Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4969, Joshua Hidler, Penn.
Page 1


(3-1776)                                     
SERVICE
Penn.                              
Number R, 4969
Hidler, Joshua 
or Heidler

CONTENTS
Page 2

Declaration of Joshua Hidler a Soldier of the Revolutionary War. In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832.---

State of Pennsylvania
Adams County                ss

On this 2nd day of June A.D 1835 Personally in open Court, before the Judges of the Court now sitting Joshua Hidler, a resident of Hamilton an Township in the County of Adams in the State of Pennsylvania, aged 74 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth make on his oath the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.--

That in October 1777 he entered as a volunteer in a Company Commanded by Captain Isaac Adams, in a Regiment Commanded by Colonel Elder, and marched from Lancaster, Pennsylvania to a place which he believes was called Poplar Ridge in Pennsylvania where he was stationed for some time. From thence, the Regiment to which he was attached, in pursuance of orders, crossed the Schuylkill River with an expectation of meeting the enemy, who then lay in Philadelphia, but not being met, we were ordered back to our old encamping ground, and after serving out the term for which he volunteered, (which was three months) your applicant was honorably discharged by General Potter, which discharge has been lost or mislaid--

Again in October 1778 your applicant volunteered his services for and during the War in The Pennsylvania line, and desired to be considered as belonging to the Continental Army - he volunteered in a Company Commanded by Captain Shafner. The name of this Colonel he does not at present recollect. He marched from Lebanon (then Lancaster County, now Lebanon County) to New Jersey, thence to New York where he was taken out of the Pennsylvania line and appointed by Wagon Master Michael Kingreich as Wagoner
Page 3

and Conductor of Teams belonging to the Public  Service 
In which situation he continued until the capture of Lord Cornwallace at Yorktown, Virginia.
From October 1778 (the precise day is not recollected) is the time, up to the capture of Lord Cornwallace [Cornwallis] that he served as a Volunteer in the Continental Service, during which he served as before stated, and after being selected to superintend the baggage of Public Teams, he conducted them through New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, George Town, Alexandria, Richmond, Petersburg, and from thence to York Town where [crossed out: Lord Cornwallace [Cornwallis] he continued until Lord Cornwallace [Cornwallis] was captured, after which he was honorably discharge, and gave up the control of the Public Teams -- your applicant knows of no person in this county with whom he served. he was born and raised in Lancaster County in this State, but now resides in Adams County in the State, where he has resided for upwards of forty years.

He herby relinquishes every claim whatsoever, to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that is name is not on the Pension roll of the agency of Any State.

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.---

Witnesses--
T. C. Miller

We, John Hinkley and T. C. Miller and Joshua Heidler of Adams County hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joshua Heidler, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 74 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion--

Sworn and subscribed the day of year aforesaid.
                                               
T. C. Miller, Clerk of orphans Court
                                        John Meckley
                                        T. C. Miller
Page 4

And the said Court do hereby declare this opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the intoragatories prescribed by the War department , that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states.
And the Court further [crossed out: that] certifies that it [crossed out: and] appears to them that John Mickey of Adams County and Thomas C. Miller of Adams County the persons whose names are subscribed to the preceding certificate, are  gentlemen of veracity, and that their statement is entitled to full credit. 
Danl. Sheffer
M. McClean

I T.C. Miller Clerk of the Orphans Court of Adams County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Joshua Hidler for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of this office this 2nd day of June AD 1835
T. C. Miller, Clerk
Page 5

P.S. In 1777 when this applicant whilst  performing his three months tour as a volunteer in the Company Commanded by Captain J. Adams was chopping wood for the used of the army, received a stroke from the limb of a tree, which was falling, on his right shoulder, which in his old days has completely paralyzed his right arm, but in his younger days it did not so materially affect him. At this time, from the effects of that injury he is unable to raise his [illegible crossed out text] hand to his head. IO.HE
Page 6

33.110
Joshua Hidler
Pennsylvania

4969
Page 7

State of Pennsylvania 
County of Adams
SS

Know all men by these presents that we Daniel Snyder, Elizabeth Snyder (late Elizabeth Heidler), Joseph Reeves, Lusy Reeves (late Lusy Heidler), and Absalom Heidler children of Joshua Heidler late of the State of Pennsylvania a Revolutionary soldier believing that the services of the said Joshua Heidler entitled him to a pension - hereby constitute and appoint George C Arnet of the city of Washington over true and lawful attorney with full favor and authority to examine any support and other evidence on file in the Pension office any support of the services of Sara Heidler and to prosecute our claim to a pension in the amount the services entitle him to receive. Given under hand and seals this the sixteenth day of August AD 1851

Witnessd. 
J Herbert
A. W. Maginly
Daniel Snyder (seal)
Elizabeth Snyder (seal)
X
Joseph X Reeves (seal)
Susan X Reeves (seal)
Elisabeth Heider (seal)

Personally appeared before me Amos W. Maginly by one of the Justice's of the Peace within and for the county aforesaid the above names Daniel Snyder, Elizabeth Snyder, Joseph Reeves, Lusy Reeves and Absolom Heidler - who are known to be personally respectable and entitled to full credit and acknowledge the above to the their act and deed. They further on their solemn oath delivered according to law depose and say that the above named Joshua Heidler died on the 27th day of October AD 1850 at the alms house at Gettysburg in the County of Adams and they are directly interested as claimints and witness my hand and seal this Sixteenth day of August Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. 
A. W. Maginly, Justice of the Peace (seal)
Page 8

State of Pennsylvania 
County of Adams 
SS

(stamped seal)

I, John Picking, Authonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County and State above mentioned, do here by certify the Amos W. Maginly, Esq., whose genuine Signature appeared to the foregoing, is and was at the time of Signing the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly elected commissioned and sworn that all his official acts and such are unfilled to full faith and credit, and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of Record having general jurisdiction.

Given under my hand and seal of office at Gettysburg this 21st day of August A.D. 1851
John Picking, JPro.
Page 9

[crossed out] Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
REJECTED
4969.
P.O. ___
Joshua Hidler
Service: ___

Enlisted: ___, 18 .
Discharged: ___, 18 .

Application filed: ___, 18  .

Alleges: ___
Re-enlisted: ___

Attorney: ___
P. O. ___

Recognized.    Contract.
Cert. of Dis.   Searched for ___, 18  .
Page 10

Joseph Hidler
Suspended Pa

See letter 10 June 1835 to Z. Herbert, Fairfield
let 4 March 1836 H
George Chambers do 8 March '36 do 31 March 1836.
let 15 July 1840 H
James Cooper, do. 18 Dec 1840 H, do 22 Dec '40
let G.C. Ames Nov 15/51
Act of June 1832
Page 11

[sideways] Jmat Pa. Dec 22 '40
[postmark] WASHINGTON D.C DEC 21

James L. Edwards Esq
Com. Pensions
Washington

[sideways] Hm. Jas Cooper H 12

[top right] Hm James Cooper
Page 12

House of Representatives
Dec 21. 1840

Dear Sir:
The letter to which I referred in my last, was addressed to you from Gettysburg Pa. sometime in November 1840, and enclosed and affidavit made by a man (if I recollect right) by the name of Criswell, proving the time of Mr. Heidler's service. The letter of July 15 referred to in your [illegible] I received; it is in the letter containing the affidavit of Criswell written in November ^about^ which I inquired.

Yours respectfully
James Cooper

James L. Edwards Esq.
Page 13

[envelope]

[sideways] Dec 18, 1840 
Jmat Pa.

Hm. Jas. Cooper HR

Jame L. Edwards Esq.
Com. Pensions
Washington City.
Page 14

House Repr
Dec 17, 1840.

