Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3110, James Decker, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Decker, James
R. 3110
CONTENTS

State of New York Columbia County ss:
On this nineteenth day of August in the Year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty three personally appeared before the Justices of the Inferior Court of the city of Hudson County aforesaid now sitting James Decker a Resident of the Town of Tazewell in the County of Columbia and State of New York and upward of Seventy four Years of age being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
This Deponent James Decker says that he was born as he is informed and believes on the 24 th day of October 1758 in that part of the County of Columbia now called the town of Copake that a record of this Deponent's age may be found as this Deponent firmly believes in the Lutheran Church at Churchtown in said County of Columbia - This Deponent says that he resided during the Revolutionary War in the town of Germantown in said County of Columbia with his Grandfather Jacobus Decker. This Deponent says that the first service rendered by this Deponent in the service of the United States was under the command of one Peter Sharp of Germantown in said County of Columbia as Captain One Samuel Ten Broeck was Lieutenant the Major this Deponent thinks & firmly believes was Rockefeller this Deponent served nine months under said Captain Sharp and this Deponent says that Captain Sharp's Company belonged to the Regiment of Peter R. Livingston who was Commanding Colonel one DeWitt Johnson was Major and one Samuel Ten Broeck was second Major. This Deponent says that he entered the service in the month of June or July 1775 and continued until March or April 1776. by a part of the time at Fishkill the service that this Deponent performed in 1775 as above stated and the first part of 1776 was as a volunteer in the service of the United States and this Deponent would mention a

Circumstance that took place when this Deponent turned out as such volunteer. Captain Sharp stated to his the soldiers under his Command that war having broke out (as this Deponent believes it was after the battle of Lexington and whether before or after the Battle of Bunker Hill or not he can't say) and as many seemed to feel friendly to the Crown of Great Britain he therefore deemed it the duty of every true Whig or well wisher of his Country to volunteer and tender his services in the cause of his Country. Austin offered a present to the first soldier who would volunteer he then ordered the Muster to commence and he marched off and this Deponent was the first soldier who volunteered and as this Deponent followed his Captain he fired off his piece behind the Captain who looked round and gave this Deponent a silver piece as this Deponent thinks a Crown.
This Deponent further says that he again served nine months from the first of May 1776 till the last of January or first of February 1777 under Command of one Peter Gansevoort as Captain one Samuel Van Bruck as first Lieutenant and one Samuel Thoms as second Lieutenant one Battle Knudrick as Ensign and one Thomas Sharp as Orderly Sergeant in the Regiment Commanded by Peter R Livingston as Colonel. David Henson as first Major and Samuel Van Bruck as second Major. This Deponent entered the first of May as he believes in 1776 in said Company of Captain Gansevoort called the Company of Rangers. lay a part of the time at David Minklaus in Clermont near Major Johnsons. the Company was composed of fifty four privates and the usual number of Commissioned & non Commissioned Officers marched from David Minklaus to Fishkill lay there a short time and were then marched East of Fishkill to a place called Pochquack near the Mills of one Ingrass where this Deponent thinks the Company kept his stores or some of them then marched from Pochquack to David Minklaus and at the expiration of the nine months this Deponent and the rest of the Company were discharged from the Service having served during the period of their enlistment.
This Deponent also says that in the month of May 1777 the

Deponent enlisted for three Years under the State Contine as recruiting Officer also Jacobus Decker brother of this Deponent and this Deponent was marched to Fishkill there this Deponent joined the Company with which he since recollects that the Comman- -nt was one Bussenburgh or Hoosenburgh son of a Minister of that name the name of this Deponents Captain. He cannot recollect the name of his Captain thinks he since under Colonel Schuyler of P'keepsie lay at Fishkill part of the time and also lay at Stony Point until August 1777 when this Deponent was permitted to return home having been sick for some time unable to do duty that this Deponent returned home having had the small Pox and caught cold and this Deponent continued sick for some time and remained at home and this Deponent says that he was not able to return again to the Army this Deponent says that the term of service in 1777 as such Enlisted Soldier was three months
Thinks that General Israel Putnam commanded at Stony Point. And this Deponent says that he had a written furlough to return home but the same is lost and destroyed as he truly believes because he says that he has made search for the same diligently but cannot find it anywhere in his possession This Deponent says that he performed active duty just as a volunteer for nine months next as an Enlisted Soldier for nine months and last for three months also as an Enlis- -ted Soldier making in all one year and nine months that this Deponent served in the Service of the United States This Deponent marched through that part of the State of New York now called Columbia Dutchess Putnam of lay at Fishkill Stony Point Pockquack east of Fishkill also lay at Clarmont to guard public property during which period of one Year and nine months this Deponent was engaged in no civil pursuit or employ- -ment whatever and this Deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity Except the pension and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of your state James Decker James his Decker mark

The declarant James Decker answers to the following interrogatories as follows 1 Question: Where and in what year were you born? Answer: I was born in Coeymans in Columbia County on the 26 Octr 1758 -
2 Question: Have you any record of your age & place of birth? When is it?
Ans: I have none other than my recollection -
3 Question: When were you living when called into service, where have you lived since and where now?
Answer: I resided in the town of Germantown during the war when called into service and since the war I have resided in Columbia County town of Tazewell
4 Question: How were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute?
Ans: I volunteered for Nine Months, and I entered for the nine months, the next service and was entitled when I performed the next three months and during the whole service I acted for myself & was no substitute
5 Question: 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 the service.
Ans: I would mention General George Clinton and General Israel Putnam who commanded the troops, the names of the other officers were Colonel Livingston & Colonel DeBevois and Colonel Vanderburgh and Major Samuel Dent Boeck and Major DeWitt Johnson Captain Gansbush Captain Sharp and for a more full statement I would refer to my declaration -
6 Question: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it
Ans: This Deponent was always regularly discharged by the officers but not in writing except once when the Deponent got a furlough to return home he thinks it was from General Putnam and his Captain giving the Deponent permission to go home when he was sick the was in writing but the form is lost as this Deponent has had diligent search but cannot find the same -
7 Question: State the names of persons who know you 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 - Answer - I would refer to John I Bush & Peter Thayer and Eve Bush & to General Samuel Dent Boeck as the only persons living who can testify to my services in the Revolution as a soldier there and to many others all of whom can state what my character is and the Deponent says that Bush and Thayer are now helpless & confined to their beds & General Dent Boeck is quite aged -
Subscribed and sworn to before me in open court the _____ day of year aforesaid J D Parkin Clerk
James Decker mark

State of New York Columbia County } ss: _____
Eve Best being duly sworn says that She is aged sixty seven years that she was born in Clarmont is a daughter of David Minkler and knows James Decker the applicant for a pension says that she recollects that Peter Gansbush's company of Rangers so called Rangers was at the house of the Deponent's father in Clarmont and believes that James Decker Peter Shaver & others whom she recollects were in said company she says that they were at the house of her father during the warm weather they were quartered there and lodged in the Barn while it was warm and also they lay there in cold weather then they lodged in the house of this Deponent's father this Deponent recollects that they cleared out one large Room for the troops to sleep in this Deponent says that she believes they were on duty for nine months as stated by said Decker this Deponent says she recollects Jacobus Decker the Grandfather of said James he resided in Clarmont during the revolutionary war this Deponent has heard the Declaration of James Decker hereunto annexed read over and she believes that the time of service is correctly stated therein also recollects that Peter Sharp who was a Captain in the Revolution was resided in Germantown as stated by said Decker.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 17th day of August AD 1833 Jacob Barringer Justice
Eve Best

Columbia County ss: I Jacob Barringer one of the Justices of the Peace of the County of Columbia and State of New York do hereby certify that I am intimately acquainted with Mrs. Buel who has sworn to the preceding affidavit before me and she is a lady of fair character and good standing and is a credible person and her statement is entitled to the fullest credit and belief - Given under my hand this 19 th day of August 1833 - And I do further certify that I am well acquainted with Peter Shaver whose affidavit is hereto annexed that the same was duly taken before me and I do certify that said Peter Shaver is a man of fair character and his statement is entitled to the fullest credit and belief - August 19 th 1833 -
Jacob Barringer Justice Peace

