Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3560, for William Kerr, Pennsylvania
Page 1

Service                                                  Number
Penn                   Kerr, William               W3560
                                    Margaret
Page 2

12991 R
Pennsylvania
William Kerr of Alleghany in the state of Pennsylvania who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel McCoy of the Pennsylvania line, for the term of Three years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 of June 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 of July 1819 and Sent to John Breding
Butler Pennsylvania
Arrears to 4th of March 1819 8 14/30 4/31 68.76
semi-anl. all'ce ending 4 Sep. 1819  48. 
$116: 76 [68.70 + 48

{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March 1818} [printed]

16    7 [illegible] 

[top right]

See letter 9 Sept. 1830 to W. F. Johnson. 
&c to same Oct 11, 1830
Page 3

[left page]

8249 Pittsburg 
Pennsylvania
Margaret Kerr nee ? widow of William Kerr Penn who was a Private in the Revolution Husband died 20 Jany, 1832
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. and terminate 17th May 1843, when she died
Certificate of Pension issued he 26th day August, 1841, and sent to Joseph Stokely
West Newton
Westmoreland Co. Penn.

[following is printed as is on form]
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book A Vol. 2 Page 110 

[right page]

Reported
Payable] to Betty Kerr, John Kerr William Kerr, Martha Kerr, Martha Kerr [struck out] Hannah Kerr and Ann Kerr 
and Alexander Kerr [inserted above text] 
only surviving children
Page 4

[page torn from family Bible?]

Family Record
Births
William Kerr was born January 5th 1758
Margaret Kerr his wife was born April 15th 1765
Their Children
Robert Kerr was born November 17th 1791
Betty Kerr was born May 27th 1794
John Kerr was born June 12th 1796
William Kerr was born April 22d 1798
Alexander Kerr was born March 12th 1800
Martha Kerr was born March 7th 1802
Hannah Kerr was born November 11th 1804
Anne Kerr was born July17th 1807
Page 5

Westmoreland County
State of Pennsylvania Personally came before me a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County William Galleher who being Sworn according to Law Sayeth that the following is true copy of the names and Births of the Children of William Kerr and Margaret Kerr his wife and also of the deaths of Said William Kerr and Margaret his wife truly copied from the Bible of he Said William and Margaret his wife to wit William Kerr was born January 5th 1758 Margaret Kerr his wife was born April 15th 1765
Their Children
Robert Kerr was born November 17th 1791 Betty Kerr was  born 27th 1794 John Kerr was born June 12th 1796 William Kerr was born March 12th 1800 Martha Kerr was born March 7th 1802 Hannah Kerr was born November 11th 1804 Ann Kerr was born July 17th 1807
William Kerr Senior departed this life January 20th 1832 aged 74 and 15 days Margaret Kerr Senior departed this life May 17th 1843 aged 79 The death of the widow is in deponants own hand writing that he was the Executor of the Said William Kerr and that his widow died in the house of deponants and Said family Bible is at this time in his possession and that the above is a true copy as it Stands in Said Bible and further the Certificate of Pension isued to the Said William Kerr in 1819 by JC Calhoun Secretary of War came also into my Possession which is hereto amended with My name endorsed on the Back of Said Certificate that the Said William Kerr and Margaret his wife lived together as man and wife and was always Esteemed as being Legally man and wife.  I lived a Near Neighbour to them was well acquainted with them and Children the oldest Son Robert is dead The Rest are the only Children surviving the death of widow aforesaid and further Sayeth that the Said
Page 6

William Kerr within named was by tradition a private Soldier of the first Regt in Penna. line and that I well know he did draw a pension from the United States but how
long he Cannot tell and further he believes that the fraction of pay from the 4th of September 1831 until the 20th of January 1832 the time of his death was not drawn from the United States as he believes and further sayeth not.

Sworn and Subscribed before me this 10 day of May 1847 John Reed

William Gallaher

I do hereby certify that the Said William Gallaher is a creditable witness who is an intelligent man and that I would Receive his Evidence as Truth
John Reed JP


Westmoreland County [illegible] personally came before me a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County Samuel Hill Esq a memb[er] of the Pennsylvania Senate who being Sworn according to Law Sayeth that he was well acquainted with the above witness and also with Thomas Blair and William Chambers witness in Margaret Kerr can and that they are all men of good Character for truth and veracity and that of his own person ^ al knowledge of William Kerr and family he this [illegible] ^ is Satisfied as to Correctness of their testimony an[d] further that this informant was born in 1793 and that th[e] Said Robert Kerr who is now dead was at least two y[rs] older than he is ^ or thereabouts that he was well acquainted with the whole family &c. and further sayeth not. Sworn and Subscri[bed] before me this 13th day May 1847 John Reed

