Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 828, John Trusler, Va.
Page 1

[written on the left side of page 1]
3-1776

SERVICE
Va.

CONTENTS

[written in the middle of page 1]
Trusler, John
Elizabeth

[written on the right side of page 1]
NUMBER
W. 828
Page 2

Ohio. 22.328.
John Trusler
of Franklin Co. in the State of Ohio.
who was a Private in the Co. commanded
by Captain Leven of the Regt. commanded
by Colo. Rose in the Virginia
line for 9 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio. ______
at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Oct.
1833 and sent to W
Thrall.  Granville. [illegible word]. Ohio.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833. 75.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 21 [illegible word] 34.15.
$90--

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7. 1832.}
Recorded by Wm R Palmer Clerk,
Book E Vol. 8 Page 26.
Page 3

State of Ohio  

Franklin County [fs or ss] [squiggly line] On this third day of July A. D. 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Frank-lin now sitting John Trusler a resident of Clinton Township in the County of Franklin and State of Ohio aged Seventy five 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 as a private under the following named officers and served as here in Stated. He was twice in the service. four months in his first term under Col. Hugh Rose and Major Billy William Penn (Captain not recollected). he entered the service about the first of March 1781 and left it about the first of July. He was in the battle of Guilford under Gen'l Green. He resided when he entered the service in what is now called Nelson County Virginia (formerly Amherst C[illegible letter]) Marched into Carolina and was beat back. He was drafted. (The No. of the Continental Reg't not recolected) nor the Regular officer except Gen'l Green.  

In his second Term of Service he was out five months under Capt John Loven. He went into service in a few days after his return home he think about the 8th or 10th of July, and left the service he thinks the [illegible word] of december the same year He assisted at the Seige of York Town and the Taking of - Cornwallis. He was drafted. He marched from Amherst to Richmond, to Williamsburgh and to York Town. Assisted in York Town in digging in trenchments. Questions propounded by the Court.  

1st Where and in What year were you born An's In Amherst County Va. in 1758  

2d Have you any record of your age. Ans. none.  

3d. Where were you living when called into Service. where have you lived? since the revolution and where do you now live  

An's. When called into service he lived in Amherst Co. Va. about the year 1817 he moved from Amherst to Hawkins County Tennesse in the year 1830 he moved
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from Tennessee to Franklin Co. Ohio where he has since lived
4th How were you called into Service.
Answer, he was drafted.
5th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served such continental and militia Reg'ts as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your Service 
Ans. He was with many regular officers at Guilford and at York Town, but he was not acquainted with them. And his recolection has become so frail from old age and disease that he cannot name them, except Gen'l Washington & Green. Neither does he recollect the Regt with which he served. He was marched about a good deal and [crossed out word] did very [crossed out word] great deal of labour. and was [illegible word] to most all kinds of service. He has no docu-mentary [illegible word-possibly widower], and knows of know in who can testify to it. 
6th Did you ever receive a discharge.
Ans. He never received a written discharge when our times were out our Captain gave us some rations and told us we might go.
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your character for vesa- city and their belief of your Servises as Sol-
dier of the Revolution
Ans. The Rev Jason Bull & George Kirkland. He further states that about twenty years since he was very badly hurt by the fall of a tree, he has never been well since, and his recollection has almost entirely left him. He hereby relinquishes every claim what ever to pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
               his
John [illegible mark] Trusler
              mark
Sworn to and subscribed the day year aforesaid
A J McDowell CeR
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We Jason Bull a clergyman residing in the County of Franklin and State of Ohio and George Kirkland residing in the same place hereby certify the that we are acquainted with John Trusler who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 75 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he re-sides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Jason Ball
George Kirkland
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
A J McDowell  CeR
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatooies prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he States. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Jason Ball who signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident said Franklin County and that George Kirkland who has also signed the same is a resident in the same County and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
A J McDowell Cer

I  A J McDowell    Clerk of the Court of Franklin County and State of Ohio do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Trusler for a 
pension
In testimony where of I have
hereunto set my hand and seal 
of Office  this third day of July  
A D 1833
A J McDowell CeR
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Tabular Statement of John Trusler's service
[separated by categories]
[nothing was noted in the categories of years and days]
Periods when ser-vice was rendered
In 1781

9 months

Rank
Private

Names of Officers
1st Col Rose
Maj. Penn 
2d Term
Capt Lovin

Age 
75 years of age lives in Franklin Co. Ohio

[no title for this category]
Rev Jason Bull
George Kirkland

[written sideways towards the bottom of page 6]
26. 494.
Page 7

[written on left side of page 7]
1,310.
Ohio,
Cincinnati:
Elizabeth Trusler,
widow of John,Trusler
who served in the Revolutionary 
[above the word war: Va]
war, as a [crossed out word] Private,

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 30 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued
15th. day of Aug.,'53.
and sent to
N. B. Campbell,
Columbus,
Ohio.

