Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 28,639, David D Becker, New York

SERVICE
New York
Becker, David D.
NUMBER
S 28639
CONTENTS

Albany N York 31. 101
Edward H. Becker of Montgomery in the State of N.Y. who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Smith of the Regt. commanded by Col. Lewis in the N.Y. line for 6 mos & 5 days
2 Let to Am. M. J. Bovee, May 27. 1837. Let to same June 5. 1837 to Pensioner to Pensioner } 18. Oct. '38. to Pension Agent } Letter to M. J. Bovee 22. April 1839 To pensioner & Pen. Agt June 6, 1839.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 20 Dollars & 62 1/2 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of May 1837 and sent from M. J. Bovee Amsterdam N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1837 $123.36 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 10.28 $133.64
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by W. H. Garrison Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 4 Page 6

State of New York Montgomery County ss. Samuel Brown being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was during the revolutionary war acquainted with David D. Becker. That the said David D. Becker then resided in the town of Cambridge in the County of Washington (then the County of Albany) and state of New York. That he now resides in the town of Broad albin in Montgomery County in said state. That the said David D. Becker was in the war of the revolution at various times to the actual knowledge of this deponent. That he saw him in the service at Fort George Fort Edward Fort Miller and at Saratoga places within the state of New York aforesaid and that the said David D. Becker was at those places for several months in the service of the United States as a Mastermason. The exact time he done duty in this deponent cannot say but should think and does believe that it was as much as six months that he this deponent saw the said David D. Becker in actual service. And this deponent fur- ther saith that from the knowledge that he had of the said David D. Becker during said war and from what he understood at the time and then believed and still believes he has no doubt but that the said David D. Becker done much other service in the said war as a soldier of which he

He is believed to be about one year of age
had no actual knowledge at the time besides the six months aforesaid, and further saith not
James Brown
I certify that the above affidavit was read to the said Samuel Brown before he signed the same and that he thereupon signed and swore to the same as being just and true this fourteenth day of August in the year 1832 before me. I further certify that Samuel Brown is personally known to me that he is a credible person of known and veracity & Marcellus Weston that his statement is entitled to full credit & belief as part of the proceedings Marcellus Weston, prob. of the peace as aforesaid
State of New York Montgomery County, ss:
I, George D. Ferguson Clerk of Montgomery County, Common Pleas, do hereby certify that Marcellus
Weston Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace of the said County: and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice & verily believe that the name of the said Justice subscribed to the said affidavit is by a Certificate of Character of said Samuel Brown is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand & Seal of Office this 18th day of December 1832.
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York Montgomery County 3/8. On this twentieth day of Septem- ber in the year 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County of Montgomery now sitting David D. Becker a resident of the Town of Broad- albin in the said County of Montgomery and State of New York aged twenty one years who being first duly sworn according to law, on his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named offi- cers and served as herein stated. That he resided during the revolutionary war in the Town of Cambridge then in Albany County now in Washington County and State of New York, That in the fore part of the Month of June the day he cannot recollect in the year 1777 he volunteered to go to Fort Edward for two months. That he entered into said service the next day. That the Company in which he served was commanded by Captain Smith Lieutenant Wheelock. The company was not recruited. Lewis P. North was Colonel of the Regiment. One Blair Lieutenant Colonel. Lewis Astoria was first Major and one Allen was second Major. That upon entering said service he went directly to Fort Edward, thence to White Creek

and there was stationed until he was dismissed with his regiment which was some time in the month of August following some or five days before Bennington battle. That he was in the service two months at this time. Does not recollect the name of the Continental Officer. At White Creek a Captain McCacken commanded a Continental Company. Col. Williams commanded another regiment of Militia - And the said David D. Becker further declares that he resided from the period aforesaid till the end of the war of the revolution at Cambridge aforesaid and in a section of Country exposed during all that time to the incursions of the British and Indians friendly to them and that it was necessary to have the Forts guarded to prevent said incursions and that the Militia were frequently called out in shape on alarms and that a part of the Regiment to which he belonged was all the time till the close of the war engaged in keeping garrison or guarding the Country and in order to make it less burdensome it was agreed that the Company to which this respondent belonged should be closed and that each class should serve two weeks and that it should be determined by lot which class served first served. In the year 1778 in the month of June his Company and Regiment to which it belonged was ordered out. That his Company

