Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12762, John Derr, Continental Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE     NUMBER

Continental     Derr John     S.12762
Penn.
Carded
CONTENTS

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Page 2

[two panel page; left panel below]
[vertically on the page: He d- July 15 - 1854]

[right panel below]

33248
Maryland
John Derr
[blank] in the State of Maryland
was a drummer in the [blank] commanded
ptain [blank] of the [blank] commanded
[blank] in the Revolution
for 9 months & 5 days

Continental and Pa.
Records completed Dec. 18/05 Ses

Inscribed on the Roll of Baltimore
at the rate of 33 Dollars 61 Cents per
annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the [blank] day of 
June, 1854 and sent to
F.F.C.Triplett

Arrears to the 4th of Present.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by G.T. Getty Clerk,
Book #2 Vol. 5. Page 99
Page 3

Declaration of
John Derr
under the Act of Congress
of June 7 1832

Deserved Iny
1777 - See Rolls col
Neisen [illegible] Green
Repmnt
Page 4

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of
Congress passed June 7 1832
State of Maryland}
Frederick County Sct}

On this third day of June 1843 personally
appeared in open court before the Court of Frederick County State
of Maryland now sitting John Derr a resident of Frederick
County and State of Maryland aged eighty three years on the
6 of April 1843 who being just 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 7 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following
named officers and served as herein stated viz He entered
the service of the United States on or about the last of August or
beginning of September 1776.
He entered as aforesaid in Philadelphia in the company commanded
by Capt. Benjamin Waiser: the first lieutenant was Jacob Bowers
the second lieutenant was Yeiser whose Christian name he cannot
recollect
This company belonged to the continental army & was attached to
Housecker regiment. Housecker afterwards became a tory &
joined the British standard.
This affient marched with his said company from Philadelphia
in October 1776 and assisted in the capture of the Hessians at
Trenton in December 1776.
He was in the battle of Princeton January 2 1777.
Also in the engagement at Chesnut [Chestnut] Hill.
He continued as a drummer in the aforesaid company
from the period of his enlistment above stated to the last of
May or first of June 1777 when he was honorably discharged
from service. The discharge is either lost or destroyed.
He was in actual service against the enemies of his Country
certainly for eight months as a drummer in the company
above named. He was born in Northhampton [Northampton] County Pennsylvania
Page 5

(2)
He has no documentary evidence of his services aforesaid, nor
does he know that any of his company in arms now
survive, but believes that they are all dead. He knows
of no clergyman who can testify to his services.
He failed heretofore to present his claim for the services
aforesaid because he knew nothing of the existence of
the Act of Congress of June 7 1832 nor did he until
recently know that his claim was embraced by that
law, or he would most certainly have preferred his claim
sooner.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or
annuity except the present and declares that his name
is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State

Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
John Derr

We John W. Derr & George Willdenger residing in Frederick
County State of Maryland hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with John Derr who has subscribed & sworn
to the above declaration: that we believe him to be 83
years of age on the 6 April 1843: that he is reputed
and believed in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he resides
to be a soldier of the revolution and that we concur
in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid
John W. Derr
George X ^his mark^ Wildenger

Test as to George Willdengers signature 
L.P.W. Balch
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter & after putting the
Page 6

(3)
interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that
the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier
and served as he states. And the Court further certifies
that it appears to them that jOhn W. Derr & George
Willdenger who have signed the preceding certificate
are residents of Frederick County Maryland and are
credible persons & that their statement is entitled
to credit.
I Henry Schley Clerk of Frederick County Court State of
Maryland do hereby certify tha the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of John Derr for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and seal of office this third day of June 1843
Henry Schley Clk
Fred. Cty Ct
Page 7

