Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 43,476, William De Witt, Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Penn.

DeWitt, William

NUMBER
S. 43.476
---
CONTENTS
Page 2

[left-hand side of page]
see letter to Jas. Robinson July 16. 1829
N.Y. Agt. ordered to pay Sept 22. 1833
order given Apl. 15. 1836, see letter to P. Agt.
U. R. B. Robinson (Attny)

[right-hnd side of page]

20,882
New York
---
William DeWitt
of Tioga Co in the State of New York
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Robinson of the regiment commanded by Colonel Hartley, in the Pennsylvania line, for the term of nine months
from May 1777 to 1778
---
Inscribed on the Roll of New York
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 19 day of June 1829.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 26 of June 1829
and sent to J. Robinson, Esqr 
Elmira N.Y
---
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1829 $20.26
Semi-anl. all'ce ending

$20.26 [double underlined]

{ Revolutionary Claim, }   
{Acts March 18 1818,   }
{and May 1 1820.         }  

Recs. Vol: 5.}
fol. 82}
Page 3

(Copy.)

[stamped seal at left-hand side of page--very faded]
At a Court of General Sessions of the peace holden at the Court house in the Village of Newtown in the County of Tioga and State of New York, commencing on the first Tuesday of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty-eight, being a regular term thereof as appointed by law:
Present
-----
Hon. Darius Bentley}
J Talcot Waldo} Esq. Judges.
Hiram Gray Esq. Justice-
On this second day of January, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record, because it is made so by a law of the State which instituted it, and because it proceeds according to the course of the Common law, keeps a record of its proceedings and has the power of fine & Imprisonment, William DeWitt, resident in
said County, aged Seventy-one years and upwards, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made
by the acts of Congress of the 18th March 1818, and the first of May 1820. That he the said William Dewitt enlisted for the term of nine months, some time in the forepart of the month of May 1777 in the State of Pennsylvania in a company commanded by Capt. Thomas Robinson, under Lieut. Moses Van Campen as the enlisting officer, in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Hartley in the Pennsylvania line, on the continental Establishment; that he continued to serve in the said corps, till the full expiration of
the said term of enlistment, and for some months longer; when he was discharged from the service at Sunbury in the State of Pennsylvania-
And in pursuance of the act of the first of May
1820 I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time by gift, sale, or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress
Page 4


entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818. And that I have not nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed; necessary clothing and bedding excepted -
The income or allowance of four dollars a month by the Government to me as an invalid pensioner:
1 five pail Kettle cracked $1.75
1 Dish Kettle............................1.00
1 Broken pot...............................25 
1 Teakettle....................................75
1 Set Knives & forks.................50
4 Plates...........................................25
Teapot & Sett of Cups & Saucers 75
Card[carried] over 5.25

Brot forward...........................5.25
1 sett of chairs old................1.50
1 Axe...........................................1.00
1 Table (old cherry)................1.00
2 Wheels.....................................2.00
1 Reel...............................................75
$11.50

(Signed) 
his
William X  Dewitt
mark

My occupation is that of farming, but from age
and consequent bodily infirmity, and a wound received in battle in the Revolutionary War, am ^ unable to pursue it.
My family residing with me, consists of my wife
Sally aged about sixty six years, not healthy, but quite infirm; my son Abraham aged about thirty nine years, who met with an accident and hurt when a child, by the falling of a tree - which so much disabled him, as never to have been able to labour [sic]for his subsistence - my daughter Rebecca aged about twenty four years who does the principal part of the house work and the taking care of the family -
My Granddaughter Lucinda about seven years of age.

