Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11540, for John Steel, Delaware
Page 1

(3-1776)
Service       Number
Del.     Steele, John     W.11540
or
Steele
Ann
Page 2

[pencil] 9,918

Pennsylvania.

John Steel, of Philada Co. in the state of Pennsyla, who was a private in the regiment commended by Colonel Hall, of the Delaware line, for the term of 21 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence o the 11, of April, 1818.

Certificate of Pension issed the 27. of April '19, and sent to Thomas Armstrong, judge, Philada, Co: Penns.

Arrears to 4th of March, 1819. - - 8b.3b. Semi-anl. all'ce ending 4. Sept. 1819       48 "
                                                     $134.36
10 mo. 20/30  4/31   {Revoluntionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
Page 3

Cat to E.E. Law Feb 21, 1843
[illegible]
[illegible] 2, 1831

2537
Pennsylvania
Ann Steel
widow of John Steel decde
who dies on the 10th March 1824
of Philadelphia in the State of PA
who was a Private in the Company, commanded
by Captain Hall of the ~ commanded by ~ in the 
line for 21 Months
Del.

Inscribed on the Roll of Penna
at the rate of ~10 dollars ~ Cents per annum 
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of March
1837 and sent [illegible]
Paynter of Co of [illegible]

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1838                 $525.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar. 39, $  35.00
                                                                    $560.00

revolutionary Claim
Act July 4, 1836
Section 3

Recorded bt D D Addison Clerk
Book A Vol. 2 Page 146
Page 4

Philadelphia County [illegible]
State of Pennsylvania
On this eleventh day of April in the year of our Lord 1818 before me Thomas Armstrong one of the associate judges of the court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia personally appeared  John Steel of the County of Philadelphia who being sworn   
deposed and declared that during the war of the Revolution he served against the common Enemy as a private in the army on the Continental Establishment  - that in the month of March A.D. 1780 at Lewistown [or Lewestown] in the state of Delaware he enlisted as a private in Captain William Perrys Company in the Delaware Regiment commanded by David Hall in the Delaware Line that he continued in the service in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War until the month of December in the year 1781 when he was regularly discharged after having served twenty one months or thereabouts.  That by reason of his recent circumstances in life, he is in need of assistance from his country for support; that he has never received, or been allowed any pension by the Laws of the United States, that he is a [?resident] citizen of the United States & that his discharge long [?preserved] in the course of time & lapse of many years has been lost, that at the present time he don’t [presume the words "know/have" should appear here but do not] any persons who know the facts (caret sign) so well  herein stated is Thomas Edenfield whose disposition is annexed.

[Note:  an unclear character appears under the word “disposition” and above the word “his” which is written below] 
Sworn & Subscribed before
me April 11th 1818                                                         
Tho. Armstrong  

        his
John  + Steel
        mark
 [Note: a crude cross/plus sign clearly appears in the middle the name John Steel as his signature mark]
 
[Note: the name “John Steel’, written directly above, appears in script, similar to the final signature of Tho Armstrong]
Page 5

Philadelphia County

I Joseph B Asbury Prothonotary of the Court of 
Common Pleas for the City and County of Philadelphia do
certify that Thomas Armstrong Esquire before whom the 
within affidavit was made and who has thereto subscribed
his name was at the time of taking thereof and still is an 
associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the City &
County of Philadelphia duly qualified to all whose acts &
such, full faith is and ought to be given as well in County of Justice as [illegible]

In  testimony whereof I have hereto set my
hand and affixed the seal of the said Court
at Philadelphia the thirteenth day of April 
in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and eighteen

[illegible B Anthony [illegible]

Mr Boyo
Correct under the Law
April 16 [illegible]
Pennsylvania [illegible]
SB

Service [illegible]
The Judges certificate
as to [illegible] circumstance
Adm @:

Hon: John C. Calhoun
Page 6

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County [ ]
On this day personally appeared before me one of the judges of the Court of Common plea for the County of Philadelphia Thomas Eddenfield who was sworn in due form of Law and doth now depose and say that he is now upwards of fifty five years of age and for many years past has been a Pilot in the Port of Philadelphia,  that the Deponents Father lived at Lewis Town (Note: Lewiston/Lewistown) in the state of Delaware and he was there born and brought up that he then was well acquainted with William Steele the Father of the within named John Steel the applicant for a Pension.  That his Father & the Deponents Father lived about twenty rads from each other at that time he was intimate in his Family & particularly with the within named John . he remembers well the time he enlisted in the Army -he entered as a Soldier in a company commanded by William Perry which company was attached to a Regiment commanded by David Hall. how long the said John Steel continued with the Army he can’t say but he saw him in Regimental Clothes a considerable time.. The company went by the name [?The] Delaware blues _ the said John Steel is now aged about sixty years or upwards and very infirm in body & stands in need of assistance  .  being destitute of property and
Page 7

unable to follow any kind of business  for a support and from his knowledge the Deponent has of the general character of the said John Steel from his youth up to present time he has every reason to believe that all that has been stated by him in his preceding disposition are strictly correct and true. 
Thos [Thomas] Edenfield 
Sworn and Subscribed 
before me April 11, 1818
Thos [Thomas] Armstrong
I do hereby certify that from the within annexed dispositions and from the examinations by me had in relation thereto and from the knowledge I have of the above Thomas Eddenfield  It appears to my satisfaction that the applicant John Steel served in the Revolutionary war in manner & form as by him has been on his oath stated to me supported by the testimony of the said Thomas Edenfield [?witness] my  [ ] at the city of Philadelphia April 11th 1818
Tho. Armstrong
I further certify, in addition to the above certificate that on the examination of John Steel the within applicant for a Pension he appeared infirm in body and in indigent circumstances; and I believe him to be as abject [/an object]  as stated [two words written as one] to relief from his country 
Thos [Thomas] Armstrong
Page 8

John Steel

9918
[illegible]

Sept 1819

Lennetto DDCathorll [illegible]
Philadelphia
Apr 10 1821
Page 9

Eastern District of Pennsylvania ss.
On this Twenty first Day of July A.D. 1820 personally appeared in open District Court of the United States in
and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania John
Steel aged seventy two years resident in the County of
Philadelphia, in said Eastern District of Pennsylvania, who
being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath declare
that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: That
he served in Col Hall's Regiment and Captain Perry's Company
in the State of Delaware - that his service was principally
performed in the State of Delaware - that his Pension Certificate
is numbered 9.918

And I John Steel do solemnly swear, that I was a resident Citizen of the United States, on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, since that time by gift, sale, or in
any manner whatever disposed of my property, or any part
thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself
within the Provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An Act
to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval
service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War," passed
on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not, nor has any
person in trust for me, any property, or securities, contract, or
debts, due to me nor have I any Income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed

Sworn to and declared on the 21st day of July 1820 in open Court
C. Caldwell Clk. Dist. Ct
John Steel
X his mark

Schedule
And I also declare upon oath that I have no property real personal or mixed except a few necessary Articles of furniture
in value not more than fifty dollars - that my family consists of my wife aged sixty years and that from age and infirmity
Page 10

infirmity we are able to use but feeble Exertions for our support.

Sworn to up Supra
D. Caldwell Clk Dist Ct.

John Steel
X his Mark

I D. Caldwell Clerk of the District Court of
the United States in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto
annexed are truly copied from the Records of the said Court, and
I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the
total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Fifty dollars.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
Hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court
on this Twenty second day of July AD. 1820
and in the forty fifth year of the Independence
of the said United States
D. Caldwell Clk. Dist. Ct.

Eastern District of Pennsylvania
City of Philadelphia ss.

Be it remembered that on the 26th day of January Anno Domini 1821. Before me Richard Peters Esq Judge of the District
Court of the United States personally came and appeared David Corey in open Court and being by me duly sworn on his Oath with
that he is well acquainted with John Steel a Revolutionary Pensioner
who was by occupation a Seaman but now a day labourer, and that
he has carefully examined into all the circumstances of the said John Steel
and that he verily believes him to be entirely dependant on the Pension
which was granted him for his support and according to the best of
Deponents knowledge and belief the sd. John Steel hath not any
Property either Real Personal or mixed except what is mentioned
in the annexed Schedule.
Witness my Hand
David Corey

