Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23730, for John Johnson, New Jersey
Page 1

SERVICE
New Jersey

Johnson, John

NUMBER
S.23730
Page 2

No 11028
Pennsylvania
---
John Johnson
Green Co. in the State of Pennsylva. who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Lynn of the Regt commanded
by Col. Thomas in the N. Jersey troops
for 2 years Private $80.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of March 1833 and sent to Wm G. Hawkins
Waynesburg. Pa.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept. 1833 40.00
$200.00
[Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.]
Recorded by D. Brown Clerk
Book H Vol. 5 Page 29
1890
Oct 1 T B Johnson history Pro
3 April 1857
J.V. Boughmer
April 24/57
See John Johnston
Pa Pitts Roll
No 11.602
Page 3


Mt. Morris Greene Co. Pa.
May 26 1837
Sir
Your favour of April 24 in relation to the application said to have been made by John Johnston of Wayne township Gomer Co. Penn
has been received
There is really a mystery hanging over the case; his (John Johnston's) eldest son Nicholas Johnston, with whom the old man lived twenty
years previous to his decease a man of property, and good character, States that he went with his father to Waynesbury, the Co. Seat of Green Co. and was present when he
made out his applic. for a pension. He thinks a man named Sutton was the Agent, but it may be that "Stewart and Flemiken", were the Agents, as they done most of the business at the time & had Sutton employed to attend
to it for them

Hon H. Stewart was a member of Congress at the time
F. Brock, Esqr. who was P. M. at Blackwith, Johnston's P. Office, States he carried a letter addressed to the
Page 4

the old man Johnston a day or so before his death, informing he had been pensioned
Brock is a man of respectability has no interest whatever in the matter
He has represented Green Co. several times in the Penns. legislature.
Hon Geo. C. Whiting
Very respectfully
Your obt servt
J V Boughner

Hon Geo C Whitney
Commr Pensions
Washn. City
Page 5

No. 16.606
Jno. Johnson

Adm.
2 yrs
$80

Wm. G. hawkins
Waynesburg Pa
Page 6

BRIEF in the case of John Johnson of the County of Green in the State of Penna.
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 78
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
In 1775 Spring
76 to 81 at Various monthly calls

Duration of Service.
6 Months,
1 Year 6 Months

Rank
Private
draftee

Rank.
As a
Private
drafted

Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Col. Richman, Capt. Lynn
Cols. Crain & Thomas, Capts.
Wood, Morrill, Townsend and
Clark

5. In what battles was he engaged? none
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Essex C.y N. J.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? lost his discharge Depositions in part & tradition
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect.
Regular
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Levin Bell
Examining Clerk.
Page 7

No 16606
John Johnson

Dec of John Johnson
16606
Page 8

Pennsylvania
Greene County ss.
On this  day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County aforesaid John Johnson a resident of Morris township, Washington County Penna aged seventy eight 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
Deponent was born in Essex County New Jersey on the 13th of April 1755. Deponent took his age down out of the family bible of his father. Deponent when he entered into the service, lived in the County and State where he was born. Deponent immediately after the revolution lived one year in Sussex County State aforesaid - deponent returned to his native County, and lived there one winter and two summers - then deponent removed to Washington County Penn & has remain
there ever since
Deponent enlisted early in the spring of 1775
under the command of Col Richman - David Lyon Captain and Matthias Clark Luntenant for six months. Deponent enlisted to keep guard at New York we were then marched to Albany and from Albany to Lake George by still water - and from Lake George to Ticonderoga, from thence to Crown point and then up Lake Champlain to St. John's fort. During this six months we had a skirmish with the indians. about seven Americans killed and seventy wounded-- deponent was discharged by Genl Montgomery at the termination of the six months - deponent has lost the discharge. Deponents Militia duty commenced
Page 9

in the spring of 1776 at Elizabeth town and by monthly tours and alarms continued until the summer of 1781. and in that time was stationed at Elizabeth town, at New York, at New Point, old Point, in the town often 
at Holdsteads Point, at Woodbridge ranway?. Springfield Chatham on Possavah river - marched by Col Crain from Elizabeth town to Staten Island - at another time by Major Edger at the blasing star opposite Woodbridge
Col. Thomas & Capt Gathright commanded us when the British came into New York where we then lay-  Capt Wood frequently commanded us during said tours we were commanded I think at another Capt Morrill also Capt Townsend - also I think Capt Clark, deponent
cannot now recollect any other officer except Col Potter.  Deponent believes firmly that taking all the time employed in these monthly tours and alarms he served at least eighteen
months - deponent obtained a written discharge for the six months which has been lost-- all the other 
discharges were verbal
deponent can prove two monthly tours by Stephen Simpson and four months by Isaac Ross
Deponent hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State
John Johnson
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year first aforesaid in open Court
Attest
Wm T. Hays
We Cephas Dodd, a Clergyman residing in Washington County Penna Isaac Ross & Stephen Simpson residing in Greene
County State aforesaid hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Johnson who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration - that we believe him to be
Page 10

seventy eight years of age - that he is reputed & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the
Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion.  Said Simpson knows of said Johnson being out 3 months in the Militia. Ross recollects
four different months that said Johnson was out
Cephas Dodd
Stephen Simpson
Isaac Ross
Sworn & subscribed to
the day & year first aforesaid
Attest Wm Y Hays


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 & served as he states - and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Cephas Dodd, who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resent in
Washington County, Penna and that Stephen Simpson and Isaac Ross who have also signed the same are residents of Greene County Penna and are credible persons and their statements are entitled to credit
I William T. Hays Clerk of the Court of  ommon Pleas of Greene County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Johnson for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office
the 10th day of Sept. 1832
Wm T. Hays
Page 11

John Johnston Westmoreland County Western District Pennsylvania
Adm@ 2 years $80
pi ite.E- Rolls
D.C. Morris Greensburgh Penna.
Page 12

War Department Pension Office 183
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 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 bracket (thus:}). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. A Statement, shewing the Service of John Johnston Westmoreland County Western District of Pennsylvania. 
Period when the service was rendered: Enlisted 1776. Duration of claimant’s service 1 Year; -months -Days. Rank of the claimant Private. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Col. Irwin, Leut Col. Hartly, Genl Wayne. Capt Rippey. Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service. 84 years Paxton County of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Proof by which the declaration is supported. 6 Regt. Pennsylvania line. 7 Regt. Pennsylvania line. no evidence of any kind, no clergyman named, nor reason given- paper correct
Period when the service was rendered. Entered Spring 1777. Rank of Claimant: private. Names and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served. Capt Parker, Maj. Hay. 
German Town, Brandiwine. Battle of three Rivers, York Town Virginia
The applicant states that he enlisted the 2nd time for 3 years, or during the War and served until the close of the war.

I am, respectfully, Your obedient servant. J. L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 13

2 Regulations under the Act of June 7, 1832
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, and 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, mucucians 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 or Record. DECLARATION, 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.D. a resident (b) of.  in the county of.   and 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. 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 mater 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 tot he 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.D. 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 teh 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 heir 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 idn the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 14

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 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, adn teh general circumstances of your services. 6 To a soldier: Did you ever received a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? 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 anems 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 person 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 enquiry where 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, 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 on 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 aprties 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.
Page 15

Ohio Revolution 23730 Invalid. file No. 23730 John Johnson Priv Rev War. Act: June 7, 32 Index:-Vol. 2, Page 212 [Arrangement of 1870] Oct, 18-1902 Mr W.S. Brigham Wausim
Page 16

Mount Morris, Greene Co. Penn March 24 1837 
Sir: It seems to a very difficult matter to obtain any clue as to the claim of John Johnson, decd. of Greene County, Pennsylvania. Under date of March 12 I have a letter from the office of the 3rd auditor of the Treasury, showing that the only John Johnston whose name is in that office represented as residing in Greene Co. Penna was paid up to March 4 1835, and that his death took place on the 24 September 1835, and that his heirs received the arrears of pension due at the time of his deaht. These men, thought citizens of the same county, resided a distance of twenty miles apart, and were different and disctinct persons. Many of our oldest citizens knew them both. Now in this state of things what are the heirs to do. They have no record of anything except the date of the old man’s birth in his own handwriting. He was a good English scholar, and has left written memoranda of his business
Page 17

transactions, such as the lease of horses. Now the only facts that can be made out are as follows: 1. That he made an application, in open Court, at Waynesburgh, the county seat of Greene county, under the act of June 7th 1832. 2. His heirs believe that a man by the name of “Sutton” was his agent or attorney and that he said Sutton resided near Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. 3. that he died in the month of June 1834, and that within a day or tow of the time he died, a letter, addressed to him, was received at the Blacksville, Virginia, post office, his nearest office, informing him that his name was placed on the Pension LIst. The heirs have no recollection of the amount of pension he was to receive. Nor have others who heard the letter reade. This letter was from Sutoon the Agent.  Fletcher Brock, Esqs. who was PostMaster at Blackville, at the time, stated to me that he carried the letter to Johnston, and readit to him, and he is positive in his recollection of the purport of the letter- says it was from
Page 18

Sutton- and informed Johnston that his name had been placed on the pension List. Mr Brock is a man of good character. a clergyman- and had represented Greene co. in the Rev Legislature. The oldest surviving son of said John Johnston, who was born whilst his father was in the army of the Revolution, says his father enlisted and was in the service five years- the family resided at the time in Bucks County Pennsylvania. this son, however, has no recollection, from anything he has heard his father say who were his Co. or Regimental officers. Three of the old soldiers sons enlisted during the late war with Great Britain. two of them dying in the service. Now can it be ascertained, if an application for a pension under the Act of June 7 1832 was filed in your office for John Johnston, by “Sutton”? Very Respectfully J M Boughner Hon G.C. Whiting Com Pensions.
Page 19

Treasury Department Third Auditor’s Office April 22, 1857 Sir: In reply to your letter of the 18th ins: I have to inform you that the pension of John Johnson, of Green Co. Pa, on the Philadelphia Pa, will under Act of June 7, 1832, at $80. has been paid in full to Sept 24, 1835, the day of his death to David, Samuel, and Moses Johnson, Lydia Bradbury, & Esther Hopkins, his only children. The pension of John Johnston, of the Pittsburgh Pa Agency, under same act at the same rate has been paid to March 4 1843, The arrears have not, it appears, been paid. I return the papers in each case Your Obedient Servant. Rob J [illegible] auditor.  re: C. Whiting Esqr. Comm. of Pensions.
Page 20

3-595
O.W. and N. Division Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions. Searched by Claim No. Certificate No. Claimant. Soldier Service Additional service Remarks Chief of Devision. 15444b10m8-1900
Page 21

23730 John Johnson Sept 10 1832 Wash. co. Pa Born in Essex County. Nj Apr13, 1755 Sp 575 Essex Co. Cpt David Lyon . Col Richmond. Pvt 6 mo 76 Various Officers 18 mos to 1781. Skirmish with Indians 7256 7255
Page 22

Sept 24, 1935 John Johnson born April 13. 1755 in Essex County NJ where living in Revy War and after the war. he lived one year in Sussex  then went to Essex Co where he lived one winter and two summers, then moved to Washington Co Pa and was there when he applied for pension Sept 1832 (in Morris Township) enlisted in Spring of 1775 with David Lyon & Col Richmore March to and was on guard in New York (city probably) from there to Albany, Lake George there across to Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain & by way of that Lake to St. Johns fort during his 6 mos he was in a fight with Indians with 7 killed & 70 wounded. Discharged by Gen Montgomery at end of 6 mos. In the Spring of 1776 his militia commanded at Elizabeth by by monthy town and alarm he continued until 1781 & during that period was stationed at NY, Elizabethtown, Newport, Old [illegible], Holdstead point, Woodbridge, Rahway, Springfield, Chatham and Passaic  River, and marched under Col. Crain to Staten Island and another time under Maj. Edger to Blazing Star opposite Woodbridge.
Page 23

When the British came into NY city he was under Capt. Gathronight and Colo Thomas  On his tours Capt. Wood com frequently- Colo Potter Capts Morrell Capt Townsend, Capt Clark. 3 mo tours. one 4 months. Children survived him  David Saml and More Johnson, Sisdea Bradley and Esther Hopkins   Indian not Revy . James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Page 24

When the British came into NY city he was under Capt. Gathronight and Colo Thomas On his tours Capt. Wood com frequently- Colo Potter Capts Morrell Capt Townsend, Capt Clark. 3 mo tours. one 4 months. Children survived him David Saml and More Johnson, Sisdea Bradley and Esther Hopkins Indian not Revy . James L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Page 25

U.S. Pension Office  August 7 1902
Page 26

War & Navy Files Aug 9 1902 Wauseon Ohio Aug 5th 1902 U.S. Commissioner of Pension Washington D.C. Dear Sir Will you please give mee the War record of John Johnson of Essex County. New Jersey who served in the Revolutionary War. He may have been living in Penn. or N. York State when he applied for Pension. Please give full record. He was my Great Grand Father, on my father’s side of the family. thanking you in advance. I am. Yours. Respectfully Mrs. W. D Brigham
Page 27

P.S. If name of wife is given please give that also. Mrs. W.S. Brigham Wauseon, Ohio U.S. Post office Aug 1902
Page 28

[stamped] US Pension Office Jul 26 1890 J.B. Johnson K July 23 1890 John Johnson V
Page 29

Topeka, Kansas, July 23, 1890 to the Commissioner of Pensions, United States Pension Office, Washington, D.C. Dear Sir: I wish to obtain some information in regard to my great GrandFather Johnson who was a Pensioner having been a Soldier of the Revolutionary War. His name:- John Johnson a Revolutionary Soldier from the State of New Jersey in General Montgomery’s command: was in many battles, but one of special mention was with General Montgomery at the battle of Quebeck. And he rendered service to the United States Government later in the Indian Wars, having moved to Western Pennsylvania; was on duty quartered at Reyersons Station on Wheeling. He was born April 13th, 1755, he died September 25th, 1835. I dont know when he was granted a Pension, but it was some time after the Revolution. He died in Washington County Pennsylvania. The information I desire is, What Regiment and in whose immediate command he served. You will undoubtedly have the records in the Pension Department Pensioning the Revolutionary Soldiers. An early reply will greatly obliged. Very Respectfully Yours, J.B. Johnson 805 Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas.