Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 4991, Alexander Hill, Penn.
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Service                                         Number
Penn.           Hill, Alexander        R4991


Contents
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Report in this case of
A Hill an
applicant for a
Pension from Ohio
county Pa.
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I the undersigned Alexander Hill of Ohio county Virginia, give the following as a declaration of my Services as a soldier in the war of the Revolution to wit. I am a native of Franklin county Pensylvania[sic] and lived there during the war of the revolution. I was born may 1. 1755. So Says my fathers[sic] family bible- in December 1776 I volunteered in Franklin county Pa. under Capt John Johnson in a troop of cavalry for [underlined to end of sentence] for Six months if not sooner Sent home. Capt Johnsons company (Rank and file) amounted to about 20 men - Thomas Campbell was first and myself Second Lieutenant of the company. Wm Ramsey was comd - we rendezvoused at Shippensburg Pa. marched to Carlils[sic] crossed the Susquehanna, went on to Lancaster and from Lancaster to Philadelphia. whilst we lay at Philadelphia (about two weeks) Capt Johnson Sent me to General Putman (then commanding at Philadelphia) for orders— he directed our company to cross over into Jersey to operate against the enemy there. Wherever our Services Should be most wanting. - we accordingly crossed the Delaware in the [underlined]?Same flot[sic] with Lord Sterling & James Monroe late President of the UStates[sic]. Went on to Trenton and there encampted[sic], we scouted about Trenton for Some time, and then moved our quarters to Mount Holly, and from Mount Holly we went to Crambury[sic] & there remained for the greater part of the Winter, viz our Scouts whilst stationed at Crambury[sic] we took much plunder from the enemy.- the plunder thus taken was sold and ?under and apportioned among the company. we
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remained in New Jersey until about the first of May 1777 and then returned home after being in actual Service at least [underlined] five months- we were some times engaged in preparing to March and some times returning home, in all not less than 6 months. our tour was called and considered a 6 months tour. I was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant by General Putman. My commission has been long since lost.
     In the first of September 1777 the Lancer company of county before mentioned in which I was 2∂. Lieutenant as before Stated volunteered again for an indeffinate[sic] time, we rendezvoused (about 24 in number) at Little York Pa. marched to Lancaster and remained there until the 12th September, when we marched to Brandy wine[sic] and I viewed the army at that place, our company was attached to Genl Leis[sic] Regt. of Cavalry, we had an engagement with the enemy at Brandy wine[sic] I think on the 15th September 1777 in which my horse was Shot & my Self wounded by a musket Ball passing through my leg Just above the ankle ([underlined ] here Mr. Hill Showed the wound) my wound was dressed by Doctor Stephenson & John Wilkins then Surgeon mate in the army. I lay at a private House until my wound was nearly ?heel∂ and then Joined my company again near German town. On the Same day in which the battle of German town[sic[ was fought our company of Cavalry had a Skirmish with a party of the british[sic] cavalry
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at the Crooked Billet: in this Skirmish I received a flesh wound in the head from a british Saber (Mr.H here exposed this wound) — after this latter affair our company was discharged and went home, after being in actual Service at least [underlined] four months. - in the Battle of Brandy wine[sic] I think Genl. Washington commanded in person, don’t know or rather remember who commanded the british army.
     In the fall of 1777 or 1778 (I can’t Say certainly which) I was appointed by waggon[sic] master Genl. Robert Culvertson—a waggon master & Served in that capacity at Vally[sic] forge. I was ordered with Ten waggons[sic] to Harford[sic] connecticut for clothing for the army. at New  ? for my orders were countermanded. the clothing after which I was then going having been Sent around by water. I returned with the waggons to Vally[sic] forge & remained there during the winter. I was in this latter Service at least Seven months. thus ended my Service — there is no one living by whom I can prove my Services. I make my Declaration in open court. it was written by Mr. Nelson with  whom I make no contract for his Services. the Substance of the Statement here given is that I am as ditacted[sic for dictated?] to Mr. Nelson.    July first 1835.
            A. Hill
     A copy. WG Singleton

