Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 3,572, Zachariah Fisher, Penn.
Page 1

(3—1776)
SERVICE
Penn.
Fisher, Zachariah
Margaret
NUMBER
R.3572
B. L. Wt.91503-160-55
Page 2

298.624 act Mar 8/55
Mar 14/59
Margaret Fisher wid of Zachariah ["Frederick" crosseed out] Fisher Decd.
Private
Ser. not in mos.
Revolutionary war
[illegible] Dec. 23d/59
Boynton
Specl.
B.
Ohio Sus June 27th 32
Sus 38
J. K. Folsom Esq
["Hampton" crossed out]
Braceville, Ohio
Trumbull Co.
To I. Folsom
"  "  "  Sep 22nd 59
[?] F page 64
Page 3

State of Ohio } Ss
Portage County}   On this 13th day of May AD 1839 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Margaret Fisher aged Eighty seven years a Resident of Palmyra Portage County and State of Ohio after being duly sworn according to law doth upon her oath declare that she is the widow of Zachariah Fisher late of Palmyra Portage County and State of Ohio deceased who was a private soldier in the Company Commanded by Captain Eliott in Regiment of Pa malitia [militia] Commanded by Colo Purdy in the war of the Revolution that her said Husband was called into Service at Tuscarora Miflin County and State of Pennsylvania on or about the ___ day of ________ AD 1776 or 1777 for no deffinite [definite] period and continued in actual Service in said war for the term of near three years and that he was Honourably discharged at __________ on the day of ____________ AD 1779 or 1778 as will appear by the muster rolls of said
Page 4

Company. She further states that she was Married to the said Zachariah Fisher at Tuscarora[,] Miflin[sic] County and state of Pensylvania[sic] the 30 or 31st day of January AD ?1793 by one Joseph ?Mc? a Justice of the peace and that her name before her Said marriage was Margaret McDaniel that her husband the said Zachariah Fisher dcd of Palmyra Portage County ? on the 20th day of April AD 1835 and that she is now a widow that her Said Husband, deceased, made application for a pension about the year 1833 or 1834 from Palmyra Portage county aforesaid the Act of June AD 1832 but before the pension was obtained he dide[sic] as aforesaid
                           She makes this declaration for the Purpose of Obtaining the Pension to which she may be entitled under the act of Congress approved ?? 185? and she hereby appoints and constitutes J.K. ?Fo? Hambden[,] Geauga county and state of Ohio her true and lawful attorney to ?obtain what ever there may be due her from the Government of the United States by way of Pensions for the Service of her said husbands Service.
            Margaret her X mark Fisher. [seal]
 Witness David Johns
                William Rowland
Page 5

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]  

Sworn to and Subscribed before me on this 13 day of May A.D 1854 and I certify that Margaret Fisher is a [illegible] that I have been acquainted with [illegible words] number of years and that I know her to be a person of truth and [illegible] and I further certify that Margaret Fisher has always by the community been known as the widow of Zacheriah Fisher and the death of the said Zachariah and that I have no interest in this claim

David Johns Justice the peace

State of Ohio	
Portage County   Ss 

Be it known that before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared William Rowlands to me well known to be a person of truth and veracity
who being by me duly sworn according to law, states that he is personally aquainted with Margaret Fisher the widow of Zackaria Fisher late of Palmyra, Portage County, Ohio, now deceased, who now makes application for a pension, that he knows that she is the identical person she represents here to be that he was well aquainted with said Zackaria in his life time and
decease and the said applicant was living together as Husband and wife, and was reputed as such
Page 6

[top portion written in pencil totally illegible]

The State of Ohio,
PORTAGE COUNTY,} I, EDMUND BOSTWICK, County Clerk, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Portage and State of Ohio, do hereby certify that David Johns Esquire,  before whom the foregoing and annexed affidavits was taken, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Law in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and to all whose official acts, as such, full faith and credit are due, and that the foregoing signature purported to be his, I believe to be genuine; and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged as required by the statues of this State.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Ravenna, this 16th day of May A.D. 1859

E Bostwick Clerk.
By H.M Clark Deputy Clerk.

