Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1,5909, Justus Harris, New York

SERVICE
NUMBER
New York
Harris, Justus Jemima
N. 15909
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for contents]
[Blank lined area for contents]

4956 A. New York.
Semina Harris dec d widow of Justus Harris who died in the year 1817 of Co Wyoming in the State of New York who was a private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Morseman of the Reg t commanded by Col. Thomas in the N. Y. Mil a line for
N.Y.
Inscribed on the Roll of Albany at the rate of 36 Dollars 75 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1831 & end 22 Sept r 1841 when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of May 1857 and sent to Hon. H. L. Rose . H.R.
Arrears to the 4 th of Semi-annual allowance ending Payable to only surviving children, viz. Hannah Bantis , Harvey Harris
& Thomas Harris { Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the Recorded by J. S. Chase Clerk, Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 357
Reported Letter No. 1 Jan 2, 1851 to Hon. H. L. Rose A. Ell Williams

State of New York County of Wyoming
Thomas Harris of the town of Covington in said County aged fifty seven years being duly sworn doth depose & say that he is the son of Justice & Jerimiah Harris deceased - that his parents were natives of the town of Bedford County of West Chester in said State - that this deponent's said father was as this deponent believes a soldier in the war of the revolution and served on several tours in the Militia of West Chester County in said war - that his said father died in the year 1817 -
This deponent further states that his said father & mother were married (as he believes) on the 29 th day of October 1767 - as appears by the annexed family record - which is the original family record prepared by his said parents many years since & preserved by them until the period of their deaths - since which time it has been in this deponent's possession -
This deponent further states that his mother the said Jerimiah Harris sometime previous to her death made an application for a pension & transmitted to Washington papers in support of her claim but that her claim was not allowed -
This deponent states that his said mother died on the twenty second day of September the year eighteen hundred and forty one that she left three children now living whose names are Hannah Harvey & Thomas
And further says not Sworn to & subscribed this 27 th day of December 1849 - before me Samuel Gorton J.P. Thomas Harris

I certify that the above named Thomas Harris is personally known to me & that he is a man of Credibility.
Samuel Gorham J.P.
JUSTUS HARRIS.
Was Born the 22 d of January A D 1746. And was Married to Jemima Miller October the 29 th Day A D 1767.
JEMIMA HARRIS
Was Born the 16 th (A D 1751 Day of December (A D 1751 A D 1751. And was Married to Justus Harris October 29 th 1767 according as is Wrote above her Name.

782 Jemima Harris - dec d widow of Justus Act. 4 th July 1836.
New York
Act 4 July 1836

State of New York County of Wyoming ss
Denby Lewis of The Town of Pavilion (formerly part of the Town of Coeymans) Genesee County, being duly sworn, doth depose and say that he was living in the neighborhood of Thomas Nellis, at the time of the death of his Mother in 1841. That this deponent was at the house of said Thomas Nellis a few hours previous, and again shortly after the death of the said Jennima Nellis - That he the said deponent went and engaged the sexton to dig the grave for the said Jennima Nellis and was present at her funeral and this deponent saith that the said Jennima Nellis died in the month of September in the year eighteen hun- dred and forty one but the precise day of the month this deponent does not recollect and further saith not sworn and subscribed
Denby Lewis
This 27 th day of Dec 1849
before me
Samuel Gorton J.P.

I certify that the above named Dunby Lewis is personally known to me and that he is a man of credibility Samuel Gorton J.P.
Wyoming County Clerk's Office p. I certify that Samuel Gordon Esq. was at the date of the Certificate of proof or acknowledgement of the above instrument in writing a justice of the peace in and for said County, duly authorized to take the same; that I am well acquainted with his handwriting and readily believe that the signature to said certificate is genuine. And I further certify that the above is executed & acknowledged according to the laws of this State.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 7 th day of January A.D. 1850.
Random B. Griffith Clerk.
Due 10 th part for postage See back charge

State of New York } Secretary's office }
I certify that it appears by the records in this office that the following Militia officers were appointed and Commissioned in the County of Westchester on the 28 th day of May 1778 viz:
Thomas Thomas Colonel of a Regiment Marcus Moserman Capt. of a company in said Regiment Silas Miller First Lieutenant of said Company Arch d Campbell
Dep. Sec. of State
Albany Oct. 16. 1849

