Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 1979, for John Mc Elroy, Pennsylvania
Page 1

SERVICE
Penn

McElroy, John
Catherine

NUMBER
W 1979
Page 2

I do hereby certify that I was present of the Marriage
of John McElroy, who served in the war of the revolution, to
Catherine Snept both of this town the said wedding took
place about the year 1790 the precise period of which I do not
not distinctly remember. 
Elizabeth Seagraves her mark
Allentown Pa June 16 1852
Sworn and Subscribed
before me
Jno D Lawall J. P.


State of Pennsylvania Lehigh County SS.
I Francis E. Samuels Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas of said County
of Lehigh, do hereby certify that John
D Lanall Esqr whom the above
and the within affidavits were made
is a magistrate in and for said County of Lehigh duly
authorized according to law to take such affidavits and
acknowledgments, and that his signatures thereto
purporting to be his are genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of Office at Allentown
this Sixteenth day of June A.D. 1852, F. E. Samuels Prothy
Page 3

This certifies that the following is a correct
Copy of the Baptisms of the Allentown Church
now in my possession as Pastor of the same.
Parents - John McElroy and his wife Catherine
Infant - Magdelena 
August 4th Born 1793
Baptised Sept 8th 1793
Peter this Theiss & M. Elizabeth Schneph Sponsors
Allentown PA June 14th 1852 
J. S. Dubs {seal}

We the undersigned Elders of the Alletown Church
do certify that the above is a correct copy of the baptism of
Magdalena, daughter of John and Catherine McElroy the said
record being in possession of our Poster, Rev J S Dubs. We
further certify that the above signature of Mr Dubs, is genuine
M.D. Eberhard
Joseph Hartman
Samuel Moyer

Sworn & Subscribed before me this 16 day of June 1852
Jno D. Lawall J. P.
Page 4

Certificate of
Marriage
married in 1793
Page 5

Lehigh County ss
Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace
in and for the said County personally came the within named Michael D Eberhard, Joseph Hartman & Samuel Moyer Elders of the Allentown Church, who in due form of [same] acknowledged that the certificate within mentioned is a true copy 
of the Records of said Church. And I do certify that the foregoing names are the Identical persons which have.  put their signatures thereto.

Certificate of
Marriage
Married in 1793
Page 6

5991
Pennsylvania

Catharine McElroy
widow of John McElroy
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private -
Penn 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 18th day of Sept, 1852
and sent to
Hon J. R. Chandler
Phil'a -

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 9, 1818, Page 242 Vol. 2
Page 7

[newspaper clipping atop of handwritten letter]

A REMARKABLE CASE OF LONGEVITY
Mr. Hawin Gary, the Missionary of the Evangelical Home
Missionary Society of [Kapington], reports that he
visited a Mrs. McEleny, residing at No. [?] North 
Third street, who will be one hundred and eight
years old, on the 26th instant. Her maiden name
was Catharine Ship. She was born in Allentown,
Northampton County, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of
July, 1744. She inherits the constitution of her
father, who was from Germany, and lived to be
one hundred and seven years of age. She remembers
the occurrence of the principal events of the
revolution, and frequently provided food for the 
American soldiers. She has a distinct recollection 
of General Washington.  In 1790, when forty-six
years of age, she was married to John McElroy, a 
revolutionary soldier, by whom she had seven
children, four of whom are now living, two of them
being twins. She had a remarkably vigorous constitution,
 and often assisted her husband in the mill
before they came to Philadelphia. She would take 
up a bag containing 112 pounds of flour with all
case, and place it on the back of a horse. She still
retains much strength and activity, and would be
taken for a woman of 60 or 70, instead of 108 years
of age. Twenty-one years ago she received what
is termed second sight, and can now see as clearly
and distinctly as ever.  She does all her housework,
 waits upon her youngest daughter, fifty-one
years of age, who has been blind for three years
past and attends a store or shop, which they keep
the front room. Her strength, however, is beginning
 to fail, and labor and attention required of her is
 more than she can long endure. The daughter living
 with her has property in her own right, valued at $300,
 which some of her friends are endeavoring to sell, that
 she may invest the proceeds, that they may receive a more comfortable maintenance, without being compelled to labor so hard. This is a remarkable instance of longevity.

[Newspaper obscures left side. Missing words
found in next page, where clipping was moved before scanning] 

Phil’a Sept 13th 1852
Sir, 
I received this morning a letter from 
Mr Thompson, in which he states that you informed
him you were unacquainted with Mrs McElroy. Judging
from which that,  he understood me to say, in my letter to him
that you were. In this he certainly misunderstood.  Or if
I did say so, I certainly did not intend it.
I was under the impression that from your position
as a member of Congress you would have some influence
with the proper department in seeing that the case
was adjudged according to its merits-- Mr Morrison,
the member from Chester, with whom I was intimate,
called on the Commissioner in the early part of the
proceedings, obtained an official letter from Mr Heath and
gave me some instruction how to act and what
testimony to procure -- Mr Heath’s letter, and the
 subsequent written by Mr Joplin I hereby enclose-
If you will do me the favor to examine the
evidence I have submitted and see Mr Heath or Mr
Joplin, I think there will be no difficulty in the 
settlement of the case - the on two points - in the
 estimation of Mr Joplin, to be settled are,  1st Was John
McElroy, and his widow living, married prior to 1794-
This I fully prove by Mrs Seagraves, who was present
at the Marriage ceremony, which she swears took
place in 1790, or thereabouts - [And] further it is proved
Page 8

Phil’a Sept 13th 1852
Sir, 
I received this morning a letter from 
Mr Thompson, in which he states that you informed
him you were unacquainted with Mrs McElroy. Judging
from which that,  he understood me to say, in my letter to him
that you were. In this he certainly misunderstood.  Or if
I did say so, I certainly did not intend it.
I was under the impression that from your position
as a member of Congress you would have some influence
with the proper department in seeing that the case
was adjudged according to its merits-- Mr Morrison,
the member from Chester, with whom I was intimate,
called on the Commissioner in the early part of the
proceedings, obtained an official letter from Mr Heath and
gave me some instruction how to act and what
testimony to procure -- Mr Heath’s letter, and the
 subsequent written by Mr Joplin I hereby enclose-
If you will do me the favor to examine the
evidence I have submitted and see Mr Heath or Mr
Joplin, I think there will be no difficulty in the 
settlement of the case - the on two points - in the
 estimation of Mr Joplin, to be settled are,  1st Was John
McElroy, and his widow living, married prior to 1794-
This I fully prove by Mrs Seagraves, who was present
at the Marriage ceremony, which she swears took
place in 1790, or thereabouts - [And] further it is proved
Page 9

by Record evidence is in the transcript from the church and
of the birth and baptism of a child prior to 1794. This transcript is certified by the Pastor and three Elders of the Church
The 2d point is the identity of the widow’s husband with
the soldier of that name who received depreciated certificates for service in the 2d Regiment of the Pennsylvania
 line - the Secretary of this Commonwealth has certified
that but one person of this name served in that regiment
which certificate is on file with the other papers-
Mr Hinkle, a gentlemen of whom you have probably
heard, certifies that he knew the parties before and
after Marriage and that in 1789, he was in company
with Mr McElroy on the ground of the battle of German
Town, and in the presence of several others whom he
knew to have been in that engagement. He gave him
a history of the various movements of the army and
stated that he was in it in the service of the government.
There is also a certificate from Mr Banks, the Auditor
General, who states that the present applicant, as the
widow of John McElroy, [has] received said depreciated certificates, has granted a pension to the
Legislature of Pennsylvania and that the case is in my
hands as her representation - These together with the
affidavit of the old Lady herself and some others
go to make out, as Mr Banks told me, one of the
clearest cases ever submitted to him for examination.
Several other gentlemen acquainted with said matter
at Harrisburg, expressed the same opinion-
Page 10

The two committees, of the Senate and House, at Harrisburg, gave the matter the fullest investigation, and they all stated to
me that but for the fact that she was entitled to a considerable sum from the general government, and the [press] of the State Treasury, they would have [accepted] a bill giving her a gratuity equal in amount to ten or fifteen years pension. They in consequence, [had given] her the usual year’s pension of $40. This you are aware is affording her but trifles and for her support and that of her daughter, 51 years of age and totally blind. It is the purpose of a [fine] gentlemen and myself, if he can procure of the government what she is entitled to, to place them both in a more comfortable position - The slip which I enclose is in the man correct, with the exception of the value
of the house owned by the daughter. And an important matter
entirely omitted is that the house is Mortgaged to near its 
full value.  When I first saw them during the past winter, neither
of them had partake of any thing, for near the five weeks
but bread and water-- I had around and solicited aid
from a number of persons and had them comfortably provided 
for, and with several [others,] after learning the particulars,
undertook the present claim. And now my dear sir,
if you will lend us your aid in the matter you will
have performed an acceptable service, and one you
will never regret. Mr Morrison, has been sick a good
deal during the session and I believe is so now. But ever
if he was well, I presume it would be better to have the
said of the Representative from the vicinity of the parties.
Page 11

[right margin, vertical]
Aug’st 17/62 or 17/42
Maj Kirby

who are pressing the claim.
You will observe that in procuring
the testimony, I have followed the direction of Mr Heath.
I now [severally] add that Mr Smith & Mr Heiskell, to whom
I submitted the evidence, both concurred with Mr Banks- 
Trusting that you will be able to accomplish what 
I have in [since?], I am
Very truly &c 
Yours A. Weeks MD
No 70 N Eight St

To Hon Jos R Chandler
Washington

P.S. In the letter of Mr Joplin to, Mr Thompson, it appears
to me, he has entirely overlooked the baptismal Certificate
and the affidavit of Mrs Seagraves -  since which, however
I have forwarded the certificate of the Secretary of the Committee and a further statement from Mr Hinkle.
Page 12

No 1458
Catharine McElroy
widow of John

Pa
July 7. 1838

Hon J. A. Morrison
H. R
Page 13

[ink too faint to transcribe.  Appears to be deposition of Catharine McElroy, taken in April 185[2?]. See scan #14 for signatures, which are obscured by page transcribed below. See scan #62 for simlar info, which depostion was taken in March, 1852. That scan also had very faded ink.]


State of Pennsylvania
COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss.
I, JOHN A. SCANLAN, Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of said County, Do CERTIFY, that
Samuel Taylor
before whom the annexed affidavit was made, is an Alderman and ex officio
Justice of the Peace of the County of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to
administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgements, &c. and to all whose acts, as such,
full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere and that
his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said
Court, this twentieth day of April A. D. 185
John A Scanlan CLERK.
Page 14

[ink too faint to transcribe.  Appears to be deposition of Catharine McElroy, taken in April 185[2?].  See scan #62 for simlar info, which depostion was taken in March, 1852. That scan also had very faded ink.]

Cathine X McElroy her mark

Samuel Taylor
Alderman
and Ex officio Justice
of the Peace
Page 15

Philadelphia City and County, ss.

By the Tenor of these Presents, I, SAMUEL
BRYAN, Esquire, Register for the Probate of
Wills, and granting Letters of Administration
In and for the City and County of Philadelphia,
In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,

DO MAKE KNOWN unto all Men, that on the day of the Date
hereof, at Philadelphia, before me was proved, and approved, the last
Will and Testament of John McElroy, Dealer in flour
deceased, (a true Copy whereof is to these Presents annexed) having whilst
he lived, and at the time of his Death, Divers Goods, Chattels,
Rights, and Credits within the said Commonwealth, by Reason whereof
the Approbation and Insinuation of the said last Will and Testament, and
the committing the Administration of all and singular the Goods, Chattels,
Rights and Credits, which were of the said Deceased, and also the auditing
the Accompts, Calculations and Reckonings of the said Administration,
and a final Dismission from the same, to me are manifestly known to
belong; and that Administration of all and singular the Goods, Chattels,
Rights and Credits of the said Deceased, any way concerning his
last Will and Testament, was committed to Catherine Mc
Elroy the sole Executive -

in the said Testament named, she having been duly sworn
well and truly to administer the Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits of
the said deceased, and make a true and perfect Inventory thereof, and ex-
hibit the same into the Register’s Office, at Philadelphia, on or before the
twenty second day of December - next, and to render a true
and just Accompt, Calculation and Reckoning of the said Administration,
on or before the twenty second day of November One Thou-
sand Eight Hundred and fifteen or when thereunto lawfully required.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my Hand and
Seal of Office, at Philadelphia, the twenty second - day of
November in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight
Hundred and fourteen -

Sam. Bryan, Register
Page 16

Whereas I John McElroy of the Northern Liberties
County of Philadelphia, Dealer in Flour and Grain,
being in perfect health, and of sound mind, but considering
the uncertainty of what time I may change and not enjoy
this blessing do make this my will and Testament.
I commend my Soul to Almighty God from whence
it originated. My temporal affairs I leave as follows:
To my wife Kitty McElroy  I leave all my estate real
and personal as long as she remains my widow, on
condition that she pays each of my children ten shillings
when each becomes of age. In witness whereof I sign
my name and affix my seal, this seventh day of
February 1808 -
N.B. Before signing and sealing I wish it understood that my wife is sole Executrix
John McElroy {seal}

Witnesses
John Sneesinger
Philip Graber
Rich’d Folwell

Philad’a Nov’r 22d 1814 Then personally appeared John
Sneesinger one of the Witnesses to the within will and
on his solemn oath according to law did depose
and say that he did see and hear John McElroy 
the Testator in the said will named, sign seal [publish]
and declare the said Will as and for his last
Page 17

Will and Testament and that at the doing thereof,
he was of sound mind memory and understanding
to the best of his knowledge and belief, and the said
Deponent did further depose and say that he did
see Philip Graber and Richard Folwell, the other
two witnesses to the aforesaid will, subscribe their
names as Witnesses thereto in the presence and at
the request of the aforesaid Testator
[Coram]
Saml Bryan Register
Page 18

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 1979
Catherine McElroy
Widow
John McElroy
Pri Rev War

Act Feb. 2. 1848.
Index: - Vol. M, Page 17
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 19

No. 14.589
Catherine McElroy
Widow of John 
Pa.

Let Hon J A Morrison June 5/52
Let Mr Thompson July 31/52
same Sept 6 1852

July 7, 1838
Page 20

May 3/1852
Add’l evi. in case
of Catharine
McElroy

[above superimposed on following next 2 lines]
May 3/52
Maj Kirby

Hon John A. Morrison
H of R


J A Morrison
Free

Hon James E Heath
Com’r of Pensions
Washington D C
Page 21

9.278
Pennsylvania, Phil
Catharine McElroy
widow of John
who was a private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 80 Dollars —-
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued
the 18 day of Sept, 1852
and sent to
Hon J R Chandler
Phila, Pa.

{Acts of March 3, 1843 & June
17, 1844.}
Recorded in Book A Vol 2  Page 112
Page 22

11. 394
Pennsylvania - Phil
Catharine McElroy
widow of John
who died on [blank] 
of  [blank] in the State of  [blank] 
who was a priv in the  [blank] commanded
by Captain  [blank] of the  [blank] commanded
by  [blank] in the  [blank] 
Revolution

Inscribed on the roll of Phil’a
at the rate of 80 Dollars - Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 18 day of
Sept. 52 and sent to Hon. J. R. Chandler
Phila Pa

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

Revolutionary Claim,
Act July 7, 1838.

Recorded by R. McRae Clerk
Book D Vol. 1 Page 227
Page 23

Statement of A
Weeks relative to
case of Cath’e McElroy
widow of John

Free Jos. R. Chandler

Hon James E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington


Aug’t 17 ‘52
 relative to
case of Cath’e McElroy
widow of John
Hon. J. R. Chandler
House of Rep’s
Page 24

Aug’t 17 ‘52
 relative to
case of Cath’e McElroy
widow of John
Hon. J. R. Chandler
House of Rep’s

Free Jos. R. Chandler

Hon James E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

Statement of A
Weeks relative to
case of Cath’e McElroy
widow of John
Page 25

[circle stamp]
PHILADELPHIA PA 
MAR 31

No 14.589
 Catharine McElroy
widow of John
Pa
Act 7 July 1838

Let to Hon. J. A. Morrison
April 1. 1852

FREE
J. A. Morrison
Free

Hon J. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 26

Copy
Pension Office
June 5/52
Sir
I have examined the additional testimony
submitted by you to sustain the claim of Catharine
 McElroy, widow of John, for the benefit of
the Act of July 7 1838, and you are informed
that it does not establish the identity of her
husband with the Soldier of his name, who
in 1784, received depreciation certificates for his
services in the 2d Regt of the Pennsylvania Line, 
nor the date of her marriage prior to 1794,
with that degree of exactness required by the
Regulations. Perhaps old comrades, who are themselves pensioners, can furnish the required evidence
of identity, or if their testimony cannot be obtained
that of old and respectable neighbours who had personal knowledge of the fact that her husband was a
Revolutionary Soldier, might be sufficient. Mere
proof of Cohabitation is not the evidence of marriage
we required by the rules. It must be shewn
that the parties were married prior to
1794, by Record evidence, if it can be obtained.
Page 27

If the marriage Certificate is lost, perhaps
there may be a Family Record shewing the
 birth of a child at a period which would
bring the case within the provisions of the Act.
But if there is no Record evidence, and of that fact
 we must be satisfied, the parole testimony must be predicated upon some event which is itself a matter of Record.

Very &c
(signed) J E Heath
Com.

Hon J A Morrison
Ho of Reps
Page 28

Pension Office
July 31, 1852
Sir:
I have filed the power of Attorney appointing
 you the Agent in the case of Catharine
McElroy, widow of John, and for the objections to
the admission of her claim, would refer you to
the accompanying copy of a letter addressed to
the Hon J A Morrison, of the House of Representatives,
 on the 5 of June last. Since the date of that
letter it has been satisfactorily, shown that
her husband was recognized as a Revolutionary
Soldier by the legislature of Pennsylvania, which
on the 23d 1852 granted her a pension as the widow
of such; but that fact does not obviate the necessity of
satisfying this Office that he was
the soldier of the 2d Pennsylvania Line who received depreciation certificates &c, and of proving
the date of her marriage prior to 1794, in the
manner indicated in my letter to Mr Morrison.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obt Servant
F F C Triplett
Acting Comr

M Thompson Esq
Present
Page 29

Please return to me all
The letter[s] & papers relative to Mr McElroy when you have done with them. me

House of Representatives
Washington August 17 1852

Hon J E Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I enclose herewith
a letter from Mr Jacob Sherman of Philadelphia
asking for information [regarding?] claims 
of his Father, Jacob Sherman a private in the
16 Regiment of Infantry and the 3d Company
in the War of 1812.
Also a second letter of Mr George Burrell - inquiry
about the claims of his step Father.
Also papers from A Weeks relative to a claim of
Mrs McElroy- [illegible]
May I respectfully write to the above the
Early attention of your Bureau
Very Truly
Your friend & servant
Jos R Chandler

I enclose also a letter from 
 Alderman Kenny of Philadelphia
relative to the 
claim of Agnes Allen Widow of Thos. P Allen.
Page 30

Phil’a Sept 13/52

Hon Joseph  R Chandler
My Dear Sir
I have just learned that Mr Heath, though not fully
deciding the case of Mrs McElroy, has notified Mr Thompson that the evidence is not sufficient to establish the proof of service.  Mr Thompson writes me that the case will be carried to Mr [Steed?] on appeal, and says he has no doubt that he will reverse the decision of Mr Heath.
There appears to be something extraordinary in the case, and I sincerely trust you will exert yourself with Mr  [Steed?] about a 
favorable decision-- The old Lady is now one hundred and [nine] years old - feeble & almost destitute, with a daughter over fifty years old, [entirely] blind. And with the exception of the pittance granted her by the Legislature of Pa. at its last
session, subsist entered upon the charity of her neighbors. She might have applied for the benefit provided for her by act of Congress and for which she now craves -  when any amount of evidence might have been procured, but as she did not need it. Her husband having left her a [competency], but which was 
was all wrung from her by a dissipated son, now deceased, she never applied. - I will recapitulate the evidence on file in the proper Department at Washington. In the first place, the Legislature of this State granted Mrs McElroy, a pension at its last session  after hearing the report of the Committee of [illegible]. The proof of service being upon the files of the Auditor Generals’ Office and in the Office of the Secretary of State - The fact of her being the widow of the John Mc Elroy
who served in the 2nd Regiment of the Penn’a Line from [82?] to the end of the war - was perfectly satisfactory to the  Committee [he was the same] person of that name in the Regiment, or indeed any in the State Line - This was
Page 31

considered a sufficient proof of service- Indeed but for the fact that the Committees felt certain she could obtain a sufficiency for her maintenance from the General Government, the few years she yet may live, they would have reported for her relief a commutation equal to fifteen or twenty years pension. They did not presume the Commissioner of Pensions, at Washington would look behind the [Proud] Seal of the Commonwealth, which recognized the service and the identity of the widow. The point however that was not sufficiently clear to Mr Heath, was the date of the Marriage, the certificate being lost. It being necessary that it should have taken place prior to 1794, as we then only had the oath of the Old Lady to that
effect. He therefor in a letter to the Hon Jos A Morrison, of June 5th last, says "Perhaps his comrades, who are themselves pensioners, can furnish the required evidence of identity, or if their testimony cannot be obtained that
of old and respectable neighbors who had personal knowledge of the facts that her husband was a Revolutionary soldier might be sufficient-- Mere proof of cohabitation is not the evidence of marriage required by the rules. It must be shown that the parties were married prior to 1794 by Record evidence, if it can be obtained. If the marriage Certificate is lost, perhaps there may be a family Record showing the birth of a child at a period which would bring the case within the provisions of the Act.”
To meet these requirements, I proceeded to Allentown in the Northern part of the State, where they were married, and obtained the testimony of a Mrs Seagraves, 85 years old, who was present at the Marriage ceremony, and who claims that it took place about 1790, and that Mr McElroy was
there known to have served in the war. Besides which, I obtained
from the Record of the Church, a transcript of the baptism of their
Page 32

first living child, that was born and christered in 1793 - this was certified to by the present Pastor and three Elders of the Church. - 
Mr Hinkle and Mrs Kuntz, both swear that they knew both parties both
before and after marriage, that they lived together untill the time of his
decease in 1814. Their credibility is fully sustained by Alderman
Samuel Taylor, who administered the oaths-- Mr Hinkle further
swears that he was in company with Mr McElroy, in the early part of
the year 1789 near where the battle of Germantown was fought, 
and related to him the various positions and movements of the American
army, and that he was in the field in service - which statements and
the fact that he was in the army, were full corroborated by several
others whom he Mr H. Knew were in the service at that battle [too].
Although he did not know of his personal knowledge, yet he is fully
satisfied that Mr McElroy did serve in that battle. All this however, be only regarded as confirming what he had already proved by
Record evidence from the officer of the Auditor General and Secretary of State, at Harrisburg.
Now, when we take into consideration this large
amount of testimony, backed by the seal of the Commonwealth and the
action of the two Committees of the Legislature, after a most [thorough]
investigation, and the age and condition of the widow, is it not
a burning shame that the small amount provided by act of Congress to [meet]
her case, and to which she is justly entitled, should be withheld?
 Evidence so clear and satisfactory would certainly be
taken in a court of Justice, and why should it be objected to here?
It is proper that I should say that I have no particular
interest in the matter, further than to see the Old Lady made comfortable-- I became acquainted with her during the last winter
while visiting poor families in the neighborhood, and with
several other gentlemen, be resolved to obtain the pension made
to meet her case -- Mr Banks, An Auditor General, and several
distinguished Attornies, have told me, it was one of the most
satisfactory cases they ever examined and that they felt satisfied no objection whatever would be made -
I am very truly &c
Yours A. Weeks, [MD?]
Page 33

Philad'a March 26, 1852

To Hon J Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I called at Department with
enclosed papers, but in the absence of Mr. Cole
failed to procure the desired information.
Will you be so kind to have them examined
and if there be other requisitions necessary to 
procure the desired pension please forward
to me, No. 70, North Eighth Street, Philad’a, 
in care of Dr. Weeks- Such instructions as
will be required - enclosing also the within papers
unless they be already perfected
Query, will this case come
under the act of 1832-
Your Ob’t Sev’t
John A. Morrison
House of Represent’s
[NS]
Page 34


H. R.  Washington April 30, 32
To the 
Hon James E Heath
Com’r Pensions
Sir
Enclosed is a certified copy of the act
of Penn’a Legislature granting a pension to
Mrs McElroy - It is presented as additional proof in
reference to her claim for Pension, now in your 
department  - May I ask that this case receive early attention.
Very Respectfully
John A. Morrison
Page 35

Catharine McElroy
wid of John
Penn’a

Act 7 July 38
adm’d
2 yes pri - $80
per an:
except 2 years

Hon Jos R. Chandler
Phil’a 
Pa
Page 36

Letter from
O N Thompson
Page 37

Washington June 28 185[2?]

Hon Jas E. Heath
Commiss’r of Pensions
Sir
I herewith inclose
additional evidence in
Case of Catharine McElroy
of Pennsylvania, Widow
 of John McElroy and
 respectfully ask, that this 
case may be acted, upon 
immediately, as the evidence 
is now conclusive to establish
the claim, which has
been pending for some time, and
Several times rejected or
Suspended.
 I have the honor to be &c.
O N Thompson
Atty for McElroy
Page 38

Brief in the case of Catharine McElroy, 
Wid John
County and State of Pennsylvania
Acts 7 July 38 &c
Claim, (“original”)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Record evidence of service and
documentary of Marriage

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence be filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? [blank]

Kirby
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
Hon Jos R. Chandler
Phil’a, Pa.
Page 39

Certificate of the
Auditor General of Pa
Page 40

Auditor Generals Office
Harrisburg June 23 1852
I certify, that the name John McElroy, appears in
three places on the records of this department
all purporting to be for services in the 2nd
Penn’a Regiment, in the war of the Revolution.
And that Catharine McElroy, whose case
is in the hands of Dr. A. Weeks, of Phil’a,
was granted a pension by an act of the Legislature
of
this State, at its last Session - satisfactory evidence
having been produced to that body, that said Catharine
McElroy, was the widow of John McElroy
of the 2nd Penn’a Regiment as aforesaid - Witness my hand and Seal of Office, the date above written-

E. Banks
Auditor Gen.
Page 41

This certifies that in the year 1789, I was
personally and well acquainted with John McElroy, who
afterwards at Allentown, Pa. married Catherine [Snept or Shept]. And during that year was in company with Mr. McElroy
near where the battle of Germantown was fought, at which
time he pointed out to me the ground and the various
movements of the American Army, and stated that he was
in that engagement in the service of the government
and which statement was fully corroborated by several
[see next page for remainder of sentence.]

State of Pennsylvania, COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss.
I, JOHN A. SCANLAN, Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of said County, DO CERTIFY, that Wm P. Hibbard
before whom the annexed affidavitt was made, is Alderman and ex officio Justice of the Peace of the City of
Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to
administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgments, &c. and to all whose acts, as such.
full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this tenth day of August A. D. 1852.
[O. P. Corsman, Pro] Clerk
Page 42

This certifies that in the year 1789, I was
personally and well acquainted with John McElroy, who
afterwards at Allentown, Pa. married Catherine [Snept or Shept]. And during that year was in company with Mr. McElroy
near where the battle of Germantown was fought, at which
time he pointed out to me the ground and the various
movements of the American Army, and stated that he was
in that engagement in the service of the government
and which statement was fully corroborated by several others, now deceased, whom I knew to have been in the same battle.
Peter Hinkle
52 Randolph St
Dist of N Liberties
County of Philad’a

Sworn and Subscribed before me this Ninth
day of August AD. 1852
Wm P Hibbert Ald’n
and Ex Office a Justice of the Peace
Page 43

Phil’a Aug’t 7th 1852
Dear Sir
Mr Thompson has forwarded to me
Your letter of the 31st in reference to the claim
of the Widow McElroy - in which you refer to the
letter to the Hon J A Morrison of the House of Rep of
June 5th. This letter Mr Morrison also sent me.
Since that date, of which you state that it is satisfactorily
shown that the Legislature of Penn’a granted
Mrs McElroy a pension as the widow of John McElroy,
who served in the Pennsylvania line during the
Revolution, but that “That fact does not obviate
 the necessity of satisfying in this department that 
he was the soldier of the 2nd [(Regiment)] Pennsylvania line who received depreciation Certificates, &c and of proving
the date of her marriage prior to 1794 in the
manner indicated in my letter to Mr Morrison.”
In the letter of June 5th, Mr Heath says that if the
testimony of old comrades cannot be obtained, and
which by the way is very difficult to obtain now of any
of the old soldiers - that of old and respectable neighbors
 who had personal knowledge of the fact that her husband was a Revolutionary soldier might be sufficient. 
And further - It must be shown that the parties were
married prior to 1794 by Record evidence. If it can
Page 44

be obtained. If the Marriage Certificate is lost, perhaps
there may be a family Record showing the birth of a child at a period which would bring the case within the provisions of the Act.”  In accordance with the instructions of Mr Morrison, and what I inferred from said letter of June 5th, I proceeded to Allentown and found an old Lady, Mrs Seagraves, near 90 years old, who [swore] to being present at the marriage ceremony
in 1790, and who was sure of the fact that Mr
McElroy did serve in the Revolutionary war.
I also procured from the present Pastor of the Church
in which the ceremony took place, a record of the
Baptism of a child  - the Book in which the marriages
were recorded being lost. Said baptism occurred
prior to 1794- This certificate has qualified to
by the Pastor and three Elders of the Church - I also
procured a certificate from the State Department of
Harrisburg proving that there was but one person named
John McElroy who served in the 2nd Regiment of the
Pennsylvania line during the war - I also forwarded
 the last will and testament (a certified copy thereof)
 upon which the Register of Wills granted said
Catherine the necessary powers as executors &c, proving
first, by the evidence of Mrs Seagraves,and the baptism
of the child, (as also it testimony of Mr Hinkle & Mrs Kuntz
previously filed,) that they were married previous to 1794, &
Page 45

[and] by the will that they lived together as man & wife
up to the time of his decease in 1814. - the Baptism
& will being matters of Record. The certificate
from Harrisburg proving but one person of that name
in the service, and the large amount of proof that this
John, whose widow I represent did actually serve
in said line seemed, to a number of distinguished
persons to whom the matter was submitted previous
to sending the papers to Washington fully to make out
the case, and to meet the requirements of the Dept.
If there was a case that called for
the aid of government, and really desiring of the
relief intended to be granted by the act, this is
certainly [one pre-eminently] so, and I sincerely trust
the matter may be reviewed. The high character
of the parties who have testified in the case, together
with the affidavit of the old Lady herself, now lying
on the brink of the grave, having reached an age almost
unprecedented entitles the matter to every consideration. 
The case was left in the care of Mr Morrison, in consequence of my more intimate acquaintance with him. But for my character & that of Mr Hinkle and Mrs Kuntz, your department
is referred to Mr Chandler of the House, one of [he]
Representatives from this County-
If however, there is any thing further necessary
to make the case more satisfactory, that can possibly
be procured, I earnestly trust you will point it out
Page 46

to me and it shall be attended to.
Very Respectfully &c
Yours A. Weeks MD

Jo J F C Toplin, Esq
Washington

P. S. I need [several] add this both committees of
the Senate and House of Reps of this State gave the
matter their fullest investigation, and upon being
fully satisfied that the old Lady I represent is the
widow of John McElroy, who received the depreciation
certificates granted her a pension. She has never
before stood in need of the relief contemplated.  [Plus]
she has not availed herself of the advantages the
might have [one time] in the way of testimony for her
claim, from old comrades who have since deceased.
Page 47

23

M. Thompson
Sept 6/52
Page 48

Pension Office
Sept 6 1852
Sir
I have examined the case of Catharine
McElroy widow of Jno of Pa. and have
to inform you that the objections to the
admission of the claim urged in my
letter to Hon J A Morrison of June 5 last
and my letter to yourself of July 31 last
have not been removed by the testimony
which you now file. Indeed, it is the same in
 effect as that filed by you when the case
 was last examined, before this, and which you
were informed could not be received as
evidence of service.

