Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4,830, for Henry Shrefler, Pennsylvania
Page 1

Service
Penn.

Shrefler, Henry

Number 
S. 4830

Carded
Page 2

42193
Pennsylvania
Henry Shrefler

of the State of Pennsylvania who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Crawl of the Regt commanded by Heister in the [ineligible] for 9 months Private  ------ $30.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 30 - Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of January 1833 and sent to Hon. L Dewart [illegible]  Ross

Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 ----- $45.00
Semi=anl allowance ending 4 Mar 1833 -- 15.00

======
$60.00
======

Revolutionary Claim 
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Virual Luce [signature] Clerk
Book D Vol. 6 Page 94
Page 3

Sent to W. J. Parsons
May 15th '49

Date of death [illegible]
Page 4

N. 12683
Henry Shrefler

Admitted
9 months
$30. --
Hon. L Dewart
Page 5

[Form is typed, responses are handwritten]

BRIEF in the case of Henry Shrefler of Union Co., in the State of Pennsylvania (Act of 7th June, 1832)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court r a Judge? Com. Pleas
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? [no response]
3. How old is he? 81 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period  | In 1777 Sept. |
Duration of Service 3 months | Rank as a Private | Names of Generals and Field Officers under whom he served - Pa. Mil. - Capt. Crowl [Crouse?], Col. Heister
Period  | In 1777 Sept. |
Duration of Service 3 months | Rank as a Private | Names of Generals and Field Officers under whom he served - [Capt.] Reitmeyer, [Col.] Udre
Period  | In 1777 Sept. |
Duration of Service 3 months | Rank as a Private | Names of Generals and Field Officers under whom he served [none noted, space lined through]

Afterwards was sent with his team 18 months which was [illegible] by Col. Morgan

5. In what battles was he engaged? Brandywine
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Berks Co., Pa.
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

xx Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
D. Brown [signature]
Examining Clerk.
Page 6

Declaration of Henry Shrefler

12.683
Page 7

Pennsylvania
Union County Ss

On this Twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in Open Court before the Judge of the Court of Common Please at New Berlin in and for the County of Union now setting, henry Shrefler a resident of New Berlin - in the county of Union and State of Pennsylvania aged eighty one years, whom being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his solemn oath male the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832 - 

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated - 

I lived in Reading Berks County Pennsylvania when I first entered the service of the United States as a drafted militia man in Capt. Jacob Crowl's [Graul?] Company and marched under Col. Heister to Philadelphia thence to Chester thence to Wilmington where we remained some time, were inspected and drew twenty four rounds of cartrages [cartridges] and marched to Brandywine Battle, which I think was in September 1777 - we gained the first battle and took seven brass field pieces from the British, we were on the left wing and marched off to Chester in the night and crossed Schuylkill over a log bridge which we destroyed. the British pursuing us, we arrived safe in Phila. after remaining there a short time the British who had marched up to Valley Forge erected a Bridge across Schuylkill of logs and crossed over to Phila. we retreated to a place called Featherbell Hill about twelve miles from Phila. where we remained until after the German town Battle when my tour of three months expired. I was discharged and went home to Reading.
Page 8

I was again drafted in Capt. Rightmyer company and Marched from Reading in Penna. under Col. Udre to Phila. thence up the Delaware on the Pennsylvania side till we came opposite to Trenton in New Jersey, we crossed over to Trenton and were engaged all night in bringing over a number of Hessians and ammunition, and took the Hessians to Phila. and then to Lancaster and put them in jail there, where I remained till my three months expired and I was discharged and returned to Reading. I was afterwards drafted for three months, I cannot recollect the officers, but we marched from Reading to Phil. and thence to Mud Fort below Philadelphia at the time the British made an attack on that Fort - there were a number of Hessians with them whom were down into the mud and some never got out. Remained out my tour of three months along the Delaware and then returned home making my actual service nine months. My team and wagons were afterwards passed by Col. Morgans and I was [illegible] with it eighteen months.

From the lapse of time I know no persons who can testify as to my actual services, there may be persons about Reading who are yet alive, but after the war I left Reading and lived in Philadelphia seven years them returned to Berks County and from there about thirty years ago I [illegible] to New Berlin and then Northumberland now Union County - about five years after I [illegible] to this place I lost my eye sight and have been blind ever since.
1. I was born on the 15th March 1750 in Philadelphia
2. I have no record of my age, but remember it very well.
3.4.5. I have answered them in my declaration.
6. I never received any discharge that I recollect except by hand nor did I ever receive any commissions
7. Christopher Seebold, Philip Harmony, and many other respectable citizens of this county justify to my character for veracity their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution.

I hereby relinquish my claim to a pension or annuity except present, and declare that my name is not on any pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn [and] Subscribed 
24 September 1832
Henry Shreffler
his X mark

Joseph Stilwell [signature]Proth
Page 9

We, Michael Walter a Clergyman residing in Union Township Union County, and Christopher Seebold residing in New Berlin in the same county, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Shreffler who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty one 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 as Sworn and Subscribed in open Court the 24 Sept. 1832
Michael Walter [signature]
Christopher Seebold [signature]
Joseph Stilwell [signature] Proth.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states, and the Court further certify that it appears to them that Michael Walter who has signed the proceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in Union Township in Union County and that Christopher Seebold who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Hugh Wilson [signature]
Ad Leight [signature]

I Joseph Stilwell Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Union County, do certify that the foregoing  contence [contains?] the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Henry Shreffler for a Pention [pension].
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said Court this 24th day of Sept 1832

Joseph Stilwell [signature]
Page 10

[Letter]

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

May 17, 1924

Celia S. Roberts,
715 S. Elmwood Ave.,
Oak Park, Ill.

Madam;

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 4830, it appears that Henry Shrefler or Shreffler was born March 15, 1751 in Philadelphia.

While residing in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in 1777 and served three months in Captain Growl's Company, Colonel Heister's Pennsylvania Regiment, and was in the battle of Brandywine.

He served three months in Captain Ritemeyer's Company, Colonel Undree's Pennsylvania Regiment, and three months at Mud Fort, when it was attached, no officers stated in last enlistment nor dates of enlistment in either service.

He was out eighteen months, with his team, under Colonel Morgan, dates not stated.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, while a resident of New Berlin, Union County, Pennsylvania. There is no family data on file.
Respectfully,

Commissioner
Page 11

4830
Rev. War

Invalid

File No. 4830
Henry Shrefler
Privt. Rev. War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 338

June 13 99
Mrs. JH Cummings
Kankakee, Ills.

May 26 19[remaining illegible]

1906 Dec illegible] Hist to Mrs. Anna Cummings
1914 Aug 5 Hist to Mrs. Boyd Crumurine
1924 May 17 - Hist to Celia S. Roberts
1939 Aug 2 - Hist. to Mrs. Henry P. Brunner
Page 12

Statement to 
Mrs. JH Cummings
136 Harvard St,
Wash [Washington] D.C.
Page 13

Henry Shrefler Penn. Troops
Revolutionary War
Enlisted in Berks Co., and [illegible] La Shalle applied for his Pension in 1832 at New Berlin Center Co. as he was living there them. So says his Grands Son Jacob Shrefler - Mrs. JH Cumming's Father nee Auman(?) Shrefler
Page 14

J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 15

Aaronsburg Center Co., Penna
Feby 3. 1849

The undersigned has had placed in his hands by the widow, a pension certificate, issued to Henry Shreffler lately a citizen of this Commonwealth now deceased, dated the 17th Jany A.D. 1833. Signed by Lewis Cass Secretary of War and countersigned by yourself. Recorded by Vinal Luce Clerk in Book D. Vol. 6, page 96.
The widow desires to know what steps are necessary for her to take in order to obtain a pension under any of the acts - the late acts of [illegible] Congress., granting pensions to the widows of deceased revolutionary soldiers.
The deceased pensioner was a private in the revolutionary army and the widow was married previous to the year 1800 though - the undersigned is not able to say at what precise date with great respect.
The undersigned has the honor to be 
Your [illegible] WJ Parsons

JL Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 16

Henry Shreffler
Schreffler
[illegible] 5" Pa?
Rev War

For Mrs. Anna Cummings
37 Langdon St.,
Cambridge, Mass.

[stamped]
Chief's Desk
Old War and Navy Division
Nov 26 1906
Page 17

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE
O.W. & N.DIV.

MEMORANDA

Please supply as much as possible of the data called for below.

Full name of soldier:
Henry Schreffler

Place of residence before service (Town, county and State, if possible):
Philadelphia, Pa

Place of residence after service (Town, county and State, if possible):
Union Co., Pa

Date of death (as near as possible: [blank]
Christian name of widow: [blank]

Did either he or his widow receive a pension?
Yes

Remarks:
O.W. and N. Div.
May 3 99
Ohiel's Desk

Your name and address:
Mrs. J.H. Cummings
896 Chicago Ave
Kankakee, Ills.
1368 Harvard St. until June 20, 99
Page 18

S-049

Ex: [illegible initials]
Div: Rev. & 1812 Wars Sect.

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C., Mar, 5, 1927

The attached letter is respectively returned with the information that the data furnished is not sufficient to enable this Bureau to make intelligent answer to the queries therein contained.

Please fill out such of the blank spaces below as the infomration in your possession will permit, and return to this Bureau.

First name of widow: Sarah
Name of soldier: Wm. Dobson

P.O. Address of soldier after service and at time of death:
In Chatham Co., No. Carolina until at least 1790. He died at Wilmington, O.

State where he enlisted: Either Orange or Chatham Co., No. Carolina.

Date of birth: March 7, 1739
Date of death: living in 1813, he died soon after, I think.

If unable to furnish company and regiment give names of commanding officers: [blank]

Return attached letter with reply
Winfield Scott [signature]
Commissioner.
Page 19

[stamped]

Received Jul 12 1937
Mail Sub. Div.
Vets. Adm. 
Reader #21
Page 20

Mrs. Frank Williamson
Chicago, Illinois
7325 Jeffrey Ave.

Jan. 17, 1927

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir - A bit of family history gives the information that William Hobson was a soldier in the Revolution and after the war was given a grant of land for his services. He lived at the time of the War in Chatham Co., No. Carolina and the land which is said to have been given him was near Wilmington Ohio. Do you have a record of his services in the War or of the land grant? I would very much appreciate a statement as to the truth of the above history.
Sincerely,
Mrs. F.K. Williamson.
P.S. William and Sarahh Hobson were married 1762. They lived in Orange Co., No. Carolina from their marriage until 1771-1773. Some time during those years they moved to Chatham Co., No. Carolina, where they stayed at least until 1790 (the last child was born there in that year.) His will was signed in Wilmington, O., Nov. 15, 1813, and was recorded there the following June. He died soon after, I suppose.
I hope this additional information will be of help to you.
Marjorie Williamson Bruner, 
(Mrs. H.P. Bruner)
July 14, 1937.
Page 21

[stamp]
Received Jul 16 1937
Mail Sub-Div.
Vets. Adm.
Reader #21
Page 22

Oak Park Ill
April 12, 1924

Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir:

Please may I have the record of my ancestor Henry Shreffler.
He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War in 1777 and enlisted at New Berlin, Union County. Penna.

Was born in Philadelphia about 1751 - and the claim for pension was granted - 
And greatly oblige
Mrs. Celia S. Roberts
715 S. Elmwood Ave.

[stamp]
Pension Office 
Apr 14, 1924
Page 23

[Typed Letter]

Mrs. Henry P. Bruner
6844 Jeffrey Avenue
Chicago

July 14, 1937

Rev. and 1812 Wars Secretary,
Pension Department,
Veteran's Administration,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:
Have you on file a record of the pension granted on January 17, 1833 to Henry Schreffler? If you have, would you please send me a summary of the papers. Mr. Schreffler was born 1750 and he died in 1836. So far as I know he lived all his life in Union County, Pennsylvania. He was a private in the militia, but I do not know his dates of service. His wife's first name was Mary.

Also, can you tell me if these men applied for pensions, and if they did will you please send me a summary of their papers.

I. George Shafer, born 1755 in Germany, died 1829 in Dauphin County, Pa., married Mary Shalmar. Private in Rev. Army March 4, 1777-1781 (Pa. Archives, 5th ser. II, 1089)

II. John Newswanger, born 1756, Washington, Co., Maryland; in 1780 married Nancy House of Loudoun Co., Va.; died 1826 Shenandoah Co., Va. Enrolled in Capt. Mantz' Company of the Flying Camp of Frederick Co., Md. Middle District (a scouting party). I don't know his dates of service.

I am also enclosing a letter sent you by my mother, and a blank which recent information has helped us to fill out. We are still interested in knowing about the land grant. Your reply to this letter can be sent to me.

Thank you in advance for your help and information, I am 

Very sincerely.
Marjorie W. Bruner [signature]

Mrs. H.P. Bruner
Page 24

THE WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Incorporated December 17, 1900
Organized January 1, 1901

Washington, PA, July 24, 1914

US Pension Dept.

Will you kindly look up the enclosed record to see if any pensions were issued in the names or to widows?

Very Truly
Mrs. Boyd Crumrine
212 E. Maiden St.
Washington, Penna

{stamped]
U.S. Pension Office
Jul 27 1914

No other enclosures - Mail Div July 27 / 14
Page 25

Penna Archives 5th Series; Vol 5, Page 240

Association and Militia Berks Co., Pa.

Payroll Capt. Ferdinand Rutin
Co. 6th Battalion Berks Co., Pa.
Colonel Joseph Hiester - in service from Aug 10, 1780 to Sept 9, 1780

Privates Henry Shreffler , Shrefler S. 4830
Stoffel Shreffler

Muster Roll 2
Capt. Geo. Wills Co., Major Heister's Battalion of Berks Co., at Newton, Bucks Co., Pa {near Doylestown} - Jany 2, 1777,
Private Conrad Shreffler

See Penna Archives 5th Series Vol 5

If there are any other Shrefflers will you give me the records?
Mrs. Boyd Crumrine
Page 26

S.F. 4830
Henry Shrefler
28

[round stamp]
U.S. Pension Office
July 27, 1914
Page 27

 July 29, 1937
BA-J/MCS

Mrs. Henry P. Bruner
6844 Jeffrey Avenue
Chicago 
Illinois

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of July 14, 1937, requesting information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers William Hobson, John Newswanger, George Shafer and Henry Schreffler.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension based upon the military service of soldiers in that war.  A careful search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the services of the William Hobson and George Shafer described by you, or of any John Newswanger.

For information relative to land that may have granted William Hobson, it is suggested that you address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, Washington, D. C.

You are furnished herewith, the record of Henry Shrefler or Shreffler.

Very truly yours

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

[typed letter]

August 2, 1937

Henry Shrefler
S. 4830
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Henry P. Bruner
6844 Jeffrey Avenue
Chicago, Illinois

Dear Madam:

The data which follows were obtained from papers on file in pension claim S. 4830, based upon the service of Henry Shrefler in the Revolutionary War.

He was born March 15, 1751 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The name of his parents were not given.

While residing in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, Henry Shrefler served three month in Captain Growl's company, Colonel Heister's Pennsylvania regiment, and was in the battle of Brandywine. He served three months in Captain Ritemyer's company, Colonel Undree's Pennsylvania regiment. He served three months at Mud Fort, when it was attached, officers names not given, for this last tour. He later served eighteen months, with his team, under Colonel Morgan. There are no dates of service given for any of the tours.

He moved from Reading after the Revolution to Philadelphia, where he lived about seven years, then returned to Berks County, and then moved to New Berlin, Union County, Pennsylvania. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 24, 1832, then a resident of New Berlin, where he had lived about thirty years.

Reference was made in 1849 to the widow of the
Page 29

[page 2 of typed letter dated August 2, 1937]

soldier, Henry Shrefler, and it was stated that they were married prior to the year 1800. The name of the widow was not shown, ([illegible ink mark] details as to their marriage.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C. and furnish the following data:

Henry Shrefler
Certificate # 4293
Issued January 17, 1833
Rate $30.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Pennsylvania Agency

Very truly yours

A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator