Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 421, John Hamersly, Penn.
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SERVICE
Penn

Hamersly, John
Sally
Sarah

NUMBER
W. 421
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Indiana 26796
---
John Hamersly, of Lawrence in the State of Indiana, who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Humphry of the regt commanded by Col. Harvey in the Pennsylvania
line for 1 year & 11 months corporal, 7 months Private
-----
Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 27 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
-----
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of May 1834 and Hon John Carr, H. R.
-----
Arrears to the 4th of March            263.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept 43.83
                                                        $306.83
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Dan Boyd, Clerk
Book E, Vol. 7, Page 14

⎨ 
Clerk,
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Letters to 3d Auditor and Hugh Hamer Esq,  Spring Mill Lawrence Co Ind Dec 16th 1842
----
Paid at the Treasury under the Act 
of 6. April 1838 & from 4 Sep 1835
to 30 March 1836. Agt Notified
24 Feby 1843
-----
Dead
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1.982
Indiana, Madison
Sarah Hamersly, widow of John Hamersly,
who served in the Revolutionary war, Penn, 
as of private & corporal
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 87 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on 3rd February 1853 [4th day of March, 1848 - crossed out]
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of Sept 53 and sent to Hugh Hamer, Spring Mill
Lawrence Co., Indiana
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act Febr 3d, '53
Page 184 Vol. A
1832

Hon C. L. Dunham
Feby 9 1854
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John Hamersly
amended declaration for pension
for 1year & 3 mo. service as private
& 1 year, 11 mos as corporal -
20.505
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State of Indiana
Lawrence County
In the Lawrence County Probate Court

On this 12 day of May 1834 personally appeared in open Court before the Honl Asher Wilcox, the Judge thereof now sitting, it being a Court of Record, John Hamersly, aged 73  years, a resident of said County of Lawrence and State of Indiana, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.
That he enlisted in the Army of the United States on the 10th day of March 1778 at Valley Forge in the State of Pennsylvania for the term of three years, by joining a company under the command of Captain Jacob Humphrey, and served in the 6th Regiment of the Pennsylvania line, under the following named officers, that said Regiment was commanded by Col. Josiah Harman, that a Mr Talbot was major, that he resided at the time of his enlistment in North
Cumberland County, State of Pennsylvania, that he remained at Valley Forge with the army until about the month of June 1778 when he marched with the army (then under the command of Genl Charles Lee) to Monmouth
New Jersey, was in the battle at that place, after which marched to Kings ferry on the North River, crossed the river and marched to Croton River, and from thence to White Plains
at which place was detached as one of a corporate guard to go to North Castle when Genl Lee had his trial, to guard the baggage
After Lee's trial, rejoined his Regiment at White Plains, then marched with the army to Petersburgh N. Y. at which place he was detached with a part of the army (about 500)
to go to Sharon to assist in conveying a portion of the prisoners taken at the Surrender of Burgoyne to the North River, that he assisted to perform that service & the said prisoners were left at Newburgh, and from Newburgh he
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marched with the army to the place where they took up winter quarters, which was at Millstone in the State of New Jersey, remained at Millstone during the winter, and about the month of May 1779, the army took up the line of March, and proceeded to West Point, under the command of Genl Anthony Wayne, and whilst on the march about the month of June 1779 this declarant was appointed by Col. Harman a corporal and after that time served as such - the army remained at West Point during the same, and repaired the works
at that place. This declarant then marched back with the army to New Jersey and went into winter quarters at a place called Jockey Hollow near Morristown - and in the spring of 1780 again marched with the army under the same officers to West Point, and after remaining
there some time, marched down the river to
Tappan. It was at that place when Major Andre was killed, after which marched with the army into winter quarter at the same Jockey Hollow in N. Jersey-- that about the 1st of January 1781 the Pennsylvania troops revolted. This
declarant was one of the number and marched with the revolters to Trenton where he & others obtained from Genl Potter half a furlough to go home, but to return and rendezvous at Lebanon on the 11th of March then next - That he arrived at Lebanon early in March and remained there till his Regiment
collected at this time.  Thomas Doyle was his Captain.
In April 1781 marched with his Regiment to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and there drew his donation lands, then returned with his Regiment to Lebanon, and after remaining there a short time, marched to Little York, Pa.
where he received from the above-named John Doyle, then acting major, a written discharge - This declarant states that he was constantly engaged in the service as above stated from the time of his enlistment March 10th 1778
until he and his discharge as stated which was in the latter part of May 1781 and not less than 3 years and 2 months, that he served as a private until about the month of June 1779 not less than one year and three months, from
that time until he received his discharge as above stated. He
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served as a Corporal, which was not less than one year and eleven months as near as he can now recollect - he further states that he kept his discharge for about 3 years, and then lost it, he recollects the following officers who were with the troops where he served besides those above named, to wit Col. Stewart, Col Butler Genl. Sinclair & Genl Lafayette; he further states that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity, except the present and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
John Hamersly

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
Asher Wilcox Probate Judge

I Robert Mitchell Clerk of the Probate Court in and for the County of Lawrence in the State of Indiana do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Hamersly for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 12th day of May 1834
Robert Mitchell Clk L. P. C.
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No 915
Sally Hamersly
widow of John
Indiana
July 29, 1848.

H. F. Smith
Jeffersonville
Inda.
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The State of Indiana Washington County Sct
Before me the Judge of the Probate Court of the said County and State aforesaid personally appeared Christopher Smith and Letty Smith of Lawrence County and State of Indiana who are entiled to credit who being duly sworn according to law declare they are disinterested witnesses that they have been acquainted with Mrs. Sally Hamersly who subscribed to the foregoing declaration for about fifty years past, and that ever since that time she had lived with said John Hamersly reputed as husband and wife and raised a family of twelve children who with inherited his estate as heirs at law. And that said John Hamersly died on the 30th day of March 1836 - and that said John Hamersly drew a pension for about two years before his death which was paid to him at Corydon Indiana and which they always understood was paid him for his services in the Revolutionary War and that the said Sally Hamersly still remains the widow of the said John Hamersly deceased
Christopher Smith
Letty Smith

Subscribed and sworn to this 25th day of February 1851 before me the Probate Judge of the county and state aforesaid
Thomas D Weir Probate Judge of Washington County Indiana

State of Indiana Washington County SS
I Washington C. DePann Clerk of the Probate Court in & for said County certify that Honl. Thomas D Weir is now & was at the above & within dates
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The State of Indiana Washington County Sct
On this 25th day of February 1851 before me the Judge of the Probate Court of the county and state aforesaid personally appeared Mrs Jane Fleming of said County personally known to me and entitled to credit and who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon her oath state as follows That she is a disinterested witness that she is well acquainted with Mrs Sally Hamersly who has subscribed to the foregoing declaration that she has known her ever since the fall of 1799 - that she has lived neighbor to her most of the time since. that her name before her marriage was Sally McMullin. that she believes she was married to John Hamersly as set forth in her declaration and that ever since she became acquainted with them in the fall of 1799 they have lived together until his death as husband and wife reputed as such and raised a family of twelve children whom she had by him and who with her have inherited his estate as his heirs at law. She further states upon oath that the said John Hamersly died in Lawrence County Indiana on the 30th day of March 1836 and that he left the said Sally Hamersly his widow and no children under the age of sixteen years at his death. She further upon oath states that her said husband John Hamersly has always been reputed to have served in the revolutionary war and that he drew for about two years before his death a pension which was paid to him a Corydon Indiana twice a year and which she always understood was on account of his services in the revolutionary war. She further states upon oath that the said Sally Hamersly still remains the widow of the said John Hamersly deceased and that the age of the deponent is 80 years.
Jane Fleming

Subscribed and sworn to the day and year first above written before me the Probate Judge of the County and state aforesaid
Thomas D Weir Probate Judge
of Washington County Inda.
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The state of Indiana Washington County Sct
On this 25th day of February 1851 before me Judge of the Probate Court of said county and state aforesaid personally appeared Sally Hamersly a resident of said County and state aforesaid aged seventy nine years who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by act of Congress in such cases. That she is the widow of John Hamersly deceased who was a corporal in the company of Capt. Bull of the regiment commanded by Col. (blank) in the revolutionary war that she cannot state at what time or where he served nor what field officers he served under by reason of loss of memory, but that her said husband John Hamersly was by reason of said services under an act of Congress granting pensions to surviving soldiers of the Revolutionary War placed upon the pension list of at the rate of $8 per month. She further states upon oath that her said husband John Hamersly drew his pension semiannually at Corydon Indiana for about two years and until the time of his death in 1836. That his last amont of Pension was drawn by his executor Hugh Hamer at Bedford Indiana by whom she believes that her said husbands Pension Certificate was then delivered to the pension agent at Bedford. She further upon oath states that she was married to the said John Hamersly in Franklin County Pennsylvania on the 14th day of April 1799 by one John Stoke a preacher. That she has no record of her marriage. That her husband aforesaid John Hamersly died on the 30th day of March 1836 in Lawrence County Indiana that she was not married prior to first January 1783 but the marriage to place previous to first January 1800, to wit at the time above stated. She further upon oath declares that she is now a widow (and has been since her said husbands death) and that she never has before made any application for a pension
Sally Hamersly X her mark
Attest Thos Boone
James Moore

Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year first aforesaid before me Judge of the Probate Court of the County and state aforesaid.
Thomas D. Weir Probate Judge 
of Washington County Indiana
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The State of Indiana
Washington County ⎬Sct.

Before me the Judge of the probate
Court of the said County and State aforesaid, Personally appeared Christopher Smith and Letty Smith of Lawrence County and State of Indiana who are entitled to credit who being duly sworn according to law declare they are disinterested witnesses that they have been acquainted with
Mrs Sally Hamersly who subscribed to the foregoing declaration for about fifty years past, and that ever since that time she had lived with said John Hamersly reputed
as husband and wife and raised a family of twelve children who with her inherited his estate as heirs at law. And that said John Hamersly died on the 30th day of March 1836 - and that said John Hamersly drew a pension for about two year before his death which was paid to him at Corydon Indiana and which they always understood was paid him for his services in the Revolutionary war and that the said Sally Hamersly still remains the widow of the said John Hamersly deceased
Christopher Smith
Letty Smith

Subscribed and sworn to this 25th day of February 1857 before me the Probate Judge of the County and State aforesaid --
Thomas D Weir Probate Judge
of Washington County
Indiana

State of Indiana
Washington County} Sct. 

