Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 10,337, for Timothy Swany, Delaware
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SERVICE
Del.

Swany, Timothy
or Swaney

NUMBER
R. 10,337
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additional Evidence
Timothy Swaney 
Revolutionary 
Pension 
Act 1832 
Suspended 
Ohio 
Coli 
Filed 7 April 1854
F. E. Hassler
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This is some of the items that I have heard my Father relate frequently, that he was drum major in the war.  He said he served as a regular organized Militia for the term of two years.  

Then enlisted for four months in or near Dover Kent Co. State of Delaware, and marched from there to Philadelphia then from there up the north river to what was then called Stony Point Fort.  He said he was there when Major Andrew was taken as a spye, and hung, and Arnold fled to the English, I have often heard him say that Washington wept when he signed the Death warrant, and often heard him say their provision was really small at times and one time they marched three days with only three ship biscuit a piece, and when he was discharged he was some two or three hundred miles from home and not one cent to pay his expenses, and had no shoes to ware.  The might that Arnold fled to the English, his company was under arms all night & expecting the fort would be taken and they would have a battel on land, the company he was in was in front of Washington's main army, and I have heard him tell many other things.  When he was advanced in years he could remember circumstance that took place in the
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was better than he could remember any thing that had been feared but a few days, it was the most of his talk in his old age about the war. 

                                          Timothy Swaney

State of Ohio Belmont County SS. 
Be it remembered, that on this day of December 1852 personally appeared before me Henry Thurston, one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County Timothy Swaney  who made solemn oath, that the written and above statements by him written and his name thereto subscribed is just and true to the best of his recollection.   
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day and year above written.

                                      Henry Thurston JOP
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                                  Washington City, D. C.,
                                                              185
Sir:  In order to enable me to judge of the validity of any Revolutionary Pension Claim that you may desire my opinion upon, you will please answer all of the following queries you can, viz: 

The name of the soldier?  Timothy Swaney

The name of the officers under whom he served?  James Bellow ??, Henry Bell and John Loirch Lieutenants officers of the Militia company under whom he served in 1777 & 1778.  In 1780 under Henry Thmeel [illegible] Col Major -   Michel. Chand Neekson Col [illegible]  

The town and state from which the soldier or officer entered the service?  State of Delaware, Town of Dover

The kind, the time, and rank of the service? Drum Maker [major].  Two years & 4 months
Militia  2 years 4 months enlisted in a regiment of 500 men

The date of his death, if dead?  December 8th 1846 

The date of the widow's death, if dead?  December 10th 1846

The date of the marriage of the parties?  September 27th 1790

Whether either or both were on the pension list?  If so, under what acts, and the annual sum received?  never was on the pension list.

If an application has been suspended or rejected, state it, and when?  Rejected because the living witness was an applicant himself.  I think in 1848.

Do you know any living witnesses to prove the services or marriage?  If not, state whether any public record of these facts can be had?  no living witness known. Marriage recorded in Dover Delaware.
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Jacobsburgh Belmont Co. Ohio Janu 20th  53

Dear Sir

In reply to yours of the 10th [illegible], I send you enclosed your sheet of inquiry and have answered all the questions on the same as far as I could.  
As to the kind the time and rank of his service, he belonged to an organized Militia company two years for to guard the Delaware bay shore and served there in 1777 & 1778 and then inlisted the 1st of June 1780 for four months.  he was drum major.  As to the manner of the officers under whom he served they are inclosed.  Write soon and let me know how you are getting a long in this case and whether you think you can git the pension established, and how soon.

