Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4504, for Philip Rhoads, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Penn
Rhoads, Philip
Susan
NUMBER
W. 4504
CONTENTS
Page 2

[left page]
3805
Pennsylvania 3805
Susan Rhoads
widow of Philip Rhoads
who died the 2d. July 1812
of Lancaster Co. in the State of Pennsylvania
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Weitsel of the regt. commanded
by [blank] in the Penn.
line for 6 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia
at the rate of 20 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of November
1842 and sent to D. B. Vondersmith
Lancaster, Pa.
Arrears to the 4th of Sep. 1842 $232-
Semi=annual allowance ending [illegible] 43. 10
$242.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3.
recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book C Vol. 1 Page 158

[right page]
Reported to Agent
3d Auditor May 9 1859
Page 3

5692
Susan Rhoads
of
Philip
Pennsylvania
Page 4

B
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress 4th. of July 1836.
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Ss
On this 29th day of October AD 1842,
Personally appeared before John K Findlay, Recorder of
the Mayor's Court in and for the City of Lancaster, Susan Rhoads
of Strasburg township, in the County and State aforesaid, aged
87 years and upwards, who being first duly sworn according
to law - doth on her solemn oath make the following
declaration - That she is the widow of Philip Rhoads late
of the township of Strasburg, who was a soldier of the Revolution
and served as follows viz:
In the year 1776. my husband joined the
Army of the United States, in the City of Lancaster (my
husband and myself resided in Conestoga township in the
County aforesaid) - I had been married about three months
before my husband joined the army - I accompanied my
husband to Lancaster, and saw him leave in Captain Casper
Weitzel's Company (of the Borough, now City of Lancaster)
and were marched for Long Island, it was in the summer
of the year above mentioned when they left - I remained
with my mother in law Mrs. Rhoads (now deceased) in the City
of Lancaster, until the return of my husband, which was
in December 1776, in company with the Hessian prisoners.
I saw him aiding in putting them in the Barracks.
On his return of this campaign, he often related
to me, and many others - "that he was at the battle
of Long Island, and that they were flogged, and chased
to New York City, and from thence they retreated to some
of the Forts above New York (but the names of the forts
I am unable to remember), and from thence I believe
(they)
Page 5

they were marched to Trenton, were they had the battle with
the Hessians" -
In the Spring of the year 1777, my husband Philip
Rhoads, joined the army of the United States again in the City of
Lancaster - I believe he enlisted under Colonel Butler, at
the Lancaster Barracks - (I was present when he enlisted), and
saw him, when he left with several other companies for Philadelphia -
this was a few days after he enlisted - I did not see
my husband, after he had left Lancaster, until the return
of part of the Company, which was I believe in 1779.
His statement on the return of this campaign
as near as I can recollect is this - "That he was at and
fought in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and that
the british had whipped them at both these places - and that
after these battles - I think they were then marched to "Valley
Forge," to take up winter Quarters, and remained there until
Summer, (the year that the encampment broke up at Valley
Forge I am unable to tell), after the encampment broke
up at "Valley Forge" they were I believe (he stated) marched
to Monmouth, accompanied by General Washington.
In the battle of Monmouth, declarants
thinks it was, he was wounded in the thigh, with a musket
ball, making an in incission of about four inches in length,
the ball was soon after extracted by the surgeon, and he experienced
no serious injury from the wound -
In another engagement a musket ball
struck him in the left arm, near the elbow, and causing a
stifness of the elbow ever after - these scars have I
often seen, and the wound of the arm, was not completely
healed on his return.
She further declares that she was married
to the said Philip Rhoads, on the 26. of March AD 1776
by the Rev. Dr. Muhlenburg (in the Borough, now City of
Lancaster ). and that her husband the aforesaid Philip Rhoads
died in Strasburg township in the County and State aforesaid
(on)
Page 6

on the 2nd of July AD 1812, aged 62 years, 5 months,
and 10 days. And that she has remained a widow ever
since that period as will more fully appear by reference to
the proof hereto annexed.
her
Susan [mark] Rhoads
mark
[hand drawn seal]
Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
before me.
J K Findlay
test. James Patterson
D B Vondersmith

