Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23,180, Benjamin Crofoot, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Crofoot, Benjamin
8 23 180
CONTENTS

New York. 24799
Benjamin Crofoot, of Albany co. in the State of New York who was a Private in the Compt. commanded by Captain Childs of the Regt. commanded by Col. Hopkins in the N.Y. Ma. line for 19 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York, at the rate of 63 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 14th day of March 1834, and sent to R. J. Hilton Albany. N.Y.
Arrears to the 4th of March 32. 189.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sept. 34 31.66 $ 221.65
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Ele. Brown Clerk, Book E Vol. 4. Page 130

Declaration of Benjamin Crofoot
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
State of New York County of Albany
On this fourth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two before me Robert J. Wetmore a Judge of the County Courts in & for the County of Albany in the State of New York and of the degree of Commissioner at Law in the Supreme Court in the state aforesaid personally appeared Benjamin Crofoot a resident of the Town of Bethlehem in the County of Albany and State of New York aged seventy three years and to me well known who being first duly sworn according to law, took an oath that he the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th. 1832. that he entered the service of the United States in the militia of the State of New York as a volunteer in the state troops under the following named officers and served as herein after stated. he entered this service as aforesaid at the Town of Amenia in the then County of Dutchess and State of New York in the month of February (day of the month not now recollecting) in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & seventy five as a private in a company of which Edmund Perlee of Amenia County of Dutchess was Ensign. John Lloyd also of same town & County was Lieutenant.

and Increase Childs of the same place last aforesaid was the Captain. The regiment to which the company of which he was a Member was subsequently attached was commanded by Roswell Hopkins of the same town & County but aforesaid as Colonel - and the Brigade to which Colonel Roswell Hopkins regiment belonged was under the command of General Glover. (his Christian name he now does not recollect. - In the same month that he enlisted the company & regiment to which he belonged under the command of the officers above named marched from the County of Dutchess to the City of New York was there about two months - from whence we proceeded to Long Island (Wall gate) to build Fort Minaut was there about six months. He then returned with the company under the Command of Captain Childs to the County of Dutchess where the company arrived about the first day of November at which time Captain Childs was promoted to some office of rank in the Continental army. The company therefore under his command & the individuals composing it were dismissed & he therefore returned to his former residence in America County of Dutchess. He remained at home about two weeks - when he again volunteered for six months in a company commanded by Calvin Chamberlain of America County of Dutchess as captain. I. Spence of Spencertown County of Columbia as lieu- tenant (the name of this company nor the Christian name of Lieutenant Spence he does not now recollect). The regiment to which the company he belonged to was attached was again

under the command of Colonel Roswell Hopkins & the Brigade under the command of (as he now nearly believes) General Ellison - he left the county of Dutchess with his company & regiment in the month of March if he remembers right A.D. 1776 and proceeded to Fort Montgomery in the immediate vicinity (General Ellison commanding at the Fort) staid there the full term of six months his term of service as a volunteer having expired he departed again return to his home - staid at home two or three weeks when he again volunteered in the State Militia for the term of four months in a company of which William Mead of Annandale, County of Dutchess was Captain & John McNeal of same place was Lieutenant & Edmund Pake was Ensign - the company & regiment to which he belonged left Dutchess county in the month of February A.D. 1777 and marched to White Plains and arrived there a short time (a few days) after the battle of (Major Andre & Alport's company) at this time belonged to the regiment then under the command of Colonel Henry Humphrey of Dutchess county - in the month of March June year he departed was in a skirmish between the New York State Militia & the British at a place then known & called Bards Bridge in this skirmish the Americans were successful - staid there until the expiration of the four months and then he again returned home.
After staying at home about three weeks he

