Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15077, Petrus Decker, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Decker Petrus
S15077
Adm Feb 20, 1834
barded
CONTENTS

New York 14804 14804
11890 Nov 11 - Mr Beckwith personally took Grief History Prior
Petrus Becker of Shawangunk in the State of N.Y. who was a Lieut in the Comp. commanded by Captain Jansen of the Det. commanded by Col Haasbrouck in the Militia line for 2 years Lieutenant
Inscribed on the Roll of N.Y. at the rate of 320. Dollars " Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27. day of June 1832. and sent to J. M. Mitchell, Shawangunk, N.Y.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833, 640 " Semi-ant. allowance ending 1 Sept. " - 160 " $ 800.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. M. Mitchell Clerk Book E Vol. 4 - Page 34
✓

Peter Decker
room
2 years Lieut.
320  £

State of New York Ulster County - ss. On the 24 th Day of July 1832 Personally Appeared before me John Jamison one of the Judges of the Court of the Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid Petrus Decker a resident in part in the Town of Shawangunk and in the Town of New Paltz in said County (Living with his two sons sometimes with his son in Shawangunk and sometimes with his son in New Paltz) That he is aged 84 Years & Months - Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832. - Vis That on the Day of March 1776 he was discharged from the Regiment Comman- -ded by Colonel Hardenburgh in Shawangunk for the term of
3 Months that during said Time he was stationed at Fort Montgomery. he was at that time an Ensign in the Company of Capt. Matthew Jamison That at the Time he lay in Fort Montgomery the Fort was in the Command of George James Clinton he served there that time & was there discharged - Next in the Month of June 1776 he was discharged for the term of 1 Month from the said Regiment & Company and served as ensign at Fort Constitution for said term Next in the Month of July 1776 he was ordered out from
the said Regiment to serve at Havrestraw in Jersey along the North or Hudson River for 3 Months and served as Lieutenant in the said Company and from the said Regiment for the said Term of time he himself being in command of the detachment he receiv- ed his Lieutenant Commission in July 1776 - Next in October 1776 imme-
diately after his return from Havrestraw he was ordered to Fairfax Court House in Jersey 2 Months and was stationed there with a small command as a guard against the invasion of the Tories - and served said Term as Lieutenant as aforesaid
Next in the Month of December 1776 - immediately after his return from Fairfax Court House he was ordered to Pagopack in New Jersey with the said Company of Captain Matthew Jamison from the Regiment of Colonel Hardenburgh for 1 Month - & served said term as aforesaid Next in the following
think in March 1777 he was ordered out from the said Regiment in the said Company for 3 Months and was stationed at the Clove in Rockland County that Colonel John Burr layed at that Place at that time that while there the British detachment came from Hackensack New Jersey and a Skirmish took place with the British picket & the same was taken that he was as before stated a Lieutenant
Next as this Deponent thinks in September 1777 he was ordered out with the said Company of Matthew Jamison from the Regiment of Colonel Hardenburgh with a Company of 2 Months to go to New Windsor on the Hudson River that while there the whole Reg- iment was ordered out in an alarm at Fort Montgomery in October that he layed at New Windsor when the Fort was taken - a few days after 2 or 3 the British fleet passed up the river & the Troops were all marched to Kingston in Sullivan County but did not arrive until the same was taken and burned they then Layed a while at Hurley near by & from thence were marched back to New Burg and were there discharged