(stamp PENSION OFFICE MAY 29)[rest is illegible]
Page 7

State of Ohio
County of Portage}SS.

On this Twenty first day of February A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-nine, personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Margaret Fisher aged Eighty seven years, a resident of [illegible] PORTAGE Co in the State of Ohio who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Zackariah Fisher who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Elliott in the Regiment of Penn. Militia command by Colonel [illegible]  in the (all crossed out: war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812. ) Revolution that her said husband enlisted  [illegible] at [illegible] on or about the day of A.D. 1776 or 1777 for the term of no definite period and continued in actual service in said war for the term of [illegible] and was honorably discharged at   on the   day of   A.D. 1779  or  1800 as will appear by the muster rolls of said company.  
She further states that she was married to the said Zackariah Fisher in [illegible] on the 27 or 28 day of January A.D. 1793 by one Josephus Wilson a Justice of the peace and that her name before her said marriage was Margaret McDaniel: that her husband died at [illegible] on the 20 day of April A.D. 1835 and that she is now a widow.  She also [illegible] there is no record of said marriage to her knowledge.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the "act approved March 3, 1855," and she Hereby authorizes J K Falsom  [illegible] Ohio, to receive said warrant as her attorney.
Margaret X Fisher

We Josephus Wilson and Austin Wilson residents of [illegible] PORTAGE County Ohio in the State of Ohio upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Margaret Fisher in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; and that she is now a widow; and we swear we are disinterested witnesses.
Josephus Wilson
Austin Wilson
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written; and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and that I have no interests in this claim.
David Johns, 
Justice of the Peace.
Page 8

STATE OF Ohio
PORTAGE County, } SS.

On this day of February A.D. 1859, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and for the State and County aforesaid Josephus Wilson and Austin Wilson residents of the County of Portage in the State of Ohio who being duly sworn according to law, declares that Margaret Fisher is the widow of Zachariah Fisher deceased, who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Eliot in the Regiment of Penn Militia commanded by Col. _Perde in the Revolutionary War.  That the said Margaret Fisher was married to the said Zachariah Fisher deceased at Mifflin in the State of Penn A.D. 1793, by one Joseph McKellen a Justice of the peace that the name of said Margaret Fisher before her marriage aforesaid  was Margaret McDaniel that her husband the said Zachariah Fisher died ate Palmyre Portage OH on the [illegible] 20th day of April A.D. 1833, and that she is still a widow. That* we were personally acquainted with the said Zachariah [illegible] for the said Forty years, [illegible] being near neighbors and  have heard said Zachariah State a great many things what happened in the time that he was in the Militias service.
Josephus Wilson
Austin Wilson

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 21st day of February 1859, and I hereby certify from personal knowledge that Josephus Wilson and Austin Wilson are credible witnesses.
David Johns
Justice of the Peace.
reason upon which their evidence is founded. When the following  they were well acquainted with the parties in the life time of the said Husband, deceased,  and No of years are  known them to live together  as Husband and Wife and they were so addressed and reputed in the vicinity where they resided and that they have always understood by the evidence  and others that he died about the time as stated by the applicant.
Page 9

Justice of the Peace
[illegible]
The State of Ohio,
PORTAGE COUNTY} I, EDMUND BOSTWICK, County Clerk, and Clerk for the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Portage and the State of Ohio, do hereby certify that David Johns Esquire, before whom the foregoing and annexed Affidavit was taken, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly commissioned and sworn, and to all whose official acts, as such, full faith and credit are due, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine; and that said instrument is executed and  acknowledged as required by the Statutes of this State. 
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of said Court, at Ravenna; this 22d day of February A.D., 1859
E. Bostwick Clerk.
By       Deputy Clerk.
294.264
Page 10

