Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3456, for Jacob Rathfon, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE 
Penn.

Rathfon, Jacob 
Elizabeth

NUMBER
W. 3456

CONTENTS
[blank]
Page 2

493
Pennsylvania, Phila
Elizabeth Rathfon
widow of Jacob Rathfon
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a fifer
Pennsylvania Mil
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
22 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of June 1848
and sent to D. B. Vonder Smith
Lancaster, Pa.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 263 Vol. 2

Let A W Carpenter
2 Aug 1854
Reported
3d Auditor May 9 1857
Page 3

[German to English translation not helpful.]

A N

[stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES 
[illegible]
Page 4

Lancaster Penna. July 29, 1854

to The Commissioner of Pensions

Sir,
Some twelve or fifteen years ago, Elizabeth Rathfon the widow of Jacob Rathfon a Revolutionary Soldier made application for a persion.
Mr. Daniel B. Vondersmith had all the papers drawn up and certified, but told the widow then, that the pension could not be got.
The widow is now dead some four years, and since the development of the frauds committed by Vondersmith, the children of the late widow have become suspicious that Vondersmith drew the pension and kept it, and requested me to make enquiry for them.
Will you please have the examination made at your earliest convenience and inform me of the result
Very Respectfully Yours _ _
W. Carpenter
W. C. I refer you to Hon. J. E. Heister a Member of Congress
Page 5

Elizabeth Rathfon
No 5412
of Jacob
Pennsylvania
Page 6

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 4th of July 1836 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.

State of Pennsylvania SS
Lancaster County

On this 24th day of June 1841 personally appears before the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Elizabeth Rathfon a resident of the Township of East Hempfield, in the County of Lancaster and State afore said, aged 78 years who being duly affirmed according to law, doth on her solemn affirmation make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 4th 1836 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
That she is the widow of Jacob Rathfon late of the Township of Lampeter in the County and State aforesaid dec who was a soldier of the Revolution and served as follows
That in the year 1776 to the best of her recollection in the Township of Conestoga in the County of Lancaster and State aforesaid, her said husband was drafted as a militiaman for two months encampment. His Captain was John Hubley, Colonel George Foss and served in the capacity of a fife player. At this time the said company stood guard at the Lancaster Barracks and Stockades when he was regularly discharged.
That in the same year above mentioned (1776) to the best of declarants recollection, he was again drafted at the town of Lancaster (now city) for two months encampment. He marched to Long Island, there they had a skirmish with the British. Cannot recollect the officers under whom he marched. He was gone about 5 months, when he was regularly discharged.
That in the year 1777, he was again drafted the said Jacob Rathfon, for two months encampment as a militiaman, Pennsylvania militia, in Captain John Henry's Company of Militia, Colonel Adam Reigart of said town of Lancaster (now city). the said company stood guard at the Lancaster Barracks and Powder House- when he was regularly discharged. He also served in this town in the capacity of a fife player
In the year 1778 to the best of declarants knowledge and belief, he again entered the service as aforesaid for two months encampment. his Captain was either John Henry
Page 7

or Christopher Crawford - and his colonel Adam Reigart - the said company done military duty by standing guard at the Lancaster Barracks and Stockades _ He served in the capacity of a fife player _ when he was regularly discharged
She further declares that she was married to the said Jacob Rathfon on the 22nd day of September in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight, that her husband the aforesaid Jacob Rathfon died on the first of July A. D. 1829 - and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed -
Affirmed to and subscribed on the day and year above written 
Elizabeth (her mark) Rathfon (seal)
erased before signing
In open Court June 24th 1844
Attest
Z McLonegan Prothy

Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS}

I Z. McLonegan, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county do certify that the foregoing is the original proceeding in the said Court & that Elizabeth Rathfon was affirmed & subscribed to the above officiant in open Court this day.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & official seal the 24th day of June 1844
Z McLenegan
Prothy
Page 8

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County

Personally appeared before the subscriber an alderman in and for the City of Lancaster, Jacob Nagle, a resident of the City of Lancaster and state aforesaid, a soldier of the Revolution who being first sworn according to law says that he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the Revolution by Jacob Rathvon late of the Township of Lampeter in County and State aforesaid deceased and that they were substantially as follows ___
That in the year 1776 to the best of his recollection, deponent was drafted for two months encampment as a militiaman under Captain John Hubley and Colonel George Ross - the said Jacob Rathvon was drafted out of the said company, under the aforesaid officers for two months encampment, when he was regularly discharged, he done duty by standing guard at the Lancaster Barracks and Stockades, he played the fife also for said company.
The same year (1776), to the best of declarants recollection, the said Jacob Rathvon was again drafted for two months encampment, his captain was John Henry and his Colonel George Ross. We were both drafted at the same time - the said Jacob served as a fife player for about one month when he was taken on to Long Island, he remained about four or five months away, when he returned, the officers that commanded the company when he left I cannot recollect. I saw him when he returned he states that they had a skirmish with the British on Long Island - he served in the capacity of a fife player - when he was regularly discharged.
In the latter end of the year (1777) he the said Jacob Rathvon was drafted for two months encampment out of Captain John Henry's or Christian P____ company.  I am not certain as to the Captain the Colonel was Adam Reigart of the Town of Lancaster. He served in the capacity of a fife player when he was regularly discharged.
In the year 917780 to the best of his knowledge and belief, he again entered service for two months encampment his captain was Christopher Crawford and his Colonel Mathias Slough of the Town of Lancaster, at this time the Hessians were taken prisoners at Trenton here guarded at the Lancaster Barracks, the aid company done duty by
Page 9