Samuel HIll
Page 7

Westmoreland County Js State of Pennsylvania
on the first day of June 1847 personally came before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for aid County William Kerr [name struck out] Alexander Kerr who being Sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 Entitled An act Granting half pay and pensions to certain widows. That his mother was the widow of William Kerr decd who was a private Soldier in the Revolutionary War in the first Regt in the Penna Line. The length of Serice he cannot tell but think three or more years that he was put upon the pension list of the United States under the act of Congress passed the 18th March 1818 but did draw a pension only for part of the time but was on the list and drawing a pension when he died Januy [January] 20th 1832 Leaving a widow Margret Kerr. This informant Mother and other children he further declares that the Said Margret Kerr aforesaid was married to the Said William Kerr prior to his leaving the Service & that the Said Widow Margret Kerr aforesaid died the 17th day of May 1843 Leaving the following Children who survived her death Petty Kerr John Kerr Willliam Kerr Matha Kerr Hanah Kerr and Ann & Alexander Kerr Robert the oldest child being dead that this declarent makes application on behalf of himself and brothers and sisters for the pension which their Mother  was entitled to which accrued to the Benefit of the Children that the [illegible] day of mariage but think it was in the year 1789 or 1790 which will more fully offer from the Evidence hereto Attatched Sworn and Subscribed in oppen Court on the

A. Kerr
[second name] [illegible]
Page 8

Armstrong County of in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

On this seventeenth day of June Anno Dominis one thousand eight hundred and eighty two, Before me the subscriber of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Armstrong County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, personally appears William Kerr aged sixty one  years resident Allegheny Township Armstrong County who being by me first duly sworn according to the law doth in his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress instituted on Oct to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the  United States in the revolutionary war, That he the said William Kerr enlisted in Hannah's Town Westmoreland County in Pennsylvania on the ninth day of August one thousand eight hundred and seventy six for three years in Captain Samuel Miller's company in the eighth Pennsylvania Regiment commanded by Colonel Enos McCay [Aeneas Mackay] that he continued to serve in the said Corps or in the service of the United States until the tenth day of October one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine when he received an honorable discharge from Colonel Stephen Bayard at the time of his discharge he was in Captain Moore's company, which discharge he has not now in his possession. Then he was at the taking of Genl Burgoyne (then under the command of Captain Swearingens in with[?] Morgan's regiment). That he was at the Battle of the Ash Swamp [*] that he was in the engagement at Benbrook [Bound Brook, NJ - April 13, 1777] and several skirmishes that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support and
that he has no other evidence now in his favor of the said monies

William Kerr

Sworn to and declared before me
this day and year aforesaid
Robert Orr

[* He may be referring to the Battle of Short Hills (June 26, 1777), in which Morgan’s regiment fought, or the Battle of Ash Swamp-Spanktown (Feb 23, 1777), in which a detachment of the 8th Pennsylvania fought]
Page 9

I Robert Orr one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Armstrong County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Do certify that it appears to my satisfaction that the said William Kerr did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the  common enemy and that he is in reduced  circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for support as stated in the preceding declaration and i now transmit? the proceedings and testimony had and taken before me to the Secretary for the Department of War pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of Congress
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this seventeenth day of June A.D. one thousand eight hundred & eighteen

Robert Orr {{seal}}
Page 10

Armstrong County [illegible] in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania [top of page missing, this text seems to be from next page]

Armstrong County [illegible]
Before me the subscriber a Judge of the County of Common Pleas of said County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania personally came Allen McComb who being duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith that in September in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy six at Kittanning on the Allegheny River [illegible] in said County he became acquainted with William Kerr the forgoing applicant then a private in Captain Samuel Miller's Company in the eighth Pennsylvania Regiment commanded by Colonel Enas Mcoy [Aeneas McKay] that this deponent was private in Captain Andrew Mann's Company in that time this deponent knew of the services of William Kerr in said Regiment from that time until the tenth of October in the year one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine when the Said William Kerr received an honorable discharge that this deponent served in Captain Ohroy's [Wendel Oury / Ory ?] Company after captain Mann resigned [that he served in] Captain Stokely's [Nehemiah Stokely] Company after Ohroy resigned and that he served in Captain Brady's Company at the time this deponent was discharged which was at the same time that the said Applicant William Kerr was honorably discharged and that during all this time he knew of the said William Kerr serving as a private in said Regiment 

Allen McComb

Sworn and Subscribed before me this twenty third day of year A. D.  one thousand eight hundred nineteen by the said Allen McComb and I do hereby certify that he is a credible witness & respectable man and entitled to Relief
Robert Orr
Page 11

William Kerr.
Pennsylvania line.
Not found on rolls.
Further evidence of service, required.

[crossed out] 
[two illegible signatures]

Admitted
Page 12

 Armstrong County [illegible] Before me the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania personally came Christopher Olney who being duly sworn according to law deposeth +[and] saith that he this deponent was a private in Captain Olney's company eighth Pennsylvania Regiment commanded by Colonel Enos McCoy that in the month of Septr 17966 he became acquainted with William Kerr at Kittanning on the Allegheny river now Armstrong County Pa that the said William Keer this within named applicant was then a private in Captain Samuel Miller's Company in said Regiment and that he knew of the services of the said William Kerr as a private in said Regiment until the Battle of Germantown this deponent was taken prisoner that after this deponent [illegible] made his escape from the Phil jail in which he was confined he went to Pitts [illegible] the spring of 1799 and that he there recd his discharge from  General Broadread [Brodread] That this deponent seen William Kerr in the service as a private in Said Regiment 
Sworn and subscribed this twenty furth day of June A.D. 1819 and I do hereby certify that the said Christopher Olney is a [illegible] entitled to belief.
Robert Orr

to the Sunday [perpendicular and written over the main text]

