Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4356, Samuel Helm, New Jersey

SERVICE
NUMBER
New Jersey
Helm, Samuel
S 4356
CONTENTS
Carded

Pennsylvania 2923
Samuel Helm of Milford in the State of Penn.
who was a Private in Co. company comd by Captain Westbrook of the regt. co. by Col. Paulding, - in the Delaware Mili- tia for N.J.
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia
at the rate of 50 Dollars — Cents per a
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Increased from $30.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 29 th day of April
1846, and sent to Hon. A. Brodhead, House of Representatives
Arrears to the 4th of
Pension allowance ending
Former payments to be deducted, —
{ Revolutionary Cl. { Act June 7, 18
Recorded by D. Brown,
Book E. 2. Vol. 5. Page 28

Helm, Samuel N.J. S 4356

No 9882 Pennsylvania Suspended Nov. 13. 1832. Obj. 5. 14. 16.
Oliver S. Dimmick
Mford
Pike Co
Pa.
admitted
Forfeited 2 & 3 mo.
$80.
Page 91.

BRIEF in the case of  Samuel Helm of Milford  County of Pike in the State of Pennsylvania  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court.  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 72.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     May In 1777 & 1778 1 yr after Indians Gen. Capt. Westbrook.   March 1779 9 Private " A. Westfall, 1st Polding   Spring 1780 " Westbrook. Major Westbrook   Incorrectly brief  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? with Indians 
 6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Sussex County. Delaware 
 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? 
Traditional Living
 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Defective. The time he served in 1777, 1778 & 1780 not stated as minutely as is required, and no certificate as to the credibility of Witnesses 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
James Mahon Examining Clerk.

State of Pennsylvania Pike County ss.
On this Eighteenth day of September, A d eighteen hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court, before Daniel W. Dingman & John Boellough Esq s Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Pike now sitting Samuel Kelso, a Resident of Milford Township in the County of Pike and State of Pennsylvania aged seventy two 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 act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States a volunteer as an Indian Spy in the month of May in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy seven and by the commands of Major Samuel Westbrooks and Captain Peter Westbrooks  then Commanding the Militia volunteers of Sussex County and State of New Jersey he traversed the Country on the Delaware River in the States of Pennsylvania New Jersey & New York (being the Frontiers) in search of the hostile Indians in company with Benjamin Stains (now deceased) and continued the same service until December of the said year when winter set in and the Indians withdrew from the frontiers, and that in the ensuing Spring of the year Seventeen hundred and seventy eight he again went out in the capacity of an Indian Spy in company with the said Benjamin Stains and continued to act in that service until the fall of the year when they returned to the Fort for Winter Quarters, during the said years 1777 & 1778 he discovered at different times & in different places the hostile Indians and immediately made it known to his officers. That in the month of March in the year Seventeen hundred and seventy nine, he enlisted in Captain Abraham Westfall's Company of Rangers for the term of

Nine Months. which Company was attached to Colonel Saulings Regiment. That during said enlistment he served principally in the County of Orange in the State of New York protecting the Frontier Settlements on the Delaware River, from the Attacks of the Indians, and that he did serve in Captain Westfalls Company Nine Months and that he has Capt. Graham Westfalls discharge dated November the 4th 1779. That during his Enlistment in said year 1779. his Company had several engagements with the Indians one of an extraordinary Interesting nature took place on on on the Neversink River in Orange County, State of New York. The Indians led on by the Celebrated Chief W th Brant made their attack on a Number of Persons who were who were attending on a farm in captain was  at  the  farm and killed Phillip Sweetheart Grandas Sweetheart & Philip Sweetheart J th & wounded Cornelius Sweetheart. They then made their attack on the Fort where this Deponent was stationed and after considerable fighting the Indians retreated with the loss of two of their Number. and on their retreat, the same party of Indians killed a young man by the Name of Vanaken who they found in a School House teaching School. The Indians then made an attack on the House of Daniel Vanaken, and after much fighting the Indians retired having killed one of the men in the fort by Name of Vanaken and loosing one of their Number. at this engagement Grandis was wounded & had a horse killed from under him, the Indians then set fire to Vanakens Barn, and marched off carrying with them considerable of Plunder. That in the Spring of the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty he joined Captain Peter Westfalls Company as a volunteer who was then stationed in the County of Sussex in the State of New Jersey on the Delaware River.