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
R.F. 3110
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _____ for a statement of the military history of James Decker a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     June or July 1775 9 mos. Minuteman Peter Sharp Peter R. Livingston N.Y.   May 1. 1776 9 mos. Rangers Peter Kaasbeck Peter R. Livingston   May 1777 Aug. 1777 Peter Kantine Du Bois   when he was permitted to go home, having been ill with small pox, and did not again return to the army. claim was rejected on the ground that soldier did not render 6 mos service in a duly organized corps as required by the act under which he applied. service in 1775-6 construed as "unembodied, unpaid, minute men".  
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Carmout, Columbia Co. N.Y.
Date of application for pension, Aug. 19. 1833.
Residence at date of application, Tappan, Columbia Co. N.Y.
Age at date of application, b. Oct. 24, 1758 in that part of Columbia Co. afterwards called Coeymans N.Y.
Remarks:
During the Rev. Soldier resided with his Grandfather Jacobus Decker. He stated that his name was James and not James B. Decker and that he had a brother Jacobus. No other family data.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Oct. 26

Page 1
26 May 1776.
Ordered that Johannis Cooper Philip Alun, Frederick Row and Conradt Kuffman be immediately sent under proper guard to Fort Montgomery in the Highlands, there to remain during the pleasure of this Committee, and not to be discharged until they have passed all charges and given in sufficient security - And that a letter be sent to the Commanding Officer by the Chairman of this Committee for the purpose.
DECKER, JAMES (N.Y.) R - 3116
Philip Adam Ergenbregh appeared Resolved that he sign the Association and pay forty shillings.
Frederick Wall appeared Resolved that he sign and pay three pounds.
Frederick Hatt appeared Resolved that he sign and pay ten shillings.
George Barnt Hatt appeared Resolved that he sign and pay ten shillings.
Johann Lych Junr. appeared Resolved that he take the Oath and pay three pounds.
Michael Niver appeared Resolved that he take the Oath and pay ten shillings.
Peter Van Sebogart appeared Resolved that he sign and pay ten shillings.
Siemon Freer appeared Resolved that he sign and pay twenty shillings.
Jacob Dingelbach appeared Resolved that he sign and pay twenty shillings.
David Finger appeared Resolved that he take the Oath.
Upon Petition Reconsidered the case of Furrs
of his being committed to Goal that
he give in good Security for
himself that he pay Eight pounds
Gerrit Decker Junr. appeared
Adam Michels appeared
John Michal appeared Resolved
John Niever appeared Resolved
that he sign and pay twenty shillings.

John Showerman Appeared Resolved that he sign the Association and pay four pounds.
Conradt Showerman Appeared Resolved that he take the Oath and pay five pounds.
Jacob Finger appeared Resolved that he take the Oath and pay three pounds.
Charles McLean Appeared Resolved that he sign and pay ten shillings.
Hendrich J. Shauer Appeared Resolved that he sign and pay ten shillings.
John Wheeler appeared Resolved that he sign and pay ten shillings.
Board Adjourned to meet to morrow morning at seven o'clock. as before
Board meet according to Adjournment 27 May 1776.
Motioned and Agreed to begin this morning with the Mob that were concerned in breaking open the Store of Martin Noobrough and Peter Shauer and taken from thence the property of W m Gilbert and Peter Shauer that eight shillings a bushel be allowed for all the Salt way from both places.
Resolved that he pay forty shillings had that he pay forty shillings that he pay twenty shillings that he pay twenty shillings take the Oath and pay three pounds twenty shillings take the Oath and be bound in fifty pounds.

DECKER, JAMES (A.V.) R-3110
William Dymheart appeared Resolved that he pay twenty  ten shillings Christian W m Diedrich appeared Resolved that he pay twenty shillings Jerry Wheeler appeared Resolved that he take the Oath be bound in twenty pounds and pay five pounds Reynard Wheeler appeared Resolved that he sign and pay ten shillings Frederick Wheeler appeared Resolved that he pay ten shillings Peter E Showerman appeared Resolved that he pay ten shillings and sign John Coome appeared Resolved that he sign the Association and pay ten shillings Hendrich Palmatier appeared Resolved that he take the Oath be bound with surety in twenty pounds and pay thirty shillings Jerry B Snyder appeared Resolved that he sign and pay twenty shillings James Secher appeared Resolved that he take the Oath be bound with surety in twenty pounds and pay twenty shillings Wynsant Price appeared Resolved that he take the Oath William Melius appeared Resolved that he sign and pay thirty Hendrich Snyder appeared Resolved that he sign Capt. Conrardt Klyne appeared, being relative to his rescuing an Egg from Spencer town and flau the Chairman, and pay three on said Execution Mattia Kille appeared that said Kille has refused that he take the Oath Abraham S r re 24 John Schouwer

Upon Petition Reconsidered the case of Lewis M'Intosh being ill with the flux. Ordered that he be not committed to fort montgomery and that instead of paying ten pounds that he pay twenty pounds, take the Oath and give in Bond with good surety for One hundred pounds for his future good behaviour
As a number of persons that have been Ordered in have not attended Ordered that all those that do not return after public notice given by the Committee of this District be fined by said Committee and give in such security as they shall judge proper -
A parcel of Cloths Cloth &c. being found by a party of Capt. Smiths men and brought in to the Committee. Ordered that they be advertized that unless the Owners come in and prove their property by a given time they will be sold at Public Auction to pay the Expenses accrued There being Sixteen Yards left with the Committee that are to be sold that public notice be given to the owners to take them and as Owners appears for after due notice and notice -
Peter Buelin for his Acc. agt. the rest of the monies received and the first monies that comes to hand hereafter Master of the Minute of this Committee for Five hundred pounds out of the fines payed in
and that as Offenders it to the Committee of the District of the

3 June 1776
Committee meet at the house of Capt. Dick Jansen
Present
Peter R Livingston } Dick Jansen } Samuel Van Broek } }
} Peter Sharp of East Camp }
Petrus Cooper Appeared the Young Man that broke open Mr. Sharp's Store Resolved that he give in Bond in fifty pounds with security like unto the Oath and pay fifteen pounds and that it be recommended to him to bring in his Mothers and all that are still out on whom he has any Influence
DECKER, JAMES (N.Y.) R-3110
9 June 1776
Committee meet according to Advertisement in order to deliver up the Arms to such persons as the Committee thought proper to restore them to At the House of Peter Bulver!
Present
Peter R Livingston } Dick Jansen } Samuel Van Broek } }
Wessel Van Broek Peter Sharp
Two Petitions from the Prison. the Committee Resolved to Committee's of Manor Livin Rynbech precinct it is not considered of the above the House purpose Senior

12 June
Committee Rec: a circular Letter from the Chairman of the County Committee desiring our Attendance on the 13 th In consequence of a recommendation of our Provincial Congress Mess s .
Bethlehem Samuel Just Broach and Dick Jansen attended till Saturday following.
In consequence of an Order from the Committee Advertisement where put up in all the public places in this district desiring all the Inhabitants to attend on Monday the 24 th to Choose by plurality of Voices twelve Deputies with full powers to consent to such New Government as the majority when meet shall adopt as also to choose five additional Committee men for this District.
20 th June
The Committee and field Officers met on the Parade and in conformity to the Order of General Committee and Brigadier General the added to the Ballot for every tenth Man in our men where pitched upon for the present Roberson. first Lieut. John Van Carts
was set off this day for New York to send up the same by express to the General Committee and to the Provincial Congress on the 14 th of June. the above is a true copy with six

7 Solomon Dutcher that was allotted to go to New York is an Indented Servant. The Prisoners from Fort Montgomery appeared and paid the following fines as set by the Committee the 26 of May last
  Martinus Cooper - - - - - £ 50. 0. 0   Frederick Row - - - - - 5. 0. 0   Conenradt Huffman - - - - - 8. 0. 0   £ 63. 0. 0   Paid into the hands of Capt. Jansen -   Philip Klein for 15 Bushels of Salt for Betuthorn - - 6. 0. 0   D o for the deficiency of Mr. Gilberts Salt - - - - - 2. 8. 0   71. 8. 0 
6 July 1776
Committee meet at the house of Harmer Best Present
  Chairman  Samuel Ten Broeck    Dietrich Jansen  Thomas Thompson    Petrus Wynkoop  Leonard Ten Broeck  
Drew out Sunday Accts of persons in this district that entertained the Minute Men from Dutches. Agreed that they be allowed 6 ¢ per Meal and that they be paid on Saturday next at the house of Peter P.
Examined sundry of the Minutes -
and agreed to allow the following Committee they finding them August 3/ Corporal 2/6 Bri As a member thereof themselves unless the Committee proper way

