, 1780, under Captain Groesbeck, & Colonel Peter Yates, and was soon after transferred to Capt. Adial Sherwood's Co., of Col. Henry Livingston's regiment of New York troops. In this organization he served as fifer.
On the 22nd of November, 1780, he was taken prisoner by the British and Indians and detained in captivity until Feb. or March 1783 when he made his escape.
He applied for pension in December, 1832, at which time he was 69 years of age and a resident of Wilton, N.Y. Pension was allowed him in October, 1833. He died September 23, 1844, and his widow Leah applied for pension in October following, at which time she was 73 years of age and a resident of Queensbury, Warren Co., N.Y. Pension was granted her in January, 1849. Her maiden name,

it appears, was Leah Orser, and she was married to the soldier at Pittstown, N.Y., on June 28, 1789.
Very respectfully,
(Signed)
Deputy Commissioner.

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 Benwell Ray 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. W. 18792.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Apr. 1780 7 Brobeck Peter Yates N.Y.   sergeant Adiel Sherwood Henry Livingston  
was captured at Fort Ann in Nov 1780 and imprisoned in Montreal during the winter; in spring of 1781 was taken to Quebec and held there and at Three Rivers until Dec. 1782 when he was sent up the Sorel river whence he escaped in Feb or March 1783
Battles engaged in, All above.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Saratoga Dist., Albany Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Dec. 28 1832. This claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Wilton, Saratoga Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born on Livingston Manor, Albany Co. N.Y. in 1763
Remarks: He died at Wilton, N.Y. Sept 23 1844; he married at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co. N.Y. June 28, 1789 Leah dau of Albert Auer, Orrer or Osser. + she was al. pen. on an ap. Sept 10 1844 while a resident of Greenburgh, Warren Co. N.Y. aged 73 years. Children: Charlotte; Vine; Eliza; Seneca; Sally; Polly (girl); Meriam; Maria + Julia Ann.
Very respectfully, Offic note: date of birth not given as Charlotte was born 3 mos. 16 days after marriage
Commissioner.

Rev 18-792 WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18792 Leah Gray widow of Norman Gray Tulsa, Okla.
Act: Feb 2nd 48
Index:—Vol. M, Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870.]

May 3-94. History to Mrs E. A. Dickinson Syracuse, N.Y. 1C
1913 Dec 4: List to Mr. Alfred L. Holman. Letter in S. F. 21.438 Jacobsen Ray. M. B. H.

Reported
8458 Albany. New-York.
Leah Ray widow of Roswell Ray who was a Fifer in the Rensselaer husband died 23 Sept. 44
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 88 Dollars —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 1st day of March , 1844 23rd Sept.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Jan'y. 49 and sent to
Hon. W. B. Maclay Hog of Reps
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a Vol. 2 Page 84

V Leah Ray MS
Letter to Hon Chas Rogers
Dec 14 th 1844
Lt to Hon Chas Rogers Aug 20 '45
act 17 June 1844

No 31 Leah Ray NY
Sister to Rev. Ch. Rogers, Decm 14/44 " " Same Aug 21/45 to Hon. W. B. Macclay Esq. 30th 1848
act 17 June 1840

Rosville Ray, Saratoga Co NY. act 7 June '32 / 88-
To what time was he last paid? Isb. A.
Pension Office January 6 1848
Paid to 1 st Sept. 1841. B. B.

Col. J. L. Edwards Cannonball Road

New York Sept 26/94.
Sir
I have the honor to enclose the application of Leah Ray for Pension under Joint Resolution of 1 st July 1848 to which I respectfully ask your early attention
Your Obedt Servt
W. P. Maclay
J. G. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir
Washington Dec 11 th 1848
Enclose please find an abstract of the testimony heretofore presented to your department in the case of
Leah Ray
together with further proof
Resp d
Your obed t serv t W. B. Maclay
To Genl.
J. L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions

Pension Office, December 16 th 1866.
Sir,
In the case of Leah Ray, widow of Russell Ray, I have the honor to inform you, that the entry in the small Book, said to be a family record kept by claimant's husband, appears to have been too recently made to be available as evidence of the marriage, in this case. The certificate of the Town Clerk of Pitts Town and of the register of the church in which the Rev. Mr Bailer officiated, as Minister in 1789, should be produced, showing what evidence the records in their possession afford of this marriage. If record or documentary evidence cannot be obtained, the testimony of intelligent and respectable individuals who knew the parties as husband and wife prior to January 1794 may be received.
The service of her husband should be established, by the certificate of the Comptroller of New York.
He says, in his declaration, that he enlisted in April 1780, under Captain Groesbeck, Colonel Peter Yates, but was soon after transferred, to Captain Adair Sherwood's Company, Colonel Henry Livingston's Regiment as a fifer, and stationed at Fort Ann; that on the

22 d . November 1780 he was taken prisoner by the British and Indians and detained in captivity until February or March 1783 when he made his escape. Evidence of this fact should be found in the Office of the Comptroller.
In the case of Lucretia Wilcoy, widow of Abraham Wilcoy, the record of her sister is not satisfactory to show the date of her marriage. The same evidence on that point will be required in this case as in that of Leah May. The service of Abraham Wilcoy for twelve months (all he claimed) is admitted.
I have the honor to be, Very Respectfully, Your obedt. Servt. J L Edward
Hon Charles Rogers, House of Representatives.

Fulton County State of New York } personally appeared before me Charles A. Barker justice of the peace in the town of Northampton in said County of Fulton Lydia Bronson of said Town of Northampton & County aforesaid aged 79 years being first duly sworn according to law does testify and says I Resided in Pittston Rensselaer County And State of New York when I was a Girl before I was married I was there and then very intimately acquainted with Roswell Ray and Leah Orser and I was present and was bridesmaid and stood up by the side of said Leah Orser and witnessed the marriage to said Roswell Ray said Roswell Ray and Leah Orser were duly and lawfully married in my presence by Elder Barker in Pittston in Rensselaer County aforesaid on the Twenty Eight 28 th day of June A.D. One Thousand Seven Hundred and eighty Nine 1789 - and after their marriage was Solemnized the same time and the same day immediately after I stood up with William Hammond I was duly and lawfully married then by said Elder Barker to said Hammond we accompanied each other and we were married all at one time before Elder Barker and I stood up as bridesmaid by the side of said Leah before I was married and when I was married as aforesaid I have no record of my said marriage to said William Hammond but I have always remembered the day of the month and the

year I was Married it was on the 28 th day of June 1788 as aforesaid and from the facts of the date of my own Marriage I cannot forget the time and the date of the Marriage of said Roswell Ray and Leah Orser we all lived near and close Neighbours together then and as aforesaid we were in Company together and was Married at one time before by Elder Barber as aforesaid My said husband William Hammond died several years ago and I was Married the second time and am now the Wife of Daniel Brownell Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15 day of Lydia Brownell November A.D. 1848 and I Certify that I am well acquainted with said Lydia Brownell she is a very intelligent old lady of good memory and a Quaker Witness
Charles A. Barker Justice of the Peace
STATE OF NEW-YORK, Fulton County Clerk's Office.
I, STEPHEN WAIT, Clerk of the County of Fulton do hereby certify That Charles A. Barker Esquire whose name is subscribed to the certificate of the proof or acknowledgment of the annexed affidavit and thereon written, was at the date and time of taking such proof or acknowledgement a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, dwelling in the said county, and duly authorized to take the same. And further, that I am well ac- quainted with the handwriting of such Justice. and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgment is genuine. And further, that the an- nexed affidavit is executed and acknowledged according to the law of the state of New York. —
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said county, the seventeenth day of November 1848.
Stephen Wait Clerk.
by Robert Robertson Deputy Clerk in absence of the Clerk.

State of New York } Rensselaer County } ss.
personally appeared before me
a Justice of the peace in & for said County of Rensselaer aforesaid Human Knickbocker a Resident of the Town of Schatschock in aforesaid County first duly sworn according to Law - doth testify and say I was a member of Congress and served as such in the years of 1809 and up as now until and I further say that I have been acquainted with Roswell Ray and his wife Leah Baser many years at least fifty five years or more and formerly did business during said time for them there can be no question on my mind but they were duly and Lawfully Married as they were always recognized as such and lived in all the relations as husband and wife up to the time of the death of said Roswell they resided not far distant from me as aforesaid it is at least fifty five years and upwards since I first knew them connected as husband and wife and living & keeping house and raising a family of children together he was a Pensioner of the United States before he died he left his wife Leah a widow surviving him as I am informed - & I would further testify and say that I have also been acquainted with Richard Anthony the Revolutionary Pensioner in Pittstown for many years and also with Samuel Sherwood of the same place they are both men of Credit and good reputation their testimony can be relied upon as we consider them both old Gentlemen of good moral standing and Credit their testimonials are indisputable with us - the marriage of said Roswell and Leah was some years previous to 1794 as I know them as husband and wife in housekeeping living together previous to that date and further I say not
Subscribed and sworn to before me on this 22 day of November 1848
Human Knickbocker
James Forsyth Clerk of Court Ray

STATE OF NEW YORK, RENSSELAER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, AMBROSE H. SHELDON, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that James Forsyth before whom the annexed Deposition was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the day of the date thereof, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine. & I further certify that Hermann Knickerbacker was formerly a member of Congress & is a creditable witness.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said County, this Twenty Eighth day of November 1848
A H Sheldon clerk etc

William B. Pine Esq.
Dear Sir since indisposition in my family has so unguarded my situation that the matter refers to in your letter to me has not been attended to. I have with you the the effect of asked for and hope it will be sufficient to tell the old Lady ought to have what she asks for from the Government
Yours very respectfully Harmon Knapp
Schoharie 21 December 1847

William B. Pierce Esquire No. 27 Wall Street New York

Leah Par
Applicant for Pension under Joint Resolution of July 18 48

Daniel Wait Justice of the Peace Town of Milton County of Saratoga and State of New York
State of New York County of Saratoga ss
I James M. Wortley Clerk of the County of Saratoga & Clerk of the County Courts of the County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Daniel Wait is a Justice of the Peace in & for said Coun- ty duly qualified to act as such Justice and his Term of Office commenced April 6 1847. and will expire on the 31 st day of December 1848 (having been elected to fill vacancy,) and that his signature above written is genuine
Given Under my hand & Seal of said County the 19 th day of September 1848
James M. Wortley Clerk

(Declaration State of New York Saratoga County) ss
In order to Obtain Pension under the Joint Resolution and act passed by Congress July 1 st 1848
On this 13 th day of Septem- ber 1848 personally appeared before me Daniel Wait a Justice of the peace in the Town of Wilton in the County of Saratoga and State aforesaid Leah Ray aged 78 years of said Town of Wilton & said County of Saratoga & State of New York who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in Order to Obtain Pension from the United States which she this Declarant is Entitled to under the late act and Joint Resolution as passed by Congress in July 1 st 1848 for the Benefit of such Cases as said Declarant
That she is the widow of Roswell Ray Deceased who died in said Town of Wilton aforesaid on the 23 rd day of September A.D. 1844. and that her said Husband Roswell Ray was a Pensioner at the day & time of his death at the rate of $88 - per Annum for Services done in the war of the Revolution as a Soldier and alassician — and as this Declarant made Application after the death of her said Husband Roswell Ray aforesaid shortly after his Decease and sent said application and proofs of her said Marriage to said Roswell Ray and her family Record and papers to said Pension office in the City of Washington all which was duly received and filed by said Pension office Department and said Marriage fully proved and admitted by the said Pension office Department — and the said Pension office Department requiring proof

of Said Declarant for the services rendered by her Said Husband in Said War of the Revolution such testimony as Said Declarant has not been able to find at this late date as said testimony witnesses are not now living as Said Declarant is informed and Said Declarant now offers the testimony of her original papers on file in Said Office as proof of her Said Marriage to Said Russell Ray aforesaid and his original papers for further proofs will all be found at Said Pension Office Department on file and as Said Declarant has been unable to find such proofs as Said Office Department demand of her as aforesaid - She this Declarant now applies under Said Act and Joint Resolution passed by Congress July 1 st 1848 provisions made for the benefit of such widows and cases as Said Declarant for the amount she is entitled to and as will be found on papers & testimony on file at Said Office Department that Said Declarant was duly and lawfully married to Said Russell Ray the United States Pension previous to the date of 1794 all of which has been fully admitted by Said Office as this Declarant believes and was informed
Subscribed and sworn before me this 13 th day of September A.D. 1848 and I certify that I am well acquainted with Said Declarant Leek Ray and know her to be single and unmarried and the widow of Said Russell Ray who died in this place in Said Town of Milton and was a Citizen of the United States at the day of his death
Leek Ray
Daniel Wait Justice of the peace

This may certify to all whom it may concern that I have been a resident of the Town of Pittstown Rensselaer County N.Y. about forty two years and a member of the Baptist Church of said Town twenty two years and an Ordained Minister for the last twelve years and that there has been no Records of Marriages kept in or by said Church to my knowledge or by any other Church in said Town. Pittstown Jan y 29 th 1845
Harvey Slade Minister of the Gospel
Clerks Office Town of Pittstown Rensselaer Co. St. of New York
I hereby certify that I have examined the records, and find that there is none of Marriages now in the Office, and that I have been clerk of said Town almost two years and have never heard of any such record being kept at any time therein Given under my hand.
This 29 th of Jan, 1845
David Norton - Clerk
State of New York Rensselaer County ss
I Ambrum H Sheldon clerk of said county do hereby certify that David Norton whom name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was at the day of the date thereof the Town clerk of the Town of Pittstown in said county duly qualified to act as such and that the signature to said certificate is his proper handwriting. Witness my hand & the seal of said county the 1 st day of March 1845 A H Sheldon clerk

State of New York } This may certify that Amy Vanwart Rensselaer County ss } am a resident of the town of Pittstown County and State aforesaid that I am in the Eighty third year of my age and that I have resided in said town of Pittstown for the space of fifty seven years and upwards And that the deponent further says that she was knowing that Roswell Ray was married to Leah Ossu on or about the Twenty Eighth day of June One hundred and fifty nine in said town of Pittstown County of Rensselaer and State of New York by Elder Barker a minister of the Gospel, and deponent further saith that she distinctly remembers letting the said Leah Ossu have a dress to be married in and that deponent knows that they have lived together as husband and wife and raised a family of children and that they lived together until the death of said Roswell Ray which was on the Twenty third day of September Eighteen hundred and forty four.
Sworn and subscribed } this 1st day of March } 1845- before me } J. L. Van Want Justice of the Peace of Pittstown? Not A. F. Parmach
Key Amy X Van Want Mark
I certify that I have known Amy Van Want thirty years and upwards last part that she is the Widow of the late Lieutenant Isaac Van Want a revolutionary pensioner and that the said Amy Van Want is entitled to credit as to truth and veracity J. L. Van Want Justice Peace

State of New York Rensselaer County ss I Ambrose A Sheldon clerk of said County do hereby certify that John L Van Vorst whose name is subscribed to the within certificate was at the time of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace of said County duly elected & sworn and authorized to act as such & that I am now acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and rightly believe the signature to said certificate to be genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 1 st day of March 1845
A A Sheldon clerk

State of New York ) This may certify that John Guy Washington County ) am a resident of the Town of Kingsbury county of Washington and State of New York that I am in the eighty ninth year of my age that I am a prisoner of the United States and served in the Revolutionary war in company with Russell Ray deponent says that Russell Ray enlisted in the army under Captain Ganshock and was under colonel Peter Yates deponent says Russell Ray was transferred to Captain Adiel Sherwoods Company and col Henry Livingston Regiment as a fifer deponent further saith that he and Russell Ray and others were stationed at Fort Schuyler in Washington County and State of New York that some time in the fall of nineteen hundred eighty deponent and the said Russell Ray Perry Yates Benjamin Gates David Cassell Solomon Smith Elisha Smith David Martin Samuel Gates Hose Hunter George Codner William Harris Richard Anthony Timothy Guy and many others were taken prisoners at Fort Ann by the British and Indians when engaged in actual service and were taken to Canada and deponent says that the said Russell Ray was detained in captivity two years & eight or nine months as near as deponent can recollect and further deponent saith not
his John Guy
Subscribed & sworn this 19 th day of May 1845 before Me Henry C. Martindale justice of the Peace
John Guy of Kingsbury Witness
I Henry C. Martindale the above named justice of the peace do certify that I have been acquainted with the above named John Guy who subscribed and swore to the preceding affidavit for more than forty years, during all which time he has sustained a good moral character, incompressible for truth and veracity, and that by reason of his great age and bodily infirmity he cannot write his name, and therefore subscribed the above affidavit by making his mark, dated May 19 th 1845
Henry C. Martindale justice of the Peace

State of New York Washington County ss. I Henry Shiphead Clerk of said Court do hereby certify that at the date of the within Inat and certificate Henry C. Martindale Esq. was a Justice of the Peace in and for said court duly elected and qualified and that his signature thereto subscribed is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 27 th day of June 1845
H. Shiphead clk

State of New York } This May certify that I Richard Rensselaer County } Anthony am a resident of the Town of Pitts Town County and State aforesaid that same in the eighty third year of my age that I am a pensioner of the United States and served in the Revolutionary war in company with Russell Ray Deponent says that Russell Ray enlisted in the army under captain Groesbeck and Col Peter Yates but soon after transferred to Captain Adiel Sherwood Company Colonel Henry Livingston Regiment as a piper deponent says that they were stationed at Fort Ann Washington County and State of New York that in the month of November in the year one Thousand Seven hundred and Eighty deponent and the said Russell Ray was taken prisoner while engaged in actual service by the British & Indians and carried to Canada and detained in captivity three years and two or three months deponent saith that immediately after he & Russell Ray returned from their captivity they resided in the same vicinity together five or six years that during that time Russell Ray married Leah Cossie deponent says they lived together as man and wife and raised a family of children deponent says that he has resided near Russell Ray and his said wife Leah Ray for fifty five years and knows the fact of their living together as man & wife as above stated deponent says that the said Russell Ray died about six months ago and that the said Leah Ray has not married since the death of her said husband but remains his widow at this time
Sworn and subscribed { this 1 st day of March { her 1845 before me { Richard X Anthony J. L. Van Waent Justice of the Peace Mark W. M. St. F. Commissioner of Pittstown
I certify that I have known the said Richard Anthony for a number of years and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity J. L. Van Waent Justice of the Peace

State of New York, Rensselaer County - } ss
I, Ambrose H. Sheldon Clerk of Said Court do hereby certify that J. L. Van Noort before whom the foregoing affidavit was made & where name is thereunto subscribed was the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for County and duly authorized by Law to take the same and I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and justly believe that his signature to the foregoing deposition is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal Said County this 25 th Day of June 1.
A. H. Sheldon Clerk

For the Pension Office
To the Honorable
Stearns C. Case Secretary of War Washington City, D. C.

Ballston Spa June 27 1833
Sir
I am requested to forward to you the per enclosed papers of Roswell Ray for a Pension under the Act of Congress of the 7 June 1832 which are amended. Have the goodness to pass upon them as early as convenient & transmit the Certificate to me at this Office
Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant Aaron Root
To the Hon.
Lewis Cass,
Secretary of War Washington City

July 16, 1845.
Dear Sir Leah Ray & Sarah Wilcox
Mr. J. J. Edwards Publick Department Washington City D.C.
46

Glens Falls July 11, 1845
Wm. L. Edmond
Sir
At the request of the applicants for Pensions, named in the enclosed papers I send the enclosed, which I trust will obviate the difficulties mentioned in your letter of Dec. 16 th 1844 To Hon. Chas. Rogers M.C. and I doubt not that their claims to pensions are fully established by the accompanying affidavits -
Please address an answer to the Hon. Chas. Rogers - Sandy Hill Washington County New York - at your earliest possible convenience & grant, Sir
Yours &c -
D. Ferris

Leah Ray.
Joint Resolution
July 1. 1848.

