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John Ryker (1764-1848)

re: John Ryker (1764-1848) Revolutionary War Claim R9129 *

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. —

State of Indiana
County of Jefferson 

     On this 11^th day of November 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Probate of Jefferson County and State afore said now sitting. John Ryker a resident of Jefferson County and State of Indiana, aged seventy years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7, 1832. —

     That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as here in stated: In the year 1776 met a party of British 300 in number, who ascended North River for the purpose of plundering, taking cattle or horses, had a skirmish below Dobbs Ferry in New Jersey, the British retreated. Went out under Captain Bell. Called from the company under the command of Captain Herrin [Abraham A. Haring], in which company I was a private from the latter part of the year 1776 to the latter part of the year 1777. My service under Captain Herrin was for one year. Was in no engagement under his command, Was ordered to be always ready for services. Was regularly exercised. Performed not much active duty, did not march far nor very frequently. Was during this year in the month of June taken from the command of Captain Herrin and transferred to the command of the same Captain Bell who marched his company against a party of British who had plundered and had taken 40 head of cattle and horses. We fired on them at ^below Dobbs Ferry and this fire was exchanged. Our fire was made from the top of a cliff and had the desired effect. They retreated and we retook the cattle and horses. This service and the skirmish before stated under the same Captain Bell together amount to about 2 days service. This last service was in the month of July if I recollect right. My recollection of the dates is however very imperfect. The British then lay in New York — was rendered in Rockland County New Jersey. Resided in Rockland County at this time. 

[John Ryker probably meant that he resided in Rockland, NJ. 
Rockland Co, NY, would not be established until 1798 - 
twenty years after he had left for Kentucky. 
Having been out the area, his confusion is understandable.]

     In 1778 moved to Virginia Beckly County, in 1779 left Beckly County Va. In the spring of 1780 landed at the falls of Ohio (Kentucky). On the first of July or thereabouts 1780, went on a campaign under the command of General Clark to the Miami Indian towns. Colonels Lynn, Logan & Slaughter commanded under Clark. Colonel Slaughter had command of Transport Boats which conveyed stores & provision from Louisville to where Cincinnati now stands, Robert Johnson was Captain of my Company. We started from Bear Grass Floyd's Station. Thence up the Ohio River. Some of the boats aforesaid on one & some on the other side the river. Men went on land except those who manned the boats. I was marched on the now Kentucky side the river. About 2 days march from Louisville boats on the opposite side were fired on by Indians. 2 men killed 3 wounded who afterward died of their wounds. Captain Bunn was one of that number. We set out immediately to cross the river in our boats, fired on Indians & they dispersed. This was late in the evening. We arrived at the mouth of Licking, thence to Chillicothe, destroyed Indian town then. Town was in part fired by Indians upon our approach. We fired the balance and destroyed a large quantity of their corn. Thence to Piqua town when we had a battle with Indians. Lossed 12 or 15 men. Killed a number of the Indians: took and destroyed town. Thence returned to Bear Grass same route. Campaign lasted two months & I think somewhat longer. Started in July about the beginning of the month. Returned home in September but the precise time I cannot recollect. — In the spring of 1781 was called upon to work a tour of duty at Fort at Louisville for its defense & worked 30 days and soon after was called upon to build Block house & magazine some miles above the falls of Ohio. Worked 10 days as I believe. 

     In the month of ___ 1781 went with a party of men under Floyd & Whitaker to Bullets Lick to bring back families defeated & massacred by Indians (such as survived) while moving from Bear Grass to Harrods burgh, massacre was at Clear Station. Went on 2nd trip to burry the dead. Distance not now recollected, suppose it was 15 miles. Time occupied in going both trips was about 3 or 4 days. 

[During December of 1781 served as Indian spy frequently went a distance of 20 to 25 miles on the Ohio and up the river and in various directions, as occasions required. (Lived then on extreme frontier). Service as a spy here spoken of would amount to ___ days.]

