Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 579, for John M Reading, Pennsylvania
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[notecard]
[upper left]
SERVICE
Penn.
[middle]
Reading, John M.
Mary
[upper right]
NUMBER
W.579
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2557- Kentucky
John Reading Franklin in the State of Kentucky who was a Private in the Compy commanded by Captain Knox of the [illegible] commanded by [blank line] in  the Penna has for for 2 years from 1775.
Inscribed on the Bill of Kentucky at the rate of 80 - Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of Nov. 32 and [illegible] W. H Todd, Frankfort Ky [illegible] 4th of Sept 1832 [illegibe] ending 4 Mar '33
120 [add] 40 [sum] $160.-
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7 1832.
Recorded by Nathan Rice clerk,
Book D Vol. 9 Page 58-
[illegible] Hon. C. Lyon HR. June 16 1834
-do to clk. Franklin Co. A H. Rennick
Aug. 22. 1834- Sce. letter to P. lgt Ort. 11.1834 and also to P. lgt Van 15, 1834-
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No. 3516
The war department will [illegible] me at Frankfort Ky,
Wm H. Todd
omitted formerly
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State of Kentucky
Franklin County Set
On this 21st day of August 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before the County Court of of Frankin Composed of the following Justices Samuel B Crockett John McKee & Henry Wingate now sitting John Reading a resident of the County of Franklin State of Kentucky aged 72 years, who being first duly Sworn according to law, doth make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated, That in the year 1775 about April of that year, in County of Westmorland State or Colony of Pennsylvania he volunteered [crossed out word] as revolutionary soldier of the United States for the Term of two months under Captain Robert Knox of said County that during this time of service he remained at the County where he volunteered, that his company during this time with the fort Called then Legincer, that he had no Col or Major, but that Proctor was the
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County Lieutenant and called Col, that he was in the State line of said State, that he returned home in the winter after having remained at the fort for the Term aforesaid, That in the January of 1777 in the County of Westmorland State of Pennsulvania [sic], he volunteered under Captain Knox, for the Term of one month or six weeks, that he marched from for Ligonier to fort Pitt lying in the forks of the Allegeiny and the Mongahala Rivers, there he met with other volunteers under Genl Hand in number about 500 that the whole formed a rigment [sic], called Gen Hands Rigement [sic], Col Crawford was there that Captain Shannon was also there that from fort Pitt he marched up Biseer Creek and struck an indian Town, Pike's Town, that he took said Said Town and destroyed every thing that the savages had, that from this place 70 of this rigment [sic] (said Reading was one) marched up to the Salt Springs about 15 or 20 miles above said Town that there they took said Spring
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and took anything the savages had and took one prisoner and killed three dead on the ground.  Thence we returned to Fort Pitt and thence home to his dwelling near Fort Leqiner that they arrived home in the winter of 1777.
That in the year 1778 the enemy attacked the country again and the cmder Captain Shannon took to the Fort as a volunteer and guarded it from the April or May of that year. and performed service under the command of said Captain Shaw now until October of 1779 that he had us higher commander during this time than the captain aforesaid. that during that time of services aforesaid in defending the fort was out on several little [illegible] to bury the dead.  [Illegible] that he never returned to his home at any one time, but was allways [sic] under duty.
That in the Spring of 1780 he started to Ky and laned [sic] safe at the Limestone now Magrillo, that he went to the falls of the Ohio  now Lousseville
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thence I went to Ruddles Station on the south fork of Licking Creek-at said Station on the 15th of June he was taken prisoner by the Indians at the surrender of Ruddles Station, that he remained two summers with the Indians, untill may 1783 when upon the release of prisoners I started for home from Detroit, that he has no documentary [illegible], that he knows of no witnesses by whom he can prove the aforesaid services, He hereby relinquishes all claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity whatsoever except the present, and declares his name is not on the pension roll of any state in the union.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
John Redding
x
Questions put to the applicant by the court.
Where and in what year was you born.
ans. I was born in the colony of New Jersey in the county Hunterdon.
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in the year 1760.
Have you any record of your age, and if so, were is it
ans. The record of my age has been lost.  I have a copy of the same in my own hand writing.
Where were you living when called into the service, where do you now live, and where have you lived since the revolution.
ans. I was when called into the service living in Westmoreland County State of Pennsylvania.  Since the revolution I have lived in the state of Kentucky in the counties of Mercer Burbourer, Harrison & Franklin where I now live.
How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if so for whom.
and.  I was a volunteer in all the service I ever performed.
State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you were in service, and such continental and militia Rigments as you can recollect and the serveral circumstances of your services
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ans.  I recollect Gene Hand was a comdt of the regulars, I recollect one Harrison [illegible] who was also a regular officer.
Did you receive a discharge, and if so, what has become of it.
ans. I never received any written discharge from my officers
State the names of some persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can speak of and testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution.
I state John T. Edgar, S. Reading, William Boyd as persons that know me now.
John T Edgar a clergyman living and residing in Franklin county, S. James Reading, and  
[illegible]
William Boyd residents in Franklin County do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Reading who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 72 years of age, that he is reputed in the neighborhood where he now resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution
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and that we concur in that opinion sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid.
James Reading
John F. Edgar
Wm Boyd