was out all the time a part of it. That he was closed and that he was in said service one half of the time from June till December following and in all was in said service three months this year besides he was in the service by being in Skaneateles between the periods that he was out in regular service this year about one month but was out only as a second regiment between the times that he was drafted by Clapp that he did not serve only two weeks at a time this season except when he was ordered out on a scout which took place once this season between The times aforesaid, had expired I kept him in said service 4 months. Here to Fort Edward and was there stationed except when sent out from Fort Edward The officers both company and regimental were the same this year as the year before that he was sometimes under other captains & company officers & sometimes only a part of his company officers were with said service - In the year 1779 was in said service three months. That his service this year began in the month of June and continued till November then except. That he was closed and his class drafted that he was out more than one half of time including the Skaneateles, that he was called out when there was an attack made by the Indians or British upon the town or neighboring towns which they frequently did in small parties killing & plundering the inhab- itants. That he was in said service this year regularly one half of time from June till November. was drafted by Clapp and that he was in scouts & Skaneateles when he volunteered to be a walk of a man three months this season. went to Fort Edward and was stationed there most of the time
I have the honor to make this declaration

N. 200 In the year 1780 again was drafted in Companies of two weeks each. Was in said service from June this year till December following was out just one half of the time this year and was in said service by taking turns so that the said Company one half of it would be out one half of time. Had the same Company & regimental Officers this year and the year before that he had in 1778. That he was out under them all the time that he was sometimes under other Com- pany Officers. In 1781 was out in all about two months went into service this year - went in the Month of June as he thinks was out in hours of two weeks each continued to serve till October was out one half of time in hours of two weeks each as in the years before went to Fort Edward Block Lake - Fort Edward was evacuated in the year 1780 in October. That but with withstanding was at the place or in its vicinity frequently did not remain stationed there long any one time. In 1782 he was out for two weeks on a regular tour. That he was ordered out on skirmishes and scouts about a month besides during the summer. Cannot tell exactly how long but should judge that all his service in the summer of this year amounted to six weeks or more. Was under the same Company Officers as before stated not under them all the time. Has no documentary evidence of his service. Was born in the year 1761 the 12 th day of May in Schenectady in the State of New York. Has no record of his age has living when called into service in Cambridge

has lived in  Ames in the State of New York and lived there till the year 1794. Then moved to Mayfield in Montgomery county New York & then to Broadalbin in said County and states has mentioned where he now lives. Was drafted into service & left when he went out as a volunteer to prevent the depredations of the enemy as before stated. remembers that Col. Warner Captain Woodruff Captain Chapman were among the regular officers. Does not recollect particularly about regular officers or regiments as they were not stationed long at any place recollects General Schuyler at Fort Edward - never received any written discharge - That he is known to Abraham Funder & Eldred Funder who reside in his neighborhood and who can testify to his character for veracity and to his belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pen- sion or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. That he was under Captain George Colburn once at Killings once Captain Stryker once. He cannot tell all the Captains or officers he was under when he was not under his own officers as he was under them but a short time. That he knows of no minister whom he can obtain to make an oath that he was reputed a soldier of the revolution. That he knows of no minister who can testify to his being reputed a soldier of the revolution.
Sworn to & subscribed in open court this 20th September 1832. Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
David D. Barker
We Abraham Funder & Eldred Funder one Mayfield & the other of Broadalbin in said County of Montgomery - hereby certify that we are well acquainted with David D. Barker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration.

