Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11,892, John Wright, Penn.
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Penn. Wright, John R. 11.982
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Declaration of John Wright is for a Pension 
Started by NC
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State of North Carolina
Stokes County Court of Pleas & quarter sessions
Personally appeared before viz William A Mitchell and John Vaughn Justices of the Peace for said County. John Wright Sr. aged seventy eight years, who being 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 7th June 1832. That he was born in Ireland. That his father came from Ireland to Philadelphia when he was a very small boy and settled in Lancaster County in the State of Pennsylvania. That after he had grown up to the age of manhood the Revolutionary war took place, in this country against great Britain.
That in the year 1776 he entered the service of the United States as a wagoner under William Smith wagon Master for a term of two months at the expiration of said term I received my discharge & returned home I was at this time a little over twenty years old. In a short time after this I went back to Philadelphia and engaged with a Mr.  Helsimer as a wagoner for a term of six months & whilst in this engagement which was in the first part of the year Seventy Seven. several wagons of us were sent after some corn & provisions for the Army & as we were driving along the road near Somerset Court House, we were  taken by a party of men & put in Jail our wagons & teams [?] & clothes all taken from us   the Jailor did not wish to have any thing to do with us but the British was not far off & the Tories were going over to them daily he durst not refuse to obey their orders a man came[?] to the [illegible] & expressed his sorrow on account of our cituation [situation] we told him that we would give him all the money that we had if he would inform Genl.  Mifflin where we were. we did not stay there more than eighteen hours & my sufferings were very great indeed for we expected every moment to be taken and carried to New York to the British Army after we were taken out of jail we went to Colo. Thornbury and told him of our misfortune our teams, clothes & money were all gone we begged to be discharged to go home but he said that he could not let us go and gave us an order to the  Clothier Genl. to get more clothing & an order also to receive two months pay he then directed an officer to go with us to the wagon yard.
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to give us other wagons & teams & direct the Soldiers who were driving them to return to their respective companies about this time was the Battle of Princeton which occurred in January or February of seventy-seven after this I was engaged in hauling corn and hay from Suckasunny Plains to Morristown and sometimes to the troops at Baunbrook about the time the British left New York  we marched through a mountainous country almost to New Windsor at which place we heard that the British had landed at the head of Elk we were compelled to turn back I remember that I broke one my axletrees & appealing to the artificers to move it But they would not, at length Genl Washington & his lifeguard rode up he asked what was the matter I told him that I had broken an axletree he said there was a company of artificers  behind. [illegible words] I say that they must mend it.  I told them but they refused I then say that I would take out my horses & go with them to the Genl & inform him of their conduct. They then set to work & soon mended my wagon & went on we went next to Germantown and there I got my discharge having served under that engagement about twelve months. I was but a few days at home, when an officer came and drafted me to go in the service in the militia. I went with him and was in enrolled in Captain Watsons Company under Colo Porter was in the battle of Brandywine and also in the Battle of Germantown  we took thirty seven head  of cattle from the British about that time  after this battle we went to the Valley Forge at which place I received my discharge having served a tour of three months and in a short time there after I went into the service again as a wagoner and hauled corn from Lancaster and Chester counties to the Valley Forge and [illegible] I hauled corn from the head of Elk to Downingtown until the British  evacuated Philadelphia which was in June seventy eight about this time I received my discharge & went no more in the service. I do not now recollect how long I served in this engagement But do Solemnly swear that I served at least three years (that is) two years and nine months in the wagoning service and three months in the Militia he further states he has no documentary evidence of his service nor does he know of any person who can testify to the same
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he states that he was born in July and that his father died when he was young. This sometime after the Revolutionary war he removed to the county of Stokes State of North Carolina and has continued to live at the same place up to the present time.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the report and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state whatever. Sworn to and 
Subscribed the day and year 15th day of January 1833. W A Mitchell
John Vaughn 
WM Wright
John Wilson Clergyman residing in the County of Stokes and State of N. Carolina do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with who Wright who now subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that I believe him to be of the age he states that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that I concur in that opinion. Sworn and Subscribed to this day and year aforesaid. John L Wilson 
And the Justices do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories subscribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the said Justices further certifies that John L Wilson who has signed the proceeding certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Stokes and is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit.
W A Mitchell
And the say John Wright doeth further swear that by reason of old age and bodily infirmity he is unable to appear to in the Court at the Court House without subjecting himself to great inconvenience and perhaps endangering his life. Sworn and Subscribed to John Wright
And the undersigned Justices do further certify as to the correctness of his oath. that he cannot without great inconvenience attend Court. W. A Mitchell
John Vaughn
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Washington   31 Jany. 1813