Meet at the house of Mr. Peter Bulver Present
Shebhauman Samuel Ten Broeck Thomas Thompson
Leonard Ten Broeck Dirk Jansen
Jacob Vredenburg offered Ordered that he pay a fine of 20/ for Non attendance Petrus Dennis and Johan Adam Dennis offered and payed each 20/ for 30 Lawrence Hostburgh 10/ Jerry Pinkeel 20/ Laurens Meyer £12 for a Man in the room of his Son which the Committee promises to line for him and to return the remainder of the money if they can procure one for him. Capt. Jansen produced a note from Mr. John Livingston in which he declines serving this district as a Committee man
Ordered that a Warrant be made out to Levy on the Goods and Chattles of Johan Isaac Broper. Hendrich Ham Jerry Nyren berger Johannus House Harner Harner and Prier Woodbech Daniel Reppenberger and Peter Keff each the sum of fifteen pounds in order to line men in the room of their Sons who have gone to New York and have ever since been kept out
except Woodbech & Harner who pay of the money after paying Ordered that the Warrants be sent to Jacob Vred one of the Committee men be sworn speak with Mr. Peter but said that attend on them and would not 16

Sent to War Dept.
Jany. 16, 1913. c
James Decker
R. 3110.
N.Y.
A payroll of a detachment of militia taken from Col. Peter R. Livingston's regt., in the County of Albany, under command of Capt. Peter Van Gaasbeck, Commencing from the time they entered the service of the state of New York and ending when they were discharged said service, signed by said Captain and dated Manor Livingston, Oct. 17, 1776.
The above paper has been removed from this case in order to send it to the War Dept.
F.W. Aug. 3, 1911.

Rev. 1812 W SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 2098
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
March 22, 1928
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering PENSIONS Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 8 pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim of James Decker, R. 3110.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing?  days
For further information see M. M. H. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
A. D. [Signature] Chief Clerk of Bureau  Acty
Margaret M. H. Finch Chief of Branch or Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature? 
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature? 
Folding once or twice?
Assembling Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter Fill in addresses?  Dated? 
  Addressograph from lists Cards, size   Envelopes, size Pay rolls   Proof list Corrections   Labels (submit sample) Tabulation sheets   Fill in letters 
Photostat x Size actual Official use?  Repay? yes $ 1.20 Blue Print Size  Official use?  Repay?  $ 
Remarks 
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate  Destroy present addressograph plate 
} On list.....
as follows:
Now reads   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
Should read   1 .....  2 .....  3 .....  4 .....  5 ..... 
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by ..... Date .....
Remarks: .....
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

3-2233
15822
March 23, 1928
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Mar. 23 1928
Chief Rev. 1812 War Section Division.
copies of 8 pages from Revolutionary War Decker, R. 3110.
I have this day received from Miss Kate S. Curry cash in the amount of $1.20, requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.
Photos to S. Curry Miss Curry Finance Div. Apr 11 1928 O. J. Randall mch 23-28
O. J. RANDALL Chief, Finance Division.
26.6.2
S. Curry Girard St. N.W. Washington, D.C.
BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK MAR 23 1928 BUREAU OF PENSIONS
15 8 120

March 23, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
I desire photostat copies of 8 pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of James Decker, R. 3110.
Miss Kate S. Curry 1420 Girard St. N.W. Washington, D.C.
Recd. payment
$1.30
Antonia W. Ford Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

June 14, 1915.
Mrs. L. J. Smith, Virginia Hotel, Rush & Ohio Streets, Chicago, Ills.
Madam:
In response to your two letters received the 10" and 11" instants, you are advised that the clerical force available for such a purpose, is insufficient for this Bureau to undertake a series of investigations and reports in regard to a number of soldiers of the Revolution for any one person, organization or family, and therefore only four such records are furnished.
In order to identify such soldiers, it is essential that the requirements of the Bureau letter of June 7, 1915, be complied with.
If you will consult the record of James Decker, Rej. File No. 3110, sent you June 3, 1915, you will see that it states that he applied for pension, and that there is no further family data on file than that furnished you.
Very respectfully,
O. C. Sieman
Acting Commissioner.

August 20, 1914.
Hon. Frederick A. Henry.
Geauga Lake, Ohio.
Sir:
In response to your letter of the eleventh instant, you are advised that the record of James Decker, R. File No. 22,236 was mailed to you April 29, 1911, and you are herewith furnished the history of Jacob Decker, Sur. File No. 10,563, and James Decker, R. File No. 3,110.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to show a claim on file for James B. Decker.
Correspondence in the claim of James Decker, R. File No. 3,110, shows that he was confounded with James B. Decker who enlisted May 11, 1777, and was reported "Deserted October 11, 1777" (See page 213 "Colonial History of New York Archives Volume I").
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS WASHINGTON May 27, 1915.
Mrs. L. J. Smith, The Virginia Hotel, Rush & Ohio Streets, Chicago, Ills.
Madam:
In reply to your undated letter, received the 24" instant, you are advised that in order to identify the Revolutionary War record of James Decker, some of the following data is essential: the name of some officer under whom he served, approximate dates of his birth and death and his residence at date of his application for pension.
Very respectfully,
[Signature] Commissioner.
Dear Sir:-
James Decker lived in Livingston, Columbia Co. N.Y. Feb. 1781. Had a daughter Maria who married Conrad Rodman a Revolutionary soldier.
Respectfully Mrs. L. J. Smith. 4738 Sheridan Rd. Chicago.

Rev Sec V H
June 8 th 1915.
Mr. G. M. Salzgeber, My Dear Sir:-
I wish there were some way my husband & I could show our appreciation for your assistance. It means a great deal to me to find the parentage of Bershon Hall, Lieut. Benamwell Dull, & the father & mother of James Decker.
✓ Did James Decker apply for his own pension? The son of Lieut. Benamwell Dull, (Benjamin

Dull was married in N. married in N. Y. State to Sibyl Putney a Quaker. Her parentage means a great deal to me also. Can you suggest how I can get any more information & should you find any will you please let me know. Have you any record of Putney in Walcott, Wayne Co. N. Y. in Batston Springs, Sara- toga Co. N. Y. in the Revolution? Please give me birth place & parentage of Paul Jones. He was cousin to my great grand-mother Rachel Jones married to Abram Rosman son of Konrad Rosman. Gekhom Hall my grand-

father was related to Brig. Gen. Jacob Hall, Capt. Jacob Hall & Gov. Lyman Hall of Georgia signers of Declaration of Independence but I must - have your records to prove it. What have you of them? Please answer soon.
Respectfully
Mrs. L. J. Smith

JUDGES:
Hon. Louis H. Winch, Cleveland. Hon. Frederick A. Henry, Cleveland. Hon. W. L. Marvin, Akron.
Circuit Court of Ohio, Eighth Circuit.
The Honorable, The Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.
Sir: Will you kindly furnish me an abstract of the military and especially of the family records, from the files in the Pension Office, of the following Revolutionary pensioners:
1840 Roll.
  Furnished Hpl-1911 (a)  Sioga Co., N.Y., - James Dicker, private, $80, N.Y. Cont'l - 10/31/32,  1835    (b)  " " " " " 470 " " " pensioned " from " " "  3/4/31, age 81.    x (c)  " " " Jacob " " " " " " " "  6/4/1833, " 74.  
1840 Census of Pensioners
  (d)  Chemung Co., N.Y., James B. Dicker, lived in family of Amelia Dicker,  Age 102    x (e)  " " " Jacob Dicker, " " Chemung tp., aged 54   
It is conjectured that (a), (b), (and (d) possibly) are the same. Also that (c) and (e) are the same.
Very truly yours, Frederick A. Henry.
Granville Lake, Ohio, August 11, 1914

1914 Aug. 20 - H. H. Hon. Fredk A. H. U.S.M. 1915 - June 3 Hist. Mrs. G. J. Smith 1915 June 14. Mrs. G. J. Smith told Sol. applied for pension & no further family data av. 1928 - Apr. 2 - Phoebe to Miss Kate S. Eury MMH
3110
P. O. James Decker
Service: _____ Enlisted: _____, 18 Discharged: _____, 18 Application filed: _____, 18
REJECTED
Alleges: _____ _____ Re-enlisted: _____ _____
Attorney: _____ P. O. _____ _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract. _____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

26.227 New York Revol.
James Decker Rejected.
See letter *
Ch. Epselotype
19 Sept. 1833.
let to W. B. Clarke June 21. 1833.
" 289 37 " " Oct 26. "
" 102 34 " " Sept. 26. 1844
" T. L. & A. T. Smith, Dec. 8, '46.
Act 7. June 1833.

Sept 6 W. No. Clarke. Sept 16th 1848
3110

James Duffey
Case
Act of the term 1832.
Wheeler H. Clark.
Hudson
New York
April.