[illegible]

I the subscriber Prothonotary of the court of Common Pleas in and for the county of Armstrong in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that Robert Orr Esq. before whom the foregoing depositions were taken was at the time of taking the same and still is a Judge of the said court, duly commissioned and sworn by the proper authority and that full faith and credit may be given to his acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Kittanning this twenty fourth day of June A.D. 1819
Eben Smith Kelley, Pro.
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Application of William Kerr
Page 14

State of Pennsylvania 
Armstrong County As

On this 23d day of September AD 1830. Personally appear in open Court the Court of Common Pleas of Armstrong County being or Court of Record preceding according to the courts of the Common Law and being so created by the Statute Laws of Pennsylvania for the county of Armstrong. William Kerr resident in said county, aged seventy two years who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following declarations, in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818 and the 1st May 1820 that he the said William Kerr enlisted for the time of three years on the Ninth day of August in the year of our Lord Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Six in the State of Pennsylvania in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Miller in the Regiment Commanded by Colonel Enos McCay [Aeneas McKay] then transferred to the Regiment Commander by Colonel Daniel Morgan in the line of the State of Pennsylvania on the continental Establishment: That he continued to Co serve in the said corps until the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy - Nine when he was discharged from the service in Petesburgh [Petersburgh] in the state of Pennsylvania : that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present : that his name has been placed on the pension list : that the number of his pension certificates is 12.991. and that he never has before exhibited a Schedule of his property except times when his application was made for a pension and refused  That his reasons for not applying earlier are that he knew not in what manner to proceed until in the year Eighteen Hundred and twenty seven. That he then applied to be continued on the pension list and that his application was rejected for informality as it has since been
Page 15

and in [illegible] of the act of the 1st of May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of this United States on the 18th day of March 1818. and that I have not [illegible] that [illegible] gift, [illegible], or in any manner disposed of my property or any that thereof with intent thereby [illegible] to diminish it as to bring myself within the provision of an act of [illegible] entitled “an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and have services of the United States in the Revolutionary war " [illegible] the 18th day of March, 1818; and that I have not, nor has any [illegible] in trust for me any property, or securities, contracts or debts due me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule [illegible] and by me [illegible]

One tract of land in [illegible] Township in [illegible] county of [illegible] containing four hundred acres for which I have no other tith or claim than an [illegible] right - which is a mere equitable Estate in Pennsylvania - the purchase money [illegible] and the legal tith in the Commonwealth. 

Worth (which in occupancy) annually $32.00
One Black Cow 11.-
One Heifer 5.-
One Black Horse 40.-
One Bay Horse 40.-
One Spring calf 1..377-
One Table 1..50
Farming Utensils 9..00
[total] $139..877-

That he has no other occupation than a farmer. that he is old and frail and out poorly all to [illegible] it; that the number of his children who reside with him are two females Hannah and Anne aged the one twenty years, the other eighteen years. that their [illegible] to assist in his support is [illegible] from their [illegible] and his laborious occupation. That since the 18th day of March 1818 there had been no changes in his Real Estate and now in his personal Estate but [illegible] as the [illegible] of the produce of his farm which has all went to his support and that of his family and that no atterations has take place in his worldly affairs for the last ten years but that continual
Page 16

determinations and tendency to decry that all Estates are liable to whom the [illegible] are [illegible] old and [illegible]

LEFT SIDE OF PAGE
Sworn to and declare on
oath and signed on the
Twenty Nine day of September
1830.
Simon Tomey Pro

RIGHT SIDE OF PAGE
William Kerr

I, Simon Toney [illegible] of the Court of
Common Pleas in and for the count of Armstrong
Do hereby certify that it appeared, to the satisfaction of the court, that the said William Kerr did serve in the Revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration; against the common enemy for the term of nine months and now under our Engagement on the [illegible] Establishment. I also certify that the [illegible] oath and schedule thee to are truly copied from the records of the [illegible] court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court, that the total amount in value of the property [illegible]
in the [illegible] and schedule is one hundred
and thirty-nine dollars Eighty-seven cents

In Testimony where of I have hereunto set
my hand and officed the seal of the said court
on this Twenty Eight day of September A.D. Eighteen Hundred and Thirty.

Attest  Simon Tomey [illegible] of the court
Page 17

TOP RIGHT OF PAGE
BA-J/AWF
William Kerr
W. 3560

TOP LEFT OF PAGE
Mrs. Laura P. Kendall
712 N.W. 19th
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for infor-
mation in regard to William Kerr, soldier of the Revolutionary War, who died in 1832 in Westmore-land County, Pennsylvania.

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W.3560, based upon the military service of William Kerr in the War of the Revolution.

William Kerr was born January 5, 1758, place
not stated, nor are the names of his parents given.

William Kerr enlisted at Hannastown, West-
moreland County, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1776, and served as a private in Captains Samuel Miller's, Swearingen's, and Moore's companies, Colonel Aenas Mackey's Eight Pennsylvania regiment; he was in the battles of Ash Swamp, Bound Brook, a the capture of Burgoyne, and in several skirmishes, and continued in the service until discharged at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1779. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed June 17, 1818, at which time he was a resident of Allegheny Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania. He died January 20, 1832.