finding our Captain & Lieutenant killed & some of the Soldiers wounded and our number small compared to that of the Indians we were obliged to retreat. The Andrew Dingman Joseph Westroot Martin Westroot Benjamin Haining & Gideon Cole were in the engagement. Joseph Westroot & Andrew Dingman still surviving, after the Battle I was placed under the care of Dr. Smith who attended me as a Surgeon for the space of three months, and ever since I received the wounds in said engagement I have been labouring under a disability, when this deponent first entered the service of the United States as an Indian Spy he resided in Supers County Pennsylvania. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension list Roll of the Agency of any state.
The deponent further states that George Bowhannan and Edward Mott two inhabitants residents in the neighborhood of the deponent, deponent believes will certify to his character as to veracity. That he was born in the County of Orange in the State of New York. That he has no record of his age in his possession. That since the revolutionary war he has resided a part of the time in Supers County State of New Jersey & in Pike County Pennsylvania the residue of the time & further that there is no clergyman in his vicinity who is acquainted with the deponent.
Sworn and Subscribed The Day and year aforesaid } Samuel H. Hove in Open Court
Note the word (a voluntary) interlined on 13 th line from top of 1 st page. the word (voluntary) interlined between 1 st & 2 nd lines from top of 1 st page. Passages made in the 12 th & 13 th & 14 th lines from top of 2 nd page. the word (now Pike) interlined between 18 th & 19 th lines from top of 2 nd page. Passages made in 29 th & 30 th lines from top of 3 rd page of the Deposition.
Samuel Hove

under the Command of Major Samuel Westbrooks and held until the 20 th of April of same year on that Day a party of Indians were discovered from the fort where we were Stationed on the opposite side of the (now Pine) Delaware River in the County of Northampton, State of Pennsylvania, we were immediately ordered to cross the River and attack the Indians; Commanded by Major Samuel Westbrooks & Captain Peter Westbrooks we marched against the Indians, soon after we had landed on the Pennsylvania Shore we discovered the Indians in Ambush, after we had discharged several guns at them and received their fire several times, the Indians retreated to the Mountains with the loss of one of their party who appeared to be their Commander or Chief, from the appearance of his dress, our Commanding officers directed us to pursue them we did pursue them about four miles into the Mountains and when in about Pistol Shot distance from them (they being in Ambush) we received their fire, from so sudden and unexpected an attack we were thrown into some confusion, but by the Bravery & Example of our Commanding officers soon again was reformed and returned their fire, the Battle lasted some time hot & bloody, after discharging seven times my Rifle was was and in the act of discharging it again I received a wound through both my Thighs which disabled me, when endeavoring to support myself by my Rifle I observed our Captain Peter Westbrooks fighting within one rod of the enemy calling on his men to advance, soon however he was killed our Lieutenant Benjamin Darnes was also killed in the engagement. Richard Rosencrantz was also killed & James Van Etten was wounded. after Capt. Peter Westbrooks was killed Capt. Johannes Van Etten took the Command.

finding our Captain & Lieutenant killed & some of the Soldiers wounded and our number small compared to that of the Indians we were obliged to retreat. Mr. Andrew Dingman Joseph Westbrook Martinus Westbrook Benjamin Hoang & Gideon Cole were in the engagement. Joseph Westbrook & Andrew Dingman still surviving, after the Battle I was placed under the care of Dr. Smith who attended me as a Surgeon for the space of three months, and ever since I received the wounds in said engagement I have been labouring under a disability, when this deponent first entered the service of the United States as an Indian Spy he resided in Supery County New Jersey. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension list Roll of the Agency of any State.
The deponent further states that George Bowhannan and Edward Mott two inhabitants residents in the neighborhood of the deponent, deponent believes will certify to his character as to veracity. That he was born in the County of Orange in the State of New York. That he has no record of his age in his profession. That since the revolutionary war he has resided a part of the time in Supery County State of New Jersey & in Pike County Pennsylvania the residue of the time & further that there is no clergyman in his vicinity who is acquainted with the deponent.  Sworn and Subscribed
The Day and year aforesaid } Samuel H. Henson in Open Court
Note the word (voluntary) interlined on 13 th line from top of 1 st page. the word (voluntary) interlined between 1 st & 2 nd lines from top of 1 st page. erasures made in the 12 th & 13 th & 14 th & 15 th lines from top of 2 nd page. the word (now Pike) interlined between 18 th & 19 th lines from top of 2 nd page. erasures made in 29 th & 30 th line from top of 3 rd page before signing.
Samuel H. Henson

The answer of Samuel Holm an applicant for the provision of the pension law passed 7 th June 1832. To the following interrogatories propounded by John H Broadhead an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Pike Penn a .
Interrogatory 1 st Where and in what year were you Born? To this interrogatory the deponent answers That he was born in Mamakating Hollow Ulster County N. York s on the 11 th of October 1760.
Interrogatory 2 d Have you any record of your age and if so where is it?
To this interrogatory he answers That there was an entry made in his father's bible of his age which is now in a place called Leininkill Ulster County N. York s .
Interrogatory 3 d Where were you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary war and where do you now live?
To this interrogatory he answers, That at the commencement of the Revolutionary war and when first called into service he lived at Mamakating Hollow Ulster County New York. That during a portion of the Revolutionary war and for five or six years after its termination he resided in Sussex County New Jersey, and that for the last fifty years and upwards he has resided in what (is now) Pike County Penn a .
Interrogatory 4 th When were you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if so for whom?
To this interrogatory he answers That he volunteered.
Interrogatory 5 th State the names of some of the regular Officers who were with the troops where you served such Continental and Militia regiment as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
To this he answers That the officers with the troops where he served were Capt Abraham Westfall of Col. Paulings Regiment Also Captain Westbrook and Major Westbrook of Colonel Rosencrants Regiment and Lieutenant Strader.

of Col Boomer's regiment The general circumstances of his services were that while in the 2nd last Companies they were stationed in Sussex County New Jersey to guard the frontiers from the Indians, and that the greater portion of their service was in watching the movements of the Indians and preventing them from crossing the Delaware River on the Pennsylvania side of which they were for a great portion of the Revolutionary War collected in large numbers
Interrogatory 6 th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it? To this he answers That he received a written discharge from Abraham Westfall which he thinks was forwarded to the department, He also received a discharge from Lieutenant Strader which he has lost & can not find
Interrogatory 7 th State the names of persons by whom you are known in your neighborhood and who can testify to your character for truth and veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution
To this he gives the following names of persons residing in his present neighborhood Near Daniel W. Dingman Hon O. J. Dimmick Near John Westbrook Near John H. Broadhead & Henry S. McAlister Esqrs
Samuel Helen
Sworn & subscribed before me February 28 th 1846 John H. Broadhead Associate Judge
And I the said John H. Broadhead associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County do hereby declare My 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 I do further certify that Stephen Drake and Milton Dimmick who have signed the preceding certificate.

are residents in the said Township of Milford and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit, and I further certify that there are no clergymen residing in this neighborhood who have been resident here for a time sufficient to become well acquainted with the said applicants Witness my hand this 2 d March 1846
John H. Brodhead Associate Judge
I John C. Westbrooke Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Pike Penn a do hereby certify that John H. Brodhead whose name is signed above is an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County (a Court of Record) and that the signature of the said John H. Brodhead is his own hand writing with which I am familiar
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this second day of March A D 1846
J. C. Westbrooke Protho

State of Pennsylvania § Pike County §
On the 28 th day of February A.D 1846 personally appeared before me John H. Brodhead an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Pike Samuel Hockm a resident of Milford Township Pike County Pennsylvania aged eighty six years who being first duly sworn according to Law, Cloth on his oath Make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision Made by the act of Congress passed 7 th June 1832, That he now receives from the General Government a pension of thirty dollars per annum under the provision of the act of 7 th June 1832, That on his application for a pension he received fifty dollars, which was reduced to the sum of thirty dollars in consequence (as he is informed) of the belief on the part of the department that the nature of his services entitled him to no larger an amount. That he firmly believes that the nature of the services rendered by him during the revolutionary war has been misunderstood by the department and he makes this further and ad- ditional declaration in order that he may receive from the Government the amount his services entitled him to. That in addition to the services rendered by him under Captain Westfall for which, he now receives a pension of thirty dollars per annum That in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine he enlisted in the Army of the United States as a volunteer private in the Company commanded by Captain Peter Westbrooks of the Luzerne County New Jersey Militia in the regiment of

Colonel Rosencrance and served during the period of seven months, That immediately before entering into this service he resided in Sandypun Township, Sussex County New Jersey, and that the Company under the Command of Captain Westbrook was stationed at a Fort called Nomonock in the said Township of Sandypun That while serving under said Captain Westbrook he was frequently selected by his Captain to watch the movements of the Indians on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River where they were frequently collected in large numbers That in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty under the same officers the Company of Captain Westbrook was Marched into the State of Pennsylvania where an engagement took place with the Indians on a small stream called the Connieshan in which engagement the Company of Captain Westbrook was defeated and the Captain and some of the privates killed This deponent was then wounded by a rifle ball passing through both his thighs from the effects of which he has never entirely recovered, That this deponent during this whole period of his enlistment was acting under the Command of Captain Westbrook.
And your deponent further states That in the April of the following year viz Seventeen hundred and Eighty one he again enlisted in the Army of the United States in a company of New Jersey Militia, Commanded by Lieutenant Strander of the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Rosencrance, and served in his Company as a volunteer and private until the latter part of November following being a period of seven months and upwards, That during the period of this service the Company of Lieutenant Strander was stationed on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River in Montague Township Sussex County N.J.

for the purpose of protecting the people of North Western New Jersey from the invasions of the Indians who during the greater part of the year were collected in large num- bers on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware.
And I the said Samuel Hehn hereby relinquish any claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the one under the act of 7 th June 1832 before mentioned and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state only on that of the agency in the state of Pennsylvania Sworn & Subscribed before me
Feby 28 th 1846
John H. Broadhead
associate judge
Samuel Hehn
And I the said John H Broadhead Associate Judge of the Common Pleas of Pike County do hereby declare my opinion that the above named Applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he has stated
John H. Broadhead
associate judge
I John C. Westbrooke Prothonotary of the Courts of Common Pleas of the County of Pike, Penn a do hereby certify that John H Broadhead whose name is signed above is an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County (a court of Record) and that the signature of the said John H. Broadhead is his own hand writing with which I am familiar
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Second day of March A.D. 1846
J. C. Westbrooke Party

We Stephen Drake and Milton Dimnich residing in the Township of Milford County of Pike and State of Pennsylvania hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Helm who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and we believe him to be eighty six years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn subscribed before me March 2 nd 1846 John H. Brodhead associate judge Milton Dimnich Stephen Drake
And I the said John H. Brodhead associate judge as aforesaid do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant Samuel Helm was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, And I further certify that there is no clergymen residing in this neighborhood who has resided here long enough to have any acquaintance with said applicant. And that the said Stephen Drake & Milton Dimnich who have signed the above certificate are residents in the Township of Milford, Pike County, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit and I do further certify that the said applicant Samuel Helm is unable to appear in court by reason of bodily infirmity.
Witness my hand, this 2 March, 1846
John H. Brodhead associate judge

Helm, Samuel N.J. 54356

2923
Pennsylvania
Samuel Helm
of Milford in the State of Pennsylvania who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Westbrook of the Reg t commanded by Col. Paulding in the Delaware militia for 2 years & 8 months N.J.
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 80 Dollars ~ Cents per annu. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8 th day of Dec r 1832 and sent to C. S. Dirmida Milford Pike Co. Penn a
  Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832  120.00    Pension allowance ending 4 th March 1832  40.00     160.00  
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by McGuffie Clerk Book D Vol. 6, Page 61

Rev. H. N. ...
4356
INVALID.
Jany 20, 1904 Peter D. Helms - Phi
File No. 4356
Samuel Helms Brn. Del. Mil.
Act: June 7, '32
Index:—Vol. A , Page 168
[Arrangement of 1870.]
M. J. Line. Records corrected April 9 th 04.

Helm Samuel NJ S4356
Samuel. Stokes This. Change -

November the 4 1779 This may Certify that Samuel Nelson Was in in listeng Colger under the for the term of Nine months in the same country Since and This is his Dismiss from me Ephraim Abraham & West-fall

The County of Pike, ss.
On this day personally came before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Pike. Thomas Van Allen of the State of New Jersey County of Sussex, who being sworn on the Holy Bible, does declare & say that he is personally acquainted with Samuel Helm of Upper Smith field Township, County of Pike & State of Pennsylvania. & that said Helm, served as a Soldier in the time of the revolution - & to the best of his knowledge & belief does state, that he believes that said Samuel Helm, fought against the Indians & was Wounded. & that the Samuel Helm, was for a considerable time under the care of a Surgeon, with his wounds - & further said not.
Thomas Van Allen
Sworn & subscribed before me this 10. day of January in the year of our Lord 1831.
Thomas Van Allen 1831

Pike County ss
I Francis M Smith One of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County of Pike Before whom the within affidavit of Thomas Van Etten was taken do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the said Thomas Van Etten and that the said Thomas Van Etten is a person of Credibility In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Twenty second Day of November A D 1832.
Francis M Smith J.P. Nov 22 32
State of Pennsylvania Pike County ss
I Samuel DePuy Recorder in and for the County of Pike do hereby certify that Francis M Smith whose name is subscribed to the foregoing Certificates is an acting Justice of the Peace duly appointed and commissioned by the Governor of Pennsylvania and further I do certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Justice and truly believe the signature of Francis M Smith to both the above Certificates to be his own proper hand writing Witness my hand and seal of office at Milford this Twenty sixth day of November A D Eighteen hundreds and thirty two -
Saml DePuy
Helm, Samuel VJ SH4356

The County of
Personally came before me the subscribers one of the justices of the peace in and for the County of Pike. John Everet & Josephus Westbrook both of the State of New Jersey - County of Sussex who being duly sworn upon the Holy Bible according to Law. Doth declared & saith that they are personally acquainted with Samuel Helm now residing in Upper Smithfield Township County of Pike & State of Pennsylvania. & further do certify that said Samuel Helm served as a private in the  the service during the revolutionary war in the company commanded by Captain Peter Westbrook. & that said company was attacked by a party of Indians on the 20. day of April in the year of Our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty - & that said Cap t Westbrook & his Lieutenant were both killed. & that said Samuel Helm then enlisted in the company commanded by Cap t Johannes van Alstyne. & that the said Samuel Helm received a wound through both his thighs while under the command of said Cap t Johannes van Alstyne while fighting the Indians. & that he said Samuel Helm was for a considerable time under the care of a Surgeon on account of his wounds - & that he is at present unable to maintain or obtain a livelihood by labour. & hath no means within himself to procure them -
Sworn & subscribed before me this 10. day of January. A.D. 1831.
Josephus Westbrook John Everet
1831

Pennsylvania } Pike County } ss
I Thomas Deering Recorder in & for the County of Pike, do hereby Certify that Francis Al Smith whose Name is subscribed to the within affidavits was at the date of those affidavits & still is an acting Justice of the Peace duly appointed & Commissioned by the Governor of Pennsylvania, & further I do Certify that I am well acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice & Verily believe the signature Francis Al Smith to both the within affidavits to be in his own proper hand writing.
Witness my hand & Seal of Office at Milford this Twentieth Day of September A.D. Eighteen hundred & thirty two.
Thomas Deering
Pike County ss.
I Francis Al Smith one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Pike Before whom the within affidavit of Josephus Westbrook and John Everett was taken Do hereby Certify That I am personally acquainted with the said Josephus Westbrook and John Everett and that they are persons of Credibility. In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Twenty second day of November A.D. 1832.
Francis Al Smith J.P. (Nov 22)
Helm, Samuel U.S. 54356

Letter Mr. Dimmick & } to the Ensign Agent July 17. 1839 } let 23 May 1840 Hon. S. H. Wagener. let: 17 June 1841 Hon. John Westbrook let. to same 21 January 1842; do. to Hon. R. Brodhead, H.R. February 3. 1846 - do. to same April 7. 1846-
2923
Pennsylvania.
Samuel Helm
of Milford in the State of Penn., who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Westbrook of the reg't commanded by Col. Paulding in the Delaware mil. line for 9 months.
W. Line Records corrected
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania Apr 9th at the rate of 30 Dollars — Costs per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Reduced from $80 per annum
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 th day of July 1839 and sent to Mr. H. Dimmick Esq. Milford, Penn.
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by D. Brown Book E. 2, Vol. 5, Page 28

Welford Pa July 12
3/1/2
Can
Samuel Parrott
J. S. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Wipond P. Ref. P. 2. July 11 th 1839
C. S. Edwards Esq
Sir,
I enclose to you a release from James Helms for a Pension of $80. per annum. The facts set forth in the release indicate suffi- ciently the sound of this course. Mr. Helms is entirely too poor to institute a suit for the recovery of his certificate; if, therefore, you would give a new certificate for the nine months arrears, as you proposed, you would do him a favor; he may hereafter make sufficient proof to entitle him to a con- tinuation of his pension but at present he only desires to accept yr. proposition and receive his nine months back pay.
Very respectfully I am, yours &c
M. M. Dimmick
M. Crosby W. Ellis

Reduce Samuel Helm to $30 per annum. Issue a new certificate & send to M. M. Dommick, Esq. Milford, Penn a

Sam. Haden.

