Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 19,543, Cornelius De Groot, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
De Groot, Cornelius De Groot,
N. 19,543
CONTENTS
Maria or Mary
nc

21.963 New = York
Cornelius De Groet of Albany Co. in the State of New York who was a private in the Co. commanded by Captain M c Carty of the Regt. commanded by Col. Van Dyke in the New York line for 8 Months and 1 day —
✓
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 26 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Oct. 1833 — sent to Schenectady
Arrears to the 4th of Sep r 33 $ 66.92 Semi-ant. allowance ending M ch 34 13.38 $ 80.30
{ Revolutionary Claim, At June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Col. Stiles Clerk, Book E. Vol. 4. Page 95

Reported
59 New York Albany Maria De Groot widow of Cornelius De Groot NY
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 77 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of June 1848 and sent to
L. J. H. H. H. Albany NY
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 59 Vol. 4

Cornelius De Groot Pension Pampus,
24 8 71
Please direct to.
S. Scheuer Weg Albany N. York

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of New York County of Albany } On this 2 nd day of May 1833 personally appeared before the justices Court of the City of Albany Cornelius De Grant a resident of Coeymans in the County of Albany and State of New York aged twenty years of age on the 27 th day of March last, who being duly sworn according to law on his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That in the month of May 1816 a requisition was made upon the Regiment in which he then resided at Coeymans in the County of Albany and State of New York for a certain number of men. That the Company to which he belonged stood a draft, and that he the said Cornelius De Grant was drafted into what was called five months service and was mustered at Albany immediately after he was so drafted in a Company commanded by Capt. Abraham Velder, and Lieutenants Hagan and Hagerman and was attached to a Regiment commanded by Col. Cornelius Van Dyke. That he marched directly to a place called Fort George and was garrisoned there for a fortnight or more. Thereafter he was marched to Newburgh where he stood

on duty about three weeks or a month. Then thence he marched to Shrewsbury, where he staid about two months, guarding the workmen who were employed in building Rail-roads for the public service. That news then arrived there that St. Louis had besieged Fort St. Louis, then commanded by Col. Peter Gansvoort, and he was immediately marched to relieve that Fort. But on arriving at a place then called New City (now Farmingdale) an express arrived ordering the Regiment to march back to Lake George, and on arriving at Fort Miller, on the south river, he the said deliverer was ordered by Col. Van Dyke to remain there with twelve men to assist in bringing provisions and stores from Saratoga & Albany to Fort Miller Falls, that he remained on that duty for for about seven or eight weeks until the term of his enlistment expired when he was discharged by Col. Van Dyke by word of mouth. That he served in that term of service the full term of five months. He then went home to Canajoharie.
That after remaining at home about until the following spring he he was again enrolled in a company of militia at Canajoharie under the command of Capt. D. D. D. D. D.  D. D. D. D. D. and attached to a Bgt. commanded by Col. Gerrit Van denburgh, was ordered out and marched from Canajoharie to Still Water and Fort Edward a distance of sixty or seventy miles, that he remained on duty at that time one month and a half, was actually on duty one month.

seventy six, That he remained on duty at that time as a man the area where he was actually encamped one month. That he returned with said Company about the twentieth of May 1777 to Albany where he remained but a few days when his company was again ordered out. in mass as before and he went with them under lieut. Col. and Capt. Van Rensselaer to the western part of the County of Albany at a place called Fort Schuyler to apprehend the Tories and other disaffected persons. That he was on duty at that time three weeks.
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That he remained enrolled in the same company and was ordered to be ready to march at a moments warning to apprehend the Tories and protect the inhabitants from their depredations and so remained organized for three years after the said Spring of 1777 and during that time was ordered out on actual duty at least twelve times independent of the service above specified and served during those twelve times for terms of different length varying from three days to three weeks and to five days. and says he can safely say that he was out on these different short tours of duty at least once and a half month.
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That in the month of February 1778 he the said borderer De Graft with the rest of the company to which he then belonged at Albany was ordered out in mass under Capt. David McCarthy and went in flight to Johnstown to assist the Tories collect there under Sir John Johnson. That he was actually