Sworn to in open Court before me
January 26th 1821. Richard Peters
Page 11

Schedule of John Steel's property
2 Pine Tables                                   $2.0
1 Catail Bed                                       1.50
1 Small Feather Bed & Bed Clothes  8.00
1 Bureau                                            5.0
1 Small Looking Glass                        1.0
7 Old Chairs                                       1.87
1 Lot of Crockery                               1.00
2 Brooms                                           0.37
1 Water Bucket                                  0.25
1 Bible                                               0.50
1 Pr. Hand Irons                                2.00
1 Rug Carpet                                     1.00
1 Shovel & Tongs & 2 Wash Tubs     1.75
Amount $26.24
appraised by David Corey

Sworn to in Open Court before me Jany 26th, 1821
Richard Peters

It appears to me that the value of the Property
mentioned in the foregoing Schedule is twenty six dollars and twenty four cents.

J. D. Caldwell Clerk of the District Court of the United States
in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify
that the foregoing oath and the Schedule thereto annexed are truly copied
from the Records of the said Court - And I do further certify that it is the
opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the Property
exhibited in the aforesaid Schedule is Twenty Six dollars and Twenty Four Cents

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court on this twenty sixth day of January A.D. 1821 and in the Forty
Fifth year of the Independence of the said United States
D. Caldwell Clk. Dis. Ct.
Page 12

District pf Southwark      [squiggle/vertical line appears here]  [Com.th of Penn.[ ]  [ ]
County of Philadelphia 

Mary Cooley of the said District of South-wark in the said county widow aged about forty seven years being duly sworn saith that she is the daughter of John Steele [underlined]of the District of Southwark. That the said John Steele died on the tenth day of March A.D. 1824, leaving his wife and nine children include this deponent. That his said wife Ann Steele is now living and has not married since the death of her husband John Steele, her residence being in the District of Southwark aforesaid. While deponent’s father was living, towards the latter parts of his life, he received a pension from the United States as a Revolutionary soldier at the Bank of the United States in Chestnut Street in the City of Philadelphia and on one occasion deponent went with him to receive his pension and saw him receive it from the Bank of the United States.  The amount deponent saw him receive was forty eight dollars, being his pension for six months.  Deponent often heard her father say that he was a soldier with the Revolutionary war and served under Captain David Hall. Her father lived with his wife Ann Steele at the period of his death and was buried in the Baptist Burial Ground in the said District
Page 13

of Southwark and according to his own statement was about seventy seven years of age.  Deponent’s mother is old and infirm and cannot [?attend Note: this word appears to be crossed out] from such bodily infirmity attend Court. The children of the said John Steele her father now living are as follows, William Steele, Hester Steele, Mary Steele (this deponent), Ann Steele, Elizabeth Steele, Amelia Steele, and Margaret Steele, Peter Steele and Sarah Steele two of his children having died since the death of their father, and two, John and Hester ([?]:Hester) having died before.

Sworn to and subscribed              her
before me this 21st: day        Mary + Cooley     [Note: a cross clearly appears here in the middle the name] 
of June, A.D.1838                           mark 
John Johnsen
[John Johnsen name is underline]  [A squiggle/vertical line appears between the “sworn to  . . .” section and the Mary Cooley name and mark section]
Page 14

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania [ vertical squiggle line} [ illegible two letters]
District of Southwark, County
of Philadelphia
On this twenty first day of June, A.D.1838 personally appeared before me the subscriber an alderman of the said District of Southwark Ann Steele [Note: name is underlined] a resident of the said District of Southwark in the county of Philadelphia and [Note: ‘and” is a symbol] Commonwealth of Pennsylvania aged seventy six years the 11th day of August next who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath [crossed out word] make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the Acts of Congress. That she is the widow of John Steele late of the said District of Southwark deceased who was a Revolutionary soldier and served under Captain David Hall {caret symbol] of Lewistown, Delaware and as such during the latter years of his life received from the United States a pension.  That she was married to the said John Steele on the 31st ; day of March  A.D. 1781-that her husband died on the 10th : day of March A.D. 1824 and that she has remained a widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the proof  [?writs] annexed. 