William Kerr married in 1789 or 1790, definite
Page 18

date of marriage not shown) Margaret; she was born April 15, 1765, place not stated, nor are the names of her parents given. It was not shown where the said Margaret and William Kerr were married. 

The widow, Margaret Kerr, died May 17, 1843, at the home of William Gallaher of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

The following data relative to the children of William Kerr, and wife, Margaret, are show in claim-

Robert        born    November 17, 1791
Betty             "        May            27, 1794
John              "        June           12, 1796
William          "        April           22, 1798
Alexander      "        March         12, 1800
Martha           "        March          7, 1802
Hannah          "        November  11, 1804
Ann                "        July             17, 1807.

Their son Robert, died prior to June 1, 1847.

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 19

[stamped in circle]
U.S. Pension Office
Feb 13 1917

[Signed] Elrick
Page 20

[TOP LEFT OF PAGE]
J.E Elrick
JUSTICE OF HTE PEACE
CIVIL ENGINEER
BELL PHONE 21-J

SALTSBURG, PA ; February 12th 1917

Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen
I would like to have a [illegible] of on statement- honoring the services of William Kerr
Capt Miller Co 8th Reg. Revolutionary War
resided in Westmoreland Co Pa 1823
Was a prisoner in 1825
If you can comply [illegible] said bill for service and I will remit for for same.

Yours Resp.
J.E. Elrick, J. P. (signed)
Page 21

[FAR RIGHT OF PAGE]
Deerfield, Ill.
August 12, 1930

[FAR LEFT OF PAGE]
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:
Please send me the information contained in the pension papers of William Kerr of the Pennsylvania Continental Line.
He is said to have been of Armstrong Co., Penn.
Yours very truly,,
[SIGNED] (Mrs) Marie Ward Riechelb

[ROUND STAMP ON BOTTOM LEFT OF PAGE]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
AUG 20 1930

[WRITTEN IN FAR RIGHT BOTTOM CORNER]
12"
Page 22

REVOLUTIONARY [PRINT IS REMOVED]
3-525
DEPARTMENT OF TH EINTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D.C.  [blank ], 19[blank]

In reply to your request of [blank] , received [blank] for a statement of the military history of William Kerr a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [crossed out] (or is widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[Information filled in on table]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.  Aug 9, 1776 to
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
Oct. 10, 1779
RANK.
Pvt.
OFFICER UNDER WHOME SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
Captain Samuel Miller
Captain Swearinger
[ILLEGIBLE] (3)

COLONEL.
[ILLEGIBLE] Mackey
Stephen [ILLEGIBLE]
8th Regiment of Pa.

Battles engaged in, Ash Swamp, Boundbrook and capture of Burgoyne.
Residence of solder at enlistment, [ILLEGIBLE] Hannastown, Westmoreland, Co, Pa.
Date of application for pension, June 17, 1818. This this claim was al.
Residence at date of application, Alleghany, Twp. Armstrong Co, Pa.
Age at date of application, Born June 5, 1758 and died Jan 20, 1832.
Remarks:  Sol. Left or widow Margert. Se was born Apr 15, 1785 and died May 17, 1843.
Widow's maiden name and place of birth and death not stated. Their children were Robert b. Nob. 17, 1791.  Betty b. May 27, 1794. John b. June 12, 1796.  Wm. b. Apr 22, 1798. Alexander b. Mar, 12, 1800.  Martha b. Mar. 7, 1802. Hannah b. Nov. 11, 1804. Ann b. July 17, 1807.

Respectfully, 
[SIGNED] Robert [ILLEGIBLE] of the clerk
[ILLEGIBLE] June 1- 1887        Commissioner.

[HAND WRITING AT BOTTOM OF PAGE]
No more to go into details about children missing [ILLEGIBLE]

[HAND WRITING ALONG LEFT MARGIN OF PAGE]
Page 23

Payment to be made at Pittsburgh
by J.B. Guthrie, [ILLEGIBLE]
Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Pittsburgh Penn.
Payable on the [line drawn through] 4th March and 4th September in each year.
Recorded in the Pension Office in Book J. Vol.1 Page 223 by [ILLEGIBLE]  Clerk.
Page 24

WAR DEPARTMENT
WIDOW'S PENSION

I certify in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Margaret Kerr is widow of William Kerr, who was a Private and died on the 20 day of January 1832, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Eighty dollars and [line drawn] cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1836 and terminating on the 4th March, 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death. Payable to Betty, John, William, Martha, Hannah, Ann, and Alexander Kerr or working child. 
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 26th day of August, on thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.

Examined and Countersigned
Secretary of War
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 25

Westmoreland County of
personally came before me a Justice of the peace in and for [ILLEGIBLE] county William Gallaher who buy [ILLEGIBLE] once a day to have payeth that the family record forwarded to the pension office is a copy of the original now in the [ILLEGIBLE] of [ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS] of Westmoreland County which was and had been in the [ILLEGIBLE] of Ann Kerr.
Mrs. Kerr got the [ILLEGIBLE] off to record about one year after the death of William Kerr her husband but I had thought this original [ILLEGIBLE] not at the time be [ILLEGIBLE] or otherwise gone to [ILLEGIBLE] but [ILLEGIBLE] I am [ILLEGIBLE] it is in William Kerrs won hand writing and in respect to the inquiry made by the Commission of Pensions Relative to the age of Hannah and Ann I would say the old man was mistaken he could not of [ILLEGIBLE] at the Record he was a very old man and had not been well for some time about in 1830 and also  omitting to State he ha da wife was also in Error he had a wife away with him in 1830 defending when here for [ILLEGIBLE] Hannah and Ann lived with him in 1830  the Rest of the children did not live with him at the time he lived together or [ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS] and wife and the children moved in the family record was always acknowledged by them the [ILLEGABLE]. William Kerr and Margret his wife to be legitimate children and to [ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS] before me the 29th July 1847. William Gallaher 
McMatson
I certify that William Gallaher is a credible witness

McMatson
Page 26

State of Pennsylvania
Armstrong County 

I, The Meredith Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas include for the County of Armstrong, State of Pennsylvania do certify that William G. Matson [ILLEGIBLE] before whom the will proceeding were [ILLEGIBLE] was a the time
the same are acting Justice of the Peace is duly [ELLEGIBLE] commissioned and sworn to all who whos oficial acts as such full faith and credit are due and ought of right to be given as were through out the County aforesaid as elsewhere and that his Signature thereto is genuine and in his proper hand writing in Testimony at [ILLEGIBLE] the Thirteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and forty seven.

T.E. Meredith Pro

I Joseph Buffington a member of the 28th and 29th [ILLEGIBLE] group do certify that I am well acquainted personally with William G. Matson Esq. the Justice before whom the foregoing depositions were taken. He is an acting Justice of the peace and a man of good character for truth and an official of respectably. I am also personally acquainted with William Gallaher and know him to be a man of good character for truth and [ILLEGIBLE]
Jos. Buffington
[ILLEGIBLE] 30 July 1867
Page 27

Armstrong County of 
personally came before me a Justice of the peace in and for said county and are of Watson Lenior  who being sworn are ordering to leave sayeth that he was well acquainted with William Kerr a prisoner of the united States and also was well acquainted with his wife Margret Kerr and their children of the said William Kerr and Margret his wife and from having seen the said William Kerr write he the informant is satisfied that the family record of the ages of his children is in the proper hand writing of the said William Kerr and also having a knowledge of the children only living are [ILLEGIBLE] from said William Kerr. I am satisfied that the entry in the [ILLEGIBLE] of faith as aforesaid contains the current ages of said children and further in respect to the inquiry of the [ILLEGIBLE] of record respecting the ages of Hannah and Ann I am satisfied the said William Kerr made the statement without looking at the family record he then was a very old man and had quit doing business and further omiting to state he had a wife 1830 he was absolutely wrong his wife did [ILLEGIBLE] him at the time as well as Hanna and Ann and that they lived together as [ILLEGIBLE] and wife and the children named in the family record was esteemed as their legitimate children and further sayeth not [ILLEGIBLE] and subscribed before me this 29th July 1847
[SIGNED] David Watson
before me
[SIGNED] [ILLEGIBLE]
I do hereby certify that [ILLEGBILE] Matson is a [ILLEGIBLE] of good character for truth I would [ILLEGIBLE] his evidence. I am satisfied that his statement is correct.
[SIGNED ILLEGIBLE]
Page 28

Picture of envelope addressed to: 
Pension Bureau
Washington, DC

Revolution Records Division

Stamped Received Nov 7 1938
Stamped mail from Oklahoma City Oct 1938
Page 29

Nov 4th 1938

Will you please see if you have pension of William Kerr died 1832
Westmoreland Co. PA only 
want names of wife and children mentioned

Address  Mrs. Laura Pierce Kendall
712 N W 19th
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma
Page 30

Front of card addressed to-
Commission of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Postage stamp- Detroit Jan 9 1917
Page 31

back of card...

Sir, Please advise Revolutionary War record and family data, [ILLEGIBLE] in application for pension ( if any) by-
William Kerr. Westmoreland Co. Penn.
(Wife's name Margaret (Young) Kerr.

[signed from]
Raymond E. Van [ILLEGIBLE]
1729 Ford Bdg
Sec S.AR.   Detroit Michigan

[circle stamp on bottom left of card]
U.S. Pension Office
January 11 1917
Page 32

Card with info listed

M 13380
Margaret Kerr [ILLEGIBLE] Pa
It is I [ILLEGIBLE]
June 21,'47
[ILLEGIBLE] July 21, '48

Act of July 1838
Page 33

Top of Note- right corner 
9345

No 183880
Margaret Kerr and 
wife of William
PA
Act of July 1838

[ILLEGIBLE]
$80.00 per Ann [annum] from 4 March 1836 to 4 March 1841, payable to Betty Kerr, John Kerr, William Kerr, Martha Kerr, Hannah Kerr, Ann Kerr and Alexander Kerr only living children of Margaret Kerr [ILLEGIBLE] -
act March 1843
$80.00 per ann
from 4 March to 17 May 1843 the day of her death, payable to children above named.
Joseph Stokely
West Newton
Westmoreland Co, PA
Page 34

File No 3560
Wife Kerr
Widow of Wlm Kerr PA

PO Address
West Newton
Westmoreland Co- Penn

Agent 
Joseph Stokely
West Newton
Westmoreland Co-
Penn
Page 35

back of card

Nov 3 78
Confession of Faith
husband and wife married up to date 
Dec 1878
[ILLEGIBLE SIGNATURE]

139
Page 36

[ILLEGIBLE] 5th  1831

[ILLEGIBLE] I [ILLEGIBLE] the [ILLEGIBLE] Pension of Mr Kerr and she  [ILLEGIBLE]

He wishes to be reinstated on the pension list.  I can say nothing [ILLEGIBLE SENTENCES]

Very Respectfully Yours

[ILLEGIBLE] Gilmore
Page 37

William Kerr PA Act 18 March 1818  $96.00 [ILLEGIBLE]

For failure to state to what time he was last paid, and to whom the payment was made. [ILLEGIBLE 3 WORDS] now before the office that he died in 1832

Pension Office
August 19 1847

Paid 15th Sept 1831  GCA
Paid to John Roset, his attorney, 
[ILLEGIBLE SIGNATURE]
Page 38

 No. 12     Certificate for   L82,,9,914  [ILLEGIBLE]4

We do certify, that the state of Pennsylvania, in indebted to William Kerr a private of the first Pennsylvania Regiment, in the sum of eighty tow pounds nine shillings and nine pence [ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS], being the amount of the Depreciation of his pay from 1st May 1777 to August 1st, 1780, Pursuant to [ILLEGIBLE] act of assembly, passed at Philadelphia, the 18th of December 1780.   M. Nicholson [2 ILLEGABLE NAMES] Auditors

York Town
March 24, 1781

Enclosed
Recd. York Town May 22, 1781, the sum of twenty seven pounds ten shilling in part 27.10

Attest: James McFarlane

His Mark  X Wlm Kerr

Auditor Generals Office
Harrisburg 24th June 1847
I certify the above to be a true copy of an original on file in this department. 
Witness my hand and seal of office 
the day and date aforesaid.

[ILLEGIBLE SIGNATURE]
Page 39

Back of Letter

Kittanning
Dec 2 [ILLEGIBLE YEAR]

Hon. E. John Gilmore
House of Representatives
Washington City

[ILLEGIBLE SIGNATURE ON BOTTOM LEFT]
Page 40

Kittanning  December 22 1830

[ILLEGIBLE]

After the compliments of the above permit are to [ILLEGIBLE] to you the [ILLEGIBLE] of William Kerr. I amended these for a pay to the pension department and they were returned to me with the objection that the [ILLEGIBLE] showing the improvement right war be forwarded. This would be impossible as this cannot be in the nature of things a single [ILLEGIBLE] in an improvement
Right- Thus proves have no [ILLEGIBLE] but [ILLEGIBLE] January- the value of the land is assessed
Page 41

Second page of letter

at the rate of 6 percent-
This is a very hard case- Mr. Kerr is a poor industrious but decrepit old man has no assistance. his Family consisting of 4 males. He was a meritous solder- and is yet an honest. worthy man. 
I owe to the Head of the Pension department, Mr. Edwards an apology for again pressing this matter upon his attention. The above facts I trust will [ILLEGIBLE 3 WORDS] Present my apology and oblige [ILLEGIBLE] -
How does the election of the Hon Billy Wilkins to the Senate of the United
Page 42

Third page of letter

States take with our Jackson Friends in Washington. We would rather not have seen him subjected- His [ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS] in [ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS] upend him to say the [ILLEGIBLE] of it in my opinion- But no we must submit.
My thanks for acknowledging message the [ILLEGIBLE 4 WORDS] I have even read same always the declaration of Independence.
With the best wishes for your welfare
[ILLEGIBLE 3 SIGNATURES]
Page 43

Westnewton July first 1847

to be agreeable to your letter of June the 21, 1847 I returned home by way of Harrasburgh and record of the auditor general the certificate your honour Required I further obtained the lief out of the Bible containing the ages to Required the deaths was when another lief in said Bible which was in the handwriting of Galliher which will hold by his testimony and the [ILLEGIBLE] theregoes of this lief and put it with the other artifact in the Bible which will do for Remembrance of the ages and it was putting me to considerable trouble. I hope now as the certificate only remaining to be made out that your honour will confer the favor of having it forwarded soon and which will be gracefully acknowledged by you [ILLEGIBLE]
[SIGNED] Joseph Stokely
J.L. Edwards Eagr
Commissioner of Pensions

In the case of Barbara Hotzer or Hottzinger a the soldier Jacob Hotzer or Hottzinger lived in the [ILLEGIBLE] camp his services will be found in the auditors office when the [ILLEGIBLE] books you will be so good as to refer to the deprecations books there and you will confirm a favor or I presume this case is not found. 