I certify that I am well acquainted with + [illegible] William A. Mitchell +John Vaughan
 and know that they are regularly [illegible]                                                                                                                                                                          and acting justices + Judges of the County Court of Phila. wh ich is a Court of Record. I further certify that the r

have to come back
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF
November 21, 1929
Miss M.E. Schofield
West Palm Beach, Box 1062 Florida
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claims, R. 11892, it appears that John Wright was born about 1755 in Ireland. He came from Ireland, when a small boy with his father, whose name is not given, and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
He applied for pension January 15, 1833, while a resident of Stokes County North Carolina, and stated that while living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in 1776 and served at various times as a wagoner about two years and nine months under Captains William Smith, Helsmier and Jacob Hinch. He also stated that he served three months in the Pennsylvania Militia under Captain Watson and Colonel Porter, and was in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. The claim was not allowed, as satisfactory proof of six months military service as required by the pension law, was not furnished. 
There are not further data as to family. Very truly yours,
Earl D. Church Commissioner.
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March 32, 1923
Mrs. E Schofield
The Glades Hotel
Casel Point, Florida
Madam:
In response to your letter of the 3rd ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claims R. 11892, it appears that John Wright was born in Ireland about 1755, that his father (named Wagner) came from Ireland when he was a small boy, and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania While residing in Carlisle he enlisted in 1776 and served as a wagoner at various times under Captains William Smith, Helsimer and Jacob Hinch. He alleged that he served in all two years and nine months he also alleged that he served three months in the Pennsylvania militia under Captain Watson and Colonel Porter, and was in the battle of Brandywine and Germantown. He applied for pension January 15, 1833, while
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living in Stokes County, North Carolina, aged seventy eight years, but his claim was not allowed, as satisfactory proof of six months military service as required by the pension law, was not furnished.
There are not family data. This Bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made on account of his services and a careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of any Jesse McAnally. 
Respectfully,
Commissioner
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Box 1062 West Palm Beach Florida
Oct 1st 1929
Revolutionary War Section
BUREAU of Pensions
Department of Interior Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Could you please give me any of the dates of service of one John Wright (wife Jane) born in Ireland about 1755 enlisted from Lancaster County Pa about 1776 or 7 and served as a teamster or wagoner under Capt Wm Smith Captain Hekimer
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and Captain Jacob Hrink and later under Captain Watson and Colonel Porter. moved to Stokes County North Carolina later on and died there Dec 3rd 1836 is buried bout ten miles from Wintson-Salem His old homestead has never passed onto of the family but is now owned and occupied by a descendant. Any facts concerning his war record which you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you Sincerely yours very truly
(Miss) M.E. Schofield
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1923 March 31 Hist to Mae E Schoefield Aw
1929 Nov 21 Hist to Mae E Schoefield 
1931 Aug 17 Mrs. Eva L Schofield 
11,892
John Wright
Discharged: REJECTED
Alleges: list of rejected claims printed in 1842 shows 
Re enlisted cause of rejection as follows: Wagon service in the Penn Militia.
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August 17, 1931
Rev& 1812 Ward Section
AWF
Mrs. Eva L. Schofield
3546 Graceland Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana
Dear Madam:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claims, R. 11892, that John Wright was born 1755 in Ireland. he came from Ireland when a small boy with his father, whose name is not given, and settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. 
He applied for pension January 15, 1833, while a resident of Stokes County, North Carolina, and stated that while living in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in 1776 and served at various times as a wagoner about two years and nine months under Captain William Smith, Helsimer Jacob Hinch. He also stated that he served there months in the Pennsylvania Militia under Captain Watson and Colonel Porter and was in the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown. The claim was not allowed as satisfactory proof of six months military service as required by the pension law was not furnished. 
There are not further family dates.
Very truly yours, A.D. Hiller,
Assistant to Administrator
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3546 Graceland Ave Indianapolis Ind.July 10th 1931
BUREAU of Pensions,
Revolutionary Soldiers, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Could you please give me some information regarding a Revolutionary soldier John Wright of Irish stock who enlisted form Lancaster County Pa. He later moved his family to Stokes county North Carolina where he live until he died. I believe he had a pension. Anything you could give me regarding when he was naturalized or the companies he served in, would be greatly appreciated. I am a great-grand daughter. Yours very truly  (Mrs.) Eva L. Schofield
Seal Revolutionary Wars
Aug 6 1931
BUREAU of Pensions
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Seal: Pension US. Office Feb 8 1923
The Glades Hotel
Canal Point, Fla. Feb 3rd 1923
Commissioner of Pensions 
Dear Sir,
I have been referred to your office in regard to securing information concerning a Revolutionary War Soldier. A John Wright born in Ireland, immigrant to this country served in the war as a teamster I believe, he married a woman named Jane we think Fulp. He enlisted or at least lived in Pennsylvania also married there some of his
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children were born there he subsequently moved to North Carolina where he lived a number of years and died and was buried at Densham cemetery not far from Wintston Salem, we think he drew a pension. Have you a record of man filling this description there were a number of men named John Wright enlisted from Pennsylvania. I would like to know his regiment and where he enlisted. I have the names and date of birth of his children that information I think is included in the pension records of the present and the
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two previous wars.
Also have you any record of Jese McAnally born July 4th, 1760 who died Jan 20th 1800 widow Elizabeth born Jan 31st 1764 died 1844 lived in North Carolina we think either he or his wife were natives of N.C. I also have names and date of birth of his children Elizabeth McAnnally's mother was Mary Davis born in Scotland, do not know whether Davis was her maiden name or married name. Thanking you for any information you can give me concerning these two men. I am yours very truly Mae E Schofield.
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Rejected see let: to the Hon A H Lepperd
11892
7 June 1832
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John Wright
Rejected see letter
Hon A H Shepperd
Ammended
A H Shepperd
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of [John Wright [illegible] ] which require further proof or explanation.

