Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 9458, for Martin Sheley, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Sheley, Martin
R 9458
CONTENTS

No 12044
Maria Ely
Q
Applicant states that he has a witness to prove his former testimony not produced
21 5/12 32 10 9/10 33 P 357
Admiral Ely
Wales
Jefferson City
Mo

No. 12444
BRIEF in the case of  Martin Shiley of Alexandria  County of Jefferson in the State of New York  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Before a Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? Seventy four years 76  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Enlisted 1 st April In 1778. — 1 — As a private Gen. Lord Howe's 2 nd Regt. of York Col. Shuyler's 1 st Regt. of New York   Enlisted 11 th May 1780 1 — — " Col. Schuyler's 1 st Regt. of New York   1779 Second — 2 15 " Col. Schuyler's 1 st Regt. of New York   1781 — — 15 " Col. Schuyler's 1 st Regt. of New York  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? Not any  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Gronowville, New York  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By traditionary evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Chas. G. Dineen Examining Clerk.

Martin Sheeley of New York applied June 9 1818 do do 1832 I have another letter from Abad Joy

Read for Eng. see his reply to your interrogations Mr. Martin Shuly answers
Oman Ny March 24/49
1 st Martin Shuly resides during the Revolution in Saratoga or Rensselaer Co N.Y. on the North River
2 nd Thinks that an effort was made soon after the first Law took effect say about 1820 but was refused. (he thinks) because he had not been a regular soldier 3 years - and after the Law of 1832. he made the 2nd trial.
3 rd Died the 12 th day of March 1840 at Alexandria Jeff Co Ny.
4 th I am Shuly lion, Brownsville Jeff Co John Shuly " Alexandria " " James Shuly " Thensa " " Katharine Shuly Springfield Otsego Co Ny. Martin Shuly Orleans Jeff Co " Mary Shuly Thensa " " " Fanny Shuly Alexandria " " " Rachael Shuly " " " "
5 th Left no widow
6 th Claimed for 18 mos regular service and also made it his sole business & held himself ready constantly - & was engaged in training & in watching the out posts for 4 or 5 years under the direction of Governor Hunt. He was entitled to pay of Private (as he supposed)

his 60 th was a Van Schaiick 7 th Don't know whether any service was admitted in the answer to his application
Mr Shuly says that his father made an affidavit of the amount of service he claimed due him & the paper is either at Washington or in the hands of Nath. some, or Eliz or Col Jason Black. If it is necessary to obtain that paper or any other information here Mr Shuly will do so on your suggestion
Yours Respectfully J. R. Atkinson
Martin Sheeley of New York officed Jan 9 1818 to do 1832 I have another letter from J. R. Atkinson

his 60 th was a Van Schraick 7 th Don't know whether any service was admitted in the answer to his application
Mr Shug says that his father made an affidavit of the aunt of service he claimed an annuity the paper is either at Washington or in the hands of Mr Rathbone, or Eliz or Col Jason Black. If it is necessary to obtain that paper or any other information here Mr Shug will do so on your suggestion
Yours Respectfully J. R. Stewart

State of New York } Jane Whitman of Alexandria county & Jefferson County } State aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that she is the daughter of Martin Sheets. That she was fifty years old last February. That ever- since she has any recollection has heard her father relate the circumstances of being a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army That he spoke of being at "Saratoga" and at the "White Plains" and recollects of hearing him say that he had a brother killed in the Battle at Monmouth and at that time her father spoke of being at the White Plains. That her father is Seventy six years old according to the information she has always had
Sworn & subscribed before me } Jane Whitman this 21 st day of Septem r 1833 } Joseph Lybrand Com r in and for the County of Jefferson
I do hereby certify that I am acquainted with the above named deponent Jane Whitman and that her reputation as to truth and veracity is good
Dated this 21 st day of Septem r 1833
Joseph Lybrand Com r in and for the County of Jefferson

State of New York Suffolk County
I, H. Niles Burroughs Clerk of the said County do certify that Joseph Waghorn before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same a Commission- er of Courts in and for said County, a fact that I am acquainted with by handwriting and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his spontaneous handwriting and signature.
Witness my hand and the seal of said County this 11th day of October 1833. H. Niles Burroughs Clerk By D. Wiley Esq.

12.044
Handwritten text in cursive, possibly in Arabic script, including the word 'Sulayman' (سليمان).

STATE OF NEW YORK, } ss. Jefferson County, }
ON this 11. day of September 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County, now sitting, Martin Shely a resident of Alexandria in said County, aged 70. 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, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. Was called into Service in Dec an Enlistment in the 9. months Service, about the first of April 1778. under Capt. James Disson, Col. Hays. Served until the last day of December thereafter, when he received a regular discharge from Capt. Disson, but the Service is late. Enlisted in the Town of Canajoharie, went from there to Albany & joined the Army, from Albany went to a place called Habsburg Farm, where Genl. Gates lay with his Army, from here went with the Army to Park Hill on the North River. Then went to the White Plains. Toward fall were ordered to the Northward, where we found Col. Gannett at Saratoga, went to Albany then discharged last of December 1778. In 1780. again enlisted for a year under a Capt. De Goff. Col. Yates. enlisted about the 1. of Jan y at a place called Stillwater in the State of N. York on the North River. This was on the lines, lay upon the frontiers with a little scouting during nearly the whole year. Was discharged on a about the 1. of Jan y 1781. thinks at Stillwater. Was in no engagement during this time, but there were men to guard the lines. In the year 1779. the Militia was called up & each man was to serve two weeks in every 8. weeks, during which time I was sent to Fort Edward in the Service, under a Capt. Yates, but when we got to Fort Edward a Capt in the Regular Service commanded us by the name of Shipman. I was here one month. Then was called and I was wounded at Fort Edward again under which name who commanded, but without Capt. Shipman who commanded at the Fort. Served two weeks. Then went to a place called Palmar Town about 14. miles west of the North River, served four weeks under Capt. Yates, Maj. Groesbeck. making in all ten weeks Service in the year 1779. In 1781. when Saratoga was taken, was called into the Service at Saratoga, went to Saratoga under Capt. Yates, Maj. Groesbeck. Col. Yates. Remained at Saratoga over two weeks while then head of the Column of Cornwallis's Lady a two after wound the Militia generally were discharged & went home. Was then in Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, removed to City & took from thence to Albany then thence to Schenectady then Albany County where he resided after the Revolutionary War commenced. Was here in February 1775. at Philadelphia, received discharge in writing but has lost them all, has no documentary evidence. Has no knowledge of any testimony he can prove of his Service, except the testimony of his Mother Mother Shely. went to Albany. Removed from Philadelphia to N. York then to Albany, then to Schenectady then to Canajoharie then to Alexandria where he was residing.

He 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 and year aforesaid.
N. Nathan
P. Burchard Clerk
Martin and Shely mark
We , William Storm a Clergyman, residing in the Town of Scituate in said County, and Francis Walton residing in Scituate hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Martin Shely who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 76 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 to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
P. Burchard Clerk
Wm Storm Francis Walton
And the said Court 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 William Storm who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman, resident in the town of Scituate and that Francis Walton who has also signed the same, is a resident in Simsbury and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I , PELEG BURCHARD , Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Martin Shely for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the Court, this eleventh day of September 1832
P. Burchard Clerk

State of New York § John Shely of Orleans County and State Jefferson County ss § aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and says that he is a Son of Martin Shely of Alexandria that he was forty eight years old last June has always since he has any recollection heard his father speak of being a soldier in the Revolutionary army that his father is Seventy six years old from the information he has always had
John Shely,
Sworn and Subscribed before me the 21 st day of Septm r 1833 Joseph Brigham Com te In and for the County of Jefferson
I certify that I am acquainted with John Shely the above named deponent and that his reputation as to truth and veracity is good
Dated this 21 st day of Septm r 1833
Joseph Brigham Com te in and for the County of Jefferson

State of New York
Suffolk County ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County master of Shelly who being duly sworn deponeth 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 period mentioned below and in the following grades - For Nine Months I served as a Private in 1778 - For One Year I served as a Private in the year 1781 - For Two and a half Months I served as a private in the year 1779 - In 1781 I served as a Private more than a fortnight - besides a great number of short tours - One of a fortnight in February 1781 - not mentioned in my declaration - I claim a Pension for two Years service as a Private
Sworn & subscribed to this 15 th day of May 1833 before me David See Justice of the Peace
his Martin & Shelly mark
State of New York
Suff. County ss. Personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County William Shelly of Orleans in said County aged Sixty four years - with Stephen to go to be a credible witness who being duly sworn deponeth and saith that he is brother to Martin Shelly - that the deponent then living at Coney Island in the year 1778 being about thirty years old remembers that the said Martin enlisted for some months in Capt. Deyon's Co. in March or April of that year and that the said Martin left home and was gone as was reported and as I believe into the service and did not return till after the first New Years day. The said Martin soon after moved to Schenectady and I did not see him till about three years had passed - I then understood & believe that he performed a great deal of service but I know nothing more - Sworn and subscribed to this
his William & Shelly mark
15 th day of May 1833 before me interlineated in the 14 th line from the top before sign. Justice of the Peace

State of New York
Jefferson County Clerk's office § 3. I. We the undersigned Clerk of the said County, do hereby certify that Daniel See Esqr before whom the within affidavit purport to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County and that same was subscribed with his handwriting and verify that his name subscribed to the said affidavit is to be his proper handwriting and signature.
Witness my hand
and the seal of the said County this, Twelfth day of May 1833
P. Burchard Clerk

State of New York } William Shely being duly sworn doth Jefferson County ss } depose and say that he is brother of Martin Shely that he was Sixty five years old last February and that Martin Shely was Twenty Six years old last February that he William took this account of their ages from his father's Family Record
Sworn and Subscribed before me } William Shely the 21 st day of September 1833 }
Joseph Brigham Clerk in and for the County of Jefferson
Seeing that I am acquainted with William Shely the above named deponent and that his reputation as to truth and veracity is good
Dated the 21 st day of September 1833.
Joseph Brigham Clerk in and for the County of Jefferson

March 21, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. H. I. Miller New Hamburgh New York
Martin Sheley, R.9458 BA-J/MCS
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldier, Martin Sheley, Sheeley or Shealey.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, R.9458, based upon the military service of Martin Sheley.
He was born February 28, 1756, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not given. From Philadelphia he moved to New York City, from there to Albany, from there to Schanticoke (evidently meant for Schaghticoke) which was then in Albany County and was living there at the commencement of the Revolution. After the Revolution he lived in Danube, Herkimer County, New York, in Greenbush which was near Albany, New York, and in Alexandria, Jefferson County, New York.
Martin Sheley applied for pension September 11, 1832, while living in Alexandria, New York. He alleged that while living at Canajoharie, Montgomery County, New York, he served as private with the New York troops as follows: from March or April, 1778, nine months under Captains James Dixon and Moody and Colonels Hay, Clark and Gansevoort; in 1779, two and one half months under Captains Yates and Shipman; from about the first of January, 1780, one year under Captain De Graff and Colonel Peter Yates; in February, 1781, two weeks, names of officers not given; in 1781, two weeks under Captains Yates and Colonel Yates. The claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the pension law.
In 1839 Martin Sheley stated that his father kept a record of all his family in German and last resided in Danube, Herkimer County, New York, but that he had been dead as much as thirty years.