With a part of the Company of Matthew Saxon and Regiments of Colonel Shawangunk Mountain for
9. — Months that the Deponent was in the said Company so served as a Lieutenant and served for said Term - also the said Mountain on the Western Side thereof and was Commanded by Capt Matthew Saxon & Col Pauding and that during said service he was engaged in several little skirmishes with the Indians but was never in any regular Battle that at the Expiration of the said 9 Months the said Troops were dismissed at Warwarsing by Colonel Pauding the said Deponent was a volunteer in the said Corps for nine Months that he volunteered in Shawangunk in 1779 in the Spring some time & was discharged in Winter
Next in the Year 1777 the Deponent should have mentioned before the last Engagement that (in the year 1779) the Deponent immediately after the service of the two Months last above mentioned and before the said (last mentioned service of 9 Months) was called or ordered out from the said Regiment in Shawangunk with & in the said Company of Matthew Saxon (as Lieutenant) for the term of
1 — Month to go to Newburgh that the said Company was ordered out in November 1777 in the latter part thereof and layed & was dismissed at that place - That in or about the 1 st of Sep r 1778 he was together with said Company ordered to New Windsor for the term of
2 — Months at which place he said served as Lieutenant for the said 2 Months & was dismissed
Making in the whole a Service of 2 Years & 3 Months and in addition to the above he was several times in the year 1780 & 81 on small excursions & alarms - that during all the above service he was not stationed in the vicinity of Regular troops except when on his way from New Windsor to Kingston & when he before mentioned at the above - That
To the Interrogatories as per the Instructions of the Secretary of War the Deponent answers - to the
1 st - That he was born in Kingston in Ulster County in the Year 1748
2 nd That his Age is recorded in the Dutch Church at Kingston that he was then Baptized by the Reverend Mr Manches
3 rd That when 13 Years he moved from Kingston to Shawangunk aforesaid at which place he has allways since resided except when in the service and for a part of the 2 last Years he has resided in the Town of Paltz with his son as aforesaid
4 th & 5 th the said Deponent answers that he has explained the said Enquiries in his foregoing deposition
6 th That the Commission of Ensign - is herewith transmitted & that the Commission of Lieutenant is also herewith transmitted

7 th That a very Many of the Inhabitants of the Town of Shawangunk can testify to his good character and that Evert Dicker Evert Hoffman Benjamin Terwilliger Abraham Sparks & John McCord & can testify to services That. ————— 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 Peter Dicker and year above mentioned — Before me John Johnson one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster aforesaid —————
Mrs David Terwilliger Benjamin Terwilliger Abraham Sparks & John McCord Evert Hoffman & Matthew Martin residing in the said Town of Shawangunk do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Peter Dicker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 84 Years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood in which he resides to have been an Officer in the Army of the revolution and that we believe the facts set forth in the foregoing declaration are just & true from what is generally reputed and said upon the facts the witnesses hereof some of the said witnesses therein set forth have been personally known to us — and that in our opinion the said Dicker is to be a respectable & very respectable Man — Sworn & Subscribed the said 24 July 1832 Evert Hoffman Before me John Johnson one of the Abraham Sparks Judges as aforesaid Benjamin Terwilliger John McCord
I John Johnson one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster do hereby declare that it is my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named Applicant was an Officer in the Revolutionary War and served therein as such as he states, and the Court further certifies that it appears to me that the clergymen of the said neighborhood cannot be acquainted with the revolutionary reputation of the said Peter Dicker as having been called to the church within the late years — and that the said David Terwilliger Evert Dicker John McCord Abraham Sparks Evert Hoffman & Matthew Martin who have testified to the services of the said applicant are respectable & Reputable Men that the said Peter has the reputation of a Revolutionary character — I further certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the above declarant is from old age & bodily infirmity unable to attend Court
John Johnson } one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Ulster County

