Pennsylvania Pension Applications

Pennsylvania Pension Applications T HE fourth installment of these pension applications appeared in the last issue of this Magazine (Volume XXVI, No. 3 [1970], 144-161) , to which the interested reader is referred. The pension acts under which such applications were made were: 1. The general Act of 18 March 1818, for the benefit of those surviving veterans of the Revolution who had rendered military or naval service of at least nine consecutive months in an organization on the Continental Establishment. 2. The Act of 1 May 1820, in which all pensioners not in indigent circumstances were dropped from the pension rolls. New applicants had to demonstrate their indigent circumstances. 3. The Act of 7 June 1832, which liberalized the service requirements of previous acts, reducing the term of service from nine consecutive months to an aggregate length of at least six months; extended the benefits of the act to include the service of militia as well as the Continental Line, and deleted the "indigent circumstances" of the previous act. 4. The Act of 4 July 1836, the first act to include widows of veterans who had married prior to the close of the veteran's last war service. 5. The Act of 7 July 1838, providing for widows who had married the veteran prior to 1 January 1794. 6, 7. The Act of 2 February 1848, and the Act of 29 July 1848, which provided for those widows only who married the veteran prior to 1 January 1800. 8. The Act of 3 February 1853, which provided for widows whose marriage to the veteran took place after 1 January 1800. These last acts provided pensions which ran for a term of five years. Continued from time to time by acts of Congress, by the Act of 3 June 1858, they were extended for the life of the widow. Thirteen forms to be filled out by the applicant were established under the 1818, 1820 and 1832 Acts. It is from such of these forms as were found in the original files in the National Archives that Dr. W. F. Wagner, Union County, Pennsylvania, made the original transcripts some thirty years ago, from which the present abstracts have been made. It is recommended that a searcher, interested in a particular application, obtain from the General Services Administration, National Archives 226 Pennsylvania Pension Applications 227 and Records Service, Washington, D.C., photocopies of the original papers in those files. Centre County Pension Applications NICHOLAS SHENEFELT, aged 60, resident in Haines Township, Centre County, on 29 April 1818, personally appeared before Jonathan Walker, President Judge of the 4th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and being duly sworn made the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Con gress entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United States in the Revolutionary war." He declared that he enlisted in Reading, Berks County, in the spring of 1776, in the company commanded by Capt. David Harris of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment;' he contined to serve in said corps or in the service of the United States until taken prisoner by the British in the year 1780, at an attack on a block-house 2 near New York, from whence he made his escape. He was in the battles of Brandywine, Paoli, and at the taking of the Hessians at Trenton, and several other engagements, in one of whom he was wounded in the neck, and he is in reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his country for support, and has no other evidence of said service. /s/ Nicholas (X) Shenefelt On the same day and year afs'd appeared Jacob Hering before the President Judge, abovesaid, and being duly sworn deposeth that he is personally acquainted with Nicholas Shinefelt,' knows him to be a man of truth, and that full confidence may be placed in his oath. /s/ Jacob Hering [Notation on back:] "N. Shenefelt must state the time and manner of his discharge with evidence thereof agreeably to the law." On 25 August 1819, before Abraham Rothermel, Justice of the Peace in and for Northumberland County, personally appeared Peter Felix, and after being sworn: Sais, that he new [knew] Nicholas Shenefelt; Dit inlist in the year 1776; inter Colonel hand's [Col. Edward Hand] Regiment, and sometime after Genela Wayn [General Anthony Wayne] has tukt him to the Block house and there he got wounded; he sais further, that slows [knows] that the Nicholas Shenefelt dit serve upwarts of Tess' Years. [not signed by P. Felix] On 20 September 1819, before Wm. A. Patterson, Justice of the Peace of Mifilin County, appeared Nicholas Shenefelt, an applicant for a pension from the United States, who, being duly sworn, doth say that he enlisted in the army of the United States in the spring of 1776 in Reading, Berks County, in a company commanded by Capt. David Harris, and afterwards was transferred to Capt. William Wilson's company of Rifelemen; that he enlisted for during the war, that he served four years in the 1st Regiment of ', According to Harris's company roll, Shenefelt enlisted in the regiment on 6 June 1776. The regime= had been Colonel William Thompson's Battalion of Riflem.. Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd Series, X, Sal, 541-142. The regiment's service beg. in July, 1776, at Long Island. .For a brief notice of the attack on II July 1780, at ''Block House Point," the present Bergen, This is only one of the variant spellings of his surname in his p.non application. On the rolb of the company it is given as S.6",friL 228 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Pennsylvania until taken prisoner by the British in 1780, in an attack on a block-house near New York, in which deponent was severely wounded in the neck and left on the field; that when deponent had his wounds cured he made his escape from the British; that he was disabled by his wounds and rendered unfit for military duty; that after his escape he never was again mustered, and was never discharged; that he is now disabled in his arms and neck, that he is poor and stands in need of assistance of his country for support. Deponent further states, that he was reported by his Sergeant, for dead, as will appear by the return of said engagement, and also, that those who escaped with him from the British, are dead, to the best of Deponent's knowledge. /s/ Nicholas Shenefelt Machoney Township, Northumberland County, 21 March 1820, Abraham Rothermel certifies that Peter Felix is a Creditable Witness. On 5 February 1820, before Wm. Schooner, Justice of the Peace of Berks County, personally appeared John Shenef elder of the Borough of Reading, Berks County, who on his solemn oath deposeth that he enlisted in the year 1776 for the term of two years in a company commanded by Captain Harris in the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment commanded by Col. Hand; that after some time Captain William Wilson took command of said company, and that he received his discharge on 31 May 1778, signed by Col. James Schambers [Chambers]. That a certain Nicholas Shonefeld was enlisted and belonged to the company commanded by said Captain Harris; that he frequently saw said Nicholas Shenefeldder perform military duty in said Company and Regiment, and that the applicant now applying for a Pension is the same person who served with this Deponent. /s/ John (X) Shonef elder Inscribed on the Roll of Penn's, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on 29 April 1818. Certificate of Pension issued under the Act of 18 March 1818, 13 May 1820, and sent to Hon. Wm. Maclay, H. Reps. U.S. Know all men by these Presents, that I, Nicholas Shenefelt, Pentioner, being one of those entitled to a Pention by act of Congress of 18 March 1818, and a further supplement thereto, passed 1 May 1820, do elect, nominate and appoint My Son John Shenefelt of Township, County and State, aforesaid, My guardian as long as he shall be an inhabitant of Centre County, and I empower him to receive the Pension I am entitled to from the person or persons authorized to pay the same, and after receiving the same, pay or pay it out for vituals and clothing for myself and wife, and pay debts of My Contracting, except spiritous liquors, giving unto the said John Shenefelt my promis to Confirm, in witness wehreof I have set my hand and seal the 29 May 1820. 5 /s/ Nicholas Shenefelt Witness: Jacob Hering George Shenefelt At Court of Common Pleas of the 4th Judicial District on 29 August 1820, personally appeared Nicholas Shenefelt, aged 62, resident of Haim Township, Centre County, who depeseth on oath that he enlisted in 1776 in Reading to serve during the war, in Capt. Harris's company, and as the gunner, marched from Reading to join the Army at Long 4 See ibid., 520-321, for Chambers and Wilson. The latter was promoted captain 2 March 1777. This powcr of attorney and that of 1 April 1822, to his son Henry, pruumably were the docu menu marked .11'• in the widovr Anna Shenefeles application, but are not so indicated in Dr. Wagner's transcript. Probably they were retained by the family until 1218, when they were produced for the widow's application. They ue inserted here for the sake of chronology. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 229 Island; that in 17776 was driven thence by the enemy to New York. Thence to Brandywine, which engagement he was in; proceeded thence to Philadelphia, thence to Valey Forge to winter quarters. The next spring was with the army pursuing the enemy from Philadelphia to New York; he was in the battle of Monmouth, and of the Block House on the Jersey shore in sight of New York. In the last engagement he was wounded in the neck by a musket ball and reported dead by his Sergeant, John McChurly, but was left on the field and taken prisoner by the British who cured him of his wounds, and from whom he escaped. During his service he was always commanded by Gene'l Anthony Wayne. Deponent did follow the trade of brick-making when able, but has not been able for a number of years, and has a wife, aged and frail, and children all of whom have left deponent and are not able to support him. [Schedule of property included a small amount of household furniture, not abstracted by Dr. Wagner, valued at $12.50.] 1 April 1822, I hereby Nominate and appoint my son, Henry Shenefelt of Haim Township, to receive the Pention above mentioned for my use, in room and steat of John Shenefelt, who is about to leave this Country. /s/ Nicholas Shenefelt Witness: Michael Bollinger On 23 October 1838, at Court of Common Pleas for Licking County, State of Ohio, personally appeared Anna Shenefelt, aged 76 years on 3 March last, a resident of Licking County, who on oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 July 1838: That she is the widow of Nicholas Shanefelt, a private in the army of the Revolution in the Pennsylvania line, does not know in what Company and Regiment he belonged; that he enlisted at Reading in Pennsylvania, was under General Wayne, that he was wounded by a Ball Shot through the back part of the neck in the last battle he was in, was taken by the enemy as a prisoner, from whom he afterwards made his escape with three other prisoners, and returned home before his wound was healed. He was placed on the Pension List Roll of Pennsylvania about 1819 or 1820, and drew his pay up to his death of the Agent for paying Pensions at Philadelphia. She was married to Nicholas Shanefelt on 2nd day of January 1786, at Sunbury in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, by Esquire Stofflegattar' she does not recollect of any person being present at the time she was married except the family, the marriage was solemnized at the house of the said Esquire Stoffiegatta; her and Mr. Shanefelt went to the Squires by themselves without the knowledge or consent of her father, he being opposed to her marrying a soldier. She continued to live with the said Nicholas Shanefelt up to the time of his death and bore to hirn eleven children, whose names, with the date of their births, is set forth on the paper marked "A" hereto annexed. Her said husband died in Haynes [Haines] Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania on 5 November 1826, 8 that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service. She further states there was a family record kept by her husband, in which the time of their marriage was set down, but she has not now any knowledge of it, nor does she know of any public record by which she can establish that fact. /s/ Anna (X) Shanefelt Shenefelt is confused here; the battle on Long Island was in August, 1776. This name is as given in Dr. Wagner's transcript. He does not appear in Northumberland County Ibid., XIX, 723. In she 1790 tot lists. The Shenefelts were rated in Augusta Township in 1787. Census for Pennsylvania they were m Buff aloe Township. Nicholas's household included 2 males under 16 and 3 f emales, beside himself. Llis dace of death is given as 30 Aupasc 1823, in ibid., XXIII, 552! 