To the Honble The secretary of the Interior.
We the undersigned Elizabeth Derr aged 58 years
Catherine Derr aged 56 years, do most respectfully beg
to represent to you, that we are the daughters of John
Derr a soldier of the army of the Revolution, now aged
93 years, and infirm in mind and body, and so has been
for some years past, we also have a brother who resides with
us, now aged 64 years, who for the past three years through
disease and afflictions has been unable to render himself
and us but little assistance - we are all poor and dependent
upon our industry for support, we have a small house and
Lot near the village of Union Town, Carrol County Md, & with
our industry on this small Lot, with what we can otherwise
do here we all been supported, with the aid of the Pension,
of $40 per year, which our father receives from the commonwealth
of Penna. for his revolutionary services, and the
kindness of our [illegible] & neighbours.- [neighbors].
We learn that the acts of congress, has made provision
for soldiers of the revolution, and we feared that in consequence
of our Father, being in the receipt of a Pension, from Penna.
would exclude him from allowance from the UStates, but we
are now differently informed - The mind of our aged Father 
is so much impaired, that he can give no distinct account
of his services, his memory at times appears to have almost
left him, he has frequently of late years spoken of his
campaigns and officers, but is entirely unable to give any
connection or distinct acct of his services in the army.
He served three tours of duty, during the war
in the Penna troops, and the circumstances of his receiving
a Pension for his service, is a proof that the services
were performed, and the allowance of $40 per year [illegible]
no doubt my [illegible] his length of service -
With these facts as set forth we most humbly
[last line is illegible]
Page 8

that the Honble Secy. will take our unfortunate circumstances
into his consideration, and grant to our aged 
Father such allowance of Pensions, as he may in his wisdom
think him Justly entitled to, and thereby make the setting
sun of a poor old soldier easy and comfortable.
and your Petitioner will ever pray &c. &c.
Elizabeth x ^her mark^ Derr
Catharine + ^her mark^ Derr

Union Town
Carroll County Md
May 1853.

We the undersigned, residents of Carrol County Md
do most respectfully recommend the above named John
Derr, as an old soldier, worthy of your consideration
and favour, we have known him for many years past, as 
well as his family, they have always been good citizens of
the best character for sobriety, correctness, & industry &
that he has always been reputed to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, of which fact we feel no doubt
and that the statements above made by his daughters may
be fully relied upon - It would be a source of much
pleasure to us, to have that the Honble. Sectay of the 
Interior had given the Petition his favorable consideration
and granted this prayer in favour of their aged Father
which we think him  entitled to.
Most respectfully.-
David Fautz
John Roberts
William Roberts
John C. Cookson
Chas. S. Devilligs
Henry H. Herbaugh
John Smith
Jacob Mathias
Wm S Brown

Jos. M. Parke Regr of Wills Carroll Co
Jno B Boyle clk Cir Crt
for Carroll County
John F. Reese
Page 9

War Section.   AWF

June 24, 1925

George W. Yeagley
1018 Chestnut St.
Reading, Pa.

Sir:

I have to advise you from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 12762, that it appears
that John Derr was born April 6, 1760 in 
Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

While residing in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania,
he enlisted in August 1776 and served sic
months as a Drummer in Captain Benjamin Weiser's
Company, Colonel Haussegger's Regiment and was in the
battles of Trenton and Princeton.

He enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served two
months in Colonel Sanders' or Landers' Pennsylvania
Regiment and was in the battle of Chestnut Hill.

In the fall of 1781, he served two months, officers
not stated.
Page 10

Rev. and 1812

He was allowed pension on his application executed
November 10, 1842, while residing with his son
(whose name is not stated) in Frederick County, Maryland.
He died July 15, 1854.

In 1853, daughters Elizabeth, aged fifty-eight
years and Catherine, aged fifty-six years, were living
in Carroll County, Maryland. Their brother is referred
to as sixty-four years old, but his name is not given.
The name of the soldier's wife is not on record, nor is there
any further family data on file.

Respectfully,

WILDER S. METCALF
Commissioner.

Ok by Mrs Wilson
Page 11

35727

John Derr
Md
Act. 7 June '32
Page 12

And the said Judge does hereby declare his opinion
after the investigation of the matter, and upon putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the war department that the above
named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as
he states, and the Judge further certifies that it
appears to him that Daniel Sullivan and that Martin Billings
who have signed the within certificate are creditable persons
and entitled to credit, the applicant cannot from bodily infirmaty [infirmity]
attend the court  
Jno B Boyle One of 
Justices of the Orphans Court
for Carroll County
Maryland

State of Maryland Carroll County to wit
I John Baumgartner Reg'r of Wills for Carroll County
aforesaid do hereby certify, that John B. Boyle reg, is 
one of the Justices of the Orphans Court for Carroll
County aforesaid duly commissioned & qualified according
to law: and that I have reason to believe
and do believe that the name subscribed to the
above certificate is his genuine Signature.
In Witness whereof, I hereto set my
hand, & affix the Seal of office, October
24. 1843 
John Baumgartner Reg'r of
Wills for Carroll Co. Maryland

State of Maryland and Carroll County to wit:
I Jacob Shower clerk of Carroll County Court do hereby
certify that Samuel A. Lauver who administered the written
oath to John Derr was a justice of the peace for said county aforesaid
duly commissioned and sworn and that the signature thereto subscribed
is genuine
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name
and affix the seal of Carroll County Court this 24th
day of October 1843
Jacob Shower Clk
Carroll County Court
Page 13

Examine Rolls
of Capt. Weiser:
Co. Col. Huysicker
Regt.-
[illegible]
Roll of 1777
Dis. claimd [illegible]
Page 14

35.410
John Derr
Maryland
Adam Fisher 9 Aug/53
Same 12 Aug/53
Let same Oct 4/53
Deserter

Act. June 7 1832
Page 15

Sir
2 declarations
pair dulent

Mr MM 3/[illegible]
March 21 48
to copy

1 March 1848
Wants papers
John Derr
Hon J. D. Roaman
H Reps

[vertically on the page below]

Hon Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 16

No 35.410
John Derr -
Maryland.
Letter to -
Adam Fisher 9th Aug 1853.
Same day 12 "

Deserted, To be put
with his original application
when found,
old papers No. 35,410

Act 7th June 1832
Page 17

35410
John Derr
Maryland
Suspended
See let: 25 Nov;
42 S.P.W. Balch
do to Same Dec. 3 1842
as to Same June 30. 1843

Papers copied and sent
to Hon J.D. Roman, 24th
March 1848.
Let Hon C. Hammond, [illegible] 22/54^52^

Act 7 June 1832,
Page 18

[envelope]

Free
E. Hammond

Hon. James E. Heath.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D.C.

[vertically on left side of page, below]

Jan 16, 1852
Danl. S. Hoover
in behalf of
John Derr
Page 19

Maryland Agency,
John Derr, who was a
Drummer in Houssegger's
German Regt. Capt Wiese

[illegible] Act June 7, 1832.
9 mo 5 days as
Drummer - $33.61 per
annum -
Com March 4, 1831.

F.F.C. Triplett.
Present.
Page 20

Aug 23, 1853.
Let in case of
John Derr.
See correspd
rolls

Adam Fisher
Baltimore,
Md.

[vertically on the page, below]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Page 21

Baltimore Augt 20th 1853.
L.P. Waldo Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions,
Sir,
I am in the receipt of
your letter of the 9th & 12th Just.
In your letter of the 12t you state
"that it has been discovered that john Derr
deserter from Capt. Weisin's compy. on the
9t Jany. 1777." This you must most certainly
be an error. John, was a musician in 
Penn. line, and served under two proud
chiefs, the first for 3 and the other for 6 
months, and is now n the receipt of a Pension
from the commonwealth of Penna. of Forty
dollars per annum, for his paid services.
This I should suppose would be proof positive
of his faithful services. In the years 1782
or '83, the Brother in lieu of John, was
drafted, he being a man of family, John
in the kindness of his heart, took the place
of his brother in law, as he was then a single
man, and he continued in service 'till about
the time that his tititus ceased, such Sin, and
the true facts of the case, and such always
has been the impression of all that knew him.
The Petition of John's daughters to this
Honble. [illegible]. of the Interior, which has been
refered [referred] to your office, set forth these facts
and the high character of those Gentlemen
who here signed the said Petitions, are all 
personally acquainted with the aged and
much respected John Derr. whose character
has always stand [illegible] and [illegible]
to suspicion, It is his misfortune to be
Poor,
Page 22

