Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12744, Joseph Degolyer, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Degolyer Joseph
S 12744
banded
CONTENTS

20.867 New York
Joseph Degolier
Enlisted in the State of New York who was a Private in the Camp, commanded by Captain Hole of the Regt, commanded by Col. _____ in the New York for 7 months _____
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 23 Dollars 33 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of Oct. 1833 and put to D Wright Amsterdam
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 33 $ 58.38 Semi-ant. allowance ending Apr. 34 11.66 $ 69.99
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Col. Stiles Clerk Book E Vol. A , Page 95

State of New York Montgomery County ss On this 20th day of September 1832 - Personally appeared in open court before the judges of the court of common pleas of the county of Montgomery now sitting Joseph DeGolyer a resident of Brewer albin in the county of State of New York aged sixty nine years on the twenty third day of December last who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration
That performed the following services in the United States during the revolution war as a militia man -
In the year 1778 - defendant lived in what is now called Glance Furnace county in the State of New York and some time in the year summer of said year he entered the service as a a substitute for Harnemias Nason and went to Schenectady in the State of New York and assisted in keeping Garrison at a fort there called the upper fort On Gills a Colonel was Lieutenant and there was a Post was an officer here which had the command of the department does not remember - defendant was engaged for a month but had only three weeks and was then discharged -
In the year 1779 - defendant served three weeks at Fort Plank as a soldier

officer in keeping Garrison - Fort Plank was situated on the Mohawk river about three miles south of the river - deponent does not remember the names of the officers in command there whilst he was there - whilst deponent was at Fort Plank a body of men came on & built Fort Plain about three miles north of Fort Plank on the Mohawk river.
In 1780 in the month of October deponent was in the service of a week with a party of militia in the company himself & six of the men belonging to his company including Lieutenant Veder joined a body of militia commanded by Gen Van Rensselaer during this service a battle was fought with the British & Indians at Klons Place in which deponent was engaged his son John Johnson commanded the British forces - Brant & Buttr were with the enemy forces -
In the year 1781 - and 1782 the latter part of which was captured deponent was stationed at the middle fort in Schoharie County as a soldier from about the middle of July until the last of November being more than three & a half months there at this time - Capt. Hall commanded at the middle fort at this time & Joseph Van Buren was Lieutenant - deponent remembers that whilst engaged in this

Since news was received that Lowwallis had surrendered - & the Soldiers at the Middle fort had a rejoicing on account of said news - detachment was engaged by Philip McLellan to perform this service.
In the year 1782 - this detachment was out out upon scouting parties as much at least as one month - these scouting parties consisted of parties of three men who went out and examined the woods and country to see if there were any Indians or enemy in the vicinity - these scouting parties were constantly kept out to prevent the country from a surprise.
Detachment has been engaged at other times when the country was alarmed by an invasion - and at several different times kept cannot enumerate them more particularly - but has no doubt it would amount to another month -
Detachment was born in Kisselback's in Sullivan County State of New York in the year 1762 - I am older than when he was about fifteen years of age - I lived in Sullivan County about forty years since when he was over to the Garrison in County of Montgomery in the town of Broadalbin where he now resides - detachment has no more

of his age - except an entry made by himself in his family bible which he made from information get from his father which he believes to be correct - disputant refers to William Green or Benjamin of Brattleboro & Thomas Harrison of the same town to testify to the truth of his recollection and services - & upon oath character to the effect on it of John Van Buren frequently answered -
disputant hereby acknowledges every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the army of any state -
Subscribed & sworn to before the board the day & year aforesaid
Isaac D. Doolittle mark
Geo: D. Ferguson, clerk.

80 14 924
Joseph Degolyer N.Y.
l. i. j. a b m d
D. Wright
D. Wright agent Amsterdam Montgomery County New York

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 subjjoined 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 Joseph Degolier, of Montgomery Co. New York
   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.     Subs. 1778 21 Private Lieut. Sills A. Fonder 2 o Fort Plank Glenville N.Y. Age 69 Traditionary & living witness   1789 21 Lieut. Wedder Genl. Van Ranpalser Klarks Graths   1780 7 Capt. Hole   1781 More than 3 15 Lieut. Smith Van Leger   1782 at least 1 Deut   At various other times about 1  
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

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 , in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly 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.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Some - as far as it can be -
some

Rev. and 1812 War Section.
January 16, 1928
Mrs. E. C. LaPorte 50 Division St Amsterdam, N. Y.
Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 12744. it appears that Joseph Degolyer was born December 23, 1762 in Kinderhook, Columbia County, New York.
While residing at Glenville, Schenectady County, New York, he served as a private in the New York Militia as follows-
In the summer of 1778, three weeks under Lieutenant Jellie A. Fonda; in 1779, three weeks, no officers stated; in October 1780, one week under Lieutenant Vedder, and was in a battle with the In- dians at Klock's Flats; from the middle of July 1781 to the last of November 1781 under Captain Hale; in 1782 in scouting parties, about one month officers not stated; and was out several times on alarms. His service in all amounting to seven months.
He was allowed pension on his application ex-

outed September 20, 1832, while a resident of Breadalbin, Montgomery County, New York.
There are no data as to family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

State of New York
Montgomery County
31 st Dec r
John Van Eps of the town of Amsterdam being
duly sworn in open court and county and state presence being duly in own doth depose and say that he is well acquainted with Joseph Seydlyn who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that this deponent has heard said declaration read - that deponent was engaged & dined with said Seydlyn when a portion of said depositions were performed - that from his acquaintance with said Seydlyn at the time of the  part of the the latter action of this  the  county during the revolution he has not the  the least doubt but that the said Joseph performed all the services in said declaration specified - & that said Seydlyn is a man of good moral character & integrity -
John Van Eps
Sworn to subscribed the day before me said Geo: D. Ferguson, Clerk.

We William Green a clergyman of Broadalbin in Montgomery County & Thomas Thomas Harrison of the same place
× × × × × Thereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph Doyler — who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be sixty nine years years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbor- hood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution. And that we concur in that opin- ion. — That he is a man of good moral character. — Sworn & subscribed this 30 th day of Sept. 1832 in open Court Geo. D. Ferguson, clerk.
Wm Green Thomas Harrison
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named appli- cant, was a revolutionary soldier, & served as he stated. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them, that William Green who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman residing in the town of Broadalbin in the said County, & that Thomas Harrison who has also signed the same is a resident in the same town, & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit.
George D. Ferguson, clerk of the said Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Doyler for a pension.

Omit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 29th September 1832
Geo: D. Ferguson
And the said Court do further certify that John Van Eps who has signed the annexed affidavit is a resident of the town of Amsterdam in said County of Montgomery and is a cred- ible person and that his statement is entitled to credit In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said Court this sixth day of July 1833 -
R. H. Cushman Dep. Clerk

[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page. The text is mostly illegible but appears to include a date and a name.]

Joseph Lepofsky Beleuation sw
+ 14924 v
87
nom d
Imo. pii
$23.33

Joseph Depoly
- Amended subscription for Pension
x

Joseph Degolyer's Extended declaration for pension
Personally appeared before me the Undersigned a Justice of the peace of the town of Amsterdam & county of Montgomery in the State of New York Joseph Degolyer of the town of Broadalbin in said County who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service - nor to the names of the officers under whom he served but he is confident that he served as a private soldier in the militia for the United States in the revolutionary war not less than twelve months - and for such service is entitled to a pension - Subscribed & sworn to before me this 18 June, 1833 - W m Reid Justice of the peace Montgomery County N.Y. Joseph his Degolyer marks
I am well acquainted with the above named Joseph Degolyer & have been for several years last past and believe him to be a man of a fair & unimpeachable character in all respects - W m Reid Justice

State of New York } (Montgomery County) } Clerk's Office } p
I Richard H. Cushman Deputy Clerk of the County of Montgomery do certify that Wil- iam Reid Esq whose name is subscribed to the Jurat of the within affidavit and also to the within certificate was at the date of the same a Justice of the peace in and for said County and duly authorised to take affidavits &c And further that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Justice and verily believe that the signature to the Jurat of the said affidavit and also to the within certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix- ed the Seal of the said County this 10th 11th day of July 1833
R. H. Cushman

Request for Photostating (To be prepared in duplicate)
M 6
Ex. Out
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job No. 162
Date Oct 20 23
Subject Joseph Degolyer Rev. War S 127111
1 copies of 2 pieces consisting of 7 pages to be (No.) (No.) (No.) forwarded when completed to the REV. WAR SECTION Division.
Remarks: _____
Approved:
W. Wilson
Chief REV. WAR SECTION
Chief Clerk.

Correspondence in S. 35,761
Bartholomew Adams.

Name Joseph Degolyer Date Aug. 6, 1917. No { S. File 12,744 Rev. War. Photographic copies wanted of 1 pieces, consisting of 4 pages. Remarks: unverified Exr J. S. Chamberlin , actg Chief Rev. War. Serv. APPROVED: Serial 8649  J. S. Chamberlin Chief Law Division. No. 8649  ord

E. W. Gibson,
Representing Manufacturers,
28 Warren Avenue West,
D + 5
Detroit, Mich. June 22/96
Commission of Pensions Washington D.C.
Dear Sir
Can you give me the information of Samuel Thatcher was a pensioner of the Revolutionary War , he enlisted from the State of Conn' and I understand he drew his pension at the Town of Providence N.Y. State, he was born Nov 24 th 1753 died Mch 10 th 1844, also Joseph De Golyer who enlisted in the Revolutionary War from N.Y. State and I understand he drew a pension from the Town of Galway Saratoga Co N.Y. State he died about 1835 to 1837.
Your kindness in this matter will be much appreciated as my wife is desirous of qualifying for daughters of Am Revolution
Very Sincerely E.W. Gibson

Rev. War
12.744 INVALID.
File No. 12.744
Joseph Degolza Pri Rev War
Act: June 1 th 82
Index: Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]
June 29 '96 Paid per E.W. Gibson Detroit Mich J.W. B.
1917 Aug. 7, Photostat copy of declaration to C.A. Hopkin & 1923 Oct. 20 copies mailed to B.A. Hopkin 924 Madison av. N.Y. City (see receipt for payment in James De Golyer 8441411. av. 1928 Jan. 16 - Hirt to Mrs. E.E. La Porte see letter in Garret Newbirk avj.