Lancaster City SS:
I John K Findlay, Recorder of the Mayor's
Court in and for the City of Lancaster, before whom the
above declaration was made, do certify that Susan Rhoads
widow of Philip Rhoads, late of said county deceased, is a
highly respectable lady, and that her declaration is entitled
to full credit and belief
Witness my hand and seal, at said city this
29th day of October AD 1842.
J. K. Findlay [hand drawn seal]

Lancaster County SS:
On this 29th day of October AD 1842,
Personally appeared before John K Findlay, Recorder of the
Mayors Court in and for the City of Lancaster, Philip Meck
a resident of Lampeter township in the County and State
aforesaid, a soldier and pensioner of the United States, who
being first sworn according to law, states that he had a
personal knowledge of the military services of Philip Rhoads
in the war of the Revolution, and they were as follows viz:
(I)
Page 7

I joined the Army in the City of Lancaster in the year 1776.
under Captain Graff of the "Flying Camp," at the same time
that Philip Rhoads of Conestoga township, joined Captain
Weitzel's Company (I knew Mr Rhoads long before he joined
the army) - I think there was three or four companies were
marched, with us, from Lancaster, at this time. one of them
was a strange company from Lebanon or Dauphin County, I
am not certain which. I think only two of the companies
belonged to Lancaster County, that was Weitzel's and Graffs
companies, in which I and Philip Rhoads belonged - and I
am almost certain that Colonel Atlee had the command over
the companies, from Lancaster until we got to the Gersies, there
was a change in officers - Captain Weitzel's Company was with
us on to Long Island and was engaged in the battle, and we retreated
to New York City - and when the british entered we left
for one of the forts - and when we arrived at fort Washington, the
british was still after us - we retreated to fort Lee, from thence
we retreated, and crossed the Hudson river - (and the british were
still pursuing us) - at Brunswick Captain Weitzel's company
left us for Trenton, and arrived there a few hours before we did.
we just arrived as the Hessians surrendered - (Captain Weitzel's
company was engaged in the battle of Trenton) - after the Hessians
had been taken Captain Weitzel's and our Company, were part of
the guard to take the prisoners to Lancaster, and after we had
them safely deposited in the Barracks, we were discharged which
was in December 1776- Philip Rhoads was also wounded
but in what battles I am unable to say - I saw his wounds
shortly after his return of the campaign of 1777, 78' 79 -
He often related to me, (I have heard it also from Soldiers
that were with him in this campaign), that it was
in the battles of Brandywine and Monmouth, that he received
his wounds.
and I do say upon the solemn oath that
I have taken, that I had a personal knowledge of the services
of Philip Rhoads, from the time, that we left Lancaster
(together)
Page 8

together, which was either in July or August 1776 until our
return with the Hessian prisoners which was in December 1776.
And that Susan Rhoads, an applicant for
a pension is the widow of the above named Philip Rhoads
who died, in the year AD 1812. and that she has
remained his widow ever since that time-
Philip Meck [hand drawn seal]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above
written - before me -
J. K. Findlay
Test.
James Patterson

Lancaster City SS:
I, John K Findlay, Recorder of
the Mayor's Court in and for the City of Lancaster, before
whom the foregoing deposition was taken, do certify, that
Philip Meck of Lampeter township, in the County aforesaid,
is a highly respectable citizen, and that his deposition
is entitled full credit and belief.
Witness my hand and seal at said City
this 29th day of October AD 1842
J. K. Findlay [hand drawn seal]
Page 9

Lancaster County Ss:
On this 29th day of October AD 1842,
Personally appeared before John K Findlay, Recorder of the Mayors
Court in and for the City of Lancaster, Peter Maurer of Manheim
Township, in the County and State aforesaid, a soldier and pensioner
of the United States, who being first sworn according to law
states that he had a personal knowledge of the military services
of Philip Rhoads in the war of the Revolution, and they were
as follows viz:
In the year 1776, (In the summer ) I saw
Captain Weitzel's and Captain Graff's Companies, and several
others, leave Lancaster for Long Island, among the members
that I knew well was Philip Rhoads of Weitzel's Company.
I was drafted at this time as militiaman, under Captain
Henry, to stand guard at the Barracks and Stockades in Lancaster.
Sometime late in the fall of the year 1776,
a company of us were taken on to Philadelphia, and when we
arrived at Philadelphia, we were here but a short time until
we heard of the capture of the Hessians - and we remained here
until the arrival of the prisoners from Trenton, under Captain
Doyle, it was at this time again that I saw Philip Rhoads
in Weitzel's company and also Graff's Company - these were
two of the companies that aided in bringing the prisoners from
Trenton to Philadelphia. when they arrived, we got orders to
aid in bringing them to the Lancaster Barracks-- we arrived
in Lancaster in December 1776.
In the year 1777. I saw many
soldiers enlisting in Lancaster (in the forepart of this year), that
I was well acquainted with from boyhood up - I saw Philip
Rhoads join the army at this time (wether he enlisted, I am
unable to say ) - but I saw him join Colonel Butlers Company,
(I believe that all his men were enlisted) - I saw this company
and several others leave Lancaster for Philadelphia -
I did not see Captain Weitzel's after they left, until there
return to Lancaster, which was after the battles of Brandywine
(wine)
Page 10

Germantown and Monmouth had been fought.
I was standing guard at the Barracks, under Captain Crawford,
when part of several companies returned, this was in
the year 1779 or 80 - when I saw Philip Rhoads again.
And that Susan Rhoads, an applicant
for a pension is the widow of the above named Philip Rhoads
who died in the summer of the year AD 1812, and that
she yet remains his widow
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
above written, before me-
Peter Maurer [hand drawn seal]
JK Findlay
Peter M
Test.
James Patterson

Lancaster City Ss:
I John K Findlay, Recorder of the
Mayor's Court, in and for the City of Lancaster, before whom
the above deposition was made, do certify that Peter Maurer
of Manheim township, is a highly respectable citizen, and that
his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief.
Witness my hand & seal at said City this
29th day of October AD 1842.
JK Findlay [hand drawn seal]
Page 11

Lancaster County Ss:
On this 29th, day of October AD 1842,
Personally appeared before John K Findlay, Recorder of the Mayor's
Court in and for the City of Lancaster, Peter Shindle a resident
of the City of Lancaster, a soldier and pensioner of the United
States, who being duly sworn according to law, states that he
had a personal knowledge of the military services of Philip Rhoads
in the Revolutionary War, and they were as follows viz:
In the year 1777, (in the forepart)
I joined a company in Lebanon, and was marched from thence to
the Borough of Lancaster (now City). I was the fifer of said Company.
we remained several days at the barracks, from thence
we were marched for Philadelphia - there was several companies
that accompanied us from Lancaster - among them was Colonel
Butlers Company of Enlisted soldiers, who had all enlisted at Lancaster -
I became acquainted with Philip Rhoads before we
left the Lancaster Barracks, who belonged to Colonel Butler's company
(and in fact there was few of the soldiers that I did not
become acquainted with, either at the Baracks, or in the Camp).
when we left Lancaster we were marched to Brandywine
we had arrived but a short time, until we got into battle with
the british, and we were defeated, and there was a number
of our men wounded, and also of the Companies that accompanied
us down - (I saw General Lafayette when he
was wounded in this battle). we retreated to Chester, and from
thence we were marched to Germantown and had a severe engagement
again with the british - the Company in which
Rhoads belonged suffered severely - Mr Rhoads was wounded
in this battle, (I saw him shortly after he was wounded) he
had received what the surgeons call a flesh wound by a
musket ball - we all retreated to "White Marsh" and
the wounded were taken there in baggage waggons, we remained
encamped here but a short time. we afterwards
removed to "Valley Forge" to take up winter Quarters, and remained
here encamped until the beginning of the summer
(of)
Page 12

of 1778. (Mr Rhoads wound was completely healed
long before the encampment broke up - at the breaking
up of the encampment, we were put into different detachments.
the last time that I saw him, was when he left in Sullivans
detachment for Monmouth. And upon the oath
that I have taken, I do say, that I saw Philip Rhoads personally
engaged in all the battles mentioned in my deposition,
and that I have known the said Philip Rhoads
to have belonged to the Army from the time, we left Lancaster,
which was early in the spring of the year 1777, for
Germantown, until the encampment broke up at "Valley
Forge" which was early in June 1778.
and that Susan Rhoads, an applicant
for a pension is the widow of the above named Philip
Rhoads, who died, in the year AD 1812, and that the
has remained his widow ever since that time.
Sworn to & subscribed the day and year above
written, before me.
his
Peter [mark, X] Shindle [hand drawn seal]
mark
JK Findlay
Test.
James Patterson
DB Vondersmith

Lancaster City Ss:
I John K Findlay, Recorder of the
Mayor's Court in and for the City of Lancaster, before whom
the foregoing deposition was taken, do certify, that Peter
Shindle of Lancaster City, is a highly respectable citizen
and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief.
Witness my hand & seal at said City this
29th day of October AD 1842
JK Findlay [hand drawn seal]
Page 13

I John C Baker Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran
Congregation of the Holy Trinity in the City of Lancaster in the
County of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania, do certify that
the following extract shewing the marriage of Philip Rhoads
and Susan Hershey taken from the records of said church to
wit from a Register of Marriages kept by Reverend Henry Muhlenburg
formerly pastor of said Congregation is a true copy of the
record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the
record in fair legible figures -
1776
March 26. [?] [Auf?] Phillip Rhoads und Susan Hershey. C. N.
which said record was written and kept by the said Reverend
Henry Muhlenburg in the German language in the aforesaid Register
the record of which said marriage being translated into the
English language is as follows -
1776
March 26. According to proclamation Philip Rhoads and Susan
Hershey they being married.
I John C Baker above named depose and say that I hold the
office of Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of the
Holy Trinity in the City, County and State aforesaid, and that the
above german extract is a true extract from the records of
said Congregation, and that the english translation of the same
is a fair translation of the same -
Sworn to & subscribed this 26 day of October AD 1842
before me -
Geo. Musser, Aldn
John C Baker
H. T. Pastor
Page 14

State of Pennsylvania,
City of Lancaster, ss.
I Jacob Myers, Clerk of the
Mayor's Court in and for the City of Lancaster, do certify
that the foregoing proceedings (viz - Susan Rhoad's [Rhoads'] declaration,
and Philip Meck, Peter Maurer and Peter Shindle's
depositions) were duly had, and that the testimony
adduced was satisfactory to the Court, and testified
by John K. Findlay, Esqr., Recorder of said Court, signing his
name thereto and also that George Musset now is
an acting Alderman of the City of Lancaster, duly commissioned
and qualified - and that the signature attached
to the marriage record purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed the Seal of the said
Court at Lancaster this 29th
day of October A.D. 1842
Jacob Myers
Clerk M. C.

[vertical note]
5.692
Susan Rhoads
of Philip
Pennsylvania
Page 15

56921
Susan Rhoads
of Philip
Pennsylvania
Admitted
Private 6 mos. $20.-
Cap Weitsel [Weitzel], Col Pa.
died 2d July 1812
Act 4 July 1836
D. B. Vondersmith
Lancaster
Pa.
Page 16

Susan Rhoads
of Philip
Pennsylvania
-
Suspended
---
See let. 5 Nov 42
D.B. Vondersmithto
same 11 Nov
Act 4 July 1836
Page 17

signatures of
Geo. Musser &
John C. Baker
also Marriage Certificate
Forgeries

Witnesses Geo Musser Lancaster
&
John C Baker Phila
Page 18

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[vertical note]
11th Nov 1842 Pa.
Mr Allison
Rhodes [Rhoads?]
[postmark illegible]
Page 19

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[vertical note]
11th Nov 1842 Pa.
Mr Allison
Rhodes [Rhoads?]

[upside down text]
Letters from Nov 11, 1842
D. B. Vondersmith
to Com of Pen
In Phillip [Philip] Rhoads
Page 20

13
Lancaster November 10, 1842.
Sir -
I recd your letter of the 5th inst - stating
that the papers in the case of Mrs. Rhoads had been filed -
Philip Meck's testimony is positive as to the service of
Philip Rhoads from the time that he left Lancaster in company with
the said Rhoads, which was in the summer of 1776, and returned
together in December 1776. Mr Maurer swears positively that
he saw Philip Rhoads leave Lancaster in the summer of 1776, and saw
him again at Philadelphia, having the Hessian prisoners under guard and
aided in bringing them to the Lancaster Barracks - (he does not mention
in his deposition wether the said Rhoads belonged to the "Flying
Camp" or not, as he does not know that fact) - the testimony
of Mr Maurer is positive that Captain Weitzel's company done the same
service as the "Flying Camp" corps did, if they did not belong
to them, as they left together, and returned together, which
he saw.
the service of 1776. is substantiated by two
respectable witnesses of the revolutionary war, one of them fought
by his side (Meck), and the other (Maurer) saw him when he left and
returned in 1776. Can the department ask for record evidence
when service is proven by witnesses who had a personal knowledge
of the service. I believe when there is record evidence (according to
the rules of the Department) it is unnecessary to take depositions
of soldiers to substantiate a claim - when there is no record evidence,
I believe the rules of the Department are, that the deposition
of two witnesses who had a personal knowledge of the services should
be produced to entitle a person to a pension-
However I called upon the brother of Mr Weitzel this
morning (who resides in the City of Lancaster), he stated to me
Page 21

that Congress had voted 1500 men to be taken into pay, for the
immediate defence of the Province, and that they were to serve
until January 1st. 1778. and that his brother Casper Weitzel
was one of the Captains of the above mentioned Corps, and saw
his brother Company leave and several other companies, and saw
his brothers company and few others return in December 1776.
(after the battle of Trenton), with the Hessian prisoners
who will give also his affidavit to that effect, should the
Department think it necessary.
As to the service of 1777. in the battles of Brandywine
and Germantown - and he (Rhoads) being wounded there can be
no doubt upon the mind of the Department as to that service as
proven by Mr Shindle, an old soldier of the revolution - and well
Known to the Department to have fought in the above mentioned battles.
who swears positively that he left Lancaster with the said Philip
Rhoads and fought in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown
by his side, and that the said Rhoads was wounded at Germantown
and that he was taken on to White Marsh and from thence to Valley
Forge to take up winter quarters, and remained there encamped with
the said Rhoads, until about June 1778. when the encampment broke up.
during all this time he had an actual knowledge of his services - and
afterwards saw him when he returned about the year 1779 -
Mr Maurer swears positively that he saw the said Philip
Rhoads leave Lancaster, in the afore part of the year 1777 under Colonel
Butler with several other Companies, as an enlisted soldier - and that he
(Maurer) was standing guard at the Barracks when he enlisted, and
did not see the said Rhoads afterwards until his return in the
year 1779 with part of a company which had been in the battles
Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth &c. and that the said
Page 22

Maurer was standing guard at the Barracks, under Captain Crawford
on his return. could there be stronger testimony produced in any
case then has been produced by this old lady for a pension, for
the services in the revolutionary war, of her deceased husband, who
served so faithfully and was also wounded in the service of his country
It has been proven by Mr Shindle positively not less
then nine months service, from the battle of Brandywine which was
in August 1777. to the breaking up of the encampment at "Valley Forge"
which was about the first of June 1778 - where he was by him all
this time - how can the Department make out one
tour in 1776 - 1777 and the other 1778, when it is positively
proven that he was in service from about July 1776 to December
1776, which would be nearer three tours then one - and but
two tours from 1777 to 1778. when it is positively proven that
he was in service from about August 1777. to the year 1777 the
which would not be less than nine months [partly obscured]long
I should not ask the Department to [grant?]
the claim for more tours then the Department have mentioned,
(would it not be doing injustice to this old lady), and the
claim being substantiated by the strongest testimony that could
possibly be produced -
I hope therefore that the Department will grant the
service in the year of 1776 - for six months - and also
the service in the year 1777 and 1778 - which is not less then
nine months, according to the testimony produced.
Hoping to receive a favourable answer by the
return of mail.
I remain Very Respectfully
Yours
B. B. Vondersmith

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions-
Page 23

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4504
Susan Rhoads
Wid.
Philip Rhoads
Pvt. Pa. line
Act: July 4th/36, Sec. 30
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 160
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 24

Rhodes [Rhoads?] 7
Letter of Vondersmith
Commr. of Pensions
FREE
Nov 16, 1842
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[vertical note]
16 Nov 1843
Mr Allison

[postmark]
LANCASTER Pa.
NOV 15
Page 25


B
Lancaster Nov. 15. 42.
Sir - B'
In answer to yours of 11th. inst, respecting
the claim of Mrs Rhoads. I cannot perceive, "where
the statement of the witnesses are at variance with
the facts, as regards the course of service" - they have
states nothing but what had occured to them, during the
revolutionary war - to substantiate what they have
stated, I could obtain if necessary, five or six of the
most respectable old citizens of Lancaster, as to the
fact of Graffs and Weitzel's company, leaving the
City of Lancaster in the year 1776. and returning in
December 1776 - with the hessian prisoners - to this
fact they will give their affidavits, that they saw
the companies leave and return.
I believe the rules of the Department
are when there is no record evidence, that the depositions
of witnesses who had a personal knowledge of
the service shall entitle a pension-
But we submit to the decision of the Department,
if they think that the service of 1776 - has not been
fully substaniaton.
and the old lady is willing to receive
whatever the Department think proper to allow her for
the service of her husband.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully your
Obt. Servant
D. B. Vondersmith

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Page 26

7
Philip Rhoads
Nov 1, 1842
Letter from Vondersmith
enclosing Orig. Declaration
papers.
S&

[vertical]
widow of Philip
Lancaster Co. Pa.
Agt D. B. Vondersmith
Lancaster Penna
Act 4th July 1836.

[postmark incomplete and illegible]
Page 27

7
Philip Rhoads
Nov 1, 1842
Letter from Vondersmith
enclosing Orig. Declaration papers.

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[vertical]
5.692
3d Nov. 1842.
Wm. Allison
Susan Rhoads
widow of Philip
Lancaster Co. Pa.
Agt D. B. Vondersmith
Lancaster Penna
Act 4th July 1836.

[postmark]
LANCASTER Pa.
NOV
2
Page 28

B
Lancaster Nov. 1st. 42.
Sir,
Enclosed you will receive the declaration of
Mrs Susan Rhoads, with three depositions thereto attached,
Viz: Philip Meck, Peter Maurer, and Peter Shindle, all who
had a personal knowledge of the services of Philip Rhoads
deceased - and fought by his side - the widow states
that they were several others that were with him at the
battle of Monmouth, but they are now dead - their names
were Peter Walter of Lampeter township, and Leonard Sommers
of the City of Lancaster, (both pensioners of the United States).
therefore there is no positive proof as to his services
in the battle of Monmouth, only that he was seen by Mr.
Shindle, leave in Sullivans detachment for Monmouth - 
and was also seen on his return to Lancaster from Monmouth
with part of the Company in which he left - by the above mentioned
deponent in 1779 - which would make it positive
proof that he was in the Army until the year 1779.
the old lady is in very indigent circumstances,
and never has made application before for a pension
from the United States, as she never knew that
widows could draw pension for the services of their
husband until she was informed a few weeks ago
that she was entitled to a pension from the United States.
I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully, your
Obedient Servant,
H. B. Vondersmith

Hon. J. L. Edwards,
Comm. of Pensions
Page 29

FREE
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commr. of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