Sworn to and [Note; and is a symbol] subscribed on the
                                                                                her
day and year above written before me.  Ann  x  Steele. [Note: an x appears in the middle of the name]
John Johnsen                                                       mark
[Note: a vertical squiggle line appears between the  “sworn to  . . .” section and the Ann Steele section]
Page 15

I, John Johnson, Esq. one of the
Aldermen of the District of Southwark
before whom the within depositions were made
do hereby certify that the within deponents
Mary Cooley and Ann Steele are
persons of respectability to whose depositions
credence should be given and that the
said Ann Steele cannot from bodily
infirmity attend Court to make her affidavit
before a Judge.

Witness my hand & seal this 21st
day of June A.D. 1838
John Johnson
-
Pennsylvania,
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, ss.

I, ROBERT MORRIS, Esquire, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, do CERTIFY, that John Johnson
Esq. before whom the annexed deposition
[illegible] and who in his own proper hand.
Writing has thereunto subscribed his name
was at the time also doing and [illegible] of the District of Southwark in the County of Philadelphia to all whose acts as such
full faith and credit are and ought to be given
[illegible] in Courts of [illegible]
In TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court, the twentieth day of June -  eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
Robert Morris
Prothonotary
Page 16

"1809 December 18th -- Hester, wife of Daniel Milborn, Pilot aged twenty-two years -- Their children. Daniel, born 25th March 1807 -- William 23 October 1808 - Mary Wife of Richard Wilson, Ship Carpenter, aged -- their child Sarah [illegible] born 23 May 1806 --
John Steel born 28 July 1808 -- Ann Wife of John Fuller 4th Nov. 1791 -- Elizabeth, wife of William Shellinger born 11th Oct. 1792 -- Note, these four are daughters of John & Nancy Steel -- Cornelia born 14 Jany 1796 -- Mary born 11th Oct. 1797 -- Peter born 11th Nov 1799 -- note, these three are also children of John & Nancy Steel."

I hereby certify that the above is a true
copy from the Book of records of Baptisms belonging to Gloria [illegible]
(Swedes' Church Southwark, that the Rev. N. Collin D.D. was then rector of said church, & that the entry of which
the above is a true copy is in his hand writing
---
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this eighth day of Feby A.D. 1839
-
J. C. Clay
Rector of the above named Church

State of Pennsylvania ss.
On this eighth day of February AD. 1839 personally before the subscriber one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for
the County of Philadelphia the real J.C. Clay who being duly sworn did declare & say that it facts set forth in the above
Certificate are yet to best of his knowledge and belief.
Witness my hand & seal the day year above written
[illegible] Randall
[seal]
Judge Cm Pleas

Philadelphia County S.S.
I, [illegible], Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the City and County of Philadelphia, hereto certify that that
[illegible] Randall, before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, was at the time and still is an associate Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas of the city and County of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified.
Witness my hand and the seal of said [illegible], Feb. 9. 1839
[illegible]
Prothy
Page 17

Names of Heirs of John & Ann Steel who were united in
the holy bands of Matrimony at Lewes, Delaware, Anno Domini 1781, month of March 1st
William Steel was born 15th Decr. 1781
Esther Steel (1st) was born 16th Decr. 1782
John Steel was born 6th Decr. 1784
Esther Steel (2nd) was born 22nd Febry. 1786
Mary Steel was born 18th May 1788
Sarah Steel was born 6th Octr. 1790
Ann Steel was born 4th Novr. 1791
Elizabeth Steel was born 11th Octr. 1793
Amelia Steel was born 10th Jany. 1795
Margaret Steel was born 11th Octr. 1797
Peter Steel was born 4th Octr. 1799.
Mrs Ann Steel being duly sworn according to
her oath depose and say that the above is a true
[illegible] from the family record the same being
[illegible]
Page 18

[illegible]
State of
Pennsylvania
City of Philadelphia ss

On this 19th day of May 1839.
personally appeared before the Subscriber one of [illegible] Court of Common Pleas,
Ann Steel, a resident of the District of Southwark, and County of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, aged Seventy-six and who, being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the
act of Congress, passed July 4th 1836:
That she the Widdow of John Steel
who was a private in the army of the United States and was under the command of Capt.
David Hall, I think about two years; as
not recollect the date of his discharge.
Died March 10th 1824, and was buried in
the Baptist burying ground, Philadelphia.
I have ten children now living, and buried one
about five months ago. I have remained a
widdow up to the present time.