And the said court do hereby declare their opinions after investigation of this matter & after putting the interrogatories directed to be put by the War department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states, and the Court further certifies that appears to them that Samuel reading, John Edgar and William Boyd who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of the County of Franklin that they are credible person and also that the said John T Edgar one of the above witnesses is the pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Frankfort and that their statements is entitled to credit.
I Alexander H. Rennick, Clerk of the county Court of Franklin in the state of Kentucky do hereby certify that the foregoing containing the original proceeding, of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Reading for a pension.  In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my name and affixed the Seal of said County this 21st August 1832
A. H. Rennick, C. F. lp
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291
Kentucky, 
Mary Reading,
widow of John Reading
who was a private 
in the Pennsylvania Line for two years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Eighty Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Jun 1843 and sent to 
John C. Hernden, esq.
Frankfort, Kentucky
(Act of March 3, 1843.)
Recorded in Book of 
Vol. /
Page 173
Reported here 18th.
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State of Kentucky
Franklin County ⎬ SS
On this 15th day of October 1832 personally appeared before the County Court of Franklin State of Kentucky sitting is a court of Record
Mary Reading a resident of Kentucky in the County of Franklin aged Seventy three years and upwards who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her 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 she is the widow of John M Reading who was a private in the army of the revolution, and who was a pensioner of the United States under the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 as will more fully appear by reference to the records of the War Department and the declaration of the said John M. Reading under said act that her late husband the said John M Reading was living in Franklin County Kentucky at the time he was allowed a pension of about Eighty dollars per annum - she further declares that she was married to the said John M. Reading on the 31st of August in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty seven by Joseph Ellis in [blank] County State of New Jersey that the said Ellis was a Justice of the peace
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that her husband the aforesaid John M Reading died on the 20 of June in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty three. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated And she would further state that the family record
of her marriage which is herewith filed has been kept in the possession of her and her husband until his death in 1833 and since that time has been kept in the possession of this declarant
subscribed and sworn to in open Court the day as year above written before
[signed] Mary Reading
[handdrawn seal]
It was further proven in open Court and to the
satisfaction of the Court by the oaths of Robert Hampton and Ben B Johnson
that John W Reading who was reputed to have been a soldier of the revolution and pensioner of the United States departed this life out the year 1833. leaving a widow Mary Reading who is still living and has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband the said John M Reading 
[signed] Robt Hamill [handdrawn seal]
[signed] P. W. Johnson [handdrawn seal]
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The Births Days of the Children of John M. & Mary Reading who was Married August in 31st-1787 at Gloucester in the State of New Jersey
Samuel Porter Reading Born January ye 7th 1789
George Reading Born Novm. 5th----1790
Joseph Reading----Born December ye 3, 1792
Elizabeth Reading Born November ye 20th---1794
Nancy Reading Born September ye 16---1796
and died the last day of September 1797
John Porter Reading Born the 23rd of September 1801.
Polly Reading Born the 6th Day of February 1804
The birth day of the children of George and Polly Reading
Nancy Reading was born the 4th of March 1814
Joseph Reading was born the 23 of Decemb. 1816
Josiah Reading was born the 18 of Decemb. 1819
John Reading departed this life the 20th of June 18 and 33 in the 74year of his age
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The Birth days of the children of George Sr & Rebecca Reading Alice Mullen who was married ye 11 Day of June [illegible] in Amwell Township Hunterdon County now the State of New Jersey-
1. Samuel Born the 28th day of November-----1752
2. John Born the 4 day of August. died young---1754
3. Born [illegible] day of October-----1755
4. Elizabeth Born ye 11th Day of December-----1756 and departed this life
5. Edward Born ye 8th of May-----1758
6. John. Mullin born ye 4th day of February---1760
7. George Born ye 3 day of December---1761
8. Amelia Born ye 20th day of June----1765 died [illegible] Ma[illegible] 178[illegible]
9. May ye 21st a male child still born having suffered with the small pox about six week after its mother had [illegible]
10. September ye 24th 1766 a male child still born
11. William Born ye 8th of September ----1768
12. July ye 15th-1770 a female child still born about about 3 OClock in the afternoon and its mother departed this life about 15 minutes after 5 O'clock of the same day and was buried in the Old Presbyterian Meeting house graveyard in Amwell Township by the Family Graves. George Reading Our Father departed this life on the 12 Day of August 1792 at the Mouth of Woods Run Borbon County [illegible] and his buried in Honer Meeting house graveyard outliving our Mother 22 years
this wrote by S. M. R
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December 3, 1930
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB

Occupant
401 South Pacific Street
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 579, that John M. Reading,
pensioned John Reading, was the son of George Reading and Rebeccah Mullen, who were married June 11, 17-- in Amwell
Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, George Reading died
August 12, 1792, and his wife, Rebecah, died July 15, 1770.
John Mullen Reading was born February 4, 1760 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
While residing in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served in the Pennsylvania troops, as follows:
From April, 1775, two months as private in Captain Robert
Knox's company; from January, 1777, about six weeks in Captain
Shannon's company; and from April or May, 1778, to October, 1779 in same company.
In the spring of 1780, he started to Kentucky, and on June 15, 1780 he was captured by the Indians at the surrender of Ruddell's Station and held a prisoner until  released in May,1783. He was in many skirmishes with the Indians.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 21
1832, while living in Franklin County, Kentucky.
He died June 27, 1833.
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The soldier married in Gloucester, New Jersey, August 31, 1787,
Mary, whose maiden name is not stated.
She was allowed pension on her application executed October 15,
1838, while living in Franklin County, Kentucky, aged seventy-three years.
Their children were:
Samuel Porter born January 7, 1789
George born November 5, 1790
Joseph born December 3, 1792
Elizabeth born November 20, 1794
Nancy born September 16, 1796, died Sept, 30, 1797
John Porter born September 13, 1801
Polly born February 6, 1804

Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

-2-
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Feb 23/98. History to Mr. J. Granville Leach. 733 Walnut st. Phil. Pa
1917 Aug 28. Hist and family record to Mrs. Robert A. Hall. 
M. Birth 1916, July 6, Tombstone data to for Mrs. George Baker
1925-Mch 23 Hist to Hattie M. Scott [illegible]
1926 Dec 13 Hist to Mrs. W.B. Ardery [illegible]
1930 Dec. 3 Hist to Occupant at 401 S. Pacific St. Cape Girard Mo. [illegible]
579
[next page]
WIDOW, &c.
Ray
File No. 579
Mary Reading
Widow
John Reading
Pri. Rev. War
Act: March 13, 1873
Index: -Vol. M, Page 153
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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2279
Kentucky
Mary Reading -widow of John Reading-Deed
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832 and who died on the 20 June 1833-of Franklin Co in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Knox-of the -[blank]-commanded by [blank] in the Pennsylvania line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the roll of Kentucky at the rate of 80 Dollars ----cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1836
Certificate of Pension issued the 6th: day of April 1839 and sent to Samuel Todd, Frankfort Kentucky
Arrears to the 4th of March 1839-$240.00
Semiannual allowance ending Sept 4: $40-
$280.00
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Records by [illegible] Stuart Clerk,
Book A-Vol. 2 Page 212
[next page]
2
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[begin seal]
PENSION OFFICE
D
AUG 20 1913
U.S.
[end seal]
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Corinth, Miss
Aug 18-13

the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Sir:-
Will you please send me military history of the following soldiers who served in the Revolutionary War John Reading - Penn. line, drew pension 1832 in Franklin Co Ky. age 94 yrs - Rob't Redding - private
drew invalid pension
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which was paid at the Virginia agency -
and oblige
Yours truly.
(Mrs) Rob't A Hall, 
Corinth Miss
902  Gloster Sh.
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[stamped] U.S. Pension Office ) Jun 24 1916
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Reary C.B.H
June 22 1916,

Dept of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Sir-
Will you have kindly to send me a statement of the military history (with any family data that can be find in it) of "John Reading, private Penn. line Nov. 29, 1832 to 
80. Age 74.
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Pensioned under act of June 7 1832." The quotation is from the S.A.R. year [illegible] of 1896.
I have found the grave of John M. Reading died July 27 1833, age 74, I want to know if he is the pensioner.  Near him is grave marked Mary Reading b. 1765, d 1847. 
Many marking graves
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of Reg. soldiers would be very much obliged for information.
Yours very truly
Mrs. George Baker
Right Frankfort Chapter D.A.R.
416 Main St. 
Frankfort Ky.
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War Department
Pension Office
August 22, 1834

Sir.
The enclosed paper in the case of the widow of John Reading Decd was received here from the Treasury Department without any letter or envelope, to show from whence it came, or for what purpose it was sent to the seat of government. It sufficiently establishes three important facts necessary to be proved before the amount due the widow can be paid. It appears from this paper that the pension certificate is lost, that Reading dec'd on the 27th June 1833; and that he left a widow Mary Reading. If application be made at the agency at the U.S. Branch Bank at Lexington, the amount due will be paid. She must give a power of attorney to someone to draw the money, if she should not apply in person. A strict adherence to the enclosed printed instructions is deemed indispensably necessary. I enclose the paper to you as you may perhaps know something of the matter.
I am, very respectfully
Your Obt. Servant
[signed] J L Edwards

A H Remick, Esq
Clerk of the Court of Franklin Co
Frankfort Ken
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[stamped] Washington

J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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Office, Bank United States,
Lexington Oct 20, 1834.
JL Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
I have received your letter of the 11th [illegible]
I now return the voucher in the case of the widow of John Reading with the reasons why payment was refused at this office or rather why reference was made of the papers to the Pension Department for instructions.
We doubted whether the affidavit as to the top of the Certificate was sufficient, and if it was whether it might not to have been proved in open Court instead of before a single magistrate or Justice of the peace.
The alteration of the date in the certificate of A. Wilson Justice of the Peace before whom the Power of Atty was acknowledged without a notice or memorandum by the magistrate that it was done by himself.
Papers in other pension cases with similar alterations have been returned to us, suspended, for amendment & corrections - 
I am respectfully
[illegible]
by [illegible] F. Scott Carter
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[vertical text] 2767
Ris Oct 26
7 July 1838
Mrs. Reading
[end vertical text]

Oheone In L.
pension
Clarin
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Frankfort Ky, [illegible] cmd.
Enclosed is the pension claim of Mrs. Reading-Please examine the same and inform me at Frankfort Ky and oblige your humble svt.
Honl J L Edwards
Sam L. Todd
Washington City, Del.
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J. Reading
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[printed briefing with handwritten responses]

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of  [name handwritten] "John Reading" which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
[answer] Yes.
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
[answer] yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
[answer] "-"
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
[answer] yes
V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?
[answer] yes
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
[answer] yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
[answer] yes.
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
[answer] yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? 
[answer] yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
[answer] yes
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
[answer] yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
[answer] yes
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
[answer] yes
XIV. If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility?
[answer]  -
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
[answer] -
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?
[answer]  no
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
[answer] answered

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A.B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grads: For ----- year --------months and ------- days, I served as a -------, For ------- months and ------- days, I served as a --------: and for such service I claim a pension."
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It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served ,and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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Rev. and 1812
War Section.

March 23 ,1925.

Hattie N. Scott, 
402 Shelby St.
Frankfort, Ky.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 579, it appears that John H. Reading, pensioned John Reading, was the son of George Reading and Rebecah Mullen, who were married June 11, 17 -- in Amwell Township, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. George Reading died August 12, 1792 and his wife Rebecah died July 15, 1770.
John Mullen Reading was born February 4, 1780 in Hunterdon County, New Jersey and while residing in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served in the Pennsylvania Troops as follows - 
From April 1775, two months as private in Captain Robert Knox's Company.
From January 1777, about six weeks in Captain Shannon's Company and from April or May 1778 to October 1779
Page 37

in same company.
In the spring of 1780, he started to Kentucky. On June 15, 1780 he was captured by the Indians at the surrender of Ruddells Station and held a prisoner until released in May 1783. He was in many skirmishes with the Indians.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 21, 1838, while living in Franklin County, Kentucky, he died June 27, 1833.
Soldier married in Gloucester, New Jersey, August 31, 1787, Mary, her maiden name is not stated, she was allowed pension on her application executed October 15, 1836, while living in Franklin County, Kentucky aged seventy-three years.

Their children were-
Samuel Porter born January 7, 1789.
George born November 5, 1790.
Joseph born December 3, 1792.
Elisabeth November 20, 1794.
Nancy September 16, 1796, died Sept. 30, 1797.
John Porter born September 23, 1801.
Polly born February 6, 1804.

Respectfully, 
Acting Commissioner
Page 38

Rev. War Section

July 6, 1916

Mrs. George Baker, 416 Main Street, Frankfort, Kentucky.

Madam:
In response to your letter of the twenty-second ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the claim 3. File No. 579, it appears that John M Reading served as a Private in the Pennsylvania Troops, Revolutionary War, and was allowed pension at the rate of $80 per annum, under the Act of June 7, 1838, while a resident of Franklin County, Kentucky.
He was born February 4, 1780, and died June 27, 1833, leaving a widow, Mary, who was born about 1755. The date of her death is not stated.
Very Respectfully,
G. M. Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 39

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] for a statement of the military history of John M. Reading, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
MB. 579 Pensioned as John Reading
[begin table]
[row] Dates of enlistment or appointment./Length of service./Rank./OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.CAPTAIN.COLONEL/State
[row] Apr 1775/2 mod/Pri/Robert Knox//Pa
[row]Jan 1777//[illegible]//Shannon//
[row] August 1778/Oct 1779//Shannon//
[row] June 15 1780/captured by the Indians at the surrender of Ruddell's Station and held a prisoner until released in May 1783
[end table]
Battles engaged in, [blank]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Westmoreland Co, Pa
Date of application for pension, Aug. 21 1832, His claim was approved
Residence at date of application, Franklin Co. Ky.
Age at date of application, b. Feb 4, 1760 in Hunterdon Co. N.J. d. June 27 1833
[handwritten illegible]
Remarks: Soldier married Aug 31 1787 at Gloucester, N.J. Mary- Who was allowed pension upon a declaration executed Oct 15 1838 while she was a resident of Franklin Co. Ky, 73 years of age
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 40

Reading. -2

John M. Reading and Mary -----married August 31, 1787, at Gloucester, New Jersey.

Children.
Samuel Porter Reading born January 7, 1789.
George Reading born November 5, 1790.
Joseph Reading born December 3, 1792.
Elizabeth Reading born November 20, 1794.
Nancy Reading born September 16, 1796. died September 30, 1797.
John Porter Reading born September 23, 1801.
Polly Reading born February 6, 1804.

Children of George and Polly Reading.
Nancy Reading born March 3, 1814.
Joseph Reading born December 23, 1816.
Josiah Reading born December 16, 1819.
Very respectfully, 

Commissioner.
Page 41

[letterhead]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
[upper left corner - in box]
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records
pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
[upper right]
L.W.B
I. 17039
W. 579.

O.W. & N. Div.
Revolutionary

February 23, 1898.

Sir: --
Replying to your communication of the 26th ultimo, you are advised that George Reading, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, made an
application for pension on May 23, 1833, at which time he was 71 years of age and residing in Pike County, Missouri, and his pension was allowed for eighteen months and twelve days' actual service as a private in the Penna, troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served
under Capt. Logan and Col. Kirkham. He enlisted in Westmoreland Co., Penna.
John Reading, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, made an application for pension on August 21, 1832, at which time he was 72 years
of age and residing in Franklin Co., Kentucky, and his pension was allowed for two years' actual service as a private in the Penna. troops
Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Knox and Col. Proctor. He enlisted in Westmoreland Co., Penna. His widow, Mary, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.
Very respectfully,
Mr. J. Granville Leach,
733 Walnut St., Phila., Pa.
Commissioner.
Page 42

J. GRANVILLE LEACH,
ATTORNEY AT LAW.

[stamped] Old War & Navy
JAN 29 1898
Files.

733 WALNUT STREET,
PHILADELPHIA.
Philadelphia, January 26, 1898.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: -
I am preparing for publication in book for a History of the Family and Descendants of Governor John Reading of New Jersey.

Several of his sons and grandsons served in the Revolution. May I trouble you to examine your rolls, with a view of ascertaining if any of this name in New Jersey, have received pensions? It has occurred to me that some interesting
particulars might be learned from this source.
I am willing to pay a reasonable compensation for any service your department may render in this matter, or to come to Washington to aid in the search if it be advisable.
Begging the favor of an early reply, and thanking you in advance for the courtesy of the same, I have the honor to remain,
Very truly yours,
J Granville Leach
per M.A.L. 

[stamped] U.S. Pension Office Jan 27

(dictated)
Page 43

402 Shelby St.,
Frankfort, Kentucky.
Feb 9, 1925

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-
I sent the inclosed letter to, I thought the Pension Dept, and got a reply from the Adj. Gen. suggesting that I write you for the information desired.
John and Samuel Reading were both Pensioners of the Revolutionary War and recorded as such in our county court records, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KENTUCKY.
They were brothers and John Reading died
about June 23, 1833, leaving a widow Polly who continued to receive his pension till her death.
SAMUEL READING is recorded as MAJOR, and
died about Aug. 26th, 1838, in this same county.
Please give me the War records of both, and
any information given in their pension claims.
Yours very truly,
Hattie M. Scott
(Miss) (Hattie M. Scott)
Page 44

[letterhead]
[upper left] image of daughters of the american revolution seal
[center]
Historical Research and Preservation of Records Committee
Mrs. William Breckenridge Ardery
National Vice Chairman
Rocclicsan
Paris, Kentucky

October 25th, 1926.

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sir:
Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary record of John Reading who died in Franklin county, Kentucky.
He served from Pennsylvania, I understand, and his wife, Polly Reading, received pension as his widow.
Thanking you, I am
Very Sincerely
[signed] Julia S. Ardery
Mrs. William B. Ardery

[stamped] U.S. Pension  Office
O
Oct 23 1926
Page 45

[letterhead]
[upper left] image of daughters of the american revolution seal
[center]
Historical Research and Preservation of Records Committee
Mrs. William Breckenridge Ardery
National Vice Chairman
Rocclicsan
Paris, Kentucky
Dec. 9th, 1926.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Several months ago I wrote your office requesting the Revolutionary record of one John Mullen Reading who died in Franklin County, Kentucky, whose wife Polly (Mary) Reading, I understand, applied for pension -- she died 1847 in Franklin County, Ky.
As the enclosed is the second notice I have received from the Natl. Office, C.A.R. I will very much appreciate it if you will send me this record as soon as possible.
Thanking you, I am
Very truly,
[signed] Julie S. Ardery
Mrs. W.B. Ardery, 
Paris, Ky.
Page 46

401 South Pacific St.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
November 20, 1930.

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D.C.

Sir: 
Will you give me some desired information concerning the war record of John Mullen Reading, a soldier of the Revolutionary War?
I have in an informal way the following, John Mullen Reading was, born in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. While a resident of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, he served in Captain Knox's company for two months as a private enlisting in April 1777. In January, 1777, he served in Captain Shannon's Company for a period of six weeks. He also served under Colonel Proctor.
I want the definite document and page to prove my statements. I would greatly appreciate it, if I could have this information as soon as possible.
Respectfully, 
P.S.
I found at Frankfort, Kentucky, the official record of John M. Reading's pension statement Senate Document 514, Serial Number 251, Report of Secretary of War published in 1835. Page 93 in book. He was placed on pension roll
Page 47

November 29, 1832. Commencement of pension March 4, 1831. Now what I desire in the official war record of this man.
Page 48

2767
Mary Reading
Declaration for Pension
Frankfort. Ky (address)
admitted
P. $80
Apr 3
S. Todd
Page 49

The depositions of of Alexander Wilson and Robert Hamilton taken at the town of Frankfort on this 15th day of Oct 1838. To be read as evidence in a pension claim on the behalf of Mary Reading.
Deponents state that they have each been well and intimately acquainted with John Reading who was in the receipt of Pension in the County of Franklin, and have been quite as well acquainted with his wife Mary Reading, that they have known him for upwards of forty years during all of which time he was said John M. Reading & and his widow Mary Reading live together as man & wife, and so continued to live until his death in the year 1833, that they have lived his near neighbour all that time, further the deponents saith not.
Robert Hamilton
A Wilson.
State of Kentucky |
Page 50

State of Kentucky
I Alexander H. Rennick
Clerk of the County Court for the County of Franklin, do certify that the annexed declaration of Mrs. Mary Reading widow of John M Reading decd and the affidavit of Robert Hamilton & B. Johnson who were Sworn to in open Court as therein stated and ordered to be certified, and I do further Certify that John McKee Esq at the time of taking the annexed depositions of Alexander Wilson & Robert Hamilton a Commonwealth Justice of the peace for Franklin County, duly Commissioned and  and qualified and to all his acts as such due faith and verdict is and ought to be given as well out as in Courts of Justice.  All of which is hereby Certified to all to whom it may [crossed out text] concern.
[seal, no apparent text]


In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my name as clerk as aforesaid and affixed the seal of said County, Done at Frankfort in office this 17th day of October 1838 and in the 47th year of the Commonwealth
ath
A. H. Rennick Clerk
Franklin County Court
Page 51

[seal] FRANKFORT OCT [illegible]
[end seal]
[stamp] FREE
[end stamp]
The Secretary of War
Mail Washington City DC.

[upside down text] October 9, 1884. Record Office
Page 52

Frankfort Ky. Oct. 1. 1834
Dear Sir.
I enclose you the papers which were prepared for the purpose of drawing the balance or amt. due the widow of John Reading sons: decd. a Revl Pensioner. The document contained on the first & second pages of the sheet, enclosed, was sent to the department before which was returned to A. H. Rennick with a letter from J. L. Edwards Esqr. Comm. of pensions and two printed sheets of forms accompanying the same. Mr. Edwards in his letter states that the affd. & order of Ct. [crossed out text] which will be seen on this 1st & 2d pages sufficiently establishes three facts necessary to be
Page 53

proved in the date of Readings death,  the loss of the Certificate and that Mary Reading is his widow,  set upon the papers presented as you see them.  The agent refuses payment & alleges as the reason why he refused that there is a standing order of the board that payment shall not be made unless the original certificate is delivered up. This seems quite a strange decision to me when the letter of Mr. Edwards says the fact of the Certificate, being lost is sufficiently proven. I wish an order from the department direct for the payment of the amt due if it can be granted upon the papers presented & enclosed. If it cannot, Mr. Edwards will please point out what defect there is in the paper enclosed.
Yrs. [illegible abbreviation]
J. C. Herndon for M. [Reading]
Page 54

Frankfort, May 8 1843.
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you the declaration of Mrs. Mary Reading to obtain the benefits of the act of 30.March 1843.- Which please have acted on and advise me of the result.
Respectfully
Jno C Herndon.
Page 55

1113.
Mary Reading
Page 56

State of Kentucky
Franklin County [illegible]
On this 6th day of May in the Year of our Lord eighteen hundred & forty three personally appeared before the undersigned a Magistrate of the County Court of Franklin County in said State duly commissioned and acting as such. Mary Reading a resident of the county of Franklin at aged seventy nine 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 provisions made by the act of Congress papers on the 3d day of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War. That she is the widow of John Reading Sr. who was a private, and served in the army of the Revolutionary war as a Militia man in the Regiment under the command of Col. Smith, and in the company belonging to said Regiment under the command of Captain Knox-and perhaps under other officers and in other regiments of said army during the Revolution, the names of which she does not now remember. She cannot state from her own knowledge any thing specifically in regards to the services of her said husband, save from his representations to her, and therefore she refers to the declaration made by him
Page 57

to obtain a pension under the act of June 1832.  Now on file in the Pension department at the city of Washington. She further states that she has received the sum of eighty dollars annually for five years, under the act of 7th July 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow. Mary Reading
Sworn to and subscribed in the day and date above written before Alex Wilson J.P.
I Alexander Wilson a Justice of the Peace or Magistrate in for the County of Franklin State of Kentucky do certify that the above named Mary Reading is personally known to me, and that I know her to be the widow of John Reading Sr. who was a Revolutionary Pennsioner. Given under my hand this day of May 1843.
Alex Wilson J.P.
State of Kentucky.
Franklin County Set.
I Alexander H. Rennick Clerk of the County Court of Franklin county in said state do certify that Alexander Wilson Esqr. is a magistrate as above duly commissioned, and acting as such and that his signatures above purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court this 8th day of May 1843. A. H. Rennick, [illegible abbreviation]