Martin Sheley died March 12, 1840, at Alexandria, New York.
In September, 1833, the soldier's son, John Sheley, was living in Orleans, New York, and stated that he was "forty-eight years old last June". In September of that year the soldier's daughter, Jane Whitman, was living in Alexandria, New York, and stated she was "fifty years old last February" and that she had heard her father say he had a brother killed in the battle of Monmouth, name not given. In 1833 the soldier's brother, William Sheley, was living in Orleans, New York, and stated he was "sixty-five years old last February".
In 1849 the soldier's son, Martin, stated that his father left no widow and he gave the following names and residences, relationship not shown, but it is possible they were soldier's children: Jane Sheely living at Brownsville, Jefferson County, New York; John Sheely living at Alexandria, Jefferson County, New York; James Sheely living at Theresa, Jefferson County, New York; Katharine Sheely living at Orleans, Jefferson County, New York; Martin Sheely living at Orleans, Jefferson County, New York; Mary Sheely living at Theresa, New York; Fanny Sheely living at Alexandria, New York; Rachael Sheely living at Alexandria, New York.
There are no further data relative to the family of soldier, Martin Sheley. The personal signature of the soldier does not appear but his son, John, signed in person as John Sheley.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

1940 Apr. 8 Hish to G J. H. Smith, P.O.
1938 Mar. 21, hist to Mrs. H. D. Miller - mcd
1938, June 14, Mrs. H. D. (Amy B.) Miller give further explana- tion of abstract sent her Mar. 21, 1938. mcd
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
RECORDED
4/16/38.
P. O.
Martin Sheedy
Service:
Martin Sheley
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18 1852 Sist gives fol. reason for rejection: "No proof of service"
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

New York
Recd
Martin Sheddy
Suspended
Act. to A Ely 12
Aug 1835
not found Rejected in lot
to Hon D Wardwell
June 16, 1835
letter to Hon D Wardwell
Welland 1836
Act 7 June 32
7.
not out no rule to turn to that other soldier

9H58

W. N. York Martin Sheely let to James Clark 5. Decr. 1839 Rejected
Ad. June 1832

Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Sir,
Pleas N.Y. Aug. 20. 1839
I herewith transmit the declaration of Martin Shely of 6th August instant in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress of 7 June 1832
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully Yours
M ost O bt Serv t
Jason Clark

Jason Clark
5. Dec. 1839
OC

65 War Department Pension Office Dec 5. 1839
Sir The papers of Martin Shultz an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7. 1832 have been examined before his claim rejected - The service described in this case as being a part of the time under Capt Dixon of Col Hays reg t of Infantry and a part of the time under Capt Moody of Col Clarke reg t  in regard to the service of Artillery is inconsistent with the regulations in either - It may be added likewise that there is no evidence in the Department of the existence of such a regiment of Infantry at any time during the war as that described by the claimant.
Jason Clark Esq, Plover New York

War Department Pension Office
January 16. 1835
Sir In answer to your letter of the 7 th inst, I have the honor to report that it is stated by Mr Shuley that he enlisted in 1778 in Captain Dixon's company, Col Hays reg't in the "nine months service" and that in 1780 he enlisted in Capt Delpoff's company Col Yates reg't for one year &c. To all which it is objected that there is no evidence, when that Col Hays or Capt Dixon were in the "nine months service" at any period during the revolutionary war; Nehemiah Hays was promoted a Lieut Col. and ap- pointed Deputy Quarter Master General in 1777- Col Yates to whom reg't it is alleged Capt De- laff's company belonged, was a militia

regt in which there were no enlistments or terms of service of twelve months
From the description now given of the nature of his employment, which under Capt DeGraft, it is evident that the claimant's service was not military and hence not provided for by the act. The claim is therefore rejected
O. G.
Genl D Wardlaw Jan. 16. 1835
Genl D Wardlaw Home Resr NY