That we believe him to be seventy one years of age That he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion Sworn to & subscribed in open court September 20th. 1832. Elder Fonda Abraham Fonda Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, & 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 Elder Fonda of the town of Mayfield & Abraham Fonda of the town of Broadalbin in Montgomery county are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the court of common pleas of Montgomery County aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of David D. Becker for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20th September 1832.
Geo: D. Ferguson
David D. Becker
20288

David D Becker
In Vol 6 p 4 - 1792
1780 " 25 2.88
In also Vol 5
Page 83 - 14.52

State of New York Montgomery County 3p. Personally appeared before me the Undersigned a justice of the peace of Broadalbin in the said County of Montgomery David D. Becker of the said Town and County and known to me by reputation as a soldier of the revolution who on being duly sworn deposeth and saith in addition to his declaration made under the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 for a pension and forward to the department of war and return, that he entered into the service of the United States and served thereon as is here in more particularly stated to wit. That in the fore part of the month of June in 1777 he volunteered for two months and was marched immediately to fort Edward where he stayed a few days thence marched to White Creek and remained there till the month of August when he was discharged. was in actual service this time two months and not less than two months. In the year 1778 in the month of June in the fore part of said month, that company to which he belonged was ordered into service a part of it only at a time. That it was agreed that the company should be divided or clipped and there should be a draft which clip should first serve. That the clip to which this deponent belonged was drawn to serve first. That he was immediately with the fore part of June marched to fort Edward and there continued until the middle of December in the space of two weeks etc. That fort Edward was about thirty miles from the place of his deponent's residence during the war of the revolution, that he was discharged or discharged for that year in the month of December in said year near the middle of said month as well as his company or that part of it on duty, that he served continually from June till December aforesaid in times

of two weeks each going and returning from Fort Edward with one half of the Company and that he was in actual service this year between the periods afore said not up than three months besides being out several times on alarms which are not taken into the account aforesaid one of which alarms kept him out two weeks when his regular turn again arrived to go to Fort Edward. That he served this year under the same Officers Company and Regimental as the year before. That he was with his Company, or a part detached for a day or two to go out on scouts and was then under some times under different Company officers was once commanded a day or two by Capt. Thompson & the Police  Doty , but he was not the regular Captain of the Company to which he belonged
In the year 1779 was in said service from the first part of June until the middle or after of November following and in the same manner that he served the year before. That he was out regularly one half of time two weeks each tour was all the time at Fort Edward. was discharged at Fort Edward with his part of Company in service on about the middle of November. was also out this season in several scouts when he was not in his regular tour and was engaged and served besides his regular tour at least three weeks. That he served this year not up than three months between the first part of June and the middle of November was under the same regimental and Company officers this year as in the preceding years & in the same Company and Regiment. In the year 1780 was again called into service and served by Clapes as in the two preceding years served at Fort Edward from the first part of June until the middle of November was discharged at Fort Edward about the middle of November. served

This year one half of time from the first part of June till the middle of December by reason of two weeks each that he served this year not less than three months or actual service and in the same regiment & company and commanded by the same officers as in the pre- ceding years. Except once or twice was detached for a day or several days at a time two & was commanded by some other captain. In 1781 was ordered into service and served by companies as in the preceding years from the first part of June till about the twentieth of October. Four were two weeks each was out regularly one half of time from the first part of June till the said day in October. was marched to Fort Edward where he served most of time & left was at New York the regiment commanded by the same officers & in the same company as before Black Lake about a week. In 1782 was out at Fort Edward on a tour of two weeks. That he was ordered out on scouts and skirmishes during the summer, went once near Schenectady to a place called Scotch Patent These services of each month were irregular and consis- ted of three four times out on scouts and skirmishes That he served this year not less than six weeks and in the regiment and company commanded by the same officers as in the preceding years except the first year. And the deponent further saith that during the several periods aforesaid that he served with an embodied Corps called into service by competent authority, that he was during all the times aforesaid in the field or garrison or the most of the time in the garrison and at Fort Edward and that for the time during which the service was performed he was not employed in any civil pursuit and that he was under the daily command of his said officers and done duty every day as a private in the company to which he belonged and as a soldier of the Revolution and This deponent further 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 several periods aforesaid and he has no doubt in his own mind that he has served longer that he cannot remember the various times of his going into service and his being discharged but during the years aforesaid and between the various times aforesaid stated he done but little else than to serve his country as thereon stated. And that your applicant served in all as a private not less than one year two months and twelve days - and for which he claims a pension - (The words "Apt Thompson & on Penn" was in the original cancelled by the same person and the same company engaged in before being sworn to.
David D. Bunker
I Allen Burr a justice of the peace of Bridwell in the County of Montgomery do hereby certify that on this fifteenth day of June 1833 personally appeared before me David D. Bunker of said town & County known to me by reputation as a revolutionary soldier who desired the preceding statement and on being duly sworn did depose and say that the same was just and true and that the same had been read to him and I further certify that the said David D. Bunker is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief
Allen Burr a justice of the peace of Bridwell in Montgomery County

