Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 1,931, John J Chism, New York

SERVICE
New York
or Chism, John J. Chisem.
NUMBER
R. 1931
CONTENTS
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State of New York County of Schenectady ss.
On this Eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord 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 Schenectady and State of New York aforesaid now sitting John Chism a resident of the City of Schenectady in the said County of Schenectady aged seventy four years and upwards and 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 was born in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and fifty eight at Livingston's Manor so called in the State of New York that he has no record of his age That he continued to reside there before and since the war of the Revolution until the year one thousand Eight hundred and one when he this deponent removed to Schenectady where he now resides.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated.
That in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy six while living in Livingston's Manor aforesaid he was enrolled in a Company of Militia commanded by Jacob Shaver Captain That during the whole of the Revolutionary war he was frequently called out in actual service that when not out on military duty away from home he was while at home always on the alert with the rest of the Company to which

he belonged to guard and protect the Country from the incursions of Tories Robbers and Indians
The following are some of the Principles of the services rendered by this deponent to his Coun- try during the war of the Revolution.
This deponent was called out with the Company aforesaid just before General Monta- gomery was killed at Quebec in the month of December 1775 the said Company proceeded from Livingston's Manor to Fort Edward deponent was with the Company about one month when they returned home he had no discharge in writing This was on a draft all the Company did not go. discharged in January 1776. In the year following one thousand Seven hundred and seventy seven he was drafted to go to Stillwater and Saratoga to meet General Burgoyne's army that he went there in the said Company and continued there about one month was not in the Battle at the Saking of Burgoyne was at Schuyler-ville when Burgoyne surrendered after the surrender the Company were discharged he was out one month & riding this time he had no written discharge.
There was a company of Rangers at Livingston's Manor who were dismissed or ceased to do duty in 1776. When the Company of the said Captain Shaver had to take their place with the rest of the Militia their duty was to guard the place from Tories and Robbers & this deponent with the rest of the Company con- tinued to act as such until the close of the war when not out as above that he was out in ac- tual service in this way as a Militia Soldier more than one year deponent can not recollect & relate all the particulars of his services and duties he was frequently on Scouts and in pursuit of Tories as a soldier

THE FOLLOWING are the names of some of the regular officers whom he knew, or who were with the troops where he served, and such continental and militia regiments or companies with which he served, or as he can recollect, viz: Col Livingston Major Gen Broeck Col M c Kinstry.
He never received any written discharge from the service. He lived in Livingston's manor until the year 1801, when he removed to this county of Schenectady where he now resides, —
He has no — documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service except the deposition hereto annexed and hopes that as he states the truth his evidence may be received. —
The following are the names of persons to whom he is known in his present neighborhood, and who can testify as to his character for veracity, and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution, to wit Prof. Broadfoot. Adam Vrooman, —
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.
Subscribed and sworn to the } day and year first aforesaid }
John S. Vrooman Clerk.
John A. Clisium mark

State of New York
County of Schenectady ss.
John Bliss the foregoing applicant for a pension under the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. doth depose and say that through old age and the consequent loss of memory he can not swear positively as to the precise length of his services in the war of the Revolution but according to the best of his recollection he swears that he served as stated one month in the company of Captain Shaper in the Regiment of Major Tenbroeck & Colo. Livingston in the year 1775. that he went from Livingston's Manor to Fort Edward, he had a written discharge, he served faithfully the said month. In 1777. he was again called out on an alarm and was marched in said company & Regiment to Stillwater he was out as stated in his declaration one month when he was permitted to return home.
1. month
1. month
And this deponent further says that in 1776. he while residing in Livingston's Manor he was enrolled in the said company & Regiment to do duty as a soldier in the Militia of the State of New York that while such Militia man he was not for four years engaged in some kind of services as a militia man that he was not called away from the Manor of Livingston for a considerable time except the time he marched to Stillwater as aforesaid. This deponent was a private in said company and as such did military duty.
For the first two years a half the company was enrolled and equipped & stationed at Livingston's Manor for the specific purpose of guarding the place. There had been another company of Regulars placed & stationed there for the same purpose of defending the place that in 1776. this company of Regulars were called away and Captain Jacob Shaper was substituted with his company to fill the place of the said company of Regulars. the company of Captain Shaper to which de-