                              Yours respectfully,

Mr. F E. Hassler, Esq.    Timothy Swaney
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send there to secretary of State or Comptroller Dover Delaware & ask him to return them with his reply, as I have already forwarded what was the supposed fee
Hassler
I have sent & have never received an acknowledgement of the fee enclosed 
Hassler
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Washington City D C 
April 7. 1854 
Hon LP Waldo Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed please find affidavits appertaining to the Claim please find affidavits appertaining to the suspended pension claim of Timothy Swaney - of Ohio  - and would respectfully request that all the objections to the allowance of this claim may be stated to yours [illegible]
F E Hassler
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. State of Ohio and
County of Harrison ss
On this twenty second day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty 
Personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common pleas now sitting. Timothy Swany a Resident of Fremont Township in Harrison County and State of Ohio. Aged Seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
1 [illegible] he volunteered and served two months commencing first July in the year 1776 under the following named officers Col[illegible] James Raymond Captain James Bellar Lieutenant Henry Beall Ensign James F[illegible] that he was [illegible] this first term of engagement, and that General Richard Basset commanded the Regiment. That he resided in Kent County in the State of Delaware near Dover, and joined the Company at little Creek then [illegible]  on  Township and marched to Dover and from thence to Camden and from thence to Tidberry then to Frederickberg then to the three Runs now called Milford then to Lewis Town and the enemy having retreated he was marched back to Dover and dismissed by word of mouth that he thinks the first or second of September --
2nd [illegible] he volunteered in the services of the United States on the first of October of the same year and served under the same officers, and was marched from Dover to the Delaware Bay have to prevent the enemy from landing and that this second term of service
was one week, that he was dismissed without any written Discharge from the service
3rd [illegible] he volunteered in the service of the United States he thinks on the 18th of April 1777 and served under the same officers that he joined the Company at little Creek and was marched from thence to Mahon [illegible] in the same State of Delaware that his third term of service was two weeks that he was discharged by word of mouth about the last of April 1777
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4th [ilegible] he entered the service of the United States on the 1st day of August 1777 and served under the same officers for the term of one month during this term of service he was marched and he marched from Duck Creek to  murderkill. Guarding that Distance of the Delaware bay shore that he was dismissed from this term engagement 1st of September of the same year
5th [illegible] he volunteered June 10th 1778 and joined the company at little Creek and served under the same officers except a change of the Captain and that the new Captains name was Abram Vanhoy and was marched from little creek to murderkill to prevent the enemy from landing at that place that he was marched back to little creek and discharged by word of mouth the latter part of July of the same year and that this term of engagement was six weeks
6th [illegible] he entered the service of the United States a volunteer on the first of May 1779 and served under Colonel Raymond Captain Abram Vanhoy Lieutenant Beall Ensign F[illegible] that he joined the company at Little Creek and was kept guarding the Delaware bay shore for two months and was discharged by then Captain vivo voice, at Duck Creek about the first June of the same year. That the length of this term of service was two months. That all the foregoing services was performed in the third Regiment of the Delaware Militia. That he was Drummer during the whole time of his services,
7th [illegible] he volunteered in the services of the United States on the first day of July 1780 under the following named officers Colonel Henry ONeal Major Mitchel Adjutant Russel Captain Charles Hicron [?] Lieutenant James Fraleger [?] Ensign Benjamin Gurny [?] first Sergeant Amos Hartshown [?] that he joined the army at Dover in the State of Delaware and was marched from thence to Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania and then marched to Princetown in the State of Jersey and from thence to Elizabeth Town and from thence to Hackensack and from thence to head quarters between [illegible] and Kings ferry. That the length of this term of engagement was four months and that in this term of engagement he was on guard when Major Andre the English spy was executed that he was discharge by word of mouth on the first Day of November in the year of our Lord 1780 he not recollect what Regiment but was drummer all the time of his services in the army
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That each and all of the aforesaid yours served with an embodied corps called in to services by competent authority namely by Caron Rodney Governor of the State of Delaware, that he was either in the field or garrison, and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed  in an [illegible] 
Subscribed and swore to the day of said [illegible] in open court William Langley Clerk 
Timothy Swaney
Question is where and in what year were you born?
Answer in the County of Kent and State of Delaware on the 14th day of February in the year of our Lord 1761
2nd have you any Record of your age and if so where is it?
My age is recorded in a family Bible that I have in my own possession.
3 Where were were you living when called in to service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live
I live in the County of Kent and State of Delaware when I entered the service of the United States. I lived from the Revolutionary war until 1817 in the same County and State; and from that period up to the present time I have lived in Harrison County and State of Ohio when I now live 
4th How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute.
 I volunteered
5th State the names of some of the Regular officers, who were with the troops where you served, each continental and Militia Regiments as you can recolect, and the general circumstances of your services
I recolect that General Washington and General LaFaette were with the troops where I served I do not Recolet any Continental Regiment or Militia Regiments except the third Regiment of the Delaware Militia.
6th Did you ever Receive a discharge from services
I never received any written discharge
7th State the names of some persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution 
I am known to [illegible] and Alexander Humphrey who can testify as to my veracity [illegible]
He hereby Relinquishes every claims whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension Rolls of the agency of any State. 
Timothy Swaney
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me in open Court Wm Tingly Clerk of said Court
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We Jacob Lemmon a Clergyman Residing in the County of Harrison and State of Ohio and Joseph Fray Residing the same place hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Timothy Swany who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we believe him to be seventy three years of age; that he is reputed and believed the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me in open Court 
Wm Tingley Clerk of said Court
Jacob Lemmon Minister
Joseph Fry
And the said Court do hereby acclare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certified that it appears to them that Jacob Lemmon who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Harrison and state of Ohio and that Joseph Fry, who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Harrison and state of Ohio and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. [illegible] Wm Tingley Clerk
J William Tingley Clerk of the Court of Common pleas of Harrison County Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Timothy Swany for a pension 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court [illegible] this 25th day of October AD 1834
William Tingley
Clerk

