Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8253, John Craig, Penn.
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(8 - 1776)
Penn
Craig, John
S8253
Carded
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26498
Penn Pittsburgh Agency
John Craig
of Armstrong Co. in the State of Pa who was a P[private] in the Company commanded by Captain Shields of the Reg't commanded by Col [ill] in the Penn line for [illegible] months - - - 
Date of death not on A. Pa.

18 months $60.00

Inscribed of the Roll of Pa. at the rate of 60 collars -- cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of July
(ill) Paid to Wm. F. ? of Kittaning, PA

Arrears to the 4th of Sep[??]   180.00
Semi-anl allowance ending 4 Sept  30.00
$210.00
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk, 
Book 6 Vol 8 Page 73
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31. 441

John Craig
Penny

f 1778 pr 18 mos
$60
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State of Pennsylvania  }
Armstrong County        } ss

On this Eighteenth day of June in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and thirty-four, personally appeared in open Court of the Court of Common pleas of Armstrong County. Said court being a court of record.  Before Robert Orr and Joseph Rankin Esquires judges of said court  John Craig Esquire of Buffalo Township. Armstrong County [illegible] aged Eighty-one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth make on his solemn oath the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by act of Congress passed 7th June AD. 1832.  That in the month of May in the year Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Eight this declarant with several others formed a company and had own officers - Captain Shields afterwards Colonel Shields was at that ^time^ our captain. In the same month we built a fort at Captain Shields in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania and we remained in this fort guarding the country from Indian depredations during the whole summer & fall of Seventeen Hundred & seventy Eight until the first of November Seventeen hundred & seventy  eight. We served this year six months and were verbally discharged by our Captain. During this summer the Indians made an attack upon our fort but were [illegible]. A number of the families of the neighborhood staid with us this summer. We were volunteers. In the year Seventeen hundred & seventy nine I again volunteered and was under [deleted word] Captain Shields and served guarding the frontier from the 1st[?]  May until first of November Seventeen hundred & seventy nine Six months. At this time, during this year the Indians made an attack upon Wallace's Fort in Westmoreland County [illegible] and Col. Pomeroy who commanded the Regiment, sent for reinforcements, and I
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2 
with others, left fort Shields and went to Fort Wallace (Word crossed off) Indians about one hundred in Number attacked us and after a severe fight, in which we lost several men (Captain Wilson Commanded) being over powered, we retreated and made good our way to Fort Wallace. In the spring of seventeen hundred and eighty I again volunteered under Captain Shields and went to fort Shields where I remained one month, when we abandoned Fort Shields owing to the weakness of our numbers-
I left that part of the country this year, and moved to Jacob Creek settlement, in the Southern side of Westmoreland County, Penna, and returned again to the neighborhood of Fort Shields in the fall. In the Spring of seventeen hundred and eighty-one, I think in the month of ("May" crossed out) April I again volunteered under Captain James Moore, and again we occupied Fort Shield, and remained there from April until late in the fall of seventeen hundred and eighty-one. This year we served five months and may be more-The Indians made no attack this year upon our Fort, but killed some people in the neighborhood, and it was during this same year that "Hannah's town" the county seat of Northumberland County was burned. This Town was four miles from our fort. It is my impression that I served several months after this year but not being certain, I do not look to claim anything for (word crossed through) these services. That he served as above stated in 1778 six months, in 1779 six months, In 1780 one month, In 1781 five months, making in all Eighteen months, which I am certain I served and may be I served several other months but do not recollect.
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He further states that he (crossed out word) gave the most satisfactory proof of his service-Many of his old companions being still alive and residing in the adjoining counties-He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Role of any agency or any state 
John Craig
Sworn & subscribed in open
Court this 18th day of June 1834
Fredk. Rohrer

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states.
Joseph Rankin
Robert Orr
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Armstrong County

Mr David Shields and John Shields being duly sworn in open court do on our oaths declare That he are personally made acquainted with John Craig Esquire the above named applicant and have known him from fifty to sixty years, having lived in his immediate neighborhood. We know that he served as he states In his declaration, having served with him during the same times, and generally at the same place. We know that he was an active and (??) frontier Soldier. That from our acquaintance with him e believes him to be Eighty-five years of age, as he states, The Fort in which he served was made the
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Command of our father John Shield, to know also that he sustain the general character of an upright honest man and the a man of integrity
Sworn & subscribed [illegible] open court,
this 18 June 1834
Fredrick Rohrer, Pro.
David Shields
John Shields
The following interrogatories were put to John Craig the above named applicant by the court and [illegible] as hereafter stated
1. Where and in what year were you born?
Ans. I was born in the state of New Jersey in the year of our Lord Seventeen hundred and fifty three
2. Have you any record of your age and where is it?
Ans. I had a record of my age but gave it to my daughter and I know that to be my age from said record and from information from my parents.
3. Where were you living when called into service Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now reside
Ans. I was living in Derry Township Westmoreland County Penns. when I entered the service, and lived there until I moved to Armstrong County in 1796.
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom
Ans. I was a volunteer. I was never drafted nor
was a substitute
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5. State the names 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 service?
As Col. Pomeroy commanded the Regiment to which
I belonged. Major Barr was also attached to our
regiment. I also knew Col. Arch? Loughry. Who
was then County Lieutenant. Captain Matthew
Jack I also knew- I do not recollect any
continental or militia Regiments and can give
no further account of my services than that
detailed in my general statement.
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service and
if so by whom was it given and what has become of it?
aw I now receive a discharge in writing but was always
discharged by my captain verbally - 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in
your present neighborhood and whom can testify as to 
your character for security and their belief of your
service as a soldier of the Revolution?
Aw. David Shields and John Shields and 
several others,
Armstrong County Pit
and the court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigations of the matter and after putting the
territories 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 David Shields and
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John Shields are residents of Armstrong County and are men of credit and veracity and that their
statement is entitled to credence also that John
Craig Esquire is esteemed a man of truth in his
high bornhood and that they concur in that
belief
Joseph Rankin
Robert Orr

State of Pennsylvania,
Armstrong
County, [JD?]
I, Frederick Rohrer, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County, do hereby certify, that the foregoing
contains the whole of the original proceedings remaining
in said Court, in the matter of the application of
John Craig, Esq for a pension under the laws of
the United States
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of
said Court at
Kittanning, this 25th of June, A.D. 1834.
Fredk. Rohrer  PRo.
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July 8, 1938
BA J/AWF
John Craig
S. 8253
The Quartermaster General
Memorial Branch
War Department
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your request for the Revlolutionary War record of John Craig, Jr. of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

The date which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 8253, based on service of John Craig in the Revolutionary War.

John Craig was born in 1753 in the State of New Jersey. The names of his parents were not given.

While residing in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, John Craig volunteered sometime in May, 1778, served as a private in Captain John Shields' company, Colonel Pomeroy's Pennsylvania regiment, stationed in Fort Shields, had a skirmish with the Indians, and was discharged November 1, 1778. He volunteered May 1, 1779, served as private in Captain John Shields' company and in Captain Wilson's company, Colonel Pomeroy's regiment, guarded the frontiers against the Indians, had an engagement with them at Fort Wallace, was discharged November 1, 1779. He volunteered in the spring of 1780, served one month in Captain John Shields' company, stationed in Fort Shields. He moved to Jacobs Creek Settlement in the southern part of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and volunteered sometime in April, 1781, served five months as private in Captain James Moore's Pennsylvania company.

He was allowed pension on his application
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executed June 18, 1834, at which time he was living
 in Buffalo Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania,
where he had moved in 1796.

Reference was made to a daughter of the 
soldier, John Craig; her name was not stated, and 
there are no further discernible data relative to 
family.

The application for headstone for John Craig,
Jr., is returned herewith. There was no correspondence 
enclosed.

Very truly yours

A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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1917 July 26 Hish. to Mrs. W. E. Graham
1935 Feb, 28-Hish. to Mrs. Edward Yates-[illegible]
1938 July 8- " " Memorial Br - [illegible}

8253
Return
Invalid.
File No. 8253
John Craig
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. [illegible], Page 81-
[Arrangement of 1870]
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Stamp - Kittaning Jun 26 Pa.
Penna 
original 
4 July 1834
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commission of Pension
Washington City
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James L Edwards Sr.
Com[illegible] of Pensions
Dept.
Inclosed an the applications of Adam.
Luckinback and John Craig for the benefit
of the provisions of the pension laws -
Please grant this as early as 
attention as possible -
Truly Your friend
Mr. [illegible] Johnston
Kittanning Armstrong County
June 25 1834
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26476
Folder called
6/28/35 -
Emlenton, Pennsylvania
April 15, 1935

Comptroller General              Dep Accts
Accounting Office
Records Division
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
On March 11, 1935 I wrote you requesting
certain information concerning termination of 
pension to one John Craig, Certificate #26476, issued
July 16, 1834, rate $60.00 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831,
Act June 7, 1832, Pennsylvania Agency (Pittsburgh). The
information specifically required was date of the last payment
made on this pension, and the name and address of the 
person paid. I want particularly the death date of this 
veteran, and if there is a charge for your securing such
information for me, kindly advise and I shall send check
to cover.

I enclose envelope for your reply, and thank
you in advance for your prompt attention.

Stamped envelope enclosed
[illegible embossed stamp]

Very truly yours,
Mrs Edward Yates
Mrs. Edward Yates
Emlenton, Penna.
ENC
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[Veterans Administration Stamp]
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON
April 18, 1935.
YOUR FILE REFERENCE:
Mrs. Edward Yates,
Emlenton, Pennsylvania.
IN REPLY REFER TO; BA-G
CRAIG, John
Cert.#26,476

Dear Madam:
This postage enclosed with your letter of recent date
is herewith returned. No postage is required on replies to 
official inquiries.
Your communication is being given attention.
By direction,
W.C. BLACK,
Chief Clerk.
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Emlenton, Pennsylvania
February 18, 1935

Pension Commissioner,
Veterans's Bureau
Washington, D.C.