Deponent belonged and in which he was enrolled was divided into classes of three divisions one of which divisions relieved the other alternate- ly to go on scouts and to guard and defend the country against Tories & robbers with which the country was very much infested in this manner this deponent continued to do duty for two years & a half (after which time the company were not called out so regularly) The different classes each in their turn did duty as soldiers bearing all the fatigues and dangers of a border warfare two days in a week the whole time of 2 1/2 years and 10 months. Sometimes it happened that the class to which deponent belonged would be out on a scout or military duty in actual service for a whole week at a time the intention however was that the several classes should be out on duty each one third of the time. This de- ponent further says that the duty was as danger- ous and arduous as that of regular soldiers that he was frequently out nights without any covering but the canopy of Heaven or any thing to rest upon but the earth Deponent further says that he has enquired but sought in vain for any of his old comrades & companions to testify to his services but can not find them that he has no other living witness or witnesses but the annexed deposition to any part of his services nor can he procure any other evidence than what he has herewith transmitted and which he respectfully submits to the Honorable the War Department for a pension. He further says that he is very indigent. And further says that he always served as a private soldier & that he claims a pension for one year's service as a private in the Militia & further says not.
Sworn & subscribed before me this 26th day of June 1833.
John H. Cliss mark
J. H. HARMAN Justice of the peace

State of New York County of Schenectady } I, John S. Wrooman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Schenectady hereby certify that Joshua D. Harman the Justice of the Peace before whom the foregoing deposition was sworn to was on this twenty-sixth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three a justice of the peace in and for the City and County of Schenectady. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 26 th day of June 1833.
J. S. Wrooman Clerk

John F. Clisum. N.Y. Supt. Oct July 7 th 1882
A. H. Mackenzie

State of New York County of Schenectady
Be it Known, that on this 5 th day of November A. D. 1852 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Alida Chism widow of John J Chism a Revolutionary Soldier resident of the City of Schenectady in said County, and made oath according to law that she is the widow of the identical man who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who has heretofore made application for the benefit of the Pension Act of 1842 that she is directly interested as a claimant in said pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney, and authority heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint C. W. BENNETT , of Washington City, my true and lawful Attorney, to prosecute the claim of John J Chism for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers or documents in relation to said claim on file in the Department at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my exclusive benefit, the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Washington City, D. C. Agency; to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed, and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Alida Chism
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Alida Chism to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged.
J. M. Bunn Justice of the Peace
State of New York County of Schenectady
It is Hereby Certified, that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me, Clerk of the Court of County Court of Schenectady County that Alida Chism the party who has sworn to, and acknowledged the foregoing Declaration and Power of Attorney is the identical widow of reputed soldier aforesaid. I further certify, that James M Bunn Esq. before whom the preceding affidavit and Power of Attorney were made and acknowledged, was, at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and that the signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office,
this 5 th day of November 1852
J. P. Havens Clerk Schenectady County
1. Claimant's name or names in full.—2. Post Office address. 3 "That he is the identical man," or, "that she is the widow of the identical man," or, "that he or she is the legal heir of the identical man," &c., &c. 4. Leave this line blank.—5. "He is," "she is," or "they are."—6. Revolutionary soldier's full name.—7. Claimant's signature.—8. Claimant's name.—9. Magistrate's signature. 10. "Identical," "widow of," or, "child of."—11. Magistrate's name.—12. Clerk's signature.
N. B.—Should two or more heirs join in the foregoing, the plural should be substituted for the singular number.

No 16399
John T Chism
Schenectady 6° N.Y.
6 f
Father proof neg
Sept 30 33
Steph A Dazze Ag c
Schenectady N York

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
183
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 John T. Chism, Schenectady 6 th N.Y.
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Enlisted 1776 1 Private Capt. Jacob Shann Capt. Livingston Maj. Gen. Schuyler From Schenectady to Albany Trenton Princeton Red Bank Saratoga Oriskany Albany N.Y. 74 Living Witness to a fact Traditionary   Arrested 1777 1   more than 1 time region  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.

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 day 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
Samuel T. Brooks is now living near Hudson, a son of the above Service was informed under that Officer, his

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 he 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 time, 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 [j] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule 4 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.
He must should be produced

St. Vincent's Abbey
Ladys N.Y.
Dear Sir, Schuylkill Pa.
St. Vincent's Abbey
St. Vincent's Abbey

State of New-York, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
Albany, March 14 th 1865.
I Hereby Certify, That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned," I find the following, viz:
   NAMES. No. OF BOOK. NO. OF CERTIFICATE. DATE. £ S. D. RANK AND NAME OF COMPANY OFFICER. RANK AND NAME OF FIELD OFFICER.     John Hsiam Pr 6 28.048 Nov 2. 1781 1 19 1 Jacob Shaver Capt Henry Livingston Lt. Col.  
I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, } and find them to be correct.
John M c Millan Clerk.
Philip Schuyler Comptroller.