"Die Mercurii, 9. Ho. A.M." "August 9th 1775."
The Congress met pursuant to adjournment Opened with Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Rogers.
Present, Peter Van Brugh Livingston Esq. President.
Mr. Hobart from the committee to form an arrangement of the Militia of this Colony deli- vered in a report and asked leave to sit again
The said report was read; and being again read, paragraph by paragraph, and amended was filed and is in the words following, to wit,
"Your committee do report that it be recom- mended"
1 st That every County, City, Manor, Town, Precinct and district within this colony where the same is not already done be divided into districts or beats, by the respective committees, in such man- ner that out of each may be formed one military company, ordinarily to consist of about eighty three able bodied and effective men, officers included between sixteen & fifty years of age. The Battalion commanded by Col. Sarker. The companies of ar- tillery light horse & hussars in the city & county of New York, and the troops of horse companies of grenadiers and the associated companies already formed in the several cities and counties within this colony excepted.
2 nd That in each company, so to be formed, there be chosen (in the manner herein after mentioned) one captain, two lieutenants, one ensign, four sergeants, four corporals, one clerk, one drum- mer and one fife.
3 rd That two committeemen at the least attend

in each district or beat on a day to be by them appointed for the purpose of choosing the above mentioned officers who shall be persons within such beat or district who have signed the General Association recommended by this Congress: that such choice or election be made in the manner following: After the company is drawn up the committee of men who preside at the election may repair to a station at some convenient distance from the company; then let the men pass in a single file between them each man giving in the name of the person he chooses to fill the office in question the majority of such votes to determine the election. But in case the votes shall be so divided that no one has the majority then the presiding committee to adjourn the company there with and call them to a new election: the same to be repeated till such majority be obtained or the company agree upon some other mode of choosing the officers. The names of the captains, lieutenants and ensigns so chosen, to be returned with all convenient speed to this or some future provincial Congress of this colony or during their recess to the Committee of Safety to be commissioned by them.
4 th That whenever a vacancy shall happen in any company by the promotion death or resignation of any officer such vacancy to be filled up in the before mentioned manner
5 th That those companies in the above specified battalions commanded by Col. Sacke which are now under the direction of field officers shall for the future be commanded by captains who are to be chosen in the manner above directed.
6 th That for the purpose of completely carrying into execution the recommendation of the Continental Congress after the whole militia is formed as above that every fourth

men of each company be selected for minutemen of such persons that are willing to enter into this necessary service. That the officers of the Militia make with all convenient speed a return of the names of those persons to the committee of their respective Counties who shall thereupon arrange those men into companies and who are to recommend to such new arranged companies the choice of their officers in the manner above mentioned. Provided that when whole com- panies offer their services as minutemen, they shall be commanded by the officers already chosen and the remaining number of the minutemen shall be completed out of the other companies as above 7 th . That the several committees do return to the Secreta- ry of the Provincial Congress of this Colony the names of such persons as do agree to conform to the above resolve.
"All which is humbly submitted"
Ordered, That Congress do agree with the said committee in their report, And
Ordered, That it be published as resolutions of this Congress in all the newspapers.
State of New York
Columbia County, ss I Johaakin A Van Rallen high clerk of said County do hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing with the printed copy in the clerks office of this County That the above is a true Extract from page One Hundred & four of Volume One of the Journal of the New York Provincial Congress, all that on the occasion was done by said Congress on said subject. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of said County this 9 th November 1843.
J A Van Rallenbrugh Clerk

S
Washington D.C. 27 Nov 1846
We have the honor to present the declaration of James Decker of New York, for a pension under the Act of 1832; and, referring to the papers on file in his case, to request an early examination of the claim.
very respectfully
Yr. ob. Servt J. A. H. Smith.
H. Edwards Esq. Commr of Pensions.

James Decker
Oct 1832.
Columbia County
New York
Whalen H. Clarke
Hudson
N. York
Aug.

Hudson New York Jan'y 29. 1848.
Sir
Enclosed I send you an ancient record being a part of the minutes kept by the Committee of Safety of the Manor of Livingston in this County.
The object in sending you this is to show that Military Service was necessary during the time it was kept. I found it cut in the same manner it is now. I wish it used in two cases viz, in the case of
James Decker
Mrs Christina Van Brock.
In this communication I shall speak of it in reference to James Decker's case at the time 1832.
He said James Decker of this County, says he served 9 mos in 1775 as a minute man -
9 mos in 1776. in Van Saasbach's Rangers. &
3 mos in 1777 under an Enlistment.
It now appears that these Rangers were raised for 3 mos. only, Com. 9 in Oct 1776. It may be asked why does Decker call this 9 mos. Decker says this service commenced in the Spring of 1776. The Ranger service commenced in Oct 1776. This seeming discrepancy may be answered in this way. There was undoubtedly a service commenced in 1775 which continued until April 1777.
Look carefully through Decker's papers & this old record and that portion of this old record annexed to said Christina Van Brock's papers & you will see an absolute necessity for the service & that such service was actually performed - Decker at this distance of time does not distinguish between the different services.

James Decker is not the only one that has called it 9 mos service. John I Best called it 9 mos. See John I. Best's of Columbia papers, see Samuel Vaders papers late of this county. See Samuel Post Michael Blof, Rudrick Myers & James Shutt of Ulster County, & Lodowick Suyder of Washington County, & William Hoff L. of Dutchess county They all belonged I think to Van Gaasbuck Rangers & obtained pensions under act of 1832. I wish their papers examined to see how long they called this service under Van Gaasbuck in 1776-1777. There was a military company in service here from Early in 1775 to April 1777 & after. In 1777 in April you will see by Examining the old record that Samuel J. TenBroek was in command of a company, taken from the Manor regiment. See that old record & observe what they were to do - and then I would ask if a company was necessary in April 1777, had it not been more necessary prior to that time. Observe too the Authority assumed by the Committee & that Committee embracing All the Officers of the Manor regiment - The Colonel, Lieut Colonel, the Major & the Captains. The Minute Service was authorized, see the Certified Copy from the Archives of New York with Decker's papers - The Minute Service was Military service It was ordered by the Officers of the Regiment

in pursuance of the Authority contained in the Archives, as you will see by Examining the said Copy Among Decker's papers. The Company of Minute Men were in service all the time of the Old Record herewith sent shows they had something to do. Much more might be added but they will suggest themselves to you. It is hoped this case will be well considered.
One word more for Decker.
He is still alive & needs this pittance. He ought to be favorably dealt by.
He made his declaration Early & I think in good faith. In such cases it is your rule to put a favorable construction on the Evidence. Do so in this case.
He served 3 mos in 1776. 1777. in Van Garsbeck's Company. He probably served 6 months or more in the Company of Minute Men. Active Service. He served 3 mos in 1777 under his Enlistment. Can you allow for 9 mos in all (a pension of $30 per Annum), if not as much as $30 per Annum, as much then as you can.
Whatever you give will be thankfully rec. by him. And it is desirable that it be done as soon as possible.
Res t Yours Wheeler H. Clarke
How J. L. Edwards

P.S. By the enclosed afft of Decker made in 1823 he says the town in the Ranges commenced as Early as June 1776. He probably was in service as Early as that time in some company. Perhaps Van Gaasbuck commanded, it may be Minute Men or otherwise.

Ch. Spalding
19 Sept 1833.
AC
Ms. vol. 18
Pa 204
Ms. vol. 18 Pa 204 19 Sept 1833

War Dept.
Pension Off
19. Sept 1853
Sir.
The claim of James Blecker has been examined & rejected. - after meeting several terms of service he alleges that in the month of May 77 he & his brother Jacobus Blecker enlisted for 3 years in Livingston's Regt. of the New York line and at the expiration of 3 mo. obtained a furlough on account of sickness &c -
By the rolls it is established that James B. Blecker & Jacobus Blecker enlisted in that Regt for 3 years on 11 May 77. The first deserted on 1 Oct 77. & the other on 12 July 77. - By that act of desertion he forfeited all claim for previous service & does not allege that he rendered any thereafter. His papers are placed on file -
abt 7 June
Chas. Epselstyne Jrsd Livingston Columbia County

Sir P Jan 99  Sept. 26 — 44
In reply to yours respecting the case of Barbara Shaver in which you express your opinion that she should be allowed for 12 mo service, I would inform  refer you to my letter of 25 Nov. upon the application for increased  As to James Decker it is perfectly clear that he was not 6 mo in service in an embodied corps & consequently not entitled to a pension — The claim for service of 9 mo in 75 at home enforcing the laws against the disaffected is wholly unfounded both as to character & length — There was but 9 mo in 75, that war existed — He has no claim whatever —  The application of Christopher Hutton dec d for an increased allowance

under the act of 15 May 1828 is founded upon a misconception of that act under which no allowance what- ever could be made for staff pay to any Officer who held "rank in the Line" He was a Lt Col & was properly ren- -sioned as such
Wheeler H. Clark Esq. Hudson N.Y.