[handwriting sideways] 
32.858
[illegible] Harrison County
Common pleas
Application of Timothy Swan for pension
Ohio
[illegible]
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Power of attorney
case of
Timothy Swany 
Delaware [illegible]
Ohio Forworded 10 
Heirs of Timothy Swaney Esq 
Jacobsburgh
Belmont County Ohio 
[crossed out] Freemont Harrison Co Ohio 
[post stamp illegible] 22
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POWER OF ATTORNEY 
For ascertaining whether any increase or arrears of Pension are due the Widow or heirs of Revolutionary Pensioners, &c.*
STATE of Ohio 
COUNTY OF Belmont
Be it known that before me Henry Thurston a justice of the peace personally appeared Timothy Swaney aged 58 years, who being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states that he is the son of Timothy Swaney Senior who was a revolutionary [cross mark] drum major in the State of Delaware and that he died on the eighth day of December 1846 and that his mother, named Elizabeth Swaney died on the tenth day of December 1846 and that they were married on the 27 day of September in the year 1790 and that they were residents of Kent Co. in the State of Delaware and that they resided there to the year 1817, and that they then moved to Harrison Co. Ohio and that furthermore T  Swaney BY THESE PRESENTS, constitutes, appoints, and fully empowers and authorizes, irrevocably and with powers of substitution, F. E. HASSLER, of Washington city, D. C., as his true and lawful Attorney for him and in his name and stead, to examine into, to prosecute, to demand, and to receive from the U. S. Government and State officers his rights in all and in any manner of claim for increase or arrears of Pension or Land that may be due him as heir of Timothy Swaney Sr who died leaving the same undrawn, as in right of law he may be entitled. 
In witness whereof, he has on this Ninth day September 1852, hereunto signed his name, and affixed his seal. 
Timothy Swaney SEAL
Witness: D.L. Thurston 
Witness: Henry Thurston ⎬ 
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify, that Timothy Swaney has always by the community been known as the son of Timothy Swaney Senior decd.
Dated on this Ninth day of September 1852. Henry Thurston J.P 
State of Ohio: 
COUNTY of Belmont: to wit:  
I hereby certify, That Henry Thurston Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavits and acknowledgment were made, and who has thereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of said Court of Common Pleas of said County this 16th day of September one thousand eight hundred and fifty two
John H. Heaton Clerk 
Isaac B Askew Dept Clerk. 
*If a Widow applies, state "the date of marriage, and date of death of her husband." 
[cross sign] State under what act pensioned, or when pension commenced, if a pensioner -- and amount of pension.
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Declaration I
n order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832. 
State of Ohio ss. 
County of Harrison 
On this the eighth day of May one thousand eight hundred and forty eight personally appeared before me, William Boggs, Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Harrison State of Ohio, Alexander Humphress, a resident of Freeport Township in the County of Harrison State of Ohio, aged eighty five years, who could not, from bodily infirmity, appear in open Court, and who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain for the children of Timothy Swaney, deceased, the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7. 1832 
That, by reason of old age and loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise time and other particulars of Timothy Swaney's service, but according to the best of his recollection, he beat the drum under the following named officers: James Bellar, Captain, and Henry Bell, one of the Lieutenants; that he enlisted in the Army of the United States in 1780 or 1781 for four months, which time he served as a Drum Major, under the following named officers: Charles Nickson, Captain, and Henry Neal, whose office he cannot recollect; that he and the said Timothy Swaney were born in the same neighborhood, both born in Little Creek Hundred Kent County State of Delaware; that they were nearly of one age; that he was acquainted with him from a boy; that he, the said Timothy Swaney, died in December 1846; that he believes he was at the time of his death not less than 85 years of age; that it appears to him the name of Timothy Swaney is not and never was on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State; that the said Timothy Swaney and his wife are both dead, but that four of his children are still living for whom a pension is claimed; that when the said Timothy Swaney was called into service he lived in Little Creek Hundred County
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of Kent State of Delaware, that after the Revolution he lived in the same place till 1817 at which time he removed to Freeport Township County of Harrison State of Ohio where he remained untill his death. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
William Boggs Associate Judge ⎬ Alexander his mark Humphress 
State of Ohio
County of Harrison ss.
On this the 8th day of May 1848 personally appeared before me, William Boggs, Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Harrison State of Ohio, Reynolds L Price who is now and has been ever since the year 1841 a Justice of the Peace in and for the Township of Freeport County of Harrison State of Ohio, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith: In the Spring of 1846 previous to the death of Timothy Swaney I was called on to take down his declaration under oath as to his right to a pension. I was then acting as a Justice of the Peace: and it was supposed that higher authority would not be required under the circumstances; Mr. Swaney being aged and very infirm. I recollect that the said Timothy Swaney stated to me under oath among other things that he was born in Little Creek Hundred County of Kent State of Delaware, that he resided there untill after the close of the Revolutionary war - that in 1777 and 1778 he belonged to a regularly organized Militia Company and was called out to guard the Delaware Bay Shore on different occasions, which amounted to five or six months in each year, or that number of months in the whole time I do not recollect which. He also made oath that in the year 1780 or 1781 he enlisted for four months in the service of the United States, was Drummer for the Division or Company and marched up or to North River. I also recollect the names of the officers in the Militia Company to be Captain James Bellar, Lieutenant Henry Bell and John Levick: in the Company in which he enlisted for four months the officers names were Colonel Henry Neal, Major Mitchell, Captain Charles Nickson; and I believe the said Timothy Swaney at the time to have been of sound mind for one of his age - an honest
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man - and from my own acquaintance and the general report I believe that he served in the Revolutionary Struggle, and that his statements were substantially true. 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid 
William Boggs Associate Judge
State of Ohio ⎬ 
County of Harrison ⎬ ss.  
R.K. Price
On this the 8th day of May 1848 personally appeared before me William Boggs, Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Harrison State of Ohio, Timothy Swaney Jr., a resident of Freeport Township County of Harrison State of Ohio, aged 53 years who being duly sworn according to law deposeth & saith, that from the statements of Timothy Swaney Sr. & those of the neighborhood where the said Timothy Swaney Sr. lived at the time he is declared to have entered service in the Revolutionary War, he has no doubt of his having been a Revolutionary soldier; that in a great measure his most frequent topic of discourse was the Revolutionary war; that his statements of his services, &c. were the following: that in 1777 & 1778 he belonged to a regularly organized Militia Company in the service of the United States & was called out to guard the Delaware Bay Shore on different tours & was thus in actual service not less than five months in each year under the following named officers: James Bellar, Captain, Henry Bell & John Levick, Lieutenants, Militia officers; that in June in 1780 he enlisted in the service of the United States in a Regiment of 500 men for four months, which time he served under the following named officers. Henry Neal, Colonel, Charles Nickson, Captain, & one Mitchel, Major; that the next morning after his enlistment he & his Regiment commenced their march; that they marched up North River as far as Stony Point Fort; that they were there when Arnold fled to the English & Major Andrew was hung; that when he enlisted he lived in Little Creek Hundred County of Kent State of Delaware; that he never received any but a verbal discharge from service; that his father kept a record
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of his age which was preserved, & that he was born in Little Creek Hundred County of Kent State of Delaware on the 14th day of February 1761. Further, the said Timothy Swaney Jr. deposeth & saith, that the said Timothy Swaney Sr. according to his own statement lived, after the Revolutionary war & until 1817, in Little Creek Hundred County of Kent State of Delaware; that after that & until his death he lived in Freeport Township, County of Harrison State of Ohio; that he was with him when he died; that he died December 7th 1846, aged 85 years and 9 months; that he & his wife are both dead but that four of his children are still alive for whom a pension is claimed.
 Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
William Boggs Associate Judge ⎬ Timothy Swaney Jr
We, Jacob Lemmon, a clergyman residing in Freeport Township, County of Harrison State of Ohio, & Israel Holiday, Post Master, residing in Freeport Harrison County, Ohio, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Alexander Humphress, Reynolds K. Price, & Timothy Swaney Jr. who have subscribed & sworn to the foregoing statements; that they are credible persons, & that we believe their statements are entitled to credit; that we were well acquainted with Timothy Swaney Sr.; that we believe him to have been 85 years of age at the time of his death; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resided & died to have been a soldier of the Revolution, & that we concur in that opinion. 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid.
William Boggs Associate Judge 
Jacob Lemmon 
[illegible] Holliday 
We, the undersigned, residing in Freeport Township County of Harrison State of Ohio, hereby certify that we were well acquainted with Timothy Swaney Sr.; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resided & died to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion; & that
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it appears to us that in the neighborhood where he resided & died there never have existed any doubts as to his having been a soldier of the Revolution. 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid William Boggs Associate Judge 
John Green 
John Knox 
Abisha Clock 
James Clark 
Elijah Carver 
Amos Collier 
James Reaves Jr 
Hollowell Reaves 
And I, William Boggs, Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Harrison State of Ohio do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter, & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the said Timothy Swaney Sr. was a Revolutionary soldier, & served as is stated. And I William Boggs further certify that Jacob Lemmon who has signed the first of the preceding certificates, is a clergyman, resident in the Township of Freeport County of Harrison State of Ohio, & that Israel Holliday who has signed the same, is a resident of Freeport Harrison County Ohio, & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit; & that it appears to me that the eight persons who have signed the second of the preceding certificates are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit. 
William Boggs Associate Judge
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The State of Ohio ⎬
Harrison County ⎬
I Samuel McCormick Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Harrison County in the State of Ohio do hereby certify that the within named William Boggs Esq. whose name to the within Certificate is subscribed was at the time he so signed said certificate and now is one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas within and for said County duly Commissioned and qualified and to all whose acts as such full faith and credit is due and right to be given, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his I know to be genuine.
 In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at the Clerks Office at Cadiz this 9th day of May AD 1848 
Samuel McCormick Clerk of said County
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Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 9, 1873 [crossed out]

10,3377 
P.O. Timothy Swaney 
Service: 
Enlisted: ________, 18
Discharged: _______, 18
Application filed: _______, 18
Alleges: 
Re-enlisted: 
Attorney: 
P.O. 
Recognized. 
Contract.
Cert. of Dis. 
Searched for _______,18
REJECTED [stamped]
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[illegible] 37 __ 2 Ohio
Timothy Swaney did [illegible] Ohio 32,858 not found or file Dec. [illegible] 13 March 1835
T.Scott
[illegible] T.A. Swaney Aug 21th of same May 17th '49.
 [illegible] July 31. 49 
to T. Swaney Sept 24 /49 
9over0
act 7 Mil 1832
Timothy Swaney 
Octo 21 1853 
F.E. Hapler [illegible] 10/54
Let J.A. Holliday, 
Nov. 18/59
T. Swaney, Apl. 4/59. 
J.W. Smith, June 4. 1860
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War Dept. [illegible]
March 13, 1835
Sir 
The declaration of Robert Carson has been exed -- He alleges to have served a term of three and a half months in the fall of 1777 and a term of four months in 1778, as a militia man of Pa. The militia of that state were not called out to serve for so long a term as is set forth under one engagement. The applicant did not serve six months the and the act of 7 June provides for none who did not serve that length of time. The claim has the fort been rejected and the papers filed in this office.The declaration of Timothy Swany has


