Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 22,659, Frederick Bonsted, Mass. New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass. New York
Bonsted, Frederick Bonstead or
S. 22,659
CONTENTS

Reported
New York 32559
Frederick Ponslead, late Montgomery Co in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Shepherd of the Reg t commanded by Col. Van Kliefussell in the New York line for 8 months 23 days
Died 24th October, 1832.
Mass and N.Y. Line Records corrected.
Oct 28 03
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 29 Dollars 22 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831. & terminate 24th Oct. 1832, when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of April, 1847 and sent to Gily H. Daley, Esq.
Albany
Arrears to the 14th of Pensional allowance ending New York
Payable to Peter and Jacob
Ponslead only surviving
Children { Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Th. D. Rumpkin Clerk, E. 2 Vol. 4 Page 8.

Fredk Burnside Act of 7-June 1832
Letter of Inquiry
To Col. J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions

Albany N.Y. July 20 th 1846
Col. J. L. Edwards Comm ee of Pensions.
Sir.
The heirs of the late Frederick Dunstead have applied to me to prosecute his claim for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832. His Papers under that act, will be found on file in your Office. He served as an Armourer for 27 months & for 9 months in the State Troops under Colonel Willett & Capt s Geog. Is the proof of this service not satisfactory?, or what is required to substantiate this claim?
Very respectfully Your Ob t Serv t
G. H. M c A. S.

Payment to be made at Albany, by J. M. Olcott Esq. Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Albany New York.
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book 6 2 Vol. 21 Page 8 by Th. Rumpkin Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Frederick Bonstead, dec d late of New York, who was a Private in the Revolution,
is entitled to receive twenty nine dollars and twenty two cents per annum, during his natural life, com- terminating on the  payable semi-annually, on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every year. 24th October, 1832, when he died - the amt t due is payable to Peter & Jacob Bonstead only giving evidence given at the War Office of the United States, this 21 st day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
Secretary of War.
Examined and } Countersigned. }
Commissioner of Pensions.

State of New York Montgomery County ss
On the twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before Aaron Haring First Judge of the Court of Common Pleas said County Frederick Boerstler of the Town of Minden in said County aged eighty five years on the twenty sixth day of January last past who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress Passed June 7th 1832
That he entered about the fifteenth day of March 1780 he knows the month of year is right but cannot so precisely state the day but believes that to be correct into the service of the United States under the following circumstances the following named Officers and served as herein stated that he was enlisted in the service of the United States in Captain John Shepard Company of Artificers in Colonel Van Rensselaers Regiment or Corps of Artificers that he enlisted at Albany in said State for the term of nine months that he served said nine months faithfully and was then verbally discharged and no written discharge was given to any of those that were enlisted that he served the whole of said time at Albany & was there discharged.
That he again enlisted at the City of Albany in the month of March but cannot state the exact day in the year 1781 in the New York State Troops in the Infantry in a Company commanded by Captain Elsworth whose christian name he cannot now state in a Regiment commanded by Col Marinus Willet and for the term of nine months & marched from thence up the Mohawk River in the said Town of Minden and there met the Colonel & joined his Regiment that applicant was stationed at Fort Plain in said Town and that he faithfully served out his last mentioned period or term of his enlistment and was discharged in writing at the City of Albany & by time & accident is now lost
That in the last mentioned term he was in engagement called the battle of Saratoga now Town of Sharon & County of Saratoga said State The Americans commanded by Col Willet and the British Forces & Indians commanded by Gen. Burgoyne
That there are witnesses alive that this applicant knows of that knows of the enlistment or discharges aforesaid or either of them but there are two witnesses to wit John Miller of Canajoharie Montgomery County John Lunsler of Danube Herkimer County in said State that saw him in said battle & that Henry Flander of Oppenheim Montgomery County was serving a part of the time at Fort Plain where the applicant served there under Colonel Willet
That in the month of January 1782 this applicant volunteered at the City of Albany in the Armory of the State of New York for the term of eight months on Serpents Bay & was paid the same & repaired guns and made bayonets & which Armory was under the command or control of said Colonel Willet that this applicant faithfully served said time & was discharged at Albany and was discharged in writing but this is also by time & accident lost.

That this applicant knows of no witness that can prove the last volunteering, service or discharge.
That this applicant was Born on the 28th day of January in the year 1747 at Berlin in the Kingdom of Prussia
That he has no record of his age & does not know that there is any existence
That when he first entered the service of the United States he resided in the City of Albany & continued there until in the year 1783 when he moved to the present town of Winden & has ever since resided there
That he went into the service by enlistment & volunteering as aforesaid on his own account & for his own will & inclination & not as a substitute for or on account of any other person.
That he has never served with any other of the regular officers other than herein before stated nor with any other Continental Regiments or Militia Regiments other than the circumstances of his services as herein stated
That he received the discharges as herein stated & no other
That Thomas Timmerman & Isaac Blood of Winden aforesaid I am acquainted with for thirty years & upwards last past who live in my neighborhood & who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a Soldier of the Revolution
That in this applicant came to America in the year 1777 in the fall that he was in England was there pressed by the British Officers put on board of a Schooner of War of Eight Guns was landed at South Amboy New Jersey and that after he had been there a few months he deserted from the British & came to the Americans  to Philadelphia that fall but I do not know how long he stayed there
That in the year of 1778 or 1779 but cannot state the year more exact in the Spring of the year at Boston he enlisted in the Massachusetts State Infantry Troops for three years served more than one year during that time marched to Morristown in New Jersey & there procured a substitute for the residue of his time & was discharged in writing & which he has lost. That Captain Bennet was his Captain but he is unable to state any other officers name in the 1st Regiment & does not know of any person by whom he can prove that enlistment or service. That the substitute procured was named Potter but cannot state his christian name
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year first aforesaid
Frederick by Bousted Mark
Aaron Haring Judge aforesaid

No 18421
Frederick Bonsted
Frederick Bonsted
Waron Harding agent
Johnstown Montgomery Co N.Y.

20 58 90 20/522 2 161
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
7/6
May 23 1833
58 23 46 11 50 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 Frederick Boustead of Montgomery Co., New York
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1780 9 Private Capt. Jas. Shephard Colo. Genl. Van Rensselaer Bunker Hill Long Island Albany, N.Y. aged 85 Testimony of living witnesses   Discharged 1781 24 1st Lieut. [?] Genl. Washington   Vol. 1782 X 5 Ensign in the N.Y. Artillery and Sergeant  
+ See Vol 2. page [?] 14. Capt. [?] 7. Mtd & 28 days Service in the Artillery disallowed.
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.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
A. B.
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 do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ of the Court of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of this claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law is too indefinite, and in such queries without specifying the terms, the names of the officers, and units passed through, the duration of each term of service, is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [e] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[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.

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of this claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificates.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

Frederick Bunstead Surrogate's certificate

State of New York Montgomery County } ss. I Ely F. Vanbrechten, Surrogate of said County, hereby certify that at a Surrogate's Court held before me at Fultonville in said County on this 14 th day of December 1846 it was satisfactorily proved to me that Frederick Bonsted, late of the Town of Minden in said County, departed this life at Minden aforesaid, on the 24 th day of October 1832. That at the time of his death he was an applicant for a Pension for his services in the Army and as a soldier during the war of the Revolution. That he left no widow him surviving but he left him surviving the following named children all of whom are above the age of twenty one years - to wit - Peter Bonstead, Jacob Bonstead and Christopher Bonstead. That since the death of the said Frederick the said Christopher has departed this life. That the said Jacob and Peter both reside in said Town of Minden -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of my Office at Fultonville aforesaid the day and year first aforesaid.
Ely F. Vanbrechten Surrogate

State of New York } Montgomery County } Is Jacob J Moyer and Isaac Pillow of Minster in said County severally being duly sworn and say that they were well acquainted with Frederick Bonstead the foregoing Applicant for a Pension, and that the said Frederick departed this Life on the 24 th day of October 1832, leaving no widow but three Children named Christian, Isaac and Peter Bonstead and that they are all of the age of twenty one years, and that Isaac and Peter reside in this said Town of Minster and Christian resides in Mannheim Herki- mer County in said State
Subscribed and sworn to this 25 th day of October 1834 John W. Haxon Justice
Jacob J Moyer Isaac Pillow
I do hereby Certify that I am intimately acquainted with the witnesses in the above affidavit and that they are men of high respectability and there can be no doubt as their being men of truth and veracity
John W. Haxon Justice

State of New York Montgomery County Clerk's Office
L. S. George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Montgomery aforesaid, do hereby certify that John W. Brown, before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a justice of the Peace in and for said County. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and truly believe that his name subscribed to the within Certificate of Character and to the within affidavit is genuine .
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of my Office this 27th March 1835.
Geo. D. Ferguson

Prohibition
22659 INVALID.
File No. 22,659.
Frederick B. ...
Rev War
Act: June 7 th 89 th
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 44
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Mass. and New York Line.
June 30-1902 Helen S. Williams Rensselaer N.Y.

Department of State Washington Jan'y 14. 1847.
James L. Edwards Esq. Commt. of Pensions
Sir,
In compliance with your request, I have caused the Washington Papers to be examined "for evidence of the service of Frederick Dunstead as an artificer under Captain John Shepherd of Col o Van Rensselaer Regiment in 1780, and also as an armorer in 1782 to Col o Willets Regiment", and have to report that no such evidence has been discovered.
I am Sir, very respectfully
Your obedt servt.
James Buchanan

22659
Gerlach Bonstead
Oct 12, 1832
Minden N.Y. 85
mk 80, Albany N.Y.
Capt Jno. Stephens
Col Van Rensselaer
Sta. Albany Pst. 9 mo
mk 81
Capt Ellsworth
Col Marinus Willett
Sta Fort Plain
Dischd Albany
Pst - 9 mo
Pst Purlough
July 52
Col Willett
Refusing Genl. McClellan bayonets -
Pst 8 mo
Born July 26, 1787
Berlin Prussia
Died Oct. 24, 1832
Mkt - Henry Glandon
Peter & Jacob
parent only two children
3-084. (Old No. 3-645.)
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS, OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER.
Autograph of James Buchanan S.F. 22659
Mr. Bryant
  To Chf.  OW  Dir.    Action     APR 2 1904    COMMISSIONER  
This letter was used in the prepara- tion of the Pension Bureau Exhibt - La Purchase Ex- position - very res J. D. Geyer Representative

30 Washington Ave Rensselaer N.Y. Jan 11. 1902.
Bureau of Pensions - Washington D.C.
Will you inform me if there is any record of one Frederick Bonesteel or Bonestail military service during the Revolution. Whether he was a pensioner & what battles he took part in -
Very truly,
Heleen S. Williams

New York
Revs—
Frederick Bonsteel
Suspended
See Let to Comm Haring
Oct 13. 1835
Set to A Hearing 9 Dec 1835
Hon S. Benton, July 30 / 46
Set to Secretary of State Jan'y 13 '47
" " Hon C. S. Benton Jan'y 20 '47
" " same Feb. 22. '47.

1842 1 Frederick Bonstead de d
Chy. Act 7 June 2 Contr of N.Y. pri 8.23 adm d 8mo. 23 29.22 to 24 Oct 1832 when he died - To Peter Jacob Bonstead -
Giles F Yates Albany N.Y.

Wm C. L. J. Barton M. C.
Please present the enclosed letter to the Pension office, or write me yourself like it & present it - and much oblige
Yours,
G. H. D. R. S.
Albany July 20 1846

Dec 7. Mt-ab NY.
25.
James L Edwards Esquire Comm r of Pensions Washington City

Dear Sir The children of the deceased soldier Bowsted have directed me to request the issuing and for them the Pension papers and forward them to me for them so that they can draw it
Elizah Lindsly a very aged and worthy veteran of the Revolution & is poor indeed tells me that he enlisted in Captain Newells Company at Schenectady in 1781 but has no living testimony & is unable to say in what Regiment whether it was a Connecticut or New York Regt. that the Captain was a Connecticut man from Middletown a neighbor of his & held that office before he left home & that he Lindsly followed on to Schenectady & there enlisted for one or more years but I forget the term and after serving about a year was discharged, that he generally was under that Captain & Col Willett
Perhaps your Office has the documentary evidence to assist him to his just claims. & that you will be willing to state them to him. Mr L is I suppose upwards of 80 years I am confident he is no impostor for he has given me this same account more than 30 years ago. You have seen him whilst here but you had no personal knowledge in particular with him
Respectfully
Aaron Haring
Johnstown Dec r 1 st 1835

Frederick Bunstead

State of New York } 11. Montgomery County }
Personally appeared before me Jas. Wilson Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace of said County Henry Flanders aged Eighty six Years and Upwards who being by me duly sworn deposes & says. That during the latter part of the Revolutionary war he was well & personally acquainted with Frederick Bonsted who resided on the South side of the Mohawk River in what was called the District of Canajoharie - That He knew the said Frederick Bonsted was employed in Fort Plank as a Gun Smith repairing Locks &c and that he was known in the fort by the name of "Schlupper" meaning Lock Maker & that deponent has been in company with the said Frederick Bonsted taking charge of prisoners & other engagements with the Indians & Tories & that said Frederick Bonsted died in the town of Minerva in said County & further says not
Subscribed & sworn to January 13 th 1847 before me Jas. Wilson Justice
Henry Flanders his mark
This is to Certify That I am personally acquainted with Henry Flanders above named & have been for twenty Years & Upwards that I know him to be a man of Truth & veracity Strictly Moral & a man of good recollection, very little impaired by age. Dated St. Johns -ville January 13 th 1847
Jas. Wilson Justice of the Peace St. Johns -ville Montgomery Co N.Y.

very much impaired by age since or soon -With January 13 th 1847
James Wilson Justice
hus 60
STATE OF NEW YORK, Montgomery County Clerk's Office.
I, CHESTER S. BRUMLEY, Clerk of said County, do hereby certify that James Wilson Justice whose name is subscribed to the annexed Deed & Certificate was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace of said county; and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice of the peace and verily believe that the signature to the said Deed & Certificate is genuine:
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county, the Tenth day of February 1847.
C. S. Brumley CLERK.
26.66 2.50 29.21

Fred L. Burland Comptroller's Certificate 9 mo - service

In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1784, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their services in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent. per annum, viz:
  30 th Nov. 1781 Br d Bruntoads Prin £ 20 14 2   31 st Dec r do do do 2 13 6     23 1 6   4 50   17 90   25 84 5   79 27 5   8 23   8mo 23d 
STATE OF NEW-YORK, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, 1 st Sept. 1846.
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Book No. 2, now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
 First—under Capt. Laurence Grop in Col. Mavens Willett Regt.  Second " " do " " do "  Third " " " " " "  Fourth " " " " " "  Fifth " " " " " "  Sixth " " " " " "  Seventh " " " " " "  Eighth " " " " " "  Ninth " " " " " "  Tenth " " " " " "  Eleventh " " " " " "  Twelfth " " " " " " 
Philip Phelps Dep Comptroller
for Mr Yates

In the matter of of Frederick V. Bonstead for a pension act of 7 th June 1832
Surrogate's certificate H. S. died 24 th Oct 1832
Children { Peter Bonstead Jacob Bonstead

State of New York Montgomery County ss.
I Gilez F. Van Vechten, Surrogate of said County of Montgomery, do hereby certify that at a Surrogate's Court held at Fullonville in for said County before me on this 15 th day of March 1847. It was proved by the adduction of Testimony satisfactory to the said Court that Frederick Bonstead, late of the Town of Minerva in said County died in said Town on the 24 th day of October, 1832. That previous to his death and in the last mentioned year he made application for a Pension, for his services during the Revolutionary War, under the Laws of Congress. That he left him surviving no Widow; but he left him surviving two sons who are his only children him surviving - to wit - Peter Bonstead and Jacob Bonstead both of whom are now living and reside in said Town, and are both over twenty one years of age -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of office at Fullonville aforesaid this 15 th day of March 1847
Gilez F. Van Vechten Surrogate

Medk Bunsted Act of 7. June 1832 Claim Pending.
For Ed. J. Edwards Commr of Pensions Washington D. C.
Ms. A. 9. 2. 10

To Col. Jas. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions In the matter of Frederick Bunsted for a pension &c
In the letter of the Commr of Pensions to the Hon. Col. Benton M.P. under date of 30 July 1846, it is stated that "Frederick Bunsted asserted a claim under the act of 7 June 1832 for 9 months service in 1780 as an artificer under Capt. John Shepherd in Col. Van Rensselaer's Regiment - 9 months in 1781 as a private under Capt. Ellsworth Col. Willett, & 8 months as an armourer in 1782 to Col. Willett's Regiment." The service should be established by the Records in the Comptroller's Office at Albany, and the certificate of the Court showing the day of Bunsted's death & the name of his children living, &c
The Records of Albany furnish no proof of the service of artificers & armourers in the Revolutionary army. Service in 1781, under Col. Willett, the said records afford proof of, which is sent herewith, viz £23:7:6. If the Washington papers afford no evidence of the service of the claimant as an artificer it is believed that they are no where to be found.
The Surrogate's certificate giving time of death of F. Bunsted & names of children - as follows.
He died 25 th October 1832 - (Consequently the Claim will be only from 4 th March 1831, to 25 th October 1832 - or for 1 year 6 mo & 21 days) no widow survived - Children's names are
Peter Bunstead } the only children surviving - Jacob Bunstead }
I have looked in vain for any proof of Bunstead's services as an armourer or artificer. It can only be found in the office of the Secretary of State at Washington, and I have to request that the applicants may have the benefit of a search for such proof in that office before the warrant is made out.
very respectfully
+ whatever this amt. may designate the service referred to was for 9 months service.
G. H. Williams Albany Jan y 1 st 1847.

In the matter of of Frederick Bonstead Act of 7. June '32 Claim pending. Letter of G. F. Yates Mar: 30 th 1847.

In the matter of the application of Frederick Bonstead (alias Bunstead) for a pension— under the act of 7 th June 1832
Sir.
In this case, on or about the 31 st day of December last I forward- ed to be filed in your office, to the care of the Hon: Ch s S. Benton M.C. a surrogate's certificate, pursuant to a requisition from you previously made.
From your letters of the 20 th Jany & 22 nd Feby ult o , I am led to infer, that that Certificate has shared the same fate as the pension Certificate of Mrs Mount did; to wit, has quietly repos- ed and is still reposing among the papers (private) of the Hon: Gentlemen.
I now enclose a new Certificate showing that Bonstead died on the 24 th Oct r 1832, leaving arrears of pension due only from 4 th March 1831, to said 24 th October 1832. He left no widow— only two children him surviving, viz Peter

Bonstead to Jacob Bonstead.
I am very respectfully Your mo: Ob t Serv t
To Col. J. L. Edwards Comm r of Pensions.
G. H. Williams.
Albany March 30 th 1847.

Frederick B. Norton
Frederick B. Norton Washington Ind to be completed Section of Pension Department
Washington City

Frederick Bonested's death renders any farther proceedings out of the Power of his children and can make no farther proof. They claim the just amount for what has been found up to the death of their father. And wish the Department to please send the certificate to me for them. I am respectfully
Johnstown Montgomery County N.Y. Sept 28 th 1835.
Aaron Haring

Friedk Bunstraad
For Col. J. L. Edwards Comm. of Pensions

In the matter of the application made in behalf of Fredrick Bunsted (or Bonstead ) for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832
Since forwarding (over a month ago) papers in support of this claim (for pension from the 4 th March 1831, to the 25 th October 1832 when he died) the enclosed affidavit of Henry Manders has been obtained, and it is now offered to fortify the other proofs on file to the same purport.
respectfully &c
G. H. WARD. Albany 10 th Feby 1847.

At a Court of Common Pleas, held at the Court House in Johnstown in & for the County of Montgomery On the 9th March 1835.
Present
The Hon. Abraham Morell
David Sproule
Samuel A. Gilbert
Henry A. Dieffenhoff
John Hand
Esquires Judges
In the matter of Frederick Bonstead
Walter Ellwood appeared in
Open Court Being duly sworn did depose & say that he was personally acquainted with Frederick Bonstead a reputed soldier of the Revolution and the same person mentioned in the annexed application for a pension that the said Frederick died on the twentyfourth day of October 1832 at the town of Minden in the County of Montgomery, and left no wife him surviving, and left only three children viz Christian, Jacob and Peter, and that they still live, and each is of the age of twenty one years or more. And the Court hereby direct me to Certify that the evidence produced to them in this matter was in all respects satisfactory.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 9th March 1835
Geo: D. Ferguson. Clerk.

Frederick Bonsack
1842/ ✓
of ...

State of New York Montgomery County
on the 23 day of October in the Year of our Lord one Thousand Eight hundred and
Thirty two Personal appeared before me Jacob G Snyder Esquire one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County John Mills - of the town of Charlottarie Montgomery County who being duly sworn according to law deposed and said that he is well acquainted with Frederick Bunstead of the town of Minden in said County of Montgomery and saw him in the service of his country in the year 1781 and in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Marmus Willet stationed at Fort Plain Also saw him engaged in the battle fought by said Willet against the British Indians commanded by a Tory by the name of John Brickshead said Battle was fought in the year 1781 in the town of Sharon in the County of Schoharie in said State and commonly called the Battle of Surloch and also saw him employed and did repair the Muskets of the Soldiers in said service at Fort Plain by order of Col: Willet and very believes that the said Bunstead was a faithful soldier in the service of the Americans during the revolution war Sworn and subscribed before me this 23 day of John his Miller October 1832. Mark
Jacob G Snyder Justice
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named John Mills and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity
Jacob G Snyder Justice

State of New York Montgomery County } ss
On the 17 th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two Personally appeared before me John De Forest Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County Henry Flander of the town of Oppenheim in said County who being duly sworn according to Law, deposes and says that he is well acquainted with Frederick Bonsteel of the town of Minerva in said County and saw him in the service of his Country in the year 1781 and in a Regiment commanded by Colonel Marcus Willet stationed at Fort Plank and was employed and did repair the Muskets of the soldiers in the said service by order of Col e Willet, also saw him engaged in the Battle fought by said Willet against the British, Indians, and Tories commanded by a man by the name of John Sattitauer said Battle was fought in the year 1781 in the town of Sharon in the County of Schenectady in said State and commonly called the Battle of Ticonderoga, also saw him in the said service and in pursuit of Major Ross and Captain Butler towards the West Canada Creek where Butler was killed also saw the said Bonsteel frequently engaged as an artificer in repairing the arms of the soldiers at Fort Plank, and justly believes that the said Bonsteel was a faithful soldier in the service of the Americans during the revolutionary war,
Sworn & subscribed before me this 17 th day of October 1832 John De Forest Justice
his Henry Flander mark

State of New York Montgomery County
On the 20 th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before me John De Forest Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County John Duerler of the town of Duanesburg Herkimer County who being duly sworn according to law deposed and said that he is well acquainted with Frederick Bonstede of the town of Minden in said County of Montgomery and saw him in the service of his country in the year 1780 and in a regiment commanded by Colonel Mannes Willet stationed at Fort Plain also saw him engaged in the battle fought by said Willet against the British Indians and Tories commenced by a Tory by the name of John Dockstader said battle was fought in the year 1780 in the town of Sharon in the County of Schoharie in said State and commonly called the Battle of Minisink and said Duerler believes that the said Bonstede was a faithful soldier in the service of the Americans during the revolutionary war
Sworn & subscribed before me this 20 th day of October 1832 John De Forest Justice
his John X Duerler mark
I certify that I am well acquainted with the above named John Duerler and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity
John De Forest Justice
State of New York Montgomery County
I Aaron Haring First Judge of the County Courts of said County & which Courts are Courts of Record Do certify that the affidavits of John Duerler & Henry Flander taken before John De Forest one of the Justices of the Peace of said County and an Affidavit of John Miller taken before Jacob G. Snyder a Justice of the Peace of said County are hereto annexed. And the affidavits of Isaac Elwood & Thomas Timmerman taken before me together with the declaration of the applicant Frederick Bonstede are also hereto annexed. And I further certify that the said Frederick is too feeble & infirm to appear in Open Court to make

his declaration & answer the requisite interrogatories, And I further certify that I am satisfied from various enquiries that not only from the Applicant but also from others that there is no clergyman residing in the vicinity that is personally acquainted with the said Frederick. I further certify that the witness Ellwood Zimmerman reside in the neighborhood of said Frederick. And I the said Judge do further declare that it is my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the said Frederick was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And it further appears to me that the witnesses before named that they reside at the places stated in their affidavits & that the said Ellwood Zimmerman reside in Minden aforesaid & that all of which witnesses are credible persons the said Flanders known from common reputation and that their statements are entitled to credit. In witness whereof I the said Judge have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of November 1832 Aaron Haring
State of New York Montgomery County ss
I George D. Ferguson Clerk of the County of Montgomery & of the County Courts of said County do certify that Aaron Haring who has subscribed the foregoing is First Judge of the County Courts of said County & that he delivered in person the foregoing papers to me. That I am well acquainted with the hand writings respectively of John De Forest and Jacob Snyder who have subscribed their names to the foregoing & annexed affidavits & verily & sincerely believe that their names subscribed to said papers are their proper hands writings. And that the said John De Forest and Jacob Snyder at the times said acts bear date were generally just & true of the peace of said County as by them stated. And I further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Judge in the matter of the application of Frederick Bonsted for a Pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this fourteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.
State of New York Montgomery County ss
I Aaron Ellwood and of the town of Minden in the said County generally being duly sworn say that they were well acquainted with Frederick Bonsted the foregoing applicant for a pension and that the said Frederick departed this life on the twenty sixth day of October 1832 leaving no widow and but three children Christian Jacob and Peter Bonsted and that they are all of the age of twenty one years. That Jacob and Peter reside in Minden aforesaid and Christian resides in Mannheim Herkimer County. Subscribed & sworn to this day of 1834
Aaron Ellwood
And I certify that the said are credible witnesses and of fair reputation and character.

State of New York
Montgomery County ss.
We Thomas Timmerman and Isaac Elwood severally being duly sworn and severally say and first the said Thomas for himself says that he has resided near to the said Frederick Bonsted for forty years last and he the said Isaac for himself says that he has lived near the said Frederick for thirty years last past and has so lived from his birth which was forty two years ago of that the said Frederick was during the whole of our knowledge & acquaintance with him esteemed & reputed to be a person of fair and upright character without the least stain or reproach that they believe him to be of the age he represents that he has as long as they have heard of him been reputed & believed in the neighborhood to have been a revolutionary soldier and that these deponents concur in that opinion.
Subscribed & sworn to this 2
12th day of October 1832
Before Aaron Haring First Judge of Montgomery County Courts N. York
Thomas Timmerman
Isaac Elwood
I certify that said Witnesses are credible persons & of good character Aaron Haring.