Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3457, John Croft, Continental (Md)
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE | [blank] | NUMBER
Continental (Md) | Croft, John | W.3457
[blak] | Reisher, Christian or Christiana or Christiann (Former Widow) [Daniel with an arrow pointing to Reiser] | [blank]

CONTENTS
[remainder of form is blank]
Page 2

[left side of page]
Reported

[right side of page]
453
Pennsylvania Philada
Christian Reisher
widow of John Croft
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Maryland line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
24 day of June 1848
and sent to
Hon. J. Strohen,
H of R
Page 3

State of Pennsylvania
Franklin County ss
On this 2nd day of April in the year Eighteen hundred and forty for, Personally Appeared before me one the Subscriber one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County Christiann Reisher, a Resident of Chambersburg Franklin County  State of Penna aged seventy nine years next August, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the beneit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, and the act Explanatory of the pension act passed July 7th 1838, of the United States of America and also the Benefit of the act of Congress passed March 3d 1843 granting one years pension to Certain widows, that she is the widow of John Croft who enlisted as a private in the German Regiment in 1776, for the term of three years and was discharged on the 26th day of July 1779. By reference as to the proof of his service Herewith transmitted will more fully appear she further declares that she was married at Greencastle Franklin County State of Penna by the Revd. Wm Young about Whitsuntide in the year seventeen hundred and eighty that her said Husband John Croft, died December in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety six, that she was afterwards married October 28th A.D. 1799 to Daniel Reisher who died Janary 19th 1825, that their is no Church nor family record of her marriage nor of the Births of her Children to the aforesaid John Croft, by Reference as to the proof of her marriage hereto annexed will more fully appear, that she was a widow on the 7th of July 1838, and still remains a widow as more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me
J.J. Kennedy

Christiann her X mark Reisher
Page 4

I do hereby certify that the foregoing deposition of Mrs Christiann Reisher late Christiann Croft was taken at her dwelling in the town of Chambersburg Franklin County Penna and that from bodily infirmity she is unable to attend in open Court as witness my hand and seal this 2nd day of April 1844
JJ Kennedy [hand drawn representation of a seal]

Penna
Franklin County ss
I, John W. Reges Recorder of Deeds &c in aforesaid County do hereby certify that J.J. Kennedy Esq before whom the above and within proceedings appears to have been taken is & was at the time of the doing thereof an Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in aforesaid County duly commissioned & sworn on the 7th day of March A.D. 1842, and that the Signature "J.J.Kennedy" signed to the same, is the proper handwriting of the J.J. Kennedy; and that full faith & credit are due & ought to be given to all official acts as such 
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said office at Chambersburg this 3rd April 1844
John W. Reges
Recorder

Land Office, Annapolis
22nd February, 1844.
I hereby certify that it appears by the Muster rolls of the Revolution remaining in this office, that John Croft enlisted as a private in the German Regiment in 1776 for the term of three years, and was discharged and paid on the 26th day of July 1779
George G Brewer
Regd Land Off. Mr.
Page 5

State of Pennsylvania
Franklin County ss.
On this fourth day of April Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and forty for personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county David Kraft, aged seventy eight years a gentleman of good character and unimpeachable veracity known my me and deserving full faith and credit who being first duly sworn according to law, dothe [sic] depose and say that he was well acquainted with the within named John Croft as long as he can remember and knows that he did enlist a short time before harvest in the year 1776 in Hagerstown Maryland under captain Keyser for three years and returned home soon after harvest in 1779, that he was in a number of battles while in the service that he also is well acq2uainted with the within named Christianna Reisher and knows that she was married to John Croft a soldier of the revolutionary war in the spring of the year 1780 that her husband John Croft died December 1796 near Chambersburg Franklin County Pennsylvania and also knows that she was afterwards married to Daniel Reisher October 1779 that her husband Daniel Reisher died January 1825, that she had remained a widow ever since that period, that from his long acquaintance with her he believes her statement to be true that she is a lady of good character deserving full faith and credit
Sworn & subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
Benjamin Keyser
David his + mark Kraft

State of Pennsylvania
Franklin County ss
On this 6th day of April A.D. 1844 Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county, Col John Snyder a gentleman of Respectability known by me deserving full faith and credit who being first duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he was well acquainted and lived neighbours to the within named John Croft and is well acquainted 
over
Page 6

with the within named Christiann Reisher & knows her to have been the acknowledged wife of the within named John Croft who died in or about the year 1796 that she afterwards married Daniel Reisher who died 1825 that she has remained a widow ever sine that period that he believes her statement to be true that she is a woman of good charractor [sic] and worth of belief 
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first wihin written beforeme
Benj Keyser
John Snyder

Penna
Franklin County Sct
I John W. Reges Recorder of Deeds &c in & for said county Do hereby certify that Benjamin Keyser Esq. before whom the two foregoing Depositions appears to have been taken is & was at the time of the doing the service a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned & sworn in the month of June A.D. 1838 that the signatures "Benjamin Keyser" and "Benj. Keyser" thereto signed are genuine & that full faith & credit are due & ought to be given to all his as such
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set m and & affixed the seal of said office at Chambersburg this 6th April 1844
John W. Reges
Recorder

10778
Christian Reisher
Ken[struck thru] Pa
Act 7 July 38
on Rolls 
aomd
2 yrs pri
$80.
also act 3 March '43
No. 7062

Jacob Barrick
Waynesboro
Pa
Page 7

State of Pennsulvania
Franklin County
on this third day of February AD 1845, Personally Appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Harmoney aged 83 years a gentleman of respectability known by me for many years Deserving full faith and Credit who being first duly sworn according to Law, deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with John Croft and Christianna Croft his wife now Christianna Reisher from the year 1784 until the year 1796 when it appears that John Croft died who it appears was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and did live neighbours to them and knows they did rais [sic] a family of children and always knew John Croft to have lived with Christianna now Reisher as his acknowledged wife until his heath and from his long acquaintance with Christianna Reisher he believes her a lady of good character and worthy of belief 
sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
Benj Keyser
Justice of Peace

John his x mark Harmoney
Page 8

State of Pennsylvania
Franklin County} ss
On this first day of February in the year 1845. Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Ludwig Heck aged 76 years a gentleman of Respectability Known by me for thirty six years past Deserving full faith and Credit, being first duly sworn according to law, Deposeth and sayeth that he was well acquainted with John Croft and Christianna His wife now Christianna Reisher from about the year 1789, & that he new [knew] they had a family and [illegible] the opinion of all who knew them, to have been married and she was his [illegible] wife and that she is now the widow of Daniel Reisher.
Ludwig Heck
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me.
Benj. Keyser
Justice of the Peace
Page 9

State of Pennsylvania
Franklin County [illegible]

On this first day of February in the year 1845, Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Mary Croft aged 64, years a Lady of Good Charracter by me for a number of years Deserving full faith and Credit being first duly affirmed according to law Doth depose and say that she is the daughter of John Croft and Christianna his wife now Christianna Reisher, and Knows that John Croft always acknowledged Christianna Croft now Reisher his acknowledged wife that she frequently herd him speak of being in the Revolutionary War,

Mary Croft her mark

affirmed to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me
Benj. Keyser Justice of Peace
Page 10

Penna.
Franklin County sct} I, John W. Reges Recorder of Deeds in + for said County Do hereby Certify that Benjamin Keyser Esq. before whom the foregoing Depositions appears to have been taken is + was at the time of the doing thereof a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned + sworn on the 21st April 1841 and that the signature "Benj. Keyser" subscribed to the said deposition is genuine + that full faith + credit are due + ought to be given to all his acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand + affixed the seal of said Office at Chambersburg this 4th Feby. 1845
John W. Reges
Recorder
Seal [illegible]
Page 11

Saml. F. Smith
Pension Agent
Phila. Bank
April 28, 1845
with Letter of Saml. Reisher
Page 12

Pension Agency
Philadelphia Bank
April 28. 1845

Sir,

I received the enclosed letter this morning and would ask your instructions in regard to it.

The vouchers and pension certificates were this morning presented for payment which I refused until I should received your instructions. From the statement of Mr. Barrick it appears there are two sets of children, both of whom wish to have the drawing of the money. Those of Crofts whom the widow draws under [?] wishes him to obtain it whilst Reisher the child by the last husband wants to get it himself.

Respectfully
Your ob sr
Saml F. Smith
Pension Agent
& Chas M[?] Bacon

JL Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 13

Rev. and 1812
War Section.
August 14, 1924.
Mrs. Ladie F. Rowlett,
186 E. Pine St.,
Atlanta, GA
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 3457, it appears that John Croft enlisted at Hagerstown, Maryland in 1776 and served as a private in Captain Heyser's Company of the German Regiment of the Continental Establishment, he was in several battles and was discharged July 26, 1779.
He married in the spring of 1780 at Greencastle, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Christian or Christiann or Christiana (her maiden not stated) she was born in August 1765. Soldier died in December 1796 near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and she married October 28, 1799, Daniel Reisher, who died January 19, 1825 and she was allowed pen-
Page 14

sion on account of the services of John Croft, on her application executed April 3, 1844, while a resident of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
A large family of children, by her first husband, is referred to, no names stated but Mary, who was sixty four years old in 1845.
The Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any information in regard to Joseph Fowler, who was at the battle of King's Mountain.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 15

Rev.[?]
WIDOW, &C.
File No. 3457
Christian Reisher
Formerly Widow
John Croft
Pri Rev. War
Act: Feb 2. 48
Index:--Vol. M., Page 153.

[bracket] Arrangement of 1870. [/bracket]

1906 June 29 - Hist. to Mrs. J.W. Rowlett
1924 Aug 14 - Hist. to Mrs. Ladie F. Rowlett aws.[?]
Page 16

9132
Pennsylvania

Christian Reisher for, widow of John Croft who was a pensioner under the Act of [blank] and who died on the Decem. 1796, of Franklin in the State of Pennsyl who was a Pri in the Cons[?] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the [blank] line for 2 years

Subscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of April 1844 and sent to Jacob Barrick, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Total amount, $400.00

[bracket] Act July 7, 1838. [/bracket]

Recorded by F.L. Swann, Clerk, Book D Vol. 1 Page 231
Page 17

Left Side Page

2 Certs
1838 & 1843 - Rep'd
Let to PAG Apr 29, 1845

Right Side Page

6754
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
Christian Reisher formerly
widow of John Croft
who was a Private
in the Rev War
2 Years

Inscribed on the roll at the rate of 80 dollars 00 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of march, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of April 1845 and sent to Jacob Barrick, Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

[Act of March 3, 1843]

Recorded in Book A
Vol 2 Page 115
Page 18

April 8th 1844.

Sir

I enclose the Declaration of Mrs. Christiann Reisher, who wishes to obtain a Pension from the U. States as soon as the papers are Examined Pleas let me know the result

I am Very Respectfully
Your obt. sevt.
Jacob Barrisk
Waynesboro
Franklin County, Penn

J.L. Edwards, Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

no value
Christiann Reisher
Penh[?] Revy
Page 19

ENVELOPE

FREE

Waynesboro PA Stamp - Feb 5

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


Feb 10, 1845
Adal to case of
Christiana Reisher
Page 20

February 6th 1845

Sir, I Received yours of the 27th of January 1845 with the Copy of yours dated September 27th 1844 to John M. McCally Esqr, and Respecting the Case of Christianna Reisher of Franklin County who wishes to obtain a pension, and appears their was more Evidence Required in the Case I enclose the Depositions herein, in her Case, and as soon as Convenient please let me here from you, and hope it will be soon

I am very respectfully,
your obt. servt
Jacob Barrick
Waynesboro, Franklin County, Penn.

Col. J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Page 21

Feby 25/

John Craft or Kraft

[illegible]

Hon Jas Mclanahan
Page 22

Washington, 23d Feb 1850

To:
J.L. Edwards Esqr

Dear Sir:

Yours of 22nd Inst has been recv'd - will you be kind enough to extend your investigation in the case of John Kraft or Craft upon the pension rolls of the state of Maryland and if found, inform me of the evidence on which the pension was granted?

Yours respectfully

Jas X. Maclanahan
Page 23

Washington H. Rep[?]
Feb. 18th. 1850

To, E.[?] L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions

Sir:

Will you do me the favor of sending a copy of the evidence upon which a pension was presented to John Kraft (or Craft) a soldier of the revolution who enlisted in Capt. William Heyser's Company for the space of three years unless sooner discharged -- written[?] 27th day of July 1776. Your immediate attention to this matter is much respectfully requested

Yours &c &c
Jas. X[?] MacLanahan
Page 24

Chambersburg, March 28th 1843

Sir

Some time since application was made to you for a pension for Christiana Reisher formerly Christiana Kraft spelled sometimes Craft who is the widow of John Kraft a revolutionary soldier - on this subject you some time ago wrote to Jacob Barrick who was acting as agent for her that the services of John Kraft as a soldier of the revolution were admitted - but desired more proof of the marriage - Then the evidence of John Harmony and Ludwig Heck two highly reputable citizens of the marriage was taken and  justified - now I want to know whether in all the testimony before you, you can grant her a pension. She is eighty-five years of age and to her in the evening of her life a pension would buy opportunely. For many years she had to struggle with poverty and all its [illegible] circumstances. I am [illegible] to give you needless trouble but at her time of life and under the circumstances she is anxious to know what can be done and hence it is hoped you will [illegible] to this matter and let her know your decision. 

Yours very respectfully

James Nill 
for C. Reisher

J.L. Edwards Esq
Page 25

James L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Mar 29 '45.
Page 26

O.W. & h.[?] Weatherford, Texas.
June 20. 1906

[seal] JUN 26 1906 FILES [/seal]

Dear Sir:

Kindly inform me if pension or bounty land was bestowed for Revolutionary service to my ancestors Joseph Fowler of Ky or Tenn (King's Mountain); and John Croft (Craft) in Capt. Wm Heyser's Compnay; German Battallion

Very Respt
(Mrs. J.W) Mrs. Ladie Fowler Rowlett
305. S Marie St.
Weatherford - Texas.
Page 27

DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2d February, 1848, entitled "An Act making further provision for surviving widows of the soldiers of the Revolution.

STATE OF Pennsylvania
Franklin COUNTY ss.

On this seventh[?] day of May 1848 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said county, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, Mrs. Christianna Reisher, a resident of Chambersburg, in the county of Franklin State of Pennsylvania, aged 86 years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed the 2d February, 1848, granting pensions to the widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war; that she is the widow of John Croft, who was a Private in the German Regiment in the war of the Revolution, and that she has drawn a pension at the rate of Eighty dollars [blank] cents per annum, under the Act of 17th June, 1844. She further declares that she is still a widow.

Christiana Reisher her mark

In presence of
Benj. Keyser
Edwd. C. Grove.

SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED on the day and year above written, before Benj. Keyser Justice of the Peace.

I certify that the declarant is personally known to me, and that she is the same individual she represents herself to be in the foregoing affidavit.

Benj. Keyser Justice of the Peace.
Page 28

State of Pennsylvania
Franklin County ss.

I Thomas P Bard Prothonotary of the Court of Common Please of said County do hereby certify that Benjamin Keyser Esquire whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate was at the time of the doing thereof and still is a Justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law, and that to all acts by him done in that capacity full faith and credit are due and ought to be given

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office and the seal of the said court at Chambersburg this sixteenth day of May A.D. one thousand Eight hundred and forty Eight

Thos P Bard Prothy

admitted
Page 29

Atlanta, Ga. July 22nd., 1924.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Will you kindly inform me of Pension or Bounty land was bestowed for Revolutionary Service, in my ancestors Joseph Fowler and John Croft.
(Joseph Fowler I understand fought at King's Mountain and John Croft in Captain Heyser's Company).
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ladie Fowler Rowlerr,
186 E. Pine St.
Atlanta, Ga.
Page 30

O. W. and N. Division. 3-525.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.,

Ms.[?]
Misfile 3457
Rev War.

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of John Croft, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (& his widow's) applications for pension on file in this Bureau.

[table] DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Enl. Hagerstown Md
1776
dis
July 27, 79

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
3 yrs.

RNK.
Pri.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Heyser
COLONEL.
German Regt. on the Continental Establishment

STATE.
Md. [/state]

Battles engaged in, [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, [checkmark]
Date of misapplication for pensions, Apl 2, 1844: her cl. was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Chambersburg, Franklin Coty Pa.
Age at date of application, 79 yrs. born in Aug.
Remarks: Solomon Greene [illegible] Pa. about Whitsuntide 1780
Christiana -- sol. died Dec 1796. Mid. mar Oct. 28, 1799
Daniel Reisher who d. Jany 19. 1825.
1845 Mary Craft as by dear[?] John & Christiana, testified on claim
no claim for John Fowler.

Very respectfully,
[illegible]
Commissioner.

20581b3m11-05
Page 31

10778
Christiana Reisher

Ken
Let to J M McCalla
Sept 27 1844
error in addressing the
above letter to McCalla

Jacob Barrick Jany 27th '45

Act July 7, 1838