Pension Application

Personally appeared before me William Reid, a Justice of the Peace of the County of Montgomery Samuel French who being duly sworn doth depose and say that from the great length of time which has passed and the approach of old age and the consequent loss of memory deponent cannot as fully and positively state the precise length of his services in the Revolutionary War as he otherwise would. But deponent says that he served more than twenty four months as a private soldier and for this he claims a pension.----

And he proceeds herein more fully to state the details [?] with that service than in his original declaration so far as his memory will serve him.

And deponent says that he is positive that he served during the Revolutionary War nine months under Capt. Bebee as stated in his original declaration said company was as this deponent believes attached to Fol. VanSchaicks Regiment—a portion of the term if not all of said nine months whilst deponents was under Capt. Bebee he recollects of being in an engagement between American & British forces at Stillwater in which according to his present recollection four or five hundred men were engaged on each side—In the year 1778 as deponent believes as to time deponent again served six months under Capt. Smith in a company of Rangers raised for the purpose stated in deponents orginal declaration said company was not attached to any particular regiment that deponent now recollects unless it was to Col. Humphrey's Regiment. During the time that this service was performed said company made their head quarters at a place called Klina? Or Kline Kills near Co. Humphreys. Col. Humphrey was a Militia Col. And from him Capt. Smith received his orders as deponent thinks—this company of rangers kept patrolling the country defending it against depredations from the tories and scouts from the British Army—

In the year 1779 or 1780 deponent served three months under Capt. Nobles—Deponent believes that said company was attached to Col. Willetts Regiment although Col. Willett was not in the garrison where this deponent was stationed a part of the time nor at Kobles Kill when he was stationed the remainder of the time. Deponent also served two months under Capt. Phelps the year he cannot recollect but he believes that it was during one of the two years last above stated whilst deponent was under Capt. Phelps the company was stationed at a fort at Cherry Valley – deponent believes that said company also belonged to Col. Willets Regiment but of this he is not positive there was a Col. Clyde a Malitia Col. Residing at Cherry Valley in that time that deponent thinks had command of the fort at that place whilst deponent was there. It may be that Col. Clyde had a company or regiment to which Phelps company belonged—there was an officer in Phelps company by the name of Ezra Davis either an ensign or lieutenant—during this service deponent was substitute for an Elijah Eaton—

In the year 1780 or 1781 deponent served three months under Capt. Livingston as Stated in his original Declaration.—Deponent upon [?] him since he made his original Statement believes that said company belonged to Col. Livingston's Regiment this service was performed as a substitute for one Stephen Baker—Deponent served one month under Capt. Daniel Herrick the year deponent does not remember but the company was stationed at Johnstown in Montgomery County State of New York and performed Garrison duty—there was no field officer at Johnstown at this time and deponent cannot tell to what regiment if any said company belonged.

Deponent also served one month under Capt. George Davis at Fort Plank on the Mohawk River—Col. Klock or Clock commanded the forces at Fort Plank whilst deponent was there deponent also served two months besides that mentioned above in the Revolutionary War but cannot state the officers names under whom he served. One month he was stationed at Johnstown and one at Schoharie as he believes.—

The deponent has according to the best of his recollection set forth the services performed by him and for which he claims a pension—deponent further says that during the time that the preceding services were performed deponent was not engaged in any civil pursuit whatever and was during the whole time within the field or in the garrison. (Signed) Samuel French

Subscribed and Sworn before me this 6 th day of March 1834. Wm. Reid, Justice of the Peace Montgomery County NY.

Montgomery County SS.
Samuel French sworn before me William Reid a Justice of the Peace of Amsterdam Montgomery County says that in his original declaration for a pension he is represented as being seventy three years of age on the first day of May 1832—whereas in truth this deponent was on that day seventy-four years of age—an there is a mistake in said original declaration in this [?] and further deponent saith not. (Signed) Samuel French

Subscribed and Sworn before me at Amsterdam Montgomery County March 7 th 1834, Wm. Reid Justice of the Peace for said County.

