Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 46, Peter Breakbill, Md. Penn.
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[notecard]
[upper left]
SERVICE
Md. 
Penn.
[center]
Breakbill, Peter
Catharine
or Katharine
[upper right]
NUMBER
W.46

carded
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22042

East Tennessee

Peter Breakbill

of Monroe (?) in the State of Tennessee
who was a priveate in the com commanded 
by Captain Green of the Regt commanded
 by Col. Carpenter in the Penn (?)
line for 11 months 

Inscribed on the Roll of the East Tennessee
at the rate of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Sep
1833 and James A Coffin Meadowville

Arrears to the 4th of Sept   91.65
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 18.33
109.98

Revolutionary claim
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by Sam Boyd  Cler,
Book 6  Vol. 7   Page 37
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Left to Right Jan 30, 1837

3180

Tennessee. St

Catharine Breakbill
Widow of Peter Breakbill
Col. Green Penn
who served in the Revolutionaly 
war, as a Private - 
5186

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
36 Dollars 66
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
5th day of Nov, 1847
and sent to 
J E Toole 
Marysville
Penn

Recorded on Roll of Pensioner under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 282 Vol. 3.
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26.624
Peter Breakbill


Direct the certificate to James A. Coffin
Madisonville
E. Tenn
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State of Tennessee
Monroe County
Claiming Court

On this 27th day of Mary 1833 personally appeared in open court before the Hon. William B. Run, chancellor, Peter Breakbill, a resident of said county of Monroe, aged 73 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 June 7 1832.

That he was born April 16th 1760 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and resided there till he had performed all military service he rendered, except the last two months, where he volunteered-viz: till he was 19 years old. 

He then moved to Washington County, Maryland, where he lived 12 years.  He then moved to Barkly County Va. and lived 5 years.  He then moved to Sullivan County, Tennessee and lived about 11 years, then into Blount County, Tennessee and lived till about 10 years ago when he moved into said county of Monroe where he now resides.  He always served as a private of infantry. 

In the month of July 1776 he went into the service of the United States as a substitute for his brother, Philip Breakbill, who was drafted for three months.  He served in Capt. (illegible) company, under Major Abraham Lutcher and Col. Greenwald.  The said company marched from Lancaster Co., Pa. to Philadelphia where they remained in barracks three or four weeks. The barracks (enclosing 4 acres with brick) were full of men but who commanded them he does not know. 

He (with said company) then went up the Delaware River in a schooner to Trenton, stayed there one day, then marched toward New York, staying one day at Brunswick and three days at Amboy.  From Amboy marched to New (illegible), thence to (illegible) in sight of New York.  There they joined a large army of militia under whose command he cannot remember except that Greenwald was col.  He stayed at (illegible)town and (illegible)hook till his three month term expired.  He received a discharge, signed by Col. Greenwald which is lost.

He was engaged in no battle, except that the  British passing up the North River with the Roebuck and 2 other ships, cannoned the fort which fire the fort returned.  While applicant was at (illegible)hook, the British took New York.  

Very shortly afterwards in November 1776 he went into service as a substitute for his (illegible) Peter Breakbill who was drafted for a term of 3 months.   He marched under the same captain and major as he did before and under Col. Peter Frederick.  He marched from said Lebanon, Lancaster County to Readingtown, thence to Allentown, Brunswick in New Jersey remaining.
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there a week or more, from Brunswick they were ordered back to Trenton to take the Hessians.  There they fell in with a larger body of militia - the flying camp - under the commander he cannot remember.  They took a large number of the Hessians, perhaps 1500 or 2000, and took them on to Lancaster and guarded them in the barracks till applicant's term of 3 months expired.  He received a discharge signed by Col. Hedrick which is lost.

In July 1777 applicant was drafted for three months.  He went from said Lancaster County, under Capt. Casely, Major David Bradley, thence to Bethlehem on Delaware River.  They remained on the river some (illegible).  

There was a great body of militia there who commenced building a fort.  He was then put on a spy guard and marched up the river to a little town under the Blue Mountains.  There he and those with him stayed till after the battle of Brandywine.  They were then ordered to Little Brandywine where there was an army of militia under whose command he does not know, and there he remained till his term expired and he was discharged.  His discharge signed by Col. Green, he has long since lost.  He was in no battle.  

In the month of October 1778 a wagon belonging to Adam Harber and two horses belonging to applicant's father and two belonging to his uncle were pressed into the service of the Continental Army by Capt. Valentine Shoufler, wagon master. The captain said that if a wagon was furnished he should receive soldier's pay.  Applicant in order to take care of the horses volunteered as wagoner.  He supposes the wagon and horses were kept for 3 months, as he issued out that term and received a discharge from Capt. Shoufler, wagon master, which was lost.  He was engaged the 3 months in hauling iron from Bethlehem to Lancaster and other places in hauling baggage, lumber, etc.

