Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 20582, John Betsinger, New York

SERVICE
New York
Betsinger, John
NUMBER
R. 20582
CONTENTS

Declaration
State of New York & Madison County 3. ss:
In the eighth day of October 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Said County now sitting John Peterson a resident Said County & State of New York aged Sixty Seven years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered the Service of the United States under the following named Officers and Served as herein stated was Born at Minden in the County of Montgomery in the State of New York in the year fifty five 1765 has no record of his age Said at Minden in the County of Montgomery State of New York when he entered the Service of the Revolution that he continued to reside at the same Place after the war until he removed to the Town of Lenox in the County of Madison & State of New York where he now resides and has for the last twenty five years that he entered the Service as a Volunteer with the rank of a private in the Spring of 1780 and took Willets Regiment of State Troops and was immediately transferred to the Bakehouse at Fort Plain (that being his occupation) that his constant business was Baking for the Army and in constant Service for more than two years and until the close of the war that he never received one dollar for the whole Service or any part thereof that he never had any Written Discharge that he is now  acquainted with was acquainted with Capt Samuel Cherry & Lieut McKean & Capt McKean who were killed in battle is now acquainted with Henry Post Sylvester Baker Judge De Witt S. Chapman who know his character & reputation he purely relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the Grant and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Sworn and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid A. S. Sloan Clerk
John Peterson
We John A. Selen & Stephen Chapman residing in the Town of Lenox in Said County of Madison hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Peterson who has Subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be Sixty Seven years of age that he is reputed and believed to be in the neighborhood where he resides to have been

The Nicholas V. took a belligerent mood in the neighbourhood of John Betsinger & etc.
a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Given and subscribed the day and year as aforesaid
J. A. Suter J. Chapman
A. S. Sloan Clk
And the said I do hereby declare that my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories presented by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the bond further certifies that it appears to them that John A. Beeber who signed the foregoing certification is a resident in the Town of Lenox and that Stephen Chapman who has also signed the same is a resident in said town of Lenox and is a credible witness and that this statement is entitled to credit
I Andrew S. Sloan clerk of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of John Betsinger for a pension — In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal at office this ninth day of October 1832
A. S. Sloan Clk
State of New York Madison County
SS. Personally appeared before me George Betsinger and said that he knows John Betsinger who signed the foregoing declaration and has known him for sixteen years last past knows that the said John Betsinger served during the war of the Revolution in the Spencer  Regiment  of 1780 and was transferred immediately to the Haking Battery exclusively for the army and in the service command by Col. Mott and that said Betsinger continued so in service until the summer of 1783 and until the army was discharged and that said Betsinger so continued until he was regularly discharged he volunteered as a Private during the war in Capt. Lorenz Gross' Company but do not do much duty as a soldier before he was transferred to the Haking Battery in which he continued the remainder of the war
Given & subscribed this 15th day of June 1833 before me Stephen Chapman a Justice of the Peace

I, Stephen Chapman the Justice from the above and from the above and from the above do hereby certify that George Robinson who submitted and swore to the 1733 - A bond and affidavit is a true and correct copy and entitled to credit State of New York } S. George Robinson of Seneca in said County Madison County }
I being duly sworn in open court say that he is well acquainted with John Robinson who declaration made in open court is herewith attached that this deponent has known him and lived near by him ever since the revolutionary war and knows that he lived as stated in his declaration for more than two years and that he is a man of truth and veracity he lived from the commencement of the year 1780 to the close of the war in Col. Willett's Regiment his business was baking for the army that being his occupation and for the South side Sworn & subscribed to this 8th day of October 1832 before me - A. S. Sloan Clk
John Robinson who signed & swore to the foregoing declaration now comes into this same Court of Common Pleas this 18th day of June 1833 and on being duly sworn in open court deposes and says the statements in his former declaration herewith attached is true and that in answering the interrogatories submitted by the court deponent says as follows 1st that he was born in the town of Minden, Montgomery Co. in the year 1765 - 2nd Has no record of his age 3rd Lived at Minden when called into the service served there after the war until 1807 when he removed into the Town of Seneca where he now resides Madison Co. N.Y. and has resided there ever since 4th that he volunteered into the service 5th that Col. Willett commanded the Regiment knew Capt. Samuel Cherry afterwards made Major 6th Never received a written discharge but was discharged verbally at the same time the five years men were discharged 7th knows Judge Leek, Pardoe, Parnand, Eager, John A. Lee Esq. Stephen Chapman George Robinson Subscribed & sworn to in open court this 18th day of June 1833 - before me - A. S. Sloan Clk. John L. ...

Mr Nicholas V Kirt a Collyerman residing in the Neighbourhood of John Ketinger & I who Chapman in the same Neighbourhood here by certify that we are well acquainted with John Ketinger who is now present & say that the foregoing declaration believe him to be sixty years of age that he is a faithful and beloved in the Neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion sworn in open Court & subscribed this 18th day of June 1833 before us
Nicholas V Kirt I Chapman
A. S. Sloan Clk
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after hearing the several stories presented by the several departments that the person named appears to be a revolutionary soldier and served as stated by him and the court now here further certifies that it appears to them that Nicholas V Kirt who signed the above certificate is a Collyerman resident in the Neighbourhood of the said John Ketinger and who also signed the same is a resident of the same Neighbourhood and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
I Andrew S Sloan Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Madison do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original & Supplemental proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Ketinger for a Pension in testimony whereof I have
this the day of June 1833 hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office
A. S. Sloan Clk
State of New York Madison County Clerk's Office } ss: I Andrew S Sloan, Clerk of the said County, do certify that Stephen Chapman before whom the preceding Affidavit of George Ratnour purports to have been sworn and also whose name appears to the preceding Certificate that George Ratnour is a man of truth and veracity, was, at the date of the same, One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County - And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit and Certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 18th day of June 1833 -
A. S. Sloan Clk
1833 John Ketinger I Chapman Atty Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas

10308.
John Belsinger Madison Co New York
dis allow.
(j m)
J. Chapman Esq. Clarksville. Madison Co Clarksville New York.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined 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 John Bitsinger Madison Co New York.
   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.     1/2 1780 More than 2 " " " Div a Baker for the Army None Col. Wil lets None Not stated 67 years Albany may be N. York One Witness  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [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. }  Joseph Rowan Esq.

In the Matter of the application of Nicholas Belsinger for Pension of John Belsinger Power of Attorney
John Belsinger Ad Coat 52 rejected Suspended
Nov 24 - 1852
W. L. Belsinger 9 cns

State of New York County of Madison ss
Sealed it remembered that before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Nicholas Betsinger a resident of Stockbridge in the County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law states that he a son of John Betsinger deceased late of the town of Lenox in said County of Madison aforesaid who was a Revolutionary soldier and that he believes the United States are still indebted under existing laws for the pension that was due under the application heretofore made and that he is directly interested as a claimant in the pension for which application was heretofore made as aforesaid and constitutes and appoints Willis G. Wade of Washington D.C. his true and lawful attorney with irrevocable power to examine into, investigate, and establish the claim for said Pension, and do all acts necessary thereto.
In Witness Whereof the said Nicholas Betsinger has on this tenth day of November 1852 hereunto signed his name and affixed his seal.
Sealed & delivered in the presence of us Thomas T. Loomis
Nicholas Betsinger
Signed Sealed and acknowledged and sworn to this tenth day of November 1852 before me
Thomas T. Loomis J.P.

1935 Apr. 30 - Hirt. to Mrs. G. H. Rice - MRD 1935 - July 30 - Mrs. G. H. Rice add- cost of photos - minn
No. 20,582
, Ex'r.
OLD WAR INVALID.
REJECTED
John Belinger P. O. Madison Co. New York
Service: Revolutionary war Enlisted: Printed List of 1852 18 . Discharged: Rejected & Suspended Claim 18 . Advis cause of rejection 18 . Application filed: "He was a baker, not a soldier." 18 .
Alleges: New Jacket
Attorney: P. O.

April 30, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. G. W. Rice 67 Albemarle Street Rochester, New York
JOHN BETSINGER R. 20582 BA-J/MLB
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John (Johannes) Betsinger, Besimer or Berringer, who died in Madison County, New York, and William Stubbs (Stubs), who served from Ulster County, New York, and died about 1820 in Orange County, New York.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of the William Stubbs, under any spelling, as described by you; such claims are the source of Revolutionary War data furnished by this office. The record was found of a John Betsinger, of Madison County, New York, which is furnished herein as obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 20582, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
John Betsinger was born in 1765 in Mendon, Montgomery County, New York, or March 16, 1754, in Canajoharie, Montgomery County, New York (both dates and places of birth stated by soldier with no explanation of the discrepancy). The names of his parents are not given.
While residing in Mendon, or near Canajoharie, New York, he volunteered in the spring of 1780 in Captain Lawrence Gross' company, Colonel Willett's New York regiment, was immediately transferred to the bakehouse at Fort Plain, New York, where he served as baker for the army until the summer of 1783.
After the Revolutionary War, the soldier lived for a few years in Freybusch, New York, then moved to Lenox, Madison County, New York.
On October 8, 1832, John Betsinger while residing in Lenox, New York, applied for pension. His claim was not allowed because

the service he rendered as a baker under a civil contract was not provided for in the act under which he applied, which required service of six months in a regularly organized military corps.
In 1848, John Betsinger was still residing in Lenox, Madison County, New York, where he died.
No reference was made to soldier's wife.
In 1851, soldier's son, Nicholas Betsinger, was residing in Lenox, Madison County, New York, but in 1852 was a resident of Stockbridge in the same county. No other reference was made to children.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

N 37586 John Betsinger N.Y.  Set to Wm. T. Jenkins Feb 10 '48 Rejected
act 7 June 1832
New York  Revo.
John Betsinger Rejected  Rev. Chapman  15 Augt 1833
Act. 7 June 32
State of New York, OSWEGO COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE.
{ ss. I, Jabez H. Gilbert Clerk of the County of Oswego, hereby certify that W. F. Stone Esq. whose name is subscribed to the jurat of affidavit _____ a Jus- hereto annexed, was, at the date of said jurat tice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, and duly elect- ed and qualified to act as such; that I am well acquainted with his hand-writing, and verily believe his signature to said jurat is genuine.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said county this 17th day of March
A. D. 184
J. H. Gilbert Clerk.

In the matter of the Application of John Betsinger for a Pension
No 37586 John Betsinger NY Act. 7 June 1832

State of New York Oswego County ss Nicholas N. Bort, a minister of the Gospel, and in good standing, being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that he was fifty seven years old in may last past, and that he now lives in Hastings, State and county aforesaid, and has done so for the last six years past, and previous to that lived in Seneca Madison County and State aforesaid, and while living there for thirty six years in the neighborhood with Mr John Betsinger, and for this space of time was well acquainted with the said John Betsinger, and it was common report and believed that the said Betsinger was in the service of the Revolutionary war as Baker in said service, and this Deponent further saith that the said John Betsinger's character stands good for truth and veracity. Further this Deponent saith not subscribed and sworn to before me this 26 February - 1849 H. G. Storer Justice of the Peace
Nicholas Bort Minister of the Gospel
This may certify that I am well acquainted with the above named N. N. Bort and Believe him to be of good moral character and of a sane mind
H. G. Storer Justice
removed to his town of Seneca

Madison County ss. Jacob Forbes of Lemp in said County of Madison being duly sworn deposes & says that he was eighty one years of age on the 23 rd day of June last. That he is acquainted with John Betzinger of the town of Lemp aforesaid that he knew the said John Betzinger during a portion of the time of the Revolutionary war. deponent further was engaged during the war of the revolution & left deponent at home with deponent's mother. deponent resides at Cherry Valley in the State of New York at the time of the burning of that place and a short time after that event deponent then a lad was compelled to assist his mother in gaining a support for herself & family by labor & was compelled together with his mother & family to remove to Fort Plain for protection, a short time after deponent's removal to Fort Plain he became acquainted with the said John Betzinger who  was was engaged in the bake house connected with said Fort, deponent was well ac- quainted with the said John Betzinger for about two years while he was engaged in such capacity. deponent learned from said Betzinger that he had been assigned to that business because he was acquainted with the the business of baking. deponent also became acquainted with said Fort with Major Fink. Gen Gansvoort Col Willet Capt Bouch or Buck deponent removed from Fort Plain to Fort Herkimer where he lived one year then to East Canada Creek. Then to Mindem in the County of Montgomery and in 1803. or 1804 removed to the town of Lemp

said County of Madison and State of New York where he has since resided the said John Behringer resides in said town of Seneca when deponent first removed into said town & has been here since and further deponent saith not. Subscribed and sworn before me { his This 11 day of March 1847 } Jacob X Forbes J. Cooper Justice mark
This is to certify that I am personally acquainted with Jacob Forbes who made the above affidavit & believe him to be of a sane mind & of good moral character.
Dated at Seneca March 11 th 1847 J. Cooper Justice

State of New York } Madison County } Town of Lenox ss }
N. S. Gady a justice of the peace in & for said County, being duly sworn deposes & says that he is well acqu- ainted with John Betsinger & has known him for about twenty years, that he is now a very old man & his reputation for truth & veracity is undoubted & any statement of facts which he might make in regard to matters with which he is conversant, would be believed by this deponent & as this deponent thinks by all who are acquainted with the said John Betsinger
Subscribed & sworn before me This 11 th day of March 1847 J. Cooper Justice of the Peace for said County
N. S. Gady
were at the time one of the justices of the peace of the town of Lenox & said County of Madison And the said Friend Barnard further certifies that the said Betsinger is infirm and infirm in the opinion of the said Barnard, and owing to such debility has been for more than a year past unable to attend the sitting of a court of record in

State of New York } ss. Stephen Chapman of Leroy in said Mondron County } County being duly sworn with that he has resided in this town and a Neighbour to John Betseyan, and has been been intimately acquainted with him for thirty five years last past. and have never heard his character questioned for truth and veracity and that his statement is entitled to credit and this deponent has heard several of the old pensioners say they knew the said John Betseyan when in the revolutionary Army and that he was a Baker for the Army and thought he Betseyan ought to have drawn a pension and further South nor
S. Chapman
Subscribed & sworn before me this 11 th day of March 1847 J. Cooper Justice

Secretary's Office Albany March 27. 1847.
Gentlemen,
In answer to your letter of the 15 th instant in relation to the services of John Betsinger in the revolutionary war, I have to inform you that as soon as it was received, Search was made in this office but no return of John Betsinger could be found on the records: The letter was then sent to the Comptroller's office, and last evening it was returned with a report that nothing was found in relation to the above named person.
If he was a baker as he says perhaps he was only hired but not enlisted at all events his name is not to be found
Yours respectfully
Arch d Campbell Dep. Sec. of State
Mess rs Graves & Dodge

State of New York County of Madison } ss. And the said Friend Barnard one of the Judges of the County Courts of Record appointed to be held in and for the County of Madison do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the law Department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he stated
And the said Friend Barnard further certifies that it appears to him that Jacob Forbes Nathan Cady and Stephen Chapman who have subscribed the foregoing affidavits are residents of the town of Lenox in the County of Madison and that said persons reside in the the immediate vicinity of the said Beltinger that said Forbes is an aged individual, that said Cady is a justice of the peace and the said Chapman an attorney and counsellor at law and post master at Clockville within town and that their several statements are entitled to credit And I further certify that I am acquainted with Nicholas Bort who has subscribed the affidavit herewith accompanied, that said Bort formerly resided in Lenox in the vicinity of the said Beltinger, that said Bort is a minister of the Gospel in good standing
And I do further certify that Jeremiah Cooper who has subscribed the foregoing certificate is now and was at the time one of the justices of the peace of the town of Lenox and County of Madison
And the said Friend Barnard further certifies that the said Beltinger is entitled and confirms in the opinion of the said Barnard, and owing to such debility has been for more than a year past unable to attend the sitting of a court of record in

said County of Madison and State of New
The said County of Madison. That the County seat of said County is Morristville a distance of thirteen miles from the said Beltinger residence and over a mountainous country. Dated this 31 st day of March 1847
Frederick Barnard one of the Judges of Madison County Courts

State of New York } ss Sylvester Brecker of Madison County } the Town of Lenox in said Town of Lenox } County being duly sworn deposeth & saith that he has
resided in the Town of Lenox for more than thirty eight years last past, that during such residence he was intimately acquaint- ed with John Betsinger, who also was a resident of said Town of Lenox for the same length of time, that this deponent has never heard the character of John Betsinger called in question for truth & veracity. But this depo- nent believes it to be good cause that the Statements of said John Betsinger are entitled to credit. & further saith not.
S. Brecker
Subscribed & sworn { before me this 11 th day { of March 1847 { J. Cooper Justice {
el
moved to this town of Lenox

State of New York } County of Madison } ss
I Scott Stone Clerk of the County of Madison aforesaid and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas held in and for said County hereby certify that Friend Barnard was one of the Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas at the date of the foregoing certificate by him made and for more than one year previous thereto and until the first Monday of July last. And further that I am acquainted with the hand- writing of the said Friend Barnard and that the signature subscribed to the certificate and to the declaration of the said John Botsinger hereto annexed is the genuine signature of the said Friend Barnard. And I do further certify that I am acquainted with Jeremiah Cooper of the town of Verno in said County that said Cooper is an acting justice of the peace in and for said County that I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Cooper that the signature subscribed to the certificate and to the Affidavit taken before him hereto annexed is the genuine signature of the said Cooper and that said Cooper has been such justice of the peace since the first day of January last. And that at the time said Barnard was such Judge the said Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Madison was a court of record.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court and of the Clerk of Mil County this 22 nd day of November 1847
W. S. Sloan Clerk

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of New York } County of Madison } On this 21 st day of November in the year of our Lord 1846 personally appeared before me Friend Barnard one of the Judges of the County Court held in and for the County of Madison & State aforesaid John Betsinger a resident of the town of Laurens in said County aged ninety two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration
That in consequence of extreme old age debility & sickness he is unable on account of such infirmity to attend the sitting of any Court of Record held in and for said County that the said Betsinger residence is thirteen miles from the village of Morrisville in said County where said County Courts are held, that the next Courts appointed to be held in and for said County is the first Monday of February next. That in consequence of the said Betsinger infirmities he will be utterly unable to endure the fatigue of a journey to said Court
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated according to the best knowledge recollection and belief of the said Betsinger - He was engaged during the whole of his service in said war as a baker, was at Fort Plain - in New York in what is now called Montgomery County - was bound by a binding to signed at Fort Plain. enlisted under Col. Willett and served in that Fort five years and six months. I do not recollect the year I enlisted. The reason

why I staid six months over five years after that there were 1500 men who enlisted for five years & these men did not expire until 6 months after the expiration of the war - there were made Fort Plain their head quarters - I knew Capt Buck - Sergeant Hicks Sergeant Hollister, Major Fink of the nine months men all at Fort Plain General Gansvoort Capt Cherry at Fort Plain - I saw Harry Hare & Keibers living near Fort Plain as I went to Gansvoort camp.
Where and in what year were you born? I was born at the place or village now called Canajoharie in the County now called Montgomery in the State of New York. I believe on the 16 th day of March 1754
Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it? I have no record of my age -
Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war. and where do you now live? - I was living near Canajoharie

aforesaid when called into the service. - Since the Revolution aforesaid I lived at Fry's Bush in Montgomery County, a few years & then removed to the town of Lewis in the County of Madison and State of New York where I have resided since - & do now reside
How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
I enlisted at Fort Placid
State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops when you served, such Continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
I knew Col. Willett & the officers I have before mentioned I cannot recollect the names or number of the different regiments. I was confined to the business of baking during the whole term of my service. I was compelled to work night & day, & had power to press soldiers from the ranks to assist me in baking & did frequently. I had to inspect all the flour

Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so, by whom was it given, and what became of it? I did receive a discharge from the service. I was given me by Col Willett. It was burnt up with all my effects except the clothes upon my back between 45 & 50 years ago in Linn's Madison County.
State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution, Sylvester Beecher, Sylvanus Seber, Nicholas Borth, Stephen Chapman Esquire & I believe almost every man in my neighbourhood will testify to my character John S David Cronin Nathan S Cady.
And the said John Behringer hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of any State. Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me John Behringer mark
Subscribed & sworn before me the 21 st day of November 1846
Friend Barnett one of the Judges of Madison County Courts

Claim of John Betsinger filed in 1848 and rejected, I want to examine the papers June 19, 1851
Mr Betsinger
3
Nov 20 52
Mr Betsinger June 19 1851
John Betsinger
Mr Herrick June 26-1857

Know all men by these presents, That I Nicholas Betsinger of Seneca, Madison Seneca, New York have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do constitute and appoint George R. Herrick, of the City of Washington, my true and lawful Attorney, irrevocably, with power of substitution for me and in my name, place and stead, to ask and receive of and from the United States any BOUNTY LAND, EXTRA PAY, PENSIONS, bonuses , MONEY or MONEYS, that are now due to me on account of services rendered, disbursements made, or expenses incurred by John Betsinger deceased who was a revolution soldier in my father while in the service of the United States, or on any other account whatsoever, and in my name to give receipts and other sufficient discharges, for such Bounty Land, Extra pay, Pensions, bonuses , and money due as aforesaid, and to attend to and prosecute any and all business of whatever nature that may have with or before any of the Departments of Government or Congress, and, generally, to do any and every other act or acts, that I might or could do, were I personally present at the doing thereof; hereby ratifying and confirming whatever my said Attorney, shall do in and about the premises by virtue hereof, divers good causes and valuable considerations, me thereunto moving.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 12th day of June 185 7 .
Signed, sealed, and delivered } Two in the presence of } witnesses. E. H. Dodge James P. Root
Nicholas Betsinger 
State of New York } ss: On this 12th day of June County of Oneida } 185 7 personally appeared Nicholas Betsinger before me, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein contained.
J. L. Loomis J. P.
State of New York } ss: I HEREBY CERTIFY, That Jas. Foulinson County of Oneida } Esq., before whom the foregoing acknowledgement was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Oneida County court, this 14th day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty- 7
Alexander Rae Clerk.

83 Pension Office February 10 1848
Sir
I have the honor to inform you that the papers in the Case of John Betsinger have been examined and filed under the act of 7 June 1832.
Claimant states in his declaration that he was engaged during the whole of the service in said war as a baker at Fort Plain that he was under Col. Willett in that Fort five years, and that he was bound by a writing which he signed at said fort. Betsinger's name is not found upon the Rolls of Col. Willett or of that of any other Regiment belonging to the State of New York. This fact together with that of his having been bound by writing shows clearly that he was employed under a civil contract which affords no ground for a pension. His claim has therefore been rejected.
Hon Timothy Jenkins House of Reps

D. Chapman
15 Aug. 33
OC
Rec Vol 9
Page 460

D. Chapman
15 Aug. 33
OC
Rec Vol 9
Page 460

War Dept
Pension Off
Aug 15 1833
Sir
The claim of John Belsinger has been examined & disallowed. His employment as a baker is not provided for unless it could be clearly established that he was regularly enlisted mustered into service & detailed for that purpose — His papers are placed on file
S. Chapman Esq. Locksville N.Y.

Rochester, N.Y. April 9, 1935.
Veterans Administration :
Pension Dept. Revolutionary War;
Dear Sir,
Have you any record of pension or application for pension for Revolutionary war service for John(Johannes) Betsinger, giving age, place of birth and service. He was born in 1760 and died 5-29-1848 at Clockville, Madison Co., N.Y.
His tomb stone states that he was a soldier of the American Revolution. I do not find him in N.Y. in the Revolution under the name spelled Betsinger, but he may be listed under Besimer or Berringer as there were various spellings of his name used.
Have you any record of application for pension for service in the American Revolution for William Stubbs(Stubs), giving age, place of birth and family? He served in the Ulster County Militia, N.Y. State, Second Regiment-Colonel James McClaghry, - Lieut. Col. Jacob Newkirk, - Major Moses Phillipps.
He died about 1820 in Orange County, N.Y.
Thank you,
Grace S. Rice (Mrs. G. W.)
67 Albemarle St.
Rochester, N.Y.

R.20582.
Rochester N.Y. May 24 1935
Vetrans Administration Washington D.C.
Mr.A.D.Hiller Exec.Asst.to Administrator:
Dear Sir:
Referring to Revolutionary soldier John Betsinger. R.20582. BA-J/MBL. I would like to have phostatic copy of each document referring to John Betsinger's application for pension,if the cost is not too great.Please let me know how much it would cost and to whom I should make out money order for same.
Yours truly Grace S. Rice Mrs. G. W. Rice
Mrs.G.W.Rice 67 Albemarle St. Rochester N.Y.

July 30, 1935.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. G. W. Rice 67 Albemarle Street Rochester, New York
BA--J/MMHF/ady John Betsinger R.20582 Ch
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, R.20582, based upon service of John Betsinger in that war.
There are twenty-three pages in the above named claim to be copied.
The cost is twenty-five cents a page, making total cost $5.75.
Please make remittance by money order drawn to the order of the Treasurer of the United States.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator