Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12700, John Christian, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Christian, John
S 12700
barred
CONTENTS

26.345 New York
John Christian
at Canajoharie in the State of N. York who was a Sergeant &c in the Comp y commanded by Captain Lane of the Reg t commanded by Col. Ladduck in the War time for 1 mo pr $13.33
6. Sig } 30 $43.33
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of Aug. 1833 and South A. Pined Auburn
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. " " $86.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sep. " " 21.66 $108.33
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by A. Collins Clerk Book C. Vol. 1. Page 52

John Christian
12 153
Service as Serf of a scouting party not provided for & disallow- ed -
Agent
I should
Auburn
agreeably to the NY original declaration.
Adm - 2
4 mo. free
6 mo. Serf
$43.33

State of New-York,
Cayuga COUNTY, ss.
On this 20 th day of September A. D. 1832
personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga and state of New-York, now sitting, John Christian a resident of Kent
in the County of Cayuga and State of New-York, aged 78 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:—That about the month of January
A D 1777 at the town of Philipstown  in then in the County of Dutchess in the State of New-York . He entered the service of the United-States as a volunteer in the company commanded by Captain George Lane & Daniel Wilson , Lieutenant in Col Henry Luddington's Regiment of militia that he marched with said company to the town of Westchester near Kings Bridge  at and near which place he was stationed and continued for a term of one month and more that he was engaged frequently in scouting parties during said time, that at the expiration of one month he was discharged and returned home. He further declares that in the month of April A D 1777 at the town of Philipstown he again entered said service in the same company and Regiment and marched with said company to East  Croton River at and near which place he continued to serve a term of one month when he was discharged and returned home, that from this time until the first of August following he was engaged in said service with a party of rangers or scouts whose business it was to range the country in the Fish Kill mountains in pursuit of Row boys and horse thieves and some times in the country south of the mountains that he served all the time as Sergeant in said company, and during the summer of 1777 he served as Sergeant but took the command of said party, which was a part of said company. He further declares that about the first of August A D 1777 he again entered said service by enlistment in the company of State troops

commanded by Captain Elijah Townsend & Lieutenant John Berry in Col Henry Luddentons Regiment for a term of three months that he marched with joined said company and Regiment near Tarrytown from thence he marched to near the White Plains, from thence towards Tarrytown and continued to serve as guard and in scouting parties near that place during the whole of said term of two months, from thence to Fredricksburgh - from thence to Fish Kill, from thence through the Fish Kill mountains to the Red Mills in Fredricksburgh, from thence to Cronpond where he was discharged at the expiration of three months from the time of the said enlistment, and returned home. He further declares that in the month of December following he was again called into said service in Captain George Lams company in Col Henry Luddentons Regiment and marched with said company to Croton River at and near which place he was stationed and continued and continued to serve as Sergeant for a term of one month when he was discharged. He further declares that in the month of April A D 1778 at the town aforesaid he again entered said service in the same company and Regiment that he marched with said company to Cronpond, thence to Croton River near Pukkill where he continued to serve as guard & range the country for a term of one month when he was discharged. He further declares that from the month of August May 1778 until the month of August following he was engaged in said service with a part of said company, ranging the

County in Philips town below the Fish Kill mountain in pursuit of Cow-boys, & horse-thieves, and was engaged in actual service one half of the time or more. He further declares that in the month of Sept- ember following he was again called into said service in said last mentioned company and Regiment, that he marched with said company to Pekskeel and Croton at and near which places he continued to serve a term of one month and a few days when he was dischan- ged. He further declares that from the year 1778 until the close of the war he was almost constantly in said service and took the command of a party of men, a detachment from said company, that his employment was ranging the country in the Counties of Dutchess and Westchester, through the Fish Kill mountains. that he would occasionally return with said detachment home and would again go out in ranging the country - that during said term he was in actual service as such guard and ranger one half of the time or more - that the country was kept in a constant state of alarm by the depredations of the Cow-boys, Tories & horse thieves - that he held the office of second Sergeant in said company of militia com- manded by Capt. George Lane, and served the whole time as such Sergeant except the three months aforementioned in the company of Captain Elijah Townsend - that he never received a regular written discharge from said service that...

