Revolutionary War
Claims for Losses
Surnames "B"
In colonial times Samuel Bagnal a native of England, lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania then in Tryon County, New York. During the American Revolution he served as a Sergeant in Butler’s Rangers at Fort Niagara then settled in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses dated on 14 Mar 1786. (AO 13 T79/70 P. 115-120)
Estimate of Losses sustained during the Troubles in America by Samuel Bagnal late of Tryon County in the Government of New York, now of Shelburne Nova Scotia, Carpenter vizt
In the year 1778 One Farm of 100 Acres in said County £25
Two good Mares 21
Six Milch Cows £30 two Heifers & one Calf £7 37
19 Sheep £19 and 8 Hogs £8 27
Household Furniture of all kinds 60
Wearing Apparel, Men, Women & Children 120
Small Library of Valuable Books 18
Farming Utensils of all Kinds 10
1 Chest Carpenters Tools, first cost 45
Sundry loose Tools as Axes Adze, Screws &c 15
1 Set Shoemaker’s Tools, Complete 1
1 Set Surveyor’s Instruments by Rittenhouse 15.5
Family Stores, Cheese 340 lb. Butter 25 lb. Sugar 60 lb}
Bacon 50 lb. other matters not Charged } 22.15
4 Muskets £8. Powder & Shot 15/ 8.15
Crop of Hay & other produce on the Ground 20
Flax 200 lb. £7.10 – Wool 30 lb £3 10.10
Three years & Eleven Months Service a Serjeant in}
Colonel Butler’s Corps of which three Months in}
Actual Service, Eleven Months close prisonar in}
Albany Goal, two years 9 Months on Parole at 5/}
P day } 357.10
New york Currency £812.15
Equal in Sterling to £457.3.6
Halifax 25th March 1786
Evidence on the Claim of Samuel Bagnal late of Tryon County, New York.
Claimant Sworn
Saith he is a Native of England, came to America in 1770, first settled in Philadelphia thence moved into Tryon County in New York, and was there when Troubles broke out, – Living in the house of one Nathaniel Edwards and took Care of a Grist Mill and Farm of his—Refused all the American associations and Oaths. – There had been an Oath of Neutrality proposed which he had been obliged to take. Moved to a place at the head of Susquehana, there continued till the year after Burgoynes Captivity.
In the year 1778 about June joined Butlers Corps, continued with them till September 1778, then taken Prisoner and carried into Albany. Was kept Prisoner till the war was over. —
Staid sometime after that at Albany, and then went to New York – came from thence to this Province in 1783. —
Served as Serjeant in Butler’s Corps, but waves his Claim for pay. —
Claimant
Property. Claimant was possessed of 100 Acres of Land in Tryon County, purchased of Nicholas Walre in 1773 for £25 New Jersey Currency. — Had a Deed but it has been destroyed. — Made no Improvements except a small Clearing. — Has not heard whether the place is confiscated. —
Was possessed of two Mares worth £21 York Currency. — had them at Susquehana [heads] were taken by a plundering Party from the Rebel Army. —
Six Milch Cows to Heifers and one Calf worth £37 Currency. —
Ten Sheep and Eight Hogs worth £27 Currency plundered by ranging Parties. —
Claimant’s Property was pointed out as free Plunder because he had refused assisting in the Works at Cherry Valley. —
Many other people were plundered. —
Cloaths &c. plundered by our own People when they destroyed the Buildings at Cherry Valley, they destroyed all the Houses there worth £120 Currency. —
Books worth £18 Currency lost in 1779 plundered by the Rebel Army. —
Tool Chest cost £20 Sterling—Compleat, worth £45 Currency. — The Rebel Army under General Clinton took it.
Surveyors Instruments in the Tool Chest worth £14 Currency. —
Lost Stores plundered at different times £22 Currency. —
Four Muskets &c taken because he would not join association worth £8.15. —
Crop on the Ground left when Claimant joined Butlers Corps worth £20 Currency. —
Flax & Wool plundered £10.10. —
Produces Certificate from Doctor Walters to his Character for Integrity. —
Hugh Fraser Witness Sworn,
Saith he knew that Claimant came with other Prisoners of War to Albany and was confined a long time there. —
Summary of Claim for Losses and Disbursement
Name of claimant Samuel Bagnall; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £457.3; Sum Originally Allowed £85; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £85; Sum Already Received £34; Balance After Such Receipt £51; Final Balance £51
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Jacob Ball
In colonial times Jacob Ball a native of America, lived in Albany, New York. During the American Revolution he served as a Lieutenant in Butler’s Rangers. Following the war he settled in Niagara Township, Lincoln County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 21 Aug 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 27 P. 417-421)
To Colonel Dundas and Jeremy Pemberton Esqr Commissioners of American Claims – The Memorial of Jacob Ball Late of Albany in the province of New York but now of Niagara in the Province of Quebec
Sheweth
That your Memorialist at the beginning of the late unhappy dissentions in America was settled in Albany in the province of New York where he was at that time in possessn of a good Farm with Buildings thereon, live stock Household Furniture Farming Utensils &c the whole value at that time at £1802 New York Currency.
That understanding his most Gracious Sovereign by and with consent of the Lords Spirl and Temporal & Commons had taken into consideration in the distressed state of his Loyl Amn Subjects and purpose granting them such relief as may appear just and reasonable in proportion to their Losses.
Your Memorialist in behalf of himself and Family prays you will be pleased to take his Case into consideration and grant him such relief as may appear reasonable—
Schedule of the Effects of Jacob Ball
An Improvemt consistg of 100 Acres – £560
Houses potash work and Barn – 700
15 Horses 150l – 30 heads of Cattle 105e – 255
30 Sheep 21l – 30 Hogs 20l – 255
Farmg Utensils 66l – 66
Land at Schoharie – 100
Money extorted by Fines for taking}
Up arms agst the Amns} 100
Do to recover the Liberty of his Sons 40
£1862
August 21
Claimant – sworn –
Says he resided at Niagara in the Fall of 1783 and all that Winter – did not know of any Act in 1783.
Sent his Claim as soon as he could after Genl Hopes Orders last year –
Is a Native of America, resided near Albany when the Rebellion broke out – took part with the King from the first – kept quiet as well as he could, but was fined and imprisoned – In 1778 left his House and joined Butlers Rangers, had a Commn as Lieut in Butlers Rangers – served during the War, but no half pay –
Produces his Commission in 1779 & 1780. Says he did not join Genl Burgoyne in 1777 as he could not with Safety attempt it, the posts being held by the Rebels. He sent to enquire of Genl Burgoyne in Jany 1777 and they brought him word that he was to stay for a better opportunity. He was troubled so much that he could not stay at Home
Had 100 Acres of Land on Rancellors Manor – He had settled without Deed above 20 years ago. He had cleared 100 acres, had built a framed House and barn, and potash works – They wanted the Settlers to take Leases, but they refused – but they agreed to pay the 10th part of the profits—but never got a Lease as by the death of Stephen Ranceller the Father it came to his Son who was an Infant. The pot Ash Work was made 2 years before the War – The Place is about 20 Miles from Albany values it at £5 per Acre – Says he estimates the Land at 10/ per acre, but considers the Senionous Right as worth half. Values his House, Barn and Potash Works at £700. The pot Ash Works includes buildings – 2 Kettles, the 2 Kettles cost £30. He includes a Ton and ½ of pot Ash, a Ton of Pot ash worth £50 –
Produces Notice from one Nichs Marseles to Claimants Wife to quit the premises in 1783 –
Produces a cancelled Bond by which his Wife & Son bound themselves in the Sum of £200 to Nichs Marseles to quit the premises in a Months Time dated May 1784 – As to Lands at Schorharie it was some Land he had from the elder Brother who is now in possession.
Lost 15 Horses – 30 Cattle – 30 Sheep – 30 Hogs – farming Utensils – Left all these Things in his farm when he went away in 1778.
The Rebels took them away in 1780 –
Produces afft from 3 persons to Clts loss as above specified, and to the valuation.
Claimant says Marseles is a Relatn to RancelIor and may possibly have some Claims to the Lands on that account –
Benjn Frelich – sworn –
Knew Claimt he served as Lieut in Butler’s Rangers he was settled on Pataroons Lands before the War, he was an old settler.
Had near 100 Acres clear. Had a good house & Barn – Had a pot ash work there – He had no Right to sell anything but Improvements
Values these Lands at about £5 per Acre if their own property but as they had no Title but to Improvements not worth so much –
pot ash Work cost him a good deal of money – nothing very expensive about the Buildings - thinks it had 3 Kettles. He had a very large Stock – 25 horned Cattle – 10 Horses – 30 Sheep – Hogs most of it taken by the Rebels and sold knows that the horned Cattle, and horses were sold by the Rebels –
Knew Claimant, he was an old Settler on pataroons Land (The same as Rancellors Manor) he had a large Farm, about 100 Acres clear – 2 Houses and Barn – & pot Ash Work, the buildings not expensive but the pots were.
Says there were no certain Rule of selling by the Acre, people sold for what they could get. –
A Lot consists generally of 100 Acres. Knew one lot sold for £120 Currency – but he had not near such good Lands as Claimant he had a very large Stock – 30 Cattle – 11 or 12 Horses – all lost – most of them taken by the Rebells –
Name of claimant Ball Jacob; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £946.2; Sum Originally Allowed £452; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £452; Balance After Such Receipt £452; Final Balance £452
The Second Report of The Bureau of Archives for the Province of Ontario, 1904 transcribed from Library of Congress MSS 18,662 Vol. XX MSS. 10-11 in Second Report P. 960
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1787
Before Commissioner Pemberton
New Claim Aug. 23.
Case of Jacob Ball, late of Albany Co.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12 with the following marginal notes of the Commissioner:
“Can only be allowed for improvements.”
“Too high.” (referring to land valued at £10 and Seigneurs Rights valued at half)
“Is told to get a Certificate of the Sale”
“Certificates to Loyalty –”
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In colonial times George Barnhart a nativce of America, lived in Verplanksburgh, Ulster County, New York. During the American Revolution he assisted Butler’s Rangers then joined the Indian Department at Fort Niagara and finally served in the 2nd Battalion of the King’s Royal Regiment of New York. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims on 29 Jan 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 29 P. 272-275)
To the Commissionrs appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of George Barnhart formerly of Verplanksburgh in the County of Ulster Province of New York but since a Serjeant in the 2nd Battn of the King’s Royal Regt of New York whereof Brigr Genl Sir John Johnson Bart as Commt now in Canada.
Sheweth.
That the Losses sustained by your Memt in conseqce of the premises amounts to the Sum of £470 according to the following amount &c
Farmg Utensils Waggon Slays &c £37
9 Horses 69
24 head of horned cattle 6 Milch Cows 74
46 head of Sheep 56 head of Hogs 57
Wheat, Peas, Rye, Corn, Oats & Hay 179
A Rifle and a Silver Watch 10.12
Househd Furniture 114
Wearing Apparell 46
Cury 606.12
Jany 29th
Evidence on the Claim of Geo. Barnhart late of Ulster County.
Claimant sworn
Says he was at Saul de Recollets in the fall of 1783.
Is a Native of America lived in Ulster County – joined Sir Johns Regt in the year 1780 – left his home in 1778 – was in the Indian Country & served with Capt Brant. He had been imprisoned for assisting Col. Butler before that time.
He served in Sir Johns 2d Battn till End of the War was Serjeant
Produces a petition of his in 78 to the Commrs at Pughkipsee praying to be released on the back of which they return for ansr an acct of Crimes with which he was charged
He had a Lease of 180 Acres on the Delaware he took this Lease in 1770 of Wm Cockburn who acted for Verplank, it was a Lease for 2 Lives Claimts and his Sons at £5 per Annum—
25 or 30 Acres clear where he took it he cleared a good Deal more – 70 Acres more he lived on this farm built house and Barn—
No 2 Had another Lease Farm of 170 Acres for two Lives near the former. Claimt bought the Improvements in 1773, gave a span of Horses and £30 york currency –
6 or 8 Acres clear. He put a Man upon it who cleared more. Claimt was to have ½ the profits
Had another Lease Farm 80 acres – bought the Improvements in 1775 – the War had begun paid £30 for it about 10 acres were taken clear.
Had a large Stock on the Farm where he lived.
9 Horses – 28 horned Cattle – 44 Sheep – 50, or 60 Hogs, flour and grain of various Kinds wool, Deer Skins Leather – furniture, Utensils.
These things were seized and sold at vendue. They were sold while Clt was a prisoner in the Country.
Knew Claimt he was a neighbour of Witness’s on the Delaware. He was always considered very Loyal.
He left home in 1778, first served with Capt Brant came afterwards into Canada and served in Sr John’s Regt
Knew the place where he lived remembers his buying the Improvements before the War, there was a good piece clear, he cleared near double the Quantity himself – a good 50 acres perfectly clear, the whole Farm was about 150 acres—
Knew No. 2. He bought the Improvemts 2 years before the War—thinks 20 Acres clear – He had put a Man upon this.
He had a very good Stock – thinks 19 or 20 horned Cattle – thinks 9 Horses – a great Deal of Grain – Deer Skins – Leather. –
Some was destroyed by the Rebels, but most was sold at vendue. Witness’s Daughter was present at the vendue and has sent him an accot of it – Claimant was in very good Circumces he was the richest Man thereabouts except Mr Burch. —
(AO 12 Vol. 109 P. 98 Certificate No. 1022)
Name of claimant Barnhart John; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £194.11; Sum Originally Allowed £75; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £75; Balance After Such Receipt £75; Final Balance £75
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1788
Before Commissioner Pemberton
January 29.
Claim of Geo. Barnhart, late of Ulster Co.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12
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In colonial times Nathan Barnum lived in New Fairfield, Fairfield County, Connecticut. During the American Revolution he served as an Ensign in Colonel Ludlow’s Regiment. Following the war he lived in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick then settled his family in Charlotteville Township, Norfolk County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 23 Dec 1785. (AO 12 Vol. 101 P. 232-233)
At the Commencement of the Troubles he lived in the County of Fairfield in the Business of a Farmer, took part with the British from the first. He raised at different times during the War 200 Men. In Novr 1777 Sir Wm Howe gave him an Ensignency in Colonel Ludlows Regt In March 1779 he was taken Prisoner and carried to Connecticut where he was kept till October 1783 when he made his Escape and got to New York the day of the Evacuation. Says that he was accused of attempting to pass some Counterfiet paper Bills but that this was reported merely to enrage the People against him. Lost real and Personal property to the Amount of £7614 New York Currency in which is included a Bond of £3200 and the Interest thereon £1920 also £675 for 9 years Rent of his Estate. Came to England three Weeks ago from Nova Scotia to have his Case heard. He is not determined whether he shall return there or not; Has 5 Children in Nova Scotia under the Care of friends. He is destitute of Support. He has no half pay but means to apply for it.
Certificates to Loyalty from Governor Franklin, and Colonel Ludlow, a very full one to Loyalty and loss of Property from Colonel Chandler, Colonel Step: Delancey to his Exertions during the War in raising Recruits, and another Certificate from Mr John Kane to his Loyalty and loss of property.
£50 p Annum from 10th October 1785 to Cease if he should return to Nova Scotia, and subject to its being reduced if he receives half pay.
Decision
This Gentleman appears to have been very well attached to Great Britain during the Troubles and to have suffered much persecution on Account of his Exertions in raising Men for the Kings Army. As he now has been deprived of all his property we think him deserving of relief from Government and accordingly recommends an Allowance being made to him of £50 p Annum from the 10th Oct. 1785 but which we mean should cease if he goes to reside in Nova Scotia, and subject to be reduced in case of his receiving the half pay of Ensign. —
Transcribed from the official books of the Commissioners of Claims in Audit Office (AO) 12 Vol. 102 P. 226-227
Barnum Nathan
12th March 1790
Says his Case has been heard under the Act of Parliament and has reveived 660£ Compensation—far short of his Claim – has half Pay of Ensign which is 33£ per Annum. Certificate from Colonel Wrightman and John Kane.
No Case.
Decision
Mr Barnum having received Compensation for his Losses and being in the Receipt of half Pay of Ensign, we do not think ourselves justified in recommending any Allowance to him by way of temporary Support.
Name of claimant Barnum Nathan; Province Conn; Claim for Loss of Property £1300; Sum Originally Allowed £670; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £670; Balance After Such Receipt £670; Reduce on Account of Pension £60; Final Balance £660
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In colonial times Philip Bender a native of Germany, lived in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. During the American Revolution, he served in Butler’s Rangers at Fort Niagara. Following the war Philip Bender settled in Stamford Township, Welland County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 30 Aug 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 40 P. 370-373)
To the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists. –
The Memorial of Late of Philip Bender late of Northumberland County in the Province of Pennsylvania but now of Niagara in the Province of Quebec.
Humbly Sheweth,
That your Memorialist at the beginning of the late unhappy disturbances was settled in Northumberland County in the Province of Pennsylvania where he was in possession of a good Farm with Buildings thereon erected, Live Stock, Household Furniture, Grain, Farming utensils &c the whole valued at £246.10 New York Currency. –
That understanding Parliament had taken into Consideration the distressed state of the Loyal American Subjects and purpose granting them such Relief as may appear Just and Reasonable in proportion to their Losses
Your Memorialist in behalf of himself and Family humbly prays that you will be pleased to take his Case into your serious Considn and that you will be pleased to grant him such Relief as may appear reasonable and your Memorialist shall forever pray &c
State of the Effects lost by Philip Bender late of the County of Northumberland in the Province of Pennsylvania at the time he made his Escape to the British Army in the year 1778, from which period until the end of the War he carried arms in a Corps of Rangers under Colonel Butler. –
320 Acres of Land …. £110
Live Stock …. 18.10
Household Furniture …. 60
Grain …. 40
New York Curry £246.10
Claimant Sworn
He was at Niagara in 1783. Is a native of Germany, came very young to America, lived at Susquhannah when the Americans declared Independence. Left his home in the Spring 1777, could not stay without taking part with the Rebels. – Came off to join Colonel Butler, he came with the Loyalists off his Settlement, and served till near the end of the War as Private. –
Produces his Discharge 1782. –
Had 320 Acres in the disputed Lands on the Susquhannah. Took it up in 1776, gave £70 Pennsylvania Currency – The Rebellion had broke out, he has not paid all. –
Lost one Cow, killed by Indians, five Sheep, by Indians and Rangers. –
Left all his Furniture behind and his utensils. – Left Corn and wheat, 200 Bushels in the Stack. The Rebels got some.
His Furniture was removed too Fast and was found out by the Rebels, thinks this was worth £120 including Cloaths. –
Produces two Affidavits that Claimt lost the Effects and Property in the Claimant’s Schedule mentioned.
John Depue Sworn,
Knew Claimant, he went off early to join Colonel Butler, he had a Farm on the Susquhannah, bought during the RebeIlion. He had a good Stock, he had very good Furniture, there was a Chest of Cloaths & Linen, it was found out by the Rebels and taken by them. –
Philip Bender late of Susquehana River
Claim
Amount of Property £138.13.1
Determination 7th December 1787
Loyalty. Bore Arms – The Claimant is a Loyalist & Bore Arms in Support of the British Government
Losses.
Persl Estate. Various Articles of Persl Property £53
Claim disallowed
The Claim for Lands – being purchas’d during the Troubles
Loss Proved
Resides at Niagara
Name of claimant Bender Philip; Province Pennsyl; Claim for Loss of Property £138.13; Sum Originally Allowed £53; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £53; Balance After Such Receipt £53; Final Balance £53
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1787
Before Commissioner Pemberton P. 984
New Claim Aug. 30th.
Claim of Philip Bender, late of Pensylva.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12 with the following marginal notes of the Commissioner:
“To be allowed.”
“A very good man—to be allowed as much as we can.”
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In colonial times Benjamin Birdsall lived in Queens County, Long Island, New York. Following the American Revolution he settled in Waterborough, Queens County, New Brunswick. Benjamin’s son Isaac Birdsall settled in Woodhouse Township, Norfolk County, Upper Canada. Benjamin Birdsall was mentioned in the following Claim for Losses filed by his brother Joseph Birdsall. (AO 12 Vol. 110 P. 13 Claim No. 934)
1783 May 22 Claimant Joseph Birdsall for his Brother Benjamin Birdsall. Place of Residence Queens County Long Island. Nature of Claim Eight Fat Cattle. Amount in New York Currency £45.10.
Nature of the Evidence in Support of the Claim and Remarks
In Support of this Claim he produces a Receipt Dated Novr 18 1776 Signed By H[ewlet] Townsend of Long Island For these Cattle, taken From Joseph Birdsall For his Majestys use, in which Receipt the Above Value is Expressed, and the Cattle Belong to Benjamin Birdsall, Also a Certificate Dated 13 Febr 1777 Signed By John Jaffray For Jas Christie a D Comr General that Eight Fat Cattle Belonging to Benjamin Birdsall then a Lt Col in the Rebel Service were Received From John Hewlett Esqr and that the Said Birdsall was not to Be paid For the Same Cattle without an express Order From the Commander in Chief then to Be paid By the Said John Jaffray, For the Said Jas Christie.
Amount in Sterling £26.12
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In colonial times Daniel Bowen a native of America, lived in Rhodestown, Cumberland County, New Jersey. During the American Revolution he served as a Captain in the New Jersey Volunteers on Long Island, New York. Following the war he settled in Wilmott, Nova Scotia then in Burford Township, Brant County, Upper Canada. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Halifax on 28 Jul 1786. (AO 12 Vol. 16 P. 17-20)
Cumberland County State of New Jersey,
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid Richard Cotes, and did declare on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, that he not long since bargained and bought of Captain Charles Chum a certain House and Lot at Rhodestown in said County being the same which was the Estate of Daniel Bowen Ship Joiner at the time of his joining the Army of George the Third King of Great Britain and as confiscated for the crime aforesaid and Sold by the Commissioners of said County, and that the Deponent gave to the said Charles Chum the sum of Three Hundred Pounds Gold and Silver Money for the same and further saith not. —
Sworn before me this Twenty ninth day}
Of April Anno Domini 1786.} (Signed) Richd Cotes
(Signed) Ebenezer Howell
Halifax 28th July 1786.
Evidence on the Claim of Daniel Bowen of New Jersey—
Claimant appears and being Sworn,
Saith he is a Native of America, was settled in Cumberland County New Jersey when Troubles began, at first took an Active Part against the Rebels, joined none of their Associations, was carried before one of their Committees, and gave Security to appear at next Quarter Sessions. Had been fined for not joining the Militia. – Joined the British at Philadelphia August 1777. Acted as Guide to the Army in several Instances, raised a Company of West Jersey Volunteers and was appointed Captain. —
Produces Commission from Sir William Howe appointing Claimant Captain in the Regt of Loyal New Jersey Volunteers 21st March 1778. Has now Half Pay. —
The Regiment was drafted in about Six Months. Claimant was Seconded, continued at Long Island during the war.
Came to this Province in October 1783 and is now settled at Wilmot.
Produces Certificate from Major Vandyke Commandant of late West Jersey Volunteers, that Claimant joined the British at Philadelphia, acted as a Guide, raised the greater part of a Company and was appointed, and to his Loyalty.
20th March 1786. —
Claimant was possessed of a Lot consisting of half an Acre in Rhodes Town County of Cumberland. Purchased the Ground in 1770—in two Lots in Consideration of £10 New Jersey Currency. Built two Houses, one a Wood House and one a Brick House, finished in 1775. — Cost £400 in Building. — values them at £400 New Jersey Currency. —
They are Confiscated and Sold. —
Produces Certificate of Sale of Houses and Lot from Aaron Dunham. —
Lost Personal Property left at his House. His Stock was seized by the Rebel Militia and he believes some part was saved by his Friends.
Lost one Cow, three Hogs, two Acres of wheat on the Ground, – all taken by Militia.
Certificate from Aaron Dunham mentions Sale of several trifling Articles of Personal Property. —
Produces Deposition from William Kelsay one of the Commissioners of Forfeitures that he received from Claimant’s Brother a Bond for £177 Jersey Currency from Moses Crosby and a Note for £6 from Elias Sheppard. – It appears from Aaron Dunham’s Certificate that these Sums were paid to the State. —
Produces Kelsay’s Receipt to his Brother for the said Bond and Note.
Capt Daniel Bowen late of New Jersey
Claim
Amount of Property £240
Determination 31 July 1786.
Loyalty. The Claimant is a Loyalist
Bore Arms. Bore Arms.
Losses
Real Estate. A House & Lots in Rhodes Town¨
County of Cumbeland} £180
Loss proved
Receives Half pay of Capt in the Jersey Volunteers –
Resides at Wilmott.
Name of claimant Bowen Capt. Daniel; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £240; Sum Originally Allowed £180; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £180; Sum Already Received £72; Balance After Such Receipt £108; Final Balance £108
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Halifax, 1786.
Before Commissioner Pemberton
New Claim, 28 Jul 1786
Case of Daniel Bowen, late of New Jersey.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12
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In colonial times Charles, Richard, John and Edward Bowlby (sons of George Bowlby) lived in Morris County, New Jersey. They were related to Thomas Bowlby, an early Justice of the Peace in Norfolk County, Upper Canada. The following is evidence given on the their claim. (AO 13 Vol. 17 P. 131-135)
Account of the Estate of Charles Bowlby late of Morris County Confiscated & Sold by the Commrs of forfeited Estates for Sd County in New Jersey.
To Personal Estate £ 41.2.6
“ Real do 100.0.0
Total £141.2.6
Extract from the public books in my office given under my hand this Twenty third day of February one thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Six
Aaron Dunham Auditor of Accts New Jersey
Account of the Estate of Richard Bowlby late of Morris County Confiscated & Sold by the Commrs of forfeited for Sd County in New Jersey
To Personal Estate £ 12.3.0
Real do 1020.0.0
£1032.3.0
Extract from the public books in my office, Given under my hand this twenty third day of February One thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Six
[Signed] Aaron Dunham Auditor of Accts New Jersey
Account of the Estate of John Bowlby late of Morris County Confiscated & Sold by the Commrs of forfeited Estates for Sd County in N Jersey.
To Personal Estate £ 229.9.6
Real do 3989.0.0
Total £4218.9.6
Extract from the public books in my office. Given under my hand this twenty third day of February One Thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Six –
Aaron Dunham Auditor of Accts New Jersey
Account of the Estate of Edward Bowlby late of the County of Morris Confiscated & Sold by the Commrs of forfeited Estates for Sd County in New Jersey.
To Personal Estate £ 174.10.9
Real do 3946.19.0
Total £4121.9.9
Extract from the public books in my office given under my hand this Twenty third day of February One Thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Six.
Aaron Dunham Auditor of Accts New Jersey
Morris County fs: An Inquisition taken and made at Hanover In the said County of Morris this fourteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight by the Oaths of Enoch Beach, Jacob Minton, Jonas Ward, Josiah Crane, Moses Statchel, Bethuel [Samand] Phineas Fannarid John Salter Moses Crane, Ezekiel Baldwin, John Cook, Job Baldwin [……..] Isaac Halsey Samuel Parrell Isaac Beach Good and Just men of the said Country before Benjamin Honel one of the Justices of the Peace of said County. Who upon their Oaths aforesaid say that Richard Bowlsby late of Hanover in the County aforesaid did since the fourth day of October one thousand seven hundred and seventy six and before the fifth day of June one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven, to wit on or about the first day of April one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven Join the Army of the King of Great Britton against the form of his Allegiance to this State and against the Peace of this State the Government and Dignity of the same.
We whose Names are hereunto set and Seals affixed being the Jurors above named do upon the Evidence to us produced find the Inquisition aforesaid True –
Enoch Beach LS. Moses Crane LS.
Jacob Menton LS. Ezekiel Baldwin LS.
Jonas Ward LS. John Cook LS.
Josiah Crane LS. Isaac Halsey LS.
Moses Kitchel LS Job Baldwin LS.
Bethuel Sa[mand] LS Samuel Parrell LS.
Phineas Fannarid LS Isaac Beach LS
John Salter LS.
These may Certify that the within Inquisition was taken by the Jurors on the day & year as within written –
By me Benjn Howell LS.
At a Court of common Pleas held at Morris Town in and for the Country of Morris on the first Tuesday in July Anno Domine One thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
Present
John Carle} Mats Burnet}
Benj. Hallsey} Esqrs Judges Benn Howell} Esqrs Justices
The States}
Vs } On Inquisition &c.
Richard Bowlsby}
Proclamation being made and the Defendant three times called to appear and traverse the Inquisition &c Pursuant to the directions of an Act of the Council and Assembly in fact case made and prov[i]ded, And neither the Said Deponant nor any person in his behalf appearing for that purpose, the Court order that his first default be recorded and the effect of the said Proclamation be advertized by the Commissioners &c. On motion of Mr Attorney General—
Pleas September Term 1778
Present as Before—
The State }
Vs }
Richard Bowlsby} Inquisition &c
Proclamation being made and the Defendant &c. called to appear and traverse the said Inquisition &c. pursuant to an Act of the Council and Assembly in such case made and provided, and neither the said Defendant nor any person on his behalf appearing for that purpose, It is ordered by the Court that his second default be recorded, and that Judgement final be ordered against him – On motion of Mr Attorney General. —
Morris County fs: The State of New Jersey to David Thomson Alexander Carmichael and Aaron Mitchell Esquires Commissioners, duly appointed for the said County in the Part and Behalf of the said State, to take and dispose of, for the Use and Benefit of the same, the Estate of certain Fugitives & Offenders in the said County, or to any two or more of them —
Greetings
Whereas lately, that is to say, of the Term, of September in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight in the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Morris before the Judges of the same Court, final Judgement was had and entered in favour of the said State of New Jersey, pursuant to Law, against Richard Bowlsby late of Pequanock in the County aforesaid on an Inquisition found against the said Richard Bowlsby and returned to the said Court as may fully appear of Record. You are therefore commanded and enjoined to sell and dispose of all and singular, the Lands Tenements and Hereditaments, held in fee, or for Term of Life, and generally all the Estate Real, of what Nature or Kind soever belonging, or lately belonging to the said Richard Bowlby which the said County of Morris according to the directions of an Act for Forfeiting to and vesting in, the State of New Jersey, the Real Estates of certain Fugitives and Offenders, made & passed the eleventh day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
Witness John Carle Esquire Judge of the said Court at Morris Town aforesaid the Sixteenth day of December in the Year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight. —
By the Court
S Condiet Clk
Morris County State of New Jersey —
I do hereby Certify that the foregoing writing contains a true copy of the Inquisition found against Richard Bowlsby & of the Justices Certificate on the back of the same – Also the proceedings of the Court of the Court of common pleas thereon to final Judgment And of the Execution that Issued from the said Court against the real Estate of the said Richard Bowlsby – The said Process being first duly recorded in the Clerks Office of the said County Given under my Hand and the seal of the said Court at Morris Town aforesaid the twenty seventh day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six. —
[Signed] Jos Lewis Clerk
State of New Jersey Morris County
This May Certify that for obediance to […..] Writts Isued out of the Inferior Court of Common pleas in the County of Morris Directed to David Thompson Alexander Carmichael & Aaron Mitchel Commissioner of forfeited Estates in Sd County Commanding them to make Sale of all the Real Estate of Charles Bowlsby and Richard Bowlsby in sd County as forfeited to the State of New Jersey we Did Sell Three Hundred and Eight acres of land in Said County which is the same land Valued by Jacob Minthorn Esqr Gershon Gard & Lemuel Minthan as Mentioned in the within Valuation & Disposition and that of J Didos one of Sd Commisoners [sic] Sign a Deed for the Same. Witness my hand this [5]th Day of March eD 1786
[Signed] Aaron Mitchel late Commissioner
To Whom it May Concern
We the Subscribers being called to apprise the Tract of Land formerly belonging to Charles & Richard Bowlsby lying in Roxbury in the County of Morris & State of New Jersey containing three hundred & eight Acres, which was sold by the Commissioners of Forfeitures for sd County the thirtieth of March AD 1779 – do adjudge the same to have been (at the time of their absconding & Joining the Troops of the King of Great Britain) worth five Spanish Dollars & one third of a Dallar p Acre—
Done in Hanover in the [Signed] Jacob Mintem
County & State above men- [Signed] Gershom Gand
This first of March [Signed] Lemuel Mintem
Ad 1786.
State of New Jersey Morris County
Be it Remembered that his first Day of March AD 1786 personally apeared before me Aaron Mitchel one of the Justices of the peace in and for Sd County of Morris Jacob Menthan Esqr Gershom Gard and Lemuel Minthom Men of full age and freeholders In Sd County who being Duly Sworn Did Depose and Say that they were well acquainted with the Land above Described late Belonging to Charles & Richard Bowlsby in Sd County and that the above Valuation is agreable to the Best of ther Judgement
Sworn before me the Day and [Signed] Jacob Mintun
Date above written [Signed] Gershom Gand
[Signed] Aaron Mitchel Justice peace [Signed] Lemuel Mintun
_________________________
In colonial times Edward Bowlby (son of George Bowlby) lived in Hanover, Morris County, New Jersey. During the American Revolution he joined the British Army in New Jersey. Following the war he settled in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Edward Bowlby was related to Thomas Bowlby, an early Justice of the Peace in Norfolk County, Upper Canada. Edward Bowlby’s Claim for Revolutionary War Losses was heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Shelburne on 23 Jun 1786. (AO 12 Vol. 15 P. 389-395)
To the Honorable the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament to enquire into the Losses & Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of Edward Bowlby late of Morris County in New Jersey but now of Shelburne in Nova Scotia. —
Humbly Sheweth,
That he on all Occasions during the late unhappy dissentions in America manifested his Loyalty to His Majesty and his Attachment to the British Government.
That in January 1777 he joined the Royal Army in New Jersey, continued with them during the whole War and at the Conclusion thereof moved with his Brother Loyalists to Shelburne in Nova Scotia, where he is now settled. —
That in consequence thereof he was attainted of High Treason by the Laws of the State of New Jersey, and his Property mentioned in the annexed Schedule was confiscated and Sold.
He therefore prays that you will take his Case into your Consideration in order that under your Report he may be enabled to receive such aid and relief as his Losses & Services may be found to deserve. —
A Schedule of the Property and Effects of Edward Bowlby late of Morris County in New Jersey but now of Shelburne in Nova Scotia: and which has been Confiscated and Sold by reason of his Loyalty to His Majesty and attachment to the British Government.
No 1. 360 Acres of Land being part of a Tract whereon}
his Father George Bowlby lived laying in}
Hanover Morris County valued at £4.8 p acre}
at 8/ the Spanish Milled Dollar amounting}
to £1584 held by devise from his said Father} £Str 891
2. 15 Acres of Land at a place called Pompton Plains}
in said County valued at £4 p Acre, amount}
to £60 held by devise from his said Father} 33.15
3. 31 Acres of Land being the 1/6th part of the Lands}
devised by his said Father to his Brother}
Richard Bowlby who died Intestate when}
in the British Army valued at 42/8 p Acre}
amounting to £62.2.8} 38.4
Moveables.
3 Horses at £20…. £60
4 Cows at £5…. 20
3 young Cattle at £2…. 6
½ a Waggon…. 6
1 Feather Bed and Bedding…. 5
30 Sheep at 10/…. 15
4 Fat Hogs at 30/…. 6
£118….. 66.7.6
Debts
1/6 part of the Money due on Benonie}
Hathaway’s Bond and Mortgage the}
whole amounting to £198} 33…. 19.6.3
Sterling £1048.12.9
Shelburne 23d June 1786
Evidence on the Claim of Edward Bowlby late of Morris County New Jersey
John Stewart Sworn,
Says that the Claimant delivered a Claim to him about the Month of September 1785 but upon Recollection he rather thinks it was in 1784. —
Says he took them with an Intent to send them to England and believes he told Claimant he sent them to England. —
Says he did send them to Halifax directed to a Cousin of Mr Bowlbys in England, this was in the fall of 1784. —
Swears that it was not sooner than the fall, after Doctor Walker left Halifax that he received this Claim. —
Claimant says his Relation is Thomas Bowlby Leather Cutter London-wall
At the time the Act was known here Claimant was settled on Jordan River, three Miles from hence. —
Shelburne 26th June 1786. —
Further Evidence on the Claim of Edward Bowlby late of Morris County New Jersey—
Claimant Sworn,
Produces an account settled with Mr John Stewart in January 1784. – Fifteen Shillings appears to have been paid to Mr John Garner for making up his Claim upon Government and thinks that his Claim was left with Captain Stewart in the fall of 1783, and enclosed in a Letter to his Cousin in London. – He has never heard that his Cousin received it.
He is a native of New Jersey, and in 1775 he was settled in Morris County on his own Property.
He was often required to join the Rebels only he was once mustered as a Militia Man and to procure his dismission from Goal he signed an association, he did not know the Contents. —
He joined the British at Hackinsack in 1776, but on returning to his Family he was taken Prisoner by the Rebels but made his Escape and got into New York in 1777. —
He was taken prisoner in the Jerseys in 1778 and tried for his Life, but was only flogged, he received 500 Lashes and sent into the British Lines since that he has always been within the British Lines, he came to Shelburne at the Evacuation and now resides in Shelburne County. —
Property No 1. 360 Acres in Hanover Morris County. —
Produces Probate of his late Father`s Will George Bowlby dated 27th April 1773, by which he appears to have bequeathed an Orchard and a proportion of the Remainder of his Estate in Hanover.
His Brother John and Claimant never divided their Shares. —
Produces Certificate of Silas Howell and Patrick Darcey Commissioners for the Sale of Confiscated Estates, that 720 Acres had been sold, the Property of John and Edward Bowlby. —
Says they were equal Shares in this, – 40 or 50 Acres were Cultivated, but the Wood Land was more valuable, – thinks that at any time he could have sold this Land for £4.8 New York Currency p acre. Phineas Farren is now in possession of this at least of part. —
No 2. 15 Acres at Pompton he Claims under the same Title – It was his third of a Tract, it was Meadow Land. – It was in a State of nature, he can produce no proof of it being in his Father`s possession or of value, – he had bought it two years before the war, he thinks it was worth £4 p Acre… £60
He was informed by Ebenezer Farren who owned the Half of the Property that it was Sold
No 3. 31 Acres in Fox Will in Morris County being one sixth of the Property of his Brother Richard which appears to be Confiscated and sold by a Certificate from Commissioners of Sales of Confiscated Property.
He thinks it was worth 42/ p Acre and would have sold for that Sum
Stock taken from the House of his Brother John and him, where they carried on Farming together, One half amounting to £66.7.8 Sterling
Produces Copy of Inquisition found and Judgement passed on the Claimant for having joined the King of Great Britain. —
Certificate of Sale from Aaron Dunham of Sales as follows
Personal Estate £174.9
Real ditto 3946.19
£4121.9.9
Likewise,
Inquisition and Certificates in the Case of Richard Bowlby—
Says he owned no Money in New Jersey.
1/6th Debts due his Father £19.6.3 Sterling, it has been paid into the State, and 1/6th of £200 not paid in.
Nicholas Ogden Witness Sworn
Remembers Claimant in New Jersey, his Conduct was Loyal and believes all the Family were so and were ill used for their attachment to Government.
He believes and it is generally believed that he was taken by a Body of American Troops and severely whipped at Bergen. —
Believes his Father died in 1773, he was a Man of Considerable Property in Morris County, he has been on his Father’s Property in Morris County which was the best in the County. —
In 1771 Witness’s Father gave an adjoining Lot to his Brother Samuel and at that time he valued it at £5 p Acre Sterling. Bowlby’s Land was better than his Brother’s. –
Name of claimant Bowlby Edward; Province N Jersey; Claim for Loss of Property £1040.12; Sum Originally Allowed £518; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £518; Sum Already Received £217.4; Balance After Such Receipt £310.16; Final Balance £310.16
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Halifax, 1786
Before Commissioner Dundas
New Claim Shelburne, 23rd June. 1785,
Claim of Edward Bowlby.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12
__________________________
In colonial times Richard Bowlby a native of England, lived in Sussex County, New Jersey. During the American Revolution he joined the Royal Army. Following the war he settled in Annapolis, Nova Scotia. He was father of Thomas Bowlby, an early Justice of the Peace in Norfolk County, Upper Canada. The following is the Claim for Revolutionary War Losses of Richard Bowlby heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Halifax on 23 Feb 1786. (AO 12 Vol. 15 P. 141-146)
To the Honble the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses & Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of Richd Bowlby late of the County of Sussex Province of New Jersey.
Sheweth,
That your Memorialist was uniformly and steadily attached to His Majestys Person, and the British Government, and was opposed to the measures of the American Congress.
That he joined the Royal Army in the year 1777 and rendered them every Service in his power, for the Suppression of the Rebellion, and the Re-establishment of the British Government in America.
That in 1777 he was attainted by a Law of the State of New Jersey for his having joined the British Army, and his Property (an Account & appraisement of which is herewith presented) was confiscated, sold & applied to the use of the State.
That your Memorialist has thereby lost his all and is reduced to great want & distress, and by the unfortunate determination of the Rebellion, he has been obliged to leave his native Country, & has removed to Nova Scotia, in full Confidence that he will then have rendered to him, the benefit of the late Act of Parliament, for the Relief of the American Loyalists. – He prays that you may take his Case into Consideration, in order that he may be enabled under your Report to receive such aid & Relief as his Losses and Services may be found to merit.
(Signed) Richd Bowlby, by his atty Isaac Ogden
An Account and Estimate of the Loss sustained by Richard Bowlby late of Sussex County in the Province of New Jersey vizt
Real Property
A Tract in Sussex County containing 500 acres} Lawful money
With a dwelling House, Barn, Outhouses & 4 Orchards} of New Jersey
With other large Improvements thereon valued at} £2500
Personal Property
800 Bushels of wheat £ 225
200 Bushels of Rye 35
150 Bushels of maize, or Indian Corn 22
200 Bushels of Buck wheat 25
20 Tons of good English Hay 50
2 young Stallions 2 years old, 3 Quars Clam 75
1 Large red Roan, & one large black Roan 80
1 other red Roan Mare 15
2 Bay Horses used in Team 30
1 Large black Mare 35
5 other Horses including three Colts 50
14 Cows 70
4 three years Old Steers 24
8 two years old Heifers 20
8 yearlings 12
1 four Horse Waggon now with Harness complete 20
2 Sleighs with Harness complete 12
1 Mill for cleansing Grain 4
3 Ploughs & 2 Harrows Iron tooth’d 9
1 Sett Carpenters Tools 10
Hoes, Axes, Wedges, Forks, Scythes, Wood Sleds &c 10
Feather Beds 10
1 Sett Curtains 2 Bedsteads & 1 dr. Chairs 10
Brass & Iron Pots & Kettles 4
Wearing apparel 18
4 Tables & 2 black walnut Tables 6
Fire Arms 5
886
Debts
Nathaniel Drake & Reuben Manning’s Mortgage dated
1773 Principal & Interest £238
ditto’s Promissory note, Principal & Interest 17
David Bluts note Principal & Interest 8
Elisha Drake’s note 15.14
John Clynes note 24.9
James Todd’s note assigned to him 17.17
Silas Drake’s note 24.15
345.15
amount in New York Curry £3488.9.4}
Sterling £1942.5.3 } 3731.15
Halifax 23 February 1786
Evidence on the Claim of Richd Bowlby late of Sussex County New Jersey—
Claimant Sworn
Memorial Read
Says he is a Native of England, he came to America 40 years ago, and was settled in Sussex County West Jersey and lived there in 1775; he was a Justice of the Peace under the British Government.
He exerted himself to support the British Government and to prevent the Americans from training or signing associations, until they became too powerful, he was often imprisoned, ill used, threatened, requesting he would Sign their associations – A man drew his hand over one, but it was by force. —
He joined the British at Pennytown in December 1776, he brought 80 Men in with him, all Neighbours, – he was offered a Commission but declined it on Account of his age. He recommended Joseph Lee who got a Captain’s Commission given to him, and assisted Mr Lee in raising Men. —
He has remained with the British ever Since, he was never in any Employment under Government but had Rations & £100 p Annum, he received only half year of this. —
Certificate from Brigadier General Courtland Skinner and Chief Justice Frederick Smith to his Loyalty and Loss of Property. —
Certificate from Major Hollidge to Loyalty and Property. —
Property. 500 Acres of Land in Sussex County New Jersey and his Share of [overplus] Lands as a Proprietor. –
Produces a quit Claim of a Tract of Land left to his Father when in England from his Brothers & Sisters.
The original Quantity was 600 and he purchased in 1765 100 Acres from William Searles in Consideration of £10 – Deed produced. – From these two tracts he sold 139 Acres many years ago.
In February 1775 he bought 41 Acres from Samuel Coleman, (Deed produced) in Consideration of £43 Currency. Says he likewise gave him some sheep.
The purchase from Searles was only to secure Possession of the first 600 Acres. Searles had a Right of Proprietary on 100 Acres of the original 600 Acres.
He built a good House on this Property many years ago, and had cleared near 350 Acres of the Land, it was the best Farm in Sussex County, he values the whole at £5 p acre Currency. – Says he was offered that price for it ten years before the war by Isaac DeBatte.
He lost the Stock on the Farm and a great Quantity of Grain, amounting to £1278.15 as p Account in his affidavit. – 200 Bushels of Grain were sold by the Rebels, some part of the other was in Stack, some in the ground. – all was sold and taken by the Americans.
Produces Office Copy of a Judgement on an Inquisition against Claimant for joining British Army, and Judgement entered in Consequence. —
Certificate from James Evan auditor of accounts that the Real & Personal Estate of Richard Bowlby was Confiscated & Sold in consequence of his joining the Army of Great Britain. —
Certificate from William Bond Commr of Sales to his having sold part of the Personal Estate of Richard Bowlby in July 1778 for £126.6.10. And in March 1779 he sold his Plantation to one McCullagh. —
Certificate from the Governor of New Jersey of William Bond being a Commissioner of Sales.
Phillip Marchinton Sworn,
Says he knew Claimant in Philadelphia before the war, he believes he was a true Loyalist. He believes he was one of the first Farmers in the County where he lives. —
His Brother likewise lived there, but remained in the Country, as his wife & Children were of the Rebel Party, he was a friend to Government. —In 1775 & 1776 he has heard the Claimant declare his attachment to Great Britain. – Believes he is a man of very good Character. —
Abraham Bowlby Son to the Claimant Sworn,
Says he lived with his Father at the time the Troubles broke out, he was a decided Loyalist, and opposed the Committees to the utmost of his Power, and has often seen him ill used for not signing the associations. —
Says that contrary to his Fathers Will, he went to the Musters of the Militia, and when drafted his Father sent him off to Philadelphia. He was with his Father when he joined the British with above 80 Men.
Some of these Men joined Captain Lees Company. – they looked on his Father as their Conductor.