22 months & up
again volunteered for four months in a company of which William Meads of Dutchess county was Captain John McNeil Lieutenant & Samuel Worrall of same place was Ensign & Powell Hopkins was again the Colonel of the Regiment. Given the general of the Brigade the company to which he belonged went with the Regiment from Dutchess county in the month of July 1777 - & proceeded to Stillwater by the way of the City of Albany - and arrived in or near Stillwater some time in the first part of the month of September following. The Regiment to which respondent belonged then encamped at the place called Bemis Heights in the County of Saratoga State aforesaid and remained there until the surrender of General Burgoyne in October following - after which he became afflicted with the Rheumatism & was carried home in a wagon. These efforts my relation of my services in the behalf of my Country.
He was born at Frederickstown in the County of Dutchess & State of New York on the fifth day of March in the year One thousand eight hundred and fifty eight. He has a record of his birth in the family Bible now present before the Judge taking this declaration whereby it doth appear that he was born at the place & on the day above stated. He resided at Amenia in the County of Dutchess when he went into the service after the close of the Revolutionary war he removed to the Town of Bethlehem in the County of Albany where he has since & now doth reside.

he never served in any capacity except a volunteer in the state militia. That he always faithfully performed each & every duty for which he did so volunteer - never received a written discharge knew no regular officers who were with the troops with whom he served except the officers under whom he served as above stated in detail with the addition of Colonel Van Schaick of Albany volunteers James Bell of Dutchess county all the officers whom he knew whilst in the service are dead - he has no documentary evidence nor does he know of any person except John Denton of the Town of Northeast in the County of Dutchess & State aforesaid (if he yet lives) whose testimony he can procure or who can testify to his service & that the affidavit of said John Denton was transmitted to the War Department in latter part of 1831 on request of respondent Young Adonai & that respondent further says he is intimately acquainted with a number of persons of character & respectability residing in his vicinity & neighbourhood who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution and amongst them to whom he is so known in his neighbourhood are the Reverend Thomas Holiday a clergyman & John Vanderveer Esq both residents of the Town of Catskill County of Albany
And 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
B. J. B. B. B.
From & subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid J. H. H. H. Judge Albany County Court
Committee at law in sub C no

We Thomas Holiday a clergyman residing in the Town of Bethlehem County of Albany, State of New York and John Ward Junior Esquire residing in the same Town County & State last aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Crofoot who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration in our presence. That we believe him to be fifty three years of age that is as reported and believed in the neighborhood where he resides where he has been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Given this fourth day of August 1832
[Signature] Judge Albany County Courts
Thomas Holiday V.D.M. John Ward Jr
And I the said Judge aforesaid do hereby declare that it is my 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 I the said Judge further certify that it appears to me (and I also know the fact) that Thomas Holiday who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the Town of Bethlehem in the County of Albany & State of New York and that John Ward Junior who has also signed the same is also a resident of the Town of Bethlehem County of Albany & State aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statements

entitled to credit, and I the said Judge do further certify that the above named applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court, inasmuch as he is now & has for some time past been confined to his bed by severe sickness.
In testimony whereof I the said Judge have hereunto set my hand and seal and caused my signature to these proceedings to be attested by the clerk of the county of Albany under the seal of the said county.
Robert H. Nelson
Judge of Albany County Courts of degree of Commissioner in Supr Court.
State of New York City & County of Albany Clerk's Office
I Conrad A Van Eick, clerk of the city & county of Albany do hereby certify that Robert H. Nelson whose name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration affidavits & certificates was at the time of the same at the time of taking the said declaration & affi- davit & the making of the foregoing certificate by him subscribed and still is a Judge of Albany County Courts in & for the county of Albany State of New York sitting in the city & county of Albany duly authorized to take & make the same - & that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his official acts as Judge aforesaid & and I further certify that I am not acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge and truly believe that the signature of the said Judge to the foregoing papers in these several

filings, are each and every of them genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal the Eleventh day of October A.D. 1832
G. A. M c Laugh Clerk
14 30 11 Declaration of Benjamin Root Residence in the County of Albany & State of New York under act of Congress passed June 7, 1832

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Benjn Profoot, of Albany 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.     Volun. 1775 about 9 Private Capt. Isaac Fields Lieut. M c Alloyd Capt. Oran Chan Colo. Rufus Hopkins Genl. Slocum No Long Isld W. Hell Isld Town of Oysteria State of New York aged 73 Practitioner   " 1775 6 lieut. Oran Chan Genl. Slocum   " 1776 2 15 Capt. William Brant   " " 4   " 1777 about 4 Capt. William Brant Lieut. Slocum Ensign Slocum Lieut. M c Neil Colo. Henry Humphrey Colo. Rufus Hopkins To Schenectady to Bonac Heights  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
Claimants are required by the regulations to produce the best proof in their power. Yet it is reasonable to infer that proof of the alleged service could by proper diligence be procured. At least it should appear that reasonable exertions had been made to obtain it.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____, who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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

No 14904
Benj. Crofoot N.Y.
— Inverness e. shore of Southport.
Admitted
Private 19 minutes
Robert J. Saltonstall
DL
DL
R.D. Saltonstall Albany N.Y.

Revolution
23180
INVALID.
File No. 23180
Benjamin Crofoot
His Rev. Mrs.
Act: June 7 th 32 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 85
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I again enclose you the dismission papers of Benjamin Croft of this County this with such proof as we have been enabled obtain after great delay - Mr Denton who refers to part of the Applicant's papers (having is with him in some two campaigns) the only person now living who to the knowledge of Applicant who knows of his services in the war - I hope the Applicant's papers in their present form will meet with the approbation of the War Department
Very Respectfully
Yours Sincerely
Edwards Esq Comr of Pensions

Amended Declaration of Benjamin Crofoot Albany County - New York to obtain a pension under Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 - & proof in support thereof
J. H. H. of Albany Agent -

Amended Declaration of Benjamin Crofoot of Albany County - New York In order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 State of New York County of Albany ss:
On this thirteenth day of January A.D. 1834 before me Robert Wilson Judge of Albany County Courts and of the Degree of Counsellor in the Supreme Court of Judicature in the State of New York appeared personally appeared Benjamin Crofoot (a resident of the now town of New Scotland (late town of Bethlehem) in the county of Albany and State of New York aged seventy five years & upwards to me intimately & well known who being by me duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 That he entered the service of the United States & served upon the official requisition states - That when he first entered & during the whole period of time embraced & until the conclusion of his service as herein after detailed & stated he resided at Amenia in the county of Dutchess & State of New York at which place on the day of February A.D. 1776 (according to his best recollection of the time) he entered the service of his country as a volunteer private in the State Troops (the Militia) in a company of which Eunard Parlee of the same place was Ensign John Lloyd of same place was Lieutenant and Increase Childs of the same place was Captain This Company of Capt Childs was attached & belongs to the Regiment under command of Colonel Roswell a Colonel Henry Humphrey, is not printed in the Hopkins of the same place Col. a col Humphrey Hopkins Regiment belonged to the Brigade

of General — Glover (whose christian name deponent does not now recollect)
That within a very few days (not to exceed a week) Captain Increase Childs, company of which deponent was a member marched from Amenia in the County of Dutchess to the city of New York where this deponent & the company of Captain Childs remained stationed and in actual service two months. when Capt Childs company marched to Long Island (Hempstead) to build Fort Minuit. Capt Childs company (s also deponent a member thereof) remained in actual service at this last above mentioned place three months — from whence the said company returned home on — day of July. AD 1776 — about which time Capt Childs was promoted to some office of higher rank in the Continental Army
After remaining at home for a short period he deponent again volunteered for six months in a company of militia under Calvin Chamberlain of the same place Captain and — Spencer of Spencertown in the County of Columbia Lieutenant (the name of the Ensign of this company or the christian name of Lieut Spencer he cannot recollect) Capt Chamberlain company belonged to the Regiment under command of Col Russell Wophius & the Brigade under command of General Joseph Ellison of Goshen in the County of Orange
On the — day of July — 1776 according to his best present recollection of the time. deponent marched with Capt Chamberlain Company from

