Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 8682, William Clark, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Clark, William Reeve, Phebe
P 8682
(Former widow)
CONTENTS

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the third section of the act of 4 th of July 1836, & of the first section of the act of 3 rd March 1837.
State of New York } County of Suffolk } ss.
On this fifteenth day of March 1839 personally appeared before me John M c Williamson a Judge of the County Courts in and for said County, Phoebe Reeve a resident of the town of Brookhaven in the said county of Suffolk and State of New York aged Eighty four years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836, and the act explanatory of said act passed March 3. 1837. That she was married to William Clark who was a Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution, declarant thinks in the Continental Army and served as such for a period of at least three years. That her husband the said William Clark at the time of his entering said service was a resident of the town of Brookhaven in said county. That in the early part of said War, declarant thinks in the month of May in the year 1776 he entered said service and continued therein until the day of his death. That he was engaged in the battle of White Plains, but in what other battles or skirmishes he was engaged in she cannot specify. That this declarant has forgotten under what officers he served, but believes that he served first under one Capt Brown and afterwards under Capt Ebenezer Dayton who resided in New Haven, Conn. and at whose house he died when returning home from service and imprisonment. That in the spring of the year 1779, what month she cannot remember, while he was engaged in service

as aforesaid, he was taken prisoner by the British and confined in one of the prison ships then lying in the port of New York or Brooklyn N.Y. That he remained thus confined until the summer of the year 1779 when he was exchanged, and on his way home to his family was taken sick and died at the house of his Captain Ebenezer Dayton at New Haven aforesaid, and that his sickness and death was attributed to the fatigue and exposure endured and suffered while thus in imprisonment. That she does not remember ever having seen his commission and presumes that it was lost while in service or imprisonment. She further declares that she was married to the said William Clark, by, and at the dwelling house of the Rev d Noah Hammond in the month of March in the year 1774, but does not recollect the day of the month. That she had two children while the wife of said William Clark, whose names are Hannah and William.
That about 15 years after the death of said William Clark as aforesaid, she was again married to Stephen Reeve who died in the month of November of the year 1825 about 13 years ago, and that she was a widow on the 4 th July 1836 and still remaining a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. And declarant further states that she was married to said William Clark as aforesaid in the village of Coram and town of Brookhaven in said county, that she was also afterwards married to said Stephen Reeve in said town, and that she now resides in said town of Brookhaven and has resided there for the period of 84 years and upwards.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year first above written before me, John M Williamson Judge
Phoebe Reeve her mark

State of New York } Suffolk County }
ss: Samuel Hammond of Brookhaven in said county being duly sworn deposes and says, that he the  deponent , is sixty five years of age, is the son of Elisha Hammond and a Grandson of the Rev Noah Hammond formerly Pastor of the Baptist Church in Coram in said town of Brookhaven, that deponents father died about thirty years ago, that after his death, deponent as administrator of his fathers estate took possession of all his papers, that among his papers he found a narrative or private journal of his said grandfather Noah Hammond, containing an account of his birth, life, religious experiences, call to the ministry of the Gospel, record of marriages solemnized by him and of his transactions as Pastor of said Church generally and that on looking over said journal deponent has found the following record, "March the 27 th D 1774 William Clark and Phebe Davis were married" - that on comparing the handwriting in said journal, and particularly that in which the record of the marriage of William Clark and Phebe Davis appears, with other writings of his said Grandfather, now in his possession, he has not the least doubt but that the said record is his Grandfathers handwriting and that he solemnized the marriage of William Clark and Phebe Davis as therein stated. Deponent further says that he is now and has been for a number of years a Member of the Baptist Church in Coram, that he has never seen any record of the said Church of so ancient a date as when his Grandfather was its Pastor, that such record has within a few years past been much wanted and has been searched for but could not be found - that it is a saying among the members of the Church, that one John Smith, who was also a member of the Church then, and who removed from the parish into some part of the State of Pennsylvania upwards of twenty years ago, had the book containing the record of the Church from its first establishment until some time subsequent to the decease and consequent termination of

the ministry of his grandfather in said Church, and that the said John Smith, most probably, carried it away with him, as it has not been seen since.
Samuel Hammond
On this thirteenth day of May 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the county courts in and for said County of Suffolk, Samuel Hammond and made oath in due form of law that the facts set forth in the above deposition by him subscribed are true, and I certify that said Samuel Hammond is a credible witness - I further certify that the erasure in the second and third lines from top of said deposition was made before such deposition was subscribed & sworn to -
John M. Williamson Judge
State of New York } Suffolk County } ss I George S. Phillips Clerk of said County Do certify that John M. Williamson, whose name is sub- scribed to the above certificate, was on the day of the date of said certificate, a Judge of the County Courts in & for said County - and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Judge, & verily believe that his sig- nature to the above certificate is genuine - Given under my hand and seal of office, this twentieth day of May A. 1839 - G. S. Phillips Clerk

State of New York } County of Suffolk } ss.
The deposition of Charles Anthony Tooker of the town of Brookhaven in said County aged 70 years, who being duly examined deposeth and saith, that he is well acquainted with Phebe Reeve, referred to and described in the accompanying papers as an applicant for a pension. That he was acquainted with said Phebe Reeve when she was the wife of William Clark, also referred to in these papers. That in the year 1777 or 1778 he this Deponent was in the employ of the father of of said William Clark in the said town of Brookhaven. That while in said employ, he frequently saw said Phebe, then wife of said William Clark, and knows that her husband the said William Clark was then absent from home, on military duty in the service of the United States, and that it was then a current report & general understanding that he was employed as a Lieutenant in said service, but deponent cannot state among what troops he served, but believes in the Continental Army. That at this time while he was thus employed he wit in the year 1777 or 1778 said William & Phebe had two children whose names were Hannah & William & who are now living in the said

know of David Overton.
Charles Anthony Tucker.
On this 12 th day of March 1839 personally ap- peared before me the undersigned Charles An- thony Tucker, and made oath in due form of law that the facts set forth in the within deposition by him subscribed are true. & I certify that he is a credible witness.
Note "of the father" and "saw" interlined before execution. David Overton justice
State of New York, ss.
Suffolk County } I George S. Phillips Clerk of said County, Do certify that David Overton whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly authorized to act as such - and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said certificate is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hun- -dred and thirty nine -
Geo. Phillips Clerk

December 10, 1931
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. Alice S. Throop 209 Walnut Street Montclair, New Jersey
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of November 20, 1931, relative to William Clark, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 8682, based upon his military service in that war.
William Clark married March 27, 1774, in Coram, Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, Phebe Davis; they were both of said Brookhaven.
About fifteen years after the death of the soldier, his widow, Phebe, married at Brookhaven, New York, Stephen Reeve, who died November, 1825.
On March 15, 1839, Phebe Reeve, while a resident of Brookhaven, New York, aged eighty-four years, applied for the pension that might have been due on account of the services of her former husband, William Clark. It was stated that, while living in Coram Village, Brookhaven Township, New York, William Clark was elected March 27, 1776, lieutenant of a company of Long Island minutemen, and that he served from the spring of 1776, between six and nine months, as lieutenant in Captain Selah Strong's company, Colonel Josiah Smith's New York regiment, and was in the battle of White Plains; also that while in service in 1779, he was taken prisoner and held on the prison ship "Jersey" until exchanged in the summer of 1779, and died shortly after, in that year, at the house of Ebenezer Dayton in New Haven, Connecticut, while on his way home, exact date of death not shown. It is further stated that he served three years; no other details given.
Her claim was not allowed as she failed to furnish proof of six months service as required by the pension laws.