Dear Sir:
Some Time since I forwarded to you and affidavit respecting the claim of a certain Joshua Heidler of Adams County Pennsylvania, for a pension. To my letter accompanying that affidavit - I never received any reply; will you now be good enough to inform me whether the same was received and what disposition has been made of the claim?
Yours respectfully
James Cooper

James L. Edwards. Esq.
Page 15

[tri-fold wrap]
[sideways]
July 15. 1840

JNeroller JP

Jas Cooper HR

James L. Edwards Esq.
Con Mewpeire Pen.
Washington

[upsidedown]
Cdro
Hon. J. Cooper 
[?] July 15, 1840
Page 16

House Reprs.
Washington July 12. 1840

Dear Sir;
Will you have the goodness to inform, if application has been made by Joshua Heidler, a revolutionary soldier, and a citizen of Adams County Pa. for a pension; and if so whether the proof furnished is sufficient - if not wherein is the failure in the proof? I have been written to by the old man, and will be obliged to you for the required information. 

Your very respectifully
James Cooper

James L. Edwards Esq.
Page 17

[printed page]

Feb. 5  HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES  809

Mr. Conrad presented a petition of like import, from inhabitants of Schuylkill county.
Mr. Lawrence presented a petition of like import, from inhabitants of Washington county.
And the said petitions, remonstrances and memorials were referred to the committee on education.
Mr. Stevens presented the petition and documents of Joshua Heidler, of Adams county, state his services in the revolutionary war, and [p]raying for relief.

 [in right margin - smudges ink writing "granted / not granted]

Mr. Pollock presented the petition and documents of Mary Fisher, of Beaver county, stating the services of her late husband Henry Fisher, in the revolutionary  war, and praying for relief.
Mr. Pollock presented the petition and documents of Samuel Quigley, of Beaver county, stating his services in the revolutionary war, and praying for relief.
Mr. Pollock presented the petition and documents of William Hus[t]on, of Beaver county, and praying for relief.
Mr. Reigart presented the petition and documents of Jacob Hoover, of Lancaster county, stating his services in the revolutionary war, [a]nd praying for relief.
Mr. Bidlack presented a document in support of the claim of Cath[e]rine Fell.
And the said petitions and documents were referred to the commit[tee o]n pensions and gratuities.
Mr. Hasson presented a petition form inhabitants of Howard town[s]hip, in Centre county, praying that the place of holding their gener[a]l elections may be changed from Tiptons' old house to Tiptons' new [h]ouse.
Which was referred to the committee on elections districts.
Mr Herrington presented from Morrow Lowry, of Craw[ford], praying that certain monies paid by him for warrants un[der] the act of 1792, may be refunded.

Which was referred to the committee on lands.

[Mr.] Carson presented the petition inhabitants of Cumberland [county] praying for an alteration in the line dividing the counts of [Cumberla]nd and Franklin.

[Whic]h was referred to the members of said counties.
Page 18

[reverse side of previous page with print through ink smears]

310  JOURNAL OF THE  Feb.5

Mr. Miller of Fayette, presented a petition on inhabitants of Fayette County, for the passage of and act explanatory of the acts of the 7th of April, 1830, graduating the duties upon whole sale dealers and retailers of foreign merchandize [merchandise].
Which was referred to the committee of ways and means.
Mr. Lawrence presented a petition from inhabitants of Washington County, for certain alteration the law authorizing the review of the state road leading from Pittsburg to Wheeling.
Which was referred to the committee on bridges and state and turnpike roads.
Mr. Harrison presented presented the petition the guardian of the minor children of John Sommer, late of Bucks county, deceased, for compensation of injury occasioned by the construction of the canal basin at Bristol, upon the Delaware division. 
Mr. Kerr of Butler, presented the memorial of Arthur M'Gill, a mail contractor, stating the losses he sustained by the destruction of a road between Pine creek and the Allegheny bridge, by the construction the Western division, and praying for relief.
Mr. Cromwell presented the petition Moses J. Clarke, late a contractor upon the portage railway, for addition compensation for timber furnished him by on said rail-way.
Mr. Imhoff presented the petition and documents of Brown & Sawyer, contractors on the Portage rail way, stating their losses, and praying for relief.
And the said petitions, memorial and documents were referred to the committee on claims.
Mr. Bennett presented a petition form inhabitants of Luzerne County, playing that the unexpended balance of the appropriation to improve the navigation the Susquehanna river, may be applied to making a steam boat navigation on the North Branch above Wilks-barre.
Mr. Bennett presented a petition from inhabitants of Luzerne County, for aid to the Pittston and Tunkhannock road.
Mr. Bidlack presented a petition of like import.
Mr. Herrington presented a petition from inhabitants of Mercer and Venango counties, for aid to improve the navigation of Sandy cree[k].
And the said petitions were referred to the local [[ap]propriations.
Mr. Beal presented four petitions from inhabitants of Mifflin c[oun]ty, for the establishment of a band at Lewistown.
Mr. Rinehart presented three petitions form inhabitants of [Dauphin] county, for the establishment of the bank of Harrisburg.
And the said petitons were referred to the committee o[n]
Page 19

I do hereby certify that as Agent for the paying of pensions  for Adams County - appropriates by an act of the Legislature - did pay to the order of Joshua Heidler for Revolutionary services on the 20th day of April 1835 the sum of Forty dollars [crossed out words] granted to the said Heidler by an act passed for the relief of J. Heidler the 15th day of April 1835. 
Gettysburg March 31st 1836
J. Gilbert
Treasures of Adams County
Page 20

I Joshua Heidler of Adams County State of Pennsylvania, a soldier of the Revolutionary War do certify that I indeed as a volunteer in the service of the United State in October 1776 in a company commanded by Captain Adams of Lancaster County Pa. in a Brigade commanded by Genl. Potter and served Three months at the end of which time I was honorably discharged. my discharge is lost or mislaid. Again I volunteered my services. I think in 1777 in a company commanded by Michael Kingrich, and served two months, and marched from the City of Lancaster. I recollect being in Captain John Kingrich's company at the Battle of Germantown - the date I cannot recollect but I know I served three months and had an honorable discharge which is also lost. Immediately upon my return home, in the same year I think, I again volunteered in a company commanded by Captain Michael Kingrich, and served two months, and was again discharged honorably soon after after my return from the tour I was drafted for four months, in a company commanded by Captain Shafner of Lebanon, Lancaster County, for four months, and after having served as a private for about two months, I was taken from the company and given charge of a Continental Baggage, in which situation I continued until the capture of Lord Cornwallace. I was present at his capture. Age and infirmity, particularly want of education, made it impossible for me at this time, to give  precise dates to my several tours of duty, but I can conscientiously say that from October 1776 to the capture of Lord Cornwallace, I was not twelve months out of the service of my country, the last ten months of which time was as a teamster in the continental Service.
IO-HE
Page 21

Adams County
State of Penna
SS

Personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County Joshua Hidler a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who on solemn oath administered according to Law, doth say, that the foregoing Statement of his services during the Revolutionary War, to the best of his recollection and belief is just and true.
Sworn and Subscribed
before me the 12th day
of February A. D. 1836
Z. Herbert
IO-HE

Adams County SS.
I Bernhart Gilbert Prothonotary of 
the Court of Common Please of Adams
County Do certify that Z Herbert Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit
was made and taken, in and was at the time of being the same one of our Commonwealth
Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Adams, duly Commissioned and sworn to set as such, and that du faith and credit is given to all his official acts and deeds, and that the signiture is the genuine hand writing of the said Z Herbert Esq.
In testimony whereof I have heresent and set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Gettysburg the 13th day of February AD. 1836
B. Gilbert, Prothy.
Page 22

[seal]
Joshua Heidler
Pa.

[image upside-down]

Fairfield Pa
February 17th
Free

Hon. George Chambers
House of Representatives 
Washington City

Hon. G. Chambers
H.R. 2 March 18th
[also in pencil]
Page 23

[image upside-down]
Hon. G. Chambers 
H.R. 2 March 18th 
[also in pencil]

Fairfield Pa 
February 17th 
Free  

Hon. George Chambers 
House of Representatives  
Washington City  Hon. G. Chambers H.R. 2 March 18th

[image upside-down]
[seal] Joshua Heidler 
Pa.
Page 24

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General assembly met the petition of Joshua Hidler, a soldier of the revolutionary war humbly sheweth that your petitioner volunteered his services in October 1776 in a company commanded by Capt. Adams in a Brigade Commanded by Gen. Potter that to the best of his recollection he served three months; he was honorable discharged but his discharge is lost of mislaid. Again in 1777 he volunteered his services in a company commanded by Capt. John Kingrick (the day and month he cannot recollect) but he knows he marched from Lancaster and served out his time and received an honorable discharge. Shortly after his return home he again volunteered in a company commanded by Capt. Michael Kingrick under who he continued two months. Some months after his return from service he was drafted for four months, and after having served under Capt. Jacob Shafner about two months your petitioner was detailed as a conductor of teams in which situation he continued until the capture of Lord Cornwallace at Yorktown Virginia at whose capture he was present. Your petitioner being poor, old and very infirm for his age cannot recollect the precise dates of his several tours of duty during the Revolutionary War, but he unhesitatingly declares that from 1776 to the capture of Lord Cornwallace he was constantly engaged in the service of this State or [of]
Page 25

his age cannot recollect the precise date of his several tours of duty during the revolutionary war but he unhesitatingly declares the from 1776 to the capture of Lord Cornwallace he was constantly engaged in the service of this state or of the United States the last ten months of which time was as a conductor of teams for the army of the United States. Your petitioner being very poor old and decrepted would respectfully ask our honorable bodies to extend to him the same relief that has been awarded to others under similar circumstances and he will ever pray. IOHE

Adams County Penna SS

Personally appeared before me one of the justices of the peace in and for said County, Joshua Hidler who on oath administered according to laws does say that the foregoing statement of his service in the Revolutionary War is just and true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Sworn and subscribed
[cut off date]
Page 26

Adams County Penna Ss

Personally appeared before me one of the justices of the peace in and for said County, Joshua Hidler who on oath administered according to law doth say that the foregoing statement of his service in the Revolutionary War is just and true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
Sworn and subscribed
before me the 15th day of Dec.
AD 1835. IO-HE
Z. Herbert

Adams County SS
Personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County Ezra Blythe Esq. and John Maginley who on oath declare that they have long known Joshua Hidler the petitioner and that they know him to be miserably poor and believe him to be a man of veracity and truth. 
Ezra Bluthe
John Maginley

Sworn and subscribed before
me the 15th day of Dec. AD 1835
Z. Herbert
Page 27

I do hereby certify that I have known E Blythe and John Maguiley Esq. many years and unhesitatingly say that no man in community stands higher in "[ineligible]" of morality and integrity than they. 

Z. Herbert

A true Copy.
J. G. Shock, Transcribing Clerk.
Page 28

John L. Edward Esq
Pension Agent
Washington City
Page 29

Fairfield  Adams County Pa.  June 3rd 1835

Dear Sir,
I here send you the Declaration of Joshua Hidler, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who wishes to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - The State of Pennsylvania gives Hidler for his Revolutionary services an Annuity of $40, but that is entirely insufficient to support him and his aged wife (he being unable to work). Should you deem old Hidler's claim suffices to insure to it a favorable consideration, it will prevent him and his aged wife from being sent to the Poorhouse - You will be pleased to let me know your determination in reference to Hidler's prospects when convenient.
The cause of Democracy goes on prosperously in Pennsylvania. Van Buren, Johnston and Mulenburg appears to be the watchword among Democrats. The efforts of the Bank, alias McKean alias Wolf, alias Anti Jackson and Van Buren party to the contrary notwithstanding. 
I have the honor to be
dear sirs 
Your obt. servt.
Z. Herbert

John L. Edwards Esq.
Page 30

Washington August 21, 1857
James E Heath Esq.
Sir
Enclosed you will please find Power of Attorney for the Heirs of Joshua Heidler late of Albany Co Pa who was an applicant for a pension under the act of 7 June 1932.
I wish to have the prior lease of examining the papers now on file in your office in support of this claim.
Very Respectfully
Your obt servt
Geo C. Ames