In this misfortune, he has always sustained
the character of an honest man, and by his
industry and sobriety has supported his family
until age & infirmity prevented him from so
doing, as set forth in the Pitition, [Petition] the son, who
is now fable from disuse and years, is unable
to render much aid to himself or his aged
Father, makes the case of this poor family
a truly hard one, this while support s
chiefly upon the [illegible] of the two daughters
who are now also [2 illegible words] in years.
and these circumstances they have lived indeed
to ask the aid of his countrys gratitude
for a small loan, as a reward for the 
Patriotic service of this Father, who is now
about 95 years of age, and who will not
want that little long - The delegation
from the county, [illegible] her else all signed
the Petition, an all pusinely, [personally] acquainted with
the family - I do hope him that the small
loan asked for may be granted, and with
my respect I am [illegible] your kind and
most ob Servant
Adam Fisher
Page 23

Hon. James E. Heath
Commissioner of Pensions
L-L
Dr Sir
Do me the
favor to furnish me with the information
desired by the inclosed letter - and to
return it to me after the investigation has
been made
May I call your attention to the
fact, that this man is of great old age,
and his death may therefore not unreasonably
be espected [expected] from day to day.
With great respect
I am Your ObtW
E. Hammond
HofR. 14 Jan. 1852
Page 24

Ornings Mills Md 2
April 10

Free
Jas C Conn
Pin

Henry H Sylvester Esqr
Washington 
DC

[upside down at the bottom of the page, follows]

NY
George Derr
7 June 1832
Page 25

Ornings Mills April 10 1844
Mr Sylvestor

DSir
I have received the original petition
of John Derr to the A Legislature: it seems he was
in Frederick County at his sons when he made the
declaration which was the County next to Carroll
County wherein he now resides as Carroll County
was mad out of parts of Baltimore and Frederick 
County his Son does not live more than 12
miles from him.
There is no doubt that this John
Derr is the same one that receives a pension from 
PA. as I have drawn it for him
myself up to Jannay 1.1844, acording [according] to the Law
of the Legislature of PA. 1843. and this is the petition
upon which the law passed 
I did prospose [propose] going
to Washington when I received this petition but
I am compelled to postpone the trip a while yet.
now if you think proper and inform me if the
would not draw up a better declaration since
we have received all these papers from Hassisbusy
if so and you think it necessary for me to see
you prior to doing it let me know by letter.
and I will come and see you as I propose
before Congress adjourns but I should think
we have certainly close as much as the instructions
calls for but you are the best Judge of that
yourself. hussy them up as [illegible] Liuyders case has
been there about 5 months
Yours Respectfully
Jas C Conn
Page 26

John Derr claims to have served to
May or June 1777.
In Bundle 15, No 2, he is returned
as paid to 1st March, 1777 -
In subsequent notes in the same number
his name is omitted, without number, and
Price is given as the Drummer -
In [illegible] 97th same Bundle, in the
first role he is marked as Deserted on 
the 5 Jany 1777-In several subsequent
rolls, he is mentioned as Drummer without
number. In the August roll, he is again
numed [numbered] as deserted 5 Jany 1777-
But as the soldier was [illegible] a [illegible]
present when they were paid, and as he
is shown to have been paid from 1 Dec
1776 to 1 Mch 1777- it is in [illegible] he
had not deserted between those [illegible]
Page 27

[round black stamp, upper left side]
FREDERICK MD. JUNE 4

FREE

J.L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington
DC

[vertically on the page; left side, below]

June 5 '43
Maryland 
John Derr
aut 1832
Page 28

Jud'h 3 June 1843

Dear Sir
I enclose the declaration of John
Derr under the act of June 7 1832-
The old man has been through the winter &
Spring much affected with the gravel & I
have not on that account-been able to
get him into Court before this day.
I have the honor to be Sir
your obed. Sevt
L P. W. Balch
Page 29

2.
Annapolis Md
May 7. 1853,
Danl Stull
and others,
Enclo: petition from
Citizens at Carroll Co
Md. Relative to the
pension of John 
Derr

Respectfully referred to
The Commissioner of Pensions
Dept. Intr:
May 27/'53 Geo. C. Whiting
Chf: Clk:

Mayo
Page 30

Annapolis, May 7th 1853
To the Honorable Secretary of the Interior-
The undersigned, Representatives of Carroll
County in the Legislature of Maryland,
certify that John Derr has always been
reputed to have served in the Armies of
the Revolution - that the Statements contained
in the memorial of his daughters
relative to their circumstances are
Substantially correct; and that the family
have been regarded as among our most
worthy and meritorious citizens.
We, therefore, heartily concur in the
recommendation, signed by the very
respectable gentlemen from our county,
(all of whom are known to us as
among our most exalted citizens) and
earnestly hope that, if it be in the
power of the Honorable Secretary,
the prayer of the memorialists
may be granted. We presume
Page 31

the necessary documents will be submitted
to the Department, to prove that
Mr Derr has been in receipt of a pension
from the State of Pennsylvania; for his services
during the Revolution. This, of course,
would be prima facia evidence that
such services were rendered; and we
trust that the old Soldier, who, in the 
hour when darkness and gloom rested like
a pall upon his country's destiny, perilous
life and all that could render life desirable
in her defence, may not now be permitted
to appeal in vain to that country, for
the small pittance that may be nicepay
to render comfortable the few fleeting hours
he may yet linger on the shores of time.
Daniel Stull
Jno. E. H. Ligget
EF Crout
Page 32

[round black stamp: FREDERICK MD NOV 26]

J.L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington
DC

[written vertically on left side of the page follows]
no ansr required
See let 25 Nov 42
to L.P. Balch
Page 33

Nedonich 25 Nov 42
Dear Sir
Tomorrow will be two weeks since I 
forwarded to your address the papers of John
Derr for a pension - Since than I had the honor
of writing you concerning the claim of Mrs
Hawman widow of a revolutionary soldier,
No answer to either. I ascute this silence
either to sickness (which I sincerely hope may
not be the case) or to press of business - [illegible]
either be the cause of your silence will you be
so kind as to inform me of it in order that
I may so state to my clients -
I am Sir very truly [illegible]
L. P. W. Balch
Page 34

[round black stamp upper left]
FREDERICK MD NOV 13

J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington DC

Free

[vertically on left side follows]
14 Nov 1842
Mr Allison.

[upside down on bottom, left follows]
35,410
John Derr 
Maryland
Page 35

Nidh 12 Nov 42
Dear Sir
I enclose Derr's petition for a
pension - I pursued the precedent in 
my fathers case made Nov 23 1832
an attested copy of which you were so
kind as to send me in adv to write
a sketch of his life.
I have the honor to be Sir
your obed! Sev!
L.P.W. Balch
Page 36

[round black stamp, upper left]
FREDERICK MD
DEC
1

J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington
DC

Free

[vertically on left side of page follows]
Dec 3 1842
Jno Derr
Mr Claim
Page 37

Frederick 30 Nov 1842
Sir
I have duly received your form of the 25th
Just I thank you for the blank enclosed -
As to John Derrs declaration. All the objections
raised can readily be obviated except the
last viz "the witnesses should testify more
particularly as to their knowledge of the applicant
having been a revolutionary soldier".
They cannot do it. One of this is not more
than 56 years old: the other I should suppose
is between 60 & 70 but was not in the army
himself & I suppose became acquainted
with Derr perhaps some 20 or 30 years ago -
all they did testify to was the traditionary
evidence or belief among the neighbors, but
they have no personal knowledge whatever
of his being a revolutionary soldier.
Page 38

[illegible] therefore you require any stronger evidence from
the witnesses it will be in vain for me to
proceed farther. TheJudge was fully satisfied
of his being a soldier as he states -
You will see too by referring to my father's
declaration that I pursued it and for
and not only with regard to the witnesses
but as to the Judge also. Be pleased to
inform me as soon as convenient whether
it is worth while to send out for Derr
who resides some seven miles from town
in order to amend his petition, or whether
all other objections being removed, the petition
will be [illegible] on the representation
I have made as to the witnesses -
I have the honor to be very respectfully
Your obd! Servt
L. P. M. Balch
Page 39

[round black stamp, upper left]
FREDERICK MD
JUN 22

FREE
J.L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
Washington
DC

Free

[vertically on left side of page, below]
June 23d 43
Maryd
C. Mantz 
& 
J. Derr
Page 40

Frederick 22 June 43.
Dear Sir
Some weeks ago I transmitted Ls you
certain documents and additional evidence
in support of the petition of Mr. Calbecene
Mantz for a pension under the law of 38-
also about the same time the declaration
of John Derr a revolutionary soldier -
Having as yet received no answer, will
you permit me to enquire what is the
difficulty in their way. if any, in order that
I may reman the same if in my power.
I have the honor to be Sir
your most obed! Servt
L.P.W: Balch
Page 41

Washington Feby 29. 1848

Hon Commsr. of Pensions
Sir
I ask no favors (of it be
not inconsistent with his rules of 
your department) & unclear to [illegible]
his application & accompanying papers
of John Derr of Fredr. County
Maryland for a pension -
The papers were placed in your office
about June 30. 1843
Very Respectfully
Yr Obedt Servt
H Dixon Romar
Page 42

[round black stamp; text below]
BALTIMORE MD
AUG 22

L.P. Waldo Esqr.
Commr.. of Pensions
Washington City

[vertically on left side of page, below]
Aug 23/53
Rev
Cole
Page 43

Brief in the case of John Derr, Drummer Housseggers' [Hausseggers'] Regt
Frederick County and State of Maryland,
act June 7, 1832.

Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
John Derr is returned on several Rolls of Weiser's
Company of Houssegger's [Haussegger's] Regt or having deserted
Jan, 1777; but on other Rolls, of subsequent date then
an no entries against him. He is also borne on a pay
Roll of Capt. Weisers' company, signed by him, as having
pay due to him to the 1st day of March 1777; and or a
general return of the Regiment he is marked
"omitted June 1777." These latter entries are deemed
by the Commission sufficient to rebut the entry
of his desertion in January 1777, and he has, therefore
decided to admit the claim for 9 mos 5 days,
as a drummer.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
F.F.C. Triplett.
Present.

Examining Clerk.
Ogden Niles
Page 44

BOTH TELEPHONES ESTIMATES FURNISHED

[there is some graphic header that is blacked out]

Commissioner of Pensions
Washingtoh [Washington] D.C.

April 22 1925

Gentlemen:
Can you give me any information as to the record
of John Derr also spelled Deer.
He enlisted Aug 25 1776, Benj Weiser Capt.

Also on the record of Peter Derr enlisted Nov. 29
1813 and was reported at Erie, Pa.

Yours Respectfully
Geo. W. Yeagley

G.W.Y

[round black stamp at the bottom of the page]
PENSION OFFICE
U. S.
APR 24 1925
Page 45

12762
Revlany
INVALID.
File No. 12,762
John Derr
Drummr. Rev. War
Act: June 7" 1832
Incex:- Vol. _____ , Page _____

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 46

Enlisted Aug. 25,1776
Miller June 1777

9 mo 5 days
as 
Drummer
Page 47

Please to add up any communication to Beltimd
to the case of Adam Fisher Esqr.


Treasury Office
Harrisburg Oct. 20, 1843

D Sir,
You will receive herewith the papers
requested by you -
John Derr is placed on the
Pension List, as of Franklin County, and in
this State the Pensions are paid by the Jr.
of the County where the Pensioner resides - The return
will be made to this Office by the Treasurer
in December, and until that time we cannot
ascertain here whether Mr. Barrick has drawn the
Pension for him or not.
Very respectfully
Yours & 
[illegible]
Page 48

Declaration
Ju order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832 
State of Maryland}
County of Carroll}

On this twenty third day of October in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before
the subscriber John B Boyle one of the Judges of the orphans
Court of Carroll County Maryland. John Derr a resident of said
county and state aforesaid aged Eighty three years six months
and seventeen days who being first duly sworn according to law,
doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the
benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th
1832. That he enlisted at Philadelphia in July 1776 for Six
months under Colonel Husecker [Haussegger], and marched to the Delaware River
and was at the Battle of Trenton Christmas night 1776 under Genl.
Washington. Lieutnt. Yiser and Sargent Clackner, after the Battle crossed
the Delaware River to the Pennsylvania side and was at the Battle
of Princeton January 1777 under Genrl. Washington, Lieutnt. Yiser
and Sargent Clackner, and as well as he recollects, Coln. Husecker 
deserted the army, recrossed the Delaware to the Pennsylvania side
and was discharged. In January or February 1777 as well as he recollected
and joined the militia in Philadelphia county for two months in
August of September 1777 as well as he recollects under Coln. Landers
and was at the battle of Chesnutt Hill  under Genrl. Bull and Coln.
Landers and was discharged October or November 1777 as well as
he recollects, also was under Genrl. Muhlenburg at Princeton, and
joined the Pensylvania Malitia and (marched to Trenton under Coln.
Launders in August or September 1782 (as well as he recollects) the time
he served was two months in that garrison at Trenton, when Cornwallis
was taken at Yorktown Virginia, and says he was born in North
Houston County PennsylvaniaSixth of April 1760, and moved to
York County Pennsylvania in 1786 and moved to Baltimore County Maryland
in 1812 and moved to his present residence in Carroll County in 1826
Philadelphia County was a resident from 1761 to 1786
Page 49

