Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1,005, John Gould, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Gould, John
S. 1,005
CONTENTS
carded

New Jersey No 28.289
John Gould
of Bergen Co in the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Jacob Rost of the Regt. commanded by Col n Sivan in the New Jersey line for 1 year & 1 month Private $43.33
Inscribed on the Roll of New Jersey at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 nd day of May 1831 and sent to W m Colfax Pompton N.J.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1831 $129.99 Semi-ann. allowances ending 4 Sept r " 21.66 2 / 3 $151.65 2 / 3
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Geo. C. Whiting Clerk, Book 6 Vol. 3 Page 112

Bergen County Common Pleas  State of New Jersey } Bergen County - } 12
On this 22 day of October 1872 personally appeared in open Court before the judges now sitting, being a Court of Record so constituted by the laws of the state of New Jersey John Gaulle, a resident in the Township of Paterson, in Morris County, State of New Jersey, aged seventy four years 14 of June last - who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of 1872 passed the 4th June 1872 -
That he entered the service in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty six at Pompton in New Jersey, and served five weeks, guarding refugee prisoners. - under Capt. Garet Poff - M c J. Riggs's Unit. Our company was then put into camp and drafted out in turn to serve as minute men. I was then called out and served one month under Capt. John Mead, as guard on the lines at Acquackanonk in New Jersey - cannot state the year with any certainty. I was called to serve one month under Capt. Romine as guard on the lines - I then served one month under Capt. Spear, on guard, as before - I was then called out and served one month at Horseman's, on the North River near Poughkeepsie - but cannot recollect my officers at this time. - I believe it was Capt. Brum I served one month, drafted, under Capt. John Mead on guard at Closter on the North River. I then served one month under Lieutenant Donna at the Liberty Pole - Bergen County. - I served two months at Elizabeth Town - ordered on to Staten Island twice - where we had an engagement with the British, and a number of our men was wounded - among them was one Little and Van Voorhis I next served one month under Capt. McMeice at Haverburgh, Bergen County - Col. Leward of Superx commanding. I then served one month under

Under Capt Mead at Paramus. Bunker's Creek was then called out under Capt Van Dalfin and served one month at the English Neighborhood below Hackensack - had a skirmish with the Enemy
I was then ordered out under Capt Morris and served one month at Succyunny Plains in Morris County to guard the public stores. -
The deponent never kept any memorandum or record of his services, and cannot, at this late day, be more particular as to years of his service or the officers he served with - but can say with certainty that he did serve his country as a soldier thirteen months altogether, beside what he was out on alarm for short periods -
The names of persons to whom I am acquainted in my neighbourhood, and who can testify as to my character for veracity, and good behaviour, and services as a soldier - is Judge Joshua Wells, David A. Plume Esq., Robert Lander & Sam Lidea
The deponent is not attached to any particular Church - therefore cannot be provided with the certificate of a clergyman -
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension, or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension roll, of the agency of any state. - At Westerwell Clerk John A. G. 1840
Interrogatories by the Court
1 st Where and in what year was you born - answer
2 d Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it kept?
3 d Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since, and the Revolutionary war and where do you now live -

B.
Interrogatories by the Coosh
1 st Where and in what year was you born Answer Born in Pennington Morris County in 1858.
2 nd Have you any record of your age and of so where is it. —
Answer Has a record of his age in his own bible.
3 rd Where were you living when called into service When had you lived since the revolution and where do you now live. —
Answer Lived in Pompton Township lives in the same neighborhood, and has lived there since the revolution. —
4 th How was you called into service, where were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute, for whom
Answer was the being drafted in his company to service Minute Men. —
5 th State the names of some of the officers, who were with you, where you served; such Continen- tal or Militia Regiments you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service. —
Answer Capt Garret Poff - Lieut G. G. Ryerson, Lieut Captain Romine Capt Spear - Genl. Wins - Capt Tharp.
6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it signed and what has become of it. —
Answer did not receive any written discharge.
7 th State the names of persons to whom you are acquainted in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character as to veracity and good behavior as a soldier of the Revolu- tion. —
Answer Abraham Freeland - Negro Sandford Eng.