William Clark and his wife, Phebe, had two children - Hannah and William Clark, who were living in Brookhaven, New York, in 1839.
In 1848, William Clark, Hannah Woodruff and Matilda Overton stated that they were the surviving children of Phebe Reeve, former widow of William Clark.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

210 6 8 54 11 6 8 6 13 4 18/10 18/10 18/10 18/10
(22)
Benjamin Wells
Capt Christopher Leffingwell
Vowels
27
60/2
CLARK, WILLIAM (N.Y.) R-8682
1798 4/187 1872 9/1 1845 186 3/2 21 2/8
Sept 15 1876 Governor's Mansion 103/15

Lebanon 15 th Sept r 1776
Sir
I am just informed by Express from Col o Livingston that Numbers of the unhappy Inhabitants on Long Island are still crowding the Wharves & Shores, endeavouring their escape - De- sirous to give them all the Assistance in my Power - You are hereby directed immediately to proceed with your Company under your Command to London where you will hold Communication with Col o Wolcott & Col o Livingston & cooperate with them in every Instance in your Power to those unhappy Sufferers - Col o Wolcott has Orders for the same Purpose from his Excellency and further directions as to particular destination &c.
I am, with Esteem and Regard
Sir Your Obed t humble Servant Jno: Trumbull
Cap t Christ r Leffingwell

In Committee of Safety for Brookhaven the Manor of Saint Georges and Patensthip of Merches at a Meeting held at Comm on Monday the 20th of May 1776 It was
Resolved That Captain Selah Strong select by Inlistment out of his Company fifteen Men as a watch at Blew Point with three hired Boats to reconnoiter the South Bay and watch the Proceedings of all unfriendly persons therein or on the Land adjoining within our jurisdiction and assure such Watch of such pay and provisions as Continental Troops are allowed until further Order And Ordered That Mr Humphry Avery pro- cure for said Watch a House and said Boats and Other necessaries at his discre- tion and that the Committee will provide ways and means to pay for the same And that the Officer of said Watch for the time being have Authority to call in

in to his Aid such of the Militia as he in his Discretion may judge Necessary as the exigence of Affairs may require
And that a Copy hereof be signed by the Chairman and Delivered to Captain Selah Strong to put into Execution immediately
Signed by order of Said Committee
Thomas Helme Chairman D.S.
To Lieutenant William Clarke I hereby require you as Commanding Officer of the above Watch until further Orders to put the above resolve into Execution hereof you may not fail given under my hand the 20th Day of May A.D 1776—
Selah Strong Capt
CLARK, WILLIAM (N.Y.) R-8682

To the Hon: John C. Spencer Secretary of War of the United States.
In the matter of the application of Phebe Reeve , widow of William Clark late Lieutenant in the war of the Revolution —
On appeal
The former husband of the applicant William Clark , was a Lieutenant in Colonel Josiah Smith's Regiment of Long-Island Mi- litia or Minute men. He was called into service from Coram, Suffolk County, Long Island (his place of residence) in the spring of the year 1776, and remained in service until after the battle of Long- Island, in the month of October following, or for a period of upwards of six months . He was afterwards taken, in the year 1779, taken prisoner and confined in a British Prison Ship in New York harbour, from whence (having suffered the utmost privation and hardship for a number of months) he was finally exchanged, but died a few weeks subsequent to his release, from the effects of his confinement.
The proof in this case is from Jonathan Howell since deceased, who was present, and a witness to this said six months service in 1776, and a number of others, who although not present them- selves, were well acquainted with the circumstances,

and corroborate his statements (said Jonathan Howell was about making application for a pension himself, but died before he could perfect his papers.)
The Commissioner of Pensions objects to allowing this Claim , in consequence of the improbability that six months service was performed by the Militia or minute men; but I believe he has no evidence that such a service was not performed. The direct & positive testimony of Jonathan Howell and other witnesses of undoubted veracity, is set aside owing to the alleged improbability that such a service was performed.
I beg leave very briefly to call your attention to some facts which (independant of positive testimony) favor the Claim , and which render it probable that such a service was performed.
Early in the Spring of 1776, circumstances rendered it necessary that Col: Smith's Regiment or a portion thereof, should be called to the Western part of Long Island, a march of more than an hundred miles. An attack upon New York City, was at that time anticipated, and a British fleet was daily expected from Boston. This apprehension, was not allayed until the event occurred. The Militia were required to garrison the forts in and about New York in anticipation of the threatened attack. During that season of alarms it is not to be supposed, that Colonel Smith's Regiment was dismissed, to return an hundred

miles (a week's march) when its services were so imminently required. The testimony of said Jonathan Howell, is that said Regiment or a part thereof and said Clark among the number, was retained in service until after the final engagement with the enemy in October 1776, and it seems just to suppose that such was the case.
There appears to be an impression upon the mind of the Commissioner, that the Militia were rarely, if ever, on duty for so long a period as six months. This may be correct in the main, but will hardly apply to the Long Island Troops, during the year 1776. From the beginning of said year until the reduction of Long Island in the fall thereof, there was not a moment of rest. Those who were not actually away from home doing military duty, slept upon their arms in momentary expecta- tion of being ordered to service. The said Regiment of Colonel Smith was originally Militia or minute men, but they were afterwards distinguished as lev- ies &c. Does not this increase the probability, that a service such as was usually performed by the levies, was required of them, and entitled them to that appellation. The Levy service was, I believe, never less than Six months .
Lieutenant Clark performed other service also - was imprisoned and died in conse- quence; but his widow although she knows & can swear to these facts, has no proof to sub-

=stantia then. She is aged and infirm, and only prays that she may receive the small amount which is her due, upon the service which she has clearly proved; to wit, the six months service in 1776. In support of this service the testimony is direct and positive, and the known circumstances of the case unite to strengthen & confirm it.
Sep 30: 1842
G. H. ATLES.
P.S. I omitted to state what I conceive to be a fair presumption, that Col. Smith's Regiment was denominated Levies in consequence of the length of their service? Why should they otherwise be so entitled? Upon the minutes of the Provincial Congress of August 8: 1776, Vol. 6. page 276, is recorded this Resolve.
Resolved, that Colonel Josiah Smith march all his new Levies &c. A certified copy of this Resolve is on file with the papers in the office of the Commissioner of Pensions.
G. H. ATLES.

Phebe Reeve
widow of
William Clerk
act 4 July 1836 &
Supplemental act,
Hon. J. Q. Adams-
Levi H. Lane
Agents
Brooklyn N.Y.

State of New York County of Suffolk & s.
Joshua Swezey — of the town of Brookhaven in said County of Suf- folk & State of New York aged 74 years (who being duly sworn deposed & says that during the war of the Revolution this Deponent was acquainted with William Clark whose widow Phebe Reeve is now an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed 4: July 1836. That during said war said Clark was 1 st Lieut. in a company of Militia or minute men, commanded by Captain Selah Strong in Col Smith's Regiment, That said Regiment was raised in & a- bout the town of Brookhaven in said County of Suffolk. That on or about the 1 st of April 1776 said Regiment proceeded on a military expedition to the western part of Long Island & to New York. This Deponent not being present during this expedition cannot relate the particulars thereof but well knows that said Regiment & said Clark with said Regiment & Company as aforesaid, were ab- sent until after the battle of White Plains or

for a period of at least seven months. This Deponent was at that time a Resident of the town of Brookhaven - in said County & was familiar with the facts herein related.
Joshua Sweeney
On this 14 - - day of November 1839 personally appeared before me the above named Deponent & made oath that the facts set forth in the above deposition by him subscribed are true & I certify that he is a credible witness
David Overton Justice
Suffolk County } ss
Clerk's Office - } I George S. Phillips Clerk of said County, Do hereby certify that David Overton Esq. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certificate was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County - duly authorized to act as such, & further that I am well acquainted with his handwriting - & verily believe that his signature above written is genuine - In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this twenty ninth day of November 1839 -
Geo. Phillips Clerk,

State of New York County of Suffolk } ss
I Ezra King Clergyman of the Town of Brookhaven said County & Ezra Tuttle residing in the same place do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jonathan Howell & Joshua Tuzey — who have respectively made oaths to the Revolutionary Service of William Clark deceased. & that we know them to be persons of respectability & integ- rity & that their said affidavits are enti- tled to full faith & credit.
Subscribed & Sworn } Ezra King this 18 th day of } Ezra Tuttle November — 1839 before me David Overton justice
Suffolk County } ss Clerk's Office } I George S. Phillips Clerk of said County do hereby certify that David Overton Esquire whose name is subscribed to the foregoing affidavit or certificate was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County — duly authorized to act as such — & further that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe that his signature above written is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this twenty ninth day of November 1839 —
Geo. Phillips Clerk

Fire place The 18 Feb 1839
Dear Sirs
I think it will be entirely out of our power to produce any living witness respecting the Service of Mrs. Mary H. Howell or Mr. Jonathan Howell for He is now in his 82 year and was but 18 when Service and those with His being more advanced in years leaves him Standing Alone Below I give you a Copy of of his Certificate — This Will Certify that J. Jonathan Howell was Drafted from the Militia to Serve Six Months as a Soldier under Captain Strong Colonel Smith I was first ordered to Blue point in this Island Stayed 12 days then ordered to Bracklyn and Stayed 9 Days then to the City of New York from thence to White Plains Stayed 6 Months and Disbanded All the proof Can be had Respectin Mr. Clark is Mr. Howell States that he was Lieutenant of the Company in which he belong.
Yours Truly
Silas Harnum
Lewis Spence
PS I forgot to mention Mr. Howell was Drafted in the Spring of 1778 in April
SBM

Lewis Pierce:
1. Oct. 1839
OL

War Department Pension Office
Oct. 1, Sept. 1889
Lefferts
Gentlemen
The papers of Mrs. Phoebe Keene who was the widow of William Clarke have been examined & filed - It is alleged that the claimant's husband William Clarke served the seven months in the a company of minutemen from under the command of Capt. Silas Strong in 1776 and that he afterwards served in a company commanded by Capt. Dayton of Connecticut that he continued to serve under Capt. Dayton until taken prisoner. Of the service in 1776 it may be said that there was from the information on the subject derived from various sources there is reason to believe that there were not none of the minutemen of Long Island were in actual service seven months uninterruptedly in 1776 during that year; this part of the claim must be supported by further proof; In view of for the investigation as to the service under Captain Dayton & Dayton the names of the regimental officers are required.
Mrs. Lewis S. Pierce Brooklyn N.Y.

June 4 Brooklyn N.Y. May 30 1839.
Sir
Enclosed is the application of Phebe Revere for a pension under the Act of Congress passed July 11. 1836 & March 7. 1837. We find it very difficult to ascertain the particulars of the Rev. Services of William Clark on account of which she applies for a pension. There is an abundance of evidence (some of which we transmit to you) that said Clark was on duty for a long period previous to the fall of 1779 the time of his death, but no particulars are known to except by the witness Jonathan Howell, who testifies to twelve months service . You will observe some discrepancy in the papers, but we believe there are no contradictions. As said Clark was absent from home the greater part of his time the witnesses supposed that it was continental service in which he was engaged, but Mr Howell expressly states that he served with the militia of minute men. After all the affidavits were prepared we made application to the Sec of State for proof that Clark served as Lieutenant. We have obtained such as we deem satisfactory. By comparing the Sec. certificate, with the afft of Mts, we trust that it will satisfactorily appear to you, that Clark and Clerk mentioned therein is the same person. We have been evidently informed that said

Clark was in the habit of spelling and pronouncing his name Clerk , but we have not deemed it essential to procure an affidavit to that effect as the proof seems clear without. It appears from the affidavit of William, R. Pierce that Ebenezer Dayton was a Quar-ter Master in the same regiment, and not the Captain of said William Clark.
We have no more evidence to offer at present & would therefore respectfully submit the case for your consideration.
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt Servt.
Lewis V Pierce
10 Front St
Brooklyn N.Y.
J. J. Edmunds Esq Commissioner of Pensions

Hon. John Heath,
Comm r . of Pensions,
Sir,
I have the honor to address you respecting the claim of Mrs. Phoebe Reene, widow of W m Clark, for pension under the act of 4 th of July 1836. The claim was presented several years ago, but disallowed for insufficiency of evidence as to the duration of service.
Documentary evidence of the commission of W m Clark as Lieut. of minute men &c is on file in the pension office and his service subsequently in the levies of 1775 & 76 for a period of at least six months was established by the oath of a private who served in the same company. There is also much documentary evidence showing the probability that the service continued a sufficient time to entitle the applicant to a pension. I respectfully ask that the evidence on file in the case be re-examined, being persuaded that under a more just & impartial administration of the department it will be deemed sufficient.

Several months ago I empowered Mr. G. H. Gates to bring this case before the department, not having heard from him I beg that the communications of the department be addressed to me
I have the honor to be Sir with great respect Your obedt. servt.
N. York June 17 th 1881
Charles D. Lewis

Washington, City, August 21/57.
Sir,
I herewith enclose a letter from Charles D. Lewis, in relation to the claim of Phebe Reese, widow Lieut. William Clark, of the war of the revolution. The papers are on file,
Respectfully yr obdt. S. Godwin
Hon J. L. Edwards, Comm. of Pensions,

Giles H. Water Esq
Sir
As Attorney for Mrs Phebe Reeve widow of W m Clark I hereby authorize you to prosecute the claim before the Commission of Pensions for services of said William Clark as Lieutenant in the War of the Revolution.
I am Sir
Respectfully Yours C. D. Larned
March 10 th 1852

18 Oct 1850

Pension Office
October 18 th 1880
Sir:
Mr. Lewis's letter, transmitted by you, asking a reexamination of the case of Phoebe Reboe, has been received, and the request complied with.
In October, 1842, Secretary Spencer confirmed my decision adverse to this claim, and since that time no additional evidence has been introduced. The case must therefore stand rejected.
S. Godwin Esq. Pension.

Wm. J. L. Adams,
Feb 26 1840
OC
under seal of the J. H.

War Dept Pension Office, Feb 26. 1840
Sir,
The letters from this office in the cases of Sarah Lemington and Phebe Reeve, which you left here yesterday, are herewith returned. I am unable to discover that any additional proof has been received here in these cases, since the letters were written; but should any papers have been since sent, a further search will be made on ascertaining at what time they were transmitted, by whom, and from what Post-office.
Hon. J. Q. Adams, H R

C O P Y
Pension Office
October 9, 1951
Chas. D. Lewis, Esq., New York
Sir:
In reply to your letter of the 17" of June last, asking reexamination of the case of Phoebe Reeve, widow of William Clark, under the Act of 4" of July, 1836, you are informed that on October, 1842, Mr. Secretary Spencer on an appeal confirmed the decision of the then Commissioner of Pensions, refusing to allow this claim. Since then no additional evidence has been adduced and it therefore stands rejected.
(Signed) John Wilson
(Kirby)

Newark July 13 th 1832
Dear Sir
Some time ago I presented the case of Mrs. Phebe Reeve widow of W m Clark, a Lieutenant in the Revolution. The evidence presented I thought sufficient to establish the case - Documentary evidence of his service as a Lieutenant was furnished as well as proof that the time of service was over six months - You will find upon the piles at Washington every thing needful to establish the case under the act of Congress of 1831. I beg your attention to this matter and trust through your aid to have the claim established.
I am dear Sir
Yours sincerely
Charles D. Lewis

New York
Nov 6. 46
Dear Sir,
[Faint, mirrored cursive text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Sir
77
Yours off Nov. 6th, 46
The original resolve of the Committee of Safety for Brook Haven Suffolk Co N.Y. under which the husband of Phebe Reeve was first called into service as a Lieut. of Capt. Strong's Comp y of Col. Smith's Regt. of Minute Men, affords conclusive proof of what has been heretofore maintained that her husband's service could not have been six mo. in 46. The Suffolk men under Col. Smith were discharged after the enemy took possession of the City according to the terms of their organization (which was to serve only on Long Island) or if any remained with the army were discharged early in Nov. at White Plains - In either case his service was less than 6 months -
And I am Sir Ovid N.Y.

To Hon. J. L. Edwards Com d of Pensions Sir we the Surviving children of Phebe Reeve, late widow of Mr Clark have appointed Arad Joy of Ovid New York to act for us in procuring a pension due our late mother at the date of her decease William Clark Hannah Woodruff Matilda Overton Suffolk Co. N.Y. Sept 22 d 1846
Sir, I send with this an order dated 1776 which is the only writing of consequence to be found Yours Respectfully Mrs Clark

Ovid Oct 9th 1846
Sir
I enclose an old order, Resolve to directing (as I suppose) Mr Clark, the late husband of Phebe Reeve, who applied for a pension from New York under law of 1836 - you will notice that Mr Clark is called Lieut - I enclose my appointment as agent - please report to me fully on the case, that I may know the exact state of the case, after you have allowed what you judge just for the old paper enclosed - what further proof do you demand, what service was claimed -
Respectfully Your Ob st Serv t Abad Loyo
Hon J L Edwards Comt of Pensions Washington D C

House of Representatives
Dec. 11. 1848.
Sir:
A claim on behalf on behalf of Mrs. Phebe Reene, Widow of W m Clark, for pension under the act of July 4. 1830, was, I am informed, presented some time since to your department, and disallowed for the reason, that the evidence adduced was not regarded as sufficient, was not suf- ficient to warrant the allowance for six months service under that act.
I understand that Homan a private in the very Company, in which Clark served and other witnesses of the family of Clark, swear positively to a service of at least six months at the commencement of the Revolution and the proceedings of the General Assembly of New York, extracts of which have been furnished to your department, seem to favor the belief that Col. Smith's Regiment was in service at least, for the time specified. The other services of Clark, I am prepared to admit, cannot be legally & particularly proved, though there is no question, they were rendered.
In this case it has been proved , that W m Clark was appointed early in '76 a lieutenant in the Regiment of Mil. of Long Island, commanded by Col. Israel Smith - that shortly afterwards, the Regiment Mar-
Chas

led from Suffolk to join the Troops Near New York - That the Regiment was after the battle of Long Island marched to White Plains and subsequent to the battle which occurred there, was discharged. all this is positively proved by a private in Clark's Company, since dead and he swore directly & emphatically , the duration of service was Seven months! This testimony is corroborated by the evidence of several of the Family of Clark, who swear as to the length and character of his absence. The Mairage is fully substantiated. Wm Clark was afterwards a prisoner of War and died after his discharge from the Army in 1779 at the Residence of the Quarter Master of his Regiment, Ebenezer Dayton, at New Haven.
In regard to the testimony of Homan, it is im- portant to State, that he is the only surviving Mem- ber of Clark's Company Now living and in consequence is deprived of the Pension so Meritoriously his due because the Records are destroyed and there is no living Witness to justify his rights.
This Case in My judgment, is not only Meritorious in a high degree, but legal and just in every respect. If the Department happens to be deficient, in the Means of substantiating the rights of individuals by the imperfection of its Records, it hardly seems to me to be a sufficient reason, therefore, that posi- tive and solemn proof, is to be rejected, upon a mere plea of probability. The law admits, when

The Records are mutilated or lost, that the heirs may be supplied with oral evidence.
In this Case, the Most Clear and Conclusive personal testimony has been produced - it proves beyond all controversy the service of Clark for the period of 7 months, which entitles his Widow to the Minimum allowance of Pension and it establishes all that the law requires.
To invalidate this direct testimony, something more than probability or conjecture should be presented from the Department and evidence at least as weighty and veritable, should be the only counterpoise. From my review of the merits of this matter, it is clear that Clark's Widow is entitled to what is asked for her or that the witnesses are most protractedly prejudiced and I leave it now with the Department to adopt which view, is best sustained and hope to be favored with the result of its reflection.
I ask a review of this case, because the Pension is fairly & legitimately due to the Widow and I trust it will be re-examined in the spirit in which it is now submitted. I demand no more than what is proven. viz. the lowest rate of Pension allowed to a Lieutenant.
If it will tend to help the Case in your opinion, evidence can be produced, showing that a part of Col. Smith's Regiment was in service as late as December 1776.
Yours Respectfully
W. Edmonds.
W. B. Maclay

G. F. Yates
OCT 20. '42

Gen H
Feb 20: 42
Sir
In the case of Phebe Reene in which you appealed to the Hon Secy of this Dept. I have to inform you that the papers have been submitted to him with a report of which a copy is herewith enclosed and I am instructed by an endorsement thereon to inform you that the Secy concurs in the opinion of the Comt. of Pensions that there is not satisfactory proof evidence of the service of claimants husband for 6 mos in 1776
Giles F. Yates Esq. Albany N.Y.