- he further says that he well remembers that in the year 1781, from about the 20 th of June he was out in said service so much of the time that out of eighty four nights in succession, he spent but two at home - that whilst in said service he saw Gen Washington, Gen Putnam, Gen Parsons, Gen McLaughlin & others - that he was born at the town of New Rochelle in the County of Westchester and State of New York on the first of Nov 1753 as appears by the family record - that he is now nearly blind so much so that he cannot recognize the countenance of any one - that he has no property or means of obtaining a living otherwise than from the charity of his friends -
He hereby relinquishes all claim to a pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any state or territory
John his Christian mark
We, James Weston a clergyman residing in Mertz in Cayuga County and Robert Sweet residing in Mertz aforesaid hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Christian who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration; that we believe him to be 78 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
James Weston Robert Sweet
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 James Weston who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in Mertz and Robert Sweet who has also signed the same, is a resident in Mertz and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

We, James Weston a clergyman residing in Mentz in Cayuga County and Robert Sweet residing in Mentz aforesaid hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with John Christian who has subscribed and sworn to the preceding declaration; that we believe him to be 78 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
James Weston Robert Sweet
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 James Weston who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in Mentz and Robert Sweet who has also signed the same, is a resident in Mentz and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Michael S. Myers Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga and State of New-York, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Christian for a pension.
In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name the 20 th day of September A D 1832
M. S. Myers

State of New York
Cayuga County ss Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in & for said County John Christian who being duly sworn deposes and says that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to his best recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades - for three years and three months I served as sergeant and for three months I served as a private soldier and for such service I claim a pension. In the above statement I have included three months service as a private soldier in the company of state troops commanded by Capt Elijah Townsend in the fall of 1777. and eight months service as sergeant in Capt George Lane's company of militia previous to the month of January 1779 which is particularly set forth in my declaration - my whole service except the three months service above stated was performed as sergeant. In the month of April 1779 owing to the constant state of alarm in which the county where I then resided, occasioned  was kept by the incursions and depredations of the enemy, the Tory cowboys & horse thieves I gave up all business or civil employment and took the command of a party of twelve or fifteen men, a detachment from said militia company of Capt George Lane in Col Henry Luddington's Regiment. For the purpose of scouting throughout the counties of Westchester and Dutchess, to protect the lives and property of the inhabitants from the depredations of the enemy. that I continued in said service until the commencement of winter a term of eight months as I believe. In the Spring of 1780 I again from the same motives and in the same manner entered said service and continued to serve a term of eight months. In the Spring of 1781

I again entered said service in the same manner and continued to serve as the previous year a term of eight months. In the spring of 1832 I again entered said service in the same manner and continued to serve as in the previous year until the month of November following a term of seven months. I was during the warm mild & open seasons in each winter called out as a furlough but my own recollection of said services are too indistinct to attempt to set them forth particularly. During said terms of service we used to return home at stated intervals to obtain a fresh supply of provisions and clothing but not with a view of engaging in any civil employment. Neither did we engage in any civil employment during said terms. Said party owing to its energy and perseverance was called by the enemy the "Torys or Janes Blood hounds". I was during the whole time a Sergeant in said company of militia.
Sworn & subscribed the 29 th day of John  his Christian May 1833 before me John Grover  mark Justice of the Peace
I certify my opinion that said John Christian is a man of truth & veracity and that his statement above is entitled to full credit.
State of New York Cayuga County ss
John Grover Justice -
I Michael S Myers Clerk of said County do certify that John Grover before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was on the day of the date of the same a justice of the peace in & for said County that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said justice and believe his signature to said affidavit & the above certificate to be genuine.
Witness my hand & Seal of Office the 29 th day of May 1833 W. S. Myers

No 12153
John Christian
  Debit Credit Debit Credit     
5 11 06 May 2 nd 1833
OP 369
A. Goulder Auburn N.Y.

BRIEF in the case of  John Christian  County of Cayuga  in the State of N.Y.  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 78  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     In 1777 Jan'y — 1 — Volun r Gen. Col. Lichtenstein, Capt. Lane   " Apr l — 1 — drafted Same Officers   from this time to Aug t — 3 — Sergt. do Commanded a party of Rangers   1777 Aug t 1 st — 3 — Private Same Col. Capt. Townsend   " Dec r — 1 — Sergt. do Same Col. Capt. Lane   1778 Apr l — 1 — do. do Same   from May " to Aug t — — — do. do Same   " Sept r — — — do. do Same   from 1778 to the close of the war in actual service as — 1 — Sergt. Same Col. Capt  
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Philipstown  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Disposition Tradition  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? 
Regular
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Bell Examining Clerk.