Signed
his
William X Dewitt
mark

Sworn & Subscribed
In open Court this
2d day of Jany 1828
T Maxwell Clk [signature]
Page 5

[faded seal at left-hand margin]
I Thomas Maxwell, Clerk of the Court aforesaid
do hereby certify that it appears to the
satisfaction of the Court that the said
William Dewitt did serve in the Revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration
against the common enemy, for the term of
nine months, under one engagement on the
continental establishment. I certify that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the records
of the said Court - And I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is eleven dollars and fifty cents.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court the 5th day of January A.D. 1828.
Th. Maxwell Clk of the
County Courts of Tioga N.Y.
Page 6

Tioga County Ss}
Isaac Dewitt of the Town of Jersey in the County of Steuben & State of New York aged about sixty years, being duly sworn doth depose and say that William Dewitt, described in and who made the Declaration annexed, is the brother of this deponent. That this deponent at the time of the enlistment mentioned in the said Declaration was about ten years of age, residing at home with his father in Northumberland County Pa. with whom also the said William then resided. That this deponent has a perfect recollection of the said enlistment of his brother William in the spring of 1777 & the name of the recruiting officer (Lieut. Moses Van Campen) with whom he enlisted; - and
this deponent further saith that the said William was engaged in the said service for nine months & longer, faithfully & bravely discharging the duties of an American soldier, as this deponent then heard & hath always understood ^ & believed in the Company of Capt. Thomas Robinson in the Regt commanded by Col John Hartley in the Pennsylvania line on the continental Establishment.
And further this deponent saith not.
Isaac DeWitt [signature]

Subscribed & sworn to}     
the 1st day of April}
1828. Before me}
G B. Baldwin [signature]
First Judge, Tioga Co NY

I certify that Isaac Dewitt who executed & made the foregoing affidavit, is a respectable man & credible witness

G.B. Baldwin [signature]
First Judge Tioga Co 
N.Y.
Page 7

State of New York}
Tioga County ss}
William Dewitt named in and who made the annexed declaration being duly sworn doth depose and say that the reason why he did not apply for a Pension under the acts of Congress of the 18 March 1818 and the first of May 1820 at an earlier period is because he did not know until within a year or two that such acts existed
that after he was informed of those acts before mentioned he determined to make application for their benefit- And this deponent further saith that since the 18 of March 1818 until the present time his property hath remained just about the same as stated and set forth in his Schedule in the declaration hereto annexed
contained with any trifling variation during all of the last ten years and further this deponent
saith not-
his
William X Dewitt
Mark

Sworn and subscribed }
this 3d day of April      }
1828 before me           }
Hiram Gray J.P. [signature]

I certify that William Dewitt who executed
and made the forgoing affidavit is a reputable
man and credible witness -
Hiram Gray J. P. [signature]
Page 8

State of New York}
Tioga County ss}
Paul Dewitt of Burlington township County of Bradford and State of Pennsylvania aged about sixty-four years being duly sworn doth depose and say that William Dewitt described in and who made the declaration annexed is the brother of this deponent. That this deponent at the time of the enlistment mentioned in the said declaration was about fourteen years of age residing at home with his Father in Northumberland County Pa with whom also the said William then resided - that this deponent has a perfect recollection of the said
enlistment of his brother William for nine months service in the Spring of 1777 and the name of the recruiting officer (Lieut. Moses Van Campen) with whom he enlisted. And this deponent further saith that the said William was engaged in the said service for nine months and longer as an American Soldier in the Company of Capt. Thomas Robinson in the Regiment commanded by Col. John Hartley in the Pennsylvania line on the continental establishment and further this deponent saith not___
Paul DeWitt [signature]

Sworn and subscribed}
this 3d day of April}
1828 before me___}
Hiram Gray J.P. [signature]

I certify that Paul Dewitt who executed
and made the forgoing affidavit is a reputable
man and credible witness, 
Hiram Gray J. P. [signature]
Page 9

State of New York [underlined]
Tioga County}
Clerk's Office} Ss
[seal at left-hand side]
I Thomas Maxwell Clerk of the said County
of Tioga do hereby certify that Grant B. Baldwin Esq. before whom the affidavit of Isaac DeWitt hereunto annexed was taken was on the day of the date thereof First Judge of the County Courts of the said County duly commissioned, sworn & authorized by law to act as such; and I do further certify that Hiram
Gray Esq. before whom the affidavits of Paul DeWitt & William Dewitt were taken was on the day when the same appear to have been taken, a Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid duly commissioned & authorized by law to act as such: That I am acquainted with the handwriting of the said Judge & Justice & verily believe the signatures
to the said affidavits to be genuine. Witness my hand & the seal of the said County the 3d April 1828
Ths. Maxwell Clk Tioga Co N.Y.
Page 10

State of New York}
Tioga County Ss}
William Dewitt of the Town of Catlin in the County of Tioga and State of New York being
duly sworn deposeth and saith that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the Company Commanded by Captain Thomas Robinson, in the Regiment commanded by Col John Hartley in the service of the United States: that his name was placed on the Pension Roll of the State of Pennsylvania from whence
this deponent removed about seventeen years since; 
That this deponent now resides in the State of New York, where he intends to remain, & wishes his pension to be then payable in future; - and that his reason for removing to the State of New York, was that he had hopes of procuring Lands cheaper & with more facility than in Pennsylvania, his former residence.
his
Wm X Dewitt
mark

Sworn & subscribed to the} 
29th day of May 1828        }
Before me                          }
G. B. Baldwin [signature]
First Judge
Tioga County N.Y.

State of New York}
Tioga County SS.}
John Crawford of the Town of Catlin the County of Tioga State of New York, being
duly sworn deposeth and saith that the above named William DeWitt is the same person described in & who was benefitted by the 
annexed certificate of May 19th 1821. - for that the said certificate has been several years in the hands of this deponent, having been 
deposited with him by the said William Dewitt for safe keeping; & this deponent having aided the said William Dewitt in procuring seven
of the periodical stipends provided for by the said certificate.
John Crawford [signature]

Sworn & subscribed to the}
2d day of June 1828.}
Before me.}
G.B. Baldwin
First Judge
Tioga County NY
Page 11

I certify that John Crawford who subscribed & 
made the next foregoing affidavit, is a credible witness. June 2d 1828.
G. B. Baldwin [signature]
First Judge
Tioga Co NY

State of New York
Tioga County SS
I Samuel H Maxwell Deputy Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Tioga do certify that Grant B Baldwin before whom the foregoing affidavit and certificate
were taken, was the First Judge of the said Court duly qualified and empowered to administer Oaths and his signature thereto is
genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this 1st day of June 1829
Samuel H Maxwell [signature]
Page 12

43476
INVALID.
[initialed]
Revy 
---
File No. 43,476
William De Witt
Pri Rev War
---
Act: 18 March 18"
Index: -- Vol. 3,    Page 125

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 13

Pennsylvania
---
William Dewitt
private in the army of the revolution
---
Inscribed on the roll of Pennsylvania Agency
at the rate of four dollars per month.
---
Formal Certificate issued 19th May 1841 and sent to D. Cruger Esq Bath New York
---
Page 14

Lushd [?]. See letter to Hon. D. Woodcock, H. R.
April 19. 1828. 
See letter to G. B. Baldwin Sept. 15, 1828.
[pointing hand pointing to the right]
To be placed on the N.Y. Rev. roll when Invalid ^ pension certificate & apl [application] for transfer shall have
been received. See letters to J. Robinson 
6 May 1829. & 
June 6. 1829.
Page 15

[page is cut off at left-hand side]
continental establishment, and the
| Shackelford, and Richard Shackles |
who states to have served
with the claimant, are found
| Virginia State troops in this office
| on the files of this office agree
| this Dept
Alexander Shackelford to a
| under the act of March 18,
| examined and I have to state
performed by him under Captain
| the continental establishment
under which he claims provided
served in that establishment
be allowed to him. There was
| [illegible] belonging to the Virginia
Page 16

Personally came John Crawford of the town
of Catlin County of Tioga and State of New York Before me the under named Justice of the Peace of the same place, and being duly sworn sayeth that the same William Dewitt identified by him on oath before Judge Baldwin of Elmira, about one year since is now alive and residing in the town of Catlin, county and state aforesaid.
John Crawford

Sworn and subscribed before me this 17th day of June 1829
John P. Cornell Justice of the peace
---
I hereby certify that the above named John
Crawford is a credible Witness
Catlin June 17th 1827
John P. Cornell J. P.
Page 17

State of New York
Tioga County}
Clerks Office} Ss
[seal at left-hand side of page]

I certify that on the 17th June 1829 John P
Connell Esq whose name is subscribed to the
within Certificate was Justice of the peace in & for the said County duly commissioned & sworn & that full faith & credit are due to his official acts. That I am acquainted with his handwriting & verily believe the signature of "John L. Cornell"
subscribed within to be his proper handwriting.
Witness my hand & the Seal of the
said County the 19th June 1829
S. H. Maxwell Dep Clk [signature]
Page 18

Elmira ny
Sept 10 1834

J.L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
War Dept
Washington City
Page 19

Elmira, Tioga Co. N.Y.
Sept 9. 1828.

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Sir,
In may last I forwarded to the War office the
"Invalid Pension Certificate" of William Dewitt, pursuant to your instructions of Apl 19. 1828 addressed to D. Woodcock Esq. M,C. - Since which I have expected a Certificate of his having been placed on the Revolutionary
Pension List. But now has as yet been rec'd.

The old man was here today for the purpose of executing the necessary power to draw his pension, but no certificate having arrived he is unable to effect his wishes.

I trust & fiercely hope the certificate may be
immediately forwarded.
I remain most Respectfully
Your obed. Svt
G. B. Baldwin
Page 20

Recd. 16 April 1838
William De Witt
Act 18 March 1818
Tioga County 
N York

Hon D Woodcock HR

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office
War Department

Adm'd
Page 21

House of Reps 15th April 1828,

Dr Sir

I inform you the application of Wm D Witt a Revolutionary Soldier for a Pension - the further
proof which was required I trust is now supplied and that the Pension will be granted -
Respectfully yours
D Woodcock

J L Edwards Esq
Page 22

APPLICATION FOR A NEW CERTIFICATE.
State of New York
Steuben County of SS.
On this twenty ninth day of March 1821; before
me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said county of Steuben___ personally appeared William DeWitt___ who, on his oath, declares that he is the same person who formerly belonged to the company commanded by Captain Long___ in the regiment commanded by Colonel James Potter
___ in the service of the United States; that his name was placed on the pension roll of the state of Pennsylvania, that [STURCK THRU---
he received a certificate of that fact, under the signature and seal of the Secretary of War, which certificate, on or about the ___ day of__
182 , at or near]
he this deponent never received a pension
certificate, but that he has drawn a pension at
Philadelphia until within about two years.

his
William  X Dewitt
mark

Sworn and subscribed to before}
me, the day and year aforesaid}
Henry Willes J P.

NOTES. The last four blanks are left for the applicant to set forth the time, place, and manner of the loss or destruction of the original certificate.
The oath to be taken before a duly qualified magistrate, whose official character
and signature must be properly authenticated.
Page 23


I do hereby certify that I am personally acquaint
with Henry Miller before whom the within
affidavit was taken, that he was a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Steuben at the 
time when the said affidavit was taken and
that it is the proper signature & in the handwriting of the said Henry Miller; that the 
certificate & Seal of the Clerk of the said County of Steuben was omitted by mistake & through [illegible]
Washington May 17. 1821
Daniel Cuyer [signature]

Wm De Witt [sideways in left-hand margin]

.
Page 24

Pension

Place him in Revo. Roll & Transfer him

Pension Office 
5th June 1829
Page 25

Elmira June 1 1829

The Hon. J. H. Eaton
D. Sir
The enclosed papers were supposed to have been long since sent to the department and lost on the way; but the fact appears otherwise, they were mislaid and fortunately have just been found.
I hope there may be nothing now to prevent the new certificate being immediately transmitted, as the old soldier is in very needy circumstances and becoming impatient.
With Great Consideration
I am, Sir,
Your
Obt. Svt.
James Robinson [signature]
Page 26

Pension Office
26th June 1829
Page 27

Elmira June 20 1829

Sir,
I have the honor to transmit the proof required by instructions under date of the 6th Inst-in the case of W. Dewitt.
Permit me to suggest that it will be years
next Sept - since he has drawn any pay on his old certificate and that the testimony upon which his present application has been decided was finished a year ago last winter -- these considerations will doubtless be taken into
view in fixing the commencement of his
pension.
With Great Respect
I am your obt svt
James Robinson

Hon. J. H. Eaton
Secretary of War