Vellaria Abby, Cohoes, N. Y. Aug 6/60.
Inquiry relative to her claim in right of John Chism, a Reg. soldier.
Respectfully referred to Comm. Pensions
Int. Dept Aug. 9/60
Moses Kelly Chf. Clk.
Respectfully referred to the Hon. Secretary of the Interior War Dept } 8' August 1860-1
Recd Int 9 Aug. 60 Mr. Phett

To the Honorable Secretary of War, Washington Greeting
It seems John Nelson a Soldier, who was found to be a deserter in the late bloody war, under the command of Capt. Nelson, and who on the ground when Bragg was captured his children is now dead. We as his kind has made application for his rights as a Soldier, and has answered all the necessary interrogatories relative to the same, but has received no remuneration whatever. Now, I as his daughter understanding the justice of your Government, and the Honorable personages employed herein do feel confident that you will overlook this case, and let me know the reason why we had rec d no acc t of the same, also please inform me what we must do, in order to obtain our rights. —
Cohoes 6 th Aug t 1860
Most Respectfully &
M.B. Please direct to Maria Abby Cohoes Albany Co N.Y.
Maria Abby " +

To the Honorable Secretary of War Washington D. C.
Greeting
Honored Sir
I have received an answer to my former letter from the Commission Pensions, stating that the claim of the Revolutionary Soldiers, as set entitled to any pension, I am, Honored Sir, with doubt respected consider such statement quite important, for the fact that was more in favour of the claim of the heirs of Revolutionary Soldiers than it is at present. Therefore, I would humbly request, that there would be an examination of John Chese's claim and write to me an answer stating the result.
I am Honored Sir,
Most Respectfully
Yours &c. Sir
Maria Abby
N. B. It has been proved and can yet be proved that the said John Chese has been in actual service and even on the ground when General Burgoyne was captured. As I have stated before.

Maria Abbey
Requests re-examination of the Rev. pension claim in right of John Chism.
Respectfully referred to Com. Pensions.
Int. Dept. Moses Kelly Oct. 4/60 Chf. Clk.
John Y. Chism N. O. Dec. 1882
Respectfully referred to the Hon. Secretary of the Interior. War Dept. } 31 October 1860. }
Recd Oct. 60 Mr. Rutt

Schenectady April 2 nd - 1845
Sir Twelve years since Giles F. Yates got my Pension Papers and he said he would try and get it for me. I have asked him a number of times for my papers and he will not give them he says they are in Washington I wish you would please to see him to get it and let me know how it is if Giles has drawn my my my Pension or not I have done my duty in the services and I now stand in need of it I am now 88 years of age you will oblige me very much my wife and myself are both depend on our children
John Phisem

Apr 2 1885
Recd
John Emerson
June 2 1882
J. L. Edwards Pension Office Washington

THIRTY-NINTH CONGRESS, D.C.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Washington, D.C. Jan'y 13 th 1866
Hon. Joseph H. Barrett
Dear Sir
Will you do me the favor to look at the enclosed papers, & inform me whether the claim has any merit, with such information in regard to it as remains in your office.
Yours &c
Chas. Goodwin

Cohoes Nov 21 st 1865
Hon d Sir,
Whereas I have presented my claim asking for Information relative to the papers or certificates recorded in the Pension Office belonging to the heirs of the deceased John Christy Private Soldier in Revolutionary war served under Capt Jacob Shaver & Colonel St Henry Livingston, received no answer as yet to my last interrogation.
Now Sir by you Responding stating how I must proceed in order to have my claim laid before congress or otherwise have the documents presented yourself you would greatly oblige a poor widowed Mother who had two of her Sons in the War & lost their lives in defence of their Country.
Most Respectfully your Humble Serv t
Maria Noley
N.B. If there is any charge for Searching the records & forwarding the documents to me I will pay the same
The Hon d Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Please direct Cohoes Albany Co N.Y.

Schenectady Sep 13: 1839
Hon: John S. DeGraff
Sir
Mr John S.
Chism of this City, represents to me that he had some conversation with you relative to his pension application under the act of 7 th June 1832, and that you gave him permission to address you on the subject. It seems that Dazgett has kept no copies of the papers now in file in the War Department in the matter of his application, & therefore am unable to say what is required in this particular case, or what are Mr Edwards's objections to allowing his claim. The only way in which I conceive we can do the old man service, is to ascertain from Mr Edwards what these objections are, on being informed hereof I may be able to procure such additional affidavits & specifications as I apprehend will be required. He belonged, he says, to the Company of Militia commanded by Captain Jacob Shaver in the Regiment of Col: Henry Livingston . Since Mr Chism's claim was suspended, Mr Edwards has obtained from Albany the payrolls of the different companies of militia in this State, & he reads out has that of Capt. Shaver also. Of so, from it will be seen the amount of service performed by Chism. In interceding for Mr Chism do not forget to advert to this fact. Mr Chism says he was on duty continually & was called the best soldier in his company — Yours, A. H. [initials]

ms. John J Chism 32
To J Edward Ely
This communication was sent to me per the at Washington and has been overlooked please furnish me with a copy of old Mr Chism papers he is a very decent civil but poor old man (very aged) and if he is entitled to compensation for his services I should like to give him a fair and candid consideration. he has a clear additional proof that it is I know not True, Rich, John J Dofraff Nov 6. 1897 J L Edward Ely

Schenectady Feb. 19. 1834.
Hon. Sir.
I have the pleasure of again retransmitting to your Honorable Department the claim of my very worthy and Patriotic friend Chism together with the affidavit of Samuel Ten Broeck Esq and which although it be not as full as I should wish yet it appears to me it is as corroborative of the facts in Chisms. affidavits detailed as from the nature of the case could reasonably be expected. I do therefore in behalf of said Chism request that a warrant for such pension as your Honorable Department may just and right be granted to him.
In relation to the claim of Nicholas P. Van-Bracken any amount of proof can be obtained to show his service as set forth in his declaration I have since sending his papers to the department conversed with a brother of his who can make better proof perhaps than that already made. I acknowledged the receipt of poor old Mr Bankharts warrant and if ever a pension was useful to any one I am confident that to him it is the means of saving him from the last degree of poverty. —
I am Your Ob't. Humble Serv't.
Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq Stephen H. Daggett

Hon J. L. Edwards Esq War Department Washington City

I Philip Coons of the Town of Pownborough in the County of Rensselaer do certify and declare that I am well acquainted with John I. Chisum now an applicant for a pension under the act of Congress of the year 1832 so state that at the time of the revolutionary war about the years 1775-76 and 77 I resided in Livingston Manor then so called now Town of Coxsackie in the County of Columbia and State of New York that I was then well acquainted with the above named John I. Chisum that we were then both of us enrolled in the militia of the State of New York in a Regiment commanded by Harry Livingston as Colonel Samuel Ten Broek as Major Jacob Shaver as Captain Peter Van Den Bogart as first Lieutenant Philip Schuchterbockert 2 d Lieutenant & John Boelt as Ensign And I further certify that the said John I. Chisum did Military duty in the place where we then resided under the above named officers Subscribed and sworn before me Philip his Coons the 11 th Day of December A.D. 1833 Martin Springer Justice of the Peace
State of New York Rensselaer County ss I Henry R. Bristol Clerk of the said County do certify that Martin Springer Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit purports to have been sworn was at the time of taking the same one of the Justices of the peace in the said County of Rensselaer & that his hand writing is well known to me and his signature above written is Genuine - I further certify that I am well acquainted with Philip Coons who has sworn to the above affidavit & that he is a person of good character & that his statement is entitled to full credit Witness My hand & Seal of Office this 11 th day of December A.D. 1833 Henry R. Bristol Clerk

