Favorites-From the Pension Applications

Collection of some of our favorites. William Crolius -This is a widow's application for pension and it interesting because it gives some of the hardships suffered by the women. Joel Bower-Joel's story begins with his birth and goes through the War of 1812. He was wounded several times and was in some of the major battles. Thomas Machin-Thomas Machin was known for his part in chaining the Hudson River. His son received a pension, fraudulently, and hired a Fort Plain Attorney to represent him. If you feel you must cheat, don't tell your neighbor what you did. John Winn-A capable leader who accidently killed one of the men under his command. Sarah Osborn-Sarah is a survivor. She went to war with her husband, bore children and cooked, did laundry and serviced the five or so men assigned to her. She lived to be over 100 years. Her descriptions of events and the men are priceless. Henry Myers.-This is another widow's application for pension and it takes place not far from present day St. Johnsville, but on the south side of the Mohawk River. Henry Cool-As you read this pension you might wonder why he made such a point of claiming he was a good and faithful soldier; and then where he was for the rest of the war. If you feel you must cheat, don't tell your neighbor what you did. Joseph DeLong-This poor sod seems to have misplaced a wife.