[vertical]
Nov. 24 1842
Pa
S. Rhoads
J. Patterson

[postmark]
LANCASTER Pa.
NOV
23

[upside down]
7-
Nov23, 1842
D B V to Comr
Rhoads
Page 30

B
Lancaster Nov 23. 42.
Sir,
Enclosed the department will receive
the deposition of John Patterson, a pensioner of
the United States - who was well acquainted with
Philip Rhoads. who states that he saw
him leave in 1776, in Capt. Weitzel's Company
and saw him return in the winter of 1776 - with
the hessians prisoners - that he was standing guard
at the barracks when the hessians were put in the
barracks - and that in 1777, he saw him join
Col. Butler's Company who was recruiting soldiers
at the Barracks, and saw him leave in said
Company. and that he saw him on his return to
Lancaster about the year 1779 or 80 -
Record evidence is impossible for
us to produce, but we have produced depositions
of respectable old pensioners,
which is tantamount
to record evidence - which in my humble
opinion is satisfactorily proven that the applicant's
husband was a soldier of the revolution and served
as has been stated - I hope therefore that
the old lady's claim will be granted - for what
ever time that the Department thinks she is 
entitled to -
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully &c.
D. B. Vondersmith

Hon J. L. Edwards.
Page 31

Rhoads 7
Aff. of John Patterson
before Geo. Musser
test John Sides
D. B. V.
Page 32

B
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County Ss:
On this 22d day of November
AD 1842. Personally appeared before George Musser
an Alderman duly commissioned in and for the City of
Lancaster, John Patterson a resident of Rohrestown,
East Hempfield township, in the County and
State aforesaid - a soldier and pensioner of the United States,
who being first sworn according to law, states
that he had a personal knowledge of the military
services of Philip Rhoads in the war of the revolution
and they were as follows viz:
I entered the army in the year
1776, as a substitute for Jacob Mettert, who was a
drafted Militiaman, under Captain John Hubley
and done duty by standing guard at the Lancaster
Barracks and Stockades - Whilst standing guard
at the Barracks. I saw Philip Rhoads, leaving
in Captain Weitzel's Company for Philadelphia - Captain
Graeffs [Graff's] Company left at the same time, this was
in the year 1776, when they left, and saw the said
Philip Rhoads on his return with the hessian
prisoners, which was in the winter of 1776.
I was standing guard at the Barracks, when the
prisoners were brought-
In the year 1777, I saw Philip
Rhoads leave the City of Lancaster, under Colonel
Butler, who was recruiting soldiers at the Barracks,
this Company left the forepart of the year 1777-
Page 33

not very long before the battle of Brandywine.
I was then a drafted militaman, under Captain Crawford.
and also saw him on his return to Lancaster
which was either in the year 1779 or 80 - I was
then a drafted militiaman under Captain Ewing on
Hewing and done duty by standing guard at the Barracks.
and during the lifetime of the said Philip
Rhoads, there never was any doubt as to his not
being a revolutionary soldier - and fought in the battles
of Long Island, Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth.
And that Susan Rhoads, an applicant
for a pension is the widow of the above named Philip
Rhoads, who died on the 2nd of July AD 1812. and that
she has remained his widow ever since that time.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year
aforesaid -
before me -
his
John [his mark, X] Patterson [hand drawn seal]
mark
Geo. Musser
Test
John Sides
D B Vondersmith

Lancaster City SS:
I George Musser an Alderman
duly commissioned in and for the City of Lancaster,
do certify that John Patterson is a highly credible
person and that his deposition is entitled to full
credit and belief - and that he is unable to appear
in Court on account of bodily infirmity-
Witness my hand and seal this
22nd day of November AD 1842 -
Geo. Musser [hand drawn seal]
Page 34

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, Ss.
I John W. Forney, Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas in & for
said County of Lancaster Do Certify
that George Musser, Esquire before
whom the foregoing proceedings were
had is an Alderman of the City of
Lancaster in and for said County, duly commissioned & qualified; and
that the signature purporting to be his is genuine-
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
the seal of said Court at Lancaster this Twenty third day of
November in the year of our LORD 1842
John W. Forney Prothy
for Willet C. Ogilby