Pension Commissioner,
Veteran's Bureau
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:

I desire to secure some information concerning one
John Craig, whose name appears on the roll of Captain
Thomas Church, 4th Battalion, under the command of
Colonel Athony Wayne. He enlisted February 5, 1776
The above is taken from Pennsylvania Archives, 5th
Series, volume 2, page 153. There is also record
 of his applying for pension, Armstrong County, 
Pennsylvania, July 16, 1832; pension to commence from March 4, 
1831, age given 81 years.

Can you advise me concerning the death date of this
man; also did his pension continue on to his widow, 
and if so, when payment of that ceased. 

Should there be a charge for this information, kindly
advise, and I shall send check. I am enclosing addressed, 
stamped envelope for your reply.

Thanking you, I am
Very truly yours, 
Mrs. Edward Yates
Mrs. Edward Yates
Stamped envelope
Enc
ENC
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Pension Bureau
Washington, DC 
Rev Sec Rec
Gentlemen:- Will you please
send me copy of pension
drawn by John Craig
He was born Apr 27, 1753 in N.Jersey. 
He lived in Westmoreland Co
Penna. when he inlisted
and served in 1st Battalion
Westmoreland Cou, Pa Militia.
which was organized at
Hannastown, it was commanded
by col. John Proctor.
There were so many John Craigs
of Penna, that are anxious
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to get military record
of right one
Respectfully
Mrs. N E Graham
East Brady
Clarion Co
Penna
July 20, 1917,
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February 26, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mrs. Edward Yates        JOHN CRAIG
Emlenton                      S.8253
Pennsylvania                 BA-J/MLB

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the 
record of John Craig who served in the Revolutionary War from
Pennsylvania and applied for pension while residing in Armstrong County, that state, aged eighty-one years.

You are furnished herein the record of John Craig as obtained
from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 8253, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

John Craig was born in 1753 in the State of New Jersey; the
exact date and location of birth and names of soldier's parents are not shown.

While residing in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, he volunteered in May, 1778, served as private in Captain John Shields' company, Colonel Pomeroy's Pennsylvania regiment, stationed at Fort Shields engaged in guarding the country against depredations by Indians, during which they made an attack upon the fort but were repulsed, and was discharged November 1, 1778. He volunteered May 1, 1779, served as private in John Shields' and Wilson's companies, Colonel Pomeroy's Pennsylvania regiment, again engaged in guarding the frontiers against Indians, was in an engagement with them at Fort Wallace in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and was discharged November 1, 1779. He volunteered in the spring of 1780 and serve one month as private in Captain John Shields' Pennsylvania company, stationed at Fort Shields; he then moved to Jacobs Creek Settlement in the southern part of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, an volunteered in April, 1781, and served five months as private in Captain James Moore's Pennsylvania company, stationed at Fort Shields and during that year "Hannahstown", the county seat of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, which was about four miles from Fort Shields, was burned.
Page 21

John Craig was allowed pension on his application executed
June 18, 1854, while a resident of Buffalo Township, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, to which place he moved in 1796.

John Craig stated that he gave the record of his age to his daughter, but he did not give her name. There are no other family
data.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name and address of the person paid and possibly the date of death of this soldier, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
John Craig
Certificate #26476
Issued July 16, 1834
Rate $60 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
A t June 7, 1838
Pennsylvania Agency (Pittsburgh)

There is no charge for furnishing this record. Your self-addressed stamped envelope is returned herewith.

Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
S.F.8.2 3-3 Washington, D.C., _________, 19_____
In reply to your request of _____, received _______
for a statement of the military history of John Craig
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired (or his widow's) applications for pension on file in this Bureau.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT
LENGTH OF SERVICE
RANK
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
STATE
May 1778 6mos. Pvt Shields Pomeroy Penn
May 1779 6mos. Shields
Wilson
Spring 1780 1 mo. Shields
Apr. 1781 5 mos. James Moore in Fort Shields
Battles engaged in, basin general attacks made by Indians in Fort Shields Wallace
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Derry Twp. Westmoreland Co Penn
Date of application for pension, June 18, 1834 His et al
Residence at date of application, Buffalo Gap, Armstrong Co. Penna res since 1796
Age at date of application, born in 1753 in New Jersey, month & day not stated
Remarks: There is no data on file as to his family
Respectfully,
J-2836 Commissioner.
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MRP P
3 24
July 26,1935
DRF-CA
Mrs. Edward Yates,
Emlenton, Pa. CRAIG, John

Reference is made to your communication dated April 15,1935, relative to certain information desired concerning the pension account of one John Craig.

Since it is not possible to locate the records of any Civil
War veteran bearing the name of John Craig, it is requested that more
detailed information be furnished, particularly as to the approximate year in which the death of the veteran occurred.
Respectfully,
HVSterling
H.V. Stirling,
Director of Finance
Mrs French:
This correspondence [illegible]
was found in 801 Files.
Probably you have answered
same.
this 3 pieces
of  correspondance.: Let.of Mrs. Yates,
Vet. Admin reply from Dir. of Fin.
& return of envelope
came to me Apr.11, 1936
such ans and, 
signed response have
gone out. Letter
in wrong office to
begin with . Too
later (nearly a 
year old} etc
send to 
GAO
Murdoch
R 390