The further declares that she was married to
the said John Steel in the month of March,
1781 (Seventeen hundred and eighty one); that
her husband, the aforesaid John Steel, died
March 10th 1824, and that she has remained
Page 19

a widdow ever since that period
Ann Steel
X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on
the day and year above written
at the residence of the said Ann Steel
being by reason of bodily infirmity incapable
of attending in open Court before
Hon. Randall
3
Judge Com. Pleas
Phila County

[side] Hon L. P[illegible]

Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County ss.
 
I Robert Morris Prothonotary
of the Court of Common Pleas of said County
Do Certify that the Hon Archibald Randall Esq.
before whom the aforegoing declaration on Oath was made and whose his own proper hand writing has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and [illegible] of the Judge of the said Court of Common Pleas is a court
of Record duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and judgment
ought to be assigned as well in Courts of [illegible] herewith.

In Testimony where of I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal
of the said Court
Philadelphia this 21st Janua 1839.
Robert Morris Prothy
Page 20

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
August 6, 1928.

Honorable George P. Darrow
5623 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa.
My dear Mr. Darrow:
In response to your letter of the third instant,
I have the honor to advise you from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 11540, it appears
that John Steel or Steele (son of William Steel of Lewes,
Delaware), while residing at that place, enlisted in
March 1780 and served as a private until in December 1781
in Captain William Perry's Company, Colonel David Hall's
Delaware Regiment.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
April 11, 1818, at which time he was living in Philadelphia
County, Pennsylvania, aged about seventy years. He
died March 10, 1824.
The soldier married March 31 or 1, 1781 at Lewes, Delaware, Ann or Nancy Edenfield, who was born August 11, 1762.
She was allowed pension on her application executed
June 21, 1838, at which time she was living in the District
Page 21

of Southwark, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.
Their children:  Name of heirs of John & Ann Steel

William  born December 15, 1781
Esther (1st) " December 16,1782
John  " December 6, 1784
Esther (2d)  " February 22, 1786
Mary  " May 18, 1788
Sarah  " October 6, 1790
Ann  " November 4, 1791
Elizabeth  " October 11, 1793
Amelia  " January 10, 1795
Margaret  " October 11, 1797
Peter  " October 4, 1799

The following also appears--"1809 December 18- Hester,
wife of Daniel M'Don Pilot, aged twenty-two years- their children- Daniel, born 25th March 1807- William, 23d October
1808- Mary, wife of Richard Wilson, ship carpenter, aged-
Their child, Sarah Ann, born 23 May 1806 -- John Steel, born 28 July 1808- Ann, wife of John Fuller, born 4th November 1791 -
Elizabeth, wife of William Shellinger, born 11th October 1792-  Note, these four are daughter of John and Nancy Steel-
Cornelia, born 14 January 1796- Mary, born 11th October 1797- Peter, born 11th November 1799 - Note, these three are also
children of John and Nancy Steel".
It is stated that this is a copy from the book of
records of baptisms belonging to the church at Southwark.
Mary Cooley (a widow) stated in 1838 that she was the daughter of John Steele, that she was about forty-seven years old, and lived in the District of Southwark.
Very truly yours,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 22

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania;
County of Philadelphia ss.

On this 30th day of December, personally appeared before me the subscriber Augustus DeKalb-Jarx Esquire. as Alderman & justice of the Peace, in for the County aforesaid, Ann Steel, a resident of Southwark in County of Philadelphia & state above named, aged seventy six years on the Eleventh day of August last 1838 -- who being and duly sworn according to law, doth, on her
oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836, viz. That she is the Widow of John Steel, who was a private under the command of Captain David Hall, in the
service of the United States, served about two years - I was married to John Steel, March 31th 1781 by whom I had eleven children. He died on the 10th March 1824, & was buried in the Baptist
burying ground on South 2[illegible] St. Southwark.  I have remained a
Widow from that time to the present. My husband drew a pension on the 4th March 1824 only six days before his death as will more fully
appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.

Ann Steel
X her mark

Sworn & subscribed, on the
day & year above written, before me
A. DeKalb-Jarx 
Ald. & Justice
Page 23

be the undersigned
residents of the District of Southwark, in the Co
of Philadelphia knew, John Steel, late of said district deceased & his widow Ann Steel who is a worthy & deserving woman, and is in our opinion justly entitled to her pension, & is living & residing in said District at the time.

Mary [illegible]

Sworn & subscribed
before me this 31st day of
Dec, 1838
A DeKalb-Jarx
Ald. & Justice
Page 24

County of Bucks, ss.
Personally appeared before the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Bucks in the State of Pennsylvania Mary Steenberge of Bensalem Township in the said County, widow of Abraham Steenberge late of the City of Philadelphia deceased and on her oath taken before me according to law deposeth as follows that she was present at the marriage of her sister Ann and did see her the said Ann [illegible] joined in the bands of matrimony to a certain John Steel, which marriage took place in the State of Delaware some time in the year 1781 and that the said marriage was consummated according to the forms and made on the [illegible] pension.

Mary Steenberge
X her mark
& names witness to signature
George Horner
Lewis Hood

Sworn before me the
15th day of June A.D. 1838
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my seal and subscribed my name 
John P. Hood
Justice of the Peace

Bucks County ss.

I John Hood resident in the township of [illegible] and being one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the- County of Bucks, Do hereby certify to the Character of
Mary Steenberge the deponent in the annexed affidavit that I have lived in the township and her neighbour during the life time of Abraham Steenberge, and until their removal to the City of Philadelphia a space of time little short
of thirteen years during all which term they and she sustained [illegible] and reputable character. In testimony whereof I have this Twenty ninth day of December in
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty Eight affixed my seal and Signature hereunto
John P. Hood (L.S.)
Page 25

Pennsylvania
Bucks County
I Elias Gilkyson Prothonotary of the Court
of Common Pleas in and for the County
Bucks and State of Penn. I hereby
certify that John Hood Esquire
whose name is subscribed to the foregoing
certificate is at this time, and was at
the time of his subscribing the said certificate a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Bucks and State aforesaid duly commissioned and regularly qualified as such, and I hereby believe the signature to be his.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Boylston this first day of January A.D. 1839
Elias Gilkyson
Prothonotary

Pennsylvania
Bucks County Ss
I John Fox Esquire President Judge of
the seventh Judicial District of Pennsylvania composed of the Counties of Bucks and Montgomery
and President Judge and chief Judicial Officer in the Courts
of Common Pleas of and in said Counties, do hereby certify
that Elias Gilkyson whose name is subscribed to the foregoing
Certificate is Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in
and for the said County of Bucks and has affixed to this said certificate the seal of the said office of Prothonotary
of the said Court of Common Pleas and that the attestation
of the said Elias Gilkyson Prothy as aforesaid is in due form
and made by the proper officer and person authorized by law to make the same.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand the second day of January AD 1839
John Fox
Pres. Judge
Page 26

Washington Feb 15th/39

Hon James L. Edwards
Dear Sir I enclose to you
further proof asked for in your letter to
me of the 4th inst in the case of the [illegible] Steel which I hope will be satisfactory
I am
very respectfully
your able servant
L. Paynter
H.R.
Page 27

Washington Jan 29th /39
Hon James L Edwards
Dear Sir I inclose to you
the proof and seal of the Court in the case
of Ann Steel asked for in your letter
of the 12th inst pleas let me [illegible].
I am
very respectfully
your able servant
L. Paynter
H.R.
Page 28

[illegible] H.J. Roding Esq

[illegible] James Burns
Catharine [illegible]
Philad'a
Page 29

Disposition of Gilbert M. Cracken aged about Seventy six years who being duly sworn says that he was well acquainted with John Steele late of Sussex County in the State of Delaware. That the said John Steele on or about the month of March in the year of one thousand seven hundred and eighty one [?in turn ] [?married] with Nancy Edenfield  of Lewis Town [Note: this could also be Lewestown, or modern day Lewes] in [?Sussex] County – and that this deponent was present at the marriage which was performed by the Rev. [?d] Mathew Wilson pastor of the Presby [? eligible mark] Church of Lewis[ remainder of word is missing, presumably “Lewestown”] and further this Deponant saith not
Gilbert M. [?Cracken]
State of Delaware
Sussex County    [??] Be it known to all whom it may concern that on this 15th day of June 1838 personally came before me John [surname] a notary public in and for the county aforesaid Gilbert M. Cracken who being duly sworn says the above disposition is correct and true. 
In testimony whereas [? whereof ] I have [] my hand and  [] the day and year above written. 
John M. [surname]
Page 30

