Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 23742, for John Kennedy, Pennsylvania
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Penn. Kennedy, John. S-23742
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Penn Kennedy, John S23742
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State of Pennsylvania Butler County 
On this twelfth day of November AD 1832, personally appeared in (unreadable) County before the Judges of the Court of Common pleas one sitting, John Kennedy a resident of Clearfield Township in the County of Butler and aforesaid aged seventy eight years, who being proof duly named according to Commonwealth on his oath made the following declaration in order to obtain this benefit of the Congress paper June 7 1832. That he (unreadable) the service of the United States under the following (unreadable) offices and (unreadable) as herein stated. That on this nineteenth day of July 1776 he enlisted in the service of the United States proof as a volunteer, but afterwards and before the company (unreadable) he joined the militia as a (unreadable) for one William Porter who had been drafted for a two months  tour. The said William Porter gave him a chauffeur for becoming  his (unreadable) which he have to his father to upset him which he was and (unreadable words) at this time (unreadable)  when he entered  the service he live in York county Pennsylvania from whence he marched, the company was commissioned by Captain Samuel (unreadable) and (unreadable) from york County to (unreadable words) through Newton Brunswick and assebury, when at last Lee was built. (unreadable) Constitution so the application of the (unreadable) tour of two months he enlisted in the (unreadable) camp for a period of four months under Captain (unreadable)
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Williams, Micheal Jacobs colonel and James Ewing Brigden general, all of York County Pennsylvania two days after Fort Washington was taken we were driven by the British from Fort Lee this he thinks was in November, we were persued by the British in our retreat through the Jerseys in which retreat the units belonging to the army  was lost and  in consequences suffered much and was greatly expired. he took sick about the first of January following and continued so  until the the time of his discharge was in March or April, he received his pay for six months service,  from captain Arthur Miller who at the time gave him an honorable discharge which is now long since lost, he has no other evidence of his service other than this deposition of one William Be (smeared writing) given  upon the 6th day of February AD 1822 which is hereunto transmitted whom  this is how he obtained said pension from the State of Pennsylvania and he believes now that the said  Be is dead (smeared text) was born in Lancaster County Pennsylvania on the 23rd December 1753. He has a record of his age in the family bible, were in his posession of his daughter  he does not now recall  the names of any of the continental or regular officers nor of the the regiments with which he served there. since the revolution he served first in Cumberland county, next in Allegheny and lastly in Butler Count Pennsylvania. He hereby relinquished any claims whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares  that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state Sworn to
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Ana (unreadable) Attest Subscribed the day and year aforesaid WStewart, Pro
John Kennedy 
We Isaiah Neblock a clergyman residing in the Borrough  of Butler Pennsylvania and Moses Sullivan residing in the Township of Butler, Butler County state aforesaid,  hereby certify that we are acquainted with John Kennedy who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration. That we believe him to be seventy-eight years of age that he is respected and believe to have been a soldier of the revolutionary andthat we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid WM Stewart, Pro Isaiah Neblock Moses Sullivan 
And the Court do hereby declare their pension after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations presented by whoever (unreadable words) thus the above named applicant was a revolutionary war soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them. Next that  The Reverend Isaiah Neblock who has signed the proceeding certificate is clergyman residing in the  Borough of
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Butter and that moves Sullivan who
has also signed the same, is a man in the
Township of Butler and is a credible person, and that then statement is entitled to credit
By the Court
Attest W Stewart, Pro
R
Butler County, ss.
I, William Stewart, Prothonotary of
the court of Common Pleas in and for
said county, do hereby certify, that the
foregoing contains the original
proceedings of the said Court in the
matter of the application of John Kennedy for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set [illegible] and and seal of office, this 16" day of November, A.D. 1832.
Wm. Stewart, Pro.

[written on side] John Kennedy v 19162
Page 7

November 20, 1939

BA-J/MCS
John Kennedy, S.23742

Mrs. C. A. Pride 
238 West Cunningham Street
Butler, Pennsylvania 

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to John Kennedy who was born in 1751 in Baltimore, Maryland, served in the Revolutionary War after which he settled in Winfield Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania.

The data which follow were taken from papers on file in the pension claim, S.23742, based on the military service of the only John Kennedy who lived in Pennsylvania that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

John Kennedy was born December 23, 1753, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents are not shown.

While residing in York County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted July 19, 1776, and served two months as private in Captain Samuel Nelson's company in Colonel Matthew Dill's Pennsylvania regiment. Immediately after the termination of this service, he enlisted and served six months as private in Captain Joshua Williams' company in Colonel Michael Swope's Pennsylvania regiment of [flying] camp.

After the Revolution, he resided successively in Cumberland, Allegheny and Butler Counties, Pennsylvania. 

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 12, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Clearfield Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, and he signed John Kennedy, Senior.

He was also allowed a pension from the State of Pennsylvania for his service in the Revolution.
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In 1832, John Kennedy referred to his daughter but did not give her name. The papers in said claim contain no further data relative to soldier's family.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension of John Kennedy, the name and address of the person to whom it was paid and possibly the date of death of the soldier, it is suggested that you address the Comptroller General, Records Division, General Accounting Office, Washington, D.C., giving the following data:
John Kennedy, Certificate 6317, issued February 28, 1833, rate $26.66 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Act of June 7, 1832, Pennsylvania Agency (Pittsburgh).

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
EEL
December 1, 1930

Mr. E. V. Selden
Crystal Oil Works
Oil City, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.23742, that John Kennedy was born December 23, 1753, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

While residing in York County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted July 19, 1776, and served two months as a private in Captain Samuel Nelson's Company, Colonel Matthew Dill's
Pennsylvania Regiment, and upon the termination of this service, re-enlisted, date not given, and served six months as a private in Captain Joshua Williams' Company,
Colonel Michael Swope's Pennsylvania Regiment of the Flying Camp.

After the Revolution, he resided successively in Cumberland, Allegheny and Butler Counties, Pennsylvania.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 12, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Clearfield Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, and
signed John Kennedy, Senior. He was also allowed a pension from the State of Pennsylvania for his services.

In 1832, he referred to his daughter, but did notgive her name and there are no further family data.

Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
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Revolutionary War Records Section. 3-525
Department of the Interior
Bureau of pensions
S.F. 23.742
In reply to your request of (no writing), received (no writing) for a statement of the military history of John Kennedy a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
(Chart Formatted into 6 columns)
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment
 July 19 1776
   (check mark) 
Length of Service 
2mos
6 mos
Rank
Pvt
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED
Captain
Samuel Wilson
Joshua Williams
Colonel 
Matthew Dill
Michael Swope
State
Penna
Battles engage in 
Not valid
Residence of soldier at enlistment, York County Penn
Date of application for pension: Nov 12 1832 His I naval
Residence at date of application, Clearfield Township Butler Co. Penn
Age at date of application, born Dec 3 1754 in Lancaster Co. Penn
Remarks: Soldier referred to his daughter in 1832 but no name is given and there is no date on file as to his wife or any other children.
Respectfully    Commissioner
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March 28, 1931.
Bureau of Pensions,
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
541
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rev. War claim for pension of John
Kennedy, File No. S.23742.
Actual 3 of each page
#3.70............ 6 pages
xxx

Kindly leave margin of 1-1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
The word "Omit" written in
pencil on those pages which are
not to be copied.

Chief, Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
Page 12

E.V. SELDEN

[An illustrated letterhead:]
CRYSTAL OIL WORKS
REFINERS OF PETROLEUM AND MANUFACTURER [ILLEGIBLE] HIGH GRADE LUBRICATING OILS
RAILROAD OILS A SPECIALTY

HEADLIGHTS
150 degrees AND 175[illegible]
300 degree COACH LAM[illegible]
MINERS OILS
WAX AND GREASE

VALVE, ENGINE, CAR AND COACH OILS. 
CYLINDER STOCKS.
DYNAMO AND NEUTRAL OILS.

[end letterhead]
---
Oil City Pa. March 12th, 1931.

Mr. E. W. Morgan, Acting Commissioner,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir: Refer to: Rev&1812 Wars Section
MMHF:MLB

Referring to your letter of March 9th, I inclose herewith postal order for $2.70, requested for the Photastatic Copies, and for your information I herewith return the letter. Please send the copies to me at Oil City. 

Yours truly, 
EVD Selden
EVS.MM

[A rectangular stamp: 
"FINANCE DIVISION
BOOK-KEEPER'S [illegible]
MAR 19 1931
BUREAU OF PENSIONS"]

[An oval stamp: 
"REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS SECTION
MAR 21 1931
BUREAU OF PENSIONS"]

[A circular stamp: 
"U.S. PENSION OFFICE
MAR 13 1931"]
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[seal] VETERANS ADMINISTRATION

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON

March 9, 1931
THIS LETTER REFERS TO YOUR FILE NUMBER:

IN REPLY REFER TO: Rev. & 1812 Wars Section 
MMHF: MLB

Mr. E. V. Selden
Crystal Oil Works
[handwritten] Box 35
Oil City, Pennsylvania

[rubber stamp] FINANCE DIVISION
BOOK KEEPERS [illegible]
MAR 19 1931
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[handwritten] M.O #714243 - $2.70

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state you desire photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim of John Kennedy (S. 23742 ), including the
deposition of William Beans, and that you desire three sets of copies.
You are advised that such copies are furnished at the rate of 15¢ a page. The number of pages to be copied is six, and
three of each would be eighteen pages in all.
Should you desire to have them certified, allow 25¢ additional for each of the three sets.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Acting Commissioner of
Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

[rubber stamp] PENSION OFFICE B US
MAR 13 1931

[rubber stamp] REVOLUTIONARY & 1812 WARS SECTION
MAR 21 1931
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

[handwritten]
18
15
-
90
18
-
270
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Match 9, 1931

Mr. E. V. Selden
Crystal Oil Works
Oil City, Pennsylvania

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
MMHF:MLB

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter in which you state you desire photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim of John Kennedy (S. 23742), including the
deposition of William Beans, and that you desire three sets of copies.
You are advised that such copies are furnished at the rateof 15¢ a page. The number of pages to be copied is six, and
three of each would be eighteen pages in all.
Should you desire to have them certified, allow 25¢ additional for each of the three sets.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Acting Commissioner of
Pensions.

Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
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J. A. FAWCETT.  E.V. SELDEN

[An illustrated letterhead:]
CRYSTAL OIL WORKS
REFINERS OF PETROLEUM AND MANUFACTURER [ILLEGIBLE] HIGH GRADE LUBRICATING OILS
RAILROAD OILS A SPECIALTY

HEADLIGHTS
150 degrees AND 175[illegible]
300 degree COACH LAM[illegible]
MINERS OILS
WAX AND GREASE

VALVE, ENGINE, CAR AND COACH OILS. 
CYLINDER STOCKS.
DYNAMO AND NEUTRAL OILS.

[end letterhead]
---
Oil City Pa. December 17th, 1930.

Mr. E. W. Morgan,
Acting Commissioner of Pensions,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:
I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter
under date of December 1st, with reference to the pension, in the Revolutionary War pension claim S, 23742, with reference to John Kennedy, born December 23rd, 1753.

I would like very much to have photostat
copies made of his papers, and would like to
have three copies made. I want to compare his signature with the signature of John Kennedy, who was granted an annuity in Pennsylvania. I would also like to have a copy of William Bean's deposition, with reference to this John Kennedy.

Hoping you will be able to accomplish this
for which I would be indebted and will remit you the expense when advised of the amount, I am,

Yours truly, 
EVD. Selden
EVS.MM

[Circular stamp:
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
DEC 18 1930]
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238 West Cunningham St.
Butler PA

Oct- 31- 1939

[rubber stamp]
RECEIVED NOV 2 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV
Reader No.  26
VETS ADM

Veterans Administrator
Pension Bureau,
Washington,
D. C

Dear Sirs:- I would like to have some
information in regards to John Kennedy
that was born in Baltimore Maryland
1751 served in the Revolutionary war.
After the war he settled in Winfield
Township Butler County Pa. He drew
a pension. I would like to know the
regiment and company he served
in how long, and to whom he
was married,
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. C. A. Pride
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(Crystal Oil Works Letterhead)

Crystal Oil Works
Refiners of Petroleum and Manufacturing High Grad Lubricating Oils.  Railroad Oils a Specialty
Oil City Pa

November 5th, 1930.

The Hon. Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

    Would you please advise me if John Kennedy, who served in the Revolutionary War, received a pension?  He resided in 1832 in Clearfield Township, Butler County, and enlisted in York, Pennsylvania.

    I would like to know if a pension was granted him, and any information relative to the said John Kennedy that may be in the record.

    Hoping for this information, I remain,

                             Yours truly,
                                   E. V. D. Selden
EVS>MM

(date stamp)
Pension
      B
    NOV
U     6    S
     1930
   OFFICE
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Chas McDonald, President W.H. McDonald D Vice President 
W.E. Starr Asst. Cashier
647
Established 1878
McDonald State Bank
Capital and Surplus $120,000.00
North Platte, NE Nov 1
The Commissioner of Pensions Washington DC
Dear Sir 
Will you do me the great kindness of telling of the following men (all direct answers of my daughter) appear among Revolutionary pensioners
1. John Kennedy of southeastern Pennsylvania
2. Abyah Snow, died Jan 27, 1819, buried Hamilton, N.Y
3. John Henry of Concord, Billerica and Carlell Wars from 1743 to about the close of the Revolution, then of Stoddard, N.H. 
4. Boni Henry  (unreadable)  of foregoing, (unreadable words) Billerica Mass about 1765, married at Stoddard N.H. Nov 1787 to Rebecca 
Any information on these will be thankfully received Very truly yours 
Mrs. W H  McDonald
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File No 2(unreadable) 
John Kennedy
Rev War
Act June 7th 32nd
Index: Vol. 2, Page 217
1931 Marg. E.V. D. Selden
East of Photos. M.M.H
1939 nov 20 hist to this will C.A. Pride
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Wm. Beans deposition
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Mercer County [illegible]

Before the subscribed
A Justice of the peace in & for the county aforesaid personally came William Beans who being sworn as law directs doth depose & say that a certain John Kennedy now of Butler County formerly of York County Pennsylvania commenced a two months
tour of duty in the Militia of York County in the month of July 1776 & served the same, if at the expiration there of then joined what was called the flying camp in the company commanded by Joshua Williams &
served during the remaining part of the tour which was about four months & further said deponent saith not
Sworn & subscribed this
6 Day of February 1822
William Beans
before William Scott
Mercer County Pennsylvania
I John Findlay Prothonotary of the Court of Common [illegible] in and for the County of Mercer in the Commonwealth aforesaid do
certify that the above signed William Scott is and at the time of signing the same was a Justice of the peace in and for said county only commissioned and that full faith and credit is due to all his official acts such in
Testimony whereof I have here unto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court done at Mercer this Seventh day of February
in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty two
J Findlay Prothy