Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 16,301, Isaac Huff, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Huff, Isaac Ann
W 16,301
CONTENTS

17-251
New Jersey Isaac Hoff
of Connecticut in the State of N. Jersey who was a private in the Comp y . commanded by Captain Probascu of the Reg t commanded by Col. Quick on the N. Jersey line for 14 m s
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Jersey at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Aug t 1832 and settled J. H. Randolph M c p ri nt
Arrears to the 4th of Mar ch $153.32 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 th Ap ril 28.33 $181.66
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Geo. Atkin Clerk Book E Vol. 3. Page 115
Letter to Rev. B. M c Leod 13 April 183
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 Sep t to 2 Dec r 1833. Ag t Notified 4 th March 1842

New-York Sept. 1/990
1855 Oct: 16 Vouchers for Arrears refused to B d and sent to Army Weynkoop
Ann Huff, widow of Isaac Huff, Dec?
who died on the 2 d December, 1833; of Greene Co. in the State of N. York who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Probass of the regt commanded by Col. Quick in the N. Jersey for 17 months private
Inscribed on the Roll of N. York (Albany) at the rate of 56 Dollars 66 Cents, per annum to commence on the 1 th 2 d day of March Dec r 1833
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 th day of April, 1838 - and sent to Rev. J. B. Hough, Leeds, N. York.
Arrears to the 1 th of March, 1838 $241:10 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. '38 = 28:33
$269:43
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 d }
Recorded by S. A. Ellivh Clerk Book 8, Vol. 2 Page 105

State of New Jersey, Somerset County ss. On application for the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th AD 1832 -
In this fifteenth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared in open court before me Judge of the Superior Court of Common Pleas now sitting at Bridgewater in & for said County of Somerset Isaac Huff - a resi- dent of the township of Hillsborough in said County, aged eighty two years in October last - who being first duly sworn according to law deposes on his oath makes the following declara- tion in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enter- ed the service of the United States under the following named Officers & served as herein stated. Upon the first call made upon the mi- litia of New Jersey - at the time the British fleet arrived at New York - he was called out and marched to Bound Brook. Saw the British land on Staten Island. The militia were discharged after ten or twelve days to return home and gather the harvest. - The Jersey militia were called upon very frequently. sometimes were called out en masse. and at other times performed tours of duty a month at a time. The one half one month & the other half the next month and so alternately he always went out when called upon. which was very frequently - he was stationed at various places in New Jersey during the war - under different Officers at different times - at Bound Brook under Capt. Bro- berson - Colonel Abraham Smith commanded the regi- ment at that time - at Elizabeth Town - New Bruns- wick - Princeton & Trenton. but cannot remember the names of the different militia Officers as they were so frequently changed - he has no doubt that the different tours of duty which he performed

during the war amounting to two years or more, but it is impossible for him to specify the precise length of each time he was out upon the different tours while at Millstone had a little skirmish with the British we fired a few rounds at them across the river - and a few days afterwards had another skirmish with them near Van Nys' Mill on the Millstone river, in which the British lost a number of men killed and wounded, and we lost four or five killed. On this occasion he recollects that Doctor Lawrence Van Dusen was taken prisoner by the Hessians. While at Millstone a party of British light horse came them up & burnt the Raritan meeting house & the town next door house at Millstone and the forage yard. He and fourteen others of the militia on horseback pursued & followed them as far as the South River Bridge. About two miles this side of New Brunswick Colonel Simcoe's horse was shot from under him by us & the whole British troop rode over him & he was taken prisoner. - He was born in the year 1749, in the Township of Franklin Somerset County and the record of his age is in the family bible at home. - He lived in the said town thru' Franklin when first called into service & lived there during the war & for several years afterwards; then moved into the said township of Hillsborough where he has lived ever since except three or four years. & still lives there He went into the service as above stated and never served as a volunteer, or substitute. He does not recollect now the names of any of the regular officers who were with him when he served. He never received any discharge believes there was none given to the militia. - John Wyckoff, Rev. Peter Lebach, Adam Bellas, James & Stephen & many others who are his neighbors can testify to his character for veracity, and

This being of his services as a soldier of the Revolution. He has no documentary evidence. He here by relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any the agency of any State -
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
Isaac Habb
W. H. Gaston
We Peter Labagh, a clergyman, residing in the township of Hillsborough aforesaid. and John Wychoff residing in the same place, firmly certify, that we are well acquainted with Isaac Habb. who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty years of age, - that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution - and that we concur in that opinion.
Peter Labagh John Wychoff
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
W. H. Gaston

Somerset County ss: - Personally appeared in Open Court John Wyckoff, who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath saith that he is well acquainted with Isaac Huff. Who has subscribed the foregoing declaration. says he knows he served in the militia of New Jersey during the revolutionary war. He served under the same Capt: with this deponent at a certain time - and was with him when he started for New York. He served faithfully at different periods for two years or more as this deponent readily believes.
Sworn & Subscribed in Open Court &c.
John Wyckoff
Wm. H. Gaston
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories presented by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further states certifies that it appears to them that Isaac Peter Labagh who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the township of Hillsborough aforesaid, and that John Wyckoff who has also signed the same, is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit. -
Wm. H. Gaston

Dan o H. Leibovich St. Patrick

State of New Jersey Somerset County ss
I John M. Mann Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court in the matter of the Application of Isaac Huff for a pension. — — — In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this of office this sixteenth day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred & thirty two.
J. M. Mann

Grace Huff 35-22
M.
P.

Answers to the interrogatories required by the war department in the case of Isaac Huff. 1 st I was born in the township of Franklin, in the county of Somerset. State of New Jersey - in the year 1749 -
2 d I have a record of my age in my family Bible at home -
3 d I resided in the said township of Franklin when called into service - and for several years after the war - when I moved into the township of Hillsborough, where I have resided ever since -
4 th Upon the general call for the militia of New Jersey early in the war I went out as a private under Capt. Probasco - when the militia were closed I served my regular hours of duty until the close of the war -
5 th - I do not now recollect the names of any of the regular officers, who were with the troops when I served nor of any of the continental regiments - I recollect Col. Lucks regiment of militia & Col. McElroy's under whom I served - There were other regiments to which I was attached but my memory is so poor I cannot remember the names of the colonels - For the general cir- cumstances of my service I refer to my former declaration -
6 th I never received any discharge from the service - I believe there was none given to the militia -
7 th - For the names of persons to whom I am known in my present neighborhood and who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a soldier in the Revolution I refer to my former declaration -
Sworn to & Subscribed before on May 4 th 1833 -
Isaac Huff
W. H. Gaston

Personally appeared before me the undersigned one of the Judges of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, in and for the County of Somerset, Isaac Huff who being duly sworn deponeth 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 period mentioned below. For two years I served as a private in the militia of New Jersey, and for such service I claim a pension. and that for the time during which the service was performed, I was not employed in any civil pursuit.
Sworn to & subscribed
This 14th day of May A.D. 1833
Isaac Huff
before me
W. B. Gaston
I, William B. Gaston one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Said County of Somerset, do hereby certify that John Wyckoff who has sworn to the foregoing affidavits is a person of truth and veracity, and that his statement is entitled to full credit and belief -
Dated May 14 th 1833.
W. B. Gaston

Somerset County } State of New Jersey }
I John M. Mann Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that William B. Gaston before whom the annexed proceedings are had on the within deposition of a person
is a Judge of said Court in full commission & In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fifteenth day of May Eighteen hundred and thirty three -
J. M. Mann

V 2749
Ann Huff widow of Isaac N.Y.
adm d 17 mo pri $56.66
deceased - died 2 Dec. 33. to commence 3 rd Dec. 33. -
Rev. B. Hoff Leeds N.Y.

State of New York County of Greene
On the 15 th day of September 1837 personally appeared before me John Van Vechten a Justice of the peace of the said County Ann Huff a resident of the Town of Catskill in the County of Greene & State of New York aged Eighty six years Who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836: that she is the widow of Isaac Huff who was a private in the revolutionary Army, who was entitled to receive Fifty six Dollars and sixty six Cents per Annum during his natural life as will by a certificate bearing date the 17 th day of August 1833 more fully appear. She further declares that she was married to the said Isaac Huff on the fourteenth day of February 1771. that her husband the afore- said Isaac Huff died the second day of Decem- ber 1833 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto an- nexed
Sworn to & subscribed on the day & year above written John Van Vechten Justice of the Peace
Ann X Huff Mark

State of New York Greene County ss: } I William T. D. Keerimane Clerk of the said County do certify that John Van Vechten Esq. before whom the within declaration was sworn to was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace of the said County duly elected and qualified, and that his signature to said declaration is genuine Witness my hand and official seal this 21 st Day of September 1837. William T. D. Keerimane Clk

State of New York Greene County
On the 19 th day of September 1837 personally appeared before me John Van Voorhies a justice of the peace of the said County, Broyon Huff to me known who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration that Ann Huff is the widow of Isaac Huff the person named in an original Certificate in her possession of which the following is a copy War Department. Revolutionary Claim. I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Isaac Huff of the State of New Jersey who was a private in the revolutionary Army is entitled to receive Fifty Six Dollars and Sixty six Cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4 th of March and 4 th of September in every year - Given at the War office of the United States this 17 th day of Aug One thousand eight hundred and thirty three
LoS
Lev Cals
Examined & counter signed
Secretary of War
JL Edwards Commissioner of Pensions
And that the said Ann Huff has removed from the State of New Jersey to the County of Greene in the State of New York about two years since where she now resides, and that the said Isaac Huff died the second day of December 1833 And that the said Ann Huff has remained ever since that period and is now a widow
Sworn & subscribed, on the day and year above written
Broyon Huff
John Van Voorhies Justice of the peace

State of New York Greene County Is: § William W. C. Hermance Clerk of the said County do certify that Adrien Van Kechten Esq. before whom the within affidavit was sworn. was at the date of the same a Justice of the Peace of the said County duly elected and qualified and that his signature to said affidavit is genuine Witness my hand and official seal this 21 st day of September 1837.
William W. C. Hermance Clerk
W. C. Hermance

State of New Jersey } Somerset County ss: } Personally appeared before me William B. Gaston One of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Somerset, Beryn Van Doren who being duly sworn according to Law upon his oath Saith: I am now about Seventy eight years of age, was born in the year 1759 in the Township of Bridgewater and County of Somerset, in which County I have lived ever since. I was well acquainted with Isaac Huff before the Revolutionary War. I recollect of his being married in the year 1772 or 1773 to Ann Hoagland — who was my father's house- keeper (he being at the time a widower) I distinctly recollect of the marriage, although at that time I could not have been over thirteen or fourteen years of age. They lived together in the County of Somerset till the time of his Death which took place three or four years ago. I am unable of my own knowledge to state any military service performed by him during the War but recollect of hearing it said he was a good Soldier and Stanch Whig, and further deponent Saith not.
Sworn and subscribed this 12 th day of September 1837 before me.
Beryn Van Doren
W. B. Gaston

Re WIDOW, &c.
File No. 16301
Ann Wolff wid of Isaac Wolff Priv Bk War
Act: July 4 th 1861
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 358
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓

V in York
Ann Huff
Letter to Rev. B. Huff, 6 Dec. '37.
do do 13 April 1838

Isaac Huff. N.J. act 7. June when last paid? G. M. G.
p. 4 Sep 1833
AH

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
Jan'y 13 th , 1842.
Sir:
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," The widow of Isaac Buff, dec d , a Pensioner on the Roll of the New Jersey Agency, at the rate of Fifty Six Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 1 st of Sept. to the 2 nd Dec. 1833,
Respectfully, yours,
Edward N. Harris Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