Pension Office October, 13 1842.
Sir,
Agreeably to your orders, I have the honor to submit the following report upon the claim of Phebe Reeve in which case Mr Yates has appealed from the decision of this Office.
This claim is asserted for a term of service in 1776 in Col. Smith's Regiment of Long Island Minute Men which was organized for and their service limited to the defence of the Island; when they were driven from the Island after the battle of 27 August 1776 and from the City of New York after the battle of the 15 September 1776, it has been established on several occasions that most of that Regiment claimed their discharge by virtue of the limitation of their engagement to service on the Island; but allowing that her husband remained with the Army his service terminated with the discharge of the militia after the battle of White Plains on 28 October 1776. In order to make out 6 months he must have been in service as early as the 1 st of May which is nearly two months before the enemy

appeared before the City and before the occasion which gave rise to their organization had occurred. It may be safely asserted that no part of the militia or minute men of New York served as much as 6 months in 1776, and no record evidence can be adduced to gain-say it. The estimate of the witness Howell that their actual service was 6 or 7 months is clearly extravagant as he makes the service commenced about 1 st April when there was no apparent occasion for such service at Brooklyn. The deposition of this witness in the handwriting of the Attorney was taken expressly to prove that the term was 6 months or more although the witness himself never asserted a claim in his own behalf during the ten years which has elapsed since the passage of a law granting a pension for 6 months service. It is deemed insufficient to show that Smith's Regiment was in service 6 months in 1776.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully
Your Obed: Serv:
J. L. Edwards
Hon: John C. Spencer Secretary of War.

Albany N.Y. Oct. 3/42
G. S. Gates
Appeals from decision of Pension Office on claim of Phoebe Reeve.
Y 30. Rec Oct 7, 1842
Pension Office
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]
[Large, stylized bleed-through signature or initial]
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

Albany, October 3 rd 1842
Sir:
At the instance and in behalf of Wm B. Pierce Esq of this city, I have prepared and now forward the enclosed statement on appeal from the Commission of Pensions.
When your decision shall have been made, I will deem it a favor to have it directed to me at this city.
With great respect
Your mo: Ob: Servt
G. H. Yates.
Hon:
John C. Spencer Secretary of War

G. H. Yates
July 26, 42

340 New York July 26 42
Sir
The Extract from the minutes of the Provincial Congress shewing an order to Col d Josiah Smith on 8 Aug 76 to take a position to cooperate with & receive the orders of Gen d Green forwarded in the case of Phoebe Keene has been examined & filed. — It does not shew the length of service which is the difficulty in the case — Col d Smith commanded a Regiment of Long Island minute men whose engagements limited their service to the Island and when they were after the battle of 27 Aug 76 forced to leave the Island, they claimed to be discharged by virtue of that limitation — and it is altogether improbable that her first husband served as much as 6 months Giles H. Yates Esq r Albany N.Y.

Extract from the minutes of the Provincial Congress of New York & Committee of Safety & Convention Vol 6. p. 267. dated August 8 th 1776
Resolved that Colo Josiah Smith be, and He is hereby ordered immediately to march all His new Levies to the western end of Nassau Island and within two miles of Brigadier General Green's en- campment, and that He obey such orders as He may receive from time to time, from Brigadier General Green "
State of New York } Secretary's Office }
I certify the preceding to be a true Extract from the minutes aforesaid.
Rich d Campbell Dep. Sec. of State
Albany July 23. 1842

Schenectady July 22. 72
G. F. Yates.
in case of Philo Reene -

Schenectada, July 22 d 1842.
Sir.
In the matter of the application of Phebe Reeve for a pension under the act of 4 th July 1836, I have been applied to, to render assistance in its prosecution. About the merits of the claim I know nothing. It is alledged by Mr Lewis of the firm of Lewis & Pierce who originally prosecuted it, that your objection extends only to the fact that no proof is adduced to shew that the militia with whom her husband served, was on duty for so long a period as 6 months in 1776. I have recently discovered that Col. Smith's Regiment were considered Levies during said year. They were originally organized as Minute men early in said year, but from their peculiar situation upon Long Island they were compelled to serve for many months & were consequently entitled and considered as "Levies" or State Troops. I can furnish a document to prove this fact if it is not now known at the Department. It appears that a portion of said Levies were ordered to one post, and a portion to another. All the witnesses to said application unite in testifying that Wm Clarke served for more than six months. So the case is represented to me. I very respectfully solicit your re-consideration of the case.
very respectfully, your ob t Serv t G. F. WARD.
P.S. The Document referred to I have procured & the same is enclosed.

Hon. J. L. Adams
7. July 1840
OC
Adams

Pension Office July 7. 1840
Sir,
The additional evidence, viz. the affidavits of John Robinson and Jeffry Randall, enclosed in the letter of Messrs. Lewis & Pierce, in the case of M rs Phebe Reeve, who was the widow of William Clark, have been examined. It is by no means clear from the statements of these witnesses that the claimant's husband, William Clark, was in actual service six months. It would appear from their statements that he was engaged in actual service some time in the Spring of 1776 that he was discharged soon after the battle of White Plains, which occurred on the 28 th of October, following The company to which the claimant's husband belonged were Minute men. The commencement, therefore, and duration of the service must be distinctly specified before it can be determined whether this claim ought to be allowed or not.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obdt. Servt.
J. H. Alexander
Hon. J. Q. Adams House of Representatives

Brooklyn June 8. 1840.
Sir:
The accompanying affidavits of John Robinson and Jeffrey Randall we send in support of the claim of Phebe Reeve to a pension under the act of 4 July 1836. It appears that they were neither of them soldiers themselves altho' they appear to have a knowledge of Lieut. Clark's services. There certainly is an impression among the old inhabitants of Long Island that the service performed in 1776 exceeded 6 months. Randall's affidavit to 9 months service is submitted for what it is worth. He probably rec on ed the time of mustering previous to the tour of service. We prepared affidavits for Robinson & Randall as correctly as possible from information received by letter, leaving blank spaces to add such particulars as should be demanded. This may account for the appearance of the paper. At this late day it is exceedingly difficult to pro-duce evidence of the early revolutionary services.

The widow Reves considers herself entitled to pen- sion for seven months service, but she is unable to obtain any further evidence, and will be content to receive whatever you may deem equita- ble.
We are very Respectfully
Your Oble Servts
Levi's Pierce
Report to Hon. J. L. Adams H. Rep
J. S. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions

State of New York County of Suffolk ss.
John Robinson of the town of Brookhaven in said County aged Eighty years being duly sworn deposes and saith, that he was a Soldier during the war of the Revolution and is now a Pension- er of the United States under
That during said war he was well acquainted with William Clark whose widow Phebe Reeve is now an applicant for a pension un- der the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836. That early in the Spring of the year 1776 said William Clark was appointed Lieutenant of a Company of Militia or Minute men whereof Silas Strong was Captain in the Regiment of Colonel Josiah Smith. That shortly after said appointment said Company & Regiment were ordered to duty, and marched to the Western Part of Long Island from thence to New York Island, where they remained until the battle of White Plains in which they were engaged. That shortly after said battle they were discharged having served for a period of at least six months. This Deponent will remember the particulars and length of their service.
Subscribed & sworn this 8 day of May 1840 before me & I certify that said John Robinson is a credible witness. David Williams J. of the peace
John Robinson

State of New York County of Suffolk } p.
The deposition of Jeffry Randall of the town of Brookhaven in said County aged Seventy two years, being duly sworn deposeth and saith that he was a soldier during the War of the Revolution, and is now a pensioner of the United States under the act of That during the war of the Revolution he was well ac- quainted with William Clark whose widow Phebe Reeve is now an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. - That early in the Spring of the year 1776, said William Clark was appointed Lieutenant of a Company of Militia or Minute men, raised where of one Selah Strong was Captain, in the Regiment of Colonel Josiah Smith. That shortly after said appointment said Company and Regiment were ordered to duty, and marched to the Western part of Long Island from thence to New York Island where they remained until the battle of White Plains in which they were engaged. That shortly after said battle they were discharged having served for a period of at least six months. This deponent well remembers the particular length of their service being nine months.