[Persons making application at the Comptroller's or Secretary of State's Office, for searches, or certificates of service of any person, in the army of the U. S. during the revolutionary war, should give the name and ranks held by such person; the nature of the service; whether in the Infantry, Cavalry, or Artillery, &c.; in the regular army or militia; the names of the officers commanding the regiments and companies at the time of enlistment, service and discharge, as near as can be given. The names should be given with care, and in a legible hand.]
In pursuance of a law passed the 27th of April, 1781, entitled "An act for the settlement of the pay of the Levies and Militia, for their service in the late War, and for other purposes therein mentioned," the following certificates have been issued, bearing interest at five per cent per annum, viz:
   1779. July 28 Justus Harris. Sergeant No. of Cert'e issued, 9.692 08 00 00   " Nov 10 Do Do do do do do 9.958 12 00 00   1780 June 14 Do Do do do do do 37.623 08 00 00   " Oct r , 28 Do Do do do do do 10.373 00 18 08   " Nov 27 Do Do do do do do 10.282 00 13 04   do do do £ 29 08 00   do do do   do do do   do do do   do do do   do do do  
Item no 3, is for service in detachments from Col Thomas' Regt, performed at sundry times. See And Af page 197. do Also vol 8. pay rolls, page 36. instead of page 86. Lieut Silas Miller was first Lieut in Capt Moreman's Co, & commanded the detachment in which Justus Harris performed service, item No 3
State of New-York,
COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, Albany, Oct r 6 18 49
I hereby certify the above to be true extracts from Books No. 2, 3, 8 now remaining in this office, and that the service for which the certificates above named were issued, were performed under the following officers, viz:
   1st under Capt. Marcus Moreman in Col. Thomas Thomas. Regiment.   2d " " Do Do " " Do Do "   3d " " Lieut. Silas Miller (formerly Lieut in Capt Moreman's Co) " " Do Do "   4th " " Marcus Moreman " " Do Do "   5th " " Lieut. Silas Miller " " Do Do "   6th " " " " "   7th " " " " "   8th " " " " "   9th " " " " "   10th " " " " "   11th " " " " "   12th " " " " "   13th " " " " "   14th " " " " "   15th " " " " "   16th " " " " "  
I have examined the records for the service of Justus Harris — and find five — entries, as above, amounting to £ 29.08.00
John Hancock Examining Clerk.
W. Hunt Comptroller.

This Indenture made this twenty seventh day of March, in the eighth year of our Independence, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, between us the subscribers to this Instrument, of Bedford in the County of Westchester and state of New York, in Colonel Thomas Ridgment, and Capt. Maemans Company and Comp. of Justus Harris, of the one part, and Justus Harris of the same town, County, and State Ridgment, Company and Comp. aforesaid, of the other part, Witnesseth, that we the subscribers for and in Consideration of the sum of ten pounds to us the sd subscribers in hand paid of good and lawful money of the state of New York, In our full satisfaction of the above said Justus Harris, the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge ourselves therein contented and paid, have Given, Granted, Bargained sold, set over, delivered and for ever Quit Claim, and do by these presents, Give, Grant, Bargain, sell set over, deliver, and forever Quit Claim unto the sd Justus Harris and to his Heirs and assigns forever, all the Unappropriated Land that we the subscribers are entitled too by a certain act of the Legislature, Intitled An Act for raising troops to compleat the Line of this State, in the service of the United States, and the two Regiments to be raised on bounties of unappropriated land and for the further defence of the frontier of this State, passed 23 rd March 1782, to have and to hold the above granted lands and Bargained premises, with all the advantages, privileges and appurtenances therein belonging, or any manner of ways appertaining to us the sd subscribers, to him the said Justus Harris and to his heirs and assigns forever, to his and to their own proper use, benefit, and behoof, and it is and shall for ever after the sealing of these presents be lawful for the said Justus Harris, his heirs and assigns, to enter upon, occupy and use the same as he or they shall think proper, in Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand, and seals the day and date above written.
Signed Seal d and delivered in the presence of Abner Miller Marcus his  mark Denjah
Lot Sartle Peter Moreman Moses Higgins David Holmes
Marcus his  mark Denjah Daniel Clark Gabriel his  mark Smith Stephen Holmes.

