Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 486, William Harris, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Harris, William Martha
W. 486
CONTENTS

No. 553 New York
William Harris
of Steubenville in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp. commanded by Captain Host of the Regt. commanded by Col. Ogden in the N. Jersey line for Null Term
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Sep. 1833 and unto J. Morris Cyrene
Arrears to the 14th of Sep. 33 $ 200 Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mo. '24 40
$ 240
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by G. C. Stiles Clerk, Book 8. Vol. 11. Page 41.

2 Pts. 1838 1843 3/4
6392 New Jersey Martha Harris, widow of William Harris, who was a Private, in the N. Jersey Line,
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of Novem. 1844 and sent to Arad Joy, Esq., Ovid, New York
[Act of March 3, 1843.] and June 17. 1844 Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 96.
Jv

William Harris Steubenville N.Y.
W
Jonah Lewis Agt Tyrone Steubenville N.Y.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
183
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of William Harris Steubens N.Y.
   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.     Enlisted 1797 3 Pri Col Ogden Lt Col Bicknell Capt Post Capt Morrison 74 Middlesex N Jersey Army Post for the whole service Certificate  
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, as well as persons who turned out to assist in guarding from the benefits of the law, 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 proceed to examine the applicant, except the to all applicants for a pension on account of troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.  The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the 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 [c] to [e] are 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.
Geo. D. Whiting

Declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
State of New York
County of Steubenville ss On this 16 th day of October 1832 Personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of Steubenville County aforesaid William Harris a resident of the town of Tyrone in said County of Steubenville in the State of New York aged 74 years who being first duly sworn according to Law, on his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the year 1777, with Henry Post who was then a recruiting officer under Col Matthias Ogden, & Lieutenant Cole De Vaux of the first Jersey Regiment under command of Genl. Mansfield - that the Company to which deponent was attached was commanded by Capt Morrison of Morristown as deponent thinks. & Lieutenants Jonathan Seward of Red Bank hill near Princeton New Jersey - that he was born in the year 1758 on the 15 th day of March and has a record of his age in his Bible at home -
That when he went into the service he lived in the township of Piscataway, County of Middlesex - State of New Jersey - that he continued to live in said County Town or until about 17 years ago at which time he removed to the town of Tyrone (now Tyrone) in the County of Steubenville and State of New York and has continued to and still does reside there.
That he enlisted into the United States Service. That he was acquainted with many of his regular officers among whom were Genl. George Washington - Genl. Mansfield who was an old countryman as de-

about this time which was in June or July. It being warm weather the British landed at Elk's Point near Wilmington and Marched up to Brandywine at which place a Battle was fought and defeat was in view. Battle in Cloud's Creek. Potts's Company, Col: Ogden's first Jersey Regiment — Genl Washington Commanded the American Army in the Battle. in the morning before the Battle the Revolutionary Army built a Breast work & formed for battle on the East side of the Brandywine River. British did not cross there but deceived our Army by going at this place and crossing about Three Miles from the Breast work. We were defeated there. defeat was wounded in this Battle in his right leg by a ball — from then they retreated back & embroiled near Old Germantown five Miles from Phil- adelphia — Marched back & had a few shots by scouting parties — & formed for battle the enemy advanced — a heavy shower of rain came up. they kept their ground near two hours — Ammunition got wet & Col: Ogden's Regi- ment was marched off a few Miles and dried and got dry Ammunition & in the mean time the British Marched into Philadelphia — The Army embroiled again about Eight or ten Miles from Germantown — from there they Marched & surprised about One thousand of the enemy at Germantown in the night. The American officers called out to the soldiers to remember Paul's a consid- -able number of British were slaughtered — a reinforce- -ment of British from Philadelphia came on and routed the American Army & took Six hundred prisoners and about One hundred Prisoners — The Regt Brig was to which defeat belonged & the remainder of the Army marched back into New Jersey — defeat continued in the war in the time of three years. was in an engagement at Short Hills Essex County New Jersey Col: Ogden in Command of the Regiment to which defeat belonged at this time — was at Long Island at the taking of the Refugees at Jones. Col: Ogden still Commanding the Regiment defeat belonged to —