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's Office, ss. I, George D. Ferguson, clerk of Montgomery County Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that Allen Burr, before whom the foregoing supplemental declaration of David D. Becker purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a Justice of the peace of the said County. And that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice of the peace & verily believe that his name subscribed to the said supplemental Declaration is Genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office the 3 rd July 1833.
Geo: D. Ferguson

State of New York Montgomery County ss.
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a justice of the peace of Broadalbin in Said County David D. Becker of said Town a Revolutionary soldier who on being sworn according to law makes oath and says in addition to his previous declarations. That he served in the war of the revolution as a private in the Militia. That in the year 1777 the last of May as he now thinks and believes he went into the Militia service as a volunteer for 2 months and continued therein until about the 13 th of August following making not up as he now believes and thinks not less 2,15 than 2 1/2 months that he served before he was dis- charged. That he marched from Cambridge in Rensselaer County at the time to Fort Edward remained there about two or three weeks and was then marched to White Creek about eight miles from Fort Edward and there remained till discharged. Was at the time in Col. Van Wocit's regiment and marched with the regiment. Was in Captain Smith's Company. This deponent cannot state the places through which he marched from Cambridge to Fort Edward and to other places during the various times he was in the Militia service in the revolutionary war as the country through which they marched was then mostly a wilderness and he cannot name any other places than those he has or shall hereafter name. In the year 1778 went into service as heretofore stated and was marched from Cambridge to Fort Edward where he was stationed with the Company and regiment to which he belonged & with

in Col. Van Noort's Regiment and in the Company of Capt. Smith but that said Company was Comman- ded by John Whetlesdes up to the time when was Lieut of said Company as he now thinks. That he was finally discharged in this year late in the month of December. That he went out in tours of two weeks each as was agreed by said Company & that he belonged That he was resolute of being out two alarms after he had returned home and one while returning home That kept him constantly under arms and in the field until his regular period arrived for going to Fort Edward and that he served this year in all not up then four months as he now thinks and believes That in the year 1779 he again went out and served in the part of June and Marched from Cambridge & Fort Edward where he continued till the 1st of November or first of December as he now thinks and believes excepting that he was permitted and returned home after he had remained at said fort for two weeks and returned again after the two weeks were up to said Fort and done duty during his various tours as a private as before stated. That besides his regular tours he was out in several alarms and skirmishes and was ordered twice during this season to Albany & Albany as a part of a guard to take charge of prisoners that had been arrested near Cambridge and he now thinks and believes that he served this season between the first of June & first of December following not up then four months & in Col. Van Noort's Regiment & in the Company aforesaid under the command of Lieut Whetlesdes. In 1780

went into said service as before stated - Marched the first part of June from Cambridge to Fort Edward and there remained till late in December following after the middle of said month and was then discharged for the season. Continued at said Fort except when absent by furlough which was given when the tours of two weeks were at an end and then returned again to said Fort when the tour of duty had been completed, that this deponent continued and done duty at said Fort this year not less than three months and in Col. Van Noort's Regiment & in the same Company and under the said John Whitesides who Commanded said Company most of said time Capt Smith some times Commanding the same as this deponent thinks. In 1781 this deponent went into service the first part of June and remained in the same till about the 20 th October following in tours of two weeks each as in the preceding years, Marched from Cambridge to Fort Edward and there received his discharge on the said 20 th of October except was at Plank Lake a week in September or thereabouts, was in Col. Van Noort's Regiment & in the same Company as in the years before. This year this deponent thinks and believes that John Whitesides was Commanded Capt. who Commanded that he served this year not less than two months in said Company as he now thinks altogether. That in 1782 he was drafted on a tour of two weeks, at Saratoga to which place he marched from Cambridge and remained at Saratoga two weeks and was discharged. was also drafted for one week to Marched to Scotch Bonnet - Marched from Cambridge