I, Washington C. DePann Clerk of the Probate Court in for said County Certify that Hon Thomas D Weir is now & was at the above written dates [an acting - crossed out]
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Probate Judge in and for Said County duly commissioned and qualified as such and that his signatures within are genuine

In Testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and affix the seal of [?] said Court March  7th AD 1857 
             W. C. De Pann Clk
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20.505
John Hamersly
Indiana
__________
for 1777 Pr &
Corpl 2 yrs.
Corporal 1yrs 11m $84.33
Pr 1 m 3.33
____________
$87.66

Hon John Carr,
H R
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement. shewing the service of John Hammersly
Period when the service was rendered. 
1778
Duration of the claimant's service.
3 Years. 2 Months. _____ Days.
Rank of the claimant. ______
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Cap Humphrey
Col Harmar
Pa line
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
73
Pa
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary
on Roll
[comment written on form]
The applicant should state whether he served in any other capacity than that of private.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832. [centered as a section header]

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION, [centered section header]
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of ] ss.
On this __________ day of __________ personally appeared (a) before ___________  A. B. a resident (b) of __________ int he county of _________ abd State, Territory or District of ___________ aged (c) ___________ years, who being first duly 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 June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) __________ with __________ and served in the ___________ (e) regiment of the __________ line, under the following named officers: 

(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. [picture of a pointing hand] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ___________

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

I _____________ of the Court of ___________
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of __________ for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this __________ day of __________ & c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the __________ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with __________, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ____________ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that Opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
(And then will follow the certificate of the Court.)
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the ____________ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the __________ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, __________ Clerk of the Court of __________ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this __________ day of __________ & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; ; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3 [centered page number]

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier.} Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
6. To an Officer.} Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made of account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.


____________________
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. 
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For __________ year __________ months, and __________ days, I served as a __________. For __________ months and __________ days, I served as a ___________; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all casers, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil
pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers. [centered subhead]
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service. [centered subhead]
[j] 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 claimant's 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.
[icon of hand pointing] The notes from [a] to [l] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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November 8, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
John Hamersly, W. 421

Fern Ferguson
Nassau County [Word smudged, illegible]
Farmingdale, New York

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to John Hamersley or Hamersly who served in the battle of Monmouth during the Revolutionary War.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 421, based on the military service of John Hamersly
(personal signature Hamersly) the only soldier of that name searched under all spellings, that is found in the Revolutionary War records of
this office.

The date and place of his birth and the names of his parents are not given.

While a resident of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted March 10, 1778, and served as private and corporal in Captains
Jacob Humphrey's and Thomas Doyle's companies in Colonel Josiah Harmar's Pennsylvania regiment and was in the battle of Monmouth, was at Tappan when Major Andre was executed, and was discharged in May, 1781.

About 1805 he was living in Ontario County, New York. He moved to Indiana from New York State.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1834, at which time he was seventy-three years of age and was living in Lawrence County, Indiana.

John Hamersly died March 30, 1836, in Lawrence County, Indiana.
Page 20

John Hamersly married April 14, 1799, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Sally McMullen. No reference was made to any other marriage.

On account of the Revolutionary War service of John Hamersly, his widow, Sally, was allowed pension on her application executed February 25, 1851, at which time she was a resident of Washington County, Indiana,
and she then stated that she was seventy-nine years of age. In 1858 she was living in Lawrence County, Indiana, and she then gave her age as seventy-four years.

John and Sally Hamersly had twelve children, their names not designated. In 1851 one Henry B. Hamersly was living in Texas, Washington County, Indiana, but his relationship to the soldier was not given.

There are no further data relative to soldier's family.
Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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June 26, 1986
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MO8
John Hamersly, W.421

Mrs. S. G. Davenport
310 East Sycamore Street
Vincennes, Indiana

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of John Hammersley.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 421, based upon the military service of John Hamersly (personal signature Hamersly), the only soldier of that name, searched under all spellings, that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

While a resident of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted March 10, 1778, and served as private and corporal in Captain Jacob Humphrey's and Thomas Doyle's companies in Colonel Joshiah Harmar's Pennsylvania regiment and was in the battle of Monmouth.  He was at Tappan when Major Andre was executed.  He was discharged in May, 1781.

About 1805 he was living in Ontario County, New York.  He moved to Indiana from New York State.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1834, at which time he was seventy-three years of age and was living in Lawrence County, Indiana.

John Hamersly died on March 30, 1836, in Lawrence County, Indiana.

This soldier married April 14, 1799, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Sally McMullen.  No reference was made to any other marriage.

