Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 20,706, John J Best, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York.
Best, John J.
N. 20,706
John J.
Christina
CONTENTS

24. 829.  New York  John J. Best
Columbia in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp commanded by Captain Johnson of the Regt. commanded by Col. Livingston in the New York line for 18 Months
Dead Paid at Treasury under the Act of the 6 th April 1838 to 4 March to 10 May 1832 given notification 17 March 1.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 60 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Oct. 1833 and due to C. Epelstyn Livingston
  Arrears to the 4 th of Feb. 33  $ 150    Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 M ch 34  30     $180  
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. C. Steele Clerk, Book E. Vol. 1, Page 89.

State of New York
Columbia County
3/3 On this 28 th day of August in the Year of our Lord 1833 personally appeared before J. W. Fairfield one of the Justices of the Justices court of the city of Hudson of the county of Columbia State of said John J Best a resident of the town of Tazewell in the County of Columbia and State of New York and Sworn from Years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
This Declarant John J Best being duly sworn say, that he entered the Service of the United States, in the Revolutionary war under Captain Peter Gausluck as Captain Samuel Ten Broeck as lieutenant Bottle Arndricks as ensign and Mr. Thomas Rops as orderly. Says that Deponent believes it was for nine months and the time of service was in the winter of 1777 - recollects that the troops lay a part of the time in Fishkill and a part of the time at Colonel Brantsburg at or near the Mills of John J. Gauslocks where were publick stores to guard & protect - The Colonel of the Regiment this Deponent thinks was Colonel Livingston and Captain John J. Best and Samuel Ten Broeck were first and second majors -
The term of service in 1776 & 1777 up to the latter part of the winter of 1777 was nine months as a soldier in the Service of the United States -
This Deponent further says that he was again in the United States Service from about the first of April 1777 until first of August of the same Year served under Colonel Day. Henry Pulver was Captain and John Hall was Lieutenant - and this Deponent further says that he also lay at Poughkeepsie in the fall of 1777 two months.
The term of service in 1777 was six months as a soldier of the Revolution -
This Deponent further says that he served in 1778 he thinks and believes under Captain Leonard Ten Broeck Marched to Fort Montgomery by the but a short time then marched to West point and

lay there in the encampment is certain he was there one month the exact time he cannot state recollects of seeing General George Clinton when he commanded the troops this Deponent thinks this Regiment served under Captain Leonard Ten Broeck - this recollects of seeing the great Chain that lay across the Hudson River at the time that this Deponent was at West Point -
3 mo 1 mo The active duty that this Deponent did in the United States Service in 1778 was three months and more - This Deponent says that the active duty he rendered in the United States Service in 1779. 1780 & 1781. was at least two months each year in patrolling the roads and guarding public stores in and about Major General John Johnson who kept the public stores at Clermont near Colonel Livingston and during the time above mentioned and at that time this Deponent was engaged in no civil occupation or business. This Deponent further says that he performed a part of the service at Stillwater at Fort Miller at Fort Edward at Saratoga and under Colonel Ray and the other officers named by the Deponent in 1777 from April till August recollects that he served under General Schuyler was at his house at Saratoga this Deponent assisted in destroying the grain grown in horses through whole fields of grain and pulled up the Indian Corn by the roots this Deponent further says that he recollects of seeing General Gates at Stillwater who commanded there this Deponent further says that he was at Pockkekill and Hinkhill at Fort Montgomery and at West Point and also lay a part of the time at Pockkekill so called and this Deponent says that from old age and the consequent loss of memory and from his extreme debility and bodily infirmity he cannot now distinctly state the time of his service before - as by him during the Revolutionary war more fully than he has heretofore stated the same but says that he is confident he performed the following term of service in the following grade viz He says he served as a private soldier during the Revolutionary war

for the term of two years and for such service he claims a pension. This deponent 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.
To the following interrogatories this deponent answers as follows —
1 st Question When in what year were you Born?
Ans: I was born in Clermont Columbia County in 1756 on the 7 th of March. then called Albany County —
2 nd Question: Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
Ans: I have no other record of my age than my recollection.
3 rd Question: When were you living when called into service when how far lived since the Revolutionary war and where now.
Ans: I resided in the Town of Clermont Columbia County during the war and have resided where I now reside since the war in Fapkane.
4 th Question: How were you called into service when you drafted did you volunteer or was you a substitute?
Ans: I always went for myself once I enlisted for nine months and the other times I volunteered as a soldier.
5 th Question: 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?
Ans: I would state General Clinton General Schuyler General Gates also General Putnam at West Point & the Highlands also Colonel Day: also Colonel Van Duzee also Colonel Livingston. Major Johnson Maj Gen Brock Captain Gausbeck Captain Pulver Captain Van Brock and for a more full detail of my services I would refer to my declaration.
6 th Question: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service if so by whom was it given and what has become of it?
Ans: I did not receive any discharge explicitly but once.

Then I received it from Colonel Hays I was always regularly discharged from the service by my other officers. The discharge I received from Colonel Hays is lost and destroyed
1. Please state the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood & who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier after the Revolution
Ans. I would refer to Donalson Lupton Esq. county of Fayette Pa Rev. Edwin Holmes and Lieut. Genl. Brack & others who know me and can state what my character is in the neighbourhood or County where I am known
Sworn and subscribed this day and year afore said before me
J. S. H. B. B. B.
Henry & Liberty Party of the peace and Committee of Leeds Pa

Christina Bell Widow
Hon. R. M. Clallam M.R.