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- 1207.
on duty at that time twelve days That at the time the British came down to attack Schobarricade in the fall of the year 1777 according to the best of his recollection, he was ordered out with the same Militia Company commanded by Capt. Van Antwerp, and marched to Schobarricade and was encamped there for three weeks when they were relieved and went home. That he left Schobarricade about one fortnight before that place was burnt by the British.
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That the same year the town of Esopus or Poughkeepsie was burnt, and a few days before the burning of that place was burnt by the British but in what year he cannot now recollect, he was ordered out with the rest of his Company of Militia under Capt. McCarthy, and went to Esopus, near Poughkeepsie, on the North river when the British fleet was up said river. That he was on duty at that time seven days. That it was in the forepart of the fall of the year 1777. That soon after their return from that tour Capt. McCarthy gave up the command of the Company and Capt. Van Antwerp took it.
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That in the said Cornelius DeGraaf cannot from the great length of time which has elapsed since the revolution and from some imperfections of memory arising from old age, distinctly recollect days and dates, but he has just the
as

Several times I have been asked to serve as the same  same terms, that he might swear to them with safety. That he has no documentary evidence in his power which he can produce. That all the officers under whom he served are dead.
That he does not know of any living witness that he can produce who served with him, nor of any by whom he can make proof of his service, except so far as the affidavit of Isaac D. Verplank hereto annexed, will go to make such proof.
Once he further says that during the time he has above set forth as service in the public service during the revolution for which he claims a pension, he was not engaged in any civil employment. That he actually served in all as a private soldier during the revolution at the times and places as above set forth for nine months and two weeks of a month.
The said Cornelius De Groot further declares that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. [ Cornelius De Groot
Sworn to in Open Court this 28. day May 1832.
J. G. Wagon the  the  the said Cornelius De Groot do hereby declare that the above named applicant was a

Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states.
The words "Under the following Spring" between 25 th and 26 th lines 2 nd page the words "Dance At City" between 27. and 28 th lines same page Also the words "Lieutenant Commandant" between 5 th and 6 th lines on 3 rd page interlined and several words in different parts stricken out before execution and sworn to.
I John G. Wapson Clerk of the Justice Court of the City of Albany do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Cornelius De Groot for a pension. And further that the application had been previously subscribed by the said Cornelius De Groot but was sworn to in open Court this day and the interrogatories severally put, and answered on oath according to the rule laid down by the Secretary of the War Department.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of the said Court & subscribed my name this 2 nd day of May 1833.
John G. Wapson Clerk -
I, Isaac D. Verplanck of the town of Geymaw in the county of Albany do hereby swear and declare that I am aged 74. Years according to my calculation. I do hereby

understanding that I am aged 74 years according to my calculation of my age which I believe to be correct. That I have heard the foregoing declaration, which is subscribed by Cornelius DeGroot, but not sworn to, and that I am acquainted with him and have been since his boyhood. That I resided with him at Coeymans during the Revolution. That I was drafted with him for a five months term of service in the Spring of 1776 and went with him to Albany to muster but my uncle residing there procured a substitute for me and I did not march to the north to Fort George where the Regt was ordered, but the said Cornelius DeGroot did so march as he has in his said declaration but he returned not forth, and did not return until after the expiration of his term of service of five months, and it was understood in the neighborhood where he resided that he performed that term of duty. And I do further declare that it was understood in the neighborhood where he then resided and was residing that he did perform the service during the revolution as set forth in his said annexed declaration.
Isaac D. Van Epps
I Joshua Collins justice of the peace of the town of Coeymans in the County of Albany do certify that on the first day of May 1833 before me appeared Cornelius Verplank who is to me well known, and being by me duly sworn according to law, did

whose and swear that the foregoing affidavit and declaration by her subscribed is true. And I the said justice do certify that the said Isaac D. Vorplank is a person of strict truth and veracity, and fully entitled to credit.
And I do also further certify that I am acquainted with the said Leonard D. Groat, and that he is reputed an honest man and his statement under oath is entitled to full credit.
And further that he is reputed in the neighborhood where he formerly to have performed services as a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Subscribed the day & year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three.
Joshua Collins Justice of the Peace.
On to the affidavits of Isaac D. Vorplank
State of New York Albany County
ss I Leonard A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said County do hereby certify that Joshua Collins before whom the proceeding Affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County. That I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the same to be his proper hand writing and signature.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal this Second day of May 1833. L. A. Ten Eyck Clerk.
State of New York ss I Hugh Jolly a Clergyman residing in the town of Coeymans in the County of Albany do certify that I am acquainted with the Leonard D. Groat who is named in the declaration hereto

annexed That he is reputed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a revolutionary soldier and I believe his statement and his said declaration to be true.
Sworn this 2 d day of May 1833 in open court J. G. Wesson clk
State of New York
Albany ss 3 Martin H. B. Van Eyck of the town of Coeymans in the County of Albany aged fifty eight being duly sworn says that he is acquainted with Cornelius De Groot who in his presence made oath to the declaration hereto annexed That he has known said De Groot for more than forty years at Coeymans That he is reputed where he resides to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war and he believes the statements in said declaration of said De Groot, which this deponent has hereunto read, to be true
Sworn in open court this 2 d day of May 1833 J. G. Wesson clk
Martin H. B. Van Eyck

And further, it appears to the said Court that Hugh Jolly is a blacksmith residing in the town of Corymans and also that Martin H. B. Tandy of the same place who have respectively signed the preceding af- fidavits are credible persons and that their Statements are entitled to credit
By the Court,
J. G. Watson Clerk

State of New York
County of Greene } On this 8 th day of January A.D. 1839. personally came before me one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County the same being a Court of Record Mary or Maria De Groot a resident of the town of Athens in said County aged seventy eight years. Who, being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled, "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Cornelius De Groot who was a private in the Revolutionary service - That the said Cornelius her said husband was a pensioner of the United States & the proof of his service is on file in the pension office at Washington to which she respectfully refers, as she has no knowledge of his service sufficient to specify the nature or term thereof.
She further declares that she was married to the said Cornelius De Groot about the month of December in the year 1782 at the said town of Athens by the Reverend Mr. Sips in proof of which she refers to the certificate hereto annexed That her husband the aforesaid Cornelius De Groot died on the 13 th day of December A.D. 1837 - That she has remained his widow ever since -
And she further declares that her said husband died in the Alms house, that since his death his pension certificate can nowhere be found. & she thinks the same is lost, or destroyed and she further swears that she is the widow of Cornelius De Groot who was a pensioner of the United States.
Subscribed & sworn before me this 8 th day of January 1839
Sylvester Nichols - One of the Judges of the Court of said County of Greene
Mary her De Groot Mark

Sylvester Nichols one of the Judges as aforesaid do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Mrs De Groot who has sworn to the foregoing declaration that I believe her to be the widow of Cornelius De Groot deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner & that she is too feeble & infirm to appear at the place of holding our courts in open court. That she is a respectable woman & her statement entitled to credit. Dated Athens January 8 th 1839 Sylvester Nichols one of the Judges of the County of the County of Greene
County of Greene ss. I Thomas Lape being duly sworn do certify & say that I am the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion's church in the town of Athens. That I have in my possession the records of said church & of the marriages performed therein. That I find among the Records of Marriages made by the Revd. Johann Christian Leps for the year (1782) Seventeen hundred & eighty two a Record in the Dutch language of which the following is a copy, except the date which is in plain figures —
Seventeen hundred & eighty two Cornelius De Groot & Maria Maytje Van Soorn son of Stats De Groot first daughter of Albert Van Soorn Married
That there is no month given in said record or day thereof but this is the first record of that year & that "Maria" is interlined in the original as above placed
Sworn before me & subscribed this 8 th day of January 1839 Sylvester Nichols one of the Judges of the County in & for said County of Greene
Thomas Lape

Sylvester Nichols one of the Judges as aforesaid do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Mrs  Mrs De Groot who has sworn to the foregoing declaration that I believe her to be the widow of Cornelius De Groot deceased who was a Revolutionary pensioner & that she is too feeble & infirm to appear at the place of holding our courts in open court. That she is a respectable woman & her statement entitled to credit. Atkins. January 8 th 1839 Sylvester Nichols one of the Judges of the Courts of the County of Greene
County of Greene ss. I Thomas Lape being duly sworn do certify & say that I am the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Zion's church in the town of Athens. That I have in my possession the records of said church & of the marriage, performed therein. That I find among the Records of Marriage, made by the Rev. Johann Christian Leps for the year (1782) Seventeen hundred & eighty two a Record in the Dutch language, of which the following is a copy, except the date which is in plain figures —
Seventeen hundred & eighty two Cornelius De Groot & Maria Maytje Van Soorn Son of Stats De Groot first daughter of Albert Van Soorn Married
That there is no month given in said record or day thereof but this is the first record of that year & that "Maria" is interlined in the original as above placed
Sworn before me & subscribed this 8 th day of January, 1839
Thomas Lape
Sylvester Nichols one of the Judges of the Courts in & for said County of Greene