July 3, 1933.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/ADY John Christian S.13700
Miss Helen M. Baldwin, 211 Westminster Avenue, Syracuse, New York.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to one John Christian, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.13700, based upon his military service in that war.
John Christian was born November 1, 1753 in New Rochelle, Westchester County, New York.
About January 1777 he enlisted in Philipstown, Dutchess County, New York, and served one month in Captain George Lane's Company, Colonel Henry Ludenton's New York Regiment. He enlisted in April 1777 and served one month in the same company and regiment. After this service and until the first of the following August he served as sergeant and was engaged in service with a party of rangers, names of officers not stated. From about the first of August 1777 he served three months as private in Captain Elijah Townsend's Company, Colonel Henry Ludenton's New York Regiment. He enlisted in December 1777 and served one month as sergeant in Captain George Lane's Company, Colonel Henry Ludenton's New York Regiment. He enlisted in April 1778 and served one month in the same company and regiment. He enlisted and served eight months and until January 1779 as sergeant in Captain George Lane's New York Company. He enlisted in April 1779 and served eight months in Captain George Lane's Company, Colonel Henry Ludenton's New York Regiment. From the spring of 1780 he served eight months in Colonel Ludenton's New York Regiment. From the spring of 1781 he served eight months in Captain George Lane's New York Company. He served seven months and until November 1782 in the same company. During the mild and open seasons in winter, years and

length of service not stated, he was called out and served as sergeant; the party to which he belonged was called by the enemy "Lane's blood hounds", owing to its energy and perseverance.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 20, 1832 while a resident of Mentz, Cayuga County, New York.
He died January 9, 1835, place not stated. On 9/13.
There are no family data.
Very truly yours,
A. D. MILLER Assistant to Administrator.

State of New York } Preceded by Hadger of the Town of County of Cayuga } Mentz in said County being duly sworn deposes and saith that he is well acquainted with John Christian and has been for fifty years or more and was acquainted with him before the revolution any man and in the year one thousand seven hundred and seven- ty seven the said John was either drafted or enlisted in Capt. Elijah Townsends Company of Col. Laddens Regt. Red Men and went to the Whieplains and was in the service three months at that time and that the said John was in company with the defunct at Sandusky when he was on the lines during the war in said Regiment and that in the year 1780 the said John marched thence to the Fishkill mountains down to the High lands at Capt. Haight's and thence with said Regiment returned back to his mills in Tindrick's burg marched from thence to Westchester County to High Bridge place at Swamppond and this deponent further saith that the said John was a true friend to his Country and believes him to be a man of truth and veracity and aged about seventy nine years and further saith not  Subscribed and sworn } Robert his Hadger September the eighth 1832 } mark  before me
Christopher Jefferies } Justice of the Peace of the Town of Mentz in said County
I certify my opinion that said Robert Hadger is a man of truth & veracity
Christopher Jefferies Justice

State of New York Cayuga County
ss I Michael S Myers Clerk of said County do certify that Christopher Leffries before whom the within affidavit was made was on the day of the date thereof a justice of the peace in and for said County—
that I am well acquainted with the hand- writing of the said justice and believe his signature to the said affidavit to be genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said County and subscribed my name the 21 st day of September A.D 1832
M. S. Myers

No 12153
John Christian
5. 14
A. Gould Auburn
N.Y.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of John Christian which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No — Service is not so specifically stated ss. as that a pension cannot be issued
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No — not certified credible Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? doubtful
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
¶ In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Syracuse, N. Y. June 20th, 1933.
Veterans Administration, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Have you Revolutionary service record of JOHN CHRISTIAN? I am reasonably certain that he was in the war but can find no record of service in any publications to which I have access. His brother, James, was killed in the war. Names of other brothers and sisters unknown. His father, Buhand Christian (born 3/24/1725) came from the Isle of Man and settled near Peekskill, N. Y.
JOHN CHRISTIAN was born on the Hudson River near Peekskill, Nov. 1, 1753. Died January 9, 1835, place not known. He married Jane Brower (b. 1755; d. 1813).
His children married and settled in central New York, in Herkimer, Oneida and Cayuga Counties.
I am trying to fill in some vacancies in a genealogy which has been handed down in our family, and any information you can give me will be very greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
211 Westminster Ave., Syracuse, N. Y.
Helen M. Baldwin

1933 July 3. Visit to Helen M. Baldwin, OH. 9
Rehman
12700 INVALID.
File No. 12.700
John Christian Sergt. Rev. War.
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]