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 Benjamin Landgraf who has signed the annexed certificate marked (A) is a resident in the Township of Saddle river county of Bergen and State aforesaid and that Abraham Freeland who has also signed the same is a resident in the county aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
By the Court - W. Westervelt Clerk
I Abraham Westervelt clerk of the Inferior court of common Pleas in and for the county of Bergen do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Gould for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this thirty  November first day of October A.D. 1832.
W. Westervelt Clerk
Internal Revenue

C
On the 31 st day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before the judges now sitting, Thomas Hammond, aged eighty two years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he has been acquainted with John Gould now applying for a pension since the Revolution. That the said Gould served as a soldier of the revolution under different captains doing monthly duty at Hackensack, and on the lines to the Hudson river - cannot name the officers at this time but well remembers that the said Gould faithfully served and that the deponent did serve with the said Gould during the whole time as above stated -
Thomas his Hammond mark
Sworn in open court
Mr Westervelt Clerk
on the 31 st day of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before the judges now sitting George G. Ryerson aged seventy nine years, who being duly sworn on his oath doth declare that he has been acquainted with John Gould now applying for a pension from before the war of the revolution. That the said Gould served as a soldier in the war of the revolution with the deponent as follows vizt. That they served one month together under Capt John Mead there one month under Capt M c Mead at Elizabeth Town and Staten Island. served two months at Hackensack under Capt Mead - Then two months again under Capt Mead at the time Col. and Welcher was hung - all which time the deponent served with the said John Gould

On the 31st of October 1832 personally appeared in open court before the Judges now sitting, Richard G. Byers an aged seventy seven years who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he is well acquai- -nted with John Gould now applying for a pension. That the deponent remembers that the said John Gould served as a soldier two months while the Fort at at Poughkeepsie  the place was building under Capt. Ward and Lieut. Mead - Genl Herd commanding - The deponent also knows that the said Gould served a number of months tows afterwards, but did not live with his him Sworn & subscribed to in Richd G Byers open court this 1st Nov 1832 mark  Mr. Westervelt Clerk
Address to - Abraham Westervelt Hackensack New Jersey
Jno Gould 22066
(A)
On the 12th day of November 1832, personally in open court before the Judges now sitting Benjamin Sandford Esq and Adam Freeland who being duly sworn doth on their oath declare that they are well acquainted with John Gould now applying for a pension, that the said Gould is reputed to have been a sol- -dier of the Revolution - and that he is a man of honesty and veracity - and we concur in that opinion - Benjamin Sandford Sworn & subscribed to in open court 1st Nov 1832 Mr Westervelt Clerk Abraham Freeland his mark

State of New Jersey Bergen County ss No. 1.
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Gould of the County of Morris and State aforesaid aged 75 years and personally well known to the Subscriber as a man of truth and good standing, and being duly sworn on his Bible, deposes and says that he is the same John Gould who on the 31 st day of October 1832 Made a declaration under oath of his Revolu- tionary services in order to obtain the benefit of the Law of Congress of June 7 th 1832 which was done in open court then sitting in and for the aforesaid County of Bergen when his original declaration was made out. The pressure of the business was such as to prevent him from detailing minute particulars of duty the officers commanding the battalions and term of each engagement, as he has since learned is necessary he has bestowed more thought on the subject and desires that the Secretary of War and Commission of Pensions will receive this as his amended declaration of the Revolutionary services he performed
as he did not answer to all the interrogatories in his first declaration, he was questioned in open court on the 31 st day of October 1832 and answered by him that he was born in Pequannock Morris County State of New Jersey in the year 1758. The Record of his is Recorded in his father family Bible now in his possession & also in the Church Records of the Church of Pompton Plains
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers at Pompton in the County of Bergen and State of New Jersey under following named officers in the fall of 1776 he volunteered and served five weeks then stationed at Pompton under Capt. Garrett Port Guarding Refugees and Forage then confined in a barn which prisoners had been in the habit of stealing and plundering the Inhabitants served the time and was Discharged