31.579
Zachariah Fisher
Ohio.


clk
Page 11

The State of Ohio  }
Portage County ss }

On this Second day of September AD 1833 personally appeared before the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio Zachariah Fisher a resident of Palmyra, Portage County, and State ofOhio, aged Seventy eight 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 theAct 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- I volunteered, under Captain John Elliot at Milford, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (now called Mifflin County) the first of August 1778, and marched to the relief of Freeland Fort, in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania , which was then besieged by the Indians— My Lieutenants name was Abram Wilson and Colonel Smith, of Carlisle commanded us— We remained at Freeland Fort but a short time, the Indians having taken it and we pursued after them as far as Lycoming Creek on the Susquehanna, when we gave up the chase—I continued to act as an Indian Spy, or Woodranger, ranging between Huntington Pennsylvania , and the West branch of the Susquehanna, from this time to the close of the War— A considerable part of the time I was in the Company of Militia Commanded by Captain Andrew Ferris Colonel James Purdy—Our officers were frequently changed and frequently we had none at all—turning out, and pursuing the Indians at a moments notice, without any regular order— I was in several Indian battles, or wood fights, but none of sufficient importance to be transmitted in history—My whole service was in the Indian spy, or Ranger Service, sometimes attaching our selves to the Militia who were called out for some emergency—
     Where, and in what year were you born?
     I was born in Amwell Township, Huntingdon[sic for Hunterdon] County New Jersey, in 1755–
      Have you any Record of your age, and if so where is it?
       I have none—
       Where were you living when called into Service— where have
Page 12

you lived since the Revolutionary War— and where do you now live?
         I was living in Milford Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania , where I resided until I came to Palmyra Portage County Ohio, here I now reside—
          How were you called into the Service— were you drafted did you Volunteer— or were you a Substitute? and if a Substitute for whom?
          I volunteered into what were called Indian Spies, or Woodrangers-
          State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the Troop where you served—Such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your Service?—
           There were no regular Troops with those I served with— there was a Militia Regiment, I sometimes served with in the Indian Sevice, Commanded by Colonel James Purdy—
The general circumstances of my Service were a continued series of Indian Warfare from August 1778 to the close of the War in 1783–
           Did you ever receive a discharge from the Service, and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
            I received a written discharge from Captain Elliott when I left the Service after the pursuit of the Indians from Freeland Fort, which I sent on to Philadelphia for the purpose of drawing my pay, this being the evidence of my service— I continued immediately on in the Service, but never received any other discharge—
          State the names of some of the 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 Reverend James McKelvy, and William N. Merwin and many more—
                       Zachriah[sic] Fisher

Sworn and Subscribed  }
the day and year aforesaid  }
        Geo. Kirkum Clerk.
Page 13

Mr. James McKelvy[sic] a Clergyman residing in the Township of Palmyra, Portage County Ohio, and William H. Merwin, and Joseph Lewis— — — residing in the same place, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Zachariah Fisher who has Subscribed, and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that we believe him to be Seventy eight 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—
          James McKelvey Minister of the Gospel
          Joseph Lewis
          Wm F Merwin

Sworn to and subscribed }
the day and year aforesaid }
Geo KirKum[sic] Clk.                }

The State of Ohio }
Portage County ss }

I Lucius V Bierce of Ravenna Portage County Ohio, do certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named James McKelvy[sic], William N Merwin, and Joseph Lewis— that the said James McKelvey is a clergyman, and that all of them are men of truth and veracity— Lucius V. Bierce—
Sworn to, and subscribed
this Second day of September
AD 1833– Geo KirKum[sic] Clerk.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after pulling the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department, that the above [inserted:named] applicant was a revolutionary soldier and Served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that James McKelvey who has signed the first of the preceding certificates is a Clergyman resident in the Township of Palmyra in the County of Portage that William S. Merwin & Joseph Lewis who have subscribed the same certificate aforesaid are also residents in the Township of Palmyra aforesaid. that Lucius V. Bierce who has signed the Second of the foregoing certificates is a resident in the Township of Ravenna in said County. that they are credible persons and that their Statement is entitled to credit—.
          I Geo. KirKum Clerk of theSupreme Court of the State
Page 14

of Ohio within and for the County of Portage in said State do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Zachariah Fisher for a pension—
     In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this second day of September Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty three
                    Geo. KirKum [sic] Clerk—
Page 15

31.579
Zachariah Fisher
Ohio.

rejected.


