Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2127, for George Peter Kessler, Pennsylvania
Page 1

Penn   Kessler, George Peter  W 2127
           Kessler,
                               Elizabeth
Page 2

Dead

Letter to H. E. Wolf 28 Feby 1839.
-
Paid at the Treasury under the Acts of the 6th April 1838 from 4th March to 9th July 1836, the day of his death.
Agt notified 11 June 1840


[SECTION DAMAGED]23
Pennsylvania 


George P. Kessler
of Northampton Co. in the State of Penna--
who was a Pri in the Company commanded
by Captain Stucker of the Regt commanded by Col. --- in the Pennsylvania Militia

6 Mo. Pr $20.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 20 Dollars --- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of Dec 1833 and sent to Hon. D.D. Wagner, Ho. of Rep.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833- - 50.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mch '34 10.

$60.

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by J. T. Sprague Clerk
Book C, Vol. 5, Page 31
Page 3

N 5919
Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Kessler
widow of Geo P. Kessler
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a private
Pa Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 20 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued
the 13 day of May 5[illegible]
and sent to
day of May 3
and sent to
Hon R Broadhead
M S S

Let to R[illegible] 23 June 52
Page 4

Ich Georg Peter Kessler bin  und ehrlichen Eltern gezeugt und Geboren worden den 14 October 1761 im [zeuhen?] 

Der Vater war der Ehrsame Georg Peter Kessler und die Mutter Catharina eine geborne
Schmidtin [Schmidt] und wurd auf die Luther. Religion getauft den 15 October 1761  durch herren Johan Theodor Lichtenberger, die taufzeugen waren Peter Schlemmer, Andreas Zang, Anna Maria Schmidtin [Schmidt] und Dorothea Brusiusin [Brusius].

Und wurde geboren im Furstentum Salm Kirnburg aus Weierbach

Wurde getrauf mit Jungfer Elisabetha Correll den 11 December Jahr 1785

Diese ist geboren den 2 May 1762. Ihr Pater war der ehrsame Philipp Correl und die Mutter Maria Engel eine geboren Schuckin {Schuck}.
-
Und wurde auf die Refor [Reformed] Religion
getauft den 9 May 1762.

Die Taufzeugen waren Peter Conrad und Maria Elizab. Schaeferin [Schaefer], beide ledig [illegible] und wurde geboren in Pensylvanien in [STRIKETHROUGH]North[END STRIKETHROUGH] Bucks County in Springfield Township.
Page 5

State of Pennsylvania
County of Northampton
ss

On this 30th day of April 1852 personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County aforesaid, Phillip Keller, Committee of Elizabeth Kessler, a Lunatic, regular by appointed of the Court of said County, who being duly sworn says that George P. Kessler the husband of the said Elizabeth Kessler was a soldier of the Revolution---that he was placed on the Pension Roll in 1833 that he drew pension at the rate of twenty Dollars per annum until July 9th 1836 when he died.

That she makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the benefit of the act of Congress of July 7th 1838 and the various acts extending the same, for the said Elizabeth Kessler.

He declares that the said George P. Kepler was married to the said Elizabeth Kessler, formerly Correll on the Eleventh day of December, One Thousand Seven Hundred & Eighty Five---as appears by the annexed certificate of Daufschein [Taufschein, birth certificate] which he swears he found in possession of said widow, and which he believes to be genuine.-- That she was not married to him previous to his leaving the service
Page 6

but previous to the 1st day of January 1794, to wit or the day and year stated in the Daufschein [Taufschein]. That the said Elizabeth Kepter never intermarried but has continued the widow of the said George P. Kessler, as he the said Committee knows of his personal knowledge, and as is testified by his appointment as committee of said Lunatic.