Amma in the county of Dutchess to Fort Mon- =gomery in the immediate vicinity where General Ellison was Commander at the Post upon which was there in actual service five — months — at the expiration of the term for which he volunteered. he returned home After remaining at home a short period he upon again volunteered in the State Militia for the term of four months in a company of Militia of which William Mead of Ammeria in the County of Dutchess was Captain. John M c Neil of same place was Lieutenant & Edmund Porce of same place was Ensign. Captain William Meads Company at this time belonged to the Regiment under command of Colonel Henry Humphrey of Dutchess County. Marched from Captain Mead from his residence in Dutchess County on or about the middle of the month of February A D 1777. to White Plains where they a short time after their arrival at White Plains where in the month of March following (the same year. Upon which together with his associates in service under Capt Mead had a skirmish with some British light horse at a place then known and called Wards Bridge — in this Engagement the American militia under Capt Mead were successful & repulsed the British troops, remained stationed & in service at White Plains & the immediate vicinity guarding the lines between the Americans & the British in New York until the latter part of the Month of June. 1777. when the term for which he enlisted as a volunteer expired he returned home with his associates

4 mo
Upon which remained home three weeks when he again volunteered in the Militia In four months in a company under William Mead of America, County of Dutchess as Captain John McNeil of same place lieutenant of Edmund Worrack of same place ensign - Capt Mead Company was this time attached to the Regiment commanded by Roswell Diphiney as Colonel & to the Brigade of General Elisha Manceh under Capt. William Mead from his residence in Dutchess County to Albany city remained stationed at Van Schaick Island a few miles above the city of Albany. One month then Capt Mead marched us to Stillwater and departed together with his associates in arms under Capt Mead were stationed at Bemis Heights in the County of Saratoga & remained there in June until the surrender of General Burgoyne in October following just at the close of the term for which he volunteered this time he was taken sick with the Rheumatism. on his return home had to stop in Greenbush opposite the city of Albany where he remained sick four weeks; after which he recovered. & got home in November 1777
And this deponent further declares under his oath affirmed that he was born at Paderkeston in the County of Dutchess State of New York on the fifteenth day of March A.D. 1758. has a record of his birth & age in his family Bible now produced & present before the judge who is

Taking this his Amended Declaration whereby he doth affirm that he was Born at the place & time above mentioned and that he was fiftyfive years of age on the fifteenth day of March AD 1833 - has no other record of his birth or age except the family Bible & has no doubt the same is in all respects true and correct - During the Revolutionary War he resided at America in the County of Dutchess State of New York - shortly after the close of the said War he removed with his family to the town of Bethlehem (now Town of New Scotland in the County of Albany & State of New York where he has ever since & doth now reside) - never served in any capacity except as a volunteer in the State Militia in the manner - for the terms under the officers & at the places above stated - always faithfully performed his engagements to serve his country during the war - also fully and faithfully performed each & every term for which he so volunteered as above particularly stated never received a written discharge from service. Knew no officers in service except the Superior & Company officers under whom he served as above stated - he also knew while in service Col. Van Schaick of Albany & a Lieutenant James Bell of Dutchess County - that he has made diligent & faithful inquiry for the last fifteen months & that he has not been able to learn or discover that any of the officers he knew or under whom he served as above stated are now living. And that the only person now living (to the best knowledge & belief of this deponent) who knows or can testify to

any of his services in the Revolutionary War as above stated is Joel Denton of Northeast in the County of Suffolk who served with this deponent at New York & Long Island in 1776 and subsequently served with this deponent under Captain Mead at White Plains in the year 1777 for four months — that this deponent, after considerable experience with delay & trouble has procured the affidavit of the said Joel Denton (so far as the said Denton knows & recollects the services of this deponent) to be taken & certified and the same is attached to & accompanies this declaration — that the said Denton & Deponent disagree in some particulars & dates in their relation of services — this deponent upon reflection thinks however that Mr Denton is correct when he says they served in New York & Long Island in spring of 1776
And this deponent further says he has no documentary evidence in his possession or within his control to prove or show his services as above stated or any part thereof
And this deponent further says that bodily infirmities and old age have impaired to a great degree both his mind & memory, that he has been severely affected with the rheumatism for fifteen years past & is now confined thereby to his dwelling — that it is with great difficulty he can recollect distinctly dates, times, places & circumstances & events connected with his services in the Revolutionary War — he further says that by reason of old age & bodily infirmities & the loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise time & length of his service but according to his best present recollection he

Served not less than the periods mentioned below & under the following named officers he served as a volunteer under Captain Increase Childs in Colonel Roswell Hopkins or Colonel Henry Humphrey Regiment. five — months — He served as a volun- teer under Captain Calum Chamblain in Colonel Roswell Hopkins Regiment for months and he served under Captain William Mead in Colonel Henry Humphrey & Col. Roswell Hopkins Regiment, for the full period of Eight months And for such services he claims a pension
And this deponent further says that among the persons with whom he is acquainted intimately and who are persons of character & respectability residing in his immediate vicinity & who can testify as to his character for truth and honesty and their belief of his services, as a volunteer in the soldiers in the Revolutionary war are the Reverend Abraham Fort and John Ward, George Ward, James Ward, 2 d Alexander McMillan the residents of the Town of New Scotland in the county of Albany
And he hereby relinquishes all and every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he further declares that his name is not now & never has been on the pension Roll of the Agency of any state Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13 th day of January A.D. 1834
B. J. Crofoot
J. H. [unintelligible] Judge Albany County Court Counsellor to be

We Abraham Fort a chugymans and John Ward, James James Ward 2 d George Ward, and Alexander McMillan all both residing in the Town of New Scotland in the County of Albany & State of New York & in the immediate vicinity & neighborhood of Benjamin Crofoot of the same place who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration in our presence knowingly, truly & sincerely that we are usually & intimately acquainted with the said Benjamin Crofoot that we believe him to be seventy five years of age. that he is reputed & held in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary war for a very considerable period of time and that we usually & justly concur in that opinion & belief - & that the said Benjamin Crofoot is a gentleman of unquestionable truth & veracity & that we have never heard his character for truth & veracity in any wise called in question or doubted & we further certify that the belief of his having served in the Revolutionary war as a soldier for a very considerable period of time is general in the neighborhood where we reside & we never heard any doubt entertained or expressed on that subject
Subscribed before me this 13 th January 1834 by Rev Abraham Fort James Ward 2 d John Ward Jr George Ward & Alexander McMillan to me usually well known & who are all persons of character & respectability & credible witnesses whose statements are entitled to credit & belief
Abraham Fort Jas Ward 2 d John Ward Jr George Ward AM c Millan Judge of Albany County Court COUNSELLOR AT LAW

And I the said Judge aforesaid do hereby certify and declare that it is my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after just- -ting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Applicant Benjamin Grofoot was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And I the said Judge further certify that it appears to me (and I also know the fact from my personal knowledge) that Abraham Fort who has signed the foregoing certificate is a clergyman & resident in the Town of New Scotland in the county of Albany & State of New York. and that James Ward 2 nd John Ward Junr George Ward & Alexander Mc swan to Millan who have also severally signed the said certificate are also residents of the said Town of New Scotland in the County of Albany & State aforesaid and are each & every of them credible persons & that their statements are entitled to credit & belief. And I further certify that the above named applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court. having been for a number of years past grievously afflicted with Rheumatism .
In testimony whereof I the said Judge have hereunto set my hand and seal and caused my signatures to these proceedings to be duly certified by the Clerk of the County of Albany under the seal of the said County of Albany.
January 14 th 1834
J. H. Smith Judge Albany County Courts Counsel at Law in Supreme Court N.Y.

State of New York City and County of Albany Clerks Office
I Conrad A Ten Eyck Clerk of the City and County of Albany do hereby certify that Robert H. Whiton whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Declaration, affidavit & certificate was at the time of the taking the said declaration and affidavit & the making of the foregoing certificate by him subscribed and still is a Judge of Albany County Courts in & for the County of Albany in the State of New York duly qualified to administer oaths & to take the foregoing Declaration & affidavit & make the said certificate - That full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his Official acts as Judge aforesaid And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and truly believe that the signature "R. H. Whiton" (of the said Judge in three several places to the foregoing papers are each and every of them genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official seal the Twelfth day of February A.D. 1834
C. A. Ten Eyck Clk for Jonas Beckers Deputy

Amended Declaration of Benjamin Crofoot Albany County - New York to obtain a pension under Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 - & proof in support thereof
J. H. Smith of Albany Agent

in one place in another place State of New York Dutchess County } 3
Said Denton being duly sworn before me the undersigned Justice of the peace in and for said County of Dutchess residing in the town of Eastford in said County, Deposeth and saith that he said Said Denton is now in his seventy fifth year of his age, That he now resides in the town of Eastford in said County of Dutchess - That he this deponent was well acquainted with a person by the name of Benjamin Crofoot as early as the year 1776. That said Benjamin Crofoot then resided in the town of Amenia in said County of Dutchess and that said Crofoot was some where about the age of this deponent, this deponent should think said Crofoot a little older than this deponent - Further this deponent saith that in the year 1776 as he now recollects the time and about the middle of February of that year he this deponent (then living in the said town of Amenia) enlisted as a volunteer in the militia of the State of New York in the State Troops under the following named officers That is under Increase Childs as Captain John Lloyd first lieutenant and William Blunt second Lieutenant and Andrew Shaw ensign all of which officers except Capt Increase Childs live at that time in said town of Amenia, the residence of said Capt Childs at that time not known by this deponent - Further this de- ponent saith that according to his recollection said Company of said Capt Childs was attached to the regiment commanded by Colonel Henry Humphrey who resided some where in said County of Dutchess - That about the time he this de- ponent so enlisted the company were marched to New York where they remained about one month, from New York they were marched to Long Island to a place called Hallets Cove near Hell Gate where they were encamped in

building fort minut, from whence said Company were returned to said town of Amenia about the first of May 1776 having been in the service this time two and a half months as near as he can say - That said Benjamin Crofoot entited with this deponent at same time and went in such service with him to New York, Long Island and remained with this deponent in the same service of a soldier and was with this deponent returned to said town of Amenia having done and performed the same service and for the same time as this deponent - Further this deponent saith that about the middle of February 1777 he this deponent and the same Benjamin Crofoot again entited in the like service under Captain William Mee Lieutenant John McNiel and Edmund Porter as Ensign all of said town of Amenia. The Colonel of the regiment to which said Capt Mee's com- -pany belonged he does not recollect but he recollects a major named Brinton Paine who lived in said town of Amenia - That immediately after the enlistment of this deponent and said Benjamin Crofoot this time the company of said Capt Mee was marched to White Plains, this deponent and said Benjamin Crofoot being members and soldiers thereof going with them - That their services whilst at White Plains was guarding the lines between the Americans and the British in New York the middle ground between them being about at Kings Bridge, That one skirmish ensued between Capt Mee's company and some British light horse and he well recollects said Benjamin Crofoot in that skirmish as a firm soldier - That the last above mentioned term of service

was (As understood when they enlisted) for four months and that he this deponent and said Benjamin Crofoot, served with the said term of four months before they returned to said town of Amenia.
Further this deponent saith that the same Benjamin Crofoot who so served with him he this deponent did understand at the time of and during the revolutionary war was at other times in the service as a soldier and verily believes he was, but how much and where he cannot say.
Further this deponent saith that said Benjamin Cro- foot has not resided in the said County of Dutchess as this deponent knows of for the last forty or fifty years and that he this deponent has understood gen- erally and for twenty years past that said Benja- min Crofoot resides in the County of Albany in the State of New York and verily believes he does. That some two years ago the said Benjamin Crofoot who so served with this deponent in the revolutionary war was at this deponents house in the said County of Dutchess and he understood from him that he then resided in the said County of Albany.
Further this deponent saith that his recollection at this distance of time is somewhat impaired so that the dates of events may not be perfectly ac- curate but the facts of the service he has no doubts of - and further saith not -
Sworn and subscribed before me this 21 st Day of December A D 1833 by Joel Denton a person to me well
Joel Denton
Known to be the individual as described in and who signed this affidavit and swore to the same and I certify that said Joel Denton is a person of good character for truth and veracity and is a credible per- son and that his statement is entitled to full credit.
Amos Bryan. A justice of the peace in and for the County of Dutchess residing in the town of South East in said County of Dutchess.

State of New York
Dutchess County ss
I Henry J. Traver Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Amos Bryan Esquire before whom the within Affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the time when the same was taken One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County - And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand under my Seal of Office this twenty seventh day of December A.D. one thousand Eight hundred & thirty three
Henry J. Traver Clerk