Wheeler Abenethy
Oct 26. 1843
Wheeler Abenethy
Oct 26. 1843

Sir
Pen off Octo 26 43
The add d & documentary evidence in the case of James Decker has been examined & filed. The first term in 75 86 under Capt Sharp was clearly the armed vigilance of mi- litia men at home unembodied & unpaid. engaged as claimant states in "patrolling" and suppressing disaffection and the other term under Graasbeck in 76- which claimant represented as 9 mo from Spring of 76 continuously, is shown by the documents now offered to have been a similar service. The pay roll for a tour as detached militia in Sept 76- for 3 days, is wholly inconsis- tent with the allegation that he was continu- -ously serving in an embodied company from Spring of 76 to Jan'y 77. It is ap- -parent that he never rendered as much as 6 mos. military service.  Whelen H Clarke Esq. Hudson N.Y.

J. L. & A. T. Smith Dec. 8, '40.

Pension Office,
December 8, 1846.
Gentlemen,
The declaration forwarded by you in the case of James Decker is but the original draft of the one heretofore  now on file, and as it is not accompanied by any additional evidence, does not remove the very conclusive objections suggested in my letter of the 26 Sept 44 to Mr. Decker's agent, Wheeler H. Clarke, Esq.
Major T. L. & A. T. Smith Present.

Sir
Gen H July 21 H3
In the case of James Decker whose claim was rejected in 1833 upon the ground that he forfeited the benefit of all previous service by his desertion from the 4 Regt. of the NY Line in 77 & was not entitled for service subsequently, I have to inform you that a decision of the Secy of War in 1839 limited the forfeiture to the term in which the desertion took place — The claimant is therefore entitled to any term of service which he can establish satisfactorily he has rendered agreeably to the obligations under which he entered the service —
It is proper to remark that his original statement identified him as one of the recruits for 3 years in the Fourth Regt. and the rolls show that the recruiting

Jacobus & James B Decker of that Regt as well as John Decker deserted soon after enlistment —
The alleged service in 75 under Capt Sharp when there was no enemy in New York and the military service was limited to 4 Regiments organized in May to serve until the end of the year, is rejected as the training & organization of minute men within the beat of that company —
The service under Gansbeck is not supported by the requisite proof. If Mr Yates has a roll of that Company it will furnish the necessary evidence
Wheeler & Clarke
Michael A Clarke Esq Hudson N.Y.

Hudson New York.
Sept 2 nd 1843.
Sir.
In the case of Samuel Decker, I heretofore, refered to a pay roll, which Capt. Yates had, who on application sent the enclosed to me. It is a roll of Capt Van Gaartsick of a short service in Sept 1776 prior to the term of 9 months commencing Oct. 1776. It relates to a different time & a different service. Mr. Decker's case will therefore be considered upon his testimony on file herewith. &c. which it is hoped will be deemed satisfactory.
The 9 mo. as a "Minute men", in 1775 & 1776 was Military service, & there was such a Company as Mr. Decker describes in the District of the "Manor of Livingston".
The old record herewith sent on the page shows that the Committee of said District ordered £500, upwards to be paid the "Minute men" out of "fines paid in". & at page 7 their pay per day is stated. This payment was about the time of June 1776. I found the record of which the enclosed is a portion in the possession of M c Neil Livingston Esq. son of the Peter R. Livingston mentioned in it.
It shows the Authority of this Committee & its exercise & shows a necessity of a Military Company.
£500, would pay a small company 4 or 5 months at least, & there could be no lack of funds to pay, as they fined a multitude of persons. The record I found as above states commences 26 th May 1776 & ends 27 th April 1777, the residue is now off.
On an Examination of this case as it is now presented, there can remain no doubt of this service being Military service , and of the most unpleasant & dangerous character. And affording constant duty & peril, in bringing disaffected persons before the Committee &c. &c.
The service was done in the early part of the war & therefore so much the more meritorious. & then "Minute men" & "Rangers", were selected, because they

could be relied on, And it is notorious here, that this District of the "Manor of Flemingstow", contained as many Tories at that time, as could any where be found among an Equal number of inhabitants.
The old record herewith sent contains on its few pages Evidence of the fact,
Mr. Decker still lives to ask from his Country, a pittance for his services to it, when that Country was in its greatest need. Ten years ago, he presented this claim.
He is very old & infirm & whatever is done should be done quickly. And it is hoped that an Early Attention will be given it.
It is the old Soldier himself asking it ten years after first presenting his claim,
All, as ever, is respectfully submitted.
Yours truly
Wheeler H. Clarke
Hon. Jas. S. Edmonds.

Hon d .
J. N. Edmuns.
Conw. Le.
H. H. Hylas

Hudson New York. April 30 th 1844.
Sir,
I enclose the affidavit of James Decker who is an applicant for a pension in due date of 7 th June 1832.
In 1833 Mr. Decker made his application - stating 9 months service in a Company of minute men in 1775.
9 months in 1776, as a Ranger in Van Braam's Company.
And afterwards as an enlisted Soldier. He has been told that the 9 months service in 1775 was not available because it was not military service, but he has always claimed it to have been military service.
He is told that the term in 1776 was only 3 months not 9 mo s . He says it was 9 mo s . & refers you to the statement of John Best. & John Best says it was 9 months.
But you say, the roll says their term in 1776 under Van Braam's was only 3 months. & this roll shows that James Decker served in that company.
But this company Roll does not say that they served no longer than 3 months, I am aware that this Roll will show the time when they enlisted & how long they enlisted for.
But it will not prove that these same men or a part of them had not been in service from the Spring until the time of this enlistment in October.
The duty of these Rangers were the same as that of the "minute men" of the same District in 1775. It was taking care of the disaffected, and there had been a necessity for a Company in 1775, & why not in the Spring of 1776.
We cannot now know the reason for what was done

there. But suppose the District Committee at that time to have been out of funds, & unable to pay these Rangers, would not an Expedient been resorted to of this very nature for the purpose of drawing the pay from the Provincial Committee so as to relieve themselves.
I would refer you to some of this Ranger company, who have obtained pensions. See what they say about its duration.
First I refer you to the paper of John Best. Also to
Samuel Vader, Columbia County N.Y.
Samuel Post, Ulster County N.Y.
Michael Plapp
or Plapp } Ulster County, N.Y.
William Hoff. Delaware County N.Y.
James Dake & c
Jacob Dicker } of Tioga County N.Y.
The above named John Best
John J. Best } of Columbia County,
I am not sure that these pensions all served in Van Gaasbeek's Company; but presume some if not all did.
Their statements may throw some light on the subject. John J. Best I know in his statement says his service was 9 months.
But should you reject that as being the Amount 3 months is certainly Allowable.
Then he states 9 months in 1775 in the Company of Minute men,
These Minute men were paid and you will find, among the papers sent by me in this case, an Entry in the Minutes of the Committee of Safety of Livingston Manor when this Company was raised of £500. a sum sufficient to pay the Company of Minute men 5 or 6 months to which add the other services he alleges.

You have heretofore suspended Mr. Duke of deration from his Enlistment, because you found that James B. Duke was a deserter. You will see among Van Graas bks Company a James B Duke & he was prob- ably the deserter,
Mr. James Duke the applicant is still living & is very desirous of obtaining his pension before he dies, he says he is now 86 years old, (will soon be 87) - I called on him last Satur- day, he is well & his mind good & memory clear. He insists upon it that he served 9 mos. in 1776 in Van Graas bks company.
Mr. Duke is a poor man, but is I believe an honest man,
I would suggest that a pension be allowed him for
5 mos in 1775,
& 9 mos in 1776, to which add
What he says he served after 1776,
But if on examining the papers of the above named person, you shall be of opinion that he did not serve more than 3 months -
then Allow say from 9 to 12 mos.
It is hoped that you will take this applica- tion up again shortly. I hope you will Allow a pension. I believe it a meritorious claim,
There can be no doubt of the 3 mos if no more in 1776,
And as little doubt of 5 or 6 months in 1775 from the fact that £500 pounds was paid towards the pay of this Company. See the old records sent. Besides Mr. Duke asserts, I believe services after 1776,
Your Attention is respectfully solicited Yours truly -
Hon. Jas. H. Edwards.
Wheeler H. Clarke.

