Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 21708, for Nicholas Madeira, Pennsylvania
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn
Madeira Nicholas
NUMBER
R21708
CONTENTS
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State of Virginia
County of Monongalia [initialed]
On this 22d day of October, in the year 1832,
personally appeared in open court, before the County court of Monongalia now sitting, Nicholas Made[i]ra, a resident of Morgantown in said county, aged sixty nine years, 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 7th June 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, at the age of about fifteen years, in the year 1777 as a musician (drummer) at Reading Pennsylvania, under a captain whose name he cannot recollect in a regiment of Pennsylvania Militia, under the command of Col [blank] and Major
Finley - that we marched to Chester, where we joined the main army. Genl. Wayne commanding the Pennsylvania line. Genl. Washington was at Chester he believes when
they arrived there - from Chester we marched to Brandywine in which battle he was in,
from that battle, we marched back to Chester, from thence he marched with the army towards German town, on the road to which he was discharged, having served out two months, the term of his engagement, in the militia of Pennsylvania.
That he again entered the service of the United States, for seven months as a substitute for [blank] in a company of militia commanded by Capt Kennedy, attached to the seventh Pennsylvania regiment, commanded by Major or Col Chambers, being called seven months men at Reading in the year 1780 that from Reading we marched to Philadelphia, and he with others were sworn in, before [blank] Nicholson Mayor of that city - from Philadelphia to Trenton we went in a sloop - from Trenton we marched to the neighbourhood of Morristown and joined the regiment - that Genl Wayne was commander of the first Division, and Gen. St Clair the second of the troops then there - that we immediately marched, towards the North river, and crossed the river he believes at a ferry called Kings' ferry, when we soon met the enemy, and had to retreat across the ferry - we then went down the river to Stoney point, where we remained eight or ten days during which time Genl Arnold deserted to the enemy, going on board of a ship at Stoney point, on his way from
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West point to New York. that whilst at Stoney point, the Commissary refused to furnish us flour, for five or six days fearing the flour was poisoned as treason has appeared the camp during which the troops lived on meal and apples - from Stoney point the Pennsylvania and Delaware troops under Genl Wayne marched to Bargain point, where we remained over a saturday night, and slept with our knapsacks on, expecting an engagement- from
Bargain point. We went directly to Morris town, and built our huts for winter quarters - that he thinks it must have been towards spring, that the Pennsylvania line revolted in consequence of some misunderstanding about those who enlisted for three years and during the war - that he recollects he was on Genl Haynes guard, the night of the revolt -  that the Pennsylvania line moved off to Trenton, where they were met by the Board of War (as they were called) and a number of the enlisted troops discharged, and those that had enlisted for during (sic) the war returned to duty -that at Trenton, he was discharged, after having served  the said seven months, which discharge he has long since lost
That he again entered the service of the United States, in the spring of 1781, by enlisting with
Capt Fasick at Reading Pennsylvania for one year to Join the French Artillery, from Redding
Capt Fusick with sixteen or eighteen enlisted men, marched to Morris town, where we joined
the French troops consisting of three regiments, besides the horse and one German regiment all
under the command of Rochambeau,- from Morris town, he marched by Trenton, Philadelphia
Baltimore, Alexandria, Fredricksburg, Williamsburgh and York town, where we was at the time of Genl Cornwallis's surrender being engaged in the whole siege - that the French troops were ordered to remain in Virginia during the winter, and he with them interned at Williamsburgh - that in the spring of 1782, he march with the French troops to the North, and about the better part summer he was discharged at a place called Crompon in the State of New York after having served sixteen or seventeen months, although he had enlisted but for
one year - that his discharge was signed by a Mr Owel a French Artillery officer, and he
believes a Major, which he has long since lost
That he believes it was in the summer of the year 1778 or 1779, he marched as a drummer, to a company of militia, commanded as well as he can recollect by Capt Miller from Reading in an expedition against the Indians & Tories near Monasing on the Delaware river. that Major John Cunies or Monies, was along, a small man with a hump back, also adjutant Lighthizer, that they
marched through Allentown, Bethlehem Eastown and thence to the village of Monasing
that we had no engagement with the indians or tories. that after remaining two months at
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That village we returned to Reading and was discharged by a general discharge - that he knows of no person by whom he can prove his services, except that part of those services can he beleives (sic) be proven by his brother Michael, who lives near Reading Pennsylvania - that he was born in Reading, on the 26th of December 1763, that his father kept a record of his age in a large bible, which he supposes is in the possession of some of his family, that he supposes his birth is entered in the Presbyterian church at Reading, or the time of his baptism - that in 1789 he removed to Frederick town Maryland and lived there about six years, and from thence to this county, where he has ever since resided, that he was acquainted with Col. Stuart, commander of the 1d or 9th Penna regiment.  Imo Butlers Col. of Pennsylvania line, Major Sigler, Major Doyle Capts. Bush and other regular officers, belonging to the Pennsylvania line besides those already named, but he has forgotten their names - that he cannot recollect the names of any other militia officers than those already named. -   That he has for many years been personally acquainted with Col. Sam'l Hanney, Col. Dudley Evans, Revd Joseph A Shackelford, Matthew Gray esqr Capt. John Evans and many other reputable citizens of this county, who he beleives (sic) can testify as his character for veracity and the general beleif (sic) as to his services.  He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an 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 and year aforesaid
(signed) Nich's Madeira

