Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8300, for John Sweisshelm, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Pennsylvania
Sweisshelm, John
or Swisshelm
Mary
NUMBER
W. 8300
B.L.W.29016-160-55

-------------------------------------
CONTENTS (blank)
Page 2

[edges mutilated]

Pittsburgh
John Swisshelm
of Pittsburgh in the State of Penna.
who was a Lt. & Pr. in the company command [illegible]
by Col. Dunlap in the Penna. Militia
line for
5 months & 12 days Pr.  18.02
2 " Lt. --- 26.66
$44.68
[equation 18.02 + 26.66 = $44.68]

Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh
at the rate of 44 Dollars 66 2/3 Cents per [illegible]
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the8th day of Oct
1833 and sent to S. Kings
Pittsburgh Pa.

Arrears to the 4th of Septr. 1833  111.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 1834 [checkmark] 22.
$1 [illegible numbers]

{Revolutionary
{Act June 7, 18.

Recorded by D. Brown
[illegible] k E. Vol. 5 Page 90
Page 3

[two-column page]

[left side]
Cu': C. Naylor, Apl. 12 /56

Vol. S2. - 163. 

[right side]
162.455 Act March [illegible numbers]
June 8./[illegible numbers]

Mary Swisshelm
widow of 
John Swisshelm
Lieut:
Pri: [illegible character]

Revolution
Pensioned Act Feby 2./58

Penn Feby 53-4204
AJ: 160 Ac May, 24/[illegible numbers]
[signature] BOYnton
[flourish]

Charles Naylor
Pittsburgh
Pa

[written diagonally over the top half of the right side] No 29016 iss May 29/56
Page 4

[two-column page]

[left side]
16. Feby [illegible]
Voucher for arrears
Bills / 232~50 Due /29~60
[illegible] Sprague

[right side] Increase 4,204
Pennsylvania, (Pitt.)
Mary Swisshelm
widow of John,
dec'd, [illegible] 75
Paid Mch 4 75,
who served in the Revolutionary Pena 
war, as a Private & Lieut

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
96 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence on
the [crossed out: 3d February, 1853] 27 July 1868
Ded. payments made since

Certificate of Pension issued
9th day of January 1869
and sent to Claimant
Wilkinsburg
Alleghany Co
Pa

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 3, 1853, Page 160 Vol. H
J. N. Smith
Page 5

Copied from leaves of Family bible, prior to returning them to 
James Swisshelm} as ordered by Commissioner of Pensions April 7, 1874
Pittsburgh Penn}   (original mailed April 22. 1874)

Marriages  John Swisshelm to Mary Elizabeth Miller, May 6. 1805 by Revd 
Bernard J Brady in Cumberland Co. Pa.

Births ~ Mary Elizabeth Miller - daughter of Melchiah & Rosanna Miller 
Feby 9, 1783 in Dauphin Co

[Table of more Births]
[type of date in columns: 1. NAME - 2. DAUGHTER OR SON - 3. PARENTS - 4. BIRTHDATE - 5. LOCATION OF BIRTH]

1. Roxanna - daughter - of John & Mary B Swisshelm - June 1, 1806 - in Cumberland Co
2. Ann - " - " - April 25, 1808 - " Alleghany Co
3. James - Son - " - Aug 8, 1810 - " do [ditto]
4. David - " - " - Nov 20, 1812 - " do 
5. Samuel Milligan - " - " - March 16, 1815 - " do 
6. Margaret McGahy - daughter - " - Nov 11, 1817 - " do 
7. William - Son - " - Oct 9, 1921 - " do 
8. Henry Luckey - Son - " - Jany 24, 1824 - " do 
[end of table]

Died  John Swisshelm Senr at his residence in Allegany Co Nov 18. 1838 aged 86 years

Copied to file with care & the above is all on the leaves
Page 6

State of Pennsylvania,}
City of Pittsburgh and County of Alleghany.} SS.

On this Fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me Thos. Steel
Esqr, an Alderman of the said City of Pittsburgh, in the County of Allegheny, and State of Pennsylvania,
the subscriber Mary Swisshelm aged Seventy three years, a resident of
Allegheny County in the State of Pennsylvania who being duly sworn according
to law, declares that she is the identical Mary Swisshelm, who is the
widow of John Swisshelm deceased who was a Lieutenant and private
in the Revolutionary War in the Pennsylvania Militia, that she was
married to the said John Swisshelm on the 6th day of May A.D. 1805. in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania by the Reverend Joseph Brady a Presbyterian
Clergyman, and that her name before her said marriage was Mary E. Miller - 
that her said husband received a pension from the United States, for his said service, 
and was inscribed on the Roll of Pensioners, payable at the Pittsburgh Pension
Agency up to the time of his death, and he died at Allegheny County on the
18th of November 1838 (so far as she now recollects) - ever since which time she
has been a widow and ^(she is) now a widow.  She further says that she is now a
pensioner on the Roll of Pensions of the United States, payable at the Pittsburgh
Pension Agency, as the widow of said John Swisshelm decd, under the Act
of February 3, 1853, at the rate of Forty four dollars and sixty Eight cents per
annum, and that her Pension Certificate is dated on the third day of June 1854.

She further says that she has no public Record proof of her marriage nor any private
family Record proof of the same, except the entry of it in the family Bible, which bible
^(when she applied under the pension,) was sent by her to 
the Pension office, (though the agency of John Taylor Esq of Pittsburgh) and
which bible has never been returned and she has now no access to it - She refer 
therefore, to the proof on file with her said husbands application for a pension and
to the proof on file with her own application for a pension, to support this
present claim for a Land - Warrant.

She [He was corrected to She] makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty Land to which she may be
entitled, under the Act approved the 3rd day of March, 1855.  She also declares that she has never applied for
nor received, under this or any other act of Congress, any bounty-land warrant,
and she hereby authorizes CHARLES NAYLOR, Esq. of the City of Pittsburgh, to procure for her, her Warrant for said Bounty Land.
Mary Swisshelm

Witnesses present} James Swisshelm
John Taylor
Page 7

We James Swisshelm aged forty five years and John Taylor aged
fifty two years, both resident of the County of Allegheny in the
State of Pennsylvania, on our oath say that we well know the
within Mary Swisshelm, that she is the widow of John Swisshelm
deceased a Revolutionary soldier within named, and we know that
She is now a widow.  We further say that we know her to
be the identical Mary Swisshelm who receives a pension
(as the widow of John Sisshelm decd) at the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 
Pension Agency, and we have no interest in this her claim.
James Swisshelm
John Taylor

Sworn to and subscribed before me}
this first day of June 1855}
Thos. Steel
Ald.
Page 8

We James Swisshelm and John Taylor residents of Allegheny County in the State of Pennsylvania upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Mary Swisshelm 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 we know her to be such.
(SIGNED)
James Swisshelm
John Taylor

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the day and year first 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 interest in this claim.

(SIGNED)
Thomas Steel, Ald.

State of Pennsylvania,}
County of Allegheny.} SS.    
I, EDWARD CAMPBELL, Jr. Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Allegheny, in the State of Pennsylvania, do certify that Thomas Steel, Esquire, who subscribed officially the within and foregoing declaration, made by Mary Swisshelm and the foregoing affidavits made by James Swisshelm and John Taylor was, at the time of so doing, and now is, an Alderman of the City of Pittsburgh, in the County of Allegheny, and State of Pennsylvania, duly commissioned, authorized and empowered by law, to administer oaths for general purposes, and for the purpose embraced in said declaration and affidavits and that the name of said Alderman, subscribe declaration and affidavits is his own genuine signature.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office as prothonotary of said Court, this Sixth (6) day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five 1855.

(SIGNED)
E Campbell, Pro

(SEAL stamped lower lefthand corner)
Page 9

John Taylor
Pittsburgh Pa
Page 10

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United Stats of the 7th June, 1832, John Swisshelm of the4 State of Pennsylvania, who was a Private and Lieutenant in the revolutionary War, is entitled to re3ceive Forty four dollars and Sixty eight cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th day of March 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and  4th of September in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United
States, this 8th day of
October one thousand eight
hundred and thirty-three
(Signed) John Robb
Acting Secretary of War.

[illegible Seal]

Examined and}
Countersigned.}
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 11

Payments to be made at Pittsburgh by the First U.S. Branch Bank Agent for paying pensioners in the Agency of Pittsburgh

Recorded in the Pension Office in Book E. Volume 5 August 9th by D. Brown, Clerk.
Page 12

State of Pennsylvania}
County of Allegheny} SS.

In open Court of Common Pleas held in an for said county on this 30th day of April 1853 (the same being a Court of records) personally appeared Mary Elizabeth Swisshelm a resident of Wilkins Township in the county and state aforesaid, aged Seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; that she is the widow of John Swisshelm who was a Private and Lieutenant in the Army of the revolution, to whom a Pension Certificate was issued, bearing date at the War Office of the united States, October 8th 1833, granting him a pension under Act 7th June 1832 of Forty four 68/100 dollars per annum, payable at the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Agency, which Certificate is hereto annexed and intended to form part of her said declaration.

She further declares that she was married to the said John Swisshelm on the sixth day of May one thousand eight hundred and five; that her said husband died on the18th day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty eight; that she was not married to him prior to the Second of January, eighteen hundred, but at the time above stated.  She further declares that she is now a widow.

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year first above written before me.
(Signed) Mary Elizabeth ("X"" her mark) Swisshelm

W. B. McClure
President Judge
Common Pleas

Witness
William McKee
Page 13

Also at the same time and place personally appeared David Gilleland and James McKelvy, two credible witnesses, and made oath in due form of law that they were personally and well acquainted with John Swisshelm, the within named, and knew him for many years--say fifteen and more--previous to his death, that he and Mary Elizabeth Swisshelm, the foregoing declarant, lived together as man and wife, so  recognized and treated each other and were universally so recognized, held, trusted and esteemed by all their neighbors, friends and acquaintances, and as such reared a family of children:  that the said John Swisshelm is dead, and as they verilybelieve, died on the day and year within mentioned, and that the said Mary Elizabeth Swisshelm has remained a widow ever since his death, and is now a widow.  We further declare that they have no interest whatever in the result of this application.  

(Signed) David Gilleland
(Signed) James McKelvy

Sworn to and subscribed this}
30th April 1853 before me}
in open Court}
W. B. McClure}
President Judge}
Common Pleas.}

ALLEGHENY COUNTY,}
State of Pennsylvania,} SS.
I, Edw Campbell, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Allegheny in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the same being a Court of Law and Record, do by these presents certify, that The Honorable William B. McClure, Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavits were taken, and who has thereunto, in his own proper handwriting, subscribed his name, was at that time, and now is, The President judge of the Court of Common Pleas  ["an acting justice of the Peace is crossed out} in and for the said county, duly commissioned and sworn, and authorized by law to take such affidavits to similar others to all whose acts, as such, due faith and credit are, and of right ought to be given, throughout the United States and elsewhere.

In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, at Pittsburgh, in the said County, this Thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three and of the sovereignty and independence of the United State of America, the seventy-seventh.

ATTEST:
(Signed)  Edw Campbell
PROTHONOTARY.
Page 14

I do hereby authorise & empower John Taylor
of the city of Pittsburgh to demand and receive from
the Department of the Interior any Pension Certificate
to which I may be entitled for the Revolutionary
service of my deceased husband
Mary Elizabeth Swisshelm her mark [X]

Attest
Wm J. Howard 

I was personally acquainted with David Gilleland and
James McKelvy the witness to her Marriage of Mr. 
Swisshelm and ^I know them to be respectable gentlemen and
[illegible] witnesses May 31, 1816.

David Ritchie M.C.
21 Dist. Penna
Page 15

Know all men by these presents, that I
Elizabeth Swishelm, sole acting executrix
of the Will of John Swishelm ^deceased late of
Wilkins township Allegheny County Pennsylvania
and also sole legatee of all and singular
the goods and chattels rights and credits
which were of the said John Swisshelm 
formerly of Cumberland County in the same
State who was the same "Lieut John Swisshelm 
mentioned in the certificate, hereto annexed
the original account whereof is found in the
Comptroller Generals Office and certified to
by "Wm Q. Wallace for Ephraim Banks Auditor
General" at Harrisburgh Auditor General's office 
June 2nd 1853.  Have made Constituted &
appointed and by these presents Do make
Constitute and appoint my son James
Swisshelm of Wilkins township aforesaid
my true and lawful Attorney for me and
in my name and for my use, to ask, demand
and receive from the proper Offices of the
State of Pennsylvania all such arrearages
of pay ^(as may be) due and coming unto my late husband
the aforesaid John Swisshelm, deceased, giving
and granting unto my said Attorney, my
whole strength and power in the premises
and particularly the amount of Twenty pounds
two shillings [pound symbol] L20.21 the sum for which the
said annexed certificate is given, hereby
certifying & confirming all that my said
Attorney shall lawfully do by virtue hereof
In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand
& seal the 3rd day of February A.D. 1854.
[signature] [illegible] Swisshelm

In presence of}
the words "as may be"}
witnesses before signing
& the word "deceased"
Thomas Davison

[on the right, drawing of a round seal with scalloped edges:] Seal
Page 16

State of Pennsylvania}
Alleghany County} S.S.

Be it remembered that on the
third day of February A.D. 1854 before
me Thomas Davison a justice of the peace
in & for said County came the within
named Elizabeth Swisshelm who is well
known to me, and acknowledged the
within written Letter of Attorney to be
her act and deed for the purposes
therein set forth, and desired that the
same might be accorded as such
according to Law.  In testimony whereof, 
I have hereunto set my hand & seal
the day and year above written
Thomas Davison
[drawing of a round seal with scalloped edges:] Seal
a justice of the peace
in & for Allegheny County
State of Pennsylvania
[flourish]

I do hereby certify, that for very many years
I have been well and personally acquainted with
my neighbor the above signed Elizabeth Swishelm,
and that she is the widow of the late John
Swishelm deceased above named.  I well
knew him also for many years in his life time
during their coverture.

Wm Wilkins
Homewood,
Feby. 3d, 1854.
Page 17

No. 14707} A In 1.3.15  18.14.0 1.8.0----20.2.0
 18.14.0 Specie

I do hereby Certify that the State of Pennsylvania is indebted to Lieutenant John Switzhelm sic [Switsshelm] of Cumberland County Militia in the sum of Eighteen pounds fourteen shillings Specie, with lawful interest from the first day of July, one thousand seven hundred and eighty three; the same being due upon an account settled in this office, pursuant to an Act of Assembly, passed the first day of April 18, 1784.

Comptroller General's Office}
25th June 1787}
(SIGNED)   John Nicholson

Auditor General's Office
Harrisburg June 2nd, 1853
I certify the above to be a true copy of the original remaining on file in this department, witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid.

(SIGNED) William Q. Wallace, for
Ephraim Banks
Auditor General
Page 18

State of Pennsylvania} 
and County of Allegheny} ss.

On the thirty first day of October in the year of our Lord
one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally
appeared in open court, before the Honorable the Judges of
the Court of Common Pleas of said county, now sitting in
the city of Pittsburgh John Swishelm, a resident of Wilkins
Township in the County of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania
aforesaid aged about eighty years, who being first duly
Sworn according to Law, doth on his oath, make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress
passed June 7, A.D. 1832.-

That he entered the service of the United States under the
following named officers and served as herein stated; - i. e. 
That when the Revolutionary War broke out, declarant resided
in Cumberland County Pennsylvania, (where he was born
about the time of Braddock's defeat.) That about the year 1776.
& before the British took possession of Philadelphia, he was drafted
in the Militia, served under Captain William Chambers in a Rifle
Company; marched from Carlisle to Jersey, passed through Philad. 
arrived at Princeton three or four days after the battle was fought
Went with a detachment under (he believes) Major Mifflin,
against the Tories at "Freehold; was in the attack, there,
after night, killed some and took about thirty three pri... [illegible]
On this tour he served full two months. -

The next year he was again drafted in a Rifle Regimt.
served in the said Regt. in Captain Matier's Company, marched
from Carlisle, Pennsyla. was in said Regiment at the battles of Brandywine, 
Germantown and White Horse; - during this tour of service
when at Philadelphia, he was detached and put into the 
Rifle Regiment commanded by Colonel Dunlop, in the company 
commanded by Capt. Crawford; served on this Tour
also two months, and was then discharged at the same time.

The next tour of service by declarant was as a Volunteer
Page 19

John Swishelm
17466
against the Indians, under Captain William Chambers but
the particular year does not recollect; it was however during the
War of the Revolution.   He marched from Chamber's Residend
[illegible] where Harrisburgh, Pa now stands; went up the 
Susquehanna, nearly as far up as the mouth of Bald Eagle creek;
was at Wallace's fort, which was burnt by the Indians, who,
after having committed many depredations, fled; the volunteers 
could not come up with them; they fell short of provisions, and
Suffered much.  He cannot positively recollect the precise length
of time he served on this tour; but verily believes it was at least
Six weeks.  The next Term of service was as a Lieutenant
for a Rifle Regiment of which James Pell was the captain, 
& James Dunlap was Colonel; Marched from Carlisle thro
Shippensburgh to Coll. Ashman's furnace, to draw arms and
amunition; thence marched to the "Standing Stone", now in
Huntingdon County Pennsylva.  He cannot now recollect the
year; it was against the Indians as a drafted man.  He served on
this Town as Lieutenant for two months, returned to Carlisle
and there again was discharged. This service was also
during the war of the Revolution. ~

Declarant further saith, that he has no record of his
age, and does not know of any in existence; That he has
no documentary evidence, and that he knows of no person
[illegible] can procure who can testify to his
[illegible] That he resided in Cumberland County Pa.
until the year 1807, after the Revolutionary War, at which
time he removed with his family to Allegheny County
went to his present place of residence in Wilkins, ([illegible] 
Pitt Township Pa.) where he has continued to reside ever 
since. -- Declarant saw General Wayne with aid 
at Brandywine, with hat off marching along the line, encouraging
the men.  Saw General Washington there, and sundry other officers 
of the Regular Army whose names he cannot now recollect.  He
hereby relinquishes every claim Whatever to a pension or annuity 
except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pen [pension]
Page 20

-sion Roll of the Agency of any state.
Sworn to and Subscribed}
the day and year aforesaid}
William M. Candless, Prothonotary}
(SIGNED) John ("X" his mark) Swishelm

We, William Wilkins, Peter Parchment, and Samuel Dean, all residing within the County of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, do certify that we are well acquainted with John Swishelm, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about eighty 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.
(SIGNED) 
. William Wilkins,
. Peter Perchment
. Samuel ("X" his mark) Dean

Sworn and Subscribed this day}
and year aforesaid}
(SIGNED)
William M. Candless, Prothonotary

And the said court do hereby declare their opinions after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogating 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 the Honorable William Wilkins, Peter Parchment and Samuel Dean, who have signed and sworn to the foregoing certificate, are residents of and within the limits of the County of Allegheny, Pennsylvania, are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

(SIGNED)
William M. Candless, Prothonotary

I, William M. Candless, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Allegheny, now sitting in the City of Pittsburgh, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of John Swishelm of Wilkins
Page 21

Township, Allegheny County Pennsylvania for a Pension.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this thirty first day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two.

[illegible seal]
(SIGNED)
William M. Candless, Prothonotary
Page 22

Rev and 1812
Wars Section

(INITIALS APPEAR)  M.E.E.

May 19, 1928

Mrs. Frank W. Baker
4833 Furman Street
Omaha, Nebraska

Madam:

I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim W. 8300, it appears that John Sweisshelm (Swisshelm) was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, date not stated.  

While a resident of said county, he served in the Pennsylvania Troops as follows--

From 1771-1776, two months as private in Captain William Chambers' Company, marched to Princeton, a few days after that battle, and was in an engagement with the Tories at Freehold.