M Thompson Esq
Present
Page 49


Phil’a Aug’t 5 1852

Dear Sir
Yours of the 20 inst has just come
to hand.- In reply thereto I beg leave to call your
attention to the fact that the official report
 accompanying it does not refer at all to the last evidence
Furnished - in the evidence of Mrs Seagraves who witnessed the marriage ceremony and who swore that it occurred in 1790 -  2d the certificate from the Elders of the church as to the transcript from the church record of the Christening
of the child of John & Catharine McElroy - prior to
1794, also certified to by the Pastor, who is in possession of the record and 3rd The certificate from the Auditor General that there is but one person named John McElroy in the 2nd Pennsylvania regiment during the revolution &c &c. Thus meeting the objections, and in way pointed out by the Com’r
himself in his letter to Mr Morrison of the 5th Jun last.
As to the evidence of old comrades, that is furnished in the testimony of Mr Hinkle, who knew him previous to his marriage, and from a bullet wound in the leg which Mr McElroy told him he received in the revolution, and about was known by a large number of persons who confirmed it, satisfying Mr H. that he had served in the war of the revolution. Mrs Kuntz also swears to the same fact - The character and standing of the witnesses
Page 50

beyond reproach, but certified to by an Alderman.
I therefore cannot see where the objection now lies. 
And therefore it seems to me that the evidence last
furnished has not been examined.  Can it be so?
In addition to the certified copy of the will that was
furnished, the widow as executor might be filed-
It appears to me however that the fart
that there was but one person of that name in
the 2nd regiment of the Penna line ought to be
official even without the mass of conclusive
evidence that we have furnished. If this fact
was not mentioned in the certificate of the Auditor
General, I will procure a certificate from the
State department to that effect. This would effectually
 meet the first point referred to in Mr Toplin’s letter of 
the 3rd ult.  The 2d and only other [one] is the fact of the Marriage prior to 1794 does. Does not the evidence of Mrs Seagraves, and the certificate of baptism fully prove the latter? It does not however, appear from the letter Mr. T that
the case had been rejected altogether. Before
doing any thing further I should like to hear from
you on the points to which I refer. After which
I will engage the services of Mr Chandler, of the
Page 51

House Representatives from this city - I wrote to 
Mr Morrison in consequence of being a personal
acquaintance and representing a [county?]  - in which
I formerly resided. In reference to writing or
an argument, I can only say this, I feel indisposed
to expend any more money in the matter, as besides
the incidentals to which I have been obliged to meet,
large outlays have been made on my account to
meet the immediate not of the old Lady. Besides
which, it strikes the this if all the testimony which
I have already forwarded to you fails in Meeting
the requirements of the dept,  no argument however
extended or elaborate would. And therefore unless
I feel fully satisfied that such words not be the
case,  I would prefer the matter to rest where it
now is - Did you succeed in [Dover] Case?
Let me hear from you immediately, until which 
I remain
[Hastily] &c
Yours A Weeks

[Mr] M Thompson Esq
Page 52

Revolutionary
Pension Claim
of
John McElroy

dec’d or  
his Widow
Catharine McElroy
of
Pennsylvania

P’r of atty
to
M. Thompson
Papers Cal’d for
Page 53

Know all men by these Presents, that I Catherine McElroy
Widow, of the County of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania, and relict of the late John
McElroy of said County and State who was a private in the second regiment of the
Pennsylvania line in the Revolutionary War from 1781 to the end thereof, hereby constitute
and appoint Dr Alfred Weeks of the County and State aforesaid, my true and lawful agent and attorney, to prosecute my claim, under various acts of Congress, to
any amount of Revolutionary pay or pension or increase of pension, that may be due,
and I hereby authorise my said Agent to examine all the papers and document[s] in relation to said claim on file in the department at Washington City, or elsewhere,  to file
additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the certificate which may be issued
for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable to the order of the said
Dr Alfred Weeks, and I hereby authorize him to appoint one or more substitutes
under him for the purposes herein expressed; and to do all things that I might or
could do were I personally present - Hereby ratifying and confirming all that
my said Attorney and Agent shall lawfully do in the premises. Witness my hand and seal this first day of June AD 1852 -
Catharine McElroy her Mark {seal}

Signed and sealed in the presence of
Wm P Hibbard
Andrew Weeks


State of Pennsylvania County of Philadelphia ss
Personally appeared before the Subscriber one of the Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia the above Catharine McElroy and and acknowledged the foregoing Letter of attorney to be her act and deed and desired the same might be recorded. As such witness my  hand and seal this First day of June AD 1852.
Wm P Hibbard {seal}
Alderman
Page 54

Know all Men by the presents that I, Alfred Weeks M.D. named in the forgoing letter of attorney, have made, appointed and substituted, and by these presents, by virtue of the power and authority to me given in and by the said letter of Attorney, Do make, appoint and substitute M.Thompson Esq of Washington City D.C. to be the true and lawful Attorney of the said Alfred Weeks, MD, the constituent in the forgoing letter of Attorney named, to do, execute and perform all such acts, deeds, matters and things, as shall and may be requisite and necessary to be done and performed, for effecting the purposes and object in the said letter of Attorney contained, as fully and effectually in all respects, and to all intents and purposes, as I myself might or could do in virtue of the power and authority aforesaid, if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all and whatsoever my said substitute may lawfully do in [future?] hereof.
In witness whereof I hereby set my hand and seal this first day
Of June AD 1852
A Weeks MD {seal}

State of Pennsylvania, COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA. ss
I, JOHN A. SCANLAN, Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of said County, DO CERTIFY, that W. P. Hibbard Esq, before whom the annexed affidavit was made, is Alderman and ex officio Justice of the Peace of the City of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgments, &c. and to all whose acts, as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that
his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this First day of June A.D. 1852
John A. Scanlan CLERK
Page 55

Know all Men by the presents that I, Alfred Weeks M.D. named in the forgoing letter of attorney, have made, appointed and substituted, and by these presents, by virtue of the power and authority to me given in and by the said letter of Attorney, Do make, appoint and substitute M.Thompson Esq of Washington City D.C. to be the true and lawful Attorney of the said Alfred Weeks, MD, the constituent in the forgoing letter of Attorney named, to do, execute and perform all such acts, deeds, matters and things, as shall and may be requisite and necessary to be done and performed, for effecting the purposes and object in the said letter of Attorney contained, as fully and effectually in all respects, and to all intents and purposes, as I myself might or could do in virtue of the power and authority aforesaid, if personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all and whatsoever my said substitute may lawfully do in [future?] hereof.
In witness whereof I hereby set my hand and seal this first day
Of June AD 1852
A Weeks MD {seal}

Signed and sealed in the  presence of
Wm P Hibbard
Elwood Schively

Personally appeared the above A Weeks M.D. and in due
form of law acknowledged the above letter of Substitution
be his act and deed and desired the same may be
Recorded. As such, Witness my Hand and seal at
 Philadelphia City this First day of June AD 1852.
Wm P Hibbard {seal}
Ald’n
Page 56

13.
Sept 15/52
Philadelphia Pa
Sept 14/52

Hon J. R. Chandler
Appeals from the decision
of the Comr of Pensions
in the case of Mrs
McElroy widow of John, a
Revolutionary Soldier.

Kirby

Act 2nd [illegible]

Ack’d & referred to Com’r
of Pensions for a Report
Dept Intr
Sept 15/52

Rec’d Sept 15, 1852.
Page 57

Philadelphia Sept 14 1852
Hon A H H Stuart Sec’y of the Interior
Dr Sr
The accompanying letter
from Dr Weeks relates to a Pension of very
great importance to the poor old woman
who is asking for it, and any delay may
render a grant little better than a refusal.
I therefore, take the liberty & transmit to you
the remarks which the writer has addressed to me, 
in the belief that what is [??] to Ms McElroy will be
sustained by the documents which will be laid
before for whom the appeal from the
Commissioner comes up for your [consideration.]
I am Very Truly
Your Obdt
Servant
Jos R Chandler
Page 58

Washington Aug 6th 1852 
Hon F. F. C. Tripplett
Comm’r of Pensions
Sir
In the case of Catharine
McElroy, of Pennsylvania,
Widow of John McElroy,
who claims a pension under
act of 7th July 1838. I 
herewith inclose a certified
Copy of his Will, & ask
reexamination of the claim.
And also. Respectfully herewith
 submit for your perusal, a
 letter from Dr. Weeks of Philadelphia, 
which certainly takes the correct
 view of the case. & I agree with him
that your letter to me of  31st [or 21st]
Page 59

ult. must have been written
without reference to, or due
consideration of the evidence
recently filed by me, which, 
together with the evidence now
offered, can, in my judgement,
leave no ground of objection
to the claim. 
I have the honor
to be &c
M. Thompson
Atty for McElroy
Page 60

Washington Aug. 26. 1852
Hon F. F. C. Triplett
Acting Comm’r of Pensions
Sir
I herewith enclose
additional evidence in the
 case of Catharine McElroy, 
widow of John McElroy of
Pennsylvania, & also a
letter addressed to you by
Dr Weeks of Ph’a, to which
your attention is most
respectfully solicited.
The case is now
doubtless made out.
I have the honor &c.
M. Thompson
Atty for McElroy
Page 61

42   Gratuity
Second Regiment
We and each of us whose names are hereunto subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B Bowen and Captain ILLEGIBLE Beatty, Agent for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several ILLEGIBLE opposite to our name respectively, in Certificate dated July 1,1784 bearing interest at six percent from November the fourth 1783: signed by John Pierce, commissioner, and described as below, being for the balance of a settlement between the United States and us for Gratuity allow to the non-commissioned officers and privates.
Date of Issue:  Aug 5, 1784
No of Certificate:  73376
Letter: Bx
Name: John Thompson
Second dollars gotten:  80
Signers:  John Thompson
Date of Issue:  Aug 7, 1784
No of Certificate:  7
Letter: Cx
Name:  Ternon Rook
Second dollars gotten:  80
Signers:  Ternon Rook
Date of Issue:  Aug 10, 1784
No of Certificate:  8
Letter: Ax
Names: Richard Stark
second dollars gotten:  80
Signers:  Richard Stack
Date of Issue: Aug 16, 1784
No of Certificate: 9
Letter:  Bx
Names:  John S. John   144
Second Dollars gotten:  80
Signers:  Mathile Coswell
Date of Issue:  Sept 14, 1784
No of Certificate:  380
Letter:  Cx
Names:  John McEllroy
Second  Dollars gotten:  80
Signers:  John McElroy
Date of Issue:  Feby 23, 1785
No of Certificate: 1
Letter:  Hx
names: Elias Gressler  1128
Second Dollars gotten:  80
Signers:  Tho. Bradford
Date of Issue:  Feby 12, 1785
No of certificates:  2
Letter: Jx
Names:  Ludwick Hass  1052
Second dollars gotten:  80
Signers:  William Power

Auditor Generals Office
Harrisburg March 17, 1852
I certify that the above is a true copy of the original, as the same appears on pay roll A pertaining to the War of the revolution and now remaining in the Department.
Witness my hand and the seal of office the day and year above written.
Wm D. Wallace
for E. Banks, Auditor General
Page 62

The Petition of Catharine McElroy of [illegible]
[district] of Kensington in the County of Philadelphia [illegible]
that said petitioner is the widow of John McElroy, deceased,
the identical person who served as a private in a company
raised at Allentown, Pennsylvania, and was attached
 to the second regiment in the Pennsylvania line during and
to the end of the Revolutionary war.
That the name of said Petitioner before she was
married to John McElroy was Catharine Snept. That they
were married at Allentown, then in the county of Northumberland in Pennsylvania Anno Domini 1790 by a
Presbyterian Clergyman, and that the certificate has been lost.
That the said John McElroy, died at Philadelphia on the 25th of December 1814. That she has remained and still is his widow, aged 106 years. That she believes she is entitled to the [pension of] her late husband afrs’d, [?] he received a pension due to him from the close of said war with Great Britain, till the time of his death. [Several illegible words-ink very faint] [next words=best guess. “‘to this time, no part [of said pension?] has
 been [?] or received by either of the said parties.
Sworn and subscribed to this nineteenth day March AD 1852
Catherine McElroy her mark
Samuel Taylor
Alderman and Ex offico a Justice of the Peace
Page 63

State of Pennsylvania County of Philadelphia ss
On this nineteenth day of March AD 1852 before me the subscriber an Alderman in and for the County of Philadelphia
personally appeared Barbara Kuntz and Peter Hinkle, gentleman, both of the County and State aforesaid,
who being severally sworn, say that [both parties]
 was personally acquainted with John McElroy during
his life time and Catherine his wife. The parties also [state]
that they cohabited and lived together as man and wife till the time of his death. That the said John recognized [an introduced her] to the [world] as his wife and that they by all who knew them reputed to be man and wife. And that the said petitioner has remained since the death of her said husband and still is his widow. 
And the said Barbara Kuntz and Peter Hinkle further say that they know the above named parties before, at the time of,
and since they were married, although they were not personally present when the ceremony was performed, they understood from them and fully believe they were legally married. - And also that the said John McElroy served as a soldier and to the end of the revolutionary War.
Sworn and subscribed before me this nineteenth day of March AD 1852.

 [Signatures obscured by following paper laid atop this scan. See next page for complete text.]

State of Pennsylvania, COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss
I, John A Scanlan, Clerk of the Court of Oyer and Terminer and Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the City and County of Philadelphia, being a Court of Record and having a Seal, Do Certify, that Samuel Taylor before whom the annexed affidavit was made is an Alderman of the City of Philadelphia, and ex officio a Justice of the Peace, duly empowered to administer oaths and affirmations for general purposes, and that his official acts are entitled to confidence, and further, that the signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of Said Court, this twentieth day of March A.D. 1852
[O. V. Consman] Pro
Page 64

State of Pennsylvania County of Philadelphia ss
On this thirteenth day of March AD 1852 before me the subscriber an Alderman in and for the County of Philadelphia
personally appeared Barbara Kuntz and Peter Hinkle, gentleman, both of the County and State aforesaid,
who being severally sworn, say that [both parties]
 was personally acquainted with John McElroy during
his life time and Catherine his wife. The parties also [state]
that they cohabited and lived together as man and wife till the time of his death. That the said John recognized [an introduced her] to the [world] as his wife and that they by all who knew them reputed to be man and wife. And that the said petitioner has remained since the death of her said husband and still is his widow. 
And the said Barbara Kuntz and Peter Hinkle further say that they know the above named parties before, at the time of,
and since they were married, although they were not personally present when the ceremony was performed, they understood from them and fully believe they were legally married. - And also that the said John McElroy served as a soldier and to the end of the revolutionary War.
Barbara Kuntz her mark
Peter Hinkle

Sworn and subscribed before me this nineteenth day of March AD 1852 
Samuel Taylor
Alderman and Ex offico a Justice of the Peace
Page 65

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Whereas Catherine McElroy, widow of John MMcElroy deceased,
late of the County of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, in
and by a certain instrument of writing a letter of Attorney, bearing date the ______ One thousand eight hundred and fifty two, did make constitute and appoint Alfred Weeks MD of the said County and State, her true and lawful attorney to prosecute and collect her claim for any amount of back pay and pension which may be due her, on account of services performed by her said husband in the second regiment of the Pennsylvania line, during the Revolutionary war &c &c. Now be it known that I, the said Alfred Weeks MD, have made, appointed and substituted, and by these presents, by virtue of the power and authority given to me, by the said letter of Attorney, doth make appoint and substitute M Thompson Esq of the City of Washington D.C. to be my true and lawful attorney to do, execute and perform all such acts, deeds, matters and things as shall be requisite and necessary to be done and performed for effecting the purposes and objects in said letter of Attorney
contained; and I hereby authorize my said Agent, as attorney, to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the department at Washington City or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the certificate which may be issued
for said claim, which certificate I wish made payable to
me. And to do all other things as fully and effectually in all respects
and to all intents and purposes as I myself might or could do in [virtue]
of the power and authority aforesaid if personally present,  hereby ratifying
and confirming all and whatsoever my said substitute may lawfully do in virtue hereof.
Witness my hand and seal this 28th day
of May AD 1852 - A Weeks MD {seal}

Witness present
W P Hibbard
F Summerville

State of Penn’a -  County of Phil’a ss
On this 28th day of May AD 1882 before me, an Alderman
in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared Alfred Weeks MD and acknowledged the forgoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned -
In testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid
Wm P Hibbard Ald’n {seal}
Page 66


Fee $1.00 paid
by W. Q. Wallace
E. S. Goodrich
Page 67

An Act for the relief of Catherine McElroy
a widow of a soldier of the revolutionary war.
Section 1 Be it enacted by the Senate
and House of Representatives of the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly
met and it is hereby enacted by the authority
 of the same that the State Treasurer be
and he is hereby authorized and required
to pay to Cathanne McElroy of Philadelphia
county, or to her order, an annuity of forty
dollars commencing on the first day of
January, eighteen hundred and fifty two

John P Riley Speaker of the House of Reps
John H. Walker Speaker of the Senate

Approved the twenty third day of April AD
one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
Wm Bieghler
Secretary’s Office

Pennsylvania ss
I do hereby certify that the above
is a true and correct copy of
the original act of Generall 
Asembly as the same remains on
file in this office.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and
caused the seal of the Secretary’s Office to be of
fixed at Harrisburg, this twenty eighth day
of April A.D. one thousand eight hundred and
fifty two
E.L. Goodrich
Dep Sec’y of the Comonwealth
Page 68

Secretary’s Office
Pennsylvania ss

I do hereby certify that
from an examination
of the Records in this
Office it appears that
there was but one John
McElroy who served in
the 2nd Regiment of the
Pennsylvania Line during
the Revolutionary war.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the Seal of the
Secretary’s office at Harrisburg this Ninth
day of August AD. one thousand eight
hundred and fifty two
T W Hughes
Seal of Commonwealth
Page 69

Revolutionary
Pension Claim

Catharine McElroy
of
John McElroy
of
Pennnsylvania

Pr of Atty
to
M. Thompson
Filed May 28 ‘52
Papers cal’d for
Page 70

Phil’a May 28th 1852

Dear Sir
Yours of the 26th came [due] to hand this morning.
I herewith forward to the you the power of attorney to enable
you to act. My counsel here gave me some advice as to the
forms which with the blanks you previous sent me. I have
written such on one as will be satisfactory, I hope. I wished
you to forward to me ready for signing, but as you did not,
we have done the best we could under the circumstances. -
It strikes me you misunderstand the case. I believe there is 
no objection to the claim, or any doubt as to insufficiency of proof. The directions of the Commissioner have been fully
complied with in every respect,  having furnished him with
[chifs?], record evidence of service and satisfactory proof
that she is the widow. The Auditor General of this State
informs me there could be no clearer case made out.
The difficulty he explains of is, the very great delay that
has occured in issuing the certificate.  Any thing that
can be due to facilitate the same I wish you would
have attended to, the expence for which will be cheerfully
paid - Mr Morrison, will render you any assistance in his power-  Please let me hear from you again as soon as possible-
Very truly &c
Yours A Weeks MD

To M Thompson, Esq

P. S. If it is necessary for me to come on to Washington
to receive the certificate I will do so, but I do not wish to
do so until it is ready to issue - It will [3 illegible words]
to be delayed [?] one day in Washington-- You will
please fill up the blank in the date - I have forgotten the precise
day. Mr M will give you the original power of Attorney.
Page 71

Cath'e McElroy
Pa.
Page 72

This certifies that Mrs Barbara Kuntz 
and Peter Hinkle who have testified before me, that 
they were both acquainted with John and Catharine
 McElroy, previous to their marriage in [?] 1790.

[Unable to read remainder of certification, due to faded ink.]

Samuel Taylor
Alderman and
Ex. officio a Justice of the Peace