Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3720, for John Ralston, Pennsylvania
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SERVICE                                      NUMBER
Penn         Ralston, John                W.3720
                               Margaret


CONTENTS
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26.211.
Pennsylvania
John Ralston
Mercer, Co. in the State of Pa
who was a Pr in the Company commanded
by Captain Stones of the Regt commanded by Col- in the Penna for Militia-
2 Mo. Sgt-10.00
9 Mo. Pri-   30.00
                   $40.00
Transcribed on the Roll of Penna at the rate of 40 Dollars o Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of April and Sent to 1824 Hon. J Banks, HR

Arrears to the 4th of Mar [illegible-120.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept   20.00
                                                           $140.00

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk,
Book 6-Vol. 5   Page 49
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5400
Pennsylvania Phild.
======================
Margaret Ralston widow of John Ralston Penn. did service in the Revolutionary war, as a Private.
=======================
Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 40 dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1848.
=======================
Certificate of Pension issued the 29th day of March 1850 and sent to Thomas VanHorne Meadville, Pa.
========================
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 263, Vol. 2.


Jas, Hathaway Oct 20the 1883.
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State of Pennsylvania
County of Mercer}SS
On this 26th day of March A.D. 1833. Personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record.  Before John Breden President  and Alex Brown and Wm Amberson associate Judges, composing a Court of Common Pleas, now sitting, in and for the County of Mercer State of Pennsylvania, John Ralston, a resident of[illegible] Township Mercer county in Pennsylvania aged 72 years, who being sworn according to law did on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed the  7th June 1832.  That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.  That in the beginning of July 1779 he was drafted  for a two month tour of duty in the Militia, under Capt Waltour, in Westmoreland County Penn.  John Ralston  [illegible]and served as Sergeant in said Company, we were called to Fitchburg as an attack  was expected to be made on that place by the Indians.  They did not make the attack, and we were employed in repairing the Fort, and putting up Pickets, The Company continued there untill the two months were expired.  This deponent was first Sergeant, drew their rations regularly. They did Military duty and kept out their picket guards [illegible] and at the end of our tour we were discharged, That he was in actual service not less then two months, and then returned home . Again he entered under Cap. Barr and Major Wilson, at Hanna's Fort in Westmoreland County in April 1781. for six months in Capt Stones Company a Private we remained at Slones Fort as our head quarters and was engaged in Scouts after the Indians and occasionally sent a Spy after the Indians; untill he put in his full time, being not less than six months at that time. Again in April 1782 he entered the Service in Capt. Sloans Company. at Slones Fort in Westmoreland County for the term of three months, The Indians were troublesome the Settlements were obliged  [illegible] to the different Forts, and we had to keep sentry's out constantly we were engaged scouting after the Indians and some times out as a spy after them; untill he put in the three months when he was discharged, being not than three months in actual service that tour. Here he observed that he and the rest were furnished with guns, ammunition, and rations by the public on the two last tours.  was promised pay but was little better of it as the money [illegible words crossed out] depreciated to next to nothing making his service in all eleven months for which he claims pension, says there were no Regular Troops with them.  says that he has no living witness to prove his services, but those he has got.
2. Where and when were you born? Says he was born in Chester County Penna the 26th of March 1761. Says he has a copy of his birth taken from his fathers family records.  He was living in Westmoreland Counter near Greensburg when called into service. In the way which he has stated in his [illegible]. Says he always served forhimself.  He lived in Westmoreland for a number of years after the war, and in 1800 he moved to
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he moved to this country and now resides in Mercer County, Penna.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declared that his name was never on the Pension Rolls of the Agency of any State.
John Ralston
Sworn and Subscribed in Mercers Court this 26th day of March 1833
WH Rankin Proh

And the sec'd court hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matters, and after putting the interrogatories purpoted by the war department, that the  above applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and Served as he states.  And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that
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State of Pennsylvania
Mercer County}SS

On this 24th day of September 1833 Personally appeared in open Court James Moore of Delaware Township in Mercer County, Pennsylvania who being duly Sworn according to law did depose and say that he has been acquainted with John Ralston, who is now applying for Pension  for.  Eleven years past, and know that he is reputed in the neighborhood, and has been so a number of years, before the law of June 1832 was passed; to have been in the Revolutionary War and he concurs in that opinion. and that he has no doubts but he is 72 years  of age as he states and considers his character for truth and veracity- to  be good.
James Moore
Sworn and Subscribed in  open Court John Rech Pro.}

Mercer County SS
On this 26th day of September 1833 Personally appeared in open Court, Wm. A Beans of Delaware Township in Mercer County Pennsylvania who being duly Sworn according to Law did depose and say, that he has been acquainted with John Ralston (who is now applying for pension) for twenty years past, and says that a number of years ago he had understood and believed that said Ralston Had been in the War of the Revolution, and from  appearances have no doubts but he is 72 years old as he States, and he believes his general Character for truth and veracity- is good.
Wm A Beans
Sworn and subscribed in open court
John Rech Pro

State of Pennsylvania
Mercer County P.}
I John Rech Prothonotary of the Court of Common Plea of Mercer County do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Ralston for a 
pension.
In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Mercer the Eighteenth day of October Eighteen hundred and thirty three
John Rech
on.
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State of Pennsylvania
Crawford County-SS
On this seventh day of February-A.D. 1850 personally appeared before John P. davis-one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County aforesaid Margaret Ralston aged eighty eight years a resident of the county [illegible]who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the  2d February 1848 granting Pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of the late John Ralson of said County who was a private and sergeant during the Revolutionary War and for his services as such drew a pension of Forty dollars per annum, as will most fully appear by reference to the certificate of Lew Cass Secretary of War hereunto appended.  She further declares that she was married to the said John Ralston on the nineteenth day of February 1788 by the Rev. John Craig head Pastor of Rocky Spring Congregation in what is now Franklin County Pa-as will appear by the testimony of Elizabeth Gamble who was present at the ceremony-there being no certificate of Marriage or record evidence of it.  That her husband the said John Ralston died on the fourteenth day of May AD 1847  That the said marriage took place after the period of her said husbands services and previous to the second of January 1800 Viz: at the time above stated.  That she still remains the widow
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of the aforesaid John Ralston
Margaret Ralston X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written-and I do further certify that the aforementioned declarant by reason of bodily infirmity is not able to appear in open Court.
John P. Davis Judge of the Court of Com Pleas

State of Pennsylvania
Crawford County, Ss}
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a  Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Crawford County [illegible] Mathew Mc Ilhaney and Thomas Calvin both residents of the County aforesaid who being duly sworn saith that they have been acquainted with Margaret Ralston the above declarant- (crossed out and that they ) a period of over forty years past and that John Ralston  aforesaid was reputed to be her husband and that they lived together as man and wife and also that the said John Ralston was a Pensioner previous to his death and that he died in South South Shenango TP Crawford County Pa on the fourteenth day of May 1847.
Mathew Mc Ilhaney
Thomas Calvin
Sworn to and subscribed this seventh day of February 1850 before me
John P. DDavis Judge of the Court of Com Pas
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State of Pennsylvania
Crawford County}Ss

I F.F. A. Wilson prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County  [illegible] do certify that John P Davis is our [illegible] and that the signatures to the foregoing declaration and affidavit purporting to be his, is genuine In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official seal and subscribed my name this 7th day of February 1850
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State of Pennsylvania
Mercer County} Ss.

On the seventh day of December A.D. 1849 personally appeared before Me, Daniel Hecker the subscriber, one of the  Justices of the Peace in and for said County, Elisabeth Gamble aged seventy years past, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that she has been intimately acquainted with Margaret Ralston (Formerly Margaret Gelvin) now the widow of the late John Ralston, now a Resident of Crawford  County, in the State aforesaid, for the space of Sixty years or more  and she further Deposed that the said Margaret was married to John Ralston, the Nineteenth day of February 1788, by the Rev. John Craighead, Pastor of Rocky Spring Congregation, in what is now Franklin County, in aforesaid, and that she/ the deponent/ has been intimately acquainted with them both, from that time, and that her husband John Ralston  died on the 14th day of MayA.D.1847, and further Deposeth, that the said Margaret is now the Widow of the said John Ralston Deceased
Sworn and subscribed before the 7th day of
December A.D. 1849}
Daniel Hecker
Justice of the Peace

Attent James Moore
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Mercer County pa, Ss:
Before me the subscriber and Justices of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared James Ellover of Delaware Township, in the county of Mercer, who being duly sworn according to law who Deposeth and saith, that he is acquainted with the above Elisabeth Gamble, this Twenty seven years, and knows her to be a woman of truth and veracity- and that her Statement (crossed out in the) above (crossed out Petition) is true to the best of his knowledge, and belief
James Moore
Sworn and subscribed before me this
7th day of December A.D. 1849}
Daniel Hecker J.P.

State of Pennsylvania
Mercer County S.S.
I Michael C. Trout Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do hereby certify that Daniel Hecker Esq who's name appears to the above affidavit is a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned qualified and acting within and for the County aforesaid, and that to all his official acts as such full faith and credit is due and ought to be given and also that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Mercer this 7  Dec. 1849.
M.C. Trout Pro
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STATE OF Pa,
County of Crawford}SS.

BE IT KNOWN,  That before the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared John Ralston aged 64 years, who, being duly cautioned and sworn in due form of law, states, that he is the Son of John and Margaret Ralston who was both Revolutionary Pensioners at the rate of $40. per annum, that his father died May 7th 1847 and his mother died July 7th 1853, then pension was payable at Philadelphia Pa, that he believed his father* mother were both entitled to an increase of their Pensions, and that there are the following surviving Children is John and Mathew Ralston and that he believes that they are entitled to whatever is due, and that the United States are still indebted to Acts under the laws of Congress, for the Pension that was due by way of increase and that for the purpose of investigating and establishing they claims as aforesaid, he appointed JAMES HATHAWAY, of Chardon, Geauga County Ohio, his true and lawful Attorney, with irrevocable powers, to exam all papers on file, and my said Attorney is hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes or Attorneys under him, for the purpose above expressed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have on this 6th day August A.D., 1853 hereunto signed my name and affixed my seal said John was pensioner under the act of June 7th 1832 and said Margaret under the act of July 29th 1848,
John Ralston L.S.
WITNESS:  P. Doty                 L.S.                                
 WITNESS: John Folsam      L.S.
Signed, sealed and acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify that the above affidavit has always by the community been known as the son of John and Margaret Ralston above names  Dated on this 6th day of August 1853,
Peter Doty  JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.

STATE OF
County of  } to wit:
I hereby certify, That    Esq.; before whom the foregoing power of attorney was made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of County Court, this   day of   one thousand eight hundred and
CLERK. 

* State whether an applicant or a pensioner.
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STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA,
CRAWFORD COUNTY, SS.}
I, JOSEPH BROWN, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Crawford, Certify that Peter Doty Esquire, by whom the annexed and forgoing affidavit was taken, was at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the said county, duly qualified, and as such duly Authorised by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the same.  And Further, that I am acquainted with the hand writing of said Justice and believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, at Meadville, the twenty second day of August A.D. 1853.
Joseph Brown
Prothonotary
 per Wm M Laughlin, Deputy
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF:MLB

October 28, 1930

Mrs. Irad M. Lewis
215 Poplar Street
Grove City, Pennsylvania

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.3720, that John Ralston was born March 26, 1761 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

While residing near Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served with the Pennsylvania Troops, as follows:

From July, 1779, two months as first sergeant in Captain Walton's company; from April, 1781, six months as private in Captain Sloan's company under Major Willson; from April, 1782, three months in Captain Sloan's company.

He was allowed pension on his application executed March 26, 1833, at which time he was living in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.

He died May 14, 1847 in South Shenango Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

The soldier married February 19, 1788 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Margaret Gelvin.

She was allowed pension on her  application executed February 7, 1850, at which time she was living in Crawford County, Pennsylvania and was aged eighty-eight years.

She died July 7, 1853.

The only surviving children in 1853 were John who was sixty-four years of age and in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and
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Matthew whose age was not given.

Very truly yours

E.W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
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Revy WIDOW, &c
File No. 3720
Margaret Ralston
Widow
John Ralston
Pvt. Rev' War
Act: Feby, 2, 1848
Index:-Vol. M, Page 148

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1950-Oct 28. Hist to Mrs. Irad M. Lewis  Rec'd
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h59
Pennsylvania-Phifa
Margaret Ralston widow of John Ralston
who was a Private in the Pennsylvania Militia
Revolutionary War-
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40-Dollars-Cents per annum, to commence on the (crossed out 7th day of March, 1844) 14th of May 1847-
Certificate of Pension issued the 27th day of March 1850. and sent to Thomas Van Horne
Meadville Pa-
[Act of JUNE 17,1844.]

Recorded in Book D  Vol. 2  Page 129
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August 13 1833

These are to CERTIFY that about the year 1804 John Ralston was admitted by the apocate Deacon of Shenango into full communion.
Attested by D McLean Mon -
PS I heard John Ralston say that he had served in the revolution and was two months in character of a [illegible]
To Mr. Brown Eqrs
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Crawford County SS
Personally came before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County (come before me crossed out) James Frame of Lord County and offer [illegible] July Sworn Depose and saith that he has been Acquent with John Ralston Since perhaps seventy years ago when I was in the United States Service for sometime and I have knew him Lately and I never knew and [illegible] against his moral character also he and his wife are old and frail and shows the need of support Also I heard Said Ralston say that he served in the Revolution war and Also others add the same and further said not
[illegible] I agree with [illegible] and I know the same as above written Wm Snodgrass
James Frame
Witness My Hand and Seal at S. Shenango this 20th day of August 1833
Wm. Snodgrass     sent
I certify that I am well acquainted with James Frame and know that he is a credible person and entitled to belief
Wm. Snodgrass
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State of Pennsylvania
Crawford County ss

   I Edward A. Reynolds Prothonotary & Clerk of the General (illegible) said county do certify that William Snodgrass whose name is subscriber to the forgoing depositions; a Justice of the Peace commissioned and acting as such true that the signature of said Justice is genuine and of his own hand certifying witness my hand and seal this 13th day of September A.D. 1883.  
//s//
Edward A. Reynolds Prothon. & Clerk the (illegible) courts of said county. 


I judge Brown esq. Nelson
Page 21

State of Pennsylvania
Crawford Company}
I Edward A Reynold Prothonotary and [illegible]the [illegible] county of said Court do certify that William Snodgrass whose name is subscribed to the foregoing [illegible] is a Justice of the peace duly commissioned and nothing as such and that the Signature of said Justice is Genuine and of his own hand [illegible] witness my hand and seal by this 13th day of September A.D. 1833
Edward A Reynolds Proth
and [illegible] the [illegible] courts of said county

I Judge Brown Esqr Medford
Page 22


pa

James L Edward Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City


Hon J. Banks
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March 9th 1934

J.L. Edwards [illegible]

I would be glad that the enclosed would be answer [illegible]
[illegible]
Jn Banks
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I Daniel McLean Pastor of the Associate Church in. S. Shenango Township Crawford County and State of Pennsylvania, do certify that I have been acquainted with Margrett Rolston wife of John Rolston deceased of the above subscribed place and one of an older pensioners, he drew a pension for a Soldier term of years number unknown to me, for Services Rendered in the Revolutionary War, She is a person of good repute for honesty and also for truth and veracity-. She being a Member of the church to which I am pastor, without anything being said to her charge to the best of my knowledge.
Daniel McLean Pastor of the Associate Church in S. Shenango T.P.

S.Shenango Township
Jan.  21st. A.D. 1850}
Page 25

No. h54

Margaret Ralston,
widow of John Penn.
Act 17 June 1844
Married  1788
Husband died 14 May 1847
Adm $40 per annum 
annum ending 4 March 1848,

Adm. Act
 2 Feb 1848. Apr. 4th
March 1848,
Phila Roll 

Thomas Van Horne,
Meadville Pa
Page 26

(An addressed envelope)

J. L. Edwards C.P.
Washington, City
D.C.

(Date stamp)
MEADVILLE
       MAR
         22
         Pa. 



Wm. Cole 
26211
Pa.
Page 27

Meadville March 21, 1850

J. L. Edwards,

Dear Sir,

    I herewith transmit to you the application as you will perceive of Margaret Ralston of this Crawford County, Pa.  I was well acquainted with her husband John Ralston had in his lifetime & know, that he was a pensioner of the United States.
    You will please address the subscriber for any further information you may require in her case. 

//s//
Yours respectfully,
         //s//
Thos.  VanHorne
Page 28

Chardon Grange Co Ohio
October, 5th 1853.
Sir
I herewith transmit to your office the affidavit and power of attorney of Mr. John Ralston son of John and Margaret Ralston, both deceased said affiants claims an increase of the pension of his father and mother, they each were Pensioners at the rate of $40 per annum payable at Philadelphia, Pa, and their surviving children the said affiants and Matthew Ralston believe from what they have heard their father relate that he did not get as much pension per annum as he was entitled too, that they believe their father rendered more service then he was allowed for or that he should of claimed under the act of May 1828, in lieu of the act of June 1832.
Please inform me whether there is any chance for said applicants to obtain an increase of their parents Pensions or not, and if any increase due please send me a synopsis of the alleged service and the requirements in order to obtain the same.
Truly your most Obt Servant
James Hathaway

Hon S.P. Waldo
Com. of pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 29

John Ralston
Capt.

Payments to be made at Philadelphia Pa by [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
Agent for paying Pensioner in the Agency of Pa

Recorded in the Pension Office, in Book C  Vol. 5  Page 9 by
J T Sprague Clerk
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Ralston of the State of Pennsylvania who was a Private and Sergeant during the Revolutionary War is entitled to receive Forty dollars and   cents (last two words crossed out) per annum during his natural life, Commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and the 4th of September in every year.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 12th day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four.
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.}
J. L. Edwa[illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 31

30,229

Adm. 2 months service 
9. Private
Page 32

Crawford County

personally came before me one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County-William Moreland and William Dowland of said County and after being  duly sworn depose  and saith they have been acquainted with John Ralston since perhaps twenty years ago and literally we have never knew any thing against his moral character and- also he and his wife are old and frail and stand in need of support
William Dowland
William Moreland
Sworn and subscribed before me in South Shenango Crawford Court this 20th day of September 1833
Wm Snodgrass [illegible]}

I certify that I am well acquainted with Wm. Moreland and Wm Dowling and know that they are credible persons and entitled to belief
Page 33

Mrs. Irad M. Lewis
215 Poplar Street
Grove City, Pennsylvania

Oct. 11. 1930.

Department of Interior Bureau of Pensions.

Can you give me any information concerning John Ralston.  Mercer Co. Penna Private Pennsylvania Militia of the Revolutionary war?  his pension was granted April 12. 1834.  Age 73 yr. would like date of Revolutionary service, also his family, and what part of Mercer Co Pa. he lived and died.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Irad M Lewis
215 Poplar St.
Grove City, Pa

(stamp REVOLUTIONARY &1812 WAR SECTION OCT 13 1930
BUREAU OF PENSIONS)