Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 2,245, Abraham Conyne, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Conyne, Abraham
R 2,245
CONTENTS

13.281
Abraham Conyn's Declaration
In Vol 1 page 2 of 1.32 page
0.45
1.78
In Vol 6. " 85 2 - P. 10
3.78
2245

State of New York
Lewis County } ss: Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace of Lowville in said county Abraham Conyne 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 at least Two years I served as a Sergeant in the New York Militia and for such service I claim a pension
Abm Conyne
I certify that on the 9th day of May 1833 personally appeared before me the above named Abraham Conyne to me known as a man of truth and veracity and made oath in due form of Law to the truth of the above affidavit.
Orin Wilson Justice Peace
Clerks Office Lewis County ss
I Carlos P. Scovel Clerk of the County of Lewis do hereby certify that Orin Wilson Esq. whose name appears above as a Justice of the peace was on the day of the date of the above Certificate a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly qualified in said County duly commissioned & sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and verily believe that the signature Orin Wilson is his own proper hand writing - Given under my hand and seal of office this 20 th day of May 1833
Carlos P. Scovel Clerk

State of New York Seneca County -
On this Twenty-Sixth day of September 1832 before me Thatcher Reed a Justice of the Peace of said County personally appeared John Kitts aged Seventy Three years a resident of Lowville Seneca County who being first duly sworn according to law does declare and say that he is well acquainted with Abraham Conynne of Lowville aforesaid and did know him in the time of the Revolutionary War that he believes said Conynne to be Sixty Nine years of age and that he is knowing to said Conynne entering the service of the United States in the year 1777 in the New York Militia under Captain John Fisher in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Frederick Fisher and that he did duty in said Regiment more or less every year till the year 1779 as a private soldier; that at that time said Conynne was appointed a Sergeant and did duty in that Capacity till the end of the War. That in the year 1780 Colonel Fisher and Capt Fisher was wounded and scattered by the Indians; and that said Conynne was taken prisoner and escaped from the enemy on his way to Canada as this deponent understood at that time; From that time said Conynne served under Captain John Wemple; Colonel Volkeal Vredes; same Regiment That in this deponent understood at that time that in the year 1782 said Conynne entered the Service under Captain Harrison in the Regiment of New York Troops commanded by Col. Willet but cannot state the particular term of service: that he believes said Conynne served in the Militia and State Troops in all over two years
John Kitts
Seneca County ss I hereby certify that the above named John Kitts to me known as a man of truth and veracity

personally appeared before me and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit
Thayer Reed Justice Peace
State of New York
Clerks Office Seneca County
I Carlo P. Scott Clerk of the County of Seneca do hereby Certify that Thayer Reed Esq. whose name appears above as a Justice of the peace was on the date of the foregoing affidavit or previously a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly qualified in said County duly Commissioned and sworn and further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and truly believe that the signature Thayer Reed is his within to be his own proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of said County September 27 th 1832
Carlo P. Scott Clerk

State of New York Lewis County
On this Twentieth day of September in the year One Thousand eight hundred and thirty two, Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lewis now sitting Abraham Conyne a resident of the town of Lowville in the County of Lewis and State of New York aged Sixty nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following Declaration in Order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed June 7: 1832. That he entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
In the year 1777 in the month of May he entered the Service under Captain John Fisher in the Regiment of New York Militia commanded by Colonel Frederick Fisher, and served as a Volunteer until the year 1779. when he was appointed a Surgeon and did duty as such until the close of the war.
That on the 22 d day of May 1780 Colonel Fisher was wounded disabled and scalped. The Captain and brother killed and scalped. The he (this deponent) was taken prisoner on the same morning and escaped from the enemy on their way to Canada.
From that time he performed service under Captain John Wempel and Colonel Volkert Verder in the same Regiment above mentioned and performed the duty of Surgeon.
That in the year, 1782. in February as he believes he entered the Service as a Volunteer under Captain Harrison in the Regiment of New York state Troops commanded by Colonel Marinus Willet in order to take Oswego. In this expedition (which failed) he had his toes frozen and suffered much from the intense cold.