Lucius V. Bierce
Ravenna. Ohio
Page 16

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,

Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832 [illegible] 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 subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace,(thus:}).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A STATEMENT, shewing  the Service of

Period when the service was  [illegible]
August 1. 1778 to the close of the War.

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

Rank of the Claimant.
Private

Names and rank of the Field Officers under whom he served.
Col. James Purdy
Col. Samuel Lyons
Col. Arthur Buchannon

Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
Age 79-Milford, Cumberland County Pennsylvania

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Oath of Claimant-and Thomas Holt who knows of services-[illegible] and James McKelvy, Joseph Lewis, and Wm. P. Merwin as to general reputation.
I am respectfully your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 17

[A page of regulations; breaks added for clarity of transcription.]

2 [Centered, the page #]

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.

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

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

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

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

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

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Page 18

[A printed page of regulations.  Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

3 [Centered, the page #]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  [a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
  [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
  [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
  [d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
  [e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had.  Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: [space] For [space] year [space] months, and [space] days, I served as a [space]; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia &c without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service.  This form of a declaration is highly objectionable.  It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.

  [f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
  [g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
  [k] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
  [l] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has not public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Mode of authenticating papers.  [Centered]

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

Proof of Service. [Centered] 

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

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

  [k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
  [l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
  [m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 19

Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 9, 1878 [crossed out]

[A stamp] REJECTED

3572
P.O.     Margaret Fisher
Service:
              widow of Zachariah

Enlisted:                , 18     .
Discharged:           , 18     .

Application Filed       , 18     . 

Alleges:

Re-enlisted:

Attorney:

P.O.

__________ Recognized.     __________ Contract.
__________ Cert. of Dis.     Searched for       , 18     .
Page 20

[A check mark with a doodle, possibly a capitol letter “B”]

91,5113

100 Acres
Page 21

Additional Evidence
Official business
(stamp PENSION OFFICE MAY [illegible] 1889)
(stamp [illegible] except for number: 298424)
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
FREE
Boynton
Mch 19/59
Recd. May 16/59

(in pencil) Not of Sus.
May 13/89

(next piece of paper looks to be a carbon copy but is very smeared and unable to read)

(next piece of paper) Official Business
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
FREE (stamp HAMPP MAR c)
Page 22

No. 15.509
Margaret Fisher, 
Wid: 
Zachariah.
D.

J.K. Folsom  May 28/59
Let. B.Selley Oct 10: 63
3592

Act 7” July, ’38,
Page 23

No. 31,519
Rejected, did not serve six months in a military capacity
See letter 19 Dec 36 to L. V. Bierce
Let. G. B. Brown May 18/53
“      J. Cole [illegible]/53.
Hon. W. Megill May 26/58.

Act June 1852
298624
Page 24

Hambden Geauga Co. Ohio
May the 19th 1859

Geo. C Whiting Esq. Commissioner of Pensions     Sir I have the honor of presenting the pension claim of Margaret Fisher Widow of Zachariah Fisher Deceased late of [illegible] Portage County Ohio for investigation

Yours truly
J K. Folsom
Page 25

[A round stamp, reading around the edge, then the center]
PENSION OFFICE 1859
MAY 12
Page 26

Hambden Geauga Co. Ohio
Nov 5th  1839

Geo. C Whiting Commissioner of Pensions     Sir you will find inclosed the required proof in the case of Margaret Fisher Widow of Zachariah Fisher [illegible] late of [illegible] Portage Co Ohio and you are referred to the clerks Certificate to the Signatures of Jared Johns which you have in the above application on file at your office

Yours truly
J K. Folsom

Geo. C Whiting Esq
Washington City
Page 27

The deposition of Thomas Holt of Mittan  Trumbull Co  Ohio to identity Zachariah Fisher as a Soldier of the Revolution or  an Indian Spy [illegible] 6

I Thomas Holt of lawful age an my oath depose and say that I am acquainted with Zachariah Fisher of Dalengra County of Portage and State of Ohio- I knew him in the Revolutionary war, I know him to be in the service the principal part of the term during the Indian war I was with him, and marched to the relief of [illegible] Fort, which was besieged  by the Indians in 1778 or 9 in Northumberland County Pennsylvania in  ( now [illegible] by I know that he served under Capt. John Elliot, he was a minute man, and like others of the same beliefs stood in readiness to go at Call, I know that he was generally in active service (with the exception of the [illegible] [illegible] or three seasons, certain and I think longer, the higher officers were often changed, among  the Colonels under which we spent during the three years were, Samuel Lions, James Purdy and Arthur Buchannon-some of the  [illegible] stations to which we were called, were McCormick Fort, an Shawn Creek (now in Huntington County Pa) Potters Fort [illegible] Watsons Fort [illegible] of Penn valley and further the deponent hath not
Thomas Holt
Sworn to and subscribed before me as declared aforesaid the  27th day of Nov. 1834-And I certify that I am acquainted with the above named Thomas Holt, and that he is a person of truth, and veracity-
Hiram Giddings Justice of the Peace
Page 28

298.624
Page 29

Hambden Geauga Co. Ohio
March 1st 1839

Mr George C Whiting Commissioner of Pensions     Sir I have the Honor of presenting to your office for investigation the Bounty Land Claim of Mrs Margaret Fisher Widow of Zachariah } Sir [illegible] I [illegible] he was a Soldier in the War of the Revolution

George C Whitng Esq
Washington City
D.C.

Yours truly
J K. Folsom
Page 30


Palmyra, Portage Co. Ohio
Oct.25th 1853.}

To the Commissioner of Pensions:
Dear Sir,
I am earnestly requested by Mr. James Fisher one of the heirs of Zachariah Fisher to write to you for information in relation to the claim for the Services during the Revolutionary War of Said Zachariah Fisher.
The circumstances are these. Mr O.P. Brown of Ravenna has been duly authorized to investigate and prosecute said claim, upon which business he once it is supposed in connection with other matters of a similar nature (Sir crossed out) visited Washington City; but we have no certain information from him in regard to it.  Mr James Fisher therefore requests me to ask you to write me or him what has been done in the premises and what the  result will be.
Perhaps this may be a little contrary to your usage in relation to claims; but he feels assured from the general disposition to oblige on the part of the officers of the general government and the usual practice of the highly respected John L Edwards who long filled with honor and general satisfaction your honorable position that you will write as requested.
I am yours with respect.
Isaac Coles
Page 31

STATE OF Ohio
County of Portage}SS.

BE IT KNOW,  That before the SWubscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, personally appeared Margaret Fisher aged 87 years, who, being duly cautioned and sworn in due for of law, states that she is the widow of Zachariah Fisher who was a private soldier in the 
[illegible] of the Revolution an came ?? until Eliot Pa ? ? by Col. Purdy
and that she believes that she is entitled to whatever is due, and that the United States are still indebted to her under the laws of Congress, for the  Pension that was due ??? and that for the purpose of investigating and established her claims as aforesaid, she appointed (JAMES HATAHWAY crossed out) J K Folsom of (Charea crossed out) Columbus, Gean County Ohio, her true and lawful Attorney, with irrevocable powers, to examine all papers on file, and my said Attorney is hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint one or more substitutes or Attorneys under him, for the purpose above express.
BY WITNESS WHEREOF,  I have on this 15 day May A.D., 1859 hereunto signed my name and affixed y seals.

Margaret Fisher X her mark

WITNESS:
WITNESS:l

Signed, seals and acknowledged, and sworn to before me; and I further certify that Margaret Fisher has always by the community been known as the widow of Zachariah Fisher ?  Dated on this 13 day of May 1854.

