Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7,718, John F Helmer, New York

SERVICE
New York
Helmer John F. Margaret
NUMBER
W. 7718
CONTENTS
[Blank lined area for entries]
[Blank lined area for entries]

Helmer, John F. N.Y. W7718

3036. Wilt
New York Roll
John T. Helmer H
Private New York Line
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 8— Dollars per month, to commence on the 20 th of April 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 th of Sept. 1818 and sent to David Holt Esqr Herkimer New York
  Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818  36.00    Semi-annual all'ee ending 4 th  Mar 1819  48.00    Arrears - 4 Mo 15/30  $84.00  
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
9 months

New York 1192 A. Margaret Helmer widow of John F. Helmer NY who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of Oct. 1853. and sent to C. L. Tucker Present.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July, 1848 Page 4. Vol. 292

NY 732
John G. Helmer pension papers
Recd 21 June 1823
This man was dropped from the old roll, his service not having been continental
Wm B. Goff Baltimore, Md.

Schedule State of New York Schenectady County
On this 5 th day of May 1823 personally appeared in open Court to wit a court of Common pleas (said Court being a court of Record in and for the County of Schenectady) thus constituted by the Laws and Statutes of the State of New York, John F. Helmer aged fifty Eight years resident in the Town of Schenectady in the County aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows That I the said John Helmer enlisted in Captain Peter Petrie's company commanded part of the time by Col. Marinus Willett in the New York line  on the Continental and part of the time by Col. Van Schaick on the Continental Establishment for three years that he served his time faithfully and was then Honorably discharged by order of Genl. Washington, And I do swear that the date of the Original declaration in Order to Obtain the provision Made by the act of Congress passed the 18 th day of March 1818 is 1818 and the Number I. now have under the act aforesaid is (The reason of My not stating the date and Number to my Certificate is that the Man that I Left it with to collect My Money due thereon has lost or mislaid it and it cannot be found) And I do swear solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States On the 18 th day of March 1818 and I have not since that time by Gift Sale or in any Manner whatever disposed of My property or any part thereof with Intent so to diminish it as to bring Myself within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed on the 18 th day of March 1818 and P-

Have not nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities or contracts or debts due to me nor have any Income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed —
Real property or estate I have none — personal property I have 2 pigs worth $2 One poor suit of every days clothing for myself not worth more than } $2 One suit for my wife not worth more than } $3 Seven children one suit each very poor } One poor bed —————
And I do solemnly swear that I am by Occupation a farmer but not very healthy, that I have a wife forty eight years and she is not very healthy and I have no other way to support myself but by my industry which only affords but a pitiful living and without some help from his country he will soon have to call on the town for relief both for himself & family
Subscribed & sworn this 3 rd day of May 1893 before me
Henry Brown First Judge of Rev. Com. pleas. John F. Helmer.
It is the Opinion of the Court that the value of the property contained in the above schedule is two Dollars besides the clothing & bedding —
Henry Brown Sanders Lansing } John Mahon }
Judges of the Court of Common pleas in & for the County of Herkimer

State of New York
Clerks Office Dutchess County ss
I Sabez Fox clerk of the court of common pleas in and for the county of Dutchess do certify that the above is a True Copy of the proceedings had in Open Court On the fifth day of May 1823 in the matter of John T Helmer a late pensioner afid now on file in this Office In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set My hand and affixed the seal of My said Office this 12th day of June 1823.
Sabez Fox: Clerk. By: Edu H. Gill Dpy

• Margaret Helmer Widow of John Hel- mer alias elected • John F. Helmer a Pensioner under the act of 1818 application for Pension.

State of New York } Herkimer County } } P: }
On this 18 th day of June A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me Ezra Graves County Judge of the County Court of the County of Herkimer and State of New York the said Court being a Court of record, Margaret Holmer a resident of the Town of Herkimer in the said County & State above named, aged seventy five years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed July 29 th 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of John Holmer, which was his baptismal name and by which he was known until after the War when there was another John Holmer who came to live at Herkimer, when her said husband began to be designated by the addition of a middle letter F as appears from receipts and other papers taken and left by him and now remaining in possession of the family and from whom until his death he was known by the name of John F. Holmer, and who was a soldier and served in the War of the Revolution and was a pensioner in his life time under the act of Congress passed the 18 th day of March 1818 at the rate of thirty six dollars a year as she is informed and believes; that her said husband was such pensioner and drew said pension for the year 1818 and for several years afterwards when the same was stopped for the reason as she has been informed that his service was performed in the State troops and not in the regular Continental line. That her said husband as she always understood from him served in the said War of the Revolution under a term of

enlistment for nine months under Col. Willett and that after the close of said nine months term of enlistment be again enlisted into the service for the term of three years:
She further declares that she was married to the said John Helmer at Herkimer where he then resided and where he died, on Easter day in the year 1797 or 1798 and she cannot state in which year but has no doubt it was either one or the other and she is quite positive that it was on Easter day or before so called, by the Rev. Mr. Wetfinger a minister who came from below from Fort Plain or that neighborhood; that her name before her marriage with the said John was Margaret Menterbach which was her maiden name and that her husband the said John Helmer died at Herkimer aforesaid on the 26 th day of November A.D. 1829 and that she has remained a widow since his death and is now a widow.
That she has caused inquiry to be made for a record of her marriage with said John but has not been able to find any and she does not know that there is any such record either public or private and she believes there is none nor does she know of any person now living who was present at her and the said John's marriage.
And she further declares that she and the said John Helmer had together in all ten living children, six of whom are still living and born dead and that the following is the order of their births and their names respectively to wit. 1 st Frederick J. Helmer who was her first born and who was born about one year after their said marriage, 2 d a daughter who lived but a few hours after her birth and received neither baptism nor a name 3 d John Helmer, 4 th Anna Helmer, 5 th William Helmer, 6 th Eve Helmer, 7 th Margaret Helmer, 8 th Lavinia Helmer, 9 th Elizabeth Helmer and 10 th Catharine Helmer who was the youngest of her children and that all except the second born received the ordinance of baptism and that all who received baptism except the first and third to wit Frederick and John and also the seventh to wit Margaret, were baptized by the Rev. John P. Spinner who emigrated into this country from Germany and
who became the settled Minister & Pastor of the Ref. D. A. Dutch Church at Herkimer in the year 1801

who became the settled Minister & Pastor of the Refd. Prot. Dutch Church at Herkimer in the year 1801 and continued so to be for about forty years, and during that entire period as such minister as she is informed kept a record of births and of baptisms and marriages performed by him. That the said Frederick J. Her first born was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Piek and the said John Her 2 d child was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Duffeling who was known and whom she remembers by the name and designation of the "Schweitzer Pfarrer" which is the name in the German language and which as she is informed is Swift Minister in the English language and that he was so called from the fact that he emigrated into this country from Switzerland and that both her said Sons were so baptized prior to the coming and settlement of the said Rev. D. P. Springer as such Minister and Pastor at Herkimer as aforesaid and that her said 7 th child Margaret was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Grotz as she now thinks who was a Minister of the Gospel settled at Stonecarabin in the County of Montgomery.
Witness Egbertus Cha. Grotz
True Margaret Helmer mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written. and I further certify that the said Margaret Helmer from old age and bodily infirmity is unable to appear in open Court and which is the reason of her swearing to her declaration out of Court. and that she signed her said declaration by making her mark for the reason that she cannot write. Egbertus County. John A. Schuyler County

