Pennsylvania Pension Applications

Pennsylvania Pension Applications T he second installment of these pension applications appeared in the last issue of this Magazine (Volume XXVI, No. 1 (1969), 15-32), 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 Corr tinental 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 94 Pennsylvania Pension Applications 95 is recommended that a searcher, interested in a particular application, obtain from the General Services Administration, National Archives and Records Service, Washington, D.C., photocopies of the original papers in those files. Center County Pension Applications MUNGO LINDSAY, aged 64, resident of Bald eagle Township in Centre County, personally appeared before Jonathan Walker, President Judge of the 4th Judicial District of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on 27 April 1818, and on his solemn oath, made the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by 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 declared that he enlisted in Capt. Morrow's. company in March, 1776, and was appointed a Sergeant in said Company, then commanded by Col. Samuel Miles and Afterwards commanded by Col. Walter Stuart of the Pennsylvania line, as by his discharge in his possession manifestly appears. That he served in the army of the United States of America twenty months, and was regularly and Honourably Discharged, and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for his support. /s/ Mungo Lindsay "The Bearer hereof, Mungo Lindsay, Sergeant, having served Twenty months in the Regiment at present commanded by Col. Walter Stuart according to the Aerticals of his Enlistment, Is now honnourabley [sic] Discharged from the service and permited to Pass to his own Home, given under my hand this first day of January, 1778. /s/ W. Stewart, Dol. 13th P. Reg't" I, Jonathan Walker, Judge 8tc., do Certify that it appears to my satisfaction that Mungo Lindsay did serve in the Revolutionary war, as stated in the above declaration against the common enemy. And By his Discharge Before me Exhibited, a true Coppy whereof is hereunto annexed, which, together with his affidavit, I do Respectfully transmit to the Secretary of the War Department, pursuant to the Directions of the aforementioned act of Congress. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand at Bellefonte 27 April 1818. /s/ Jonathan Walker On 27 April 1818, before the President Judge as afores'd, Personally came Mathew Allison, Esq., who being duly sworn Deposeth that he is personally acquainted with the within named Applicant, that he is a man of good moral Character, that he is now In reduced circumstances And is in need of the assistance of his Country for his support. /s/ M. Allison On 29 August 1820, personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas, 4th Judicial District, in and for Centre County, Mungo Lindsay, aged 68, resident of Bald This was Capt. John Murray of Paatang Twp., now Dauphin Co., in command of a company of Col. Samuel Miles' Second Battalion of the Fennsylvanla Rifle Regiment. According to the company role, Lindsay was promoted to corporal. The State Regiment was organized early in 1777 on the remains of Miles' and Colonel Atlees battalion. By 9 May 1777, at Red Bank, Lindsay was lined in Capt. Jam. F. Moore's company as corporal, promoted sergeant, in the State Regiment of Foot. Walter Stewart became colonel of the regiment on the promotion of Col. John Bull to adjutant general 17 June 1777. Pennsylvania Archisest 2nd Series, X, 215, 219, 265, 219. 96 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Eagle Township in Centre County, who declares on his oath that sometime in March, 1776, he enlisted with Capt. Morrow in Lancaster County for the term of twenty months in Col. Miles's Rifle Reginfsat and marched to Markus Hook, where he remained some months, thence to Long Island; that he marched from Long Island to New York, thence to the White Plains; that from the White Plains he retreated through Jersey with the army to Pennsylvama, and lay some time on the Delaware above Trenton, and on 26 December 1776, as near as he can recollect, he crossed the river again with the army, and was engaged in the taking of some Hessians at Trenton. That he lay part of that winter in Philadelphia and in March, 1777, marched to Billing's Fort under the command of Col. Bull. That he was in the battles of Long Island, 'White Plains, Trenton, Germantown, besides many skirmishes; that he was honorably discharged at the Valley Forge the 1st day of January, 1778. That in pursuance of his declaration made before Judge Walker on 27 April 1818, he was placed on the Pension list of which he received a Certificate from the war department dated 21 October, No. 4018. He has no property other than what n contained in the annexed schedule. [Schedule of property valued 16 August 1820, included live stock, farming implements, household effects &c, valued at $351.15. Debts owing by Lindsay amounted to $217.52. Debts owed to Lindsay from Henry James, $37.50.] 2 I did follow the weaving trade but from loosing one of my eyes have not been able to follow it for some years back. I have no wife; have two children living at home with me, a son, 19 years old, and a daughter 16 years. I have other children but who are married and doing for themselves, but who are not in situations to render me any assistance. I have been ruptured in my bowels, in consequence of which my bodily powers are weakened. /s/ Mango Lindsay On 30 November 1826, Personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, Mungo Lindsay, aged 74 and upwards, who makes further declaration that his name has been placed on the Pension List Roll of the Pennsylvania agency, at the rate of $8 per month, and dropped therefrom on account of his property. He now has no other property than one horse and one heifer; that he was a weaver by occupation, but is entirely unable to pursue any occupation, and does not keep house, but lives with three of his children: Oliver, James and Elizabeth. They are all above the age of twenty-caw, and possess no property but what they gain by manual labour. The property he now is possessed of the horse, is valued at $35, the heifer at $5; that to pay his debts he sold two horses, three cows and some young cattle, the wheat, Rye and Oats, rifle gun and stove to Oliver and James Lindsay, for $200. That the residue of din property (exhibited in his first schedule) has been applied to the support of this declarant, except such articles as wore out through use, and some of the cattle that died. The bodily infirmity of this declarant has increased so much that he is entirely unable to do any labour for his support. He receives $48 per annum from the State of Pennsylvania, as a Sarjint, and that from infirmity he is now unable to write his name. /s/ Mango (X) Lindsey Inscribed on the Roll of Penn'a, at the rate of $8 per month, to commence on 27 April 1818. Certificate of Pension issued 21 October 1818, and sent to Jonathan °Dr. Wagner only summarized the properly and debts although in the actual schedule the names of than to whom Lindsay was indebted are Pennsylvania Pension Applications 97 Walker, Esq., Bellefonte, Pa. Arrears to 4 September 1818: $34.13. Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March 1819: $48.00. Notation on jacket: "Report to Hon. W. P. Maclay, H. Reps. — not entitled." 