Be it Remembered that on this 22 d Day of May 1854, Personally ap- peared before me Ebenezer Lockwood, Esq. one of the Judges of the the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for the County of Westchester, Affirmed Abner Miller one of the Witneses to the within said Deed of Right, and under oath declared he saw Lott Sarker, Abner Miller, Marcus Dinsah, Peter Mousman, Daniel Clark, Moses Higgins, Garbart Smith, David Holmes and Stephen Holmes, the grantors sign, seal & deliver the same as their free act and deed. Also he saw Marcus Dinsah subscribe his name as the other Witness. Having inspected the same & finding no material mistake by Erasure or Interlineation do allow it to be Recorded. (Signed) Ebenezer Lockwood
Justice Harris
Copy sent -

August 23, 1939.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Mrs. Victor R. Solberg, Hayward, Wisconsin.
BA-J/CC Justus Harris W.15909
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John and Joseph Rundell and that of Justis Harris all of Bedford, Westchester County, New York.
There is no claim for pension found based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a John nor Joseph Rundel, who served with the New York troops. All spellings of that surname were searched.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W.15909, based upon service of Justus Harris in the Revolutionary War.
Justus Harris was born January 22, 1746, (old style), in Bedford, Westchester County, New York. Names of his parents are not shown.
He married October 29, 1767, Jemima Miller, who was born December 16, 1751 (old style), in Bedford, New York. Place of their marriage and names of her parents are not shown.
Justus Harris died in the year 1817. Place not shown.
Soldier's widow, Jemima Harris, died September 22, 1841, in Covington, Wyoming County, New York, at the home of her son, Thomas. She was survived by three children, Hannah Bentes (or Bantis), Harvey and Thomas Harris.

On December 27, 1849, Thomas Harris applied for pension on account of the service of his father, Justus Harris, in the Revolutionary War. Said Thomas was then a resident of Covington, Wyoming County, New York, and aged fifty-seven years. He applied in behalf of himself, and his brother and sister. In the claim for pension it is shown that Justus Harris served during the years 1779, 1780, and thereafter, as sergeant, a part of the time under Lieutenant Silas Miller, Captain Marcus Moseman, and Colonel Thomas Thomas in the New York troops. Length of service more than seven months.
The amount of pension which was due, on account of the service of their father in the Revolutionary War, was granted to Thomas and Harvey Harris, their sister, Hannah Bantes (or Bantis) having died before the claim was completed and prior to December 21, 1850.
Reference was made to Timothy Miller, brother of Jemima Harris, his place of residence and age not stated.
In 1784, one Abner Miller witnessed signatures in Westchester County, New York, his relationship and that of Lieutenant Silas Miller to the soldier's widow not shown. No further family data are shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. MILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

State of New York County of Wyoming ss.
Thomas Harris of Covington in said County being duly sworn doth depose & say that he is the son of Justus & Jemima Harris deceased that his father the said Justus Harris died in the year 1817. That his mother the said Jemima Harris died on the 22 d day of September in the year eighteen hundred & forty one (1841.) That the said Justus & Jemima Harris left three children now living, whose names are Harvey Harris. Thomas Harris and Hannah Bates And further says not.
Thomas Harris
Sworn & subscribed to
this 25 th day of February
1850. In open Court.
Abraham Lent Dept Clerk of Wyoming County.

State of New York County of Wyoming ss I Ransom Brippen clerk of said County do hereby certify that at a court held in & for said County on the 28 th day of February 1850. it was duly proved by the exhibition of tes- timony satisfactory to said court. that Justus Harris died in the year 1817 - September that his widow Jemima Harris died on the 22 nd day of February 1841 - & that the said Justus & Jemima Harris left three children now living whose names are Hannah Bantes, Harvey Harris, & Thomas Harris - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 28 th day of February 1850 -
Ransom B. Brippen Clerk