State of New York Columbia County ss. Jacob S. Best of the town of Allan in the County of Dutchess and State afore- said Being Duly Sworn says that he was born on the 7 th day of April 1781 in the town of Livingston (now Vachonnick) That his Father's Name was John S. Best, who Died on the tenth day of May 1835. that he was then a Pensioner for Services rendered to the United States dur- ing the Revolutionary War - his age he states to be upon his Father's Family Record. That his Mother's name is Chris- tina and is now a Widow and resides in the Town of Vachonnick in said County of Columbia. Subscribed and sworn to this 26 th day of December 1837. James Rowley - Commissioner of DEEDS
State of New York Columbia County ss. on the tenth day of January 1838 personally appeared before me James Decker of the town of Vachonnick in said County and after being duly Sworn says that he was Eighty Years Old last October 8 th that he knew John S. Best before the Revolutionary War and Recollects well that he was married in the fall of 1780 to the Woman with whom he has ever since lived until his Death, which was in the Spring of 1835. and knows her name to be Christina the Widow of said John S. Best as he has always lived neighbour to them - he was not present at the Wedding but is as well satisfied of the marriage as if though he had been present at the Wedding, as they both of them were Respect- able people, and have always been that Character and Respectability in Society, where they Resided. Subscribed and sworn to this 10 th day of Jan'y 1838. James F. Decker before me James Rowley his mark Commissioner of DEEDS.

4395
New York
Christina Best
Christina Best widow of John J. Best
who was a Private
N.Y.
in the New York line
Sub. to W. H. Clarke June 14. 49
Alb.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of January 1844 and sent to W. H. Clarke
Hudson New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A v. / Page 259.

Registered
M rs Sack 3196
Christina Best
Act of 1836.
Whalen H. Clarke
Hudson
New York
Agent

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefits of the 3 d Section of the act of Congress of the 4 th of July 1836.
State of New York Columbia County ss. On this 19 th day of January one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before the subscribers one of the Justices of the Justices Court of the City of Hudson in said County the same being a court of Record Abigail Best a resident of the Town of Tazewell in said County aged Eighty three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836.
That she is the widow of John J. Best who was a private in the war of the Revolution and who in his life time was a Pensioner of the United States under act of 7 th June 1832 and was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of New Jersey.
For his services reference is made to the proofs in his case on file in the Pension Office.
She further declares that she was married to the said John J. Best on the seventh day of November Seventeen hundred & Eighty — & before the expiration of his last term of service, and that her aforesaid husband said John J. Best died on the tenth day of May one thousand eight hundred & thirty five — That she has not intermarried but continues the widow of said John J. Best as

will appear by the evidence hereto annexed and that an affidavit file in the Division of fine.
Christina Best Best. Mark
Sworn to & Subscribed before me by the said Christina Best who by reason of age & infirmity is unable to attend before Court.
W. M. E. Heath Justice

State of New York Columbia County § ss. I John L Best - being sworn depose & say I am acquainted with Christina Best named in the foregoing Declaration and have been acquainted with her for since my recol- lection, being her son - She is the widow of John L Best named in the said foregoing Declaration who was a prisoner of the United States at the time of his death. The said Christina has not since remained since his death.
Sworn to & subscribed before me by said John L Best - This 19th day of January 1843, who is a credible person & witness - Wm E Heath Justice
John L Best
State of New York Columbia County § ss. I Edward A. Holley clerk of the Justice Court of the City of Hudson in said County do hereby certify that William E. Heath before whom the foregoing Declaration & deposition were taken was on the day of the date thereof one of the Justices of said Justice Court; that I am well acquainted with the handwri- ting of said Justice & truly believe his signature thereto to be in his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court This 19th day of January A.D. 1843. E.O. Holley, Clerk.

met geboden
178
Nov. 7. Johannes Petrus Jan - met Christina Hoan, Regde van de Mar. Livingston
I hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Marriage record kept by Dr. J. H. Livingston, found in the Church Book of the Ref. Dutch Church of Livingston
Livingston March 1-1838
J. H. Wagman Pastor of the R. D. Ch. of Livingston

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF/eel
November 12, 1928
Mrs. W.J. Bell Waterloo, Nebraska
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.20706, it appears that John I. or J. Best was born, March 7, 1756, in Clermont, Columbia County, New York.
While residing there, he enlisted and served as a private in the New York Troops as follows:
From in 1776, nine months in Captain Peter Van Gaasbeck's Company, Colonel Livingston's Regiment; from April 1, 1777, six months in Captain Henry Pulver's Company, Colonel Hay's Regiment; in 1778, three months in Captain Leonard Ten Broeck's Company, Colonel Peter B. Livingston's Regiment, and in 1779, 1780 and 1781, two months each year, officers not stated.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 21, 1833, at which time he was living in Taghkanic, Columbia County, New York.
He died May 10, 1835.

The soldier married, November 7, 1780, Christina Ham, who was born in December 1760.
She was allowed pension on her application executed January 19, 1843, at which time she was living in Taghkanic, New York, aged eighty-three years. She died there December 2, 1846.
Their children were:
Jacob I. Best, born April 7, 1781, in 1837 he was living in Milan, Dutchess County, New York; Margaret, born March 4, 1783, in 1838 she was the wife of Peter I. Rossman, of Claverack, New York; John I. Best, Jeremiah Best, in 1837 a resident of Taghkanic, New York; Robert Best in 1846 a resident of Livingston, New York; Polly Best in 1846 a resident of Kinderhook, New York; Laura Horton, in 1846 a resident of Clyde, New York; Catharine Clapper, in 1846 a resident of Adrian, Michigan.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Hist, to Hudson N.Y.
Rev WIDOW, &c.
May-9-1900- Mrs. Isaac N. Collins.
File No. 20706 Christina Best Wid. of John J. Best Rev. War.
1928-Nov-12- Hist to Mrs. N. J. Bell
Act: March 3, 1843
Index:—Vol. 14 , Page 54
[Arrangement of 1870.]
New York Christina Best Petition to Hon. R. M. Clinton Clerk } 2.1838 Lt to June } Apr 28. 38 Lt to Michl. Kellecke April 18 th 1843. Same. August 23. 1843