standing guarding the said prisoners, the said Jacob Rathvon served in the capacity of a fife player - when he was regularly discharged.
In the beginning of the year (1779) I recollect distinctly, that he was again drafted for two months encampment his captain was Christian Petre, the said company done military duty by standing guard at the Lancaster Barracks & Stockades, Lancaster Jail - when he was regularly discharged from the service, the said Jacob Rathvon might have performed more service than I have stated but none to my recollection, but what I have above stated.
Deponent also says that Elizabeth Rathvon an applicant for a pension is the widow of the above named Jacob Rathvon, who died on the first of July 1829.
Jacob Nagel
Sworn to & subscribed this 19 day of July AD 1841
A. F. Osterloh, Ald.

Lancaster City SS.
I Albert F Osterloh an alderman in and for said city before whom the foregoing deposition was taken do certify that Jacob Nagle is a highly credible person and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief.
Witness my hand and seal at said City this `9th day of July AD 1841.
A. F. Osterloh. Ald. (seal)
Page 10

Copy of the Original Marriage Record
[German text] 
Im Jahry 1778, den 22nd September Bin Feb Jacob Rathvon Mit Elizabeth Hollin Getrauet Worden

English Translation-
In the year 1778. 22nd of September, I, Jacob
Rathvon and Elizabeth Vollin where married -

2. George Gamber, son in law of the said Elizabeth Rathvon, depose and say that the above record is a correct copy of the original, which has been a family record upwards of sixty years to the best of my recollection which
is now [have] in my possession-
George Gamber

Sworn & subscribed before me one of the Alderman for the of Lancaster this 8th day
July AD 1841
A.F. Osterloh, Ald
Page 11

State of Pennsylvania
County of Lancaster Ss.

I, the undersigned Prothonotary of this Court of Common Please of Lancaster County Do certify that A. H. Osterloh Esq is an acting alderman of the city of Lancaster duly elected & commissioned & qualified & that his signature within is genuine.
Witness my hand & official seal the 19th day of July 1841.
Z. MvLenegan
Prothy.
Page 12

Rev
WIDOW, & c.
File No. 3456
Elizabeth Rathfon
Widow. 
Jacob Rathfon
Fifer Rev War
Act: Feb. 2, 1848
Index:--Vol. M, Page 148
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 13

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS

Personally appeared before me the subscriber an alderman in and for said City George Leonard of the City of Lancaster in said County, and State aforesaid a soldier of the revolution who being first sworn to law says: That he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the revolution Jacob Rathfon late of the Township of [illegible] in said County and state aforesaid deceased and that they were substantially  as follows viz: That in the year 1770 deponant was drafted out of Captain John Hubler's Company or Lancaster County Malitia [sic] for two months encampment and served out the period of his draft - at the 
same time and place the said Jacob Rathfon was drafted for two months encampment out of the said company and under the same officers our Colonel was George Rols of the town of Lancaster. He served in the Capacity of fife player his full tour when he was regularly drafted.
In the same year 1770 to the best of my recollection the said Jacob Rathfon was again drafted as a malitiaman [sic] for two months encampment out of Capt George Graef's Company. I recollect very well that the said company was marched to Long Island and also recollect that it was about five months or more before he returned and knew that the said company was part of our army that fought, as I was there myself and fought and knew him to be there. I saw him personally - we returned about the same time to Lancaster, I believe he was discharged at Trenton - during all this time he served  in the capacity of a fife player -
In the year 1777 the latter end, I recollect of him being again drafted for two months encampment 
[stamp]
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES

29
Page 14

Lancaster County SS
I George Gamber of the Township of East Hempfield Lancaster County, State of Pennsylvania (Son in law of Jacob Rathfon deceased - deposes and says, that the original record attached to this affadvit [sic], is in the handwriting of the said Jacob Rathfon dec'd.  and kept by him in is life time as a family record. and have known it to my certain knowledge to have been in possession of the
family upwards of sixty years-
Sworn & Subscribe this 6th day of August AD 1841
George Gamber

