Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,365, for Denier Relja, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
or Relja, Denier Relja. Dernier Kniestarn, Annatje Former widow
W. 20.365
CONTENTS

New York - 3532
Repd 31 Jan'y 13
Annatje Kneestearn, formerly the widow of Denier Relja or Reljea
Reps who died on the 29th. August 1797 - of Albany Co in the State of New York who was a private in the compy - commanded by Captain Vreeder - of the Reg't - commanded by Col. Schuyler - in the New York line for 21 mos: 10 days -
859
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany - at the rate of 71 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of January 1843 and sent to Hon: B. Tappan U. S. Senate.
Aruars to the 4th of Sept: 42 - 8524.09 Pemi-annual allowance ending Mar - 43. 35.83
$859.92
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by Clerk, Book C Vol. 3 - Page 128 -

5216 In the matter of the application of Annalpe Kniestearn Widow of Senior Relye Under Acts of 1836 & 1837.
77-Baltimore man. 9.15 79- " 12
adnd
21.15 3/4 mi
$71.66
Hon B. Tappan Senate
Agent
Giles F. Yates.
Schenectady N.Y.

State of New York, ss.
On this 9 th day of October 1838, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Schenectada, in said State Annatje (or Nancy) Kniest-carn, a resident of the Town of Guilderland in the County of Albany in said State, aged Seventy-six years; who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed 11 th July 1836, and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3 rd 1837.  That she was married to Denier Relja (or Relyea) on the 13 th day of May (1778) One thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy-eight by the Reverend Parent Vrooman at the time thereof Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Schenectada aforesaid. That her husband the said Denier Relyea departed this life on the twenty ninth day of August one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven. That she afterwards married to William Kniestcarn, who died on the 12 th day of November, one thousand eight Hundred and twenty nine. That she was a widow on the fourth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, and still remains a widow, as will appear from the proof hereto annexed.
And the said Declarant Annatje Kniestcarn, being further duly

sworn saith, that she has very little 4 personal knowledge of the military services of her said husband Senieur Reliya during the war of the revolution - She remembers however that he served for several years during said war and after her marriage and as she understood and believes before her marriage to him, in companies of Battalions, being all the time from home - That while he served in such companies before her marriage, she is unable to specify in the least definite degree under what Captain he served, or in what particular years or for how many seasons - but that after her said marriage, she feels quite confident, that the name of the Captain he served under or one of them was Rynier Van Everen -
And this Declarant further saith, that after her marriage to said Senieur Reliya, he served in two expeditions to the Schoharie forts as a militia man she thinks in the summer & fall of the same year in which she was married & she thinks the names of his officers were Abraham Veeder Captain & Volker Veeder or Schuyler Colonel -
This Declarant also recollects, that she heard her husband several times speak of one Captain Hurn in connection with his revolutionary services also of a Captain by the name of Davis -

but she can give no particulars of this service and further saith not. —
All of which was duly } Annatje Knistcam Subscribed & sworn the } day & year aforesaid } in open Court. W. M. Bedway Dep. Clk
I certify the foregoing to be the original proceedings in said Court in the matter of the application of Annatje Knistcam for a pension.
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court, this 9 th day of October 1838.
W. M. Bedway Dep. Clk

I Jacob Van Vechten Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Schenectady N.Y. do hereby certify, that the Register of Marriages Solemnized by the previous Pastors of this Church is in my custody; that I have exam- ined the same of late, and can find no record of marriages between the second day of July 1775 and the ninth day of February January 1785.
Subscribed & sworn this 22 nd day of June 1840 Before me,
Jacob Van Vechten
[Faint, illegible text at the bottom of the page, possibly containing a title or additional notes.]