230 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine On 23 October 1838, also personally appeared in open Court John Shanefelt of said Licking County, who being duly sworn deposeth that he is now forty-five years of age, that he knows the said Anna Shanefelt to be the identical person she represents herself to be, that she and said Nicholas Shanefelt, since his earliest recollection have been reputed as husband and wife; that their children, together with the date of their several births, as also the time of the birth of said Nicholas and Arma Shanefelt, and the time of their marriage, was taken by him, the affiant, about twenty years ago, from the original family record kept by his father, the said Nicholas Shanefelt, and which has ever since been kept in his, the affiant's possession. He further states that he knows his said father was a Revolutionary Pensioner on the Pension Roll, thinks he was placed on the Roll about 1820, and that he died 5 November 1826; that the papers marked "B" also hereto annexed, was originally executed to him by his said father, and subsequently to his Brother, Henry Shanefelt. /s/ John Shenefelt Before M. M. Caller, Justice of the Peace for Licking County, Ohio, came John Webber on 23 October 1838, and being duly sworn deposeth that he is now 28 years of age, and that from his boyhood he has been well acquainted with Nicholas Shanefelt, late of Centre County, Pennsylvania, up to the time of his death, which took place about twelve years since. He knows he was on the Pension Roll of the United States. Witness also states he was well acquainted with Anna Shanefelt, now present, and knows her to be the widow of the said Nicholas Shanefelt, and that she has not been married since his death. Witness also states that he is well acquainted with the children whose names are set forth on the paper marked "A" hereto annexed. /s/ John Webber Anno Domini, 1758, March the 1 1 th was Nicholas Shenefelt Born. Anno D. 1762, March the 0th was Army Shenefelt Born. 1786, January the 2th was the above named parsons Married. A.D. A.D. 1786, September the 7, was Sammy Shenefelt, Born. A.D. 1788, the 25th of February was Keate Shenefelt, Born. A.D. 1789, September the 19th was John Shenefelt, Born. A.D. 1791, January the 21th was Mary Shenefelt, Born. A.D. 1792, August 10th was George Shenefelt, Porn. A.D. 1794, January 22th was William Shenefelt, Bourn. A.D. 1797, January the 22th was Elesabeth Shenefelt, Bourn. A.D. 1799, February the 3th was Nicholas Shenefelt Bourn. A.D. 1801, 26 March—was Michael Shenefelt, Bourn A.D. 1802, 28 October — was Henry Shenefelt, Born. A.D. 1804, 18 May—was Anosy[?] Shenefelt, Born. Anna Shenefelt, widow of Nicholas Shenefelt, dec'd, who was a pensioner under the act of 1818, and who died on 5 November 1826, of Licking County, Ohio, inscribed on the Roll of Cincinnatti, at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum, to commence on 4 March 1836, under the Act of 7 July 1838. Certificate of Pension issued 28 April 1840, and sent to Hon. Jonathan Taylor, H. Reps. [File: W 4798] On 5 June 1843, before S. B. Clark, Justice of the Peace for Seneca County, Ohio, appeared Anna Shenefelt, resident of Clinton Township in Seneca County, aforesaid, aged 84 years, who 055 her oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit Pennsylvania Pension Applications 231 of the Act of 3 March 1843,° granting pensions to widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary war: She is the widow of Nicholas Shenefelt, dec'd, who was a private in Capt. Hand's company [sir] under General Wayne; that said Nicholas Shenefelt died about eighteen years ago, and received from the United States a yearly pension of Eighty dollars for five years or thereabouts next proceeding his death. She also declares that she received the annual amount of Eighty dollars pension under the act of 7 July 1838, and that she has ever been, since the death of the said Nicholas, and now is a widow. She cannot more fully state the regiment or Corpse in which her husband served in the war. /s/ Anna (X) Shenefelt J. L. Edwards, Esq'r. 19 May 1843 Dear Sir'. Anna Shenefelt helth is so poor for three months past, and there is no sings [signs] of it getting Better as yet, that she can not Remember that wich [which] is past correctly, therefore if you will have the goodness to transscrib [sic] in a letter to me that part of Nicholas Shenefelt's Certificate wich states the regiment and Corps he belonged to, it would inable her to avale herself of Pension act 3rd of March by Congress. /s/ John Shenefele Tiffin, Seneca County • ,,. ,,. • • • GIDEON SMITH, aged 81, resident of Baldeagle Township, Centre County, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county, and on oath made the following declaration to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 June 1832: He entered the service of the United States in 1776, with Captain Stephen Cochrane of the militia of Pennsylvania, in the Regiment or rather Battalion of Col. Wm. Montgomery." The claimant lived in West Fallowfield township, Chester County, Pa., and on a draft of the militia being made, he on or about 1 July 1776, in consequence of orders issued by Col. Wm. Montgomery, and an additional order from Capt. Stephen Cochrane, the claimant paraded in the company to which he belonged, at the house of Col. Montgomery. Several other companies also paraded, and marched under the command of Col. Montgomery, Lt. Gal. Evans, Major Mackey," to Philadelphia, thence to Trenton, thence to Princeton, thence to Perth Amboy, and thence to a place called the "blazing Star" opposite Staten Island. At the latter place the British army had encamped. The claimant remained on duty with his company until the expiration of the time for which he and they were drafted, viz., two months. At the end of that time the company and the Battalion was discharged. He did not receive a personal discharge, neither did any member of the company to his knowledge; the discharge was general. He remembers the names of some of the officers in the other companies of the Battalion: Captain John Kinkaid, Capt. Jno. McDowell, Lt. James Boyd, 2nd Lt. Archibald This act possibly was a renewal act for continuing pensions of vAdows. Dr. Wagner nom that Anna Shenefelt also made a declaration in 1848, when dm was a resident of York Township, Sandusky County, Ohio, where she was probably living with one of her children. He did not abstract it, since he said it added nothing new to the mord. Few complete rolls for the Flying Camp have survived, and none for Captain Cochran's company, hut see ibid., l ila Series, V, 842-843, for undated lists showing Cochran as a captain, and Montgomery's battahon officers. 55 These were probably Evan Evans and David Mackey, in 1777 of the Second Battalion of Chester County militia. Ibid., Sod Series, XIV, 83. 232 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Dysert.n The name of the 1st Lieutenant of the claimant's company was Wm. Haslet, 2nd Lieutenant, Thomas Love, Ensign, Archibald Fleming. When at the "Blazing Star" opposite Staten Island the American troops were reviewed twice by General Robertdeaux [Roberdeau] who was in command. On the claimant's return home, between Christmas day of 1776, and 1 January 1777, the company commanded by Captain Cochrane, aforesaid, and the remaining companies of Col. Montgomery's Battalion, then under the command of Lt. Col. Evans — Col. Montgomery having been appointed to the Flying camp, again were called into service, and marched from the place of parade, viz., at Wilmington in Delaware, thence by water to Philadelphia, where Captain Cochrane and Lt. Col. Evans took sick. The command of the company devolved on 1st Lt. Haslet, and the command of the Battalion on Major BelLia who supplied the place of Major Mackey. They proceeded to Burlington, and after some delay at Burlington, part of the Battalion having been engaged in the attack upon Trenton, but not the company to which the claimant belonged, it having been detailed to receive some released American prisoners at Burlington sent under a British guard, the Battalion marched to Trenton, from thence to Morristown, where we remained encamped, under command of General Washington, until our time expired, viz., two months. At the latter place the claimant remembers seeing General Mifflin. The claimant further says, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot recollect the names of any other officers, except those of the Battalion to which he belonged. The Battalion was discharged generally, and the claimant did not receive a special or personal discharge. He knows of no person or persons living, who can prove the services set forth in the foregoing declaration. Again, about the last of June 1777, the claimant marched again on a tour of militia duty under Capt. Gilbert Gibb. The company paraded at the house of a certain Philip Dougherty in Chester County, and from thence marched to Old Chester, where the Battalion paraded under the command of Col. James Hanums, the Lt. Colonel's name not recollected, and Major Hartman. The 1st Lieutenant of the company was Andrew Wilson, 2nd lieutenant not recollected, Ensign Thomas Hope.. From old Chester we marched to Fort Billingsport in New Jersey, about five miles below Mud Island and below Red Bank about the same distance. The Battalion was employed in working at and strengthening the works of the Fort, in conjunction with three other Battalions, one from Philadelphia under Col. Bradford, another from Philadelphia, and another from Bucks County." The whole was under the command of General Potter. At the expiration of their time, viz., two months, the Battalion and Company to which the claimant belonged, and in which he done service, was discharged. The discharge was general, and he did not receive a personal discharge. I was born in Chester County, West Fallowfield township, on 28 May 1752. I have no record of my age at present, but I have of ten seen it in my early life in my father's large Bible. I was living in the township and county of my bath when called into service each time. I have since lived in Cumberland County and Philadelphia City 12 For these officen in 1777, see ibid., 81-84. 15 Ncither of these have been positively identified. 54 For the active duty roll, Is June 1777, see ibid., 75-76. 