This Indenture made this twenty seventh day of March, in the eighth year of our Independence, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty four, between us the subscribers to this instrument, of Bedford in the county of Westchester and State of New York, in Colonel Thomas Ridgmont and Capt Moseman's company, and class of Justus Harris of the one part, and Justus Harris of the same town, county, and state, Ridgmont's company and class aforesaid, of the other part, witnesseth, that we the subscribers, for and in consideration of the sum of ten pounds to us the s d subscribers in hand paid of good and lawfull money of the State of New York, to our full satisfaction of the above said Justus Harris, the receipt whereof we do hereby acknowledge ourselves therewith contented and paid, have given, granted, bargained, sold, set over, delivered and forever quit claimed, and do by these presents give, grant, bargain, sell, set over, deliver and forever quit claim unto the s d Justus Harris, and to his heirs and assigns forever, all the unappropriated lands that we the subscribers are intitled too by a certain act of the Legislature intitled an act for raising troops to compleat the line of this State, in the service of the United States, and the two Regiments to be raised on bounties of unappropriated land, and for the further defence of the frontiers of this State, passed 23 d March 1782, to have and to hold the above granted lands and bargained premises with all the advantages, privileges and appurtenances thereunto belonging or any manner of ways appertaining to us the s d subscribers, to him the said Justus Harris, and to his heirs and assigns forever, to his and to their own proper use, benefit and behoof, and it is, and shall forever after the enrolling of these presents, be lawful for the said Justus Harris, his heirs and assigns, to enter upon, occupy and use the same as he or they shall think proper, in witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals the day and date above written.
Lot Sarly (Seal) Moses Higgins (Seal)
Abner Miller (Seal) Gabriel Smith (Seal)
Marcus his mark Dinjah (Seal) David Holmes (Seal)
Peter Moseman (Seal) Stephen Holmes (Seal)
Daniel Clark (Seal)
Sign d , Sealed and Delivered in the presence of Abner Miller. Marcus his mark Dinjah

Be it Remembered, that on this 22 d day of May 1784, Personally appeared before me Ebenezer Lockwood Esq r , one of the Judges of the Superior Court of Common Pleas for the county of Westchester, aforesaid abner Miller one of the Witnesses to the within quit claim of rights, and under oath declared he saw Lott Sarles, Abner Miller, Marcus Dinsah, Peter Maesman, Daniel Blake, Menez Higgings, Gabriel Smith, David Holmes and Stephen Holmes, the grantors sign seal & deliver the same as their free act and deed. Also he saw Marcus Dinsah subscribe his name as the other witness. I having inspected the same & finding no material mistake by erasure or interlineation, do allow it to be recorded.
Eben r Lockwood.
Comptroller's Office, Albany, March 25. 1850.
I hereby certify that the preceding is a true copy of an original paper now on file in this office.
W. Hunt
(Comp.)
I hereby certify that some time last fall, as near as I now can recollect, between the latter part of September and the first part of October, I was requested by Mr. L. M. Drury, to search the military records of this office, for evidence of the service of "Arthur Harris, of Bedford Westchester Co." That I made an examination of the books, and I believe made a certificate of the fact that evidence of Harris' service was found therein. That while proceeding with the examination, I found a conveyance, of which the within is a copy, and which from the agreement of the conveyance with Mr. Drury's description, satisfied me that it was executed to the person, for the services rendered to whose services I was then making an examination. I immediately apprised Mr. Drury of the existence and discovery of the paper, and was soon after requested to make a copy, which I did.
Wm. H. Harnady
Clerk

State of New York County of Ontario ss.
I hereby certify that sometime during the last fall, an application was made to me to prosecute a claim to a pension on behalf of the heirs of Joanna Harris dec d widow of Justus Harris, and in the statement then made to me of the services of Justus Harris as a Soldier in the war of the revolution, it was alleged that he was during the revolutionary war a resident of the town of Bedford, County of Westchester & State of New York. That after this statement was put into my hands I applied by letter to John Hancock of Albany, a clerk in the Comptroller's Office for evidence of the service of the said Justus Harris as as a soldier in the war of the revolution, & in my letter to Mr Hancock I stated that Justus Harris was alleged to have resided in the town of Bedford County & Westchester in said state. I was thus particular in stating the place of residence of Justus Harris, so as to guide Mr Hancock in his examination for proof of service - and after this letter was written to him, I received one in return stating that he had found proof of the said Harris' service, & had also discovered a conveyance on file in the Comptroller's Office, to Justus Harris of Bedford, by several soldiers, of their lands vicinity. - I sent thereupon, to Mr Hancock a request that he would make me a copy of that conveyance, as I thought it would be a very material circumstance in identifying the soldier who was credited with service in Colonel

Thomas Regiment with the husband of Jemima Harris, for prob on whose service an application had been made by me, in- asmuch as the Justus Harris mentioned in that conveyance was from the same town as the husband of Mrs Jemima Harris, was alleged to have belonged and also belonged to the same Regiment and company as the soldier credited with service on the records in the Comptroller's office. A copy of this conveyance was made by Mr Hancock sent to me by Mr Hancock though it was not certified by the Comptroller, and it was by me attached to the papers transmitted by me to the Pension Office in the case of the said Jemima Harris. L. M. Drury.
State of New York County of Ontario
L. M. Drury of Canan- -daigua in said County being sworn doth depose & say that the foregoing certificate or deposition by him subscribed is true -
Sworn & sub- -scribed to this.
26 th day of March 1850
Before me.
Orson Benjamin Justice of the of said county & State

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the Seal of the said County, this 27 th day of March 1858
John P. Lyne CLERK.

Canandaigua, N.Y. March 27, 1850
Sir;
Enclosed, please find additional testimony in the case of Juliana Harris dec d widow of Justus Harris under act of 4 th July 1836.
I am assured that an application for a pension was made during Mrs Harris life time - that the testimony of Timothy Miller a Brother of Mrs Harris was adduced proving Harris service - but that the claim was rejected or suspended, on account of the insufficiency of the proof of service - I presume the papers may be found under on the files under the acts of 4 th July 1836 - or 7 th July 1838. A gentleman by the name of Mitchell of Perry, N.Y. had charge of the case -
But whether those papers are found or not, it is submitted that those heretofore presented by me, together with those herewith transmitted are sufficient to establish the claim -
I desire to call your attention to the proof of identity now submitted - It was alleged by the parties that Mrs Harris husband was from Bedford, N.Y. - After this statement was made to me, and after I had made the same to Mr Hancock, he discovered the deed of conveyance to Justus Harris of the same place, a certified copy of which is now presented, and an uncertified copy of which is on file in the Pension Office, which was .

sent there in Jan'y. last - It appears then that Mrs Harris' husband was from Bedford New York. It also appears that the person of the same name as her husband mentioned in the deed was also from Bedford, and that person belonged to Capt Morreans Co. Col. Thomas Reyt. and the soldier credited with service on the records of the Comptroller's office, belonged to the same Company & Regiment. The conclusion is irresistible that the soldier was from the town of Bedford West Chester Co. New York. the same place as the residence of Mrs Harris husband - and this, it is submitted is sufficient proof of identity.
I would observe that the certificate of the court was drawn up by me except the date of signature at Washington and sent to the parties to be executed before your report in the case was of the 7 th February last, was made - and in respect to that part of your letter requiring the "opinion of the court in the whole matter", I would say that that is an unusual requisition, never having been made in any case submitted by me before, and I would submit that it is unnecessary, because the facts are all before you, for your own inspection -
Very respectfully -
Your O bt Serv t -
Hon J. L. Edwards - Court of Pensions S.
L. M. Drury

RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by L. D. Lamparter
Claim No. _____
Certificate No. _____
Claimant _____
Soldier Justus Harris
Service N.Y.
Additional Service Rev. War
No. _____ claim, State records _____, 190_____
No claim, combination records _____, 190_____
REMARKS:
No claim as above except Wid. # 15909

149 Pension Office Feb 7 th 1850
Sir,
The papers in the case of de Jemima Harris widow of Justin Harris under act 4 th July 1836 have been examined and filed. It is alleged that she applied during her life time for a pension. The records in this office do not show that this was the fact. Some further and more satisfactory information relative to her application should be exhibited. There is no evidence in this office to show that her husband served in the two years levies for 1782. The returns of those who were entitled to lands for that service and of those to whom land was allowed do not contain his name. The service only for which payments are shown to have been made can be allowed. Some evidence of the widows identity is required. It will be necessary for the son who makes the declaration now exhibited to make a declaration in open court and produce evidence.

before the court of the date of the death of the widow and the names of the children and all which should be transmitted to this office together with the opinion of the court in the whole matter, under seal of office.
Hon Robert L. Rose February 2/68
Hon Robert L. Rose N.R.