and that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no
person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services
personally appeared before me the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace
for Carroll County Maryland John Derr who being duly Sworn
deposeth and saith that by reason of old age and the consequent
loss of memory he ca not swear possitively [positively]as to the precise length of
his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not
less than the periods mentioned within, and in the following grades
for six months in the first enlistment, and four months with the Pennsylvania
maletia [militia] as stated within, I served as a soldier and for 
such service I claim a pension
Samuel A Lauver

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity,
except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension
roll of the Agency of any State, only on that of the State of Pennsylvania 
by a special act of that state
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John Derr

We Daniel Sullivan residing in Union Town Carroll County,
and Martin Billmyer residing in the same County do hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with John Derr who
has subscribed and Sworn to the within declaration, That we
believe him to be Eighty three years Six months and seventeen days
and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where
he resides to have been a Soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Daniel Sulivan
Martin Billmyer
Page 50

21/Carson Franklin
Petition
of John Derr
an old soldier
praying for relief
HN. Jany 12/43
Pen.

Gratuity & Annuity
I do certify that the within
Petition was withdrawn
during the Session of the 
Penna. Legislature for 1844
Wm Jack
April 6, 1844 Clerk of HR
Page 51

State of Maryland{
Frederick County { Ss
On this 10th day of November A.D. 1842
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber a Justice
of the peace in and for said County John W Derr
and George Willdonger who being first duly sworn
according to law deposeth and saith that they have long
been acquainted with the within petitioner John Derr
that he is poor and in Kneed of aid, that he is a 
man of good Charractor [character] and unimpeached Varacity [veracity]
and worthy of credit and that they belive [believe] his statement
to be true, that he is generally reputed by those
who knew him to have been in the Revolutionary war
and further saith not
Sworn to and subscribed
this 10th day of November 1842
before me Charles Worthington J. Peace 

John W. Derr
George Willdonger

We the subscriber Justices of the peace in and for the
County of Frederick and State of Maryland
Do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
the above deponants John W Derr and George
Willdonger that they are gentlemen of good Charracter [character]
deserving full faith and credit
November 10th 1842 Charles Worthington J.P.
John W Batson J.P.

State of Maryland Frederick County to wit:
I hereby certify that Charles Worthington and John W.
Batson the subscribing witnesses to the aforegoing
certificates, are Justices of the peace, for the State of 
Maryland, in and for Frederick County aforesaid
duly commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed the seal of 
Frederick County Court this 10th day
of November 1842.
Henry Schley clk
Fred Coty Col Md
Page 52

To the Honorable the Senate and house of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General
Assembly Met.
The petition of John Derr a Resident of
Frederick County and State of Maryland
Humbly sets
forth, that your petitioner is aged Eighty three years, that
he Enlisted in August or September in the year 1776 for Nine
months in Philadelphia and served under Capt Benjamine [Benjamin]
Weiser in Gen Muhlenberger [Muhlenberg] Regiment marched to
Chesnut [Chestnut] Hill was in a Battle there and served about
six months in the state of Pennsylvania and about 2 months
in the state of Jersey that he never Received his monthly pay
and further sayeth not
He therefore prays your honorable body to Grant
him Relief and as in duty bound he will Ever
pray. &c.
[two diagonal lines across a blank portion of the page here]

State of Maryland{
Frederick County{ Ss
[blank] appeared before me the subscriber
one of the Justices of the peace in and for said county
John Derr. the above named petitioner who on his
solemn oath deposeth and sayeth, that the facts as above
stated are just and true to the best of his knowledge
and belief
John Derr
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 10th day of 
November AD. 1842.
Charles Worthington Justice Peace