John Sige of the town of Guilderland, in the County of Albany & State of New York aged eighty four years, being duly sworn saith that he was from his earliest youth up well acquainted with Senieur Relja, whose widow Annatje is now an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed 4 th July 1836. This Deponent during the war of the revolution resided in said town of Guilderland, and said Senieur lived in the adjoining town named Bethlehem. This Deponent on or about the first day of January 1777 enlisted in the company of Battalione, fatigue men & laborers commanded by Captain John Hunn for the term of one year, and said Senieur enlisted in said company of Capt. Hunn about the same time & said Senieur & this Deponent served together in said Company pursuant to said enlistment. They continued on duty therein till the month of February in that year in the City of Albany - from thence they proceeded to Saratoga lake & were there employed in cutting timber for ballast for about six weeks, from thence to Fort Miller till the navigation season commenced, & during the season of navigation, they were engaged in said Company in transporting provisions & ammunition from Albany to Fort Miller & thence to Fort Edward - said Senieur & this Deponent were messmates, and the said Senieur was on actual duty in said Company until after the surrender of Burgoyne; for the term of at least nine and one half months or until near the first of November 1777.
Senieur Relja

When said Company was discharged and further with not —
his John T. Legum mark
Subscribed and sworn this 16 th day of October — 1838, before me & I certify that said John Legum is a credible witness
John Allan Esq.
Justice of the Peace
Simon Relyea

Jacob Relyea of the City of Albany in the State of New York aged eighty six years, and a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed 18 March 1818  for that purpose being duly sworn faith, that he was previous to the year 1778, well acquainted with the now widow of the before named Dener Relyea, when she still bore the name of Annatje or Nancy Van Patten - That she was joined in lawful wedlock to his brother Dener Relyea aforesaid, in the month of May or June in the year 1778 according to the best of this Deponent's recollection - This Deponent was not present at the performance of the marriage ceremony, but heard at the time thereof & is assured that such marriage did take place at the time aforesaid - That they the said Dener & Annatje were married at Schenectady, by the Rev Mr. Vrooman then pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at that place - That from the time last named they the said Dener & Annatje lived together as husband and wife, and were universally known & esteemed as such - That after the death of said Dener which took place about forty years ago, the said Annatje married one William Knistcairn, who died about nine years ago - That after the decease of said William Knistcairn, the said Annat- je has remained single and unmarried & is still a widow - And the said Deponent

further saith, that his said brother Denie as this Deponent well remembers, engaged in an expedition with a detachment of militia under command of Captain Abraham Vander, of the district or beat in which said Denie resided, (he believes in the Regiment under command of Col. Philip Schuyler) to Johnstown in the beginning of the year 1776, on which occasion Sir John Johnson & his retainers delivered themselves up as prisoners of war. In this expedition said Denie was on duty at least six days.
This Deponent further saith, that he remembers well that his said brother Denie served in several tours to the different Schoharie forts with detachments of militia under command of Captains Jacob Van Arsdale & John Groot - Lieut. Van Arsdale being one of the Lieutenants of said Companies or detachments & said Philip Schuyler Colonel. That he performed garrison duty at the middle Schoharie fort in the Spring of 1778, as Deponent thinks, for eight days at the least & subsequently at the upper fort at least fourteen days, besides other tours which Deponent cannot specify. When he this Deponent served for the term of nine months in the year 1777 in the Regular army in the Company of Captain Cornelius Van Santvoord, he on several occasions saw his said brother Denie on duty at Fort Edward in a Company of Batteaux men & laborers, in the Department of the Quarter Master General, commanded by a Captain whose name this Deponent cannot remember, if he ever knew, but thinks it was Davis or Hunn.
Subscribed & sworn this 16 th day of October 1838, before me
his Jacob X Relyea mark
B. F. Potter Comr of Deeds

The deposition of Joseph Peck of the City & County of Schenectady in the State of New York aged 83 years and upwards who testifies and says that he was during the war of the Revolution for the years 1779 and 1780 a Captain of Battalions fatigue men & laborers and served as particularly set forth in his Declaration now on file at the Pension Office Washington. That during the time Deponent thus served he will remember that one Rynier Van Ecker was also serving in the like capacity of Captain of Battalions and Deponent thinks for a like space of time, upon the Mohawk & Hudson Rivers. Deponent particularly remembers having seen said Van Ecker on command with said Company at Albany, and upon several occasions saw him leave Albany with his said Company upon an expedition up the Hudson River. Deponent was also during said period well acquainted with Derrit Relyea the same person referred to & described in the accompanying papers and believes that he served during said years under the command of said Captain Van Ecker, but he cannot positively state that he belonged to said Company altho' he well knows that he was serving during said period in the capacity of a battalions man, and was informed & believes that he served two enlistments during said years.
Subscribed & sworn this 2 nd day of September 1840 & I certify that he is a credible witness, John M. Van Ecker
Joseph Peck