State of New York } Green County } On the 19 th day of Sept r 1837 personally appeared before me John Van Vechten Justice of the peace of the said County Brogan Huff to me known, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration "That Ann Huff is the widow of Isaac Huff the person named in an original certificate in her petition of which the following is a copy. — War Department. Revolutionary Claims
"I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7 th June 1832 Isaac Huff of the State of New Jersey who was a private in the Revolutionary Army is intitled to receive fifty Six Dollars & Sixty Six cents per Annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4 th of March 1831 & payable semiannually on the 4 th of March & 4 th of September in every year. Given at the War office of the United States this 17 th day of August one thousand eight hundred & thirty three.
L. S.
Lewis Cass.
Secretary of War
Examined & } Countersigned }
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions.
And that the said Ann Huff has removed from the State of New Jersey to the County of Green in the State of New York about two years since, where she now resides, & that the said Isaac Huff died the second day of December 1833. and that the said Ann Huff has remained ever since that period a widow. —
Sworn & subscribed the 20 th day of April 1838 before me John Van Vechten Justice of the peace
Brogan Huff

State of New York } County of Green } ss.
On the 18 th day Jan y . 1838 personally appeared before me Silvester Nichols Judge of the Court of Records of said County Ann Huff a resident of the town of Catskill in the County of Green & State of New York aged Eighty six years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836: That She is the widow of Isaac Huff who was a private in the Revolutionary Army; who was entitled to receive fifty six Dollars & sixty six cents per Annum during his natural life, as will by certificate bearing date the 17 th day of August 1833 more fully appear.
She further declares that She was married to the said Isaac Huff on the fourteenth day of February 1771. That her husband the aforesaid Isaac Huff died the second day of December 1833. & that She has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto affixed.
Sworn & Subscribed on the 3 day and year above written }
Her Ann X Huff mark
The above depensed Deponent also further declares that from her advanced age & bodily infirmities she is unable to attend at the Court house in said County & in open Court make this her affidavit
Sworn & Subscribed } before me this 18 th day } of Jan y A.D. 1838. }
Her Ann X Huff mark
Silvester Nichols

State of New York County of Greene
On the 20 th day of April 1838 personally appear- ed before me John Van Vechten Esquire a Justice of the Peace of the said County. Brogum Huff to me known who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration that he has forwarded to the Secretary of War an affidavit made by Berym Van Dorn before a Magistrate authorized to administer an oath. The said Berym Van Dorn was present and an Eye Witness to the Marriage of Isaac Huff and Ann Huff who is now his widow also that the annexed affidavit of Ann Huff taken before Silvester Nichols Esquire a Judge of the Court of Record on the 18 th day of January 1838 is a true Copy of one forwarded by me to the Secretary of War and also that the Certifi- cate of the Clerk of the County of Greene was annexed to said affidavit
Sworn and subscribed before me this 20 th day of April A.D. 1838
Brogum Huff
John Van Vechten Justice of the Peace

State of New York, Greene County ss. I William H. B. Keermance Clerk of the said County do certify that John Van Kechten Esq. before whom the within affidavits were sworn was at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace of the said County duly elected & qualified and that his signature to said affidavits is genuine Witness my hand and Official seal this twenty first day of April 1838
William H. B. Keermance Clerk

3522
Isaac Haff
Return this a c
Admitted
Private 17 months
Gen J. F. Randolph
President

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Isaac Hoff
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.              
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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposes 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 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.
[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.

Leeds V 104 Nov 29 Dec 29 W Anna H. Huff
2749
26 Sept.
Mr. Lane
for
Mr. J. S. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Leeds. Green Co. N.Y. Nov. 28. 1837
Respected Sir.
About two months since I forwarded to you papers instituting a claim to Pension for Ann Huff the widow of Isaac Huff deceased. I have been expecting a reply but having not received any. I am apprehensive that the papers have not been received or that your reply to me although transmitted has not perhaps been miscarried. I am sorry to trouble you, but should be glad to know the result of the application.
Yours Respectfully
Rev d B. Huff

Mr. J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Leeds Green Co: N.Y.
April 20 th 1838
Sir. -
Your letter apprising me that the papers of Mrs Ann Huff although they had been received were mislaid in the office so as not to be found has been received. I regret the circumstance, but I have it in my power to transmit to you an authenticated copy of all the papers except the Affidavit of Benjamin Van Doren residing in the state of New Jersey who was present and an eye witness to the marriage of Ann Huff and Isaac Huff her deceased husband. This testimony however I presume will be sufficiently corroborated by my own Affidavit which you will find in the accompanying papers. — Isaac Huffs papers upon which his certificate was issued you will find recorded in Book E. Vol. B. page 14 by Co. Stiles. Clerk — I presume the accompanying papers will be sufficient — Your S er . & Yrs t B. Huff

Leeds N.Y. April 12 th
Jan 29 ch
Apr 16 1838
fr
Ans. to da
Mr. Cobb
Dear Sir
Yours
L. Edwards Administrator of D. S. S. Washington D.C.

Leeds Green Co: N.Y.
April 10 th 1838
Dear Sir.
Nearly two months have elapsed since I wrote to you on the subject of Mrs. Ann Huff's application for pension, and having received no reply, I am apprehensive that you have not received my communication - which I desired to be informed, whether I had received the affidavit taken according to your direction by Silvester Nichols Judge of the court of records. It will gratify me to know whether it has been received, and whether I may expect a certificate to receive such pension as is awarded by the law.
You may think me troublesome but I hope you will excuse it for the reason that when I do business for another I am always anxious until I know the result. I shall be pleased to hear from you as soon as practicable
Yours Respectfully B. Hoff

Leeds May March 9th
Mr. John  Green Dr. Green John at.
Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
29 Jan - Ad dabr. Ann Hall Chas Stewart

Leeds Green Co: New York
March 8 th 1838
Respected Sir
I hope you will not consider me as trespassing by addressing you again upon the subject of my Mother's application for Pension. Some weeks have passed since I transmitted to you the last required document, and I feel some anxiety to know the result. If the application is successful, you will confer a special favour by giving me the information and transmitting the usual certificate. I know not your order of proceeding with respect to such applications. I therefore may not have waited sufficiently long to give time for your answer to my last. I would not wish to give you any unnecessary trouble. but it will gratify me to hear from you in relation to the matter in question.
J. L. Edwards.
Yours Respectfully
B. Hoff

2747 Sch 12 Lucas N.Y. Sep 23 July 36 30 Dec.
Ohio
J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

Decals Sept. 22 nd 1887.
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will find papers comprising a claim in behalf of Ann Huff the widow of Isaac Huff the record of whose papers you will find in Book PE Vol. 3 Page 14 by Go. Attils -
Yours O. B. Hoff
J. L. Williams

State of New Jersey
Somerset County ss: Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Somerset, in the State of New Jersey, Isaac Huff - 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, in the grade of a private. That he entered the service as a drafted militiaman in June 1776 - and served a term of two weeks at Point Pleasant under Capt. Peshaco. Maj. Benge, Baird and Col. Leitch - watching the enemy - In the summer and fall of the year 1776, he served three terms of duty, of a month each under the same officers - and was stationed along the shore between Amboy & Elizabeth town point and at Elizabeth town, guarding the lines and watching the enemy - In the winter and spring of 1777 - he served along the five months, under Capt. Peshaco, Major Baird, & Col. Peshaco part of the time - and was stationed along the lines in Somerset & Middlesex Counties watching the enemy - In the summer of 1777 - he served two terms - of a month each under Van Klief Capt. & Major, & Col. Leitch - and was stationed along the Millstone, guarding the lines - In the spring of 1778, he served one month under the same officers last mentioned along the Millstone watching the enemy - In the summer of 1778, he served two monthly terms under same Van Klief Capt., Maj. Baird & Col. Peshaco - along the Millstone and near New Brunswick - watching the enemy -
2. w
111
3. m
5. m
2. m
1. m
2.
65

2, m
And in the fall & winter of 1778, he served two monthly term, at Littleton & Nashua watching the enemy - under the same General last mentioned. And for such services claims a pension -
Is cracked
Sworn & subscribed before me July 9th 1833
A. H. Easton

1 15 I R State of New Jersey } I John M. Mann Clerk of the Somerset County } Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that William B Caston before whom the in these affidavits of Isaac Haffner and whose hereunto signature is subscribed thereto was at the time of the state thereof and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said County in full commission in virtue whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of July eighteen hundred and thirty three - J. M. Mann

This is to Certify, that I the subscriber Abraham Van Nest of Hillsborough Township, County of Somerset and State of New Jersey - do know, that Isaac Huff, (the Present applicant for a pension) of the same County and State aforesaid, I was well acquainted with the S d Isaac Huff whose during the whole of the Revolutionary war - and at the time that he Entered the service, at the Commencement of the war, he was a resident of Franklin Township Somerset County and State of New Jersey - and done duty under Capt s Henry Probascu - in of the same Company that I belonged to, and believe he done his full share of duty while the S d Capt s Probascu had the Command of our - Company - In the Spring of the year 1777 I was Elected Capt s of the Company that formerly belonged to Henry Probascu - and believe and know that the S d Isaac Huff belonged to my the Company Commanded by me - and believe he done his full share of duty in the service of the Militia of this State till the close of the war - and I believe him the S d Isaac Huff to be a man of veracity and truth; - from the loss of memory I am not able to particularize the periods of his services - nor the places where he served, - but do know he was a true coheg during the whole of the War of the revolution -
Sworn and Subscribed before me - 17 th day of July 1833. James D. Stryker one of the Judges of the Inferior courts of common pleas of the County of Somerset
Abm. Van Nest

I James D. Stryker one of the Judges of the Inferior courts of Common Pleas in and for said County of So- merset, do certify that Mr. Van Nest who was sworn to the foregoing affidavit is a person of truth and veracity, and that his statement is entitled to full credit & belief. —
Dated July 17 th 1833.
James D. Stryker
Somerset County } I John M. Mann Clerk of the Inferior State of New Jersey } Court of Common Pleas in and for said County do hereby certify that James D. Stryker before whom the foregoing Affidavit of Abraham Van Nest was made and by whom the foregoing certificate was made and whose proper signature is subscribed to said Affidavit & certificate was at the time of the state thereof and now is a Judge of said Court and Justice of the peace in and for said County duly commissioned & qualified, whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Bridgewater this twenty fourth day of July eighteen hun- dred and thirty three. — — —
J. M. Mann
Edward H. Vanderploeg Mr. Van Nest

1990
True
Leeds NY Jan 24
Ms. 2749 p 29 add: decln v Anna Hoff
Mr J. L. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington

State of New York Greene County
On the 18 th day of January 1838. personally appeared before me a Judge of County Court in & for said County of Greene Ann Huff a resident of the Town of Catskill County of Greene & State of New York & who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4 th 1836. That she is the Widow of Isaac Huff who was a private in the Revolutionary Army & who was entitled to receive fifty six dollars & sixty cents per annum during his mortal life - as will be by his certificate bearing date the 17 th day of August 1833. More fully appear - She also further declares that she was married to the said Isaac Huff on the fourteenth day of February 1770 - that her husband the aforesaid Isaac Huff died on the 2 nd day of December 1833 & that she has remained a Widow ever since that period - as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
She the above named deponent also further declares - that from her advanced age & bodily infirmity she is unable to attend at the Court in said County - Hence in Open Court make this her affidavit -
Subscribed & sworn to before me this 18 th day of January A.D. 1838. H. S. Nichols -
Ann F. Huff Mark

State of New York Greene County ss: }
I William T. B. Hermance Clerk of the County of Greene aforesaid do certify, that Sylvester Nicholls Esq. before whom the within affidavit was sworn was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the County Courts of said County, and that his signature to said affidavit is genuine.
Witness my hand & seal of office this twenty third day of January 1838.
William T. B. Hermance Clerk

Leeds Jan y . 24 th . 1838
Dear Sir.
I herewith transmit to you the affidavit of Mrs Ann Huff taken before Silvester Nichols one of the judges of the Court of Records accompanied by the certificate of the Clerk of the County of Green.
This appears to be all the new requisites in addition to the papers already in your possession. I may therefore expect soon to receive the certificate which will authorise the said Ann Huff to draw the allowed pension.
Yours Respectfully
B. Hoff
Huff 1.2