A. F. Osterloh, Ald

Lancaster City SS
I, Albert F Osterloh an Alderman in and for
said City, before whom the foregoing affadavit  [sic] was made do certify that George Gamber is a highly credible person and that his affidavit is entitled to full credit and belief
Witness my hand and seal this 6th day
of August A D 1841
A.F. Osterloh Ald [seal]
Page 15

out of Captain John Harris company, his colonel was Adam Reigart, of the town of Lancaster - the said company was ordered, and the said Jacob served in the capacity of fife player - when he was regularly discharged. 
To the best of Declarant's recollection in the year 1778 the said Jacob was again drafted for two months encampment his Captain I believe at this time again was Adam Reigart the said company done [sic] duty by guarding prisoners of war at the Barracks and stockades he served in the capacity of fife player when he was discharged - he might have been longer in service than I have stated - but not to my knowledge -
And that Elizabeth Rathfon an applicant for a pension is the widow of the above named Jacob Rathfon who died in the year in thousand eight hundred and twenty nine on the first of July -
George Leonard
A F Osterloh Ald [Alderman]

Lancaster County ss
I Albert F Osterloh, an alderman for the said City before whom the foregoing deposition was taken, do certify that George Leonard is a highly credible person and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief - 
Witness my hand and seal this 16th day of August 1841
A. F. Osterloh [seal]

[stamp]
THE ARCHIVES OF THE UNITED STATES
Page 16

State of Pennsylvania
County of Lancaster Ss
I Z McLenegan Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Lancaster certify that Albert F. Osterloh, Esq. before whom the within & aforesaid proceeding were and is an acting Alderman in & for the City of Lancaster duly elected & commissioned and qualified and that the within signature purporting to be his are genuine- 
In witness whereof I have hereto affixed the 
Witness has rent at the seal of the said Court & Subscribed my name the sixteenth day 
altered my names the sixteenth day of August AD 1841. 
Z McLenegan Prothoy.
R F Rauch
Page 17

Elizabeth Rathfon
of Jacob
Pennsylvania
Suspended

let 19 Oct '41
D. B. Vondersmith

Act 7 July 1838
Page 18

Elizabeth Rathfon
Jacob
Pennsylvania
Suspended
-
See let. 29 July '41
D.B. Vondersmith
let 11 Aug 41 Hon
I. Brown let to D. B. Vondersmith
let: 19 Aug 41, 14 April '41 D. B.
Vondersmith
let: to do, 10 Sep 1841
do. 21 Sep '41
Same 28 Sep 1841, to same
6 Oct: 41. do. 12 Oct. 41

Act 4 July 1836
Page 19

889
Act of March 3, 1843.}
Pennsylvania. Phila
Elizabeth Rathfon
widow of Jacob Rathfon
who was a Fifer
in the Penn. line
for six months

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
22 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
13th day of July, 1843
and sent to
D.D. Vondersmith
Lancaster, Pa

[Act of March 3, 1843.]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 136
Page 20

No 6432.
Pennsylvania-

Elizabeth Rathfon
widow of Jacob Rathfon
who was a pensioner under the Act of --- and who died on the first July 1829 of Lancaster Co. in the State of Pennsylvania who was a Fifer in the company commanded by Captain Henry of the Regt. commanded by Col Ross in the Penna. line for six months

Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 22 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of
November 1841 and sent to D. B.
Vondersmith, Lancaster, Pa. on 2nd.

Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]

[Act July 7, 1844]

Recorded by Wm M Stewart Clerk
Book A Vol 2 Page 164

Repd: 2nd Nov
Letter to J. B. Vandersmith [sic] 15 Nov 1841
Page 21

FREE
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C

No 8036 
Oct 18. 1841
Pa.
July 7. 1838
Eliz Rathfon
Page 22

Lancaster Oct 15. 1841
Sir
Enclosed I send you the Declaration of
E. Rathfon under the act of 7th of July 1858. - according to your request, from the letter that
I rec'd yesterday -- please send on the Certificate as soon as it is convenient to you-- as the old Lady is in want of money very much - it will be a great relief to her -
J.L. Edwards
I am very Respectfully
your obediant [sic] St.
D B VonderSmith

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 23

FREE
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D C

Sept 22 1841
Pa
Addl proof
Mrs. E. Rathfon

[postmark]
LANCASTER PA
SEPT 21
Page 24

Lancaster Sept. 20, 1841
Sir
I send you on the affidavit of Mr Maurer
(who is now receiving a pension, and must be well known to the Department - It must prove satisfactory to you, and I shall expect by the return of mail to receive from for the certificate, entitling Mrs. E. Rathfor to a pension -
I remain very Respectfully
your obedient servant
D B VonderSmith

Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Page 25

Extract from the Minutes
In Council of Safety
Philadelphia January 9. 1777
Present
Thomas Wharton Jun. President.
Joseph Blewer
Joseph Dean
John Bull.
John Hubley
Samuel Morris Snr.
Mr. Nesbitt was directed to pay Captain Henry
£52.7.1. for pay and rations of his company of
Militia in Col. Ross battalion of Lancaster County commencing the 16th and ending 25th Novr both days inclusive; to be charged to Congress.