Treasury Department Third Auditor's Office 6 July, 1843.
Sir:
Your letter of the 25 th May, last has been received. In reply I have to state that neither the muster rolls of capt. Smith's nor Sheldon's company of the 2 d Regt of Dragoons show the name of William P. Stickles, or William Stickles, as a private in their company, nor have I been able to discover by any other records in the office any evidence of his services.
The claim of Michael Evatt, being for naval service, refers itself to the Office of the 4 th Auditor of the Treasury, and I have accordingly given it that direction.
I am Sir
Your Ob st Serv t
John Hagner Secy
Wheeler H Clarke Esq Hudson NYork

6 45
Letter, From
Wheeler, H. Clarke Hudson New York

Huds on May 31 st 1843.
Sir,
I enclose the deposition of James Decker & his renewed application for a pension.
I also enclose you the deposition of the said James Decker made in Nov 1838. Also the deposition of Friend Sheldon Esq. They testify that the said James Decker never was known by the name of James B . Decker. I also annex some old business papers of said James Decker, one as early as 1803.
One of James Duane Livingston between whom and said Decker the relation of landlord & tenant existed, Mr. Livingston being the Proprietor & owner of a large part of Tazewell County. This receipt would certainly have contained the middle letter of Mr. Decker, if he had had any.
Mr. Decker in his description of his services says he was in Peter Van Storch's Company of Rangers.
Also you will be able to find him upon that Roll, which is I think in your possession.
Mr. Yates I think had that Roll & filed it with you. He will I think be found on that Roll by the name of James Decker & not James B . Decker.
Mr. Decker has always been a poor man & if he had served 9 mos. in the line he would have been

Entitled to a pension under act of 1818
What services Mr. Dukes claimed in his Declaration I know not - Under my advice he at present claims for his services as a minute man under Captain Sharp, and as a Ranger under Capt. Van Gaasbeck 1811-12.
What testimony he sent I do not know probably Peter Shaver's affidavit, if not Peter Shaver's proofs will show what services he performed as a minute man in the Rangers.
The depositions enclosed dated in 1833 are in the hand writing of Charles Everstyn Esq. & were delivered by him to me.
An Examination of this case with the enclosed testimony and the pay rolls in your possession will I think induce a favorable decision in Mr. Dukes case.
So far as regards the minute men I would add that it was Military Service raised & regulated I presume by the District Committee, who were authorized to raise such Companies, and were authorized to establish a Military Watch.
For this Authority I would refer you to the proceedings of the Committee of Safety of the state of New York. See Volume 1. of the Journal of the New York, Provincial Congress pages 15-18, 131, 132, 150, 116. adopted August 22 nd 1775. I presume this volume is in your possession. It has been printed over a year I think by the

State of New York; the same having before been in several volumes in manuscript
If you have not this volume, I will procure you a certified extract from that Journal
Your Early Attention to this matter is requested And I would call your attention to a point of law, or as I would more properly term it an influence of law, which is that a man of business uses his name properly, when he does use it or permits others to use it. He uses it as it is in fact, and that others do use it,
Again James Decker is not James, B Decker Suppose Mr. Decker had assumed his name James, B . Decker and you had found James Decker, would you have concluded in his favor, that James, B . was James. I think not and could cite your own decision when the mere wrong spelling of a christian name induced a decision that it could not be the same man.
In looking over Mr. Decker's papers yesterday I presume I saw his name written in fifty different receipts & notes and did not in one instance find his name written James, B . Decker nor in any way besides James Decker,
All which is respectfully
Submitted
Faithfully yours
Hon. Jas. S. Edwards,
Wheeler, H. Clarke,

State of New York Columbia County } ss. I James Dukes of Saugerties in said County being sworn say that I served as a private in Peter Sharp's company of Minute Men - for nine months in the year 1775 - This company was raised in the Manor of Livingston in this County.
The second term of service I performed - (Except when I deserted) was in Peter Van Gansbeck's company. I served nine months in said Van Gansbeck's company of Rangers in the Manor of Livingston - This service commenced in the Spring of 1776, ended in the winter of 1777.
These facts I have before testified to and now again testify to - I am eighty six years old & I still retain my memory tolerably well. I am informed by Mr. Clarke that Van Gans- beck's pay roll, contains my service from the fall of 1776, to the winter of 1777, only three months service. I know I served more than three months. I know I served in the Spring & commenced in the Spring. John J. Beck was in the same company & served nine months. He obtained a pension for this nine months service.
Given to & subscribed before me this 20th day of April 1844 - Whitcomb H. Clarke, Commissioner of Oaths.
his James Dukes. mark
I certify that I am acquainted with the above named James Dukes, and believe him entitled to credit Whitcomb H. Clarke Commissioner of Oaths

State of New York Columbia County ss. I, John J. Framer clerk of said County do certify that whereas H. Clarke before whom the foregoing deposition of James Dukes purports to have been made was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Oaths in & for said County that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner & truly believe his signature then & so written to be his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County this 30th April 1844.
J. J. Framer, Clerk

James Duke
Oct 7th from 1832.
Please attend nothing out of the temp. there is, it is thoughtful , reason for making this request
Respectfully
C.
Winter H. Clarke Hudson N. York Agent.

State of New York Columbia County } ss. I, James Decker of Tazewell in said County being sworn say I am 85 years old and have hitherto applied for an pension under act of 7th June 1832. Charles Esselstyn Esq was my agent or attorney - My witnesses there and dying to my present recollection were John Best & Peter Shaver, and Mrs Best. My services which I performed in the war of the Revolution in the militia were nine months in Captain Sharps company of minute men in 1775 & 1776. and nine months in Capt Van Gaasbecks company in 1776 & 1777. I was paid nine dollars a month for each service.
When in the Company of Minute Men, I was constantly employed in the service in patrolling the County of Albany There were 54 men in this company & the residue of the company were also engaged all the time & this Deponent was not during that time engaged in any other employment and he had no time for any other employment being actively engaged while a minute man in his duty as a soldier at this time

and this deponent was paid for the whole of the time he was engaged at the rate of nine dollars per month. From to subscribed before me this 29th day of July 1843 by said James Deeken who is a credible person and witness -
his James Deeken Mark
Wheeler H. Clarke, Commissioner of Bed,
N.B. The old record of the Committee of Safety of Livingston Manor shows that there were minute men and £500. an order to be paid them out of Fines collected & paid into the Committee.
See said Record in this case of Christina J. Deeken widow of J. Deeken says
-4-

State of New York Columbia County, ss. I, Jehoiakim A. Van Valkenburgh, Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Wheeler, H. Clarke, before whom the foregoing and annexed disposition of James H. Fletcher, purports to have been made was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of Oaths in & for said County. That I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner & verily believe his signature thereto to be in his hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County this 21 st September 1843.
J. Van Valkenburgh Clerk
...affixed

J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr. of Pensions Sir.
Will You have the goodness to inform me what the result is in the case of Jacob Lyle an Applicant for a Pension also in the case of Jacob Couse. also Samuel Knight also Harman Van Brutschoten all of the County of Dutchess I sent on those papers some time ago and have daily expected to learn the result of their several applications. Those old Pensioners are very desirous to know whether they can draw a pension and what Am t . in the 3 first cases named I have returned the papers with corrections and amendments - such as were referred to in the notes marked by the Department.
In the case of Harman Van Brutschoten he proves his services by his Brother & Jacob Spaunburg.
In the case of Jacob Lyle there was no Cluymen residing near Mr Lyle nor was there any one in the town where he resides - I found that the nearest Cluymen who resided about 9 miles from him could not certify to his character from the fact that he did not know him Mr Lyle accordingly applied to the Postmaster of the town as being in my opinion a Public Officer will know at Washington and whose Certificate I supposed would be more satisfactory than that of a Cluymen who did not know the Pensioner & could not certify to the general course of service in the neighbourhood - You will readily perceive that in the one case I got for the pensioner the Certificate of a public Officer who

Knows the Pensioner Applicant for a Pension and who knows and certifies to the general opinion and belief of service in the neighbourhood whereas had I got the Certificate of the Manner Chapman - he only could certify that he did not know the Applicant personally, and that his knowledge of public opinion in regard to the Applicant having been a soldier, he did not know as he had no means of knowing seldom going in that neighbour- hood - Now I submit whether such a Certificate would be as satisfactory as that of the Postmaster Mr Hook and the Certificate of the Hon. Judge Thorne - and also other Certificates of Mr Hall & Mr Fulton all of them Sentinels of the highest standing & respectability.
I herewith enclose to You the papers in the Case of James Decker an Applicant for a Pension - Mr Decker proves his services by his Major now General Genl Brock and by Peter Shaver, Eve Best & John B Best - he claims a Pension for only 1 year & 9 months, although he says he was entitled for 3 years but from ill health I only performed 3 months since only claims for the actual service rendered
I Remain Yrs
P.S. Direct any communication in either of the above cases to me
Chas. Updegraff
Chas. Updegraff
Livingston August 23 1833 Columbia County N.Y.