State of New York Ulster County
I Certify that on the 24 th Day of July 1832 personally came before me James N. Mitchell one of the Commissioners of Oaths in and for said County, the within Ernst Hoffman President of the Town of Shawangunk in said County who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose & say that he is personally & well acquainted with Petrus Decker who has subscribed and sworn to the within annexed declaration and that he is a resident of the same neighborhood with the said Applicant and that he is personally knowing to some of the said services therein set forth to have been performed and that the same was performed in the capacity of an officer as therein set forth & that the said Peter Decker is a respectable man Sworn and subscribed this 24 Day of July 1832 Before me
Ernst Hoffman
James N. Mitchell Commissioner
State of New York Ulster County
I Ernst Decker a resident of the Town of Shawangunk of the County aforesaid do hereby both declare that I am a Brother of Petrus Decker who has subscribed and sworn to the truth of Aforesaid declaration that I am personally knowing to the facts therein set forth to be true & that he served as an officer as therein stated & for the terms as therein stated. Witness my hand
Ernst his Marks Decker
Sworn and subscribed this 24 th Day of July 1832. Before me James N. Mitchell Commissioner
Petrus Decker
State of New York
Ulster County Clerks office: I Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby certify that James N. Mitchell Esquire was on the day of the dates of the Certificates to the above affidavits of Ernst Hoffman and Ernst Decker a Commissioner of Oaths in said County duly authorized to administer oaths and that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Commissioner and verily believe the signatures "James N. Mitchell" subscribed to the Certificates to the said above affidavits to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my hand and seal of office this twenty ninth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Jacob Snyder Clerk

State of New York
Ulster County Clerks office Esq: I. Jacob Snyder Clerk of the County of Ulster and Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of the County of Ulster do hereby Certify that John Jansen Esquire was on the day of the date of the annexed application of Peter Decker for a pension and the affidavits of Benjamin Terwilliger - Abraham Sparks and John M c Lova - and the Certificate of the Judge - A Judge of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County of Ulster duly Commissioned and sworn as such Judge and further that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Judge and verily believe the signatures "John Jansen" subscribed to the Certificate to the said annexed application affidavits and Certificate of said Judge to be genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this twenty-ninth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Jacob Snyder Clerk etc

State of New York County of Ulster ss. I Benjamin T. Gerwilliger a resident of Shawangunk do after being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that I am 77 years of age that I am acquainted with Peter Decker who has subscribed and sworn to the aforesaid declaration that I do remember that in July 1775 he was Clap and went to Fort Montgomery as an Ensign and did serve for one month that I know he served as an Ensign for 1 month at Fort Constitution in June 1776 that I know he served for 3 months in the Summer of 1776 at Haverstraw as a Lieutenant that he was in Command of the detachment that I know he served as Lieutenant for 2 months commencing in Sept 1777 and went to Kingston at the beginning thereof that I believe from the best of my recollection that he was out on the frontier in the Season of 1779 as a Lieutenant but cannot say how long but expect he has set the same honorable path I also know that he was out as a Lieutenant on as many as 12 Alarms at least with the Regiment of 8 Days each making 3 months service I also set forth that he is a man of good character & opinion say not. Sworn before me this 14th day of December 1832 Benjamin T. Gerwilliger John Janssen one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster
10/14/16 State of New York County of Ulster ss. I John McLeod a resident of Shawangunk do after being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that I am 85 years of age that I am well acquainted with Peter Decker the above declarant I was well and personally acquainted with him at the time of the Revolution that I know he was an officer in the Militia of the Revolution that in 1775 I know he was in Fort Montgomery for 3 months as an Ensign I also know he was in Fort Constitution for 1 month in June 1776 as an Ensign I also know that in October 1776 he was at Sussex Court house in New Jersey as a Lieutenant and say there about 2 months I also know that in December he was as a Lieutenant at Pyramus in New Jersey that he was in Captain Matthew Hunt's Company but how long he was there I can not say I also know that in the fall of 1777 in Sept he was laying as a Lieutenant at New Windsor in Captain Johnston's Company and went with the Shawangunk Regiment in October at the time Kingston was burned that that service was for 2 months I also know that he was out on as many as 12 alarms at least of 8 days each as a Lieutenant making a service of 3 months as a Lieutenant I also set forth he is a man of good character & opinion say not. Sworn & subscribed this 14th day of December 1832 before me John McLeod John Janssen one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County
State of New York County of Ulster ss. I Evert Hoffman a resident of Shawangunk in Ulster County do after being duly sworn according to law do depose and say that I am 83 years of age that I am well acquainted with Peter Decker above named that I know the said Peter Decker did serve for 2 months as a Lieutenant in the fall of 1777 commencing in September I also know that he was out on the frontier with the Shawangunk Regiment for at least 12 times for 8 days at a time on alarms as a Lieutenant in Capt Lawrence's Company making a service of 3 months that the said Peter is a man of good character and much respected. Sworn & subscribed this 14th day of December 1832 before me Evert Hoffman John Janssen one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County