There are no papers of any description in the possession of the Pension Agent relative to the application of John Steele or any other pensioner. They are not necessary to be given the Agents. They are forwarded
to J L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions in all cases when a claim is made in order for a pensioner to avail himself or herself as the case may be of any of the Pension Laws. I presume the papers in the case of the application of John Steele when he got inscribed on the Roll under act of
March 18, 1818, are on file in the Office
of the Court of Pensions. I do not perceive that
it will be necessary to have recourse to these
papers in the application of his widow for a pension.
The proof required by that Department will be
that she was the wife of Steele before
he left the service, & that she was a widow
on the 4 July 1836. (the date of the Act ) & still
remains so.  get a Certificate from some
Court of Record under Seal of these two
facts & forward them to the Court of Pensions
with a letter referring him to the fact that the
last payment was made to 4 March
1834. & I think there will be no
difficulty in some member of Congress going to the Dept & procuring for her the benefits
of the Act of 1836.

[Illegible]
N Orme

To
Jos M Doran Esq
Page 31

Phil. 17 Feb. 1843
Sir

I wish to know whether John Steel [underlined]
[Illegible], a private in the revolution, whose widow Ann Steel of Pen[superscript a].. receives a pension from the U.S. / recorded in the pension office in Book A vol. 2 [illegible markings] 146/ was a soldier in the Pennsylvania Line [underlined].

If so, will you please inform me also what is the cost of a certified copy of the documents, on which such pension was obtained.

It is wanted for the purpose of procuring a pension for the widow from the State of Penn[superscript a].  And an early answer would be much obliged.

Your very [illegible]
[illegible] E. Law

To John C. Spencer Esq
Secretary of War.
Washington
Page 32

Washington Dec 21st - 1838
James L Edwards Esq
Dear Sir you will oblige
me by having the papers of John Steel that
was filed in your office in the month of June
or July last examined with the enclosed certificate
and let me no if the proof are sufficent for
a pension or back pay to the widow of
not what is deficant
I am
very Respectfully yours
L. Paynter
H.R
Page 33

Hon. L. Paynter
HR
Page 34

James Willbank Chape. U.S. Navy
do hereby declare that I knew
John Steel a late pensionary Soldier &
his wife Ann now a widow from my
boyhood as Inhabitants of Lewistown Del.
and since of Philadelphia in that some previous years to 1809 the time of my removal from
Lewistown, their house and the one
adjoining were burnt down & that I have
no doubt that the Bible containing
their family record was then consumed, as stated by the widow.
James Willbank

Phil: 12 Febry. 1839
sworn and subscribed
Feby 12. 1839 Before
John Burns Esq

Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County ss.

I William O. Kline Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas of said County
do Certify that John Burns Esq. before whom the
aforegoing affidavit was made and whom his
own proper hand writing has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and now an alderman in and for the City of Philadelphia
Page 35

and ex officio a Justice of the peace duly
commissioned and qualified to all whose
acts of such full faith and credit are
and ought to be given as well in Courts of
[illegible] as [illegible].

In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
affixed the Seal of the said Court
at Philadelphia this 12th
February 1839.
W.O. Kline Prothy
Page 36

John Steele Pa.  Act March 18, 1818
to what time paid?
Pen. Office Augt 6, 1838

Paid to the 4th March 1824 --
[illegible initials]
Page 37

Washington Jan 5th 1839
Hon James L. Edwards
Dear Sir I inclose to
you the affidavit of Mary Stenbery
in support of the clame of the widow
Steel hoping that every thing in her
Case [illegible] Regular pleas your Communication to me
I am very respectfully yours
L. Paynter
H.R
Page 38

Philadelphia January 23d 1850

Sir

The Widow of John Steel ([illegible] Ann
Steel who recd a pension for the Revolutionary
services of her husband, died some years ago. 
During her life time, she recd five
hundred dollars as a back pension. And, as
he died in the year 1823 or 4 & her
pension commenced on the 4th of March
1831, she always thought during her life time (underlined) that she ought to have recd something nine hundred dollars (all underlined).  Her children have called on me & desired that I should write to your office, to see if there, may not have been an (a) mistake in the adjustment of her claim.  In compliance with their request I have taken the liberty of addressing this letter for your examination. 