E. 21st St v Shelby
W. H. Edwards St. Marks March 1854

J. L. Edwards
To Sam. Wardwell
4 March 1834
Edw. L. J. L. Edw. L.

Department of War Pension Office
March 4. 1834.
Sir,
Agreeably to your request, the claim of Martin Shively has been again examined. The principal objection to his claim is the allegation of 12 months continuous military service, in the Company of Capt. DeGraff, Col. Yates, Regiment. The length of the service shows, that it was not a militia regiment, and there is no knowledge of such a regiment of State troops in this Department. It is believed, that Yates and DeGraff, were in the Quarters Master Genl Dept. and that the latter is now a pensioner, under the act of 7 June 1832. If there were any such regiment , the Executive records of New York will establish it.
Bryant Eddy and John Parker claim for services in Massachusetts, and as I understand, that there are rolls of the militia service in the office of C.D. Bangs, Secretary of State, Boston, it will be necessary under the rule requiring the best evidence in the power of a claimant to produce to procure his certification  certification respecting their alleged services.
I have the Honor to be, Very Respectfully, Your obedient Servant J L Edwards
Wm. D. Wardwell House of Representatives,
March 7 1834

B R I E F objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Martin & Riley which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned 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? Yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. 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."

State of New York Jefferson County 3 d fs.
Be it known That before me De Graff Salisbury a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid, personally appeared Martin Sheley and made oath in due form of Law that he is the identical person who in September 1832 made out his declaration as being a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army in 1780 & that he did in such declaration set forth and allege that he this deponent actually performed twelve months continuous military service in the company of Capt. De Graff, Col. Vats. Regiment. This Deponent further saith that he enlisted under Capt. De Graff in the first part of January 1780 and that he this deponent with seven others who had enlisted into the same company commenced very soon after his enlistment work under Lieut. Swart who was the Lieut. in Capt. De Graff's company, in pressing Boulders of sand to send down the Hudson River to the Army then lying at West Point and that he this deponent continued at work under the said Lieut. Swart till about the first day of April next following at which time the he this deponent went into actual Military Service under the command of said Capt. De Graff & continued in such Military Service nine months and was discharged at the latter end of December 1780. This Deponent further saith that in setting forth twelve months continuous Service he included the three months of time spent with Lieut. Swart pressing hay as aforesaid supposing it all together to be a continuous Military Service .
Martin his Sheley Mark
Sworn & Subscribed before me this 4 th day of December 1834
De Graff Salisbury Justice of the Peace

for Shadwell

De Grafs Salisbury, Justice of the Peace
State of New York Jefferson County ss.
I, Peter Bruckner Clerk of the Court of the County and State afore- said do hereby certify that De Grafs Salisbury is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and qualified that his commission was dated on the first day of January 1834 and will expire on the 31st day of De- cember 1837 and that his signature above written is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said County this tenth day of December 1834
P. Bruckner Clerk

State of New York } Stephen Seaman of Alexandria County Jefferson County } and State aforesaid being duly sworn doth depose and say that he this deponent was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army That he has been acquainted with Martin Shely for a five years last past and during that time has had conversation with him about the Revolutionary war and that Shely told him at such conversation that he was a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army during a party that war and that the said Shely has an unimpeachable reputation for truth and veracity and has no doubt from the acquaintance he has had with him that the said Shely is a twenty five years old
Stephen Seaman
Sworn & subscribed before me this 21 st day of September 1833
Joseph Hughes & Can- in and for the County of Jefferson
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named deponent Stephen Seaman and that his reputation as to truth and ver- acity is good
dated this 21 st day of September 1833
Joseph Hughes & Can- in and for the County of Jefferson

State of New York } Jacob Spalsbury of Alexandria County Jefferson County ss } and State also and being duly sworn doth depose and say that he this deponent has been acquainted with William Steele for the last forty five years and that the said Steele maintains an unimpeachable character as to truth and veracity Jacob Spalsbury
Subscribed and sworn before me } me this 21 st day of Septem r 1833 } Joseph Ingraham Com r } and for the County of Jefferson
I certify that I am acquainted with the above deponent Jacob Spalsbury & that his reputation as to truth and veracity is good
Dated this 21 st day of Septem r 1833
Joseph Ingraham Com r and for the County of Jefferson