our Company then being clasped and drafted not in time to serve (in his first declaration it is stated minute men, when it should have read to be ready at a minutes warning). He then was drafted for one month under Capt John Mead at Pompton from which place they were marched to Acquackanack in the County of Essex where they were Stationed Chief part of the time doing guard duty and other services as necessity required served the time and was discharged.
He then was ordered out and served one month under Capt Elias Romine then Stationed at the Liberty pole Newbridge and the English Neighborhood in the County of Bergen, marching from place to place as Necessity Required, doing guard duty. The British had possession of the City of New York the Refugees & Tories had possession of the lower part of the County of Bergen who were constantly committing depredations on the Inhabitants served the time and was discharged. He then was drafted and served one month under Capt under Capt Henry Spear (from Pequannock in the County of Bergen) from which place (Pequannock) we were marched to Hackensack in said County here we were Stationed Chief part of the time doing guard duty served the time and was discharged.
He was ordered out for one month under Capt Joseph Beam then Stationed at Pompton from which place they were marched to Horseshow on the north River near Pools Hook, where we were Stationed Chief part of the time doing guard duty served the time as was discharged.
He was drafted for one month under Capt John Mead then Stationed at Pompton from which place we were marched to Closter and along the north River guarding the shores and leaving places and also defending the Inhabitants from which place (Closter) they were marched back to Pompton the place of enrollment here he was discharged after having served the full period.
He again was drafted for one month and found the Company at the Liberty pole then commanded by Lieut. John Demaree at which place we were Stationed Chief part of the time doing guard duty served the time and was discharged Col Janus Day Command the Regiment to which he belonged during the above

guard duty served the time and was discharged during the above command the Regiment to which he belonged.
mentioned served when and where Necessity required his presence. In the Winter of 1780 He Volunteered and served two months under Capt John Mead & Lieutenant George G. Ryerson then Stationed at Pompton from which place they were marched through Newark to Elizabeth town where we were Stationed doing guard duty whilst Stationed here the deponent with a number of Volunteers crossed the ice and attacked the British then Stationed on Staten Island at which time we succeeded in driving and pursuing the British to a place called the Quarantine ground the Americans lay near the heights of that place through the course of the night, (the British being reinforced) and attacked us the next morning and obliged us to retreat to our encampment. Sometimes after we crossed the ice again crossed the ice and attacked the British on Staten Island which gave a hard Skirmish the British being reinforced, we then the Americans being overpowered and forced to give way and retreat with the loss of some of our men killed and wounded served the time and was discharged does not now recollect who commanded the Regiment to which he belonged in this last mentioned service. Gen l Lord Sterling Command.
He was Drafted for one month under Capt John Mead Stationed at Scramamaburghs in the County of Bergen doing guard duty served the time and was discharged Col Edward of Sussex County commanded the Regiment to which he belonged served the time and was discharged.
He again was Drafted for one month under Capt John Mead Stationed at Paramus doing guard duty served the time and was discharged.
He served one month being Drafted under Lieutenant Henry Van Dalen (in his first Declaration it stated Capt Van Dalen which was an error of his own) then Stationed at the Englewood boroughs and Liberty pole doing guard duty served the time and was discharged.
He was ordered out and served one month under Capt John Mead at a place called Succasunney plains in the County of Morris guarding the public stores and other services from which place we were marched back to Pompton where we were discharged after having served the time in his three last mentioned services he belonged to Col Janis Frys Regiment.

In his first Declaration it is not stated what was the occasion of the deponent applying in the County of Bergen, In this his Amended He will endeavour to give his reason, he living on the Borders of the said County of Bergen all the witnesses who he wanted to procure to testify to his services, or Chief part of them were living in the before mentioned County of Bergen, who would attend the court then sitting in said County on the 31 st day of October 1832, And not knowing that it was necessary for him to apply in the County where he Resides
From the great length of time which has elapsed since the before Recited services were rendered many Particulars must have escaped his Memory, He has stated all which he can Remember as connected with his services and which are calculated to explain them He has faithfully endeavoured to adhere conscientiously to the truth, in all the events and occurrences of which he has spoken - and he verily believes that he faithfully served his country in the war of the Revolution for the full period of thirteen Months being in actual service in the field for each term alledged for which he claims a pension under the Law of Congress of June the 7 th 1832 and was not employed in any civil pursuit during the above mentioned services and does not know of any more living witnesses who he can procure to testify to his services than will be now attached to his summarized Declaration.
That He lived in the Township of Pompton County of Bergen and State of New Jersey when he first entered the service of the United States which he remained a few years at  in  the  United States to live thereafter after the war He then removed into the County of Morris and State aforesaid on the borders of Bergen County and within two miles of the place where he lived when he first entered the service, where he doth now reside, and has Resided ever since
The deponent further states that his company officers are all dead, by which he is deprived of their testimony - I was at  at  the  at  the  at before me this 20 th day of July 1833 John D. Gould

State of New Jersey Bergen County
No. 2.
Personally appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County George Peterson of the same place aged 79 years who being duly sworn saith that he is personally acquainted with John Gould of the County of Morris and State aforesaid who has applied for a pension under the Law of Congress of June 7 th 1832 who on oath deposes and saith that to his knowledge the said John Gould served under the following named officers in the war of the Revolution one month in the year 1778 as near as he can recollect (the deponent being a Lieutenant of the same company) Stationed at Hackensack and again when not doing guard duty, one month to the knowledge of the said deponent under Capt John Mead Stationed at Closter doing guard duty does not recollect the year two months in the year 1780 Stationed at Elizabethtown under Capt John Mead doing guard duty at what is now (Elizabethtown) they had a brief engagement with the British on Staten Island and to the knowledge of the deponent the said Gould was personally engaged
G. G. Peterson
Sworn and subscribed before me this 4 th Nov 1833
Wm C. Cuyler
No. 3. I do hereby certify to the Secretary of War & Commissioner of Pensions that George Peterson whose affidavit with his signature within written and sworn before me is a credible person and his statement is fully entitled to credit.
Wm C. Cuyler
20 Nov 1833

State of New Jersey } ss; I Abraham Wister Clerk of the County of Bergen and Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for said County Do hereby certify that the annexed papers (half sheets) marked A. B. & C. contain the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Gould for a pension.
And I do further certify that William Colfar Esq. before whom the annexed affidavits were made and taken viz: 1 st of the said John Gould marked N o 1. and of George G. Reynon marked N o 2. was at the time of taking the same, & still is a Justice of the peace in said County duly commissioned & sworn, and authorized by law to take the same. That I am acquainted with his hand writing, and verily believe that the signature "Wm Colfar" affixed to the depts of the said affidavits, as well as to the within certificate marked N o 3. is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the Seal of the said Court this twenty seventh day of December A. D. 1833.
Abraham Wister Clerk
State of New Jersey } ss Bergen County
I William Lloyd a Justice of the Peace and one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Bergen and State of New Jersey do hereby certify to the Honble the Just at War and Court of Review that I have been acquainted with Thomas Hammond who's affidavit is affixed to the original declaration of John Gould a subpoena for a pension more than half a century. That the said Thomas Hammond is a credible person who's testimony is well entitled to belief. and that I was one of the Judges attending the Court at the time of Hammond's affidavit was taken.
Wm Lloyd
5 th March 1834

1000000 no. South N.?
Return if J
Adm 1 year & one month
Mr. Colfax Pompton N.J. agent - Rochester Telegraph Shaham Schult