     In the spring of 1782 went out on scouting party under Captain Whitaker. Marched from Bear Grass to mouth of Kentucky River, distance 60 miles or thereabouts. Thence to Drinninss Lick 15 or 20 miles, thence in a circuitous route to Floyd's Fork near where it empties into Salt River. Thence to Bear Grass. The whole distance of march about 150 or perhaps 160 miles not less: had no engagement or skirmish. This we performed in about 5 or 6 days or a week.

      In August 1782 went on expedition to the Indian towns of Miami under General Clark, Col'^s Slaughter, Logan, Floyd & Lynn: Richard Chinowith was my Captain. Marched from Bear Grass. Went up the Ohio River, army went on land & provisions were conveyed in boats. Boats now landed at Cincinnati where it now stands, and a Guard left with them, I was one of that Guard, The army went out against Indian towns: took one Indian town, destroyed some towns, and killed some warriors, Captain McRacken, captain of horses died at Cincinnati of wounds rec'^d in battle at Indian town, was buried close under the breastwork with the honors of war. Campaign lasted from August to last of October, about 2 months to the best of my recollection.

Then was a spy sent out by Major Whitaker acted as such for 7 months, this was however after the year 1783.

     In 1782 went to Boon's Station from Bear Grass a distance of 25 miles, went to rescue families in the fort after it was attacked. Esq. Boon was wounded in the attack. Company was commanded either by Capt Hardy Hill or Whitaker. Service occupied 5 or 6 days.

     Has no documentary evidence of his service and knows ofd no living witness other than Gerardus Ryker by whom he can offer any proof of his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declared his name as not on the pension of the agency in any state.

Recapitulation:

	Year	Mo.	Days
New Jersey Services	1 year
1. Expedition to Miami towns		2
Work on fort at Louisville			30
Do. at Block house			10
Trip to Bullits Lick			4
Do. Up Kentucky River			7
Do. To Boon's Sta			6
2. Miami Towns Expedition		2

The aforesaid service He declares was all previous to the peace of 1873 and included no service in which he afterwards engaged which would amount to 2 full years service and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

(signed)

Jno. Ryker
R.C. Talbot, Clk, per Jno W. Taylor

 

re: John Ryker (1764-1848) Revolutionary War Claim R9129 *

John Ryker —
Indiana

Rejected, Letter of 27 November 1834.

Hm W^m Hendrick
U.S. Senator 

12 January 35

* John Riker R9129 documents Courtesy of Lynn Rogers

He was denied a pension, claim R-9129; could not prove 6 mo s. actual service. Commissioned Colonel, 18th Regiment o f 'Corn Stalk Militia of KY' on 9 April 1800.

---

re Gerardus Riker (1758-1833) Revolutionary War Claim S11293 *

State of New York; City and County of New York, &&.

On this twenty seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Court before the Honorable John T Irving, first judge of the Court of Common Pleas of the City and County of New York, now sitting Gerardus Riker, a resident of the City and County of New York in the State of New York aged seventy six years of age 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 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States of America at Closter in the State of New Jersey where he was born and then resided, he was aged about nineteen years, he was born in April 1757; he has a record of his age in the family bible; he enlisted in the Spring of 1776 in the Company of Captain Blauvelt of Col. Van Courtlands Regiment of New Jersey Militia attached to the Brigade of General Heard enlisted for six months but continued nine months; Major Dey belonged to the Regiment, they were marched to New York and from thence to Flatbush Long Island he was engaged in the Battle of Long Island under General Washington, on their return to New York they were marched to Fort Washington and from thence to White Plains in October 1776 he was engaged in the Battle of White Plains, from White Plains the army went to Fort Lee in New Jersey when that place was evacuated deponent went to Hackensack and from thence to Trenton New Jersey and in January 1777 he was discharged at Trenton, but received no written discharge.

In the spring of 1777, he volunteered at Tappan, Rockland County, State of New York with Captain King to proceed to New Windsor and work on the Chevanse de fride, at which place he continued six months, and then returned to Closter.

In the latter part of the autumn in 1777, he enlisted at Closter in Captain Herrings  [Abraham A. Haring] Company of New Jersey Rangers for 9 months and continued on duty guarding the lines of New Jersey, this was an arduous duty and he was frequently engaged in skirmishes with the refugees, in the latter part of the summer of 1778 he was discharged at Hackensack, but received no written discharge.

In the autumn of 1778 he enlisted for 9 months in another company of New Jersey Rangers commanded by Captain Guyches [ Goetschius] at Closter and continued for that period engaged in similar services as that last mentioned.

In the summer of 1779 he was discharged and after that period was engaged as a guide between the part of the army at Dobbs Ferry and West Point and other places in which employment he continued until the end of the war, and his name was registered as a guide, at West Point. He continued to reside at Closter New Jersey until the year 1802 or 1803. He then moved to the City of New York where he has since resided.  He never received a written discharge and had no documentary evidence of his services.  He perfectly recollects Genl Washington, Genl Clinton, Genl Putnam, Genl Green, Genl Wayne, Genl Lee, Genl. McDougal and Col afterwards Genl Van Courtland; George Hadley, Stephen Hadley and Isaac Hadley know of his services in the Revolutionary War.

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.  

Signed Gerardus Riker;  

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court; Abm Asten Clerk.  

Signed Gerardus Riker. 

 

Deposition: Stephen Hadley, George Hadley and Andreas VanOrden

State of New York, City and County of New York, && 

We Stephen Hadley, George Hadley and Andreas VanOrden do hereby certify that we served during a part of the Revolutionary War with Gerardus Riker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that he served during the Revolutionary War and we believe him to be seventy six years of age, the facts set forth in his declaration we believe to be true, and he is a man of truth and veracity.  

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court by Stephen Hadley & Andreas VanOrden & affirmed by George Hadley.  

Abm Asten, Clerk; Stephen Hadley, Andreas Vanorden & George Hadley(wrote their own signatures.)

We George Hadley, a clergyman residing in the City of New York and Andreas VanOrden of the same city do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Gerardus Riker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 70 years of age, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that opinion.  

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court by Andreas VanOrden & affirmed by George Hadley, Abm Asten Clerk Andreas Vanorden & George Hadley 

(wrote their own signatures.)

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matters, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that George Hadley who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in the city of New York, and that Andreas VanOrden who also signed the same, is a resident in the City of New York, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.  

Jno T. Irvine, First and presiding judge of the court of Common Pleas for the City/County of New York.

 

I Abraham Asten, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the City and County of New York, do hereby certify that the application of Gerardus Riker for a pension.  In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the Court of Common Pleas of the City and County of New York this twenty seventh day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty five.  

Abm Asten, Clerk.  *

Bergen County Inferior Court of Common Pleas of the term of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.

County of Bergen NJ, Be it remembered that on this twenty ninth day of October 1823 personally appeared in open court, being a county of record possessing a seal and having jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount & proceedinig according to the courts of the common law Gerardus Riker resident in said County aged sixty seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18^th March 1818 and the 1^st May 1820 that he the said Gerardus Riker enlisted for the term of nine months on or about the month of May in the year 1776 in the State of New Jersey in the Company Commanded by Captain Abraham Blauvelt in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Philip Courtland in the line of the State of New Jersey on the New Jersey Continental Establishments, that he continued to serve in the said Corps until the time of his enlistment expired, when he was discharged from the said service in Trenton in the State of New Jersey.

That his occupation whilst he was able to labour was that of a farmer, that his family consists of himself & his wife Abigail aged seventy six years infirm and unable to labour that he is in such indigent circumstances as to be unable to support himself without the charitable aid & assistance of his country’s

And in pursuance of the act of 1^st May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18^th of March 1818?, and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled “an act to provide for certain previous engaged in the land  and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War” passed on the 18^th of March 1818, and that 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 hereto annexed & by me subscribed.  

Schedules.

I have no property real or personal, excepted my wearing apparel – 

Sworn to and declared on this 29^th day of October 1823 before me – Wm Colfax, Judge.  