In 1777, two months in Captains Matier's and Crawford's Companies, Colonel Dunlop's Regiment, and was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and White Horse.

He served six weeks in Captain William Chambers' Company, dates not stated.

He served two months as Lieutenant in Captain James Bell's Company, Colonel James Dunlop's Regiment, no dates stated.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832, while a resident of Wilkins Township, Allegheny County, Pennsyl-
Page 23

vania, aged eighty years, and he died there November 18, 1188.

Soldier married May 6, 1805 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Mary Elizabeth, (daughter of Melchiah and Roxanna Miller) she was born February 9, 1703, and was allowed pension on her application executed April 30, 1853, while a resident of Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania.

their children were:

Rexanna born June 1, 1806.
Ann born April 25, 1808.
James born August 8, 1810.
David born November 30, 1812.
Samuel Milligan born March 16, 1815.
Margaret McGeahy (?) born November 11, 1817.
William born October 9, 1821.
Henry Luckey or Suckey born January 24, 1827.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 24

1973
Mary E. Swisshelm
Widow of John
Sent to John Taylor
August 22nd, 1853
Act February 3rd 

[illegible writing and initials righthand corner]
Page 25

[upper left corner mutilated]

LEFTHAND PANEL
[illegible] ...sylvania, Pittsburgh
Mary Swisshelm
[illegible] ...dow of John
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Lt. and Private
----------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 44 Dollars 68 Cents per annum, to commence on the 3rd February, 1853.
----------------------
Certificate of Pension issued 3rd day of June, 1854 and sent to John Taylor
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
----------------------
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1858, Page 111 Volume A

[bottom of page is written]
 (32)

RIGHTHAND PANEL
[written sideways] Reg 8 m 55-162455
Page 26

Died January of 1875
Paid March of 1875

WIDOW, &c. [etcetera]
Revolutionary War
--------------------
File No.l 8300
Mary Swisshelm
Widow
John Swisshelm
Private and Lieutenant - Revolutionary War
----------------------
Act:  February 3rd 1853.  July 27
Index:--Volume M, Page 25
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 27

Mch.12/E6 Soldier Pensioned
Mrs. H. B. Wintersmith
Louisville, Ky.   [initials] M.E.C.

Oct. 20, 1903 - Histy to
Mrs. J. C. Pierman
Minerva Ohio


1925 - Oct. 28. Hist to Mrs.
E. B. Wall [illegible]
1926 - May 25 - Hist to Mrs. F. W. Ba..[illegible]
1927 - Aug 22 - "  "  Mrs. [illegible]

1928 - May 19, Hist to Mrs
Frank [illegible initial] Baker - M E. E.
Page 28

Soldier decd Nov 18, 1838

Pennsylvania Pittsburgh
Mary Swisshelm - 
widow of John Swisshelm
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private and Lt [illegible]

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 44 - dollars 68 - 
cents per annum, to commence
on the 3d February, 1853.

Certificate of Pension issued
3d day of June 1854
and sent to
John Taylor
Pittsburgh Pa.
John Taylor

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 111 Vol. A
Page 29

State of Pennsylvania}
City of Pittsburgh,} ss.

Personally appeared before me
the undersigned Alderman in and for the City of
Pittsburgh John Swishelm who being duly sworn deposeth
& saith that by reason of old age & the consequent loss of
memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length
of his service but according to the best of his recollection he
served not less than the periods mentioned below and in
the following grades. that is to say.  Before the British
took possession of Philadelphia he believes about
the year 1776, he served as a drafted Malitia man under
Captain Chambers in a rifle Company for the term of two
months at least, That the next year after said service
he served as a drafted Malitia man in Capt Matier's
company & in Capt Crawford's Company at least two
months.  Sometime after his discharge at the termination
of his last mentioned service he entered as a volunteer,
against the Indians under the command of Captain
William Chambers and served at last six weeks.  Some
time after his dismissal or discharge from Chamber's
Company he entered the service as a Lieutenant in Capt.
Bells company in the regiment commanded by Colonel
James Dunlap & continued in the service in that Capacity 
for the term of two months & more.  He cannot state the
periods of his service as to the precise years in which he served;
but is perfectly confident that he served during the terms above
stated & as is more particularly stated in his declaration
hereunto annexed and for such service he claims a
Pension as a Private.  And further saith not.
John Sweisshelm

Sworn & subscribed before me this}
29th day of April A. D 1833}
D. S. Scully
Page 30

State of Pennsylvania}
City of Pittsburgh} ss.

