Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 20982, Ephraim Decker, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
New York
Deeker, Ephraim Mary
W 20982
CONTENTS

1840
Dec 11 Mr. Packard's Subscriptions Paid
R. H. Smith
for N. H. Smith Nov 11/40
Important notice to the readers of the Journal of the Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Subscriptions are requested to be and sent to
Printed at the New Bedford Standard January 2, 1848.

New York 24. 428
Letter to Honble Secy Warren
much 22/11/32
Ephraim Decker
of Catskill Co in the State of New York who was a 1st Sgt in the Company commanded by Captain Paulding of the N.Y. Com by _____ in the N.Y. mtn line for 9 mos for $30.00 3. 5th 15.00 $45.00
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of $5 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of Decr 1833 and sent to
Mr. N. Johnson H Rep
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. $112.50 Pemi-ant. allowance ending March 31 - 22.50
$135.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by H. L. Williams Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 4 Page 96

State of New York Delaware County. S p
On this eighth day of October 1882 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in Delaware in and for the County of Delaware aforesaid now sitting, Ephraim Decker a resident of Parkburg in the County aforesaid and State of New York aforesaid aged seventy four years and nine months 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 7. 1882.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated.
That in March 1876 - He enlisted under Capt. Rodenbaugh, Richard Lauenkey Lieutenants, & — Clark Ensign, for nine months. The Company rendezvous was at Graham's Tavern in Shawangunk - On account of his mother's opposition. this deponent procured one Johanne Shaeffer a substitute & paid him a horse saddle & bridle, who this deponent believes served out the time, but does not know whether he got the bounty, perhaps he did not for he afterwards enlisted for three years and if he ever got the bounty it was probably for the three years - Said Shaeffer does not reside in Shawangunk and this deponent does not know whether or not he is living.
That in the year 1876 this deponent enlisted for five months in Regiment commanded by Lieut. Col. Seay, Building Company commanded by John Graham, Johanne Brown & John T. Johnson first and second lieutenants, don't recollect the name of Ensign. The Regiment was stationed at Kingsbridge, White Plains, Peekskill & Murderers Creek. This deponent thinks he enlisted in July for he served the five months & was discharged about the time of the

Holidays -
That in 1777 this deponent again enlisted, served two months and was discharged after harvest in July, the officers were John Hordenbergh, Colonel; Schoonmaker Captain - and Abraham G. Vanaken and John F. Johnson Lieutenants
In September, same year this deponent served as an orderly sergeant in Militia under Lieutenant Genl or Genl - was stationed on west bank of the Hudson river in the High lands opposite Colonel Ralston's Ferry, where he was employed with the other men of the Company for a time in building a dock, thence went to Fort Constitution where remained till the fort was taken by the British Major Dubois commanded at the Fort, the time this trip was a month or more -
In same year served under Capt Robinson and Lieutenant William or Wilhelmus Vandemark, two months - November and December at Murderer's Creek near New Windsor -
In 1778 served one month at Mamakating in March & April, as an orderly sergeant under Jacob Lawrence Lieutenant, then went to West Point where labored one month under the Engineer one Wiesner -
That he served same year as an orderly sergeant one month and one day in August and September under Peter Maul Ensign, at Mamakating, a kind of guard for one Jacobus — to protect him while gathering hay. — from the Indians detached by order of the Governor George Clinton.
In 1779 served under Capt — Smith & Peter Rose Lieutenant one month at Shandaken Ulster County - September -
Regiment from which foregoing this deponent was detached in foregoing instance was commanded by Colonel Jonathan Hoback at first & afterwards by Colonel John Hordenbergh -
In addition to the foregoing this deponent served in the Militia at various times amounting to full force

four months and more, under Peter Decker a Lieutenant and Matthew Johnson Captain - The Regiment commanded sometimes first by Col l Horbrough & latterly by Col n Horbrough -
Of the officers before mentioned only Peter Decker is now living
That this Deponent was born in Shougonunk Ulster County the 8 January 1758 and is now seventy four years and nine months old - He lived in Shougonunk the first twenty five or thirty years of his life, then moved to Esopus, same County where he lived about four years - then to the town of New Paltz, same County - where resided about two years - then to Marlborough where lived one year - then back to New Paltz four or five years then removed to Esopus where he resided till 1818 when he removed to Roxbury in County of Delaware County where resided ever since & until the present time -
This Deponent received no other Record of his age from his parents than this - His mother took an old Dutch Almanac of the year he was born & seemed able to read by the figure 8 in Month of January & gave him when a boy & kept it in his chest & intended to keep it as long as he lived but last summer his son Martin's children got at it & destroyed it with some other papers - This Deponent has his age marked down on an old ledger - very back which he made when he went to school but has not got it entered in a bible for he has only a small bible -
This Deponent served as mentioned before, as a volunteer & never was drafted -
This Deponent don't remember whether he ever received a discharge - if he did he can't tell by whom it was given or what has become of it -