New York
7838
Christina Best widow of John J. Best
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 10 th May 1835 of Columbia in the State of New York, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Hudson of the Regiment commanded by Col. Livingston in the New York line for 15 March,
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of Fifty Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the Second day of November 1843 and sent to Wheeler H. Clark Hudson New York
Whole amount due $ 250.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Geo. L. Adams Clerk,
Book L Vol. 1 Page 149

My Best in ab Feb 16
W
L
Edward
Esq
Washington
D.C.
Hon. R. McClellan
No
Pension Office

95 3/4 - Christina Best
Act 7th July 1838. N.Y.
adm d 15 mo s p er m o
50 $
Wm. H. Clarke. Hudson
7838
N York
Mary Agut.

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July, 1838, Entitled, "An act granting half pay pensions to certain widows."
State of New York Columbia County } ss. On this 1 st day of September 1843 personally appeared before the Subscriber One of the justices of the justice court of the city of Hudson in said County the same being a court of Record Christina Best of Claverack in said County aged 83- years who being first duly sworn and being solemnly doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act aforesaid passed July 7 th 1838- Entitled An act granting half pay pensions to certain widows.
That her said husband said John Best served in the war of the Revolu- tion as she verily believes as stated by him in his application for a pension And as she has stated in her application under act of 4th July 1831.
That she was married to said John Best at the time stated in her said Application & that said John Best died at the time stated in said Application made by her as above stated, And she hereby refers to her proofs filed in her said former

Application to prove in this application such things as are herein necessary to be proven.
Applicant herein again states her recollection that her said husband said John Best served in the War of the Revolution after he she was married but as she is advised that probably it is now impossible to prove that portion of her said husband's services which took place after her said marriage to him, she for the present waives a claim to a pension under the act of 4th July 1836, & claims a pension for her said husband's services under the act of 7th July 1838. Sworn to this day before me this 11 th day of September 1843 by said Christina Best who is by reason of age & infirmity unable to attend before a Court of Record Wm. E. Heath Justice of the peace Christina Best mark
State of New York Columbia County ss. I James W. Demarest Clerk of the Justices Court of the City of Hudson. The same being a Court of Record do hereby certify that William E. Heath before whom the foregoing Declaration of Christina

Be it known, that on the day of the date hereof I, one of the Justices of the said Justice Court of the City of Hudson, duly qualified & acting as such. That I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & believe his signature to said Declaration subscribed to be in his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, by their direction this 11 th day of September 1843. J. W. Burrough - Clerk.

In the matter of No. 2154. John J. Best as applicant for a Pension under the act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832
Address to Chas. Epsteyne Livingston Columbia County State of New York
Admitted Pension 18 months

State of New York Columbia County } ss
I James Decker of Zaykkanie being duly sworn says that he is aged seventy four years of age that he is intimately acquainted with John I Best who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding Declara- tion that he has known the said John I Best for sixty years this Deponent has a distinct recollection of seeing said Best in the United States since at the same time that this Deponent was in the service this Deponent and said Best were soldiers together for nine months under the command of Captain Peter Gansevoort and Samuel Van Broock was Lieutenant. Noble Hendrick was Major and Thomas Rapp was orderly sergeant as stated by said Best in his declaration and this Deponent says that he recollects that the troops under Captain Gansevoort were marched from Pochkeack so called near Colonel Van Duzen's Eastoffish Hill to David Brinkham in Clermont and were there discharged at the expiration of the nine months service for which term the troops were enlisted, the Company of Rangers was composed of fifty four privates and the usual number of commissioned & noncommissioned officers the Colonel & Major are correctly stated in said Best's declaration - This Depo- nent further says that he recollects that Henry Pulver was Captain of one of the companies in the Revolutionary war and also that Leonard Van Broock was a captain of one of the companies and that said Best served under him on one of his expeditions to Fort Montgomery & went from and this Deponent then understood and believes but the ex- =act this Deponent does not recollect he thinks it was in 1778. This Deponent further says that said John I Best was during the Revolutionary war a good whig and very zealous in the cause of his country and he has no doubt but that Best performed the service so stated by him in his declaration. This Deponent further says that he resides in the same neighbourhood with said Best that said Best has been unwell for two or three years and is now and has been for some time confined to his room from debility and bodily infirmity and therefore cannot

attend Court to make his declaration
Sworn & subscribed before me this 2 day of August 1833
James his X adcock Mark
Henry Avery Partner of the said and Commissioner of Deeds &c

State of New York Columbia County
I Samuel Van Breeck of the Town of Germantown in the County of Columbia & State of New York being duly sworn do hereby certify and declare that I am well acquainted with John D Best the applicant for a pension and have known him from infancy he was born within one mile of the house where this Deponent resided at that time in Clermont in said County and I do certify that I believe said Best to be of the age stated by him in his declaration that he is reputed and generally believed to have been a soldier in the Revolution and I do concur in that opinion I do further certify that I was a Major in the Revolution war in what was called the Mohawk Regiment the Colonel was Peter R Livingston and Derrick Bruss was Second Major I do also remember that Henry Pulver was one of the Captains in the Regiment under my command and that Leonard Van Breeck was also a captain in active service during said Revolution war. I also certify that I will remember the Peter Gaurbeck of Clermont and that said Gaurbeck during the war at the time mentioned by said Best in declaration raised a company called "Rangers" who did active duty the exact time that they did duty this Deponent does not recollect but thinks that it was for the time mentioned by said Best in his declaration - said Gaurbeck marched his troops south as this Deponent understood to Fishkill - This Deponent recollects that Captain Leonard Van Breeck marched his company to that point but how long this Deponent can't say that said company was absent on said Expedition This Deponent further says that he marched his Regiment to join the Northern Army at Stillwater lay also at Saratoga and at Fort Edward with his troops and is confident that said Best was in active duty during the year mentioned by said Best and was in the different campaigns mentioned by him In this Deponent distinctly recollects that the Captain mentioned by said Best served under this Deponent This Deponent also says that his Regiment did much active duty in 1779 1780 & 1781 in and about the town of Clermont Germantown and vicinity that such active service of the service of the United States amounted to over two months such service but from the extreme old age of this Deponent

and the consequent loss of memory he cannot recollect so distinctly as he formerly could all the various Expeditions in which his Regiment was engaged - This Deponent says that he is now eighty eight Years of age or so will be eighty eight Years of age on the 8 th of October next and further says that Leonard Ten Broeck who was a Captain under the Deponent during the Revolutionary war is a brother of his deceased Father still living - And this Deponent says that said John I Best is a Man of fair Character and is a Member of the same Church with this Deponent in full Standing and has always been a Man of good Standing in the Community where he resides and has always been very a very respectable Man in his walk through life -
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14 th day of August 1853
Peter R Livingston Justice Peace
Wm Ten Broeck

State of New York Columbia County } ss
2 I Jonathan Lapham of Tazewell Columbia County and State of New York do hereby Certify that I am well acquainted with the the above named John J. Burt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and have known him for the last fifteen years and that I believe him to be of the age that he has mentioned in his declaration and that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that opinion. I do further certify and declare that said John J. Burt contains a fair and unblemished character for truth, honesty, and integrity and is a member of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church and is a full church member as I am informed and believe of the town of Livingston under the pastoral charge of Rev. Edwin Holmes. Said Burt is very infirm and has been for some time unable to attend court as I am informed and likely believe
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 3 rd Aug t 3 1833
Jonathan Lapham
My very Affectionate Father of the said and Commission of Deeds etc.
State of New York Columbia County } ss
I Henry Avery one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Columbia and State of New York and a Commissioner to take affidavits etc. do hereby declare my opinion after the investi- gation of the matter of John J. Burt an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832 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 I do further certify that Jonathan Lapham who has signed the annexed affidavit and Certificate is a Man of fair Character of good standing in the community and is a credible person and his statement is entitled to full credit. & I do also certify that I attended at the house of said John J. Bick the said applicant for a pension and that he is quite infirm and helpless being confined & having been for sometime confined to his house is unable to attend Court to make his Declara- tion in open Court & I would further certify that said Bick is a man of fair Character and his statement is entitled to the fullest credit That I have known him since 1782 and have lived within one mile of said Bick since 1798 and still continue to reside there man since — And I do also certify that as far I know James Becker is a man of fair Character for truth & veracity and his statement is entitled to credit — And I would further certify that I have known said Becker since 1792. —
Henry Avery Justice of the Peace

State of New York Columbia County ss:
Leonard Van Broeck of the town of
Livingston in the County of Columbia and State of New York being duly sworn says that he has heard the declaration of Peter Berk unto annexed read over and says that he recollects that Peter Berk commanded a company of nine men - the men called Rangers and this Deponent recollects that they marched to Fishkill and lay there a part of the time also along East of Fishkill as this Deponent then understood and this Deponent understood and believes that said John Berk was one of the soldiers in said Company and served the period for which he was enlisted and this Deponent also recollects that one Henry Silver was a Captain in the Revolutionary war and believes that said Berk belonged to his Company and also believes that he served with the American troops, in 1777 at Stillwater and at Saratoga for the period mentioned by him and this Deponent says that said Berk also served under this Deponent in an expedition to Crown Point in 1778 as this Deponent believes was called out for three months and marched to West Point General Clinton commanded as this Deponent believes how long this Deponent lay at West Point with his troops he cannot exactly state but thinks and believes that he was discharged before the term had expired the the time between two of three months and is not certain but the time expired before he reached home with his troops. This Deponent was Captain, and this Deponent says that Peter Livingston was Colonel of the Regiment and General Van Broeck now General Van Broeck was then a Major and also one Dutch Johnson was a second major of said Regiment as stated by said Berk This Deponent is certain that said Berk performed the term of service stated by him in his declaration unto annexed but from the age of this Deponent and the consequent loss of memory and the time that has elapsed since the Revolution he cannot state fully the particulars of the various