Nicholas B. Madera esqr post master at Morgantown in said county, aged fifty four  after being duly sworn before the said court doth depose and say that he recollects frequently hearing his uncle Nicholas Madera who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, more than twenty years ago and since describing some of the scenes that occurred at the surrender of Cornwallis, that he has no doubt the said Nicholas served in the Army of the Revolution, as he has stated.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid.
(signed) N B Madera  

John Evans Jr. esqr aged sixty four years after being duly sworn doth depose and say that he has been personally acquainted with Nicholas Madera the above named applicant for a pension at least thirty five years, that about thirty years ago and frequently since he has heard the said Madera speak of his being in the Artillery and that he was a musician during the Revolution = that he has no doubt the said Nicholas was a soldier of the Revolution - that the said Nicholas has always borne the character of a man of veracity,
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(signed) J. Evans Jr.
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We Joseph A Shackelford a clergyman residing in Morgantown, Monongalia county Virginia, and Matthew Gay, an attorney at law residing in the same county, do certify that we have been well acquainted with a Nicholas Madera who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration for more than Twenty years, that we beleive (sic) him to be of the age he represents, that we have many years ago, heard of him speak of being a soldier of the Revolution, that he is reputed and beleived (sic) in the neighbourhood (sic) where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
(signed) Joseph A Shackelford
               Matthew Gay

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the said Nicholas Madera was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states,. And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Joseph A Shackelford, who has signed the proceeding  certificate, is a clergyman, resident of Morgantown in said county, and that Matthew Gay esqr who has also signed the same is a resident of said town, and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit, and the court further certifies that Nicholas B. Madera and John Evans Jr, esqr whose affidavits are hereto made are respectable men and their statement entitled to credit.

I Thomas P. Ray clerk of the Count court of Monanagalia aforesaid do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court, in the matter of the application of Nicholas Madera for a pension.  In testimony whereof  I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Morgantown the 27th of October in the year 1832 and 57 year of the Commonwealth.
(signed) Thos. P. Ray
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No24081
Nicholas Maddens
On Monongalia Co
Virginia
1777 drummer
At Reading Pen enlisted on the 
Penn Cols Chamber
Rejected - Sa Let
To Thos P. Ray
May 27 1833

Thos P. Ray
Morgantown 
Monongalia
Va
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
183
Sir,
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing the service of Nicholas Shada Monongalia Co Va

Period when the service was rendered
1777
1778 or 1779
substitute 80 name not given
enlist spring 81
spring 82
enlist June 82

Duration of the claimant's service
2 [months]
2 [months]
7 [months]
1 [year] 4 or 5 [months] [80, 81, 82 combined]

[subtotals] 
76 1 [year] dr [drummer]
78 2 [months]
[no year listed] 7 [months]
81 1 [year] art [artillery]
[total] 2 [years] 9 [months]

Rank of the claimant.
Musician
Drummer
Musician

Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Co Finley & May
Finley Genl Wayne
Capt Kennedy
Col Chambers
Genls Wayne & St Clair
Capt Fasick

