Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5,975, for Philip Reed, Pennsylvania
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Penn. Reed, Philip  S. 5,975

carded
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29.532
Pennsylvania
Philip Reed 
of Montgomery in the State of Pa:
Who was a pvt in the {no text} commanded
by Captain  [no text] of the Rgt Commanded   
by Col. [undecipherable] in the Pa. militia
for 2 years
corrected on May 28-31 [undecipherable] Inscribed on the Roll of Penna at the sale of 8 C dollars -- Cents -per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.
 Certificate of Pension issued the 1st day of December and [undecipherable] Hon: J.R. 
Mann, H.R. 
Arrears to the 4th of [undecipherable]  280--
Semi-anl. allowance ending [undecipherable] -0-
{Revolutionary Claim
Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by Math: Rice Clerk, Book ? Vol 2 Page 49 -
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James Curry of Montgomery County pennsylvania being duly sworn says, I was in the military service of the united states in the revolutionary war one tour or more every year as a private or officer from the year 1775 to the year 1780 [undecipherable] as a private in Captain Thomassoni, Capt. Hamilton & Capt.  Porters confederacies in 1775, 1776, + 1771 and as adjutant under Genl Potter, Genl Hiestes, and Col. Moore in 1777, 1778, & 1779 in which I took an active part and was well acquainted with the manner in which the militia were drafted into the service during said years.  I resided in the then Northwestern part of the then county of Philadelphia which now forms the county of Montgomery afore[undecipherable] In that part of the said county I know the militia was generally drafted for three months at a time or tour particularly in in the first four or five year of the war.  sometimes the draft was for two months but very rarely I know the militia was generally drafted for three months in the above mentioned then parts of Philadelphia which is now montgomery.  I was myself drafted for three months at a time in 1776 as a private and with few if any exceptions the militia with which I was connected while I was an officer was drafted for three months at a tie.  Every man also was well acquainted with the service knows this was so although I was not drafted nor in the service in 1780 I know the militia belonging to Col. Brooks regiment were drafted for a tour of three months in 1780 and went out to Newtown Pennsylvania and New Jersey a tour in the summer and fall of that year I lived in the neighborhood at that time, I know that Col. Kechlinas Regs [??] was out [??] of I suppose about three months in New Jersey in the year 1779 and I have often heard Capt. Sheifely's company was out with that regiment at the same time. Capt. Mathias Sheifely was a Captain of militia all the time of the Revolutionary War and I believe was out in the service almost every year.  I was not acquainted with Philip Reed named with annexed declaration and cannot talk whether he served as a Lieutenant in the Revolutionary War.  He resided further up in the count y as did Capn Sheifely also but I have often heard of a lieutenant Philip Reed being in the service in the revolutionary War from that part of the county.  And I have often heard my neighbor Isaac McGlathery who [??]
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who for three months at a time and were often induced or required to remain out even longer at one time.  I know that they were sometimes drafted for two months toward the end of the war.  I never herd the militia were never drafted for more than two months at a time.  I do not know how long they were drafted for in the other counties.  I do know Col. Kechlines Regiment was out on 1779 but cannot tell what companies comprised it. I have not lived in Montgomery County for twenty years and have had no opportunity of seeing Philip Reed. I am to old and feeble to go from home and further saith not.
Sworn and subscribed November 8th 1834 [signature of James Bean}
John B. Woolf
Justice of the Peace
I do hereby certify that he above named deponent James Bean is a man of good and respectable character and standing in society and is well known as a man of veracity and truth that he is a credible person and his testimony is entitle to [??} confidence witness my hand and seal November 8th 1834.
[signature of John B. Woolf] seal
Philidelphia City
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James Curry of Montgomery County Pennsylvania being duly sworn says, I was in the military service of the united states in the revolutionary war one tour or more every year as a private or officer from the year 1775 to the year 1780 or as a private in Captain Thomason, Capt Hamilton's & Capt Porters companies in 1775, 1776 & 1777 and as adjutant under Gen. Potter, Gen. Hiester and Col. Moore in 1777, 1778, & 1779 in which I took an active part and was well acquainted with the manner in which the militia were drafted into the service during said years.  I resided in the then Northwestern part of then County of Philadelphia which now forms the County of Montgomery aforesaid.  In that part of the said county I know the militia were generally drafted for three months at a time or tour particularly in the first four or five years of the war sometimes the draft, were for two months but very early I know the militia was generally drafted for three months in the above mentioned then part of Philadelphia which is now Montgomery  I was myself drafted for three months at a time in 1776 as a private and with few if any exceptions the militia, with which I was connected while I was an officer was drafted for three months at a time, Every man who was well acquainted with the service knows this was so although I was not drafted nor in the service in 1780 I know the militia belonging to Col. Brooks Regiment were drafted for a tour of three months in 1780 and went out to Newtown Pennsylvania and New Jersey. a tour in the summer and fall of that year I lived in the neighbourhood at that time, I know that Col. [illegible] regiment was out a tour of I suppose about three months in New Jersey in the year 1779 and I have often heard Capt Sheifely's company was out with that regiment at the same time.  Capt. Mathews Sheifely was a Captain of Militia all the time of the revolutionary was and I believe was out in the service almost every year.  I was not acquainted with Philip Reed named in the annexed declaration and cannot tell whether he served as a lieutenant in the revolutionary war  He resided further up in the county as did Capt. Sheifely also but I have often heard of a lieutenant Philip Reed being in the service in the revolutionary war from that part of the county, and I have often heard my neighbour Isaac McGlathery who is now
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deceased and who was himself a lieutenant of Militia in the revolution speak of a lieutenant Philip Reed being in the service from which and the statement of his services in his declaration which has been back to me I verily believe he did serve both as a private & lieutenant in the revolutionary war as he states. I have never heard before now that the pennsylvania militia were drafted to serve only two months at a time in the revolutionary war.  In many instances and generally as I before stated I know that the militia of that part of then Philadelphia County now Montgomery County were drafted to serve for three months in one tour sometimes they were only drafted to serve two months and further saith not
Sworn & subscibed
October 30th 1834

Christian Keisel [illegible] [signature surrounded by hand-drawn squiggles]

Jas. Curry

I do hereby certify that the above named James Curry is a man of good and respectable character and standing in his neighbourhood and is a person of credibility and his testimony entitled to full confidence.  witnefs [witness] my hand and seal October 30th 1834

Christian Keisel    ["Seal" is written next to the signature, with squiggles surrounding the word, creating an oval shape]

Montgomery County [illegible]

I Adam Slemmer Prothonotary of the Court of common Pleas in and for the county of Montgomery State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that Christian Keisel Esquire before whom the above deposition of James Curry was made & taken was at the time of taking the same and still is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commifioned [commissioned] and empowered to administer oaths and affirmations and that the said deposition and signature of said Justice subscribed to the same & the preceding certificate are in his proper handwriting [illegible] Witnefs [witness] whereof I have here to set my hand & affisced [affixed] the seal of said Court this 4th day of [illegible] 1834
Adam Slemmer. [illegible].
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James Bean of the City word now added to the word city] of Philadelphia gentleman being duly sworn doth depose and say I was out in the military service of the united states in the revolutionary war every year from 1776 to 1783 inclusive, in 1776 as a private in Capt [illegible]'s company of drafted militia and the subsequent years as a lieutenant in Capt Lowry's Capt [illegible] & Capt Francis companies.  I resided in the upper part of now Philadelphia County which now forms the county of Montgomery during the revolutionary war.  I was well acquainted with the manner in which and the time for which the militia of said county was drafted in the service during the war.  The militia were commonly drafted in clafes [classes] and generally for three months at a time, particularly in the fore part of the war.  I was myself drafted for a tour of three months in 1776, 1777, 1779, 1780, 1781, and for a tour of two months in 1782 & 1783.  I was out on tour of upwards of three months to Newtown and in New Jersey in 1780 and another tour of three months and upwards to Newtown in 1781 and one of two months and upwards to Newtown in 1782 and another of about two months in 1783 as first Lieutenant in Capt John Lowry's company of drafted militia.  I remember Col. Brooks Regiment was with us in the tour in 1780 and that Capt Reeds company belonged to said regiment which had a Lieutenant Philip Reed and that Capt Sheifleys company of militia was at Newtown in 1781 & 1782 attached to our regiment of which Philip Reed was Lieutenant.  But I do not know whether the Philip Reed mentioned in the annexed declaration is the same man as I have seldom seen said Reed since the 
 war he having lived in the upper section of Montgomery County ever since 
as I understand.  I have heard him often spoken of.  From the account I have had of this 
man and his services and his statement in his 
declaration I have no doubt he is the same man who served as Lieutenant in Captain Reed's and Capt Sheifley's companies in 1780, 1781 & 1782  before mentioned and that he served  at least three months in 1780 & two months in 1781 & 1782 as a Lieutenant.  I never saw his commifion [commission].  Capt Sheifley was well known by reputation as a captain of militia during the Revolutionary war.  I have often heard of Capt Bartman and knew Capt Schuyler very well in the revolutionary war.  I know the militia of philadelphia county were often & generally drafted
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for three months at a time and were often induced or required to remain out even longer than that at one time.  I know they were sometimes drafted for two months toward the end of the war.  I never heard the militia were never drafted for more than two months at a time.  I do not know how long they were drafted for in the other counties.  I know Col. Kechlines' Regiment was out in 1779 but cannot tell what companies composed it.  I have not lived in Montgomery County for twenty years and have had no opportunity of seeing Philip Reed  I am too old and feeble to go from home and further saith not

James Bean [signature]

Sworn & subscribed
November 8th 1834
Jn L Woolf
Justice of the Peace [illegible]

I do hereby certify that the above named deponent James Bean is a man of good and respectable character and standing in society and is well known as a man of veracity and truth that he is a credible person and his testimony entitled to full confidence, witnefs [witness] my hand and seal  November 8th 1834
Jn L Woolf  [signature] [The word seal is handwritten after this signature, surrounded by squiggles drawn in an oval shape]
Philadelphia City 

I Richard Palmer Prothonotory of the Court of Common Pleas for the city & County of Philadelphia do hereby Certify that John B. Woolf Esqr before whom the above deposition of James Bean was taken was at the time of taking the same & still is a Justice of the Peace in and for the County  of Philadelphia aforesaid, duly commifsioned [commissioned] and empowered to administer oaths, and that his signature [illegible] to said deposition & the preceding certificate is genuine. In testimony whereof  have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this tenth day of November, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
R. Palmer  Proty.
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State of Pennsylvania
Montgomery County Js.

On this eighteenth day of August 1834, personally appeared in open court before the judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Montgomery county now sitting Philip Reed a resident of Marlborough Township in the County of Mongomery aforesaid aged seventy nine 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 Act of Congress passed on June 7, 1832 that he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
In June 1776 he was drafted to serve a tour of three months in the militia and accordingly went out as a private in Captain Mathias Shiefelys Company Marlborough Militia attached to Col [illegible] regiment about the middle of July 1776 to [illegible].  The company met at [illegible], in the same township, where they remained a few days quartered in a store on Market Street, then marched to Bristol and thence to Trenton where they remained about a week or two days till some other companies attached to the regiment joined them.  Then marched to Amboy where they encamped and remained at Amboy and in the neighbourhood of New York marching and [illegible] from place to place till their tour expired and were discharged a few days after their tour was up about the 20th of October 1776, and returned home and arrived at home the beginning of December following.  [illegible] was with this company during this whole tour and was out from the time he first marched till he returned home no lefs [less] than three months and an half.
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to Skippack. Capt. [Schuylers company of volunteers & Capt Potts company and some others were ordered to join Genl [General] Potters brigade on the west side of the Schuylkill shortly after the Battle of Germantown  [illegible word, crossed out].  Capt. Schuylers company & declarant crossed that river and were placed under the command of General Potter and were engaged as scouts to scout the country above Philadelphia on the west of the Schuylkill to prevent communication between the militia in Philadelphia and the citizens; and the enemy from obtaining provisions, and continued to go thus engaged till Genl Washingtons army went into [illegible] quarters at Valley Forge just before Christmas 1777. occasionally engaged in Skirmishes with the British for [illegible]. Having been out three months the time which Capt. Schuyler's company had volunteered a large number of the privates wished to return home and were discharged.  This company was urged to continue; to scout the county above and along the [illegible] lines. and at the [illegible] of the captain;  declarant and the largest number of the privates agreed to remain in the service and, having received some additions from other companies which broke up at the time, continued in the service till the [illegible] of 1778.  under the command of Genl Armstrong and Genl Potter [illegible] during which time the company and declarant was actively engaged in watching the British and guarding their lines between Delaware & Schuylkill and on the west side of Schuylkill to prevent communications between the British and the citizens and the former gains being supplied with provisions from the county.
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[illegible - corner of paper missing] and also in assisting to supply the American Army at Valley Forge with provisions which was a very fatiguing and laborious duty, sometimes with the army at Whitemarsh & sometimes at Valley Forge, till the British evacuated Philadelphia when the company joined the army and marched to New Jersey in pursuit of the British Army and was in the Battle of Monsmouth and was discharged about the first of July 1778 and returned home. Having been out in the service actively engaged as a private in said company and as a volunteer from about the middle of September 1777 to the beginning of July 1778 not lefs [less] than nine months and a half.  Captains, Petersman [illegible] McLeans Lowry and Marples companies I remember went out in September [illegible] but were discharged a short time after the Battle of Evanstown.  I also remember Col Curry's & Antis's regiments were also out I well remember Genls Washington, Lafayette Wayne Potter Armstrong & Lacy this campaign I well remember the circumstances of this campaign.  It was considered a very alarming time and the duty of the soldier was [illegible]  In the beginning of September 1778 a call was made on the militia by order of General Washington as declarant understood in consequences of its being thought the British would make a descent  acrofs [across] the Jerseys.  [illegible] of Marlborough and other townships belonging  to Col. Moores regiment were to rendezvous at Newtown.  Capt. [illegible] Company of the [illegible] militia to which declarants brother Baltzer Reed belonged. attached to Col Moores Regiment was drafted to serve three months, but as his brother Baltzer's family did not admit of his turning out
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declarant agreed to go out in his place as a substitute and declarant went out as a private in said company as a substitute for his brother Baltzer Reed now deceased about the middle of September 1778 [date underlined].  They met at the Captains house and then marched through [illegible] by the springhouse tavern to new town where a number of other companies and regiments afsembled [assembled] and encamped there and remained there till the beginning of December when the apprehensions about the British ceasing; we were discharged and returned home.  Declarant was out upwards of two months and a half this tour [upwards of two months this was underlined]. 
In the spring of 1779 declarant was elected the Second Lieutenant of Capt. Sheifelys company of militia and George Fries first Lieutenant.  In the summer of 1779 (in July as declarant thinks) Capt. Shiefelys company was drafted to serve a tour of three months to go to Jersey to assist in defending that state from being overrun by the British and said company and officers and declarant went out the middle of August 1779 (with said company, as Second Lieutenant.   We met at the Captains house and took up the line of march to Allentown under Col. Kichline to whose regiment the company was attached - from Allentown we went to Battle them.  Thence to Easton where we remained a short time and then marched to  Morristown. [illegible] to the American encampment and remained there till our tour of three months [illegible] when we were discharged, and returned home about the latter end of November having been out in the service upwards of three months as Lieutenant of said company.  [end of November and upwards of three months were underlined].  Colonel Butler & Genl [General] Washington & Genl Wayne was with the american army at morristown __the other officers & regiments I do not now remember
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[illegible - corner of paper missing] was made on the militia in June 1780 [illegible] company of militia of Hanover township of which my brother Andrew Reed was captain was ordered out immediately to march to New Jersey and the neighbourhood of new york.  Andrew Artman was first lieutenant and Henry Smith second Lieutenant of this company.  Henry Smith from [illegible] or other [illegible] was not able to go out with the company and at the request of the captain I went out this tour as second lieutenant.  The company [word was was crossed out] attached to Col Brooks Regiment of militia under said officers and declarant went out about the middle of July 1780 marched to Newtown Bucks County thence to Trenton, thence to Princeton and New Brunswick near Amboy where we remained a few days, then marched to near Morristown to the american army and continued in the neighbourhood of Staten Island where the British army lay until about the middle of October 1780 after the execution of Major Andre where we were discharged and returned home having been out in the service upwards of three months this time.  I do not recollect the names of the General officers at Morristown but think Genl [General] Maxwell was one.  I volunteered to serve as a Lieutenant this tour I did not go as a substitute for Smith by any agreement with him. Capt Shiefelys company was called out again in August 1781 and said company under Capt Shiefely and Declarant as Lieutenant attached to Col Currys Regiment marched out about the first of September 1781, first to Hatboro (where other companies commanded by Capts McLean - Lowry Peterman and others attached to the same Regiment, joined the Regiment) where we remained a few days then marched to Newtown where we went into quarters and remained there till
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[Illegible as corner of page missing] was made on the militia in June 1780 [illegible as corner of page missing] company of militia of Hanover township of which my brother, Andrew Reed was captain was ordered out immediately to march to New Jersey, and the neighbourhood of new York.  Andrew Artsman was first lieutenant and Henry Smith second Lieutenant of this company.  Henry Smith from [illegible] or other [illegible] was not able to go out with the company and at the request of the captainI went out this tour as Second lieutenant.  The company [word was was inserted here but crossed out] attached to Col Brooks Regiment of militia under said officers and declarant went out about the middle of July 1780 marched to Newtown Bucks County, thence to Trenton, thence to Princeton and new Brunswick near Amboy near Amboy where  we remained a few days, then marched to near Morristown to the american army and continued in the neighbourhood of Staten Island where the British Army lay until about the middle of October 1780 after the execution of Major Andre when we were discharged and returned home having been out in the service upwards of three months this tour.  I do not recollect the names of the general officers at Morristown but think Genl [General] Maxwell was one.  I volunteered to serve as a Lieutenant this tour I did not go as a substitute for Smith by any agreement with him. Capt Shiefelys company was called out again in August 1781 and said company under Capt Shiefely and Declarant as Lieutenant attached to Col. Currys Regiment marched about the first of September 1781 first to Hatboro [where other companies commanded by Capts McLean - Lowry   Peterman and others attached to the same Regiment joined the Regiment] where we remained a few days then marched to Newtown where we went into quarters and remained there till
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about the first of November when we were discharged and returned homehaving been out in the service as a Lieutenant of said company upwards of two months.  I think the company was drafted to serve two months.  Capt Sheifelys company of Marlborough Militia was called or drafted again in August 1782 for two months tour and went out under Captain Sheifely and declarant as lieutenant about the middle of September 1782 attached to Col. Currys regiment to Newtown Bucks County Pennsylvania where they encamped and remained till about the first of November 1782, when accounts that Peace was made was received and they were discharged and returned home.  Declarant was out in the service about one month and a half as Lieutenant of said company this tour.  There were several other companies of militia at newtown but no other colonel but Curry that I remember.  There was no general at Newtown in 1781 or 1782.  The company Capt. Sheifely commanded in 1781 was a company of militia of Marlborough and the ajoining townships drafted in clafses [classes]. The above is a correct and true statement of my services in the Revolutionary War according to the best of my knowledge and belief.  My memory is retentive and I have a good recollection of the circumstances of my service as above detailed still from my age [illegible] length of time I cannot state precisely and positively the day I entered the service and the time I was discharged as the precise length of service in each time I served, But according to the best of my recollection I serviced not lefs [less] than the periods above mentioned to wit as a private, drafted militiaman [illegible as corner of page missing] Capt. Sheifelys company Col Antis Regiment in
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And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the [illegible] that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he stated and the court further certifies that it appears to them that George Redler who has signed the annexed certificate is a clergyman resident in the immediate vicinity of said applicant and that Daniel Freas who has also signed the same is also a resident in the immediate vicinity of said applicant and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. And also that the said applicant cant not produce the said George Redler and Daniel Freas in Court without too much expense and inconvenience to him.

Hiram McNeill {signature] }
Rich [illegible] Jones [signature] }

Judges of the court of common Pleas of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Attest.  Adam Slemmer  Proty
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[Illegible - corner of page missing] George Rodler a clergyman residing in upper Salford township in the county of Montgomery and State of Pennsylvania, and Daniel Frees residing in Marlborough township in said county, both in the immediate vicinity of Philip Reed of the township of Marlborough. Do hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with the said Philip Reed and have known him well for many years  That we believe him to be seventy nine years old.  That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he resides to have been a Revolutionary soldier and served eight tours in the military serve of the United States in the Revolutionary war, and we concur in that opinion.  We further certify that said Philip Reed sustains and has always sustained an irreproachable character for sobriety and veracity and that his statements concerning his Revolutionary services is entitled to the fullest credit and confidence.  There is no man more worthy of beliefs - Sworn and subscribed Before me August 13th 1834 }  [2 illegible signatures]
Philip Reed [signature]

I certify that the above named George Rodler is a clergyman residing in the immediate vicinity of said Philip Reed. and that said Daniel Freas also resides in the immediate vicinity of said Reed and that he is a person of credibility and that said Reed could not procure the attendance of said deponents without too much expense and inconvenience to him - Witness my hand and seal August 13th 1834
Philip Reed [signature - after signature is a hand-drawn curly circle with the word Seal written inside of it]
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Montgomery County
State of Pennsylvania

I Adam Slemmer Prothonotary of the court of common Pleas in and for the county of Montgomery State of Pennsylvania Do hereby certify that the foregoing annexed papers contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of the within named Philip Reed for a pension, in said above mentioned court.  I also certify that the Honorable Hiram McNeill and Richard B Jones Esquires whose signatures and names are subscribed to the annexed certificate of the opinion of said Court respecting the said application are Judges of said Court duly commifsioned [commissioned] and sworn into office and that their signatures to said certificate are genuine and that it is the opinion of the said court that the said applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served eight tours in the military service of the United States in the Revolutionary War as stated in his declaration annexed.  I further certify that Philip Reed Esquire whose name is subscribed to the within affidavit or deposition of the Reverence George Rodler and Daniel Freas was at the time of taking and subscribing the same and still is a justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid and that I believe his signature attached to said deposition is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court the third day of September Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
Adam Slemmer.  Proty
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Statement of Philip Reed's Revolutionary Services

l  1st Tour, in 1776 as a Private  l  in Capt. Sheifelys Coy [company] of militia  l  Drafted  l Col. Antes' Regt. [Regiment]  l  3 1/2 months l 

l  2nd do [ditto] 1777 do [ ditto]   l  " Sheifely's do " do  l  Drafted  l  " Hiesters  do  l  3/12  do l

l  3rd do  1777-8 do  l   " Schuyler's  do " l volunteers  l  Volunteer   l  "Dean's  do  l  9/12  do l

l  4th do 1778 do l  " Bartman's  do Militia l  Substitute  l  " Moore's do l  2 1/2 do l

19 mo [months] private

l  5th do [ditto for Tour] l 1779 as Lieutenant l  " Sheifely's  do " [ditto for company of]  l  Drafted l " {ditto for Colonel] Richlines do [ditto for regiment] l 3 do [ditto for months]l

l  6th  do  l  1780  do  l  " Reed's  do " do l volunteer place of Lieut .[Lieutenant] H. Smith  l " Brooks do  l  3 do  l

l  7th do l  1781 do l  "  Sheifely's  do  " l  Drafted  l   "  Currys   do  l 2  do  l

l  8th do  1782  do  l   " Sheifelys   do  "  l   Drafted   l   "  Currys    do   l   1 1/2  do  l

9 1/2 mo. [months] as Lieut. [Lieutenant]

Service as a Private  19 months
Service as Lieutenant 9 1/2 months
Whole Service 28 1/2 months


Residence of applicant Marlborough township Montgomery Co Pa.
Place of abode when he entered service same township then Phila. [Philadelphia]  [illegible]
Present age of applicant [illegible] Sept. 1834 79 1/2 years

Pension as Lieutenant per annum  9 1/2 Months  $95.00
Pension as Private balance of 2 years [illegible]  14 1/2 months  48.28
Pension to which applicant is entitled $143.28
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Rev War                    

5975

INVALID.

File No.  5975
Philip Reed
Pr. Rev. War

Act:  June 7th 1832

Index:  Vol. M     Page 311
[Arrangement of 1870]

1932 Sept. 20  Photos delivered to C.I. Kephart.  See Jacob Riedt. R8809.A.D.Y.
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Whole set of papers under the seal.   [illegible underlined word] Jose K Mann's letter dated Nov. 13-1834    1 p & John B. [illegible] letter dated Nov. 19, 1834
3 p
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Pa [underlined]

Admit as private
2 years  $80

[The following appears upside down on this page]

J,L. Edwards Esquire
Commifsioner [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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Pa

Admit as private
2 years  $80

[The following appears upside down on this page]

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Commifsioner [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington D.C.
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Cheltemham Valley Farm  Nov 13th 1834