4 Know all men by these presents that I Margaret Helmer of the Town & County of Herkimer in the State of New York do hereby constitute & appoint Charles C. Tucker of Washington D. C. my true and lawful agent and Attorney for me and in my name to prepare and prosecute my Claim for a revolutionary Pension by reason of the services of my deceased husband John Helmer; and I hereby empower my said Attorney to examine all records and documents in reference to said Claim on file in the Department at Washington or elsewhere to file additional evidence and arguments, and to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises, with full power of substitution; hereby revoking and Countermanding all former powers of Attorney that may have been given by me for the above specified purpose.
Witness my hand and Seal this 13 th day of June in the Year 1855.
Signed & Sealed in presence of Ephraims County Clerk of Herkimer County
For Margaret J. Helmer mark
State of New York Herkimer County
On this 13 th day of June 1855 personally appeared before me Ezra Graves County Judge of the County of Herkimer and State of New York, Margaret Helmer and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.
Ephraims County Clerk of Herkimer County
State of New York

Herkimer County ss
On this 13 th day of August A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for said County affirmed George L. Harter a resident of the town of Herkimer in said County & State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law did depose and swear that he was seventy years old and was born & during his whole life time lived in the said town & County of Herki- mer and that from his infancy until the death of John Helmer he was well acquainted with John Helmer who was the son of Frederick Helmer and who from the time that this deponent became acquainted with him until his death lived in the said town of Herkimer or within a few miles of Herkimer where he died and was buried over twenty years ago; that the said John Helmer was formerly the owner of a farm about half a mile above the village of Herkimer on which he and his family with whom this deponent has also been well acquainted were living in the years 1800, 1801, 1802 & 1803 - that he knows and remembers that the said John & his family were living on said farm at the time mentioned from the fact the said farm was in the immediate neighborhood and less than a quarter of a mile distant of the farm owned by Jacob G. Weber for whom this deponent worked at farming in the said years aforesaid - that he this deponent was hired to and boarded for the said Jacob G. Weber for over three years during and in the said several years. That during the said time and prior thereto he was acquainted also with Margaret Helmer the wife of the said John whose maiden name was Margaret Hunterbach and during the said years aforesaid and for several years prior thereto the said

John and the said Margaret lived together at the said place and on the said farm aforesaid as man and wife and were reputed so to be and that they continued so to live and to be reputed until the death of the said John as aforesaid, and that they raised a large family of children and had several to the certain knowledge of this deponent during the time he so lived with and labored for the said Jacob G. Helmer: that he remembers well the fact of their having children when he so worked for the said Helmer and he particularly remembers that Frederick J. Helmer who was the oldest of their children was in the habit of coming into the field of the said Jacob G. Helmer where he, this deponent, was plowing with a wheel plow and that this deponent placed and set him upon the bolster and plow beam between the wheels of the plow and there permitted him to ride that the said Frederick J. was at the time a boy of sufficient age and strength to sit and ride on the said plow safely and without any help or assistance from this deponent: that he cannot state in what particular year or years of the said period of his labor for the said Helmer it was that the said Frederick J. used so to amuse himself by riding the plow nor can he state how old the said Frederick J. then was but judging from his size and ability so to hold on and to ride he has no doubt he must at the time have been at least five or six years old, and judging from the age of the boy and the time of his so laboring for the said Helmer and his acquaintance with the said Margaret Helmer and the said John Helmer at the said time and previously he has no doubt the said Margaret and the said John began to live together and be reputed as man and wife prior to the year 1800 and he thinks as early as the year 1797 or 1798 and that since the death of the said John, Helmer the said Margaret has not again married and that she is now a widow living with her son the said Frederick J. Helmer who

lives in the town of Herkimer about a mile out of the Village of Herkimer in the said County and State aforesaid
George Hart
Subscribed & and sworn before me this 13 th day of August 1853, and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said George L. Hart and know him to be a person of fair character and that his statements are entitled to full faith & credit.
David Rasbach Justice of the Peace
State of New York Herkimer County ss
Charles Spitzer of Herkimer in said County of Herkimer being duly sworn says that he is a son of John P. Spitzer deceased who was a Minister of the Gospel and who for over forty years officiated as such Minister and Pastor of the Churches and congregations of the Reformed Prot. Dutch Churches of Herkimer and German Flats and as such Minister and Pastor from the year 1801 to the close of his ministerial labors about the year 1848 kept a record of marriages, baptisms and burials celebrated by him in the said Churches and congregations - that he this deponent is intimately acquainted with the handwriting and the said record of his deceased father which said record is now in the care and custody of his Mother & Sister at the late family residence of his deceased father: that he has this day examined the said record of baptisms and births of his said deceased father and has found therein

in the proper hand writing of his deceased father the several entries following to wit:
"1803" "Februarius" "Dies Nat:" "Locus Nat:" "Finæ" "Herkimer" "Anna Jois Helmer & Anna Margaretha Munterbach" "baptizata 27ma ejdem lev: Jois Munterbach &" "Anna Helmer."
"1804" "Novembrii" "Die" "Locus Nat:" "so" "Germantown" "Wilhelmus Ioannis Helmer et Margarethae" "Munterbachiae f: l: bapt: in Domo Ministerii" "20ma Jan: 1805 lev: Wilhelmus Helmer et" "Elizabetha upon giro ex Herkimer."
And he further says that the foregoing entries occur on the said record in regular order in the said Years 1803 & 1804 and the said record is a continuous record from day to day and from Year to Year commencing in the Year 1801 & ending in the Year 1848 and that the foregoing entries and extracts are true Copies letter for letter. figure for figure and word for word as the same now exist and remain on the said record.
Charles Springer
Subscribed and sworn to this 14 th day of August A.D. 1855 before me: And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Affiant Charles Springer and that he is a person of good repute and his statements are entitled to full faith & credit.
David Rashach Justice of the Peace

State of New York Herkimer County 33 p.
Frederick J. Holmer of Herkimer in said County and State being duly sworn says that he was either fiftyfive or fifty six years old in December 1854 but there being no reliable record of his age and there having always since he attained to the age of twentyone years, been a question about his true age he cannot state for certainty whether his age was fiftyfive or fifty six in December 1854 but from what he has always understood from his parents and rela- tions and the aged people in the neighbor- hood and of which he has no doubt he was either fiftyfive or fifty six and from the best and most reliable data that he has been able to obtain he believes he was fifty six years old and will be fifty seven in December next. He further states that he always under- stood from his parents that he was their first born and that next to him there was born to them a daughter who lived but a few hours and died. That next to the said deceased deceased sister who was the second born he had and still has a brother named John who was the third of his father and mother's children and who is still living. That the next being the fourth of the children of his father and mother was a sister named Anna, that William his brother was the next being the fifth. Eve 6 th Margaret

7 th Laura 8 th Elizabeth 9 th and Catharine 10 th That Margaret Helmer whose declaration is hereto annexed and which he has heard read and knows its contents is his mother, and that the said John Helmer named in the said declaration was his father, that the said John as far as he this depon- ent had any recollection of him & until the day of his death was known as and wrote his name John H. Helmer - that his father as he always understood from him and from others of his age served in the War of the Revolution and he this deponent remembers distinctly that he always in his life time alleged and claimed that he served under Capt. Peter B. Yearse and under Col. Mifflin
And this deponent further saith that as he understood from his father he was inscribed on the pension roll at the rate of twenty six dollars a year about the year 1818 and that for several years thereafter he drew a pension of twenty six dollars a year but that the same was discontinued as this deponent has been informed on the ground that the service rendered by his father in the war of the Revolution was in the State Troops or forces and not in the regular Continental army - that his father the said John Helmer died at Herkimer on the 26 th day of November A.D. 1829 and that his mother has not been married since and is now a widow and living in the family of this deponent in the town and county of Herkimer and

that he has no interest in the pe- nion application of his mother, that the maiden name of his mother was Margaret Hentlebach, that his father and mother always lived together as man and wife and were reputed so to be and from the fact of their always living together as man and wife and have been reputed so to be and and claiming at all times that they were married he has no doubt that they were lawfully married as is alleged in the declaration of his mother hereto annexed
Frederick J Adams
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 14th day of August A.D. 1885 and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Affiant and know him to be a person of fair character and that his state- ments are entitled to full faith and credit.
David Rasbach Justice of the Peace
State of New York Herkimer County } ss
John Hart of Herkimer in said County State aforesaid being duly sworn, saith that he was born at Herkimer on the 21 st day of November 1787 and has during his whole life time lived in the said town & County of Herki- mer and from his infancy was acquainted with John H. Helmer deceased who was the husband of Margaret Helmer in the annexed declaration

named, that he was acquainted with the said John P. Helmer before he the said John P. was married and he continued to be well acquainted with him after his marriage and during his whole life and until his death which occurred at Herkimer over twenty years ago and that he this deponent attended and assisted as a bearer at his funeral. That when he first became acquainted with said Helmer he lived on and owned a farm about half a mile above the village of Herkimer and which was in the immediate neighborhood where this deponent was born and there lived and was brought up. That the said John P. Helmer as he was at the time referred to and said, was married to Margaret Munsterbach, the said Margaret being now still living and a widow, when he this deponent as he should now judge and recollects the time, when he first acquainted was about ten years old; that immediately after the celebrated intermarriage of the said John with the said Margaret she came to live with the said John on his farm at Herkimer and that from thence forward until the day of his death he and the said Margaret continued to live and cohabited together as man and wife and were reported to be and that they reared a large family of children together; that he is also well acquainted with Frederick J. Helmer whose affidavit is hereto annexed who is a son and the eldest child of the said John and Margaret Helmer. That he is also well acquainted with John Helmer and William Helmer sons of the said John P. and Margaret Helmer who as he is informed are still living and that he has also been acquainted with several of the daughters of the said John P. & Margaret Helmer but he does not know where

They now are - That he cannot state the precise time of the intermarriage of the said John S. Helmer and the said Margaret Helmer but he recollects distinctly the occasion of their reputed intermarriage and the fact of her coming to live with and in the family and as the wife of the said John immediately thereafter.
John Hester
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15 th day of August A.D. 1855; and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Hester the Affiant and know him to be a person of fair character and that his statements are entitled to full faith & credit.
State of New York, HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, E. T. CLELAND, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that Cyrus Daves Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature.
In attitness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this day of Aug A. D. 1855
E. T. Cleland Clerk.
State of New York, HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, E. T. CLELAND, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, do certify that James Rasmach Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature.
In attitness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this day of Aug A. D. 1855
E. T. Cleland Clerk.
is an exact copy of the foregoing

they now are - That he cannot state the precise time of the intermarriage of the said John S. Helmer and the said Margaret Helmer but he recollects distinctly the occasion of their reported intermarriage and the fact of her coming to live with and in the family and as the wife of the said John immediately thereafter.
John Hart
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15 th day of August A.D. 1855; and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Hart the Affiant and know him to be a person of fair character and that his statements are entitled to full faith & credit.
David Rasbach Justice of the Peace

Mr J Helmer
Herkimer County
NYork
Suspended for Admitted N.Y. Rules

State of New York Herkimer County } ss
On this twentieth day of April, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, before me David Holt one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid, personally appears John F. Helmer, aged fifty three years, resident in the town of Herkimer, in the county and state aforesaid, to me well known, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war!" That he the said John as a private soldier enlisted at Albany in the state of New York in the spring of the year seventeen hundred and eighty- two two , in captain Sears' company of Infantry in the regiment commanded Col. Marinus Willett, in the New York line, for the term of nine months - That previous to the termination of the said nine months, he the said John re-enlisted in the same company, for three years - That he continued to serve in said company and regiment, on the continental establishment and against the common enemy from his first enlistment, until after the close of the Revolutionary war, to wit, until the month of January seventeen hundred and eighty four, when he was honorably discharged, at Schenectady, in the state aforesaid - That his discharge was signed by Col. Willett, and by Pliny Moore, as adjutant - That he the said John, about the year 1810, entrusted his said discharge with one William Hester, who is now deceased, and that since the death of the said Hester, the said John

hath endeavoured in vain to discover what hath been done with said discharge or whether the same be now in existence — that he the said John was in several skirmishes, but in no important battle with the enemy — that he is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support — and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his services than this his own declaration, and the affidavit of Peter W. Deygert, which is hereto annexed. — And the said John hereby relinquishes all claim to any pension hereafter allowed him by the laws of the United States
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid David Holt
John J. Helmer

State of New York Herkimer County
On the tenth  twenty fifth day of April, 1878
before me David Scott, personally came Peter W. Deygerd, of the town of Frankfort, in said County, aged 60 years, the said Peter being to me well known, who being duly sworn, saith, that in the year 1782 in the said Peter was a sergeant in the company of infantry commanded by capt. Peter Sears, in Col. Willett's regiment in the New York line, in the Continental establishment. That in the spring of the above year 1782 John H. Heclins, now of the town and county of Herkimer, in the state aforesaid, enlisted as a private soldier in the company to which the said deponent belonged. That the said John did continue in the service of the United States in said company, against the common enemy for the full term of nine months, at which time the deponent left the service, and left the said John then on duty in said company. That this deponent understood and believes that the said John had at the time when he the deponent left said company, enlisted again for three years, and that the said John did serve in said company and regiment for the  until after the close of the revolutionary war three years last aforesaid . That the deponent knows the said John to be in very indigent circumstances, and encumbered with a family of small children without any property for the support of himself and family.
Sworn to and subscribed April 25th, 1878, before me David Scott Judge of Herkimer Common Pleas
Peter W. Deygerd

I, David Holt, a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Herkimer and State of New York, do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said John G. Helmer did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me to the Secretary for the Department of War, pursuant to the directions of the Act of Congress in the aforementioned declaration named.
State of New York Clerk, Official Herkimer County
David Holt
Walter Lisk Clerk of the County of Herkimer Do certify that David Holt Esquire whose signature & seal is affixed to the foregoing certificate is one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for our said County that he is duly commissioned and qualified to act as such & that his signature to the said certificate is in his own proper hand writing
Given under my hand & the Seal of our Court at Herkimer this 27 th Day of April 1818-
Walter Lisk Clerk

W.C.A.
April 4, 1928.
Mrs. Pascoe W. Williams, 621 Providence Street, Albany, New York.
Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 7718, it appears that John F. Helmer was the son of Frederick Helmer.
He enlisted in Albany, New York, in the spring of 1782 as a private in Captain Peter B. Tearse's Company in Colonel Marinus Willet's New York Regiment, and was discharged in January, 1784.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 20, 1818, at which time he was fifty-three years of age and was living in Herkimer, Herkimer County, New York. He died there November 26, 1829.
He married about 1797 or 1798 in Herkimer, New York Margaret Munterbach. She was allowed pension on her application executed June 13, 1855, at which time she was seventy-five years of age and was living in Herkimer, New York.
They had the following children: Frederick J., born about 1797 or 1798; a daughter, name not given; John; Anna; William; Eve; Margaret; Lavina; Elizabeth; Catharine.
Date of marriage indefinable. Wid. had only to prove she was married prior to 1800.

The Revolutionary War records of this bureau fail to afford any information relative to pension or bounty land having been claimed on account of the service of Frederick or John Frederick Helmer who was the father of John F. Helmer who died November 26, 1829.
Respectfully,
I omitted service from 1778 to 1781 as it appears soldier placed service between these dates to bring himself within qualifications of pension law, (was struck off because service from 1782 to 1784 was not continental). Marinus Willett was continental in 1778 but not after 1781.
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

1928. Apr. 4 hist. to Mrs. Pascoe W. Williams. Me.
Recy WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
7718
Margaret Helmer Widow John F. Helmer Pvt. Reg't. Mass.
Act: _____
July 27, 1848
Index:—Vol. _____
24
Page _____
324
[Arrangement of 1870.]

To the Hon d John H. Eaton Esq r Secretary of War of the United States at the City of Washington
Dr Sir
Enclosed I send. Lieut. Willett's Affidavit properly Certified, and by which you will perceive that he was a continental officer— from the 21 st day of Nov r 1776. to the 1 st day of January 1781. Commanding the 3 rd & 5 th New York Regiments Raised by the United States States
Mr John F. Helmer has therefore brought himself clearly within the Spirit of the Act of Congress of the 18 th March 1818, — And as he Complied with the Act of the first of May 1820, in February 1823 and was rejected by the Hon d J. C. Calhoun then Secretary of State, in consequence that Lieut. Col. M. Willett Commanded a State Regiment, he therefore was improperly Stricken from the List, when in truth Col. Willett never Commanded a State Regiment untill after the first of January 1781. Mr Helmer therefore prays that he may not only be restored on the pension Rolls, but that he May also be restored to the back pay from Feby. 1823. at the time his papers were Complete in Compliance of the Act of first May 1820. And that Your Honour will Send him a Certificate for his time to Commence in Feby. 1823, filled with the Date when his papers were Complete, in Order that he may Draw up to the 4 th of Last March, as he is very Indigent and Suffering for the want of Assistance —

It is hopeful that if Mr. John S. Kelmer is found worthy, that his name may be forwarded on to the pension pay officer in New York immediately in New York that he may draw up to the 4 th last March, as he stands in Great Need of Help, at present, —
Please forward his Certificate to the Subscriber "Heukimer New York" or any other Communication which your Honor may deem proper
Heukimer June 11 th 1829.
Wm B Goff

To the Honorable the Secretary of War of the United States —
In your last Communication you state — "That you find the names of John Helmer, & John D. Helmer both of whom recited the service, and that the Claimant, John F. Helmer states that he served in Samuel Gray's Company of Gannett's Regiment in which Willett was Lt. Colonel And he produces the Testimony of a person who calls himself Samuel Grey a Captain attached to the Quarters Master's department" — I suppose you have overlooked the Claimant's Case, and have examined the Case of John Helmer of the County of Montgomery who made application a few years ago to be restored, he served in Gray's Company on the Dr. Master's department. As the Hon. John C. Calhoun then Secretary of War, decided, I sent many papers in support of his claim, to the War department, and that possibly may be the reason for the mistake —
I am authorized in behalf of Mr. John F. Helmer (who has always lived in our County, and who is known to have been a faithful soldier) to state in his behalf that he never sent any papers to the War department, stating that he served in Capt. Gray's Company, Nor neither did he ever get a Certificate from Samuel Gray for that purpose, but to the contrary, always stated that he served in Capt. Peter P. Learne or Peter B. Learne's Company, in Col. Willett's Regiment, or in Gannett's Regiment whereof Major Willett was Lieut. Colonel — that since the Spring of 1823 — he never sent any papers to the War Department before this Spring except, by Mr. Hoffman a member of Congress — and in them papers, he stated that he served in Capt. Peter B. Learne or Capt. Peter P. Learne's Company, and there was no complaint made then, Except, Lieut. Col. Willett did never serve on the Continental Establishment — as an Officer of the Line — and it is well known here that Capt. P. Learne was a Captain of the Line, although dead and gone, as well by the inhabitants, as by the Old soldiers who served through the whole of the Revolutionary war —