Robert Carson R. 2338
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also been exd. He claims for tours of service as a militia man of the State of Delaware from 1776 to 1780. He alleges to have served two months in 1776. The British were not in the section of country, where the alleged service was performed in 1776, said service cannot therefore be recognized.  The second, third  fifth & sixth terms are objectionable on the same account as that of the first term. The militia were not called out to serve as long as four months under one engagement. This claim [illegible] length of time in 1780 cannot therefore be allowed. The whole of the actual service performed by the applicant in a military capacity, and by an order of the regularly constituted authorities did not amount to six months. The claim has therefore been of rejected 7 the papers filed in this office.
Jonah Scott Esq
Cadez, Ohio 

Jonah Scott
13 March 1833
O.C.
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Respectfully[illegible]
[illegible]
[illegible] Smith
Clerk
Dept Int. 
Apl 19 862. 
M Whiting
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Freeport Harrison Co. Ohio 
April 11th 1862
Hon Secretary, [illegible] it seems most like intrusion to write to your those busy times of war; But an immediate action is desirable, concerning the claim of Timothy Swaney deceased, to a pension (under act of 7 June 1852.) for rendering six months service in the war of 1775.
 I need not particularize. Suffice it to say, that the testimony of one living witness has been filed to prove the validity of Timothy Swaneys claim. Can it not be allowed?
I seek not sympathy from a stranger. But as one who loves this government and its wholesome laws. I expect justice under the present administration.
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An answer is desirable. 
Hon. Secretary Stanton Washington D.C. a favorable one would be gladly received. 
Very respectfully 
T.J. Swaney 
Hon. [illegible] Stanton
Washington D.C.

[also writing upside down that I cannot read]
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Freeport Ohio - April 11/62. 
T.J. Swaney 
Asks for pension of Timothy Swaney 
Respectfully referred to the Interior Department War Dept Apr 17 [illegible year]
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Feb. 15. 1847, 
Recd
Timothy Swaney 
Wm. Jos. Morris 
HR
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Timothy Swany an enlisted soldier in the war -  from the State of Delaware - served six months in the Revolutionary War -
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Timothy Swaney an applicant from Ohio, the objection to granting a pension in this case is asked for, and a copy of the last letter from the Department with its requisitions, it is asked if service is admitted & how much
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Short Creek, O.
Oct. 5. 1848. 
SirYour communication of June 21, came to hand explanatory & I hope you will indulge me in a few explanatory remarks, & be so kind as to correct some inaccuracies in the statements of the letter I received. You say, "The testimony of Alexander Humphress, who is an applicant himself for a pension & who states that he is about the same age of Mr. Swaney, & served with him (no, he did not say he served with him, but knew something of his service, as may be seen by reference to the papers sent to Pen. office) cannot be viewed as evidence until he can establish his own claim." Mr. Humphress could get no living evidence of his services, because all were dead that could so testify: therefore to establish the fact he had to depend on his own affirmation in Court, & the support of his character by the neighborhood where he lived. His character was supported as good under the seal of the Court. His failure to establish his claim resulted from a scarcity of testimony, & not from his sustaining a suspicious character. Permit me, sir, to inquire, if he, merely for want of witnesses who could not be expected to be living at this late day, does not establish his claim, can that invalidate his testimony in another case, after his character for truth, by a great number of respectable witnesses, has been established, & this also confirmed by the county seal?
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Again you say, "The failure to present the claim until this late day notwithstanding opportunities were almost daily afforded to those who had any semblance of a claim to assert them, raises the strongest presumptive evidence against the validity of the claim." I beg leave to say, Sir, that this case was undertaken so early as 1833 - but in consequence of mistakes fallen into by Mr. Moore, who had undertaken the matter, an unfavorable response came from the Pen. Office. In 1846 Mr. Bottom of New York was employed in this case. But as the deposition of Mr. Swaney, who was then still living, was taken before a magistrate & not a Court, I presume it was insufficient, & Mr. Bottom could not succeed. Afterwards, a printed document was sent from Pen. off. showing what kind of evidence was needed. Mr. Seaney was then dead. Following that printed document, such evidence was taken as could be procured. This I have sent to you.
May I indulge a hope, sir, that this matter will receive a close investigation; & something favorable be done in such a cause as this?
If I can be privileged to hear something more of this matter, please direct to Summerfield, Munroe Co. O.
I remain, very respectably, 
Your obedient Servant,
J. A. Swaney
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Please permit [illegible] Triplett to examine papers in the susped Ren Pen claim of Timothy Swaney filed from Ohio.
F E Hassler
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Freeport O Novem 13th 84 
Dear Sir
Excuse me for thus intruding on your time and attention but I have a desire to know something in regard to a pension claimed by the heirs of Timothy Swaney Deceased an old revolutionary solder there has been several efforts made to obtain it but I never could understand with what affect would you be so kind as to inform me By letter whether it is unattainable or whether there has been any recent effort made in regard to it as I have reason to believe there is some rather under handed work in reguard to it altho it is only a passing Idea in my mind there is three of the heirs that is not right in their mind or not capable of attending to such buisness and if there is any probability of the Claim being obtained I wish to [illegible] them [illegible] for they need it 
Please address J A Holliday Freeport Harrison County Ohio 
Truly & respectfully yours 
J A Holliday
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Ashland April 12 /60 
Com Pensions. 
Dear Sir.
 Some 7 years ago I made application for the Heirs of James Swaney for Rev. Pension - James Swaney it seems had filed an application prior to his death which I presence has been suspended for reasons unknown to me - The said Heirs some of them reside in this place and are desirous to know what the condition of the claim is -  if the application I speak of last forwarded is in file I & am the atty. named therein -  or perhaps Smith & Sloan instead of me individually as we were then partners together - 
These heirs are receiving circulars from persons in Washington and others stating that they are entitled to such pension - My impression now is that I sent the last named application to S. M. Knight Esq requesting him to file it -
May I ask the
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present condition of the claim - if suspended for what reason & what additional evidence is required if any  -
If you will forward me any forms that may be necessary to finish the proper evidence it will greatly oblige and hoping to hear soon
Yours truly
J. W. Smith
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Armstrongs Mills Belmont Co Ohio Commissioner of Pensions October the 6th 1853 
Dear Sir I am requested by Mr F E Hassler to write to you concerning a claim for a pension for services in the revolutionary war by Timothy Swaney; the papers are filed in the War Department which will show what has been done. There is one living witness of his services and the oppinion of a number of persons that had been acquainted with him for thirty years. The proof that is got up would establish a claim in any court in my oppinion.
 The Hon J L Edwards sent me the form of getting up papers for to establish a pension claim and they were made out as near to the form as could be. Please to write to me as soon as you receive this and tell me the reason why it cannot be alowed. I think the papers were sent to the department in the year 1846 or 47. Direct your to Armstrongs Mills Belmont Co Ohio Yours Truly 
Timothy Swaney
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10337
Timothy Swaney 
Freeport, Ohio 
Feb. 10, 1859 
Respectfully referred to the Hon. Secretary of the Interior - War Dept 
18. Feby. 1859
Respectfully referred to the Commissioner of Pensions 
Dept of Int. 
Feby 16, 1859
Moses Kelly Clerk 
Rec'd. 16 Feb. 59 
Mr Rhett
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Freeport Farrison Co Ohio Feb 10 1859
Secretary _____ War Department
Sir
I wish concerning the claim of Timothy Senior on Government. 
F E Hassler, (Washington D.C.) is employed as an agent by Timothy Swaney Junior to prosecute the aforesaid Claim of Timothy Swaney Senior but several months have elapsed since I heard any thing from him. 
Has the Pension been granted? Is anything doing (now) or any prospect of anything being done in favor of granting this Pension ...
The papers that were gotten up in Cadiz Harrison Co Ohio concerning this Claim are in the War Department. You would be granting me the of favor by answering this question: Why is the Pension not granted? Is it because justice does not demand that it should be granted? Is it for want of evidence? or for want of energy on the part of the Agent. 
Has Congress no right, no power no will to do justice any more? Or why is this Pension not granted. Give all the information you think necessary.
I solicit an answer. 
Timothy Swaney. 
Address.
Timothy Swaney.
Freeport, Harrison County, Ohio.
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Apl 1st 1848 
R.K.Price 
Apl 15/48 
Alexander Humphress
& heirs of Timothy Swaney 
Hon Edwards 
Commissioner of Pensions 
pension office
D.C.