5 [File: S 40087] • • • DANIEL LIVINGSTON, aged upwards of 76 years, resident of Potter Township, Centre County, personally appeared on 27 August 1833, before the Court of Common Pleas of said county, and being duly sworn, made the following declaration m order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7 June 1832: He entered the service of the United States under Captain Gilbert McCoy in the militia of Pennsylvania in June, 1779. The company marched from Kishacoquillas valley, then Northumberland,' now Mifflin County to Potter's Fort (now hi Centre County) for the purpose of protecting the inhabitants of the frontier Counties against the attacks of the Indians. The company was on duty seven months, engaged not only in occupying the fort, but on scouting expeditions through various parts of the country adjacent to the Fort. At the end of seven months the company was discharged and returned home. The applicant received no written discharge. The next year in the month of August, 1780, the applicant again entered the service of the United States in the company commanded by Capt. Boyd; 5 they were employed in defence of the frontiers and marched from Kishacoquillas to Bedford, and there remained on active duty for seven months. In each of the services mentioned but one company was employed. Capt. Boyd was taken prisoner by the Indians before the applicant joined the company. At the end of seven months the company was discharged at Fort Littleton on the mad between Bedford and Carlisle. The applicant did not receive a written discharge. He believes there is one man living, a certain John Beatty, who can testify to the last service, but knows of no one living who can prove the first service, nor has he any documentary to support the same. The applicant omitted stating that Boyd's company was a regular infantry company. The applicant was enlisted by Lt. Richard Johnston who, after the capture of Boyd, took command of the company. The applicant believes Boyd's company was an independent company of Rangers, not attached to any Regiment. /s/ Daniel (X) Livingston We, Andrew Gregg and William Livingston, the former residing in the Borough of Bellefonte and the latter in the Township of Potter in Centre County, certify that we are well acquainted with Daniel Livingston; that we believe him to be 76 years of age, and I, William Livingston, certify that I am personally acquainted with the fact of my brother Daniel Livingston 0 having served during the Revolutionary war as a private It would appear that Lindsay's state pension disqualified him for further aid under the Federal Act of 1 May 1820, whereby all pensioners not in indigent circumstances were dropped from the Federal pension rsll a Dr. Wagner points out slat the Kishacoquillas Valley, Wtnt of the present Lewistown, was then in Cumberland, not Northumberland, County. No mle of Captain McCoy's company appears to have survived. See Pennsylvania Archives, 505, Series, V.91, for the pay roll of 7 months men ''under commmd of Lt. Michael Johnston of Pennsylvania Rangers in Bedford Co. in the year 1781," for Daniel Lying., private, Capt. Boyd', company of Rangers. °For undated rolls of Lt. Richard Johnston's company see Pennsylvania Archives led Series, XXIII, 225, 231, 325. Livingston', name does not appear on them. Daniel Livingston appears on published assessment lists in Potter Township in 1783, rated on 600 acres. This property perhaps included the 400 acres on which John Livingston had previously been rated, for in 1788 Daniel was rated on only 100 acres. See ibid., led Series, XIX, 525, 558. 631' 98 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine soldier in the manner set forth in his declaration. /s/ Wm. Livingston /s/ Andrew Gregg On 30 August 1833, before William McCoy, Justice of the Peace in and for Mifflin County, came John Beatty of Armagh Township in said county, who, being duly sworn, saith that he enlisted as a common Soldaire [sic] under Captain John Boid [sic] in 1779, and served against the Indians, and that Daniel Livingston of Potter Township, Centre County, was a soldier in the same company and performed his duty in every respect. /s/ John Beatty On 30 August 1833, before William McCoy, Justice of the Peace of Mifflin County, came Robert Milliken of Armagh Township in said county, and being duly sworn, saith that he is personally acquainted with John Beatty and has a knowledge of him for more than twenty years, that he is a good citizen and has filled the office of a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church for more than fifteen years. /s/ Robt. Milliken Inscribed on the Roll of Perm's at the rate of $46.66 per annum, to commence 4 March 1831, under the Act of 7 June 1832. Certificate of Pension issued 27 November 1833, and sent to H. Petrikin, Bellefonte. [File: S 22361] JOHN MARSDEN, aged 76, resident of Howard Township in Centre County, personally appeared on 26 November 1832, before the Judges of Common Pleas Court of Centre County, and being duly sworn, made the following declaration: He entered the service of the United States as a militiaman, under the following named officers and served as herein stated. (1) He was in Capt'n Alexander McCoy's . company of Pennsylvania militia, of which company Andrew Briggs was Lieutenant — who afterwards was drowned in Kishacoquillas creek, and marched to Potter's Fort in Perm's Valley, Centre County, in the year 1776, being at that time about twenty years old. (2) In the month of April of the following year (1777), he served a tour of duty in Bedford County (now Huntingdon) under the command of Colonel McClarey.. (3) Subsequently he served as one of the garrison at a Fort situated at the Lead mines in Sinking valley," Bedford County. He has no documentary evidence of his service, and never had a written discharge. I -le knows of no one living who can testify to his service. He was a resident of Northumberland County (now Centre) when he entered the service. He was born on 14 February 1757, in Philadelphia County, as recorded in the leaf of the family Bible. He has no record of his age now; there was one in his father's Bible, but he has not seen it for years. He lived in Cumberland County (now Mifflin) when called into service. After the war he moved to Centre County (then Northumberland) where he now resides. He was drafted in the militia. Alexander McCoy was captain of the 1st Company, Fifth Battalion, Cumberland County militia in July, 1777. Ibid., 2nd Series, XIV, 388. Possibly he is meant for Col. William McAlevy of the Third Battalion, Bedford County militia. Mkt., 655. According to Dr. Wagner, this was Port Roberdeau in Sinking Valley, where had was mined for the use of the Continental Army. "This should have been Cumberland County. as appears in his subsequent narration. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 99 When in service there were no regular officers with them, nor did any of the Continental troops serve with them. We were drafted to march "below" [to join Washington's army], but through the interference of Colonel Buchanan la of Cumberland County, we were permitted to remain at home to defend the country from the Indians who were committing depredations in Pennsvalley, Northumberland County (now Centre). We marched to Potter's Fort under Capt. Alexander McCoy, and subsequently to Stone creek and Sinking valley in Bedford (now Huntingdon) County as before stated. When our time was up, we were permitted to return home. Richard Gunsalus is arid William Marsden can testify as to my character. /s/ John Marsden I, Richard Gunsalus certify that I am well acquainted with John Marsden of Howard Township, and that I believe him to be about seventy-six years of age, and have a knowledge of his being out at the time stated by him — being from the same neighborhood as that he was, and living about four miles apart, and that he is reputed and believed to have been a soldier of the Revolution in the neighborhood where he resides. /s/ Rich'd Gunsalus I, William Massden [sic], certify that I am well acquainted with William Massden [sic] of Centre County; that he believes him to be about seventy-six years of age; that he is reputed and believed to have been a soldier in the Revolution in the neighborhood where he resides, and that he concurs in the above opinion. /s/ Wm. Masden On 24 May 1834, John Marsden, being duly sworn before Absalom Ligget, Justice of the Peace of Centre County, makes the following supplemental declaration: He served at Potter's Fort under Captain McCoy for three months, that being the time for which he was drafted. In the month of April following he was drafted for a second term of three months also, under Colonel McClary. In the year 1778, to the best of this deponent's recollection in the month of April or May, he was drafted for a tour of three months and served as one of the garrison of the Lead mine Fort. At the expiration of this tour, he volunteered and served for two weeks. The first tour in Bedford County, under Colonel McClary, he was stationed at McCormick's fort on Shaver's creek in said County. Pension granted 8 July 1834, at the rate of 1831, under the Act of 7 June 1832. $30 per annum, to commence 4 March Bellefonte, 2 May 1835 J. L. Edwards, Esq., Commissioner of Pensions Sir: Yours of the 21st April has been duly reed and in compliance with your request .Buchanan was colonel of the Fifth Cumberland County Militia ilattail011. It would appear that Marsden,s service was in 1777 and 1778, rather than in 1776 and 1777, since he was "drafted," and not a volunteer associator. See Pennsylvania Archives, 5t1, Series, VI, 326, 338, 564, for Marsden's service in the Cumberland militia. .For Gunsalue service see his pension application in the No. I issue of this Volume XXVI, 17. Gunsalus and John Marsden are both rated as single men in Derry Two., Cumberland Co., in 1780. That year a William Marsden was rated in the earne township on 100 acres of land. Pennsylvania Archives. 