State of New York } Benjamin Burns, Alexandria County of Jefferson County } doth State aforesaid being duly sworn } depose and say that he this deponent has been intimately acquainted with Martin Shelly of Alexandria for the last twelve years and during that time has had repeated conversations with said Shelly upon the subject of the Revolutionary war and that said Shelly has always spoken of being a soldier in said war and has always been reputed as a Revolutionary soldier and that his character as to truth and veracity is unimpeachable. And from the intimate acquaintance he has had with said Shelly he has no doubt but he is seventy five years old that William Shelly brother of said Martin Shelly has a good reputation in truth Sworn & subscribed before me this 23 day of Sept 1833 Benjamin Burns Nathan M Flower Justice
I certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Burns the above named deponent and that his reputation as to truth & veracity is good Dated this 23 rd day of Sept 1833 Nathan M Flower Justice
State of New York } County of Jefferson } I, N. W. S. (N. W. S.) Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that William H. Shelly Esq. before whom said deponent was sworn, 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 have been acquainted with his hand- writing and really believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand writing and signature. (Witness my hand and the seal of said County this 23 rd day of October 1833 N. W. S. (N. W. S.) Clerk J. P. O. White, Dist. J.

State of New York } Abraham Newman of Alexandria County and Jeffereson County } State of said being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has been acquainted with Martin Shely of Alexandria for the last seven years and during that time has had frequent conversations with said Shely about his being a Soldier in the Revolutionary Army That he this deponent was a Soldier in the Revolutionary and that the said Shely has often and as long ago as four or five years named several officers of the Revolutionary Army with whom the said Shely was acquainted being the same officers of the Regiment to whom this deponent belonged.
That the said Shely is a man of unimpeachable char- acter as to truth & veracity and from the acquaintance he has had with him believes him to be seventy five years old
Sworn & subscribed before me } Abraham Newman This 23 rd day of September 1833 } Joseph Ingham, Com r } in and for the County of Jeffereson
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named deponent Abraham Newman and that his reputation as to truth and veracity is good
Dated this 23 rd day of September 1833
Joseph Ingham, Com r in and for the County of Jeffereson

State of New York Jaffrey County
On this 6 th day of August 1839 personally appeared before Calvin McClelland first judge of Jefferson County Court. Martin Shelly a resident of the town of Alexandria in the county of Jefferson and State of New York aged eighty three years who being first duly sworn, deposes to and deposes in his oath, that he the latter was desirous in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832. That he enlisted as a volunteer and entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated: He stated that in the year 1778 under Captain James Dixon and that he served in Col. Hays Regiment of Infantry and under Captain Moody in Col. Clarke Regiment of Artillery that he enlisted some time in the month of March 1778 and that he rendezvoused at Albany in the State of New York on the first day of April 1778 and on the same day about the first day of April 1778 he entered the service of the United States under Captain James Dixon's Company of Infantry in Col. Hays Regiment. That at the time of his enlistment affixed he resided at Canajoharie Montgomery County and State of New York. From Albany he went with Capt. Dixon's Company to a place about two miles below West Point, on the East side of the Hudson River at a place called Robinson's Farm where there joined Gen. Gates Army. At this place he entered Captain Moody's Company of Artillery and to the best of his knowledge in Col. Clarke Regiment of Artillery from here he removed to Peekskill upon Peekskill to the White Pines about thirty miles North of New York City. Here he was discharged from Capt. Moody's Company of Artillery and again joined Capt. Dixon's Company of Infantry and with said company went on to the frontier in Saratoga County State of New