His friends, as well as the public generally feel very solicitous to have his Case further Examined, as there must be some mistake about his claim — and that if ever there was a man that was ever entitled to a pension from the Existing "Acts of Congress" Mr John F. Helmer must be one of them — Mr Helmer is willing to make affidavit of the fact that he never sent any papers, stating that he served in "Capt. Saml. Grays. Company" and Mr Hunt who drew up the papers for Mr Hoffman to take down, will testify that he did not state in his papers that Mr John F. Helmer served in Capt. Grays Company but to the contrary that he always uniformly stated that he served in Capt. Peter B. Leese, or Capt. Peter P. Leese — and so the papers were made out — and I am positive that I never made out any for this Mr John F. Helmer stating that he served in Capt. Grays Company — and by have recourse to the one I made out in the Spring of 1823. and by the one of this Spring you will perceive that there is no such statement.
Yours Sincerely
Wm B. Goff
June 30th 1829 —
N.B. please direct your Communication to the Subscriber —

Herkimer Sept. 18. 1855
Chas C. Tucker Esq. Dear Sir
I have forwarded this day by Express (American) the Vol. of the Records of baptism &c of the New D. & F. Spitzer deceased containing the baptisms of Anna Helmer and William Helmer two of the children of Gustav Helmer & Margaret Helmer widow in support of the Widows Pension Claim. The record consists of two large books volumes and the family were very reluctant about having them forwarded to Washington - It was only on my assurance that the volume would be safely returned that they consented to its being sent. You will therefore look for its receipt and when received exhibit it to the Department at the earliest practicable moment and with as little delay as possible return it to me by Express or in any other unquestionably safe conveyance - The family will not feel easy until the book is returned.
The entry of the birth & baptism of Anna Helmer the first of the two above mentioned and the 4 th of the children of the Widows her deceased husband. You will find on the 13 th  headed February 1803 page of the Vol. and is the third (3 d ) entry. and the 13 th of the book The entry of William the 2 d boy the 5 th of the children headed 1804 you will find on page 35 from the bottom of the page and is the 2 d entry. Accompanying the Vol. enclosed with it between its sheets you will find also two additional and as I
P.S. You will see in the Vol. that the mother of the children was a sister of my mother. I have the honor to be Sir, Yours sincerely, Gustav Helmer

Must clearly appear from the above that the year 1800 and of these marriage before the year 1800 and of these are insufficient, then the Department would not believe I think. Though one is from the dead & These Affidavits have beyond a doubt that the oldest child Fred. J. Helmer was born as early as Dec. 1796 or 1797 and of course the marriage must have taken place, only the birth preceded the marriage in or before the year 1796 or 1797. I am aware that this conflicts somewhat with the statement of the Widow who thinks she was married in 1797 or 8. and thinks if I recollect aright 1797. Fred. J. states I think in his summer 1894 that he was born as he thought in 1798 or 9. but you will see that neither the Widow or the son speak with any degree of positiveness. but if they did you will recollect they both speak without any record. but in the further afft. of F. J. & 2 Geo. J. Kells enclosed herewith you will see they fix upon the age of Fred. J. Helmer by a writing attached to the afft. and which was given on an occa- sion and under such circumstances as will leave no doubt that Fred. J. was born in 1796 or 1797. and consequently the marriage must have taken place before the year 1800 which is the fact we wish to establish. The copy deed shows a convey- ance by John Helmer & wife as early as April 1802. to Mrs. Helmer. Fred. J. I am sure that he was of sufficient age to know that they lived on the farm and that he as he always understood was born and lived on said farm until it was sold to Mrs. Helmer - George J. Kells says that John H. Helmer and his wife there lived on the farm when it was sold to Mrs. Helmer and had lived on it for several years before and shortly after the sale moved off on a farm a few miles distant. I am aware that Mr. Grinnell in the first entry in his record calls the wife "Anna Margaret" & in the second "Margaret". I know of no other discrepancy in the record of the Rev. Dr. Grinnell and this cannot be considered a discrepancy that will vitiate the proof. If John Helmer in 1829 swore that his wife was 60 years old that X
consider important affidavits to establish the marriage before the year 1800 and of these are insufficient, then the Department would not believe I think. Though one is from the dead & These Affidavits have beyond a doubt that the oldest child Fred. J. Helmer was born as early as Dec. 1796 or 1797 and of course the marriage must have taken place, only the birth preceded the marriage in or before the year 1796 or 1797. I am aware that this conflicts somewhat with the statement of the Widow who thinks she was married in 1797 or 8. and thinks if I recollect aright 1797. Fred. J. states I think in his summer 1894 that he was born as he thought in 1798 or 9. but you will see that neither the Widow or the son speak with any degree of positiveness. but if they did you will recollect they both speak without any record. but in the further afft. of F. J. & 2 Geo. J. Kells enclosed herewith you will see they fix upon the age of Fred. J. Helmer by a writing attached to the afft. and which was given on an occa- sion and under such circumstances as will leave no doubt that Fred. J. was born in 1796 or 1797. and consequently the marriage must have taken place before the year 1800 which is the fact we wish to establish. The copy deed shows a convey- ance by John Helmer & wife as early as April 1802. to Mrs. Helmer. Fred. J. I am sure that he was of sufficient age to know that they lived on the farm and that he as he always understood was born and lived on said farm until it was sold to Mrs. Helmer - George J. Kells says that John H. Helmer and his wife there lived on the farm when it was sold to Mrs. Helmer and had lived on it for several years before and shortly after the sale moved off on a farm a few miles distant. I am aware that Mr. Grinnell in the first entry in his record calls the wife "Anna Margaret" & in the second "Margaret". I know of no other discrepancy in the record of the Rev. Dr. Grinnell and this cannot be considered a discrepancy that will vitiate the proof. If John Helmer in 1829 swore that his wife was 60 years old that X

Recd Hukemix February 17 th 1818 of Frederick J. Helmer one dollar in full of all demands to this date Geo. J. Wilts
Residing as John F. Helmer in his life time and of Margaret Helmer the widow of the said John, who is an Applicant for a pension for the revolutionary services of the said John her husband, and that he is the same Frederick J. Helmer whose Affidavit accompanying is the declaration and makes part of the proof in the case of the application of the said Margaret; that since the making of his said Affidavit his atten- tion has again been particularly called to the subject of his age and that although he cannot now, as he could not before in his said Affidavit, state with certainty his precise age yet from the date of the receipt of Peace I. Wilts hereto attached delivered to him and signed by the said Wilts on the day the same bears date and which is an original and genuine receipt and has remained in his possession since the date of its execution, he has become more fully & satisfactorily informed in respect of his age and that he now verily believes that he was born either in the year 1776 or 1777 and that the reason for this belief is founded upon the fact that when a minor he was apprenticed by an indenture of apprentice- ship duly executed between himself and his father the said John Helmer and the said Peace I. Wilts and whereby it was intended and agreed that he should be bound to serve the said Wilts until he attained to the age of twenty one years which event was in

State of New York Herkimer County ss. p.
Frederick J. Helmer of Herkimer in the said County of Herkimer being duly sworn according to law deposes and says that he is a son of John Helmer who was known as John F. Helmer in his life time and Margaret Helmer the widow of the said John, who is an Applicant for a pension for the revolutionary services of the said John her husband, and that he is the same Frederick J. Helmer whose Affidavit accompanies the declaration and makes part of the proof in the case of the application of the said Margaret; that since the making of his said Affidavit his atten- tion has again been particularly called to the subject of his age and that although he cannot now, as he could not before in his said Affidavit, state with certainty his precise age yet from the date of the receipt of Pease L. Hilt's hereto attached delivered to him and signed by the said Hilt on the day the same bears date and which is an original and genuine receipt and has remained in his possession since the date of its execution, he has become more fully & satisfactorily informed in respect to his age and that he now verily believes that he was born either in the year 1796 or 1797 and that the reason for this belief is founded upon the fact that when a minor he was apprenticed by an indenture of apprentice- ship duly executed between himself and his father the said John Helmer and the said Pease L. Hilt and whereby it was intended and agreed that he should be bound to serve the said Hilt until he attained to the age of twenty one years which event was in

and by the said Indenture fixed on the 15 th day of December 1817 which was then suppo- sed and believed to be the day on which he would attain to his full age of twenty one years. That from the time he was so appren- ticed to the said Hiltz until the said 15 th day of December 1817 he lived with and served the said Hiltz as an apprentice and that on that day his apprenticeship ended for the reason that he, as was then believed had attained to his full age of twenty one years. That the said Hiltz not having fulfilled his covenant in the said indenture particu- larly as to the schooling and education he was therein bound to furnish & give to him as such apprentice and the being entitled as he believed to damages against the said Hiltz for the said nonfulfillment, and it having also been questioned whether he was not a year younger than was fixed as his age by the said indenture and whether he would not arrive at the age of twenty one on the 15 th day of December 1818 instead of the 15 th day of Decem- ber 1817 as fixed by the indenture and with the view to compromise and settle his said claim for damages against the said Hiltz he and the said Hiltz did afterwards on the said 10 th day of February 1818 the date of the said receipt meet and settle and adjust the said matter of damages and that it was on that occasion and for the purpose of evidencing such adjust- ment that receipts in full were exchan- ged between him and the said Hiltz and that the receipt hereto attached
was executed and delivered to him by

ing between him and the said Mills and that the receipt herewith attached
was executed and delivered to him by the said Mills; that at the same time he executed and delivered to said Mills a like receipt in full and for which receipt he has now recently made inquiry of said Mills and has been informed by said Mills that the same is lost or destroyed: and he further says that on the occasion of passing the said receipts, as he now thinks, the said indenture was delivered up to him and kept by him for some time but that for many years he has not been able to find it although he has often looked for it, and he does not know what has become of it but he believes it is either lost or destroyed.
And he further says that John H. Helmer and Peggy his wife named as the Grantors in the said a certified copy whereof is here- unto also annexed, are his father and mother and the identical John Helmer and Margaret Helmer herein before mentioned, that Margaret and Peggy is the same name and in this instance means & is applied to the same person, that his father John Helmer was married but once and never had any other wife than the mother of him this deponent, and who is the same person who by the name of Peggy united with him the said John in the said deed aforesaid. that he is well acquainted with said farm and prem- ises described and conveyed by the said deed and he remembers distinctly when a little boy his living with his father and mother in the family on the said farm and from

his child the recollection of occurrences while living on said farm and from subsequent occur- rences and recollections and that say in the family he believes and has no doubt that he and his father and the family were living on said farm at the time of the convey- :ance thereof by his father and mother to William Helmer the grantee in the said deed mentioned, that the said William Helmer the said grantee was his uncle and a half brother of his father and that from the time of the purchase of said farm owned and lived on the said farm until about twenty years ago when he sold it to Christopher C. Bellingham who now owns and lives on it and that the said William Helmer is now dead having died several years ago: and he further says that he has always understood from his parents that he was born and lived on said farm until it was sold to his uncle William Helmer.  Frederick J. Helmer
Subscribed and sworn to before me the 19th day of September A.D. 1855: And I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said Frederick J. Helmer and that he is a person of fair character and that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit.
David Rasbrough Justice of the peace of Herkimer County
State of New York Herkimer County ss. I George J. Hill of Herkimer in said County of Herkimer being duly sworn deposes and says that

He is seventy years old and is well acquainted with Frederick J. Helmer in the proceedings annexed Affidavit mentioned and that he has also been acquainted with John G. Helmer his father who is dead and with Margaret Helmer his mother who is still living; That the said John and the said Margaret for many years before his death and from the earliest recollection of the deponent of them, lived and habited together as man & wife and were respected & believed so to be and that they raised a large family of children together; and that since the death of the said John the said Margaret has not been again married and that she is now a widow. That the said Frederick J. Helmer when a Youth of about thirteen years old was bound by him self and his father the said John G. Helmer to him as an apprentice to serve until he was twenty one years old as is alleged by the said Frederick in his said Affidavit; that he has heard the Affidavit of the said Frederick read and knows the contents thereof and what is stated therein in relation to his apprenticeship and the said indenture of service, and the termination of his said service on the 15 th day of December 1817 when by the time fixed by the said indenture he attained to the age of twenty one years; and the question whether by the said indenture the said Frederick was not made one year older than his actual age, and his claim for damages, and the meeting between them afterwards on the 10 th day of February 1818 and settling and adjusting the matter of damages and the making a exchange
were by one years which event results in

of receipts in full between them is in every respect correct and true; And that on that day and occasion the said receipt in full hereto annexed was in fact made by him and delivered to the said Frederick and that a like receipt in full was at the same time made and delivered by the said Frederick to him for the said purpose aforesaid; that he has made search for the said receipt so executed and delivered to him by the said Frederick F. Helmer but has not been able to find the same and he verily believes it is lost or destroyed.
And he further says that he was acquainted with the said John F. Helmer and Margaret his wife when they lived on the farm and land conveyed by them to William Helmer in the the deed a copy of which is hereto annexed and mentioned which deed has been read to him - that independent of the said deed he remembers that they lived on the said farm and that they sold the same to William Helmer who was a brother of the said John and that at the time of the sale to the said William they were living on the said farm and that they with their family had lived on the said farm for several years before the sale, but the year of the said sale independent of the said deed he does not recollect but he does remember that shortly after the sale of the said farm they moved on a farm at Germ- antown a few miles above the village of Berkshire where the said John had bought a farm and lived for some time.
Geo. J. Hiltz
Subscribed and sworn to the 17 th day of September, A. D. 1855. And I further certify that the said Affiant Geo. J. Hiltz with whom I am well acquainted is a person of fair character and that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit. David Rusbach Justice of the peace of Berkshire Co.

This Indenture made the Twenty Third day of April in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Two between John F. Kelley and Peggy his Wife of the County of Herkimer State of New York of the first part and William Kelley of the same place of the second part Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of One Thousand and Twenty five Dollars to them in hand paid by the said parties of the second part whereof the said parties of the first do hereby declare themselves satisfied and paid have sold by their present do grant bargain sell alien release convey and confirm unto the said parties of the second part this hereunder described All that One Equal undivided share of lowland lot No. Twenty two in the Great Kennebec on the North side of the Mohawk Leineweber Patent known by the name of Burnetfield the said lot No. Twenty two is bounded on the East by Peter F. Bellinger land on the West by Jacob Wickersham land on the South by John F. Bellinger and John Danvers land on the North by the highway or turnpike running through said Water and also the one equal undivided half of upland lot Number Twenty two in the said Patent said upland lot Number Twenty two is bounded on the West by Peter F. Bellinger land on the North by Holden and
said Water until he attained to the age of twenty one years which event will be

Willets Patent, on the East by John Dockstader's land on the South by the aforesaid highway or turnpike. Together with all and singular the rights members and purgages to the said belonging or in anywise appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof and all the estate right title interest profits possession claim and demand both in Law and Equity of the said parties of the first part of in and to the said the parcel of land and premises with the appurtenances unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns to his and their only proper use benefit and behoof forever and the said parties of the first part do for themselves their executors and administrators covenant and agree to and with the party of the second part his heirs and assigns that they are true and lawful owners of the said tract or parcel of land and premises with the appurtenances and have in good right full power and lawful authority to grant and convey the same in manner aforesaid and that they the said parties of the first part and their heirs the said parcel of land and premises unto the said party of the second part his heirs and assigns shall and will warrant and forever

by these presents Witnesseth In Witness Whereof the parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and Seals the day and year first above written John T Keeler L S. Peggy her mark Keeler L S Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of Peter M Myers Jacob Aloudege
Peggy Keeler signed in presence of Peter M Myers State of New York
Keeler County ss. I. Gaylord Sumner a master in chancery in the State of New York Do hereby certify that on the fourth day of May One thousand Eight Hundred and Two before me personally came the within named and described John T Keeler and Peggy Keeler Wife of the said John T Keeler both of whom I well know to be the persons whose names are subscribed and acknowledged that they signed sealed and delivered their said Deed as their free act and Deed and I having examined the said Peggy Keeler Wife of the said John T Keeler separate and apart from her said husband she acknow- ledged that she signed sealed and delivered the within Deed as her free act and Deed without any fear or compulsion from her said husband And I having examined the same and finding no material alterations erasures or interlineations

do allow the said to be returned to my friends Master in Chancery Received April 2 nd 1855 at 7 o'clock P.M. in the No. 3 of said matter S.S.C.
State of New York New Haven County ss Clerk's Office E. P. Cleveland Clerk
Comes the Clerk of said Court and carefully compared the foregoing with the original record of said matter in this Office and that the same is a true transcript the whole thereof as such original in existence thereof. I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 17 th day of September A.D. 1855 E. P. Cleveland Clerk By Wm. H. Barron Deputy Clerk

State of New York, HERKIMER COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, } ss.
I, E. T. CLELAND, Clerk of the County of Herkimer, DO CERTIFY that David Rasbach Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the certificate and jurat of affidavit of the annexed instrument, was at the date thereof, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, dwelling in said county, duly elected and sworn; and that I am well acquainted with his handwriting, and verily believe the name subscribed to the said certificate and jurat of affidavit, to be his genuine signature.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said county, at Herkimer, this
18 day of September A. D. 185 5
E. T. Cleland Clerk.
you may be no my reader and

John F. Helmer placed on roll Sept. 28. 1818.
see letters to H. B. Goff, June 17. 1829 & July 8. 1829.

No 1426 Margaret Helmer Widow of John F. New York
Col. Tucker Aug 25 1855 " " Oct 5 - "
July 29 1848

Washington D.C. August 20 th 1853.
Hon J. Mowt. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir.
I send enclosed the claim of Margaret Helmer widow of John F. of New York. for a Revolutionary pension under the Act of Feb. 2. 1840. -
It will be seen that no record evidence of the marriage can be had. but there is forwarded much evidence showing that the marriage took place before 1800. -
The soldier was a pensioner under the Act of 1818 and struck from the rolls. the service not being Continental.
Very respectfully Your Ob t Servt.
Chas. C. Tucker. -

Margaret Helmer widow of John F. Herkimer Co NY
Adm 29 July 1848 $80 a year from April 1848
Beitto 66 Lickety Percut

Brief in the case of Margaret Helmer widow of Jno. T. Herkimer County and State of NY act 29 July 1848
Claim, ("original," or "for increase." )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was a pensioner under the acts of 1828 at $200 a year
Parol proof of marriage & Record of Baptism of children
(If for increase)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Co habitation and general reputation of marriage, Her identity as the widow of the pensioner in his death & the present widowhood proved by credible witnesses
Name and residence of Agent C. B. Buckley Present
Theratum Kip Examining Clerk. plett

Washington D.C. Sept 27 th 1855.
Hon J. Minot Commissioner of Pensions Sir.
Enclosed please find additional evidence for the Revolutionary Pension Claim under the Act of July 29, 1848 of Margaret Helmer widow of John F. of N York as required by your letter of August 25 th . Record evidence from the Comptroller of New York, which should have been sent with the declaration is enclosed.
I enclose also a letter from the gentleman by whom the Claim was sent to me. -
The record of Baptisms is in my possession and will be exhibited in your Office. -
Very respectfully Your Ob t Servt.
Chas. C. Tucker.

Washington D. C. Oct. 24. 1855.
Hon. J. Minot. Commissioner of Pensions. Sir.
I filed in your Office to authenticate the Revolutionary Pension Claim of Margaret Helmer widow of John of New York, an old baptismal register.
Said Claim having been admitted will you please cause said Register to be returned by mail addressed to Charles Gray Esq Herkimer N.Y.
Said Claim was under the Act of July 29. 1848. -
Very respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
Chas. C. Tucker.