Recorded on the Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 169 Vol. [illegible letter]

[written sideways on the right side of page 7]
Date of death not an aB.
Page 8

[written on the top right side of page 8]
Widow
Elizabeth Trusler's
Revolutionary 
Pension Application
under act of. 
February 3rd 1853. [two dashes under 3rd]

[written on the bottom right side of page 8]
N. B. Campbell
Attorney
Columbus
Ohio
Page 9

State of Ohio Union County SS  
On this 9th day of April 1853 Personally appeared before the Probate Court of the County of Union State of Ohio Elizabeth Tusler. a resident of Union County and State of Ohio after 78 years Who first being duly sworn according to law, doth en her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd day of February A. D 1853 granting pensions to widows of Pensions who served during the Revolutionary war. that she is the widow of John Tusler, and who w[illegible letter] to the time of his death. which took place at the County of Union State of Ohio on the 16th day of August 1838 drew a Pension of thirty six dollars. a year, on account of his said services under the Act of Congress passed June 17th 1832 that her said husband Drew his Pension at Cincinnati Ohio  
She further declares that she was married to the said John Tusler at Amherst County State of Virginia on the 22nd day of April A D 1803 by one Wm Crawford a Preacher. that her said husband died as aforesaid. that she was not [six crossed out words] 2nd day of January A. D 1800 but at the time above stated she further declares that she is now a widow 

              her 

Elizabeth X Tusler 

             mark 

Sworn to and Subscribed as the 9th day of April A. D 1853 before me Thomas Brown Probate Judge within and for the County of Union State
Page 10

[written on top of page 10]
of Ohio as Wittness my hand and the seal of Said Court
Thos Brown Probate Judge
Union County

[written on bottom of page 10]
State of Ohio Union County S. S
Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Union and State of Ohio came Salley Wells aged 40 years and George D Kirkland aged 70 years [illegible word] respectable and reliable Citizens who being duly sworn according to law on their oath said that pension to the death of John Tusler they were acquainted with him and his wife Elizabeth for the term of  26    years that during that time they lived together as man and wife. that the said John Tusler was a pensioner of the United States on the Revolutionary rolls. that he died on
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the 16th day of August 1838 that his wife Elizabeth has continued a Widier from that time to this and is now a Widow. that further they swear that they are [illegible word] in their matter  

Witness  

John Hutchisson                                                                                                                         James T Hutchisson  

       her                                                                                                                                         Sally x Wells                                                                                                                                                                                
      mark                                                                                                                                          George D Carkland  

Seal [word is circled]                                                                                                                    Seal [word is circled]  

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th day of April A. D. 1853 and Certify that said affiants are well known to one, and are worthy and cridible persons                                                      John Hutchisson J.P.  

I certify that I was well acquainted with John & Elizabeth Trusler for many years and am satisfied that they were legally man & wife and know certainly that they lived together as man & wife for thirty years that the said John Trusler Died the 26th of August AD 1865 and the said Elizabeth Trusler is yet a widow                                                                                                 John Hutchisson J.P.
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KNOW ALL MEN by these presents that I the subscriber have and do hereby appoint N. B. Campbell of Columbus Ohio. [two crossed out words] my true and lawful Attorney for me and in  my name to receive from the Secretary of War, Paymaster General, Second or Third Auditor of the Treasury, or any officer or officers authorized to pay the same,     [three crossed out words] all moneys, drafts or other dues of every kind, nature and name, for extra pay, commutation money, bounty, clothing money, prize money, withheld pay, or any other dues of every kind due me from the United States, whether paid by any of the before mentioned or any other officers of the United States; and I do hereby request said officers or any or either of them to pay said amounts to said Campbell and hereby give said Campbell full power to endorse all drafts, pay certificates, or any other papers in reference to said business, and to execute any and all receipts or discharges, and to do any other act which     I could if present; and any act by him done shall be the same as if done by me in proper person
Witness my hand and seal this 8 day of April, A. D. 1853.
Signed and sealed in presence of us,
James T Hutchisson
John Hutchisson 
               her
Elizabeth  X Trusler
              mark
SEAL.
SEAL.
SEAL.

STATE OF Ohio COUNTY OF Union, SS. 
[illegible words] Justice of the Peace in and for said county, personally came Elizabeth Trusler and acknowledged that she had executed the foregoing instrument. I certify that I know her to be the person described in the same. Given under my hand at Millcreek this [illegible letters] 8th day of April, A. D. 1853.
John Hutchisson Justice of the Peace.

IN TESTIMONY THAT John Hutchisson, Esq., who has subscribed the foregoing affidavit--and also taken the acknowledgement of the within power of Attorney, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in said county and State, fully authorized to do the same, and the signatures appear to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as Clerk of the said Court, and affixed the seal of the Common Pleas Court, at Marysville this 9th day of April, A. D. 1853
James Turner CLERK.
[seal located on the bottom left of page 12]
Page 13

State of Ohio, County of [blank space]  SS. [blank space] do declare that [blank space] was late a [blank space] in the company commanded by Captain [blank space] of the [blank space] Regiment of [blank space], That [blank space] enlisted at [blank space]       
on the [blank space] day of [blank space] A. D. [blank space], for the term of [blank space], and served faithfully until the [blank space] day of [blank space] A. D., [blank space] when [blank space] was honorably discharg- at [blank space] on account of [blank space], and was last paid by [blank space] Paymaster and discharge which duly testifies all these particulars [blank space] That said [blank space] was married to [blank space] on or about the [blank space] day of [blank space] A. D. [blank space] at the county of [blank space] State of [blank space] by one [blank space] a [blank space] That he died on or about the [blank space] day of [blank space] A. D., [blank space] at the county of [blank space] State of [blank space]. That she died on about the [blank space] day of [blank space] A. D. [blank space], at the county of [blank space] State of [blank space] That she continued his widow until the [blank space] day of [blank space]. A. D. 18[blank space]. That the only living issue of said marriage [blank space] the following [blank space]

[written on the bottom left side of page 13]
Sworn to and subscribed before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the county of [blank space] State of [blank space], this [blank space] day of [blank space], A. D. 185[blank space]., and I hereby certify that said affidavit is entitled to all credit, as wit-ness my hand
Justice of the Peace.

[written on the bottom right side of page 13] 
SEAL.
SEAL.
SEAL.
SEAL.
Page 14

[written on top right side of page 14]
Elizabeth Trusler
Widow of 
John Trusler,
a revolutioner
[long line]
Marriage Certificate
in Aid
of
Claim for Pension
Sent to [Cora or Cosa,] of Pension,
on the 12th April A D 1853,
[two dashes under 12th]
[long line]

[written on bottom right side of page 14]
Presented by
N. Campbell
Columbus
Ohio
Page 15

Know are men by these presents that we Jno Trusler & Jos Roberts are heed and firmly brend unto Page Esq. The Governor of Virginia for the time being and to his Successors in office for the use of the Commonwealth in the sum of L150 to which payment well and truly to made we bind ourselves jointly and Severally firmly by these presents Sealed with our Seals and this 18th day of April 1803
The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage intended Shortly to be had & Solemnifed between the above bound Jno Trusler & Elizabeth Dunning now if there should be no legal cause to obstruct the Said marriage then the above obligation to be void or else to remain in full force & virtues
John Trousler  Seal [circled]
Joseph Roberts  Seal [circled]
State of Virginia
Amherst County [squiggly line] Se I Samuel M Garland Clerk of the Court of the County of Amherst aforesaid in the State aforesaid do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of an original marriage bond now on file in my office 
[seal on the left side of page 15]
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affisced the seal of my office this 1st day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty three and in the 77th year of the Commonwealth
Samuel M Garland Clerk
Page 16

[crossed out numbers] 22.328
John Trusler
Franklin County
Ohio

Adm 9. Months $30


Walter Thrall
Granville
Licking County
Ohio.
Page 17

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
11th October 1833.

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjcined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them;  and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
 
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Trusler 

Period when the service was rendered.
1 March 1781
8 [illegible letters]10 July 1781. 

Duration of the claimant's service.
4. about months 
5. months

Rank of the Claimant.
P[illegible letters]

Names and rank of the Filed officers under whom he served.
Col Rose
Maj. Penn . [line]
Cap. Loven

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
75 years. Amherst County Virginia

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary [line]

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 18

2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim-ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of}
County of} ss.
On this [blank space] day of [blank space] personally appeared (a) before [blank space] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank space] in the county of [blank space] and State, Territory or District of [blank space] aged (c) [blank space] 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank space], with [blank space] and served in the [blank space] (e) regiment of the [blank space] line, under the following named officers:
 
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he serv-ed under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or country and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [blank space] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, nave, &c.]
 