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
22 May — 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Gould, of Bergen Co. New Jersey
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Country through which he marched. Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. Evidence by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Draft 1776 1 Private Capt. Harel Pvt - Scout M. S. Byworth To Sag Harbor Parker's Mill near Brule's Hart Pompton New Jersey Aged 74 Gratuitous & living witness   Draft 80 1 Capt. B. Stroud Capt. Bormann Capt. Spear Winkler's Capt. Bram Staten Island   " 1 Capt. B. Stroud Scout Demun Staten Island   " 2 Staten Island   " 1 Capt. Bormann Col. Livorn Staten Island   " 1 Capt. Bormann Staten Island   " 1 Capt. Vandelfin Staten Island   " 1 Staten Island   " 1 Staten Island  
Alleges that His Service was certainly as much as thirteen months besides being out on patrols
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS, Commissioner of Pensions.
The Hammond one of the witnesses is not certified to be credible.
Feb 8. 1834

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. _____ who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person

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

Alt. S. 1005
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., _____, 192
In reply to your request of _____, for the history of  John Gould , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, the following is taken from the soldier's claim for pension.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     Fall 1776 various times in all 13 mos. Pvt. Garret Post John Mead Elias Romine Henry Speer Theunis Dey Seward N. J.  
Battles engaged in, Staten Island Residence of soldier at enlistment, Pompton Twp., Bergen Co. N. J. Date of application for pension, Oct 31-1832. His claim allowed Residence at date of application, Pequanunk Twp. Morris Co. N. J. Age at date of application, Born Pequanunk, Morris Co. N. J. in 1758 Remarks: There is no data on file as to his family
only John Gould from N. J. found in the Rev War records of this Bureau
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

17.11.23 Recd
Headquarters Second Division Fort Sam Houston, Texas May 28th 1923.
Bureau of Pensions Revolutionary Section, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
In formation is requested as to the records on file in your office of a revolutionary soldier by the name of JOHN GOULD a private of the Bergen County (N.J.) Militia, it is understood his own claim for pension(Invalid No.1005) is on file in your office.
It is desired that in the case of the above mentioned soldier as to whether or not he was married and if so, the name of his wife or wives if he had more than one, also his parentage, his date of birth and death, and place thereof.
There appears also to have been a John Shelden in the SECOND REGT., ESSEX COUNTY MILITIA of New Jersey is there any thing of record to show whether or not this was the same John Shelden Gould or another John Shelden. Gould .
Any assistance you may give me on the subject will be very much appreciated.
Yours truly, Dupont B. Lyon Dupont B. Lyon Maj. A.G.D.

Rev War
INVALID.
File No. 1005
John Gould Into N.Y. State
Act: June 7, 1882.
Index: — Vol. 2 , Page 136
[Arrangement of 1870.]
✓
1923-June 11. Hist. to May 1882. John Gould

March 8. 1834
Accepted Return Dinner
Revolutionary claim
Louis Babb
Left at War
Washington
Pompton N.J. March
From Gould N.J.

Conjunct 3 Mar 1874
Howe Edw and
Dear Sir
The papers of Mrs. Goulter are herewith returned, amended by my Certificate of the credibility of the evidence of Mr. Hammond as required.
The neglect in this particular was an oversight of mine - Will you have the goodness to have this case acted on as soon as the public hearings of your office will possibly permit.
Very respectfully
Yr most obed. Servt
W. B. Carpenter

Mr. Goula
Payments to be made at Trenton by the Pres t . of Trenton Banking Comp. & Agent for paying Pension= ers, in the Agency of N. Jersey
$1005
Recorded in the Pension Of= fice, in Book E. Vol. 3. Page 112 by Geo. C. Whiting Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Gould of the State of New Jersey who was a Private in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Forty-three dollars and Thirty-three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this Second day of May one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four
Gloucks Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned. }
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

May 23. 1834 Paid to Mar 4. 1834 Sept 8. 1834 Paid to Sept 4. 1834 Mar 9. 1835 Paid to Mar 4. 1835 Sept 11. 1835 Paid to Sept 11. 1835 Mar 7 1836 Paid to Mar 4 1836 Sept 10 1836 Paid to Sept 4 1836 Mar 10 Paid to Mar 4 1837 Paid to Sept 1837
28.289