Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12,994, Abraham Becker, New York.

SERVICE
New York
Becker, Abraham
NUMBER
S. 12,994
carded
CONTENTS

24.1361 New York Abraham Becker Otsego Co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Co. H, commanded by Captain Marshall of the Regt. commanded by Col. Gauseworth in the New York line for 2 years — " —
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of Nov: 1833 and Leutto S. Grippen Worcester
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $ 200 emi-ant. allowance ending 4 M'34 40 $ 240
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G. C. Stiles Clerk, Book 6, Vol. 4, Page 90

In the matter of Abraham Beecher a Soldier of the Revolution

State of New York Otsego County
ss: Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County. Abraham Becker known to me to be the same person who subscribed his name to, and made the original Declaration herunto annexed, who being duly sworn by me doth depose and say. That he served as a private in Capt. Marcellus Company in Col. Gause's Regiment, commencing on the first of April 1776 and continued until January 1777, making the full period of Nine Months, as set forth in his Original declaration. 2 d That he served as a private in Capt. Alexander Harpers Company of Militia in Col. Harpers Regiment commencing in April 1777 and continued until the Winter of 1778, and until the full expiration of Nine Months, as specified in his said Original declaration. 3 d That he served in Capt. Hays Company in Col. Vroomans Regiment of Militia, commencing the first of May 1778, and continued for the period of Seven Months, as is also mentioned in his said Original declaration. 4 th And that he served in a Company of Militia commanded by Capt. Gray, for the period of Nine Months, which service terminated in the beginning of the Winter next previous to the Conclusion of Peace. And whether this Nine Months service was in the year 1781 or 1782 he cannot positively state.
And the said Abraham Becker further states that the services rendered by him as above stated, were all rendered under the officers of the Government, called into the service by competent authority, and with troops embodied and in the service of the Revolution. That he was not engaged in any civil employment of any kind or nature whatsoever at any or either of the times that he was a soldier and in the service of the Revolution as above stated.
And he further states that during the time he was in the service in the year 1778 in Capt. Hays Company of Militia in Col. Vroomans Regiment he was stationed at the Forts in Schoharie, and generally at the upper fort and was for the most part of the time in Garrison, but was frequently out in scouting parties in search of the Indians and Tories that were lurking about the wilderness in the region of the forts.
And he further states that when he last served in the year 1781 or 1782 he was stationed at the Middle Fort on the Schoharie Creek, and was in Garrison at said Fort during the said Nine Months service. He also saith that Col. Van Schuyler had command of the troops at this time, which were stationed at said Fort and also that Col. Dubois had command of a Regiment of Militia stationed there at the same time. And whether Capt. Grays

Company was attached to Col. Dourlein Regiment, or to Col. Van Schoick he cannot now recollect - but he does well recollect that Col. Van Schoick who was then a Continental Officer, had the Command of the Fort and Garrison -
And he further saith that the Officers under whom he served as stated in his original declaration, and in this Amendment thereto, are all dead according to the best information that he can obtain and as he verily believes to be true - And he also saith that he has no knowledge of any person now living whose testimony he can obtain to prove his said services, except the depositions of the persons, which are annexed to his original declaration - That he has made diligent enquiries and search for the purpose of finding such persons as he could recollect, that served with him in the Revolution, but was not able to ascertain or find any such person except as above stated - and he further states that from old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear more positively to the names of the officers who were with the troops where he served, or the general circumstances of his said services -
Subscribed & sworn to before me the 31 st day of August 1833 - Seth Chase a judge of Otsego county
Abraham his Becker mark
State of New York ?
Otsego County ss :
I Horace Lathrop Clerk of the said County, Do hereby certify that Seth Chase whose name is subscribed to the above amended declaration of the said Abraham Becker, was at the date of the same one of the Judges of Otsego County Courts, and that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Seth Chase and verily believe the signature "Seth Chase a Judge of Otsego County" to be genuine - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office the 6 th day of September 1833
Horace Lathrop. Clerk.