about the first of November a Scotch patent, and remained there two weeks before Company was discharged. Also was drafted to March to Sheersborough for one week Marched from Cambridge to Sheersborough in September of said year and then remained about ten days and was then discharged. That this deponent went served this year , not less than 24 weeks including one or two tours of three or four days each besides the above that he was in Col. Van Noorts Regiment I am Capt John Whitesides Company. That Scotch patent as it was then called is about 20 miles from Cambridge Sheersborough about 50 miles. Saratoga about 22 miles Fort Edward about 30 miles from the deponents then place of residence to wit Cambridge from which place he marched to the places aforesaid That said Country was then nearly all a wilderness and this deponent cannot describe the route that was taken in marching to the aforesaid places by assuming any place between Cambridge and said places except in marching to Sheersborough went through Salem and Grenville; and to Fort Edward went by the way of Saratoga and Fort Miller which he went a more direct route through the woods. That this deponent further saith that he has set forth his services as a soldier during the war of the revolution to the best of his present recollection and ability. That he has stated the name of his Col. & Captain to the best of his recollection at present and the time for which he has served. That some things here in stated has been brought to his mind by a conversation with William G Woodworth which were not stated in his previous declamation. That his terms of engagement were for two weeks except the first and last years of his said services

and was done by the Company agreeing to be Claps and that each Clap should take turns in serving. That the Company was divided into two Claps and a draft made which Clap should serve first and that each Clap should serve two weeks alternately so long as the Militia should be required to be in the field or garrison - That this deponent served as heretofore stated in obedience to said agreement and the requirements of his said officers. That he cannot state the days during the year that his tours of two weeks began or ended nor can he state the exact length of time he has served but from his present recollection he has not served up than one year four months and twenty seven days for a private for which he claims a pension. That he thinks and believes that he has served for a longer period than the one above stated but in consequence of the loss of memory and the time that has elapsed since his services were rendered it is impossible for this deponent to be exact about his said service.
The words "except was at black like a week in September"
That he served this year not less than two months
"about the first of November" "year" "then"
interlined before oath made & subscribed -
also the word "county"
David J. Barker
I Marcillus Norton a justice of the peace of Broadbottom in Montgomery County aforesaid do certify that David

J. Brien on this twenty fourth day of December 1833 appeared before me and signed the above affidavit and made oath in due form of law that said affidavit is true and that the said Second J Brien's character for truth and veracity is good and further that said interlineations noted were made before said affidavit was read to him & by him sworn to.
Chancellors Newton justice of The peace of Broadwell in said County of Montgomery

20288
David D. Becker Montgomery Co. New York
Specification in
Oct. 9. 33 Ref d to Capt. Whitehead for pf clm d 1.34
to M. Weston and during their a co W of his property
M. Weston Broad Albin Montgomery Co. N. Y.
George L. Ferguson Johnstown N. York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
20 Oct
1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of David D. Becker Montgomery Co N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     vol. June 1777 ✓ 2 pr. Capt Smith Col Lewis 2, 15 71   cont June 1778 ✓ 3 " " (M c Intosh) " 22 N.Y. Cambridge N.Y. Traditional   1779 3 " " " 22 L. Witn ss   1780 22 capt " " 22   1781 2 " " " 22 110   1782 42 " " " 22 3.10   1 1 42 6.5 2   5.10   125  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Some proof of so long a course of service should be produced.