Pennsylvania, Ss.
I hereby Certify that the above is a true extract from the Minutes of the Council of Safety, vol. 3. page 23. remaining in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & Seal of Office, at Harrisburg, this 1st September 1841.
Francis R. Shunk
Safety Committee

[seal]
Page 26

Mr D.B. Vondersmith
We have taken great pains to find out what you want in relation to the Services of Jacob Rathfon in the revolutionary War
The annexed extract may be of Some use as it
Shews [sic] Captain Henry was employed &c. we cannot find that the officers were authorized to draft men to Stand Guard at Lancaster but the presumption [illegible] that the [illegible] [enlistment  ?] of Mr Rathfon is true
I am yr svt
Francis R. Shunk
Page 27

FREE

Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

C. Sept. 1841
Mr. Allison
Eliz. Rathfon

[postmark]
LANCASTER PA
SEPT 4
Page 28

Lancaster Sept. 3rd 1841

Dear Sir-

I have at length after a great deal of difficulty & trouble, after being obliged to examine the Documents and make application from the Secretary of State succeeded in obtaining for
you the requisitions which you said were necessary in the case of Rathfon, that he served under Capt Henry and to George Ross as he stated and that they were commissioned
officers, in the Revolutionary War, I send you
enclosed a letter containing this evidence, which I have just received through Francis R Shunk Secretary of the Commonwealth
I remain very Respectfully your
Obedient Servant -
D B VonderSmith

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 29

J. L. Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC

from 
D. B. Vondersmith
no ans receivd in
Letter 19 Aug 41 to him

Augst 20th 1841
Pa
Rathfon

[postmark]
LANCASTER PA
AUG 19
Page 30

Lancaster August 18th 1841
Dear Sir
I received your letter of the 14 inst, and in reply
would mention, that in looking at the rules prescribed by the President of the United States, and adopted by the secretary of war that the following requisition is necessary to
entitling a widow to receive a compensation for services rendered by her husband to the United States, under the act of Congress 4th of July AD 1836, either proove [sic] as to service the muster rolls. The testimony of  commissioners, officers, or the affidavits of persons of known respectability - In compliance with these requisition I have sent you the affidavits of George Leonard and Jacob Nagle who are persons or known respectability to the Department, Mr Leonard himself receives a pension for the services rendered to the United States Believing that all the requisitions of the act of 4th July 1836 entitling these applicants to their pensions have been complied with I remain yours very Respectfully
D. B. Vondersmith

It would be impossible for me to procure a muster roll as perhaps there was but one muster roll kept in the whole company and it was not the practice to give every man that jeopardized his life a muster-
Page 31

roll, with regard to the law as I have not been able to lay my hand upon any book containing the acts passed at that early period. I am completely ignorant, I think however that the Department must be satisfied with the enclosed affidavits that I sent on to you-
If the Department requires any other essential, that I could possibly obtain will you be kind enough to write me and let me know - the widow making the application is a woman poor but of the highest respectability and if not known personally, must at least be known by James Buchanan, senator from our city-
Page 32

FREE

Hon. J. L. Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

Oct 19 1841

Pa

Add proof
Eliz Rathfon
Page 33

Lancaster Oct 9 1841

Dear Sir -

I am sorry that I am obliged again to trouble you with more in reference to the application
of E. Rathfon, you mentioned in the last letter
I received from you, on the subject, that the witness where [sic] not explicit enough in their details and that the facts as they occured [sic] in the revolutionary war differed somewhat from their statements - in what they differ I am at a loss to understand, you did not in any letter written to me show the variance existing in their statements and the facts as they then transpired-- The Department must be satisfied from the oaths of the four witnesses which have been forwarded that the leading facts are at least correct, that they can be no doubt, that Jacob Rathfon served during the revolutionary
under an commissioned officer, and that from the affidavit which I now send you on, they [there] can be no doubt that he served for the space of six months at least as there is a positive oath to that affect which is the only knowledge of it the act of Congress makes it encumbent [sic] on the Department to require - believing this last affidavit must certainly remove all difficulty and hoping to receive a favourable [sic] answer to the application - the person now making this affidavit receives a pension from the United States-
I remain your most obedient & humble svt -
D B VonderSmith

Hon J L Edwards-
Bondsmith-
Page 34

FREE

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C

15 Nov 1841
Evans

[postmark]
LANCASTER Pa.
NOV 13
Page 35

Lancaster Nov. 11th 1841-

Sir

I sent the certificate of Elizabeth Rathfon to the pension agent for paying pensions at Philadelphia, he stated that he had received a letter from you, not to pay pensions under the act of the 7th July 1838 please inform me by the return of mail where she is to receive the money
I am very Respectfully
Your obedient Servant
D B VonderSmith