No. 24.871
Cornelius De Groot. Albany County - New York
e
Admiralty
Ramsey & Ramsey
Admiralty
Private & Confidential ing Officer
S. Cheever Albany Co - N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
June 5 1837
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 Cornelius De Groot  Albany Co. N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted May 1778 14 Private Col Van Dyke 77 years Albany County Traditional evidence   from thereabouts one month Col Gansvont   one month about two months Capt McCarthy   about two months a butterm or eight weeks Col Van Dyke   eight weeks 5   Spring 77 1   May 77 21   Enrolled 3 4 weeks taken from one to four days each time   1 15  
O. S. I. all the time & service
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
# It should be noted that all these "3 weeks or a month" about 2 months, about 7 or 8 weeks go to make up the 5 months service which is sworn to preceding. It was not thought material to state with precision the exact time spent at any particular place under an enlistment for a definite time. So as the whole enlistment is sworn to have been fully served out. S. De Groot

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

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrases about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in 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. 3 1295
+ Vide certificate of Clerk of the court at page 6 of the papers.
S. B.
John C. Estlin

No 275 Pay not to Cate is now H. P. ... at $16.77 per ann. Comd. till March 1836 and ending 14th Dec 1837 sent to M. H. Clarke P. P. Hendon, N.Y.
Albany 2,107
Maria Delgroot idoro of Cornelius Delgroot
He was a pensioner under the Act of 7. June 1832 and who died on the 13 th December 1837 Greene Co. in the State of N. York He was a Private in the company commanded by Captain M. Cartey of the Reg't. commanded by Col. Van Dyke in the N. York for 8 months & 1 day
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 26 Dollars 77 Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834. 14 th December 1837.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of March 1839 and sent to Hon. J. Pratt, Pattsburg, N. York
Arrears to the 4th of March '39 Semi-annual allowance ending 4. Sep...
{ Act July 7, } { 1838. }
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2 Page 74

admitted S. Jenkins Albany N.Y.
Admitted
Dr. Jenkins Albany N.Y.

State of New York
Subscribed to Greene ss. On this twelfth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty eighth, personally appeared before the subscribed justice of the Peace in the said County, Maria Delgroat a resident of the Town of Athens in the County of Greene aforesaid, aged Eighty Seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the Widow of Cornelius Delgroat who was a private in the Army of the United States, in the War of the Revolution, and was at the time of his decease a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress, 7 June 1832 - And the annual amount of pension which she received under the act of 17 June 1844, was twenty five dollars & Seventy Seven Cents.
She further declares that she is still a Widow - And that she never learned to write - Subscribed on the day & year for Maria X De Groat above written, before me mark James Mullen Justice of the Peace Supplementary Albert De Groat
I certify that the above Declaration is personally known to me
STATE OF NEW YORK, GREENE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, Isaac Van Schaack, Clerk of the County of Greene, do hereby certify that James Mullen Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument in writing, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid, dwelling in the said County, and duly authorised to make the same. - And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate or proof of acknowledgement is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 12 th day of June 1848.
Isaac Van Schaack Clerk of said County

State of New York
County of Greene ss. On this twelfth day of June in the year one thousand eight hundred & forty eight, personally appeared before the subscribed justice of the Peace in Herk and County, Maria DeGroat a resident of the Town of Athens in the County of Greene aforesaid, aged Eighty Seven years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed on the 2 d February 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of Cornelius DeGroat who was a private in the Army of the United States, in the War of the Revolution, and was at the time of his decease a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress of 7 June 1832 - And the annual amount of pension which she received under the act of 17 June 1844, was twenty five dollars & seventy seven cents.
She further declares that she is still a widow - And that she never learned to write - Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year her Maria T DeGroat above written, before me mark James Mullen Justice of the Peace Supplementary Albert DeGroat
I certify that the above Declaration is personally known to me - James Mullen - Justice of the Peace
The Certificate of the County Clerk to the official signature of the Justice -