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) _____, who has 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 day 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 he 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 _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , 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 place 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.
No service set forth as indicated above under note [j] can be allowed
R. Newman

State of New York
Montgomery County ss D William G Woodworth being duly sworn before the undersigned justice makes oath and says that he is seventy five years of age and was in the Revolutionary War during which he said now of the town of Woodstock in said County David D. Becker, was with him at various times in the Army of the Revolution. & wit that he first was in Army with the said Becker in the Military Service in the last of May or first part of June in the year 1777. (he rather thinks and is of the opinion the last of May). That he marched as he thinks from Cambridge and thru part of the State to Fort Edward where the regiment and company then had their headquarters to which then detachment belonged and in which regiment the said Becker was. That he remained at Fort Edward about three weeks and then was mar- ched to Great White Creek - now called Salem in Washington County. That during this time the said Becker was with the regiment to which this detachment belonged. That he and the said David Becker remained and continued in said Military Service till the 12 th or 13 th of August in the same year when the regiment was discharged for a few days. That he knows that the said Becker served all the time aforesaid to wit from the last of May or first of June till the 12 th or 13 th of August. That said Becker was in Captain Smith's Company in the Regiment Com- manded by General Van Rensselaer and that he must have served at this time about two and one half

months That in the year following to wit 1778 in the deponent was again in the same regi- ment with the said David Barker. In the Month of June in said year last mentioned he first went into service with said Barker and marched to Fort Edward where regiment was encamped and had their head quarters. That said Barker continued to stay at said place till some time in the Month of December or November following. That said Barker served by tours of about two or three weeks each as he should think from his present recollection and was in the same company & regiment as before stated That in the said Barker must have served this year as much as three months to his actual knowledge and in the same regiment with this deponent to wit Col. Van Rensselaer's Regiment That in the year 1779 the said David Barker went into service as in the year 1778 about the same time of year and left service about the Month of November or December following That he served. That the said Barker was out in tours of two weeks each as he thinks but some times longer and that he was at Fort Edward this year except that he was out on scouts and detached for particular services Recollects that he was with the deponent's father as a guard and went to Albany twice with Tories should think and believes

he the said Bunker served as many as three months to his actual knowledge. In 1780 was called out to go to Fort Edward. That said Bunker this year went into Service the last of May or first part of June. That he was out at various times this year with the said Bunker and that he was with him in said service as late as December. That he well recollects being with him at Fort George and Crooked Lake and went to Ticonderoga with him and was at Crown Point fort but that part of the time the said Bunker was at Fort Edward this year that he was out as a prisoner or of hostilities & so on. That said Bunker served this year as he should think from his actual knowledge as much as 8 weeks but that said Bunker as he believes was out many other times when he was not with him. That in all the aforesaid periods the said Bunker he was in the Company as he thinks but is certain he was in the same regiment as before stated That one Whitesides commanded said Company most of said time That he knows that the said Bunker was also in the said service in the years of 1781 & 1782 and was out frequently but cannot say how long as he was not with him so much as the years before referred to but thinks in those two last years he knows of the said Bunker being in service aforesaid as much as two months or more
William G Woodworth
The word "of the town of Broadalbin in said County" is "through" "the said Bunker" interlined before oath made
I Marcellus Weston a justice of the peace of the town of Broadalbin in said County of Montgomery do certify that

The interlineations before noted and made in the aforesaid affidavit were made by me before the said William G. Woodworth swore to the same. That after they were so made the said William G. Woodworth made oath that the aforesaid affidavit is true and I further certify that the said William G. Woodworth is known to me and that his character for truth and veracity is good and further that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief and that said affidavit was subscribed and sworn to this seventeenth day of December 1833 before me
Marcellus Weston justice of the peace of the said county of Montgomery -
State of New York, Montgomery County, ss.
I, George D. Ferguson, clerk of the county of Montgomery aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Marcellus Weston, before whom the annexed supplemental declaration of David D. Becker, & the annex- ed affidavit of William G. Woodworth purport to have been sworn, was on the date hereof a justice of the peace in & for the said County; and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe that his name thereto subscribed & also to the certificates of character of said deponents is in each case Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of my office this 20th. January 1834
Geo: D. Ferguson

28 639 Reg INVALID.
File No. 28,639
David D Becker
Pa. New York
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 32
[Arrangement of 1870.]