3rd Series, XX, 276, 279. .Presumably this was in pursuance of the order of 2 May 1778, when the Lieutenant of Cumberland County was directed to furnish 100 militia for the defence of the frontiers against the Indians and Tories. Minutes of the Suhrerne Executive Council.. • (Harrisburg, 1852), XI, 477. .Shaver's Creek is just east of the junction of the Little Juniata and Juniata Itis.es. 100 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine I have procured and now forward to you the Certificate granted 8 July 1834, to John Marsden. Very respectfully, your obt. Serv't /s/ R.. C. Hale 6 February 1838, Lewistown, Pa. Sin I enclose the power of attorney of John Marsden to Wm. Patten, Esq.. If it is correct, please return the power of attorney together with the order for its payment. /s/ R. C. Hale On 14 September 1844, before Jacob Baker, Justice of the Peace n and for Centre County, personally came John Marsden and made oath that he is the identical person named in an original certificate in his possession, of which the following is a true copy: "I certify that m conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, John Marsden of the State of Pennsylvania, who was a private in the revolutionary war, is entitled to thirty dollars per annum during his natural life, commencing on the 4th day of March 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th day of March and the 4th of September in every year. Given at the war office of the United States, this 8th day of July, one thousand eight hundred and thirty—four. /s/ Lew. Cass, Secretary of War , That he now resides in Centre County and has resided there for the space of fifty-six years past, and that previous thereto he resided in Cumberland County, Penn'a, and that he was legally married to Elizabeth Murdock on the 22d day of June, A.D. 1787, and that his wife the said Elizabeth, is now living. /s/ John (X) Marsden Examined and countersigned, Geo. Wm. Crump, Chf. C. for and in behalf of Commissioner of Pennons. [Three certificates of payment of his pension at the Treasury Department of the United States, the last of which is from March 4th to Sept. 4th 1840, were included in the jacket, but not abstracted by Dr. Wagner.] On 22 May 1845, personally appeared before Wm. Smyth, Associate Judge of Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, witness present, John Masden [sic] (Jr.), Elizabeth Marsden, resident of said county, aged 74 years, who on her oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of 7 July 1838, granting half-pay and pensions to certain widows: That she is the widow of John Marsden, a private in the Revolutionary war, and performed duty as a draughted militia man in the Pennsylvania line [sic]; that for his good conduct and services he received a pension from the United States " during his life time. She further declares that she was married to the said John Marsden on 22 June 1787 by Justice Robert Fleming, then of Northumberland Co., Pa., and that she has no certificate or other proof of her marriage, but refers to the deposition of her husband before his death." She further declares that they had three children previous to 1794, two of which are deceased, and the other a resident of the state of Ohio; that her husband died on 15 September 1844, that she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to 1 January 1794. /s/ Elizabeth (X) Marsden Wm. Smyth, Associate Judge, certifies on 22 May 1845, that the above named Elizabeth Marsden, applicant for a pension, cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court; In the deposition following the words United States, is crossed out the statement "and also from the State of Pennsylvania." 151 will be noted that his last deposition appears to have been made the day before he erasi Pennsylvania Pension Applications 101 that she is a reputable person, and that her late husband, John Marsden was also a reputable person and entitled to full credit and belief. /s/ Wm. Smyth Hon'ble Jno. L. Edwards Bellefonte, 17 June 1841 Sir: Enclosed I forward you the application of Elizabeth Marsden, widow of John Marsden, deed, a pensioner of the United States, for a pension. By reference to his deposition (though not taken very regularly by the Justice) you will perceive that he proved their marriage before his death, which I hope will prove satisfactory. Very respectfully, your obed't serv't, /s/ Gm. Buchanan On 16 September 1846, before Phil. Krebs, Justice of the Peace in and for Clinton County, Absalom Liggett of said County, being duly sworn, deposed that he was well acquainted with the late John Marsden, late of Centre County, and also is well acquainted with his widow, Elizabeth Marsden, now living, and lived near neighbors to them for at least fifty years. That they were considered as man and wife, legally married, and raised a large family of children. This deponent believes they were living as man and wife together in Centre County about the year 1796; that they have a son, now living, named William, who is about fifty years of age— perhaps more— and that this deponent was about fifteen or sixteen years of age when he came to Centre County with his father who moved to Centre County from the State of Maryland about the year 1796, and that this deponent is about sixty-five years of age. /s/ Absalom Ligget Hon'ble Jno. L. Edwards Spring Mills, Pa., 19 Sept. 1846 Sir. Enclosed I hand you the deposition of Ab'm Liggett, relative to the case of Mrs. Marsden pending before you. I have known Mr. Liggett for many years, and he is worthy of full credit. He has lived near to John Marsden for many years, and now lives in Clinton County near the Centre line. I hope this affidavit will be sufficient, but more can be obtained, whose recollection extends to 20 or 30 years past. My own belief as the age of Wm. Marsden is that he is more than 50 years of age. If you desire more depositions please advise me. I remain, Very respectfully, your Obed't Serv't Is/ Geo. Buchanan On 17 November 1846, before Joseph Bumgardner, Justice of the Peace of Centre County, came Sarah Delong who, being duly sworn, deposed that Hir [sic] name was Elisazeth Mirdick [sic] Before she was married to John Masden [sic]; Elisabeth Mirdick was married to John Masden, 1787, by Robert Fleming, Esq., as near as I Can tell, though I was not at the weding my Self, But my Brother was Groomsman when they were married and told me be saw them married. My Brother is dead this 10 years and I have been acquainted with Mrs. Masden before she was married and Ever since, about sixty and [sic] years ago, and they lived together as man and wife ever since I new [sic] them to be married, and I know that she is John Masden's widdow now. /s/ Sarah (X) Delong J. L. Edwards, Esq. Eagleville, 1846 Sirs I hereby appoint J. W. Thayer of Washington City, my agent, to attend to my claim for a pension, and I request that you will inform him of the present condition of the case and to make all reports in relation to it, to him. /s/ Elisabeth (X) Marsden, widow Witnesses. David Debug, Michel Woos 102 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine The deposition of David Bechdel of Centre County, made before Jacob Baker, Justice of the Peace, on 1 January 1847," by affirmation, declares that he was well acquainted with John Marsden in his life time, and with his widow Elizabeth Marsden, now living; that he recollects them as man and wife as far back as 1793, and that they were always considered in the neighborhood as man and wife lawfully married. /s/ David Bechdel [File: R 6914] WILLIAM MASON, aged 74, resident of Spring Township, Centre County, on 27 April 1818, before Jonathan Walker, Judge of the 4th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, personally appeared and on oath made the following declaration: That he, William Mason, enlisted in the City of Philadelphia in 1777, in the company of Captain McGowen of the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment,°° and was afterwards exchanged into a Regiment called the "Congress's own Regiment," commanded by Hayson [Hazen] ;as that he continued to serve in the said Regiment in the Service of the United States, for the space of six years and three months, and was discharged about the year 1783, at Pumpton plains in the State of New Jersey, which discharge he has since lost. That he was in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and the capture of Lord Cornwallis, and that he is now in reduced circumstance s and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support. /s/ William (X) Mason On 29 April 1818, before Jonathan Walker, President Judge as aforesaid, personally appeared Charles McLain, who being duly sworn deposed that he is personally acquainted with the above named applicant, William Mason, and that he knows hrim to have been a soldier in the army of the United States during the Revolutionary war; that he is of good moral character and is in reduced circumstances in life and in great need of the assistance of his Country. /s/ Charles (X) McLain On 30 April 1818, before me Jonathan Walker, President Judge as aforesaid, came Philip Benner who, being duly affirmed, declared that he is personally acquainted with the within named applicant, that he is a man of truth and full confidence may be placed in his oath, that he is now in reduced circumstances and in need not only of assistance from his country, but deserving of it. /s/ Philip Benner I, Charles Huston, Pres.ffient Judge of 4th Judicial District, do on 27 January 1819, certify that William Mason, the above applicant, appeared before me and being duly sworn, declares in addition to the above made before Judge Walker, that the name of Coll under whom he served, was Coll Haysen, and that he so informed the Clerk who wrote his former declaration. I do further certify that from my, own knowledge Wm. Mason, the applicant, is in reduced circumstances, and that he is now, and for some A similar deposition ;nada on the same date by Ross Baker no not transcribed by Dr. Wagner' He also notes .there Was much additiona/ correspondence relating to the widow's claim which was "of no material luatorical importance," and was not transcribed by lum. Thu regiment was recruited 1/1 January and February, 1777, and was commanded by Lt. Col. William Butler, John McGowan had been adjmam in Col. Samuel Miles' Rine Regiment; was transferred to the Fourth Regiment in January, 1777, and became brigade major in October of the same year. Pennsylvania Archives. 2nd Series, X. 488-48.9* 200, 492. 2 . Col. Moses Hazen commanded this regiment, also called the "Canadian Old Regiment." For Hazen's account of its service, in Pennsylvania Archives [1st Serial. VIII, 178. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 103 years past, has been in part supported by the Township in which he lives as a pauper. /s/ C. Huston [Notation on the above paper: 'No Colonel named Hays on the Continental Establishment.") On 28 August 1820, personally appeared in Centre County Court of Common Pleas, William Mason, aged 70 years [sic], resident in Spring Township in said county, who, being duly sworn, declares that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: In the spring of 1776 [sic], he enlisted in Philadelphia for the whole time that the war might continue, in Captain McGowen's company, 4th Regiment of the Pennsylvania line, commanded by Col. Moses Hassen [sic], and was exchanged and put under the command of Capt. Thomas Fry," in the aforesaid Reg't, and under the command of the same Col.; he was at the battles of Germantown, Brandywine, and the Seige of Cornwallis at Little York in Virginia, and several small skirmishes along the lines; that he served six years and three months, and was honorably discharged by Col. Moses Hassen at the expiration of the war. That in pursuance of his declaration made before Judge Huston [sic — Walker] on 27 April 1818, he was placed on the pension list of which he received a certificate from the war department, dated the 20th day of March 1819, No. 7933, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 18th day of March 1818. Fie has no real or personal property, and receives no pension from the State of Pennsylvania. "I have no trade, old and infirm, and unable to support myself, my wife is dead, one daughter living and married, name Hannah, now Hannah Stevit, she does not live with me, for I have my boarding with strangers, as my daughter is not in a situation by which she could contribute towards my support. I was placed on the Township of Spring for my support, and remained on said Township for two years and five months, at which time I received the pension from the United States,..." /s/ William Mason Pension granted 20 March 1819, at the rate of $8 per month, to commence 27 April 1818, under the Act of 18 March 1818. [File: S 40120] * *• HENRY McEWEN, aged 65, resident in Potter Township in Centre County, on 28 April 1818, personally appeared before Jonathan Walker, President Judge of 4th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and being duly sworn, made the following declaration: That he entered as a volunteer in Capt. William Hendricks rifle company on 11 July 1775, belonging to Col. William TKmpson's regiment;" that on the 13th of the same month he marched for Boston with said company; that shortly after his arrival at Boston, Captain Hendricks was drafted for Quebec, and that he volunteered to go with said Captain Hendricks and did go; that he continued to serve in the said company, or in the service of the United States, until 31 December 1771, when he was wounded and taken prisoner by the British at the storming of Quebec by General Montgomery; that he continued and was kept a prisoner by the British until October 1776, about two months of which time he was confined in Irons. That he was in several skirmishes, besides the storming of This was Capt. Thomas Pry who was promoted from lieutenant S February 1777. Ibid., 2nd Seri., XI, 100. For Mason's inclusion in the regiment, see ibid., 101. Hues, never commanded the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment. 0 0 0,, ibid... 2nd Series, X, 30, for this battalion, raised in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. For Hendricks' company, see ibid., 23-26. 