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
69 years
Reading, Pennsylvania
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditional evidence-

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service. Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of 
County of

On this __ day of ____ personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of ____ in the county of ___ and State, Territory or District of ____, aged ___ years, 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 in the Army of the United States in the year (d) with and served in the (e) regiment of the
___ line, under the following named officers:
Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of ___.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. I ____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of  ____ for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this ___ day of ____& c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia.
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____ who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ___
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the 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 A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _______ and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I ___ Clerk of the Court of ____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this ____ day of ____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction. If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
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3
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier - Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer - Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not
conforming to the rule. The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear 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 below, and in the following grades:--For---year– months, and — days, I served as a —. For —- months and --- days, I served as a —------ and
for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
the particular place or place where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable. 
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the
Papers.


Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must
pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from (a) to (l) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
John N Ashton
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March 18, 1936


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NICHOLAS MADEIRA
R. 21708
BA-J/MLB

(Written across the top: Mailed without review F.)

Mrs. Sam Maddux
906 A Street
Lawton, Oklahoma

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letters in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Samuel, Nicholas and Christian Madera, all of who served in the Revolution from Pennsylvania, also, of Joseph Cloud, of North Carolina.

Because of the large number of requests for records of Revolutionary War soldiers, and the limited trained clerical force available for furnishing such information, it has been impossible to make a series of investigations and reports pertaining to soldiers of that war for one person.

You are furnished herein the record of Nicholas Madeira, the data of which were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R. 21708, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Nicholas Madeira (as soldier signed) was born December 26, 1763, in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, where he was baptized in the Presbyterian Church; the names of his parents are not given.

Nicholas Madeira applied for pension October 22, 1832, while residing in Morgantown, Monongalia County, Virginia, and alleged that while residing in Reading, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in July, 1777, served as a drummer under Major Zigler, Sigler or Tinley in the Pennsylvania troops, was at the battle of Brandywine and was discharged after having served two months; that he enlisted in the summer of 1778, served two months as drummer in Captain Sebastian Miller's company, under Major John Cunius in the Pennsylvania troops was in an expedition against the Indians and Tories on the Delaware River (three of the soldier's brothers, namely, Michael, Casper and Christian Madeira, served in the same company with him); that he enlisted in May, 1780 and served as private in Captain Kennedy's company, in the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment, length of tour seven months; that he enlisted in the spring of 1781, under Captain John Fasick (Fasig or Fesig) in the artillery, was in the siege of
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Yorktown and at the surrender of Cornwallis and was discharged after having served on this tour sixteen or seventeen months.

     His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.

     Nicholas Madeira after moving from Reading, Pennsylvania, resided six years in Fredericktown, Maryland, thence to Monongalia County, Virginia.

     No reference was made in the claim to wife or children.

     In 1832, Nicholas Madeira’s brother, Michael, was living in Berks County, Pennsylvania, near Reading.  In the same year, soldier’s nephew, Nicholas B. Madera, was postmaster at Morgantown, Monongalia County, Virginia, and still serving in that capacity the following year.

                         Very truly yours 
        
                         G.H. SWEET
                         Acting Executive Assistant to the                  Administrator
               
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August 31, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Mrs. Bern Klein
Black Hawk
Colorado

Michael Madeira, R. 6825
Nicholas Madeira, R. 21708
BA-J/MLB
Dear Madan:
Reference is made to your letter of recent date, in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Jacob, Michael and Nicholas
Madeira (Madera, Mathery), all of whom served in the Pennsylvania troops.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of a Jacob Madeira, under any spelling of the name. Such claims are the source of data furnished by this office in regard to
soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Information in regard to his military
service might be obtained from the Adjutant General, War Department, this city. The records of Michael and Nicholas Madeira are furnished you as follow:
MICHAEL MADEIRA
R. 6825
The data which follow in regard to Michael Madeira were obtained
from the papers in pension claim, R. 6825, based upon his service in the
Revolutionary War.
Michael Madeira was born in 1757 in Oley Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not given.
While a resident of Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, Michael Madeira enlisted and served as a private in the Pennsylvania troops, as follows: from August, 1776, in Captain John Whitman's company, engaged
in guarding prisoners from Reading to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, length of tour not stated; from November, 1776, to the latter part of December, 1776, under Major Gabriel Hiester, guarding prisoners from said Reading
to Brunswick, New Jersey; from December 29, 1776, to the last of January, 1777, in Captain George Wills' company, and from September, 1777, to November 1, 1777, in Captain John Alstad's company; from August, 1778,
to November, 1778, in Captain Sebastian Miller's company in the regiment
commanded by Major John Cunius.
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The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed August 17, 1833, while residing in Reading, Pennsylvania. He died there December 13, 1833.
Michael Madeira married December 8, 1778, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Ann Elizabeth Dick, of that town. The date and place of her birth and
names of parents were not stated. She died in Reading December 21, 1836.
In 1846, the following children of Michael Madeira and his wife, Ann Elizabeth, were still living: Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Spangler; Margaret, wife of John Kissinger; Catharine, wife of Daniel Mayer; and John, Jacob and Nicholas Madeira.
In 1851, one David Medary was residing in Reading, Pennsylvania, his relationship to soldier's family not shown.
***************
NICHOLAS MADEIRA
R. 21708
You are furnished herein the record of Nicholas Madeira as found in pension claim, R. 21708, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
Nicholas Madeira was born December 26, 1763, in Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, where he was baptized in the Presbyterian Church. The names of his parents were not given.
The soldier applied for pension October 22, 1832, while residing in Morgantown, Monongalia County, Virginia, and alleged that while residing in Reading, Pennsylvania, he enlisted in July, 1777, served as drummer under Major Zigler, Sigler or Tinley, in the Pennsylvania troops, was at the battle of Brandywine and was discharged after having served two months; that he enlisted in the summer of 1778, served two months as drummer in Captain Sebastian Miller's company, under Major John Cunius in the Pennsylvania troops, was in an expedition against the Indians and Tories on the Delaware River (three of soldier's brothers, namely, Michael, Casper and Christian Madeira, served in the same company with him); that he enlisted in May, 1780, and served as private in Captain Kennedy's company, in the 7th Pennsylvania Regiment, length of our seven months; that he enlisted in the spring of 1781, under Captain John Fasick (Fasig or Fesig) in the artillery, was in the siege of Yorktown and at the surrender of Cornwallis and was discharged after having served on this tour sixteen or seventeen months.
Nicholas Madeira's claim for pension was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.
- 2 -
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After moving from Reading, Pennsylvania, the soldier resided six years in Fredericktown, Maryland, thence to Monongalia County,
Virginia.
No reference was made in the claim to wife or children of the soldier, Nicholas Madeira.
In 1832, soldier's brother, Michael Madeira, was residing in Berks County, Pennsylvania, near Reading. In the same year, his nephew, Nicholas B. Madera, was postmaster at Morgantown, Monongalia County, Virginia, and still serving in that capacity the following year.  
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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April 7, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Michael Madeira, R. 6825
Nicholas Madeira, R. 21708
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. Sam Maddux
Box 831
Lawton, Oklahoma
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter of March 23, 1938, in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Nicholas and Michael Madeira,
both of whom served under Captain Sebastian Miller in the Pennsylvania troops, also, Simon Madeira who served in the same troops under Captain Patrick Anderson.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of a Simon Madeira, under any spelling. Such
claims are the source of data furnished by this office in regard to soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Information in regard to his military
service might be obtained from the Adjutant General, War Department, this city.
This office has no further information in regard to Nicholas that furnished in the report of March 18, 1936, nor in regard to Michael Madeira than that given in the report of December 17, 1930.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 16

Rev. & 1812 Wars
Sections.

Oct. 30, 1933.

Mrs. Charise Harman,
251 Main St.
Grafton, W. Va.

Madam:

I have to advise you, in regard to that portion of your letter relative to the War of the Revolution that from the papers in the pension claim, R. 21708, it appears that Nicholas Madeira was born December 26 1763, at Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania, and was living there in 1777.

He alleged that he enlisted in July 1777, served as a Drummer under Major Zigler, or Sigler, or Tinley, in the Penn. Troops, was at the battle of Brandywine and was in service for two months.  In 1778, served as Drummer for two months under Capt. Sebastian Miller.  He enlisted in May 1780 and served seven months in Capt. Kennedy's Company of the Seventh Penn. Regiment.  He enlisted in the spring of 1781, under Capt. John Fesig, or Fasig, or Fasick in the Artillery, was at the siege of York and served sixteen or seventeen months.

He applied for pension Oct. 22, 1832, while living in Morgantown, Monongalia County, Va. but his claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish proof of service as required by the pension laws.

(written on left side margin:   her letter forwarded to Law Div.  for reply as to 2 Civil War soldiers)

(written on the right margin:  This man is recorded under this service  see Pa Archives 5 Series Vol 3 p 296)
Page 17

It is not stated whether he was married.
Your letter has been forwarded to the proper authorities for a reply as to matters relating to the Civil War.
Respectfully,
Washington Gardner
Commissioner.
Page 18

Lawton, Okla.
Jan. 35, 46

Please send me what information you have of Samuel Madera who served as a private in the 3rd Pa. Line and of Nicholas Madera, a private in the 7th Pa. Line in Capt. Samuel Kennedy's Co. of 7 months min. Rev. War.

Mrs. Sam Maddux
  906 A St. 


Postmarked Jan. 31 1936
Page 19

Morgantown, W.Va
December 13, 1915

Dept. of Interior
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sirs: - 

Nicholas Madeira served in the 7th Penna Regiment in the Revolutionary War.  He was a private in Capt. Samuel Kennedy's Company.

Kindly give me any information about this Nicholas Madeira that is available.
Page 20

Thanking you in advance
I am,
yours truly,
Miss Irene Madeira
Morgantown,
W. Va.
Page 21

306 Prospect St.
Warren, Ohio
Dec. 8th, 1917

Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:
Would you please advise me if Nicholas Madera is in your list of pensioners in the Rev. War, and if so kindly send me his service or any thing that is known in your department of them.  I would like the date of his birth & death, date of his 2nd marriage to Rebecca Relser and names of their children should you have this information.

Very truly yours,
Sera Otting
Page 22

MRS SAM MADDUX
Box 831
LAWTON, OKLAHOMA
Maarch 23, 1938
Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir -
Will you please furnish me the Revolutionary War records of Nicholas and Michael Madeira, Capt. Sebastian Miller Co. Major John Cumins regiment - Penn. troops - and Simon Madeira, private in Capt.
Page 23

MRS. SAM MADDUX
Box 831
LAWTON, OKLAHOMA
Patrick Anderson's Co. Penn. Regiment, 1777.
Very truly yours,
Mrs. Sam Maddux
[stamped RECEIVED MAR 26 1938]
Page 24

No 21.708
Revy
Rejected
Old War Invalid
Nicholas Madeira of VA
Drummer Colo Chambers
Pen'a troops
Revy

Cause of rejection not found in [illegible] act of 1832.

322

1915 Dec 20 Hist to Miss Irene Madeira
1917 Decc 14 to Sera Otting
1923 Oct 30 Hist to Mrs Chas Harman 251 Main St. Grafton
W. Va. - awd

1936, Mar. 18 - Hist to Mrs. Sam Maddux - mlb

1936 Dec 17 Adv Mrs Sam
Maddux - no other names
Nicholas Madeira than the
one who hist was fur.
her Mar 18 /36 - el
Letter in case of Michael
Madeira R 6825 - el

1938 Apr 7 - Mra Sam Maddux av'd [advised]no further info in re. to  Nicola & Michael Madeira
than fur. in above records of Mar & Dec 1936 - mlb

1928, Aug 31 - Hist to Mrs Bern Kleinletter
letter in clm of Michael Madeira, R 6825 - mlb
Page 25

[stamped MORGANTOWN VA MAR 3]
Va.
March. 18,
24081
Revolutionary pension office
War Department
Washington city
free
Page 26

Morgantown 25th, March 1833

Honble
Lewis Cass
Sec. at War

Sir

I enclose you the declaration of Nicholas Madera for a pension.  I have retained untill (sic) this time in hopes of obtaining some testimony from Reading Pa & Cincinnatti (sic), but as yet to obtain any.  Mr. N. B. Madera the post master here has written to his uncle Michael Madera of Reading Pa and is in hopes of soon obtaining his testimony.  Major Zigler or Sigler was an officer under Gen'l. Wayne against the Indians in Ohio and it is said removed to Cincin'i by him Madera expected to prove part of his services, but he is said to be dead some years since

Rept'y I am  your obt Ser.