State of New York Albany ss. Know all men by these presents: That I, Hen Dyck of the town of Coeymans in the County of Albany and State of New York aged Seventy Seven years being duly sworn says that he is acquainted with Cornelius De Groot who is named and described in the declaration hereto annexed that he has known said De Groot for at least sixty years. That he this deponent lived at Coeymans where he now resides during the revolutionary war and knew De Groot there. That in the Spring of the year before the year in which Burgoyne was taken and deponent believes in the year 1776. The said Cornelius De Groot was drafted out for a term of five or six months and marched to the north as he understood at the time, to Fort George. That this deponent was at a place called Fort Miller in the fore part of the fall after De Groot was drafted and saw him there on duty as a soldier. That said De Groot did not return home from his said term of duty until late in the fall, he thinks the latter part of October or first part of November of that year.
That in the summer of the same year that Burgoyne was taken (1777) this deponent knows that said Cornelius De Groot marched under Lieutenant Van Riper to the western part of

the county of Albany to protect the inhabitants against the Tories.
This deponent was absent from Albany several times during the war for several months at a time and cannot state as to any other services of the said De Groot in the Revolutionary war but it was understood at Albany where he resided that said De Groot was called out on duty for several times besides those above stated by this deponent.
This deponent was once able to write his name but from old age and the loss of his eye sight he cannot do it any more but signs his name by making a cross.
Sworn the 26 th July 1833 before me Conrad A. Ten Eyck his mark.
I believe the foregoing to be the true and correct copy of the original hereon filed in Supreme Court
City & County of Albany
Clerk's Office.
I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of said city and county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Conrad A. Ten Eyck whose name is subscribed to the preceding affidavit and believe him to be a man of truth and veracity and worthy of implicit credit and belief.
C A Ten Eyck Clerk
Albany July 26. 1833

City & County of Albany } ss. Clerks Office.
I Conrad A. Ten Eyck Clerk of the said City and County do hereby certify that Samuel Cheever Esq r before whom the preceeding affidavit purports to have been subscribed and sworn to on the day of the date of the same the First Judge of the County Courts of Albany County. And Further that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit is his proper hand writing and signature
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my name and affixed the seal of the said County this 29 th day of July A.D. 1833.
C A Ten Eyck

Maria De Groot.
at 7 th July 1838.
Claims arrear from the March 1836 to 13 th Dec. 1837 the day of her husband's death & which She did not receive under former Applications,
W l Wheeler, H. Clarke Hudson N.Y. Agent,

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7 th 1838 Entitled, "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows,"
State of New York Columbia County } ss, Be it known that on the day of January 1844 before the Subscriber a Commissioner of Oaths in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Maria De Groot of the town of Athens County of Greene State of New York aged 82 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the follow- ing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows. That she is the widow of Cornelius De Groot who was a pensioner under act of 7 th June 1832 at $26.77 per annum & died 13 th December 1837.
That she obtained a pension under act of 7 th July 1838 from the death of her said husband from the 13 th Dec 1837 to the 4 th March 1841, she has obtained a pension under act of 3 rd March 1843.
That she still remains the widow of said Cornelius De Groot, and this declaration is made to obtain under act of 7 th July 1838 a pension of $26.77 per annum from the 4 th March 1838, to the 13 th December 1837 not obtained by her under her former application. From 10 th subscribed before me this } her 10 th day of January 1844 by said } Maria X De Groot Maria De Groot, known to me to be } crop the person above described. Wheeler H. Clarke, Commissioner of Oaths.

State of New York
Columbia County } ss. I, Jehu Traver Clerk of said county certify that William H. Clarke before whom the foregoing declaration was made was on the date thereof a Commission of deeds in & for said County. That I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Commission & believe his signature there under subscribed to be his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said county, this 18 th day of January 1844.
J. J. Traver Clerk

N. York
Maria De Groot
mt. to Hon. Z. Pratt, 4 Feb. 1839
At 7 July 1838

8916 Mary De Groat. At 3 March 1843.
$26.77 Albany
Wheeler, H Clarke, Hudson N-York Agent.
3195-

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows, who have received pensions under act of 7 th July 1838.
State of New York
Greene County Ss. On this fifteenth day of August 1843 before the Substation a justice of the peace in & for said County personally appeared Mary De Groot a resident of the town of Athens in said County aged 82 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Cornelius De Groot who was a private in the war of the Revolution.
That she obtained a pension of $26.77 per annum for the Revolutionary services of her said husband under act of 7 th July 1838.
That she has not intermarried but continues
STATE OF NEW YORK, GREENE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE. }
I, William Pierson, Clerk of the County of Greene, do hereby certify that James Muller Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the annexed instrument in writing, and thereon written, was at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgement, a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, dwelling in the said county, and duly authorised to take the same. And that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said James Muller and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate of proof or acknowledgement is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said county, the 15 th day of August 1843
William Pierson

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows, who have received pensions under act of 7 th July 1838.
State of New York
Greene County Ss. On this fifteenth day of August 1843 before the Subscriber a justice of the peace in & for said County personally appeared Mary De Groat a resident of the town of Athens in said County aged 82 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March 3 d 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Cornelius De Groat who was a private in the war of the Revolution.
That she obtained a pension of $26.77 per annum for the Revolutionary services of her said husband under act of 7 th July 1838.
That she has not intermarried but continues the widow of said Cornelius De Groat.
Sworn to subscribed before me this 15 th day of August 1843 by said Mary De Groat to me well known & known to be the person above mentioned James Mullen Justice of the peace
her Mary De Groat (mark)
James Mullen Justice of the peace
Let the county clerk certify that Mr. M. is a Justice & knows hand writing etc.

Albany June 14. 1848.
James L. Edwards Esquire, Commrs. of Pensions,
Sir, I enclose the declaration of Mrs. Maria De Groot, for the purpose of obtaining her Pension Certificate under the Act of 2 d Feby. 1848 - Very respectfully
Your obed. Servt. Samuel Jonkins.

Jan'y 13 1844
Asps for Antheus, Maria Belmont
Hon.
J. H. Edwards.
Comt. of Pensions.
Washington.
Pension Office -
PAID

- Hudson, New York. Jan'y. 6 th 1844.
Sir
I enclose the Declaration of M rs Maria De Groot widow of Cornelius De Groot -
M rs De Groot in obtaining a pension under act of 7 th July 1838, received a pension from the time of her husband's death to 4 th March 1841.
This application is for the purpose of obtaining what she did not then receive.
Viz from 4 th March 1836, to 13 th Dec r 1837 a little over one year & ten months.
Please attend to this solicitation
Yours truly Wheeler H. Clarke,
Hon. Jas. L. Edwards.

New York Albany
Cornelius Delfroat on note act June 7. 1832. to what time paid h ,
N L
John H. Amy Esq.
p o to 4 Sep 1837
JH

House of Reps July 22 d 1859
Dear Sir
Inclosed I send you affidavit of Maria Groot for a pension — your early attention will much oblige your humble servt Zadach Pratt
Hon
J. L. Edwards

April 7. 1895
Maude de Graft.
Jan 22. 1895.
FREE
E. A. Edwards. Comm. of Pensions, Washington.

Sir
Enclosed, I send the app n of Mrs de Graff under Resolution of 23 rd January 1845.
Please attend to it,
Res y Young.
Wheeler H. Clarke.
Hudson N York April 3 rd 1845
Hon J. L. Edmiston,

3916
Aug 18 1843
C
My Hon. Man 3 1843 Mary De Groat
J. S. Edwards.
Comm. of Pensions Washington.
LINE
Pension Office Act 3 March 1843.
[Faint mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Hudson N York Aug 11. 1843.
Sir,
Be pleased to attend to the within case of Mary Dr Frost under act of 3 rd March 1843. Yours truly.
Philip H. Kellogg.
Hon ble J. L. Edwards.
Comm tee of Business Aug 11. 1843.

War Department Pension Office Feb. 4. 1839
Sir,
The papers of Mrs. Maria De Groot, widow of Cornelius De Groot, have been examined and filed. The claimant states that her husband was a pensioner. She will, in a supplemental affidavit, give the name of the Town and County in which he resided at the time his name was placed on the pension roll, and specify the act under which his pension was allowed.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Hon. Z. Pratt House of Representatives

Albany July 30 th 1835
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Sir. Enclosed
I take the liberty again to forward to your office the pension papers of Comdr. De Groat In a note at bottom of first page of your sheet of remarks I have explained I think the objection against the want of precept in time.
The asterisk at foot of 4 th page of the declaration points to a sentence explaining, as far as he can, the reasons why he cannot be more specific and is conformable to the statement given on 3 rd page of instruction.
The affidavit of Comdr. A. Van Dyke is added proving a part of the service actually rendered, and furnishes traditional evidence of the other services. His character is, certified to be good by our County Clerk Comdr. A. Van Dyke of this city.
The items of proof are.
1. The Declaration of De Groat duly verified and taken before the court under the belief of the truth of his declaration. Certified by the Justice Court of this city, which is a court of Record. 2. The affidavit of Isaac D. Voorplank. He states his death into service in 1776, that he marched off on his term of duty & did not return until 5 months were ended. Also proves the tradition of all his services as stated in the declaration.