Campaigns or different services performed by said Pest but this Deponent says that he knows said Pest was a good and zealous Whig and was active in the service of his Country this Deponent is now upwards of eighty years of age and has known said Pest from his infancy he was born and brought up within one mile of this Deponent and his depo- nent has ever since lived in the same neighbourhood with said Pest probably from 4 to 6 miles apart and has seen him frequently as often as once a week ever since he has resided in Fayetteville this Deponent says that said Pest has always and does now sustain a fair character for truth & veracity honesty and integrity and his statement is entitled to the fullest credit and belief and this Deponent says that said Pest is a member of the same church with this Deponent in full standing and has always been considered in the church as a man of high moral worth and high respectability — This Deponent says that Pest is of the age stated by him or near as this Deponent can recollect and this Deponent says that he is a brother to General Samuel Ten Broeck whose affidavit is hereto annexed and says that he is Samuel Ten Broeck above referred to as Major in the Revolution in the same Regiment to which this Deponent belongs This Deponent says that said Pest is quite infirm and helpless having been confined for some time and is now confined to his house and is unable to attend Court to make his declaration in open Court — and this Deponent says that Samuel Ten Broeck was a Lieutenant under General Ten Broeck and soon to be substituted before me was the Major in said Regiment on the 14 th day of August 1833 Leonard Ten Broeck Peter R Livingston Esq. Peap
Columbia County ss. I Peter R Livingston a Justice of the peace of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Samuel Ten Broeck and Leonard Ten Broeck whose affidavits are hereto annexed and which were taken before me that they are both Gentlemen of the highest respectability and standing and their statements are entitled to belief — Dated Augt 14 th 1833 Peter R Livingston

State of New York Columbia County ss:
I Edwin Holmes a Clergyman Residing in the town of Livingston in said County of Colum- -bia and State of New York do hereby Certify and declare That I am intimately acquainted with John J Beck the Applicant for a pension who has signed the annexed Decla- -ration he is a member of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church belonging to the Congregation under my pastoral charge and is in full standing in the Church he is a man who sustains a fair and unblemished character and I unhesitatingly declare that his statement is entitled to credit — he has hitherto held important offices in the Church in his younger and more active days but he is now too infirm and weak to leave his house having been sick for several years — I do further Certify that I am intimately acquainted with General Samuel Ten Broeck who has signed the annexed affidavit and I consider him a truly amiable and good man and he sustains in the community where he resides the character of a Christian and an honest man and which I believe him to be
Sworn before me this 22 day of August 1833 Jacob Baring Justice of the Peace
Edwin Holmes

State of New York Columbia County
ss: Jacob Barringer - one of the
Justices of the Peace of the County of Columbia do hereby Certify that Edwin H. Adams who has subscribed the within affi- -avit and sworn to the same before me is a Clergyman of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of the Town of Livingston in said County of Columbia He is a Gentleman of high standing in the profession to which he belongs and much esteemed in the community where he resides his stat- -ent is entitled to the fullest credit and belief Given under my hand this 22 day of August 1833 Jacob Barringer Justice Peace

I J. M. Fairfield, one of the Justices of the peace Court of the city of Hudson aforesaid, do certify that after investiga- ting the matter, & putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department I am of opinion that the above named applicant John J. Best was a Revolutionary Sol- dier & served as he states. & further that I found said John J. Best confined to his bed-room by bodily infirmity & able to be brought into Court. And I further certify that it appears to me that his above declaration was first sworn to, before a Justice of the Peace, & that on its take being discovered, I was called upon to perform the duty prescribed by the War Department. The said appli- cant was again sworn before me.
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court the day of June aforesaid
J. M. Fairfield
Justice as aforesaid

4776 Christina West.
At 3 rd March 1843.
Wheeler, H. Clarke, Hudson New York agents.

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843. granting pensions for one year to certain widows, who have received pensions under an act of 7 th July 1838.
State of New York —
Columbia County ss. On this 8 th day of November 1843, before the subscriber a justice of the peace in & for the County, aforesaid personally appeared Christina Bell, a resident of the town of Tunkillsville in said County aged 83 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of John Bell who was a private in the War of the Revolution.
That she obtained a pension of $58 per annum for the Revolutionary services of her said husband.

under act of 7th July 1838. That she has not intermarried but continues the widow of said John. I. Best, In me to subscribed before } her  Christina Best me this 8th day of November } wife. 1843 by said Christina Best to me known to be the person above described & who obtained the Pension above mentioned under act of 7th July 1838. William J. Smith Justice of the Peace
State of New York } Columbia County } ss. I, Schoiahim, C. Van Valkenburgh clerk of said county, hereby certify that William J. Smith, before whom the foregoing Declaration was made, was on the day of the date thereof, one of the justices of the peace in & for said county, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & believe his signature above written to be in his hand writing. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said county, this 9th November 1843. J. Allan Valkenburgh Clerk.

June 26, 1843.
add. les in the case of Christina Best.
N.Y.
Pension Office.
Hon. J. H. Edmund, Chair of Pension W. Washington,

Hudson New York June 24th 1843.
Sir.
In the case of Christina Best, widow of John I Best, mentioned in your letter to me under date of 18th April 1843, I enclose the certificate of the Dept of State, and the deposition of James Decker. And refer to the Journal of the Provincial Congress of New York.
James Decker in his deposition testifies that Best served 9 months in Van Gaasbuck's company of Rangers. This Ranger Company was raised for the Manor of Swinepton. Said James Decker states also that Peter Shaver who obtained a pension served in the same company of Rangers. & he seemed positive it was 9 months. Decker's application is on file in your office. The certificate of the Secy of State shows that Peter Van Gaasbuck was appointed Capt. Oct. 8th 1776. And if you will refer to the Journal of the Provincial Congress Vol page you will find for what purpose this company was raised.
I do not know that you have those journals, but I am informed that the Govt. Peter Force of your City has them. The Secy of State so informed me. By that journal you will find that Lieut. Gen. Brock was appointed Lieutenant of that company. See page of Vol
The second service you was in Col. Hays Regiment. This was a regiment of Minute men and continued in service in 1776, & 1777. You will see by the certificate enclosed that Pulver was a Captain in Jan'y 1777.
By reference to said Journal you will see that great efforts were made to raise men for Hays Regt which was in service in June 1777. & how

much longer they continued in service does not appear. I would refer to said journal as follows for a history of the regiment. vol 1. pages, 384. 672. 679.
The three services, Mr. Best alleges in 1778. under Captain Leonard Jen Brooks 3 months. The same Captain Leonard Jen Brooks obtained a pension of $480 for his Revolutionary service. And among those services, he states, 3 months in Dorsetshire Regiment in 1778 as Captain of a company. And you will see by reference to your letter of October 5 th 1841, to me on a review of his statement made on the application of his widow Catherine Jen Brooks, under act of 4 th July, 1836, that you find those 3 months service of Mr. Best in Jen Brooks case. Your letter says, "The only service "in the military duty set forth is 3 months, in "1778" By reference to that letter & the search then made you will be able to decide on this 3 mo. claim of Mr. Best,
Lastly as to the as to the 2 months in each year in 1779, 1780 & 1781, I am inclined to believe it true.
First because there was a service of that kind authorized by the Provincial Congress of New York & each town Mayor and District Committee were authorized to employ such services, And I have in my possession the proceedings of the Mayor Committee of Swindon Manor which directs such services, it was a night watch, I would send those proceedings, but am under the necessity of closing them in the case of Lent, Lent,

for Brooks, widow, which will shortly be presented to you, probably before this case will come up in its turn.
For this 6 months service I would refer you to the statement made by Captain Leonard for Brooks above mentioned, who states this same service as night watch.
In and I could refer you to others who have claimed this night watching. I would refer you to said journals as follows, to show by what authority these night watches were performed, and the necessity there was for that service.
See Volume 1. pages 15. 18- 131. 132 At page 132 contains the authority of District Committee to order out the Militia. See also page 116 which authorizes a night watch to be appointed by Committee of District. These journals are in our Clerk's office & I could procure certified copies of such portions of them as any case might require if you have not them in your possession I require it.
W. Beck himself was allowed $60 per annum, as private, which was for 18 months service, under the testimony courts not the same amount be allowed his widow.
The services alleged are mos. 9 mos in New York City 9. 6 months in 1777 in New York 6 3 months in 1778 in New York 3 6 mos in 1779. 1780 & 1781. 6 18. 24.
The case is respectfully submitted.
I remain truly yours,
Govt J. S. Edwards.
Wheeler, H. Clarke.

9574 Sept. 8. 1849.
Miss West.
July 7. 1838.
My Hon. J. P. Kennedy.
Secy. of the Navy Washington.
Union Office,

Hudson New York. Sept 1, the 1843.
Sir.
I enclose you the Declaration of Mrs. Christina Best, Widow of John Best dec d . under Act of 7 th July 1838.
She made her former Declaration under 3 rd Section of act of 4 th July 1831, and in that application will be found proof of her marriage & of her husband's death & her continued widowhood.
M rs Best has been unable to prove the services of her husband after she married him, she in this application waives, for the present, a claim to a pension under act of 4 th July 1831 & asks for one under act of 7 th July 1838.
Your letter of 23 rd August 1843 is before me, in which you allow the service as follows. Viz.
5 Months in Hays Regiment 9 Months in Van Gaasbeek's Company & 1 Month in Lee's Battery Company.
Under advice, she accepts your Estimate although her husband stated their time at 18 months.
You will, I hope, oblige her by sending the certificate immediately, placing the claim in the same place as to time in rotation, the other occupied, or as near as you can.
Respectfully Yours,
Wheeler A. Clarke,
Hon d . J. L. Edwards.

Christina Best Act of 4th July 1836.
Philip H. Clarke Hudson New York Agent.
6.
W H Clarke Esq Hudson N.Y.
767. 9mo Ranger

State of New York Columbia County } ss I James Duke of Langhkanick in said County aged 52 years being sworn say I know John D Best in his life time, he lived within three miles of me when he died. He drew a pension The said John D Best served with me in Captain Peter Van Gansbush's Company of Rangers Nine months. Peter Shaw was in this Company. His service was in the years 1776 & 1777. From to Londonderry before me this 29th day of May 1843 by said James Duke who is a credible person & no trumpeter  James Duke Mark  Wheeler H. Clarke, Commissioner of Oaths.
State of New York Columbia County } ss I Jehoiakim A Van Rensselaer Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Wheeler H. Clarke, before whom the foregoing deposition of James Duke was taken was at the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Oaths in & for said County duly qualified, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of such Commissioner

and hereby believe this signature subscribed to the said deposition to be in his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 24 th day of June 1843. J. Waukenburg Clerk

State of New York Secretarys Office Albany June 23. 1843
I hereby certify as appear from the records of the Journal of Provincial Congress now remaining in this office that A Hawk Hoag was from and after the 11 th of March 1776 designated as colonel of a Regiment of Militia in Orange County and appointed in raising a Regiment of minute men on or about the 4 th March 1776 as also appears in said Journal. That on or about the 14 th of June 1777 he received to pay his Regiment the sum of £1632.19.10.
That Petrus Van Garsbeck was appointed captain of a company in the County of Albany October 8 th 1776.
That Hendrick Pulver was appointed a captain of the ninth company since Petrus Van Garsbeck promoted Aug. 15 th 1777.
Arch d Campbell Dep. Sec. of State

Washington Feby 14 th 1838
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir/ I have the Honor to Enclose you additional Papers in the application of Christina Best widow of John J Best for a Pension - I trust the Enclosed papers will be sufficient to remove objection - I have the Honor to be yr ov Servt
Robt. M c lellan Ho. Rep s

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Feb'y 21 st 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of John J. Beth, dec d , a Pensioner on the Roll of the Albany, N.Y. Agency, at the rate of — Sixty — Dollars and — Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of March — to the 10 th May 1835,  Respectfully, yours,
Edward B. Harris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.

4776
Mar. 11/1843
Chas. Best.
March 8/43
My Friend Shepherd
Feb.
W. H. Clarke
Hudson
N.Y.
Canada,
Commission of Pension Wilmington,
RECEIVED Pension Office

Hudson N-York, Nov 9 th 1843.
Sir,
Enclosed I send you the declaration of Mrs Christina Best made out of 3 rd March 1843. The Inquisition Certificate issued to her under act of 7 th July 1838, in day the 2 nd instant.
Very Truly Yours
Wheeler, H. Clarke.
Honble Jas. B. Edwards,

Registered fee 3196 Jan 24 1843
NY July 4. 1836
Christina Bell
Hon
John D.
J. H. D.
John St.
Court of Sessions Washington
Power of Attorney

Hudson New York Jan'y 19 th 1843.
Sir,
Enclosed I send you the Application of Mrs Christina Best widow of John L. Best, Please attend to them and oblige,
Truly yours
H. Thaler, H. Clarke,
Hon J. A. S. Edwards,

- Hudson, Ct. York. - January 31 st 1849.
Dear Sir,
- Enclosed I send the Declaration of - Jeremiah Best in behalf of himself & others, Mrs Best was married Nov 7. 1780.
John Best alleges service in 1781.
Mrs alleges that her husband served after she married him, as I think it is.
I remember she appeared confident of the fact of her husband serving after the marriage.
It is claimed in this application a pension from 10 th May 1835, to 2 nd December 1846 at $60 per Annum, deducting what Mrs Best has rec d .
Res t Yours, Wheald H. Clarke.
Hon J. L. Edwards, Chairman.

V 3196
Christina Best
NY
act. 4 July '36

State of New York Columbia County
On the tenth day of January 1838. personally appeared before me the Sub- -scribed a Commissioner of P.E.E. in and for said County Christina Bert, of the town of Poughkeepsie in said County of Columbia. Known to me, and after being duly sworn Says that she was born near where she now resides - and that she has been 78 years of age on the tenth day of Decem- -ber last - That she was married to John P. Bert in the month of September 1780 and that her said husband Died on the tenth day of May 1835 - and was a Pensioner at the time of his death receiving at the rate of 50 Dollars per annum agreeable to his Certificate which bears date the 26 th day of October 1833 and No. 24.029. which is now in her possession (and exhibited before me). She says that her first child, Jacob P. Bert was born on the 7 th day of April 1781 and now resides in the town of Millan in Dutchess County - that her second child was a Daughter born on the 4 th day of March 1783 whose name is Marg- -aret, and now the wife of Peter P. Hoffman and resides in the town of Claverack in said County. and that she has six other children all now living - and that she and her husband lived together until his death - And further she says that she does not know of any living witness by whom she can prove the fact of her marriage. She believes that all who were present at her marriage are now dead - That the Clergyman who married her, and Mr Bert was formerly from New York by the name of Livingston, and preached in the Meeting House in what was called Stockie near where they now reside -
Subscribed and sworn
to this 10 th day of Jan y 1838.
before me James Rowley,
Commissioner of P.E.E.
Christina here Bert Mark

Jeremiah Best for
Self -
Robert Best
Jacob Best.
Polly Best
Margaret Clapper Catharine Horton
Lana Horton
Children of
Christina Best.
Resolves of July 1. 1848.
Whitman H. Clarke Hudson N York City.

Declaration,
In order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Resolve of Congress passed July 1st 1840 1843 Entitled "A joint Resolution relative to Evidence in applications for pensions."
State of New York
Columbia County ss. On this 31st day of January 1849 personally appeared before the Justices Court of the City of Hudson in said County the same being a Court of Record, Jeremiah Best a resident of the Town of Tazewell in said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the above mentioned Resolution of Congress.
That Declarant, Father John A. Best late of the town of Tazewell, in said County, obtained in his life time a pension for his Revolutionary services of $60 per Annum under act of 7th June 1832 & died on the 10th day of May 1835 or about that date.
That Declarant Mother Christina Best, late of said Town of Tazewell applied for Declarant has been informed for a pension on account of her said husband, said John A. Best, Revolutionary services under act of 4th July 1836 & did not succeed in getting a pension under said last mentioned act. That said Christina Best applied for a pension under acts of 7th July 1838 and subsequent acts for a pension on account of her said husband said Revolutionary services & obtained a pension of $50 per Annum under said last mentioned acts and died on the second day of December One thousand eight hundred and forty six - at said Town of Tazewell aforesaid Declarant further says that under said Resolve it is claimed that the Children of said Christina Best in right of said Christina are entitled to the

benefit of said Resolves as applied in case, when the widow was pronounced under an act of 4th July 1836, Declarant further says that according to his recollection, said Christina Best had her said Annual Expenses up to 10th September 1846. That said Christina Best left her surviving wife still surviving as declarant believes, the following named children, to wit: Her declarant, Jeremiah Best, Robert Best, of Livingston Island County, of Columbia, Polly Best of Kinderhook in said Columbia County, Jacob Best, Milan, Dutchess County, New York, Lana Boston, P'keepsie, Wayne County, New York, and Catharine Clappin of Adrian, State of Michigan. and no others, and this Application is made by declarant in behalf of himself this said Brother, Sister, &
Taken, subscribed & sworn before me this 31. January 1849. Richard Carringer Justice of the Justice Court
Jeremiah Best
I Richard Carringer, one of the Justices of said Justice Court, do certify that satisfactory Evidence was adduced before me, that said Christina Best named in the foregoing Declaration died in the town of Haverkam, Columbia County, New York on the 20 th day of December 1846. & left her surviving the six children above named and no others.
Hudson, at New York, Jan'y 31. 1849. Richard Carringer Justice of the Justice Court
State of New York Columbia County ss. I William H. W. Loop, Clerk pro tem of the Justice Court of the City of Hudson in said County, the same being a court of Record, do certify that Richard Carringer

Seal before whom the foregoing declaration was made & who made the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date thereof, one of the Justices of said Justice Court, duly authorized to act as such.
That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and truly believe his signature subscribed to said declaration & certificate to be his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this 31 st day of January 1849, after the figures "1849" were erased & the figures "1848" were substituted.
William H. Goss Clerk Protem

Waterloo Nebraska
Febr. 3 - 1928
To Com missionary pension Please give me all the data you have of John J. Best who enlisted as private in Captain Peter Van Gaasbeck's Company & served in several enlistments under different commands from New York He was a pensioner in 1833 New York Continental line Born & died also I think at Columbia New York may have been from Claverack New York - I found this data at our library & these referred to

Is a John D. Best & a John D. Best Junior so I wish you would please straighten it out for me. I specially want data as to wife & childrens names.
He had pension in 1833 & died 1835. Did he leave a widow who got a pension? & does your records show they went to Ohio - I trace my fore grandfather John Best to his birth place New Philidelphia Ohio.
Mrs. H. J. Bell
Waterloo Nebraska

Hudson N. Y.
April 18. 1900
To The Pension Office Washington D. C.
Will you please Send me copy of record on pension roll of the Revolution of John J. Best or John Best who was born in 1753 and died May 1832. Also of Christina Best his wife, born Dec 10. 1759 - died Dec. 3 - 1846. Both of these people received a pension for services rendered by John Best or John J. Best in the Revolution - He lived in town of Livingston, Columbia Co. New York. (over)

Send to Mrs. Isaac N. Collier Hudson New York -

Revolutionary War
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
BOUNTY LAND FILES
ACT OF 1853 - Reported # 53,992
VETERAN Samuel Best
GRADE Privt  Parol
SERVICE Captt Miller
Col Williamson
CAN NO. 1691 BUNDLE NO. 218

March 3/55
52.992 Apr 9/55
Agnes Ellis. W o of Samuel Best deceased Died
Capt Miller 1782 Col Williamson Pa Vol
On a Nov 5/55 St Clair & Wayne War
3 d Audit 24 Sep 55
Third Auditor's Office October 20, 1855.
There are no Rolls on file in this Office of a Capt Jacob Miller, Penn. Militia, for the period stated in this application.
[Signature]
For 3 d Auditor.
Bingham & Taylor New Philadelphia Ohio
Wp. Stans
on file in this Office for that period.
E. Fraheman

52992 Agnes Ellis

State of Ohio Guilford County
On this thirtieth day of March AD 1855 personally appeared before me Oliver Taylor a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid Agnes Ellis aged eighty years a resident of said County and State, who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Samuel Best deceased who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Jacob Miller in the regiment of (Volunteer) Militia of Pennsylvania commanded by Colonel Williamson during the Revolutionary war in an expedition against the Indians on the Muskingum Valley, that her said husband was drafted (she thinks) in the year 1782, that he was in the actual service more than fourteen days, but she does not recollect the exact date or term of said service. That he was honorably discharged & that his certificate of discharge was burned with their dwelling house. She further states that she was married to said Samuel Best in Washington County State of Pennsylvania in the year 1797 th t her name before said marriage was Agnes Casebeer. That her said husband died at Guiseville County Ohio about the first of September AD 1817 That she was since married to Richard Ellis who is now deceased, and that she is now a widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of ob- taining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3 rd 1855 & she hereby authorizes Bingham & Taylor of New Philadelphia O. to receive the warrant for her when issued Agnes H. Ellis mark
Attest Susan McPherson

State of Ohio & Pike County Tuscarawas County
We Susan M c Pherson and Jane Hunsicker residents of Tuscarawas County and State of Ohio upon our solemn oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Agnes Ellis in our presence and that we have no interest in this claim. And that we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant that she is the identical person who represents herself to be
Susan McPherson
Jane Hunsicker
We the undersigned being duly sworn according to law depose and say that we were acquainted with Samuel Best during his lifetime, and also with his wife Agnes (born Agnes Ellis) whose name appears above. That said Samuel & Agnes lived and cohabited with each other as husband and wife & were reputed & believed to be such, and we have no interest in this claim.
Robert M c Pherson Mary Croft
The foregoing declaration & affidavits were duly sworn to & subscribed before me on the day & year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons & that I have no interest in this claim.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my notarial seal on the day & year aforesaid
O. P. Layler Notary Public

The State of Ohio, } ss. TUSCARAWAS COUNTY, }
I, HOSEA T. STOCKWELL, Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas of the County and
State aforesaid, do hereby certify that Oliver J. Taylor , Esq, before whom the foregoing and annexed Declaration and Affidavit was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, an acting Notary Public of said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and as such is legally authorized to administer oaths, and take acknowledgments of Deeds and other instruments; that his sig- nature thereto attached is genuine, as I believe, and that said Declaration and Affidavit is taken according to the law of this State.
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court, at the Clerk's Office in New Philadelphia, this 2 day of April Anno Domini 1855
H. T. Stockwell Clerk.

RR992
L. P. Waldo
Correspondent of Times Washington DC
Lia P. Waldo