David Johns  JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.
Page 32

[A file jacket, on the right side]

Decr. 9. 1852

Pow: of Atty: in case of Margt. Fisher wid: of Zachariah

Oliver P. Brown
Ravenna 
Portage Co
Ohio

Sent in by the Hon. Eben Newton
A. Rept.

[Illegible initials or marks]
Page 33

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]  

State of Ohio	        }    
Portage County   Ss } 

Be it known that before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized by law to administer oaths personally appeared Margaret Fisher a resident of Palmyra in the County of Portage in the State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law states that She is the widow of Zachariah Fisher of Palmyra in the County of Portage and State of Ohio who was a revolutionary Soldier and that she believes the United States are still indebted under existing laws for the pension that was due under the application heretofore made and that She is directly interested as claimant in the pension for which application was heretofore made as aforesaid and constitutes and appoints Oliver P Brown of Ravina in the County and State aforesaid my true and lawfull Attorney with revocable power to examine into investigate and establish the claim for said pension and do all acts necessary thereto

In witness whereof said Margaret Fisher has on this 11th day November AD 1852 hereunto Signed her name and affixed her Seal

Witness			              her
David Johns		Margaret X Fisher
Gipson Fisher			      mark

[The letters "SS" in a doodle follow Margaret Fisher's name]

Signed Sealed acknowledged and sworn to before me this 11th day of November AD 1852

David Johns J.P.

Washington Dec. 1852 ----- -------

I am personally acquainted with David Johns, whose name is attached to the above Power of Attorney & know him to be a Magistrate at the above date & know the signature to [illegible, blotted out] John Newton M. C.
Page 34

Braceville [illegible] Co Ohio
October the 20th 1859

Sir I herewith present to your office the declaration and evidence in case of Margaret Fisher of Pal[illegible] Portage County Ohio for Bounty land 

Yours Truly 

J. K. Folsom

Commissioner  of pension
Washington City
D.C

[Illegible] Margaret Fisher
Bounty Land Claim
No 298,694

[Two round illegible stamps]
Page 35

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

State of Ohio	     }    
Portage County    } 

On this thirteenth day of October AD one thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty nine personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid John Howk, George Fisher and David Johns, Residents of Palmyra, Portage County, Ohio who being duly sworn according to law declare that

Margaret Fisher is the identical widow of Zachariah Fisher late of Palmyra, Portage County Ohio deceased, who applied for a pension from said Palmer Portage County, Ohio in the year of our Lord one thousand, Eight Hundred and thirty three, the testimony of the witnesses is founded upon the following to wit

They were well acquainted with Zachariah Fisher and Margaret Fisher his wife in the life time of the Said Zachariah decased, and knew them to live together as Husband and wife and they were so considered and Reputed by the community where they lived and that the Said Zachariah Fisher died at Palmyra Portage County and State of Ohio on or about the 20th day of April AD 1835 and that they were present at the Funeral of the said Zachariah and that they verily believe that he died as above stated

and that they are and have been well acquainted with the Said Margaret even since the death of her Husband the said Zachariah and that she has ever been considered and known as the widow of the Said Zachariah Fisher and they further state that she has not again married since the death of her Husband the said Zachariah Fisher.

And that her husband did as they have always understood and belived apply for a pension from Palmyra, Portage County, Ohio in the year AD 1832 or 1833 and they f [illegible due to seal] State that the said Margaret Fisher is [illegible due to seal] ving with her son Gibson Fisher in the  [illegible due to seal] wnship of Palmyra, in the County of Portage and State
Page 36

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

of Ohio, the said John Howk states that he was well acquainted with the said Zachariah & Margaret Fisher some years before they removed from Mifflin County Pa to Ohio and that they were there reputed as Husband and wife and said George Fisher [the word “has” lined out] states that he has been aquainted with them the said Zachariah and Margaret Fisher for the last forty Eight years untill the death of said Zachariah and that he was present when he died, and is living yet in the same Neibourhood with said Margaret and the said David Johns has been aquainted with said Zachariah and Margaret over twenty seven years