James Decker
Act 7 th June 1832
Charles E. Sedgwick Esq. Journey Atty.
Wheeler H. Clarke, Hudson. N. York.
Agent now

2 April Thofont 1805 James yorger please to Let games checker have of the said gun off acco best checker you # bestock

Received of James Decker Eighty shilling & three pence In full of all accounts June the 10 1812 Hope C. Dusen

Staatsburgh 20 th May 1819 Mr Livingston received for me from Jas Decker thirty nine Dollars on account of rent due me —
$ 39
J t Duane Livingston.
Staatsburgh 24 th Nov r 1819 from Jas Decker Twenty seven dollars. four y e baskets oats - value - one 84 3/4 per bushel. Twelve fowls value $1.50. & fifty cents for bringing a plough — Making in the whole the sum of thirty one dollars —
$ 31.
J t Duane Livingston.
not the Samuel H r Brooks who was the Major of the Regt of Militia whereof Henry Livingston was Colonel. There were two Samuel H r Brooks, living within the bounds of that Regt. The old papers hereunto annexed contain deponent's name. Deponent hereby reads his claim to a pension. & alleges his name to be James Decker only & from to be subscribed before me
this 29 th day of May 1843 by said James Decker who is a credible person & witness —
James his Decker mark
W. Huler. H. Clarke. Commissioners of Audt.
but whether this Deponent was put on the list he cannot state of further this Deponent says not
Soon before me this 23 rd day of Nov r 1835 W m H r Barringer Justice of the Peace
James his Decker mark

State of New York Columbia County } ss. James Decker of Laugel- -mike in said County being from day, I am Eighty five years old upwards. I have several years ago made application for a pension, Charles Eastman Esq of Livingston in this County acting as my Attorney. I did not succeed in getting it.
I then and now claim a pension under act of 7th June 1832 for the following services. viz.
First for nine months service under Peter Sharp Captain of a Company of Minute Men Stamnel Tn Brook, Lt.
Second 9 months in a Company of Rangers, the same Stamnel Tn Brook Lieutenant. This Stamnel Tn Brook was not the Stamnel Tn Brook who was the Major of the Regt of Militia whereof Henry Livingston was Colonel. There were two Stamnel Tn Brooks, living within the bounds of that Regt. The old paper, but. annuall contingent deponents name. Deponent hereby makes his claim to a pension. & alleges his name to be James Decker only & from to subscribed before me this 29th day of May 1843 } James Decker by said James Decker who } his is a credible person & witness. } mark
W. Huler H. Clarke.
Commission of Audy,
but whether the Deponent was put on the list with the Council state of further the Deponent says not
Soon before me this 23rd day of Nov 1835 } James Decker W. H. Barringer Justice of the Peace } his mark

State of New York Columbia County
Town of Tazewell ss: James Decker of Tazewell being duly sworn says that his name is James Decker and not James B Decker This Deponent further says that he did not enlist under the name of James B Decker nor has this Deponent ever signed or subscribed his name with a Middle Letter - This Deponent says that he did not desert from the service in which he entered as stated in his declaration now on file in the War Office as he is informed and truly believes - But this Deponent says that he had a written furlough to return home until he should become able to return to duty that he continued sick for four years and upwards the greater part of the time he was confined to the house and could not perform any labor
This Deponent further says that there was another James Decker who was enlisted from the same Regiment of Colonel Livingston and who deserted and fled to Nova Scotia as this Deponent was informed and truly believes but whether he wrote his name James B Decker or not this Deponent does not know - and further this Deponent says that he left the service after his enlistment in August of the same year that he enlisted - and further said Deponent says that he was for a month and upwards while in the Army so unwell that the captain of the company to which this Deponent belonged did not permit this Deponent to do any duty and this Deponent received medicine from the surgeon of the Regiment but whether this Deponent was put on the sick list he cannot state of further this Deponent says not
Sworn before me this 23 rd day of Nov r 1835
H. Barringer Justice of the Peace
James B Decker (mark)

State of New York Columbia County
Town of Tazewell p. Friend Sheldon of the Town of Tazewell being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with James Decker of Tazewell for the last twenty seven or twenty eight years that this Deponent has heard the annexed affidavit of James Decker read over and this Deponent says that he has never heard said Decker called by any other name than James Decker that this Deponent has been an acting Magistrate in the said County of Columbia for twenty five years and has during that period been out of office only one hour that this Deponent is now an acting Justice of the peace of the said County that during said period said James Decker has frequently been a witness before me and has been a party in several suits either as Plaintiff or as defendant in said suits that he always was called James Decker and never was known by any other name to my knowledge believing that in all my records his name is entered without a middle letter of this Deponent says that he knows nothing against the character of said James Decker for truth & veracity and would believe him in the statement that he has made of further says not -
Sworn before me this 25. day of Nov 1-1833
Wm H Barringer Justice of the peace Friend Sheldon
State of New York Columbia County S John J. Hoffman of Hudson in said County being sworn say I knew Friend Sheldon above named in his life time. He was a respectable man and his oath was entitled to credit. John J. Hoffman
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 30th day of May 1843 by said John J. Hoffman who is a credible person & witness.
Wheeler H. Clarke Commissioner of deeds.

State of New York Columbia County, S.S. I Ichokam a Van Rensselaer clerk of said County do hereby certify that William H. Bannister before whom the foregoing depositions of James Duke & Friend Sheldon purport to have been taken, was on the day of their taking a justice of the peace in & for said County. That William H. Bannister before whom the depositions of James Duke & John Ransom purport to have been taken was on the day of the date thereof a Commissioner of said in & for said County. That I am acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice Commissioner & verify their signatures thereto as correctly written to be in their hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said County this 30th day of May 1843. J. A. Van Rensselaer Clerk of said County

State of New York County of Columbia } ss
Peter Shaver of the town of Livingston in said County of Columbia and State of New York being duly sworn says that he has heard the preceding Declaration of James Decker read over and this Deponent says that he distinctly recollects of seeing said James Decker in the service of the United States under the command of Captain Peter Gansevoort and Lieutenant Samuel Ten Broeck and one Samuel Thorne was second lieutenant and the Company was called the Rangers as stated by said James Decker and this Deponent was a soldier in said Company and served in the same Expedition with said James Decker and marched to Fishkill and lay a part of the time to guard the public stores at Poughkeepsie Mills and roundabout at Colonel Vandenburg's said under the command of Peter R Livingston as Colonel and Jeremiah Johnson was Major and also Samuel Ten Broeck was a Major of the Manor Regiment so called from Livingston's Manor this Deponent believes that the Company of Rangers returned home the latter part of January 1777. This Deponent also recollects that Peter Sharp of Germantown was a Captain in the Revolutionary war but this Deponent did not serve under said Sharp and therefore cannot state what service the said Decker performed under said Sharp. This Deponent says that said Decker is a man of truth so far as this Deponent knows any thing of his character this Deponent does not reside in the immediate neighborhood of said Decker and

This deponent further says that all the officers named are dead except Major Jim Broock named in said declaration
Sworn before me This 22 nd day of July 1883
His Peter Stockbauer mark
Jacob Harringer Justice Peace