soon after they were ordered to March to Pennsylvania  Castleton in Penn- sylvania - there bought about 1500 horses. got back saddles at Castleton & in about three weeks went on to Wyoming and lay there say two or three weeks & bro't provisions from Sunbury - from there they marched to the Indian Towns. Nylunig, Shohazim Friga Point - Genl Sullivan had command of this Army - Genl M'Kee commanded the Brigade to which detachment belonged. Col Ogden his Regiment and Capt Plett his company - had an engagement with the Indians after leaving Friga Point at Chemung near Newtown - then went on North to the Genesee River & returned back by way of Friga Point. Castleton to Mendham Mendham in Morris County New Jersey - after the the Monmouth Battle & detachment thinks in the month of November Genl Washington's Army was camped at White Marsh on east side of the Schuylkill River - and soon after they went to Valley Forge, Montgomery County Pennsylvania - after the return of Sullivan's Army to Mendham detachment was taken sick having been in the service over three years, and on account of his sickness was then discharged by Capt Frisman of Col Ogden's Regiment - & from then de- tachment went home - that his discharge be after- wards lost or mislaid, that he is the identical William Harris named in the armed affidavit of Henry Post.
He hereby relinquishes all & every claim to any pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency or any state.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before M c J. Purdie Dep CLK Stuber County in Open Court
W m Harris

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states
I Martin S. Runnells, Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Steuben County State of New York do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original pro- =ceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Harris for a pension -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 16 th day of October 1832
M. S. Runnells, Dep. Clk. Steuben County

New Market NY Nov 28 - 1943
28 3
Grad Loy Ovid Seneca County New York
Single Rev. Mr E

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the third section of the act of Congress of the 4 July 1836 State of New Jersey } County of Middlesex } ss On this twenty third day of November 1843 Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the Court in and for said county Martha Harris of New Market in said County aged eighty two years last June, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836: That she is the widow of William Harris late a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States; that her aforesaid husband was in the three years service, & may have been in other service, that his residence was some six miles or a over the mountain from New Market, that this deponents name before marriage was Martha Chandler - She further declares that she was married to the said William Harris by Rev Mr Reed in February 1779 Seventeen hundred & Seventy nine that her husband, the aforesaid William Harris died in the County of Steuben State of New York on the 24th day of February 1836 eighteen hundred and thirty six; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed Sworn to, and subscribed, on the day that she has not a family record and year above written before (either of her marriage or children)
John LaPorte Judge
Martha Harris
I certify that the above named Martha Harris is a respectable person, that I consider her of the age represented by her and that she is too feeble to appear in Court and nearly blind & ought not to be asked, & much more ought not to be required to appear in open court to make her declaration -
John LaPorte Judge
State of New Jersey }
County of Middlesex } ss Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Judge of the Court in and for said County Mary Boice of New Market in said county aged fifty five years, the 24th Nov instant 1843. after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that widow Martha Harris above named, who is applying for a pension as the widow of William Harris late a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a pensioner of the United States is this deponents mother, and that the aforesaid William Harris was this deponents father, that this deponents aforesaid father & mother had as the fruit of their marriage eight children older than this deponent, that this deponent is the ninth child of her aforesaid father & mother, that this deponents aforesaid father died in Steuben Co New York on the 24th day of February 1836 eighteen hundred & thirty six & that this deponents aforesaid mother has not since married Subscribed & sworn before me thirteen hundred and eighty three.
Mary Boice
John LaPorte Judge
I certify the above named Mary Boice is a respectable person & entitled to credit John LaPorte Judge