In June 1781 or '82 when applicant lived in Washington County, Maryland, he volunteered in Capt. Amos Davis's company to take prisoners, a large number of Tories, who were regularly organizing themselves in a hostile (illegible).  The Tories assembled and made their arrangements in a laurel thicket, where applicant and those with him found their papers, which showed that they were regularly enrolled and sworn.  They took prisoner all they could of those found enrolled and carried them to Fredericktown, Md. and they were put in the barracks.  He thinks seven were hung at Fredericktown.  He was in service this time upwards of two months and received no discharge.  In all he served 14 months.  

He has a record of his age which he got in Lebanon Township, Lancaster
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county, Pa in 1791 from the church book.

The following persons at present, his neighbors to whom he is known and who can testify to his veracity and their belief in his service as a soldier of the Revolution, viz: Saml Edington, John Wolfe, Jas. A Haire, Jno Dyer.

He has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.  He hereby relinquishes any claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Signed:  Peter Breakbill

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Signed:  James A. Coffin, C.H.M.

We, Jason Mattock, a clergyman and John Dyer, both citizens of the said county of Monroe hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Peter Breakbill, who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that we believe him to be 73 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.
Signed:  Jason Mattock, John Dyer

Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Signed:   James A. Coffin, C.H. Master

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, 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 Jason Mattock, who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman resident in said county of Monroe and that John Dyer who has also signed the same is a resident in the same county and state and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Signed:  W. B. Ruse (illegible)

I, James A. Coffin, clerk and master of the chancery court held at Madisonville (illegible) do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Peter Breakbill for a pension.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal (having none official) this 27th day of May A.D. 1833.
Signed:  James A. Coffin, Clerk and Master
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I, (illegible) L. White, senator in Congress from the state of Tn. do certify that James A. Coffin is clerk and master of the chancery court held in Madisonville, Tn. and that his name as attached to the foregoing certificate is his genuine signature.
Signed: (illegible) L. White
June 8th 1833
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State of Tennessee
Blount County

On this 31st day of May 1844 personally appeared before me John Clark and acting Justice of the Peace for said Count. Katharine Breakbill a resident in the County & State aforesaid, aged about 84 years, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by Act of Congress passed July 7th 1832, entitled an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows, and in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed March 3rd 1843, entitled an act granting one years pay and pension to certain widows.
That she is the widow of Peter Breakbill who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and as declarant believes was in Captain Cupenhavers company though she is unable to state who the commanding officer was.
That the aforesaid Peter Breakbill drew a pension of $26.66 for his said services which pension commenced on the 4th day of March A.D. 1931. for further particulars as to the service of her said husband, reference is made to the Evidence upon which a Certificate of Pension was granted to him, which Certificate, as endorsed upon Certificate granted to him, will be found Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E Vol 7.
Declarant states that she was married to
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the said Peter Breakbill in Hager's town in the State of Maryland, Washington Count, sometime in the year 1784.the precise day she is unable to state That her husband the aforesaid Peter Breakbill Died on the 22nd day of January A.D. 1844. That the marriage took place previous to the first of January 1794 at to wit at the time above stated.
She further declares that she has no record evidence of her marriage except the family record kept by herself & husband containing the births & deaths of their children which record is hereto annexed marked as and asked to be taken as part of this Declaration.
Declarant further states that she has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband which will more fully appear from the proof hereto annexed and that an account of bodily infirmity she is prevented from appearing before any court of record for the purpose of making her declaration.
Sworn to & Subscribed before me the day & date above written
[signed Katharine Breakbill x her mark
[signed] John Clark Justice of the peace for said County.
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26.624
Peter Breakbill
Monroe County Tennessee

From 1776 private
11 months
$36.66

James A. Coffin
Madisonville Tennessee
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[letterhead]
War Department Pension Office

[preprinted letter]
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 show 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.

[completed table]
A Statement, showing the Service of Peter Breakbill
|Period when the service was rendered.| Duration of the claimant's service. Years| Months| Days| Rank of the claimant.| Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.| Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.| Proof by which the declaration is supported. |

|July 1776| - | 3 | - | Pr | Cap Copenhaus Col Greenwall| 73 Pa | Traditional|
|Nov 1776| - | 3 | - | Pr | same officers | - | - |
|1777| - | 3 | - | Pr | Casely Capt Col Green | I | - |
| Oct 1778| - | 3 | - | Wagoner | - | - | not allowed|
| June 1781| - | 2 | - | Pa.| - | Md | - | 

I am, respectfully, 
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
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 Army, 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, mucicians 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.
On this
State, Territy, or District of 
County of

On this    day of    personally appeared (a) before A.B. resident (b) of    in the county of    and State, Territory or District
aged (c)    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)   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 persone 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 and 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 was 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
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person 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?
6. 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 inquiry 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. 


(a) 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.

(b) 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.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination
claim cannot be had. Every clamant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and 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 pension and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, two 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 places 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.

(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g)The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must fix 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.
(j) 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 is 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 (j) are all equally applicable to the cases of mitia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j)  applies to continental troos only.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
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(Translation)
Read by Fm Fernald July 7/30
(a)

Lisabeda Brechbirlen into the world born the third day of March 1788
Annamaria Brechbirlen into the world born the seventh of november 1789 (paper torn, last figures indistinct)
Gertrud Brechbirlen into the world born the 20th of September 10 (?) o'clock xxx minutes in the morning in the year 179- (there is a hole in the paper that somewhat follows the lines of an '8' a '9' or a '0')
Heinrich Brechbirl into the world born on the 10th of April, might
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2
10 o'clock, in the year 1793.
Ladavina Brechbirl into the world born on the 28th of September, in the morning and at three o'clock in the year 1796.
Johannes Brechbirl into the world born on the 17th day of April 1798
Nansie Brechbirl into the world born on the 23d of January 1800
March the 29th Luise Brechbirl into the world born at four o'clock in the morning 182- (Last figure of year too indistinct)
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(A)
Elizaebth Brechbirlen was born on the 3d day of March 1788
Anna Masia Brechbirlen was born on the 7th of November 1789
Peter Breakbirl was born on the 20 Sept in the morning in the year 1790
Henry Breakbirl was born on the 10 April at 10 o'clock at night, in the year 1793.
Catharine Breckbirl on the 28th July in the morning in the year 1796
John Brechbirl was born on the 17 April 1798
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Nensir Brechbirl was born on the 23d Jany 1800
Susan Brechbirl was born on the 21 March 1802.

Translated by W Adler not by Leon Adler
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MMHF:MLB

July 9, 1930

Hon. William E. Brook
United States Senate

My dear Senator:
Reference is made to your letter of July 1, 1930, and one returned herewith, from Mr. W. E. Parham, of 218 Bryan Street, Maryville, Tennessee, in regard to the Revolutionary War soldier, Peter Breakbill.
You are advised that the names of the children of the soldier above named, as furnished Mrs. Zula B. Ricketts on June 20, 1930, which are referred to in letter of Mr. Parham as incorrect, were taken from an old translation of the family record which is written in German and were typed correctly as they appear in that translation.
It is also proper to add that the old record is very much worn; many of the letters and figures are indistinct, and there is no way to determine whether it is even complete.
Mr. Parham has also requested further information in regard to Peter Breakbill.
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 46, it appears that Peter Breakbill (Brechbirl in the translation) was born April 16, 1760, in Lebanon Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
While a resident of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served in the Pennsylvania troops, as follows: from sometime in July, 1776, three months, as a substitute for his brother, Philip Breakbill, as a private in Captain Thomas Coppenhaver's Company, under Colonel
Greenwald; from sometime in November, 1776, three months, as a substitute for his uncle, Peter Breakbill, as a private in Captain Thomas Coppenhaver's Company, Colonel Peter Hedrick's Regiment and was in the battle of Trenton;
from sometime in July, 1777, three months in Captain Casely's Company, Colonel John Green's Regiment; from sometime in October, 1778, three months, as teamster under Captain Valentine Shoufler, wagonmaster 
At the age of nineteen years he moved to Washington County, Maryland, and while residing there enlisted in June, 1781 or 1782, served about
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two months in Captain Amos Davis' Maryland Company, and assisted in the capture of a large body of Tories.
He resided twelve years in Washington County, Maryland; thence to Berkeley County, Virginia, living five years; thence to Sullivan County,
Tennessee, living eleven years; thence to Blount County, Tennessee, where he lived until about 1823; thence to Monroe County, Tennessee.
He was allowed pension on his application executed May 27, 1833, while a resident of Monroe County, Tennessee.
In his application for pension he made no reference to his wife or children. He died January 22, 1844.
He married (as stated by his widow) in 1784 in Hagerstown, Washington County, Maryland, Catharine or Katharine, maiden name not shown.
She was allowed pension on her application executed May 31, 1844, while a resident of Blount County, Tennessee, aged about eighty-four years. She died in Blount County, Tennessee. (handwritten comment pointing to word 'died' - "put date here")
She was survived by eight children to whom the pension due her to her death was paid.
Since the receipt of your letter, a request has been made to the General Accounting Office, this city, for date of the widow's death, and
names of those children to whom the pension was paid, and that office reports that the soldier's widow died February 14, 1850, and left surviving the following named children: Peter, Henry, John, William Breakbill,
Catherine Brown, Susan Walker, Sarah Denison and Nancy Ryan.
The report also states that Henry F. Ryan was the administrator, no relationship to the family shown.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner

(handwritten note at bottom of page - "Since we have the names of the 8 surviving children we will not ever use the translation made on July 7-1930)

-2-
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June 21, 1930.