and Snow which was four feet deep
All the Services above mentioned were in the vicinity of and to the  North of the Mohawk River in the State of New York — That calls to arms were so frequent at that time on the Northern Frontier (as the Mohawk River was then considered) that it is impossible to state the particular time of entering and leaving the service in each instance or the precise length of time which he served but that the whole time which he served must have exceeded the term of two years .
That he also had barns & destroyed by the enemy in buildings, grain and other property to the amount of Three or Eight hundred dollars
That he resided at the time of entering the service in the town of Johnstown Montgomery County N.Y.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any state
Sworn to and subscribed } the day & year aforesaid Carlos P. Lewis Clerk
Abraham Conyne
Mr Isaac Clinton a clergyman residing in the town of Lowville in the County of Lewis and Isaac Bothart residing in the same town hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Conyne & who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that he believes him to be sixty nine 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 & Year aforesaid Carlos P. Scovil Clerk
Isaac Clinton
Jacob B. Bethart
And the said Court 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 Isaac Clinton who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman resident in said town of Lewis and that Jacob B. Bethart who has also signed the same is a resident in said town and a credible person and that this statement is entitled to credit
I Carlos P. Scovil Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lewis do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the Application of Abraham Conyns for a Pension
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this twentieth day of September One thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Carlos P. Scovil Clerk

Antwerp Jefferson County N. York Nov 24 th 1852
To the Honorable James E. Heath Commissioner of the Pension Office Washington City D. C. Sir I have often thought since my Father's Death of the claim that he used to speak of that he expected as a pension from Government when he was alive why it was that others should get the claim & his neglected Often have I heard him tell of being under Capt Harrison & Capt Fisher of his suffering in the expedition going to take Oswego, of his being taken prisoner by the Indians & Tories from whom he ran away & by the means saved I think Capt Willet & his Company & no doubt the Johnstown fort & his privations & sufferings during the War; But supposing after his & my mother's Death that all hoopers had fled of his children getting it I thought it useless for me to try supposing that if the Principal was neglect- ed the representative would of course; But hearing of others getting pension who got none till of late I often thought of trying thinking there might be some new law that would favour me but kept postponing it till I heard of a letter last March directed to my Father or his heirs which fell in the hands of my Sister: the first of June I received the same it was from a Gentleman dated Feb 9 th 1852 Mc Grawville Cortland Co N. Y. stating as follows, Having in my possession many Old Rolls containing relation to the services of Revolutionary Soldiers & having knowledge of your right to a pension in consequence of your services in said Revolution I therefore take the liberty to address you & would state that with the information which I have in my possession I could without much doubt secure to you your dues from the Pension Department, Should you wish me to

investigate your case, I would further State that I make no charge unless Successful but if I Succeed I should expect to receive a fair compensation. please answer soon & direct to me I answered him & bid him go ahead as far as I was concerned June 3 d 1852; Dated June 12 th 1852 I received the Second Soon after stating he always made a bargain before proceeding &c, I thought his proposal to hard. Nov 13 th I received another Dated Washington City D.C. Oct 1 st 1852 Stating as follows I take the liberty of writing you for the purpose of calling your attention to a claim for a Revolution pension heretofore filed in the Pension Office for Alabam Comyn and which on account of Objections made at the Office has been rejected or suspended.
In the course of my business I have ascertained the reason for such rejection the suspension and believe that with careful attention I can procure an allowance of the claim for the claimant or heirs. I would be pleased to have you place the business in my charge as your Attorney &c. Stating his fee to be twenty per cent.
Now Sir it appears to me by some old coppers that my Father has furnish positive proof of his services by Mr Wemple and Wallair. I would here State that my Father died April 20 th 1838. Now Sir as my Father's Son I would petition those who have the control of the Pension Department to grant to me my share of the pension due my Father at his death. my Father had one daughter and three sons that grew up to be barneys two are

Dead and have been so a number of years My Sister and myself are the only ones of his Children as live there are Grand Children alive how many I know not; Now Sir it strikes me that Thos Gentlemen See the Justice of the Clame and if so why Should we have to give fifteen or 20 per cent or any per cent to get the dues of my Father from Government; If it has been Just in Government to withhold from us our dues thus far & the way is now open for us to get our Clame I would Pray that Government would Grant the Just Clame belonging to me as your petitioner Shall Ever Pray; If I have proceeded wrong please inform me &c
Very Respectfully yours O. B. Ser Martin Conyne

13.281 Abraham Conyne
suspended.
5 P. 359
29 Apr 53
L. Knox Lowville — N. York

BRIEF in the case of Abraham Conynne of Louvill in the State of New York (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? open court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 69 years  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. As a Gen.     In 17  Service and grade not stated with the precision necessary to comprehend the actual extent  says that the whole time he served must have exceeded two years   
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None named  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Johnstown N. York  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence, and one living witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? they are properly authenticated 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. Gordon Examining Clerk.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
2245
P. O. _____
Abraham Coyne
Service: _____
Coyne
Enlisted: _____
, 18 .
Discharged: _____
, 18 .
REJECTED
Application filed: _____
, 18 .
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____
Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. _____
Searched for _____
, 18 .