State of New Jersey
County of Middlesex } ss Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county Joel Dunn of New Market in said county aged ninety seven years, after being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith that he is personally acquainted with widow Martha Harris, who is applying for a pension as the widow of William Harris late a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, this deponent deposeth and saith that she is the identical widow of the aforesaid identical soldier & pensioner Mr Harris, that this deponent well recollects when they were married, and that the aforesaid parties were married in the winter of 1779 Seventeen hundred & Seventy nine, that the aforesaid William Harris to whom the present widow was then & there married, was at that time a soldier in the army in the war of the Revolution, & that after his said marriage he continued on in the army as a soldier, of this fact this deponent cannot be mistaken, the reason of its being more engraved in this deponent's mind, is that it was at the time of the marriage of the aforesaid William Harris to Martha Chandler, the present widow Martha Harris the applicant for a pension, the common neighborhood talk that Martha Chandler had married a soldier, whose term of service had not expired & who was to continue in the service in the war of the Revolution after his said marriage, and who this deponent well recollects did continue in the service after his said marriage. Subscribed & sworn before me } that the said widow still remains a widow this 23 rd day of November 1843 Abm Fowle Justice of the peace
Joel Dunn
I certify that the above named Joel Dunn is a respectable person, & that he appeared to recollect distinctly every fact, & every particular named in his deposition above
Abm Fowle Justice
State of New Jersey
County of Middlesex } ss Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county Rachel Dunn of New Market, in said county aged ninety two years, after being duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith that she is personally acquainted with widow Martha Harris who is applying for a pension as the widow of William Harris late a soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, this deponent deposeth & saith that she is the identical person & widow of the aforesaid William Harris, the late soldier in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States, that this deponent well recollects the time the aforesaid parties were married, and that their marriage took place in the winter of 1779 Seventeen hundred and Seventy nine, that at the time of the marriage it was the common talk that the said Martha Chandler, now the said widow Martha Harris, had married a soldier, one who was then under enlistment & must be in the service after her marriage to him, that this deponent well recollects the report at the time that the aforesaid William Harris was in the service after his marriage, in the war of the Revolution

that the present applicant for a pension the aforesaid widow Martha Harris is the identical person & widow of the aforesaid Soldier & Pensioner William Harris, and that the aforesaid widow has not since her said husband's death married, but remains a widow Subscribed & sworn before me this 23 rd day of November 1843 { Rachel X Dunn Ab my own Justice of the peace mark
I Certify that the above named Rachel Dunn is a respectable person Ab my own Justice
State of New Jersey County of Middlesex ss Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace, in and for said county Rev. Ravaud K. Rogers Pastor of the church, after being duly sworn according to law deposed and saith that he has made search for town and church, and private record of the marriage of William Harris to Martha Chandler in February 1779, but can find no such record, either in 1779 or at any other period, of such marriage, & that this deponent is fully in the belief that there were no records kept of marriages at the early period of 1779 to 1790- Subscribed & sworn before me { Ravaud K. Rogers this 23 rd day of November 1843 { John La Pourcelle Justice
I certify that the above named Rev. Ravaud K. Rogers is a highly respectable person, that he is a pastor of a church at Bound Brook, in the county of Somerset & State of New Jersey. John La Pourcelle Justice
State of New Jersey Middlesex County ss I Nicholas Boorman Clerk of the County of Middlesex do hereby certify that the foregoing affidavits of Matthew Harris, Mary Davis & Ravaud K. Rogers are true to the best of my knowledge of the taking of said affidavits in the County of Somerset, State of New Jersey said County Clerk in the discharge of the peace in the said County duly sworn my presence and answer in each of the said affairs; and I do also certify that the above Ravaud K. Rogers before whom the foregoing affidavits of John Dunn & Rachel Dunn were taken was at the time of the taking of said affidavits a Justice of the peace in the said County duly commissioned & sworn and that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of the said Ravaud K. Rogers and believe the signatures to the foregoing affidavits to be genuine In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County at New Brunswick this 25 th day of November A.D. 1843 N Boorman Clerk

January 9, 1931
Rev.& 1812 Wars Section AWF:MLB
Mrs. C. L. Milton Box 442 Laredo, Texas
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 486, that William Harris was born March 15, 1758, place not stated.
While residing in Piscataway, Middlesex County, New Jersey, he enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served in Captains Morrison's and Daniel Piatt's companies, Colonel Matthew Ogden's First New Jersey regiment, was in the battle of Brandywine where wounded in the right leg, battles of Short Hills, Staten Island, Germantown, Sullivan's Indian expedition, and the battle of Chemung, length of service three years.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832, at which time he was residing in Tyrone, Steuben County, New York, having moved there from Piscataway Township, New Jersey about seventeen years previous.
He died February 24, 1836 in Steuben County, New York.
The soldier married in February, 1779 near Bound Brook, New Jersey, Martha Chandler, who was born in June, 1761.
She was allowed pension on her application executed November 23, 1843, at which time she was living in New Market, Middlesex County, New Jersey.
A large family is referred to, only name s given being Mary, born November 24, 1788 and who signed in 1843, Mary Boice and at

that time residing in New Market, New Jersey and stated that she was the ninth child of William and Martha Harris; and Susan, who signed in 1844, Susan Boice, and stated that she was then fifty years old and that William and Martha Harris had nine children older than herself.
Susan Boice in 1844 was residing in Steuben County, New York.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN Acting Commissioner

FLORA DILGARDE MILTON ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER CHRIST CHURCH LAREDO, TEXAS
Box 442.
Dec. 7, 1930
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir: -
The Adjutant General of the War Department has very kindly suggested that I write you for certain information regarding Revolutionary War records of my ancestor, Joseph Francis .
I am enclosing such in- formation as I have that might enable you to identi- fy him were he a pensioner, and am also taking the liberty of making certain inquiries of other Revolu- tionary soldiers, also an-

castors, in whom I have become greatly interested.
Assuring you of appreciation of any courtesy shown, I am, very truly yours, Flora D. Milton.
(Mrs. C. L. Milton.)

no Martha Harris wid of William Pen s N. Y. law '38
an old case of mine from Abad Joy to get it under law of 1836
Mary Harris
He was a purveyor of Stenbun 6 o N Y law '32 page 426
Dec. - 1

The Adjutant's General office of the state of New Jersey shows two records of Azariah Casto . It is possible that both pertain to the same man. Would the Pension records clear up this point?
His or their records are:-
Azariah Casto , private, Capt. Joseph Bloomfield's 7 th Co., Col. Elias Dayton's 3 rd Regiment. 1 st Establishment, New Jersey Continental Line. Enlisted Feb. 24, 1776. Was on Canadian Expedition - mustered at Ticonderoga and Mt. Independence.
Azariah Casto , private Capt. W m Garrison's Co., Col. Elijah Hand's 1 st Regiment - Cumberland County New Jersey Militia 1780.
Private New Jersey State Troops 1780, raised by Act of June 7, 1780 to serve until Jan. 1, 1780. Age 30.
(Birth year about 1750.)
The Azariah Casto I am interested in married Hannah Goulder.

Please give, if possible,
7"
Revolutionary War Record of Joseph Francis , who was born, lived enlisted or was mustered out at Fincastle, Botetourt County, Virginia. His children were Reason, Jacob, Levi, John R., Daniel, Joseph, Elizabeth Hester and Lucinda, all born in Virginia but later moving to Ohio. Joseph Francis probably died in Ohio, probably Madison County.
✓ Please give Revolutionary War record of Jonathan Harris , born in New Jersey, Sept. 22, 1763, died in Ohio, Mar. 23, 1837. Said to have been a fifer at 14 yrs. of age. married Catherine Casto. Had twelve children .
✓ If possible state his relationship to William Harris , born 1758 , Middlesex Co., New Jersey, died 1836 , Steuben Co., New York. He served as private in Colonel Matthias Ogden's First Battalion New Jersey Continental Line and in General John Sullivan's Expedition against Indians. Over three years service.

Rev  WIDOW, &c.
File No. 486
Martha Harris.
Widow.
William Harris.
Priv. N. Jersey Line.
Act: Mar. 3. 1843 etc.
Index: —Vol. A , Page 50
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1931-Jan. 7. H. H. Mrs. C. E. Milton

Washington City D.C. House of Rep 15 th Feb. 1844.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Sir
In this I hand you the declaration of Martha Warren for a pension Your early atten will greatly oblige Yr m c ob l fr
W. L. G. [Signature]

Nov 9 '44
Brumf
Harris
RECEIVED
Hon J. L. Edwards Com d of Parsons Washington D.C.

Orion Nov 5th 1844
Hon J. L. Edwards
Comm d of Pensions
Sir
I have you
below a copy of my letter addressed to you April 7. 1844
Dear Sir
I beg leave respectfully to enclose an acceptance for a pension under the law of July 7. 1838 for Martha Harris, widow of William Harris late a pensioner & who died in Steubenville County New York
Respectfully &c
You may from the above facts be at once enabled to put your hand upon said paper, so as to issue the certificate, if all is right, I ask no more in any case
I am Respectfully Your Most Ob t Serv t Abad Joy