Hon J. L Edwards
Page 36

Elizabeth Rathfon
declaration

Admitted
D. B. Pender Smith
Lancaster
Pa
Page 37

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Ss.
On this 12th day of June A D 1848 Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the Township of Conestoga in
the County and State aforesaid, Elizabeth Rathfon, a resident of Conestoga township in the County aforesaid aged 84 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848. granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war
That she is the widow of Jacob Rathfon who was a fifer in the revolutionary war (by reference to her declaration under which she obtained her pension will more fully appear), and further that she drew under the act 17 June 1844- twenty two dollars pension annually
She further declares that she is still a widow-
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
before me

Elizabeth Rathfon
X
her mark

John Martin
P S Clinger
[illegible] Strosnider

(over)
Page 38

Conestoga Township -
Personally appeared before the subscriber, a 
Justice of the Peace of said Township of Conestoga before whom the within declaration was taken - Do certify that Elizabeth Rathfon is a highly respectable lady, and that her declaration is entitled to full credit and belief witness my hand & seal this 12th day of June AD 1848
John Martin [seal]

State of Pennsylvania 
County of Lancaster
I,  J. H.  Kurtz Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Lancaster, do certify that Walter G. Evans Esqr before whom the foregoing declaration was made, is an acting Alderman duly commissioned & qualified to all whose official acts full faith & credit are and ought to be given, and that the name purporting to be his, is genuine.
Witness my hand & the seal of said Court this
19th day of June A.D. 1848
J H. Kurtz
Prothy
Page 39

8036
Eliz. Rathfon
of Jacob
Pennsyla.

Admitted

Fifer 6 mo $22.--
Capt. Henry
Page 40

FREE

Hon J L Edw3ards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC

Pa.

Rathfon

Nov. 1841

[postmark]
LANCASTER PA
OCT 30
Page 41

Lanaster Oct 29. 1841

Sir

Within I send you the declaration of Elizabeth Rathfon, under the act of Congress 7th July 1838  
I should not have mentioned the tours of his standing guard in the declaration that I sent you a few days ago - I thought that you wished a statement of all his services in the Revolution.
I am very Respectfully &c.
D. B. VonderSmith

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 42

FREE

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC

Pa.

Gordon Rathfon

Oct. 1 1841

[postmark]
LANCASTER Pa
SEP 30
Page 43

Lancaster Sept 30. 41

Sir

I rec'd your letter yesterday rbv4ening - you have stated that Mr. Gorden had a declaration drawn up by Mr Jack of Philadelphia stating therein that he was an enlisted soldier - at the time that I drew his up I asked him particularly whether he was or not, it appears to me that he answered to me that he did not know - it was out of charity that I drew his declaration up for him - as he has no other witness. I expect the Department will not grant it --
In the case of Elizabeth Rathfon, Mr Maurer has proven that Jacob Rathfon was drafted in 1776 to stand guard for the term of two months encampment, in the same year, about July he and the said Jacob where marched from Lancaster, and went to the different places mentions in the declaration and did not return until December of the same year - I think he stated that in the beginning of the year 1777. they were drafted to stand guard over the Hessians - In the year 1778 latter and or the beginning of 1779 he saw him standing guard or rather playing the fife for Capt. Christian Petres company if the Department, wish to have further proof than what has
Page 44

been produced- it is impossible for us to produce it- we have already sent three witnesses, and this was done at some expense, that she was unable to pay them.
If the Department will not grant the claim upon the evidence which have been produced, will they be kind enough to send all the papers relating to her case to me again.
I am very Respectfully Your
Obedient Ser4vant
D. B. VonderSmith

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 45

FREE

Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC

No 5412
Pa.
July 4 1836
Eliz Rathfon

papers [illegible]
DB office

[postmark]
LANCASTER Pa
JUL 22
Page 46

Lancaster July 21 1841

Sir

Enclosed I send you the applications of Mrs. Elizabeth Rathfon a revolutionary widow of Jacob Rathfon deceased - and Thomas Henry, an enlisted soldier in the war 1815 - which I believe he is entitled to a certain portion of land, granted by Congress, to all enlisted soldiers in the war of 1815 - please inform me as soon as convenient respecting each of them -
I am very Respectfully your
Obedient Servant
D. B. VonderSmith

J L Edwards Esq
Page 47

FREE

Hon J L Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC

Pa.
August 18th 1841
Elizabeth Rathfon
W Allison

[postmark]
LANCASTER Pa
AUG [illegible]
Page 48

Lancaster August 16. 41

Sir

Enclosed I send you the deposition of George
Leonard, a pensioner of the United States, who has given this deposition in favour [sic] of Elizabeth Rathvon [sic] widow of Jacob Rathvon [sic] decd., that he saw him at Long Island in the Capacity of a fife player, by referring to the
declaration, of the widow you will and that she stated, her said husband, went to Long Island, but she could not tell the Captain that he was under - and also the original Marriage record kept by Jacob Rathvon [sic] in his life time -
Yours very Respectfully &c.
D B VonderSmith

J L. Edwards Esq
She would not make application, but she is very poor and infirm unable to do any labour,
by getting this would enable her to provide for herself-
Page 49

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS
Personally appeared before me the subscriber an Alderman in and for said City Peter Maurer of Manheim Township, Lancaster County, a soldier of the revolution, who being first sworn according to law says: That he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the Revolution by Jacob Rathfon; and that they
were substantially as follows viz: That in the year 1776. I was drafted for two months encampment, in Captain John Henry's Company under Col George Ross. at the same time and place the said Jacob Rathfon, was also drafted, in said Company- I stood guard at the Barracks and Stockades - and the said Jacob played the fife for said Company - question put by the Alderman - did you stand guard for the whole period of two months? Ans, generally when we were drafted, to stand guard, we would stand guard for five and six weeks and sometimes not so long - we stood until the Captain discharged us-
In the year 1776 or 77. I cannot well recollect
- we were drafted (that is Jacob Rathfon and I
the declarant), out of Captain John Henry's Company under Captain George Graeff, from the Borough (now City) of Lancaster we marched to Philadelphia, from thence to Elizabethtown New Jersey, we encamped here I cannot say how long - we marched from this place to Amboy - we remained here a while, from thence I believe we marched back to Elizabethtown again, we encamped a few days - from thence we were marched to what was called Kings Bridge, and from thence to New-
York Barracks, here we remained some time - from this place we were taken to Long Island, there was a hard battle fought with the British, their number was greater than ours, we were defeated, our tents and baggage were taken from us - question put by Alderman was it warm or cold weather, when the battle was fought at-
Page 50

Long Island? Answer It was very warm - it was summer- the Battle lasted about 9 hours I think-- there was not many of our men killed - we were driven back to New York City - there
we remained a short time, the British entered we left from this place we went to Fort Washington- there General George Washington joined us - there we had a hard battle with the British, the fort was taken by them - from thence we marched to Fort Lee, there we remained awhile throwing up embankments, here we had a skirmish,  the fort was taken by the British - from thence we were taken over the river to New Brunswick there
we had another skirmish, it did not last long-- The British outnumbered us we had to retreat - we marched from Brunswick to Trenton - here the Hessians were taken, and brought on to Lancaster, the said Jacob Rathfon and I came
with them-- question put by the Alderman what time in year was it when the Hessians were taken? I think it as either in December or January - we had but a few and rest until I was drafted again. It was either in the latter end of the year of (1777) or in the beginning of the
year 1778. that I was drafted to stand guard over prisoners of war (the Hessians) - I was in Captain Christian Petre's company commanded by Col. Mathias Slough - at the same time and place the said Jacob was also drafted under the
same officers, as aforesaid- question put by the
Alderman - in what capacity did the said Jacob serve during the time that he was away? - he served in the capacity of a fife player question how long guard did you stand? Ans. I think it was about two months we were both discharged at the same time- question put by the Alderman, do you recollect of him standing
guard after you and him [sic] was discharged? Ans. I recollect of seeing him once after this playing the fife at the Barracks for Christian Petre's Company, this was the close of the year of (1778) or the beginning of the year (1779)- question put by the Alderman
Page 51

did you ever see him out after this time, Ans. I did not he might have been drafted after this, but I did see him further Declarant saith not-
The said Elizabeth Rathfon, an applicant for a pension, is the widow of the above named, Jacob Rathfon, who died on the first of July AD 1829-
Peter Maurer [seal]

Sworn to and subscribed, this 20th day of September AD 1841-
before me
E McLenegan Ald

Lancaster City SS.
Elijah McLenegan an Alderman in and for said City before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken, do certify that Peter Maurer is a highly
credible person, and that his affidavit is entitled
to full credit and belief -
Witness my hand and seal at said City this 20th, day of September AD 1841-
E. McLenegan [seal]

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss
I, Z.. McLenegan, Prothonotary of the Court
of Common Pleas for said County certify that
Elijah McLenegan Esq. before whom the above & foregoing proceedings were had is an acting
Alderman in & for the City of Lancaster duly elected commissioned & qualified, and that the
foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In Witness whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court & Subscribed my name the 20th September A D. 1841
Z. McLenegan Prothy
for
R. F. Rauch
Page 52

The witness received a pension for service under Capt Graeff for [illegible] Flying Comp, a discharged for which is filed with his papers.
Page 53

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Ss.

On this 5th day of October AD 1841 Personally appeared before me James Black a justice of the Peace of the township of Lancaster, in said county of Lancaster and state aforesaid. Philip Meek a resident of the township of Lancaster in the county and state aforesaid, a soldier of the revolution, who being first sworn according to law says: That he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the Revolution by Jacob Rathvon [sic] deceased - and that they were substantially as follows viz.
In the year 1776, in July, to the best of my recollection, I was drafted out of Captain George Graeff's Company of the Borough (now city of Lancaster- they where [sic] upwards of 80 men belonging to our Company - we where [sic] marched to Elizabethtown in New Jersey state, we remained here a few days - from thence we marched to Amboy, we remained here awhile, from thence we returned to Elizabethtown again- we remained here awhile - from thence we marched to what is called King's Bridge, and from thence to New York barracks here we remained a few days. when we were marched to Long Island, there we had a hard battle with the British, there [sic] number was greater than ours, we were defeated, our tents and baggage was [sic] taken. the battle lasted sometime - there was [sic] not many of our men killed - we where [sic] driven to New York City, here we remained a short time, when the British entered we let - we marched from thence to Fort Washington, there General George Washington joined us, there we had a hard battle with the British, the fort was taken by them the next day following - we also marched to Fort Lee, there we remained awhile throwing up embankments, here we had a skirmish
Page 54

fort was taken by the British - from thence we where [sic] taken over the river to New Brunswick, there we had another skirmish, it did not last long - British out numbered us, we had to retreat - we marched from Brunswick to
Trenton, there we had a battle with the Hessians, or rather when the Hessians were taken prisoners- from this place, I and the said Jacob came with the prisoners to Lancaster the
said Jacob Rathvon [sic] served in the same company in the capacity of a fife player - It was in January when we returned, and that the said Jacob served at least six months in the service of the United States: faithfully- I draw from the United States at the present time, for the same
service -  and also that Elizabeth Rathvon [sic] an applicant for a pension is the widow of the
above named Jacob Rathvon [sic], who died on the first of July AD 1829-
Philip Meek [seal]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid-
James Black J. P.

Lancaster Township, SS.
I James Black, a justice of the peace for the township of Lancaster, in the County and State
aforesaid duly commission do certify, that Philip Meek the above declarant is unable to appear in Court on account of bodily infirmity - and that his declaration is entitled to full credit and belief - 
Witness my hand and seal this 5th day of October AD 1841
James Black J. P.
Page 55

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss
I, Z. McLenegan  Prothonotary of the Court of Common pleas for the County of Lancaster certify that James Black Esq. before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting Justice of the peace in for said County, duly elected commissioned & qualified that the foregoing signatures purporting to ┃
be his are genuine.-
In Testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court and Subscribed my name the ninth day of October AD. 1841
Z. McLenegan, Prothy
for
R F Rauch
.
.
Page 56

8036
Eliz. Rathfon
of Jacob
Penn
Page 57

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July AD 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows-

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Ss

On this 29th day of October AD 1841 Personally appeared before me one of the Alderman, duly commissioned for the City of Lancaster Elizabeth Rathfon a resident of the township of East Hempfield in said County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her solemn oath, make the following declaration
That she is the widow of Jacob Rathfon deceased who was a soldier of the Revolution and served as follows
That in the year 1776. my said husband was marched from the City of Lancaster, (in July) to Long Island, and did not return until January (1777) I heard say that he was in skirmishes whilst he was gone he served in the capacity of fife player when he returned I recolect [sic] the Hessians where [sic] brought to Lancaster -
She further declares that she was married to
the said Jacob Rathfon on the 22nd day of September AD 1778 - that her husband, the aforesaid Jacob Rathfon died on the first of July AD 1829 - and that she has remained a widow ever since that period-
Elizabeth Rathfon [seal]
x
her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written before
Geo. Musser
Michael Kehrer
D B VonderSmith

Lancaster City SS. I George Musser an Alderman in and for said City before whom the foregoing deposition was taken
Page 58

do certify that Elizabeth Rathfon is a highly credible person, and that her declaration is entitled to full credit and belief - and also that she is unable to appear in court, on account of bodily infirmity -  (seal)

    Witness my hand and seal this 29th day of October AD 1841 -
                                                                        Geo. Musser [seal]

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss

I, Z. McLenegan Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Lancaster do certify that George Musser, within named, is an alderman in & for the city of Lancaster in said county, duly commissioned & sworn & that the signatures within purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of the said Court on 29th day of October A.D. 1841.
Z. McLenegan
for J. C. Van Camp
    I
Page 59

1388
Elizabeth Rathfon's
Declaration - 

$22 per ann.


D.B. Vonder Smith
Lancaster, Pa.
Page 60

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Ss

On this 3d day of April AD 1843 Personally appeared before me one of the Alderman, duly commissioned in and for the City of Lancaster -
Elizabeth Rathfon: (now resident) of Strasburg township in the County and State aforesaid, aged 84 years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843 granting pensions for one year to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary War That she is the widow of Jacob Rathfon, late of Conestoga township in the County and State aforesaid who was a soldier of the Revolution and served as follows
In the year 1776, in the Township of Conestoga, my husband was drafted as a militia man for two months encampment, and done [sic] duty by standing guard at the Lancaster Barracks and Stockades in the capacity of a fife player (he served).
In the same year 1776 he was again drafted
for two months encampment, he marched to Long Island, there they had a skirmish with the British, he was gone about five months or more. he served in the Capacity of Fife player -
In the year 1777 he was again drafted for two months of encampment, in Captain John Henry's Company he stood guard at the Lancaster Barracks and Powder House
In the year 1778, he again entered the service for two months encampment his Captain I believe was Christopher Crawford - he served in the Capacity of fife player at the Lancaster Barracks and Stockades
I have drawn a five years pension from the United States, about one year ago (received the sum of one hundred and ten dollars) under the act of Congress 7th of July 1838 -

She further
(over)
Page 61

declares that she was married to the said Jacob Rathfon on the 22nd day of September AD 1778 - that her husband the aforesaid Jacob Rathfon died on the first day of July AD 1829, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period-
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before -
Elizabeth Rathfon
x
her mark

Geo. Musser Aldn.
Test
D B VonderSmith

Lancaster City Ss:
I, George Musser an alderman duly Commissioned in and for said City before whom the foregoing declaration was taken, do Certify that Elizabeth Rathfon is a highly respectable lady and that her declaration is entitled to full credit and belief
witness my hand & seal this 3rd day of
April AD 1843
Geo. Musser [seal]

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss

I,  Rudolph F. Rauch, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County. Do certify that George Musser Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an Alderman of the City of Lancaster, in said County, as above stated, duly commissioned & qualified; and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine- In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and Subscribed my name this Twenty fifth day of May in the year of our LORD. One thousand eight hundred & forty three -
Rudh. F Rauch
Page 62

Elizabeth Rathfon
No 8036.
of Jacob
Pen:
Page 63

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838, entitled ""An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows-

State of Pennsylvania ss
Lancaster County
On this 15th day of October Anno Domini 1841. Personally appeared before George Musser an Alderman for the City of Lancaster, duly commissioned Elizabeth Rathfon, of East Hempfield township in said County and State aforesaid - doth on her oath make the
following declaration viz -
That in the year 1776. to the best of her recollection - Jacob Rathfon late of the township of Conestoga, her husband was drafted as a malitia [sic] man for two months, encampment - his captain was John Hubley and his Colonel George Ross - the said Company done [sic] duty by standing guard, at the Barracks and Stockades - he served in the capacity of a fife player - he was regularly discharge-
In the same year 1776, he was again drafter
for two months, encampment, he was marched to Long Island - when he returned home, which was in the beginning of the year 1777- (to the best of my recollection), he told me that they had a skirmish with the British - he was gone about five or six months when he left Lancaster, it was very warm weather-
In the year 1777 to the best of declarants recollection, after his return he was again drafted for two months encampment - his captain was John Henry - Colonel Adam Reigart - the said Company done [sic] duty by standing guard over the Hessians, at the Barracks and Stockades - the said Jacob served in the capacity of a fife player -
Page 64

In the year 1778, to the best of my recollection, he was again drafted for two months encampment. his Captain was either John Henry or Christopher Crawford, Colonel Adan
Reigart -- the said company done [sic] duty by standing guard at the Lancaster Barracks and Stockades my said husband served in the capacity of a fife Player when he was regularly discharged from the services 
She further declares that she was married to the said Jacob Rathfon on the 22nd day of September AD 1778 - that her husband the aforesaid Jacob Rathfon died on the first of July AD 1829 - and that she has remained a widow ever since -
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and
year above written before
Elizabeth L Rathfor
X
her mark

Geo. Musser

Witness present at signing,
D B VonderSmith
Michael Kehrer

Lancaster City SS.
I, George Musser, an Alderman in and for said City before whom the foregoing deposition was taken do certify that Elizabeth Rathfon is a highly credible person and that her deposition is entitled to full credit and belief - and also that she is unable to appear in Court, on account of bodily infirmity
Witness my hand and seal this 15th day of October AD 1841-

Geo. Musser [seal]
Page 65

State of Pennsylvania
County of Lancaster Ss

I, Z McLenegan Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the county of Lancaster, Certify that George Musser Esq before whom the foregoing proceedings were held is an acting alderman in and for the City of Lancaster duly elected, commissioned & qualified and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court & Subscribed my name the fifteenth day of October A. Dom. 1841.
Z. McLenegan Prothy
Fr. R F Rauch