Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7205, for John Steffey, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
PENN.
War of 1812
Steffey, John
Rosanna

NUMBER
W.7205
B.L.Wt. 26543-160-55
=================================
CONTENTS
Page 2

4768
Virginia Richmond
Rosannah Steffey
widow of John Steffey
Pennsylvania
who served in the Revolutionary

war, as a private
=================================
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 20 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence on 
the 3d February, 1853.
=================================
Certificate of Pension issued
4th day of Dec. 1854
and sent to 
H. G. Fant
Present
================================
Recorded on Roll of Pension under act
February 3, 1853, Page 129 Vol. 
(page is torn-no further information available)

written sideways bottom to top 
Reg 3 m 55-11548

written near top on right side top to bottom
ctfd.
Page 3

11.548. Act March-------(page torn)
=====
                    March-----23/55
________________________________________
Rosannah, Steffey, widow of
John Steffey, private
Rev. war
_________
Capt.___________________-
Col.___________________
Virg. Mil.
====================
Ent. -----day of
Des------day 4
War Revolution.
_______________________________________
The Said Widow is now a pensioner of U. S. 
768
--------------------------------------------
Act: 16 OOC May 15/56
Boython
No 26543 if May 17/56
written overtop

Duplicate of Aug 26/56

Words written sideways unreadable

Lafayett W. Gray Atty
Lynchburg
Page 4

June 26/57 Let to L D Hancock Wytheville, Va.
second line unreadable
Feb. 22/58 Let to Comm of Genl Davis office
now ??? been
Page 5

36.380
Virginia
=================================
John Steffey
Wythe Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the Company commanded
by Captain ??? of the Regt. commanded 
by ??? in the Penna.
line for ???

?? $ ???
==================================
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
=================================
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of June and sent to
line unreadable
=================================
Arrears to the 4th of ??? 60.00
Semi-ant, allowance ending 4 Sept 10.00
==================================
$70.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}
Recorded by J T ??? Clerk,
Book 6. Vol. ??   Page 33

right side
Let. P. S. Brickingham
(word crossed out)
May 19, 1858
Page 6

Fee for addadum until 
??? to L. D. Hancock
Page 7

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the 2nd Section of the act of the 3rd February 1853

State of Virginia } SS.
On this 24th day of January 1854 personally appeared before Daniel Neff a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Wythe & State of Virginia Rosanna Steffey a resident of the Said County of Wythe & state aforesaid aged seventy four years, the Said declarant by reason of bodily infirmity being unable to appear in open court, 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 on the 3rd of February 1853 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of John Steffey who was a private Soldier in the War of the Revolution, and who was pensioned under the "act of June 7th 1832," at twenty dollars per annum, and inscribed on the roll of Pensions, payable at Richmond Virginia and numbered 26.380.
She further declares the was married to the Said John Steffey on the tenth day of January eighteen hundred and twelve; that her said husband died on the Sixth day of June 1836; that she was not married to him prior to the Second day of January eighteen hundred , but at the time above Stated. She further declares that she is now a widow. 

her.  X.  mark
Rosanna Steffey

witness W ???

See next Page for certificate of Justice of Peace.
Page 8

Wythe County & State of Virginia. to wit:
The within Declaration duly Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year written within before me Daniel Neff a Justice for the County & State above written, & I do further certify that the said declarant, whose name is signed to the within declaration, is not by reason of bodily infirmity, able to attend in open Court & make her declaration as would otherwise be required by law.
Daniel Neff. J. P.

And I do hereby further certify that the declarant made her mark to the within Declaration & it was duly witnessed by Wm Gerny. Given under my hand this 24th day of January 1854
Daniel Neff. J. P.

Virginia: Wythe County to wit
I Harold S. Matthews Clerk of the County Court of Wythe, verify that Daniel Neff whose genuine signature appears to the above certification is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly elected commissioned and qualified and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit 
In testimony whereof I hereof set my name and affix the seal of said Court at my office in Wytheville this sixteenth day of March AD 1854
H. S. Matthews Clerk
Wythe County Court
Page 9

11.548
Bounty Land
Act of March 2d 1855
-------------------------
Revolutionary War
------------------------
Application of 
Rosannah Steffey
widow of Jno.







Presented by
Lafayette Gray
Lynchburg
Va
Page 10

State of Virginia}
Wythe County} SS
Be it known that on this day of March 1855 before me L. D. Hancock a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Rosannah Steffey aged ___ years a resident of Wythe County who being duly sworn, makes oath to the following, That she is at this time the widow of John Steffey who was a Revolutionary Soldier, and a Revolutionary Pensioner, and she is the identical Rosannah Steffey mentioned in an original Pension certificate (in her possession) at the rate $20 per annum, said certificate issued in conformity with the 2d section of the Act of February 3, 1853 and signed by R. McClelland, and countersigned by L. T. Waldo, and was issued 4th of December 1854, and No 4.768. and for proof of marriage and the death of her husband she refers to her papers in application for said Pension, and she is still a widow.
She makes this declaration in order to obtain the bounty land due her under the act of March 2d 1858 and she further states that she has never received any Bounty land under any act of Congress whatever because she never applied for it prior to this date. And she hereby constitutes Lafayette W. Gray her attorney to prosecute said claim. 

her.   X    mark
Rosannah Steffey

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written, And I certify that the above named Rosanna Steffey is the identical person as stated above in every respect, that she is still a widow & a Pensioner, all of which I know personally & vouch for the truth of it.
L. D. Hancock J.P.
Page 11

Virginnia
Wythe County to wit:
 I Harold Mathews Clerk of the County Court of Wythe County, State aforesaid do certify that Lewis D. Hancock whose genuine Signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his official acts as such.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Court at my office--This 16" day of March 1855---
H'd Mathews, C.C.

(seal on left side of last paragraph)
Page 12

State of Virginia Wythe County SS
On this twenty sixth day of May 1834 personally appeared at the residence of John Steffey in the County of Wythe and State of Virginia, the said John Steffey, who from age and great bodily infirmity is unable to attend at the court House of the said county before me John Stanger one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County of Wythe and state of Virginia aforesaid duly commissioned and Sworn to act as such, the said John Steffey aged Eighty Eight years the 21th December last who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, that he entered the service of the United ^ States Under the following named officers and served as private after stated to wiz: while a resident of Lancaster ^ City in the state of Pennsylvania he went out as a volunteer under Capt. Michael Farnster, Col. Curtis Grubb. adjutant George Walsh for the term of two months, this declarant was (unreadable) at Lebanon on the first of August 1776, and was marched from there to Trenton, from there to Princetown, and from there to Paulus Hook on the North River, and this declarant states that he was then at the time of the Battle of Long Island and was in sight of the Battle fought then which was on the apposite side of the river, the company to which this declarant was attached did not arrive until about the time of the commencement of the Battle and they were there without arms which is the reason as he supposes that they were not immediately conveyed across the river, as the fighting continued off and on for about four days; this declarant remained at Paulus Hook aforesaid until his term of service had expired and he returned home in company with about fifty of the other soldiers, this declarant arrived home some days before his Capt. who then on his return gave the declarant a written discharge; which has by time or accident been mislaid or lost so that he cannot no positivity he was
Page 13

discharged to the best of his recollection the 15th of October 1776 his term of service however having expired a few days previous. This declarant then remained at home in the County of Lancaster Pennsylvania until the first of March 1777 and then ^ was drafted for a tour of two months but from the great length of time, he is now unable to recollect the name of his officers to whom he was attached ^except Col. Grunawatt he was rendezvous at the same place Lebanon, and was marched to the out skirts of Philadelphia, that town then being in possession of the British, this deponent was kept within the neighborhood of Philadelphia during his whole term of service, and was discharged the first of May 1777 but whether he ever got a written discharge, or from whom he does not now recollect, but he is confidently certain he served the full term of his tour which was two months; this declarant then returned home again, and remained there until the first of November the same year 1777 and was then again drafted for two months by Col. Grunawatt and was again marched to the vicinity of Philadelphia where he remained first at one place and then another in the neighborhood of the City of Philadelphia until the term of his service had expired, and was discharged on the first of January 1778 but whether he then got a written discharge he does not now at this late period recollect, but on this third tour he served a full term of his tour which was two months.
This declarant does not know of any person living at this day who can testify to his service except John Wampler; this declarant in answer to the various interrogations presented by the war department, make, the following that he was born in the county of Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania on the 21st of December 1745 but has no record of his age to which he can resort, as to the place of his residence when called into service, the manner in which he was called into service, he refers to the aforesaid declaration, he removed from Pennsylvania in the year 1781 to the now county of Wythe in the State
Page 14

of Virginia who he now and has ever since lived: he does not recollect of any other officers in the Army except those above communicated, nor to what particular regiment he was from time to time attached: this declarant is known in his present neighborhood to John Wampler, and Christopher Phillippi who can testify to ^ my character for veracity and their belief of my service as a revolutionary soldier. He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or Territory whatever. 
His  X. mark
John Steffey
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me
Test.  John Hanger J. P. 

On this day the 26th day of May 1834 John Wampler a citizen of Wythe County and state of Virginia, personally appeared before me John Hanger one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Wythe aforesaid at the residence of John Steffey in the said county of Wythe aforesaid and state, after being duly sworn according to law that he is well acquainted with John Steffey the above applicant for a pension, that he was born in Pennsylvania not far distant from the said John Steffey in the same county, that he was present at Lebanon when the said John ^ Steffey Started on one of his tours of duty but how many tours, and of what length, this affiant cannot of his own knowledge State, but has no doubt from all the circumstances related by the said John Steffey, and his known character for veracity that he served toi the full extent as he has above related, sworn to and subscribed the day and year and at the place above stated. 
His.  X.  mark
John Wampler

John Hanger J. P.
We, Christopher Phillippi & John Wampler residents in the neighborhood of John Steffey the above applicant do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with its said John Steffey who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty eight years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides,
Page 15

to have been an old soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.
His  X  mark
Christopher Phillippi
His  X  mark
John Wampler

John Stanger J. P. 
And the said John Stanger do hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the several interrogation presented by the War Department, that the above applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and the said John Stanger further certify that that it appears to him that Christopher Phillippi and John Wampler who have signed the proceeding certificate are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit & further that there is no Clergy man conviently to be had, and the said John Stranger further certifies that John Steffey the within applicant, from advanced age and great bodily infirmity is unable to attend at the court house. of the county of way from where he resides. 
Given under my hand this 6th Day of May 1834. 
John Stanger J. P. of 
Wythe County Va.

I John P. Mathews Clerk of the Court of the County of Wythe do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of the said John Stanger in the matter of the application of John Steffey for a Pension, and I further certify that John Stanger whose name is signed to the foregoing certificate affidavit is and was at the time of signing the same a magistrate in the county of Wythe (word crossed out) commissioned and sworn to act as such, and that full faith, and credit is due and ought to be given to all his genuine signatures
In testimony where of I have hereto to set my hand and seal of office this twenty seventh day of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty four.
J. P. Mathews, Clerk
of the Court of Wythe County
By A. B. Moore, DC
Page 16

I do hereby Certify that the following persons have been Joined by me in holy marriage during the year 1813.
Jany 10
John Steffey & Rosina Phillippi

Given under my hand this 12 day of January 1814

John Fenger G. W. G

I Harold S. Mathews Clerk of the County Court of Wythe County do hereby certify that the above certificate is a true Copy of the record of marriage certificate as the same appears of record in my office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at my office in Wytheville this the 17th day of March A.D. 1854
J. P. Mathews Clerk
Wythe County Court
Page 17

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MCS/eel

February 20, 1929

Mrs. H. W. Gardner
S. Green Street
Glasgow, Kentucky

Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.7205, it appears that John Steffey was born, December 21, 1745, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

While a resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served as a private with the Pennsylvania Troops as follows:
From August 1, 1776, two months under Captain Mchael Farnstler and Colonel Curtis Grubb; from March, 177, two months under Colonel Greenwalt; from November 1, 1777, two months under Colonel Greenwalt. 
He moved to Wythe County, Virginia, in 1781.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 26, 1834, while living in Wythe County, Virginia. 
He died, June 6, 1836.
Soldier married, January 10, 1813, in Wythe County,
Page 18

Virginia, Rosanna or Rosena Phillippy, and at that time was serving in the War of 1812. He had been married before but the name of wife and date of marriage are not given. His widow, Rosanna or Rosena, was allowed pension on her application executed January 14, 1854, at which time she was seventy-four years of age and was living in Wythe County, Virginia. 

Respectfully,


WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 19

Rosanna Stiffey
widow of 
John Stiffey
Oct 3d Feby 1853
Revy
Filed, 31, March 1854



Evans & Faut
Page 20

Virginia: At a Court held for Wythe County, at the Courthouse on Monday the 13" February 1854 "John Staley, a witness seventy four years of age having been duly sworn in open Curt says that he is well acquainted with Rossanah Steffey, the widow of John Steffey, deceased that they lived together many years as man and wife and so acted towards each other and were so received into society and that he truly believes that the said John Steffey and Rosanna his reputed widow were lawfully married and that he was well acquainted with the parties and knew them during his first wife's life time.
Peter Kusting a witness sixty one years of age having been duly sworn in open Court says that he is well acquainted with Rosanna Steffey, has known her since he was twelve or thirteen years of age thinks she was married to John Steffey in the year 1812 while he was at Norfolk serving as a soldier that the said John Steffey and Rossanna Steffey, lived together as man and wife until Steffey's death that they acted toward each other as man and wife and were received into society as such that he has never heard the marriage of the parties questioned and believes that they were lawfully married an the Court doth certify that said John Staley and Peter Kusting are citizens of this County of good character as men of truth and that their statements made upon oath are entitled to full faith and credit.
The above is a true copy as the same appears signed in my office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at the Courthouse this 13" Day of February 1854

J. P. Mathews C. C.
Page 21

(document folded on top obscuring writing)

Rosannah Steffey

widow of
Jno. 

Wythe Co.
Va:

Act /53
$20.00 per an:
Com. Feby. 3.1853.


Revy


H. G. Fant
Present

Printed along right side top to bottom
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Pension Office, Official Business.

Commissioner.
Page 22

first line unreadable
canceled

26.543


160 acres
Page 23

Pension Office,
August 31" 1854
Sir,
Please Certify the time to which the within named pensioner was paid or the date of his death.
Very Respectfully,

V. Cale
Acting Commissioner




W. H. Taylor Esq.
Acting Third Auditor, Treasury
Page 24

John Steffey paid to 4 March 1833

W. G. Taylor
Actg. 3rd Aud.
Page 25

Washington, May 13" 1854.

Hon. S. P. Waldo
Comm of Pensions

We herewith to enclose additional evidence in the case of Rosanna Steffey widow of John Steffey, Susp'd Act Feby. 3d 1853.

Very respectfully
Evans & Faut
Page 26

Rosanna Steffey
widow of 
John Steffey--
Act Feby 3d 1853.






Evans & Faut

Washington City.
Page 27

State of Virginia}
Wythe county } SS
On this 10th day of July 1854 personally appeared before the county count of the said county and state Leonard Lits & Isaac Neff & Peter Keesting residents of the said county, persons known to this court to be respectable and entitled to credit, who being first duly Sworn according to Law, declare that they were well acquainted with John Steffey dec'd & Rosanna Steffey his wife that they have every reason to believe that the said John & Rosanna were lawfully married that lived peaceably together many years as man & wife & were so regarded by the community & were freely received into society as man & wife; that they have never heard the validity of their marriage questioned. They further declare that they are well acquainted with the circumstances of the death of the said John Steffey dec'd who was a revolutionary soldier & that they believe he died about the 6th day of June 1836 & they further declare that they are not interested in Rosanna Steffey's application for a pension
Leonard Litts
Isaac Neff
Peter Kessley
attest W. Henry
attest W. H. Spiller

Sworn to & subscribed before the county Court of Wythe county on the day & year last above mentioned, & I do hereby certify that I am not interested in the application aforesaid.

J. T.  Gleanes
Chairman of the court

State of Virginia}
Wythe County} SS
J. H. S. Mathews
Clerk of the
Page 28

County court of Wythe county I do hereby certify that James T. Gleanes Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits were made & who has thereto signed his, was at the time of its being done, a Justice of the Peace and chairman of the county court for Wythe county duly commissioned and qualified by law, to administer oaths & that his signature thereto is genuine.
(seal next to following paragraph)
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office for the county aforesaid on this 11th day of July 1854
H. S. Mathews C.C.
Page 29

Act of 55
Wt. enclosed

General land Office,
March 23, 1863.

Hon. J. H. Barrett,
Comm'r of Pensions:

Sir,
Herewith I enclose, for effectual cancellation, B. L. Wt. Act 155. No. 26543, 160 acres, issued in the name of Roasnnah Steffey.
Said warrant was cancelled Oct. 5, 1860, at the request of this office, for forgery in the assignment endoreced, and in November, 1860, was delivered to Wm. T. Smithson, who behalf of the locator has filed the duplicate certificate of its location, and a warrant for substitution.
The certificate of cancellation has been, in some way, removed from the face of the warrant, & it is now returned as located at Marquette, Mich., Feb. 26, 1863, under the same assignment.
Very Respectfully,
Your obed. Serv't
J. M. Edwards
Comm'r.
Page 30

(Transcriber's note: This is a blank page with a very faded and barely reader date stamp. The only readable item from the date stamp is a date of Mar 27, 1863.)
Page 31

Boynton
Aug 29/54
Page 32

Washington Aug 26th/54

Sir
Herewith find additional evidence in the case of Roasnna Steffy for Rev'y Pension Act. Feb. 3d/53.
Also, Declaration for Bounty land of Samuel Hollybee, private Capt Page's Co. 4th Regt Florida War act 28th Sept/50.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Svts.
Evans & Faut

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comm of Pensions
Page 33

E20753
Hon G. W. Hopkins
H of Reps
Feby 3/1858

Filed the caveat of (crossed through) to arrest the issue of ??? on Warrant 21, 26543 for 160 acres which issued to Rosannah Steffey also of John Fields to arrest the issue of patent on W.N, 19432 for 80 acres, & ask that duplicates may be issued & ???.
Gen'l Land Office
Feby 9/58

Respectfully referred to 
Comm Pensions
J. A. ???
?????
Feb'y 5/58
Hood

round stamped
E. E. B.
4
1858
Page 34

Washington City Feb. 3rd 1858.

Thomas A. Hendricks

Commissioner of the General Land Office

Sir

I include herewith the declaration of John Fields and Rosanna Steffey of Wythe County Virginia, which I am requested to lay before you, in order to obtain duplicate warrants. The grounds under which there application stands, are fully explained in the declarations. The justice before whom the applications were made is personally known by me, and I can hear testimony to the respectability of both Justice and Clerk, and to the further fact, that the signatures purporting to them, are genuine.
Please have there applications disposed of as Speedily as possible, as the parties are poor, and need the proceeds of the warrants.

I am sir,

Very respectfully yours
G. W. Hopkins
Page 35

(This appears to have been written over several times from pencil to pen)

Dec 24/52
Dec 24/52
Rel. to clm. of Peter
Steffey, John Steffey.
&c

one case firm
(underline unreadable)

round rubber stamped 
unreadable except 
DEC
17

Hon. Fayfette M. Mullen M. C. 
Ho. Representatives
Washington City
D. C.

P. S. Buckingham
Inquiry
Page 36

Wytheville Va. Dec. 17th 1852

My Dear Sir,
I desire to trouble you to examine the proper records in the War Department or the pension office or both to ascertain if you can whether the names of Peter Steffey, John Steffey, and John Corvin or Colvin are to be found there or not as pensions or revolutionary soldiers entitled to pensions, or a soldiers in the Indian wars about 1790 &c. I wish particularly to know whether one of the Steffey's or both did or not draw a pension, and if so, what amount annually, and by whom the money was drawn, and how long since. This request will put you to some trouble but I write to you because I know it will be punctually and faithfully attended to. It would be esteemed a favor, if you will be so good as to send me the necessary laws, forms &c. & to be used in preparing applications for pensions-
Let me hear how things are in Washington this winter. I wonder
Page 37

where Miss Sallie Gordon is, for I have not heard from her except through you since I left Washington- Are the Misses Simpson there this winter? If so, please make known to them my kindest remembrance & tell them not to be surprised if they should see me in Washington this winter.
We have no news here worth your attention The weather is horrible, and politics perfectly quiet- Let me conclude by wishing you a pleasant session- write as soon as convenient-
I am Your Friend
P. S. Buckinghams

Hon. Fayette McMullen
Page 38

Virginia: At a Court held for Wythe County at the Courthouse on Monday the 14" day of August 1854
Rosanna Steffey by her Attorney filed the following Affidavit which was sworn to in Open Court and ordered to be entered of record
Wythe County}
State of Virginia} SS
On this fourteenth day of August 1854 personally appeared before the County Court of said County & state Lewis D. Hancock and Isaac Neff residents of the said county persons known to this Court to be respectable and entitled to Credit who being first duly sworn according to law in open court declare that they are all well acquainted with Rosanna Steffey, widow of John Steffey dec'd & that she remained unmarried & was a widow on the third day of February 1853 and is still a widow
L. D. Hancock
Isaac Neff
Attest Wm Terry
Attest John P. Nye

Sworn to before me Jas. T Gleaves Chairman of the County Court of Wythe County this day & year above written
J T Gleaves

I Harrold S Mathews Clerk of the County Court of Wythe County Hereby Certify that the Above is a correct copy of an affidavit filed by Rosanna Steffey as the same appears of record in my office
(Seal to left side of next paragraph)
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at my office in Wytheville this 1st August 1854
H S Mathews Clk
Wythe County Court
Page 39

file this with
the declaration
Page 40

House Rept. June 2'd 1854

Sir
The accompanying declaration of John Steffey has been transmitted to me to be presented to you for examination,
I have the Honor to be
Yr Obt. Servt.
J. H. Fulton
J L Edwards Esq.

NB I have been acquainted with the applicant for many years. He is a respectable old German Farmer, and has always been regarded a man of truth
J H Fulton
Page 41

(Printed document with spaces for information to be added which have been highlighted in transcription with quotes)

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855

General Land Office,
"August 18th 1858"

Your letter of the "27th ult" enclosing the affidavit of "Rosanna Steffey" of "Wyhte" County "Virginia" relative to the loss of Military Bounty Land Warrant No. "26543 for 160" acres, has been received.
The affidavit has been filed as a caveat to attest the issue of a patent, until a proper investigation can be had in the case.
Should the Warrant be located, and returned to this office for patenting, you will be advised of the name and residence of the person by whom such location is made, in order that the necessary legal steps may be taken by "the party in interest" for its recovery.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
"Tho. A. Hendricks"
COMMISSIONER.

To
"Mr P. Williams
Washington City
D.C."
Page 42

No. 11.548
Bounty Land-
Mrs Steffy
act of Mar 1855
Revolutionary
============
Make Special
____________
160
26543
Boynton

26.543
_______
160

Jenkins June 17/57

LW Gray
Lynchburg
Page 43

Revolutionary, No 11,548-Act, Mar./54
Washington D. C.
May 13" 1856

Sir

As Mrs Steffey' (who is on Pension) application for bounty land has heretofore been suspended, you will please have it made a Special (underlined) case and acted on under the late bounty land bill-
Yours Respectfully
Lafayette W. Gray

address Lynchburg Va

J Minot Esq.
Commiss. Pensions
Page 44

Bounty Land
act March 1853-
No. 11.548
John Steffey send
Va
Revolutionary
va

Boynton
Page 45

Lynchburg Virginia
Jany. 2nd 1856

Sir

Perhaps upon further examination of the application No. 11,548 of Rosanh Steffey (widow of John Steffey) you may find that she is entitled to Bounty Land under the act of March 3rd 1855.
Be pleased to make another examination, & oblige.

Yours Respectfully
Lafayette W. Gray
atty.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
DC
Page 46

Washington Aug 20th 1858

George C Whiting Esq
Commisr. Pensions

Sir

I send herewith a letter of Comm. General Land Office acknowledging receipt of caveat in the case Rosanah Steffy No. 26.543. filed by me on the 27th ultina.

Respectfully

Your Obt. Sert.
J. Williams
Page 47

General Land Office
August 18th 1858

Sir.

At the request of Mr. P. Williams of Washington City, I have the honor to state that there is on file in this office the affidavit of Rosanah Steffy of Wythe County, Virginia, stating that she is the Warrentee and owner of Bounty Land Warrant No 26543 for 160 acres--in and under Act of March 3rd 1855, and further that said Warrant has been lost in its transmission through the U. S. Mail.
The affidavit above mentioned has been noted on the Records of this office as a Caveat (underlined) to arrest the issue of a Patent in the case
I am Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obedt. Servt.
Page 48

George C. Whiting Esq
Comr. of Pensions

Thos. A. Hendricks
Commissioner
Page 49

Washington July 15th 1858

George C. Whiting Esq
Commiss'r. of Pensions

Sir

I beg leave to file the accompanying paper in the case of Rosanah Steffy and applicant for duplicate in lieu of Warrant No. 26.543 issued in her name and sent to L. H. Gray on the 17th day of May 1856 and improperly withheld by him

Respectfully
Your Obt Sert
P. Williams
Page 50

Rosanna Stiffey
widow of
John Stiffey
Act, Feb'y 5th 1853

Add evidence
filed May 13th 1854


Evans & Faut
Page 51

Virginia: As a Court held for Wythe County at the Court house on Monday the 8" Day of May 1854. Isaac N Swecker a witness of lawful age after being duly sworn in open court deposeth & saith that he was acquainted with John Steffey the husband of Rosannah Steffey & that he knew John Steffey, is dead that he saw him after he was dead and made his coffin and assisted in burying him & says said Steffey has been dead eighteen years the 6" day of June 1854.
Isaac Wolf a witness of lawful age after having been duly sworn on open Court deposeth & saith that he was acquainted with John Steffey the husband of Rosanah Steffey that he was a close neighbor of John Steffey that he knows said Steffey is dead and him after he was dead and saw him ??? and thinks he had been dead about eighteen years.
And the Court Certify that the above named Isaac N. Swecker & Isaac Neff are citizens of this County, men of good character for veracity and that there statements made upon oath are entitled to credit

I Harold S Mathew Clerk of the Court of Wythe County do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Deposition of Isaac N Swacker & Isaac Neff as the same appear of in my office

Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at my office in Wytheville this 9" day of May 1854
HS Mathews Clerk
Wythe County Court
Page 52

Lynchburg Va
June 9th 1855

Dear Sir

Be pleased to have the following applications for bounty land under act of March 3d 1855 for Revolutionary Services (both previous words underlined) acted on without delay, and thenby be of some benefit to them during their life or else the claims are lost-
Application of Rosannah Steffey mailed to Pension Office 21st March
Application of Peter Riffle mailed to the Pension office 4th May
Application of Christopher Phillips mailed to the pension office 10th May

Yours Respectfully
Lafayette W. Gray


Commissioner of Pensions
Page 53

Clerk of Wythe co. Va. certif recip of Mar 3 wit: to ??? & Wm & 2 wit: to Death & ??? of 3d from 6" June 1836.

Boyenton
Page 54

writing in several directions

Va.
26380
Rosanna Steffey
wid
John

Boynton

July 26/54

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comm'r. of Pensions
Washington
Page 55

Nov: 29"/54
Send to Fant.

Boyenton
Page 56

writing in different directions

???
John
E
Boynton
May 15/54

Hon. S. P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions
Page 57

Wythe County}
State of Virginia} SS

On this fourteenth day of August 1854 personally appeared before the County Court of said county & State Lewis D. Hancock and Isaac Neff residents of said county persons known to this Court to be respectable and entitled to credit who being first duly sworn according to law in open court, declare that they are well acquainted with Rosanna Steffey widow of John Steffey Dec'd & that she remained unmarried & was a widow on the third day of February 1853 and is still a widow.
L D Hancock
Isaac Neff
(seals drawn next to each signature)

attest W. Levy
attest John F. Nye

Sworn to before me Jos. T. Gleares chairman of the County Court of Wythe County this day & year above written.
J. T. Gleares
chairman

Wythe County
State of Virginia

I H S Mathews Clerk of the County Court of Wythe County that being a Court of record certify that James T. Gleares whose genuine Signature appears the the foregoing Certificate is chairman of of the County Court of Wythe County with full power to administer oaths. And that full faith and credit is due and ought to be given to all his acts as 
In testimony where of I hereunto set my hand and affix my (crossed out) the Seal of my office at my office in Wytheville this 21st August 1854
H S Mathews Clk.
Wythe County Court
Page 58

(Blank page)
Page 59

General Land Office,
Sept. 17, 1860.

Hon. Geo. C. Whiting,
Comm'r of Pensions:

Sir,

Herewith I enclose B. I. Wt., Act' 55, no. 26543, for 160 Acres, issued to Rosannah Steffey, May 17, 1856, and located in the name of Philebus H. Mead, at Chatfield, Minn., July 1, 1856, a duplicate of which was issued to said Rosannah in August, 1858.
From the evidence on file in this office I am satisfied that the assignment of the original, which purports to have been acknowledged before a Justice of the Peace in the City of Lynchburg, Va., Lafayette W. Gray, is a forgery; and as the locator has filed here this duplicate certificate of its location, and desires to substitute another warrant, said original is referred to you for cancellation.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obe'd serv't
Jos. Wilson
Commissioner
Page 60

Declaration Rosannah Steffy

In order to obtain the benefits so the 2d sec. of the act of the 3rd February 1853.

State of Virginia}
County of Wythe} SS

In this 8th Day of July personally appeared before me L. D. Hancock a Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Wythe & state of Virginia Rosanna Steffey, a resident of the county & state last aforesid, aged 74 years, who first being duly sworn according to Law, Doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd of February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of John Steffey dec'd who was a private soldier in the war of the Revolution, and who was pensioned under the act of June 7th 1832 at twenty dollars per annum and inscribed on the roll of the pensioners payable at Richmond Virginia and numbered 26.880.
She further declares that she has no family register of this marriage & does not know of the existence of any second evidence of the same & believes there is none but that she was married on the 10th day of January
one thousand eight hundred & twelve (1812) That her husband died, she thinks, the 6th day of June 1836 that was not married to him prior to the second day of January, eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated. She further declares that she is now a widow
Rosanna Steffey
her   X   mark
Attest: Isaac Neff
Attest: David Steffey

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
L. D. Hancock J. P.
I, Lewis D. Hancock, a Justice of the Peace in & for
Page 61

the county of Wythe & state of Virginia, do hereby certify that the within named declarant Rosanna Steffey is unable by reason of age & bodily infirmity to appear personally in open Court & there make her declaration as the  law would otherwise require. Given under my hand this 8th day of July 1854.
L. D. Hancock J.P.

State of Virginia
Wythe County to wit
I H. S. Mathews, Clerk of the County Court of Wythe County do hereby certify that Lewis D. Hancock whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit- is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the Peace in and the County of Wythe. And that full faith and credit are due and ought to be given his acts as such.
(Seal to left of following paragraph)
In testimony where of I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Court at my office Wytheville this day of July 1854.
H. S. Mathews Clerk
Wythe County Court
Page 62

Pension Office
November 29"/54

Sir,
Please Certify ??? to which the within named pensioner was paid to the date of his death.

Very Respectfully
S. Cole
??? Commission




Mr Handall

unreadable
Page 63

John Steffey paid to 4 March 1836

Rob J???
Auditor
Page 64

General Land Office
August 30 1858

Sir
I am in receipt of your letter of July 24" in which you desire to be informed" whether a Caveat  has been filed in that office against Bounty Land Warrant No 26453-160 acres-issued under Act of March 3'd 1855 in the name oif Rosannah Steffey. (Both the number and Rosannah Steffey underlined)
In reply I have the honor to state, upon examination of the Abstract received from the Pension Office it appear that Bounty Land Warrant No. 26453 (underlined) 160 acres was issued to Micah Baleau (underlined) under Act of March 3rd 1855 and furthermore that no Caveat (underlined) has been filed in the above numbered Warrant to arrest the issue of a Patent.
I am Sir,
Very Respectfully
Your Obdt. Servt.
Signature unreadable
Acting Commissioner

Geo. C. Whiting Esq.
Court of Pensions
Page 65

P. Williams
Present.
Page 66

Washington DC
April 19th 1858

George C. Whiting Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir,

At the request of Col. Lewis D. Hancock a constituent of mine to employ an agent to attend to the claims of Mrs. Rosanna Steffey and John Fields. I have employed Maj. Philip Williams of this City I will be very thankful if you will give Mr. Williams all the information you can in order that duplicates of the lost Warrants may be issued as soon as possible and you will oblige. 

Yours Truly
G.W. Hopkins
Page 67

General Land Office
March 29 1858

Sir:

In reply to an inquiry contained in your letter of February 22 in reference to Military Bounty Land Warrant No. 26543 for 160 acres issued under Act of March 3d 1855 in the name of Rosannah Steffey, widow of John Steffey, I have the honor to inform you that after a Careful Search of the Records, of this Office it does not appear that a Caveat has ever been filed in this case.

I am, Sir,
Your Obt. Servt.
Tho. A. Hendrick

George C. Whiting Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Page 68

Brief in the case of Rosanna Steffey, widow of John, Wythe County and State of Virginia
act 3d July, 1853.
===================================Claim, ("orginal," word crossed out)

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
# This ??? was a pensioner under the act of 7'" June, 1832 @ the rate of $20.00 per annum. Marriage proven by the certificate & copy of the record there of from the County Clerk of & by the Co. Va. Pension on 6th June 1836 as per the affidavits of two credible witnesses & Report of the ??? ??? (five words crossed out) next line unreadable
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of Claim? If so, what?
Page 69

No. 4325
Rosanna Steffey
widow of John

Let: to Evans & Faust, 3rd April.54
"      "     "           "         27 July 54
"      "      "          "  May: 31: /56


Act/53
Page 70

Hon S. P. Waldo
Comm. of Pension
Washington City.


written in another direction
26380
Rosanna Steffey
with
John
Boynton
Apl. 1/52
Wythe Co.
Va.
Page 71

Act Mar '55
Mar 23"
33.548
Rosanna Steffey
wid of
John Steffey

pvt. 

Revolution
Virginia
widow pensioner

written across in pencil
26.543 Ised. 1 May '56
Duplicated 26 May 1800
Page 72

Act 5/60 Let to Com'r Gen. Land Office enclosing the original warrant cancelling on axxount by the forgery of the assignment-???

May 4/63 The certificate of cancelation having been removed from the face of the warr't by some person unknown-the cancellation has been this day confirmed and the warrant enclosed to the Comm. of the Gen. Land Office.    D. N. P.
Page 73

26.543--160 acres
Rosanna Steffy
-------------80 John Fuld

??? for duplicates 
an pending- ?? likely
?? an recently had
???
Mr. William Anhony
claim from ?? Mr.
Hopkins is refuted
Too faint-unable to read
Page 74

State of Virginia} Wythe County wit
On this 25th day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty Eight personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace within and for Wythe County, State aforesaid Rosannah Steffey a Resident of Wythe County (aforesaid) aged Seventy six years and to me well known, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain from the Commission of Pensions a duplicate of Land warrant number 265.43 for 160 acres of land, issued in her name, for the service of her late husband John Steffey, who was a private in the revolutionary war to wit that sometime in the year ____ she made her declaration in due form setting forth the services of her husband the late John Steffey, deceased which declaration was supported with proper and sufficient proof, and also of her marriage with said John Steffey, his subsequent death and of her present widowhood-that said declaration and other papers was placed in the hands of LW Gray and by him presented at the office of the Commissioner of Pensions as she has been informed and believes, she has been informed and believes that a warrant for No 265.43 issued in her name in the year 1856 and that the same has never reached her nor does she know the reason why, it has not reached her, that she has never sold, assigned nor voluntarily, parted with her right to the said warrant. 
Rosannah Steffy
her  X  mark

Isaac Neff
Daniel Phillippe
Sworn to and subscribed before me, in the County
Page 75

of Wythe, State aforesaid, and I certify that I am well acquainted with said Rosannah Steffey and that her statements made on oath are entitled to full faith and credit, and I verily believe she is the identical person she represents herself to be
Daniel Neff JP

(two words crossed out)
On this 25 day of January 1858 Isaac Neff and Daniel Phillippi two citizens of Wythe County, State of Virginia to me well known personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for Wythe County, State of Virginia and being duly sworn state that they are well acquainted with Rosannah Steffey, who has made and subscribed the foregoing declaration that they live in the same neighborhood that She is a woman of good character and her Statements entitled to full credit, that she is still the widow of John Steffey deceased and they have no doubt of the truth of her declarations
Isaac Neff
Daniel Phillippi
Sworn to and subscribed before me, in the Court aforesaid and I certify that said Isaac Neff and Daniel Phillippi are credible witnesses and that I have no interest in the application of said Rosannah Steffey
Daniel Neff, JP
Page 76

Virginia Wythe County wit
I Harrold Mathews Clerk of the County Court held for Wythe County, State aforesaid certify that Daniel Neff whose genuine signatures appear to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County, duly elected, commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such

In testimony whereof I herewith set my hand and affix the seal of said Court at office this thirteenth day of January A. D. 1858
H. S. Mathews Clerk
Wythe County Court
Page 77

State of Virginia
Wythe County} ss.

    This day personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and state.  Rosannah Steffy a resident of Wythe County in the State of Virginia and made oath in due form of law that she was an applicant for county land under the approved March 3rd 1855 and that her application was field by Lafayette W. Gray that a warrant issued in his name and was sent to the said Gary on the 17th day of May 1856 and that has been made said for said warrant and is improperly withheld by him he asking unreasonable compensation for obtaining said warrant (the price agreed upon by said Gray was $5.00 he demands $50.00 for his service) that the said Rosannah Steffy has been application for a duplicate warrant in lieu of Warrant No. 26.543 which was issued in her name and respectfully request that this statement may be filed in the pension office as witness his hand and seal.  This 28th day of June 1858.
                                                 her
                                    Rosanna X Steffy 
                                               mark 
-  Isaac Seff
-  John Buchanon

    Sworn and subscribed before me s Justice of the Peace in said county and state this 28 day of June 1858.

                                      //s//
                              M.S. Steffey     J.P.
Page 78

State of Virginia
COunty of Wythe} ss.

    I H.S. Matthews Clerk of the county court in and for the county of Wythe and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that M.S. Steffey whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate is and was at the date thereof a Justices of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified.

    Given under my hand and seal of affixed this 30th day of June 1858.

                                //s//
                       H.S. Matthews Clerk
                       Wythe County Court
Page 79

Pension Dept.
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,

    Will you please send the Revolutionary War records of John Steffey (Wythe Co. Va.) S. of W. 1835 Pen. 2208.

                                 Sincerely,
                                      //s//
                              Mrs. H.W. Gardner
                              S. Green St.
                              Glascow, Kentucky
Page 80

Revolutionary War
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 7205
Rosannah Steffey
Widow of
John Steffey
Priv. Rev. War

Act:  July 3rd, 1848.
Index:-Vol. M. {age 241

{Arrangement of 1870.}

1929 Feb 20 Hist to Mrs. H.W. Gardner   M.C.S.
Page 81

NOTICE is hereby given that I intend to apply to the Commissioner of Pensions for a duplicate Land Warrant No. 26513, for 160 acres, issued by the Commissioner on my name, for the service of my husband John Steffy, who was a private in the revolutionary War.  The original warrant was issued in my name, as I am informed and believe, in the year 1856, but the same has never reached me, nor do I know why the fault has occurred.  ROSANAH STEFFEY, Widow of John Steffer.
July 1, 1857 -- w

    State of Virginia Wythe County to wit: John H. Caldwell one of the proprietors of the "Wytheville Telegraph" a newspaper published in Wytheville Wythe County Virginia personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for Wythe County and made oath that the annexed notice of the intention of Rosannah Steffey to apply for a duplicate of land Warrant No. 26543 was published in said newspaper for six weeks successively. Given under my hand this 21st December 1857.

                                            //s//
                                  J. L. Johnson  J.P.