11.478 Martha Harris NY.
at 7. July 38
a. 24 July 36 →
adnd
2 yrs old
80 8
also act 3 March 1843. & June 44
80 ff
No. act 1843- 6752 " " 1844- 282
Adad Joy Esq. Ord Seneca N.Y.
Charles Hays Guthrie J. L. Edwards Percy Washington D. C.
Oct 30 44
Ovid Oct 26th 1844
Hon J. L. Edwards
Court. of Pensions
Dr. Lü
Agreeable to my memorandum, I mailed to you on the 8th April, Martha Harris acceptance for a pension under the law of 1838, as cases forwarded to your Hon in May & June have been answered I beg leave respectfully to name this case
I am Respectfully Your Obedt Servt Frank Jay

Harris
Martha Harris
N. J.
Nov 18 45 with addl. evidence
Blank
How J. E. Edwards
Complaint of Stann
Washington
A. G.

Ovid Nov 15th 1844
Hon S. L. Edwards
Comt of Pensions
As to the acceptance under the law of 1838 of Martha Harris - may I be allowed respectfully to ask for a certificate under the law of '38, '43, & 17 June, '44 if her case is made out as I presume you will say it is
Respectfully I am Your Most Obedt Servt
Abra Doy

Hon J L Edwards
Com d of Pensions
In I made Application for a pension under the law of 1836 as the widow of William Harris late a pensioner of the united States who died in the county of Stuber in the state of New York I do hereby agree to accept a Pension under the law of 1838 and request you to issue to me a pension certificate under that law directed to my agent Fred Jay of Anco New York
New Market New Jersey November 11 1844
Witness A. B. Foss
fm Martha J. Harris mark

8869
New Jersey
Martha Harris
widow of William Harris who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 24 th Feby. 1836, at Steubens o in the State of N.Y. who was a Pri t in the Co commanded by Captain Post of the Reg t commanded by Col o Gden in the N- Jersey line for 2 years
Inscribed on the Roll of N- Jersey at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 rd day of Nov. 1844 and sent to Arad Coy. Ovid. New York
Total amount, $ 400.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. L. Swann Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 197

V 6099.
Martha Harris N.C.
Lot. to Hon. W. H. H. March 20 th 1844-
4 July 1836

the Matter of William Harris Pension Papers
18418
Dr Rolls Mar 15 99. 39 cas
acmd 24 mo. p. m. 80 $
from J. Ferris Syron Staten Co. N. Y.
Memory Bk Official Respectings the Enlistment of Wm Harris in the Revolutionary War

State of New Jersey Somerset County
Is Before me Charles Jones one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County - Personally appeared Henry Post a person to me well known, and to whose attestations full faith and credit is to be given who being duly sworne saith that he was well acquainted with William S. Harris late of the Township of Piscataway in the County of Middlesex in the year one thousand seven hundred and twenty seven he the said Post then being a recruiting officer under Colonel Ogden of the first Jersey Regiment Commanded by General Maffield, I did at Milstone in the County of Somerset then and there enlist the said William Harris for the term of five years and he was enrolled and was attached to the Army under the command of General Maffield. (The Captains Name I do remember at this time) and I frequently saw him in the New Jersey Army. And further this deponent saith not - Sworne at Warren in the County of Somerset this 26 th day of January A.D. 1772 before me
Charles Jones J. Peace -
State of New Jersey } John M. Mann Clerk of the Somerset County } Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Somerset hereby testify that Charles Jones before me

Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Bridgeport this twenty first day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
J. M. Mann
The Master of
William Harris
Junior Judge
16416
Re Bates
Mar 15 77 3 p.m.
seal
All in presence
80
from J. Merrill Sturtevant Co. N.Y.