On account of the Revolutionary War service of John Hamersly, his widow, Sally, was allowed pension on her application executed February 25, 1851, at which time she was a resident of Washington County, Indiana, and she then stated that she was seventy-nine years of age.  In 1863 she stated that she was seventy-four years of age.  n. Lawrence Co Ind.
Page 22

     John and Sally Hammerly had twelve children, their names not designated. In 1851 one Henry B. Hammerly was living in Texas, Washington County, Indiana, but his relationship to the soldier was not given. 
                       Very truly yours 


                       A.D. HILLER
                       Executive Assistant
                       To the Administrater
Page 23

June 26, 1936
BA-J/MCS
John Hamersly, W.421
May Knight
1316 L Street
Bedford, Indiana
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War record of John Hammersley who died March 30, 1836.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W.421, based upon the military service of John Hamersly (personal signature Hamersly).
While a resident of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania he enlisted March 10, 1778, and served as private and corporal in Captains Jacob Humphrey's and Thomas Doyle's companies in Colonel Josiah Harmer's Pennsylvania regiment and was in the battle of Monmouth. He was at Tappan when Major Andre was executed. He was discharged in May 1781.
About 1805 he was living in Ontario County, New York. He moved to Indiana from New York State.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1834, at which time he was seventy-three years of age and was living in Lawrence County, Indiana.
John Hamersly died March 30, 1836, in Lawrence County, Indiana.
This soldier married April 14, 1799, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Sally McMullen. No reference was made to any other marriage.
On account of the Revolutionary war service John Hamersly, his widow, Sally, was allowed pension on her application executed February 25, 1851, at which time she was a resident of Washington County, Indiana and she then stated that she was seventy-nine years of age. In 1833 she stated that she was seventy-four years of age.
Page 24

 John and Sally Hamersly had twelve children, their names not designated. In 1851 one Henry B. Hammersly was living in Texas. Washington County, Indiana, but his relationship to the soldier was not given.

                       Very truly yours


                       A.D. HILLER    
                       Executive Assistant
                       To the Administrator
Page 25

July 11, 1935

Mrs. Jean Denton
1969 - 42nd Street
Oakland, California

JOHN HAMERSLY
W. 482
BA-J/MLB

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you furnish further information in regard to John Hamersly, whose Revolutionary War record you desire, and cite Thomas McNeall, instead of Robert McNeall, and state that he served in the Revolution from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and after the war moved to Lawrence County, Indiana.

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of Thomas McNeall, under any spelling, as described by you.  Such claims are the source of data furnished by this office in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

The record of John Hamersly was found and is furnished herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 26

July 12, 1935

BA-J/MCS
John Hamersly

Mrs. Jean Denton
1969 42nd Avenue
Oakland, California

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 421, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Hamersly.

While a resident of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted March 10, 1778, and served as private and corporal in Captains Jacob Humphrey's and Thomas Doyle's companies in Colonel Josiah Harmar's Pennsylvania regiment and was in the battle of Monmouth.  He was at Tappan when Major Andre was executed.  He was discharged in May, 1781. 

About 1805 he was living in Ontario County, New York.  He moved to Indiana from New York State.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1834, at which time he was seventy-three years of age and was living in Lawrence County, Indiana.

X He died Mar, 30, 1836, in Lawrence Co., Ind.

This soldier married April 14, 1799, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Sally McMullen.  No reference was made to any other marriage.

She was allowed pension on her application executed February 25, 1851, at which time she was a resident of Washington County, Indiana, and she then stated that she was seventy-nine years of age.  In 1853 she stated that she was seventy-four years of age.  

John and Sally Hamersly had twelve children, their names not designated.  In 1851 one Henry B. Hamersly was living in Texas, Washington County, Indiana, but his relationship to the soldier was not given.

Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 27

February 12, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

F. E. Callahan
Route 1, Tarry Park
Bedford, Indiana

John Hammersly, W. 421
***
Andrew Hammersly
O.W.Inv.Rej. File 14902
***
BA-J/MLB

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of John Hameraly who served in the Revolutionary War from Pennsylvania, later lived in Lawrence Country, Indiana; James Hameraley born in 1783, lived in New York, Ohio, and Washington County, Indiana, also the record of Andrew Hamersly or Hammersly.

Revolutionary War and War of 1812 data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension made to the United States based upon military service of soldiers in those wars. 

A careful search of the records of both wars has been made and no claim for pension found based upon service in the Revolution or War of 1812 of Andrew Hamersly, or upon the War of 1812 service of the James Hamersley described by you, under any spelling of the name.

Records were found of a John Hamersly who served in the Revolutionary War from Pennsylvania, and of Andrew Hamersly or Hammersly who served in General Wayne's War, and they are furnished herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 28

February 12, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

F. E. Callahan
Tarry Park, Route 1
Bedford, Indiana

BA-J/MCS
John Hameraly, W. 421

Dear Sir:

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 421, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John Hameraly.

While a resident of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted March 10, 1778, and served as private and corporal in Captains Jacob Humphrey's and Thomas Doyle's companies in Colonel Josiah Harmar's Pennsylvania regiment and was in the battle of Monmouth. He was at Tappan when Major Andrew was executed. He was discharged in May, 1781.

About 1805 he was living in Ontario County, New York. He moved to Indiana from New York State.

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1834, at which time he was seventy-three years of age and was living in Lawrence County, Indiana.

He died March 30, 1836, in Lawrence County, Indiana.

This soldier married April 14, 1799, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Sally McMullen. No reference was made to any other marriage.