Before me the within named
alderman in and for said City personally appeared the within
named John Swichelm who on his Solemn oath doth depose 
& say that he cannot without too much expense and
inconvenience to him procure the attendance in Court of a 
Clergyman who can testify from his acquaintance with him
his belief that Declarant is of the age he represents & that he is
reputed and believed in the neighbourhood to have been a 
revolutionary soldier.  The Clergymen of the denomination to which
deponent belong & who may have been able to testify for him
as to the particulars above stated do not reside in his 
neighbourhood at this time & he has little communication with
Clergymen of other denominations.
John Sweisshelm

Sworn & Subscribed before me this}
twenty ninth day of April 1833}
D. S. Scully}
[flourish]

State of Pennsylvania}
County of Allegheny} ss:

I, William McCandless
Prothonatory of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the
County of Allegheny and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do by
these presents certify that on examination the Court concur
in the statement aforesaid as to the production of the
affidavit of a Clergyman.  And I do hereby further
certify that Dennis S. Scully Esq before whom the foregoing 
affidavits were taken & who has thereunto set his name
in his own proper handwriting was at the time of taking such
Page 31

Affidavits & now is an Alderman of the City of Pittsburgh
with the powers of an acting Justice of the Peace in and for
Said County duly commissioned and sworn to all whose acts 
as such due faith & Credit are & of right ought to be given
throughout the United States & elsewhere. -

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and Seal affixed of the
Said Court at Pittsburgh in the Said
County the Twenty ninth day of 
April One thousand eight hundred
and thirty three

Wm McCandless Proy [faint round seal]

City of Pittsburgh ss.
Before me an alderman in and for
Said City personally appeared John Swishelm (whose 
name is set forth in the foregoing declaration) who on his
solemn oath doth depose and say, that he received his
commission as first Lieutenant at Carlisle Pennsylvania
from Colonel L Irvine; but that he does not now recollect
who signed the commission.  That he carried the commission
in his pocket during the tours of his service, that it got
wet and on his return he laid it by, and that by
carelessness and thinking it of no value it was lost or
destroyed and that he knows not what became of it.
John Sweisshelm

Sworn to and subscribed}
before me this 29th day}
of August,1833.}
Chs von Bonnhorst}
Alderm.
Page 32

[faint round seal on the left]

Pennsylvania
Allegheny County ss:  I William McCandless Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County in
[illegible] Pennsylvania, Do certify that Charles Van Bonhoner
Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was sworn 
was at that time and none is an Alderman of the City of
Pittsburgh with the powers of an acting Justice of the Peace in
& for the said County duly commissioned & sworn to all whose
acts as such full faith & credit are due & of right ought to
be given throughout the United States & Elsewhere.  Given under my hand and
Seal of said Court the thirtieth day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand Eight hundred thirty three -
Wm McCandless
[flourish]

Sir,
I have known for very many years 
John Swishelm.  No man can possess
a fairer character for truth and
integrity upon his declaration may
reliance may be placed -
Respectfully Yr Sv
Wm Willaims

To
[illegible] J.L. Edwards
Pension office
Washington

Augt. 29th, 1833.
-
Page 33

War Department
Pension Office
July 5, 1833

Sir:

The papers of John Swisshelm have been again examined and we herewith enclosed to you.

It was required of him to state whether he had ever received a commission as Lieutenant and if so, by whom it was signed and what had become of it.  This he has not done, and his declaration is sent back that he may comply with the regulation.

I am Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions

P. J. Dunham, Esquire
Pittsburgh, Pa
Page 34

Admit
2 months Lieutenant
5 months Private

Honorable J. L. Edwards
Pension Office
Washington City.
Page 35

Pittsburgh August 30th 1833

Sir,

Enclosed you have the declaration of John Swishelm (Swisshelm), an applicant for a pension, with a statement of the receipt of his commission as Lieutenant in the army of the Revolution, as required by your letter of the fifth July, which (letter) is also enclosed.

In consequence of the loss of memory he cannot state the precise time he received his commission, nor does he recollect the name of the officer who signed it; notwithstanding, he can enter into a detail of the principal incidents worthy of notice, relative to his service in the army, which is always the case with many old men.

The Honorable William Wilkins has addressed a line to your, which you will find on the opposite side of the last affidavit of the applicant, in which he states his opinion of the character of Mr. Swishelm (Swisshelm); and I have no doubt, Sir, that the old man is entitled to receive a pension in proportion to the time of his service, as stated in his declaration.

I remain, Sir, respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
S Kingston

Honorable J. L. Edwards
Page 36

[STAMP] PITTSBURGH PENNSYLVANIA SEPTEMBER 2

Initials - DA/WT

Honorable J. L. Edwards.
Pension Office,
Washington City
Page 37

Pittsburgh April 3, 1853

Sir,
Enclosed I hand you the application of Mrs. Mary E. Swisshelm, widow of john Swisshelm, who was a Private and Lieutenant in the Revolutionary war for a pension under the provisions of the Act of Congress passed February 3, 1853.

Very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
John Taylor

S. P. Waldo, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Page 38

Pittsburgh May 29, 1854

Sir

In the matter of the application of Mary E. Swisshelm, widow of Lieutenant John Swisshelm, deceased, for a pension under Act of February 3rd, 1853, i enclose the original record evidence of her marriage as required by your letter of the 22nd August last; and also some papers relative to another claim, to which is attached a certificate of the Honorable William Williams, late Secretary of War to the fact of her being the widow of the said Lieutenant John Swisshelm, and hope these will be decreed sufficient to establish her claim in this [illegible].

I have requested our Member of Congress, the Honorable David Ritchie, to call at your office and vouch for the credibility of David Gilleland, Esquire, and [illegible name], witnesses who testified in her case.

 Engagements in other [illegible] have prevented earlier atte3ntion to this matter.

Very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
John Taylor

S. P. Waldo, Esquire
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 39

Payment to be made at Pittsburgh
by
John Grayson, Esquire

Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Pennsylvania

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the roll of Pensioners under Act February 3rd, 1853, Page 111 Volume A

J. T. Getty, Clerk
Page 40

The number 22,34 written at top of page

Department of the Interior.
WIDOW'S PENSION
----------------------

I certify that in conformity with the 2nd section of the Act of February 3, 1853,
Mary Swisshelm, widow of John Swisshelm, who was a Lieutenant and Private, in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty four dollars and Sixty eight cents per annum, commencing on the 3rd of February, 1853, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.

Given at the Department of Interior,
this Third day of June one thousand eight hundred and fifty four.

R. McClelland
Secretary of the Interior.
Page 41

Brief in the case of Mary Swisshelm, wife of John, Allegheny County and State of Pennsylvania, Act 3rd February 1853
_________________________________

Claim, (original,")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

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

Husband was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June, 1832.

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

Name and residence of Agent
John Taylor, Esquire, Pittsburgh, PA

[Illegible name]
Examining clerk
Page 42

2 rep & Co: [illegible] family due: 18" Nov: 38
[illegible signature]
Page 43

[decorative printed letterhead] Department of the Interior. PENSION OFFICE.

Washington D.C. Dec 8 1868

Madam
Please return your pension certificate 
to this Office.

Repectfully

Chris. C. Cox
Commissioner

Mrs Mary Swisshelm
Wilkinsburgh
Allegheny Co
Pa

[illegible] R46
Page 44

[OVAL STAMP]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE
DECEMBER 30, 1868
Page 45

Increase
Brief in the Case of Mary Swisshelm, Widow, John Swisshelm (Pittsburgh)
Private and Lieutenant
Revolutionary War  Wilkinsburg
Allegheny  County and State of Pennsylvania
Act 2nd February 3, 1853
---------------------------

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,

PROOF EXHIBITED,

Pensioner roll of [illegible] as $44.68 per annum.
Certificate returned.

Claim is increased as provided by Act July 27, 1860.

Personal identify - Widowhood shown

Admitted January of 1869 to a pension as $96 per annum to commence July 2, 1868 deducting pay [illegible]

W. E. Frank
Examining Clerk

Name and residence of Agent.
Claimant
Wilkinsburg, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Page 46

Auditor Office
May, 31st, 1854.

Sir.
Please Certify the time
to which the within named
Pensioner was paid on the
date of his death.

Very Respectfully,
T. Cole
for the Commissioner

D 18 Nov 38
[illegible 4468

Francis Burt, Esqr
[illegible] Auditor Treasury

[written sideways, on the left] "Boynton."
Page 47

John Swishelm, Act 1832.  $114.68. per annum
Died 18 Nov. 1838, paid

F Bent
Auditor
Page 48

[checkmark] 11

29016
[flourish]

Her Acres
Page 49

[round, illegible stamp]

On Official Premiss
[stamp] FREE

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Com: of Pensions
Washington
DC.
Page 50

8300
3-068.
(Old No. 3 -- 649.)
Bureau of Pensions.

John Swisshelm
Oct. 31 1832 - 80
Alleghany Co Pa

76
Cumberland Co. Pa
Capt Wm Chambers
- 2 m

Bat Freehold
Brandywine, Germantown & White Horse

77 Capt Martin
Co Dunlap
2 mo

- Capt Wm Chambers
Col - 
6 wks.

Capt - Jun Bell
Col Dunlap
Sv. 2 mos

Mar, Mary Elizabeth Miller
May 6, 1805
died Nov. 18, 1838
Page 51

Pittsburgh Pa.
June 5, 1855

Sir,
I enclose you, under the act of 3d March 1855, the 
application of [underlined] Mary Swisshelm, widow of [underlined] John Swisshelm deceased, for a 160 acres Land Warrant. Her 
husband was a Revolutionary Soldier - and a pensioner, 
on the Pittsburgh, Pension Agency Roll; and she
is now a pensioner, at the Same Agency, under act
of 3d - Febry, 1853, at the rate of $44.68/100, per
Annum.  She is a remarkably intelligent old
Lady, and there is no doubt of her identity.
Respectfully
your obedt. Sevt.
Charles Naylor

To
Hon. J.P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions-
Washington
D. C.
Page 52

Mary E Swisshelm
wd of John
Revolutionary Service

M. Prin
the Comr directs
that the family record
be returned to the
son James Swisshelm
Pittsburgh
Penna

[illegible signature]
[illegible date]
Page 53

September 18, 1925

Department of the Interior,
Revolutionary War Section,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

Will you kindly inform me whether you have any records of the following men as Soldiers in the Revolutionary War:

JOHN SWISSHELM, Born in Lancaster County, said to have enlisted there and served in the Militia as a Lieutenant.  Tradition says he received a pension in the 1830s and died in 1838; that he married a woman 52 years younger than himself and left a family.

Mrs. E. B. Wall,
814 1/2 West 4th
Joplin, Missouri.
Page 54

Major Isaac Sadler Chapter
Omaha, Nebraska

March 22, 1926

Pension Department
Revolutionary War Records

Dear Sirs:

I have the birth and death date of John Swisshelm born Lancaster County Pennsylvania 1752, died Allegheny County Pennsylvania 1838.  He served as private and lieutenant in the Pennsylvania militia and received a pension.  Can you give me his wife's birth and death dates also their marriage date.  Also their children with birth dates.

Am most anxious for this information to prove a line in the D.A.R.

Respectfully,

Mrs. Frank W. Baker
4833 Farnam Street
Omaha, Nebraska
Page 55

Old War and Navy files Department

Dear Sirs:

I am thinking of joining the D.A.R. and would like to find the war records of my great grandfather.  He was John Swisshelm, born in Lancaster Count, Pennsylvania 1752 and died March 8th, 1838.  he was a Private in Pennsylvania Volunteers and he drew a pension until he died and his widow Mary Elizabeth Swisshelm drew one until she died in 1875.  Will you please give me
Page 56

any information you have on the subjects and in what books or files his record is found and oblige.

Mrs. N. G. Lackey
2121 South Owasso
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Page 57

Handwritten - D  Rev.

[ROUND STAMP]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE K
APRIL 27 1927
Page 58

Major Isaac Sadler Chapter
Omaha, Nebraska

Pension Office
Revolutionary War Records

Dear Sirs:

In your record of the pension of John Swisshelm from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, have you a record of the names of their children?  If so would you please send them to me and any other data you may have concerning the same John Swisshelm family?

Sincerely yours

Mrs. Frank W. Baker.
4833 Farnam Street
Omaha, Nebraska
Page 59

STAMP

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
PENSION OFFICE
DECEMBER 7, 1888
Page 60

Pennsylvania, Allegheny County SS.

On this 27th day of November A. D., 1868 personally appeared before me the Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, Mary Swisshelm aged 86 years a resident of Wilkins Township in said county of Allegheny and state of Pennsylvania who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the identical Mary Swisshelm to whom was granted Pension Certificate No. (no number) payable at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at the rate of forty four dollars and sixty eight center ($44.68) per annum, issued under the Act of February 3rd 1853; that she makes this declaration in order to secure the increase of her Pension to which she is entitled under the 13th section of the Act of July 27, 1868.

My Post Office address is:  Wilkinsburgh [Wilkinsburg], Allegheny County Pennsylvania [signature] Mary Swisshelm

Sworn to and subscribed before me this  ___ day of November A. D. 1868 and I hereby certify I have no inherent direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.

Jacob N. Walter, Prothonotary

Also personally appeared C. W. Graham and John McKelvy residents of Wilkins Township in the county and state aforesaid persons whom I certify to be respectable and worthy of credit and who being by me duly sworn say that they were present and saw Mary Swisshelm sign her name to the foregoing declaration and they further swear that they have every reason to believe from the
Page 61

appearance of the applicant and their acquaintance with her that she is the identical person she represents herself to be and that they have no interest whatever in the prosecution of this claim.

(Signed)
Calvin W. Graham
John McKelvy

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of November A. D. 1868 and I hereby certify that I have no interest direct or indirect in the prosecution of this claim.

(Signed)
Jacob W. Walter
Prothonotary
Page 62

Revolutionary War and 1812
War Section.

October 28, 1935

Mrs. E. B. Wall
814 1/2 West 4th Street
Joplin, MO

Madam:

I have to advise you from the appears in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 8300, it appears that John Sweisshelm or Swisshelm was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, date not stated.

While a resident of said county, he served in the Pennsylvania Troops, as follows--

From in 1776, two months as a private in Captain William Chambers' Company, marched to Princeton, a few days after that battle, and was in an engagement with the Tories at Freehold.

In 1777, two months in Captains Matier's and Crawford's Companies, Colonel Dunlop's Regiment, and was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and White Horse.

He served six weeks in Captain William Chambers'
Page 63

Company, dates not stated.

He served two months as Lieutenant in Captain James Bell's Company, Colonel James Dunlop's Regiment, no dates stated.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1832, while a resident of Wilkins Township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, aged eighty years, and he died there November 18, 1838.

Soldier married May 6, 1805 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Mary Elizabeth, (daughter of Melchiah and Roxanna Miller) she was born February 9, 1783, and was allowed pension on her application executed April 30, 1853, while a resident of Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania.

Their children were--
Roxanna - born June 1, 1806.
Ann - born April 25, 1808.
James - born August 8, 1810.
David - born November 20, 1812.
Samuel Milligan - born March 16, 1815.
Margaret McGeahy (?) - born November 11, 1817.
William - born October 9, 1821.
Henry Luckey or Suckey - born January 24, 1827.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.