No. 13281
New York Rev. C. Abraham Conyne Suspended
See letter to Z. Knox
9. August 1833.
to same 6. May 1834
" same Oct. 20. '35
to claimant Dec. 7. 1835
to Martin Conyne 5 th May 1853
Act 7. June 1832

Nov: 29 th 1852
Rel. case of Abra- ham Conyne dead
Martin Conyne Antwerp Jefferson Co. N.Y. Calif. J. H. Smith Cons. Pensions Washington D.C.

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abraham Conynne 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 The applicant is required to show the length of each term of service, the date & grade also necessary. 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?
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? Yes
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?
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 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.

Double N o 3 Oct 12
Free
Oct 19 M y
O. L. Edward Esq Commr of Pensions By Washington
John C. Calhoun
Aug 18 Oct 6 1842

Sir
Louisville Oct. 12 th 1835
I enclose two affidavits corroborating the declaration of Abraham Congne
On the 6 th of May 1834 you wrote me that in order to a favorable decision in the case of the Congne each term of service should be particularly specified. Sometime after he made a supplemental affidavit specifying as particularly as he could each term of service. Since transmitting to you that affidavit I have rec d no communication from you on the subject.
It is confidently hoped and believed that the enclosed affidavits with the supplemental affidavit above alluded to will be satisfactory to you as to the justice of his claim.
I am Respectfully Your Ob t Serv t
J. Wm.
P. L. Edward Esq Comm r of Pensions

Abraham Conyngham
Nov 25.
N.Y.
Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington City

Sir In a Letter to Z. Knox Esq you mention that my name is found only nine Days in G. Fishers pay roles & in G. Harrisons my name does not appear. I never expected it should appear in G. Harrisons I went as a Volunteer on that Expedition bore my own expenses when that could be provision Excepted and was more of a Companion to G. Harrison than a private Soldier I engaged for the Honour of my Countrys Service and not for pay.
Now Sir if my name was not found on any pay role no matter for the reason why and I produce positive proof of my Service my pay can not of right be withheld I think there is a Clause in the Pention Act speaks thus positive Evidence can not always be expected after so long a laps of time but the best that can be found is necessary to meet with a favourable Issue. Judge Herring and other Law Characters tell me in Johnstown that Mr. M. B. Wemple and Wm Wallies Evidence was positive proof and accord- ing with what the Pention Act demanded.
I think Sir, my own and my Witnesses Character have been treated with contempt I enclose you a few Vouchers of our Characters if I was in Montgomery County I could get ten times the number of men of their respectability Mr. Wallie nor Mr. Wemple would not take a false Oath knowingly to save me or any other man from the Gallows! I shall close with making you an offer, that is if on receiving this and it meets your approbation I will except of a Certificate Entitling me to draw Sixty Dollars a Year or five Dollars per Month and the Remainder of what I have or of right in my own Opinion Demand I relinquish by receiving said Certificate according to the provision made in the Pention Act.
Lewis C. Lowville Nov. 14 th 1835
Respectfully Your Hon ble Servt Thos Conyne

This will certify that we the subscribers inhabitants of Lewis County have for as many years as is opposite our names been personally acquainted with Abraham Conyne Esq. and do declare upon Honour that he is and was always a man of good reputation and truth and wills hereby Vouch to that effect given from under our hands this 12 th Day of Nov r 1835 Lewis County
David Brigham 37 Robert Hitts 48 Harvey Sarcoman 60 Nicholas Bratsenberg 15 John C Bratsenberg 17 Andrew Bratsenberg 40 Abram Toman 25 James Barton 80
Full Title 42 Henry T. Newman 50 John C Bratsenberg 60 Gilllett & Van Bracklin 60 Alexander Van Bracklin 68 Harrison Bloodgit 20 Henry Voorhough 45 J Whistwick Chas Bush 20
I have known A. Conyne Esq. well for about the term of twenty five years, & concur in above certificate as to his reputation so far as I have known him. - E. B. Ollery.
Thomas Leonard 16 Stephen Leonard so far as I know him 29

State of New York Montgomery County ss.
William Wallace being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with Abraham Conyne in the Revolutionary war, and since that he believes him to be about seventy three years of age. That in the year 1776 about the month of May the said Abraham was stationed in the Town of Johnstown in said County as a private of Militia under Captain John Fisher, Lieutenant Myndert Duane, Ensign Harpurt Van Deusen, in Col. Frederick Fisher's Regiment. That the said Abraham was there some days but the number this deponent cannot state. And this deponent has also seen him in service at other seasons of that year that this deponent believes & has no doubt that the said Abraham must have been in the service of the country in such a military service during the residue of the then revolutionary contest.
W m Wallace
Subscribed and sworn to this 19 th day of September 1835 Before me And I certify the said William Wallace to be a credible witness
Aaron Haring Jus Pacis of Montgomery County
State of New York Montgomery County ss.
George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid, do hereby certify that Aaron Haring, before whom the above affidavit of William Wallace purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a justice of the peace of the County aforesaid; And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & truly believe that his name subscribed to the said affidavit & to the above certificate of character of said William Wallace is his genuine hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 19 th September 1835.
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.

State of New York } Montgomery County } be it known that on the Eigh-
teenth day of September in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and thirty five personally appeared before Myndert  me Myndert B Wemple well known to me to be a Man of Truth and verac- ity and made oath in due form of Law and deposeth and says that he is and always had been acquainted with Abraham Conyne and that he is in his Seventy third year of his age - and said Wemple further deposeth and says that Abraham Conyne has performed military services in the Revolutionary War - from the year 1777 - until the close of the war at various times. and said Wemple further says that Abraham Conyne has performed at least Eighteen months service in said War - under the command of different officers in Colonel Frederick Fisher's Regiment until May 1780 - and after that time until the close of the war in the Regiment of Col. Volkert Veeder. and this deponent further says that all the above services were performed in the County of Mont- gomery State of New York - subscribed and sworn to this 18 th day of September 1855 - before me W. B. Gardner a Justice of the Peace
Myndert B Wemple
Henry L. Linsbrey

State of New York Montgomery County. ss: I, George D. Ferguson, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery County do hereby certify that William M. Gardiner before whom the within affidavit purports to have been sworn, was on the date thereof a justice of the peace in and for the County of Montgomery aforesaid; And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing & Verily believe that his name subscribed to the within affidavit is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of my office this 19 th day of September A.D. 1835.
Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.

We the subscribers inhabitants of Lewis County Lately from Johnstown have for many years been person- ally acquainted with Myndert B Wemple of Johnstown Montgomery County and do declare upon Honor that he is a man of good reputation and truth and will hereby vouch to that effect the number of years of our acquaintance with said Myndert oppo- site our names Given from our hands this 12 th of Nov r 1835 Lewis County
  David Brigham  37    John Fitts  70    Barney Trooman  60    Nicholas Cratsenberg  30    John x Cratsenberg  60    Andrew Cratsenberg  40    Alexander VanBraklen  50    James Preston  60  
  David Fitts  42    Henry Trooman  50    John x Cratsenberg  35    William x Cratsenberg  35    Thomas Trooman  15    Henry Vosburgh  45  

We the subscribers inhabitants of Lewis County lately from Pahnstarn have for many years been personally acquainted with William Wallace of John town Montgomery County and do declare upon - Honour that he is a man of good reputation and truth and will hereby Vouch to that effect the number of years of our acquaintance with said William as per the names given from under our hands this 12 th Day of Nov r 1835 Lewis County
John Fitter 65 Barry Anderson 60 John X Bratsenberg 60 Andrew Bratsenberg 60 Alexander Van Bralen 50 James Dutton 50
Isaac Hitt 42 Henry Troeman 30 Henry Vosburgh 30

Statement of Adm. Cuyne A. W. main  for Lorilla whose claim is suspended
Yours
J L Edwards Esqr Comr of Pensions Washington City

Sir I have received through J. Esqr my Agent information that my Claims for Military Services in the Revolutionary War are suspended and on file and you require me to specify each time of service as regards Period, Length, Grade & names of Officers &c. These specifications I can not comply with after the laps of more than half a century nor dare I venture to make a pretence to specify at the risk of my reputation for I could not do it with any colour of exactness much less expect it from any of my my Masmats in that war in arms, Sir I have proved my Declaration by two credible Witnesses recommended by two more one a Clergiman and Sanctioned by the Court as to my Credibility if after all this proof I am denied the pittance of reward Government has been willing to allow me for the many nights I have spent on guard laying on the best board I could find in a house barn berkack or Garrison or in the woods on scout on a tuft of moss or leaves and the Canopy of heaven for a Canopy. I will reflect with the manly fortitude of my youth and recon- cile myself that I have done my duty to my Coun- try in opposing British Tyranny and have made it my Glory since to Discipline and encourage my fellow Citizens to be in readiness to keep the British Lion at bay and my Country have by their Law of 1832 I intended to do me justice but
Lowville Sept 5 th 1833
Respectfully yours to Service
N.B. Please file this with my other papers W. Edwards, W.
Abn Conyne