Leah Ray of New York } applicant for pension } Joint Resolution July 1 st 1848 }
Further proof of marriage required. The service is admitted. See the Commissioner of Pensions letter of Sept 30 th 1848.
The proof of marriage already on file is as follows.
1 st Ancient Family Record in handwriting of Roswell Ray 2 d Afft of Mary Ray who was present 3 d " " Amy Van Wert 4 th " " Richard Anthony
All of the above state distinctly that the marriage occurred in 1789.
In compliance with the Commissioner's requirement - the following additional evidence is now submitted.
1 st Affidavit of Hon. Norman Knickerbocker Ex Member of Congress who testifies that the marriage occurred a number of years previous to 1794. You will observe that the time by which entitles to his credibility &c. 2 d Lydia Brownell was bride maid to Leah Ray & afterwards (the same day) was married herself. 3 d Samuel Sherwood testifies to the date of the marriage which he remembers from associated circumstances. 5 th Mary Ray & Richard Anthony amend their statements.
The evidence in this case is very full. & will without doubt be deemed conclusive by the Commissioner of Pensions.

My official signature.
B. D. Wing, Justice of the peace.
Quensbury Warren Co. N. Y. 9 th Nov. 1848.
State of New York County of Warren ss
I Thomas Archibald Clerk of the County Courts of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Henry B. Wing, is a Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Warren duly commissioned and qualified that his commission is dated on the 1 st day of January 1845 and will expire on the 31 st day of December 1848 and that his signature above written is genuine before me my hand and the Seal of the said County at Catskill this 10 th day of November 1848 Thomas Archibald Clerk

State of New York Warren County
So personally appeared before me Hulery R. Wing, a Justice of the peace in for said County of Warren aforesaid Mary Ray a resident of the Town of Queensbury in aforesaid County aged 75 years first being duly sworn according to Law - does now testify and say - that I was well and intimately ac- quainted with Roswell Ray and his wife Leah I was acquainted with them before their mar- riage - I myself was married the 19 th day of Febru- ary A. D., 1789 - and the next summer in the month of June said Roswell Ray and Leah Aron were married they were Lawfully married in my presence I witnessed the marriage & was present the said marriage was solemnized by Elder Barber a Baptist Preacher at Pittstown Rensselaer County State of New York in the month of June as aforesaid A. D., 1789 from the fact of the time of my own marriage I distinctly bear to mind the year they was married in and I well and distinctly recollect it to have been in the month of June as aforesaid I cannot tell the very date of the months but know they were married in the month of June 1789 as aforesaid and said Roswell died in the Town of Wilton in the month of September 1844 and left said Leah his wife a widow & surviving him - and she continues to be his widow now - and said Roswell and Leah lived together in all the relations of husband and wife up to the death of her husband said Roswell - My son Van Wart was present and witnessed the marriage she is not living and died not long since
Subscribed and sworn this 9 th day of November 1848, before me
Mary Ray
H. R. Wing, Justice of the peace
I certify that the above named Mary Ray is to me well known and that she is a credible witness. 9 th Nov. 1848.
H. R. Wing, Justice of the peace

State of New York (S Saratoga County) To personally appeared before me Daniel Wait a Justice of the Peace for and in said County of Saratoga Leonard Golden a President of the Town of Wilton & County aforesaid and being first duly sworn according to Law Deposeth and saith - I have been acquainted with Roswell Ray the Old Revolutionary Pensioner for many years before he died - Said Roswell Ray died on the 22 nd day of September 1844 at then lived as near neighbours not many rods apart - I witnessed and was present in his last struggles in death & dressed and aided in laying him out when a Corpse and also in conveying his last remains to the Tomb - he died as aforesaid on the 22 nd day of September 1844 in my presence and left Leah his wife a widow sur- viving him she resides at the same place near me now and is unmarried and single and is the widow of said Roswell Ray I was not present at their marriage but have always understood that it was not far from sixty years ago they were married which I should judge to be true from the ages and acquaintance I have with their children - their marriage has never been questioned or disputed to my knowledge they were a respectable family in morals and principles
Subscribed and sworn before me This 8 th day of November A.D. 1848 and I certify that Leonard Golden Leonard Golden is a man of truth and a Credable Witness and I certify that I am the Justice who executed the last Supplemental Declaration for said widow Leah Ray above named Daniel Wait Justice of the Peace

Sam Sherwood aft Seal Bay
[A large, stylized calligraphic flourish or signature mark.]

State of New York Pulaski County
personally appeared before me Jacob E Van Wiert a Justice of the peace for said County Samuel Sherwood Age 81 years a Resident of the Town of Pittstown in said County of Pulaski who being first duly sworn Deponeth and saith I have been well acquainted with Roswell Ray and his wife Leah who was the daughter of Albert Raser of said Pittstown I have been acquainted with them many years They were truly & Lawfully married as was reported and believed by Eldon Gardner (Mr Albert Raser) resided within a mile from me I was not present at their Marriage said Roswell and Leah was married in June in the summer of 1789 Strawberry time my wife had a child born at this time in the month of June They lived as husband and wife together in all the relationship and raised a family of children together up to the death of said Roswell Ray and as I was told said Roswell died in the year 1844 and left said Leah his wife sur- viving him and said Roswell was a pensioner before he died of the United States and said Leah is now his widow my Father Stephen Sherwood moved into this Town 61 years ago last April I was married in the year 1786 1787 I was married two years before Roswell and Leah from the birth of my child & my marriage I know her marriage described and sworn before me
this 6th day of November A.D. 1848 and I certify that the above named Samuel Sherwood is a Credable Witness and a person full Confidence can be placed on whether on oath or otherwise Mr Sherwood is in infirm & his hand trembles he cannot write his name and made his cross mark I have examined said witness myself in all respects Jacob E Van Wiert justice of the peace
his Samuel Sherwood mark

Richard Anthony Aft- Leah Ray

State of New York Rensselaer County } ss
Personally appeared before me Jerold E. Van Woert a justice of the peace in & for the County of Rensselaer a pensioner of the United States and a Credable man and witness whose testimony stands indisputable here - being duly and Lawfully first sworn by me does now testify and say I am upwards of 87 years Old and am now a pensioner of the United States for Services done by me in the War of the Revolution and I am a resident of the Town of Pittstown in Said County of Rensselaer and I was well Acquainted with Roswell Ray and Leah Osborn who became his wife in the summer of 1789 I knew Said Leah Osborn and Roswell Ray both from my youth - Said Roswell and I served together in the war of the Revolution as Soldiers and was Taken prisoner and Carried to Canada by the Indians & British Lories - and I paid my adoptions to Said Leah Osborn myself near the time and previous to her Said Marriage to Said Roswell Ray and took her out on rides and Balls during this time - she was an uncommon smart young Lady - and in the summer of 1789 she was duly and Lawfully married to my Old friend and fellow Soldier Said Roswell Ray - the marriage made impressions upon my mind I shall never forget they were married in this place in Pittstown Lawfully before Elder Barker a Baptist preacher and as I well recollect Said Roswell and my Old friend Leah Built a house in or near this place soon after their marriage and kept a public house and Tavern all is fresh to my mind and the years it took place I visited Said Roswell and Leah my Old friends very often during this time before I was married myself and have always visited them as intimate friends up to near the time Said Roswell died he moved to Wilton where he died and died at Wilton as I was then told in the year 1844 he was also a pensioner of the United States when he died he left my Old friend Leah surviving him as his widow and she is his widow now I was not present at the marriage - but was directly in the neighbourhood at the time and from the above facts can well and well remember the time and year said Marriage took place they lived in all the relations also as husband and wife up to the day of the death of Said Roswell and raised a respectable family of Children together I might add the noted Circumstances that took place in this year 1789 which Certifies the true facts to my mind and the date of their marriage of which I am not mistaken
Subscribed and sworn before me this sixth day of November A.D. 1848 and I certify that I am fully satisfied the foregoing are facts as set forth as the same has been related to me and date of said marriage by those who were present who are now dead & not living and said Richard Anthony is a Credable witness he is Old and infirm and does not
this Richard X Anthony mark

wrote his name but has made his mark and having examined said witness in way of suit myself -
Jacob Le Van Warrant justice of the Peace

Leak Ray
Joint Resolution
July 1. 1848.
Additional Evidence

My official Signature Pittstown Rensselaer County N.Y. November 6 th 1848 Jacob L. Ware Warrant Justice of the Peace