York under Col. Greenstreet where he remained until the last of December 1778 when he got his discharge during all this time he served as a private and that he has no docu- mentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He 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.
Ques. 1 Where and in what year were you born?
Ans. I was born in the City of Philadelphia on the 28th day of February 1756
Ques. 2 Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Ans. I have no record of my age but my Father kept a record of all his family in Germany he last resided in Danville Pa. Schuylkill County State of New York but I am not able to tell when it is many years that he has been dead as much as thirty years.
Ques. 3 Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Ans. At the time I enlisted into the service I resided at Clyne a farm in Ulster County State of New York since the Revolutionary war I have resided in Danville Co. Pa. for State of New York and in Alexandria Jefferson County and State of New York and at Greenback near Albany N.Y.
Ques. 4 How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a Substitute and if a Substitute for whom?
Ans. I enlisted as a volunteer in Capt. James Dixon company at the time I served as an artillery man in Capt. Morris's company was in the regular service.

2nd. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the host where you served; such continental and Militia Regiments in you can recollect and the general circumstances of your services.
Ans. Capt. Charles a Cavalry Officer in the Artillery Col. G. Brumley, Col. Fünfschrick Gen. Gols Gen. Schuyler
Col. Peter Gals, colonel Militia Colonel
We went from Albany in boats down the Hudson River and landed at Fishkill where we stopped and drew some provisions we then took our boat and continued down the river till we found Gen. Howe's Army at Red Bank Farms where we remained a few days and then returned to Pockkill where we remained a short time and then returned to White Plains where we remained the most part of the season of 1778 while we were at the White Plains Gen. Washington came there with a part of his army after the battle at Monmouth in New Jersey we were sent down to guard his passage over the King's Ferry we left Gen. Washington & Gen. Gols and their Army at White Plains where we left for the front in Saratoga
2nd. Did you receive a discharge from the Service and by whom was it given and what has become of it?
I received my discharge from James Dixon from the Service but when my house was burnt at Greenbush it was lost up as pretty much everything else I had at that time
State the names of the 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.
Rev. Benjamin Banta at Poughkeepsie N.Y.
Rev. Matthew Lewis at Alexandria N.Y.
Rev. William Harn at Plover N.Y.
Frederick Wellin Esq. Post Master Alexandria N.Y.

Susan Clarke Postmaster, Plover N.Y. John W. Miller Esqr. College Plover N.Y. John W. Miller Esqr. Late Postmaster at Alexandria N.Y.
Sworn and Subscribed the day of Martin his Sheely and year aforesaid before me mark
Calvin M. Knight First Judge of S.S. County Courts
We Benjamin Burns and Matthew Lewis do hereby residing in the town of Alexandria (the said Burns residing at Plover in said town) hereby certify that we are well ac- quainted with Martin Sheely who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that he believes him- self to be eighty three years of age that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in the opinion.
Sworn and Subscribed the day of Matthew Lewis and year aforesaid before me Benjamin Burns
Calvin M. Knight First Judge of S.S. County Courts
The Subscribers Calvin M. Knight First Judge of Jefferson County Courts hereby certify that Martin Sheely the above named applicant is by reason of bodily infirmity unable to appear in court and cannot from bodily infirmity attend the court.
Calvin M. Knight First Judge of S.S. County Courts

And the said Calvin M. Knight, his first Judge of Jefferson County Court does hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after perusing the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states and he further certifies that it appears to him that Benjamin Penn & Matthew Lee, is who have signed the preceding certificate are clergymen residing in the town of Alexanderville creditable persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
Calvin M. Knight First Judge of Jefferson County Courts
State of New York Before me, Calvin M. Knight, a Notary Public in and for the County of Jefferson do hereby certify that Calvin M. Knight Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits purport to have been sworn, was at the date of the same First Judge of Jefferson County Courts, and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and justly believe his signature to the same is genuine. Witness my hand and Seal of Office this Sixth day of August 1839 P. P. Burhans Notary