Peter Vanderboeght of the Town of Woodstock in the County of Ulster State of New York. Witnesseth S. Saith he was well acquainted with John G. Hissom of the City of Schenectady State of New York as he is informed then of (Levingston manner) in the revolutionary war S. Nine Years after the close of the war and was with the said John G. Hissom in the Military Service Three or four Weeks and perhaps more on. That they then had an alarm and to the best of his recollection it was the next fall after Burgoyne was taken which would be the Year 1778. Their Capt was Jacob Shaefer. Samuel Vanbrouck Major. Henry Levingston. Colonel. To the best of his knowledge. Sworn before me at S Witness my hand & S Seal Woodstock County and State above mentioned This 21 st of Sept r 1832. Peter Vanderboeght
Alexander Hunt Justice of the Peace.
State of New York County of Ulster } ss. I, Jacob Snyder Clerk of said County of Ulster, do hereby certify that Alexander Hunt before whom the above deposition purports to have been taken, was on the day of the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in & for said County; and further that I am well acquainted with

the handwriting of said Justice, and verily be- liev the signature "Alexander Hunt" is subscribed to the Certificate of said affidavit to be genuine. and I further certify that an attested copy of the foregoing Certificate is now in the hands of the said Justice and that he is a man of veracity, when statements are called to account. Witness my hand & seal of office this
Jacob Snyder
Chas

of New York / I Samuel Van Brack of Livingston Columbia County being duly sworn before Charles Robinson in said County. deponeth & says that one of the duties of the peace of said County. deponeth & says that I was in the service of the United States during the Revolutionary war as first Major in the Regiment Commanded by Peter H Livingston as Colonel, & Henry Livingston as Lieut. Col. and Jacob Shaver was Capt. Peter Van De Bogart as first Lieutenant Philip Knickerbacker as 2 d Lieutenant, and John Burt as Ensign and that Capt. Jacob Shaver with his company performed Military Services in the revolutionary war on several occasions in the year 1776 & 1777. & 1778 under my immediate command, and further, that at this late period cannot recollect the whole of the service of all the private Soldiers, but think it very probable that John J. Chiron did perform military services in the revolutionary war of the United States as Capt. Jacob Shaver was considered a zealous friend to the cause of his Country. - Sworn before me at Livingston the 15 th day of February 1834 Charles Robinson Justice of the Peace
Samuel Van Brack  
State of New York Columbia County } ss. Richard Carrigue Deputy Clerk in the absence of Joseph D. Meneel Clerk of said County do hereby certify that Charles Robinson before whom the above Affidavit purports to have been sworn was, at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit to be his proper hand writing and signature. In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of the said County this 15 th day of Feb y 1834 Richard Carrigue Deputy Clerk

State WE Robert Brundit a clergyman residing in the City of Schenectady in the county of Schenectady aforesaid, and Adam Vrooman residing in the same place John J. Chisholm who do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John J. Chisholm who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy four 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.
Subscribed and sworn the day and year aforesaid
John J. Vrooman
Clerk.
Robert Brundit Adam Vrooman
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 Robert Brundit is a Clergyman and Professor of Divinity &c of Union College Schenectady and that Adam Vrooman are
credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I John Vrooman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John J. Chisholm for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two
John J. Vrooman Clerk.

Cohoes. 10 th - July 1865 - To the Hon. the Commissioner of Pensions of the War Dept. Washington D.C. -
Greeting.
Wor. Sir, Whereas, my Father John Chism, has been a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, has had served all through the Campaign, under the command of Colonel Capt. Shaver, never got any remuneration for his services in the War. Now, I as the daughter of the said  the John Chism had presented my claim to the Government as one of the legal heirs of the said Ancient Patriot, according to instructions I have obtained the necessary requisites relative to the same. In the month of March last, I have had placed my documents in the hands of George Downing No 94 Albany N.Y. for the purpose of procuring my Rights got no return from said Downing relative to the same as yet. Now therefore, Sir I do hereby respectfully ask you, to have the records searched, and forward an account to me, if said Downing had presented my claim or not. By you so doing you will forever oblige, the widowed daughter of a brave & gallant Soldier who has had borne the heat & burden of day, in maintaining our Glorious Independence. Yours Most Respectfully Maria Abney
Cohoes Albany Co. N.Y. Maria Abney

26. Feb. 1834. M c Clusky. W.P.
Feb 20 1834
To the Hon. J. L. Edwards Esq. War Department Washington City.

New York John D. Chism Revoy. Rejected 1931
See let. to L. A.
Daggett Esq Ap 5 5/34
Let. to Hon. J. J. De Graff Nov. 16, 1837.
" to J. J. Chism. 17 th May 1848.
" Maria Abby Aug. 12/50
" " Oct. 13 " "
" " Aug. 24/51 5
" " Dec. 5 " "
Hon. C. Goodyear. Jan'y. 17 th 46.
Act of June 32