Further this Deponent says that John E. Bushnell Esq. former clerk of the County of Marlinton now residing in Roxbury of said County, here, and General Otis Preston now one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas and John T. Mear formerly a member of the Legislature of this State, all reside in said town of Roxbury, are acquainted personally with this Deponent, and this Deponent has no doubt they can testify in favor of his character for truth and receiving others belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. & no clergyman resides in the immediate vicinity of this Deponent. And finally this Deponent has no documentary evidence of his services & knows of no person whose testimony he can pro- duce who can testify to his services, except Peter Decker & Jacob Blomqvist whose affidavits are hereto annexed at this Deponent merely relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the merit and services, that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Ephraim Bushnell
Sworn to & subscribed
this day of year of said in open Court -
to B. Sheldon Clerk

9792 Mary Decker
Applicant for pension.
Act.
July 7. 1858
a 25 Oct. 45 - n. 87 -
20m 2
9 mo per 3. Serf.
$45 from V after 25 Oct. 40 the day of her husband's death -
Also
Register O.R. under act March 43 - 5978 $45
Agent
Mr. B. Lane
Mr. B. Lappan Albany Senate C.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838. entitled "An act granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows."
State of New-York, } ss. Delaware County
On this 21 day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-three personally appeared before Lyman Hobbes
A Judge of Delaware Common Pleas Mary Decker a resident of the town of Roxbury in the County of Delaware and said State of New York, aged 81 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 an act of Congress, passed July 7. 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Ephraim Decker late of the town of Roxbury in said State of New York who departed this life on the twenty fifth day of October 1840 That her husband the said
Ephraim Decker was a Soldier and non commissioned officer to wit an orderly Sergeant during the war of the Revolution but as this Declarant was not married to him until late in said war she cannot relate the particulars of his revolutionary services. That she has frequently heard her said husband relate that he served upon numerous occasions during said war under Colonel Paudine. Harsdenburgh & Abraham Van Antwerp Captains. At Peter Decker's house but Declarant cannot relate the particulars of his said service That her husband the said Ephraim was at the time of his death a Pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. but that her said husband always asserted that he never received the amount of pension to which he was justly entitled under said act
And declarant further saith, That she was married to the said Ephraim Decker on the fourth day of October seventeen hundred and eighty one by Rev Mr Doll at Kingston N.Y. : that the following persons were present at her marriage, to wit: her brothers & cousins all deceased except her brother John, whom she believes is living -
That previous to her said marriage she resided in the town of Kingston - and bore the maiden name of Teerpenning
That her husband the said Ephraim Decker died as aforesaid on the twenty fifth day of October Eighteen hundred & forty. That she is unable to prove any services of her said husband after her said marriage, but that said marriage occurred previous to 1794. to wit, at the time before stated
Mary Decker mark
Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid, before me & I certify that said Mary Decker the Declarant is unable to attend Court by reason of old age and bodily infirmity
Lyman Hobbes A Judge of Delaware Common Pleas

State of New York Delaware County p.
I Bradford B Sheldon Clerk of the County of Delaware do hereby certify that Lyman Hooker Esq before whom the within Declaration purports to have been sworn was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace of Common Pleas in and for Said County and that his signature is genuine
Given under my hand and the Seal of the Said County this 11th day of October 1843. B Sheldon Clerk

Mary Decker.

I hereby certify that the following is a true copy of the record of the marriage of Ephraim Decker & Margaret Tarpennig as the same appears upon the Register of Marriages of the Reformed Dutch Church of Kingston N.Y. viz. 1781. d 4 Oct. is mē Gebden getrouw Ephraim Decker J. M. geboren in Schankong woonagte in Kleyn Eropus, mē Maria Tarpennig J. J. geboren en woonagte in Kleyn Eropus — From which it appears that said Ephraim Decker was duly married to said Maria Tarpennig, according to the rites of said church, on the fourth day of October, Seventeen hundred & Eighty one, by the Rev. G. J. L. Doll then pastor thereof. Note the words "a true copy of" interlined before execution & also the letter "o" twice in the word "geboren" —
A. M. Waggner
State of New York Ulster County
Rev. A. M. Waggner being duly sworn deposes & saith that he is Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Kingston in said County that charge of the records thereof. That the above is a true copy from said records of the marriage of Ephraim Decker to Maria Tarpennig, & that the date of said marriage is expressed in fair legible figures.
Subscribed & sworn the 13 th day of October 1843 before me Note "Holland" on rasque. Geo. P. Sharp Justice of the Peace
A. M. Waggner

State of New York Albany County ss Clerks Office 31
I George A. Gay - Clerk of said County do hereby certify that George P. Sharp Esq. before whom the within affidavit of Rev. J. H. Van Waggener was taken was at the time thereof a Justice of the Peace in the said County duly qualified. That I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice of the Peace & having examined his signature to the jurat of said affidavit, I sincerely believe the same to be genu- ine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed my official seal this thirteenth day of October AD 1843. Geo. A. Gay, Clerk. By Reuben P. Root, Dep. Clerk.