The deposition of Isaac Truax of the city of Schenectada in the County of Schenectada & State of New York who testifies & says, that he is a pensioner of the United States under the act of 7 th June 1832. That he during the war of the revolution, was well acquainted with Dernier Relyea the same person whose widow Nancy or Annatje (now the widow of William Aniscain deceased) is an applicant for a pension. That during the year 1777, he this Deponent was on duty in a Company of Batteauxmen, fatiguemen & laborers commanded by Captain Louis Fisher or Visger, and performed service in said Company at Fort George & Fort Ticonderoga & other places in that neighborhood occupied by what was termed the northern army, which were included within the Northern Department of the Quarter Master General. That said Dernier Relyea or Dernier Relyea served in the same Department in a Company of fatiguemen, batteauxmen or laborers commanded by one Captain Hurn if this Deponent remembers right - yet this Deponent may be mistaken as to the name of the Captain, as there were several of them on duty in said Department. That this Deponent often saw said Relyea while serving in said Company as aforesaid & verily believes that he served in said Company & Department for the term of one year or more.
Isaac Truax
Subscribed & Sworn

This 2 nd day of March 1839 - and I certify that said Isaac Trueax is a credible witness
J. D. Harman Justice of the peace
State of New York County of Schenectady Clerk's Office
Theodore R. Van Ingen Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Albert A. Vedder before whom the foregoing certificate of Rev. Jacob Van Vechten was put to have been sworn and that John A. Van Eps, before whom the accompanying affidavits of John Segur and Joseph Peck purport to have been sworn, and that Joshua D. Harman before whom the accompanying affidavit of Isaac Trueax purports to have been sworn were at the respective dates thereof Justices of the Peace in & for said County duly Commissioned. I further that Ben- jamin F. Potter before whom the affidavit of Jacob Relyea purports to have been sworn was at the time thereof a Commissioner of Dedts in & for said County duly commis- sioned sworn & that the signatures of said Vedder, Van Eps, Harman & Potter are genuine. Witness my hand & Official Seal this 9 th day of September 1840.
J. R. Van Ingen Clerk

State of New York Schenectady County } p.
8
I certify that the following is a true copy of the record of the baptism of David Relyea a child of Denier Relyea and Annatje Van Patten as the same is contained in the Register of Baptisms solemnized in the Ref. Dutch Church of Schenectady by the Reverend David Treadwell at the time thereof pastor of said Church viz.
1779 July 18. Denier Relye Annatje Van Patten } David "
From which it appears that said David Relyea above named child of said Denier Relyea and said Annatje Van Patten was baptized according to the rites of said Church on the eighteenth day of July 1779. Jacob Van Vechten
I _____ Jacob Van Vechten above named depose and say that I held the office of Pastor of said Church & that the above are true extracts from the records of said Church as certified by me & that the date of said baptism is expressed in fair legible figures.
Subscribed & sworn to this 14 day of April  November 1840 before me Nich. M. Michael Commissioner Deeds etc.
Note "April" erased and "November" substituted before execution. Nich. M. Michael Com. Deeds

State of New York Schenectady County Clerk's Office
Theodore R. Van Ingen Deputy Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Richard M c Michael before whom the within affidavit of Rev d Jacob Van Echten purports to have been taken was at the time thereof a Commissioner of Leeds in the said County duly Commissioned & sworn & that his signature to said affidavit is genuine.
Witness my hand & official seal this Twentyeth day of November 1840. T. R. Van Ingen Dep. clk

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
N. F. No. 365-
Washington, D. C., _____, 19____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Daniel Relyea or Daniel Relyea a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     1776 to 1780 servd at various times in all 2 mos. 15 days Pvt. Abraham Miller Philip Schuyler N.Y.   Isaac Van Rensselaer   John Brock   Harris   Davis   Rynier Van Eversin  
Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Ruttenkillen N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Feb. 9. 1838  Her el. is as allowed
Residence at date of application, Guilderland, Albany Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, She was 76 yrs old
Remarks: He was born May 15. 1778 at Schoharie Co. N.Y. married at Schoharie Feb. 29. 1797 their children were David Nicholas & Sarah wife of Cornelius Warner of Schoharie N.Y. Widow afterwards Mrs. Wm Knieriem who died Feb. 12. 1829
Respectfully,
brother Jacob
* David about 65 yrs old in 1842
Commissioner.

