Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 969, Isaac Chilcoat, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Chilcoat, Isaac
S. 969.
Carded.
CONTENTS

New Jersey 9510.
Grace Chilcoat
Essex in the State of N. Jersey who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Wheeler of the Reg t commanded by _____ in the N. Jersey line for 18 Br.
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Jersey at the rate of 60 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of May 1833 and sent to O.W. King, Newark, N.J.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1833. - 120. Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 Sep. 33. - 30. $150.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
recorded by Wm. P. Palmer Vol. 3. Page 105.

Application of Grace Chiswell for a Pension, under law of June 7, 1832.
22062
Paid 5 3/4

DECLARATION.
State of New-Jersey } ss. Essex County, }
On this twenty ninth day of September 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges — of the Inferior court of Common Pleas, in and for the said county — now sitting, Isaac Chilcoat a resident of Newark in the county of Essex and State of New-Jersey, aged Seventy Seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers, and served as herein stated.
That in the Spring of the year Seventeen hundred & Seventy Six he entered the military service of the United States under Capt. James Wheeler in a uniform company of Volunteers, as a Substitute for Aaron Roberts — was marched to Long Island and quartered at Flatbush, was at work at Brooklyn on fortifications about two weeks then returned home — was absent altogether in this service not less than three weeks.
Served the second time in the militia as a substitute for Isaac Beach of Newark aforesaid, during the same year, at the period when the British entered the Hudson river through the Narrows under Capt. Eliphalet Johnson or Josiah Pickson — went from Newark to New York, and when the fleet entered went to Long Island where the American troops were rendezvoused — stayed there about one week — and when British commenced landing on Staten island, marched to Elizabeth Town by the way of New York and Newark, where the troops encamped — remained there three weeks — recollects that the enemy fired into and over their camp, across the river — after this he returned, after being absent not less than one month.
In the fall of the same year he was classed in the militia under Capt. Camp of Newark, from whence he went to Acquackanonk, remained there at work on a redoubt, and then returned after an absence of one month.
In the Spring of 1777, he served as a volunteer under Capt. Nathaniel Camp three months. During this period when the Refugees landed from Staten island at Elizabeth Town, he went with the militia under Major Hayes to that place, and was engaged in a skirmish with them. His friend Stephen

Ward was killed, and deponent assisted in carrying him off of the field - afterwards followed the enemy through Newark to Bloomfield, where he stayed a day or two collecting troops - had a skirmish near the Second river in this county - crossed the river, and marched towards the Refugees who were encamped in the woods near Hackensack in Bergen county - went then to Pollyfly and encamped for one night, - next day marched to Acquackanonk, from which place he returned home, after performing his full duty of three months.
In the winter of Seventeen hundred & Seventy Seven, he again volunteered for one month in the militia under Capt. Squire for one month and did duty accordingly - was engaged in no battles or skirmishes.
Towards the Spring of the same year, he served one month in the militia as a Substitute for Nathaniel Andrews, of Newark under Capt. Blanch . Capt. J. Blanch & Lieut. S. S.  He served  He served  with  him and Lieut. Anthony Brown in the militia from Newark to New Bridge, about three miles above Hackensack - thence to Closter landing on the Hudson river; went with Gen. Wayne's forces to attack the Block house at Bull's Ferry on the same river, and assisted in the assault, then returned to New Bridge and shortly after to Newark, having been performing military service during this term, not less than five months. This part of the service deponent thinks was in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight, after his service as a Substitute for Andrews.
In the fall & winter of 1778 & 79, he performed two months service at Newark and along the lines - one month under Capt. Caleb Wheeler - another under Capt. Robert Nichols when they had a skirmish with the British at Great Swamp.
He served another month in the Spring of 1779, under Capt. Samuel Huntington, and was quartered the whole of this time at Newark.
He served one month, but cannot tell in what year one month under Capt. Matthias Lyon at Newark  a place  where the  notable deponent has but a feeble recollection of this service - under one of three last named Captains was engaged in a skirmish at the Old Ferry on the Passaic river, when Captain Knox commanding a company of regular troops was wounded in his mouth, and one

John Johnson in the knee. Deponent is certain of having been in actual service more than eighteen months. and can prove part of his service by one Moses N Combs Does not recollect any others who could give any material evidence on his behalf
The family records kept by Deponents father was lost during the war. Distinctly remembers the Jersey, Virginia and other regiments of Genl. John H. Cummings, Washington & others in the Continental regiments. Never received a written discharge from the service. All the persons for whom he served as a substitute, are dead & the evidence lost.
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 of the United States.
Sworn to, and subscribed, in open Court, the day and year first aforesaid. }
D. D. Crane Judge
Isaac Chilcoat
WE Baxter Dickinson a Clergyman, residing in the Township of Newark County of Essex — and State of New-Jersey, and John Taylor residing in the Township of Newark County of Essex — and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Isaac Chilcoat who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, — that we believe him to be seventy seven years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
SWORN AND SUBSCRIBED THE DAY AND YEAR FIRST AFORESAID. }
D. D. Crane Judge
Baxter Dickinson John Taylor
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Baxter Dickinson who has signed the preceding Certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the Township of Newark County of Essex — and State aforesaid, and that John Taylor who has also signed the same, is a resident of the Township of Newark County of Essex — and State aforesaid, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
D. D. Crane Judge
I, Elias Van Arsdale Clerk of the Superior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Essex aforesaid do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Isaac Chilcoat for a Pension.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal of Office, this twenty ninth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
E. M. Woodruff Clerk

no 22062 6 9570
Isaac Philcoat N.J.
Adm for 1 year & 6 Months
D.W. King ad. Newark N.J.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Isaac Hiler et al, of Essex Co. New Jersey
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Sub 1776 Private Capt James Wheeler Aged 77 Traditionary & Living witness   Sub 1776 10 Capt. Elephalet Johnson or Josiah Berson   Chasse 1776 1 Capt Camp   Vol 1777 8 Capt Nathan Camp Major Wayas   Vol 1777 1 Capt Squire   Sub. 1777 1 Capt. Blanch - Genl. Wines   1778 4 Capt. Caleb Wheeler   1778 2 Capt Robert Nichols   1779 1 Capt Saml Huntington   cannot tell the time 1 Capt. Matthias Lyon  
Alleges he is certain of having served more than eighteen months
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
5

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this            day of            personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of            in the county of            and State, Territory or District of            aged (c)            years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)            , with            and served in the            (e) regiment of the            line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I            of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of            for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of            &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the            and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with            , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the            and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the            and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,            Clerk of the Court of            do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this            day of            &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____; For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the years, 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 shown 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.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
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 papers 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.
Proof of Service.
[j] 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 claimant's 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.)
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration. 36-3

Old File
INVALID.
File No.
969
David Philcox
Phila. N. J. June
Act:
June 7, 1832.
Index:—Vol.
2
Page
69
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Jan. 21.
2209
FREE
Hon. Lewis
Cas. Secy of War, Washington City.
Pension Papers

To the Hon
The Secretary of War,
The enclosed papers, being the application of Isaac Chilcoat a Revolutionary Soldier and officer, are transmitted to you at his particular request.
The circumstances of the applicant are such, that as early an attention as will not incommode the Department being paid to his papers would be duly reciprocated, as a kindness and tribute to the little exertion he has made on behalf of the present United States.
Any communication to O. W. King, Esq. or to the applicant himself, both residing in Newark, N.J. will meet with a prompt attention.
With high respect
Yr most Servt.
J. A. Tuttle
Newark, N. J. Jan. 18. 1833.

Affirmation of Moses N Combs on behalf of Isaac Chilcoat
2208
Faded text, possibly "Isaac Chilcoat"
Faded text, possibly "on behalf of"

State of New Jersey Essex County, ss
Moses N. Gombs of Randolph, in the County of Morris, and State aforesaid, being conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, affirms being being sworn according to law, we had been  deponent and saith; That he is intimately acquainted with Isaac Chilcoat of the Town of Newark, in the County aforesaid of Essex aforesaid, and has known him for the space of sixty years or more; that he was during a part of the Revolutionary war, in the service of the United States, with the said Isaac; to wit, in a five months service as a drafted soldier, in Bergen County in this State, under Captain Blanch, and also with the said Isaac in an Artillery Company under Capt. Camp, for how long he cannot particularly specify: and in this service was in a skirmish or engagement at Elizabeth Town, Springfield and Connecticut Farms; Deponent recollects that the said Isaac was in service a very considerable time, and is confident, from the nature of the services of his associates and the times he remembers to have seen the said Isaac under different officers and at different places, that the said Isaac was in actual service a period of more than two full years that the deponent has read the declaration of the said Isaac, and to the best of his recollection, knowledge and belief, the matters and things therein set forth are true and precise, that deponent has a very distinct recollection of circumstances as they occurred,

occurred during the Revolutionary war; that he has the fullest confidence in the testimony and good character of the said Isaac, and deponent believes that the integrity of the said Isaac is beyond suspicion: that the said Isaac is over seventy years of age, according to the best of deponents knowledge and belief
Affirmed before me the sub- =sciber, a Justice of the Peace and I hereby certify to the good character of the deponent, and that from my own knowledge, the affirmation of the said deponent may be relied upon, as strictly true and correct. Newark, El- sex County, the fourth day of January A.D. 1833 -
Moses Lamb
D. D. Crane Justice of the Peace and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Essex in the State of New Jersey
State of New Jersey County of Essex
I Elias Van Arsdale Junior Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in & for the County of Essex aforesaid, Do hereby certify That David Skinner Esq: before whom the foregoing affirmation of Moses L. Lamb was made & taken, was at the time of taking the said affirmation & still is one of the Justices of the Peace & one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County, residing therein, duly Commissioned & sworn & author- ised to take the same. That I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & know that the above signature "D. D. Crane" is his genuine hand writing - In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & the Seal of said Court at Newark in the County aforesaid, the Twelfth day of January A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty three / 1833 /
E. M. Rudolph Clerk