Ⅰ.  Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  

Ⅱ.  Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? 

Ⅲ.  If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

Ⅳ.  Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  [No]

Ⅴ.  Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?  [No]

Ⅵ. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?   [No]

Ⅶ.  Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  

Ⅷ.  Has the Court given their opinion?

Ⅸ.  Has the Clerk given his certificate?  [No]

Ⅹ.  Is the Clerk's seal affixed?  And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?  [No]
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[Page No. 2]

Ⅺ.  Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary services? 

Ⅻ,  If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?   

XIII.  If the applicant  has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?   

ⅩⅣ.  If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?  
   If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?  
   Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  

XV.    Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?    

XVⅠ.   Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  No.

XVⅠⅠ.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?   


EXPLANATORY NOTES.

QUERE V.  In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:  "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c.  A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively  as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:  For ____ year _____months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and  for such service I claim a pension.
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3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.   The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are  objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served  two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must in every case be clearly shown  under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places
where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during  which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.  

QUERE XⅣ.  Proof of Service.

In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who  may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses,  
and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

QUERE ⅩⅥ.  Mode of Authenticating Papers.

In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of peper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate  must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon.  The ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.  

In every case where the clerk of the Court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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Alexander Muckelwane

To

Capt. Jacob Hinich

N.J.

or [illegible]


[Very faint writing over bottom half of page]
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(I was) discharged at Valley Forge.
     I was born in Ireland about the year 1755, as near as I can ascertain my father having come to this country when I was a small boy and died when I was very young.  I have no record of my age.  When called into the service I lived in Lancaster County, Pa.  Since the Revolutionary War to his a little while in Va and the rest of the time in Rockingham Co. N.C and in Stokes Co. N.C. and I now live in Stokes County, North Carolina.  
   I was first called into service as a militia man but do not think I was drafted, I believe the whole company was taken together and the other times I volunteered.  
    From great age and the consigned loss of memory I cannot swear positively to the length of my service to the day I entered the service or to the names of all my officers and the officers that were with the troops with I served as a private in the militia service the first tour at least and the other tours together in which I was most of the time and (illegible) with (illegible) being still a private at least twelve months making in all fourteen months for which he claims a pension. 
    The following are the names of all the officers he can recollect to wit:  Capt. Watson, and Col. Potter under whom served at the Battle of Brandywine with the others above mentioned, Col Stewart, Genl. Wendell of the Regular Army.  I received a written discharge that I can recollect of at the Valley Forge, but it is lost long ago.  I have no documentary evidence of my services as I know of no persons to whom I can (illegible) the same.     
(3 -4 words illegible) James T Wright a clergyman residing in the county of the (illegible) N.C.  and James Davis Esqr
John who now resides in my neighborhood who can and will testify as to my veracity and the belief of my services in the Revolutionary War.
   He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or an annuity except the present. That his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
    Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
                                        //s//
                                John Wright

//s//
Jno. Hill Clerk
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    He James T. Wright a clergyman residing in the county of Stokes in the state of North Carolina and James Davis Snr. also, a resident of Stokes County aforesaid who do hereby certify that he is well acquainted with John Wright Snr. who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be seventy-seven years of age: that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary War and served, that we concur in that opinion.
                                           //s//
                                   James T. Wright 
                                  James Davis Snr. 
Wm. Hill C.C.C.


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.  That Janes T. Wright who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the county of Stokes, N.C. and that James Davis Snr. who has also signed the same is also a resident in Stokes County aforesaid is credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. 
                                    //s//
                              Wm. Ward J.P.
             To wit}       Wm. Poindexter J.P.
                               Thomas Martin J.P.           

  I John Hill Clerk of the County Court of Pleas and quarter sessions of Stokes County in the state of North Carolina, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the amended proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Wright (snr) for a pension. 
    In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 12th day of March 1833.
                                    //s//
                              Wm. Hill C.C.C.
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I know the individual who has made the application as the same person who filed the original of which this is enclosed as an (illegible).  He is a very worthy, a religious old man & I doubt not the truth of his statements.
                                               //s//
                                      A.H. Shepperd
                                      20 April 1833

Pension Claim 
John Wright (illegible)
served 14 months
in Pa. Militia.