Dear Sir
     I write you in behalf of the application of Philip Reed, of this county (Montgomry) a Revolutionary Soldier, who filed his Declaration under the act of 1832.  On the 18th of August last (1834), whose papers have been examined before you & [refused lined out] returned, on the 19th Sept last for want of proof #6- If you reexamine his case, I would state for your Information, That from the Knowledge I have of the Family & the statements of the most Respectable Citizen of the neighborhood in which the applicant resides, & has resided, all his life, I am willing to certify that he (Reed) is a person of good character & reputed as an honest sober man in his neighborhood, & has always as far as know sustained a good character for truth & veracity, & worthy of full credit.  It is reputed & believed in the neighborhood that he was a Revolutionary Soldier, & served as a private & an Officer, & I have full confidence from my Information that his statement is worthy of credit, & that said Reed served as he states-I hope therefore you will reexamine his case & grant the prayer of the petitioner.
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Truly Your Obt Sn
Joel K. Mann
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John L. Edwards Esquire
Commifsioner [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City
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Norristown Nov. 19 1834

Dear Sir

Sometime ago a Declaration of Philip Reed a Revolutionary Soldier, accompanied by the visual evidence of claim was transmitted to the Pension office endorsed to be sent to Philip Reed Esquire, a very distant relative of the applicant who had assisted the old man in obtaining a pension.  These papers were returned by you to W, Slemmer the Prothonotary of our Court on the 19th of September with the enclosed letter from you of the same date stating the objection to the allowance of this claim of the applicant, and shortly after handed over to me.  I directed such proof as seemed to be required to be inquired for and [illegible] to be had.  After dilligent  [diligent] inquiry and much [illegible] as I am informed and know, no diret [direct] proof of the services of the applicant could be found either in relation to his services as an officer or private.  They were directed to call on the only persons who were known to be in existence who also served as officers from this county in the Revolutionary war. as to the kind of service [illegible] to wit James Curry (a cousin of Ed Curry of the Revolutionary war) and James Bean who was in the time of the Revolutionary war and from that time till near the last war, a wealthy and respectable city[or citizen?]  of this county.  About twenty years ago he removed to the City of Philadelphia when he was several years a Respectable merchant and a man of as good repute for every thing respectable as my man in the city. such are the men whose testimony has been procured. which so far as concerns the maters to which they testify it is presumed, must be entirely satisfactory as respects the donation of the Drafts of the Militia twenty other witnesses can be procured to the same point if necessary.  The depositions of five of the most respectable citizens residing in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] of the applicant as to his character and standing and credibility, and the letter of the Hon Joel [illegible] to the same point was also obtained which with your own letter is herewith transmitted to you with the original papers.  These it is believed must entirely satisfy you about this claim when you examine the claim & papers.  I will add so far as concerned the character of the applicant for honesty, sobriety and credibility, from an inquiry made in his neighbourhood [neighborhood] and of his neighbours [neighbors] by myself.. it is entirely unimpeachable and he a man of entitled to full credit.
Page 35