Property. His Fathers Property was 541 3/100 Acres with pretty good Buildings, above 300 Acres were cleared, all of it arable. – He thinks it was worth £5 Currency p Acre, and knows he was offered that for it by a person who could have paid him. —
The Farm was well Stocked and there was a considerable Quantity of Grain on the Farms, there was best part of two Crops in Store, the Commrs sold most part of it. –
No provision was made for his mother. –
When in New Jersey in 1784, he was at his Father’s house, and one Benjamin McCulloch was in possession of the whole Estate, having purchased it at the Sale under Confiscation. —
Thinks his Father left 800 Bushels of wheat at 5p and 200 Bushels of Rye at 6/ per Bushel in Stack. —
Indian Corn &c Confirms the account of Stock &c in the Claim, with the value. —
Richard Bowlsby late of Sussex County
Claim
Amount of Property £1962.5.3
Determination 23d February 1786
Loyalty. Services. The Claimant is a zealous Loyalist and Rendered Services to the British Government
Losses
Real Estate. 500 Acres with House &c in Sussex County 1200
Persl Estate. Various Articles of Personal Property 200
£1400
Debts
States Debts due to him to the Amount of £207 Sterling.
Confiscation & Sale proven
Resides at Annapolis
Name of claimant Bowlby Richard; Province N Jersey; Claim for Loss of Property £1962.5; Sum Originally Allowed £1400; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £1400; Sum Already Received £560; Balance After Such Receipt £840; Final Balance £840
__________________________
Niagara 12th May 1788 Aaron Bradt Sworn,
Says that some years before the War he sold a Lot of 1200 acres of Land near Anthony’s nose to Sir William Johnson, he sold it for £1200 york Currency, and thinks it was well worth that. Sir William paid the Price for it—
Understood that Sir William made over this Estate to some of the Children of Mary Brant.
He thinks that 80 Acres were Cleared and under Improvement—
There was a House and Barn on it – Witness was in that Coutnry since the war and understood that it was sold under Confiscation. —
__________________________
In colonial times John Brown a native of America, lived in Schohary, Albany County, New York. During the American Revolution, he served in Butler’s Rangers at Fort Niagara. Following the war he settled in Niagara Township, Lincoln County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 1 Sep 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 28 P. 108-110)
To the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of John Brown late of Schohary in the County of Albany in the province of New York, But now of Niagara in the Province of Quebec.
Sheweth
That in the late unhappy Troubles he suffered Loss of 500 Acres of Land with a Dwelling house Barn horses horn Cattle Farming Utensils Household Furniture &c to the value of £1500 New York Currency or in Sterling £543.15 –
He therefore prays &c
Evidence on the Claim of John Brown late of Schoharie – New York.
He is a Native of America, Lived at Schoharie Albany County
He declared in Favor of British Govt from first – he joined the British in 1781 – came to Niagara – He was so persecuted he could stay no longer – he was ordered to quit the Country by the Rebels as being a Tory – Served in Butlers Rangers from 1781 to their Discharge.
Produces his Discharge
He had a Lot of 200 Acres bought it many years ago of George Mann, paid £185 for it – It laid in Schohary. Cleared 30 acres, built a house & Barn – values it 1000l
This has been Confiscated and Sold –
He had other Land on Cobus Creek 300 Acres that belonged to his Wife
It was unimproved.
His wife had 100 acres – by her Fathers Will he died 20 years ago—
The other 200 Acres by her Grandfather under his Will he died 30 years ago –
Claimt had never been in possession values this at 20sh per Acre.
Does not know what is become of it.
Lost 2 horses – some cattle – mentions 9 – furniture, Utensils – the Rebels got them.
Knew Claimant – he was in the Rangers. He bought Lands of one Mann on Schoharie River – Heard 200 Acres and that it cost £200 cannot tell how much was cleared.
He had good Horses, and good Cows—
Name of claimant Brown John; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £108; Sum Originally Allowed £30; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £30; Balance After Such Receipt £30; Final Balance £30
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1787
Before Commissioner Pemberton
Sept. 1.
Claim of John Brown, late of Schoharie, New York Prov.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12 with the following marginal notes of the Commissioner:
“Too high—greatly.”
“Is told to get certificate of sale. Case ill supported in evidence.”
__________________________
In colonial times, Philip Buck a native of Germany, lived on the north branch of the Susquehannah River in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. During the American Revolution he served in Butler’s Rangers at Fort Niagara. Following the war Philip Buck settled in Bertie Township, Welland County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 27 Aug 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 40 P. 349-352)
To the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for enquiring into the Losses and Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of Philip Buck Late of Susquhannah River County of Northumberland and Province of Pennsylvania, but now of Niagara in the Province of Quebec. –
Humbly Sheweth,
That your Memorialist at the beginning of the late unhappy disturbances in America was settled on the North Branch of Susquhannah River in Northumberland County and Province of Pennsylvania where he was in possession of a good Farm with Building erected thereon, Live Stock, Household Furniture, Farming utensils &c valued at that time at £275 New York Currency
That understanding Parliament had taken into Consideration the distressed state of the Loyal American Subjects and purpose granting them such Relief as may appear Just and Reasonable in proportion to their Losses
Your Memorialist in behalf of himself and Family humbly prays that you will be pleased to take his Case into your serious Consideration and that you will grant him such Relief as may appear Reasonable – And your Memorialist shall ever pray. –
State of the Effects lost by Philip Buck late of Susquhannah River in the County of Northumberland and Province of Pennsylvania at the time he made his Escape to the British Army in the year 1777. – from which period till the close of the war he served the King in Colo Butler’s Rangers. –
300 Acres Land, Cattle, Corn, Household}
Furniture, Farming utensils &c} £275 New York Currency
Evidence on the Claim of Philip Buck, late of Susquhannah in the Province of Pennsa
Says he was at Niagara in 1783 – Is a Native of Germany, his Parents brought him while an Infant. Lived on Susquhannah, joined in l777 at Fort Stanwix. – Continued in Butler’s Rangers till he was taken Prisoner, he was exchanged to New York In 1778, came from thence to Niagara – Joined the Rangers again. Continued to serve all the War.
He had one fourth Proprietor’s Right on Susquhannah, settled in 1771, paid ten Dollars. –15 acres Clear, built a House, Barn & Barrack. –
Lost 2 Cows, 2 young Creatures, 4 Sheep, 20 Hogs, Furniture, utensils, Grain 100 Bushels. –
Lost Grain, & 20 Hogs by the Rebels when he went away in 1777
The Indians had his other Cattle in 1778. –
His Furniture and utensils were left behind. –
Michael Showers Sworn,
Knew Claimant, he had settled on the Susquhannah. He had 20 or 25 acres Clear and very good Buildings. – He joined the British a year before Witness did. –
Knew his Stock, he was in a pretty good way. – Heard he lost part of his Stock by the Rebels. He lost other Things afterwards by the Indians and Rangers. –
He has suffered very much this War by Imprisonment. –
Post 1st May 1786
Philip Buck late of Susquehana River
Claim
Amount of Property £154.13.9
Determination 7th December 1787
Loyalty. Bore Arms – The Claimant is a Loyalist & Bore Arms in Support of the British Government
Losses.
Real Estate. A Farm on the Susquehanah}
With Improvements} £30
Persl Estate. Various Articles of Persl Property 32
£62
Loss Proved
Resides at Niagara
Name of claimant Philip Buck; Province Pennsyl; Claim for Loss of Property £154.13; Sum Originally Allowed £62; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £62; Balance After Such Receipt £62; Final Balance £62
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1787
Before Commissioner Pemberton
August 27th.
Claim of Philip Buck, late of Susquehana.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12 with the following marginal note of the Commissioner:
“Claim’t a very good man.”
__________________________
In colonial times John Burch a native of England, lived in Passaconk on the east branch of the Delaware River in Ulster County, New York. During the American Revolution he held charge of the Indian stores in the Indian Department at Fort Niagara. Following the war John Burch settled in Stamford Township, Welland County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of Claims at Niagara on 1 Sep 1787. (AO 12 Vol. 28 P. 86-92)
State of the Effects of John Burch late of Passaconk on the East Branch of the Delaware River in County of Ulster Province of New York in 1778 at the time he made his Escape to Niagara.
Improvets on the Lotts at Passaconck Consistg of Dwelling Houses Barns & out Houses with all the Grain Consisting of Wheat Rye Barley Oats Flax and Hay burnt & destroyed by a plundering party in America in 1778 – amount to the sum of—£650
Live Stock Consistg of a Blooded Stallion}
2 Blooded Mare cost £60 & a 2 year old Staln}
& other good Breeding Mare & working}
Horses some Cows & Calves, 40 Sheep 20 hogs} 306
Farming Utensils
& Waggons 20l a 2 Horse Cariole & Engh harness}
£50, 1 pleasure Slay & Harness – } 100
Plows Harrows & other Farmers Tools}
Wearing Apparell & Household Furniture}
Iron Works & other Materials for a Saw &}
Grist Mill seized on the Road by the Americans}
&c &c &c amounting in all to—} 542
New York Currency £1598
3 Horses Loaded with the valuablest Goods in his}
Shop with hard Cash – £80 in York & Jersey Off.}
Money seized by the Americans—} 500
In Conseqce of the above Seizure the persons Conveyg the same were Committed to Albany Goal it being discovd that John Burch had made his Escape to the British his Shop in Albany was seized & the Remr of his Stock in Trade Housed Furniture &c were sold or Destroyed
Sepr 1st
Claimant – sworn—
He is a Native of England – settled in America in 1772 – resided in New York when the Rebellion first broke out. He was prest to Sign an Association which he refused and retired to Albany to avoid it. Having a large propy on the Delaware he went there in 1778 – finding the disturbances increasing he found he could not return to Albany – hearing that Col: Butler was going to make an Attack on the Susqhehana Country, and that he & the Indians wanted provisions – Claimt wrote to Col: Butler that he would bring him a Supply of his own Cattle & such as his Interest would procure from his neighbours – on which Col: Butler sent Lieut McQueen & 2 Indian Chiefs & Claimt came off with 40 of his Neighhours & 136 cattle – From thence he returned to his Estate on the Delaware. The Rebels having Information of the part he had taken came in a large Party surrounded his House & plundered his Effects. He was attacked in this Manner three different times the last he was forced to make his Escape & was fired at – but he escaped into the Woods – from thence he got into the Indian Country and afterwards to Niagara.
He was appointed to the Care of the Indian Stores, he was not able to go out on actual Service but was considered by virtue of his appointmt as being one of the Indian Department.
Now settled near the Falls at Niagara
Capt Watson, Commanding Officer of Niagara, certified to Claimts great Services amongst the Loyalists in the Settlement –
Claimant was possessed of upwards of 8000 Acres on the Delaware – it laid in 3 Tracts, one was called Passaconck where he lived
Purchased at different Times between the years 1773 & beginning of 1775 chiefly of Col. Joannes Hardenburg – the first Cost was upwards of £2500
The Conveyces not having been recorded, the Estate has not been confiscated & Claimt is in Hopes to secure it has Conveyed all Right to Mr James Ellis of Shenectady – & therefore he does not Claim at present, but hopes he may be allowed to apply in Case hereafter it should be lost.
When the Americans attacked his House in 1778 in Consequence of his having Supplied Col: Butler with provisions. They burnt all his Buildings & plundered all his Effects.
Burnt a Dwelling House – 1 New Barn, old Barn – 2 small Dwelling houses inhabited by Tenants.
His Dwelling House was a moderate one, which he built himself, the other buildgs were included in his Purchases – he gave 35l for the old Barn & house & 75 for other Buildings.
They destroyed all his Stocks of all kinds of Grain, he had 200 acres of clear Land & must have had upwards of 50 Acres in Grain.
The grain thus destroyed must have been worth £300 – They destroyed his Furniture, not very valuable – and took his Stock – 1 Blood Stallion Cost £75 – 2 Blood Mares –Cost £60, 1 – 2 year old Stallion worth 35l – 8 Mares working sort – 40 Sheep – 20 Hogs farming Utensils and apparel –
Besides what he lost on his Estate at Passaconch – he lost a Waggon, Cur[ico]le & Slay – They were at different Peoples houses & found out to be his property & seized by the Americans & sold at Vendue.
He had some Goods at Osopus wch was burnt in the fire there, they were going from New York to his Estate at Passconch & were left at Osopus – and some other Goods plundered at Marble Town these 2 Articles were chiefly Linen & Cloathes & furniture
He lost Iron work for a Grist Mill & Saw Mill which had been finished at the Forge worth £50
Lost several Articles at the Mill House, at Woodstock – Lost Tools for japang Tin, Iron & Copper – in which Trade Claimt had been engaged. These Tools were worth above 100 guineas
When Claimt went from New York to Albany in 1775, he set up a Shop there – he set up his Own Trade as Jappanner & Tinman & kept a Store of Dry Goods besides.
After he left Albany in 1778 – he sent 2 persons to fetch off his most valuable propy there – they had 3 Horse Loads – consisting of Shop Goods, Cash to amount of £90, & various Articles – they were seized by the Amns in the Road – they were discovered
to be Claimts & the persons who were conveying them away were sent to Goal –
Says this loss was near £500.
After it was known that Claimt had made his Escape to the British – his Shop in Albany was seized, & all the remainder of his Stock in Trade were taken or made away with many of the articles were sold at vendue. This Loss was between 3, or 400£
Says his Shop Books were lost at the same time so that he will lose Debts due to him upwards of £200.
When Claimt sent Home his first Claim, he thought it most likely that great part of his property at Albany had been saved by his Friends there, & he did not know what was the Amount of the Loss when the persons whom he sent were conveying away his property & it was taken from them – On which Account it was not included in his first Claim.
This Claim is followed by testimonies of Thomas Cumming, David Van Every and Adam Smith under date of September 10 all crossed through but then repeated later in the Commissioners’ Book
Further Evidence in the Case of John Burch, Esq.
Sepr 10th
Knew Claimt remembers his supplying Col: Butler and his party with Provs &c Witness’s Father went with the Cattle by Directions of Claimant – he went with them as far as Ruquaquo where they were delivered to Capt Colwell – His Father was taken prisoner when Mr Burch made his Escape from his House was carried to Goal tried for his Life and condemn’d but was released.
Witness lived at Mr Burches at Passachen remembers the Rebels coming to attack his House – it happen’d 3 times – the Last Time Claimant made his Escape at the risk of his Life – The Houses & Buildgs were destroyed.
Witness made his Escape at the same time most of his Cattle & many of his Effects had been taken away – on the first Attack made upon his House.
Thinks the Grain Destroyed worth £100 – there were 3, or 4 Stacks of Wheat.
Knew his Houses – there were taken the first time – A Stallion – & 2 Mares very valuable – besides others.
Knew that he had propy at different Peoples Houses which were discovered to be his and taken.
He lost Iron Work for a Grist Mill – thinks the prime Cost of this was 40, or 50l Witness himself left it on the road.
Knew of Tin Tools & Jappanning Tools Left at Woodstock – they were found out to be Claimants and taken –
Knew that he had a Shop at Albany and Shop Goods – they were taken at Schoharie discovered to be his, & were sold by the Amn Rebels at vendue – A Cousin of Witness’s was one of the persons employed to carry these Things away – she was sent to Goal on that Account—
Witness was at Albany in 1777 –
Claimant had at that Time Goods in his Shop to considerable Amount—
Says he was a Serjeant in Butlers Rangers. Claimt sent a Letter by Witness to Col: Butlers Rangers that he would supply him with Cattle & with men. Col: Butler sent out an Indian Officer & Witness who accordingly brought off a considerable number of Cattle and men – procured by Mr Burch – they brought off a great many Cattle, alI procured by Mr Burch, either his own or from his Neighbours.
Knew that Claimant had various Effects at the Mill House Woodstock – Witness was the person who put the Things by. His Tools & Mahogany Bedsteads – there were 2 or three Barrels full of Things – The Rebels found out these Things after Mr Burch went away to be his and took them –
He was reckoned a rich Man – Witness heard the Americans got all his Effects – he was told so by many people.
Heard of his loss of 3 horse Loads of goods going from Albany—
Claimt – Produces Afft – Apl 2 1788
From John Lansing sworn at Albany to Claimts property at Passaconik –
Produces Affidt to his property lost at Schoharie on removal from Albany in Augt 1778 by Janet Andrew formerly McClerent who was Servant to Claimant & Employed in moving the Things—
Knew Claimant. Remembers Claimant going with Cattle & Provisions to supply Col. Butler. He carried 29 Cattle of his own. Persuaded his neighbours to send theirs. They went in with 110 Cattle. The party consisted of 50 or 60 people.
Claimant had been very active in getting these people to go. He had wrote to Col. Butler to send People to meet him.
After Claimant’s Return the Americans attacked his House. The first Party was commanded by Capt. Bongun. They took away all they could carry. Heard of his being attacked by other Parties, & that he got out of a Window & made his escape at the
Risk of his Life.
He had some fine English Horses which were taken. Witness understood they afterwards took all his moveables & burnt his Houses.
He had a large Improvement. He had a great Quantity of grain which was burnt. He had one Wagon in the Place, Ploughs, Harness, & a very large assortment of farming Utensils of all kinds, Remembers he had seen Iron Works for a Saw Mill & Grist Mill which were discovered to be his & taken, Heard he lost other things at Albany,
Heard of three persons who were fetching off Claimant’s goods from Albany being seized on the Road in 1778. Witness saw the persons who were seized & understood from them that they were removing Mr. Burch’s things, which were taken & the people sent to Goal.
Heard of Claimt’s Losses when his things were removing from Albany, one of the persons who was removing the things had been his Housekeeper. There were effects to Considerable Amount. Hugh Alexander was one of the persons employed. They were then in number. All were taken & put in Goal.
The Things were taken by the Americans under the Command of an American Col. Butler. Heard of Cash & Shop Goods being taken. He had a Store at Albany. Witness has been there. Witness heard that Everything at Albany which was found out to be Claimant’s was seized.
After Claimant supplied Col. Butler with Provisions scouting Parties went & plundered his house at Papa Conch, they seized all he had. He escaped with difficulty, was near losing his Life. Heard that they fired at him. He had an ExcelIent fine Stallion, a fine Stock of Horses. There was a considerable Stock of grain & Cattle. Witness understood that Everything that could be found was taken or destroyed.
He had considerable farming Utensils.
Witness says Hugh Alexander was prosecuted for having assisted in Carrying off Claimt’s Things & his Property was confiscated on that acct. This Witness Knew himself & saw the things sold.
Witness remembers that Thos. Cornyn who was Overseer of Claimant’s farm was taken up & tried & condemned for having assisted in supplying Col. Butler with Cattle, &c.
Name of claimant Burch John; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £2303.2; Sum Originally Allowed £790; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £790; Balance After Such Receipt £790; Final Balance £790
Proceedings of Loyalist Commissioners
Montreal 1787
Before Commissioner Pemberton
Sept. 1st. and September 10.
Claim of John Burch, late of Ulster Co., New York Prov.
Repeats the evidences in AO 12
__________________________
In colonial times John Butler a native of Connecticut, lived near the Mohawk River in Tryon County, New York. During the American Revolution he was a Deputy Superintendent in the Indian Department then was Lieutenant-Colonel of Butler’s Rangers at Fort Niagara. Following the war he settled in Niagara Township, Lincoln County. The following is his Claim for Revolutionary War Losses heard by the Commissioners of on 15 Mar 1786. (AO 12 Vol. 21 P. 463-480)
To the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament to enquire into the Losses & Services of the American Loyalists
The Memorial of Lieut. Col. Jno Butler at present upon the Kings Service at Niagara in the Province of Quebec.
Sheweth,
That your Memorialist served in the Indian department under Sir William Johnson, the war before last and upon the peace of Paris there being no further occasion for his Services – settled upon a valuable Estate left him by his Father upon the Mohawk River. That upon the commencement of the late War after exerting himself in support of the King’s Government, he was compelled to leave his possessions & Family as early as May 1775, that in the autumn of that year, he was sent by General Carleton to Niagara, intrusted with the direction of the Indian Nations which he conducted tho’ in the most difficult & precarious situation, to the entire satisfaction of his Excellency, who was afterwards pleased to allow your Memorialist to raise a Corps of Rangers first of eight companies with the Rank of Major and afterwards of ten Companies with the rank of Lieut. Colonel which he did completely, & with whom he has often fought the enemy particularly at Wyoming in the year 1778, upon their own terms, where 376 of them fell.
That your Memorialist begs leave to refer to the different commanders in Chief for his zeal, activity and Conduct in the King’s service during the War, particularly to General Carleton and Haldimand, under whom he has served. – That by an Act of the State of New York passed in Octor 1779 your Memorialists person is attainted and his Estate real & personal forfeited to the use of that State, in consequence whereof & being worn out with Fatigue, he & his Family are reduced to a situation which compels him to solicit the aid & throw himself upon the Beneficence of Government.
That he has formed a Schedule of his property so forfeited hereto annexed & an Estimate of its value which he trusts will be found very moderate.
Your Memorialist therefore having incurred a total Loss of his Property in consequence of his Loyalty, humbly prays his case may be taken into Consideration, that under your Report, he may receive such aid or relief as his Losses & Services shall be found to merit.
(Signed) John Butler
by his Attornies
Phyn & Ellice
Account of the Loss sustained by John Butler Esqr by the forfeiture of his Estate in the said Province of New York
His late residence of Butlersbury lying within a Mile of the Mohawk River & 24 miles distant from Schenectady the property contained by an Abstract of his deeds hereunto annexed references being had thereto in the folios noted in the margin.
Acres
Folio 37 a Grant by Letters patent dated in the Year 1735}
by Govr Cosby of New York to his late Father Wr Butler} …….. 1714 3/7
Folio 25 a Deed from Marianne Scott in the year 1752 for her}
Part of the same patent }…..… 1142 6/7
Folio 49 a Deed from Charles Williams in the year 1738 for}
his part of the same patent }.… 571 3/7
No 1 to No 7 Add the allowance for Highways on 3428 4/7}
Acres at 5 p Cent }…… 171 3/7
Folio 8 a Deed from Sir Wm Johnston Bt in 1765 for lands }…… 3600
adjoining }…… 307
Folio 9 a Deed from Barent Wemp ……………………………… 45
Folio} 10 a Deed from Adam Vrooman ………………………… 50
Folio} 12 a Legacy from Thos Butler of his Farm the Newlands… 105
Folio 13 a Deed from Willm Smith, & others……………………. 95
4202
Deduct sold to Sir Wm Johnson Bart…………………… 27
Peter Canyon Esqr …………………………………. 120
Gysbert Vanbroklen……………………………….. 95
John Lynduson…………………………………….. 95
Michael Stotter…………………………………….. 95
John Cruthers……………………………………… 50
Bequeathed by his Father to his Grand Childn}
Mary & Deborah Butler……………………………. 240
[Subtotal]……………………………………………….. 722
Acres [Total]…………………………………………… 3480
Of which 1234 Acres was improved land & the remaining 2246 Acres Wood Land possessed by himself 10 Tenants as under
Improved Wood
By himself………… 335…… 1711
Johannes Kniff……... 56
Johannes Kitt……… 100
Jacobus Kitt………… 50
David Quackenbus….80…… 20
Andrew Wemple….. 100………... 90
Henry Bustard……… 68
Jacobus Bustard……. 50………... 50
Hendrick Vroman…..40………... 60
Philip Shafer……….. 40………... 60
Katolice Mook……... 40………... 60
Casper Cooms……....90……….. 10
Arent Bradt………… 35………... 65
Johannes Trust……..55………... 45
John Davis…………. 25………... 75
John Tinda…………. 50
[Subtotal] 2246
[Added] 1234
[Total] 3480
Marginal note referring to the names above: Tenants upon Leases for their Lives at £8 Current Money or £4.10 Sterling per Ann. for 100 Acres may of the Leases nearly expiring
Estimated Value of the foregoing Possessions with their Appendages – Vizt
1234 Acres of Improved Land at 5£ Curr or 56/3 Ster……... 3470.12.6
2246 Acres of Woodland at 2£ Curr or 22/6 Ster.………….. 2526.15
His own Dwelling House, Barn, outhouses & several other}
Erections £600 Currency…………………………………..} 337.10
5 Tenants Houses, Barns, Barracks & other……………….}
erections at £200 Currency or £112.10 Ster each……..}562.10
3 do at £160 Currency or £90 Ster each……………………} 270
6 do at £100 Currency or £56.5 Ster each………………….} 337.10
Slaves, Stock, Household Furniture &ca
3 Negroe Men at £80 Currency or £45 Sterling………………. 135
1 Negroe Boy at £50 Currency or ……………………………... 28.2.6
25 Horses at £8 or 4.10 Sterling………………………………. 112.10
60 Black Cattle at £3.10 or 19/47 Sterling……………………. 118.2.6
60 Sheep at 8/ or 4/6 Sterling…………………………………... 13.10
45 Hogs at 30/ or 16/10 Sterling……………………………….. 37.19.4
Household Furniture, Waggon, Implements of Husbandry
To of which no particular Account can now be rendered £200.........112.10
[Total]………………………………………………………... 8062.11.10
Detached Property vizt
Abstracted f[or] 69 No 14. 300 Acres of Land in Van Alstins Patent by Deed from
Christo Yates of which 100 Acres were let upon Lease for
three Lives to Peter Quackenbuss at £10 Curr or £5.12.6 sterl.
per annum – vizt
50 Acres Improved at 30/6 Curren. or 15/ Sterling………… 112.10
50 Acres Woodland at 20/ or 11/3 Sterling………………….. 23.2.6
Tenants Houses, Barn, & other Buildings £100 Curr. or ….…….. 56.5
The remaining 200 Acres of Wood Land at 20/ or 11/3 as above. 112.10
9 No 15. 1050 Acres in Kayaderoseras by Deed from Col. Guy
Johnson, of which 300 Acres were sold at 20/ Currency to
Jacob Neave Lucas Veeder & Saml Reynolds the remaining
750 Acres at 20/ Currency or 11/3 Sterling per Acre…………… 421.17.6
50 Acres in the same patent which were sold to Col. Claus
in 1773, but has he had no Deed executed for it before
the war he has been repaid the price £100 Curr. or……………….. 56.5
[Total]……………………………………………………………. 478.2.6
1960 Acres in the Stone Heap patent at 8/ Curr. or 4/6 Sterl…… 441
100 Acres adjoining Johnstons by Lease for ever from Sr Wm }
Johnston to Lucas Veeder which cost with Improvemts £175 Curr} 140.12.6
300 Acres opposite Fort Johnson near the Mohawk River}
of which 100 Acres were sold to Henry Hau, the remaing}
200 Acres of Wood Land at 20/ Currency or 11/3 Sterling}…….. 112.10
65 No 16. 6 Acres in the Township of Schenectady by Deed from}
Isaac Wemp & Arent Bradt in 1737 at £6.10 Curry……………...} 21.18.9
or 3.13.1 ½ Sterling………………………………………………}
2000 Acres in Jessups Township part of an Indian}
purchase made at considerable expence & the purchase}
money paid the Indians by Govr Tryon but the patent}
was not taken out before the War, & his expences with the}
Indians relating thereto}………………………………………….. 45
[Total]…………………………………………………………. 9611.3.1
March 15, 1786
Maurice Morgan Esqr Sworn
Produces a Letter from Sir Guy Carleton to himself of which the following is a Copy, and Mr Morgan says he has within these few days seen Sir Guy Carleton who gave him permission to deliver it here if it could be of any service to Colonel Butler.
April 28, 1786.
Dr Sir,
There is in Gerrard Street Soho, No 25 a Col. John Butler who had always the honor to Command the Indian department (during my Command) where there was danger & difficulty; carried thro’ the business with ability, valor & success when all went smoothly he was ill treated again, and so on while I continued in Canada. I don’t know how I missed seeing him while I was in Town. Be so good as to send for him and make him tell you his story, he is [an] very modest & shy; I shall be much obliged if you will put him in a way of obtaining that attention he deserves.
Your mo. Obedient Servt
Guy Carleton
[To] Mr Morgan
The Memorial is read and confirmed by the Claimant upon Oath.
Produces the following Certificate from Genl Sir Frederick Haldimand, Brig. Genl McLean & Col. Dundas
Having perused a Paper mentioned by Lieut. Col. John Butler to be annexed to a Schedule of his property which has been confiscated by the States of America, containing a Detail of his Services in the Indian Department from the year 1755, during the late War throughout the Rebellion in America, I herby Certify that the particular Services stated in the said Paper to have been p[…] during my Command of his Majestys Forces in Canada, as faithfully set forth, having in the year 1778 Served him […] with the direction and management of the six Indian Nations.
And in Justice to Col. Butler I further Certify that the Testimonies of the Officers who commanded the District of the Upper Country, that it is my Opinion, the decided part which the Six (and consequently the other) Indian Nations took in favor of the Kings Government, was in a great measure effected by the laborious and unremitting exertions of his Influence with that people – and that his Services as well in the Field, as in the management of Indian Affairs having been uniformly Zealous, Brave and Judicious, have deservedly obtained my fullest Testimonies of approbation.
Given under my Hand this 7th day of May 1785 (Signed) Fred. Haldimand
I have attentively perused a paper intended by Lieut. Colonel John Butler to be annexed to a Schedule of his property, which has been Confiscated by the States of America containing a Detail of his Services in the Indian Department from the year 1755 – during the late War and thro’out the Rebellion in America, and I do hereby Certify that the particular services stated in the said Paper to have been performed during the War that Commenced in 1755 are faithfully set forth, having had occasion to be personally acquainted with them from my having served in a Public Character with the Northern Army during the different Commands of Ld Louden General Abercromby and Lord Amherst, & particularly in the year 1759, having served as Quarter Master General to the Army that reduced Niagara under the Command of General Prideaux, where Lieut. Colonel Butler, then served as a Captain in the Indian Department, his services were Conspicuous & meritorious – I do further Certify that I am perfectly acquainted with every part of Lieut. Col. Butlers Conduct during & throughout the Rebellion having met him in the Indian Counties early in July 1775, when I was going in disguise thro’ the Woods to Canada, and having served in the same Army with Col. Butler from July 1775 to 83 – besides having been a Brigadr General Commanding the upper posts, where Lieut. Colonel Butler acted under my immediate Command. Therefore in Justice to Col. Butler, I am certain that the decided part which the six Nations (and consequently) the Indian Nations took in favor of the Kings Government was in a great measure affected by the diligent and unremitting Exertions of his influence with the Indians and that his Services in the Field, as well as in the managemt and that he is justly & deservedly intitled to this Testimony of my fullest approbation.
Given under my hand this 24th day of May 1785.
(Signed) Allan Macklean
I have been acquainted with Lieut Col. Butler in Canada from the year 1777 till Octor 1783 and have always understood that the decided part which the Indian Nations took in favor of the Kings Government was in a great measure owing to his influence with them, and during the time which he had the honor to Command the upper posts as Lieut. Colonel of the Kings [for] 87th Regt and afterwards the Garrison of Niagara & its dependencies, I was an eye witness of that influence, & of his Zeal for his Majesty’s Services.
Given under my hand this 26 Day of May 1785
(Signed) A. Dundas
Says he is a Native of Connecticut but has resided from a Boy in the Province of New York.
When the Troubles commenced he resided in Tryon County and was assistant to Col. Johnson in the Indian Department.
He was settled on his own Estate. Says early in 1775 he was written to by Mr Duane a Member of Congress to take part with them which he refused, & in May 1775 being ordered by Col. Johnson to meet him at the German Flats and finding the Country become very troublesome he left home, & finding by Letters from Mrs Butler that it would not be safe for him to return he did not go home again – He continued throughout the War in the service & until June 1784.
He received the the [sic] of his different Ranks during the time he served, and at present enjoys Half pay of Lieut. Colonel. He has at present 200l a year as an Agent in the Indian Department. Says the first time he began to enlist men was in the fall of 1777 and he completed his Corps in 1778. He had raised full 500 Men.
Property
Col. Butler does not produce any Original Deeds. They are all he says in the Hands of Christopher Yates Esqr of Schenectady who has transmitted him [Lease] notorial Copies which are sworn to before J. H. Wendall Notary Public St. March 11th 1785. The origl he says are left behind lest any accident should happen to them, they not being all recorded – As to 3000 Acres being the Claimants Residences called Butlers Bury on the Mohawk River.
Title
31st December 1735. His Majesty King George the Second by Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Province of New York Granted in Fee to Walter Butler, John Miln, Charles Williams and Marian Scott, a certain Tract of Land on the Mohawk River in the following proportions.
The said Walter Butler…………. 174 3/7}
John Miln………………….. 371 3/7}
Marian Scott………………. 1142 5/7} Acres
Charles Williams…………..578 3/7}
Subject to the yearly Quit Rent of 2/6 Sterling for every hundred Acres. The usual Terms of Settlement and Reversn of Gold and Silver Mines and Timber fit for Masts, Trees and Plank for the Royal Navy –
21st and 22nd August 1738 – By Indenture of Lease and Release the said Charles Williams and Sarah his Wife in Conson of £100 New York Currency Conveyed in Fee to Walter Butler the 578 3/7 Acres Granted by the above mentd Letters Patent –
27th & 28th Novr 1752 – By Indenture of Lease and Release Marian Scott and John Morin Scott in Consideration of £475 New York Currency—Conveyed in Fee to Thomas Butler the 1142 5/7 Acres Granted to the said Marian by the above mentioned Letters Patent—
2d January 1753 – By Indenture of Release the said Thomas Butler in consideration £475 New York Currency Conveyed in Fee to the said Walter Butler the Lands Conveyed to him by the said Marian Scott and John Morin Scott—
Under the said Letters Patent and those Conveyances the said Walter Butler became entitled to 2423 4/7 Acres—
To which the allowce of 5 pr Ct for}
Highways must be added being} 171-5/7
18th March 1760 The said Walter Butler by his will devised to His Grandchildren Maria and Deborah Daughters of his Son Walter Butler decd. His old Farm with […] Containing 240 Acres – He also Devised to his […..] Mary Vanderhyden in Tail 200 Acres of Land in [the] above mentioned Patent, and in Case of her dying without Issue, then to his Daughter Anna in Fee Three Hundred Acres in the said Patent – and by the said Will he devised in Fee to his Son John (the Claimant) all the Residue of his Estate.
27th and 28th April 1763. By Lease and Release William Strachan and Anna his Wife in Consideration of £625 New York Currency Conveyed in Fee to the Claimant the 300 Acres of Land Devised to the said Anne by the last Will and Testament of her Father the said Walter Butler and the 200 Acres devised by the said Will to Mary Vanderhyden who died without Issue.
3d Augt 1763 William Smith Junr and others Owners &c in consideration of 10/ Quit Claimed in Fee to the Claimt all their Right &c to a Tract of Land Granted to Walter Butler dec’d and others –
The Claimant is Intitled of the 2600 Acres after
Deducting the Lands devised to Maria}
And Deborah being……………………} 240 acres
[Total] 3360 out of which he sold to Sir Wm Johnson & others – 482 Acres. —
January 1765. Quit Claim from Sir Wm Johnson Bart to the Claimt in fee for 307 Acres of Land on the North Side of the Mohawk River subject to the yearly Rent of 2/6 Proclamation money for every 100 Acres.
23 March 1742/3 Barent Wemple and Deborah his Wife in Consideration of £30 Current money of New York Convey’d in Fee to Walter Butler a certain piece or parcel of Wood Land in the County of Albany on the North side of the Mohawk River containing [4]5 Acres Subject to the yearly Rent of ¼ New York Currency forever—
This is a part of the Residuary Estate devised by the will of the said Walter Butler to the Claimant.
11th November 1749. Barent, John, and Hendrick Vrooman in order to make Division and Partition of all their Lands in a Patent Granted to John Margaret and Edward Collins on the 4th November 1714 in Consideration of five Shillings Conveyed to their Brother Adam Vrooman 50 Acres of Woodland in the Mohawk Country on the North side of the Mohawk River— And
12 October 1756 – The said Adam Vrooman and Annetie his Wife in Consideration of £55 Current money of New York – Conveyed in Fee to Thomas Butler the said 50 Acres of Wood Land.
8th September 1759 The said Thomas Butler by his last Will and Testament (inter alia) Devised the said 50 Acres to John Butler the Claimant.
By this will he also devised to the Claimant in Fee “His Farm commonly called the New Lands.
Note. The Lands purchased from Marian and John Morin Scott had been before conveyed by the said Thomas Butler to Walter Butler Father to the Claimant.
2d August 1769. William Smith Junr and others – owners and proprietors of the patent of Kayaderoseras in Consideration of 10/ Quit Claimed and Released in Fee to the Claimant, their Right Title Interst and Demand to all or any part of a certain Lot of Land Containing Ninety five Acres within a Patent Granted to Edward Collins and others on the 4th of November 1714.
Says he held in his own Lands 2466 Acres of which 355 were improved.
The remaining 1414 Acres were leased to Tenants and of them 279 were improved.
Says the Terms of the Leases were to hold to hold the Lands free of Rent for the 1st five years after which they were to pay [46] Skipels (ie a Measure of 3 pecks) of wheat pr Annum for every 100 Acres and so in proportion for more or less. This he estimates at £8 Currency or £4.10 Sterling for 100 Acres per Annum wheat rarely being below [….] Skipel Currency.
Says he believes it cost him £3 Currency pr Acre to clear the Land as he did it with his own [….] The Common Price is £4 per Acre – but [if] he charges the Slaves he does not think himself at liberty to rate it so high.
Says the Wood land was purposely reserved in Wood as the Country was settled thickly all round him. He could have settled it 20 years ago but referred keeping it as it was as he foresaw wood would become scarce –
Says he is confident the Land would have sold for as much as he has charged if not more.
Sir Wm Johnson offered him £1000 Currency for this Land in 1772 which he refused. Says he sold none of these parts which he did sell lower than sh45/ and some as high as sh55/ pr Acre witht a Stick out of them –
He built the House himself in 1762 with the Barn and outhouses. He is of opinion in Building the House and fencing about it (all of which he includes in the Charge) cost him full as much as he has charged. –
He had 14 Houses wherein his Tents resided [whi]ch were built by themselves. He thinks they could not have been built for less than he has charged them—
Says the whole 335 Acres was either in Arable Meadow or Pasture. In like measure was the Land mentioned as improved in the Lands of his Tenants. Every one of his Tenants had been on their Farms over the first five years and paid Rents – Some of them had been on the Lands for 20 years, none less than 7.
300 Acres in Van Alstines Patent
24th July 1772 (Christopher Yates in Consideration of £20.2 New York Currency Conveyed in Fee to the Claimant 300 Acres of Land at Canojoharie in the County of Tryon.
Says the Consideration was nominal. His Father was concerned in the origl Patent but his Share was never conveyed till the above Deed was executed –
Says that 100 Acres of this was leased in like manner with the others only that Quackenbuss paid 50 Skipels of wheat Rent instead of 40. The Home Barn &c was built by the Tenant as in the other Cases.
He values this at £1 an Acre less than the former Estate, because he thinks the origl worth of the wood Land was £1 less than in the other Case.
1050 Acres in the Kayaderoseras Patent and 50 Acres more in the same.
Produces a Lease for a year dat: 15 Jany 1770 from Col Guy Johnson for 1050 Acres in the Patent of Kayaderoseras.
Says that Col Johnson was to have given him a Deed for the whole 1100 but he having agreed to sell 50 to Col: Claus it was intended that the Deed for these should be made to him by Col: Johnson. The whole is unimproved.
He sold those 50 Acres for £90 Currency which he has repaid and produces Col: Claus’s Rect for £100 being the principal and part of the Interest due thereon. These 50 Acres lay contiguous to a settled Country, the rest further back.
1960 Acres in the Stone Heap Patent
He has not the Deed for this – Says he was one of the origl Patentees, and refers to Col Guy Johnson and Col. Claus for proof of it.
They lay 22 Miles from Shenectady. He values it so low on acct of its being indifferent Land. Thinks he could have sold it for what he charges.
100 Acres adjoing Johnstown.
Says this was Leased by Sir Wm Johnson to Lucas Veeder. He purchased Veeders Improvements giving him 100 Acres in the Kayederoseras Patent and 100l Currency. Sir Wm Johnson then reserved the Lease to Colo Butler which Lease he had but it has not been sent over to him—Refers to Col: Chew—Says he laid out 50l Currency in the Improvements of it. There were 50 Acres in D[….] and improvement.
200 Acres opposite Fort Johnson.
Says his Father purchased the 300 Acres of John Wemp. The Conveyce has not been sent over. It was unimproved. He sold the 100 Acres for £1 per Acre at which he values it.
6 Acres in the Township of Schenectady –
These were conveyed to his Father by Isaac Wemp and Arent Bradt Patentees in Trust for the Township of Schenectady – and he claims it under his Fathers Will – It was bad Land – fit only for building –
2000 Acres in Jessups Township
For these he charged the Expence he was at in making the purchase and which was never repaid him –
Says the Negroes were taken and sold by the Amns 2 of them ran away from their Masters and came to him in Canada one died soon after, and the other is now his hired Servant. He is certain as to the Numbers of Horses Cattle Sheep and Hogs. The number is greatly within what there was when he left home – but he has made an allowce for what might be used by his Family – He is sure he is within the M[ar]k in his Charge for Loss of Furniture.
Col: Butler is named in the Confiscation Act passed in 1779.
Col: Guy Johnson—Sworn.
Says he believes Col Butler to have been zealously attached to Great Britain. He was employed in the Indian Department.
Says he knew Col Butlers property at Butlersbury. It was near 4000 Acres – a great part was settled and cultivated – Several of the Tenants were settled by Colo Butler’s Father and the Rents were low as all Rents settled [in] old times were – Thinks there must have been above 1000 Acres improved. Thinks the cleared Land was worth £5 or £6 York Currency per Acre—
It was good upland. The wood Land was good and worth from 30/ to sh40/ York Currency per At least 30/ but buildings worth from 7 to £300. There were sevl Tenants Houses which were worth perhaps £100 Cury a piece. —
Knows he had a concern in Van Alstynes Patent
Likewise says he conveyed to him 1050 Acres in the Kayaderoseras Patent on the back part of the 12th Allotment – Thinks them worth upwards of 30/ Cury per Acre—
Knows he had a Share in the Stone Heap Patent values it from 2/ to 10/6 per Acre Sterling
Knows the 100 Acres adjoining Johnstown they were cleared and some Improvemts on them with a House – Thinks them worth from £150 to £200 Currency.
Knew the 200 Acres opposite Fort Johnston. Thinks them worth upwards of 30s/ Currency per Acre—
Has frequently been on Col: Butlers Farm – It was well stocked—
Knew the Tract of 100 Acres adjoining Johnstown which he always understood Col: Butler purchased of a Man to whom Sir Wm Johnson had leased [….] named Veeder—He heard Col: Butler paid [….] for it and he improved it afterwards and built a House there – It was good Land close by the County Town – always estimated it at 40/ Currency per Acre exclusive of the Improvements. —
Has often been at Butlersbury – There were sevl Tenants and the Lands were much Improved. The Land was very good for wheat and Indian Corn but not so good as the Lands at Kingsboro. Cannot speak to the value unless by guess – There was a good House and Farm was well stocked.
Thinks the Tenants Houses must have cost 200l York Currency each or near that. Thinks the Buildings where he lived at a moderate value would be estimated at 6 or £700 Currency—
Col: Daniel Claus Sworn March 23d 1786.
Knew Butlersbury – Is not certain of the quantity but it was a large Tract – There were sevl Tenants upon it – many of them had been there for many years – The Estate appd to be in good Condition – Is not particularly acquainted with the House. Is asked whether he can tell whether there were 200 Acres or 1200 Acres in Cultivation. Says he is not certain – Is asked whether he is able to give any opinion of the value – Says [are on Led] Lands are worth 40/ Cury pr Acre in that Neighbd –
Knows he had 1000 Acres in the Kayaderoseras Patent. Thinks it might be worth 20/ or 25/ Currency per Acre –
Knows he was esteemed to have 3 Lots in Stone Heap Patent. A Lot is 600 Acres. It was worth he thinks abt 10s/ N. Y. Cury pr Acre—The Lands near Johnstown were worth 25/ Acre. He was reckoned to have a Large Stock & had sevl Negroes.
The follg Afft annexed to the Schedule of Col. Butler’s Losses is read vizt
Sir John Johnson Bart being duly sworn deposeth and Saith that he has carefully examined the Estimate or Schedule of the Lands and Persl Property of Lieut Col John Butler hereunto annexed – And that he was for a long time before the Rebellion in America well acquainted with the Situation of all the Tracts of Land contained in the said Estimate or Schedule – And he further deposeth and Saith, that he conceives and verily believes from his knowledge of the said Lands that the several Sums affixed to the said several Tracts of Land are below what the real and true value thereof was at the Commencemt of the Rebellion in America
And this deponent further saith that he was frequently at the dwelling House of Col Butler and well acquainted with his Personal Property and that he verily believes the Account & Estimate thereof contained in the annexed Schedule is just and right and that the several Articles therein mentioned are not estimated above their real value and further Saith not—
(Signed) John Johnson
Sworn before the Commrs of Amn
Claims at their Office, Lincolns Inn
Fields August 19th 1785
(Signed) John Forster Secy
Col. John Butler
Papers
Paper of Information
Cert: negative of Incumbces from Secys office
Cert. of Claims to the Amt of 727.10.6 from Treasy office
Colonel John Butler,
Claim for property in the Western District:
There is a Certificate negative of Mortgages and Judgements from the Clerk of the County of Albany, in the western District – a Certificate from the Secretary of the State – and a Certificate from the Treasurer of the state relative to Debts
The Commissioners of the Western District inform me, that Colonel John Butler had acted an honourable part in remitting large Sums of money to pay his Debts since the war.
NB The Claimants name is to be found in the Certificate of the Commissioners of the Eastern District which negatives the Fact of his having any property in that District, without the Limits of the State of Vermont.
Treasury Office State of New York
It is hereby Certified that there has been paid into the Treasury of the said State on acct of debts due to the forfeited Estate of Lieutenant Colonel John Butler no monies whatever—and it is further Certified that Claims against the said Estate have been exhibited at this office by the following persons, to wit.
By V D Volgen & V. Petten… £497.10.0
Kynies Mynderse…………… 2.17.9
Peter Coyne…………………. 109.10.0
John Citts…………………… 32.8.0
Jacob Citts………………….. 81.10.0
Casper Shottenkirk…………. 3.6.9
[Total] …………………….… £727.10.6
Amounting to Seven hundred and twenty Seven pounds ten Shilling and Six pence New York Currency—
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty third day of August 1786.
Gerard Bancker Treasr
Secretary’s Office of the State of New York
August 21st 1786
I do hereby certify that I have searched the Records of this office as far back as the year 1756, and from that time to the present, have found no Conveyances, Mortgages or other Incumbrance of the Estate late of Col. John Butler attainted by a Law of this State Except at Release Given by him to George Croghan the 29th of December 1769 of one thousand acres of Land situate in a Tract of 47000 Acres on the East side of Ticnudorha River in the County of Albany, of which Tract he the said Butler and 46 others were the original patentees—
Robt Harpur D Secry
Name of claimant Butler Lieut Col John; Province N York; Claim for Loss of Property £9611; Sum Originally Allowed £5400; Total Sum payable under Act of Parliament £5400; Sum already received £2160; Balance After Such Receipt £3240; Final Balance £3240
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