State of New York
County of Ulster ss. On this 29th day of December 1832. Personally came before me John Parsons one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County - Peter Becker - in Order to demand an Original declaration (by him made before me - in Order to obtain the benefits of a pension under the Law in relation thereto. passed the 7 th June 1832 the said declaration being hereunto attached) as per the Instructions of the Secretary of War in reference thereto - And after being duly sworn according to Law with the further declaration that he is 85 Years of Age that he at present resides in the Town of New Paltz in the said County that he was an Officer in the Militia of the Revolution that he was in the Service in the Militia and done duty as an Ensign for four Months  in 1776  under two en engagements the first commencing in March 1776 for 3 Months and the other commencing in June 1776 for 1 Month -
That he done further duty in the Years 1776 - and 1777 and 1778 and 1779 as an officer in the Militia of the Revolution as a Lieutenant that he held a Commission as a Lieutenant and served as such for One Year and Eleven Months under Eight different Engagements - viz in 1776 Commencing in July he served as Lieutenant for 3 Months - in 1776 Commencing in October he served as Lieutenant for 2 Months - in 1776 Commencing - in December he served as Lieutenant for 1 Month - in 1777 Commencing in March he served as Lieutenant for 3 Months - in 1777 Commencing in September he served as Lieutenant for 2 Months - in 1777 Commencing in or about the 1 st December he served as Lieutenant for 1 Month - in 1778 Commencing about the 1 st January he served as Lieutenant for 2 Months - in 1779 Commencing in the Spring he served as Lieutenant for 9 Months - that in addition he served on alarms as Lieutenant on 12 Alarms of 8 days each when called out That his Whole term of Service is for 4 Months as an Ensign and for 26 Months as a Lieutenant for which
Service he claims a Pension - sworn to and subscribed before me John Parsons one of the Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas in said County -
(The said 26 th line was interlined before Execution setting forth the Alarm Service of 3 Months)
Peter Becker

State of New York County of Ulster
I James N. Mitchell one of the commissioners &c in and for the County of Ulster Do after being duly sworn according to law depose and say that in the Month of January
1832 Petrus Decker the Above Named declarant Called upon me with Ernst Decker and William Cole to make out a Petition to Congress for an act for a pension - for him the said Petrus Decker that he was sworn before me to the same statement as hereto fore set forth that I made a Memorandum of the same that Ernst Decker and William Cole were sworn before me at that time that Ernst Decker from my Memorandum at that time set forth particularly the service of the said Petrus Decker for - 3 Months as an Ensign in Capt Sansoms Company in the Spring of 1776 & of service of - 1 Month as an Ensign in the same Company in the Summer of 1776 & the service of - 3 Months as a Lieutenant in March 1777 in the said Co & the service of - 2 Months as a Lieutenant in January 1778 & the service of - 9 Months as a Lieutenant in Command lying at Rochester on the Frontier commencing in the Spring of 1779 That the said Ernst Decker is now deceased that he died some time last Summer & the service of the Above was of at least 3 Months - and further say not sworn and subscribed this 14 th day of December 1832 James N. Mitchell
Before me John Janssen one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Ulster
State of New York County of Ulster
I James N. Mitchell one of the commissioners &c in and for the County of Ulster Do after being duly sworn according to law depose and say that in January 1832 William Cole appeared before me and upon oath did set forth that he was well acquainted with Petrus Decker Above named that he knew him as an officer in the Army of the Militia of the Revolution that he in the Year 1776 in the Month of March knew that Petrus Decker did serve for 3 Months as a Lieutenant in the place in Rockland County that he knew that in Sept. 1777 he was a Lieutenant in the Company of Captain Janssen lying at New Windsor & going to Kingston & was out for 2 Months - That he knew that in the Spring of 1779 he did volunteer as a Lieutenant in Command to go to Rochester on the Frontier as a Guard and did serve for 9 Months on that Station further he knew that he was out as a Lieutenant as he stated for 12 times averaging about a week at a time making more than 2 Months service as a Lieutenant in the Militia in Capt. Sansoms Company & further say not - sworn and subscribed this 14 th Day of December 1832 James N. Mitchell
Before me John Janssen one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Ulster
I John Janssen the said Judge &c do certify that the Above named Petrus Decker is a Man of Good Character that the Above named Petrus Min T. Leervillijn John M c Leod & Ernst Hoffman and James N. Mitchell all are Men of good Character and entitled to full Credit
John Janssen one of the Judges of the Court of Ulster