In the Matter of Abraham Becker & Soldier of the Revolution
S. Grippan - Worcester Oct 20 68 N.Y.
2097

State of New York Otsego County ss: }
On this 19 th day of June A.D. 1833
Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Otsego aforesaid now sitting, Abraham Becker a resident of the Town of Worcester in the County of Otsego and State of New York aged eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That early in the Spring of the year 1776 he the said Abraham Becker volunteered and enlisted into a Company commanded by Capt Marcellus of the City of Albany in the State of New York in Col. Gansevoort's Regiment for the period of Nine Months. At this time he resided with his father on the Charlott in the County of Tryon, now Otsego County in the State of New York. He volunteered at Schoharie and immediately went to Albany where he joined Capt Marcellus's Company, and which was as early as the first of April in the year 1776 - and he further saith that he remained with said Company in the City of Albany about one month, and then marched in said Company to Fort George, and was there stationed and continued in actual service for the full period of Nine Months and was then discharged and received a discharge in writing signed by Capt Marcellus - but which has been lost or destroyed for a great number of years past - and he further saith that some part of Col. Gansevoort's Regiment was stationed at Skeensburgh, some part at Ticonderoga and at Fort George - That he was frequently at Ticonderoga during the said Nine Months Service - and was frequently out in scouting Parties in different directions - recollects

That Col Dubois of Catskill had command of a Regiment at Fort George at the time he the said Abraham Busher was stationed at that place - Genl Schuyler was at Fort George several times, recollects well of seeing him there and at Ticonderoga - He was not engaged in any battle during said nine months - and when he was discharged, he returned home to his father on the Charlotte -
And he further states that in the month of April 1777 he again volunteered into a Company of Militia commanded by Capt Alexander Harper and Lieutenant Bartholomew in a Regiment commanded by Col. John Harper - for the period of nine months - That he joined the Company on the Charlotte and within a few days thereafter Capt Harper's Company took John Dothraider - Daniel Servos & Jacob Servos prisoners - who were all Tories then residing on the Charlotte, and who were harbouring and had joined with the Indians in opposition to the Revolution - That Capt. Harper's company took said Tories as far as Cherry Valley and there delivered them over to the Committee of Safety to be conveyed to Johnstown for and Capt Harper's Company return back to Charlotte and remained there stationed at least Bartholomew for a considerable time how- long cannot precisely recollect - from the Charlotte was marched to Brattleboro on the Schoharie kill and was there stationed for some time, cannot exactly recollect - also was stationed at Turlough now Sharon in Delaware County - and at Harper's field Delaware County during this nine months service

and in the fall of the year the He and the soldiers under Capt Harper assisted in building the Forts in Schoback which were erected this season and in the said Schoback Becker was stationed at the upper Fort for some time cannot say how long, but well recollects of marching to Harper's field and was there discharged by Col. Harper at the expiration of the said Nine Months service - and at this time the snow was about six inches deep - and he further saith that during this nine months service his father and family removed from the Charlotte to Schoback near the upper fort - and on receiving his discharge he went to his father's house and continued there through the Winter -
And the said Merakam Becker further declares that in the spring of the year 1778 he volunteered at Schoback into a company of Militia commanded by Capt Jacob Hager in Col Peter Mooman's Regiment - He went into the service at this time as early as the first of May and continued in actual service in said company until between Christmas and New Year - during this season Col Harper went to Albany to obtain assistance to repel the Indians and Tories who were destroy- ing everything that came in their way - Col. Harper obtained a company of light Horse at Albany and came back to Schoback and the enemy were driven back - was well acquainted with Col. Mooman and Col. Hager - during this year he was frequently out in scouting parties in Cobleskill, and the country in the region of the forts - and he further states that he was in the service this year at least seven months -

