Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17,401, Jesse Edwards, Penn. Va.
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(3-1776)

SERVICE.                                           NUMBER

Penn.       Edwards, Jesse.              S. 17.401
———.      ————————-             —————-

Va.            ———————     BLJA.34,90-160-55.

============================Carded.
CONTENTS

15 blank lines
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Ohio 19617

Jesse Edwards
Adams Co in the State of Ohio who was a Private in the Co commanded by Captain Craig of the Regt commanded by _ in the Penna line for ten months.-- & Va.
$33.33/100
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio the rate of 33 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of Augt 1833 and sent to Honble Wm Russell, West Union, Ohio.
-
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833, 66.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 33. 16.67

$83.33 
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk
Book E. Vol. 8. Page 7.
218713
1
27
R
Brief history sent to 2d Dept 
[line illegible]
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Act of Mar 3
Oct 17, 1855
218.713.
Jesse Edwards
Priv. & Pensioner
No 34960 July 31/36
Revolutionary War
Recd. Pension $33.33
her ann. Certif No. 19.617
8th Augt 1833,

Ohio June 32- 19617
Do: 160 Acr July, 29 /56
BOfLd
in
Wm B. Barry
Cincinnati Ohio
Mch 31.03
Mrs. W. B. Clements
West Union Iowa Secty
sol received 160 acres. M.
18
1
19
Vol. E. 34.
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The State of Ohio, Adams County Ss

Court of Common Pleas of the Term of October 1832. On this 25th day of October 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before said Court of Common Pleas of Adams County, Ohio, now sitting, Jesse Edwards a resident of Jefferson Township, in the County of Adams aforesaid aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, doth on his oath make the follownig declaratation in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7 1832.
We entered the service of the United State under the following named officers andseved as herein states. He was first drafted as a militia man for a two months time in Bucks COunty, State of Pennsylvania, about the first of May 1776,and willas he recollects, and was marched to Amboy or Perth Amboy in the State of New Jersey, under his immediate Commander Captain William Mc Calla, & Lieutenant William Hart. He cannot recollect who were ther hidher officers, during his services as a drafted Militia man. At the expiration of his two months term, without returning home, and without quitting the Camp and his post at Amboy, he enlisted for a six month term in the flying Vcamp - his CaptainThomas Craig, his Lieutenant John Craig Colonel Baster. While stationed at Amboy, he volunteered in an expedition on to Staten Island against the Hessians after marching about four miles, we surprised a Hessian guard, and after a short skirmish bought off nineteen pensions. The time of this volunteer expedition and skirmish he cannot recollect.
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nor can he recollect the name of the Captain w[ho - torn off] commanded the expedition. It was after he enlisted in the flying Camp. Captain Craig's was a rifle company. He was next marched up to Fort Lee under Captain Craig. While he was at Fort Lee, the Cheraux de faire a [illegible] the Hudson was forced by two British vessels - the larger of the two vessels on the second attempt breaking the chains. From Fort Lee, he was marched across to Fort Washington. He remained at Fort Washington, Commanded by Colonel McGaw [Magaw]. He was stationed and remained at Fort Washington until the 16th of November 1776. On that day, early in the morning ^ a red on [illegible] [strikethrough 'the Fort'] was attacked by the Hessians. After a service engagement which lasted till about four O'clock in the afternoon, the fort surrendered and the prisoner, this applicant one, and marched off to New York. He remained a prisoner at New York till the last of January or first of February, 1777. He does not distinctly ^recollect whether Colonel McGaw [Magaw] or Colonel Cadwallader [Cadwalader] commanded at Fort Washington on the 16th Nov. 1776; - but Colonel McGaw was the officer generally in commanded. About the first of February 1777, he was released, on parol of honor but on pain of death not to serve against the King of England during that war. Shortly after his return to Bucks County Pennsylvania, he removed to Loudon County Virginia. During his residence in Loudon, he was again drafted for a two month term in the Militia, in 1781. This time, in 1781, he was marked under his Captain Beavers to Fredericksburg Virginia. During this term he was [illegible] generally on the march to avoid the British. [strikethrough 'being'] not being in a condition and number to fight them; - but Fred=
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[Fred]ericksburg was his station. At the expiration of the two months he was discharged and was not again called into services. He has no written discharge [strikethrough 'of'] or documentary evidence of his service ^He served upwards of ten months, having been [illegible] a payment after his second term for a month. He thinks it is probable that Nathaniel Foster & Thomas Rogers may be able to prove some of the foregoing statements. He was well acquainted with Col. Baxter, who fell in the engagement at Fort Washington on the 16th Nove. 1776 He was able to recognize and distinguish by signt, Colonel McGaw [Magaw] and Colonel Cadwallader [Cadwalader] - but he was not intimately acquainted with them - nor was he acquainted with any other regular officers. From Loudon County Virginia, he removed to Bourbon, Kentucky, many years ago. From Kentucky he removed to what is now the County of Adams, state of Ohio, but before Ohio was admitted as one of the states of the Union. About the year 1822, he removed from said County of Adams to the State of Indiana. In 1824, he again removed back to said County of Adams which he has Continued to reside to the present time. He claims a pension as for seven months. 

He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and declared that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any state. and the said applicant Jesse Edwards, being further interrogated by the Court, made the subjoined answers, viz:

1st Where and in What year were you born?

I was born in Bucks County, State of Pennsylvania on the 4th day of March 1756, as I have always understood and believed. 

2. Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it? 

I have no record of my age. At the age of about four
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years, I was apprenticed out to Thomas Ruckman, farmer, and taken to Hunterdon County, New Jersey where [illegible] till I was about nineteen. I then went back to Bucks County, Pennsylvania. 

3. Where were you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live.

When first called into the service, in 1776, I resided in Bucks County Pa. After the Revolutionary War, I removed to Bourbon County, Kentucky, when I remained a few years. I then, many years ago, [strikethrough 'I'] removed to the neighborhood of my present residence. In 1822, I removed to the State of Indiana; but in 1824, I again removed to Adams County, Ohio, where I have continued to reside to the present time. 

4. How were you called into services; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute; and if a substitute, for whom?

I was drafted twice; each time for a two month militia term; and I was once enlisted for a six month term in the flying Camp, as already fully stated in my general declaration. 

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 recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 

My acquaintance with Colonel Baxter, McGaw [Magaw] and Cadwallader [Cadwalader] I have already stated; except them. I do not claim to have been acquaintance with the officers in command; nor can I say that I was acquainted with the different Regiments or any of them. I do not recollect the number of Colonel Baxter's Regiment. In my first term I was employed in the fortifying of Amboy, entrenching, and standing guard along the River, and sometime, back from the River. The value of my services, in my second and third term, I have already stated - my guard and taking nineteen prisoners - My marching up to Fort Lee, and our [illegible] to Fort Washington- the surrender of Fort Washington, - my services in and about Fredericksburg &c, I have stated as fully as generally and particularly as I am able to state them. 

6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the
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Services, and if he, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
     Than no recollection of him having received a written discharge.
     I state the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify to your character for var a city and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
     Nathanial Foster has some personal knowledge of my services - so has Thomas Rogers, of Brown County Ohio. As to my general character and neighborhood belief, I will refer to John Prather, Joseph Freeman Esq, John Wykoff, Peter Wykoff, James Williams Esq, Isaac Smalley, Joseph Collier, Thomas Burkett, Simon Fields, William Wamsley, Christopher Wamsley, Jonathan Wamsley, William Wykoff, Charles Osman, -
     Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid. 
Joseph Darlington Clk A.C.       Jesse Edward’s

     We, Christopher Wamsley, a Clergyman, residing in the County of Adams and State of Ohio hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jesse Edwards, who has subscribed and sworn out the above and foregoing Declaration; that we believe him to be seventy six years of age; that he is reputed and believed a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.  - Christopher Wamsley
                      John Prather
Attest
Joseph Darlington Clk A.C.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion
(End of page)
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after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he stated. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Christopher Wamsley who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman resident in Adams County Ohio and that John Prather who has also signed the same is resident in the County of Adams and State of Ohio, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I Joseph Darlinton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Adams County State of Ohio, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Hesse Edwards for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 25th day of October in the year one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two.
[signed] Joseph Darlinton, Clk AC
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STATE OF Ohio.            }
COUNTY OF Hamilton }

                                On this 10th day of Oct 1855 Personally appeared before me a notary public within and for said County, Jesse Edwards aged 100 - years, a resident of Scioto County illegible who being duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of provision made by the 8th section of the Act of Congress, approved March 3rd 1855-

 THAT he is the identical Jesse Edwards who was a private in the war of the Revolution from the state of Pennsylvania. That he is now a pensioner at the illegible office agency at the rate of 833.33 per annum under Act of7th June 1832 on pension Certficate No 14617 dated 8th August 1833 - He also declares that he has not received a warrent for illegible land (the above being his and services, under this or any other Act of Congress nor made any previous application therefor - 

That he constitutes and appoints Wm B. Barry of illegible as his Attorney in the premises and believe his warrant.
Attest
John M Edwards}.      Jesse (X) Edwards
Thos J Rice.       }.              His mark 

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year first above written, before me, as witness my ha and seal and I certify that the claimant is the person he presents himself to e, and that I have no interest in this claim
Richard illegible
Notary Public
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[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

We John M. Edwards a resident of Scioto County Ohio and Thomas J Rice a resident of Hamilton County Ohio upon our oaths declare that the within declaration was Signed and acknowledged by Jesse Edwards in our presence and that for the appearance & statements of the applicant we believe him to be the individual person he represents himself to be.

John M. Edward
Tho Rice

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day of year first within written and Certify that  deponents are known to be the Credible persons

Richard Hill
Not Public
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[A file jacket]

19617.
Jesse Edwards
Ohio
Adm 10 Months

See letter of Hon Wm Russell enclosed in the
paper of John Mehaffey as to authentication

Hon Wm Russell
West Union
Ohio
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WAR DEPARTMENT,
Penns Office
26. July -1833

Sir:
      The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.   The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.   On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.   The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done.   Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:}).    You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
————————————————————————-
A Statement, shewing the Service of Jesse Edwards
===================================
6 columns as follows:
1. Period when the service was rendered”
1776, 1781
2. Duration of the claimant’s service:
2 months, 6 months, 2 months
3. Rank of the claimant:
Private
4. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served:
Cap. McCall a, Cap. Craig
Cap. Beavers
5.  Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service:
76 years, Bucks Co. Penn
6.  Proof by which the declaration is supported:
Tradition art
————————————————————————
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 
J.L. EDWARDS, 
Commissioner of Pensions.
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[A page of a book or pamphlet; breaks in text below added for clarity of transcription.]

2 [page number]
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.

State, Territory, or District of } ss.
County of                                }

On this [space] day of [space] personally appeared (a) before [space] A B. a resident (b) of [space] in the county of [space] and State, Territory or District of [space] aged (c) [space] 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) [space], with [space] and served in the [space] (e) regiment of the [space] 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. [A stylized hand pointing to the following] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] 

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [space]

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 [space] of the Court of [space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [space] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [space] day of [space] &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 [space] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [space] 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 [space] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, [space] Clerk of the Court of [space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [space] day of [space] & 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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[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

8 [Centered, the page #]

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person of his

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.  

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.

   1. Where and in what year were you born?
   2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
   3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
   4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?  And if a substitute, for whom?
   5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.

6 {To a Soldier  {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?

   {To an Officer {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?

7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.  

The Court will see that he answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons -one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.  If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party.  And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.  

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration be
fore 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 [rest of line illegible due to crease in page] 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.

-- [Footnotes below; brackets in the original]—

 [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 of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant 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 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: [space] For [space] year [space] months, and [space] days, I served as a [space]; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or 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.
  [k] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
  [l] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has not 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.

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. [Centered] 

  [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 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.

[A stylized hand pointing to the following] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops, The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.

  [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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September 26, 1938.

Mrs. William Franklin Bull
General Delivery
Paradise, California.

BA-J/ILL
Jesse Edwards
S. 17401

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jesse Edwards, S. File 17401.
The data which follow are found in the papers on file in
pension claim, S. 17401, based upon service in the Revolutionary War of Jesse Edwards.
Jesse Edwards was born March 4, 1756, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; the names of his parents are not shown.
While a resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Jesse Edwards enlisted about May 1, 1776, and served two months as private in Captain William McCalla's Pennsylvania company, stationed at Amboy, New Jersey. Immediately afterwards, he enlisted at Amboy, New Jersey, served as a private in Captain Thomas Craig's company, Colonel Baxter's Pennsylvania regiment of the Flying Camp, was in a skirmish with the Hessians, marched to Fort Lee, thence to Fort Washington and on Nov. ember 16, 1776, was captured when that fort surrendered; he was held
a prisoner until February 1777, when he was released on parole. The soldier returned to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, shortly after which he moved to Loudoun County, Virginia. He enlisted there in 1781, and served two months as private in Captain Beaver's Virginia company, stationed at Fredericksburg.
Jesse Edwards moved from Loudoun County, Virginia, to Bourbon County, Kentucky, thence to Ohio, the part later called Adams County; in 1822, he moved to Indiana, and in 1824, moved back to Ohio where
he had lived previously.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 25, 1832, at which time he resided in Jefferson Township, Adams County,
1
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Ohio. He made no reference then to wife or children.
Jesse Edwards applied October 12, 1855, for the bounty land which was due under the Act of March 3, 1855, on account of his service in the Revolutionary War. He resided then in Scioto County, Ohio. He was allowed 160 acres of bounty land on warrant #34960.
One John M. Edwards, also of Scioto County, Ohio, was with Jesse Edwards at the time he made application for this land; no
relationship between them was stated.
If you desire information in regard to the location of the land which was granted on account of Jesse Edwards in the Revolutionary War, you should address the Commissioner, General Land Officer this city, and furnish that official the following bounty land warrant #34960, 160 acres, Act of March 3, 1855.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of this pensioner, you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:
Jesse Edwards
Certificate #19617
Issued August 8, 1833
Rate $33.33 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Ohio Agency.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
2.
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[Apparently a file jacket]

S. 34.960
[a stylized line]
Rev Army
Page 19

[A file jacket]

No. 218.713
Act 3 Mar 1855
Jesse Edwards
Pvt in war of Revolution
for Bounty Land


Wm B. Bany
Cincinnati
Ohio
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Jesse Edwards
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Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

February 21, 1928.

A. R. Moore,
109 East 5 "
Emporia, Kansas.

Sir:

I advise you that from the papers in the pension claim, S. 17401, it appears that Jesse Edwards was born March 4, 1756, in Buck's County, Pennsylvania, names of parents not
given.
While residing in said county, was drafted May 1, 1776, in Captain William McCalla's Company of Pennsylvania Militia and served two months. He then immediately enlisted in Captain
Thomas Craig's Company, Colonel Baxter's Regiment of the Flying Camp, was in a skirmish with the Hessians, and was captured at the surrender of Fort Washington and imprisoned
until February 1777, when released on parole.
Shortly after this he moved to Loudoun County, Virginia and was drafted in 1781 in Captain Beaver's Company of Virginia
Militia and served two months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 25, 1832, while living in Jefferson Township, Adams
Page 22

County, Ohio. In 1855 he was living in Scioto County, Ohio. There are no data on file as to family.

Respectfully, 

Winfield Scott, 
Commissioner.
Page 23

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

May 31, 1924.

Mrs. H. T. Everett,
1314 Linden Ave.
Portsmouth, Ohio.

Madam:

I have to advise you, that from the papers in the pension claim, S. 17401, it appears that Jesse Edwards was born March 4, 1756, in Buck's County, Penn, names of parents not given. While residing in said county, was drafted May 1, 1776 in Captain William McCalla's Company of Penn. Militia and served two months. He then immediately enlisted in Captain Thomas Craig's Company, Colonel Baxter's Regiment of the Flying Camp, was in a skirmish with the Hessians, and was captured at the surrender of Fort Washington and imprisoned until February 1777, when released on parole.
Shortly after this he moved to Loudoun County, Va. and was there drafted in 1781 in Captain Beaver's Company of Virginia Militia and served two months.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 25, 1832, while living in Jefferson Township, Adams County, Ohio. In 1855 he was living in Scioto County, Ohio. There are no data on file as to family.
Respectfully,
Hays Haymaker
Acting Commissioner.
Page 24

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

September 5, 1924

L. E. Covert
730 8th St.
Portsmouth, Ohio

Sir:
I have to advise you that in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Jesse Edwards, S.17401, the names of his father and mother are not given. 
For the name of the person to whom the last payment of pension was made you should apply to the Pension Section, Civil Division, General Accounting Office, 1800 E. St., N.W., Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data: Jesse Edwards, Certificate 19617,
issued August 8, 1833, rate $33.33 per annum, commenced March 4, 1831, Ohio Agency, Act of June 7, 1832.
Respectfully,
Commissioner
Page 25

portion of letter addressed to Senator LeBaron B. Bolt on Feb 25 1919 vi response to a telephone inquiry.
Page 26

[A typed letter; breaks added for legibility of transcription]

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, Survivor File No. 17, 401, it appears that Jesse Edwards was born March 4, 1758, in Buck's County, Penn., and while residing in said county, was drafted May 1, 1776 in Capt. William McCalla's company of Penn. Militia and served two months.

He then immediately enlisted in Capt. Thomas Craig's company, Col. Baxter's regiment of the Flying Camp, was in a skirmish with the Hessians
and was captured at the surrender of Fort Washington and imprisoned until February 1777 when released on parole. Shortly after this he removed to Loudoun County, Va. and was there drafted in 1781, in Capt. Beaver's Company of Va. Militia and served two months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 25, 1832, while residing in Jefferson Township, Adams County, Ohio. There is no data on file as to his family,
Page 27

Paradise Calif
Aug 22-1938

Dpt of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C.

[stamped] Received Aug 26 1938 Mail (illegible)

Gentlemen, Will you please give me a statement of the military history of Jessie Edwards a soldier of the Revolutionary War Survivors File 17401 Rev. War
The town, county & State he enlisted from The town, county & State his application for
Page 28

Pension was made, and where was his death reported from please if you have it.
His death occurred Nov 2 - 1856

I thank you

William Franklin Bull
Paradise California

Gen. Del.
Page 29

[Letterhead, with some information handwritten]

Emporia, Kansas Feb.15 1928
Bureau of Pensions
Washing D. Col

IN ACCOUNT WITH 
A. R. MOORE
AUTOMOBILE TRIMMING, PAINTING
[overwritten, illegible] Upholstering, Fender and Body Work
109 East Fifth Avenue        Telephone 1760

[A handwritten letter thereon]

Thanking you in advance I am yours truly, 
A.R. Moore

Dear Sir

[Illegible] Jessie, Edwards, a Revolution Soldier, a fore Father & relative of mine. I wish all the
information you can give me concerning him

As I have it Born in Bucks Co. Pa. March 4 -1756
Applied for Pension Dec. 25 1832 Adams Co. Ohio
Pension granted
from Survivors fill 17401

Can you verify this add any information [illegible] each Parents or descendent.  Refer me to where I can get more of his genealogy.
Page 30

Portsmouth Co
April 26 - 24

Pension Dep.
Washington D.C.

Dear Sirs:

I am desirous of information concerning one Jesse Edwards who was Born in Maryland Mar 4th 1754 or 1755  Died Nov 21 1856, said
party served in the Revolutionary war enlisted
in Chas. co md. served under Jonathan Kinsey
as corporal, also as Lt. 4th New Jersey Regiment
under Col. Ephraim
Page 31

2 [a page #, centered]

Martin.  Enlisted Dec. 29 1776 at Burlington for
the war. Transferred in Feb. 1779 to a c compined [combined?] designated at various times as Major Richard Howell's, Major John Ross, Captain Lloyds, Nathanial Leonard's 8 and 7 company sec
New Jersey Reg. commanded successively by Col
Israel Shreve, Col. Elias Dayton, Leutenant Col. Barber, Leutenant Col. Comming transfered Mar 1783 to the 8-Co. New Jersey Reg. under Col. Mathias Ogden.  Was wounded June 16-1782
Page 32

3 -
was also taken prisoner rejoined his
Co Jan 28-1783 and
served to the close of the War. He applied for a
pension Oct 25-1832. The above date may
not be quite correct or complete I would like
same corrected and completed also if
possible to obtain his father
and othersname. Also Brothers &
sisters if any. Also
his wifes name any information you can
give me relative
Page 33

to the above will be
highly appreciated.
Sincerely
Mrs. H. T. Everett
1314 Linder ave
Portsmouth Ohio
Page 34

COVERT FURNITURE CO.
HOMES FURNISHED COMPLETE
PHONE BOSTON 98-L
3973 - 3975 Gallia
PORTSMOUTH, OHIO August 11th 1924
NEW BOSTON STATION

Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sirs.
In order to complete our history, we are asking you to assist us, by letting us know who the Father Mother of whom was to be Jesse Edwards beneficary or anyone of his relatives.

He was born April 3rd or March 4th 1754 in Maryland enlisted as a private soldier of the Revolutionary war May 1776 for two months as a private of Captain William McCallas Company. At the time of his first enlistment he was a resident of Bucks County Pa. He applied for a pension Oct. 25th 1832 and at that time resided in Jefferson Township Adams Co. [unknown]. at the age
of 76 yrs

If you will furnish us with information along this line we will gladly pay you for your trouble

Yours Truly 
L. E. Covert
730-8th Portsmouth, O.
Page 35

Jesse Edwards of Ohio Act 7 June 1832 lect.19,607

By order capt J.Y. Bryant. cc. Mr Cole
Page 36

[Stamped]
O. W. & N. DIV Files 
OCT 29 1907

Joliet, Montana.
Oct 23" 1907

Gentlemen:-
I desire to join the Daughters of American Revolution. My ancestor Jesse Edwards was a Revolutionary Soldier. I have the Edwards Genealogy tracing to him. I know that he was a Revolutionary Soldier, but do not know in what capacity he served. He died in Ohio, and I am not sure, but think he was living in Ohio, when he applied for a pension. I would be thankfull if you will kindly help me in this matter, by giving me his history, from the papers filed in your office.

Yours Respectfully
Mrs Ettie Shanklin
Page 37

OW&N Div.
3 -- 1852.
No. 34960-160-55
Jesse Edwards
Bounty Land
THE ABOVE TITLE SHOULD BE INDORSED ON EVERY PAPER RELATING TO THIS CLAIM.

3-1852

O.SG Ex'r

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C. March 3, 1903

Sir:
Replying to the communication of Mrs W B. Clements of West Union, Iowa, herewith returned, I have the honor to advise you that it is shown by the records of this Bureau that one Jesse Edwards received a military bounty land warrant for 160 acres in full satisfaction for his service in the Revolutionary War.

Information relative to the location of the above warrant can be obtained from the Commissioner of the General Land Office.

Y.R.
Comm

Hon. Secretary of the Interior
Washington DC
Misc Div
Page 38

LADIES OF THE G.A.R.

Mrs. Eliza E. Browning
Junior Vice of Circle No. 7

Past National Cor. Sec'y (2 years)
Past Department S.V. President
Past President of Circle No. 7

LaFayette, Ind

[Stamped]
US PENSION OFFICE
K
NOV 14 1900
Page 39

Glow

Lafayette Ind Nov 12th 1900

To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D.C.

Dear Sir

As I am a G. G. daughter of Jesse Edwards and Christopher Oppey both of the Revolution War,
I desire to have a coppy of their land claims and a complete record of them.

Will you kindly inform me how many land claims each had, and what will be the charge of a complet history land and claims in full. and if it is stated if they were deeded or leased by eather party, &c

Hoping you will give me an early answer as I am making arangements to go in the D A R. I remain

Yours, 
Mrs. Eliza E. Browning
617 South 14th St
Lafayett Ind

N.B. as I have had my Stamps returned I will not send any this time

[Stamped]
O.W. & N. DIVISION
NOV 16 1900
RECEIVED
Page 40

OW&N
ECL

[Stamped]
O.W. & N. DIVISION
APR 11 1900
RECEIVED

Ragden O Apr 61900

Dr Sir,

I am a desendant of Jesse Edwards a Revolutioner and he belonged to the Pennsylvania Militia, and he was placed on the pension roll on the 8 of August, 1833 under the act of June 7 1832.

I desire a copy of his application for a pension. I want this for patriotic purposes. Will you please send it to me at as early a date as posabel

Very truly
G.M. Wikoff

[Stamped]
U S PENSION OFFICE
K
APR 9 1900
Page 41

File
OW Ind
F 17401
Page 42

FIFTY-SECOND CONGRESS.
JOHN F. ANDREW, Chairman.
Charles J. Boatner,
Scott Wike,
William H. Brawley,
John M. Pattison,
Lewis Sperry.
Elisha E. Meredith,
William J. Coombe,
William H. Harries,
Albert J. Hopkins,
Charles A. Russell,
Marriott Brosius
John Raines,
Charles A. Conant, Clerk.

Select Committee on Reform in the Civil Service
House of Representatives U.S.
Washington D.C. March 1st 1893

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
[Stamped] MAR 6 1893
U.S. Bureau of Pensions
[Over Stamped] MAR 13, 1893]

Dear Sir:
A constituent of mine from S.C. desired information concerning the record of Jared Jesse Edwards who served in the War of the Revolution.  He cannot tell whether he was enlisted from N.C., Va., or Md., and would like to obtain his place of residence when mustered into service.
Any information you may obtain you will please forward to Rev. Joab Edwards, Leesville, S.C. and oblige

Yours truly
Wm H. Bradley
S.C.
Page 43

[Illegible]sville, S.C.
F.S.
to Ohio

17401
Invalid
No. 17,401
Jesse Edwards
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7,'32
Index::-vol. 1, Page 110
[Arrangement of 1870]
1893 May 2 Hist to Rev. Joab Edwards. Lee
Apr 26, 1900 Hist to G.M. Wikaff-Reardon
Nov. 17, 1900 Mrs Eliza E. Browning Lafayette  Ind
1907 Nov 1 Hist to Mrs Ettie Shanklin
1914 Apr 11 Hist to Mrs P. B. Zink
Letter in S.16206 John Morrow 
1919 Feb 26 Hist to Senator Le Baron
B. Colt
1924 May 31 Hist to Mrs. H. T. Everett aw
1924 Sept 5 L. E. Covert adv where to apply for name of person to whom last payment of pension was made wic
1928 Feb 21 Hist to A. R. Moore wwh
1938 Sept 26 Hist to Mrs. Wm Franklin 
Bull jll

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