Upon a careful reexamination of this [illegible word crossed out] declaration I think you will not find them ['them' is crossed out] it liable to the objections you mention 
You say the applicants "statement is incorrect as regards each tour of service", but you do not say why or how it is incorrect - if it is meant because the tours are stated to exceed two months (as you state 'the Pennsylvania militia were drafted to serve two months only") this on a reexamination of the Declaration will be found to be a mistake.  This shows he served 2 1/2 months only in 1778, was drafted for 2 months and served only 1 1/2 months in 1782, and was in the service as a volunteer in 1777-8 9 1/2 months thence only his two first tours of 3 1/2 months each and his two tours in 1779 and 1780 for which he says he was drafted for 3 months would be liable to this objection.  The applicant avers he was drafted to serve to serve three months in each of the said tours (to wit in 1776, 1777 and 1779) and did serve as stated and served in the place of Smith in 1780 three months; and in this he is confirmed by the testimony of James Curry and James Bean two of the most intetigent [intelligent] and respectable men who were officers, and well knew to duration of the drafts in this county.  That the militia was generally drafted to serve two months, may, with reference to the state generally be true, but so far as regards the places in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] of the enemy it is not so, and if this be the facts as regarded Montgomery County (then Philadelphia county) the applicants statement is not liable to the objection made.
You also say "his claim for three and three and a half months during each tour cannot be allowed".  But his papers does not make a claim for three and a half months during "each" tour.  There are only two tours of 3 1/2 months and two of 3 months, the others as before mentioned are for 2 1/2, 2, 1 1/2 and 9 months.  If nothing be allowed for the time he served in 1776 and 1777 beyond the time he was drafted (viz three months each tour) it would not affect his annual pention [pension], as, still the whole [illegible] of service would be 27 1/2 months, and this service of three months has been informed of testimony is to be regarded, or there is any truth in evidence at all
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for in this case the fact is established by the best testimony. In regard to his having served "as a Lieutenant" - he has no "direct proof" in his power.  The only approximation to proof under his own oath, is the circumstantial evidence of it, in Currys & Beans depositions.  I think this must satisfy the mind, sustained as the applicants character is for truth and veracity.  Such a man can not be disbelieved.  In relation to this matter or point as well as to the length of the drafts in the militia in this county in the Revolutionary war, the only persons living who were known & supposed to be most likely to have knowledge on this subject, and the best testimony - were called on and have given their testimony [illegible crossed out words].  It is believed their depositions in connection with the applicants oath, sustained as he is in his character will be regarded {illegible] showing to the "satisfaction of the Department" that the drafts in this county on Philip Reed, were made for three months as he says and that he also served as a Lieutenant as he stated.
The additional testimony forwarded is all he has to give or can procure.  If this does not satisfy your mind that he served as a lieutenant, he must submit to have only a pension as for a private for the period he alleges he served as Lieutenant. - and if it does not also satisfy your mind as to the duration of his service you are requested to allow him pension for such time as the evidence now enclosed to you, may satisfy you has served, and as in your judgment he may be entitled to.  He confirmed no other proof and it would therefore be unnecessary to attempt it.
You will pardon this long commentary It is made out of regard to the good character of this applicant, his necessities and infirmities I hope you will give this an early investigation and transmit the result to me.
am very Truly Yours, Jn. {John?} B. [illegible] 

J. B Edwards, [illegible]
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do hereby certify that we have been well acquainted with Philip Reed of Marlborough  township in the County of Montgomery State of Pennsylvania named in the annexed Declaration made by him, a soldier of the Revolution for upwards of fifteen years. That he has always sustained a good and respectable character in the neighborhood in which he resided and had always been a man of good moral character and a person of integrity & veracity and entitled to full credit some of us know he has always been reported in the neighborhood to have been a revolutionary soldier and we all concur in stating that we have no doubt of his statements in his Declaration concerning his Revolutionary service being stirectly [strictly?] correct.  
Sworn & subscribed Before me November 18th, [illegible] 1834
five deponants [deponents]
Daniel Davis [signature]
Philip Reed [signature] 
Michael Reiter[signature]
Jonathon Jones [signature]
Isaac Cressman [signature]
Peter Smith [signature]

I certify that the above named deponents are respectable and credible persons.
Witness my hand & seal

Daniel Davis [signature, with 'Seal' handwritten within a hand-drawn oval of squiggly lines]

I certify that I have been for several years well acquainted with  the above named Philip Reed Esqs Michael Reiter Jonathan Jones Isac Crefsman [Cressman] an [and] Peter Smith.  Col. Reed was several years a member of the Legislature of this state and since and now a highly respectable justice of the Peace in this county.  The others are respectable and wealthy farmers residing in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] with Philip Reed the applicant and no [illegible] are more worthy of credit
November 19th A.D. 1834
Jn. B. [illegible]
Page 38

State of Pennsylvania }
Montgomery County }
I, Adam Stemmer Prothonotary of
of the Court of Common pleas by
Montgomery County, Do hereby
certify that Daniel Davis, Esqr. before
whom the within affidavit was taken
and whose name is to the within Certificate
and affidavit subscribed, is and was athttps://catalog.archives.gov/images/misc/drag.png
the time of Taking and Subscribing the same
thereunto a
Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly commissioned to act as such - 
and that the signature purporting to be his is 
Genuine- that full faith and
credit are due to his official acts &
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of said Court at Norristown 
the nineteenth day of November A.D. 1834-
Adam Stemmer