74 Washington
Dec. 27. 1850
Hon Robt. L. Rose
Enc; letter from S. M. Dunn with three papers relating to the pension granted the heirs of Jennima Harris and asks the Secretary's immediate action on the case. —
immediate action
✓ Letter to Mr Rose Dec 28/50
✓ Referred to the Comt of Pensions for examination, and answer.
Dec. 28/50
Dec 28/50
C. B. Lupton

Washington Dec. 27, 1880
Sir
Will you do me the favor to examine the within Papers and advise me of your de- cision thereon?
Respectfully Your obedient
Robt Rose
Secy Interior

Washington Jany 23 80
Sir
Please examine the within passes and report result to me at your earliest convenience
Yours
N. L. Rote
Hon J. A. Edwards Com Pension

for a statement of the military history of Justus Harris , a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his  his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. Wid. F. 15,909.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     — 107 days ? Sergt. Marcus Moseman Thomas Thomas N.Y.   (The dates of report are dates of payment not service hence not used)  
Battles engaged in, ✓ Residence of soldier at enlistment, Bedford, Westchester Co. N.Y. Date of application for pension, by son Thomas, Dec. 27. 1849. His ab. was al. Residence at date of application of said son, Covington, Wyoming Co. N.Y. Age at date of application, of said son, 57 yrs. Soldier was born at Bedford, N.Y. Remarks: Jan. 22. 1746. He m. Oct. 29. 1767, Jerimiah Miller who was born at Bedford, N.Y. Dec. 16. 1751. He died in 1817 and she died Sept. 22, 1841, leaving three children: Harvey, Thomas, Hannah Banta.

Mrs. Victor R. Solberg
Hayward, Wisconsin
July 21, 1939.
Veteran's Administration, Pension Dept. Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:
C. [unclear] I am interested to know if you have anything in your Revolutionary War records regarding a John Rundell from Bedford, Westchester County, New York. He was a private in the 2nd Regiment of Major Thaddeus Crane, in Capt. Justis Harris'es company but may have served in other companies. I would also like to know if you have anything of record on a Joseph Rundell ( C. [unclear] (this name is also spelled Rundle) and the above mentioned Justis Harris. If there is a copying fee for the above research work, please advise me and I will be glad to remit accordingly.
Yours sincerely,
Mrs. Victor R. Solberg
John & Joseph Rundell re 4 re [unclear] in N.Y.

✓ 3 ct-stamped envelope indlosed 2/2
Rev. Sec. of the Marseilles, Ill. May 3 - 1919. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Have you any record of a pension issued to Justus Harris for service in the Rev- olutionary war? My great-grand- father, who bore that name, was a minute man in the Rev. and I have been told that he received a pension - He was born in 1746 and died in 1817. His widow lived until 1841 - Any information you can give me concerning this will be

very thankfully received - I enclose stamped, self addressed envelope, and hope for an early reply. Yours Respectfully, Fannie L. Chapman.

Elmira New York.
February 5, 1908
War Department, Washington D.C.
Can you give me record of Capt. Justus Harris, Westchester County Militia (Land Bounty Rights) 2 nd Reg. N.Y. State. Any information will be thankfully received. (Revolutionary War)
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Justus Harry Harris, #454 N. Church St.

Hans Harris
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15909
Jemima Harris Widow of Justus Harris Pri Rev War
Act July 4 th 86
Index: Vol. a , Page 311
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Feb. 17, '08, Hist. to Mrs. Justus
May 24, '19, History to Fannie J. Chapman Fr.
1939 - Aug 23 Hist to Mrs. Victor R Solberg - ee

C O P Y
Pension Office January 2, 1851
A.E.Williams, Albany, N.Y.
Sir:
I have to inform you that the vouchers in the case of Jemima Harris deceased, have this day been endorsed to the pension Agent at Albany, N.Y. with instructions to pay the amount due the two heirs, Harvey and Thomas Harris.
I am very respectfully etc
F.S.Evans, Acting Commissioner.
S. Cole.

A. dw Jemima Harris widow of Justus New York Wyoming Co.
admitted
Pr. — $36.25
on 4 March 1831
to 22 Sept. 1841
when she died.
Children Hannah Banta, Harvey Harris & Thomas Harris.
b. d. 1817.
Col. Moseman Col Thomas N.Y. militia
Act 4 July 1836
Rev. R. L. Rose N.Y.

