Morrison's Pensions


Pension Application for Joseph Nellis

S14017
            September 17, 1832, Joseph Nellis states he is a resident of the Town of Oppenheim, County of Montgomery, State of New York, formerly Tryon County, aged seventy-three years the 17th day of April last and who being duly sworn in according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act passed by Congress June 7th 1832.  He was born on April 17, 1759.
            That he entered the service of the United States under the following officers here mentioned and served as herein states that in January 1775 he went in Company with General Philip Schuyler to Herkimer for the purpose of holding a treaty with the different tribes of Indians which took about fourteen days from which time he always kept himself in a state of readiness until the sixth day of August 1777.
            And that he was enrolled in the year 1775 in a company of Militia commanded by Capt John Hess belonging to Colonel Jacob Klock’s Regiment and that said sixth day of August 1777 he the said Joseph was ordered out to Oriskany Battle but that when he was on his way to Fort Dayton in the now Herkimer, formerly in Tryon County where he stayed on guard for some time but uncertain as to the length of time.
            In the fall in November 1778 he served as a Private in Captain John Hess Company to the siege of Cherry Valley and pursued the enemy, how long he does not recollect.
            And that he was once stationed at Fort Plank as a ? for about three weeks and at Reimasneder’s Bush Fort for several weeks as a guard to protect said forts both having been in the County of Herkimer formerly the County of Tryon.
            And also that he was stationed at Fort Plank for sometime that the years and length of time he does not particularly recollect.
And that he was engaged in pursing the enemy composed of a party of Tories and Indians who destroyed lives and buildings at Timmerman’s Fort in now Oppenheim then Palatine (St. Johnsville) for about thirty miles into the wilderness. 
            That in October 1780 he was engaged in Brown’s Battle on the west at the engagement commonly called Failing’s and Klock’s Battle.
            And that he was also engaged as a teamster under the orders of General Sullivan in conveying boats from the Mohawk to Lake Otsego.
            And also by order of Colonel Willet he was engaged as a teamster to supply Fort Plain with wheat from Turlough?
            And that in the supply of Fort Stanwix he was also employed as a teamster to furnish provisions for the United States Army. 
            And that in the forepart of the summer season in the year 1781 he went in aid of Colonel Willett to Turlock (Battle of Sharon) in Schoharie County but arrived after the battle was fought when he with others found a young man by the name of Diefendorf who was scalped and took him and those who were with him, returned with Diefendorf.
            And that in the month of October in the last mentioned year, the said Joseph was in Johnstown at the Hall Battle, otherwise called Willett’s Battle under the command of Colonel Willett during the Battle.
            And that in conformity with beginning May 27th 1775, he during the whole of the Revolution did keep himself armed and ready with a musket, powder and balls, ready at a moments warning according to said resolution, and that this claimant hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a Pension or Annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any other state.  (Signed) Joseph Nellis
            Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.  Geo D. Ferguson, Clerk.

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