 3 The certificate of calling the question of the credibility of Kirkland the witness and the certificate of county clerk that Collins is such justice  4 The affidavit of the Rev. Mr Jolly taken before the justice court proving the traditional facts of his service.  5 Similar proof made by the affidavit of Martin H. B. T. Ryck taken before justice court  6 Certificate of the justice court to the credibility of Rev. Mr Jolly and of Martin H. B. T. Ryck, signed by J. G. Wagon clerk of said court in open court  7 The affidavit of Barnett T. Ryck taken before me, duly authorized to administer any oath in any court in the state and a certificate of the clerk that Barnett T. Ryck is a credible man. 
It is confidently expected that these papers are now in full conformity to the provisions of the act of Congress, and the rules prescribed by the War Department and it is hoped will be so found by you.
I have the honor To be Yours Humble Servant S. Brewer.
Please direct to me as before

To the Hon. J. L. Edwards Comptroller of Pensions
Pratt

State of New York Greene County 3/8. Mrs. Maria de Groot of the Town of Athens in Said County of Greene - being duly Sworn says that she is the Widow of Caehulius de Groot. late of Said Town - a Revolutionary Pensioner - that at the time his name was placed upon the Pension Roll - he resided in the Town of Catskill, County of Albany & State aforesaid - & that he obtained his Pension under the Pension Act of 1832
Sworn & Subscribed before me me this 19 th day of February A.D. 1839 - Stephen Nichols Maria de Groot Mark One of the Judges of the County of Said County of Greene

Rey WIDOW, &c.
File No. 19543
Maria De Groot
Wid of
Cornelius De Groot
Prin BW Wnr.
Act: Feb 2 d  1/48
Index:—Vol. 28 Page 977
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Maria De Groat under the joint.
= Rec. 23 Jan 9 1845.
Act of July 7. 1838.
Adm: of 26.77 per ann. from 4 March, 1836, to 14 December, 1837.
Whitcomb H. Clarke,
Hudson,
New York
(agent)

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefits of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 d January 1845.
Whereas the act of 30 th of April 1844 prohibited me from drawing a pension for the same period during which my husband was a pensioner, I now make the following Statement under oath to obtain the benefits of the Resolution above mentioned. I am the widow of Cornelius De Groat who was a private in the War of the Revolution. I have drawn a pension at the rate of twenty six dollars & twenty seven cents per Annum. Declarant further says that she has heretofore applied for the Annuity here asked for, which is from the 4 th March 1836 to the time of her husband's death. She refers to her former application for the time of her said husband's death, sworn to & subscribed before me this 24 th March 1845.
Maria De Groat
Whulver H Clarke Commission of Deeds, Witness Cornelius De Groat
State of New York Columbia County ss. I John J. Traver.
care of said county do hereby certify that Whulver H. Clarke before whom the foregoing Declaration was made was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Deeds in & for said County that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Whulver H. Clarke & know his signature above written to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said County this 3 rd April 1845.
J J Traver Clerk

Set. to W.H. Clark.
Aug 19. '44
Referred
Point Pico 123 5
Jan'y 43
No. 275
New York 3195
Mary De Groot
widow of Cornelius De Groot
who was a Private
in the New York line
for 8 mo. 1 day
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Twenty Six Dollars Seventy Seven Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the fourth day of December 1843 and sent to
Wheeler & Clarke
Hudson
New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1 Page 105

State of New York Greene County ss }
I certify that Sylvester Nichols before whom the annexed affidavit of Mary De Groat and Thomas Sape were sworn was at the date of the respective affidavits one of the Judges of the County Courts of the said County duly appointed & qualified and that his signature to said affidavits is his genuine signature -
Witness my hand & the seal of the said County this ninth day of January 1839.
William H. DeHermance Clerk of the said County

Application of 3922 Maria De Groot
2107
July 38
Adm. tent Poniat mo 8 d' d' d' d' d' d' d'
Hn. J. Pratt H.R.
Pratt St.

I Sylvester Nichols certify that I am acquainted with Thomas Lape the Pastor as aforesaid, who has subscribed & sworn to the foregoing certificate - that he is a man of truth & veracity this statement entitled to credit Dated January 3 rd 1839.
Sylvester Nichols One of the Judges of the Court of the County of Greene. aforesaid.