Subscribed & sworn this 8 day of May 1840 before me & I certify that said Jeffry Randall is a cred- ible witness. (David Worth)
Jeffrey Randall
State of New York } County of Suffolk } ss
I George S. Phillips - Clerk of said County of Suffolk do hereby certify that David Worth before and John Robinson whom the foregoing Depositions of Jeffrey Randall, purports to have been taken was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that the signature of said David Worth above written was genuine
Witness my hand and official seal this 30 th day of May 1840 the words "and John Robinson" interlined
Geo. S. Phillips Clerk
H. J. Q. Champlaine

Brooklyn April 27. 1840.
Sir.
We take the liberty to enclose to you the accompanying original letters referring to the case of Mrs Phebe Reeve who is now an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836. You will observe that the witness Jonathan Howell's first statement was that he served with William Clark six months. By comparing dates &c it appeared that the service was of seven months, and we consequently prepared his affidavit accordingly & it was thus executed. It would seem however that Mr Howell's first impression was correct & that this service was but of six months. This we infer from the accompanying letter of Samuel Phillips which we very unexpectedly received. It corroborates the first statement of Mr

Howell which is undoubtedly correct.
We would respectfully inquire whether you deem it necessary for us to obtain affidavits from the witnesses referred to in the letter of Mr Phillips in order to substantiate the claim of Mrs Reeve to six months pension? If either of said witnesses are pensioners would it not be equally satisfactory to you to refer to their papers?
If six months service can consistently be allowed to Mrs Reeve we would respectfully request that a pension warrant be issued accordingly.
If convenient please return the accompanying letter.
Very Respectfully
their H. Servants
Lewis & Pierce
L. Edwards Esq. Comm. of Pensions

Hon. J. L. Adams
6. May 1840
OC

Pension Office May 6. 1840
Sir,
The additional evidence in the case of W m Phebe Reeve, accompanying the letter of Messrs. Lewis & Pierce, has been examined. There is no satisfactory proof that the claimant's husband was in actual service six months. He belonged to a company of Minute-men, and the service of men in companies of that description was occasional only, and should be particularly specified. in presenting a claim to a If there are other living witnesses whose testimony can be produced, their statements should be made under oath.
per com.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt. Servt.
J. L. Edwards
Hon. John Q. Adams House of Representatives

Sag Harbor April 3. 1840-
Messrs Lewis & Pierce
Mrs. Mary Smith the applicant for a Pension lives at some distance from me and I have in consequence been longer than I expected in preparing an answer to your last - I learn however that Mrs. Smith the widow is now 76 years old. She resides in the town of Brook Haven, Suffolk Co. She was married to Mr. Lane, in Brookhaven Jan. 18. 1780 Her marriage was published according to the custom of that time - Mr. John Robinson, of Brookhaven, and Mr. Henry Mosier, of Riverhead, both now living were at the wedding and witnessed the marriage -
Mr. Lane died in the year 1817-
Mrs. Smith married her last husband Mr. Smith Sept. 24. 1825
Mr. Smith died in 1837-
Mr. Doyg Lane, the dead Husband of Mrs. Smith served six months in the Militia -
He enlisted at Coram, by William Clark and served under Selah Strong, the year the Long Island was given up.
He was a resident of Brookhaven at the time.
Mrs. Smith has for her witnesses Jeffey Randall and John Robinson, of Brookhaven, and Henry Mosier of Riverhead, a part, or all of whom, I believe served with with Mr. Lane.
Very Respectfully
Samuel Phillips

Hon J. T. Adams
10 March 1840
O L

War Department
Pension Office
16 March 1840
Sir
The additional evidence in the case of Mrs. Phebe Reeve I have the honor to state is not sufficient to establish her claim to the alleged service of her husband as a Lieutenant of a company of Minutemen from that part of Long Island  which  a number of applications for pensions from soldiers for similar service, before but none for service to the same extent Long Island but not for . It is said by the witness  the said Jonathan Howell that he is an applicant for a pension under the act of June 7, 1832 but his papers do not appear on the files of this office. More satisfactory proof is required.
Hon J. Q. Adams House Reps US

Hon. J. C. Adams H.R.
J. C. Adams Esq. Commissioner of Customs

Brooklyn Feby 29. 1840.
Sir
We would take the liberty of again calling your attention to the application of Phoebe Recoe, who claims pension under the act of Congress passed July 4. 1836 on account of her first husband (William Clark) Revolutionary services. In your reply of 31 st Dec r last you observe that "the services in question" (to wit, a service of 7 mos. in 1776) "cannot be allowed upon the proof on file." We would beg leave to call your attention to the peculiar circumstances of Long Island during said year, by reference to the documents herewith enclosed. As early as January 1776, the inhabitants of Long Island were subjected to continual alarms from the expectation that a British Fleet was coming from Boston. In February the Regiment of Col. Smith (in which said Clark held a Lieutenants rank) was hastily formed & commanded to be in readiness for immediate action. They were called out (as is positively asserted by two credible witnesses ) early in

the Spring & they were shortly after ordered to New York, and appointed to Garrison Fort Washington. It is well known that drafts for 5 mo d Service were made upon the militia during said year. If the militia from the eastern part of Long Island were at any time ordered as far as New York City (a distance of more than one hundred miles) it would seem natural to infer that they would be retained as long as occasion demanded. It is positively proved that they were thus or- dered to New York & that too, early in the Spring of 1776. Even supposing that their 5 mo d had expired, is it to be presumed that they were dismissed, previous to the battle of White Plains when previous to that time, there was such im- minent occasion for their services? There is much to warrant the conclusion that they were retained, and unless it can be proved that they were not, we cannot see why the positive evidence of two credible witnesses should be disregarded. Early in the Spring of the year 1776, occasion seemed to require, that they should

be called to the defence of New York. Circumstances which grew more appalling every day, demanded that they should be retained, nor was there a single period until after the battle of White Plains, in which it would be reasonable to suppose that they could be dismissed. The fate of the whole island, depended upon the success of their expedition. There was consequently a much stronger reason for their being retained in service, than for the militia from any other section. The militia from the counties of Ulster, Orange & Westchester served much during said year, but as their facilities for reaching New York were so great there is not so much reason to presume that they were retained in service so long as the militia from Suffolk county. The documents which we enclose afford evidence of the state of Long Island for some time previous to the final engagement at White Plains. It is extremely difficult at this remote period to obtain evidence of the early revolutionary services & we would therefore respectfully request that this circumstance may be considered by the Commissioner of Pensions in his requirements from Mrs. Reeve.
H. S. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
We are Very Respectfully Your Obedient Servants Lewis & Pierce.