Whereas there issued from the War Department of the United States a Certificate of Pension to me at the rate of eighty Dollars per Annum payable half yearly. And said Certificate is now in the possession of M. E. A. Pinchot with whom it was deposited about two years ago in pledge that the monies thereafter payable on said Certificate should apply towards the payment of certain articles of merchandise which I was receiving from time to time out of the store of said M. E. A. Pinchot. And payment on said Certificate has been suspended by the War Department from the 4 th March 1837. And there is now due a certain debt from me to said Pinchot and said Pinchot refused to deliver up said Certificate to me unless the debt be paid which I am unable to discharge or pay.
Now Know all men by these presents that I Samuel Helm Pensioner do hereby release all my right & title to said Certificate & the money due thereon or hereafter to become due, to the United States.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 16 th April 1839.
Witness A. M. Dinnick Crosby W. Ellis.                      Samuel Helm
Pike County ss. Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace for said County A. M. Dinnick & Crosby W. Ellis the two attesting and subscribing witnesses to the above release and being duly sworn according to law deponed & say they were present & saw Samuel Helm sign & execute the said release for the purpose therein expressed. Witness my hand this 10 th day of July 1839. Geo. Biddis...

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Pike County ss.
Personally appeared before me The undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the said County of Pike Samuel Helm, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith That by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades. For Two years and Three months I served as a private, and for such service I claim a pension.
Sworn and subscribed before me November 22 d A.D. 1832
Samuel Helm
Oliver M c K Peace
State of Pennsylvania
ss
Pike County ss.
I Samuel DeDay Reorder in and for the County of Pike do hereby certify That Oliver Oliver M c K whose name is subscribed to the above affidavit was at the time of the said affidavit and still is an Acting Justice of the Peace duly appointed and Commissioned by the Governor of Pennsylvania I further I do certify That, I am well acquainted with the hand writing of the said Oliver M c K and verily believe the signature to the above affidavit subscribed to be the proper hand writing of the said Oliver M c K Witness My hand and Seal of Office at Milford the Twenty sixth day of November A.D. Eighteen hundred & Thirty two -
Sam DeDay

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pike County S.S.
Personally appeared before me John H. Brodhead an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Pike County, Wilhelmus Pennock of Sandyston Township Sussex County New Jersey aged Eighty One years, who being duly sworn according to law, dith depose & say
That he is well acquainted with Samuel Helm of Milford Township Pike County Penn- an applicant for a pension. That he was well acquainted with said Samuel Helm during the revolutionary war. That he knows the said Samuel served in Captain Westbrooks Company in the year Eighteen hundred and Eighty being the same year that the said Samuel Helm was wounded at a battle on the Connieschock. And the said deponent further states that the said Samuel Helm served the following year under Lieutenant Mathias Strader in the New Jersey militia as deponent thinks for a period of six months That the deponent resided in the immediate neighborhood of the place where the Company of Lieutenant Strader was station in Montague Township Sussex County New Jersey and has frequently seen the said Samuel Helm in the said Company of Lieutenant Strader.

That the said deponent was himself occa- sionally called on to defend the frontiers from the Indians but was not enlisted. That he frequently saw Samuel Slocum during the greater part of the revolutionary war and always understood and believed from his own knowledge and what he was then informed that the said Samuel Slocum was an enlisted soldier and as such served under different officers during the greater portion of the revolutionary war. And that he has always been well ac- quainted with said Samuel Slocum for a period of upwards of seventy years. And the deponent further knows that during the war on the frontiers the officers in command of the different companies were in the habit of selecting a number of the bravest of their men to perform the duties of Indian spies from which duty these soldiers were frequently called Indian spies.
Sworn and subscribed J. H. Alkermus Borne before me Feb'y 28 th 1846
John H. Brodhead Associate Judge
At the same time and place personally appeared before me Daniel Courtright of Sandypore Township Sussex County, New Jersey aged Seventy two years who

being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say That he was acquainted with Samuel Holm during the revolutionary war. That he knows he was wounded at the Connietock, at the time that Captain Metherick and others were killed. That it was generally un- derstood that Samuel Holm was a soldier in the revolutionary war.
Sworn & subscribed before me Me Febry 28 y 28 th 1846,
John H. Proheads associate judge
Danill Fortnight

Pension Paper
Payment to be made at Philadelphia by J. Selms, Esq. Agent for paying Pension- ers in the Agency of Philadelphia
Increase to $ 50 per ann
Cert: to the Hon. R. Brodhead House of Rep
Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book E. 2. Vol. 5. Page 28 by D. Brown,
Clerk.

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States, of the 7th June, 1832, Samuel Helms, of the State of Pennsylvania, who was a Private in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Thirty dollars and 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. This certificate issued in lieu of one dated the 8 th December 1832, which has been annulled.
Given at the War Office of the United States, this seventeenth day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine.
Examined and } Countersigned. }

May 23. 1876
Pa. 76 lines
J. L. Edwards
Commission offering
Washington Ct
W. D. Wagener H. R.