Gerardus Riker (signed)

I Abraham Westervelt, Clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bergen in the State of New Jersey do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court, that the said Gerardus Riker did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, under one engagement, on the continental establishment – I also certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records of the said Court – In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court on this 29 day of October A.D. 1823 Abm Westervelt?(signed) 

 

S11293 – Gerardus Riker – New Jersey and New York – His widow Abigail was pensioned as former widow of Jacob Willsey, see wid. File 28,001 – His son William Riker served in the war of 1812 – see Rej. 21,567 – May 9 1905 F.S.C.(initials) 

 

Acts of July 14 1862 and March 3 1873 – REJECTED 8821 – Service:

widow of Gerardus Riker and former widow of Jacob Wilsie or Woolsey – Enlisted as the widow of Gerardus Riker the heirs claims arrears but as she was Allowed a pension as the former widow of Jacob Woosey or Wilsie, no arrears were allowed to heirs? As widow of Gerardus who also obtained a  pension no. 11.293 – see also rej’d files for some papers at to above arrears 21, 567 in the case of Elizabeth Riker widow of William – this Elizabeth was daughter of Abigail & Jacob Woolsey – see? Gerardus Riker her 2^nd husband  ?  11293 

 

Dept of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, DC ¬ 
Oct 27th, 1898  

Paul M. La Bach
4222 Cherry St
Cincinnati, Ohio.  

Sir¬

Replying to your recent communication you are advised that Gerardus Riker made an application for pension on July 27, 1832, at which time he was 76 years of age and residing  in New York City, and his pension was allowed for 3 years actual service as a private in the New Jersey troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt Blauvelt and Col VanCourtland.  Place of enlistment Closter, NJ. 

 

State of New York, City of New York && 

Gerardus Riker of said City being further sworn says that in addition to the declaration by him formerly made of his Revolutionary services, he makes the following declaration  - he enlisted on the 1^st May 1776 in Captain Blauvelt’s of Col Van Courtland’s Regiment in which he remained nine months, during this period he was in the Battle of Long Island and White Plains he was discharged from that Company in January 1777.

On the 1^st March 1777 he volunteered in Captain King’s Company and was six months at New Windsor State of New York engaged at work on the Cheveaux de frieze – from thence he returned to Closter.

On the 1^st November 1777 he enlisted in Captain Herring’s  [Abraham A. Haring] company of New Jersey Rangers and served nine months he was discharged about the middle of August 1778.

In September 1778 he thinks about the fifteenth he enlisted for nine months in another company of New Jersey Rangers under the command of Captain Guyches he continued in that company until the 20 June 1779 when he was discharged.

On the 1^st of July 1779 he enlisted for one month in Captain Huyler’s company of Rangers at Closter, he enlisted likewise in regular monthly succession in Capt Cristie, Capt Ward, Capt Beard and Capt Romames company in each of which he served one month.

In the month of March 1780 the particular day he does not recollect he enlisted as a guide between West Point and Dobbs Ferry and other places in the State of New York in which he continued until the army was disbanded which he thinks was in November 1783 – he served as a private in different companies about three years and two months and served as a guide two years seven months, and for those services he claims a pension – his monthly services he did not mention in his former declaration. 

Because from his period of service he did not imagine that so particular a statement could be necessary.  

Sworn to this 9 day of November 1832 before me in open court, Richard Hatfield, clerk of the court of Gen. Session, New York 

 

Deposition- Matthias Riker

Matthias Riker of the City of New York being sworn says he enlisted on or about the first day of May 1776 in Captain Blauvelt’s company of Col VanCourtland’s Regiment that he enlisted at Hackensack in New Jersey for six months of that company the deponent was appointed sergeant, he was in the Battle of Long Island, but was subsequently taken sick at Fort Washington, and unable to go to White Plains Gerardus Riker whose deposition is annexed enlisted at the same time with deponent and continued with deponent in service in said company for nine months, and was discharged with deponent.

On the 1^st of March 1777 the deponent and Gerardus Riker volunteered at Tappan in Orange now Rockland County State of New York in Captain King’s company and proceeded to New Windsor State of New York where they were employed on the Cheveau du frize in which service they were employed six months and then returned to New York.

