Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R, 6700, for James Mc Ewen, Pennsylvania
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE Penn
McEwen, James
NUMBER R. 6700
CONTENTS [blank]
Page 2

State of Pennsylvania
City of Philadelphia SS
On this 28 day of May 1855, personally appeared before me the subscriber, an Alderman and Ex Officio, a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and State aforesaid, Sarah Stauffer, aged 65 years, a resident of the S.E. corner of Broad and Wood Streets in said City, who being duly sworn according to law on her Oath declares that she is the daughter of James McEwen, who was a Musician in the Pennsylvania Line, in the Revolutionary War, that she formerly lived in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania, where she made application with her sister, Mary Stiff, for Pension in right of her said father, by or through one Vondersmith, her attorney, that her said sister is since deceased, and She understands said Vondersmith has removed from the United States, and she makes this affidavit for the purpose of revoking any other or former Power or Powers of Attorney, and also to execute the following Power or Warrant of Attorney to Jackson & Ford of Philadelphia.
Sarah Stauffer
On the day and year aforesaid, personally appeared before me, an Alderman etc.,  Nathaniel L. Stauffer, a resident of S. East, Corner of Broad and Wood Streets in said City, who upon his Oath declares that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Sarah Stauffer in his presence, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, that he has known her for more than 25 years and that she is a person of good character worthy of confidence and belief, and that he is a disinterested witness.
Nathaniel L. Stauffer
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the declarant and affiant to be credible persons worthy of confidence and belief and that I have no interest in this claim.
John Henry, Alderman
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Know all men by these presents that I, Sarah Stauffer of the of the City of Philadelphia Have constituted and appointed, and by these presents do hereby irrevocably, constitute and appoint Jackson & Ford of said City, my true and lawful attorneys for me and in my name to ask and receive from the United States Government the Pension, or Pension Certificate, due and coming to me in right of my father, James McEwen, deceased, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and to give receipts and other sufficient discharges and to do all other act or acts, matter or things, that I myself might or could do if personally present at the doing thereof, hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said attorneys shall do in and about the premises by virtue hereof, hereby also revoking, Countermanding and making void any other Power or Powers of Attorney executed by me to any other person or persons, than said Jackson & Ford. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of May A.D. 1855.
Sarah Stauffer [Seal]
Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of us
Nathaniel L. Stauffer
Geo. W. Ford
State of Pennsylvania
City of Philadelphia ss.
On this 28 day of May 1855, personally appeared before me the subscriber, an Alderman and Ex Officio, a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and State aforesaid, Sarah Stauffer, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be her act and deed for the purposes therein contained.
John Henry, Alderman
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No [blank]
Affidavit and Power of Attorney
Sarah Stauffer, Heir
James McEwen, Rev. Soldier
Pension
Jackson & Ford, Attorneys
No. 72 South 3d Street
Philadelphia
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State of Pennsylvania
City of Philadelphia SS.
I, Jas. W. Fletcher, Prothonotary of the District Court in and for the City and State aforesaid, Certify that John Henry, before whom the foregoing affidavits, and acknowledgement were made, was at the time of so doing an Alderman and Ex Officio a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and State aforesaid, that his official acts are entitled to confidence and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 30th day of May A.D. 1855.
Jas. W. Fletcher
Prothonotary, District Court

No [blank]
Affidavit and Power of Attorney
Sarah Stauffer, Heir
James McEwen, Rev. Soldier
Pension
Jackson & Ford, Attorneys
No. 72 South 3d Street
Philadelphia
Page 6

Declaration,
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS.
On this 24th day of April AD 1844, personally appeared before Emanuel Schaeffer, Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Mary Stiff, a resident of said City, and daughter of the late James McEwen, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Act of Congress in regard to the claims of heirs etc. 
That her Father was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as a Drummer or Drum Major during the whole of the War, was regularly discharged early in 1783. That her father told her, he was in the battle of Monmouth New Jersey, and of the Camp of Washington at Valley Forge. He was marched South under Gates, and afterwards was transferred to General Greene. That her brother (who is now dead) was born in the camp during the War (as the entry in her father's bible made in his own handwriting, will show) (which is exhibited to the Court). That she does not know of any person, now living, who was out with her Father in the Revolutionary War, but that he was always reputed by the old soldiers, to be a Soldier who had served long and faithfully during the revolution. That she is unable to say positively in whose company he served, but believes he served in several companies. That her Father died poor on the 14th day of June AD. 1834, without a will and no administration was had on his Estate. That her mother, Barbara McEwen, died on the 27th day of September AD 1836, also very poor, without a will, and no Letters of administration were granted in the Register, as no application for an appointment was made (The Records in the Registers Office will show the fact.)
Mary Stiff [her mark]
Test - E. Schaeffer
J B Kaufman
Lancaster County ss:
I, Emanuel Schaeffer, Judge as above stated, do hereby certify that Mary Stiff, the above deponent, is a highly creditable lady. That her Father was reputed to be a soldier of the Revolutionary War and from the records of the court, it does not appear that there ever was any administrator appointed to take charge of the Estate of Mrs. Barbara McEwen, deceased.
In testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 24th day of April 1844.
E. Schaeffer [Seal]
Page 7

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS.
On this 24th day of April AD 1844, personally appeared before me, the subscriber, associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Sarah Stauffer, a resident of Strasburg Township, in said County, and daughter of the late James McEwen and Barbara, his wife, who being first 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 for the relief of the heirs of Revolutionary soldiers:
That her Father James McEwen came into this Country as a drummer in a Scotch Company, for the purpose of opposing the rebellion at the commencement of the war, but shortly after, his [illegible] he deserted with great difficulty and danger, to the Americans, and forthwith enlisted as a Drummer or rather Drum Major, as no one could equal him in drumming. The British officers in Lancaster threatened to have him hung if he would ever return to England, but he said he never intended to go back; he immediately enlisted in the Pennsylvania Line, and did not return until peace was declared. He told me in his lifetime that he was in three or four battles, and the last place he was in was at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in Virginia. At this time, he was under Washington. He had just returned from the South where they had a great deal of fighting and marching. And further that all my brothers and sisters are dead except Mrs. Mary Stiff, who is the only daughter and heir living, except me; that her father died on the 14th day of June AD 1834, without a will, and no administration was had on the estate. And that her mother, Barbara McEwen, died on 27th day of September 1836, without a will, and no letters of administration were taken out of the office, and further deponent saith not.
Sarah Schaeffer
E. Schaeffer
J B Kaufman
Lancaster County
I, Emanuel Schaeffer, Judge as above stated, do hereby certify that Sarah Stauffer, the above declarant, is a highly creditable lady, that she is respectable, and her testimony is entitled to the fullest confidence. That there is nothing in the Registers Office or Records of the Court which will show that either James or Barbara McEwen ever made a will or that Letters of administrator were ever taken out upon the estates.
In testimony whereof, I hereby set my hand and seal this 24th day of April AD 1844.
E. Schaffer [Seal]
Page 8

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster City SS.
Personally appeared before me the subscriber, an Alderman in and for said City, John Gonter, a resident of said City, who being first duly sworn according to law says:
That he was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, and served as a Trooper in Armand's Legion, and that he receives a pension from the United States. That he was acquainted with James McEwen who was a great drummer, and that he went out in the war, shortly after its commencement. That he drummed for several companies of Lancaster County, in the Pennsylvania line. He was out the whole of the war. After Cornwallis' surrendered at Yorktown, our Legion brought the prisoners to York and Lancaster, and we were then discharged from duty. Sometime afterwards, McEwen came back to Lancaster. He said he was in South Carolina and Virginia and at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered. We always received him as a Revolutionary soldier in our parties, on the 4th of July.
Sworn to and subscribed this 25 day of April 1844.
John Gonter
Test: Geo. Musser, JB Kaufman
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster City SS.
I, George Musser, do Certify that John Gonter, the above deponent, is a man of great moral worth, is a Christian in faith, and would not for any consideration testify to what is not true, and further that I have heard so much as to James McEwen deserting the British and joining the Americans in the Revolutionary War, that I do not for a moment doubt that he well deserved the reputation of being a Revolutionary Drummer.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 25th day of April AD 1844.
George Musser [seal]
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS.
I, Rudolph F. Rauch, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do certify that Emanuel Schaeffer, Esq. is one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County and George Musser an Alderman of the City of Lancaster in said County, all as stated in the foregoing proceedings, both duly commissioned and qualified; and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court and Subscribed my name this Twenty-sixth day of April in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
Rud F. Rauch
Prothy.
Saml. Dorwart
Page 9

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS.
Before me the subscriber, an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, personally appeared Mary Stiff of the City of Lancaster, who is the only daughter and heir (save Sarah Stauffer) of James McEwen, deceased, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who being first duly sworn according to law makes the following declaration.
That her father, James McEwen, came to this Country in a Scotch Company as a Drummer shortly after war was declared, but deserted from the British and enlisted in the Pennsylvania Line in 1777. He was marched first to Morristown and then to the Brandywine where there was a battle fought. Shortly after, he was in the Battle of Germantown and then the whole army went to the Camp at Valley Forge. He then marched with Washington's troops to Monmouth where he helped to fight a great battle. He was so worn out with heat and dust that he was very sick for a few days. He remained with the army a while longer and then went to the South under Gen. Gates, where he was some time after placed under Gen. Nathaniel Greene. He remained in the South until he was marched to Yorktown in Virginia where he was when Cornwallis surrendered. Sometime after he came home and was then discharged. He often told her others the above facts and also that he was in another battle but cannot now recollect the name. He returned with the prisoners to the Lancaster Barracks. That her mother was in the army with her father and that her brother, John McEwen, was born in the Camp in 1782. That her father was known to all the old soldiers and citizens as a Revolutionary soldier. Many years ago, he received Bounty Land from the United States Government, and declined asking for a pension, because he had sufficient to live upon, but afterwards he fell behind hand, and was about making application for a pension, when he was suddenly taken sick and died, which prevented him. That her father occasionally became intoxicated, and on one such an occasion, he then his commission discharge and other papers in the stove.
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And further that her father died on the 14th day of June 1834 without a will and no administration was had upon his estate that her mother, Barbara McEwen, died on the 27th of Sept. 1836, without a will and no administration was had on the estate.
Mary Stiff [her mark]
Test.: E. Shaeffer, J B Kaufman
Lancaster County, SS.
I, Emanuel Schaeffer, Judge as above stated, do hereby certify that Mary Stiff is a respectable lady and her testimony worthy of belief and that her father was reputed to be a soldier of the Revolutionary War and from the records of the Court, it does not appear that there ever was any Letters Testamentary or of administration granted upon the Estate of James or Barbara McEwen, deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 14th of Oct. 1844.
E. Schaeffer [seal]
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County SS.
I, Rudolph F. Rauch, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County do certify that the above proceeding were had before Emanuel Schaeffer, associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County and that the signature purporting to be E. Schaffer's is genuine, and further that the following is an extract and an exact copy from the Bible of the late James McEwen, deceased, and now in the possession of Mrs. Mary Stiff, the declarant. "John McEwen was Born the 8th Day of September 1782". In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this twenty-first day of October AD 1844.
Rud. F. Rauch, Prothy
Saml. L. Dorwart
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REJECTED
0700
P.O.
James McEwen
Service:
Enlisted:
Discharged:
Application filed:
Alleges:
Re-enlisted:
Attorney:
P.O.
Recognized.
Contract.
Cert. of Dis.
Searched for
Page 12

No. 35.654
James McEwen, deceased
Letter to J. B. Kauffman, April 19, 1844
Letter to same, July 31, 1844
Letter to same, October 2, 1844
Letter to same, November 29, 1844
Letter to Saml. Humes Porter, January 21, 1845
See letter to same, February 14, 1845
Letter to J. B. Kaufman, October 9, 1845
Letter Jun 7, 1832
Page 13

35.654
James McEwen, deceased
Pennsylvania
J B Kaufman, April 19, 1844
J B Kaufman, July 31, 1844
J B Kaufman, Oct 2, 1844
J B Kaufman, Nov 29, 1844
Saml. Humes Porter, January 21, 1845
Saml. Humes Porter, February 14, 1845
J B Kaufman, October 9, 1845
Alexander Ray, November 11, 1845
L B Hamersly, March 1854
Jackson & Ford, June 6, 1855
Jackson & Ford, September 11, 1855
Jackson & Ford, September 29, 1856
Act: Jun 7, 1832
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James McEwen, Drummer, Pennsylvania Line
was he returned as entitled to bounty land?
Page 15

Hon. J. Minot, Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City, D.C.
James McEwen
Pa - [illegible] - 1832
[Stamps: FREE, PHILADELPHIA, PA SEP 24]
Page 16

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, SS.
On this 18th day of November AD 1843, personally appeared before Emanuel Schaeffer, associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster, Mary Stiff, a resident of the City of Lancaster, in the County and State aforesaid, aged fifty-six years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration.
That her father, James McEwen, in his lifetime told her, that he came over to America as a Drum Major in the British Army at the commencement of the Revolutionary War, but shortly after he felt anxious to leave the British and embrace the cause of the Americans. The British officer, hearing he had such a desire, kept a vigilant eye upon him, but he at last effected his escape, and joined the American forces. She forgets now when it was he said he enlisted, she thinks it was in Lancaster, or else at Philadelphia or Wilmington in the State of Delaware, that he enlisted as a Drum Major and served three or four years, being the latter portion of the War. That her father and mother always said that John, their eldest son, was born in the Camp on the 8th day of Sept. 1781, and that they were married, shortly after his desertion from the British, her mother being married against the wishes of the family on account of his deserting the British. That her father was at the battle of Yorktown when it was surrendered. That her mother frequently told her that of one of the battles in which her husband engaged under Washington, that she handed Washington a drink of water out of a tin cup and that he persuaded the women to get out of the way. That her father said he was at the Carolinas under Gates and they were defeated, and then Gen. Greene took com-
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mand of the Division of the army to which he belonged, that he told her they walked in sand over their shoe tops, etc. - many other particulars of the battle and marches he related to her, but which she does not recollect sufficiently to state them under oath. That her father had some papers concerning his connection with the army, but that they were destroyed shortly before his death. I have seen them myself. That her father was about making application when his sudden death prevented him. He died on the 17th day of July, 1834. That her father never received a pension for his services, nor did her mother, Barbara McEwen, who died on the 7th day of October AD 1835. That the deponent's husband, Nicholas Stiff, is deceased, having died in August last (1843), and further saith not.
Mary Stiff [her mark]
Sworn and subscribed before me
Test: J B Kaufman
E. Schaeffer
Lancaster City, SS.
I, Emanuel Schaeffer, one of the associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, before whom the foregoing declaration was taken, do certify that Mary Stiff (intermarried with Nicholas Stiff of the City of Lancaster, deceased) is the daughter of James McEwen, a drummer of the Revolutionary War, and that she is a highly respectable lady, and that her declaration is entitled to full credit and belief.
Witness my hand and seal this 18 day of Nov. AD 1843.
E. Schaeffer [seal]
Page 18

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, SS.
On this 11th day of December AD 1843, personally appeared before Michael Carpenter, Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster, Jacob Garber, a resident of the City of Lancaster, aged seventy-three years, who being first duly sworn according to law, says:
That he was intimately acquainted with James McEwen, a Drum Major of the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1795. I was quite a young man when I first became acquainted with him. I saw him leave Lancaster and join the Army as a drum Major in 1778. The first battle he was engaged in was at Monmouth in New Jersey. He had been at Valley forge under Washington shortly before. In 1780, he was marched under Gates to Clermont in the South They were attacked by the British under Lord Cornwallis, and were defeated on the road to Camden. Gen. Green afterwards took command of the Army. He was with Green during 1781 and 1782 and was discharged early in 1783. The old man in his lifetime, and other soldiers who were with him in the Revolution, told me of their services as above stated. McEwen mentioned many circumstances that occurred during the war. The hardships he endured and the long fatiguing marches. He was always considered by the people of Lancaster as a Revolutionary Drummer, and was a man of high respectability. In 1775, he went as a Drum Major in Gen. Haynes' army under Capt. [illegible]. I also went out in the same Regiment in this campaign. He told me many of his exploits during the war - how he escaped from the British, etc. - which he had told me shortly after his return from the Revolutionary War, many years before.
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I receive a pension from the State of Pennsylvania, for my services in 1795. That Mrs. Mary Stiff, the applicant, is the only child living of the above-mentioned James McEwen.
Jacob Gerber
Sworn to and subscribed this 11th day of December, AD 1843, before me
M. Carpenter, Ald.
Test: J B Kaufman
Lancaster County, SS.
I, Michael Carpenter, an Alderman in and for the City of [blank], before whom the foregoing deposition was taken, do certify that Jacob Gerber is a citizen of the highest respectability, and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief.
Witness my hand and seal this 11th day of Dec. AD 1843
M Carpenter, Ald. [seal]
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, SS.
I, Rudolph F. Rauch, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Do certify that Emanuel Schaeffer, Esquire, is one of the Associate Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas and Michael Carpenter, Esquire, an Alderman of the City of Lancaster in said County, all as stated in the foregoing proceedings; both duly commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court and subscribed my name this Twelfth day of December in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-three.
Rud. F. Ranch, Prothy.
Saml. L. Dorwart
Page 20

April 27, 1844
Additional declaration proof
James McEwen
Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 21

Lancaster April 26th 1844
Dear Sir,
I received your letter of the 19th instant, and think I have satisfactory complied with your instructions. Although I sent you Mary Stiff's declaration at first, yet I thought I might as well have it taken in part over again, as she made a mistake in the former one in regard to the death of her Father. This declaration, and that of her sister, who at the only daughters and heirs now living, state the exact time of the death of both their parents, as taken from the bible in the possession of Mrs. Sarah Stauffer. As much as I regret that there is no witness now living, who went out in the war, and endured the trials and hardships of a long campaign with James McEwen - yet I know the Department will find pleasure in seeing that the Witnesses testify, beyond all doubt, that he deserted from the British ranks and joined the American forces, immediately married an American lady ([illegible], Mary Stiff's) and served until the conclusion of the War. Jacob Gerber, a former Witness, testifies that he knew him well, and often heard him relate his revolutionary marches to him, while they were out on duty in the War of 1796, and then old Mr. Gonter, who is still in the enjoyment of all his faculties, and whose private character is above all reproach, testifies to his being out and in service in the Pennsylvania Line, and that he was received as a Revolutionary Soldier in his lifetime. And then the Hon. Emanuel Schaeffer, Judge of the Court, who knew old Mr. McEwen well, certifies that he was reputed to be a soldier of the Revolutionary War. And Captain G. Musser, who is an Alderman of the City, certifies as to the common impression among the people as to the reputation of McEwen's Revolutionary claims. The reason why he was spoken so much of as being a revolutionary Soldier was on account of his having deserted the British so soon as he had an opportunity after he had landed in America. In your letter you requested me to have the Court to certify as to the death of James McEwen and his widow, also to the name of her administrator. This the court said it could not do, as the records did not show it, and the only exact knowledge was from the Declaration of Mrs. Stiff and Mrs. Stauffer, which I am sure will satisfy the Department. Neither could his honor certify who was her administrator because there never was any appointed. But when the Department grants the claim, I will have Mrs. Stiff or Mrs. Stauffer or both of them (if necessary) to take out Letters of Administration, so as to be able to draw the claim, as in your letter you say it payable to her administrators as assets. Under the Regulations you sent me, I see that when the declarant swears that there is no witness living, a reputation of being a Revolutionary soldier will be great weight, and I am happy that the present papers contain strong and conclusive traditionary testimony. Please see the former papers I forwarded you for particulars. Pardon me for troubling you with so long a letter, for I thought it proper to explain the case to you so as to facilitate you in a speedy examination.
With much respect, I am yours truly
J B Kaufman
Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
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Jackson & Ford
No 72, South 3rd Street
Philadelphia, Pa
Page 23

[illegible]
Hon. Monet
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir,
As attorneys for Sarah Stauffer, daughter and only surviving child of James McEwen, deceased, who was a Drummer in the Revolutionary War, and for the heirs of whose application was made for arrears of pension [illegible] on behalf of the heirs from Lancaster, [illegible] about 1846, [illegible] copy of the application, or declaration, and the affidavits in support of said claim [illegible] on file in your office. [Illegible] the claim, and to [illegible] us the better to examine the claim, and to furnish required testimony to complete the same in court [illegible]. The heir, Mrs. Stauffer, is extremely anxious that [illegible] examine the claim, and give her a [illegible], and to do this we are compelled to trouble you for papers as above stated. Your [Illegible] will [illegible].
Very faithfully,
Your obedient servant,
[illegible]
for Sarah Stauffer
[illegible]
Page 24

Declaration of Mary Stiff
Oct 22nd, 1844
Page 25

That James McEwen, her father, came to this Country in a Scotch Company as a Drummer shortly after the war was declared, but deserted from the British and enlisted in the Pennsylvania Line, in 1777. He was marched first to Morristown, and then to the Brandywine were there was a battle fought. Shortly after, he was in the Battle of Germantown and then the whole army went to the Camp at Valley Forge. He then marched with Washington's troops to Monmouth where he helped to fight a great battle. He was so worn out with heat and dust that he was very sick for a few days. He remained with the army awhile longer and then went south under Gen. Gates where he was placed under Gen. Greene. He remained in the south until he was marched to Yorktown in [illegible] where he was when Corvallis surrendered. Sometime after, he came home along with the Prisoners to the Lancaster Barracks and was then discharged. He said he was in another battle, but I cannot recollect the name of it. That her mother was in the army with her father and her brother John was born in the Camp in 1782. He was known to all the old soldiers and citizens as a revolutionary soldier. Many years ago, he received Bounty Land from the States General and declined asking for a pension because he had sufficient to live upon, but afterwards he fell [illegible] and was about making application for a pension when he was suddenly taken sick and died. Her father occasionally became intoxicated and once he threw his commission, discharge and the papers in the stove. That her father died on 14th day of June 1834, without will and no administration was had upon his estate. That her mother Barbara McEwen died on 27th September 1836, without will and no administration had on her estate. Prothonotary certified to the abstract from the Bible. John born in 1782.
Page 26

Declaration of Mary Stiff
Oct 22nd 1844
Oct 22, 1844
Enclosed I send you the Declaration of Mrs. Stauffer agreeably to your request as passed in your late letter. She states more particularly the facts as she is reminded of them. [illegible] the come to her mind the more she thinks about the matter. She can relate many little private incidents in regard to the connection her father and mother had with the service [illegible], but I resume they have little bearing on the claim.
I am, with much respect,
Your [illegible]
J W Koff
Page 27

No.
Affidavits
Rudolph Christ, in support of the Heirs of James McEwen, Rev. Soldier, for pension
Jackson and Ford, Attorneys
No 72 South 3rd Street
Philadelphia
Page 28

State of Pennsylvania
City of Lancaster, Ss.
On this 10 day of September 1856, personally appeared before me the Subscriber, an Alderman and Ex Official, a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and State aforesaid, Rudolph Christ, a resident of said City who being duly sworn according to law on his oath declares, that he well knows Sarah Stauffer, daughter of James McEwen, deceased, late of the City aforesaid, who was a private in the Pennsylvania Line. That he was frequently told by Jacob Garber of Lancaster City that said James McEwen was in the Revolutionary War as a Soldier, and he further declares that he has frequently been told by Garber that Rudolph Christ, late of Lancaster County, ascertained that Peter Mowry, late of Lancaster now deceased, served with said James McEwen in the Revolutionary war and he further declares that Jacob Garber, late of Lancaster aforesaid, told him that he knew said James McEwen served in the Revolutionary War and
that he was willing to be sworn to the fact. And he further declares that he has no interest in the claim of the Heirs of James McEwen for Pension.
Rudolph Christ
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid and I certify that Rudolph Christ is a credible person worthy of confidence and belief.
William Frich, Alderman
Lancaster City, Penna.
Page 29

State of Pennsylvania
City of Lancaster, SS.
I, Jos. Bowman, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the City and State aforesaid, certify that Wm. Frick, before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at the time of so doing an Alderman and Ex Officio a Justice of the Peace in and for the City and State aforesaid, that his Official acts are entitled to confidence and that the signature thereby purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court this 20th day of September 1856.
J. Bowman
Prothy, C.C. Pleas
Page 30

Oct. 20, 1845
Declaration
James McEwen, deceased
James L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Page 31

Washington Oct 18, 1845
Sir,
In the case of James McEwen, deceased, referred to in your letter of the 9th instant to J.B. Kaufman, Esq. of Lancaster. I now enclose you an affidavit of George Leonard, a pensioner under act 1832, on the Pension roll, referred to by Mr. Kaufman in his last letter to you.
I am very respectfully
[illegible]
Alex. Ray
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 32

[Stamp: Lancaster, Pa Oct 11]
Alexander Ray, Esq.
Washington City, D.C
Page 33

Lancaster October 11th 1845
Sir,
Enclosed I send you a letter received yesterday in James McEwen deceased, claim, in reply to my letter of the 17th of September last, a copy of which you have. The additional evidence alluded to, is the Deposition of George Leonard a Pensioner of the United States. I sent it to Humes Porter, Esq., about 5 months since.
Very Respectfully
Yours &c
J B Kaufman
Alexander Ray, Esq.
Washington City
Page 34

Sept 22nd 1845
James McEwen, Deceased
Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 35

Lancaster Sept. 19th 1845
Sir,
About the middle of May last, I sent you (by Humes Porter Esq.) an additional Deposition to corroborate the previous declarations and depositions and other proofs (certificate from Harrisburg and extracts from family bible) in the case of James and Barbara McEwen deceased, since which time I have not had a word in regard to the case. The heirs are anxious to have the matter determined. I believe be have complied with your letter of April 19th 1844. This case has been left undetermined more than a year and a half. The heirs are willing to take at the rate of 6 months service, although they think they have made out a case for the whole of the war and have sworn positively that their father received Bounty Land. Let me have an answer as soon as you can.
Very Respectfully,
Yours &
J B Kaufman
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 36

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster City
On this eighth day of May 1845, personally appeared before me the Subscriber. an Alderman in and for said City, George Leonard, a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, who being sworn according to law says, that he has a personal knowledge of the services of James McEwen. deceased, and are as follows:
That James Ever was a drummer in a Scotch Company, but disserted of the commencement of the war and came to Lancaster and got married, he then enlisted in the Pennsylvania Line, and was in service during the whole of the war. He was at the Battle of Monmouth and with Washington of Camp Valley Forge. The last time I saw James McEwen was at Morristown in New Jersey. General Hazen had command of the Regiment to which McEwen belonged. His company left for the South and he was under Gates and Greene in the southern expedition. He afterwards of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781 and then returned to Lancaster with the Prisoners. When I saw him again, he acted in the capacity of a Drummer. His wife was with him in the service and one of the children were born in the Camp. General Hazen commanded the Congress Regiment who were called the white coats, with blue lacings.
Page 37

I have frequently seen him playing the drum, he played very well. One Blunder was the drum major at the time. And further deponent saith not.
George Leonard [his mark]
Sworn and subscribed before me,
M. Carpenter, Alderman
J B Kaufman
Lancaster City, SS.
I the subscriber an Alderman in and for said City, do certify that George Leonard is a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, is a highly respectable citizen and that his deposition is entitled to full credit.
In testimony thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 8th day of May AD 1845.
M. Carpenter, Alderman [Seal]
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, SS.
I, Rudolph F Rauch, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County and State of Pennsylvania, do certify that Michael Carpenter is an Alderman in and for said City, duly commissioned and qualified, and the signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 8th day of May AD 1845.
R. F. Rauch, Prothonotary
Page 38

S. H. Porter
Ind. Off.
Jan 30, 1845
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

Washington City
January 30, 1845
Sir,
I enclose herewith a copy of the only Record existing at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in relation to James McEwen, and also a declaration made by the daughter of the said McEwen in relation to her father, deceased.
I am clearly of opinion from what I can learn of the circumstances that this claim for a pension is a good and honest one and I respectfully solicit your favorable consideration of the same
Very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant,
James Humes Porter
Col. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 40

Surveyor General's Office,
Harrisburg, January 27th 1845
94
Dist. | No. | Acres | Name of Patenter | Return for Pat.
No. 7 | 1355 | 200 | James McKewn, Private| [blank]
In testimony that the above is a copy of an entry in a Book marked, "Donation Land" containing the names of the Officers and Soldiers of the Pennsylvania Line in the Revolutionary Army. 
I have hereto set my hand and the seal of said Office at Harrisburg the 27th day of January 1845.
For Jacob Sallade S.G.
Tho. J Rehur
fees $0.05 paid by M Smith
Page 41

Washington City
January 15, 1845
Sir,
My attention has been called particularly to the claim of the heirs of James McEwen for arrearages, etc. The heirs reside in Lancaster and have applied to me to look into the business for them. From all that I can learn, it would appear that the services of McEwen were proved by two witnesses and that nothing further could be elected. Although there is no record of McEwen's name at Harrisburg yet, as in the case of Andrew Long whose name could not be in like manner discovered, I think the heirs of McEwen, considering that they have addressed the strongest testimony that can be obtained, should be allowed this claim. I would therefore respectfully request its allowance.
Very truly yours
Saml. Humes Porter
Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 42

Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.
Mary Stiff, Pa.
March 30, 1845
Page 43

Lancaster Mar 25th 1844
Dear Sir,
On the 22 of October last, I sent you the additional declaration of Mrs. Mary Stiff, heir of James McEwen, deceased, a soldier of the Pennsylvania Line, in compliance with your request, also an extract from the Family Bible certified by the Prothonotary of the Court. I have also on a former occasion sent you how the matter stood in regard to the day of his death, the name his widow, the day of her death, and the name of the administrator in accordance with your letter of the 17th April 1844, in which you stated the money was payable to the widow Barbara's administrator, as a [illegible]. As her father James McEwen received Bounty Land on the 28th Jan 1795 by the warrant numbered 9.973, of course the two heirs relinquish all right to that part of the claim. I thought it best to write now as I am fearful that the last papers might have [illegible], or been mislaid as they have been sent on so long since and I have heard nothing of them.
Very Respectfully
Yours etc.
J B Kaufman
Hon. J L Edwards
Washington City
Page 44

[Stamp: Lancaster, Pa. Oct 22]
Pa.
Additional Proof
Mary Stiff,
Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 45

Lancaster Oct 22 1844
My Dear Sir,
I enclose you the Declaration of Mrs. Mary Stiff, agreeably to your request expressed in your letter of this month. She states more particularly the facts, as she is reminded of them and they come to her mind the more she thinks about the matter.
She can relate many little private matters and incidents in regard to the connection her father and mother had with the service, etc., but I presume they have little bearing on the claim.
I am with much respect,
Yours etc.
J B Kaufman
To: J L Edwards Esq.
Washington City
Page 46

Sept 12, 1844
James McEwen
Pa.
Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 47

Lancaster Sept 10th 1844
Dear Sir,
As you appear to have forgotten the claim of James McEwen, deceased, I must urge upon you to examine it. In your last letter of July 31st, 1844, you object merely to the records being silent in regard to the length of his services. The Testimony I forwarded to you, fully shows the probable length of the time he was on duty; being between four and five years; enlisting early in the war and discharged in 1783. Mrs. Stiff and Stauffer and Mr. Stauffer called on me today and they say he was enlisted in the Pennsylvania Line. Mr. Stauffer recollects of old McEwen telling him that he obtained Land, but that in a caper he sold it for trifle. The fact of his receiving Land Warrant No. 9.973, for 100 acres on the 28th January 1795, shows plainly that his name is on record, and the testimony upon which the Warrant was granted independent of the conclusive testimony sent by us, must be sufficient to allow the claim. There can be no doubt, but that James McEwen served from three to five years, as I believe none were enlisted in the Pennsylvania Line except 3 or 5 years, besides other testimony of the Daughters show that he entered the army sometime after the war broke out, and served out until the termination of the War; and old John Gontner swears he saw him enter the Army, shortly after the commencement, and that he did not return until its close, after Cornwallis surrendered.
Page 48

These are irresistible facts, but above all, his name is on record and Bounty Land granted to him. It is rather vexatious that this claim, established so clearly, should be withheld so long. Under the circumstances of the case, we have done all the Department requires. All we ask is the pay that is now due to the heirs in right of their father who died in 1834, or in their mother, who died in 1836.
Very Respectfully Yours
J B Kaufman
Hon. J L Edwards
Washington
Page 49

August 5, 1844
Pa.
Case of James McEwen, Private
Hon J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 50

Lancaster Aug 3rd 1844
My Dear Sir:
I received your letter of the 31st ulto. from which I find that the Department has not yet concluded to allow the claim of James McEwen, deceased. It seems it is objected to on account of his name not appearing among the records of the Line. In the papers sent to you it was not stated whether he served in the line as an enlisted soldier or a hired man, or merely as a Militia Man; for the witnesses could not conscientiously say in which of the three capacities he served. But it appears by your letters of the 25th of June and 2nd July 1844, that he served in the Pennsylvania Line, and had a Land Warrant issued in 1795 in James McEwen. He never received a pension in the shape of money, because it is in evidence (Vide papers) that he was about applying for a pension when he was prevented by sudden death in 1834. The application is not for services rendered during the whole term of the war, but for such a length of time, and for such services as the Department feel satisfied the heirs are entitled to. As you asked for information from the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania, I enclose you his letter which he wrote to me some time ago, upon me requesting him to see whether James McEwen's name is on the records in his office. There are very few records, and those much scattered at Harrisburg. If it is desired, I will procure a certificate from the Secretary to that effect.
With much respect
Yours etc.,
J B Kaufman
Hon. J L Edwards
Washington City
Page 51

July 6, 1844
[Stamp: Lancaster, Pa. Jul 5]
Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington
Page 52

Lancaster July 5th 1844
Sir:
I have received yours of the 2nd instant. By referring to yours of the 19th April 1844, I find that there is nothing particularly mentioned in regard to Bounty Land in the instructions contained therein. As there can be now, no doubt as to the authenticity of the claim due to the administration of Barbara McEwen, deceased, relict of James McEwen, deceased, I know the Department will not hesitate to allow a certificate for a pension as asked for in my letter of the 29th ult. viz-- from March 4th 1831, to the day of the death of Barbara, 27th Sept. 1836, or any more that is legally due. If it will be necessary, the two daughters and only heirs of James and Barbara McEwen, deceased, will take out Letters of Administration on the Estate of their parent or parents, so as to enable them to draw the money.
Very Respectfully,
J B Kaufman
To: Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 53

Aril 18, 1844
James McEwen
Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 54

Lancaster April 17th 1844
Dear Sir
The claim of Mrs. Stiff, a Daughter of James McEwen, a Drummer in the Revolution, I sent to you some time since, and then I stated she was the only heir, but upon this morning she called on me and say that she has a sister who is still living in the County, married to Mr. Stauffer, and who as a matter of course, is entitled to one half the claim. I wish you would examine the papers and have the certificate made out in the names of both Mrs. Stiff and Mrs. Stauffer, and send it to me, as the claim has been at Washington more than six months and as yet, there has been no action upon it.
Very Respectfully
Yours etc.
J B Kaufman
Hon J L Edwards
Washington
Page 55

35.654
James McEwen, deceased
Pa.
Act 7 June 1832
Page 56

December 13, 1843
Pa.
James McEwen, deceased
7 June 1832
FREE
Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington City, D.C.
Page 57

Lancaster December 12th 1843
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you the Declaration of Mrs. Mary Stiff, who is the only surviving child of James McEwen, Drum Major of the Revolutionary War, who died about nine years ago. As to the Old Gentleman being in service after deserting the British, no one who knew him has the least doubt of. He was just making application for a Pension as he died. His daughter Mary Stiff (who lost her husband a few months since), therefore makes the present application. The Bounty Land, and what pay she is entitled to, undoubtedly the Department will allow her. Her father's name you will find on the rolls in your office. I have only produced one additional witness as to the services of James McEwen. It might possibly be that his name was entered only as a Common Drummer.
I am very Respectfully
Your humble servant,
J B Kaufman
To Hon. J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 58

10
PAID
B Kaufman, Esq.
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Page 59

Secretary Commissioner's Office
Harrisburg November 18th 1843
J B Kaufman, Esq.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 17th instant has been received etc. Upon examination of the Records in this and the office of the Auditor General, there cannot be found any evidence of the Revolutionary services of James McEwen. Perhaps the evidence you desire might be obtained at the War Department in the City of Washington.
I am respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Chas. McClun