Honorable W. E. Brock
United States Senate
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir:

I have your letter of June 21, 1930, which states that Mrs. J. W. Ricketts of Maryville, Tennessee, had not received reply to a letter she had written this bureau on April 23, 1930
in regard to the children of a Revolutionary War soldier, Peter Breakbill. 
I advise you that in response to Mrs. Ricketts' letter of April 29, 1930, received in this bureau on May 1, 1930, the following information was furnished her on June 20, 1930:
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claims of Peter Brockhill and his widow, Catharine, or Katharine, W. 46, the following data appear in regard to their children:
Elizabeth Brachbirl born March 3, 1788
Anna Maria Brachbill born November 7, 1789
Peter Brachbirl born September 20, 1790
Henry Brachbirl born April 10, 1793
Catherine Brachbirl born February 28, 1796
John Brachbirl born April 17, 1798
Nensir Brachbirl born January 23, 1800
Susir Brachbirl born March 21, 1802.
She was also advised that their places of birth and death and dates of death are not shown, but that they were all living in 1851.
Because of the very large number of requests for information
Page 22

relative to soldiers of the Revolution and the lack of a clerical force available for the purpose, the bureau is unable to make prompt reply to each inquiry for such data; letters are being answered as rapidly as possible in order of receipt and it is regretted that Mrs. Ricketts' letter could not have been considered at an earlier date.
Very truly yours,

W.W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.
Page 23

(A)
Lizabeth (?) Hurlburt (?)
(?) 7ag May 1788
Hurlburt (?)

Lyving Lenigbird (?)

J.J Jay   10 Abril 1793
Page 24

Johanna Levy but (?) 3 rd March (?)
I will 6 April 1798
(?)
Jan 28 Jan (?) 1800
March (?) 24 (?)
Confirm
Page 25

Maryville Tenn Jany 1845

J L Edwards Esq
Sir Enclosed you find the Katharine Breakbill's declaration, please give me information as to the result of said claim when passed upon,
I am with respect
your Obt Servt
[signed] John E. Toole
Page 26

D Sir,
Enclosed you will find a Certificate issd to Mrs Breakbill and upon examination you will discover an Error in the termination of Pension, terminating as you will find, "on the 4th of March 1844" in place of March 4th 1848 - 
You will please have the Error corrected and remit the Certificate as early as convenient - 
Very respectfully
[signed] John E. Toole
Page 27

[left side of paper]
Pen Cert retd corrected 1845

[right side of paper]
6802
Knoxville Tennessee
Catharine Breakbill
widow of Peter Breakbill
who was a Private 
in the Pennsa Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars 00 cents per annum to commence on the 22d day of Jany. 1844

Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Apl 1845 and sent to John E Toole, Marysville Tenn.

Act of march 3, 1843.
and June 17 1844
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2 Page 189
Page 28

11095
Catharine Breakbill
Ten widow of Peter
Act 7 July 1838
d 22 Jany 44
rejected
A
Page 29

at Office in Maryvill this 3rd day of June 1844
William Lowry clk
by James R. Levi C

[seal affixed]

State of Tennessee
Blount County

I Henry Hannum Chairman of the County Court of the County of Blount aforesaid, do Certify that William Lowry is Clerk and that James R Love is Deputy Clerk of the County Court of Blount County, that his signature is genuine, and that this Certificate as it appears above is in due form of law.
Given under my hand & seal this 5th day of June 1844
[signed] Henry Hannum [handwritten seal]
Chairman of the County Court of Blount County
Page 30

11095
Catharine Brakebill
Ten
Rejected
Set. to John E. Toole
October 16th 1844

Act 7 July 1838
Page 31

Maryville Tennessee
Sep 28.1849

Sir, 
Enclosed you will find the Declaration of Mrs Breakbill asking Continuance of Pension. She will be entitled I Support to $36.66 per annum commencing in 1844 with a deduction of $20 per annum, for the time she has drawn.

Very Respectfully
Jnt E Toole

Hon. J.L. Edwards
Washington City
Page 32

[letterhead]
General Accounting Office
Washington

Records Division
In Reply Please Quote

R-LA

July 8, 1930.

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

Attention: Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

Sir:
In reply to your recent telephone request for information concerning Catharine Breakbill, a pensioner of the Revolutionary War, certificates #6802 and #5186, Tennessee Agency, you are advised that the pensioner died February 14, 1850, in Blount County, Tennessee, and left surviving the following named children: Peter, Henry, John and William Breakbill, Catherine Brown, Susan Walker, Sarah Denisen and Nancy Ryan.
The arrears of pension due the deceased pensioner at date of death were paid to Henry F. Ryan, Administrator, at Knoxville, Tennessee, on February 8, 1851.
For the Comptroller General of the United States.
Respectfully, 
[signed] W W Richardson
Chief, Records Division
Page 33

97 Hist to
ee Knoxville Ten
Hon H. R Gibson
Fro 3
1897 - History to
H. R. Gibson -
Ho. of Reps.
History to Neven W. Moyer
M. B. H.
1930 - June 20. Family data to Zula Brakebill Ricketts
ILL
1930 - June 24 - Hon. W. E. Brook
advised Mrs. Picketts had been
for Jamules data. ILL


46
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 46
Catharine Breakbill
Widow
Peter Breakbill,
Priv.Rev. War
Act Feb. 2, 1843.
Index: -- Vol. A Page 80
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Feby 8
my Re
The
Mar. 11 -
How:
1906 March 10-
----
1930 July 9 Hist to Hon. Wm E Brock for
Ms. Parhour W F J
Page 34

6802
Tennessee Knox
Catharine Breakbill
widow of Peter Breakbill
who was a Private in
in the Tenessee Line
Deducting former payments
-
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 36 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence 22. January 1844 -
Certificate of Pension issued
the 5th day of Nov 1849 and sent to

J.E. Toole
Marysville
Tenn,
(Acts of March 3, 1843 & June
17, 1844.)
Recorded in Book A Vol 2 Page 189-
Page 35

7031
Catharine Breakbill
Ten
Act 3 March 43
Admd 6 mo per
20. from 22 Jany 44 the day of her husbands death

Ms E. Toole Esq
Marysville Ten.
Page 36

State of Tennessee
Blount County

On this 8th day of January 1845.
Personally appeared before me John Clark an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Blount & State of Tennessee Katharine Breakbill a resident of the county & State aforesaid aged about eighty four years, 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 passed March 3rd 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, and also to a continuance of the same under the act of June 17th 1844.
That she is the Widow of Peter Breakbill, who was a private and belonged to the Pensylvania Militia, and draw a pension of 36 Dollars & 66 cents per annum, for his said Services, for further particulars as to his service difference is made to the Evidence at the Department - 
She further states that as she is informed by letter addressed to her Attorney, a copy of which she supposes is on file at the Department, the date of the marriage is satisfactory, which proof was sent with her declaration in order to obtain a pension under act of 1838. but which said pension was barred by act of the 30th April last - She further declares that she is still a widow
Page 37

and that on account of bodily infirmity, she is prevented from appearing before any Court of record for the purpose of making her Declaration.
[signed] Katharine Breakbill x her mark

Sworn to & Subscribed before me the day & year first above written.
[signed] John Clark
Justice of the Peace for Blount County

State of Tennessee
Blount County

Personally appeared before me John Clark an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, on the 8th day of January 1845.
Katharine Breakbill the above named declarant who I hereby certify swore to and signed the foregoing declaration before me and in my presence on the day and date above written, I do further Certify that she is the identical Katharine Breakbill who swore to and signed a declaration before me for the purpose of obtaining a pension under act of 1838, and that on account of bodily infirmity said Katharine Breakbill is unable to appear before any Court of record for the purpose of making her declaration - 
Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written.
[signed] John Clark
[handdrawn seal]
Justice of the peace for Blount County
Page 38

State of Tennessee
Blount County

I William Lowry Clerk of 
the County Court of said County do hereby certify that John Clark whose name appears
to the foregoing certificate is and was at the time of the date thereof, an acting Justice of the peace for said County that his signature thereto is genuine, and that full faith and credit are due his official acts.  Given under my hand and seal of office at Office in Maryville this
22nd day of January 1845
Will Lowry Clk
By Jas R Love D.6.a

State of Tennessee
Blount County
I Henry Hannum Chairman of the County Court of said County, certify that Wm Lowry is Clerk and that James R. Love whose name appears to the foregoing certificate is Deputy Clerk of the County Court of said County, that his certificate is in due form of law, his signature thereto genuine, and that full faith and credit are due his official acts as such this January the 22nd
1845.
Henry Hannum
Seal
Chairman
Page 39

Increased

Adui ucts (?)
43844 at
$36:66 per annum,
careing 22 Jan'y 1844,
deducting former
pays at $20 per ann.

Adm Act Feb 48
$36.66 per ann,

J.E Poole.
Marysville
Tennessee
Page 40

State of Tennessee
Blount County
⎬
On this 21st day of September 1849. personally appeared before me Lewis J Newman an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Blount aforesaid.  Katharine Breakbill a resident of Blount County aged about ninety years
who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd February, 1848, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  That she is the widow of Peter Breakbill who was a private in the Army of the Revolution, and belonged to the Pensylvania Militia in a Company commanded by Thomas Cuppenhaper the (?)  Regiment to which he was attached she cannot now recollect, her said Husband was placed on the Pension Roll in Sep. 1883 at the rate of
Thirty Six Dollars & 66/100 per annum at 
which time he resided in Monroe County
Tennessee, that the received a Pension under the act of 17th June 1844 of Twenty Dollars per
Annum.
She further declares that she is still a Widow,
Page 41

Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before me
[signed] Lewis J Newman an acting Justice of the Peace for Blount County
[signed] Katharine Breakbill x her mark

State of Tennessee
Blount County

I Robt A Ledford clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid do hereby certify that Lewis J Newman Esq whose signature appears above is and was at the date of the above an acting justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned and sworn & that full faith and credit are due his oficial acts as such & that his signature above is genuine.

Witness my hand & seal of Office at office in Maryville this 22d Sept 1849
R.A. Tedford Clk
By Jas. R Love S C
Page 42

State of Tennessee
Blount County

Personally appeared before me John Clark an acting Justice of the peace for said County, on the 31st day of May 1844, Katharine Breakbill the written named Declarant who I hereby certify sworn to and signed the foregoing declaration before me and in my presence on the day& date above written.
I do further Certify that said Katharine Breakbill is unable in consequence of bodily infirmity to appear before any Court of record for the purpose of making her declaration.
Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written.
[signed] John Clark
[handdrawn seal]
A Justice of the peace for Blount County

State of Tennessee 
Blount County

County Court
June Sessions 1844
He William McTeer aged about 64 years and Ben Cunningham aged about 47 years residing in the County of Blount and State of Tennessee, do solemnly swear that we are well acquainted with Katharine Breakbill who has subscribed & sworn to the annexed declaration. That we believe her to be the Widow of Peter Breakbill who was a revolutionary Pensioner, That she is believed & reputed in the neighbourhood where she lives to be the widow of The said Peter Breakbill and that we concur in that opinion having been acquainted with them for about
Page 43

thirty years precious to the death of the said Peter Breakbill that she is a widow at this time and has remained a widow ever since the death of her said husband Peter Breakbill.
Sworn to & subscribed in open court this 3rd day of June 1844
[signed] William McTeer
[handdrawn seal]
[signed] Ben Cunningham 
[handdrawn seal]
Attest William Lowry clk
By Jas R Lowe Clk

And the court after an investigation of the matter, in their opinion do say that the aforesaid Katharine Breakbill is entitled to the benefit of the acts of Congress asked for and may do further certify that the above named Deponents are credible witnesses.

State of Tennessee
Blount County
I William Lowry Clerk of the County Court of the Court of Blount aforesaid, do hereby Certify that John Clark Esq whose name appears to the within Certificate, and before whom the foregoing declaration was made, is & was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for Blount County & that full faith & credit is due all his official acts as such, and I do further Certify that the within Contains the original proceedings had in said Court in the matter of application of the said Katharine Breakbill for a pensioner.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office.
Page 44

1
O. W. & N. DIVISION.
EXAMINER'S SLIP,
Mch. 27, 1903
TO RECORD SECTION, O. W. & N. DIVISION,
THROUGH FILES SECTION.
1. Jacket the accompnaying declaration as
name should be Breakbill
2. Note.
on records and correct jacket.
3. Transfer to
files ( a ) last service in  
( b ) disability incurred in
4. Draw 
claim for use with the case.
5. Search for
and furnish negative slip.
6. Write letter of rejection in the
claim and return to
7. Search for
asid to have been filed
8. These are duplicates, after consolidating
return to
FS Chamberlin
Examiner.
Chief of Section.
3 -- 595.
O. W. AND N. DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Mar. 5, 1906.
Searched by   Gill
Original No.
Certificate No.
Claimant,
Soldier, Service    Peter Breakbill (or similar name )
Rev. War.
Remarks.
No claim except
Wid. 46.
18624656 - 05
Chief of Division.
Page 45

[letterhead]
[left corner]
REV. B. BAUSMAN, D. D., PRESIDENT,
READING, PA.
Rev. W. F. More, Sec'y AND SUPT.,
WOMELSDORF, PA
C. G. GROSS, TREASURER,
879 N. 41ST ST., PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Present number of Children
[center]
Established Sept. 21st, 1863.
Supported by Voluntary contributions.
Bethany Orphans home,
High School
Womelsdorf, PA.
[handwritten text - upper right corner]
Date taken from Card
M 13.H
Mch 10 1906

[handwritten letter]
Feb. 17, 1906.
Gentlemen,
Please give me the record of Francis Wenrich, as it appears on the pension rolls, there is to be erected a large monument to his honor. His grand children say he served in the Frontier against the Indians at Wyoming and in the Revolution at Brandywine and Germantown.
And of the names of Philip and Daniel Moyer
Peter Brightbill, or perhaps spelled Brechtbill, are on your rolls as pensioners of the Revolution please send me a record of them, in particular Philip Moyer.
The reason want these names is to join
the Sons of the Revolution, and at the same
time keep up the record of the family
Hoping you will be successful in finding
them, and thanking you for the trouble
Yours very truly
Nevin W. Moyer.
[stamped]
Old War & Navy
FEB 21 1906
FILES
[stamped]
U.S. Pension Office
A Feb 19 1906
Page 46

[letterhead]
RICKETTS'
Stationers and Printers
Office Supplies and Loose Leaf Equipment
126 West Main Street
Maryville, Tennessee

[stamped] Revolutionary & 1812 Wars Section May 1 1930 Bureau of Pensions

[typewritten letter]

April 29, 1930
U. S. Commissioner of Pensions,
Dept. of Pensions, Revolutionary War,
Washington, D. C.

Sir: --
I am a descendant of Peter Brakebill, of the Pennsylvania Line and who served in Capt. Cuppenhaver's Company Col. Greenwald's Regiment and the said Peter Brakebill applied for a pension on May 27, 1833 when he said he was 73 years of age. He then resided in Monroe County, Tennessee. He enlisted in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His widow, named Catherine Brakebill applied from Blount County, Tennessee.
I want names of the children and ages as she or he filed them and her maiden name if given.
The said Peter Brakebill died some where in Blount County, near year 1839 - 1840 and widow made application near 1843.
I come through a son John Brakebill, who had a son Peter and said Peter II had a son William, he a son Albert C. Brakebill who is my father.
I shall thank you very much for these names, and dates, of the children of Peter and wife Catherine Brakebill and dates of births, where born and dates of deaths and where they died if they can be given.
Respectfully,
[signed] Zula Brakebill Ricketts
Zula Brakebill Ricketts

Box 169,
Maryville, Tenn.
Page 47

[letterhead]
[left corner]
DAVID A. REED, PA. CHAIRMAN
FRANK L. GREENE, VT.
DUNCAN U. FLETCHER, FLA.
W. H. MCMASTER, S. DAK.
MORRIS SHEPPARD, TEX.
BRONSON M. CUTTING, N. MEX.
COLE L. BLEASE, S.C.
H. D. HATFIELD, W.VA.
DANIEL F. STECK, IOWA
ROSCOE C. PATTERSON, MO.
HUGO L. BLACK, ALA.
ROSCOE C. MCCULLOCH, OHIO
WILLIAM E. BROCK, TENN.
DAVID A. BAIRD, JR., N. J.
WILLIAM J. HARRIS, GA.
PATRICK J. SULLIVAN, WYO.
JOHN M. ROBSION, KY.
T. A. HUNTLEY CLERK
H. S. PITTS, ASST. CLERK
[center]
United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS
[typerwritten letter]
June 21, 1930.
Honorable Edward W. Morgan,
Acting Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
In re; Mrs. J. W. Ricketts,
Maryville, Tennessee.

Dear Mr. Morgan:
On April 23, 1930, Mrs. Ricketts wrote your office requesting the names, ages of, and dates of birth of the children of Peter Breakbill, a soldier of the Revolutionary War from Pennsylvania,
Mrs. Ricketts advises me that so far she has been unable to procure any information regarding the matter and I would appreciate the courtesy if you would have forwarded to me such information as possible that will enable me to answer this inquiry.
Mrs. Ricketts advises me that the said Peter Breakbill belonged to the Company of Captain Cuppenhaver,
Greenwalds Regiment, and that he applied for pension in
1833, being then seventy - three years of age and residing in Monroe County, Tennessee. Said Breakbill died about 1840 and about 1843 application was made for pension by his widow.
Any information that you can give me on this matter will be appreciated, and I will thank you for this courtesy,
Very cordially yours,
[signed] W E Brock
-
[stamped] Deputy Commissioner JUN 23 1930

M.
Page 48

[letterhead]
[left corner]
DAVID A. REED, PA. CHAIRMAN
FRANK L. GREENE, VT.
DUNCAN U. FLETCHER, FLA.
W. H. McMASTER, S. DAK.
MORRIS SHEPPARD, TEX.
BRONSON M. CUTTING, N. MEX.
COLE L. BLEASE, S. C.
H. D. HATFIELD, W.VA.
DANIEL F. STECK, IOWA
ROSCOE C. PATTERSON, MO.
HUGO L. BLACK, ALA.
ROSCOE C. MCCULLOCH, OHIO
WILLIAM E. BROCK, TENN.
DAVID A. BAIRD, JR., N.J.
WILLIAM J. HARRIS, GA.
PATRICK J. SULLIVAN, WYO.
JOHN M ROBSION, KY.
T. A. HUNTLEY CLERK
H. S. PITTS, ASST. CLERK
[CENTER]
United States Senate
COMMITTEE ON MILITARY AFFAIRS

[typewritten letter]
July 1, 1930.
Honorable E. W. Morgan,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Mr. Morgan:
With further reference to your communication of
recent date, which I forwarded to Mr. Parham, I am enclosing herewith letter from Mr. Parham requesting information as to certain names appearing on your letter
together with certain other information required.
Thanking you to supply me with this information, if possible, and thanking you for the return of the enclosure
for my file, I am
Very cordially yours,
[signed] W. W. Brock
M.
[stamped] Deputy commissioner JUL 2-1930
Page 49

The sequence must be different when this history is written again.
Then this statement-- the following
names of their children are shown
in a translation from the family record
written in German-

Names

Then in last paragraph given information
relative to the payment to the surviving
children, etc.  Past date of
widow's death where I have indicated
M H
Page 50

This Bureau can furnish the military record
only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were
pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY


L. W. B.
W. 46,

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
March 11, 1897.

Sir: :-

Replying to the request for further information concerning Peter Breakbill, a soldier of the
Revolutionary war, I have the honor to advise you that the data f his death can possibly be obtained upon application to the Hon. Auditor for the Interior Department, Treasury Department, this city, giving the soldier'sfull name and military recored as fornished you in theis Bureau's former letter, together with the following data:  Cert. No. 22042; Act June 7, 1832; East Tennessee Agency.

The soldier was born in Lancaster Co., Penna. April 16, 1760. His widow, Katharine, to whom he was married sometime in the year 1784,
made an application for pension on May 31, 1844, in which it is shown they had eight children, to wit: Elizabeth Breakhill; Anna Maria Breakbill -- Breakbill; Henry Breakbill; Catharine Breakbill; John Breakbillneusir Breakbill and Susan Breakbill.

Very respectfully,
Hon. Henry R. Gibson,
House of Representatives.
Commissioner.
Page 51

reau can furnish the military
only such Revolutionary soldier
re pensioned or whose widow was
pensioned for the services.
Such of the original muster and
rolls of the Revolutionary War and the
War of 1812 as are now in the possession
of the Government are on file in the
Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY


L. W. B.
W. 46,
B. L. 25592
120
55.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
February 8, 1897.
55.

Sir: --

Replying to the request of Hon. Henry R. Gibson for information concerning the military records of Peter Breakbill, a soldier of the
Revolutionary war, and of Michael Rule, a soldier of the War of 1812, I have the honor to advise you as follows:

Peter Breakbill made an application for pension on May 27, 1833, at which time he was 73 years of age and residing in Monroe County,
Tenn., and his pension was allowed for 11 months' actual service as a private in the Penna, troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Cuppenhaver and Col. Greenwald. He enlisted in Lancaster Co., Penna. His widow, Catharine, made application and received a pension for the service of her husband as above set forth.

Michael Rule made an application for bounty land on March 23rd, 1855, at which time he was 66 years of age and residing in Knox Co.,
Tenn., and his claim was allowed for his actual service as a private in Capt. Rollan's Company, Col. Anderson's Regiment, Va, Militia, War of
1812. Place of enlistment not stated.

Very respectfully,
Mr. William Rule,
Editor, Knoxville Daily Journal,

Commissioner.
Page 52

O. W. and N. Division,

M.B.H.    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
W.F. 46.   Bureau of Pensions,
Rev. War   Washington, D. C., March 10 1906

Sir:

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Peter Breakbill, a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (and his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF
ENLISTMENT OR
APPOINTMENT.
July 1776
Nov. 1776
July 1777
Oct 1778
June 1781 or 2

LENGTH OF
SERVICE.
3 mos
3 mos
3 mos.
2 mos

RANK,
Private
Private
Private
Wagoner
Private

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Thomas Cuppenhaver
Thomas Cuppenhaver
Carely
Valentine Shoufler, Wagon Master.
Amos Davis
COLONEL.
Greenwald
Peter Headerick
Green.

STATE.
Penn
Penn.
Penn.
Penn
Md.
Battles engaged in, Trenton
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Lancaster Co., Penn.
Date of application for pension, May 27, 1833, his claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Monroe Co., Tenn.
Age at date of application, born April 6, 1760 in Lancaster Co. Penn
Remarks: He died Jan. 22. 1844. He married Catharine in 1784 in Hagersown, Md. - she was 84 years of age in 1844 and a resident of Blount Co Tenn, where she died, date not stated. Children: Elizabeth, Anna Maria, Peter Henry, Catharine, John, Nensir; and Susie.

Very respectfully,
Mr. Nevin W Moyer
High School
20581b3mll-05
Commissioner.
Womelsdorf
Penn
Page 53

Rev. & 1812
Wars Section
ILL

June 20, 1930.

Zula Brakebill Ricketts
Box 169
Maryville, Tennessee.

Dear Madam: 
I advise you that in the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claims of Peter Breakbill and his wife, Catharine, or Katharine, W. 46, the following data appear in regard to their children, all of whom were living in 1851.
Elisabeth Brachbirl born March 3, 1788
Anna Maria Brachbirl born November 7, 1789
Peter Brachbirl born September 20, 1790
Henry Brachbirl born April 10, 1793
Catharine Brachbirl born February 28, 1796
John Brachbirl born April 10, 1798
Nensir Brachbirl born January 23, 1800
Susir Brachbirl born March 21, 1802

The places of birth and death and dates of death of the above named children are not shown.

Very truly yours, 

E.W. Morgan, 
Acting Commissioner.
Page 54

Knoxville Agency, 16 Jany 1851

Sir:
Catharine Breakbill a Pens who is entitled to an increase of Pens from 44 to 48, & to a pens under act Feby 2d 1848, died in Blount County, having 8 children, in different parts of the country. One of the husbands of an heir lives in Knox Co. and has taken out letters in said Co. for the purpose of drawing said pens & increase of Pens. She died in Blount Co & can I pay to one taking out letters of administration in a different county?
Very Respectfully 
Jno Cocke Pens Agt.

Jas E Heath Esq.
Com of Pens
Washington City