Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File B. L. Wt. 1428-300 And B. L. Wt. 2413-300, John Harris, Penn.
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(3-1776)                                                                              SERVICE                                                                             Penn.                                                                                Harris, John                                                                             NUMBER                                                                                 B.L. Wt. 1428-300 Cancelled and B.L. Wt. 2413-300                                                                                      CONTENTS
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Honl                                                                                 J. L. Edwards please deliver to the Honl. Moses McClean the land Warrant to be issued to the heirs of Capt John Harris dec'd. an Officer of the Revolution                                                                         York Feby 4th 1847                                                          David Carey                                                                     Agent
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Know all men by these presents that I, Joseph Sterett of the city of Baltimore State of Maryland one of the heirs at late of Captain John Harris deceased of the Pennsylvania line, do hereby make constitute, and appoint David Corey of York Pa. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name and in the names of the other heirs at law of Captain John Harris, deceased to receive a Land Warrant from the Secretary of War of the United States for the quantity of Land due us for the services of Capt. John Harris deceased. --                                                                                             In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this Fifth day of December 1846.      Joseph Sterett                                                              In presence witness                                                                 T Hanson Belt                                                                         State of Maryland City of Baltimore Lot.                           Be it remembered and it is hereby certified that on this Fifth day of December in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty six before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of the State of Maryland, in and for the City of Baltimore personally appears Joseph Sterett, party to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledged
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the same to be his act and deed, according to the true intent and meaning thereof.

T Hanson Belt

State of Maryland Baltimore County Ss
I hereby certify that Thomas Hanson Belt gentleman before whom the within acknowledgment was made and who has thereto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace of said State in and for the City of Baltimore duly commissioned and sworn.

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the seal of Baltimore County Court this 5th day of December 1846

AN Brandford Clk Balt'e City Ct.
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State of Maryland
City of Baltimore, To Wit

On this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and forty six.  Personally appears Samuel T Thompson in open Court and makes oath in the Holy Evangel of Almighty God that James W Steritt, Mary H Winder, Jospeh Stirett, Maria S Hollins and Louisa A Sterett are the only heirs at Law, of Mary Stirett of the City of Baltimore.

Given under my hand & the Seal of Baltimore City Court this twelfth day of October A. D. Eighteen hundred and forty six

Wm H Gatchell
Clk. Balt. City Court
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[handwritten]

State of Pennsylvania
At a court held for the County of Dauphin i the state of Pennsylvania on the twelfth day of December A.D. 1837. satisfactory evidence was adduced in Court to prove that Captain John Harris an officer in the Pennsylvania line during the revolutionary war, died at Harrisburg in said County upwards of thirty years ago, that he never was married and that David Harris and Mary, afterwards Mary Mclay were the only brother and sister of the [underlined]whole blood of the said John Harris and are his heirs at Law of the real estate that David Harris is also dead and that Mary Sterrett of Baltimore is his only daughter and heir at law - and that Mary Maclay is dead leaving numerous heirs. 
 Calvin Blythe
 Fredk. Hummel

Dauphin County S.
I Jacob Duck Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Dauphin do certify that the above evidence is taken from the Records of my office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Official Seal at Harrisburg December 12 1837
 J. Duck
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State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin county
Before me the subscribers a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally comes Robert Harris Esq of the Borough of Harrisburg and being duly sworn or the law directs doth before & say that John Harris who was a Captain in the Revolutionary war and who before and after his service resided in this place & was the half Brother of this deponant never was married so far or he knows or ever heard of said deponant is now in the sixty eight year of his age.  The deponant further states [illegible] John Harris was a full brother to David Harris Esq late of the City of Baltimore and that Mrs. Mary Sterret of Baltimore is the Daughter of said David Harris & Heir at law to the Estate of said Captain John Harris Deceased.
Robt Harris

Sworn & subscribed
Before me Feby 4th 1836.
William Graydon
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State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County I Jacob Duck Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County aforesaid do certify that William Gradon Esq before whom the within affidavit was made and whose name is thereto subscribed was at the some time and now is one of the Justices of the Peace, to all whose acts or such due faith and Credit should be given, & I also Certify that Robert Harris Esq. the witness thereto is a credible witness.  In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of said Court this 4th Day of February A. D. 1836
J Duck Prot
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March 10, 1934

BA-J/EEL
John Harris-B.L.Wt.2413-300
Mrs Anson Marston
Ames 
Iowa
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Captain John Harris, a soldier of the Revolutionary War of Pennsylvania Line.

The records of this office show that John Harris, while residing in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, entered the army, served as a captain in the Pennsylvania Line and was wounded at the battle of Paoli.

John Harris died about 1807, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he was buried.  He was never married.

This officer (The soldier crossed out) had one full brother, David Harris, who resided in Baltimore, Maryland, and one full sister, Mary Maclay, who was the wife of William Maclay.  The ages of the above named brother and sister and the place of residence of Mrs. Maclay are not shown.  The soldier also had one half brother, the Honorable Robert Harris, a member of Congress for many years and one half sister, Mrs. Hanna, her Christian name not shown.  Robert Harris was aged sixty-seven in 1836, and both he and his sister resided in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at that time.

The above noted David Harris, of Baltimore, Maryland, full brother of the soldier, Captain John Harris, left one daughter Mrs. Mary or Molly Sterett, also of Baltimore, where she resided in 1837.  She was deceased in 1846, and her only heirs at the time are given as Joseph Sterett, James W. Sterett, Mary H. Winder, Maria S. Hollins, and Louisa A. Sterett.

Warrant Number 2413 for three hundred acres of bounty land was issued February 8, 1847, in behalf of J. W. Sterrett and the other heirs of Captain John Harris, on account of his services in the Pennsylvania Line, War of the Revolution.

Very Truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Assistant to the Administrator.
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Ames, Iowa,
Feb. 16, 1934

U. S. Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
 
Dear Sirs:

Please let me know whether Captain John Harris, commissioned in the Twelfth Penna. Regiment of the Revolution on Oct 14. 1776, ever drew a pension.  If he did and the records show anything about his family and whom he married and whom his daughters married, I would like to know what the records give.

Very truly

Mrs. Anson Marston,
Ames, Iowa
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Warr. No. 1428. for 300 acres issued 6th Decr. 1828. to Rudolph Harris, son, & the other heirs of John Harris who was a Captain in the Penna line and such to Badford County Virga.

Mr. Keller will please say whether a patent has issued on the above numbered Warrants, and if so, when, and to whom.

And oblige his obt svt

Wm. Gordon
May 23. 1834

On the 18 July 1829 a patent was issued to Zach: Morrison on to assignment if to him, which there is no doubt were forgeries counted to A. Eronz Co.
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No. 1428
Rev
Jn Harris' heirs
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Received of the Secretary of War United States military land warrant No 1428 for Three hundred acres issued in the name of the heirs of law of John Harris who was a Captain in the Pennsylvania line dated at Chambliss Store this 19th day of December 1828
Randolph Harris
one of the heirs
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York June 1837
Sir
By request of Mrs Mary Sterrett of Baltimore I have been to Harrisburg to obtain the proof of Heirship of Mary Sterrett and Mary MaClay who were the only heirs at Law of Captain John Harris an Officer of the Pennsylvania line in the Revolutionary war at his death.  It appears from the Statement of these two witnesses that David Harris was the only brother of Capt J Harris when he died and that Mary MaClay was the only Sister, (and when David Harris died, Mary Sterrett was entitled to the share of her father being the only Child of David Harris and Niece of Capt J Harris and Mary MaClay who was the only Sister of Capt Harris was entitled to the remains so it appears by their statement that Mary Sterrett and Mary MaClay were the only heirs at Law of Capt John Harris at his death.  Mr Robert Harrisburg is a very respectable man and was a member of Congress for many years and was the half Brother of Capt John Harris and Mrs. Hanna is a Very respectable old lady who is the Sister of Robert Harris  the two witnesses are acquainted with the whole matter they remember the time he was in Service.  They remember when he came home wounded from Paoli.  They being the half brother and  half Sister was intimate with him during the Revolutionary war and after untill he died in Harrisburg Pa where he was buried. 

By request of Mrs Sterrett I have interceded for her to Obtain the Land warrant.  If you find all Correct.  Please send me the Land warrant if any thing further is wanting please write me

And Oblidge your humble Servant
David Corey

Mr W Gordon

Enclosed I also send you a former letter which Mrs. Sterrett gave me from you on the Subject addressed Mr McKeon
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Baltimore Augst. 28th 1837
To W. Gordon Esq

Sir!
I have employed Mr David Corey to collect & prepare the documents requisite to prove my claim as an heir, to the Bounty Land of my Uncle late John Harris; evidence of my title thereto, you will be pleased at your leisure, to forward a warrant to me.

I am Sir respectfully
your humble Servt

Molly Sterett
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Mr David Corey
York Town pa
Mail

Harrisburg Pa Oct 21

Robert Harris 
Mrs [illegible]
Oct 20 1846
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Harrisburg Octr. 20th. 1846

Sir,
I recd. yours of 16th [illegible] requesting me to give you some information respecting Capt John Harris.  David was his full Brother & he had a sister at the time of his Death, who was Married to Wm. MaClay her maiden name was Mary Har. 
 she is dead long since and has left heirs who is nearly all dead otherwise, David & heir was the only brother & sister of the full Blood who survived him, am yours

Rob Harris
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Chambliss Store Bedford Cty Va

Sir

Enclosed and my papers in support of my land and if admitted please forward the warrant to me by mail

Yours

Rudolph Harris
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The Affidavit of Rob. Harris
referred to in the written 
letter.  Was transmitted for
mail to Mrs. Molly Sterett
Baltimore, on the 24th March 1838

George Law Esq.
Washington City

Baltimore, [unreadable]
PAID
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Baltimore 24. Mch 1836

George Law Esq.

dear Sir,

My mother as sole heir of Capt. Jn. Harris, an officer in the Pennsylvania line, is likely to recover 300 acres of land from the Government & has all the Documents necessary for that purpose, with the exception of my Uncle Robt. Harris, affidavit, which was forwarded to Washington some time since & is no doubt filed at the Bounty Land office.  
It is necessary that my Mothers Lawyer should have the affidavit or a duplicate of it
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in order to enable him finally to adjust the claim.

I entirely forgot to obtain it before leaving Washington & as it is very important to have it, I take the liberty of asking the favor of you to procure it for me.  I think the name of the gentleman who drew the other papers relating to this business, is R. L. Gordon.  If it is not taxing your politeness too much to attend to the above matter, you will confer a great favor by so doing.

Very respy Yr Ob. Servt.
Jo. Sterett
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Department of War
Bounty Land Office
Feby. 24, 1836

Sir,

Yours of the 17th ins' addressed to P. Haguer Esq, enclosing an affidavit by Mr. Robt. Harris, was referred to this office on the 19th inst. and in reply have to remark that the claim for bounty land by Mrs. M. Sterett, as the heir of Capt. John Harris of the Pennsya. line, has been heretofore presented to this office, and information furnished her, that the claim to land in right of that office, had been satisfied by the issue of Land Warrant to Rudolph Harris, and others, vs his heirs at law, upon a certificate of heirship from the Court of Bedford County, Virginia, dated in Decemr. 1828.  it was subsequently alleged by Mrs. Sterett, that the parties to whom the warrant issued, were not lawful heirs of her Uncle John Harris;  she was informed that, from the familiar circumstances attending the case, the Department could not decide on her rights, without the production of clear and explicit evidence to identify her Uncle John Harris, as a Captain in the Pennsylvania line, and evidence from some Court of Record, or from the testimony of two credible and disinterested witnesses, showing who are now his lawful heirs.  I think it was stated by Mrs. Sterett on a former occasion, that she could establish the facts of identity, and heirship, by the testimony of Gen. Sam. Smith of Baltimore.

The form necessary to be complied with by Mrs Sterett, in an application for bounty land, is herewith sent, and her letter to you herewith returned
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully Y. ob. St.
Wm. Gordon

Hon Isaac McKim
Ho. of Repts
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House of Representatives
Feby 187. 1836

Sir,
I again take the liberty to enclose a letter which I have recd. from Mrs. M. Sterrett of Balto. which encloses a Certificate relative to some land, which she considers herself entitled.  Please do me the favor to examine this Claim, and to mention such Measures as you May think best, in order to sustain her best rights, being very poor and a Widow.

I remain respectfully
Sir,
Your Most Obt. Servt
Isaac McKim

To 
Philip Hagner Esq
Third auditor
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Bedford County to wit
The foregoing declaration of Rudolph Harris was this day subscribed and sworn to before me a Justice of the peace in and for the said County Given under my hand this 28th day of November 1828

Chas Whitely
Justice of the peace

Sam Cotter
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annulled - fraudulent

Jno Harris
No 1428
Capt.
Penna.
Mail to Rudolph Harris
Va

this warrant was fraudulently obtained by Leroy Jordan and his Confederates of Bedford Virginia

Warrt. No 2413 for 300 acres issued Feby 8th 1847 to J. W. Sterrett, & others the rightful heirs of Capt John Harris of the Pa. Line
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Virginia to Wit
At a court held for Bedford County the 24th day of November 1828.

Satisfactory evidence was adduced in Court to prove that Rudolph Harris. Nancy Harris. William Harris and John Harris are
the children and only heirs at law in fee to John Harris Deceased.  late a Captain in the Second Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line on Continental Establishment

I Gustavus A. Wingfield Deputy Clerk of Court of the County court of Bedford do Certify that the above evidence is taken from the records in my office.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official Seal this 24th day of November 1828

G.A. Wingfield
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[illegible] of Virginia
County of Bedford 
Rudolph Harris son and one of the heirs at law of John Harris deceased do upon oath testify and declare to the best of my knowledge and belief that John Harris did enter the army in 1778 for the term of during the war and served in the capacity of Captain, in Regiment number two commanded by Col. Humpton of the Pennsylvania Continental line and to be continued in the service aforesaid until the close of the war  I further declare that I have never received a warrant for the bounty land promised to the said John Harris and the past of the United States, neither do I believe that he ever received it or transferred his claim to it in any whatsoever
Rudolph Harris

Sam Cotter
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In testimony that the within written Charles Whitely was a Magistrate authorised to administer oaths & take acknowledgements in the State of Virginia Bedford County at the above date & that his name here subscribed appears to be his usual Signature I have hereunto affixed the County Seal & Subscribed my name & quality at Bedford Courthouse this 29th day of November 1828
Robert. C. Mitchell; Clerk . County
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John Harris
W2413

Hone. Moses McClean
Ho of Repts

1893, July 13, Hist to
Capt. McCoy
J.C.B.
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York February 4th 1847
Sir
Enclosed I send you all the documents in support of the Claim of the heirs of Capt. John Harris of the Pa lene to land From which it appears the warrant must issue in the names of the Children of Mary Sterrett ded and the rest of the heirs at law of Mary McClay ded.  I herewith send you the letter of David Harris, which he sent to me from which it appears the heirs of Mary McClay are entitled to one Equal share of the land Where they live it is not known nor there names is not known by me   Therefore will issue the warrant as above stated in the name of Joseph Sterrett and the rest of the heirs at law of Capt John Harris decd as mentioned in his power of atty to me please be particular in naming all the heirs of Mary Sterrett in the Warrant, and then say the rest of the heirs at law of Capt John Harris decd or the rest of heirs at law of Mary McClay as you think proper in the premises
Yours With respect
David Corey

Hon J L Edwards or
William Gordon
Bounty Land office