N. York Annatje Kneestcam
Act. to G. F. Yates 1. Dec. 1840 " to do. Jan'y 8 th 1841 " to same Sept 23 rd 1841
Act July 1836

Rev
1922 Lang's Hist to Mrs. Paxton A. Grant
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 20365 Sara Kniestearn wid. of Leenier Relja or Roelyon Priv. Rev. War
Act: July 4, 1836
Index:—Vol. A , Page 118
[Arrangement of 1870.]

517 West 10 th St. Erie - Penna -
Dept. of the Interior -
Bureau of Pensions
Rev. War Section -
I would like to know of the Pension Rolls of the Revolutionary war, show the names of either Denis Relyea, or Denis Relyea Jr - I have found many variations of the spelling of both names - Denis - Dene & Deniel - Denie - etc - most common of the surname being Raljie - or Riljie - or Relye - Both were from Ulster county, or

immediate vicinity.
May I also ask if you have records of a Thaddens Davis, b-1742- of either Fairfield Co- Conn- or of Dutchess or Ulster county, NY? or of a William Davis- b- 1762- of the same localities?
Thanking you, I am Very truly-
Mary Knight Crane-
(Mrs. Burton A.)
Dec-30-1921-

L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

In the matter of the application of Annatje  Armistearne for a pension under the Act of July 11 th 1836
Albany Jan y 12/43.
Sir,
The above claim was transferred to me by Giles H. Gates Esq. with the request that I would continue the application. I would respectfully request therefore that your reply may be made to me.
By reference to the papers handed me by Mr. Gates I find that the following service has been proved.
Batteau service during the year 1777 in the Compy of Capt Hunsd. by 3 witnesses S 1 year
Batteau service in 1779 in Capt Van Everens Compy. by Joseph Peck himself a captain S 1 year of Batteau.
Militia service in 1775, 1778 & 1780 41 days
Two witnesses, to wit: Jacob Kelyea & Paul Stockstrafer

swear expressly that Derner Relyea was on duty when Schuhamie was burnt in the fall of 1780.
Mrs Kniestearns marriage, occurred in the month of May 1778. There is no record of mar- riage, but a record of the baptism of her son David in July 1779. All the witnesses ex- cept Isaac Tway have sworn to service after marriage. Two witnesses swear to his being present when Schuhamie was burnt in the fall of 1780, Capt Joseph Peck to batteau- service in 1779, and all but one to his service at the Schuhamie forts in 1778 a part of which was after marriage. This one only knew of his service in the batteaus in 1777.
The affidavits of John Peck & Cornelius Wormer, which I now send you strengthen the evidence, and show that there was no other Der- nier Relyea but this, and the affidavit of Widow Charity Relyea which I also enclose is express that David Derner & Annalje were married as early as the spring of 1778 & that said Derner served in the war thereafter.
On this evidence we are compelled to reject the application and would respectfully request that Mrs Kniestearns may be al-

lowed such amount of Pension as you may adjudge her right upon the Proofs presented. The poor old Widow has waited long & patiently & I should rejoice to be able to assist her in per- fecting her claim.
Mr Gates informs me that after his return from Washington an additional affidavit of Isaac Groot was taken before me as Commissioner of Deeds (but that it is now lost or mislaid) & that that affidavit confirmed the testimony of the other witnesses of Military Service, particularly Service after marriage .
I am very Respectfully
Yours On just
Wm B Pierce

Chenutada Nov 21: 1840
J. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
I send for your decision thereon papers in support of the claim of Annautje Kniestearn for a pension under the acts of 1836 & 1837.
I am very respectfully Your Most Obedt
G. H. YATES

16. Aug 1841 Add. evidence J. G.
J. I. Edwards Esq. Commons & Pleas Winchester Washington

Schenectada, Aug t 1841  To J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir
In the matter of the application of Annaly Kniscane , and of Denis Relyea , under the act of 4 th July 1836. —  The service of in 1776. I cannot find satisfactory proof of, I must therefore forego it. As to the service in 1777, I have obtained additional proof, viz. the affidavit of Eda Brown. I have also adduced additional proof of service after the year 1778, pursuant to the requisitions of your letter dated 8 th Jan y 1841.
I am very respectfully your obedient Servant A. H. M. H.

afft of John Brown for Denner Relyea
In the matter of Annatje Knistcan widow of Denner Relyea under the act of 24 th July 1836 -
Supplemental afft to
Agent Giles H. Yates Schenectady N.Y.

State of New York County of Albany } ss.
Reuel S. Stockbridge of the town of Berne in said County, aged 80 years upwards, being Duly sworn deposeth and saith, that he was a soldier during the war of the Revolution, & is now a pensioner of the United States, under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 - That during said war this Deponent was en- rolled in a Company of Militia whereof John Groch was Captain, which Company belonged to the Regiment of General Philip Schuyler & to the Brigade of General Van Brock of the said County of Albany - This Deponent served with said Company on various occasions during said war, & for a part of the time as orderly Sergeant to said Company. That during said war this Deponent, was well acquainted with Dennis Relyea whose widow Annatje Krist- een is now an applicant for a pension - That said Relyea was a private in the Company of Captain Van Arnam in said Regiment, but owing to old age & loss of memory Deponent is unable to remember all the Particulars of his revolutionary services - He well remembers however that said Relyea did serve upon several occasions during said war, and this Deponent frequently met with him on duty & served in detachments with him, but he can only distinctly specify that during the Summer of the year 1778, Deponent saw said Relyea on duty at Schoharie Middle.

fort, under command as Deponent thinks, of Captain Van Alstine aforesaid, & served with him at that time for a period of eight or ten days. In the fall of the year 1780 when Schoback was burnt by the enemy Deponent well remembers seeing said Relyea on duty at the Schoback forts with said militia, but for how long a time then Deponent cannot remember. There were a number of officers from said Regiment present at that time, but who was Chief in Command Deponent can not say or specify, but believes one Captain Veder had command of the Detachment to which said Relyea belonged. his Paul J. Stockhagen
Subscribed & sworn this 12 th Day of March 1844, before me, VV certify that said Paul J. Stockhagen is a credible witness. Lyman Dwight Justice
State of New York
Albany County ss. I Henry B Haswell Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Lyman Dwight before whom the above affidavit purports to have been taken read on the day of the date of the first therein, a Justice of the Peace in & for said County. That his name subscribed to the said jurat is his proper hand writing & signature. Given under my hand & the Seal of the said County this 12 th day of August 1844. H. B. Haswell Clerk

State of New York City & County of Albany } ss.
The deposition of John Brown of the said City of Albany aged 81 years, who being duly examined, deposeth & saith that he was a private during the war of the Revolution and is now a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That during said war this Deponent was well acquainted with Dornier Relyea (or Alyea) whose widow is now applying for a pension. That this Deponent served in company with said Relyea during the year 1777, in the Company of Batteaucannon, Gallicque men & laborers commanded by Captain John Hurn. That they served together in said company during this period at various places vizt. at Saratoga Lake, Fort Miller & upon the North River between Albany & Fort Edward & at various other places & Deponent is well assured that said Relyea served at this time for the full term of one year which was the usual period of enlistment in said Department. John Brown
Subscribed & sworn this 26 th Feb y 1841, before me: I certify that said John Brown is a credible witness, Harris W. Mills, Commissioner of the Court,

State of New York
Albany County 3 33: I Henry B Haswell Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Daniel W. Mills before who the within affidavit parts to have been sworn was the day of the date of the Jurat thereto a Commission of clerk in said County and that his name subscribed to the said jurat is his proper hand writing and signature
Given under my hand and the seal of the said County this third day of March 1841. H.B. Haswell Clerk
Aff. of John Brown for Sarah Phelps In the matter of Annatje Amistead widow of Dencer Phelps under the act of July 1836 Supplemental aff. etc
Agent Miss F. H. Wells Schenectady N.Y.

Jan 5. 1841 N.Y. J. L. Frank Carr Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington

State of New York Comptrollers Office Albany Dec 11. 1840
I certify that I have carefully searched the Serv and Militia Books from No 1 to No 10 inclusive for evidence of the revolutionary services of Dionis Relyea, and find none, nor does his name appear a- mong the Muster Masters certificates or books of Audited accounts
W. H. Bradway Dep. Comptroller
January 4 th 1841.
To J. L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
In the matter of the application of Mrs — Knistearn widow of Dionis Relyea, I was required to get such proof as the Records in the office of the Compt- roller of N. Y. afforded. That office affords none, nor can it be expected for the reason that his services were, during the years to which those records relate, performed in the Quarter Master Department.
I am very respectfully Your Oble Servt
G. H. [unintelligible]

H. B. Tappan Senat U.S.

State of New York City and County of Albany
1 Charity Relyea of the said City of Albany, being duly examined, deposeth and saith, that she is now Eighty five years of age, and is the Widow of Jacob Relyea , late of said City deceased. That she was married to said Jacob Relyea , then residing in Guilderland in said County, early in the War of the Revolution, since which time, until the day of the death of said Jacob Relyea , she lived and cohabited with him as his lawful wife, and deponent further saith that her husband the said Jacob Relyea had an older brother, by the name of Dernier Relyea , who also resided in Guilderland , and who was also married in the early part of the Revolutionary War, to Annetze Van Patten with whom this Deponent was well acquainted — That Deponent was not present at said marriage, but remembers the time of its occurrence, from the fact, that said Dernier and Annetze went to Schenectady to be married by the Dutch Dominie Voorman , by whom Deponent was also married — That their husbands, the said Jacob and Dernier were often out on duty together after their said marriage, with the militia under Lieutenant Van Auken and Captain Groat and from that time, until the present, they have often conversed together concerning their said marriage, and the service of their said husbands in the War — That they lived near together, and when returning from their daily work in the fields, they were often met by some of the militia Officers and compelled to serve, and that while they were absent on duty, said Annetze and this Deponent were almost always together — That the deponent well remembers that said Jacob and Dernier served upon a number of expeditions to the Schoharie Forts , but cannot distinctly specify the year, but well knows that it was after said marriage as she knew nothing of the said  Dernier's Revolutionary Services until after said marriage occurred — And she is sure that said marriage did occur as early as the Spring of 1778, and thinks that the same

year, the said Brothers were on Garrison Duty at the Schoharie Forks And Deponant further saith that the said Annage is the identical person now applying for a pension, and that her present name is Knica corn , having since the death of said Dernier been married again and that she is now a Widow, and resides in Guilderland aforesaid, and further this Deponant saith not Note. "the said Dernier's " and "his" interlined previous to execution
Subscribed by making her mark and sworn this Seventh day of January 1843 before me and certify that the said Charity Relyea is a credible Witness Jonas Wickes Comr of Decrees &c
for Charity Relyea mark -
2
Annage Knica corn

State of New York City & County of Albany 3p.
John Peebe of the town of Guilderland in said County aged sixty seven years & upwards being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with Annatje Kniest carn who now resides in said town of Guilderland and is the widow of William Kniest carn deceased. That his acquaintance with said Annatje Kniest carn commenced fifty seven years ago, or when this Deponent was ten years of age. That said An- natje then resided in Guilderland aforesaid and was the wife of Dernier Relyea. That said Dernier Relyea was many years older than this Deponent. That to the best of this Deponent's rec- ollection said Dernier was about five feet eight inches in height, light eyes, dark complexion, and dark Brown hair which was a little curly. That at the time deponent became acquainted with said Dernier and Annatje as aforesaid they were living together as man and wife, and were the parents of three children. That the oldest of said children whose name was Nicholas was then about six years of age. Deponent remembers from this circumstance; that when he first saw said Nicholas he was carrying two pumpkins from his father's barn to his house and his younger brother David was carrying one, which seemed to be the extent of his ability. That a child younger than six years, would not be able to carry two full grown pumpkins. That said David is still living near Deponent in said town of Guil- derland, and is nearly sixty three years of age. That the third child of said Dernier and Annatje is also living in said town of Guilderland. That