Thos. P. Ray
Page 27

War Off Depart
Pen Off
May 27 1835
Sir
The claim of Nicholas Madera has been carefully reexamined
and also the testimony of Michael Madera in support of his
claim.
By comparing the declaration of Nicholas will the
affidavit of Michael I find these so various as to 
render the claim inadmissible.
The claimant says he served in 1777, two months,
and in 1780, seven months, and that he enlisted in 1781.
for 12 months, but actually served 16 or 17 and received
 a discharge.
The affiant Michael testifies with apparent confidence
that Nicholas entered the service in 1776, and
that he knows that he was to serve one full year.
That in the year 1778 his brother again entered the same for 2 months, and that he also enlisted again for 7 months - and that in the spring of 1781 he again enlisted for and served during seventeen months in a company of artillery, ans that he (Michael) had seen and kept in his possession his said discharge, for 12 months [illegible] time.
The name of Michael Medera should
Page 28

appears upon the muster rolls, as they are very
[illegible], and as it does not so appear, evidence
has been deemed necessary. But the witness
having proved so much more than the applicant
declares for, it has tended my need to such
doubt in my mind as to his competency as 
a Witness.
The papers are placed upon one [illegible]
J A M  Commissioner


Thomas P Ray Esq
Morgantown Va. 

Thomas P Ray Esq
Morgantown Va. 

May 27 33 
O C

Pa Roll 9 Da 119
Page 29

Morgantown 11th June 1833-
James L Edwards Esq
Sir
I have read to Nicholas Madera, your letter of the 27th ult.
He says it is strange his name cannot be found on the rolls. That he enlisted under Capt John Fasick a german who lived at Reading Penn. That Fasick Joined (he believes) the Susenny [sic] regiment under Count Rochambeau. That at Williamsburg
Fasick was dismissed, cashiered or resigned, and he was discharged by an artillery officer - Madera says, that at the siege of Yorktown, 24 men & himself attended to two field pieces. That he cannot recollect who his captain was after Fasick-He says that Court Rochambear had four regt. & a Core [corps] of Hurrars [Hussars], as he marched to Yorktown.
[left margin note] Bourbonnais
-- The first was called Berbonny - white coats and black facings. French
[left margin note] Royal Deux-Ponts 2d Raeldepone 
Light Blue coats & yellow facings German
[left margin note] Soissonnais 3d Susenny White coats & red facings. French
[left margin note] Saintonge 4th Sendoash White coats & red edging French
each had 4 feild peices.

[left margin note] See page 12 of “Les Combatants Francais a la Guerre Americaine.”

The Hurrars - Blue round abouts & yellow Edging-

Midera is of German descent and it is difficult for me to understand his pronunciation of names.
I know nothing about the character of Michael Madera, the witness, but I have no doubt he is mistaken - Nicholas is confident his declaration is correct except he omitted two months service at Minnising-
There is no man living in this county, who has a better reputation for being in the
Revolution, and I assure you that his character for veracity is indisputable.
I hope from this memorandum his name may be found, and if you will permit
Mr French T Evans to see this letter. I have no doubt, he will interest himself
to a careful examination of the Rolls.
I am respect’y Yr Ob’t S’t
Tho’s P  Ray
Page 30