Kingston Aug. 17- 1843
Mr B. Pierce Esq—
Dear Sir
I received your communication this morning, & after the necessary examination, I hasten to reply— Mr Decker is perfectly correct in her references, as our Church Records show— She was married by Rev. Mr Bell, Oct. 4- 1784— The record is in the Dutch language— I send you a translation with the original—
1781. d. 4. oct. is met Geboren gestroomt Ephraim Decker J. M. geboren in Schankong, woonachtig in Kleye Erfus, met Maria Trofemings J. D. geboren & woonachtig in Kleye Erfus—
178 The 4 th oct. is with bang married, Ephraim Decker J. M. born in Schankong, residing in Kleye Erfus, with Maria Trofemings J. D. born & residing in Kleye Erfus—
In the above "with bang" means, after bang had been duly published— "J. M." stands for young man— "J. D." for young daughter implying that neither of the parties had ever been married before—
Be assured that any favor in my power, to aid the "poor & distressed" will be most cheerfully rendered
Yours most Respectfully J. H. Van Wagener Past. of R. D. C. of Kingston

Duckett
41
21
31
41
51
61
71
81
91
[Large handwritten flourish]
Wm B. Prince Esq
Albany N.Y.
Wm B. Prince Esq
Albany N.Y. 1843
[Faint mirrored handwriting from the reverse side of the page]
very

born the 16th day of April and died April 18th 1840 when he died 25 years 7 months and 10 days
I was Born the 8th Day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 40 Ephraim Decker died October 28
My wife Mary Deerpennig was born the 10th day of May 1762 - In the Month of May And 1 Month and 10 days Mary Deerpennig the 4th Day of October 1840
1862 - July the 18th Then is my first child Born On a Thursday and Baptized of Jacob Hardenburgh
1863 - October the 31st Then was my second child Born On a Friday Night and Baptized of Minester Decker son Ephraim Died and Departed this life On the 1st of March 1791 - Age 7 years and four Month. when he Died
1865 - November the 5th Then is my third child Born On a Saturday and Baptized of Minester Decker
1867 - October the 21st Then is my fourth child Born On a Sunday and Baptized of Minester Decker my Daughter Polly Died and Departed this life the 1st of March 1907 - Age 19 years 8 months
1869 - January the 28th Then is my fifth child Born On a Sunday and Baptized of Minester Decker

April the 2 nd Then is my Seventh child Born On A Wednesday and Baptized of Harris Methodist Minister and my Son Ephraim Died and Departed On Wednesday the 23 rd Day of September 1801 Age 5 Months and 21 Days
March the 6 th Then is my Eight child Born On A Sunday and Baptized of Minister Stephen Harris
September the 28 th Then is my Daughter Born Child Born Margaret
August the 13 th Then is my Daughter Winch Child Born Ephraim and Baptized of Samson Methodist Minister
January the 13 th Then is my Daughter Winch Second child Born Jane
April the 22 nd Then is my Son Martin first Child born Jacob and Baptized of Weight Methodist Minister
September the 30 th Then is Martin Second Child born Sally Maria
September the 14 th Then is Martin third Child Born Savina Ann And Baptized of Minister Calder Methodist Minister

Ref  WIDOW, &c.  Am
File No. 20982
Mary Decker Widow of Ephraim Decker Sergt Ben Mar
Act: Feb 29 48
Index:—Vol. 8 , Page 177
[Arrangement of 1870.]

another to be inserted No 156 Joint Resolution issued April 18 - 1845 and sent W B Pierce Albany N.Y.
8440
Albany New York
Mary Pecker widow of Ephraim Pecker who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 25 Octo. 1840 at Delaware in the State of NY who was a fin Sgt in the Comp commanded by Captain Paulding of the commanded by in the New York line for 9 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 1,5 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 25 Octo. 1840
Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of June 1844 and sent to Hon B. Tappan. W. S. S.
Total amount, $
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by F. L. Smith, Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 153
A. G. Smith Nov 1 June 44

Rep 1, June '44 to Ogden's Case
no 156 Joint Resolution issued April 18 1845 and sent - Mr. [unclear] Albany N.Y.
another to be inserted