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank space] 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and aforesaid. [blank space], A.B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was revolu-tionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank space] of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz: [blank space] (k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank space] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank space] years of age; that his reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.] 
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 Revo-lutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank space] Clerk of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify that he foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said  Court, in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commis-sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser-vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with events of the period of his
Page 19

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at-tempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex-pected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was n giv-en, and what has become of it?
{To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes-tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have every existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. 
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can pro-cure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will fol-low the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of 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. 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 [blank space] year [blank space] months, and [blank space] days, I served as a [blank space]. For [blank space] months and [blank space] days, I served as a [blank space]; and for such service I claim a pension."
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 here or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that 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 au-thority; 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.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must ffix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pub-lic seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
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 con-tains the affidavit, or other papers 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.
Proof of Service.
(j) 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 claimant's 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 wit-nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[picture of hand pointing to the right] The notes form [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases. 
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 20

October 31, 1932

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PA-J/EE[illegible letter]
James Trusler-W. 9528
John Trusler -W. 828

Honorable Joe L. Smith
Member of Congress
Beckley, West Virginia

My dear Mr. Smith

Reference is made to your letter of October 27, 1932, in which you request information in regard to James and John Trusler, soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Their histories follow:

The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 9528, based upon the military service of James Trusler in that war.

James Trusler was born November 7, 1755, in Amherst County, Vir-ginia.

While residing in Amherst County, Virginia, he enlisted the last of June, 1780, served as a private in Captain Ezeriah Martin's Com-pany, Colonel Smith's Virginia Regiment and was discharged January 24, 1781.

[written on the far-right side of page 20]
could not identify Capt Martin
There was Col. Smith in Mc Neil.

After the Revolution, he resided in Washington County, Virginia, and in 1810 or 1811, removed to Franklin County, Indiana Territory.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 17, 1833, while residing in Franklin County, Indiana. 

He died September 5, 1844.

The soldier married July 4, 1776, in Augusta County, Virginia, Susannah, whose maiden name was not stated. 

Soldier's widow, Susannah, was allowed pension on her applica-tion executed August 23, 1851, at which time she was aged ninety-six years and resided in Bloomin Grove Township, Franklin County, Indiana.
Page 21

James and Susannah Trusler had eleven children, all of whom, it was stated, lived to be grown except the oldest who died when young. The only name of a child that is given is Sarah Adair, who in 1851, was residing in Franklin County, Indiana, and then stated that she was born in 1782, in Virginia. 

There are no further data as to family. 

[written on the far-left side of page 21]
Date of widow's death not on AB

......

The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.828, based upon the military service of John Trusler in that war.

John Trusler was born in 1758, in Amherst County, Virginia.

While residing in Amherst(later Nelson) County, Virginia, he en-listed about March 1, 1781, and served four months as a private in Colonel Hugh Rose's Virginia Regiment and was in the battle of Guil-ford: he enlisted about July 8 or 10, 1781, served as a private in Captain John Loven's Virginia Company and was at the siege of York-town and capture of Cornwallis, length of this service, five months.

[written on the far-right side of page 21]
Could not identify officers

About the year 1817, he moved from Amherst County, Virginia, to Hawkins County, Tennessee and in 1830, to Franklin County, Ohio,

He was allowed pension on his application execute July 3, 1833, while residing in Clinton Township, Franklin County, Ohio.

He died August 16, 1838, in Union County, Ohio.

The soldier married April 22, 1803, in Amherst County, Virginia, Elizabeth Dunning. The marriage bond was recorded in the office of the clerk of said Amherst County.

Soldier's widow, Elizabeth, was allowed pension on her applica-tion executed April 9, 1853, at which time she was aged seventy-eight years and resided in Union County, Ohio.

There are no data as to [crossed out word] children.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.

[written on the far-left bottom of page 21]
Date of widow's death not on AB
Page 22

No [dashes underneath] 1042
Elizabeth Tusler
widow of John
Ohio.

Let to. N. B. Campbell
June 14 1. [illegible number]3

Act Feby of [illegible number]3
Page 23

[envelope?]

[written on stamp on the left side of page 23]
COLUMBUS
OHIO.
JUN 7

[written sideways on the left side of page 23]
C
Mayo

Pension Business [underlined]
[illegible word]

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City.
D. C [line]
Page 24

Pension Office,
August 11, 1833 [or 1853]

Sir, 
Please certify the time
to which within named
pensions was last paid;
[m or w](of in your power)
the date of his death
Very respectfully
[illegible words]
S. Cole
Sir Commissioner
F Burt Esq
Present

(see other side.)
Page 25

John Trusler, Act of 7th June 1832 $30. p. an. 
Died 16th August 1838, paid to his death.
F Burt
Auditor. [underlined]
Page 26

[written on the left side of page 26]
1916, Feb. 8, history to Mr.
Fred V. Bouic. M.B.H. 
1932 Oct 25-[illegible letter]eist
to [illegible letter]ean Joe L Smith
See Celle[illegible letter] in case
James Trusler
[illegible letter]. 9528- EEL

[written on the right side of page 26]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 828
Elizabeth Trusler,
Widow,
John Trusler,
Priv. Rev. War.
Act: Feb. 8. 1853.
Index:--Vol. M., Page 280.
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 27

1,310
Ohio. Cincinnati
Elizabeth Trusler
widow of John
who served in the Revolution
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
30 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence
the [crossed out sentence] 
3" February 18 [blurred number]
Certificate of Pension issued
15 day of Aug [illegible numbers]
and sent to
N.B. Campbell 
Columbus
Ohio

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under 
[crossed out date] Page 169 Vol. A
3d February 1[blurred number]
183[missing number]
Page 28

Columbus Ohio
June 18th 1853

Sir

Your report requiring record evidence of the marraige of John & Elizabeth Tusler dated June 16th - 1853 is recd. On the 6th day of June Inst. I transmitted a record from the Clerk of the Court of the County where they were married, to your office where you [illegible word] probably find it upon ex-amination
Very Respectfully
N B. Campbell

H. L. P. Waldo
Com. of Pension
Washington D. C.
Page 29

Trusler
Page 30

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Trusler, widow of John Trusler
Union County and State of Ohio.
act 3d February 1853. 

Claim, ("original," [crossed out words]")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under 
the Act of June 7. 1832

Marriage proved by certified copy
of marriage bond bond, and prove
evidence certified to be credible.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

N. B. Campbell Esq
Columbus,
Name and residence of Agent Ohio. 

R Geddes
Examining Clerk.
Page 31

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3--525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C.,[blank space], 19[blank space]

In reply to your request of [blank space], received [blank space] for a statement of the military history of John Trusler a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen-sion on file in this Bureau. W. J. 828.

[below is the information of both times John Trusler served in the Revolutionary War.]

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Mch 1, 1781
July 8 or 10 1781

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
4 mos.
5 mos.

RANK.
Pvt. 

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
[BLANK]
John Loven

COLONEL.
Haugh Rose
[BLANK]

STATE.
Va.

Battles engaged in, Guilford Siege of York.

Residence of soldier at enlistment, Amherst Co. Va.

Date of application for pension, July 3, 1833. His claim was allowed,

Residence at date of application, Clinton Township Franklin Co. Ohio

Age at date of application, born in Amherst Co. Va. on 1758.

Remarks: soldier married in Amherst Co. Va. Apr. 22 1803 Elizabeth Dunning, he died in Union Co., Ohio August 16. 1838 and she was al-lowed pension on an ap. executed Apr 9. 1853 while a resident of Union Co. Ohio aged 78 years
There is no further family data on file
Respectfully,

6--2856

Commissioner.
Page 32

ORIE McCONKEY, PRINCIPAL

NL1
Revsee
FRED V. BOUIC, DIRECTOR

Washington Irving High School
COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT

CLARKSBURG, W. VA., Feb. 1 / 16

Hon. Commissioner Pensioners
Washington, D. C.

Honored Sir:

John Trusler, was my father's great-grandfather. He was a revolutionary patriot, and pensioner from Ohio. I am anxious to get the record, in seriess of reports, of revolutionary soldiers in record, in 1885, gotten out by state of Va.

My object is to use these to become a member of the Association of Sons of the Revolution.

Thanking you most [illegible word] for your cooperation, [illegible word],

Most [illegible word],
Fred V. Bouic
Page 33

[written on the stamp]
GRANVILLE
July 4
OHIO.

[written sideways on page 33]
26. 494.
Ohio

Free.
James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 34

Granville Licking Co. Ohio
July 4th 1833
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the application
of John Trusler for a pension
Respectfully your
Humble Servt.
Walter Thrall
J. L. Edwards Esq.