Nich. Madera -
24813
Page 31

State of Pennsylvania
Berks County
Be it known that on this 15th day of April One Thousand eight hundred and thirty three before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Berks Personally appeared Michael Madeira a resident citizen of the County of Berks and State aforesaid who being duly sworn according to Law
doth on his oath depose and say that Nicholas Madera formerly of Reading, County and State aforesaid and now a resident citizen of Morgantown County of Monongahela in the State of Virginia was a soldier in the service of the United [States]in the war of the Revolution and this deponent declares on his Solemn Oath that said Nicholas Madeira served in the said war as follows - entered at the age of fifteen years a Drummer Musician in the Spring of the year AD 1776 under Captain Harris Copan [insert illegible]of Infantry entered in the Borough of Reading, and to the best of his this deponent's knowledge Colonel Chambers Commanded the Regt and that the said Nicholas did continue this service until the year AD 1777 and knows that a full year has elapsed in said service, at his said Nicholas
Madeira  returning home from the Army and this deponent says that Nicholas Madera aforesaid again entered in Reading County & State aforesaid  11778 the latter part of August in Captain Millers Corp[?] of Militia from here Nicholas Madera Marches up the Delaware to a certain place called Menasing in Pennsylvania continued his service until the latter end of the month of October which service was two full Months. Major John Cunius acted
in the Regt. and this deponent says that Nicholas Madeira
also enlisted again for Seven Months County & State aforesaid with others: and that he did not return home until Seven Months had fully elapsed deponent can not recollect the year & month which he entered nor the officers and that the said Nicholas entered County & State aforesaid again in the spring of the year AD 1788 duly Enlisted in to Captain John Fesig Company of Artillery Enlisted for the Term of one year in this service of which he was attached to the French Artillery then in the service of the United States that this deponent knows that Nicholas Madera served
faithfully in this service having then in his power a written discharge for 12 months service and that said discharge
was signed by a Certain French officer and that this
Page 32

that this deponent had received said discharge for safe keeping
for the said Nicholas Madera aforesaid and that said
discharge lay many years in this deponents Desk, and has since
been lost or mislaid and that said Nicholas Madera Served
first engagement a Drummer and the other services was in the
Musquetry & the last service & Artillerist and that said Nicholas
served in no other capacity than that of a Soldier as aforesaid
and that said Nicholas Madera is now of seventy one years of Age
and that their is no church record that contains his Age.
Mich’l Madera
Sworn & Subscribed before me April 15. 1833
Mathias S. Richard a Judge of Berks County

State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss
Be it known that on this 15th day of April one Thousand eight hundred and thirty three before me the Subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the said County of Berks Personally appeared Philip Nagle a Soldier of the Revolutionary war a Citizen of the Borough of Reading County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his solemn oath depose and say that he knows to his certain knowledge that Nicholas Madera aforesaid served in the war of the Revolution a Drummer in Captain Sebastian Millers Company, Militia Musquetry, and entered into said Company at Reading Penn in the latter end of August of the year 1778 and that said Nicholas Meader was at a certain place called Meensing & continued his service two months untill the Latter end of the Month of October when he was honourably discharged for his said service. Phillip Nagel

Sworn & Subscribed before me  April 15. 1833
Mathias S. Richards
a Judge of Berks County Penn

I Mathias S. Richards Judge of Berks County Pennsylvania do hereby certify that Michael Madera & Philip Nagle who have sworn and subscribed their Names before me to the foregoing affidavits in the case of Nicholas Madera that they are credible persons and I further certify, that their Testimony will be
received in any Court of Justice. And in Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my Name and quality the day and year aforesaid
Matthias V. Richards
Page 33

State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss 
I Jacob Sallade Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Berks
do hereby certify that Matthias S Richards Esqr. before
whom the foregoing affidavits of Michael Madera
and Philip Nagle were made in the case of of Nicholas Madera of Virginia is a Judge of the Court of Common
Pleas in and for said County of Berks duly authorised and
Commissioned, and that to all his acts in that capacity full
faith and credit are due him, and of Right ought to be
given and I do further certify that all the Signatures in the
foregoing purporting to be Matthias S. Richards Judge aforesaid
are all true and genuine Signatures, and in Testimony
whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the said Court
and subscribed my name and quality at Reading in the said
County of Berks, and State of Pennsylvania April 15th 1833
Jac. Sallade Prothonotary
Page 34

Petition of
Nicholas Madera

Monongalia County, Va
Praying to be placed
on the roll as a 
Revolutionary pensioner