5657
Albany New York
Mary Decker
widow of Ephraim Decker
who was a Priv Hdgt
in the Nysline
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 45 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of June 44 and sent to
Hon. B. Tappan W. S. G.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 263.
N o 156.
Joint Resolution
sent to
M c B Pierce Albany N.Y.
recd. 4 June 44

Roxbury December 6. 1860 Nov 15. 1860
My Dear Sir
Ephraim Decker a Revolutionary Pensioner died in 1840 the 25 th of October - he drew a Pension of $45. a year. after his death Mary Decker his widow drew a Pension of the same amount - until her death she died in 1854. Mr Decker left two surviving children. who are now living the oldest Hannah Diley was born in the year 1780. and the youngest Martin Decker was born in the year 1794. They are receiving Circulars from different Agents in Washington City - saying there is Bounty Land &c. for them. They are in indigent Circumstances, and wish you to let me know whether there is by any act of Congress. any benefit

to be denied for them -
Elmer Decker never had any country lands. - There may be some lands they are entitled to.
As you have the facts you can inform him all about it -
Please write to me and oblige
Yours &c A. H. Burkhaus

Mary Decker
application for Beuna
aa
5651
admitted
E. J. Barkhaus Roxbury NY

State of New York Delaware County ss
On this Thirteenth day of July in the year 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid Mary Decker a resident of the town of Roxbury in the county of Delaware 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 pension, to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war —
That she is the widow of Ephraim Decker who was a private and sergeant in the War of the Revolution and also a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7. 1832 she cannot now state in what Regiment he served but would refer the department to the evidence upon which he said Ephraim Decker was pensioned — and the Annual Amount of pension which she received under the act of 17 th June 1844 was Forty five dollars — She further declares that she is still a widow — does not write her name for the want of Education
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me S M Smith Justice of the Peace
her Mary Decker mark
I certify that the above named Mary Decker is personally known to me and that she is the person described in and who
State of New-York, Delaware County Clerk's Office—ss. I, WILLIAM McCLAUGHERY, Clerk of the County of Delaware, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, of said county, do hereby Certify, That David M. Smith Esquire, before whom the annexed deposition purports to have been taken, was, at the time of taking such deposition, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Delaware aforesaid, elected and sworn and duly authorized by law to take the same—That his term of office commenced on the first day of January 1846, and will expire on the 31 st day of December 1849, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, the 19 day of July 1848
W m McLaughry Clerk
creation Peace

State of New York Delaware County ss
On this Thirteenth day of July in the year 1848, personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid Mary Decker a resident of the town of Borebury in the county of Delaware 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 widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war —
That she is the widow of Ephraim Decker who was a private and sergeant in the War of the Revolution and also a pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7, 1832 she cannot now state in what Regiment he served but would refer the department to the evidence upon which he said Ephraim Decker was pensioned — and the Annual amount of pension which she received under the act of 17 th June 1844 was Forty five dollars — She further declares that she is still a widow — does not write her name for the want of education
Sworn to and Subscribed on the day and year above written before me J. M. Smith Justice of the Peace
her Mary Decker mark
I certify that the above named Mary Decker is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual who drew a pension, as stated by her in the foregoing declaration and that she cannot write for want of education —
J. M. Smith Justice of the Peace

In the matter of Mary Decker an applicant for a pension under the act of July 7. 1838.
Albany Oct 14. 1843
Sir,
I would respectfully inform you that Ephraim Decker the husband of the above applicant was at the time of his death a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7. 1833. The widow thinks that he was unable to prove all the service which he performed but as she is unable to inform me what the service was, I am compelled to send the case as it is.
I have the Honor to remain With Great Respect Your Obedient
Wm B. Pierce
Howland S. Edwards Comm r of Pensions.

Washington March 22 1842
Will the honorifics of Previous answer me the inquiry contained in the inclosed letter and much oblige his humble friend and servant?
Wm. J. L. Richards S. Gordon

March 6. 1895 Mary Decker
Applicant for arrears of Pension under the Joint Resolution of -
23 d January 1845. Act of July 4 1838 - Comm te
at 38 d 8410 156
Adm d : $45 per ann from 4 March, 1838 to 25. October 1840. -
Wm B Pider, Jr Mrs. Decker Albany, New-York

Declaration In order to obtain the benefits of the resolution of Congress of 23 d January 1845.
Whereas the Act of the 30 th 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 Ephraim Decker who was a private & Sergeant in the War of the Revolution. I have drawn a pension at the rate of Forty five Dollars per annum from the twenty fifth day of October 1840 & now ask for the amount due me from the fourth day of March 1836 to the said twenty fifth day of October 1840, when my former pension commenced.
Sworn to & Subscribed before me this 25 th day of February 1845 at Roxbury, Delaware Co N.Y.
her mark Mary Decker
The said Mary Decker is known to me
Cyrus Graves Justice of the Peace
I certify that the Declarant is personally known to me and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.
Cyrus Graves J.P.