Very Respectfully
I remain yours
J B Sutherland

James E Heath Esq
Pension Commissioner
Page 39

J.L. Edwards, Esq
Comr of Pensions
Page 40


To J.L. Edwards, Esq. Comr of Pensions
Sir
I enclose Mrs. Ann Steele (the
widow of John Steele a revolutionary soldier)'s
application for a pension, and by then you
will perceive that her husband received a
pension this lifetime. As Mrs. It is very
old & infirm, it will be an act of humanity
to allow her claim from the period of her
husband's death.
any other proof that
may be required you can inform me
of, as well as address me any letters for
her
Yours respf
Joseph M. Doran
No. 245 South 3d:
It: Philadelphia
June 21st. 1838,
Atty at Law.
Page 41

GEORGE P. DARROW
SEVENTH DISTRICT PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
5623 Germantown Ave.,
Philadelphia, Pa.,
August 3, 1928.
Hon. Winfield Scott,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Commissioner:
I have been requested to endeavor
to secure information concerning one John Steel,
who enlisted as a soldier of the Delaware Line in
Captain Penz's Company of Col. Hall's Regiment
in March 1780 and served until December 1781.
If there is available information
as to the place at which he enlisted, or any other
descriptive matter concerning him, which can be
secured from your records without much difficulty
I would be obliged if you could furnish it to me.
The War Department has advised me
their records are far from complete, that no record
was found of John Steel, and suggested that I
communicate with you.
If you cannot furnish any information
concerning this man, can you advise me where I might
be likely to secure it?

Yours very truly,
George Darrow

D-G
Page 42

It appears from the Pension Roll of the Phila
Agency that John Steele a pensioner of
the Act of 18 March 1818 was last paid
to March 4 1824 & that no further
payments have been made him.
[illegible] Bank Phila
June 20th 1838
[illegible] Orne
Pension Clerk
Page 43

John Steel, private
Phila County, Penna
21 months in Col.
Hall's regt Delaware
line.-
11. April, 1818.
Thomas Amstrong,
Judge,
Philada County
Pennsylvania
Page 44

Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 11540.
Ann Steel
Wid of
John Steel
Privt Rev War
---
Act: July 4th 1836
Index:- Vol. M, Page 24
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1928 - Aug 6 - [illegible] to Hon. Geo. P. Darrow [illegible]
Page 45

Pennsylvania,
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, ss.

I, ROBERT MORRIS, Esquire, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County of Philadelphia, do certify, that A. DeKalb
Farr Esq before whom the annexed affidavits
of Ann Steel, Mary Pearson and Mary
O. Grange were made [illegible] in his own
proper hand writing has hereunto subscribed
his name may at the time [illegible]
an alderman and Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified to [illegible] whose acts as such full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere.

IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the Seal of the said Court, the thirty first
day of December eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
Robert Morris Prothonotary

Pennsylvania,
PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, SS.
I, EDWARD KING, Esq. President of the first Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and
presiding Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Orphan's Court, and Court of General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the County of Philadelphia, do certify that the foregoing Certificate and attestation made by ROBERT MORRIS, Esquire, Prothonotary of the said Court of Common Pleas, whose name is thereto subscribed and seal of office affixed, are in due form, and made by the proper officer.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, the thirty first day of December eighteen hundred and thirty eight.
Edward King President
Judge [illegible] Dist. Penn.

PHILADELPHIA CITY AND COUNTY, ss.
I, ROBERT MORRIS, Esquire, Prothonotary of the Court of Common
Pleas, for the County of Philadelphia, to CERTIFY, that the Honourable EDWARD KING, Esquire, by whom the foregoing Attestation is made, whose name is thereto subscribed, was at the time of making thereof, and still is
President Judge of the first Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and presiding
Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Orphan's Court and Court of General
Quarter Sessions of the Peace, for the County of Philadelphia, duly commissioned
and sworn, to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are and ought
to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere.
IN TESTIMONY whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the Seal of the said Court, the thirty first day of December eighteen hundred and thirty eight
Robert Morris Prothonotary

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