Sworn to and subscribed this 30th day of April 1852

James Kennedy 
Philip Keller,
Committee

I John A. Innes, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the aforesaid County of Northampton do certify that the above and foregoing were proceedings before our said Court the day and year above written, and that James Kennedy whose name is thereunto subscribed is one of the Judges of our said Court duly commissioned and sworn. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court,

J.A. Innes, Prothy
Page 7

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Northampton

On this twenty third Day of August in the
year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty three personally appeared in the open Court of Common Pleas of said County Before the Honorable Garrick Mallery President and John Cooper and Daniel Wagner associate
Judges of the said Court George P Kessler aged near Seventy Two years a Resident of Plainfield Township in said County, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7, 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named Officers and served as herein stated. In Harvest in the year 1778 his Father John P Kessler was drafted in the Third Clap and called out for Two months in the militia--his father being an infirm man he became a substitute for him. (having first in the month of May Previous taken the oath of Allegiance by the name of Peter Kessler the officer having left out the first part of his name a Certificate whereof is herewith exhibited) and marched from his place of Residence in Plainfield Township aforesaid to Easton under [Captain?] the command of Lieutenant Jacob Shouse and was immediately ordered on their
arrival to guard the Militia stores at the Junction of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers and Remained under the said Left  [Lieutenant's?] Command to guard the stores until the Two months for which his Father was Drafted had Expired and was then Discharged and came home--and remained home
until the next Harvest when his father was again drafted and called out and he again became a substitute for him and marched under the Command of Captain Lewis Stecker from his place of Residence to Easton in said County and remained under the said Captain's Command to guard the militia Stores at that place and to guard the Gaol which was there
Crowded with British Prisoners until the Two months for which his father was Drafted had expired and he was then discharged and
went home and remained until the about the first day of August 1781 when his Father was again drafted as above Stated and he again
Became a substitute for him, (he being infirm) and marched under the command of the said Lewis Stecker up the Delaware River about
Sixty miles above its Junction with the Lehigh and was stationed at Vannettens Fort and remained in and about the Fort and at the
Private Dwelling of the Inhabitants about the Fort to protect the Inhabitants of the place from the Indians until the Two months
had expired and was then Discharged and came home
Page 8

making the whole time which he served and for which he claims a Pension Six months, he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person who can testify to his service except Jacob Kester whose affidavit is herewith
exhibited. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or annuity except the present and Declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State or (if any) only that of the agency of the State of Pennsylvania 

Sworn & Subscribed this
23 Day of August 1833
in open
Court

W Sebring Prothy

Thomas Pomp and Philip Correll (the said Thomas Pomp being a clergyman residing in the Borough of Easton in the aforesaid County and the said Philip Connell being a neighbor of the said George P Kessler) being Duly sworn according to Law, do depose and say that they were acquainted with George P Kessler who has sworn and subscribed the above Declaration, that they Believe him to be near the age of 72 years, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that they concur without hesitated in that opinion.

Thos Pomp
Philip Correll

Sworn & Subscribed this 23rd
Day of August in open Court
W Sebring Prothy
Page 9

I George Peter Kessler was born of Christian
honest Parents the 14th day of October 1761 The Father was the respectable George Peter Kessler and the mother Catharina a born Schmidt, and was baptized in the Lutheran Religion the 15th October 1761 by the Reverend Mr Joh. [Johann] Theodor Lichtenberger, The Sponsors were Peter Schlemmer, Andreas Zang, Maria Schmidt and Dorothea Brusius, and was born in Europe in the Principality Salm Kirnburg in Weierbach was married to vir. [maiden] Elizabeth Correll the 17th December AD 1785--She was born the 2nd May 1762. her Father was
the respectable Philip Correll and her mother Maria Engel a Born Schuck, and was baptized in the Reformed Religion the 9th May 1762. Sponsors were Peter Conrad and Maria Elizabeth Schaefer, both single, and was born in Pennsylvania, in Bucks County in Springfield Township

I do Certify that the above is a true translated
copy from the Original Birth certificate in the hands of Philip Kessler

Witness my hand May 7th 1852
Saml Siegfried
Page 10

December 10, 1936
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/MCS
George Peter Kessler
W.2127

Mrs. Alberta A. Chapman
615 North 8th Street
Neodesha, Kansas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Peter Kessler, a Revolutionary War soldier who enlisted in Lancaster, York or Northampton County, Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio. 

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W.2127, based upon the military service of George Peter Essler, the only soldier of that name, on account of whose Revolutionary War service, a claim for pension was made to the United States.

George Peter Kessler was born October 14, 1761, in Europe "in the principality of Salm Kirnburg in Weierbach". He was the son of George Peter Kessler and Catharine whose maiden name was Schmidt. 

The first mentioned George Peter Kessler was baptized October 15, 1761, "in the Lutheran religion" by the Reverend Joh. Theodor Lichlenberger. The sponsors were Peter Schlemmer, Andreas Zang, Maria Schmidt
and Dorothea Brusinsin".

While living in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served with the Pennsylvania troops as follows: in 1778, during the harvest, served two months as substitute for
his father, was under Lieutenant Jacob Shouse and was engaged in guarding militia stores at the junction of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers;
during the next harvest he served two months as substitute for his father, was under Captain Lewis Stacker and was engaged in guarding
militia stores and the jail at Easton; from about August 1, 1781, served two months as substitute for his father, was under Captain Lewis Stacker and was engaged in protecting the inhabitants against the Indians. 

[handwritten note in bottom margin]
N. soldier's deposition, his father was referred to as John P. Kessler but I did not use it as family record gives name as George Peter Kessler.
Page 11

George Peter Kessler was allowed pension on his application executed August 23, 1833, at which time he was living in Plainfield
Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

He died July 9, 1836.

He married December 11, 1785, Elizabeth Correll who was born May 22, 1762, in Springfield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of Philip Correll. Her mother was "Maria Engel
born Schuck". Said Elizabeth was baptized May 9, 1762, "in the Reformed religion" and the sponsors were Peter Conrad and Maria
Elizabeth Schaefer.

The pension due Elizabeth Kessler as the widow of George Peter Kessler was allowed on an application executed April 30, 1852, by
Philip Keller of Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

In 1852 the widow was living with "a maiden daughter," her name not given, Elizabeth Kessler died May 4, 1852.

In 1852 Philip Kessler was referred to as one of her sons.

In 1833 one Philip Correll was living in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 12

27.715
George P. Kessler

Adm C. Months
$

Hon. D. D. Wagener
H. R.

[following text is crossed out]
R. Brodhead Jr. Esq.
Easton, Pa.
Page 13

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,


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

A Statement, shewing the service of George P. Kessler

Period when the
service was
rendered.

Duration of the
claimant's service.
Years.
Months.
2
2
2
Days.

Rank of the claimant.
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.

Proof by which the declaration is supported.

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 14

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:

This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers, all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [sic] or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.

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

On this --- day of --- personally appeared (a) before --- A.B. a resident (b) of --- in the county of --- and State, Territory or District of --- aged (c) --- years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) --- , with --- and
served in the --- (e) regiment of the --- line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

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

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.

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

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this --- day of --- &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the ---and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with --- , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ---
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the --- and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the --- and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, --- Clerk of the Court of --- do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of --- for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this --- day of ---& c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

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

1. Where and in what year were you born?

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

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

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

5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general  circumstances of your services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

----------------------------
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.

[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.

[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.

[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.

[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination 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 of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grade: For --- year --- months, and --- days, I served as a ----. For --- year --- months, and --- days, I served as a ---; and for such service I claim a pension." 

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [italics] about three or four months, [end italics] 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.

[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.

[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.

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

Proof of Service.

[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

|,/* The notes from [a] to [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.
Page 16

1932. Sept. 23. hist to Mrs. John Rye MCS

1936 Dec. 10 Hist to Mrs. Alberta A. Chapman MCS

Rev War
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 212X
Elizabeth Kessler
Widow
George P. Kessler
The Rev. War
---
Act: Feb. 2. 1848.
Index:--Vol. A, Page 390 
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 17

No. 85, Northampton, ss {seal]:

I do hereby certif[y] that Peter Kessler of Plainfield Township, hath Voluntarily
taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance
and fidelity, as directed by an Act of
General Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed
the 13th Day of June A.D. 1777. Witness
my hand and seal the 18th day of May
A.D. 1778. [illegible--Lewis S?]

Lewis Stacker
Page 18

If the widow was married to the soldier
as early as 1800 she will be entitled to a
pension--and I send you the following forms for
for your guide--
Page 19

(Copy)
Treasury Department.
Third Auditor's Office
May 5, 1840.

Sir,

The Treasurer of the United States will remit to the widow of George P. Kessler, dec'd late a pensioner on the Philadelphia roll, per
Act 7 June 1832, to your case, the sum of $7 00/100 being his pension from 4 Mar to 9 July 1836, the day of his death, for which she will be pleased to forward her receipt to this office.

I am, Sir, your
Obedient Servant
P. Hagner
Auditor

H. E. Wolf, Esq.
Easton, Penna

Note--The rate of the above pension is $20 per
annum.
Page 20

Neodesha, Kansas,
Nov. 22 - 1936.

Veteran's Administration
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:

Will you please send me information concerning Peter Kessler, a Revolutionary War soldier who enlisted in Pennsylvania (Lancaster, York, or Northampton Co.) and died in Ohio. Did he receive a pension and what family data is on record in your office.

Thanking you for kind attention,

Respectfully yours
(Mrs) Alberta A. Chapman
615 North 8th St
Neodesha, Kansas


[seal] Received No 27, 1936
Page 21

September 23, 1932

BA-J/MCS
George Peter Kessler
W. 2127

Mrs. John Nye
Neodesha
Kansas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter of September 10, 1932, requesting information in regard to Peter Kessler, a soldier of the Revolution.

The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, W. 2127, based upon the military service of George Peter Kessler, the only soldier of that name
that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

He was born October 14, 1761, in Europe" in the principality of Salm Kirnburg in Weierbach. He was the son of George Peter Kessler and Catharina whose maiden name was Schmidt.

The first mentioned George Peter Kessler was baptized October 15, 1761, "in the Lutheran religion" by the Reverend Joh. Theodor Lichlenberger. The sponsors were Peter Schlemmer, Andreas Zang, Maria Schmidt and Dorothea Brusinsin".

While living in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted and served with the Pennsylvania troops as follows: in 1778, during the harvest, served two months as substitute for his father, was under Lieutenant Jacob Shouse and
was engaged in guarding militia stores at the junction of the Lehigh and Delaware Rivers; during the next harvest he served two
months as substitute for his father, was under Captain Lewis Stacker and was engaged in guarding militia stores and the jail at
Easton; from about August 1, 1781, served two months as substitute for his father, was under Captain Lewis Stacker and was engaged in
protecting the inhabitants against the Indians.
Page 22

He was allowed pension on his application executed August 23, 1833, at which time he was living in Plainfield Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

The soldier died July 9, 1836.

He married December 11, 1785, Elizabeth Correll who was born May 2, 1762, in Springfield Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of Philip Correll. Her mother was "Maria Engel
born Schuck". Said Elizabeth was baptized May 9, 1762, "in the Reformed religion" and the sponsors were Peter Conrad and Maria Elizabeth Schaefer. 

The pension due Elizabeth Kessler as the widow of George Peter Kessler was allowed on an application executed April 30, 1852, by
Philip Keller of Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

In 1852 the widow was living with "a maiden daughter", her name not given. Elizabeth Kessler died May 4, 1852.

In 1852 Philip Kessler was referred to as one of her sons.

In 1833 one Philip Correll was living in Bethlehem Township, Northampton County, Pennsylvania.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

[PENCILED NOTE IN LEFT MARGIN]
See original record where [illegible] with and Philip Keller. [illegible] application [illegible].
Page 23

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Kessler, widow of Geo. P.
Northampton County and State of Pennsylvania
act of July 1838

Claim, ("original," {BEGIN STRIKETHROUGH] or "for increase" [END STRIKETHROUGH])

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Husband was a pensioner.
Record proof of marriage

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Hon R. Brochead
U.S. Senate

S. Cole
Examining Clerk.
Page 24


Treasury Department
First Assistant Office
March 10th 1852.

Sir

In reply to your inquiry of this date I have the honor to inform you that the [illegible] of pension [illegible] in the case of George P. Kessler dec'd has been passed to his neighbors. For the particulars of the payment,  I refer you to the inclosed copy of [illegible] letter from this office dated May 5, 1840.

With [illegible] respect
Your ob'd servant
Jno. S. Gallaher
[illegible]

Hon. M. M. Dimmick
House of Representatives
Page 25

No 14. 587
Elizabeth Kessler
widow of George P.
Pa
Act 7 July 1838
Married 1783

He died 9 July 1836

 [illegible] 6 [illegible] $20 per
ann. (orig. 9 July 1836 [illegible])
38
434411
48

Payable to Philip Keller, Committee

Respectfully ref'd to the Comm'n of Pensions

Hon Richard Brodhead
U.S. Senate
Payable May 13, 1852
Phila
Page 26

Easton Pa. May 7. 1832

Sir

Enclosed you will receive the application of Philip Keller, Committee of Elizabeth Kessler, widow of George P Kessler, a Soldier of the Revolution and until his death a pensioner.

M Keller tells me that she lives with a maiden daughter and that they never knew until within a year past that she was entitled to a pension, and then they were delayed acting on account of her lunacy. Mr Keller, however. accepted the Committeeship, and has made this Declaration which please transmit, 

Philip Kessler, one of the Sons, informs me that you were the attorney for the father when he applied for his pension--Philip Keller the Committee, is a son of Judge Keller. If you recollect Mr Kessler the elder, you will please certify of his respectability to the Dept.

I also enclose a translation of the Doubschein made by our Register of Wills, Sam. Sigfried.

Respectfully Yours
Charles Brodhead

Hon. R. Brodhead
U.S. Senate,
Page 27

A. C. MENDENHALL
Phone, Chanute 151


JOHN NYE
Phone, Neodesha 724

MENDENHALL & NYE
Drilling Contractors
Neodesha, Kansas 

Sept 10-1932
Bureau of Pension
Washington DC

Dear Sir:- kindly give me records
of service of Peter Kessler in Rev War from Northhampton [sic] County Penn
including wife maiden name and
any mention of children

Yours truly
Mrs John Nye

[SEAL] Received Sept 13, 1932
Receipt service
Pension files sub-division
Page 28

2 [illegible] 15
George P. Kessler
Page 29

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Northampton

On this nineteenth Day of October on
the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty three Personally came Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said County Jacob Kester (whom I hereby certify to be a man of credibility and good moral character and his statements entitled to Credit and Belief) who being first duly sworn according to Law did depose and say that he is well acquainted with
George P Kessler of the Township of Plainfield who is about making application for a Pension that he will know that in the year 1778
he rendered his Country Service by watching the militia stores at Easton in said County, that he saw him standing guard and he will remember that he in the next year guarded the Gaol at the Same place, he saw him, he has frequently heard of his rendering other
service and Believes he did, at least he Bears that reputation he says in the neighborhood
Sworn & Subscribed
this 19th Day of October
AD 1833 Before me
C. L. Ehrle
J P.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
County of Northampton

I William L Sebring Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas of the County of Northampton Do hereby Certify that Charles L Ehrle Before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at the time thereof and still is an acting Justice of the Peace Duly Commissioned and qualified to act and that full faith and Credit are due and of right ought to be given to all his official acts as such and that the signature C.L. Ehrle set is the genuine
signature of the said Charles L Ehrle.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Easton this twenty second day of October A D 1833.