And the said Abraham Baker further declares That he enlisted into a Company of Militia Commanded by Capt Gray in Col. Van Schoick's Regiment - the first of April 1782 for the Period of Nine Months and was Stationed with said Company in said Regiment at the Middle fort on the Schoharie Kill and continued there in actual service for the full Period of Nine Months and was then Marched to Schenectady and discharged from the service - was frequently out in scouting parties during this Nine Months service - with recollection that Col Dubois was Stationed at Schoharie at this same time - recollects that Storm Baker was a Lieutenant in Capt Grays Company - and that when he was discharged from this nine Months service he received a written discharge but cannot recollect by whom it was signed, and the same has been lost or destroyed for a great number of years -
and he further declares that he was Born in New Jersey nigh Hackensack in the year 1730 -
That he has no record of his Age to his knowledge or belief.
That he was living when first called into service as the Charlotte as above stated - and also the second time he went into the service as above stated and during the remainder of his service and until the close of the war he Resided at Schoharie in the State of New York -
The Manner of his being called into service is as above stated - And that he Never served as a Substitute for any person -

The names of the officers who were with the Troops when he served are as fully set forth as the same can now be recollected -
That since the Revolution has resided in Coeymans in Albany - also in Upper Canada - from which place he removed to Worcester in the County of Otsego New York where he now resides - That he received written discharges from the service at the times and in the manner above stated - and which have been lost or destroyed -
And he further declares that he is known to Mr Abraham Becker Esq and Sarah P. Becker who reside in his present neighborhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution -
And he further declares that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except the testimony of Jacob France and Catharine Flannsburg which is herewith annexed - and also that there is not any Clergyman residing in his neighborhood, or in the section where he resides, whereon he cannot procure the testimony of a Clergyman in compliance with the instructions from the War Department -
And the said Abraham Becker 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 - and he the said Abraham Becker

further saith that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear more positive as to the precise length of service than as here in before set forth - and further saith that
Sworn to and Subscribed } Abraham his X Becker the day and year aforesaid } Mark in open court.
Horace Lathrop. Clerk.
State of New York } Otsego County p: } Personally appeared before me Catharine Flannery aged sixty nine years, who being duly sworn doth depose and say that she is a Sister of Abraham Becker who has subscribed his name to the above declaration - and that she is of the age above stated - and she further saith that at the commencement of the Revolutionary War her father and family resided on the Charlotte in the then County of Tryon, and now the County of Otsego and State of New York - That at the commencement of the War the said Abraham Becker left home and went into the service and was gone from home for a considerable time, thinks nearly one year, well recollects that it was then said that he was at Fort George, and when he returned home heard him state and tell over his services, and that he had been at Fort George in the service as a soldier - during the absence of the said Abraham Becker at this time she the said Catharine resided at home with her father - and was there when he returned from the Army, and she then believed and now believes that he was in the service at Fort George the first time he went into the Army

And the said Catharine Flansburgh saith that he the said Abraham Becker did not remain long at home after returning from the Army the first time before he again went into the service. That her father and his family removed from the Charlotte to Skaneateles the same year the Forts were built, and before the upper fort was finished - went first to the Middle Fort and after the upper Fort was finished removed to the upper Fort - well recollects that this year she saw the said Abraham Becker at the Forts, and understood him to be in the service: and has no doubt but he was actually engaged in the service as a soldier at the time. And she further states that her father resided at Skaneateles according to her best recollection nearly two years - and that he the said Abraham Becker was engaged in the service for the most part of the time while she and her father and family resided in Skaneateles as above stated. And she the said Catharine further saith that she resides in Harpersfield in the County of Delaware State of New York within a short distance of the residence of him the said Abraham Becker and further saith not -
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 15 th day of June 1833 - Seth Chase a judge of Otsego County  Catharine Flansburgh Mark
I certify that I am acquainted with Catharine Flansburgh who has subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit, and that she is a credible witness and her statement entitled to full credit. Seth Chase a judge of Otsego County
State of New York } ss. John Flansburgh of the Town of Otsego County } Harpersfield in the County of Delaware and State of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is now