State of New York Jefferson County ss.
William Storm of Alexandria County and State of Maine being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has been intimately acquainted with Martin Shidy for the last thirty years, has often heard him relate the circumstances of his being a soldier in the Revolutionary army. That the said Shidy has been reputed as a soldier in the Revolutionary Army. And this deponent very believes him to be from the acquaintance he has had with him seventy five or seventy five years old. And this deponent further says that the said Shidy has always sustained an unimpeachable character as to truth and veracity.
This deponent further says that for the last fifteen years he has been well acquainted with William Shidy the Brother of the said Martin Shidy and that the said William has always sustained an unimpeachable character as to truth and veracity.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 24 th day of September 1833 Joseph Brigham Clerk and for the County of Jefferson
W. M. STORM
I certify that I am acquainted with the deponent above-named William Storm and that his reputation as to truth and veracity is good.
Dated this 24 day of September 1833
Joseph Brigham Clerk and for the County of Jefferson

New Hamburg, N.Y. Feb. 28, 1938 Veterans' Administration Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen: only
In your collection of Revolutionary War records, have you any record of Martin Sheley , Sheeley , or Shealey (last name was spelled three different ways on war monuments at Theresa, N.Y.) having served and where?
Yours sincerely (Mrs.) H. J. Miller
P.S. If you haven't these records where might I look for them?

New Hamburg, N.Y. May 16, 1938
Veterans' Administration Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Please send me an explanation of the underlined sentence in the inclosed letter. I am not interested in any back pension claims - only in securing proof so that I can join the D.A.R. Isn't the data on file sufficient proof of Martin Shelly's service?
Yours sincerely Amy B. Miller
P.S. I sincerely appreciate your efforts in securing the information I requested. over

If your records are not sufficient proof of Martin Sheleij's service, where could I next investigate?

Cape Vincent N.Y. Apr 3-1911
Dept of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sirs -
Will you please send pension record, Revolutionary War of Martin Shele or Sheley of New York State and oblige.
Yours truly
H. A. Smith M.D.

RECEIVED OFFICE OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL APR 6 1911
PENSION OFFICE U.S. APR 6 1911
✓

June 14, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Martin Sheley, R.9458
BA-J/MNHF/MCS
Mrs. Amy B. Miller New Hamburg New York
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of May 16, 1938, inclosing an abstract of papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Martin Sheley, R.9458, which was furnished you by this office on March 21, 1938. You wish to have an explanation of the sentence given in said abstract: "The claim was not allowed as proof of the alleged service was not furnished in accordance with the requirement of the pension law". You also wish to know if the data contained in this abstract establish proof of this soldier's service, sufficient to enable you to join the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The pension law required proof of such factors as length of service, names of officers, kind of service (military or otherwise) etc., and as Martin Sheley did not furnish record evidence of his service nor substantiate his allegations by affidavits of two comrades in service, his claim was not allowed.
It may be stated that many of the old soldiers who applied for pension as late as 1832, the year in which Martin Sheley applied, had great difficulty in proving their services in the Revolutionary War. Many of their comrades had died and oftentimes the military rolls were incomplete, so the fact that his claim was not allowed does not disprove his having been a soldier.
For the requirements relative to membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, you should address some official of that society. It is suggested that you furnish that official the abstract sent you by this office on March 21, 1938.
This abstract is returned herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Heaton Shelby Reg. 9258
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Oct 22/40 3 mos. Col. James Wilson Hay Ky.   Moody Clark   Laurens   1772 2 mos. Yates   James   about 1772 1 yr. DeGraff Peter Yates   1772 1 yr. as officer   1772 1 yr. Yates Yates  
Battles engaged in, _____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Camp near Anthony Creek
Date of application for pension, Feb 11/1852
Residence at date of application, Residence of widow at Ky.
Age at date of application, born at Ky. June 22/1756
Remarks: _____
Soldier left no widows. Children: John, William, etc. Feb 17/1852 from Ky. Jan 17/1852. The claim was not allowed as there was no proof that he served as alleged.
Very respectfully,