Jemima Harris widow of Justus New York
Suspended
let Feb. 1850
to Wm R. L. Rose.
" " " "
Albany 9/30
Act 71 July 36

Washington. D.C. Jany 22 d 1850.
Sir;
Herewith you will receive some additional testimony in the case of Fenima Harris, dec d widow of Justus Harris under the act of 4 th July 1836. on 7 th Jany 1838.
Mrs Harris in her life time made application for a pension, and transmitted to the Pension Office some proof in support of it - How much service of her husband was proven I do not know - The testimony of a witness who had personal knowledge of the service was adduced - His name was Timothy Miller.
The reason of her failure to obtain an allowance I do not know, but I am told it was because sufficient evidence of her husband's service was not adduced.
You will perceive that by the certificate of the Comptroller of M.H. for over 7 months service as a sergeant is credited to Justus Harris - for service in the years 1779 & 1780 - This is a sufficient amount of service to secure an allowance.
But I wish to call your attention to a document herewith presented, which it is submitted, shews that Justus Harris performed service after 1780, in

the Laws of the State of New York raised pursuant to the act of March 23 d 1782.
This document is a transcript of a deed on file in the Comptroller's office of N.Y. & it shows that sundry men in Col. Thomas Regiment of Services, raised in 1782 pursuant to the act of 23 d March, and Capt. Mosman's Company, and Justus Harris's class conveyed to Justus Harris of the same • Regt. & Company, their bounty lands. This of course shows that Justus Harris belonged to that Regt. & Co. & was of course himself a soldier & entitled to the Bounty land -
Now the act of 23 d March 1782 (vide. Laws of N.Y. 4 th Session Vol. 1. page 40. Greenleaf's edition) provided for the enlistment of men, raised under it, for 2 years on bounties of unappropriated lands, and was designed for raising troops to complete the Line of the State in the service of the United States -
This deed shows that Justus Harris was a soldier in one of the Regiments of Services raised under this Law.
It is submitted therefore, whether his widow is not entitled by reason of her husband's enlistment under this Law, & service, to more than the 7. months service in the Militia in 1779-80 for which he is credited, as appears by the

certificate of the Comptroller of M ty .
I observe, that this transcript of the deed is not certified by the Comptroller of M ty . as it should have been - I desire however your opinion upon the question whether Harris widow is entitled to more than the service amount of service credited her husband as a Sergeant of the Militia of 1779 & 80 and if necessary, the transcript can be sent back to be certified -
It is desired, that a reference to the testimony filed by Mrs Harris be made, to ascertain whether it does not corroborate the allegation of service in 1782 - in the Levies of M ty .
I am very respectfully
Your. obt. Servt.
L. M. Drury
Hon J. L. Edwards.
Cour t of Pensions -
Washington -

Cannadaigna N.Y. Dec 21, 1850
Sir;
I am under the necessity of troubling you with the enclosed papers in the case of Jemima Harris dec'd. for the purpose of requesting, that instructions may be sent to the Agent for paying Pensions in Albany N.Y. to pay over the the amount due on the enclosed vouchers -
The agent refuses to pay to Harvey & Thomas Harris the amount due them, because the remaining voucher is not presented, or some reason assigned for not presenting it.
It has been the practice, and the agent has before often done it, to pay to each of the heirs the amount due, upon the presentation of the proper vouchers, whether all the heirs apply at once or not. And I know of no authority of law which justifies his refusal to do so now in this case, even if no reason is assigned for the absence of the remaining voucher -
I would say however to you - that the other heir Hannah Banties is dead, and several weeks must necessarily elapse before the proof can be exhibited to a Court according to the rules in order to have payment made on that voucher -
But the absence of that voucher, or the

omission to furnish a reason for its absence, to the Pension Agent, it is submitted does not justify him in refusing to pay the amount called for by the other heirs -
I would therefore respectfully request that you would be pleased to transmit the enclosed papers to the Agent at Albany with instructions to pay the amount called for - And also to be pleased to inform Mr Abram E. Williams of Albany of the fact -
I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your Oft. Servt.
L M Drury -
Hon A. H. H. Stuart Secretary of the Interior - Washington. D.C.