Wm L Sebring
Prothy
Page 30

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the Investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogation 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 Thomas Pomp who has signed the preceding affidavit is a Clergyman Residing in the Borough of Easton and that John Philip Corryell is a resident of the Township of Bethlehem in said County and is well acquainted with the said applicant and is a Credible person and that their statements are entitled to Credit and Belief

Garrick Mallen
Pres Judge
Jno.  Cooper a Judge
Daniel Wagener a Judge

I William L Sebring Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County Do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George P Kessler for a Pension

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
Hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this
Twenty third day of August A D 1833
Wm Sebring Prothy
Page 31

E. C. Dale, Pension Agent
Phila June 14 1883

Asking for instructions, in case of
Elizth Kessler, deceased
Act 1832, 1843, 1844 & [illegible]
Page 32

Pension Agency,
Phila June 18, 1852

Sir: On the 13th May, 1852, Certificate of pension at $20 per annum, under Acts of 1838, 1843, 1844, & 1846, were issued to Elizabeth Kessler, payable to Philip Keller, her Committee. Power of attorney &c from said Committee, claiming payment, have been presented to me, from which it appears that Elizabeth Kessler died on the 4th of May, nine days previous to the issuing of the Certificates. Is the Committee to be considered the "legal representative" of the deceased, or will it be necessary for letters of administration to be taken out?

The papers presented do not state whether my children survive the deceased. Please instruct me as to the rule in the case of death of a widow pensioner leaving no children. The
decision of Secretary Marcy, 21st April 1845 (Pension Laws," &c. p. 132) and that of A Attorney Genl. Mason, 14 July 1846, (Idem. p. 158) seem to be that in such a case the pension cannot be drawn although the certificate issued Dec. 15, 1851, in the name of Amelia Prall, decd., Act 1838, 1843, & 1844, makes the pension  payable to grandchildren

I am, very respectfully
your obt servant
E. C. Dale
Pension agt.

J.E. Heath, Esq
Comm'r of Pensions
Washington City
Page 33

9. 213
Pennsylvania

Eliz'th Kessler
widow of Geo. P.
who was a private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13
day of May '52 and sent to
Hon R. Broadhead [sic] U.S.S.

[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844.]

Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2
Page 110
Page 34

11322
Pennsylvania
Eliz'th Kessler
widow of Geo P
who died on the 9 July 1836
of --- in the State of ---
who was a priv in the ---commanded
by Captain --- of the --- commanded
by --- in the -- line for ---

Inscribed on the Roll of Phila. 
at the rate of 20 Dollars --- Cents
per annum, to commence on the 9th day of
July 1836

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of
May '52 and sent co Hon. R. Brodhead, U.S>S.

Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838.

Recorded by R. McRae, Clerk,
Book D, Vol. 1, Page 223
Page 35

W 55. Feby 16. 1839.
Pension Office
Mr Evans
Page 36

Easton February 13th 1839

Sir: 
I enclose herewith the Original Certificate of the Department in favor of George P. Kessler for a Pension, together with the Certificate of the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County that the said George P. Kessler died on the 9th of
July 1836 leaving a widow named Elizabeth Kessler. The said widow is still living in Plainfield Township in this County, and is anxious to draw the Pension, or so much thereof as she may be entitled to, of her late husband, and to be on placed upon the
Pension roll under the act of 1832 or 1836. The evidence heretofore furnished to the  Department in the case of her deceased husband, it is presumed, will enable you to determine whether her case will come under either of those Acts.

I am not certain whether the certificate of the Prothonotary enclosed, contains all the Evidence the Department may require as to her identity. The evidence furnished to the Court was full and satisfactory, and if necessary a certified copy under seal of the Court will be furnished to the Department. The applicant is an aged lady living some miles from this place,
is poor, and would be much benefitted by an early attention to her case.

I have the honor to be
Respectfully, 
Your Obt. Servt.
H.E. Wolf

The Hon'ble
The Secretary of War
Page 37

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office
May 4th, 1840


Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, The widow of George P. Kessler, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Philadelphia Agency, at the rate of
of Twenty Dollars and---  Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the
4th of March to the 9th July 1836, the day of his death.

Respectfully, yours,

Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.