Hon. J. Q. Adams
3rd Dec 1839
OC

War Department Pension Office
405
31. Dec 1839
Sir In additional evidence in support of the claim of Mrs Phebe Reear to seven of the first paid months in 1776 junior as a Lieut. of a Company of Minutemen is is insufficient. — The drafts upon the militia at that time are for five months Junior were authorized on the 16 July 1776 and most of the men drafted were discharged immediately after the battle of White Plains. — The minutemen were liable to be called as occasion  then out on certain occasions only The Junior in question cannot be allowed upon the proof on file
Hon J. Q. Adams House Reps NOS

Brooklyn Dec 9. 1839.
Sir, Enclosed are additional affidavits in support of the claim of Phebe Reeve to pension under the act of July 4 th 1836. We have made inquiries of numbers who are intimate with the facts of the case, and all agree in the opinion that the Long Island Militia were on duty for the greater part of the year 1776. We have a letter from a gentleman of high respectability in Mass. requesting us to provide evidence of said militia service upon Long Island in 1776, & confidently affirming that such service was performed. Should you desire to examine this letter, we will forward it at your command. Unfortunately the documents in the Comptroller's Office Albany are imperfect. Two of the Books have been lost (Nos 1 & 10) probably those which contain the memoranda of payments for the services of 1776, as there is no notice upon any of the other books of payments for that year.

We trust that you will deem the accompanying additional evidence sufficient to establish Mrs Ree's claim to 7 mo. Pension. We have not as yet been able to ascertain the particulars of Clark's service after 1776. In the fall of that year the Island was in a great measure de- serted, all who had served in the Patriot Army being compelled to leave, or remain subject to ar- rest & imprisonment. Clark was among the num- ber of those who left, as also, Ebenezer Dayton Q.M. of his Regiment who as we are informed settled in or near New Haven and resided there at the time of the decease of said Clark. Said Clark was confined as a prisoner of War to the Brit- for a period of 9 mo. as alleged in the declara- tion of Mrs Reeve. We have since ascertained that he was confined aboard the Prison Ship "Jersey". We have at present no proof of this, but trust that if such appear upon the records in your Office, Mrs Reeve will enjoy the benefit thereof.
We are Very Respectfully
Your Off Servts Lewis & Pierce
To J. S. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions.

Act. of 1836 4560
Phebe Reeve wid. of Mr. Eliza N.Y.
Let to Asa Foss Esq Nov. 6th 1846
" S. Gotten 18th Oct 1850 " Ch. D. Lewis 9 Oct 51
acts - 4 th July 1836
V N. York Phebe Reeve
let to Lewis Bine 1. Oct 1839
taken of D. Adams 31 Dec 1839 same Feb 26 1840
same March 1840
same June 1840
same July 1840
to G. F. Yates 26 " 1842
same 20 Oct 1842
Act July 1836

209 Walnut Street Montclair, N.J. Nov 20, 1931
Director of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear sir:
I wish to learn if William Clark of Brookhaven, L.I., N.Y. received a pension for services in the Revolution, there may have been more than one of the name, and I would like any information which would give clues to his family. But only from Brookhaven Township as possibly it was called, no other need be considered. This is in Suffolk county.
Also if Moses Oysterbanks of Weston town, Conn secured a pension, any information in regard to him. This name is sometimes spelled O'Banks and O.Banks.
(Mrs) Alice S. Throop
Alice S. Throop
X

1931-Dec. 8 - Stud. to Mrs. Alice B. Tharp - mkb
REJECTED
8689
P. O.
Thobe Ware
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Printed List of 1852 shows cause of rejection - "he did not serve six months"
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

And I John M Williamson Judge of the County Court as aforesaid do hereby certify that I have full confidence in the truth of the declaration of Phoebe Reave above written and subscribed, and I further certify that she appears to be wholly unable to attend Court by reason of old age and consequent bodily infirmity.
John M Williamson Judge
State of New York } ss County of Suffolk } I George S Phillips Clerk of said County Do certify that John M. Williamson whose name is subscribed to the annexed or foregoing affidavit and certificate was at the date of the same a Judge of the County Court of said County - and also that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that his signature to the said certificate and affi- -davit is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this eighteenth day of March 1839.
Geo. S Phillips Clerk

This is to certify that Phebe Sleeve is a member of the church of which I am the pastor, that she has held this spiritual relation under my pastoral care for more than twenty years, and has been uniformly regular in her spiritual walk & of good moral character
Society of Middlestown in Brookhaven Township March 19 th 1839 -
Ezra King

State of New York } ss. County of Suffolk }
Isaac Hammond of the town of Brookhaven in said county being by me duly sworn deposes and says, that he is now 75 years of age, has lived in said town upwards of 70 years and that he is the son of the Revd Noah Hammond formerly Pastor of the Baptist Church in common in said town. That he has been shown a record of marriages and other matters while his father was Pastor of said church and has particularly noticed in said book the record of the marriage of William Clark and Phebe Davis which appears by said record to have taken place the 27 th March 1774 and verily believes that the said record is in the hand writing of his father.
Subscribed and sworn this 15 th day of March 1839 before me John M Williamson a Judge of the County Courts in & for said County
Isaac Hammond
I John M Williamson do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with Isaac Hammond the same individual who has subscribed the above affidavit and that he is a man of veracity and in good standing and credit in community.
John M Williamson Judge

State of New York County of Suffolk } ss I George S. Phillips Clerk of said County Do certify that John M. Williamson whose name is subscribed to the annexed or within affidavit and certificate was at the date of the same a Judge of the Court County Courts of said County - And also that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Judge and verily believe that the signature to the said certificate and affi- davit is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this Eighteenth day of March 1839 -
Geo. Phillips Clerk

State of New York } County of Suffolk } S.S.
Brookhaven Jonathan Howell of the town of Said Place in said County aged 81 years who being duly sworn according to law, doth hereby depose & say, that he was a soldier in the war of the Revolution & is now an applicant for a pension, under the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832. That during said war he was well acquainted with William Clark the same person referred to & described in the accompanying paper, whose widow Phoebe Reeve is now an applicant for a pension under the act of July 4, 1836. That said Clark was Lieutenant of a company whereof Deponent was private, to wit, the company of militia, which  or minutemen commanded by Captain Sellah Strong, in the Regiment of Colonel Smith. That in the year 1776 Deponent served with, & under said Lieutenant Clark for a period of seven months as follows. Early in the spring of said year 1776. Deponent thinks on or about the first of April, he enlisted into said company whereof said Clark was Lieutenant at the town of Brookhaven in the County of Suffolk & State of New York, and marched there with, first to Blue Point on Long Island in said State, & remained there twelve days, from thence to Brooklyn & remained there seven days, from thence to New York City & afterwards to White Plains (after the evacuation of said city by the American Army,) and was present at the battle fought there, after which on or about the first of Novem-

he in said regt. said company was discharged from further service. The term of this last service was about six months & twelve or thirteen days making in all a service of upwards of seven months . During the whole of this period Lieutenant Clark aforesaid was present & on duty with said company. Jonathan Howell
On this 27 day of February 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned Jonathan Howell & made oath in due form of law that the facts set forth in the above deposition by him subscribed are true & I certify that said Jonathan Howell is a credible witness. (Seal) Justice of the Peace Jonathan Howell
State of New York County of Suffolk ss. I George S. Phillips Clerk of said County Do certify that David Worth , whose name is subscribed to the above certificate - was at the date of said certificate, a Justice of the Peace in & for the said County - and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such Justice, and verily believe that his signature to the above certificate is genuine - Given under my hand and seal of office this twenty-tieth day of May A 1839 - Geo. S. Phillips Clerk
Howell certificate for Mrs. Reeve

Extract from the Minutes of the Provincial Congress Committee of Safety and Convention of New York (vol. 5 page 315) Dated April 4. 1776.
"A Certificate of an election for Officers of a Minute Company in Brookhaven Township dated March 27 th 1776 Signed by Nath l Roe and Sam l Thompson Committee men whereby it appears that Selah Strong was chosen Captain William Clerk 1 st Lieut. Caleb Brewster 2 d Lieut and Nath l Brewster Ensign of the said Company
Ordered that Commissions issue to the said Gentlemen without delay."
State of New York Secretary's Office
Certify that the preceding is a true Extract from the minutes aforesaid in this Office.
Arch d Campbell Dep. Secretary
Albany March 26. 1839.

State of New York County of Suffolk
The deposition of Elizabeth Perry of the town of Brookhaven in said County aged ninety three years who being duly examined deposeth and saith. That she is a sister of Phebe Reeve the same person referred to and described in the accompanying papers as an applicant for a pension. That several years previous to the war of the Revolution, her sister the said Phebe Reeve then Phebe Davis was married to William Clark (also referred to in these papers) by the Rev. Noah Hammond at the village of Coram in the town of Brookhaven in said County. That she was married at the dwelling house of said Hammond in said village. That said Phebe continued the wife of said William Clark until the day of his death, after which time she was again married in said town of Brookhaven to Stephen Reeve who died about twelve years ago & that she now remains his widow. That said William Clark, shortly after the commencement of the Revolutionary War entered the service of the United States as a Lieutenant and was absent from home on duty in

said service, for a term of four or five years when he died, returning home to his family. That this Deponent believes that he died at the dwelling house of his Captain in New Haven Conn.
Elizabeth Henry not Mark
On this 13- day of March 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned Elizabeth Henry & made oath in due form of law that the facts set forth in the above depo- sition by her subscribed are true & I certi- fy that she is a credible witness.
David Overton justice
State of New York } ss County of Suffolk } I George S. Phillips clerk of said county Do certify that David Overton whose name is subscribed to the foregoing certif- icate was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the peace in and for said county, duly author- ized to act as such - and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and verily believe that his signature to the said certificate is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal affixed the seal of the court of Common Pleas of said county this eighteenth day of March AD 1839 - Geo. S. Phillips Clerk

State of New York County of Suffolk } ss.
Joshua Swazey of the town of Brookhaven, in said county, aged 76 years being duly examined & sworn, depo- seth and saith, that he is well acquainted with Phebe Reeve the same person referred to and described in the accompanying papers as an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress passed 4: July 1836.
That his acquain- tance with said Phebe Reeve commenced as long ago as he can remember, for several years previous to the war of the Revolution, and previous to her intermarriage with William Clark , (also referred to & described in the ac- companying papers,) when she bore the maiden name of Davis . That previous to said mar- riage she the said Phebe Davis resided in the town of Brookhaven in said county. That in the spring  fall of the year 1773 or 1774 De- ponent thinks in the month of March in said year, several years previous to the War of the Revolution, she the said Phebe Davis was duly married to the said William Clark by the Rev d Noak Hammond, then pastor of the Baptist Church in said town of Brookhaven.

That they were married as aforesaid at the dwelling house of the said Noah Hammond, in the said town of Brookhaven. That this Deponent was not present at said marriage, but was at the time apprised of its occurrence, & that afterwards he frequently saw the said parties reported to have been married as aforesaid and knows that they lived together as husband & wife & were universally reported as such. That after said marriage said William Clark resided with his said wife Phebe, in said town of Brookhaven until after the war of the Revolution commenced, when he was called into service, and entered the service of the United States, as a lieutenant, Deponent thinks of the Continental Army or New York State Troops, but under what officers Deponent cannot say. He knows however that he was absent from home in said service, for a period of four or five years, that he was reported to have been taken prisoner while in said service, and that he died
State of New York } ss
Suffolk County } I George S. Phillips Clerk of said County do certify that David Overton whose name is subscribed to the annexed certificate, was at the day of the date thereof a justice of the peace in and for said County, duly authorized to act as such, and further, that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of such justice and verily believe that his signature to the said Certificate is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of March and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas of said County this eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine -
Geo. Phillips Clerk

That they were married as aforesaid at the dwelling house of the said Noah Hammond, in the said town of Brookhaven. That this Deponent was not present at said marriage, but was at the time apprised of its occurrence, & that afterwards he frequently saw the said parties reported to have been married as aforesaid and knows that they lived together as husband & wife were universally reported as such. That after said marriage said William Clark resided with his said wife Phebe, in said town of Brookhaven until after the war of the Revolution commenced, when he was called into service, and entered the service of the United States, as a lieutenant, Deponent thinks of the Continental Army or New York State Troops, but under what officers Deponent cannot say, he knows however that he was absent from home in said service, for a period of four or five years, that he was reported to have been taken prisoner while in said service, and that he died on his return home at New Haven Conn in the summer of the year 1779. That several years after the death of said William Clark, his widow the said Phebe again married in said town of Brookhaven to Stephen Reed, who died about twelve years ago, & that she is now his widow.
Joshua Severy
On this 12 day of March 1839 personally appeared me Joshua Severy & made oath that the facts set forth in the above deposition by him signed are true, & I certify that he is a credible witness. David Overton justice

4560 V Application of Phebe Reeve for a pension under the Act of July 4. 1836 & of 3 d March 1837.
4560
Maria March 1774 Husband died 1779
7898
Lewis & Pierce Agents Brooklyn N.Y.

State of New York County of New York § I, William Pierce of said City being duly sworn, do hereby certify that it appears from the records of the Provincial Congress on file in the office of the Secretary of State of said State of New York that Ebenezer Dayton was appointed Quarter Master in the Regiment of Colonel Josiah Smith of Brookhaven Suffolk County New York in the Spring of the year 1776. That Selah Strong was appointed Captain in the same Regiment J. Pierce
On this 29 th day of May 1839 personally appeared before me the undersigned William Pierce and made oath that the facts set forth in the above affidavit by him subscribed are true & I certify that he is a credible witness. Joseph Harris, Commissioner of Oaths
State of New York County of New York § I, Joseph Harris Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Joseph Strong before whom the above affidavit of William Pierce purports to have been taken was at the date thereof a Commissioner of Oaths in & for said County duly commissioned & qualified that his signature thereto is genuine. Witness my hand & official seal this fourth day of May June 1839. Joseph Harris Clerk