[SIGNED] Joseph Stokely
Page 44

Westmoreland County Pennsylvania
Westnewton August the 2nd 1847

For [ILLEGIBLE] your letter relative to the claim of Margaret Kerr said widow of William Kerr [ILLEGIBLE] of the Penn [ILLEGIBLE] came to the hand dated 24th July 1847 in the letter your request is that there should be [ILLEGIBLE] confirmation why the widow was omited in the Schedule of the solder in 1830 and to account for the discrepancy in her statement in respect to the ages of Hannah and Ann the reasons the[ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS] in the depositions here written sent your honour will I presume be satisfactory- in reference to the family record not being old enough to [ILLEGIBLE 2 WORDS] is that it is only a copy of the originals taken out of the [ILLEGIBLE] and put into the Bible  the Book containing the original entries being so [ILLEGIBLE] worn that they thought better to Enter them in the Bible and home of the children thought that the book was to [ILLEGIBLE] however it is forthcoming. Ann had it [ILLEGIBLE] by [ILLEGIBLE] this is old enough to satisfy the whole matter. The old [ILLEGIBLE] in 1830 was not fit to do business and the wife was away with him in 1830 [ILLEGIBLE] him for support so to log the whole [ILLEGIBLE] book concerning the ages and I here with [ILLEGIBLE] your [ILLEGIBLE] send the certificate  soon [ILLEGIBLE] with your blessing to J.L. Edwards Eagr
[SIGNED] Joseph Stokely

[ILLEGABLE SIGNATURE AT
Page 45

Revy Widow, &c.
File No. 3560
Margaret Kerr
Widow
Willliam Kerr
Pri. Rev. War

Act March 3, 1843
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 390

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1917 Feb 21 Heisl to Raymond E. Van Syckle [illegible]
1917 Feb 21 Heisl to J.E. Elrich [illegible]
1930 Sept 11 Heisl to Mrs. Marie W. Riechelb [illegible]
1938 Dec 16 Heisl to Mrs. Laura P.K endall [illegible]
Page 46

September 12, 1930

Rev.& 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB

Mrs. Marie Ward Riechelb
Deerfield, Illinois

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 3560, that William Kerr was born January 5, 1758, place not stated.

He enlisted at Hannastown, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1776, and served as a private in Captains Samuel Miller's, Swearingen's and Moore's companies, Colonels Aeneas Mackey's + Stephen Bayard's Pennsylvania regiments. He was in the battles of Ash Swamp, Bound Brook, and at the capture of Burgoyne, and served until October 10, 1779.

He was allowed pension on his application executed June 17, 1818, at which time he was living in Allegheny Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania.

He died January 20, 1832. 

The soldier married in 1789 or 1790, Margaret, who was born April 15, 1765. Her maiden name and place of marriage are not stated.

She died May 17, 1843.

Their children were:
Robert born November 17, 1791
Betty " May 27, 1794
John " June 12, 1796
Page 47

Their children, continued:

William born April 22, 1798
Alexander " March 12, 1800
Martha " March 7, 1802
Hannah " November 11, 1804
Ann " July 17, 1807.

Their son, Robert, died prior to June 1, 1847.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Page 48

Payment to be made at 
Pittsburgh by
I.B. Guthrie, Esq
Agent for paying pensioners, in the Agency of Pittsburgh, Penn

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book A Vol. 2 Page 110
[ILLEGIBLE SIGNATURE]
Clerk
Page 49

WAR DEPARTMENT
WIDOW'S PENSION

I certify that in conformity with the act of March 3, 1843, Martha Kerr, widow of William Kerr, who was a Private and died on the 20th day of January, 1832 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of eighty dollars and [LINE DRAWN THROUGH] cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March, 1843 and terminating on the 17 May 1843 the day in which she died. Payable to children surviving seven in number.
Given at the War Office of The United States, this 21 day of August on thousand eight hundred and forty-seven.
Page 50

10336
Pennsylvania
Margaret Kerr
Widow of William Kerr who was a pensioner under Act of 1818 and who died on January 20 1832 of Westmoreland in the state of Penn was was a Private in the Conf commanded by Captain Miller of the Reg commanded by Ed McCoy in the Revolution line for 2 years.

Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh at the rate of 80  Dollars ___Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26th day of August, 1847 and sent to Joseph Stokely West Newton, 
Westmorland Penn

Total amount, $400.00
[ACT JULY 7, 1838.]
Recorded by [ILLEGIBLE SIGNATURE] Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 223

VERTICLE RIGHT MARGIN]
Payable to Betty Kerr, John Kerr, William Kerr, Martha Kerr, Hannah Kerr and Ann Kerr and only surviving children.
Page 51

12.991
Pennsylvania
William Kerr
of Armstrong C. in the State of Pennsylvania 
who was a private in the company commanded 
by Captain Miller of the regt. commanded by Colonel McCoy in the Pennsylvania line, for the term of three years. From August 1776 to 1779
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 17 day of June 1818 and 
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of July 1819 and sent to John Breding, Butler, Pa.
Continued on the Roll on 18 day of January 1821 and notification sent to Hon. J Gilmore at House of Reps. Pension commencing on the 6th of January 1821
Amount due on the 4th of March 1831 $15.73
Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, May 1, 1820
Page 52

31
5
---
26

6.70
8
1.03
-----
15.73
Page 53

Know all men by these present, that I William Kerr son and heir of William Kerr late of Armstrong county Penn. (deceased) who was a Revolutionary Pensioner under the Act of Congress passed March 18, 1818, and died in the year 1830 or 1831, do hereby authorize and appoint Thomas Lumpkin Esq of Washington city my true and lawful agent for me and in my name to inquire into the claims I may have on account of my father's service in the Revolutionary War, and I hereby authorize him the said Mr. Lumpkin investigate said claim against the U.S. government and to receive and acknowledge the receipt of any statements or accounts that may be furnished him by the government. 

In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal this eighteenth day of December A.D. 1850 (?)
(signed) William Kerr
Witness (Signed) Wm Edgar
(seal) 
On this day and date above written personally appeared before me C.W. Ernest a notary public for the county of Allegheny and state of Pennsylvania the above named William Kerr and acknowledged the above power of attorney to his (?)
In witness whereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal of office

(signed) C.W. Ernest
Notary public
Page 54

6 June 1881
Wm Kerr
Pa 18 m
Mary Kerr
??
? Cole
Page 55

State of Pennsylvania
Westmorland County
G.
I David Fullwood Prothonotary of the Court of Common
Pleas holden at Greensburgh in and for Westmorland
County do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence
has been exhorted to said Court that William Kerr
was a pensioner of the United States at the rate
of Eight Dollars per month
was a resident
in the County of Armstrong in the State of Pennsylvania, and died January 20, 1832, that he left
a widow named Margant, who died on the 17" day
of May 1843, leaving the following children who survived
her death Betty Kerr John Kerr William Kerr Martha Kerr Hannah Kerr and
Ann Kerr & Alexander Kerr and that said William Kerr was married to
to Margaret Ken before the first day of January 1794, and do further
certify that John Reed Esquire before whom the foregoing depositions
mre made was there and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and
for said County of Westmorland duly elected and commisioned
and to all where official acts and Deed full faith and
credit are of right due and that his signature to said certificates
are Genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Greensburgh
the 12th day of June AD 1847
David Fullwood PnA.
Page 56

Payable semi-annually. The first
payment on this Certificate will
be made on the 4th of Septem
next, in Philadelphia
at the Bank U.S.
[embellishment]
William Kerr

William Gallaher
12.991[written on side]
[stamp/star on left side]
[signature on bottom]
Page 57

War Department
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I CERTIFY that, in conformity with the Law of the United
States, of the 18th of March, 1818,
William Kerr
late a
private in the Army of the Revolution, is inscribed
on the Pension List, Roll of the
Pennsylvania
Agency, at the rate of eight
dollars per month, to commence on the seventeenth day of
June
one thousand
eight hundred and eighteen
GIVEN at the War Office of the United 
States this twenty Sixth day of 
July one thousand eight
hundred and nineteen
J. C. Calhoun
Secretary of War.
Page 58

Declaration of
Alexander Kerr
Page 59

Westmoreland County ss
State of Penna
personally came before me a
Justice of the peace in and for said County Thomas Blair
who being sworn according to Law sayeth that he was well
acquainted with William Kerr and Margret his wife
and family the said William Kerr was a Revolutionary
Soldier of the first Regiment Penn a Line and was
upon the Pension List and did draw a pension some one or
two years prior to his death which was the 20th January
1832 the said Margret died the 17th May 1843 and
yesterday I went to the grave yard and found her
death to bear the above date which satisfied me that it is
Correct as to the date of her death the names of the Children
who survived the death of their Mother Margret Kerr aforesaid
is Robert now dead Betty John William Alexander
Martha and Hannah ^and Ann [inserted] that the said William and Margret
Kerr aforesaid lived together as man and wife and
was esteemed to have been legally ceased and that the
Son Robert now dead would be if living at this time against 
against november next fifty seven years of age
that I am and have been well acquainted with the
family being a near Neighbour & and from Reputation
their two children dead not named which was the two
oldest of the Children and further sayeth not sworn
and subscribed before me this 21st April 1847
Ann Intelined
before signed Thos Blair
John Reed JP
do hereby certify that Thomas Blair the above witness
is a creditable witness whoes evidence I would
Receive as truth and he is a intiligent [intelligent] witness
John Reed JP
Page 60

13,380

[illegible]

Margaret Kerr decd
wid of William
[illegible]
Act 7th July 1838


Married before 1794
wife recorded in book [ILLEGIBLE] in anniversary vows husband died 20 July 1832.

Bottom of page
Left by J. Stokely
Present
Page 61


Westmoreland County Penna personally came before me a Justice of the peace
in and for said County William Chambers who being Sworn
according to Law sayeth that he was well acquainted with
William Kerr and Margret his wife and children the Lord
William was a Revolutionary soldier of the first Regiment
Pennsylvania Line and was put upon the Pension List of
the United States and did draw a Pension some one or two
years or longer previous to his death he died in January the 20th 1832
and his wife died the 17th May 1843 the names of the Children
who survived the death of their mother Margret Kerr widow aforesaid
was Betty John William Alexander Martha Hannah and Kim and the oldest
know by is called Robert is has been dead for some time
the lived together as man and wife and was esteemed
to have been legally closed and from our knowledge of
the ages of the Children being well acquainted with them
Robert that is dead if alive would be against November
next fifty seven years of age and from Reputation the
had two other children born alive but died shortly
after which two was the oldest children born and
further sayeth not sworn and subscribed before
me this 21th April 1847
Hannah and Ann helestined
before signed           Wm. Chambers
John Reed JP
I do hereby certify the said William Chambers to be
Crediable Witness whos evidence I would receive
as truth and that he is an Inteligent witness
John Reed J. P