Ulster County Clerks Office
I Jacob Snider Clerk of the County of Ul- -ster and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Ulster County do hereby Certify that John Jansen was on the days of the date of the certif- -icates to the Seven Part Affidavits in the for- -going Application & proof a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County and that I am well acquainted with the hand Writing of said Judge and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Certificate to be his proper hand Writing and Signature Witness My hand and Seal of office this twenty second day of January 1833.
Jacob Snider

May 6, 1938.
Mr. Roy McCracken 903 Mifflin Street Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
Q BA-J/ILL Petrus Decker S. 15077
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of May 3, 1938, in which you furnish further information in regard to Peter Decker and in which you state that he served from New York and had a son named Peter.
No claim for pension could be identified definitely as that of the Peter Decker in whom you are interested. You are furnished herein the record of Petrus Decker, the only soldier found of similar spelling of that name, in which it is shown that he had a son named Peter. Miss Botton whose claim
Petrus Decker was born in the year 1748, in Kingston, Ulster County, New York, and was baptized in the Dutch Church of Kingston, where his birth was recorded; the names of his parents are not shown. He moved at the age of thirteen years to Shawangunk in that same county.
While a resident of Shawangunk, New York, he enlisted in March 1776, and served four months as ensign in Captain Matthew Jansen's company of Ulster County New York militia, during which he went to Fort Montgomery. He was commissioned July 8, 1776, 2nd Lieutenant in Captain Matthew Jansen's company, Colonel Jonathan Hasbrouck's New York regiment, served on different tours, was commissioned March 9, 1778, 1st Lieutenant in that same company and regiment and served on various tours until sometime in 1781, these services amounting in all to twenty-six months as lieutenant. During the period of his service, he was in many skirmishes with the enemy.
Petrus Decker was allowed pension on his application executed

July 24, 1832, at which time he resided in Ulster County, New York. He stated then that he lived a part of the time with his son in Shawangunk, and a part of the time with his son in New Paltz, in said Ulster County, but he did not designate the names of these sons.
Petrus Decker died February 20, 1834, in New Paltz, New York. He was not survived by a widow; the name of his wife, and the date and place of their marriage are not shown.
The names of the children who survived Petrus Decker are shown as follows: Zachariah Decker, Peter P. Decker, Severyn B. Decker, Elizabeth Bradley, Levi Decker, Anne Irwin, Sarah Sammons, and Maria Goetschins.
In 1832, Evert Decker, the soldier's brother, resided in Shawangunk, Ulster County, New York.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER, Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS FOR THE COLONY OF NEW-YORK,
THE Eighteenth  July  July 1776.
To Peter Dicker Second Lieutenant
GREETING:
BY Virtue of the Authority reposed in us, We do hereby nominate, authorize, constitute and appoint you Peter Dicker Second Lieutenant
of the Company of Militia in the Precinct of Haverstraw in Westchester County of which Matthew Jansen Esq.
whereby requiring you, before you enter into the Exercise of your said Office, to make in Writing, and subscribe in Presence of the Chairman of the Committee of the City, Town, District, or Precinct wherein you reside, the Declaration appointed and directed by the Eleventh Section of the Seventh Resolve contained in the Rules and Orders for regulating the Militia of the Colony of New-York, recommended by this Congress on the 22d Day of August and authorizing you fully to execute all the Powers belonging to your said Office, by virtue of the said Rules and Orders, and the said Declaration: And we do hereby require all Persons under your Command, to pay due Obedience to you, according to the said Rules and Orders, and such further Rules and Orders as shall be made and recommended for the Militia of this Colony, by the present, or any future Continental Congress, or Provincial Congress of this Colony.
Attest.
William H. Livingston
By Order,
Nathl. Woodhull Presid.