State of New York Delaware County p.
I Crawford B. Sheldon Clerk of the County of Delaware do certify that Cyrus Grane Esq before whom the within Declaration purports to have been sworn was at the date of the same Justice of the peace for said County and that his signature to the same is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County this 26 th day of
February 1845
C B Sheldon Clerk

State of New York County of Delaware ss
I Crawford B Sheldon Clerk of the said County and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said County
in the matter of the application of Ephraim Decker for a pension had in the said Court on the eighteenth day of October 1832 -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20th day of June 1833. C B Sheldon Clerk.

patrol Vindicate service dis all around
adm L
3 mo ser g
9 mo pri
12

State of New York Delaware County } ss -
Ephraim Decker of Roxbury County of Delaware and State of New York for the purpose of making an explanatory and more full statement and for supplying the deficiencies of the foregoing declaration personally appeared before me the undersigned A. D. Smyth Esq a justice of the Peace of the County of Delaware and the said Ephraim Decker being duly sworn deposes and saith that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of service in every instance but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below at the times & places, under the officers and in the grades as follows -
In March 1776 - he cannot recollect the day of the month - he enlisted under Captain Cornelius Hordenburgh, Richard Saunsburg Lieutenant and — Clark Ensign - said Clark was a stranger and this Deponent cannot recollect his Christian name - Deponent enlisted for nine months - The company rendezvous was at Graham's town in Schoharie County - On account of his mother's opposition Deponent procured one Johannes Shaeffer a substitute & paid him a horse saddle and bridle who this Deponent believes served out the time but cannot tell in what places, but the company left Schoharie to join the army -
In the year 1776 of aforesaid Deponent enlisted for five months in Regiment commanded by Henry Paulding, Company commanded by John Graham, Johannes Brown first Lieutenant and John P. Johnson second Lieutenant - Deponent don't recollect the names of the Major or Ensign - Enlisted as a private soldier at Schoharie & in a few days marched to Kingsbridge where and at White Plains Peekskill and other places where the Regiment lay from time to time but exactly how long in each place this Deponent cannot recollect, but Deponent served the whole five months at the several places including the short time at Schoharie where he enlisted - Deponent does not know exactly the day he enlisted but believes it was

the last of July or first of August for he served three call five months and was discharged during the time of the holiday. - He cannot be more specific than this -
In the year 1777 - there was a call for militia for four months called the 4 months service to labor, making batteries etc at Fort Montgomery. The militia were put in claps of four men each - Every clap required to furnish a man for four months. Sometimes a clap hired one for the whole time - This Deponent being unmarried served his own month and a month for a brother who had a family making two months in the whole & was dis- missed after harvest in July - Consequently his term commenced in May. He cannot tell the precise day of the beginning or end of the two months but knows he served the full two months at Fort Montgomery aforesaid. The officers were Colonel John Bedenkrogh - Captain Schoonmaker don't recollect first name - Abraham G. Van den was first lieutenant and John S. Johnson second lieutenant and Oak Ludam adjutant father of Hon. John Ludam of Kingston Ulster County. He does not recollect who was major or whether there was one -
In 1777 September - this Deponent served in militia under Lieutenant Grew or Gue - Deponent does not know how his name was spelled or what was his first name - cannot tell the exact number of which the company consisted but believes between thirty and 40 men. It was a Lieutenants com- mand - The only officers were the aforesaid Grew and this Deponent who was orderly sergeant - For two days and one night we were destitute of provisions and seventeen men ran away or about half the number. We were stationed on the west bank of the Hudson's river in the High Lands opposite Colonel Robinson's Ferry where we were employed for a time in building a dock. Can't recollect exactly how long - should think between two and three weeks - thence went to Fort Constitution where remained - cannot say to a day how long - should say more than a week, and until the Fort was taken by the British - Major Dubois commanded at the Fort Cannot tell exactly the whole length of this trip but

1 believes it was a few days over a month, but at any rate it was not less than a month - Cannot tell particularly what day of the month this service commenced otherwise than that it was early in or near the beginning of the month of September -
In 1777 of service a similar call of militia was made to the one heretofore mentioned as this Deponent believes - that is every class of men to furnish 4 months service, but this Deponent is not positive as to the closing - is certain only that he served one month for himself & one month for his brother Jacob Decker making two months in the whole in a company of about 40 men under the command of Captain Isaac Rehnem William or Wilhelmus Vandemark was lieutenant were stationed at Murderers Creek near New Windsor in Orange Co - in tents encamped in a wood - and labored some for the purpose of building a new Fort, but the plan of building a new Fort was afterwards laid aside - There were no other officers than these before mentioned except an Engineer who was a Frenchman but his name is not recollected - These two months were during November and December -
2 In 1778 - early in March & until the exact day a command of 40 men as this Deponent believes though he may not be exactly correct as to the number, was called from Shaver's Creek to Main Station under the command of Jacob Lawrence as Lieutenant, in which this Deponent served as orderly sergeant who were the only officers. The object was to protect Jacobus Devons from the enemy he remained this Deponent believes a week when the company was divided, one half remained under the command of this Deponent & the other half went under the command of the said Lawrence to a neighboring house or farm belonging to Samuel Consaule about a quarter of a mile distant - Where this Deponent lay there was an old fort made in the French war in a good state of preservation, constructed of hewn timber, a new picket Fort was built around

1 Conscripted by the whole company before it was divided. Here Deponent remained a month being the whole time for which was called out and went home in the early part of April can't tell the exact day - After remaining a few days at home - Can't tell the exact number - this Deponent was called during the same month of April to go to West Point - a large number went this Deponent should think the greater part of Col. Herdenberg's Regiment where we continued one month at least and was discharged in May can't tell the precise day - This Deponent knew of no officers in common except an engineer by the surname of Wiesner - Don't recollect his Christian name -
In 1778. aforesaid a guard of 40 men was ordered out by Governor George Clinton under the command of Reuben Haul ensign as a guard to protect the aforesaid Jacobus Devens from the Indians while gathering hay. Only twenty men appeared - This Deponent believes they were afraid of the In- dians - We drew rations for 40 men & Mrs Devens cooked for us & we lived like kings and Priests - After staying one month the time for which we were called out - Haul marched off with the company I would stay no longer - but this Deponent alone of the soldiers remained another day as said Devens had not quite finished his hazing - The last night this Deponent with some hired men of Devens kept sentry all night and were entertained with songs by a lady named Mrs Stagg - This service was a month & one day commencing early in August and ending early in September - can't tell the precise day in either month - The only officers were Haul ensign as aforesaid and this Deponent who was orderly sergeant -
In 1779 a company of between 30 & 40 men - cannot tell the number with more precision - was called out under the command of — with Captain - first name not recollect - Peter Rose was Lieutenant - Don't recollect any other officers - The object was to guard the inhabitants at Shandaken Ulster Co - where we served during the month of September -
Storms were frequent during the years '76, '77,

178 v'79 when we were called on to serve - sometimes 3 or 4 days and sometimes seven or eight days at a time, when we carried our own provisions - principally to guard the frontiers as they were then called on the Shawangunk mountains & over the mountains - services of this description amounted to at least four months - this Deponent believes much more, which he rendered under Matthew Johnson as Captain and Peter Becker as Lieutenant - A part was rendered in and about the Fort on the Hudson River before they were taken - It is impossible for this Deponent to specify particularly all these several times of service but is confident they amounted to as much as four months in the whole when he was out on his own expense. He believes it much exceeded this time -
This Deponent has no warrants on hand for the office of Sergeant as of said mentioned, though he originally received them - He cannot tell what has become of them - But they must be lost or destroyed -
The Regiment from which this Deponent was detached in the foregoing instances was first commanded by Colonel Jonathan Hasbrouck & afterwards by Colonel John Hasbrouck
The total amount of the aforesaid period of time is eighteen months besides nine months for which he procured substitutes as a substitute - making in the whole two years and three months for which he claims a pension - three months of which time this Deponent served as orderly sergeant.
Sworn and subscribed
this 7 th day of December
1833 before -
H. Smith Justice of the Peace
Ephraim Becker

State of New York County of Delaware ss.
I Crawford B Sheldon clerk of the said County do certify that Abraham Denny the Person before whom the within affidavit purports to have been Sworn was at the date of the same a justice of the Peace in and for the said County and that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office this 12th day of December 1830
C B Sheldon Clerk

We Ole Preston and Jonas More residing in the town of Roxbury County of Delaware, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Ephraim Decker of said town who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion -
Sworn & subscribed in open court This 8 th day of October 1832 - G B Sheldon Clerk.
Jonas More Ole Preston
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 Ephraim Decker and Jonas More who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the said town of Roxbury and are creditable persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Crawford B. Sheldon Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Delaware do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Ephraim Decker for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of office this 8 th day of October 1832 -
G B Sheldon Clerk.

Ephraim Decker Roxbury - Delaware Co. N. York - Penninet -
14402.
Hon. N. Johnson -

State of New York } ss Ulster County
Peter Decker of the Town of Den Palty County & state Aforesaid
Being Duly sworn Deposeth & saith that he is Eighty Four years of Age & further says that he this Deponent was A Lieutenant in the Militia During the War Commencing in the year of our Lord 1775 and further says that Ephraim Decker was A Soldier in the Service under said Deponent full Four Months & this Deponent further saith that he has been Acquainted with Ephraim Decker from his Childhood & that said Decker has Always borne A fair Character for truth & Veracity & would have no hesitation in believing him under oath & further says that the Above Services were performed on our western frontier & the forts Montgomery & fort Constitution on Hudson River & further says that Ephraim Decker is A present A Resident of the County of Delaware & believes him to be Seventy Four years of Age Subscribed & sworn Before me this 27th
Peter Decker
well acquainted with the handwriting of the said J. H. Coe signature "J. H. Coe" Estimate of the said annexed Affidavit to be genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this twenty eighth day of September 1832 Jacob Snyder
on my Pence

State of New York } ss Ulster County
Peter Decker of the Town of Den Palty County & state Aforesaid
Being Duly sworn Deposeth & saith that he is Eighty Four years of Age & further says that he this Deponent was A Lieutenant in the Militia During the War Commencing in the year of our Lord 1776 and further says that Ephraim Decker was A Soldier in the Service under said Deponent full Four Months & this Deponent further saith that he has been Acquainted with Ephraim Decker from his Childhood & that said Decker has Always borne A fair character for truth & Veracity & would have no hesitation in believing him under oath & further says that the Above Services were performed on our western frontier & the forts Montgomery & fort Constitution on Hudson River & further says that Ephraim Decker is A present A Resident of the County of Delaware & believes him of Age
STATE OF NEW-YORK, Ulster County Clerk's Office,
{ 85.
I Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, do hereby Certify, That John N. Coe Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Ulster, duly authorised to take affidavits, &c.; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the signature "J. N. Coe" subscribed to the
affidavit to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this twenty eight day of September 1832
Jacob Snyder
on my Pence

State of New York } ss Ulster County
Peter Decker of the Town of Den Palty County & state Aforesaid
Being Duly sworn Deposeth & saith that he is Eighty Four years of Age & further says that he this Deponent was A Lieutenant in the Militia During the War Commencing in the year of our Lord 1776 and further says that Ephraim Decker was A Soldier in the Service under said Deponent full Four Months & this Deponent further saith that he has been Acquainted with Ephraim Decker from his Childhood & that said Decker has Always borne A fair character for truth & Veracity & would have no hesitation in believing him under oath & further says that the Above Services were performed on our western frontier & the forts Montgomery & fort Constitution on Hudson River & further says that Ephraim Decker is A present A Resident of the County of Delaware & believes him to be seventy Four years of Age Subscribed & sworn Before me this 27 th of Sept 1832
Peter Decker
J H Car} jus.
I certify that the above named Peter Decker is well known to me, he is a person of good character, and his testimony entitled to full credit -
Signed this 13 th Day of June } John H. Car jus. Penn
- 1833

Ulster County Clerk's office Yp:
I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby Certify that John H. Roe Esquire was on the day of the date of the within Certificate of Credibility a Justice of the peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to said within Certificate to be genuine witness my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of June 1833.
Jacob Snyder

State of New York } ss. Ulster County }
J. Jacob Bleewater of the town of Shawangunk, County & State aforesaid being duly sworn deposes & saith that he is seventy nine years of age past that during the war of the revolution in the fall of the year 1776 he enlisted for five months in the Regiment commanded by Jerry Pautling under Capt. John Graham, that said Regiment was stationed at Kingsbridge, White Plains, Peekskill & Munderus Creek & this deponent further saith that Ephraim Decker of the town of Shawangunk County & State aforesaid likewise enlisted in the same company & served for the full term of five months.
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Ulster County Clerk's Office,
I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, do hereby certify, That George W. Lynch — Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Ulster, duly authorized to take affidavits, &c. and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verify believe the signature "Geo. W. Lynch" — subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed Affidavit to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this twenty eighth day of September 1832
Jacob Snyder

State of New York } ss. Ulster County }
I, Jacob Clearwater of the town of Shawangunk, County & State aforesaid being duly sworn depose & saith that he is sixty nine years of age past that during the war of the revolution in the fall of the year 1776 he enlisted for five months in the Regiment commanded by Jerry Pantling under Capt. John Graham, that said Regiment was stationed at Kingsbridge White Plains, Peekskill & Munderus Creek & this deponent further saith that Ephraim Decker of the town of Shawangunk County & State aforesaid likewise enlisted in the same company & served for the full term of five months. Subscribed & sworn this } Jacob Clearwater 26 th September 1832 before me }
Geo. W. Lynch
I certify that the said Jacob Clearwater is well known to me is a man of good character & his testimony entitled to full credit. June 15 th 1833
Geo. W. Lynch Justice of the Peace
September 1832 Jacob Snyder

