Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5661, for Phillip Koontz, Virginia
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SERVICE: Va.
Koontz, Phillip
NUMBER: S. 5661
carded
CONTENTS
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Virginia 12.473
Phillip Koontz
Rockingham in the State of Virginia
who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain G. Riddle of the Regt. commanded by Col Boyer in the Virginia line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 20 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d. day of May 33 - and sent H. J. Gambill
Harrisonburgh Va. (Clk)

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 40
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th. Sept. 10
$50
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by William Miller - Clerk,
Book E Vol 6 Page 4

Letter 18. April 1837 to A C. Bary[cut off]
= & Pension Agnt
Letter 29. May 1837 - to A. C Bryan & Pension Agent
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838 from 4 March 1837 to the 4 March 1838, agt notified 16 March '39
Paid as above from 4 March to 4 Sept 1838 & from 4 March to 4. Sep 1840. Agt notified 2d Oct 1841
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15368
Philip Koontz
declaration
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State of Virginia and County of Rockingham To wit.
On this 15 day of October 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the County Court of Rockingham County now sitting Philip Koontz a resident of the County of Rockingham and State of Virginia aged 80 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 June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born in the state of Maryland - he cannot say positively what year, but believes his age to be about eighty, he has no record of his age. He removed to Virginia when he was about nineteen years of age, and lived in the South Branch about two years, and then removed to Rockingham County, then August Co, where he has resided since -
About the first of January 1781, he was drafted into the militia Service in Rockingham County Va. under Capt George Riddle, and marched to Richmond and down through Virginia to Suffolk County. He served thee months in this tour, under Major Hamilton and Nalle and Col. Bowyer from Rockbridge, all of the Virginia Militia. He returned from this tour about the 17th or 18th of April, having been out three months and a little upwards, and got no written discharge. He was under the Command of Genl. Muhlenburg, was in no general engagement, but was in some Slight skirmishes.
In the same year 1781, but he cannot recollect the time precisely, he was drafted under Capt Coger, of the Rockingham
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militia, and marched through Williamsburg to York Town - and continued during the siege, and after the surrender of Cornwallis he marched to Winchester, as a guard over the prisoners. and was discharged at Winchester, after serving three months, but got no written discharge. He recollects Genl. Washington and the other General Officers.
He has no documentary evidence of his services. He relies on the evidence of Andrew Byrd, who will be brought into Court, to prove his services, who served in the same Company with him during the first tour above mentioned, and who has resided in the same neighborhood and been intimately acquainted with him since the revolutionary war.
He 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
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Philip x his mark Koontz

We William Bryan a Clergyman residing in Rockingham County and Andrew Byrd residing in Rockingham hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Philip Koontz, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty 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 to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
William Bryan
Andrew Byrd
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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 War department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier and served as he States. And the Court further Certifies that it appears to them that William Bryan who has Signed the proceeding Certificate is a Clergyman resident in the County of Rockingham and that Andrew Byrd who has also signed the same is a resident of the County of Rockingham and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to Credit
I Henry J Gambill Clerk of the Court of the County of Rockingham do hereby Certify that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the Matter of the application of Philip Koontz for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of my office this 23rd day of October 1832 and in the 57th year of the Commonwealth
H. J. Gambill Clerk of
Rockingham County Va
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No 15368
Philip Koontz of Rockingham
County Virginia

Admd as a private for
6 months $20

H. J. Gambill Clerk of
Rockingham Cty Virginia
Harrisonburgh
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BRIEF in the case of Philip Koontz
County of Rockingham in the State of Virginia
(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? No

3. How old is he? 80 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
[1] Draft In 1781
[2] Draft - 1781.
Duration of Service.
Years,
Months,
[1] 3
[2] 3
Days.
Rank. As a
private
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen. Muhlenberg, Washington
Capt Geo Riddle, Major Hamilton, & Nall, Col. Boyer
Capt Coger

5. In what battles was he engaged? York

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Rockingham

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Witness & traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Richd. Key Watts Examining Clerk.
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May 12, 1929.
BA-J/ILL
Philip Koontz
S. 5661

Mr. Joseph Wolf
60 West Walton Place
Chicago, Illinois.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Philip Koontz, who was a pensioner of Rockingham County, Virginia.

The data which follow are shown in the papers on file in pension claim, S. 5661, based upon service of Philip Koontz in the Revolutionary War.

Philip Koontz was born in Maryland; the exact place of his birth and the names of his parents are not shown, nor the date. When about nineteen years of age, he moved to Virginia and lived on "South Branch" for about two years, then moved to Augusta County (that part which was later Rockingham County), Virginia.

While a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, he enlisted January 1, 1781 and served three months as private in Captain George Riddle's company, Colonel Bowyer's Virginia regiment, during which he was in some slight skirmishes. He enlisted that same year, served as private in Captain Coger's Virginia company, marched through Williamsburg, was in the siege of Yorktown, guarded prisoners at Winchester, and was discharged at the end of service of three months.

Philip Koontz was allowed pension on his application executed October 15, 1832, at which time he resided in Rockingham County, Virginia. He was aged then about eighty years. He made no reference to wife or children.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name
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and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of the pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following data:

Phillip Koontz (as borne on pension roll)
Certificate #12473
Issued May 2, 1833
Rate $20. per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Virginia Agency.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

2.
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 27th, 1841.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Philip Koontz - a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1838, to the 4th Sept. 1838. And from 4th March, to the 4th Sept. 1840 ~ Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
February 26th, 1839.

Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," Philip Koontz, - a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va. Agency, at the rate of Twenty Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1837, to the 4th March, 1838. 
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
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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 Philip Koontz which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

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

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

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes

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? yes

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes

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

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes

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? yes
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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 service? yes

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? Witness

XIV. [notation sign 1]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? The Court has
Has the proper officer certified 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? yes

XVI. [notation sign 2]Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 7
_________________________
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.
[notation sign 1]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 witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[notation sign 2]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 paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of paper 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.
[symbol of pointing finger]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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[header]
Board of Public Affairs
J. W. DEARBAUGH
A. L. SPRAGUE, PRESIDENT
R. S. NICHOLS
C. C. DAVIS, CLERK
A. W. DAVIS, SUPERINTENDENT JACKSON CENTER, OHIO.

[typed body]
Nov. 5, 1937

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D.C.

I am desirous of obtaining information concerning Philip Koontz, who served in the Revolutionary War from Rockingham County, Virginia.
At least, I have been told that he was one of fifteen veterans in Rockingham County, Va. drawing a pension in 1840 and was 95 years of age at that time.
Will you please let me know if you have any record in your files of this man and oblige.

Yours truly,
[signed] Cleo C. Davis
Cleo C. Davis (Mrs. A.W.)
Box 222.

Note: a letter from Rockingham County brings me this information - That Rockingham County was not formed until 1778 and was taken off of Augusta County, so Philip Koontz probably entered the war from Augusta County.

[stamp]
RECEIVED
NOV 8 1937
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS ADM
READER #35
Page 17

Houston Texas
March 10, 1931

Bureau of Pensions
War Dept 1776 -

Dear Sir -
Please send me copy of Pension or data contained therein of Col. Claiborne Anderson wife Betty Clack of Chesterfield Co - Va.
Also James Anderson - wife Sally Bogley Amelia Co. Va. Sol. of Lunenburg Pa -
also James Anderson who was wounded in knee at Guilford Court House in Capt Dawsons (Dowsing also) Co - Col. Nathaniel Cocke's Regiment.
Philip Koontz - pension in 1840 in Rockingham Co. Va -
Thanks Sincerely,
Mrs. R. C. Rutledge
4316 Kyle St.
Houston Texas


[stamp]
REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS SECTION
MAR 13 1931
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Page 18

Columbus, Ohio. Feb 8/1925.
Bureau of Pensions :
Will you kindly send to me the war record of Philip Koontz (Coontz) Rockingham Co. Vo S. of W. 1835.
Pen. 2. 195.
I shall be glad to stand any reasonable expense connected with this inquiry.
Sincerely yours,
Frank W Gardner MD
185 Estate St.
Columbus, Ohio.

[stamp]
PENSION OFFICE U.S. FEB 10 1925
Page 19

FCM
Rev

St., Joseph, Mich.,
March 15, 1917.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:--
Will you please send me the pension record of Philip Koontz, Rockingham Co., Va., pensioner of the Revolution.
Placed on Roll May 2 1833.
Yours truly,
Mrs. C. A. Baker 
1407 So State St.
St. Joe, Mich
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THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS
Veterans Administration
Washington
D.C.