1.8 For the retunn of those at Billingsport, see "The Pennsylvania Militia in 1777," Geneatogia Magazine (PGM), )0C111 (No. 1, 19641, 174. Pebbiyibabla Pennsylvania Pension Applications 233 where I followed my trade, in Lancaster County, in York County," in Northumberland County, and the last 17 years in this (Centre) county in the township of Baldeagle. He is known to William Perron, Jonathan Delong, Samuel Hays, and other neighbors who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his service as a soldier in the Revolution. He is also known to the Reverend Daniel Barbar of whose church he is a member in full communion, but the latter gentleman has but recently come to the neighborhood, and the claimant believes he knows nothing of his reputation as a soldier of the Revolution. Is/ Gideon Smith [The signed affidavit of David Allen and John Elder, Jr., residing in Baldeagle Township, Centre County, not abstracted by Dr. Wagner.] Deposition of the Reverend D. M. Barbor, Pastor of the Grate Island Congregation, taken this day before me: Q. first: Do you know Gideon Smith and how long? Answer: About four years since I took charge of the Congregation of which he is a member; from that time I have been personally acquainted with him; he was a Member in good standing and in full communion in the Church, and I understand from the previous pasturer [sic] that he had been a Member for a number of years, and I believe Mr. Smith to be a man of veracity. Ques. 2: Have you read his Declaration? Answer: Yes; and have Reason to believe it is correct all through. My recent acquaintance with him prevents me from having any knowledge of him as a Revolutionary soldier. /s/ D. M. Barber Sworn and subscribed this 25th day of April 1833, before me, David Allen. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a under the Act of 7 June 1832, at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum, to commence 4 March 1831. Certificate of Pension issued 20 May 1833, and sent to Henry Petrikin, Bellefonte, Pa. [File: S 22515] J. L. Edwards, Esq. Bellefonte, 26 May 1837 Dear Sir: I return you the papers of Gideon Smith with the note of Proty. Buchanan and Justice Welch, stating that they were present and saw Gideon Smith sign the Certificate, &c. If this is not sufficient, please inform me what I must do to satisfy your honour that the signature is genuine. Wm. W. Potter, Esq. is attending the Supreme Court at Harrisburg, and H. Petrikin, Esq. is also from Home or I would have their Signatures also. I will, however, address a note to Mr. P. at Harrisburg, requesting him to write you. Yours, /s/ Jas. Gilliland J. L. Edwards, Esq. Bellefonte, 2 June 1837 Sir: Your note of the 23 Ult. addressed to Jas. Gilliland, Esq. in which you assert that "the Signature purporting to be that of Gideon Smith, a pensioner under the act of 7 June 1832, is not genuine," has been shown to us, — we cannot avow expressing our astonishment at so sweeping a charge of Forgery and imputation of Perjury on the part of the vouchers, and acquiescence on the part of the Proth'y of our Court. Advanced age and parylitic affection has produced a change in the hand-writing of Gideon Smith; this ' 0 Gideon Smith was probably the son of James Smith, rated in 07. Fallowneld Township in 1765 on 100 acres and livestock. In 1781 and 1782, Gdeon was rated Lurgan Township, Cumberland Co., on 50 and then 80 acres of land. Mid., led Series, X.1, 40; XX, 446, 660. In 1790 he was in Monaghan Township, York Co., with a household of 4 males under 16, 1 female, and 1 free person beside himself. 234 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine and this alone, is the only wanting "genuineness" in the signature. Your Obed. Serv'ts /s/ William W. Potter H. Petrikin N.B. I beg leave to add, that Mr. Potter is the Member of Congress elect from Centre, Mifflin and Huntingdon Counties, to the next Congress. /s/ H. P. [Dr. Wagner notes that there are a number of statements in Smith's file of the Comptroller, A. X.. Parris, showing that Smith was paid his pension at the Treasury Dept from 4 March 1834, to 4 March 1835; from 4 March 1837, to 4 September 1837. The latest payment was made 31 August 1838, which was perhaps the date of his death.] ADAM SONDAY, aged about 68, resident of Gregg Township, Centre County, on 27 August 1832, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county and on oath made the following declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7 June 1832: He enlisted in the army of the United States in August, 1781, with Captain Jacob Bower, and served in the 2nd Regiment, Pennsylvania line, under the following officers: Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, Col. Craig, Majors Hamilton and Edwards, Captain Jacob Bowers and 1st Lt. Mackey. He was enlisted by recruiting Sergeants Michael Einigh and John Goodman, and was a resident of Pettle [Bethel] township, Berks County when he enlisted in said township, about fifteen miles from the Town of Reading. He was enlisted to serve for the term of Eighteen months?' A few days after his enlistment he was marched to the town of Reading and joined the company commanded by Captain Jacob Bowers. From thence, with others, he was marched to Philadelphia, and soon after arriving there, took passage on board a vessel and was landed at Christine Bridge. From thence they marched over-land to Elkton in Maryland; from thence by water, and landed near to Yorktown in Virginia. One or two other companies of Regular troops left Philadelphia for the same destination at the same time. Deponent recollects one of these companies was commanded by a Captain Christy.. After landing near Yorktown, Captain Bower's company was united with the 2nd Regiment of the Pennsylvania line, commanded by Col. Craig and Majors Hamilton and Edwards. The first company of said regiment was commanded by a Captain Henderson or Anderson; the 2nd company by Capt. Jacob Bower, aforesaid; the 3rd company by Captain Lusk; the 4th company by Capt. Zseland. The 5th company, the Captain's name he does not recollect, but he remembers the names of two other Captains belonging to the Regiment: Baker and Ludsberry. The 2nd Regiment, with others, was under the command of Brigadier General Wayne. After landing near Yorktown, the deponent was immediately engaged in active service in aiding, as a soldier, to beseige Yorktown, then in possession of the British under Lord Cornwallis. He continued actively engaged in the performance of all the duties belonging to a soldier until the surrender of the whole British troops engaged in the defense of Yorktown; this took place on 19 October 1781. Soon after the surrender, a portion of the army was detailed for service in the "Foe a list of the 18-months men ''who marched in Col. Craig's detachment," no ibid., 2nd Seites, X, 382-390. As expla,ned in the note subjo:ned to this list, these men were recruited for the southern campaign. The officers were from V26.0113 units: Col. Thomas Craig from the Third Pennsylvania; Major James Hamilton from the Second Pennsylvania; Evm Edwards from the New Eleventh. Ibid., 447, 403: XI, 47. 15 This was James Christie, for whom see ibid.. X, 446. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 235 south, commanded in Chief by General Green [Greene], but the Regiment to which this deponent belonged, with others, was under General Wayne. This detachment marched from Yorktown, thence to Williamsburg, thence to Richmond, thence to Petersburg, thence through North Carolina to Camden ha South Carolina; thence to Jacksonburg, thence to a place about 10 or 12 miles above Charleston, called Ashley hill river, as the deponent believes, where the army encamped and remained about 12 months." About two months after the encampment, the Brigade under General Wayne, was ordered to the neighborhood of Savannah to disperse some irregular forces, consisting of British, Indians and Tories. The Regiment and company to which deponent belonged, were among those dispatched on that particular duty, and the deponent marched with his company. After performing the service required, the Brigade returned to the encampment, where this deponent remained until near the expiration of his enlistment, or perhaps until the full time had expired. After orders had been received to march the Pennsylvania line home, or after it had been determined to break up the encampment, the troops were drawn up in rank, and as many of them, unaccustomed to a Southern climate, had been sick, and remained debilitated from fevers and agues, the Physician belonging to the Regiment (whose name the deponent forgets) passed along the front of the line and selected such of the soldiers of each company as he thought unfit, from sickness and debility, to endure the fatigue of marching. Among others, this deponent and Captain Lusk had to remain, and did remain for two or three months until able to direct their steps homeward. The deponent returned home to Berks County after a service including the time he remained sick, of about 21 months. He then called on Captain Bowers who resided in Reading, and received his discharge from the service. This paper the deponent took in person to Philadelphia, as he was directed by Captain Bower, and called on an officer in the service of the United States, whose name and rank he cannot recollect, but who, on presentation of the discharge signed by Captain Bower, gave this deponent a certificate for the arrearages of pay due hien for his services. This certificate the deponent sold at a great discount. His discharge he left in the hands of the officer who gave him the certificate for arrearages of pay. The deponent should have before stated that Col. Craig, before the detachment marched South to Yorktown, returned home, and the Regiment, on the march and afterwards, was under the command of Majors Hamilton and Edwards. He also recollects that Col. [Walter] Stewart commanded the 1st Regiment, and marched to the South in command of the same. Colonel Minches [Francis Mentges?] commanded the 3rd Regiment. These regiments were also of the Pennsylvania line. General [Arthur] St. Clair, the deponent recollects, was one of the Regular Offices, who marched with the detachment to the south. General La Fayette the deponent well recollects, as also Count De Grasse, the French Admiral; also Col. [Daniel] Morgan, in command of a regiment of Riflemen. He also remembers a Captain Picketts, a regular officer. He thinks it unnecessary to state that he remembers, and shall while he lives, the immortal General George Washington. This deponent has no documentary evidence to prove the above facts, except the 19 They had arrived by the end of February. Ipso, when Colonel Craig reported on the deserters under his command. He pointed out that the men had not been supplied with adequate clothing before marching, that the "Season was eutrearoly severe, many of them without Shoes or Stockings," and that the country through which they passed "afforded them but indifferent supplies." /bid., Its' Senes) IX, 503. 236 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine deposition, attached to this declaration, of Godfrey Settlenuer, taken on 17 March 1829, before the Honorable Jacob Kryder. It may be proper to state that said Godfrey Settlemier was enlisted in Captain Jacob Bower's company, but after arriving at Yorktown, was transferred to Capt. Zeeland's company." He does not know that Godfrey Settlemier is now living, or where he at present resides. He will name for the information of the proper officer, a number of his fellow soldiers, belonging to, or did belong to Captain Bower's company: David Billman, John McNaughly, John Shorb, George Morgan, John Krener, George Herring, Jacob Hetrick, Cornelius Hoffman, Adam Koch, one Cooley, Eighorn, Brandt, Peacock, 2' and he might name a number of others. The orderly Sergeant was one Dormn. His name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State except on the pension list of the State of Pennsylvania, he being allowed by the Legislature of his native State forty dollars per year for his services as a soldier during the Revolution. /s/ Adam Sonday To Whom this may Come On 17 March 1829, personally appeared before me Jacob Kryder, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, Godfrey Settlemier of Cambria County in said State, and on his oath deposeth that a certain Adam Sonday of Gregg Township, Centre County, enlisted with this deponent in the United States army about August, 1781; they both enlisted in the company of Captain Jacob Bower in the 2nd Rweiment under General Anthony Wayne; that the said Sonday served out the full time of Eighteen months for which he was enlisted. /s/ Godfrey (X) Settlemier Certificate of Pension issued 15 March 1833, and sent to Mr. Petrikin, Bellefonte. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a, under the Act of 7 June 1832, at the rate of 60 Dollars per annum, to commence 4 March 1831. Bellefonte, 15 April 1838 Dear Sir: Inclosed you will receive the papers of Adam Sonday, a soldier of the Revolution. Two years pension remain unpaid. Sometime last spring (say the last of April or beginning of May) I drew out the necessary papers for Sonday, and transmitted the evidence of identity to the Department. Soon after I received notice from the Department, that the directions had been given the agent at Philadelphia to pay. A power of Attorney regularly executed was presented to the agent by Mr. Len of Philadelphia, the attorney, and payment was refused on the ground that the evidence of identity ought to have been sent to the agent and not to Washington. Now I do not so understand the printed directions of the Department. I will further state, that Sonday lives 17 miles or thereabouts from Bellefonte, and when his papers are to be made out he has to walk to town. He is aged and feeble and can hardly make out to walk the distance mentioned more than once a year, and when he learned by letter from me the non-payment by the agent, he concluded to wait another year, and a friend in his neighborhood advanced him money. This will explain to you why two years are due. Please notify me of the receipt of the enclosed. Mr. Potter, Mem of Congress, if 20 0n the list of 18-months men, noted above, Settlenier is marked as entered in Capt. William Lath's company, and "deserted 25 October 1781.' Captain Zeeland is probably David Ziegler of the Pint Pennsylvania. Ibid., X, 321. 22 Of these, only Billman, Shorb (Sharp), Hetrick and Philip Eighorn were on the his of 15months men. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 237 called on, or can see this letter, will be able to explain Sunday's inability to visit the seat of justice very frequently. He knows him well. I am with great respect yours, &c. /s/ H. Petrikin. [Apparently addressed to J. L. Edwards, Com'r of Pensions] Bellefonte, 4 Dec'r. Hon'ble Jno. L. Edwards Sir: Adam Sunday, a Soldier of the Revolution, and at present a pensioner of the United States on the Pension Roll of the Penn'a Line, desires me to ask whether he is or is not entitled to Bounty Land in consideration of his services. He informs me he never has received land, or any Patent for any, in any State or Territory. John Marsden,n also a pensioner, is now deceased, and has left a widow; does she come under the provisions of the late act, if so, be pleased to send me the necessary forms in her case, so that she may make application. Very respectfully your Obed't Serv't, /s/ Geo. Buchanan Spring Mills, Pa. 4 Sept. 1850 Hon'ble J. L. Edwards Sir: Your favor of 14 June last was duly rec'd. I now desire to correct an error or oversight respecting Adam Sunday, you say, "It does not appear that Adam Sunday ever applied here for a pension, and having nothing of the character of his services, I cannot say whether he is entitled to Bounty Land or not." The fact is, Adam Sunday is now, and has been a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832,— his certificate is signed by Mr. Cass, then Secretary of War, and is dated 15 March 1833, countersigned by yourself, entitling him to a pension of $60 per annum. He served to the close of the war, and was at the surrender of Cornwallis. I deem this statement necessary on account of Isis wife, who may survive bins, for he is very aged and cannot live long. Whether his service entitles him to Bounty Land or not, I cannot say, but it appears to me, that you made some deciion respecting him 3 or 4 years ago, in a letter to me which I have unfortunately mislaid, and to which I respectfully refer you. I remain, Very respectfully your Obed't Serv't /s/ Geo. Buchanan On 23 January 1856, personally appeared before me, George Buchanan, a Justice of the Peace for Centre County, Mary E. Sunday, aged 82, resident of Centre County, who being duly sworn declares she is the widow of Adam Sunday, late of said County, dec'd, who was a soldier of else war of the Revolution, served his country in actual service in said war, was honorably discharged after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and became a pensioner of the United States, and also of the State of Penn'a, up to the period of his decease. She was married to said Adam Sunday in Berks County on or about I December 1789, by Gideon Moyer, then Justice of the Peace for Berks County, and that her name before her marriage was Mary E. MinickP Her said husband died in Centre County on 24 April 1855, aged 90 years, and she now remains his widow. She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land, to which she may be entitled under the "Act approved 3 March 1855." She further declares that she has never received a Land Warrant, under this or any other law, and authorizes George Buchanan of Centre County to receive her warrent. /s/ Mary E. (X) Sonday 2, For Marsden's pension applkation see this Magazine, 3000I (No. 2, 1969), 98. 88 Various spellings of this surname are Minich, Minnick, Minigh, 23 8 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine We, William Grove, aged 56, and Daniel Breon, aged 53, residents of Centre County, upon our oaths declare that the within and foregoing declaration was signed by Mary E. Sunday in our presence, and we further declare that we well knew Adam Sunday in his lifetime; that he and Mary E. Sunday lived and cohabited as man and wife up to the time of his decease in 1855; that we have known them both for twenty years as man and wife, and are so reputed by the neighborhood in which they lived. We believe that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. /s/ William Grove Daniel Breon Spring Mills, Pa., 4 Feb'y 1856 The Hon'ble J. Minot, Com'r of Pensions Sir: Enclosed I hand you the application of Mary E. Sunday, widow of Adam Sunday, dec'd, an old soldier of the war of the Revolution, for Bounty Land. By reference to the files of your office, you will find a letter from Mr. Edwards to me, in which he says, "that Adam Sunday, having enlisted for 18 mos, and not for and during the war, was not entitled to receive Land after his discharge," and therefore did not get any in his lifetime. His widow is also entitled to a pension, be kind enough to send me the necessary forms for her to make application, &c. I will only say, that Adam Sunday was on his death-bed, after the passage of the Act of 3 March 1855, and of course could not apply. Very respectfully, your Obed't Serv't, /s/ Geo. Buchanan On 23 April 1856, before me, George Buchanan, Justice of the Peace for Centre County, personally appeared Mary E. Sunday, aged 81, who made the following declaration on oath in order to obtain the benefit of the second section of the act of Congress of 5 February 1853, entitled "An Act granting pensions to certain widows." She is the widow of Adam Sunday, a pensioner of the United States who served in the war of the Revolution; his Certificate of Pension was surrendered to the agent of the United States for paying pensions, in September last past, when she drew the arrears of pension due him at Philadelphia. [Here follows a repetition of the facts set out in her declaration made in January, with nothing new added.] Witness: William Zerby /s/ Mary E. (X) Sunday On 30 April 1856, before me John Rishel, a Justice of the Peace for Centre County, George Buchanan, aged 59, who being duly sworn, declares that he was well acquainted with the late Adam Sunday, dec'd, in his life time, and knew him for a period of 25 years or thereabouts; that he also knows his widow, Mary E., now living, and that they lived and cohabited together as man and wife, from the time this deponent knew them, up to the time of his decease, and were reputed as such in the neighborhood; that they have one child now living; that Adam Sunday died 24 April last, 1855, and that Mary E. remains his widow. This deponent further states that Adam Sunday was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of sixty dollars per annum, and also a pensioner of Pennsylvania at the rate of forty dollars per annum, and that said Mary E. is now a pensioner of the said State of Penn's, in right of her said deceased husband, at the rate of forty dollars. /s/ Geo. Buchanan [A duplicate deposition to the above, was made 23 April 1856, before George Buchanan, by Daniel Breon, not transtribed by Dr. Wagner.] On 30 April 1856, George B. Weaver, Prothonotary of Common Pleas Court of Centre County, certifies that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court, to Pennsylvania Pension Applications 239 wit: at August term last, that Adam Sonday was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of sixty dollars per annum, was a resident of Centre County, and died in Centre County on 24 April 1855; that he left a widow Mary Elizabeth Sonday, and I further certify that George Buchanan and John Rishel are duly qualified Justices of the Peace. [An additional declaration made by Mary E. Sonday before George Buchanan on 30 July 1856, in order to obtain the benefit of the Oct of Congress of 3 February 1853, with two affidavits by witnesses, etc., which follows the same formula as above, was not transcribed by Dr. Wagner. There are also a number of letters in connection with her claim "of no historical importance," which were not transcribed by him.] Certificate of Pension issued 27 September 1856, and sent to George Buchanan, Spring Mills, Pa. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 60 dollars per annum, under the act of 3 February 1853, to commence 24 April 1855, [the date of her husband's death. File: W 26495. BLWt 46943-160-55] xa VALENTINE STOBER, aged 75 years, resident of Haines Township in Centre County, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said county on 1 October 1832, and being duly sworn, made the following declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of 7 June 1832: That he enlisted in the army of the United States in August, 1776, with Captain Joseph Proctor of the Artillery of the Pennsylvania line under the following officers: Col. Thomas Proctor, Major Courtney, and Captain Joseph Proctor. 25 That he enlisted in the City of Philadelphia under the following circumstances: He was drafted as a militiaman and marched under the command of Captain John Jones " to Philadelphia; he served about one month in the militia, and then enlisted [in the Artillery] as first above stated. That after his enlistment, he remained about one month in Philadelphia until a sufficient number of men had been recruited to complete the company. The company was then marched to Mud Fort [on the Delaware below Philadelphia] where the applicant performed all the duties belonging to a soldier until some time in December, 1776, when he was seized with the Camp Fever, and after a severe illness, he was declared to be unfit for duty. Colonel Proctor gave the applicant a furlough with leave to return home until his health should be restored. After his return home, he was for many months confined by illness, in consequence of the disease contracted at Mud Fort in the service of his country. He resided in Cocalicoe Township, Lancaster County, at the time he marched with others in the militia company of Captain Jones. His name is not on the Pension Roll of any agency in any State. /s/ Valentine Stober Personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, John F. Ream,'5 who on his solemn oath saith that he is acquainted with the within named apOn the jacket of the Sonday file is the notation "Admitted,— 160 acres, Nov. 3d '56." The "160-55" of the file number apparently refers to this bounty hod, granted under the Act of 3 March 1855. It Stober may have been confused about these officers, for he appears on the muster roll of Capt. Hermiles Courtmay's 3rd Company of Pennsylvania artillery, 10 March 1777. Pennsylvania Archives, Sod Scsaes, XI, 207 - 209. Stober was not drafted; he was a volunteer associator. For Jones as one of the "Captains whose companies of militia went to Jersey in August, 1776,.. see ibid., Soh Series, VII, 15-I6. For the roll of his company, see ibid., 802. For Ream's pension application, see the last issue of this Magazine, 153 - 240 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine plicant, Valentine Stober; that he marched in the same militia company with Stober to Philadelphia, in the company commanded by Capt. John Jones in August, 1776. That Stober enlisted in Philadelphia in the Artillery company of Captain Proctor (at least he believes the name of the Captain was Proctor), as stated by Stober. He also says, that Stober was brought home sick in the winter, and further the deponent saith not. /s/ John F. Ream On 23 April 1833, an additional Declaration of Valentine Stober made in open Court, states that he knows of no person living who can testify to his services, as set forth in his first declaration, except the proof already furnished under oath by John F. Ream. He cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but to his best recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grad.: For one month he served as a drafted militia man, under Captain John Jones; for five months as an enlisted soldier, when in consequence of illness he received a furlough, as stated in his first declaration, and for such service he claims a pension. The name of the Colonel of the militia battalion to which the company of which he was a member belonged, was Peter Grub,n and the name of the Colonel of the regular troops, under whose command he was, as stated in his first declaration, was Thomas Proctor. He thinks his captain's name was Joseph, but it may have been James Proctor; he will not be positive which. /s/ Valentine Stober Certificate of Pension issued 12 July 1833, under the Act of 7 June 1832, and sent to H. Pettibontl, Bellefonte, Pa. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum, to commence On 4 March 1831. [File: S 14611] Treasury Dept. Second Comptroller's Office 9 Nov. 1843 To the Commissioner of Pensions Sir: Under the Act of 6 April 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of 23 August 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents. The children of Valentine Stober, dec'd, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Phila. Pa., agency, at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum, under the law of 7 June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from 4 March 1833, to 25 Feb'y 1834.. Respectfully yours. /s/ Albion K. Parris, Comptroller •• ABSALOM TIMMS," aged 59, resident of Armagh Township, Mifflin County, on 23 May 1818, appeared before Joseph Edmiston, an Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Muffin County, and made the following declaration on oath in order to obtain the benefit of the late act of Congress entitled, "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War." He enlisted in 1777, on 13 June, in Cumberland County, New Jersey, in the ES Colonel Grubb subsequently yeas in command of the Eighth Battalion of Lancaster County militia. .9 Dr. Wagner suggests this was the date of Stober's death. 55 In Stryker'. Off cal Register of The Officers and Men of New Jersey in the Revolutionary War, revised and compiled by James W. S. Campbell (1967), 299, he is listed as Absolom Tinim, private, to Battalion 2rol Establishment. Capt. Helm's company. 2nd Regiment. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 241 company commanded by Capt. Dillen in of the 2nd Regiment of the New Jersey line. He continued to serve in the said corps or in the service of the United States until June, 1783, when he was honorably discharged from the service. He was in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and at the taking of Cornwallis at Yorktown. And he was under General Sullivan in the expedition against the Indians. He is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support. He has no other evidence of his said services. /s/Absalom Timms On 2 November 1818, before Joseph Edmiston, Esq., associate Judge, as aforesaid, personally came Coll. Samuel McNitt, well known to be a credible witness, who on oath cloth say that he is well acquainted with the circumstances of Absalom Timms, and that said Timms is very poor, having no real property that this deponent knows or has ever heard of, and but very trifling of personal property, and needs the assistance of his country for support. /s/ Samuel McNitt Certificate of Pension issued 28 Nov'r 1818, and sent to Hon. W. P. Maclay. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, under the act of 18 March 1818. [File: S 40581] On 29 November 1820, personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, Absalom Timms, aged 61, resident of Bradford Township, Clearfield County (attached to the said Centre County for judicial purposes), who on oath makes the following declaration. He served in the Revolutionary war as follows: On 13 June 1777, he enlisted in Cumberland County, New Jersey, under Ensign Johnson, in Captain Dillen's company in the 2nd Regiment of the Jersey line, commanded by Colonel Israel Shreeve, Lt. Col. Deckart, Major Richard Howell; 82 was in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth; was under General Sullivan when following the Indians, and was in the Battle fought with them in New Town point, 55 and at the capture of Lord Cornwallis in Virginia on 19 October 1781, and in June, 1783, was discharged when the army was disbanded. In pursuance of his declaration made before Judge Edmiston of Main County on 23 May 1 8 I 8, he was placed on the pension list, of which he received a certificate from the war department dated 28 November 1818, No. 4643. He has no property other than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.. I have no trade, am old and infirm, have a wife aged 27 years, nine children, of whom but three reside with me, aged eleven, seven and two years respectively. /s/Absalom Timms [Written by the applicant;] I, Absalom Timms, Enlisted the thirteenth Day of June, 1777, in Cumberland County, State of New Jersey, with Ensighn [sic] Johnston in Cap't Dillen's Company in the Second Ridgiment of Jersey line, commanded by Israel Sreeve [Shreve], Colonel, and 87 Thief was James Dillon, commissioned captain 29 November 1776, in 2nd Battalion, 2nd Establishment, who retired 26 September 1780. /bid., 80-81. 87 Ensign James Johnson, commisiloned 5 February 1777, resigned November, 1777; Israel Shreve, commissioned 28 November 1776, Colonel of 2nd Battalion, 2nd Establishment. Deckart may have been William DI-lart, Lt. Col. 2nd Regiment, 26 September 1780; Howell was commissioned 28 November 1776, Major of 2nd Battalion. /bid., 105, 64, 66, 68. 88 According to Dr. Wagner, thie engagement was at or near the present Elmira, N.Y. 88 The schedule, according to Dr. Wagner, included "live stock, household effects &c., total value $17.00." 242 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Dekart, Lieut. Colo., Richard Howell, Major. And served in the Ridgiment till June, 1783, when the Army was Disbanded at New Burgh and my Discharge Was signed by George Washington, Esq'r, Capen General and Commanding Chief of the Armies of the United States of America and J. Trumble," Secretary, and it was brought to the Ridgimeat and the above Absalom Timms was honored with the badg of Merit for six years faithful service. Sighned [sic] by Richard Co; Major Com'd'nt, And Epraim Whitlock, Adjutant, and I believe the last Capt'n commanding the Company was, Able '37ayman." Is/ Absalom Timms * DANIEL WAGGONER, 8 aged 76 years, resident of Potter Township in Centre County, personally appeared before the Judges of Common Pleas Court of said county, on 28 August 1832, and being duly sworn, makes the following declaration to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832: He enlisted in the army of the United States on 1 February 1776, with Captain Thomas Herber, and served in the regiment (he thinks the first regiment but cannot be certain) of the Pennsylvania line, under the following officers: Col. Atlee; Lt. Col. Barry; Major Butts; Captain Thomas Herber; Lieut. Caldwell; Ensign Sadder." He enlisted to serve 21 months. He lived at that time in Lebanon (then in) Lancaster County. Immediately after entering the service, he was ordered to Reading and there united himself in the company of Capt. Herber. From thence the company marched to Philadelphia and there joined the Regiment to which the company belonged. From thence the company was ordered to Old Chester on the Delaware, where it remained about three weeks, and retraced its steps back to Philadelphia, and a short time after directed its march to New York. After a short stay in New York, the Regiment passed over to Long Island. In the course of a short time after joining the army on Long If the deponent thinks sometime in August, an engagement took place with the British troops, in which this deponent, with the company to which he belonged, was engaged. The result of the battle was the defeat of the American army, and in the engagement Lt. Col. Barry was killed and Col. Atlee was taken prisoner. Captain Herber disappeared, whether killed or taken prisoner, the deponent cannot tell. The command of the company devolved on Lt. Caldwell. The army then retreated to New York, from thence to Ft. Washington, or at least a detachment was ordered there, of which the Regiment to which the deponent belonged formed a part, and was stationed there as part of the Garrison to defend the position. A portion of the army, under Washington, took station near to White Plains. Colonel Magaw " commanded at Ft. Washington. On 15 November the Fort was summoned to surrender, and the next morning, after a severe contest, the Fort was taken by the 80 This was Jonathan Trumbull (1740-1809), saretary to Washington, 1781-1783. SO Richard Cos is listed as Major, 2nd Regiment, 6 January 1783; discharged at close of war; Ephraim Whitlock, Lt. and Adjut.t, tat Regiment, to date 1 August 1779; Abel Weyman, Capt., 1 January 1781, tad Regime.. Mid., 68, 70, 88. 8, Although he signed his name as Wagner, in most of the papers of the application it is given as Waggoner. 08 This organization beg. as Col. Samuel J. Atlee's Musketry Battalion, under whom were Lt. Col. Caleb Parry, Major James Potts. Wagner's captam was Thomas Herbert, under whom were Lt. Robert Caldwell and Fms;gn James Satter. Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd Series, X, 237-238, 245-246. "Robert Magaw was in command of the Fifth Femssylvania Battalion. Ibid., 140, 142. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 243 ennbination of British and Hessian troops. The garrison consisted, the deponent thinks, of about 3500 men, who were all, or nearly all, including the deponent, taken prisoners. They were sent to New York and closely confined for about near four months, and deponent believes sometime in February, 1777, he among others, was discharged on parole, under condition not to take up arms until regularly exchanged. The deponent went to Philadelphia and remained there about seven months, during which time, notwithstanding his parole, he did duty as a sentinel or guard. On the advance of the British army he returned home, and never having afterwards been called upon to do duty, he presumes, if exchanged, those whose duty it was to notify him of the fact neglected to do so. He never received a discharge from the service, in consequence of the facts before stated. The deponent knew Lord Sterling [sic]; he was engaged in the battle of Long Island. He also knew many others. The deponent served in all about nineteen months. His name is not on the pension roll of any Agency of any State. I was born about a mile from the Town of Lebanon in (then) Lancaster Co., Pa. in 1756. I have a paper in my possession, I suppose in my father's handwriting, containing the record of my birth and baptism. That paper I have not with me, not knowing that it was necessary to produce it. I was living in Lebanon, Pa., when I entered the service; I resided in that place until 1802, when I removed to Centre County, Pa., and have continued to reside in the last named County ever since. As to my character for veracity and good behaviour, I believe the Hon'ble Jacob Kryder, James Potter, William W. Potter, Esq., William Kerr, Esq., Andrew Gregg, Esq., among many others would cheerfully vouch. I know of no person living who could testify to my service, except by repute. /il Daniel Wagner [The affidavits of William W. Potter and Henry Petrikin, residing in the town of Bellefonte, and Joseph [sic] Gilliland, residing in Potter Township, Centre County, were not abstracted by Dr. Wagner.] Certificate of Pension issued 15 March 1833, and sent to Henry Petrikin, Esq. Bellefonte. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of 70 Dollars per annum, under the Act of 7 June 1832. [File: S 23992] Bellefonte, 13 Oct. 1855 L. P. Waldo, Commissioner Dear Sir: I drop you this note for an item of information concerning the pension of Daniel Waggoner, decd, who was a soldier of the revolution, and who drew a pension for several years prior to his death. His children are under the impression that a considerable amount is yet due; he died in 1838. Will you please inform me what is necessary to be done by his heirs in order to obtain his back-pay, if any there is. Several agents, or those who called themselves such, have written to some of the heirs, offering to secure it for them, but nothing has yet been done. Will you be good enough to answer me as soon as possible, and inform me what course is to be pursued in reference to it. Very respectfully, /s/ M. P. Cuesthueaile " [sic] Treasury Department, Third Auditor's Office 31 October 1855 J. Minot, Esq., Comm'r of Pensions Sir: In reply to your letter of the 30th inst. I have to inform you, that the pension of 4 . This name may have been meant for Crosthwaite, for whom see the last item in Wagner's foXo, 244 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Daniel Waggoner, Penn' Roll, Act 7 June 1832, at $70.00 per annum, has been paid to the 25th of July 1838, the day of his death. The papers are herewith returned. Very respectfully your °bet Serv't, /s/ Robt. J. S. Morrison, Auditor Bellefonte, 17 Jan'y 1856 [To the Commissioner of Pensions] Dear Sir: An old gentleman by the name of Daniel Wagner died in this County in 1835 or 1836, at a very advanced age — about 83 or 84. He served in the war of the revolution, and at the time of his decease, was drawing a pension annually, founded on his service. He left no widow, but five children, all of whom are still living, all in this County. His heirs are of the opinion that he did not receive during his lifetime the sum to which he was entitled in right of his military service, and desire to have an examination made for the purpose of ascertaining that fact. They have no other evidence of the amount of his service, other than [what] will be found in the war department. He was a resident of Dauphin County in this State when he enlisted in the service of his country, and continued to reside in Pennsylvania until he died. You will please make the necessary examination and inform me whether, from the record evidence in the proper office, there appears to be anything due to his heirs. Letters have been already addressed to you on this subject, but my experience has led me to believe that there is no small degree of uncertainty in the transmission of letters through the Mail. Very respectfully /s/ Samuel Linn Pension Office, 24 Jan. 1856 (Copy) Samuel Linn, Bellefonte Sir: In reply to your letter of the 17th inst., it is asserted that Daniel Waggoner was pensioned on his own estimat 9 [sic] service.' and at the highest rate awarded by the pension laws. All of the arrears up to the date of his death have been paid, and there is nothing due from the government under any law, which can be claimed or paid to his children. The above statement was communicated to M. L. Crosthwaite in reply to an inquiry, &c. [No signature] ISAAC WALL, aged 78, resident at Reedsburg (in Clearfield County, which for judicial purposes is annexed to Centre County), personally appeared on 25 August 1818, before C. Huston, President Judge of Common Pleas Court in the fourth Judicial district of Pennsylvania, consisting of Mifflin, Centre, Huntingdon and Bedford Counties, and on his oath made the following declaration to obtain the benefits of the late act of Congress: He enlisted in Carlisle town, Pennsylvania, in the company commanded by Captain Nathaniel Irish of the Artillery Artificers; 55 he continued to serve in said corps until 1780, when he was discharged from the service in Carlisle by Col. Wm. Irvine. He is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for his support. The 4 . While Wagner estimated he had served "about nineteen months," LIIG entry on his jacket says "21 months." 55 This corps was raised in the sunamer of 1777, by direction of General Waahington. Their duties were to cast cannon, bore guns, and prepare ammunition for the army. For Irish's company, see ibid., XI, 246-247. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 245 only evidence of his said service is the Certificate of the Auditor Gen'l of Pennsylvania, herewith transmitted. (no signature) I certify, that the name of Isaac Wall is included as a Matross in the roll of the company commanded by Captain Nathaniel Irish, of Artillery Artificers, and that it appears he enlisted 9 October 1777, and that he continued in the service and was paid up to 10 April 1780. Witness my hand and the seal of the office of Auditor General, this 4 August 1818. /s/ Geo. Bryan, Aud. General On 26 August 1818, personally appeared before me, Henry Irwin and George Ross, both known to me to be credible witnesses, and being severally sworn, did each declare and say that the said Isaac Wall is well known to them, for two or three years, and lives near to them; that he has no property of his own; has been and is supported by his friends, and is too old and feeble to support himself by labor. /s/ C. Huston On 26 June 1819, before Judge Charles Huston, Isaac Wall, being duly sworn, further saith that the officer of high rank, who ever had the immediate command over this deponent, was Major Lukens.. That he believes Col. Flower was die Colonel, but never actually commanded the troops in person. (no signature) Certificate of Pension issued 23 July 1819, under the Act of 18 March 1818, and sent to John Rankin, Esq., Bellefonte. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of 8 Dollars per month. [File: S 40638] On 30 August 1820, personally appeared in Court of Common Pleas of Centre and Clearfield Counties, Isaac Wall, aged 80, resident in Bradford Township, Clearfield County, within the jurisdiction of this Court, who on his oath declares that he served in the revolutionary war as follows: On 4 October 1777, he enlisted for three years in Nathaniel Irish's company (Regiment of Pennsylvania, not recollected) of the train of Artillery commanded by Col. Flowers; he was stationed in Carlisle in Cumberland County, and was placed in the Factory; was employed at the Carpenter business for the use of the army, and was marched from thence to Little York, and was there engaged in erecting barracks for the soldiers of the Army; marched back to Carlisle and received his discharge. That in pursuance of his declaration made before Judge Walker [sic] on 25 August 1818, he was placed on the pension list of which he received a Certificate No. 13,140, in conformity with the law of the United States of 18 March 1818. He has no other property than what is contained in the schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed.. I receive a pension from the State of Pennsylvania of forty dollars yearly. I did follow the Carpenter trade when able to pursue it, but owing to a fall I received, have been unable for these nine years past to pursue any employment for my support, but have been dependant on the bounty of my friends. I had a wife, but being unable to support ourselves, we separated eight or nine years ago; she went to live with her daughter, and I have not heard whether she is still living or not. I have some children, but they are not in situations to render me support, neither do any of them live with me. /s/ Isaac Wall 30 August 1820. It is the opinion of the Court that the applicant has no property. 26 April 1821, John G. Lowrey, Prothonotary, certifies that the foregoing oath and Ibid., 242. "Apparently he had no property, as 00 schedule of it was mentioned by Dr. Wagner 48 This was Charles Lukens of York. 246 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of said Court, and the applicant has no property or income, except as above mentioned. This duplicate sent to the war office at the request of Isaac Wall, supposing the former copy to have been mislaid. • PHILIP WERNSZ, aged 70, resident of Haines Township, Centre County, on 28 January 1833, personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas of Centre County before the Honorable Thomas Burnside, Esq., and his associate Judges of said court, and on his solemn oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7 June 1832: He entered the service of the United States in the month of May, 1780, as near as he can recollect. At that time he was residing in the town of York, York County. He entered as a militiaman under the command of Captain John Ehrman and assisted in escorting English prisoners from the town of York to the town of Reading in Reeks County.. They were engaged in this service about ten days. In August of the same year, 1780, said Philip Wen.; as a militiaman under the command of Captain Ehrman, Lt. John Albertson, and Corporal Martin Cronemiller of Union County (who is still alive), and served three months, during which time the said company were a great part of the time engaged on Fatigue duty: to dig ditches, make pallisades, 86c, &c, for the safe keeping of said primners." After the expiration of said three months, fully served out, a second draft of militia was made, and he served three months more as a substitute for Daniel Sprenkel of York County, in guarding prisoners at or near the town of York. He was entitled to draw pay for these six months, but has never received any. He was directed to the Paymaster in York, named Eichelberger, who said he had received no money. There were regular troops in company with the militia during the last tour, but he does not recollect the names of any of them.. He did not receive any discharge, but after the expiration of the second tour of duty in guarding the prisoners, he was permitted to leave the army, the time for which he was drafted having expired. He then went to live in York where he lived about six years. From York he removed to Lancaster County. He resided in Lancaster County about 40 years, from thence came to Centre County where he has resided three years on 8 September last, and where he now resides. His name is not on the pension roll of any agency of any State. He was born in Earl Township, Lancaster County on 9 May 1761. He has a Daufshine [Taufschein] at home with his age on it. In the first tour of ten days in escorting the prisoners from York to Reading, he was called out of bed before day and "pressed" to go. The second tour, or first three months in guarding the prisoners at York, he was drafted. The third tour, or second three months, he served as a substitute for Daniel Sprenkel of York County, who was drafted. I never received a discharge and was permitted to leave the army without one. John Hosterman, George Moms of Haines 60 It would seem that Wernta was mistaken -In the year of his urvice, and that it was 1791 and not 1780. His name does not appear on Captain Ehrman's rerum of 3 October 1780, of all males in his district between the ages of 18 and 53 But it does appear on his payroll of the detachment of York County's First Battalion "guarding prisoners of War from York to Reading in Berk, County, commanded by Col. Henry Miller, from 12 June to 20th inclusive 1781." Ibid., 6th Series, II, 432, 626-627. 66 For some reason, his name is not on Ehrman's return of 26 September 1781 . Martin Cronemiller Ibid., was Corporal of Capt. Peter Ford's company in the latter's return of 8 July-8 September 1781. 437, 620. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 247 township, Centre County, can testify as to my character for veracity and belief in my services as a soldier. /s/ Philip Werntz (in German) [Here follows the signed affidavit of John Hosterman and George Motz, signed the same day as above, not abstracted by Dr , Wagner.] On 20 December 1832, personally appeared before Hugh Wilson, a Judge of Common Pleas Court of Union County, Martin Cronemiller, who on his oath deposeth that he distinctly remembers that in the spring of 1780, when residing in the town of York in York County, that Philip Wernzs entered the service of the United States as a militia man under Captain John Ehrman, of whose company deponent was Corporal; the company proceeded to Reading in Berks County, whither they escorted a number of English Prisoners from York, and were absent upon this duty for about ten days. Deponent can likewise safely declare that in the fall of the same year, 1780, said Philip Wernzs again entered the service of the United States under the command of Captain Ehrman and Lieutenant John Albertson, at which time and in which company Deponent was again Corporal; during this service the company was engaged in digging ditches, making palisades, &c., for the secure keeping of said prisoners; the entire service lasted for three months during which Philip Wernzs performed his duty as a good soldier and Citizen. And further this deponent saith not. /s/ Martin Cronmille.r " On 24 May 1834, the deposition of Martin Cronemiller, having been forwarded to the Prothonotary of Union County for correction, and to have the same properly certified, is returned and attached to the original papers of Philip Wet= in his application far a pension. Witness my hand and seal of office /s/ Jas. Gilliland, Frothy. Certificate of Pension issued 8 July 1834, tinder the Act of 7 June 1832, and sent to R. C. Hale, Bellefonte, Pa. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of $20 per annum. [File: S 78601 • • * * JOSEPH WHITE, aged 61, resident of Howard Township, Centre County, personally appeared on 27 April 1818, before Jonathan Walker, President Judge of 4th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and being duly affirmed, made the following declaration: He enlisted in Chester Town [Pa.] on 8 September 1777, in the company commanded by Capt. Moore Fonteroy [Fauntleroy] in the third Troop and the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons;" he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States, until 1) September 1780, when he was discharged from service in Hackenthack [Hackensack], State of New York [sic — New Jersey]; that he was in the battle of Monmouth, is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and has no other evidence of said service. /s/ Joseph White On 27 April 1818, before President Judge Jonathan Walker, personally appeared Charles McLain," who on oath deposeth that he is personally acquainted with the within named applicant, Joseph White, and that he did duty under said White who was a SerCronemiller received a pension in Union County in 1833, at the age of 72. In his declaration made 24 Septanber 1832, he stated that he "forgets what year he guarded prisoners under Capt. Peter Port at York," and made no mention of going to Reading. 48 Captain Pauntleroy was commissioned major 8 August 1779. There appears to be no return of his company in 1777. Ibid., 2nd Seri., XI, 128. See his pension application in this Magazine, XXVI (No. 2, 1969), 107. 248 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine pant of the Horse in the 3d Troop, 4th Reg't Light Dragoons, commanded by Col. Stephen Moylin [Moylan]. Said Joseph White is a man of good moral character, and full confidence may be placed in his oath. /s/ Charles (X) McLain I, Charles Huston, President [Judge] of the 4th Judicial District in Pernea, and successor to the Honorable Jonathan Walker, do certify that Joseph White, the applicant within named, is well known to me, and is in indigent circumstances, and stands in need of the assistance of his country. /s/ C. Huston Bellefonte, 25 Jan'y 1819 Certificate of Pension issued 20 March 1819, under the Act of 18 March 1818, and sent to Judge Walker, Bellefonte. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of $8 per month. [File: S 40680] On [29 August] 1820, personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas for Centre County, Joseph White, aged 63, resident of Boggs Township, Centre County, who on oath declares that he enlisted on 8 September 1777, in Old Chester for the term of three years in Capt. Moore Fonteroy's company in the 4th Regiment, 3d Troop of light Dragoons, commanded by Col. Stephen Moilen [sic]; he was sent up to Philadelphia for his clothing, during which time the Battle of Brandywine was fought; he on his return met the American Army in retreat; he joined the army and was sent with a detachment under Cornet Henderson to convoy some invalid horses to Bethlehem; he was in the battle of Monmouth and in the battle rye [sic] and in several other skirmishes on the lines of Philadelphia, under the command of Major Clough, and was discharged by Col. Mullen on 15 September 1780. In pursuance of his declaration made before Judge Walker 27 April 1818, he was placed on the Pension list, of which he received a certificate from the war department dated 20 March 1818. I do not have any other property that what is contained on the schedule annexed hereunto. [Schedule of property including live stock, household effects, &c., valued at $32.26, not abstracted by Dr. Wagner.] Also a yearly pension of forty dollars due from the State of Pennsylvania, in pursuance of an act of the legislature, passed 28 March 1814. I did follow the Weaver trade when able to pursue it, but have not followed it for some time owing to my eye sight failing me. I have a wife aged 61 years and frail, and two children that live with us, a son named Andrew, aged 25 years, and a daughter Susannah, aged 17, but not more than able to support themselves, and are not in a situation by which they can contribute to my support. /s/ Joseph White Andrew White of Milesburg, Centre County, being duly sworn, saith that he is a child of Joseph White, who applied for a pension from the State of Pennsylvania. Sworn and subscribed before D. J. Pruner, 23 August 1851. /s/ Andrew White Know all men by these Presents, that I, Andrew White, of Milesburg, one of the children of Joseph White, do hereby constitute and appoint W. S. Wade of Rose, Wayne Co., N.Y., my true and lawful attorney to prosecute for me an investigation for the purpose of obtaining the arrears of pension due from the United States to my father, Joseph White, deceased. Witness my hand and seal this 25 August 1851, in the presence of D. J. Pruner. /s/ A. White Washington, D.C., 9 February 1852 J. E. Heath, Esq., Com. of Pensions Sir: Joseph White pond act, 1818. Penn's, it is asserted by his children, as is also shown Pennsylvania Pension Applications 249 by one of his witnesses in his affi't, made at the time said White applied for his pension, was a Sergeant of Dragoons and his children claim was also an express Rider. I respectfully request that reference may be made to the Rolls of Col. Stephen MayIan's Reg't of Dragoons,. for evidence in such capacity, and a consideration of the claim under the act of 1832, is requested. Power of Attorney with papers on file. I am Respectfully, Your Obt. Serv't, /s/ W. G. Wade • • • • DAVID 'WILLSON, aged 74, resident of Bald Eagle Township, Centre County, on 3 September 1818, before C. Huston, President Judge of the Fourth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, on his solemn oath made the following declaration: He enlisted in Capt. Samuel Lockhert's company in the New York troops," in the sprang of 1775, and marched Imeadeatly to Bunker's Hill, and was afterwards drafted in Col. John Lamb's regiment of Artillery," and continued to serve in that regiment untill the end of the war. He was in the engagement on Long Island, and the Battle of the White plains," And in many other engagements with the enemy. He was taken prisoner and continued with them six weeks, and by a Strategmim Effected his Escape. He was finally at the taking of Lord Cornwallis, and was discharged in May, 1783, at New Windsor. All the evidence of his service now in his power, is founded on a furlough, in the following words, Viz: "West Point, 2nd of May 1783. The Bearer, David Willson, of the Regiment of Artillery under my command, has permission to pass from hence to Stamford in Connecticut, and Return in five Days. /s/ John Lamb, Col. To whom it may concern. 2nd Reg't Artillery" He is now in reduced circumstances and stands in need of his country's assistance for his support. (No signature) On 3 September 1818, before me, C. Huston, President Judge, came Matthew Allison, Esq., who being sworn deposeth that he is personally acquainted with David Willson, the applicant. That he is a man of good moral character, and that full confidence may be placed on his oath. He is now in reduced circumstancm and stands in need of his country's assistance. /s/ M. Allison Certificate of Pension issued 5 November 1819, and sent (by request) to Col. Ebenezer Stevens, N. York, the applicant being now there on business. Inscribed on the Roll of Pratt's, at the rate of eight Dollars per month, under the Act of 18 March 1818. [File: S 39898] Joseph White appears as a private on the only roll of the Dragoons in Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd 335. Series, XI, 155. See also Minutes of the Supreme Executive Council ....XII, .5 It would appear that Willson's memory was feulty. Samuel Lockwood was commissioned 1 May 1775, second lieutenant in the 5th Connecticut troops. He was taken prisoner at Quebec St December 1775, and was not captain of the 2nd Continental Artillery until 1 January 1777. Francis B. Heitman, (Baltimore reHistorical Register of Officers of the Continental Army During the War of the Revolution print, 1967), 355 , 2 John Lamb, as captim of the Independent Company of New York Artillery, participated in the 1775 Canada expedition, was wounded and also captured at Quebec in December, 1775, and paroled. On 9 January 1776, he was appointed Major-Commandant of Artillery of the 2nd Continental Artillery. Heitman, of cit., 558. 