John French late Sheriff of the County of Montgomery being duly sworn doth depose and say that he is aged fifty years, and that he is the son of Samuel French of Amsterdam in said County who is an applicant for a pension—this deponent says that he has always understood and believed so far back as his recollection can now extend that his father performed services as s soldier in the revolutionary army in behalf of the United States, and that he was out at different times and performed different tours of service—This deponent well remembers to have heard in his youth different conversations between his father and his deponents Uncle Asel French who is now deceased, and also a Mr. Skinner in relation to services performed by them in the revolutionary war, in which it appeared that each of them had performed services to the knowledge of the others, this deponent does not know where the said Skinner now resides or whether he is now alive—this deponent has no doubt but what his father performed whatever any services in the revolutionary war and is entitled to a pension.—(Signed) John French

Subscribed & Sworn before me at Johnstown Montgomery County NY, March 12 th 1834. Wm. Reid Justice of said County.

J.L. Edwards Esq., commissioner of Pensions.
Sir. Mr. Wright my agent in the matter of my application for a pension under the act of 7 th June 1832 was handed? Me your favor of the 7 th of August last in reference to my claim under said act. I am compelled to state that Mr. Wright did not make my declaration as specified as I intended you state in your letter some points as to which I was not sufficiently explicit. I trust the following explanations will prove sufficiently satisfactory.

Bebee was captain of a company neither of militia nor State troops but of fatigue men serving in the Continental line under the Continental Congress. This company after it had been raised marched to Lake George and there placed under the Command of Colonel Van Schaick and was attached to the Regiment of said Colonel Van Schaick –but I don't know that this company belonged to said Regiment in the strict military sense of the word. In this company I enlisted and served for the term of nine months—Col. Van Schaick directed our operations until the surrender of Ticonderoga; and the descent of Burgoyne and his army, when we joined the main army under Generals Schuyler and gates and I remained with the main army until after the surrender of Burgoyne & the expiration of my said term of nine months when I received a written discharge from Captain Bebee aforesaid—which discharge is lost. I have heard it intimated that fatigue duty is not considered military service within the meaning of the act. If this be so, I hereby renounce and relinquish my right to a pension for said nine months service.

Captain Noble was a captain of Militia. I can remember the name of only one officer under him viz—Skinner who was a Lieutenant or Ensign—Colonel Willett I believe was our highest superior officer while in this company we encamped at the middle fort of Schoharie and performed garrison duty there not less than six weeks—from thence we were ordered and marched to Cobleskill and I served there for the like term of six weeks. On this occasion & under this engagement I served for the full term of three months, as a substitute for some person whose name I cannot now recollect.

I served in Captain Smith's company of Rangers, I believe in the year 1778, for the term of six months pursuant to an enlistment—our duty consisted in ranging the woods, and in the language of the act of 23d July 1777 which directed the raising of such companies in this State “to defend American liberty and repel every hostile invasions thereof”.

I take it for granted that the statement of my services under Captain Phelps & Herrick for three months & for one month under Captain Darrow as set forth in the papers now on file in your office is satisfactory. If not on receiving notice thereof I shall endeavour as far as my memory serves me to give a more specific statement thereof also of my services in Captain Livingston's Company as I now believe in Colonel Livingston's Regiment for three months & also of my services in the Lower Fort at Schoharie & at Johnstown, one month at each place under officers whose names I now cannot recollect.—

And for the aforesaid services of eighteen months exclusive of my nine months services in Captain Bebee's company I claim a pension.

(The word “Three” written or erasure before signing.) (Signed) Samuel French

Joseph French of the town of Frankfort Herkimer County in said county being duly sworn before me John B. Dygert a Judge of Herkimer County Courts and made oath that Samuel French of the town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery is a Brother of this deponent that he the said Samuel is seventy six? Years of age that the said Samuel French enlisted into the service of the Revolutionary War in the year 1777 under the command of Captain Roderick Beebe in the then County of Albany for the term of Nine Months that this deponent served in the same company and is knowing to the fact of the said Samuel French serving said term of Nine months and this deponent further on his oath says that the said Samuel French served three months in the year 1783 and this deponent thinks under the command of Col. Livingston's Regiment that they were at West Point and from thence up the Mohawk river that after the Expiration of said Three months they were discharged at Fort Plain—And this deponent further says that he knows that the said Samuel French was out in the service of the Revolutionary War at different other times but is not able to remember the time and the length of the terms he served. But so far as the first nine months and the three months are concerned he is positive that the said Samuel French served the said terms above set forth because he this deponent was with said Samuel part of the time as above stated—and further this deponent saith not. (Signed) Joseph French