[stamp 1]
32 CHICAGO MAR 22 630 PM 1939 ILL.

[stamp 2]
RECEIVED
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Chicago Mar. 22
Gentlemen:
Please send me the pension record of Philip Koontz who lived in Rockingham Co Va at the time he received his pension for service in the Revolution. He was born 1745. Pension 1840.
Joseph Wolf 60 West Walton Place
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November 16, 1937.
BA-J/ILL
Phillip Koontz
S. 5661

Mrs. A. W. Davis
Box 222
Jackson Center, Ohio.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Philip Koontz, a pensioner of Rockingham County, Virginia, for service in the Revolutionary War.

The data given herein are shown in the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 5661, based upon service of Philip Koontz in that war.

Philip Koontz was born in Maryland; exact place, date and names of his parents are not shown. When about nineteen years of age, he moved to Virginia and lived on "South Branch" for about two years, then moved to Augusta County, that part which was later Rockingham County, Virginia.

While a resident of Augusta County, Virginia, he enlisted January 1, 1781 and served three months as private in Captain George Riddle's company, Colonel Bowyer's Virginia regiment, during which he was in some slight skirmishes. He enlisted that same year, served as private in Captain Coger's Virginia company, marched through Williamsburg, was in the siege of Yorktown, guarded prisoners at Winchester, and was discharged at termination of service of three months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 15, 1832, at which time he resided in Rockingham County, Virginia. He was aged then about eighty years. He made no reference to wife or children.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, this city, and furnish the following: Philip Koontz, Certificate [illegible] issued May 2, 1833, rate $20 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of 
[note: carbon slipped]
Page 23

June 7, 1832, Virginia Agency.
Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

Soldier's name is Philip on S. of War. & Comms of 1840.
Page 24

April 9, 1931.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
ILL

Mrs. R. C. Rutledge
4316 Kyle Street
Houston, Texas.

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 5661, that Philip, (or Phillip) Koontz was born in Maryland, date and place not stated. When about nineteen years of age, he moved to Virginia, lived for about two years on "South Branch" and then moved to Augusta County, later Rockingham County, Virginia.

While a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia, he enlisted January 1, 1781 and served three months in Captain George Riddle's company, Colonel Bowyer's Virginia Regiment. He enlisted in 1781, as a private in Captain Coger's Virginia Company, was at the siege of Yorktown, guarded prisoners to Winchester, and was discharged there, having served three months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 15, 1832, while a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia. and about eighty years.

There are no family data.

To Gardoff Very truly yours,

E. W. MORGAN,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 25

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

March 19, 1925.

Frank W. Gardner,
185 E. State St.,
Columbus, OHIO.

Sir:

I have to advise you that from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 5661, it appears that Philip Koontz was born in Maryland, place not stated.
While a resident of August County (later Rockingham County) Virginia, he enlisted January 1, 1781, and served three months under Captain George Riddle and Colonel Bowyer in the Virginia Troops.
He enlisted in 1781, served three months under Captain Coger in the Virginia Troops and was at the siege of York.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 15, 1832, while a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia, aged eighty years.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,

Acting Commissioner.
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quest of ______, received ________ for a statement of the military history of Philip Koontz, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau. S. 5,661

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
[1] Jany 1, 1781
[2] - 1781
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
[1] 3 mos.
[2] 3 mos.
RANK.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
[1] George Riddle
[2] Coger
COLONEL.
[1] Bowyer
STATE.
Va.

Battles engaged in, Siege of Yorktown
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Augusta Co., Va.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 23, 1832, His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Rockingham Co., Virginia.
Age at date of application, eighty years, born in Maryland.
Remarks: There is no family data on file.

Respectfully,
(Augusta, afterwards Rockingham Co) 
Commissioner.
Page 27

5661.
Rev War
INVALID.
File No. 5661
Phillip Koontz
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7" 1832
Index:-Vol. M, Page 211
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1892 Nov 29 Hist to Maj Carr
City S.S.
1917 Apl. 2. Hist to Mrs. C. A. Baker. C
1925 Mch, 19 - Hist to Frank W Gardner UM
1931 April 8 - Hist. to Mrs. R. C. Rutledge ILL
1937 - Nov. 16, Hist. to Mrs. A. W. Davis - ILL
1939 - May 12 - Hist. to Mr. Joseph Wolf - ILL