House of Reps. May 22 1880
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir,
The reduction of Mr. Helm's (of Pa) pension, by has induced his friends to make an effort to have it restored; and would thank you to review your opinion, in the hope that you might be satisfied of the propriety of reinstating him, to his former pension - your attention (if reply) is particularly requested.
Yours Respectfully David D. Mayne
I enclose 7 - Mr. Linnick's letter

June 17. 1841
I'm at you.
Westbrook Me.
Hn. J Westbrook N.D.
L Edwards Esq
Commission of Pensions

Washington City July 16 11 / 1841
Consumption of Pensions / Dear Sir I am requested by the friends of Samuel Helm to enquire the reason that old Soldiers Pension was reduced from I believe $20 per Annum to thirty I have known him for forty years he resides in the same County. I do and often seen the wounds he recd from the Indians he is now very old and poor together with his services than is a great sympathy for the old man as you will observe by the Enters from Judge Dugman of Pike County O. etc
I. also send a communication on the subject of obtaining a Pension for a Widow Bennett who resides in Pike County with Mr Rockwell as you will observe by the Enclosure please Inform me what evidence is necessary in addition what has been sent I find there is much difficulty to prove marriages of these old Revolutionary Characters I am well acquainted with the family of Bennetts they are respectable but poor Yours Truly, John Westover

Jan 21. 1872
Westbrook
Per
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pension
War Office
Hon. J. L. Westbrook H. D.

Washington House of Reps July 20 th 1842
Hon J L Edwards Sir I am desirous to be informed when Samuel Helen an old Soldier residing in Dobbs County Tenn was placed on the Pension List and the amount per annum. and when a part of his allowance was stricken off and for what cause it was done. you will please answer my Inquiries if it is in accordance with the rules of your office and oblige yours most Respectfully &c John Westbrooks

Hall of the Ho of Reps
March 6th 1846
Hon Jas L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Ver.
I herewith send you the application of Samuel Helm of Pike Co Pa for a restoration of the Pension which was first granted to him under the act of 1832 -
Although he called himself an Indian Spy, still he was in the military service of the United States as I think is clearly shown by the Evidence now produced.
I firmly believe and that the old man ought now to have his original pension restored to him - His witnesses are respectable as I know and I hope therefore his case will receive your favorable consideration.
Yours &c
Richd Woodhead

Com
Am R Brudhead 1772

Can of same Helm of Pikes Pa
March 18th 1846 — It seems to me that a re adjustment of this Case ought to be had upon the End additional Evidence —
To enforce the rule suggested in the letter of the Comm ee of the 11th Inst would be to require record evidence of Service — There is no evidence that his name (even if he served as he states) appears in the "Office of the Secy of State of New Jersey or Comptroller of New York" —
He proves that he has the reputation of a Soldier of the Rev n — and he proves by a Living witness of good character actual and Vonafide service as stated in his Declaration
All the record evidence in N J or N York I presume is at Warrenton
I ask therefore that there may be a re-examination of the old man's case — I presume he may not make out time Service enough to entitle him to 80 Dols per annum but he certainly proves enough to entitle him to more than 30 Dols
Yours sincerely
Rich d D. Dorrhead

Hall of the Ho of Reps,
Apr 22 d 1846
J L Edwards Esq Dear Sir
Herewith I send you the old Certificate of James Helms of Pike Co Pa, together your Letter in which you say that you will grant him a new one , and place him on the Roll at 50 Dollars per annum instead of at 30 -
Be pleased to send me the new Certificate during the day
Yours, &c
Richd V. Northcutt
Be pleased to return me your Letter

That the owner or
[Faint, mirrored handwritten text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Oct 31 Missad P.E. October 26.
256
Comm - Sam & Helen on roll. Jacob & Scott - -
J. Edwards Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Nashville Oct 26 1838.
Dear Sir,
Not having yet a pension have no any possession I wish to inform you if no provision has been made allowing to wounded soldiers of the Revolutionary War a pension where the wound received has caused a permanent and continuous disability even to the present time.
I make this enquire in reference to the case of Samuel Helm. He was wounded in both his thighs and his wound was of such a nature as causes even now a disability which prevents him from labouring. Proof of this fact can be had of the most satisfactory nature from respectable Physicians & Physicians. I am told and I am told that he served in the Revolutionary War in the State of Virginia for a period of about six months which was
not enlisted or included in his original  declaration and hence right of March to suspend the payment of his  pension . I cannot but feel that it is a matter with great gravity upon the old man for I do assure you that if a pension was ever due to any man or if any man ever deserved a pension Saml  Helm deserved one. He is also disabled in his right arm which was occasioned by a fall when in the line of duty.

during the war. - and his case is this that his wounds & the fall he received have to do so much damage him that he cannot do manual labor. he is very poor. and the whole community with one voice declare from their knowledge of his revolutionary services. that he richly deserves a pension & that the payment of his pension should be continued and if any thing can be done under their state of facts I would be greatly indebted to you if you would give me instructions as as to enable the old man to again receive his pension.
The Case of Sachett I should be glad to hear of and to know what the decision will be. I am not aware that any more evidence can be had nor do I know that any more is required.
Please let me hear from you as soon as conven- ient
Very Respectfully Yours. O. S. Lord.
W. H. Dinnick

In at 2/6/17 N.J.

Dear Sir
At B Sept 13 th 1832
Samuel Behm of Milford Penna has applied to me for some information touching his case which he says is now suspended. If you will favour me by stating what difficulty exists in his case you will oblige
Yours sincerely James L. Behm
Hon. Jas L. Edwards

1882

State of Pennsylvania Pike County } ss.
We, George Bowhannan Edward Elliott residing in the Town of Milford County of Pike and State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Helm, who has subscribed and sworn, to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy two 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 George Bowhannan in Open Court this 18 th day of September 1832 Edw. Elliott Carmen Clerk
We the said Court do hereby declare this 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 George Bowhannan and Edward Elliott who have signed the preceding certificate are residents in the Town of Milford County of Pike and State of Pennsylvania, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Charles D. Seaman Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Pike in the State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original Proceedings in the matter of the Application of Samuel Helm for a pension In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Eighteenth day of September A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty two, C. D. Seaman Clerk

To what time was Samuel Helm, of Penn- sylvania, act June 7. 1832, last paid?
J. L. Edwards July 17. 1839
To 4th Sept. 1837—
S. H. Hill

Midford Ia July 2
X 8 1/2
Genl. J. P. Poinsett Secretary of War Washington D.C.
Esqr. August 16 1838 Pioneer Office pc

Mansfield July 2 nd 1838.
Dear Sir
At the request of Samuel Helm a Pensioner I am induced to address you under the following circumstances.
A short time ago a demand was made by Helm's atty duly constituted of the Government agent for Paying Pensions in Philadelphia for the last six months pension money due Helm which was refused. And the reason assigned for the refusal of payment was that an order had been forwarded from the War Department directing a total & final suspension of payment on Helm's Certificate. Now Sir if this be the case there doubtless must be some reason for such a determination and order on the part of the War Department.
That Sam l Helm was & is justly entitled to a pension that he fought & bled in the service of his Country and that he earned with him the scars & wounds he received in the Revolutionary war are undisputed facts, which none who know him, presume to question, and if any further proof is wanted it can be furnished.
You will therefore please inform me whether

There has been a suspension of his pay and if so the reasons for such determination and whether the existing difficulty or reason of refusal to pay can not be removed or mitigated,
Very Respectfully Yours W. B. Feb. 7.
M. M. Dinnick

Department of Justice.
UNITED STATES MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA,
JAN 16 1904 S.
Philadelphia, January 14th 1903 1904
United States Pension Bureau, Washington D.C.
Mr Chamberlain,
My Dear Sir:
I am extremely anxious to make my family eligable to the Society of the Sons & Daughters of the Revolution and in order to do so it will be nescessary to get the enlistment of one or both of the following persons either PETER HELM.my great great Grandfather, or his Son Samuel HELM, my Great Grandfather, This Samuel Helm, is a brother of Daniel Helm, whose record you gave me some month ago and who served in the Army and received a Pension but this would not make me or my children lineal descendents as it would be only a great Uncle and not from Father to Son, PETER HELM.& his Son SAMUEL HELM, enlisted from the neighborhood of Sullivan Co N.Y. or from Pike Co or that neighborhood in Penna, In order to enable you to get at their records I send you taken from the County Records Pike, Wayne, & Monroe Co Pa, relating to Sam Helm, The Record of Daniel Helm. Sams brother G, W&N Division 3—525 J.R.W. 13.379-Inv. Rev, War, Now Mr Chamberlain I am and would be pleased to pay any cost incurred in getting this record for me Iwill consider it a great favor if you will assign some one to,do this work as early as possibl I may be able to reciprocate at some future time ,
Very truly,
Peter D. Helms