Freeport O 
March 27
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Freeport March & 7th 1848
Dear Sir
at the Solicitation of an old Revolutionary Soldier & the friends of another who has left us at a good old age I address you on their behalf 
you received a line from Timothy Sweney some time since relative to his Fathers pension; the old Gentleman & Wife died about one year since they leave a family; a part of whom are not capable of sustaining themselves and the weight of the burthen until lately has fallen on the Son who wrote you a short time since, two of the family (females) have become inmates of the County poor House --
Some time previous to the Death of Mr Swaney I was requested by a (would be) pension agent to take the deposition of his Service in the Revolutionary Struggle which I did. & the substance of the Deposition as near as I can recollect (for I did not keep a Copy) is as follows, Mr Swaney was born on the 14th day of February 1761 in Little Creek hundred Kent County State of Delaware --
in 1777 and 1778, he went out as a Drummer to a regular organized Militia Company who were appointed to guard the Delaware Bay Shore and was in actual service during these years as much as 5 or 6 months each year aggregating the different towers on duty --- 
the officers of the Company were James Beller Captain, Henry Bell and 1 John Levick Lieutenant 
in 1780 on the 1st of June, He enlisted for four months in a Regiment of 500 men. Henry Kneel was Col: and -- Michel Magor and Charles Nixon Captain - He enlisted in Kent County State of Deleware & was marched up North River as far as Stoney point fort & was there when Arnold fled to the English
was a Drummer on this tour and I believe he said he was Drum Major but will not be certain 
Alexander Humphries a person of whom I shall write more particular by hereinafter, says that he has been acquainted with M. Swaney in childhood. Knows that he inlisted. Knows that he was a Drummer from the time that he was large enough to carry one  - Knows that he went with a Company to quell the tories. knows that he was inlisted in a 4 mo Company in 1780 or 81, was made Drum Major, & Marched to Hackensack
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but where the company was marched to from there He does not recollect - says Charles Nixon was the Captain & he further beleaves that M. Swaney was in the Service about the close of the War  - and gives us a reason that M Swaney on his return from the Army set up a small store and but a short time after Peace was made, but he cannot recollect how long - from which circumstance he rather infers that M Swaney was out two [illegible], but cannot recollect of any enlistment but the one above refered to. Mr Humphries says that he knew that, - Beller was Captain - Henry Bell & John Levice Lieutenants of the Malitia Company to which M Swaney was Drummer knew the men well 
He can give the above testimony in any legal form that may be required except that Mr Humphries cannot go before Court on account of infirmity having to suffer from a parelitic Stroke --
can  get the deposition of a Minister of the Gospel who has been well acquainted with Swaney for 30 years. & a member of the same Church with him, certifying to his character & he will also certify that the common belief is that M Swaney was a Drummer & in the service of his country during a portion of the Revolutionary War other Gentlemen hereabouts will certify to the above also
this  Mr Humphries is also ancious on account of frailty & Reduced Circumstance to secure a pension and in order thereto will certify to the following facts 
to wit that he believes that he was born on the 19th day of January 1763 but has no record but his own, nor has he any knowledge of any other. was born & raised in little- Creek Hundred Kent County State of Deleware, lived there at the time he went into the service & afterwards until 1812, at which time he removed to New Castle Deleware in 1817. he removed from there to Harrison County State of Ohio where he has resided ever since, Says that he was drafted into the service in the spring of 1781 for 2 month - Volunteered in the Ppring of 1782. for a term of 8 months, says that he has no discharge in his possession that Joseph Harper was Captain of the Company, and John Bell was Lieutenant  - does not know any person now living who could testify to his service, but says that his papers were sent (meaning his
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deposition) to the pension office, together with the deposition of the aforementioned Timothy Swaney & Rachel Delaney, who knew that he was in the service & he supposed that these papers might be of some use to him they were forwarded about the time of the passage of the act of 32, or Shortly after but perhaps before the present constructions were put upon the pension law -  as he says that all the Answer that he received to that application was information that he must prove more fully than he had done that said Joseph Harper was his Captain thinks that his services were confined to the State of Deleware and Maryland Says that he cannot go before a Court, & enquires if an associate Judge of the Court of the Common Pleas of the County, with the certificate of the County Clk will do or must he procure the president Judge-- or will a Justice of the Peace of the proper County answer (having no seal) with the Certificates of the Judge & Clerk -- can procure a Minister & other persons as many as may be required to testify to Moral Character truth & veracity; not a Member of any Church but always temperate and industrious -- also to the fact of the General belief of his service in the Revolution 
if this communication is Satisfactory please to send a line by return mail & let me know what would be lacking or [illegible] nothing is wanting but to place the testimony in a Legal much as to send me instructions how to draw them up, for [illegible] generally who undertake such jobs. Secure to themselves will and larger portion of the just dues of the Applicant
any trouble that you may take in the matter out of your Official duty, shall be compensated liberally if the nature of your relations with the department will permit My object is to secure these two claims to the parties without charge as far as possible as they have need of all that can be obtained-- Yours &c. 
R.K. Price for 
A Humphries & 
Timothy Swaney Jun

[box] I was then acting as a Justice of the Peace
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Freeport, Harrison Co. O., May 9th. 1848. 
Sir: 
Having undertaken, a few days ago, to apply for a pension in the case of my Grand father, Timothy Swaney, I herewith send you the official documents. Presenting the evidence, which, I presume, is such as would be expected at this late period, I awail your reply. 
With respect, I am sir 
Your Obt. Srvt 
J. A. Swaney 

Hon. S.L. Edwards 
P.S. This letter will be mailed at Cadiz, O for the sake of convenience, as the documents must be taken thither for the County seal. My address will still be Freeport. J.A.S.
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Short Creek Harrison Co Ohio August 17th 1849 Honarabel Sir
I have concluded to take the liberty of writing to you again with confidence that you will answer my request which is if not two much troubel send me a few lines stating wherein the care of my father Timothy Swaney concerning a calim for Service done in the Revolution war by him.  could not be granted and what must be done to substansuate the claim. I wrote the first letter to the Honarabel J L Edwards who sent me a printed sheet for a guidance and the papers were drawn up according to the direction sent.  and they were sent to the war department which you can have refference too. There was one living evidence of his servises who is a man of thruth and a number of men who was acquaintend with them for some 30 years which the papers will show. Hon Sir please answer this letter as soon as you can make it conveinent. for it seems hard that a just claim cannot be granted. Please direct your letter Short Creek Harrison Co Ohio. 
Yours most respectfully 
Timothy Swaney

Hon Secretary of War