104 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Quebec, and that he is now in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support, and that he has no other evidence now in his power of said service. /s/ Henry McEwen On 28 April 1818, before Jonathan Walker, President Judge, came Francis McEwen who, being duly sworn, deposeth that he is personally acquainted with Henry McEwen, and knows him to be a man of truth and good moral character, and that full confidence may be placed in his oath, and that the said Henry McEwen is now in reduced circumstances in life and stands in need of the assistance of his country for his support. /s/ F. McEwen [Judge Walker certifies on 28 April 1818, that he is satisfied with the truth of the declaration of Henry McEwen and that he is in reduced circumstances, and that he now transmits the proceedings and testimony taken before him to the Secretary for the War Department as required by law.] On 27 January 1819, before C. Huston, President Judge of the 4th Judicial District, came William McEwen, Esq., and Matthew Allison, Escr, both well known to me, and both men of respectability who, being duly sworn, do say that each of them knows Henry McEwen, the above applicant, and knew him in 1775; that he then enlisted in the Company of Capt. Wm. Hendricks and marched from Cumberland County in this State for Boston; that neither of them being in the service, they only know by report, that the applicant went to Canada, and was there taken prisoner. They know he did not return until the fall of 1776, and was then reported and believed to have been a prisoner, and to be then returned from that situation. /s/ William McEwen, Matthew Allison Pension granted 20 March 1819, at the rate of $8 per month, to commence on 28 April 1818, under the Act of 18 March 1818. On 8 June 1820, in Court of Common Pleas of Centre County, 4th Judicial district, personally appeared Henry McEwen, aged 68 [sic], resident of Potter Township in said county, who on oath declares that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: On 11 July 1775, he enlisted for one year in Capt. William Hendricks company of the first rifle regiment of the Pennsylvania line,e 4 commanded by Col. William Thompson, and on 13th of same month marched from Carlisle in Cumberland County to join the army before Boston. That on 8 August he arrived at camp near Cambridge where he was stationed with his company until the last week in September in the same year, when he was drafted to march to Quebec under the command of Cu!. Benedict Arnold by way of Kennebeck and Chadaire [sic — Chaudiere]. About the middle of November he arrived on the plains of Abraham before Quebec, where he remained until the arrival of General Montgomery." That he was engaged in the storming of the garrison on die morning of 31 December, in which he received a Bayonet wound in the hand, which has since very much disabled him from making a living. He was taken prisoner and put The battalion was not part of the Pennsylvania Line, having been raised under authority of a resolution of Congress. 25 Although McEwen says he was .drafted,” service in the Quebec expedition eras voluntary for the privet., according to Christopher Ward, The War of the Revolution (New York, 1952), I, 16S, hereinafter cited as Ward. 25 Montgornery arrived late on Z December 1775, from Montreal which had fallen to him on Is November. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 10$ 'In Irons and was continued in that situation for eight weeks. On 3 August 1776, an agreement was entered into between American officers and General Charlton [sic — Carleton] in which it was stipulated that we should sign a parole which the prisoners did in the words following: "We the undersigned do solemnly engage to his Excellency General Carlton that we will not take up arms against, nor do anything injurious to his Majest. King George, third, until regularly exchanged." And he further saith, that in the fall of the year 1778, he received information from Colonel Nichol in writing, which he has since lost, that he, among others, was exchanged. That in pursuance of his declaration made before Judge Walker on 28 April 1818, he was placed on the pension list of which he received a Certificate from the War Department, dated 20 March 1819, No. 7934, under the Act of 18 March 1818. And I do solemnly swear that I was a resident of the United States on that date, and that I have not since thattune by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby to diminish it so as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress passed 18 March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed: One small mare. This mare was bought for $34 and was paid out of the Pension money heretofore received. One silver watch, value $10; Two cows and a small heifer, $30; one ten plate stove, one Iron Kettle, $22i six sheep and four hogs, $15; two Iron pots, one Iron tea kettle, $2; one griddle, one grid Iron, $1.75; one pair of shovel and tongs, $2; two chests, 4 chairs and two tables, not folding and very old, $10; one corner Cupboard, made of pine boards, $8. Total value $134.75. I did follow the Carpenter trade when able to pursue it, but have not been so for a number of years. I have a wife that is aged and frail and four children under twelve years of age living vith us and depending on me for support. I have more children but they do not live with me, and are not in situations by which they could contribute towards our support. I have received a Pension of $40 yearly from the State of Pennsylvania in pursuance of an act of the Legislature passed 28 March 1814. 2' /s/ Henry McEwen [John Rankin, Prothonotary of Common Pleas Court, Centre County, certifies on 22 July 1820, that the foregoing oath and schedule are truly copied from the record of the Court.] On 18 March 1839, personally appeared before Jacob Kryder, Associate Judge of Common Pleas Court, Centre County, Elizabeth McEwen, aged 70 years or thereabouts, resident of Potter Township, who on oath makes the following declaration: She is the widow of Henry McEwen, late of Centre County, deceased, who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution and was at the storming of Quebec by General Montgomery, under the command of Captain Hendricks and Major Story, where he was taken prisoner and detained nine months, that he was a volunteer in said expedition, and was at the time of his decease a Pensioner of the United States, whose certificate is lost or mislaid. She further declares that she was married to Henry McEwen on 11 July 1786, at Carlisle, Cumberland County, by the Rev'd Dr. Nesbit of the some place, that the record of their marriage in their family Bible, now in her possession is in the proper hand. The Pennsylvania Pension List gives this date as 18 March 1814 Series, XL 76'. Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd 106 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine writing of said Henry McEwen, a copy whereof is as follows: "Henry McEwen was married to Elizabeth Gregg, July ye 11th 1786." Her husband Henry McEwen died on 9 October 1825, and she has remained a widow ever since the period of his decease. /s/ Elizabeth (X) McEwen [Jacob Kryder, having compared the copy and the entry of the marriage in the Bible, certifies it is correct, and that owing to bodily infirmity, said Elizabeth McEwen cannot attend the Court, and that from her general character she is worthy of full credit and belief.] Pension granted 8 October 1839, at the rate of $42.66 per annum, to commence 4 March 1836, under the Act of 7 July 1836. On 10 July 1843, personally appeared before Thomas Mayes, Justice of the Peace of Centre County, witnessed by Wm. M'Closkey, Elizabeth McEwen, aged 79, who on oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress 3 March 1843: That she is the widow of Henry McEwen, private in Capt. Wm. Hendricks Rifle Corps from Cumberland County, Penn's, in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Arnold in the expedition to Quebec commanded by General Montgomery; that her husband was a pensioner of the United States at his decease, and that the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 7 July 1838, was $42.66. She further declares that she is still a widow. /s/ Elizabeth (X) McEwen Pension granted 27 October 1843, under the Act of 3 March 1843, at the rate of $42.66 per annum, to commence 4 March 1843. [File: W 3275] [Dr. Wagner notes there is considerable additional correspondence in this file relating to the return of the family Bible which had been submitted in evidence of the widow's claim in 1839, and which in 1877 the Pension Office was trying to return to the family, as per the following letters.] Depart of the Interior, Pension Office Washington, D.C., 9 June 1877 To the Postmaster, Bellefonte, Centre Co., Penn'a. Sir: Please furnish this office with the names and post-office addresses of some of the descendants of Elizabeth McEwen, widow of Henry McEwen, late pri. Rev, war, who formerly resided in your town or in Potter township. Application was made for pension by the widow and certificate sent in 1843, through her agent George Buchanan of your town. A Bible containing a family record was filed in evidence. It is now desired to return said Bible to the family. Please return this letter with your reply. Very respectfully, /s/ J. A. Bentley, Comrn'r of Pensions Hublersburg, Centre Co., Pa., 16 August 1877 Hon. Com. of Pensions, Dear Sir: I have seen Henry McEwen, Esq. He says that Henry McEwen the rev. soldier was his Father, and was serving under Gen. Montgomery and taken Prisoner at Quebeck, Canada. Mr , Henry McEwen is living near Hublersburg and his Father's residence was in Potter township, Centre Co., Pa. Yours Respectfully, /s/ Henry Brown, P.M. Pennsylvania Pension ApPlications 107 Dept. of the Interior, Pension Office Washington, D.C., 20 August 1877 Henry McEwen Hublersburg, Centre Co., Pa. Dear Sir: I herewith transmit to your address the Bible sent to this Office by Mrs. Elizabeth McEwen in 1843 [ric],28 to be filed in evidence when she made application for pension. You will please acknowledge the receipt of the Bible on the back of this letter," and return it to this office in the enclosed envelope. Very respectfully, Is/ 0. P. Clarke, Acting Commissioner CHARLES McLAIN, aged 63," resident of Boggs Township, Centre County, on 30 April 1818, personally appeared before Jonathan Walker, President Judge of 4th Judicial District of Pennsylvmia, and being duly sworn, made the following declaration: That he enlisted in Nittany Valley, Centre County, in the company commanded by Captain Whitsel [sic —Weitzel], of the 1st company, 2nd Battalion of Pennsylvania troops under the command of Colonel Miles. That he continued in the said Corps or in the service of the United States for one year and nine months, until discharged at Valley Forge in 1777." That he again soon after enlisted at Reading in Penn's, in the company commanded by Captain Herd [sic — Heard] of the second Troop 4th Reg't Light Dragoons," that he continued in the said Corps in the service of the United States, for and during the war, when he was discharged from service in Lancaster, Penn'a. That he was in the battles of Long Island, Monmouth, Stoney point, and the taking of Cornwallis, and received several wounds, and that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for his support. He has no other evidence, now in his power, of said service. /s/ Charles (X) McLain On 30 April 1818, Roland Curtin before Judge Walker deposeth that he is personally acquainted with Charles McLain, and that he is a man in whom full confidence may be placed on oath, and is of good character and now in reduced circumstances. /s/ Roland Curtin [Dr. Wagner reports the following brief among the application papers.] "McGlane, Charles: His name appears on a list of applicants for invalid pension" returned by the District Court for the District of Pennsylvania, submitted to the House of Representatives by the Secretary of War on 25 April 1794, and printed in the AmerDr. Wagner M his note stated the Bible had been sent to Washington in 1839, but gave no authority for that date. 28 The acknowledgement of Henry McEwen, dated 29 Angnst 1877. read, "Dear Sir: The Bible was received the 24th inst. and came to the rightful Heir." 30 While Dr. 07agner's transcript gives his age in 1818 as 63, it is given as 67 in the list of pensioners -in Pennsylvania Archives, 3rd Series, 305555, 502. Mike Rifle Regiment alas raised in the spring of 1776, the men enlisting to serve until 1 January 1778. As will be seen, McLain's memory was faulty with respect to his various enlistments and servIce. 38 This was Stephen Moylan's regimems of cavalry. As John Heard was commiuioned 8 February 1778, McLain', second enlistment must have been after that date, possibly 17 February 1778, rather than 1777, as given in the brief of service included with the application papers. Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd Series, 128. McLain's name is not included on the one published roster, however 8, See ibid., 754, where he is listed as Charles McLean, and 768, .8 McLain. The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 108 ican State Papers, class 9, page 98. Rank: Private. Reet: 3d Pennsylvania. Disability: wounded in his left leg and thigh at the battle of Stoney Point, by two musket balls. When and where disabled: 16 July 1779, Stoney Point. Residence: Chester County, Penn'a. Remarks: Enlisted February 17, 1777, for the war. Evidence transmitted by the District Court complete." Pension granted 21 October 1818, at the rate of $8 per month, to begin on 30 April 1818, under the Act of 18 March 1818. [File: S 41857] On 28 August 1820, personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas for Centre County, Charles McLain, aged 68, resident of the Town of Milesborough, Centre County, who being duly sworn declares that on 30 September 1776," he enlisted for twenty-one months in Captain WeitzePs company, was placed under Capt. John Robb and marched from Centre County, then Northumberland County, to Marcus Hook and from thence to New York, to the Long island, and was in the battle of Long Island" where he was slightly wounded in several places, was taken prisoner on that day by the British, but made his escape the next night. He was also in the battle of Brandywine and in the battle of Germantown and several other small engagements, and was discharged on the first day of January 1778. He enlisted again in Captain Herd's company of Light Dragoons " and marched to Carlisle, and from Carlisle to Lancaster, and from Lancaster to Reading, and was riot discharged until peace was made. He has a wife, aged and infirm, and five children who do not live with him, and are not in situations by which they could contribute to their support, and that he has no trade to pursue and is unable to support himself and wife by dayly labor. In pursuance of his declaration made before the Judge on 18 May 1818 [sic], he was placed on the pension list of which he received a certificate from the War Department, dated 21 October 1818, No. 4002, under the law of 18 March 1818. He has no property other than what is contained in the annexed schedule: [The schedule included one old house and lot of ground in Milesborough, some live stock, household furniture and implements, for a total value of $123.87.] I also receive a yearly pension of $40 from the State of Pennsylvania, in pursuance of an act of the Legislature passed 28 March 1814. /s/ Charles (X) McLain • * • - e• • • JOHN MACLAIN, aged about 69, resident in the Township of Potter, Centre County, on 24 April 1821, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, and being sworn, declares that he served as a soldier during the war of the Revolution as follows: In the spring of 1778 he enlisted to serve during the War in the City of Albany in the State of New York, with Capt. Aaron Austin who commanded a company in the 3rd New York Regiment under Colonel Willet. About one week after his enlistMcLa'in could not have enlisted on this date if he was at the battle of Long Island, which was on 27 August 1776. After the battle, the remnants of compani. in Miles' and Atlee's battalions were merged into the State Regiment of Foot, and served under Col. Walter Stew., Pennsylvania Archives, 2nd Seri., X, 258-259, 275. "Moylan's Dragoons was an independent organaation. Precisely when or for how long McLain served with them is unknown, since no muster rolls have survived with his name entered. Inasmuch as be appears to have ended up with the Third Pennsylvania Regiment, as given in the brief of service, he may have been transfeg.d. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 109 ment he was marched to Fort Stanwis [Rome, N.Y.] where he joined the Regiment and remained there until the fall of the year, when we were marched to the Barracks near the northern and northwestern frontier of New York, under the command of General James Clinton, during which time they had no engagements with the Indians. We eventually passed down the northeast branch of the Susquehanna River to Tioga paint [Athens, Pa.] where we met " the Troops under General Sullivan to whose command we were attached. We then marched up the Genesee " River for the purpose of destroying the Indians corn crop. Having effected this object, we were marched on to Cayuga Lake, from whence, in the fall of 1779, we returned by the way of Wyoming and Easton," through [blank] in Jersey to winter quarters at Morristown. In the ensuing summer we were under the command of Colonel Courtland and attached to the command of the .Marquis La Fayette, and passed the winter, after having been marched and placed m different Garrisons during the summer, at Saratoga Barracks. During the winter of 1781, the 3rd New York Regiment was consolidated with the 1st New York Regiment; in the spring of that year they were marched to jom the main army, Colonel Vandyck then commanding the first Regiment, and were present at the seige of York Town in Virginia and the capture of Lord Cornwallis. After which circumstances having taken place, they were marched back to Jersey and passed the winter in huts at Pompton in New Jersey. He continued m the service until the spring of 1783, when, after haying passed the winter at Newburgh, in the State of New York, he was discharged, having served out his time faithfully. His discharge was burned m the City of Philadelphia, either m the year 1787 or 1788. He receives no pension, either from the United States or from any of the Individual States. He has no other property than what is contained in the annexed schedule. [The schedule included live stock, farming implements and household furniture for a total value of $229.] I am a Shoemaker by Trade, but am unable to work at it because of an affliction of my breast and my extreme age. I have a wife advanced in years and in bad health; I have no children. The property on which I reside belongs to the heirs of James Potter, Esq., deceased, on which I am permitted to live during life on the payment of on annual rent of 826- 67. I am old and mfirrn, unable to work to support myself, and in need of the assistance of my country for support. I am also indebted to an amount larger than the appraised amount of my property. /s/ John (X) Maclain War Departmtint, Pension Office, 9 Dec. 1822 Sir: I herewith return John Maclain's letter to you, together with has declaration. He has omitted to set forth the age of his wife and her ability to labor When he shall have supplied that emission, and returned his declaration to this Department, a final decision will be had on his claim. The memorandum respecting the Administrator of Henry Michael is also returned, and I have to inform you that the claim for arrearages of pay will be settled at the 3rd Auditor's Office, and that for land at the Bounty Land Bureau under the care of Nathaniel Cutting, Esqr. I am respectfully, yr. Obt. Servt, /s/ J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions. On 28 January 1823, personally appeared in open Court of Record for the County of Centre, John M'Clain who, being duly sworn doth depose and say that in addition to " This was on 22 August 1779, according to Ward, II, 641, mted M Note 25. According to Ward, loc. cit., they marched up the Chemung, not the Genesee. 35, They were at Wyoming on 10 September, and at Easton on 15 October 1 77• Ward, 05, 644. 110 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine the facts sworn to by him in the affidavit made by him on 24 April 1821, and to which this is annexed, that his wife Agnes M'Clain is 57 years of age, that she is afflicted with Rheumatic pains and is totally unable to assist in the support of herself and this deponent. /s/ John (X) M'Clain Pension granted 25 February 1823, at the rate of $8 per month under the Acts of 18 March 1818, 1 May 1820; inscribed on the Roll of New York, and to commence 24 April 1821. Certificate sent to Hon. John Brown, H.R. [File: S 40127] MARY MILLER, aged 74 or thereabouts, resident of Gregg Township, Centre County, on 15 March 1839, personally appeared before Jacob Kryder, Associate Judge of Court of Common Pleas for said County, and on oath made the following declaration: She is the widow of Christian Miller, a private in the army of the Revolution; that he enlisted the first tour of service under a Captain Gregg; that his whole term of service during the war was five years and seven months. He was in the Battles of Brandywine, Germantown and in several other battles during said war, and was honorably discharged at New York, which discharge she once had in her possession, but that the same is on file among the records of the Legislature of Penn'a, with her petition to obtain a pension from said State. She is unable to procure it back again. For his service her husband received a tract of bounty land in the State of Ohio... She was married to the said Christian Miller on 31 March 1783, at Reading, Penn'a, by the Reverend Mr. Boos of said place. The said Christian Miller, her husband, died on 10 March 1824, and she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by her reference to the proof hereto annexed. She further declares that she was married to the said Christian Miller during the last period of his service, and before the expiration of the same. /s/ Mary (X) Miller Jacob Kryder, Associate Judge, certifies that the above applicant cannot from old age and bodily infirmity, attend the Court to make the declaration required, and that from his personal krifJwledge of her character, she is worthy of full credit and belief. On 18 March 1839, before Philip B. Mosser, Justice of the Peace for Centre County, personally appeared Valentine Breon [sic] of Centre County, and being duly sworn deposes that he was well acquainted with Christian Miller in his lifetime, and up to the time of his decease. That Christian Miller was a soldier in the Revolution, and that during the last period of his service he was married to Mary Marstellar, the applicant above named, and that he has known them as man and wife ever since their marriage which this deponent believes took place in the year 1783, and that after his marriage Christian Miller performed military duty. Since the decease of the said Christian, the said Mary has remained a widow. /s/ Valentine Brion On 15 March 1839, before Philip B. Mosser, Justice of the Peace, personally appeared Jacob Breon of Centre County, who being duly sworn, deposes that he was well acquainted A Christian Miller, private of the Second Pennsylvania Reghnent, was entitled to 200 acres of "Donation Lands," according to the list in Pennsylvania Archives, 3rd Series, 131, 697. He, however, may be the man of that name who died in Luzern, County in 1821, aged 90, u noted in ibid., 2nd Series, X, 43r See also ibid., XI, 768. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 111 with Christian Miller in his life time. He has known the said Christian and Mary, the applicant within named, as man and wife up to the decease of the said Christian, for about thirty-five years, and that said Mary has remained a widow ever since the decease of her husband. /s/ Jacob Breon Marriage Certificate of the within named Christian Miller and Mary Marsteller, dated at Reading the 31st day of March 1783, given by J. W. Boos, V.D.M., translated from the German by Jacob Kryder, Associate Judge: "According to the existing Docket in our Church have I, in conformity to Christian use, married Christian Miller and Maria Marstellerin, which I hereby testify with my own signature, done at Reading, 31st March 1783. /s/ J. W. Boos, V.D.M." On 18 March 1839, before Jacob Kryder, Associate Judge, George Buchanan being duly sworn deposes that in the year [blank] he drew a petition for Mary Miller, the within applicant, to the Legislature of Penn's for a pension, which was granted her on account of the services of her husband, Christian Miller, during the war of the Revolution. That he attached to the said petition a Certificate of Discharge given the said Christian by the late General Anthony Wayne and attested by his Aide-camp. That this deponent believes that the said discharge was dated sometime in the fall of 1783, and was given at White Plains in New York. He also says he knew Christian Miller in his life time, and often heard him speak of his battles under General Wayne or as he familiarly called him, Mad Anthony, during the Revolution. /s/ Geo. Buchanan Bellefonte, 28 July 1839 Hon'ble Jno. L. Edwards, Corn. of Pensions, Sir: I have been able to procure from the files at Harrisburg, the enclosed discharge of Ch. Miller, which refers to the first term of enlistment. His widow has not in her possession the discharge for his second term. Also I enclose the marriage Certificate agreeably to your request. I believe now there can be no doubt as to her case. With respect to Mrs. Steele, she has died since her application was made; if anything can be had for her children, please advise me. I forwarded some time since an application for Adam Shaffer, an old soldier; also Mrs. Nancy Miller, and Mrs. Mary Elder, 41 widows of old soldiers asking for pensions, which I hope you received, also one from Mrs. C. Casner, widow of H. Casner, late a pensioner. As respects the witnesses in Mrs. Mary Miller's case, I have known them well for the last fifteen years, and they are in all respects credible persons, and worthy of full credit and belief. I remain, very respectfully, your obe't Serve, /s/ Geo. Buchanan Pension granted 27 September 1839, to begin 4 March 1831, at the rate of $80 per annum, under the Act of 4 July 1836, Sec. 3. Certificate sent to Geo. Buchanan, Bellefonte, Penn's. [Pile: W 3105] JACOB MILLER, aged 67, resident of Walker Township, Centre County, personally appeared -in Court of Common Pleas on 28 August 1820, who, being duly sworn declares that he served in the Revolutionary war as follows: In 1776 he enlisted in Reading in the 4,- The pension application of Adam Shaffer will sonar in a forthcoming inn, of this Magazine, that of Mrs. Nancy Miller, widow of Jacob Miller, follows in the tent, and that of Mrs. Mary Elder, widow of John Elder, appeared in the No. 4 issue of Volume )(XV (1968), 274' 112 The Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine State of Pennsylvania in the company commanded by Captain Spoon [Spohn] " of the fifth Regiment. He continued to serve in the said corps until he was taken a prisoner at Fort Washington [16 November 1776]. He afterwards enlisted in Chester, Pennsylvania, in the company of Captain Root in Colonel Hartley's regiment," and served m said Corps until the revolt of the Pennsylvania line [1 January 1781], when he was discharged m the State of New Jersey. He was in the battle of Long Island, at the surrender of Fort Washington, and in the battle of Germantown. He has lost his discharge, and has no other evidence of his service now in his power. He was a resident of the United States on 18 March 1818, and has not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of his property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring himself within the provisions of the Act of 18 March 1818. He is a shoemaker by trade, but that he is disabled from his pursuing his occupation by a paralytick affection and infirmity in his head and stomach. He has a wife who is old who has been sickly for many years. He has six children, three sons and three daughters; one of his sons is married and doing for himself, and also one of his daughters. The four remaining children live with him, all of whom are twenty years of age except one daughter. His children are unable to support him without injuring themselves. /s/ Jacob Miller Schedule of Property: 1 Cow old, $10; 1 mare old, $20; I pot, $1; 1 small walnut table, $2; 3 old Chairs, 500; Dishes and spoons, $3. Total $36.50 Pension granted 9 October 1820, to commence 28 August 1820, at the rate of $8 per month, under the Act of 18 March 1818, and 1 May 1820. On 14 June 1839, personally appeared before the Hon. Thomas Burnside, President, and Isaac M'Kinney and Jacob Kryder, Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of . Centre County, Nancy Miller, aged 76 years, resident of Centre County, widow and relict of Jacob Miller, late of said county, deceased, and made the following declaration: She is the widow of said Jacob Miller who was a pensioner of the United States; she was married to the said Jacob Miller on 4 December 1788; that her husband died on 21 May 1823. She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to 1 January 1794. /s/ Nancy (X) Miller The deposition of Joseph Gilliland of Centre County, taken 14 June 1839, in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, being duly sworn, states he was well acquainted with the within named Jacob Miller in his lifetime who was in early life a resident of Cheater County; that he also knew Nancy McLaughlin (now Nancy Miller) of the same place as they lived in the same neighborhood. The said Jacob and Nancy were reputed as married and lived together as man and wife, previous to 7 May 1790, and he has known them ever since as man and wife. They raised a family of children, and that from her general character, the said Nancy Miller is worthy of full credit and belief, and she is now the widow of said Jacob Miller. /s/ Joseph Gilliland Before Wm. M'Claskey, Justice of the Peace of Centre County, on 14 February 1840, Joseph Gilliland further swears that he knew Nancy McGlaughen [sic] when he o For the roll of Capt. John Spohn's company, see Pennrylvania Archivet, 2nd Series, X, 171-152; also ibid., 557, for correct dates of Jacob Miller's death. 4. Col. Thomas Hartley resigned 13 February 1779, and NV21 succeeded by Col. Adam Hubley, Jr. Pennsylvania Pension Applications 113 was young; she lived about his Father's House in West Fallovrfield Township, Chester County. She got married to Jacob Miller about the year 1788 or '89. He did not know Jacob Miller before he was married to Nancy McGlaughlen, but knew him afterwards. He lived in the same neighborhood when they were married, but was not at the wedding. He does not know any person that was, that is now living. They were married by Wm. Haslet, Esq'r., of the above Township. He has been at their house since they were married and seen them living together as man and wife, and knows they have raised a family of children. Nancy McGlaughlen has born a good name for honesty and industry. /s/ Joseph Gilliland. Wm. McClaskey certifies that the above Joseph Gilliland is now a resident of Potter Township in Centre County, has an intimate acquaintance of him, and believes him to be strictly honest and of unimpeachable caracter [sic]. Before Wm. Causer, Justice of the Peace in Walker Township, on 24 August 1840, Nancy Miller, widow of Jacob Miller, late of Walker Township, personally appeared and on oath declared she never had a certificate of her Marriage, nor any Record of the Births of her children, but had seven living children: Polly Miller, Catharin Miller, Charley Miller, John Miller, Jacob Miller and Elizabeth Miller. Said Elizabeth Miller Died when about three years of age; the rest are all living. /s/ Nancy (X) Miller Pension granted 8 October 1840 at the rate of $80 per annum, to commence 4 March 1836, under the Act of 7 July 1838. On 4 April 1843, personally appeared before Wm. Casner, Justice of the Peace, Nancy Miller of Walker Township, Centre County, aged 79, who being duly sworn in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of 3 March 1843, states she is the widow of Jacob Miller, soldier in the Revolutionary war in Captain Root's company, Colonel Hartley's Regiment, Penn'a line (5th), and the annual amount of the pension which she received under the act of 7 July 1838, was $80. She is still a widow. /s/ Nancy Miller Bellefonte, Pa., 19 April 1843 Hon'ble Jon. L. Edwards: Sir: Enclosed I hand you the Declaration of Mrs. Nancy Miller of Centre County, Pa., widow of Jacob Miller, late of the same place, deed. She was a pensioner under the act of 7 July 1838, and now files this Declaration under the out of 3 March 1843, granting pensions for one year, to certain widows. Be pleased to send me her certificate. I remain, Very respectfully, your Obed't Serve, /s/ Geo. Buchanan Pension granted 29 June 1843, at the rate of $80 per annum, to commence 4 March 1843, under the Act of 3 March 1843 , [File: W 3105]