State of New York
County of Seneca I, personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Betsey Meppler of Seneca Falls in said County aged eighty four years, after being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith that she is personally acquainted with widows Martha Harris, who is applying for a pension as the widow of William Harris, late a soldier in the war of the revolution, and a pensioner of the United States, this deponent deposeth and saith that she is the identical widow of the aforesaid identical soldier and pensioner William Harris; that this deponent well recollects when they were married, being present at the wedding; that the said marriage took place in the winter of 1779, seventeen hundred and seventy nine, that they were married in the State of New Jersey, near Boundbrook both being residents of said State of N. Jersey, at that time; that the said William Harris to whom the present widow was then and there married, was at the time of the marriage, a soldier in the army of the revolution, and that after his said marriage, he continued on, in the army, as a soldier; of this fact, this deponent cannot be mistaken; the reason of its being mentioned on this deponent's mind is, that it was at the time of the marriage of the aforesaid William Harris to Martha Chandler, the present widow Martha Harris, the applicant for a pension, the common neighborhood talk, that Martha Chandler had married a soldier, whose term of service had not expired and who was to continue in the service in the war of the revolution after his said marriage, and who this deponent well recollects, did continue in the service after his said marriage; this deponent, further deposeth and saith that she well recollects that the aforesaid parties lived together as husband and wife and raised a large family of children, and finally a great number of years since, that the said William Harris left his then wife the present widow Martha Harris, in New Jersey and came to the western part of the State of New York and settled in Steuben Co in said State, where he lived with another woman and where he died a pensioner of the United States, and that the said William Harris that so died in Steuben Co as above set forth was the identical person and soldier, who was married to the identical Martha Chandler, now widow Martha Harris as above stated - That this deponent and the said applicant widow Martha Harris, were school girls together -
Subscribed and sworn before me
this 9th day of February 1844
Betsey Meppler mark
Subscribed and sworn before me this 9th day of February 1844
I certify that the above named Betsey Meppler is a respectable person - & that she seems to be of good sound mind and recollects well every fact set forth in her deposition above - & cannot write her name, being perfectly blind -
Lewis Graves Justice of the Peace in and for the

State of New York } I do hereby certify that Lewis Graves Seneca County ss. } Esquire whose signatures appear to the foregoing Deposition or affidavit, jurat & certificate was on the day of the date of said jurat & certificate a justice of the peace in & for said County of Seneca duly commissioned and sworn. And that I am well ac- quainted with the handwriting of such justice of the peace. I verily believe that his several signatures to said jurat & certificate are genuine & in his own proper handwriting. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county & of the court of common pleas of said county this 9th day of February A.D. 1824. 47. Cyrus D. Hanks Clerk of Seneca County.

1099
Martha Harris
Ms
Hon Wm Lloyd Webb M.C.
Oct 4 July 36
at

State of New York
County of Steuben ss Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Susan Boice of Tyrone in said County aged fifty years years, after being duly sworn according to law, deposes and saith, That Martha Harris, who is applying for a pension, from New Market, Middlesex County New Jersey, as the widow of William or William E. Harris late a pensioner of the United States, is this deponents mother and that the aforesaid William or William E. Harris, late a pensioner was this deponents father; that this deponents aforesaid father and mother had Nine (9) - Children older than this deponent all of the same father and mother and all own brothers and sisters to this deponent, that this deponents aforesaid father died on the 24th day of February 1836 eighteen hundred and thirty six in Steuben County State of New York aforesaid, when he had resided during the whole time that he had been a pensioner of the United States, this deponent was present at his funeral and then and there knows the day and date of the same -
Sus an Boice
A. Fleet Jr Justice of the Peace
I certify that the above named Susan Boice is a respectable person -
A. Fleet Jr Justice of the Peace
State of New York
Steuben County ss
I certify that Abraham Fleet Jr before whom the above Affidavit purports to have been sworn, was at the date of the same, One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, and that I am acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name subscribed to the said Affidavit, and also his name subscribed to the above Certificate to be his proper hand writing and Signature. Witness my hand and Seal of Office this Seventh day of February in the year 1844.
Wm Hamilton Clerk

State of New York
Steuben County ss - Henry L Arnold being duly sworn deposes and says that the accompanying papers in the matter of the application of William Harris for a pension passed through the hands of the Clerk of the County of Steuben in their present form and that said papers have not since been in any respect altered -
Sworn and subscribed this 30th day of May 1833 before me Wm Hamilton J.P.
Henry L Arnold
I William Hamilton the above named Justice do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Henry L Arnold the maker of the above affidavit and that he is a credible person May 30th 1833 - Wm Hamilton J.P.
Steuben County ss - I William H Bull clerk Clerk of the said County of Steuben in the State of New York do hereby certify that William Hamilton Esq before whom the above affidavit and certificate purports to have been made was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to act as such. And that I am well acquainted with his hand writing and verily believe his name thereunto subscribed is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 30th day of May 1833
Wm H Bull

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Harris, William GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 7259 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Oct. 10, 1791 To Anthony Maywell, assignee
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.