Mr. Hill is a man of good character, and of great morals. So Said every one with whom I conversed on that subject
            W. G Singleton
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State of Virginia  }
County of Ohio    } Ss
       On the 18th day of February A.D. 1839 personally appeared in open Court before the County Court of the County of Ohio aforesaid,m now sitting Alexander Hill resident in the City of Wheeling in the County aforesaid in the state of Virginia aged Eighty two years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832,
      That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated: That in the month of October in the year 1776, a volunteer company of Cavalry of which affiant was a member, raised in the then county of Cumberland in the state of Pennsylvania was mustered at Shippensburg by order of Col. Benjn. Blythe the County Lieutenant. the number mustered was about forty. under the command of John Johnson Captain Thomas Campbell first Lieutenant. this affiant second Lieutenant. William Ramsey Cornett[sic] From Shippensburgh[sic] they were marched to Carlisle & thence to Lancaster by the way of Harris Ferry where they were joined by part of a Company of Cavalry from York County whereby their number was increased to upwards of fifty: that they proceeded thence to Philadelphia & there ? themselves to Gen. Israel Putnam of the United States army who was then in command at Philada. at which place affiant received a Commission from Gen. Putnam as second Lieutenant of said troop of Cavalry; that by the order of Gen. Putnam they then proceeded up the Delaware & crossed the same toward the latter part of December 1776 near Trenton into New Jersey for the purpose of scouring the country, watching the motions of & acting against the common enemy to the best advantage. Owing to the lapse of time & the great age of affiant & his consequent loss of memory, affiant cannot now remember dates, or  relate particulars with as much certainty as he could desire; but he remembers crossing the Delaware at the time aforesaid in company with Gen ? & the late James Monroe, then acting as his aid; That the said ?troop was then often employed during the said mo. of the winter & the following
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[Breaks added for the clarity of transcription]

Spring up to the latter part of April as affiant thinks, in traversing the country (New Jersey & watching the [illegible] of the enemy between the Delaware & Raritan, often being at Trenton, Princeton, Mount Holly, Cranberry &c & going as far East as New Brunswick: in which service they encountered many British foraging parties, took a good many horses from the cherry orchards & several prisoners.

Affiant, with a detachment of [illegible] troop under Lieut. Campbell aforesaid, joined Gen. Mifflin at Princeton & was engaged in the battle [illegible] in January 1777.  Returning from that service, affiant with said troop reached home the latter part of May 1777, having been [illegible]  in the service about seven months.  The said troop drew their pay in Philad.a in Continental paper money, 

In August 1777 the said troop of Cavalry was again called upon by Col. Blythe aforesaid, to engage in the public service & they thereupon mustered about thirty of their number at York, Penn.a & proceeding thence via Lancaster, under the same officers herein above named, they joined Gen Anthony Wayne's command shortly before the battle of Brandywine in Sept. 1777, & bore a part in that action 

where affiant had a horse shot under him & received a gunshot wound in his right leg, the scar whereof is yet visible.  Affiant was afterwards in the action with the enemy at a place called the Crooked Willet, near Germantown and the same day at the battle of Germantown, in which action affiant received a severe sabre wound upon his head.

On this occasion Gen. Potter of the Penn.a Militia commanded the detachments of which affiant formed a part.  On this latter occasion affiant was discharged & returned home after about two months service of the United States.

After this affiant acted as Conductor of Wagons and played in the public service for several years.  For near five years he was scarce two months out of the public employ.  And particularly in the winter 1777-8 while the American army lay at Valley Forge, affiant was dispatched with a Brigade of ten wagons, to bring clothing for the army from Hartford Conn:

That proceeding on the expedition as far as the Hudson river at New Windsor, they met a [illegible] consisting about eleven hhds. of clothing, which they conveyed & safely delivered to the army at the Valley Forge. Affiant thereafter employed in various roles, as a Conductor of wagons in hauling provisions & stores for the Army as above mentioned the principal part of the time for near five years.
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In answer to the interrogatories propounded by the Court. He states, on oath, That he was born on the 1st day of May 1755 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania He copied the record of his age from the Bible belonging to his father, that this copy is in his own Bible now in his possession - that his Father's Bible was received of his [illegible] brother, who is dead and that he knows not where the bible is. That when he was called into the service, he lived near Chambersburgh, [Chambersburg] Pennsylvania, in what was then Cumberland County. That he lived after the Revolution, near Chambersburgh [Chambersburg] until the year
1802, then he moved to Allegheny County, near Pittsburgh, Pa. 
where he resided until about seven years since, when he removed
to Wheeling, Virginia, where he has ever since resided, and now still resides. He was a volunteer in the service of the United States, and was not a substitute for any person. When he was out on the first tour he was under Col. Thompson, who commanded a Troop, which march from Lancaster to Philadelphia. When he was out on the second tour in the latter part of the year 1779 - he thinks he was under the command of Col. Lee of Virginia, a part of the time. Does not now recollect the names of any other officers except those already above mentioned. He received a commission as second Lieutenant signed, he thinks, by General Israel Putnam.
The Commission has been destroyed by time or accident
Does not know of any person living who can prove his service in
the Revolutionary War.
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. 
A. Hill
We William Armstrong, a Clergyman, residing in the City of Wheeling County of Ohio, and Redick McKee, James Cargill & James Baller, residing in the said City and County, and Archibald Woods residing in the County of Ohio aforesaid, hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Alexander Hill, who has subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be Eighty one 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.
Wm Armstrong
Arched [Archibald] Woods
Redick McKeel
James Baller
James Cargill 
Sworn to and subscribed this 8th February 1837.
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[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

I Archibald S. Todd, a practicing Physician and Surgeon residing in the City of Wheeling, County of Ohio, Virginia, hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Alexander Will who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that I have examined the Scar on his right leg and on his head, and give it as my opinion from their appearances, that the scar on the leg is a gun shot wound, and that on the head is a wound [illegible] by a sword or saber; that I believe him to be Eighty one 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 I concur in that opinion.

Sworn to & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
A.S. Todd

And the Said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interogatories 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 William Armstrong who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman, residing in the City of Wheeling, Ohio County, Virginia, and that Redick McKee, James Cargill, James Baker, & Archibald Woods, who have also signed the same, and that Doctor Archibald S. Todd, who has signed the certificate, annexed thereto, who is a practicing Physician and Surgeon, are residents in the same County of Ohio, and are credible persons, and that their statements are entitled to credit.

Virginia, Ohio County, to wit.

I John McColloch, Clerk of the Court of the County of Ohio, do hereof certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of Alexander Hill for a pension.  

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this ninth day of February 1837, and in the 61st year of the Commonwealth

Jno McColloch
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39 33943
19 n6y

See
Alex Hill
Va.

Hon. Benj. F. Butler
Acting Secy. of War
Washington
Ca.
Pension Office
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Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

April 11, 1924

Mrs. Earl C. Clark
29 E. Main St.
Le Roy, N. Y.

Madam:
I have to advise you that you are herewith furnished the history of the only soldier of the Revolution named Alexander Hill found on the records of this Bureau.

From the papers in the pension claim, R.4291, it appears that Alexander Hill was born May 1, 1775, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and during the Revolution resided near Chambersburg which was then in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.

He alleged that he served from October or December 1776 for five, six or seven months as Second Lieutenant in Captain John Johnson's Company of Pennsylvania Cavalry and was in the battle of Princeton. 

From August or September 1777 he served for two or four months as Second Lieutenant of said company, and he was wounded in the leg by a musket ball at the battle of Brandywine and wounded in the head by sabre cut in a skirmish at Crooked Billet on October 4, 1777.
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Also he was a conductor of Wagons for the army at Valley Forge and at other times during the Revolution.

In 1837 he was a resident of Wheeling, Ohio County, Virginia, aged eighty-one years. There is no data on file as to his
family.

His claim was not allowed as he failed to furnish specific proof of services as required by the pension laws.

Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner
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FREE

William S. Morgan
Member of Congress
Washington Ca.

[Illegible Postal Stamp]
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Wheeling March 3, 1836.
Hon. Wm. S. Morgan
Dr [Dear] Sir
Some three years ago I prepared for Mr Alexander Hill of this place a Revolutionary Soldier, a declaration & and forwarded the same to the Department in order to obtain a pension. The application proved unsuccessful: but when W.G. Singleton Esqr. [Esquire] U.S. Attorney for the W. Dist. of Va. was here last year, he examined Mr. Hill personally under the instruction from the War Department, (as I understand) of which examination he has made report to the Department.
When R McKee Esqr. [Esquire] of this place was in Washington in January, he made enquiry & could not learn that M Singleton report
had been received, I have seen a letter from Mr. S. dated the 17th ult in which he says, "I most certainly did report to Mr. Edwards my
examination of Mr. Alex. Hill --
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But to remove all difficulty on the subject, I will immediately re-report the case of Mr. Hill & call Mr. Edwards particular attention to it."
I have now to ask you, on behalf of Mr. Hill who is a very worthy man. & yet bears on his person honorable scars, one of which was received at the battle of Brandywine, to make the proper enquiry at the Department to ascertain whether Mr. Singleton's report has been received, & what determination, if any, has been made thereupon.
I have the honor to be very [illegible] 
your mo obt servt [most obedient servant]
Morgan Nelson
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Alex Hill
Va.

Suspended see let to Hon. W. S. Morgan 
March 31. 1838.

Act June 7 1832
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H.R. March 27, 1838.
J. L. Edwards Esqr.

Sir
I herewith return you the original papers of Alex. Hill of Ohio Co. Va
Very respectfully
yours &c
W. S. Morgan
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Wm. S. Morgan
HR
March 9, 1836

Alex Hill
Va.
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House of Reps. March 8th 1835.
Mr. Edwards
Sir
Please communicate to me, as requested in the enclosed letter, as soon as your convenience will permit
I am, Sir,
Most respectfully,
Wm. S. Morgan

J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
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Hon. W. S. Morgan
June 1838
OC
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War Dept
Pension Office
June 6. 1838

Sir,
I herewith return Mr. Nelson's letter in the case of Alexander Hill. The rule evidence in this case which has heretofore been made known, cannot be departed from. This Dept can perceive no reason for the claimants visiting
the seat of government, as any evidence statement he might make during such a visit could but supply the place of that evidence which the rules direct.
It is not in my power to admit the claim, without the testimony of two credible
Witnesses as to his service.
Jh

Hon. W. S. Morgan
House of Ky

Enter thrs. See Va.
Index- Act '32
-No. 33943-
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Alex Hill Va. 19.067
29 Jany 37. EC Wilson
25 Sept. 33 McCulloch
12  "       "  [Illegible] Hoge
3 Oct 33 [Illegible]
18 Feb 07 W. S. Morgan
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H.R. June 2d 1838
Sir,
Alexander Hill of Wheeling Va (in behalf of whom the enclosed was written) is a gentleman of much moral worth, and integrity above suspicion. His Case is one which elicits more sympathy than any in my District, from the fact
that, he is one of the few men who must sustain the "woe" pronounced upon the man of whom "all men speak well" and that he is poor & very needy while bearing honorable sears of wounds
received in defence of his country.
I had the case before the committee but they could not let it in without opening the door for thousands of claims without merit. The Department will confer a great favor on me by
saying whether it would review its decision provided the old man will come & exhibit his years & explain his services.
Very truly your friend, 
W.S. [illegible, Mason? Morgan?]
Dr. Crump
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Mch. 5 -1903 Hist to Mr A.J. Lane
Lawrence Kas.
---
1924 Apr. 11 Hist to Mrs. Earl C. Clarke H.C.S.

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1875 
REJECTED
4991
P.O. Alexander Hill
Service: _____
Enlisted: ________, 18
Discharged: _______, 18
Application filed: _____, 18

[Alleges: - Struck Thru]
[Re-enlisted: - Struck Thru]
The printed list of 1852 gives reasons for suspension as "Two credible witnesses
required in this case"

Attorney: ______
P. O. ______
_______ Recognized.   ________ Contract
______ _Cert. of Dis.  Searched for _______, 18
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29 E. Main St
Le Roy New York
March 1914

[Departmental Stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
E
MAR 12

Pensions Department-
Washington, D.C

Dear Sir:
Would you kindly inform me of an Alexander Hill whose name appears on the Rolls of the Revolution in Continental line, Cumberland, Lancaster, Philadelphia & Washington County Militia ever received a government pension?
Sincerely
Mrs. Earl Clark.
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[Stamped] U.S. PENSION OFFICE. D FEB 24 1903
[Written top left corner] 4991
1012 Rhode Island St.
Lawrence Kansas
Feb 18, 1902
Commissioner of Pensions:
Sir,
Will you please give me the military service of William Hill-a soldier in the Revolutionary war. I think Alexander Hill-his son drew pension. Also find records of "Caster or probably Custer, believe the name was spelled with a u in those days. Can not give Christian names at present.
Respectfully Yours
Mrs. A. J. Lane
Lawrence Kans.
1012 Rhode I. St.
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H.R.
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Pension Office

Alex Hill
Va. Role 
get papers
W,W.
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T&R.(??)  March 12th 1838

Sir,
I beg the favor of you to have the papers of Alexander Hill of Ohio County VA. who ask for a pension, either taken from your files & sent to me, or if that is not agreeable, please have them copied, & forwarded.

Very truly yours &c [?]
W.T. Mogan
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Alex Hill
Va.
Report
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Winchester Feby 20. 1836

Sir

Within the last few days I received communication from Col. Moses C. Good of Wheeling Va Saying that an enquiry at the Pension Office it was replied, that I had made no report in the case of Alexander Hill, an applicant for Pension from Ohio Co Va--   I am perfectly satisfied that I did make a report in the case refern to and can [illegible] it has been recorded-  I now [illegible] report the case, and by leave to ask your attention to it.--  please [illegible] Col. Moses C. Grady of Wheeling Va. on the subject.

I have the Hon to subscribe myself very Respectfully your obt. Servt.

W. G Singleton

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Washington City
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Hono. W S Morgan
Mar 24 1838
Record 7[?]46 [46 circled] page 374
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he
War Dept
Pension Office
March 24. 1838,
hi,
The Resolution of the House of Rept relative to the case of William Lomax W5028, N.C. together with Certified Copies of the papers in the case which you enclosed are herewith
returned and in reply I have to inform you that
or examining the case I discover that my
report to the Secretary War,  dated July 9. 1836. a copy of which I herewith enclose, appear to contain the information required by your letter.
I also transmit herewith the original papers of Alexander Hill, and I will be obliged to you if you will acknowledge the receipt of them. 
I am W.S. Morgan
H.R.
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Col. Edwards
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N.R. March 23, 1838
J.L. Edwards, Esq.

Dear Sir,
As Mr. Rencher is disposed to be very particular in examining both the decision of the Department and that of the committee, it is advised by
several members of the Committee that I should enclose the papers to you & ask that you will glance your eye over them, & write me the history of the case, (in brief) so soon as may be practicable.
I wrote you some time since for the papers, or a copy, which is preferable, in the case of Alex. Hill of Ohio Co. Va. fearing that it may have [illegible], I  beg leave to renew my request.
Truly your friend
W. S. Morgan
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Hon. W. S. Morgan
H. R.
18 Feby 1837
OC
Rec. Vol. 45, Pa[page]. 113
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Depart [Department] of War
Pension Office
feby [February] 18. 1837
Sir
I have examined the declaration of Alexander Hill of Va [Virginia] and have are placed it on the files of the Office
Mr Hill alleges that he joined a volunten [volunteer illegible] in the
State of Penn, in Oct 1776 and served in the same until May 1777 - that soon after he has the joined said Company, it was reported to Genl [General] Putnam at Philada [Philadelphia] by whom he the claimant was appointed [illegible] a Lieut. - that he subsequently was called out at all said Company and served two mos., and after that, to [illegible] in the latter part of the year 1777 he acted as a conductor of public wagons, a which [illegible] he continued, nearly five mos [months] years. The objections to the first [illegible] services are that the militia of Penn, did not serve in times of such a length as is described by the claimant, two mos. was the usual term. and Genl Putnam had nothing to do in making or commissioning the officers of that State, or of the United States, & could not have given him the commission above named. The wagon service is unadmissible [not admissable] [illegible] as much as it was simply the prosecution of a civil pursuit, and not in any manner military service --
I have the [illegible] 
Hon W. S. Morgan
H R