State of New-York, COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE.
Albany, May 25 1855.
I Hereby Certify, That on searching the Records in this office for the Registry of Certificates issued in pursuance of a law, passed April 27, 1784, entitled "An Act for the settlement of the pay of Levies and Militia for their services in the late war, and for other purposes therein mentioned," I find the following, viz:
   NAMES. NO. OF BOOK. NO. OF CERTIFICATE. DATE. £ S. D. RANK AND NAME OF COMPANY OFFICER. RANK AND NAME OF FIELD OFFICER.     Hans Helmer corpl 1 1.255 Dec. 31. 1779 2 5 0 3/4 capt. John Hess col. Jacob Kloke   John Helmer corpl. 1 1.339 Aug. 6 1779 1 11 4 capt. John Hess col. Jacob Kloke   John Helmer Private 2 17.332 Dec. 31. 1782 21 13 9 " Peter B. Tearse " Marinus Willet   John Helmer " 3 11.392 July 20. 1782 6 18 8 " Adam Lipe Lt. col. Saml Blyde.   John Helmer " 4 18.692 Dec. 31. 1779 " 14 2 " John Cayser " " Peter Wagoner   John Helmer " 6   John Helmer " 7 30.803 April 17. 1780 " 17 9 3/4 " David McMaster col. Fnd to Fisher   John Helmer " 7 31.369 April 8. 1780 " 7 1 " William Snook. " Fnd to Fisher   John Helmer " 8 38.391 Oct. 26 1782 4 8 10 3/4 " Peter Wagner " Jacob Kloke  
£ 38 16 8 3/4
Plus some 9 and 10 1/2 and 10 1/2 Mayers Helmer Anderson
I have examined the Rolls for the items above set forth, and find them to be correct.
E. D. Russell Clerk.
J. M. Cook Comptroller.

Peter Gansevoort, Col. 3 Regt New York, horse. discharged 1 January 1781
Silas Gray Lieut. 4 Regt 21 Nov 1776 - 1 st Lieut 13 March 1777 - Captain 11 April 1778 - reduced under the resolve of October 1780.
John Helmer - private. Rorers Comp y 3 rd Regt 12 December 1776 - War - deserted 16 March 1777.
John Helmer capt. Frinks Comp y - 1 Regt 25 th October 1776 - War - Rec d 22 Oct 1779 - mustered to the end of the war -
John Helmer join Frinks company - 1 Regt 25 th October 1776 - War - deserted 22 May 1780
John D. Helmer - Frinks Comp y 1 Regt 19 November 1778 - War - deserted 22 May 1780

Schedule —
State of New York
Herkimer County } ss
On the 5th day of February 1829 personally appeared in Open Court to wit a Court of Common Pleas, Said Court being a Court of Record in and for the the County of Herkimer thus constituted by the Laws and Statutes of the State of New York, John F. Helmer Aged Sixty four years Resident in the Town and County of Herkimer who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath declare that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows that he the said John F. Helmer Enlisted in the first part of the year 1778 in Capt. P. Patricios Company Commanded then by Lieut. Col. Mainerus Willet who then was Lieut. Col. under Ganwoort as this deponent was informed & truly believes was true in the New York line on the Continental Establishment for three years, that he served out his time faithfully and was discharged in the fore part of the year 1781 in Schenectady by Order of General Washington —
And I do swear
That the date of the Original Declaration in Order to Obtain the provisions made by the Act of Congress passed the 18th day of March 1818 is 1818 and
the Number of Now have under the Act as aforesaid is the reason of my not stating the date and number to My Certificate is that the Man that I left the Certificate with to Collect the Money due thereon has lost or mislaid the same and it Cannot be found.
And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818 And that I have not since that time by gift Sale or delivery or in any manner whatsoever disposed of My property or any part thereof with intent so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress Entitled an

act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolution = any war passed on the 18th day of March 1818 And I have not Nor has Any person in trust for me any property or Securities Contracts or debts due to me nor have I Any Income other than what is Contained in the Schedule herunto annexed & by me subscribed
I have no real Estate either in possession reversion or remainder either in Law or in Equity -
I have no personal property Except one old bed, and one Common suit of Clothing for myself I have a wife nearly Sixty Years old not healthy, she has scarcely a suit of Clothing for herself - Seven Children only one suit Each I am very poor and needy, and am not able to support My family without assistance from Government or by Calling on my friends for Support - and I have no relation that are able to support to support me - I made a former declaration to be restored on the 5th day of May 1823, and the Honorable John C. Calhoun then Secretary of War of the United States sent me a line that I was Stricken from the roll as pensioner on account that I belonged to Col. Willetts Regiment who was a Militia Col. &c And this deponent prays to be restored, in consequence that the Hon. Secretary of war of the United States was at that time mistaken about Lieut. Col. Willetts being at the time I served in the Revolution a Militia Col as he was not a Militia Col until after the Reduction of the Army in 1781 - when the five

regiments of New York were reduced to two, as this deponent is informed and truly believes to be true and further prays that if his statement be correct that he may not only be restored from the date hereof but for all back pay up to the 5 th day of May 1823 when this deponent in Compliance of the Act of 1820 made his declaration & schedule to be restored — This deponent further saith that there has been no changes in his real or personal estate since the 18 th March 1818 Except one Calf in his former schedule and that I sold for house rent — Sworn before me this 5 th — John H. Helmer day of February 1829 John Mahon one of the Judges of Hark. Com pleas
It is the Opinion of the Court that the above declarant did serve in the American Revolution as stated in the above declaration and that the property is nothing saving the bed and wearing apparel mentioned in his Schedule —
William Wollan } Judges of John Mahon } Hark. Com Augustus Beardsley } Pleas

Clerks Office Herkimer County ss } I Abijah Beckwith
Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Herkimer do hereby Certify that the above is a true Copy of the Affi- davit and Schedule of John D. Helmer Taken in Open Court on the fifth day of February Eighteen hundred & twenty Nine Truly Copied from the Records of this Court In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County the day & year aforesaid
Abijah Beckwith Clerk

621 Providence St., Albany, N. Y.
February 23, 1928.
The Pension Office, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sirs; -
Will you please send me any records which you may have about any of the following men in regard to pensions or service which they performed in the Revolution? I am trying to prove up on these grandfathers for D. A. R. purposes, and am trying to get the dates of their births and deaths, their wives and children.
not Benjamin Paine (Payne) (Pain) , born March 14, 1727-8 in Lebanon, New London Co., Conn. His wife was Mehitable Dimmick (Dummack). His military service in "Connecticut Men in the Revolution" page 53 is 3d regiment -- Gen. Putnam's Division -- 1775. His son Benjamin, Jr., was also in service on Page 5.
X Johannes Rasbach , who settled in Herkimer, New York, in 1726. His wife was _____ Buerma. His military service in "New York in the Revolution" page 259 is Tryon County Militia, Fourth Regiment.
✓ John Frederick Helmer , born Sept. 3, 1765, died November 26, 1829, at Herkimer, New York. His wife was Margaret Munterbach (Munterba) (Manterbach).
John Frederick Helmer , his father, of Herkimer, N.Y., whose wife was Sabina _____. They both served in Herkimer but I am not sure of their companies.
X John Munterbach or Hannes Munterbach (Munterba) (Manterbach) , whose service is given in "New York in the Revolution" page 183, Tryon County Militia, Fourth Regiment.
X Phillip Fox of Herkimer, N.Y., whose military service in "New York in the Revolution" page 257 is Tryon County Militia, Second Regiment.
Any information you may be able to send me will be greatly appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Mrs Pascoe W. Williams
Both of the John Frederick Helmers may have been known as John Helmer .