58 Since these engagements were in August and October, 1776, Wilson most have participated in them as a member of the COEILICCtiCIIL troops; he makes no mention of the Canadian expedition. 250 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine City and State of New York, as. New York, 20 Nov. 1819 I, Ebenezer Stevens, of the said City, do certify that I have particularly examined an old man who calls himself David Willson, and who states that he has come about Three Hundred Miles, to obtain additional evidence of his being entitled to receive a pension for Revolutionary service in a company in Coll Lamb's Reg't. The distance of time which has elapsed since the Revolution does not, of course, allow me to remember this individual, nor have I any Rolls of the Reg't to discover if his name be on the same. Having been the Lieut. Coll of Lamb's Reg't, and generally having had the command of it for about five years, I have had a good opportunity of being personally acquainted with all the transactions to which the campy, to which Willson is stated to have belonged, was engaged, and I have no hesitation in saying, from his answers to questions I have put to him, and other evidence, that he was in Lamb's Regiment at Pluckemin, N.J., in the winter of '78 and '79, and in the winter of '79 and '80 at Morris Town, N.J.; and in the winter of '81 and '82, in Burlington, same state, and that in the winter of '82 and '83, he was at Newburgh with the Army. The said 'Willson, I feel confident, was in the Battles immediately preceeding the capture of Lord Cornwallis, and also with the Regiment at the execution of Major Andre." The said Willson has shown me a furlough signed by John Lamb, Coll; the hand of Coll Lamb was very familiar to me and I have no doubt it is genuine. I therefore have concluded that Willson must have belonged to Coll Lamb's Regiment, and that he was honourably discharged, as there was no desertion as late as the date of the furlough. I feel assured that if a correct roll of Cap't Samuel Lockwood's company, afterwards commanded by Capt. William Stevens " of Lamb's Regiment, can be found, that the name of David Willson will be found on it. And I am the more confident in this opinion from having conversed with a person transiently in the City of New York, who belonged to the said Regiment, who informed me that he remembered the name of Willson in the said company. Willson according to his account, immediately after his discharge, went into the western part of Pennsylvania, and never has received his Land, and of Course he is not on the Register of Persons having received Land. He now appears to be an upright and needy old man. /s/ Eben'r Stevens. On 23 January 1821, David Willson aged 76, resident of Bald Eagle Township, personally appeared in Centre County Court of Common Pleas, and on oath made the following declaration: He enlisted in the year (not recollected) in Stanford [sic] N. York, in an artillery company commanded by Capt. Samuel Lockhert [Lockwood] afterwards of Capt. William Stephens; entered immediately into the service of the United States; was at the battle of Boston, encamped on Winter hill. Then in the battle of Flat Bush, on Long Island, thence to New York, and being surrounded by the enemy, fought our way through them, and went up to Kingsbridge; there, owing to the firing of Cannon, he lost the faculty of hearing; thence we went to White Plains, where we had another severe engagement at the bayonet point; thence to York Town, Va.," and was in the siege of ii,Chis ems 2 October 1780. It would therefore appear likely that Willson was stationed at West Point with the artillery Arnold had hoped to turn over to the British. tt Of Massachusetts, Stevens had been first lieutenmt of Knoa's Regiment of Continental Artillery, January 1776; • year later he was commissioned captain lieutenam of the ind Continental Artillery. On 11 September 1778, he was made full captain. Heitman, op. cit., t ie. . 8 AB Willson fails to state specific service between 1776 and 1781, the likely inference is that he was stationed most of the time at West Pons. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 251 Cornwallis; went to Burlington Barracks to winter quarters; thence to West Point where he received his discharge. During the five years and six months that he was in the service of the United States, he belonged to the 2nd Regiment of Artillery, commanded by Col. Lamb. He was taken prisoner with his brother fishing (being on furlough) and was kept by the enemy for six weeks, from whom he escaped by passing their guards when asleep, and joined again the American line. In pursuance of his declaration made before Judge Huston, on 25 August 1818, he was inscribed on the pension list, of which he received a Certificate from the War department (date not recollected, it being in the hands of William L. Hodge, Merchant, Philadelphia, his Attorney) in conformity with the law of the United States of 18 March 1818. He has no property whatever, except necessary clothing. He did follow the weaving business when able, but has not been so for a number of years. He has no wife, but has two sons, who are poor, and not in a situation by which they could contribute to his support. He received a pension of $143.12 to 4 March last, since which he has received nothing. /s/ David Willson On 23 January 1821, John Quay in open Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, deposeth that he is well acquainted with David Willson; that he is very poor and is possessed of no kind of property whatever, except his wearing apparel. /s/ John Quay [Notation on jacket: "Continued," indicating that Willson's pension was continued under the Act of 1820, according to Dr. Wagner.] ••** ROBERT YOUNG, aged 60, resident in Walker Township, Centre County, on 29 April 1818, personally appeared before the President Judge of the 4th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and on oath made the following declaration: He enlisted in Sunbury, Northumberland County, in the company commanded by Capt. Loudon [Lowdon] in the 1st Regiment of Pennsylvania Riflemen," he continued to serve in said Corps or in the service of the United States for one year, when he was discharged by his term of service expiring when at Boston in Massachusetts in July, 1776. He enlisted the first time in the month of July, 1775. He again enlisted in August, 1776, in the company commanded by Capt. Wilkinson 58 of the Artillery, commanded by Col. Proctor, and served during the war when he was honourably discharged. He was in the battles of Germantown, Brandywine, Long Island, and several other skirmishes. He has no other evidence of his service now in his power, and is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country. /s/ Robert Young Before President Judge Jonathan Walker on 29 April 1818, personally appeared Thomas McCalmont, Jr., who on oath deposeth that he is personally acquainted with the above named applicant, Robert Young, and knows him to be of good moral character, and that full confidence may be placed in his oath. That Robert Young is now in reduced circumstances and needs the assistance of his country. /s/Thos. McCalmont, Jr. 50 The company of Captain William Thompson's BALL21100 of Riflemen was sworn in 29 June 177t. Orders to march came 7 July 1775. Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd Seri., X, 27, 30. Amos Wilkinson was promoted from second lieutenant 4 May 1776, to first lieutenant in Col. John Philip De Haas' First Pennsylvania Battalion. He was promoted to captain in Proctor's Artillery regiment 54 May (or March) 1777. Ibid., 55; XI, 201. 252 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Certificate of Pension issued 21 October 1818, and sent to Jonathan Walker, Esq. Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, under the Act of 18 March 1818. [File: S 39139] On 31 August 1820, personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, Robert Young, aged 70 years [sic], resident of Walker Township in said County, who on oath made the following declaration: In July (day and year not recollected), he enlisted for one year in Captain Lowden's company of the 1st Rifle Regiment of Pennsylvania Riflemen, commanded by Col. William Thompson, and on the (day and year not recollected) marched from Sunbury to join the army before Boston. He arrived in Camp near Cambridge (the day not recollected), where he was stationed during the winter. In the spring, on the last of March or first of April, marched to New London, from thence sailed to N. York, and remained there until November, when he enlisted for another year, when the army was driven off by the enemy. From thence marched to Fort Washington, remained there some months; from thence to White plains, where he had a severe engagement; from thence came home to Pennsylvania. He enlisted" in Carlisle in Captain Wilkinson's company of the fourth Regiment of Artillery, commanded by Col. Thomas Proctor for three years or during the war. Marched from Carlisle (date not recollected) to Mud Fort; stationed there about three months; marched from there to Chades [Chadd's] ford and was engaged with the enemy at the Battle of Brandywine. From thence marched to Trenton where he received his discharge. In pursuance of his declaration made 29 April 1818, before Judge Walker, he was placed on the pension list, of which he received a Certificate dated 21 October 1818, No. 4017. He has no other property than what is contained in the schedule annexed. [The schedule, not abstracted by Dr. Wagner, included household effects, live stock, farming implements, Re., also I Lot of land held by improvement, but claimed by another person and undecided. Total value $87.00.] Also a yearly pension from the State of Pennsylvania of $40.00. Amount of debts due creditors $67.00 I followed the Carpenter trade during the early part of my life, but laterly have been settled upon a small farm of very poor land, and have become poor and no longer able to cultivate it. I have a wife who is aged and blind, and requires continual attendance. I have seven children living with me who depend on me for support. Viz: Hannah, aged 19 years; Jane, aged 17; Samuel, aged 15; Mary, aged 13; Nancy, aged 8; Robert, aged 6; Elizabeth aged 3 years. /s/ Robert Young 31 August 1820, The Court are of opinion, that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is eighty - seven dollars, exclusive of the pension of the State, and it appears that the applicant is considerably in debt. [Notation in pencil on the jacket: "d. 9 Nov. 1824."] End of Centre County Pension Applications e. His date of enlistment is ilven as July, 1778, from the Second Pennsylvania Regiment, presumably a typographical error for 1777. Unt., 201, 224. This regiment was formed f corn the remnants of De Haas' battalion. ibid., 224. 60 His date of death is given as 09 November 1824, aged 70 in