The declarant also enlisted at Closter in Captain Herring’s  [Abraham A. Haring] company, Gerardus Riker also enlisted in said company these enlistments took place in November 1777 the deponent and Gerardus Riker were employed in guarding the frontiers of New Jersey for nine months at that period and were then discharged.

In the month of September 1778, the precise day the deponent does not recollect, he and Gerardus Riker enlisted in Captain Guyches [ Goetschius] company of New Jersey Rangers and were employed in guarding the frontiers of New Jersey for nine months when they were on the same day discharged at neither of these periods of service did they obtain any written discharge.

After this period the deponent removed to Clarks town in Rockland County he removed from Closter 

Bergen County State of New Jersey and at Clarkstown he was frequently called out in the Militia until the end of the war, but did not again enlist in any particular company.

He knows that Gerardus Riker was a number of times out in what was called the month service and sometime he thinks in March 1780 Gerardus Riker became a guide at West Point and was employed in that capacity until the end of the war being a period of about two years and an half.  Sworn to the 9 day of November 1832 before me in open Court – 

Richard Halfold, Clk – 

Matthias Riker, x his mark. 

 

Deposition- James Riker

State of New York, City of New York; && 

James Riker of the City of New York being sworn says that in November 1777 the deponent who then resided at Closter in the State of New Jersey enlisted for nine months in Captain Herring’s  [Abraham A. Haring] company of New Jersey Rangers and Gerardus Riker also enlisted at the same period and in the same company, and served for nine months, he was discharged with deponent and again enlisted with deponent in Captain Guyches [ Goetschius]company of New Jersey Rangers in the month of September 1778 but the deponent does not recollect the day, in Captain Guyches [ Goetschius] company the deponent and Gerardus Riker continued nine months, at this period and in the service under Captain Herring  [Abraham A. Haring] they were employed in guarding the frontiers of New Jersey they were discharged at Closter, when about the first of July 1779 the declarant and said Gerardus Riker were called out at Closter in regular monthly service and served for one month at a time and in regular succession under Captain Crisbie, Captain Huyler, Captain Ward, Captain Beard and Captain Romame, the declarant remained at Closter ? about one year before the …removed to Baltimore sometime … 1780 Gerardus Riker engaged at West Point …in which service the deponent has… and believes Riker was engaged until the close of the War the deponent is now seventy one years of age – 

9 November 1832 before me in open court 
Richard Halfald, clk –

 James Riker signed  

 

Deposition-Stephen Hadley

State of New York, City & County of New York && 

Stephen Hadley of said City being sworn says that he is seventy three years of age that in the spring about the 15 day of april of 1779 he enlisted in captain Berriams company, and remained until about the 25 day of October of the same year, on the first day of November 1777 the declarant enlisted in Captain Herrings  [Abraham A. Haring] company of which company Gerardus Riker was one and Gerardus Riker served in that company to the best of deponent/s remembrance nine months the declarant served from the 1^st day of May 1777 to the 1^st Day of May 1778 in Captain Turnures? Company of Militia in Clarkstown Rockland County of the State of New York, the declarant also served in Captain Cranes company from May 1778 until September 1778, and also served in Captain Turnures company of New York Militia from the middle of December 1778 until the close of the war in November 1783.  

Sworn the 9 day of November 1832 before me in open court – 

Richard Hatfald, clk – 

signed Stephen Hadly

 

And the said court of General Sessions of the Peace of the City and County of New York now sitting do declare their belief that Gerardus Riker who has made the foregoing additional declaration is a resident of the City of New York and served as he stated and was a Revolutionary Soldier – and that Matthias Riker, James Riker and Stephen Hadley – whose depostions are annexed were also Revolutionary soldiers and are residents of the City of New York and that their statements are entitled to credit.  