I certify that I am well acquainted with John Flannery who hath subscribed and sworn to this affidavit before me, as a credible witness, and his statements entitled to full credit and belief. Seth Chase a judge of Otsego county
Seventy years of age, that he became acquainted with the said Abraham Becker who has signed the above declaration immediately after the War of the Revolution and with his father and family and that he has been acquainted with him ever since that time - And he further states that he well recollects of hearing the said Abraham Becker soon after the War of the Revolution state that he had been a soldier in the service of the Country and heard him relate over many circumstances and facts connected with his service which satisfied him that the said Abraham Becker had actually been a soldier - and he further states that he believes the said Abraham Becker to be eighty three years of age. that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolution. and that he concurs in that opinion. and further that said Abraham Becker sustains a fair character for truth and veracity, and his statements are entitled to full credit and belief - and further saith not -
Sworn to and subscribed before me the 15 th day of June A D 1833 -
John Flannery his mark
Seth Chase a judge of Otsego county
State of New York Otsego County ss Jacob P. Becker of the Town of Morrisville in the County of Otsego and state of New York being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Abraham Becker who has subscribed his name to the above declaration and that I believe him to be eighty three 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 I concur in that opinion - And I further certify that he the said Abraham Becker sustains a good character for truth and veracity and his statements are entitled to full credit and belief -
Given to Unsubscribed before me the 15 day of June 1833
And the said Abraham Becker further states and declares in answer to the interrogatories presented by the War department in manner following that is to say
1 st I was Born in the State of New Jersey nigh Hackensack in the year 1758
2 d I have no Record of my age -
3 d I was living at Charlotte in the County of Otsego New York and at Schoharie in the County of Schoharie when called into service - That since the revolution I have resided at Coeymans in the County of Albany New York - Also in the Province of Upper Canada - And on the Charlotte in the Town of Worcester in the County of Otsego New York where I now reside
4 th I Volunteered at each time I was called into service, and never served as a Substitute for any person -
5 th I have stated the names of the Officers who were with the Troops where I served in my original declaration hereto annexed as fully as I recollect the same and also the general circumstances of my service I have therein stated as fully as I now recollect the same

6 th I Received a written discharge from the first nine months service performed in the year 1776 signed by Capt Marcellus in whose Company I served I also received a written discharge from the nine months service performed in the year 1782 but by whom it was signed I cannot recollect both of which said discharges have been lost for many years.
7 th I am acquainted with John Flansburgh Jacob P. Becker and Abraham Becker of My Present Neighborhood who can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of My Services as a Soldier of the Revolution. Abraham Becker Sworn & subscribed in open Court June 19. 1883. Mark
Horace Lathrop, Clerk.
8 th Abraham Becker a Counselor at Law residing in the Town of Worcester Otsego County New York, and Jacob P. Becker residing in the same Town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Becker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be eighty three years of age - that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Abraham Becker Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid. } Jacob P. Becker in open Court.
Horace Lathrop, Clerk.
State of New York } Otsego County } ss: I, Horace Lathrop, Clerk of the said County do hereby certify, that Seth Chase, before whom the preceding Affidavits of Katherine Flansburgh & John Flansburgh, purport to have been severally sworn was, at the date of the same, one of the Judges of Otsego County Courts. And that I am acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavits to be his proper hand writing and signature. Witness my hand & Seal of Office this 22 nd day of June 1883 Horace Lathrop, Clerk.

State of New York Schenebary County
Is: Personally appeared before me (John Westover a Justice of the Peace of said County) Jacob Lawrence of the Town of Cobleskill in said County, aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn doth depose and say, that he is well acquainted with Abraham Becker who now resides in the Town of Worcester in the County of Otsego, and was acquainted with him in the War of the Revolution - and he this deponent further saith, that the said Abraham Becker, was a Private Soldier as such in the Revolutionary War and served for the period of Nine Months in a Company of Militia commanded by Capt Gray in Col. Van Schoicks Regiment - that he this deponent served as a private in the same Company with the said Abraham Becker during the full period of Nine Months - and that said Company and Regiment were stationed during said time in the County of Schenebary in the State of New York, and generally at the Middle fort on the Schoharie Creek in the Town of Middleburgh - and he this deponent further saith that at the expiration of said Nine Months service the Company commanded by Capt Gray marched to Schenebary and were then discharged from the service - and he further states that according to his best recollection the said Nine Months service above stated commenced in the month of April and ended in the Winter of the year next previous to the conclusion of Peace and this deponent is positive that the said Abraham Becker served in said Company