She was allowed pension on her application executed February 25, 1851, at which time she was a resident of Washington County, Indiana, and she then stated that she was seventy-nine years of age. In 1853 she stated that she was seventy-four years of age.
Page 29

     John and Sally Hamersly, had twelve children, their names not designated.  In 1851 one Henry B. Hamersly was living in Texas, Washington County, Indiana, but his relationship to the soldier was not given. 

                          Very truly yours


                           A.D. HILLER
   Executive Assistant to the                                        Administrator.
Page 30

January 29, 1931

Miss Florence Hammersly
Route # 3, Box 391
Fort Smith, Arkansas

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section MCS:MLB 

Dear Madam: 

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 421, that John Hamersly, while a resident of Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, enlisted March 10, 1778 and served as private and corporal in Captains Jacob Humphrey's and Thomas Doyle's companies in Colonel Josiah Harmar's Pennsylvania regiment and was in the battle of Monmouth. He was at Tappan when Major Andre was executed. He was discharged in May, 1781. 

In 1801 he lived in New York State moving from there to Indiana. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed May 12, 1834, at which time he was seventy-three years of age and living in Lawrence County, Indiana. 

He died March 30, 1836 in Lawrence County, Indiana. 

The soldier married April 14, 1799 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Sally McMullen. 

She was allowed pension on her application executed February 25, 1851, at which time she was a resident of Washington County, Indiana, and she then stated that she was seventy-nine years of age. In 1853 she stated that she was seventy-four years of age. 

John and Sally Hamersly had twelve children, their names not designated. In 1851 one Henry B. Hamersly was living in
Page 31

Texas, Washington County, Indiana, but his relationship to soldier is not given. 

The above noted is the history of the only soldier named John Hamersly (searched under all spellings of the name) that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN 
Acting Commissioner

-2-
Page 32

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.        3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D.C. , ___________________, 19____

N.7.421
___________________________
___________________________
______

In reply to your request of __________________, received __________________ for a statement of the military history 
of John Hamersly a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained 
in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
                                                             OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
                                                                          CAPTAIN               COLONEL                                 STATE
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dates of                Length of          Rank 
Enlistment or        Service
Appointment 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mch. 10.1778        May 1781         Pvt. -          Jacob Humphrey     Joshiah Harmer                      Penna.
                                                Corporal            Thomas Doyle

Was at Tappan when Major Andre was executed
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Battles engaged in, Monmouth
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Northumberland Co. Penn.
Date of application for pension, May 12, 1834
Age at date of application, 73 yrs. He died Mch 30, 1836 in Lawrence Co. Ind.
Remarks:  He married in Franklin Co. Penn April 14, 1799
Sally McMullen.  She was al. pension on app. ex. Feb. 25, 1851, while a Resident of Washington Co. Ind. aged 79 years.  There were twelve children, but no names are stated [des.]
In 1801 Soldier lived in N.Y. State moving from there to Ind.
Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 33

Nassau Co. San[?]
Farmingdale, New York
Oct. 4, 1938
[Initials written] M.C.S.
Veterans Bureau
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please give me information concerning my great-great-great grandfather John [Last name underlined] Hamersley (or Hamersly] who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and I believe fought in the battle of Monmouth. I wish to secure all information possible for joining the D.A.R. and will appreciate you[r] aid.
Thank you
Yours truly,
Fern Ferguson.
Page 34

[written top left corner] K
May Knight
1316 - L. St.,
Bedford, Indiana
April 2 - 1936.
Will you please send me the war record of - John Hammersley a Rev. soldier who enlisted from North Cumberland Co. Pa. March 10 - 1778, served until 1781, was in the battle of Monmouth.
Application for pension from Lawrence Co. Indiana.
Page 35

[Letter continued from previous page]
Pension allowed May 12 - 1834; age 73 yrs.
Died in Lawrence Co. Indiana March 30 - 1836.
Buried in Talbott's cemetery in the south eastern part of Lawrence Co. Indiana.
Yours Respectfully,
May Knight.
[Postal stamp] RECEIVED APR 6 1936 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM DIV. READER # 29
Page 36

[Letterhead] MRS. S. G. DAVENPORT
310 EAST SYCAMORE STREET
VINCENNES, INDIANA
March 12, 1936.
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:
Will you please give me all the data you have on John Hammersley - Penn. [Mil?]- private and Corporal - pensioned in 1832 at age 75 while living in Knox Co. Indiana. I know his pension application will give his birth date and service.
Have you any record of when last pension was paid to give clue to date of death? Unless a widow applied for pension, I know name of wife or children would not appear.
I would like the number of Pension Claim.
Thanking you,
Very truly
(Mrs. S. G.) Eva B. Davenport.
[Postal stamp] RECEIVED 11:45 MAR 14 1936 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM. READER 5
Page 37

                                                                      
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION [Seal]                                     
            WASHINGTON

June 25, 1955
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
In reply refer to:
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Jean Denton
1969 - 42nd Avenue
Oakland, California

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you requested information relative to John Hamersly of Pennsylvania, and to Robert McNeall from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, both soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

The data given by you in regard to John Hamersly and Robert McNeall are not sufficient to enable this office to identify their particular records, if on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.  Please furnish as much as possible of the following data in regard to both soldiers, when another search of the records will be made and a report furnished.

Please return these letters with your reply.
Very truly yours
[signature] A. D. Hiller
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator

[REPLY]
Dear Mr. Hiller:
John Hamersly - Northumberland Co. Penn. enlisted 1778 served under Thos. Doyle.  Afterward he moved to Lawrence Co. and applied and received pension.  Fought at the battle of Monmouth.
Thomas McNeill - Lancaster Co. Penn. served under Captain David Whitall's Company, 7th Battalion Lancaster Co. Penn. after war moved to Luzerne Co. Ind.
This is about all the data I have.
Jean Denton
1969-42nd Ave. Oakland Calif
Page 38

[POSTAL STAMP] RECEIVED 9:30 JUN 17 1935 MAIL SUB-DIV. READER 6 VETS ADM
Oakland Calif.
1969 - 42nd Ave.
June 10 - 1935
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.
Dear Sirs -
I am trying to get date of the war records of - John Hamersly soldier in the Revolutionary War. Enlisted from Penn. I believe
Also - one Robert McNeall[last name underlined] from Lancaster Co. Pa.
Will you send me what data you have?
Very truly
(Mrs.) Jean Dealon[?]
Page 39

[Typed] F. E. Callahan,
Bedford, Indiana,
Route 1: Tarry Park.
[Paper torn] 35
Page 40

June 19, 1935
Bedford, Indiana,
Routs 1-Tarry Park.

Veterans' Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
To establish a right to belong to the D.A.R. and for other very pressing reasons the following information is desired relative to the Hamerslys (Hamersleys, or other spelling):

John Hamersly - I understand he was a Rev. soldier from Pa., later emigrated to New York, thence to Lawrence County, Indiana.
Question 1. Was he married prior to 1799 (date of marriage with Sarah (Sally) McMullen)?
2. Date mustered out of the service?
3. Names and number of children, if known?
Question 4, as to James Hamersley, I am told he was in War of 1812-14; could he have been the son of John Hamersly, above?
5. If in War of 1812, what date was he mustered out?
6. When did he marry, if known,and whom?
7.Did he ever draw pension?
8.When and where did he die?
9.Who were he children, or any of them,if known?
    (He lived in Washington County, Indiana, at one time, and was born in 1783, I am told.  Came from New york to Indiana, living awhile in Ohio)

[written across page illegible]

Andrew Hamersley(Probably Hammersly)- Was he a Rev. soldier? Could he have been a brother of John Hamersly (named first above)?
When was he born?  Date of death?  Where?
(I have been told that seven brothers by the name Hamersley came from Ireland,and that six of them were in the patriot army(Revolution). Could, or were, John and Andrew two of them?

No name
No signature
Page 41

Fort Smith Ark.
January 7/[19]31
Commissioner of Pensins
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
The attached correspondence indicates information desired.
I hope you will be able to help us in this matter.
Thanking you,
Sincerely
(Miss) Florence Hammersly
R3 Box 391
Fort Smith
Ark.
[Written below letter body] Non from NY
[Postal stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE JAN 10 1931
Page 42

Newman Township High School,
J. H. Trinkle, Principal

Newman, Illinois,
Mar. 18, 1925.

War Dept.
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: Do the records of the War Dept include Revolutionary War Soldiers? If so can you furnish the record of
* John Hammeraley"
sometimes spelled John Hameraly? born May 17th, 1760 and said to have fought in the Revolutionary War.

Respectfully,
(signed) J. H. Trinkle,
Newman, Ill.

P.S. I think he went to war from the Colony of New York

(Assistant and Chief Clerk)
Mar 20 1925
War Dept.

(Received Mar. 21 1925
Old Records Divn)

87 Received A.G.O. Mar 20 1925

[Stamp]
U.S.
Pension Office
Jan 10 1931
Page 43

War Department
The Adjutant General's Office 
Washington 

March 24, 1925.

Respectfully returned to
Mr. J. H. Trinkle, 
Route 3, Box 391
Newman, Illinois.

There is in this office a considerable but by no means a complete collection of records of the Revolutionary War, but the name of John Hammersley of Hamersly has not been found on the records, on file in this office, of New York soldiers in that war.

However, the records show that one John Hammersly (surname also borne as Hamersley but not as Hammersley) served in said war as a private and as a corporal in Captain Jacob Humphrey's Company, and in Captain John Doyle's Company, 6th Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Harmar. He enlisted for three years, date not shown. His name appears on an undated return, on company rolls for October, 1778, and on a record under the head of "State of Pennsylvania against United States for depreciation on pay of the Army," which last mentioned record shows sum charged f89 s16 n0. No further record relative to him or to his service has been found, nor has any record been found of the service in the War of the Revolution of any other John Hammersly of Hamersley. 

The collection of Revolutionary War records in this office is far from complete, and it is suggested as a possibility that additional information may be obtained from the Librarian, Pennsylvania State Library, Harrisburg; from the Director, New York State Library, Albany, or from the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C. 

(signed) Robert C. Davis, 
Major General, 
The Adjutant General, 
By E. W. M.

[Stamp]
U.S. Pension Office
Jan 10 1931
Page 44

Rev See

State Center Iowa
Oct 3rd 1919

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.

Can you give me Revolutionary War Pension Record of John Hammeraly of New York - he died Indiana was 14 yrs old when he enlisted from New York -

His children were Jacob, John, James, George, William, Charles, Jemima, Martha - Lucinda - the soldiers 1st wife - I do not know, but Jacob & James were 1st wife children, & 2nd wife - Cochran, James Hammeraly 1st wife soldier of 1812.

Mrs Edna Linn
State Center
Iowa.
Page 45

Title Fold

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 421
Sarah Hamersly
Widow
John Hamersly
Prt & Corp. Rev War
Act: Mch 3, 18.4.3
Index - Vol. A Page 300

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[Left Fold]
1914 Oct. 8 Hist to Mrs. Edna Linn V. Lea[illegible]
1931 Jan. 2nd hist. to Miss Florence Hammersly    MCS
________________________________________
1935 Feb. 12 hist. to F.E. Callahan  MCS
________________________________________
1935 July 12. hist. to Mrs. Jean Denton MCS
__________________________________________
1936 June 26 hist. to Mrs. S. G. Davenport. MCS
1938 Nov. 8 hist. to Fern Ferguson  MCS
Page 46

22 July 1853
Spring Mill[Hill?], Lawrnce County, Indiana
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 21 May togeather[together] with a copy of your circular for reference an[and] guidance to Sally Hamersly, came to hand after being forwarded from Spring Hill[Mill?], also which will explain the cause of this delay.
Enclosed I send you her Declaration &c, at your earliest convenience a return will be kindly rec'd by an old Meritorious widow.
your obt servt
Hugh Hamer P. M.
[To]
I. P. Waldo
Commissioner
Pension Office
Page 47

No 589
~~~~~~
Sarah Hamersly
Widow of John
Ind
—-

Let to Hugh Hamer
May 21, 1853

Act February 3, 1803
Page 48

915 
Sally Hamersly
Widow of John
————————
Colt Nov 12/51
Before you act on this (illegile)
July 29, 1848
Page 49

To the Hon. J. E. Heath of the Pension Dept. Washington City, DC

Spring Hill Indiana
18th March
Paid
Vertically on page: May 1853
Page 50

18th March 1853
Spring Mill, Lawrence County Indiana
To the Honr. J. E. Heath
Dear Sir
Sary Hamersly the widow of John Hamersly, who was a Revolutionary Pensioner at the time of his death is Present here at this time. she wishes you to Rite[Write] to her at this office and inform her if the Declaration allready[already] filed by her in the Pension office will be Sufficient t procure her Claim under the late pension Law. She wishes to correspond directly with the proper officer of the Pension Department, and believing you to be the proper one. She therefore addresses you, please give her by your earlyest[earliest] opertunity[opportunity] what information will be of service in her Case, and in so doing you will truly confer a favor on an old Meritorious Widow.
Respectfully your obt Servt
Hugh Hamer
Reference
W. A. Gorman
Member of Congress from this State
Page 51

Brief in the case of Sally Hamersly Widow of John, Lawrence County and State of Indiana,
act 3d, Feby: 1853
_____________________________
Claim, ("original,"  xxxxxxxxx")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? I either, state the substance.

Husband was a pensioner, under the Act of 7 June, 1832.

Parole proof of Marriage

(if for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of this claim?  If so, what?

Hugh Harner, Esq
Spring Mill
Name and residence of Agent Lawrence Co., Ind.
S C Boynton
Examining Clerk.
Page 52

Washington County Ind. Aug. 1851
Sir,
Some time about the middle of March I forwarded my declaration for a pension as widow of John Hamersly dec'd who was a Revolutionary Soldier and pensioner. The papers were sent up from Jeffersonville Ind. with a request to have them when acted on by the department sent to me at Texas Washington County Ind, Care of Henry B. Hamersly, I should be glad to hear what disposition has been made and whether I will get a pension or not. Please inform me by letter as above as soon as convenient.
Sally Hamersly
Page 53

Pension Office 
13” Sept 1853.

Sir:
    Please certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid on the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,
L.P Waldo
Commissioner

John Hamersly, Act 32 $87.66 per annum - Died 30th March 183, paid to his death.

F. Burt
Auditor

Francis Burt Esquire}
Third Auditor Treasury
Page 54

Jeffersonville March 14th 1857
Sir
The commissioner of Pensions will pleas examine the enclosed claim of the Widow Hamersly - have her placed on the Pension list and send by Draft or otherwise the arrears of Pension due her under Act of Congress 25th July 1838 allowing pension from the 4th March 1838, in such cases  and any other amounts if found due her on examination of her papers - and send to her care of Henry B Hamersly Esq  [illegible] Washington County Indiana - Early attention to this will confer a favor upon the deserving needy widow and much oblige
Very Respectfully
Your obt Svt
Henry F. Smith

Hon J. E. Heath
Com of Pensions
Washington 
DC

PS If the evidence is not complete please so inform me   H. F. Smith
Page 55

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office
Dec. 21st 1842
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1843, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of John Hamersley, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Madison, Indiana Agency, at the rate of Eight Seven Dollars and 66 Cents per annum, under the law of 7 June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept, 1835 to the 30th March 1836.
Respectfully yours
Albion K. Parris
Controller
Page 56

State of Indiana      )
County of Lawrence)   ss.

On this the sixteenth day of July A.D. 1853, personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Sally Hamersley, aged seventy-four years who states on oath that she is a resident of said County and State after having been first duly sworn according to law, and doth on her oath further state and doth on her oath further state and make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the law of the United States passed February 3rd, A.D. 1853, that she is the widow of John Hamersley, who was a private in a regiment of troops in the Revolutionary war that she cannot give the names of the officers or member of the regiment but she remembers that her said husband enlisted as he has advised her as a private and to the best of her recollection though she cannot be positive in the State of Pennsylvania for all this she refers to records in Pension Department at Washington City; that she was married to said Joh on the fourteenth day of April in the year seventeen hundred and ninety-nine in the County of Franklin in the said State of Pennsylvania by the Rev. John Stuck a minister of the Gospel that said marriage was solemnized in the presence of Jacob Sellers and Peggy his wife David Sellers and Mary his wife and others; that she has made diligent inquiry for the witnesses of said marriage and she believes that said witnesses are deceased; that no record of said marriage has been made or now exists
Page 57

as she is advised of; that she has made thorough and general inquires for said record and can learn nothing thereof; that her husband died on the thirtieth day of March A.D. 1836, in the County of Lawrence and the State of Indiana by fever; that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proofs hereto annexed
She further states that for his services as private in said war her said husband drew a pension from the United States and that she believes proof of his service to be on file in the proper office at Washington City together with his application for and allowance of said pension
Attest Geo. A Thornton
Sally  her X mark Hamersly
Subscribed & sworn to in open Court July 16th 1853
Geo. A. Thornton Clk
And now also comes in open Court Letty Smith aged sixty-six years who being duly sworn states that she became acquainted with the above Sally Hamersly and John Henersly in the spring of the
year 1800 in the State of Pennsylvania; That they were then cohabiting as husband & wife and so reputed and understood; that her acquaintance continued with them up to the death of said John in this County in 1836 that during said etc. they cohabited and were reputed husband and wife; that said Sally has never married since the death of her said husband that she is still the widow of said John and residing in said County that said John in his life time told affiant he drew a pension from the United States for his
Page 58

services as soldier in the Revolutionary war, & [two words crossed out] that he was generally reputed & beleived to be a revolutionary soldier Letty Smith
Subscribed and sworn to in open Court on this 16th day of July A.D. 1853
Geo. A. Thornton Clk
In open court comes also Jane Fleming who being sworn according to law, states that she is eighty two years old; that he became personally
acquainted with said John & Sally Hamersly in the year 1801; they were then living in State of
New York, from which state they removed to Indiana; that they were then cohabiting & reputed husband & wife, had children who have
grown up & are reputed and recognized by society as having been begotten by lawful intermarriage of said John & Sally; that said
Cohabitation & reputation continued from said first acquaintance to death of said John in this
County which occurred, many years since - she cannot say precisely the year - but believes
it about 1836; that said John was reputed a revolutionary soldier up to time of his death - and that said Sally is [crossed out: still] the widow
Page 59

of said John & has never married since his death John Fleming
Subscribed & sworn to in open Court this 16th day of July 1853. Geo. A Thornton Clk
In open court comes also Hugh Hamer, aged fifty three years, who being duly sworn states, that he
as well as said Letty Smith resides in said county; that said Jane Fleming resides in Washington County in said State of Indiana; that [some words crossed out] of the acquaintances of his earliest recollection were said John & Sally Hamersly; that they were then residing in Ontario county, New York, cohabiting as husband & wife & so reputed; that he thinks he recollects back to 1805; that said John drew a pension in his life time. that affiant was frequently employed to draw & did draw said pension for said John; that said John drew said pension up to his death; That
said John & Sally were throughout their entire acquaintance, as affiant believes, reputed as husband & wife, that she has remained from
his death to present time his widow
Hugh Hamer
Subscribed & sworn to in open Court July 16th 1853. Geo. A. Thornon Clk
Page 60

And comes also in open court Christopher Smith of said County, aged sixty four years, who being
duly sworn according a law says, that he became acquainted with said John & Sally [illegible] in the year 1810; they were then living in New York:
that his acquaintance with said John continued to his death which occurred in this county in the
year 1836 with said Sally, to this time; that from his first acquaintance up to the [ crossed out: present] death of said John they cohabited & were reputed as husband and wife; that said Sally has never married since death of said John, but is now his widow-
Christopher Smith
Subscribed & sworn to in open on the 16th day of July A.D. 1853.
Geo. A. Thornton Clk
And it being shown by proof to the satisfaction of the court that said affiants are credible persons, thereupon the court being satisfied that the matters and things set forth in said affidavits are true, do order the same to be certified accordingly which is done-
In testimony whereof I do hereby subscribe my name & affix the seal of said Court this 16th day of July 1853.
Geo. A Thornton Clk