And they also state that they one disinterested witnesses

John Howk
George Fisher
David Johns

Sworn to and Subscribed before me on this 13th day of October AD 1859 and I hereby certify from personal knowledge that John Howk George Fisher and David Johns are credible persons and I further state that I am well acquainted with the above named Margaret Fisher and from my own personal knowledge know her to be the widow of Zachariah Fisher late of Palmyra Portage County Ohio deceased and that I have no interest in this Claim
   
David E. Wilson      } Justice of the peace
Page 37

The State of Ohio,	}
Portage County.          } 

[A round, illegible seal to the left of the following]

I, EDMUND BOSTWICK, County Clerk, and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, within and for the County of Portage and State of Ohio do hereby certify that David E. Wilson Esquire, before whom the foregoing and annexed affidavit was taken, was at the time of taking the same a Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and to all whose official acts, as such, full faith and credit are due, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, I believe to be genuine; and that said instrument is executed and acknowledged as required by the Statutes of this State.  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said Court at Ravenna, this 18 day of October A. D. 1859,  

E Bostwick  Clerk    
By H M. Clark Deputy Clerk
Page 38

Braceville Trumble Co Ohio
October the 20th 1859

Sir I herewith [“remit” inserted above] to your office this declaration and evidence in case of Margaret Fisher of [Illegible town] Portage County Ohio for Bounty Land [illegible] timely by [illegible section]

J. K Folsom

Washington City
D. C

[Written vertically]

Mrs. Margaret Fisher
Bounty Land Claim No. 298.624

[Two round illegible stamps]
Page 39

Margaret Fisher
Bounty Land 
Claim No 3.98.624

[A round stamp, reading around the edge, then the center]
PENSION OFFICE 1859
MAY 12
Page 40

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

State of Ohio	     }    Ss
Portage County    } 

on this 28th day of April 1859 personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Martha Crouse, Alexander Scott and Jane Ernest residents of Portage County and State of Ohio who being first duly Sworn according to law declares 

that Margaret Fisher is the widow of Zachariah Fisher deceased  }  late a resident of [illegible] Portage County Ohio   that the Said Zachariah died at [illegible] Portage Co Ohio on the 20th day of April 1855 and that the said Zachariah was Married to the said Margaret Fisher in T[illegible] Penn on the 27 or 28th day of January 1793 by Joseph McKellan a Justice of the peace and that her name before her said marriage aforesaid was Margaret McDaniel [inserted above the words “Commonly Called Peggy McDaniel”] and that said Margaret has never since Married 

that She is [illegible] widow the testamony of the witnesses is founded upon the following to wit they are well acquainted with the Parties in the lifetime of the Said Husband dceased for a great length of time and knew them to live together as Husband and wife and they were So considered in the community where they lived and that they were present at the death of the said Zachariah and that he died at the time and place as that they have above stated

attest

David Jahres
Mary Jones
Nancy Earnest

                              her
Martha H[illegible] X Crouse
                              mark
[The word “Seal” in a doodle]

Alexander Scott   [The word “Seal” in a doodle]

        her
Jane X Ernest [The word “Seal” in a doodle]
       mark

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year first above written and I certify
Page 41

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

State of Ohio,	     }    Ss
Portage County    } 

on this 28th day of April 1859 Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Martha Crouse, Alexander Scott Jane Ernest residents of Portage County and State of Ohio who who being first duly Sworn according to law declares that 

Margaret Fisher is the widow of Zachariah Fisher deceased } late a resident of [Illegible] Portage County Ohio   That the Said Zachariah died at [Illegible] Portage co Ohio on the 20th day of April 1855 and that the said Zachariah was Married to the said Margaret Fisher in [Illegible section] on the 27 or 28th day of January 1793 by Joseph McKellen, a Justice of the Peace and That her name before her said marriage [illegible] was Margaret McDaniel commonly called Peggy McDaniel and that Said Margaret has never since married   

That she is [illegible] widowed the testimony of the witnesses is [illegible] upon the following to wit they were well acquainted with the parties in the lifetime of the said Husband decesed for a great length of time and knew them to live together as Husband and wife and they were also considered in the Community where they lived and that they were present at the death of the said Zachariah and that he died of the [illegible section] as that they above have stated  

Attest
David Jones         Martha                    her
Marcy Jones        [a crossed out name] X Crouse
                                                            mark      
[The word “Seal” in a doodle]

Alexander Scott   [The word “Seal” in a doodle]

                                         [Illegible]
Nancy Earnest              Jane X Ernest
                                         [Illegible]
[The word “Seal” in a doodle]

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year first above mentioned within and I certify
Page 42

Alexander Scott that Martha Crouse and Jane Ernest are cridable persons and I further certify that I am well acquainted with the [illegible section] Margaret Fisher and know her to be the person that she represents herself to be and that I have no interest in this claim

David Johns   Justice of the Peace

Margaret Fisher
Bounty Land
Claim No 2.98.624

[A partial circular seal]
Page 43

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription; this page is badly faded and some sections are illegible]

Parisville, Portage County Ohio
September 30th 1863

Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir

Several years ago Hon O.M. Brown or Shander S. [illegible] of Sha[illegible name & section] employed to make application for a pension for Mrs Margaret Fisher, widow of Zecheriah Fisher for his Services in the war of the Revolution, the application was also made for bounty land, [illegible] no response [illegible] her agent or agent[illegible]   Sir [illegible] a man by the name of Larson [illegible] Campbell or Farmington [illegible] County Ohio made application for her and [illegible] and but no Bounty money, 

You will confer a favor by informing me what action if any have been taken in regard to Pension for Mrs Fisher by either of her agent or by your department   I believe that Mr Fisher was a Private in a Pennsylvania Regiment.  I Suppose that the same testimony [illegible section] procured the Land Warrant would be sufficient to procure the Pension.  You will confer a favor by advising me of what has been done and what can be done in the matter, and what other testimony if any is necessary to receive the Pension, the Land warrant was got about 5 years ago.

Please [illegible at your earliest convenience
Respectfully yours       On behalf of the widow 

Brainard Selby Jr

Direct Brainard Selby Jr Postmaster
Parisville Portage County Ohio

B Selby Jr
Page 44

[A file jacket, on the left side]

Margaret Fisher wid Zachariah
Bounty Land
Frederick
[Illegible]

62.98.624

[Illegible] July 26

[A round stamp, reading around the edge, then the center]
PENSION OFFICE 1859
JUL [Illegible]

Ref May 4/59
Boynton
Mch 19/59
Page 45

[This document is badly faded and largely illegible; breaks added for clarity of transcription] 

Braceville Trumbull Co Ohio
July [illegible] 1859

Sir

I wish to call your attention to the Bounty land claim of [illegible] Fisher widow of Zachariah Fisher [illegible section] to [illegible letter or number].93624 in your Report of [illegible month and day] 1849, your [illegible section] proof of marriage in which [illegible] I have [illegible] to your office [illegible section] the first hand [?] [illegible section] that time I have had no [illegible] & [illegible section] your office not [illegible] have not been [illegible]

You will please to direct to me at Braceville Trumbill County Ohio as I now reside there at this time [illegible section] 

Yours [illegible]

J. K. F[illegible]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
Page 46

Ravenna O. Dec. 10th 1834

J. L. Edwards Esq—

Sir—

Enclosed I return the papers of Zachariah Fisher, an applicant for a Pension __ He having obtained the Affidavit of Thomas Holt, has [illegible] the objections heretofor made to his papers__

If a [illegible] that Hiram Giddings is a Justice of the peace, is wanted, Hon. E. Whittlesey can gtive it, as he is personally acquainted with Esq. Giddings,, and his hand writing__  Mr. Fisher was too have to procure the county Seal__

Respectfully Yours
Lucius V Bierce

P.S.  [Illegible] has acted as Justice of the Peace in many Pension cases from this County, probably no less than [illegible] will be required __ if it should I refer the Department to the Hon. Elisha Whittlesey M.C.