for the Period of Nine months with this deponent and was discharged at the expiration thereof at Silence today as above stated - and further saith not -
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 4 th day of June May 1833 John Westover Justice of the Peace -
his Jacob + Frances mark
I John Westover the Justice above named do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Jacob Frances, and have been for many years as now last past, and that he is a man of good moral character and his statements entitled to full credit and belief -
Dated June 1833 John Westover Justice - of the Peace
State of New York § I John Gebhard Jr. Clerk of the said county of Schoharie § Do certify that John Westover before whom the preceding affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county - And that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit, and the certificate of credibility (preceding) to be his proper hand writing and signature - Witness my hand and seal of Office this 14 th day of June 1833 - John Gebhard Jr. Clerk
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the
Examined & approved as for

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 Abraham Becker Esquire who has signed the preceding certificate is a Resident of the Town of Worcester in the County of Otsego and a Counsellor of this Court - And that Jacob P. Becker who has also signed the same certificate is a Resident of the Town of Worcester in the County of Otsego, - And that they are both respectable & credible persons - and that their statements are entitled to full credit -
Seth Chase J. C. Walworth Judges Sherman 2 J. B. Mann
State of New York Otsego County — ss. I Horace Lathrop, Clerk of the said County. And of the said Court of Common Pleas, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Griffith Abraham Becker, for a Pension. —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, this 22 nd day of June 1833. —
Horace Lathrop. Clerk.

No 25897 Abraham Becher Otsego county New York
Adm 2 years. $80
Schuyler Griffin (Master) Otsego county New York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
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 Abraham Becker Otsego County New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Vol. Spng. 1776 - 9 - privt Capt Marcellus, Col Ganesvort, 83 years Troy on County New York Traditionary evidence & three Witnesses. certified credible papers Correct.   Vol. Aft. 1777 - 9 - " Capt Harper, Col Harper   Vol. Spng. 1778 - 7 - " Capt Hagen, Col Vrooman   Enlisted. Aft. 1782 - 9 - " Capt Gray, Col Van Schoick  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }  On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I,                      of the Court of                      do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be                      years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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.
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 those requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant, and will further produce in Court, if the same can be done,
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 inquiry 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 hand 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.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of being unable to do so, and must conform to 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.
(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, deposes and says 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 , 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.
  [f] The law which authorizes the officer to certify must be in force at the time of signing the certificate.  [g] The opinion of the Court is always required.  [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.  [i] The Clerk must fix 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.
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 time 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. The proof required by rule is all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.
 The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. Note [j] applies to continental troops only. 
(j) This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[7] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the _____
until he may change to obtain further information
 [f] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The same note [j] applies to continental troops only. [k] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases. [l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact. [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.  He will be defeated of a person, or at least he must be delayed until he may have to obtain further proof. - I have wrote two days in the County of Schuylkill to search for witnesses to prove his services, but the grant was delayed and all due to be done recollect - and if the above grounds are required it is insisted upon, I know not how it can be obtained. 