1.7 The People of the State of New York.
by the Grace of God FREE and INDEPENDENT.
To Peter Decker Gent m Greeting.
WE reposing a special Trust and Confidence, as well in your Patriotism, Con- duct and Loyalty, as in your Valour and Readiness to do us good and faithful Service. Have Appointed and constituted, and by these Presents DO Appoint and Constitute you the said Peter Decker First Lieutenant of Captain Mathew Jansons Com-
pany of Militia in the County of Ulster, in the Regiment whereof Jonathan Hagedorn Esq r is Colonel
YOU are therefore, to take the said Company into your charge and care as First Lieutenant thereof and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Company in Arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as their First Lieutenant and you are also to Observe and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall from time to time receive from our General and Commander in chief of the Militia of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer. Ac- cording to the Rules and discipline of War, in pursuance of the Trust reposed in you, and for so doing this shall be Your Commission , for and during our good pleasure, to be Signified by our Council of appointments. In Testimony whereof, we have caused our Seal for Military Commissions to be hereunto Affixed. Witness our Trusty and well beloved George Clinton Esquire our Governor of our State of New York, General and Commander in chief of all the Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with the Advice and Consent of our said Council of Appointment, at Poughkeepsie the Ninth day of March in the Second year of our Independence, and in the year of our LO RD one Thousand Seven Hundred and Seventy Eight
Passed the Secretarys Office June 16 th 1778
By His Excellency's Command.
Robert Brinkerhoff D r Secretary.
W. Livingston

3 Aud. Report at back of this correspondence

3 Auk. Report at back of this correspondence

Mr. Roy McBracken
Peter Decker
Will be answered under separate cover.
By direction,
Chief Clerk. W. C. BLACK.
Your industry regarding Peter Decker, Revolutionary War Veteran. Record of the six Civil War veterans listed in your letter.
You will find enclosed statements taken from the pension
War and Revolutionary War.
1888, requesting information concerning certain veterans of the Civil
Receipt is acknowledged of your communication of February 24.
Dear Sir:
Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. 202 William Street. Mr. Roy McBracken.
March 8, 1928.
BYED

March 8, 1958.
BAKD
Mr. Roy McCracken, 908 Mifflin Street, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
Dear Sir:
Receipt is acknowledged of your communication of February 24, 1958, requesting information concerning certain veterans of the Civil War and Revolutionary War.
You will find enclosed statements taken from the pension records of the six Civil War veterans listed in your letter.
Your inquiry regarding Peter Decker, Revolutionary War veteran, will be answered under separate cover.
By direction,
W. C. BLACK, Chief Clerk.
Enc.

April 29, 1958
XXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MSF:MLB
Mr. Roy McCracken 903 Mifflin Street Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Dear Sir:
Further reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Peter Decker, a Revolutionary War soldier.
In order to identify the record of any particular soldier of the Revolutionary War with the name Peter Decker, as much as possible of the following data are essential: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.
Upon receipt of your reply, the matter will be given prompt attention.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
August 26, 1931.
Mrs. Amos E. Ayres 910 South Phillips Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
BA-7/ILL
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15077, that Petrus Becker was born in 1748 in Kingston, Ulster County, New York, and moved at the age of thirteen years to Shawangunk in said Ulster County.
While a resident of Shawangunk, Ulster County, New York, he served from March 1776 as ensign in Captain Matthew Jansen's Company in Colonel Hardenburgh's New York Regiment, on July 8, 1776 was commissioned 2 d lieutenant of Captain Matthew Jansen's Company and served on various tours; on March 9, 1778, he was commissioned 1 st lieutenant of Captain Matthew Jansen's Company, Colonel Jonathan Hasbrouck's New York Regiment and served on various tours in each year until some time in 1781, all of the aforesaid services as lieutenant amounting to twenty-six months. During these years, he was in many skirmishes with the enemy.
He was allowed pension on his application, executed July 26, 1823, at which time he was living with his son in Shawangunk  Sholam County, New York. He stated then that he divided his time with his two sons, the other one living in New Paltz in Ulster County, but he did not give their names.
The soldier died February 20, 1834 in New Paltz, Ulster County, New York.
He left no widow but the following names children: Sacharish Becker, Peter P. Becker, Severyn B. Becker, Elizabeth Bradley, Levi Becker, Anne Irvin, Sarah Seumans and Maria Gesteckins.
Soldier's brother, Evert Becker, was a resident of Shaw-

gent, Ulster County, New York, in 1822.
Because of the large number of requests similar to yours and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, only two histories of soldiers are furnished each inquirer.
Very truly yours,
A. B. HILGER, Assistant to Administrator.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
No. 15-077
Washington, D. C., _____, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____ received _____ for a statement of the military history of Petrus Decker a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     March 1776 4 mos Ensign Matthew Jansen's Co. Ulster Co. militia N. Y.   July 8 1776 26 mos 2nd Lieut " " " "   March 9 1778 1st Lieut " " Jonathan Hasbrouck  
Battles engaged in, _____ Residence of soldier at enlistment, Shawangunk N.Y. Date of application for pension, July 24 1832 This it was al Residence at date of application, Shawangunk and New Paltz N.Y. Age at date of application, at Kingston N.Y. in 1748.
Remarks: (d. Feb 23 1834* (From A.B.)
In 1832 he lived part of the time at Shawangunk with one son and part of the time at New Paltz (with another son he names are stated. (There is no reference to his wife or any other children.) Most time paid data from
Brother Evert
Very respectfully, Auditors report of 1917

Rev. Records.
March 8, 1913.
Mrs. Ward J. Craus, 401 South Elmer Ave., Sayre, Penn.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 20 th and received the 24 th ultimo, you are furnished herewith the histories of Peter Decker Jr., S. P. No. 15, 091. Rev. War, and Petrus Decker, S. P. No. 15, 077 Rev. War. They are the only soldiers of that name of Ulster County, N.Y. found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
Very respectfully,
J. C. Klavenport Commissioner.

903 mifflin St., Huntingdon, Pa. May 3, 1938.
A. D. Hiller Exec. Asst., To the Adm., Veterans Adm., Washington, D.C.
Re: - Peter Decker Rev. War Soldier
Dear Sir:- Your letter of Apr. 29 th. at hand concerning more complete information of Peter Decker as mentioned above.
The following account came to me thru a third party. a kin who gave the information. has died and the proof is not available.
Peter Decker, from Holland, was drafted into the Hessian Army which came to New York

- 2 - He finally deserted the Hessian Army and joined the Colonial Army. An honorable discharge is supposed to be in existence. This Peter Decker had a son Peter.
Hoping the above information may be useful in finding his war record, I am,
Sincerely yours,
Roy McCracken 963 Mifflin St., Huntingdon, Pa.

C O P Y
903 Mifflin Street Huntingdon, Pa. Feb. 24, 1938
Pension Department, Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
Please send me the war record of my kin as follows:
✓ Marshall Decker, Civil War Reports furnished BAHB-801 lucky mls 3/8/38 ✓ David Decker           "    " ✓ Robt. T. Decker       "    " ✓ Henry P. Decker      "    " ✓ John McCracken       "    " ✓ Joseph McCracken   "    " ✓ Peter Decker, Revolutionary War.
I am informed that the latter named man, Peter Decker, served and received an honorable discharge signed by Washington. I would like to receive a photostat copy of such a discharge.
Thanking you in advance for your cooperation, I am
Yours truly
Roy McCracken /s/
P. S. Would it be possible to get copies of their photos from the records?

186 Main Street - Binghamton, N. Y.
The Commissioner of Pensions - Dear Sir -
Would you kindly have sent to me the record of one Petrus Decker, a Rev. War soldier who served under Capt. Matthew Jansen's Co. Ulster Co. Militia, N. Y. - The said Petrus Decker was my great-great- grandfather - He was born at Kingston N. Y. in 1748 and died Feb. 20, 1834. I would

be pleased, because my daughter and myself are anxious to join the D. A. R's. Very truly Yours. (Mrs) M. Louise Place.
April 29, 1915.

To the Pension Office.
Mach- D. Q. Will you kindly see if there is any records of one Peter Dacker who served in the Rev- His wife's name was Mariah Hoffman before marriage and their two eldest children names were Zechariah born April 5-1773 and Esther born Feb 26-1775 - There were nine other children but were all born after the Rev. Peter Dacker took some land in Ulster Co for his pension & lived on it until he died. I wrote one before to the Pension Office but since then have found the above records -
Respectfully -
Mrs. Ward J. Cross.
401- So- Eleanor Ave.
Sayre Pa.
2/20/13
The above Peter Dacker & wife were my grandparents & ancestors -

OFFICE OF AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPARTMENT IN REPLYING QUOTE INITIALS
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON
January 9, 1917.
The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of December 13, 1916, you are informed that, according to the latest account rendered by the U. S. Pension Agent, at New York City the records of this office show last payment to have been made to Petrus Decker, Lieut., Army Rev., certificate No. 14804, at $ 320.00 per annum  month to February 20, 1834, the date of his death, to John T. VanVleck, Attorney.
Said pensioner died in New Paltz, Ulster County, N. Y., where he had resided. He left no widow, but the following named children: Zachariah Decker, Peter P. Decker, Severyn B. Decker, Elizabeth Bradley, Levi Decker, Anne Irwin, Sarah Sammons, and Maria Goetschins.
Letter herewith returned.
Respectfully,
Oscar A Price
Auditor
le R
By
Deputy Auditor.

OFFICE OF THE INTERIOR DEPT DEC 18 1916 DATE RECEIVED
3-397. (Old No. 3-399.)
Rev. War Section Division. S. File No. 15077 Petrus Decker
and, Ex'r.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., Dec 13, 1906
SIR:
For use in the above-entitled claim for pension, you are requested to furnish this Bureau with a report in the case of
Petrus Decker pensioned under the Act June 7, 1832, from Mar. 4, 1891 by certificate No. 14804, issued June 27, 1893, rate $320 per an. New York Agency, showing date of last payment of pension, name of person paid and date of soldier's death
Very respectfully,
G. M. Salazar
Commissioner.
THE AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT,
Treasury Department.

1913 Feb. 7 Hist. to Mrs. Ward J. Craus. V.L.M. 1913 May 8 Hist. to Mrs. H. Louw Place. V.L.M. 1916 Dec. 13. Ad. Interior for date of death. AW. 1931 - Aug. 25 - Hist. to Mrs. Amos E. Cupus - see her letter - Philip Ringold W 24 767 - L.L. 1958: May 6 - Hist. to Roy McCracken. J.L.H.
15077  INVALID. 
File No. 15077 or Petrus Decker  St. Rev. War 
Act: June 7" 1832
Index: Vol. 1 , Page 94
[Arrangement of 1870.]

3/4 4/4 12 15 1 2 1 3 4 2 4 3 3 2 9 War Department Pension Office Oct 22 1882.
Sir:
I return you the papers in the cases of Petrus Decker and Benj m S. Serwilliger. The affidavits of their witnesses should embrace a detailed statement of the facts they intend to verify, and the declaration should distinctly set forth the exact time of each service in each grade for which he intends to claim - without such specification no satisfactory computation can be made of a pro rata pension -
I am Respectfully Yr: Obt. Servt J. L. Edwards
James N. Mitchell Esq Shawangunk N.Y.