her present name is Sarah Wormer. She being the wife of Cornelius Wormer who is a nigh neighbour of this Deponent. That said Sarah must be as much as fifty seven years of age. That this Deponent has always been informed & socially believes that said Dermer Reliya was a soldier of the Revolution, and that he was out at various times both with the Battalions & Militia but of the particulars of his service this Deponent has no positive knowledge. That Deponent continued to be well acquainted with the said Dermer & Annalje until the day of the death of said Dermer or for the period of many years. The precise number of which Deponent cannot recollect. That during said time the said Dermer and Annalje lived together as husband & wife. That after the death of the said Dermer the said Annalje was again married to William Knistcane who resided in Sharon N.Y. That she continued to live with said Knistcane in Sharon aforesaid until his death which occurred some ten or twelve years since, when she the said Annalje returned to Guilderland and has since resided with her daughter the said Sarah Wormer & remains single & unmarried.
Note "Sarah" erased four times & "Annalje" interlined four times before execution also, "three" interlined.
Subscribed & sworn this 8 th day of September 1872 before me & I certify that said John Beebe is a credible witness.
R. S. Hosford Com. of Deeds

State of New York City & County of Albany 3/8
Cornelius Wormer of the town of Guilderland in said County aged 67 years the fourth day of July last past being duly sworn deposes & saith that he is the husband of Sarah Relyea who was the third child of Derner & Annatje Relyea who also resided in said town of Guilderland That said Sarah is about ten years younger than this Deponent or fifty seven years of age. That she had two brothers older than herself who were also lawful children of said Derner & Annatje to wit Nicholas Relyea now deceased & David Relyea who also lives in Guilderland aforesaid. That deponent has always been informed & truly believes that said Derner & Annatje were married early in the war of the Revolution. That said Derner served during said war the battle of Saratoga both before & after said mar- riage. That for many years previous to the passage of any law for the relief of the widows of revolutionary soldiers, he has heard his mother in law the said Annatje speak of said Derner's service with the militia at Schenectady & other places after her said marriage with him, but of the particulars of said service that Deponent has no knowledge. That said Derner was also called Derne. Derner being being the Dutch for Daniel and the pro- nunciation thereof being various. That this De- ponent has never heard of any other Derner or Daniel Relyea unless among the descendants of the said Derner before mentioned & Deponent does not believe that any other has lived among the Dutch inhabitants of the state of New York. That the Relyea family was small & this De-

Deponent has never heard of another as he would have been likely to have heard had any such there lived among the said Settlements. That the said Annatje was afterwards married to William Kniest-cam who died ten or twelve years ago, since which time she has remained a widow Single & unmarried
Subscribed & sworn this 8th day of September 1842 before me & I certify that the said Cornelius Wornur is a credible witness
Cornelius his K Wornur mark
R. S. S. head
Com. of Deeds
In the above matter
John Priebe being further duly sworn saith that he has lived among the Dutch inhabitants of Albany County all the days of his life & has been very extensively acquainted among them & that he has never heard of any other Dermier or Derme (or English Daniel ) Relyea except the one referred to & described in the foregoing papers, unless among the descendants of said Dermier, and Deponent does not believe that any other has existed in the state of New York Subscribed & sworn the day & year aforesaid before me } John Priebe
R. S. S. head
Com. of Deeds

State of New York Albany County. 3 ss
I Henry B. Haswell Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Jonas Wickes before whom the affidavit of Charity Relyea purports to have been sworn and Robert Shepherd before whom the affidavit of Cornelius Warren and the affidavit of John Beebe purports to have been sworn were on the day of the dates of the jurats by them respectively subscribed Commissioners of Deeds in and for the said County. That I am acquainted the handwriting of each of the said Commissioners & verily believe their names subscribed to the said jurats are their proper handwriting & signatures.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said County this 13th day of January 1843.
H. B. Haswell Clk.