14 Feb. 10. 1834
Pension Office
New York Returned.
Broadalbin N.Y. Feb 3 d
24 Loes
Hon. Lewis Ap — Secretary of War Washington Dist. Columbia
Pen 11/12/34

Broodalbin Montgomery Co. N. York January 29 th 1834
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find the pension papers returned of David D. Becker which have been returned a 2 nd time from the War department including an additional amended declaration to those already made by him together with the affidavit of William G. Woodworth You will now find enclosed the original declaration of the said Becker and two amended declarations also the affidavits in support of his claim to wit one made by Samuel Brown and the other by William G. Woodworth now forwarded for the first time - I am thus particular in stating of what the enclosed papers consist for fear they may be overlooked as I discover at the bottom of the printed circular also enclosed a note stating that some proof of so long a course of service should be produced notwithstanding the affidavit of Samuel Brown who swears to six months service was forwarded with the original declaration and may have been overlooked - You will find also enclosed a statement signed by some of the principal officers of the town and men of respectability setting forth that they are acquainted with the applicant and know his character to be good & that they believe his claim for a pension to be just &c. I advised this supposing it might be of some service to the applicant as it will satisfy the department as to the character of the applicant, and if ever clearly good it is presumed in cases of doubt it must

be satisfactory to be informed that the applicant is a respectable citizen. I hope however that the additional testimony of William G. Woodworth and the explanatory declaration of the applicant will be sufficient to satisfy the department that the Claim of Mr. Barker is just and that a favorable disposition of his application will relieve his mind from that uneasiness which the uncertainty produces upon a weak and infirm old man. He has requested me to say that his certificate can be directed to me or any other communication from the war department respecting his claim
I am your humble obedient servant
Marcellus Hester -
To J. D. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions

Broadalbin Montgomery County N. York January 10 1834
To the Honorable Lewis Cass Secretary of War
We the undersigned persons being officers in the Towns of Broadalbin & Mayfield in said County of Montgomery in behalf of David D. Becker of said Town of Broadalbin reputed a Soldier of the Revolution most respectfully state That we have been acquainted with the said Becker for many years past and can freely say that he is a man strictly temperate in his habits a moral and religious man whose character for truth and veracity we believe to be as good as any other mans. That we never have heard any thing against it, that we should believe any statement he should make. That we believe his application for a pension is just and that he would not prefer any that is not just. We therefore hope that his application for a pension will be allowed and that he will thereby receive that justice from his country which we believe him justly entitled to.
Yours most respectfully
Henry G. Hawley, Clerk of the Town of Broadalbin Michael Thompson Dept Sheriff Allen Burr Dist Atty Justice of the Peace of Broadalbin
Marshall Weston Supervisor of Broadalbin Montgomery County

New York
David D. Buckner on roll
W. M. North

May 1777. 0. 7. 15 Capt Smith (H Edward) 1778 0. 4. 0 " out on tours of 2 weeks each June 1779 0. 11. 0 " Whitefield 1780 0. 3. 0 " " tours of 2 weeks (H Edward) 1781 0. " " " do. 1782 0 0 14
+ Capt Whitefield

6 May 27
Dear Brother
31101
Stephen P. Coles P.O. Box 100 Washington D.C.
Rev. M.P. Bruce

Amsterdam May 22 nd 1837
Dear Sir Some time since I forwarded to you an affidavit in the case of David D. Butler which will obviate the difficulty in his case, and requested a certificate forwarded but it has not come to hand. If it has not been forwarded before this reaches you - I hope on the receipt of this you will forward it to me without delay -
I am yours with sentiments of esteem
William J. Burre
Wm J. L. Edwards

State of New York Montgomery County ss 3
David D. Barker of the town of Broadalbin in the said County being sworn says that he has always written his name as above stated & that there was no man by the name of David Barker or David D. Barker belonging to the company of Captain Whiteside except the deponent - and further this deponent says not
Subscribed & sworn before me the 27 th April 1887.
David D. Barker
A. P. Demarest Commissioner of Deeds
State of New York Montgomery County Clerks Office
I Richard W. Cushman Deputy Clerk of the County of Montgomery do certify that Abraham P. Demarest Esq. whose name is subscribed to the Inat of the foregoing affidavit was at the date of the same a Com- missioner of deeds in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and verily believe the signature to the said Inat is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 1 st day of May 1887 R. W. Cushman Dep. Clerk

April 24.
Miss. Madam
Mrs. J. P. Osborn 22 Glas  Washington D.C.  Mrs. M. B. Brewer 

Amsterdam April 17. 1839
Dear Sir
Since I recd your letter of the 5 th instant I have taken the trouble to go 15 Miles to see Mr Barker - you say in your letter that he can be allowed in 1777 - 2 1/2 Months 3 Mo in 1778. 3 Mo. in 1779 - 2 months in 1781 - making 10 1/2 Months & if you add the 22 days in 1780 it will be 11 Mo & 9 days - there was no other person by the name of David Barker - or David G. Barker in order such officers as he states there is no doubt of all the services he states as he is a man of undoubted veracity - If you have any doubt as to his character for truth I will make an affidavit as to the fact - he has always written his name David G. Barker - I hope you will forward his certificate for 11 Mo & 9 days - he is very poor & stands in need of his pension - this is one of the kindest claims against Government - he does not claim more than has been performed
I am your friend
Gen. J. L. Edwards
M. G. Barker

Mat. June 5
Refua Wence
Don Juan P. Colorado
See W.P. Fraser
Emm. Benjamin Washington D.C.

May 29. 1839
Dear Sir
Your State in your last letter to me in the case of Darius D. Barker that he can be allowed for 3 mos in 1977 - 22 days in '80. & the same in '81, '79, '78 & what has been of the 6 months in 1982 which would make in all 7 mos 13 days -
I am your friend
Matthew J. Breece
Rev J. L. Edwards
2d. I wish you would examine the testimony of Engr. Woodworth in the above case - Mr Barker has served at least 1 1/2 mos -
M. J. Breece

May 12
In at night
Doc. Becka
at home
done
at
Colorado
Washington D.C.
See Mr. Ramey

Amsterdam May 8. 1837
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you an affidavit in the case of David L. Parker which will obviate the difficulty as stated in your last which will make 6 mo. & 5 days - I have no doubt but he served his country as long as he states If you can allow him more than 6 mo & 5 days you would but do him justice as he is very poor - you will forward his certificate - as soon as possible
J. L. Edwards Esq.
M. J. Bane
I have forwarded to the Society of War the papers of Capt John Clark & Gardner Clark I had Mr Clark at my house this day - He states that all the facts as set forth in his his Father's declaration are substantially true I do hope that you will aid the Society in granting their claims forward the certificates to me
I am your friend
Hon. J. L. Edwards
M. J. Bane

Boston
Mass
Chas. H. [unclear] in ab [unclear] John J. [unclear] Commonwealth
Washington
D.C.
Ans to letter April 13 th

Amsterdam April 11. 1839
Dear Sir
I had just in my possession Yesterday a letter you addressed to David D. Barker dated Oct r 18. 1838 stating that his pension would be discontinued on account of some discrepancies in making an affidavit in the case of Widow Farn- Stap - I took that affidavit myself in the presence of Esq r Dement and I think was an error it is more likely that I made it in drawing the affidavit - than that the old Gentleman should have committed it as he is one of the most upright men that I am acquainted with - and in as much as he is just on the rolls for only 6 Mos and 19 days and that amount of time is found on your rolls - I have no doubt but when you come to look at his papers you will find that he claims for more service than has been allowed to him - I have no doubt on a re-examin- ation of his case you will at once order his pension to continue - he is poor and needs that small pittance - I am y r &c Yours J. L. Edwards                      Matthias J. Bence

Chas
in ab Apr 29 Dear P. P. Colborn "Merrimac League"
Washington D.C.
Madam excuse

Amsterdam April 23. 1839
Dear Sir
Yours of the 20 ultimo is at hand and in reply say, that I do not know the fact that any error was committed by me in drawing the affidavit of David D. Barker - Mr Barker states to me in a letter that I must have confounded the years - that fact I do not know - Old Soldiers in giving an account of the War are very apt to go on with a long story about the War - and it is difficult very often to get the precise facts as they state many things that have no bearing in the case - I do not believe that D. D. Barker would state any thing but what he believed true - neither would I put in a fact that did not come as I suppose directly from the witness - after the affidavit of D. D. Barker was retaken it was read to him and so I presume in all papers sent to the department
I am yours respectfully Matthew G. Pierce
Rev J. L. Edwards