April 18, 1938.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Walter L. Glenney 916 Madison Avenue Plainfield, New Jersey
Abraham Becker S.12994 BA-J/ady
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Abraham Becker, and Kennedy Vance, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon military service of soldiers in that war.
A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of Kennedy Vance, all spellings of the names searched.
The data contained herein were obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.12994, based upon the military service of Abraham Becker in that war.
Abraham Becker was born in New Jersey, near Hackensack, in 1750, day, month, and the names of his parents are not shown.
While residing with his father on the Charlotte, in Tryon County, later called Otsego County, New York, Abraham Becker enlisted April 1, 1776, and served nine months as private in Captain Marsellus' Company, Colonel Gansevoort's New York Regiment. He enlisted in April 1777, and served nine months as private in Captain Alexander Harper's Company, Colonel John Harper's New York Regiment. While a resident of Schoharie, New York, he enlisted in May 1778, and served seven months as private in Captain Jacob Heger's Company, Colonel Peter Vrooman's New York Regiment. He enlisted April 1, 1781 or 1782, and served nine months as private in Captain Gray's Co. Colonel Van Schaick's or Colonel Dubois' New York Regiment.
After the Revolutionary War he lived in Coeymans, Albany County, New York, and in Upper Canada, then moved to Worcester, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 19, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Worcester, Otsego County, New York.

In 1833 one Jacob P. Becker and one Abraham Becker were living in Worcester, New York, their ages or relationship to soldier not stated.
Catharine Flamsburgh, aged sixty-nine years, a sister of the soldier, was living in Hapersfield, Delaware County, New York, in 1833.
In 1833 one John Flamsburgh, aged seventy years, was a resident of Hapersfield, New York, no relationship to the family stated. There are no further family data.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Date of death not on 9/3.

1916 Aug 31 - History to Mrs. Ella Fox M.B.H. 1938 April 18. Hist. to Walter L. Glenney
Rev has
12.994 INVALID.
File No. 12.994
Abraham Becker Priv. Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1932
Index: —Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

WALTER LESTER GLENNEY, HISTORIAN 916 MADISON AVENUE PLAINFIELD, N. J.
THE SOCIETY OF MAYFLOWER DESCENDANTS IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
March 28, 1938.
Veterans' Administration, Pension Bureau, Washington, D. C.
Sirs:-
Will you be so good as to advise me whether you have any information in your files in regard to the following Revolutionary soldiers. I am particularly anxious to ascertain information with regard to their parents. - - - -
ABRAHAM BECKER of Schoharie (or Worcester) N. Y. I am informed that there is a pension record (S. file number 12994). He served with Colonel Peter Brooman's Albany County militia. He was born near Hackensack, N. J., in 1750 and is supposed to be the son of Jacob Becker. I am particularly anxious to de- termine whether the pension records show the name of his mother.
KENNEDY VANCE of Morris County, N. J. I am anxious to learn anything I can about this soldier, particularly with reference to his parents or children. - - - -
Yours very truly,
Walter L. Glenney Historian
WLG:D

Rev. Sec. K. D. H.
Worcester, N. Y.
Aug. 22 nd 76.
The Commissioner of Pensions:
My Dear Sir:—
Will you kindly give me something concerning the family history of Abraham Becker, the Revolutionary War pensioner S! File No. 12994 who served in Colonel Peter Vrooman's Albany County New York militia, born in New Jersey in 1750. Would like the name of his father if possible; If I could not get that would like something concerning his family if he had any.
And will you also tell me if there was a Johannes Becker who lived in Schoharie N. Y. in the Rev. and could you give me something concerning him.
There was also a Philip Becker born in 1761 and died in 1826 who served in the Revolution. was he a petitioner and could you find anything concerning his family?
Very Respectfully Yours.
Mrs. Ella Fox.
Worcester, N. Y.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of Abraham Becker a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
S.J. 12994.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     April 1 1776 9 mos. Pvt. Marcellus. Ganserwort N.Y.   April 1777 9 mos. Alexander Harper John Harper   May 1 1778 7 mos. Jacob Heger. Peter Vrooman.   Apr 1. 1781 or 1782 9 mos. Gray Dubois Van Schaick  
Battles engaged in, none stated.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Charlotte, Ithaca Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, June 19 1833 His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Worcester, Otsego Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, born near Hackensack, N.J. in 1750
Remarks: Name of soldier's father is not given. It is not stated whether soldier was ever married
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
3-2856 Sister Catherine Flannery