Morrison's Pensions

Pension Application for Nicholas Smith

S.16252 -- Died 13 December 1845, Town of Lyme, County of Jefferson, NY State.
State of New York
Jefferson County SS.
            On this 11 day of September 1832, personally appeared in open court, before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said county, now sitting, Nicholas Smith a resident of Orleans in said County aged 77 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
            That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
            In 1777, served as a drafted militia man at the taking of Burgoyne under Col. Comb, Capt. John Ogden, don’t recollect the names of his Lieut or Ensign.  Served one month & went home.  In the same year enlisted for 3 months under Capt. Nichoals VanVranken Lieut Carr & Ensign Garnet Clute laid at Albany & assisted in taking of prisoners.
            In 1778 enlisted in the boat service for nine months on the North River under Tuenis Visscher Capt., Sergeant Alden was [paid?] off about the 1st July 1779, received no discharge.  In the spring of 1779 again enlisted in the Board service under Tuenis Visscher & was taken out of said company & put under the command of Capt. Alden went to Fishkill landing, was then discharged after his time was out & went home.
            In 1781 enlisted under Capt. House for nine months.  Lieut Vroman, Sergeant May, William Sowles, adjutant Jellis Fonda, commanded by Col. Willitt.  Served at Fort Plain on the Mohawk River & was discharge in Schenectady.  No regular discharge given to him.
            Says he was in the battle at Johnstown between the American & Indians commanded by Butler, the Indians were defeated & pursued & was present when Butler was shot in the East [West] Canada Creek by a Mohawk Indian called Saucy Nic.”  Saw Butler after he was dead & scalped.  
            Was born in Schenectady in 1755.  Since the Revolution has resided in Saratoga County & now resides in the town of Orleans in the County of Jefferson N.York.  No record of his birth.   Has no documentary evidence & knows of no person whose testimony he can procure [who] can testify to his service.
            He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity except the present; and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.  (Signed with his mark)  Nichoals Smith
            Sworn to, and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.  P. Burchard, Clerk.

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