State of New York } Columbia County } ss.
John B Best of Haghkanie in said State and County aforesaid being duly sworn says that on the 7 th day of March last past this Deponent was seventy seven years of age he also says that he is well acquainted with James Becker the Applicant for a pension whose declaration is hereto annexed & which he has heard read over. This Deponent says that the facts set forth in said declaration of Becker are true so far as this Deponent can remember and this Deponent says he distinctly recollects that James Becker or the above declarant was a soldier in the company of rangers commanded by Captain Peter Gansevoort & Samuel Ten Broeck was first lieutenant. one Boele Hendricks was ensign and one Thomas Hopper was orderly sergeant. This Deponent recollects that the said company of rangers rendezvoused at the house of one David Minkler in Clermont and marched to Fishkill and lay there but how long this Deponent can't say afterwards the troops were marched to Colonel Van Dyke's. This Deponent says that Colonel Livingstone was the Colonel who commanded but this Deponent thinks  he believes that one Colonel Van Dyke  commanded the company  to which this Deponent belonged this Deponent says that the company of rangers returned home some time in the winter of 1777. The exact time of service this Deponent cannot state but believes that the same is as stated by said declarant James Becker. This Deponent also recollects Peter Sharp of Germantown and says he was a captain in the revolutionary war but what service he performed this Deponent cannot state this Deponent says that he has known James Becker for upwards of fifty years and has for the last five and twenty or thirty years lived in the same neighbourhood with him and this Deponent believes that he sustains a fair character and is reputed to be a man of truth and this Deponent never has heard any one doubt but that said James Becker was

a soldier of the Revolution and served the period stated by him in his declaration — This Deponent further says that he recollects that Erick Johnson of Clermont was Major of the Regiment and this Deponent says that Samuel TenBroek was the second Major All of the Officers under whom this Deponent and James Decker served are dead except Major TenBroek — This Deponent recollects of laying a part of the time at Ingusoll's Mills to guard public property —
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 2 day of August 1833
JOHN B. BEST
Henry Ewing Justice of the peace and Commissioner of Pensions etc.
State of New York Columbia County ss:
I Henry Ewing Justice of the peace of the County of Columbia do hereby certify that I attended at the house of John B. Best who has subscri- bed and sworn to the above affidavit that he is too infirm and weak to attend Court that he is a man of fair chara- cter for truth & veracity and his statement is entitled to the fullest confidence and credit and his statement is entitled to credit . I further certify that I have known James Decker the applicant for a pension that I believe him to be a man of truth so far as my knowledge extends and that his statement is entitled to credit. I have known him since 1792 and have ever since resided in the same neighbourhood with him —
August 2-1833.
Henry Ewing Justice of the peace

216. 227. In the Matter of James Decker An Applicant for a Pension Under Act of Congress passed 7 Jan 1852
4 Ref. James B - 11 May 79 - des - 1000 Jacob - do - do 12 July 11
Direct To Charles E. Eelstyn Livingston Columbia County State of New York
Rejected.
I John D. Peck the justice of the peace aforesaid do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings before said court in the matter of the applica- tion of James Decker for a pension
Witness my hand and seal of office The 19th day of Aug. 1883
J. D. Peck J.P.

State of New York } Columbia County } } ss
General Samuel Van Brock of the town of Livingston in the County of Columbia & State aforesaid being duly sworn says that he has heard the Declaration of James Becker read over to him and wants annexed and he says that he recollects that Peter Ganbick commanded a company of nine months men called Rangers who did service in the Revolution and also recollects the other officers mentioned by said Becker under whom he served during said war but from the lapse of time this deponent cannot distinctly state the service performed by said Bellarant James Becker - This deponent believes that said Becker performed the service stated by him. This deponent formerly knew said Becker but of later years has had no intercourse with him residing some eight or nine miles from this deponent but from the information this deponent has concerning him he is reputed to be poor and in rather straitened circumstances -
Sworn & subscribed before me this 14 th day of Sept 1833 Peter R Livingston First Peace
Wm Van Brock

Columbia County ss: I Peter R Livingston a justice of the peace of Columbia County do hereby certify that I know Samuel Samuels FitzBrook who has signed the annexed affidavit that he is a man of worth and respectability and his Statement is entitled to credit — Given Aug t 14 th 1833
Peter R Livingston Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Columbia County ss: I Joseph D. Morell Clerk of the said County do Certify that Jacob Baarings before whom the preceding affidavits of Peter R Livingston the first premises to have been sworn to and by whom the Certificate of Credibility is signed and subscribed was at the time or date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits respectively and also subscribed to said Certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature — and I do also certify that Henry Obering before whom the preceding affidavits of John J. Van Buren to have been sworn to and by whom the Certificate of Credibility is signed and subscribed was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and believe his name subscribed to the said affidavits and also subscribed to said Certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature — and I do also certify that Peter R Livingston before whom the within affidavit of Samuel FitzBrook premises to have been sworn and by whom the above Certificate is subscribed was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit and also subscribed to said Certificate to be his proper hand writing and signature
Given under my hand seal of Office this 19 day of August 1833
J. D. Morell
6m

And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter, & putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named James Breker was a Revolutionary soldier & served as he states in the said Court further certifies that it appears to them that the witnesses whose affidavits are hereto attached, could not be brought into open Court without much trouble & expense to the said applicant - That two of them are unable to leave their beds on account of bodily infirmity -

State of New York Columbia County
On this day of the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred -red and thirty three personally appeared before
James Decker a resident of the Town of Tazewell in the County of Columbia and State of New York and upwards of twenty four Years who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the following Declaration in Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 -
This Deponent James Decker says that he was born as he is informed and believes on the 24 th of October 1758 in that part of the County of Columbia now called the town of Copake That a record of this Deponents Age may be found as this Deponent verily believes in the Lutheran Church at Churchtown in said County of Columbia This Deponent says that he resided during the Revolutionary war in the town of Clermont in said County of Columbia. This Deponent says that the first Service rendered by this Deponent in the service of the United States was under the Command of one Peter Sharp of Germantown in said County of Columbia as Captain. On Samuel Ten Broeck was Lieutenant. the name of the Ensign this Deponent does not remember the name of the Orderly Sergeant this Depo- nent believes was Rockefeller his given name this Deponent does not remember this Deponent served nine Months under said Captain Sharp and this Deponent says that said Company lay a greater part of the said period of nine months at Fishkill

This Deponent thinks this Service was in the Spring Summer or fall of 1775. this Service Deponent perfor- -ced this Service as a volunteer. the next year this Deponent again served nine months in a Company of Rangers so called commanded by Peter Gansevoort formerly of Esopus as Captain Samuel Jon Broeck was Lieutenant and a Mr. Coleman was Ensign - this Deponent lay a greater part of the time in and about Fishkill and the Highlands so called on the East side of the Hudson's River - This Deponent was also at Stony Point and at West Point in 1777. also lay at Poughkeepsie and other places until this Deponent was taken sick when this Deponent returned home & on the road was taken sick with the Small Pox the natural way and after this Deponent returned home he remained sick for some time
James Decker
State of New York Columbia County & ss. I, James Decker of Poughkeepsie in said County do hereby say the foregoing statement in the hand writing of Charles Esseldyne Esq. was made by me in the year 1833. The same is true I am now about 84 years old, I am in destitute circumstances & need a pension if entitled to it. For the length of my service in 1776 I refer to the papers of John J. Best, who was pensioned, I was during his life time a resident of this County within 2 miles of me & I think I was his witness. I refer also to the following named persons, viz William Bloss & Michael Bloss. Their State
I, JOHN I. TRAVER, Clerk of the County of Columbia,
Do Hereby Certify, That Wheeler N. Clarke
whose name is subscribed to the Certificate of the Proof or Acknowledgment of the annexed affidavit and thereon written, was, at the time of taking such proof or acknowledgment, a Commissioner of Deeds, in and for the County aforesaid, dwelling in said County, and duly authorized to take the same. And Further, That I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Commissioner, and verily believe that the signature to the said Certificate is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said County, the 24 th day of Nov 1846
J. I. Traver Clerk

This Deponent thinks this Service was in the Spring Summer or fall of 1775. this Deponent Deponent per- -formed this Service as a volunteer. The next year this Deponent again served nine months in a Company of Rangers so called commanded by Peter Gansevoort formerly of Esopus as Captain Samuel Van Buren was Lieutenant and a Mr. Coleman was Ensign - this Deponent lay a greater part of the time in and about Fishkill and the Highlands so called on the East side of the Hudson's River - This Deponent was also at Stoney Point and at West Point in 1777. also lay at Poughkeepsie and other places until this Deponent was taken sick when this Deponent returned home on the road was taken sick with the Small Pox the natural way and after this Deponent returned home he remained sick for some time
James Decker
State of New York Columbia County } ss. I, James Decker of Joseph carnick in said County being sworn say the foregoing statement in the hand writing of Charles Esselstyn Esq. was made by me in the year 1833. The Service is true I am now about 84 years old, I am in charitable circumstances & need a pension if entitled to it. For the length of my service in 1776 I refer to the papers of John J. Best, who was pensioned, I was during his life time a resident of this County within 2 miles of me & I think I was his witness - I refer also to the following named persons, viz William Bloch & Michael Bloch. Their state- ments are on file & I am informed William Bloch resided in this County & Michael Bloch in Ulster County, I feel confident that I was in service more than a year.
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 21 st day of Novr. in 1846,
I James Decker his mark
H. Clarke. Commissioner of Oaths.