Mar 5 1834
Ref’d to Com Rev Pensions

23
Wilson 6 Rev. Pens.
E C Wilson
Page 35

To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States
in Congress assembled;
Your petitioner Nicholas Madera, a citizen of the County of Monongahela, in the State of Virginia, respectfully represents. That he was born in Berks County Pennsylvania, on the 26th of December 1763. that about the middle of July in the year 1777 as well as he can now recollect, he went out as a substitute for a man who was drafted for two months that he was then employed by his captain whose name he has forgotten as a drummer that he
marched with the company from Reading Pennsylvania, to Chester, where we joined the main army Genl Wayne commanding the Pennsylvania line- that he was in the battle of Brandy wine from which he retreated to Chester, where he now believes he was discharged, after having served the said two months that he cannot recollect the name of the Colonel of his regiment, but the Majors name was Tinley -
That in the summer he believes of the year 1778 he again entered the service as a substitute, and was employed by Capt Sebastin Miller as a drummer. that he marched from Reading against
the Indians and Tories, upon the arrival of our company at Allentown, we were joined by another company, and the two were commanded by Major Cuneous of Reading - that he had
three brothers in the same company, Michael, Casper and Christian - that from Allentown, we marched to Bethlehem, thence to Eastown thence up the Delaware to a settlement called Mannesing where we remained about a month, from thence we returned, and was discharged at Reading after having served two months-
That in the month of May 1780, he again entered the services with the seven months troops, as a
substitute, in a company raised at Reading Pennsylvania, and command by Capt Kennedy attached to the seventh Pennsylvania regiment commanded as well as he can recollect by Major
or Col Chambers - from Reading we marched to Philadelphia, and was sworn in before Nicholson, Mayor of that city -from Philadelphia we went to Trenton in a sloop from Trenton to the neighbourhood of Morristown and joined the regiment - that Genl Wayne was commander  of the first division and Genl St. Clair the second the seven months men were attached to these Troops, because of the loss of the Pennsylvania line at Peoli- that we immediately marched towards to North river, and crossed the river he believes at Kings ferry, where we soon met the enemy and had to retreat across the ferry- we then went down the river to Stoney point, where we remained eight or ten days during which time Genl Arnold deserted to the enemy - that whilst at Stoney point for five or six days the commissary refused to furnish us flour, fearing that poisen had been
mixed with it, as treason had appeared in Camp, during which we lived on meal and apples - from Stoney point the Pennsylvania and Delaware troops under Genl Wayne marched to Bargain
point where we remained over a Saturday night and slept with our napsachs on expecting an 
engagement- from Bargain Point, we went directly to Morristown and build our huts for winter quarters- That during the winter, the Pennsylvania line revolted and he recollect he was on
Genl
Page 36

Genl Waynes guard the night of the revolt - that immediately after the revolt, Capt Kennedys company was discharged at Trenton, that his discharge was given at the same place after he had served more than seven months which discharge he has long since lost
That he entered the service of the United States, in the spring of 1781 by enlisting under Capt Fasig or Fasick for one year at Reading Pennsylvania - that upon Farick enlisting sixteen or eighteen men, he was ordered to march them to Morris town, where he was attached to the French troops, then on their march to Yorktown Virginia, under Count Rochambeau.- from Morristown we marched by Trenton, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Fredricksburgh and Williamsburgh to Yorktown, where he was at the surrender
of Lord Cornwallis and during the whole seige - that he remained with the French
troops during the whole winter that Fasick was cashiered, whilst at Yorktown -
that in the spring of 1782 he march with the French troops to the north and in the
latter part of the summer he was discharged at Crown point in New York, after he
he has served a period of not less than sixteen months - that his discharge was signed by a W. Owel a french artillery officer, and he believe a major, which he has long
since lost-
Your petitioner further states that he made a declaration of his services before
the court of said county, but at the time omitted to state his services in the expedition
to Mannasing in order to obtain a pension under the act of Congress of June 1832.
but the officer at the head of the Pension office rejected his application for the reasons
contained in the accompanying letter.
He therefore prays that an act may be passed placing his name on the Pension Roll of the United States
Nicolas Madeira

Monongalia County to wit
This day came before me George McNeely
ting Justice of the peace in and for said County in the State of Virginia, Nicholas
a resident of said county, and made oath that the foregoing petition contains
truth to the best of his knowledge and belief and I do further certify, that
Nicholas has always borne. so far as my information enables me to state
reproachable character for honesty and integrity
Given under my hand and seal the 11th day of December in the year 1833
George McNeely
Page 37

Virginia:
I Thomas P. Ray, Clerk of the County Court of Monongalia do certify that George McNeely esq. is a Justice of the peace in and for said county, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed the seal of said court, this 11th of December in the year 1833.
Tho. P. Ray
[sealed]