R. Riker, recorder of the city of New York, Peter Sharfer? A? Pd 2 Ward; ;Wm Mandervilled? Aldn 3^rd Ward – State of New York City and County of New York 

I Richard Hatfield Clerk of the Court of General Sessions of the peace and of the Court of Oyer? And Terminer? Do certify that the above are the original proceedings in the Court of General Sessions of the peace of the City of New York in the application of Gerardus Riker for a pension and that the foregoing are the signatures of the Justices composing the Court of Sessions for the present November Term.  In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this ninth day of November one thousand eight hundred and thirty two . 

signed Richard Hatfield clerk.  *

 

Record Division, Dept of the Interior, Bur of Pensions – 

Briefed by JW Rice – Claim No. S11293 – Soldier Gerardus Riker – Service New Jersy & NY Rev War – Remarks:  No. 1818 rejected papers found, other than those enclosed herein.   June 13 1911

 

Pension Office , Dec 27 1833 – 25775 Wm T Rea? – 25782 “ – 9077 Wm P Reggan? – “

Sir – the papers filed in the case of Mrs Riker have been examined and filed.  It appears from the records of this office hat Mrs Abigail Riker made application in 1839 for a pension as the widow of her first husband Jacob Woolsey and was allowed a pension at the rate of $120 per annum for life.  There is nothing due therefore to her children in her right in virtue of the services of her second husband – no widow being entitled to draw two pensions.  It further appears however, from her declaration that her second husband (Gerardus Riker) lived till the year 1833.  Whatever amount he would have been entitled to under the Act of June 7^th 1832, that is from the 4^th March 1831 to the day of his death is due his children.  Share and share alike.  To obtain this amount, an administrator must be appointed who must make a Declaration – the general structure of which can be gathered from the enclosed form and this declaration must be supported by proof of marriage, death of the soldier and his widow, heirship, number and names of the claimants, and the extent of the soldiers service.  As soon as this is done the evidence now on file will receive prompt consideration,  

I am very respectfully your obt servant, AP Waldo? Commissioner  --  

Hon. Wm A. Walher. House of Representatives (Gettis)*

 

Dec 9 1854 – Hon Wm A Walker – Sir:  

By a mistake of the examining clerk and erroneous report was made to you on 27^th Dec 1853 in the case of Wm Riker dec’d of New York

The evidence in the case goes to show that William served as captain of a Privateer in the War of 1812.  For such service neither himself nor his widow could receive a pension under any Act of Congress.

Abigail Ricker(sic) whose 2^nd husband Gerardus Riker died in 1833 was pensioned under Act 4 July 1836 for the service of her first husband Jacob Woolsey.  Gerardus applied for a pension under Act 18 march 1818 for nine months service in the New Jersey continental line, but failed to establish his claim.  If he... *

 

Jany 10 1855 – No. H. Meigs – New York – 

Sir:  The enclosed copy of a letter to the Hon Wm A Walker dated Dec 9 1854 will explain the condition of the claim of Elizabeth Riker of New York. 

The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington DC – Will you please tell me whether there has ever been a claim filed for a pension on account of the services of Gerardus Riker (or Ryker) during the Revolution.  He was a resident of New Jersey and later Kentucky.  Can you tell me where the records of grants of lands to Revolutionary soldiers are preserved  

Very respectfully – Paul M. LaBach; 4222 Cherry St, Cincinnati Ohio – October 21 1898. *

* Gerardus Riker S11293 documents Courtesy of Lynn Rogers

State of New York
City and County of New York

On the eighth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-two, personally appeared in open court before the Honorable Justices of the Court of General Sessions of the Place and of the City, County of New York, now sitting, James Riker, a resident of the City of New York, in the County and State of New York, aged seventy one years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth under oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.

That he was born in Herrington Township, Bergen County, State of New Jersey, on the 5th October 1861; that this record of his age is in the Family Bible, now in his possession; that he lived there when he entered the service, and continued to reside there, till one year before the war closed, when he removed to Baltimore; that in 1784, he came to the city of New York, where he has remained ever since.

That he entered the service in the summer of 1776, under Captain Abraham Haring; that he was drafted and served three months; that he was engaged in several skirmishes; that large numbers of the British came from Greens brig and landed at Closter Dock, that he forgets the name of the commander" that on account of their superior force, they did not oppose them, and they went on to Hackensack; that there was a British sloop of war, laying off at Dobbs Ferry, the British soldiers and refugees came on shore and took many head of cattle, which he and his company rescued and retook.

 That he next served under Captain Blanch, in the summer of 1777, for a service of three months; that during this service, a sloop of war laid off Closter Dock that the officers and crew came ashore to gather wood, and get water; that they took ten of the number and one midshipman that he does not recollect his name; that they sent them to Morristown where there was a garrison.

That the precise times at which the particular Captains, under whom, his succeeding services were rendered, he has not so positive a recollection. But that he was under Captain Blanch, when a great number of the British      landed at Fort Lee, as he thinks, in the fall of 1778; that they marched over to     , without opposition; that they burnt and  [took] prisoners; that on their return to Fort Lee, Captain Blanch with his company met them a the English Neighborhood, hung upon their rear and killed many; that they went over to Fort Lee;

That he was under Captain Blanch when the British attempted to rebuild Fort Lee, as he thinks, in August 1779; that the whole regiment of the county was called out, and after building about two feet they were so much annoyed, that they gave it up; that they went down the mountain to the landing and got on board the shipping; that he believes that one lieutenant was taken, but forgets this name; that he does not recollect whether Colonel Dey being the Cornel of the regiment was with them.

That he  was with the Companies of Captains Blanch and Huyler, when they laid in the wood, near Bulls Ferry, to watch the movements of the Refugees who were in the block house; that they went down to the English Neighborhood and there met about 6 in a muster, commanded by one John Berry called John the Regular; that they took 2 of them prisoners, killed two of who John was one, wounded one, and one escaped; that the prisoners were taken to Hackensack but he did not go with them; that they buried John in Hackensack; that  1700 had been offered for his head but that he does not know if the reward was received; that this engagement was before General Wayne's attack.

That under Captain Huyler, he was in a war skirmish with about 150 refugees, in the summer of 1779, and recollects that one black fellow was killed, well known by the name of Captain Pompey.

That he was under Captain Blanch when in the early part of the war, but the precise time he can not recollect, the British with 200 refugees cam from New York and burnt Closter; that they first saw them in the upper land of Closter when the alarm guns fired; that they went after them and in a skirmish, one of our men John Taylor was wounded; that before they could reach there the British had burnt Closter, and all the way down to Dewany's Mills; that they followed them to Bergen, when the British came to New York.

That he was on the picket guard at Closter when two soldiers, deserters, said that the British were coming that night to surround the American militia at Tappan; that they sent an express to Tappan to inform them; that he with his company went to Tappan and found that the militia had gone away; that in that night they had lay on the guard at the school house; that the British came up the next morning under Colonel Campbell, to a number, about 1300; that our men retreated to Clarkstown, and the British followed; but that on account of the fewness or our men, they did not engage; that he thinks this took place in the summer of 1779.

That her served under Captain Ward, at Ten Eyke, and under Captain Elias Romaine at the Liberty Pole, English Neighborhood, a period of three months under each but recollects no particular circumstances; that these services were successive and in the latter part of the war; and that about the same time he served under Captain Campbell at Schraalenburg.

That he never recollects receiving any pay, except for his last service under Captain Ward; the same being twenty dollars and upwards received by his father for him, he being then at Baltimore.

That he was a Sergeant in the services under Captain Blanch, Campbell, and Huyler; and was drafted in all cases, except when under the command of Captain Blanch, who was the Captain of the beat.

That he saw, before he joined any Company, an engagement between the British sloop of way Pheury and Rose and 8 to 10 American gallies; that she had run up the river, by New York, before that city was taken; that the gallies and boat had to draw off; that he was under Captain Hering, when he saw General Washington with his army at Tappan at the time when Andre was taken; that he recollects seeing Major Stagg, a colonial officer, in the early part of the war, going down toward Bergen with his troop of horse; that he was once a guide to Captain Jonathan Lawrence, a continental officer from Dobbs Ferry to          in the early part of the war; that he thinks he came from Fort Montgomery.

That he received a warrant for his office of Sergeant, but that same was lost; and that he never received any discharges.

That he has no documentary evidence and knows the Reverend Edward Mitchell who can testify as required by the War Department, and that William Berrian, Collector of the Fifth Ward of this City can so testify likewise.

That all his Captains to the best of his knowledge are dead, but that John A. Haring and Benjamin Romaine, Major, Assistant Quarter Master General for this city during the last war who served in the same county of Bergen and who are citizens of New York can testify to his services.

That he herby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a pension or amnesty except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll or agency of any state.

Sworn to and subscribed the day         [signed] James Riker
and year aforesaid in open court

Richard Hairfeld
Clerk

Deposition- Edward Mitchell, a clergyman, and William Berrian

We, Edward Mitchell, a clergyman, and William Berrian, late collector as aforesaid, both residing in  the city of New York hereby certify that were are well acquainted with James Riker who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be seventy one years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood in which he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we  concur in that opinion.

Sworn to and subscribed the day         [signed] Edw. Mitchell
and year aforesaid in open court                    William Berrian

Richard Hairfeld
Clerk

And the said court to hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a voluntary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certified that tit appears to them that Edward Mitchell who signed the preceding certificates is a clergyman and that both he and William Berrian who signed the same are residents  and citizens of the City of New York and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.

R. Riker

New York Recorder of the City

 

Deposition- Mary Briggs Riker

State of New York
City and County of New York

On this Fifth day of October in the year Eighteen hundred and fifty three personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of New York Mary Riker as resident of city aforesaid, Aged Eighty-two years, who first being duly sworn according to law, doth on her own oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by act of Congress passed on the third of February of the present year, 1953, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of James Riker lately residing in the city of New York aforesaid, who was a sergeant in the Revolutionary army as will appear on reference to this evidence filed with this application for a pension, and to further proof made in December Eighteen hundred and forty five and also filed, that said James Riker was a pensioner under the act of Congress, passed the Seventh of June in the year Eighteen hundred thirty two and that this pension of one hundred and sixteen dollars and sixteen cents per annum was paid by the agent for paying pensions in the City of New York aforesaid.

She further declares that she was lawfully married to said James Riker on the Second day of February in the year Eighteen hundred and six in the City of New York aforesaid; that she continued to live with her said husband until the day of his death and that his death occurred on the nineteenth day of September in the present year in the City of New York aforesaid; and that she was not married to her said husband prior to the Second of January Eighteen Hundred, but at the time stated in the foregoing.

She further declares that she is now a widow.

She further declares that she is the identical Mary Briggs named in the certificate of record that having been her name pervious to her said marriage and that the James Riker also therein named was her husband and the pensions named in the foregoing.

Sworn to and subscribed  
On the day  and year first      [signed] Mary Riker
Written inthe foregoing
In open court before me.

[Signed]

<Illegible>

Judge

 

Deposition- Mary Briggs Riker

State of New York
City of New York

On this Twenty third day of April One Thousand Eight hundred and fifty five before me, Elijah H. Riker, a notary Public duly commissioned and sworn, dwelling in the city of New York, personally appeared Mary Riker, aged Eighty three years, a resident of the city and state aforesaid, who being duly sown according to Law declares that she is the identical person now drawing a pension under an Act of Congress passed February third 1853, on account of the Revolutionary Services of her late husband James Riker, late a pensioner under the act of Congress passed on June 7th 1832, deceased, whose time of services in the Revolutionary War was for a period longer than fourteen days as will appear on the reference with proof of file with this application for a pension:

That the proof of her marriage to the said James Riker, and of his decease will also appear in reference to the proof on file with her application for a pension; that she further states that she is now a widow; that she has not  [ a ] pension hereto applied for or received a Bounty or Land Warrant, and to the best of her knowledge & belief her said late husband never applied for or received such kind.

[signed] Mary Riker

She makes this application for the purpose of the Bounty Land to which she may be entitled by the Act of Congress passed March 8, 1855.

We Abigail E. Riker, and Susan Riker, residents of the City & State of New York, on oath, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged in our presence by Mary Riker, to us personally and intimately well known, and that we know that she is now a widow and the identical person she represents herself to be.

[signed] 
Abigail E. Riker
Susan Riker