Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 729, William Dewitt, Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Penn

Dewitt, William
Elizabeth

Number W. 729
B.L. Wt. 26609-160-55

CONTENTS
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7692

Indiana

William Dewitt of Switzerland in the State of Indiana who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Clugedge of the Regmt commanded by Col. Poper in the Re[?] line for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 30 Dollars 0 Cents for annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension ifsued the 13 day of May 1833 and sent to Wm. C Keene [?]

Arrears to the 4th of March 60.00
[?] allowance ending [?] 15.00
(Total) $75.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk, Book E Col 7 Page 109
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1347

Indiana, Madison

Elizabeth DeWitt widow of William DeWitt who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private 
Penn Line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February 1853

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of Aug/53 and sent to R. N. Lamb Vevay [?] 

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d 1853 Page 188 Vol A. 

1832

Date of death not [?]
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53063 Act 3 March/3[illegible]
April 9 / 35
Elizabeth Dewitt Widow
William DeWitt Private
Ralph Clugger Indiana
Revolutionary War
Pensioner
Inda
Feby 53-Nov 1347
Av: 160 A G May 16/56
Boynton
[illegible]
Lemuel Wiley
Veray Indiana
No 266.09 ifs May 20/56
cir. L. Wiley Sept 19/55 
Vol. D.58.
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William Dewitt
20536
Direct to Wm C. Keen
Printer's Retreat Indina
Encd.
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In the matter of William Dewitt. An application for a pension, under the act of Congress of June 7, 1832. Recorded in Book A page 325 E Patton clerk.
The state of Indiana, Switzerland county, SS:
On this fourteenth day of November A.D. 1832, personally appeared, in open court, before the honorable, the Probate court, of the county aforesaid, being a court of record, William Dewitt, a resident of Switzerland county Indiana aged sixty nine years, who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his said oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress, passed the 7th of June, A.D. 1832 - that he, the said William Dewitt entered the service of the United States, during the AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That he, the said William Dewitt was enlisted and served in the company of Pennsylvania milita commanded by Captain Thomas Cludedge, Robert Cludedge was our major and Poper our colonel. He was drafted in Bedford county Pennsylvania marched about the 1st of April AD 1780 and served nine months. He marched from Standing stone town to a fort, at the lead mine in said Bedford county and stationed there the whole time. James Murphy, Danl Murphy, Peter Daily, Mathias McNamer, William Hampson, were members of said company.
And, that he hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
The Court, then propounded the following interrogatories to the said William Dewitt
1. Where, and in what year were you born? I was born on the 18 day of March AD 1763 in 
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? It is recorded in this bible, presented me by my father. (showing to the court a very old bible)
3. Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war; and where do you now live? I was born [  ] but lived in Bedford co Penn when called into service = continued to reside 20 years in Penn moved to Kentucky and lived 18 years, then balance of the time in Indiana.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted - did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? I signed and enlistment.
5. State the names of some of the Regular officers, who were with the troops where you served; such Continental and Militia regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service. I never recollect to have seen a regular officer while I was in service. No other troops were with us.
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6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? I never received a written discharge.
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. Samuel Pacy, John Dickinson, Peter Lock, William Dickinson and many others.
8. Have you and documentary evidence of your services, and do you know of know of [sic] and person now living whose testimony you can procure to testify to your services? I have none and know of no persons living by whom I am ... my services.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. William Dewitt
Edward Patton, clerk
We John Pacy a clergyman residing in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and John Dickinson residing in Switzerland county state of Indiana hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Dewitt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be sixty nine years of age - the he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the REVOLUTION, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid John Pavy
John Dickinson
Edward Patton, clerk
And the said Court, do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named William Dewitt was a REVOLUTIONARY SOLDIER and served as he states. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Pavy who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, resident in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and that John Dickinson who also signed the same is a resident in Switzerland county and state of Indiana and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit. William C. Keen.
I, EDWARD PATTON, clerk of the Switzerland Probate Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Count, in the matter of the application of William Dewitt for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at Vevay, this Fourteenth day of November on thousand eight hundred and thirty two.
Edward Patton, clerk.
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State of Indiana
County of Switzerland
On this eighth day of April AD 1853 personally appeared before the Honorable Robert Drummond, sole judge of the court of common pleas within aforesaid county in open court in term time, Elizabeth Dewitt, a resident of Cotton Township in the county of Switzerland aforesaid, aged seventy five years, who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of congress passed the 3rd day of February AD 1853, that she is the widow of William Dewitt who was a private under the command of Capt Thomas Clogage and Major Robert Clogage in the State of Pennsylvania in the year one thousand seven hundred and eighty in the American Revolution. She further stated that her said husband during his life was a pensioner of the United States, that at the time of his death which occured about fifteen years ago to the best of the recollection of this affiant, he was a resident of the county of Switzerland aforesaid and previous to that time had been drawing a pension at the [ ]  agency in the state of Indiana but she does not now recollect the amount per month he drew.