Subscribed and sworn this 24 th day of April 1834 before me. John B. Dygert Judge of Herkimer Co. Courts.

Silas Green of the town of Decatur in said County personally appeared before me Seth Chase a Judge of the Otsego County Courts and being duly sworn saith that Samuel French of the town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery and State aforesaid served in the revolutionary army as a private at Fort George situate at the head of Lake George under Captain Broderick Beebe that as this deponent was then informed and believed to be true the said Samuel was enlisted for the term of nine months that this deponent served with the said Samuel for the term of about four months at the place aforesaid after which he this deponent marched from fort George to Saratoga leaving the said Samuel at Fort George that after they separated at the place aforesaid this deponent occasionally saw him the said Samuel for the term of about two months at different places still continuing in the United States service under Capt. Beebe aforesaid that the above services were rendered in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven that in a subsequent year this deponent and the said Samuel French served for the terms of three months in a regiment called the three months levies under the command of Col. Livingston and further saith not. (Signed) Silas Green

Sworn and subscribed this 26 th day of March 1829 before me Seth Chase, a Judge of Otsego County Courts.

I Seth Chase one the Judges of Otsego County do certify that I am well acquainted with Silas Green who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit that he is a credible person and sustains a good reputation for truth and veracity and that his statements are entitled to credit. Seth Chase, a Judge of Otsego County.

P. Horace Lathrop Clerk of the said county do certify that Seth Chase Esqr, before whom the above affidavit purports to have been serving was at the date of the same one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County and that I am acquainted with his hand writing & verily believe his name subscribed to the said affidavit & also to the preceding certificate to be his proper hand writing & Signature.

Witness my hand & seal of office this 5 th day of June 1833. Horace Lathrop, Clerk

William Griffeth of the town of Warr[?] in the county and State aforesaid personally appeared before me Seth Chase a Judge of Otsego County Courts and being duly sworn deposeth and saith that Samuel French of Amsterdam in the county of Montgomery and State aforesaid enlisted into service of the United States in the revolutionary army in a company of rangers so called under the command of one Capt. John Smith for the term of six months being in the year one thousand seven hundred and and seventy eight and that he the said Samuel served in said company as a private during the term of six months as aforesaid and further this deponents saith not. (Signed) William Griffeth

Sworn and subscribed this 26 th day of March 1829 before me. Seth Chase a Judge of Otsego County Courts.

Samuel French of the town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery and in said state, being duly sworn, saith that he is an applicant for a pension under the act of the 7 th June 1832—and being required to state in reference to his claim for such pension the names of the regiment that officers in each tour of his service & whether his then tours in Colonel Livingston's Regiment was Continental service or otherwise—he this deponent deposeth and saith, that according to the best of his knowledge and recollection, in his tour under Roderick Beebe for nine months, the only regimental officer he can recollect was—Dow or Douw—that in his tour under Captain John Smith for six months in the Ranger service one Humphrey was his Colonel in his tour to Schoharie under Captain Nobles for three months his Colonel was he believes John Harper—in his tour to Cherry Valley for two months under Captain Phelps, Col. Clyde (whose given name was Samuel he believes) was his Colonel & the Surgeonof the Regiment Younglove—In his tour of one month under Captain George Darrow, the Commander of the Regiment was Colonel Clock—The names of the Regimental officers under whom this Deponent served in the other tours performed by him this Deponent cannot possibly recollect. As to the service under Col. Livingston's Regiment, he this Deponent was called out as a militia man under a militia Captain whose name this Deponent believes was—Livingston, and that said Livingston's Company, to which this Deponent belonged was attached to and served under one Colonel Livingston, which Colonel Livingston, this Deponent feels assured belonged to the Continental line—as to this however this Deponent may be mistaken—this Deponent begs leave respectfully to refer to the papers and affidavits now on file in the War Office of Silas Green, who is not on the pension list, and had made testimony (also thus on file) in behalf of this deponent, and who served under said Colonel Livingston—this deponent also begs leave to refer to the case of Captain Bebee aforesaid who is also on the pension list, as this Deponent as been informed. (Signed) Samuel French

Subscribed & Sworn this 26 June 1833 before me.—J.D. Harman, Justice of the Peace.

On this eleventh day of September 1832—personally appeared before in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery Court Samuel French a resident of the Town of Amsterdam in said County and State, aged Seventy three years on the first day of May last as appears by a record thereof in the Bible belonging to Father of deponent, and which deponent believes to be correct 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.—

Deponent says that as a militia man he entered the United States service in the year 1777—accroding to the best of his recollection as to the time he enlisted as a volunteer into a company commanded by Captain Roderick Bebee for the term of nine months—that he entered the service about the first of March of that year and continued to serve for the term of nine months—and then received a written discharge which has been lots for many years—one Smith deponent thinks was one of the lieutenants in said Company—after deponent entered the service in said company – Capt. Bebees Company went to Lake George in New York and continued there until Burgoyne's Army Captured Fort Ticonderoga and then the American forces at Fort George retreated until the American Army made a stand—and then Capt. Bebees company was stationed at Van Schaicks Island about three miles north of Troy – at which said company was where Burgoyne surrendered—deponent recollects that Gen. Schuyler commanded the American forces when the said company were first stationed at Van Schaicks Island and that shortly after Gen. Gates came on & took command of the American Army—When deponent enlisted in said company he resided in a place called New Brittain then Albany now Columbia County—said company belonged to Col. Goose VanSchaicks regiment according to best of deponents recollection.

This deponent again entered the service of the United States by enlisting into a company of rangers (so called) commanded by Capt. John Smith in the year 1778—in the month of April or May for the term of six months. And continued in service under said Capt. Smith for the term of six months—this deponent resided in New Brittain aforesaid at the time of the last enlistment—whilst deponent was with said company—the said company served in what now forms the County of Columbia—and the object of said company was to protect the Country against the ravages of tories & scouts from the British Army.

In the year 1779 or 1780 this deponent served as a soldier in the United States Service under Capt. Nobles – deponent lived at New Brittain aforesaid when he entered the service under Capt. Nobles—deponent entered the Service the forepart of the year or thinks as early as April or May—and continued to serve three months—Capt. Nobles Company at the time this deponent was with it were stationed at the “Middle Fort” in Schoharie County in the State aforesaid—a part of the time & whilst there two or three companies of soldiers arrived from the east & Capt. Nobles company went & remained at Cobleskill in said County—

This deponent also served in the United States Service during the revolutionary war two months under Capt. James Phelps—the year deponent cannot recollect—Capt. Phelps company whilst deponent was with it was stationed at Cherry Valley now in Otsego County in the State of New York at this time deponent was a substitute of one Elijah Eaton of New Concord—

In the year 1780 or 1781 deponent served three months in the United States service in what were called the three months levies—under Capt. Livingston entered the service in July or August & served three months—was stationed at West Point a part of the time & then left West Point and came up to Fort Plain on the Mohawk river and was stationed there the remainder of the three months, deponent was a substitute during this term of service for Stephen Baker—deponent does not recollect the regiment to which this company belonged.

Deponent served as a soldier one or two months in the United States service one or two months during the revolution—does not remember the year—was stationed at Johnstown County of Montgomery—a part of the time there went to Cherry Valley was stationed there the remainder of the time.

Deponent also served one month as aforesaid—under Captain George Davis one—at Fort Plank on the Mohawk River.

Deponent also served as aforesaid in Johnstown--& one month in Schoharrie—in United States Service during revolution don't remember officers names—nor the year in which these services were performed.

Deponent has no testimony or witnesses to corroborate his statement except the affidavits of William Griffeth & Silas Green which are herewithsent there with [?] reside at [?] a distance that deponent cannot conveniently procure their attendance in Court in this County—

Deponent well remembers Gen. Benedict Arnold who was an officer in command when Burgoyne surrendered – also Gen. Schuyler & Gen. Gates.

This deponent received a written discharge from Capt. Smith when his time of service expired with him but has long since lost it—deponent does not remember of receiving any other written discharge than what is herein before stated.

Deponent refers to Joseph Dejoly?, John Van Eps, Joseph Verile? John ?, Benedict Arnold as persons with whom he is acquainted & who can testify as to his character for veracity—and their belief as to his having served as a soldier in the Revolution.—

Deponent was born in a place called Phillips Patent in Dutchess County in the State of New York -- & resided during the revolution at New Brittain aforesaid--& has since the revolution resided in Florida Montgomery County—State of New York --& now resides in Amsterdam in the County & State last aforesaid.—

And I the said Samuel French do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present—and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state—and further saith that in all the services performed by him as aforesaid he was a private soldier. (Signed) Samuel French

Personally appeared in Open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County now sitting Samuel French a resident of the town of Amsterdam in the County of Montgomery in said State and the said Samuel French being duly sworn with that the facts set forth in the foregoing letter or statement are true & correct.

In testimony whereof I Jonathan C. Burnham, Clerk of Said County, hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court this 14 th day of October 1834. J.C. Burnham, Clerk

I made application sometime ago for a pention[sic] Esqr Wright was my attorney – and the following said [?] were sent to the War Office by him—An Affidavit of Silas Green proving 8 months of my services & one of 3 months one of Wm. Griffeth proving 6 months, one of Joseph French for 8 months and one of 3 months.

One affidavit of Roderick Beebe—proving 9 months of my services—one of [?] Friffeth & 9 months & 6 months and on one of Charles Dickensan proving 2 months services.—

Now I want you to examine these papers and see if they are at the office—and in your further particularly into the whole matter so that I can know what the difficulty is, why I cannot get my pention—I want you to examine every thing in relation to it & let me know all about it, as soon as possible—You will recollect your promised to attend to it when you left for Washington & I have been surprised at not hearing from you on the subject before this—Don't fail now to give it your earliest attention--& write me as soon as possible & oblige. Yours, Samuel French

I Samuel French of Amsterdam in said county being duly sworn says that he is an applicant for a pension and that according to the best of recollection and belief he understood the company commanded by Roderick Beebe then at New Concord Columbia Co. in Feby or March 1777 that said Co. as he believes belonged to Col. Whiting a Col. Watermans Regt. They being in command in that [?] That he marched with the Co. to Albany 2 days & remained there on duty & assisting road for Gen. Schuyler at least 74 days—Then marched to Fort George 60 miles 6 days on the march.

Stayed at the fort as head quarters performed duly in the Fort & assisted in getting up & [?] timber for the ships that were building at that place. Was there nearly or quite 5 months & left the fort at the surrender of Ticonderoga sometime in July as he believes as to the term of that ended & marched to Fort Edward 14 miles out day & there joined the main army under Gen. Schuyler remained there 3 days & then commenced a slow retreat to VanSchaicks Island in the Mohawk River, Stayed at Mosher Creek out night & then to Fort Miller & stayed there 3 days—then to Saratoga & at that place almost 2 weeks, then to Stillwater in Sept, 3 days—then to Half Moon 2 days & from that place to Island where Gen. Gates came & took the command of the army stay at the Island at least 3 weeks—then marched to Behmus Heights 4 days stayed there about till the surrender of Burgoyne in October at least 40 days and sometime in Nov or Dec thereafter & till the expiration of a nine months engagement or tour of service in said Beebes Co. making 6 weeks more before he got his written discharge as before stated, which has been lost.—

That in the Spring of 1778 he enlisted into Capt. John Smiths Co. of Col. [?] Humphry's Regt. As he supposes from the fact that said Capt. Frequently received his orders from Said Col. The co. was organized in New Britain near Blime? Kill the [?] of said Col. In Columbia Co. he marched to Claverack and 2 days to Rhinebeck out one day – to Schodack out more than 2 weeks—to Marbletown out 3 days to Epriam Tavern 4 days—to Schan[?] 3 days –to Troy 30 miles out 7 days, in the North woods after Indians & Tories out 11 days at one time & at an other time in pursuit of Neal Laglon a notorious tory out 10 days or more & travelled more than 100 miles caught him & took him to Albany where he was hung—Went to Coeymans out 2 days—Also to Hudson out 3 weeks or 2 3 more in pursuing taking & guarding 50 or 60 prisoners & some of whom were also tried & executed at Albany.—

In the summer of 1779 Deponent entered Capt. Phelps Company as a private at Spinnertown? Columbia Co. in Col. Waterman or Col. Whitan Regt. Marched to Albany 30 miles & stay 4 days then to Cherry Valley by the Valley of the Mohawk River 70 or 80 miles 7 days to the Campbells which was used as a fort & made head quarters for Capt. Phelps Co. & another company occupied the church as a Fort—Went out on a scout from this place to Cooperstown about 200 in No. & took cattle & other property which the enemy had left in haste with their fires burning & their camp kettles on them out 3 or 4 days.

Went on scout Springfield one day—Remained at Cherry Valley 3 or 4 weeks were scouts by day & stood centinel [sentinel] by night alternately with the rest of the company, then returned home a distance of more than 100 miles then called 18 days march, Col. Clyde at that time seemed to be in command at & about Cherry Valley—And for this 2 months tour of service this deponent never has received his pay as a soldier, Capt. Phelps was to draw the money & pay him but neglected so to do. (Signed) Samuel French

Joseph French of the town of Frankfort in the said County of Herkimer aged seventy eight years the twenty sixth day of September last past being duly sworn doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with Captain Roderick Beebe in the revolutionary war—That this deponent served about four months as a substitute for his brother John French in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven under the said Captain Roderick Bebee—That the commencement of deponents service as a substitute under the said Captain Bebee commenced sometime in July of the same year according to the best of deponents remembrance and ended sometime in the month of November in the said year seventeen hundred and seventy seven that Samuel French deponents brother was out at the same time and served under the said Captain Beebe but that the said Samuel French served longer than deponent he having enlisted for nine months in the company of the said Captain Beebee and the term of the said Samuel French having began in the spring and as early as March though deponent cannot speak with certainty as to the time said Samuel French entered the service that the said Samuel French remained in the service under the said Captain Beebee for a short time after deponents period of service as a substitute had expired—That the said Samuel French according to deponents best recollection & belief served in the year seventeen hundred & seventy seven aforesaid under the said Captain Bebee nine months. That the said Captain Bebee was a captain of teamsters and that deponent and his brother Samuel French served under him in the teaming service that the teaming service consisted in transporting munitions of war and provisions from Half Moon now Waterford at the junction of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers to Beemis's Hieghts for the use of subsistance of the American Army under General Gates and also in the transportation of forage such as hay &c. That in the early part of deponents service as a teamster under the said Captain Bebee the American army was encamped on VanSchaick's Island in the Hudson near Troy and the adjacent parts but that is subsequently moved northerly to Beemis's Heights where it met the army of Burgoyne—That the said Captain Beebe was employed during the advance of the American Army to Beemis Heights in aiding in the transportation of baggage & munitions of war deponent and his brother Samuel French both serving under him—that deponent served under the said Beebe in teaming for the American Army till deponents time expired in November in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven as aforesaid – That deponent saw the said captain Roderick Bebee daily and received orders from him daily during the period of deponents service as a substitute as before stated—That deponent understood that the said Captain Beebe was in the United States service and that he has no doubt that such was the [?] from the nature of said services—And further deponent saith not. (Signed) Joseph French

Subscribed and sworn this 30 th day of January 1839 before me Gaylord Campbell Justice of the Peace.

I certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph French who has subscribed and deposed to the foregoing affidavit and that I have been personally acquainted with him for about twenty years now last past and that he sustains a fair character and that full credit id sue to his deposition. January 30 th 1839. Gaylord Campbell Justice of the Peace.

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Samuel French, Sylvanus Walker, Senior and Sylvanus Walker, Junior, soldier of the Revolutionary War and Calvin Walker, of the War of 1812.

A careful search of the records has been made in your behalf and no record found of a claim for pension having been made to the United states on account of the services of any Sylvanus Walker in the Revolutionary War or of a Calvin Walker in the War of 1812. Such claims are the source of the information furnished by this office The history of Samuel French, the only soldier of that name who served with the New York Troops, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this office, is given below as found in the papers on file in his claim for pension, S.29163, based upon his military service in that war.

Samuel French was born May 1, 1758, in Phillips' Patent, Dutchess County, New York.

While residing in New Brittain, Albany (later Columbia) County, New York, he enlisted about March 1, 1777, and served at various times on tours of from one to nine months each until sometime in 1781, about two years and three months in all, as a private under Captains Roderick Beebe, John Smith, Nobles, James Phelps, Livingston, Daniel Herrick and George Darrow. Colonels, Goose Van Schaick, Whiting, Waterman, Humphrey, Willetts, John Harper, Samuel Clyde, Livingston and Klock in the New York Troops. He was in the wagon service, also served as a ranger and was stationed at different times at the forts in Cherry Valley, Johnstown, Schoharie and at Fort Plank and was at the battle of Stillwater and surrender of Burgoyne.

After the Revolution, Samuel French resided in Florida, Montgomery County, New York.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 11, 1832, while residing in Amsterdam, Montgomery County, New York.

In 1834, soldier's son, John French, was aged fifty years and resided in Montgomery County, New York, of which county he had served as sheriff. The name of his mother is not given and there are no further data as to children.

Soldier had brothers, Asel, John and Joseph French. Asel was dead in 1834. In 1839, Joseph French, then aged seventy-eight years and a resident of Frankfort, Herkimer County, New York, stated that he served in the Revolutionary War as a substitute for his brother, John French, and also served in the same company with his brother Samuel French. Joseph French was referred to as colonel.

Letter in the pension folder dated December 21, 1937 in response to a request for information.

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War pension records of Samuel French, aged eighty-two in 1840, a resident of Amsterdam, New York and Jonathan French, aged seventy-six in that year and a resident of Rockland, Sullivan County, New York, and Jonathan French aged seventy-six in that year and a resident of Rockland, Sullivan County, New York.

Because of the great demand for Revolutionary War data and the limited trained clerical forces available for furnishing such information, it is impossible to comply in full with each request pertaining to soldiers of that war. The record of Samuel French is furnished you herein, the data for which were obtained from the papers on file in his claim for pension, S.29163, based upon his military service in that war.

Samuel French was born May 1, 1758 in Phillips' Patent, Dutchess County, New York. The names of his parents are not shown.

While residing in New Brittain, Albany (later Columbia) County, New York, Samuel French enlisted about March 1, 1777, and served at various times on tours of from one to nine months each until sometime in 1781, about two years and three months in all, as a private under Captains Roderick Beebe, John Smith, Hobles, James Phelps, Livingston, Daniel Herrick and George Darrow, Colonels Goose Van Schaick, Whiting, Waterman, Humphrey, Willett, John Harper, Samuel Clyde, Livingston, and Klock in the New York troops. He was in the wagon service, also served as a ranger and was stationed at different times at the forts in Cherry Valley, Johnstown, Schoharie, and at Fort Planck, and was at the battle of Stillwater and surrender of Burgoyne.

Samuel French was allowed pension on his application executed September 11, 1832, while residing in Amsterdam, Montgomery County, New York.

Soldier had brothers, Asel, John and Joseph French. Asel was dead in 1834. In 1829, Joseph French, then aged seventy-eight years and a resident of Frankfort, Herkimer County, New York, stated that he served in the Revolutionary War as a substitute for his brother, John French, and also served in the same company with his brother, Samuel French. Joseph French was referred to as colonel, no explanation for the title given.

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