Ulster County ss: I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of Clerk's office the Court of Common pleas of Ulster County do hereby Certify that George W. Lynch Esquire was on the 15 day of June 1833. a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Ulster and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his name subscribed to the within Certificate of Credibility to be genuine - Witness my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of June 1833. Jacob Snyder

State of New-York ss ss Ulster County - S
Ephraim Kancken of the Town of Esopus and County of Ulster Deposeth and saith that his father Abraham G Kancken
Was a lieutenant in the militia of the Revolution armies and this Deponent further saith that he often heard his father say that he had acted as a lieutenant in fort montgomery and this Deponent further saith that his father is now dead and further saith that he this Deponent has about twenty five years ago heard Ephraim Decker say that he had been a soldier in the militia under Lieutenant Abraham G Kancken at fort montgomery and that this Deponent has been acquainted with the said Ephraim Decker about thirty five years and that he the said Ephraim Decker is of a respectable character and further saith that the said Ephraim Decker is to be believed as a respectable character when under oath and this Deponent further saith that
STATE OF NEW-YORK, } ss. Ulster County Clerk's Office,
I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, an. Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, do hereby certify, That Jonathan Sluyter Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed affidavit, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Ulster, duly authorized to take affidavits, &c. and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice, and verily believe the signature "Jonathan Sluyter" subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed Affidavit to be genuine.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this twenty eight day of September 1832
Jacob Snyder

State of New York § 83 § 83 Ulster County - §
Ephraim Vanaken of the Town of Blooming and County of Ulster Deposeth and saith that his father Abraham G Vanaken
was a lieutenant in the artillery of the Revolutionary armies and this Deponent further saith that he often heard his father say that he had acted as a lieutenant in Fort Montgomery and this Deponent further saith that his father is now dead and further saith that he this Deponent has about twenty five years ago heard Ephraim Decker say that he had been a soldier in the artillery under Lieutenant Abraham G Vanaken at Fort Montgomery and that this Deponent has been acquainted with the said Ephraim Decker for about thirty five years and that he the said Ephraim Decker is of a respectable capacity and further saith that the said Ephraim Decker is to be believed as a respectable capacity when under oath and this Deponent further saith that
subscribed before me this 25 th Day of September 1832
Ephraim Vanaken
Jonathan Sluyter justice of the peace
I certify that the above named Ephraim Vanaken is well known to me, he is a person of good character and his testimony entitled to credit
Dated June 12 th 1833
Jonathan Sluyter justice of the peace

Ulster County Clerks office Eps
I Jacob Sayder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Ulster County do hereby Certify that Jonathan Duryea Agnew was on the twelfth day of June 1833 a Justice of the peace in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe his signature to the within Certificate of Credibility to be genuine Witness my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of June 1833.
Jacob Sayder

State of New York 24 Ulster County - ss. Charles Bruyn of the town of Sholam in the said County, being duly sworn, says that he is acquainted with Ephraim Decker in the County of Delaware in the said State, and believes him to be of reputable character, and further says that he was well acquainted with Jacob P. Decker, brother of the said Ephraim, who always sustained the character of a respectable man, and further says that he believes the said Ephraim is to be believed when under oath.
Subscribed and sworn this 25 th Sep r . 1832
C. Bruyn
John L. Dyer
Commissioner of
State of New-York, ULSTER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE: { ss.
I, Jacob Snyder, Clerk of the County of Ulster, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County, Do hereby Certify== That John L. Dyer Esquire, was on the day of the date of the Certificate to the annexed Affidavit, a Commissioner of Deeds in and for the said County of Ulster duly authorised to take affidavits, &c.; and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner and verily believe the signature "John L. Dyer" subscribed to the Certificate of the said annexed affidavit to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court and County, this 28 th day of September 1832
Jacob Snyder

State of New York 24 Ulster County - ss. Charles Bruyn of the town of Sholamank in the said County, being duly sworn, says that he is acquainted with Ephraim Decker in the County of Delaware in the said State, and believes him to be of reputable character, and further says that he was well acquainted with Jacob P. Decker (brother of the said Ephraim) who always sustained the character of a respectable man, and further says that he believes the said Ephraim is to be believed when under oath
Subscribed and sworn this 25 th Sep r . 1832
C. Bruyn
John L. Lyon
Commissioner of Deeds
I certify that the above named Ch. Bruyn is well known to me - he is a person of good character this testimony entitled to credit -
Dated June 13 th 1833
John L. Lyon Com r - of Deeds

Ulster County
Clerk's office
Esq: I. Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Ulster County do here- by Certify that John L. Lynn Esquire was on the 13 day of June 1833. a Commissioner of Deeds for Ulster County and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Commissioner and verily believe his signature subscrib- ed to the within Certificate to be genuine —
Witness my hand and seal of office this seventeenth day of June 1833. —
Jacob Snyder