She further declares that she was married to the said William Dewitt on or about the fourth day of December in the year eighteen hundred and four at Newport Campbell County in the state of Kentucky, that her
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husband the aforesaid William Dewitt died on or about the thirty first day of January AD 1838; that she was married to him at the time above stated, she further swears that she was a widow at the passage of the Act and is still a widow and that she has never before made application for a pension.
Elizabeth Dewitt (her mark)
Attest
Ira N Malin
Carter Gazlay
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
Robert Drummond
Judge C C P
State of Indiana
Switzerland County Ira N. Malin clerk of the court of common pleas within aforesaid county hereby certify that Robert Drummond Esg before whom the foregoing declaration was made and who has thereto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing Judge of the court of common pleas within aforesaid county duly commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as clerk of the court of common pleas of said county this eighth day of April AD 1853.
Ira N. Malin, Clerk
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BOUNTY LAND CLAIM.
Form of Declaration for Widow of a deceased Officer or Soldier.
State of Indiana County of Switzerland ss
On this 2nd day of April A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the county and state aforesaid Elizabeth DeWitt aged 76 years, a resident of Swtz Co in the State of Indiana, who being duly sworn according to law, declares, that she is the widow of William DeWitt, deceased, who was a Private int he company commanded by Captain Cluggage in the Regiment of [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolutionary War That her said husband died at Switz County on or about the [blank] day of A.D., [blank] for the term of [blank] and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [blank] and was [blank] at [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] A. D., [blank] as will appear by his Pension Certificate She further states that she was married to said William DeWitt in Scott County Kentucky on the [blank] day of [blank]  A. D., [blank] by one Elijah Sparkes a Baptis Minister and that her name before her said marriage was Elizabeth  Conner that her said husband died at Switzerland Co in the State, Indiana on the 31st day of January A. D., 1838 and that she is still a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land (to which she may be entitled under the act passed [crossed out: "September 20th, [illegible]"] "Act" passed March 2, 1855 She further states that there is no Public or private Record of her marriage She draws pension Elizabeth her X mark DeWitt
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
Samuel Wiley Notary Public SEAL
AFFIDAVIT OF WITNESSES.
State of Indiana County of Switzerland ss.
On this 2, day of April A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a Notary Public within and for the State and county aforesaid Benjamin Potter and Polly Potter residents of the State of Indiana and county of Switzerland who being duly sworn according to law, declare that Elizabeth DeWitt is the widow of William DeWitt deceased, who was a Private in the company commanded by Captain Cluggage in the [blank] regiment of [blank] commanded by [blank]
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in the Revolutionary War
That the said Elizabeth DeWitt was married to the said William DeWitt deceased, at Scott County in the State of Kentucky on the date not Recollected day of [blank] A. D., [blank] by one Elijah Sparkes a Baplis Minister, that the name of the said Elizabeth Dewitt before her marriage aforesaid was Elizabeth Conner, that her husband, the said William DeWitt died at Switzerland County on the 31st day of January A. D., 1834 and that she is still a widow. That* our evidence is founded on seeing the parties live togeather and be Reputed, as hus band and
wife in the lifetime of the husband.
And they swear that they are disinterested witnesses.
Benjamin Potter
Polly her X mark Potter
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 2nd day of April A. D., 1855. And I hereby certify that Benjamin Potter and Polly Potter are credible witnesses.
Samuel Wiley Notary P SEAL
*Witnesses will state here the reasons upon which their evidence is founded.
She Refrrs you to the Record of her Pension Certificate, which was issued on the 17 day of August 1853 Act Feb 3, 1853 Recorded in the Pension office
Page 188 Vol a
Pleas Examine my claim for Bounty land and if I am entitled to a [illegible] I wanted it forwared to Samuel Wiley [illegible] Indiana
Elizabeth her X mark Dewitt
Notes.
The declaration to be executed before a Justice of the Peace, or other officer authorized to administer oaths for general purposes.
If the deceased officer was a regimental or staff officer, the declaration must be varied as to express the fact.
After the words "in the," state in what war, whether in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, the Mexican war, (if an officer,) or any of the Indian wars, since 1790, describing the same.
After the words "that her said husband," insert whether he enlisted, volunteered, or was drafted.
After stating the term of actual service, say whether honorably discharged or killed in battle.
After the words "as will appear by," if the discharge be in existence, say, "as will appear by his original certificate of discharge herewith presented." If the discharge he lost or destroyed, or it is ascertained on inquiry or examination that one was never received, insert after the words "as will appear by," the words "by the muster rolls of said company," and in the two following lines state the facts in reference to the missing discharge.
If no public or private record of the marriage exists, or can be procured, state the fact in the declaration; after stating the name before marriage; and in such case, other evidence, such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to live together as husband and wife, and to be so reputed, will be admissible.
If a public or private record exists, an authenticated copy thereof must be furnished; if it be a private record, the authenticated
copy thereof must be accompanied with the affidavit of some disinterested person, proving the genuineness of the orignal, and that the
copy certified is a true and correct copy of it.
A certificate from the clergyman or magistrate, who solemnized the marriage is not competent evidence, unless the genuineness of the cerfticate be proved, and the person who gave it be shown to have been authorized to solemnize marriages.
53063 
53,063
Elizabeth DeWitt
By [illegible]
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Know all men by these present that we William Dewitt & Jacob Barrackman are held & firmly bound unto Christo Greenup Governor of the State of Kentucky & his Successors in the just & full Sum of fifty pounds, the payment whereof to be made good to our said Governor his successors we bind ourselves our heirs executors & administrators. Jointly & Severally firmly by the presents Sealed with our seals and dated this 5th day of December 1804, The Condition of the above obligation is Such that whereas a marriage Shortly intended to be had & Solemnized between the above bound William Dewitt & Elizabeth Conner widow. Now if there should be no legal Cause to obstruct the Same then the above obligation to be void else to remain in full force & virtue.
William his X mark Dewitt [hand drawn seal]
Jacob. Barrackman [hand drawn seal]
In presence of James Taylor.
State of Kentucky Campbell County Set
I James H. Parker, Clerk of the Campbell County Court Certify that the foregoing marriage Bond is truly Copied from the Records of my office, and I also Certify that I have examined and Can find no other record evidence of the marriage of the parties named in Said Bond in my office. Sworn under my hand and the seal of said Court this 22nd day of April A D 1853.
James H. Parker Clk
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20, 536
William DeWitt of Switzerland County indiana
from 1780 private 9 months. $30.
|
William C. Keen, Agent, Switzerland County, Indiana.
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BRIEF in the cast of William Dewitt, County of Switzerland, in the State of Indiana. (Act of 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court of Judge? A. Court.
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 69 years.
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. | Duration of Service. | Rank. | Names of General and Field Officers under who he served. |
Enlisted In 1780. | Years, Months, Days [under the word Months:] 9 | As a Pr | Gen. Capt. Th. Clugedge, Major Robt. Clugedge, Col. Poper
5. In what battles was he engaged? None.
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bedford County, Pa.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by trationary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary.
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct.
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
W. R. Turner, Examining Clerk.
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January 5, 1937
Mrs. Howard W. Graham
410 West 1" Street
Madison, Indiana
BA-J/EEL
William Dewitt-W.729
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of William Dewit, who received pension in 1834, in Switzerland
County, Indiana.
The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.729, based upon the military
service in that war of William Dewitt.
William Dewitt was born March 18, 1763, in Fredericktown Frederick County, Maryland. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, William Dewitt [handwritten in margin:]- Did not find sol's name in Bedford Co Pa in archives [end handwriting] enlisted April 1, 1780, served nine months as a private in Captain
[hand written in margin:] Capt Thos Cluggage in PA archives Co Pa - Also Col John Piper [end hand writing]
Thomas Cluggage's Company, Colonel Piper's Pennsylvania Regiment, marched to a fort at the lead mines in Bedford County, where he was
stationed during the whole time of his enlistment.
After the Revolution, he continued to reside in Pennsylvania for twenty years, then moved to Kentucky and lived eighteen years; thence to Indiana.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 14, 1832, while residing in Switzerland County, Indiana.
He died in said Switzerland County, January 31, 1838.
The soldier married in December, 1804, Elizabeth Conner or Conner, a widow, whose maiden name was White. The date and place of her birth was not given. The widow stated that she was married to William Dewitt in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky, also, in Scott County, Kentucky. The marriage bond was dated December 5, 1804, in Campbell County, Kentucky.
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Elizabeth, widow of William Dewitt, was allowed pension on her application executed April 8, 1853, at which time she was aged sevenenty-five years and resided in Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana.
There is no reference to children.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
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Pension Office,
Aug 15/53
Sir,
Please certify the time to which within
named pensioner was last paid, or (if in
your power) the date of his death
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
S. Cole
For the Commissr
F. Burt Esqr
This Auditor
William Dewitt, Act 32, $30 pr. an.
Died 31st January 1838, paid to his death
F. Burt
Auditor
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The state of Indiana Switzerland County sct
On this sixth day of May AD 1853 personally appeared before me Philander S. Sage, a justice of the peace within aforesaid county, Elizabeth Dewitt a resident of Cotton township in said county, aged seventy five years, who is about to apply for a pension under the act of congress passed February 3rd AD 1853, who being duly sworn according to law upon her oath states in addition to what was to in her declaration made before the Honorable Robert Drummond sole judge of the court of common pleas within aforesaid county on the 8th day of April AD 1853 that before her marriage with William Dewitt on or about the fourth day of December in the year AD 1804 as stated in her said declaration she was a widow and that her name was Elizabeth Connor. She further states that there never was a family record made of her marriage with said William Dewitt as aforesaid, as she verily believes that no such record can now be found and she never knew of one being made. Elizabeth Dewitt [her mark]
Attest
Benjamin H. Cass
Pjilander S. Sage
Subscribed and sworn to before me this sixth day of May AD 1853
Philander S. Sage
Justice of the Peace
The state of Indiana Switzerland county sct
Personally appeared before me Philander S. Sage, a Justice of the Peace within aforesaid county Amada Hyde and Solomon Washer well known
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to me to be men entitled to full credit and belief who being by me duly sworn according to law, upon oath state that they are well acquainted with Elizabeth Dewitt who resides in Cotton township in said county and that they were well acquainted with her late husband William Dewitt, who died about fifteen years ago to the best of the recollection of said affiant at his residence in Cotton township in said county. Said affiant further states that they were well acquainted with said William Dewitt and Elizabeth Dewitt for about thirteen years before the death of said William Dewitt and know that during the whole of said time, the said William Dewitt and Elizabeth Dewitt lived together as husband and wife and were so reputed wherever they were known and that they were living together as husband and wife at the time of the death of said William Dewitt as aforesaid. And further that the said Elizabeth Dewitt is still a widow.
Amasa Hyde
Solomon Washer
Attest
Robert McGaffick
William W. Edwards
Sworn to and subscribed before me this sixth day of May AD 1853
Philander S. Sage (seal)
Justice of the peace
The state of Indiana Switzerland county SS
I Ira N. Malin clerk of the circuit court within aforesaid county hereby certify that Philander S. Sage Esquire before whom the within and foregoing affidavit of Elizabeth Dewitt and the above and foregoing affidavit of Amasa Hyde and Solomon Washer was taken was at the time of taking said affidavits and still is an acting
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justice of the peace within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified and as such duly authorized by law to administer oaths, I further certify that his signature subscribed to said affidavits is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affized this seal of said court at Vevay this 7th day of May AD 1853 Ira N. Malin clerk
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September 30, 1937
Mr. Frederick R. Townroe
721 North Sixth Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Abraham Dewitt
S. 31644
William Dewitt
W. 729
BA-J/AWF
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War records of Abraham Dewitt who served from Pennsylvania, and later lived in Steuben County, New York, and William Dewitt who served from Pennsylvania, and later lived in Indiana.
The data concerning Abraham and William Dewitt furnished herein were obtained from claims for pension based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.
Abraham Dewitt-S. 31644
The data which follow relative to Abraham Dewitt
were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 31644, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
Abraham Dewitt was born in June, 1764 in Sussex County, New Jersey. The names of his parents were not stated.
While a resident of Sunbury, Northumberland
County, Pennsylvania, Abraham Dewitt was stationed at "Hornes" Fort on the western branch of the Susquehanna River, under Captain Weirich, and remained in that neighborhood for about one year. He enlisted in the month of April, 1781, served six monthsaas private in
either Captain Mather's or Morrow's company, Colonel Hartley's Pennsylvania regiment, stationed at Fort Wallis, and was out in several expeditions against the In
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2 -
Indians, and assisted in building in Fort Muncy. He served in 1782, one month as a private under Lieutenant William Campbell. He was elected captain of a company in 1782, and served four or five weeks in scouting after the Indians, and in one skirmish. He continued to serve until the close of the war in alarms of a few days at a time out against the Indians.
Abraham Dewitt moved after the Revolution to
"Shugar Creek", Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and thence to Jersey Township, Steuben County, New York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 16, 1832, then living in Jersey Township, New York, where he had lived about sixteen years.
He died June 15, 1853, leaving no widow. There are no data in this claim concerning his wife. His son, Isaac Dewitt, was fifty-six years of age in 1854, then a resident of Bath, Steuben County, New York; he referred to one other child then living, no name given. There is no further reference to children.
William Dewitt in 1832 was a resident of Ridgebury Township, Bradford County, Pennsylvania; he stated that he served with Abraham Dewitt at "Hornes Fort under Captain Weirich, and also with him under Captain Morrow. There was no relationship shown
between the Abraham and William Dewitt.
***************
William Dewitt-W. 729
The data which follow concerning William Dewitt
were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 729, based upon his service in the War of the Revolution.
William Dewitt was born March 18, 1763 in Fredericktown, Frederick County, Maryland. The names of
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 -
his parents were not stated.
While residing in Bedford County, Pennsylvania,
William Dewitt enlisted April 1, 1780, served nine
months as a private in Captain Thomas Cluggage's company, Colonel Piper's Pennsylvania regiment, marched to a fort at the lead mines in Bedford County, where he was stationed during the whole time of his
enlistment.
He continued to reside in Pennsylvania for
twenty years after the Revolution, then moved to
Kentucky and lived eighteen years, thence to Indiana.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 14, 1832, while a resident of Switzerland County, Indiana.
He died in Switzerland County, January 31, 1838.
William Dewitt married in the month of December, 1804, Elizabeth Conner or Connor, a widow, whose maiden name was White. The widow stated that she was married to William Dewitt in Newport, Campbell County, Kentucky, also, in Scott County, Kentucky. The marriage
bond was dated December 5, 1804 in Campbell County, Kentucky.
The widow, Elizabeth Dewitt was allowed pension
on account of the service of her husband, William Dewitt, on her application executed April 8, 1853, at which time she was aged seventy-five years and living in Cotton Township, Switzerland County, Indiana.
The papers on file in this claim contain no reference to children.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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[Stamp with an arrow pointing to 3]
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
RECEIVED DEC 31 1936 MAIL SUB DIV. VETS ADM. READER 18
Page 25

MRS. HOWARD W. GRAHAM
410 WEST FIRST STREET
MADISON, INDIANA

December 29, 1936

Veteran's Administration
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs,
Please send me a copy of the pension record of William Dewitt, who received a pension in Switzerland Co., Indiana 1834. 

Thanking you, 
Yours Truly,
Mrs. H. W. Graham
410 W. First St.
Madison, Indiana
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Revy
WIDOW, &c.
---
File No. 729
Elizabeth DeWitt
Widow
William DeWit.
Pen. Rev. War
Act. Feb. 3. 1853.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 174
{Arrangement of 1870.}
[illegible] - Sept 30-list to Frederick
R. Townroe see his letter in
Abraham DeWitt S. 31644 [illegible]
Page 27

The State of Indiana Switzerland County SS
Personally appeared before me Robert Drummond Judge of the Court of Common Pleas within & for said County, Soloman Washer & Amasa Hyde residents of Cotton Township in said County, both well known to me to be reputable men, entitled to full credit & belief, who being by me duly sworn according to Law upon oath state that they are personally well acquainted with Elizabeth Dewitt who is a resident of Cotton Township in said County, who at the April term AD 1853 of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, before Robert Drummond Judge of said Court made oath to an application for a Pension under the Act of Congress of February 3rd AD 1853, on her behalf as the widow of William DeWitt. And they personally know that she is the widow of the William De Witt, who was formerly a resident of said Cotton Township and who was a Pensioner
of the United States on the Indiana Pension
Rolls, and that she is still a widow
attest
Robert N. Lamb
Solomon Washer
James J Claghorn
Amasa Hyde
Sworn to & subscribed before me this 8th day of
August AD 1853
Robert Drummond
Judge of Court of Common Pleas
The State of Indiana ⎬ SS
Switzerland County ⎬ 
I Ira N. Malin clerk of the court
of Common Pleas within & for said County hereby certify That Robert Drummond before whom the above affidavit of Solomon Washer & Amasa Hyde was made, was at the time of administering
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said oath & still is Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, duly commissioned and qualified. I further certify that his signature above is genuine, and that said court is a Court of record
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
Subscribed my name & affixed the Seal of said Court at Vevay this 8th day of August AD 1853
Ira N Malin Clerk
By. Vedantus B. Edwards
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Vevay May 7th 1853
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir
I enclose appreciation of Elizabeth Dewitt for a Pension and accompanying proof under Act of February last which I hope will receive your early attention as the applicant is in very indigent circumstances If the papers are imperfect or do not comply with the negotiations of your department and you will be so kind as to point out the defects I will inde to have them made perfect

Permit me to call your attention to the application of Villa Mincher Rogers, which has now been on file in the department for nearly two years On the 2nd of Sept 1852 I read a letter for the Department advising me that "proof of widowhood at the date of her application for land Bounty was necessary" leaving me under the impression that that was the only defect in the application and that proof was forwarded by me immediately Has it ever been read? Or was there other defects? Or has it been issued and lost? Or has its turn not yet come? 
Yours
Robert N. Lamb
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Dewitt, which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has declarant mentioned the periods of war when he served?
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to
their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For --- year --- months, and ---days, I served as a ---- For --- months and --- days, I served as a ---; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 32

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the
applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate
must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate
must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being mproperly
attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 33

DeWitt
Page 34

Brief in the case of Elizabeth De Witt, widow of William De Witt.
Switzerland County and State of Indiana
act 3d February 1853
Claim ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner
under the act of June 7. 1832
Marriage proved by parol
testimony certified to be credible
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Ro. W. Lamb Esqr
Vevay,
Switzerland
Name and residence of Agent
Indiana
R Geddes
Examining Clerk.
Page 35

[illegible] 1122
Elizabeth DeWitt
widow of William
Indiana
[illegible] to R N Lamb
Jany 29 1853
Act July 3 1853
Page 36

26,609
[illegible]
Page 37

Appl. of Elizabeth Dewitt wife of William
Switzerland
Indiana
7692

3 February : 1853

Rev:
Aom of $30 Four 
Commencing 3rd Feb. 1853

Ro: N. Lamb
Vevay
Switzerland Co:
Indiana

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official Business
Page 38

Vevay August 8th, 1833
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir
I herewith forward the additional evidence of the identity of Elizabeth Dewitt as the window of the William Dewitt who was a Pensioner of the Unite States on the Indiana Pension required by your letter of 29th and accompanying circular - As that was the only defect in the application and proofs refered to in your letter. the enclosed testimony was confirmed to that point and I presume or at least I hope the papers are now sufficient. If they are not however you will do Mrs Dewitt a favor by advising me at your earliest convenience. 
Your oft servant
Robert N Lamb
Page 39

The State of Indiana Switzerland County set Personally appeared before me Josiah Jackman a justice of the peace within and for said county. Daniel Kelso well known to me to be a man entitled to full credit and belief, who being by me duly sworn according to Law upon oath states that he is well acquainted with Elizabeth Dewitt, who resides in Cotton Township in said County and has been for the last thirty five years and that he was well acquainted with her late husband William Dewitt, who died about fifteen years ago to the best of the recollection of affiant at his residence in Cotton Township in said county of Switzerland That he was well acquainted with said William and Elizabeth Dewitt for about twenty years before the death of said William, and knows that during the whole of said time, the said William Dewitt and Elizabeth Dewitt lived together as husband and wife and were so reputed wherever they were known and that they were living together as husband and wife at the time of the said William Dewitt as aforesaid and that the said Elizabeth Dewitt has not married since the death of her said husband but is still a widow. And further said affiant knows by general reputation that said Elizabeth was a widow at the time of her marriage with said William Dewitt that her name was Elizabeth Connor at that time and that her maiden name was Elizabeth White and that she was married to said William Dewitt at Newport Campbell County Kentucky 
Daniel Kelso
Page 40

Seventh day of May 1853
Josiah Jackman
Justice of the Peace

The State of Indiana Switzerland County

I Ira N. Malin clerk of the circuit court within and for said county hereby certify that Josiah Jackman Esquire before whom the above and foregoing affidavit of Daniel Kelso appears to have been made was at the time of the administering said oath and still is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said county duly commissioned and qualified and duly authorized as such to administer oaths. I further certify that his signature above is genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Vevay this 7th day of May AD 1833
Ira N Malin Clerk