Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 31184, for John Kerr, New Jersey
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
New Jersey

Kerr, John
NUMBER
S.31184

CONTENTS
Page 2

[two-column page]

[left side]
Letter to Pena 12 June 1839.
to Pen Agt 13 Sept 1839

To Illinois from 4th March
1839. 27th Sept 1839 - notification
to D. Hay Esq. [illegible] Ill.

18 [illegible numbers] July 19 - S. F. Cary - history. [illegible] 

[right side]
Illinois [Ohio crossed out] 7957

John Kerr
of Hamilton in the State of Ohio
who was a Private in the company commanded
by Captain Seely of the Regiment commanded
by Col. Frelinghuysen in the New Jersey
line for Nine months & 24 days.

$32. 67/100
Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio
at the rate of 32 Dollars 67 Cents per annum,
[illegible, to?] commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of April
1833 and sent to Thos. J. Henderson, 
Cincinnati, Ohio.

Arrears to the 4th of March, '33 65.34
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th Septr. 1833. 16.33
$81.67
[equation: 65.34 + 16.33 = $81.67]

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Wm R Palmer Clerk,
Book E Vol. 8. Page 14.

[in very faint handwriting] file pension
Page 3

No 4.057.
7957

John Kerr
Hamilton County
Ohio
Adj 9. Months 24 days
Private

30. --
  2. 22
     45
--------
$32.67
[equation 30.00 + 2.22 + 0.45 = $32.67]

Thomas J. Henderson
Cincinati
Page 4

WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Pension Office, 
18 April -- 1833 

Sir: The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show 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 complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim. 

[Table Heading] A Statement, shewing the service of John Kerr of Hamilton County Ohio 
[column headings: (1) Period when the service was rendered., (2) Duration of claimant’s service. - Years., Months., Days., (3) Rank of the claimant., (4) Names and Rank of the Field officers under whom he served. (5) Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service., (6) Proof by which the declaration is supported.] 

1. Sep. -- 1776 - 6 Months - Private - Colonel Mechelus - 73. - [blank] 
2. Oct -- 1777. - 1 Month, 15 Days - " - " Freelinghuysen - New Jersey - [blank] 
3. 1778 - [blank] - Col Chambers. - [blank] - Traditionary
4. 1778 - 1 Month, 20 Days - " Seelys - [blank] - [blank]
5. " - 1 Month, 10 days - p. Art'y. - [blank] - [blank] - [blank]
6. 1779. - 1 Month 14 Days - " - " " - [blank] - [blank]
7. " - 1 Month - " - " Hogsland - [blank] - [blank]
8. " - 1 Month - " - " Beevers - [blank] - [blank]
---------
 7 Months, 84 Days [total] 

Whole Service 9. Mo. 24 days. -- I am respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 5

2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

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

As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming 
 the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [musicians] 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.
On this  ___  day of  ___   personally appeared (a) before  ___   A. B. a resident (b) of  ___  in the count of   
 ___ and State, Territory or District of ___ aged (c) ___ years, 
who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) ___, with  ___ and served in the ___ (e) regiment of the ___ line, under the following named officers:  

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served
under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. [hand with right-pointing finger icon] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons
who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of ___
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid  ____  A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I _________ of the Court of _______
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of  _______ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
 _____ day of _____ & c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ 
and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
 _____ , who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ 
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.

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

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

I, _____ 
Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
 _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this ____ day of _____ & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration,(l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
Page 6

3
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 an clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected . All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case. The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia. 1. Where and in what year were you born? 2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it? 3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live? 4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom? 5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?  {To an Officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?} 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant. The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates. The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court. Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature. No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure , taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter. 

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance. [b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule. [c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned. [d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served. [e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the apartment to determine to what amount of pension he is entited. In a case where the applicant, by by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: --For____year____months, and____days, I served as a ____. For____months and____days, I served as a ____; and for such service I claim a pension." It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase [in italics] "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. [h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case. [i] 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 no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

[in italics] Mode of authenticating papers.  

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

[in italics] Proof of Service. 

 [j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. ☞ Then the notes from [a] to [i] area 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 7

State of Ohio} 
Hamilton County} August Term of the Court of Common Pleas 1832

On the 14th day of August in the year aforesaid being
one of the days of the Term of said Court personally appeared in
open court before the Hon G. P. Torrence President Judge, and E. Woodruff
Thomas Henderson & Samuel Reed his associates, John Karr a resident of
the County and state aforesaid aged about seventy three [word crossed out] 
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 the 7th 1832

That he entered the service of the United States under the
following named officers and served as herein stated.  First
In the month of September 1776 entered the service as a volunteer
in Cap Jacob Gearheart Company attached to Col Mehelm Regt
New Jersey Militia which Regt was marched to Elizabeth town point
and there stationed for one month, and from fifteen to twenty days
during which time we were engaged in counteracting the operations 
of the enemy on the borders of New Jersey- twice crossed
onto Statten Island, and had skirmishes with the Refugees 
each time.   Second term.  Entered in like manner in Cap Philips 
Company attached to Col Frederick Frelinghuysens Regt. 
New Jersey Militia in October 1777 continued in service
one month and 25 days, or thereabout.  Marched to Elizabeth 
town point performed same service as before, except crossing on 
to Statten Island.  3d term entered same service in Capt Charles Reading
Compy attached to Col Chambers Regt. twenty five service
during which was the battle of Monmouth, and much
suffering during the whole time.  4th the same year 1778 entered 
under Cap Philips attached to Col Seely's Regt New Jersey
Militia served one month & 20 days in the neighborhood of
Elizabethtown and Newark guarding the brders &c &c - 
5th term same year 1778 served one month and ten days in Cap
Joseph Clunns Artilery company stationed at Elizabethtown Point
performing service similar to what was before stated-  6th term served
Page 8

again in Cap Jacob Gearhearts Company in the year 1779 one month
and 14 days attached to Col Seely's Regt.  Same year, same Captain
attached to Col Hogelands Regt. one month-  Same year, same Captain
attached to Col Bevers Regt one month and a few days, all of which
service was performed under the authority of the State of New Jersey, and in
the defence of the same.  And this deponent further states, that he knows
of no documentary evidence that can be adduced in confirmation
of the facts herein set forth.  And that he hereby relinquishes every
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and
declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency
of any State
John Kerr

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Danl Law Clerk 
[B-shaped flourish]

Question 1st
Where & in what year were you born
Ans. Born in 1759 in New Jersey

Question Have you any Record of your Age?
Answer - None
[T crossed out] Thomas Karr is the Witness

Question Where have you lived since the Revolution
Answer Until 1810 I lived in N Jersey - since then in the Cour.. [illegible]
& is now a Resident here
John Kerr

The facts contained in the
answers above sworn to in
open Court Augt 14 1832
Dan Law Clerk P. T.
[B-shaped flourish]
Page 9

State of Ohio}
Hamilton County} SS  August term of the Court
of Common Pleas 1832

Personally appeared in open
Court Thomas Kerr who being sworn saith that
from his long acquaintance with John Kerr
the applicant above named he believes he is of 
the age he represents and is reputed & believed
in the neighbourhood to have been a revolutionary
soldier that he is personally knowing to the
facts of his service as stated and sworn to
in foregoing application.
Thomas Kerr his mark [X]

Sworn to and subscribed in
open Court Augt 14th 1832.
Danl. Law Clerk P.T.
[B-shaped flourish]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after investigating 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 further
the Court certifies that it appears to them that
Thomas Kerr is a credible person and his statement
is entitled to credit as given above.

[round seal on the left]

I Daniel Law Clerk P. T. of said Court
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings
of said Court in the matter of
the application of John Kerr for a pention. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of said Court & of my
office at Cincinnati this 14th  of Augt. 1832.
Danl. Law Clk
P. T.
Page 10

State of Ohio
Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas for February
Term 1833 - SS

F Personally appeared in open court the within named 
applicant for pension before the Honorable the Judges
of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid
on the 27th day of February 1833, when the further 
interrogatories were propounded to the said applicant.

Question by the court
5th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops
were you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you
can recollect, and the general circumstances of your
service
Ans Genl Maxwell Col Dayton Col White of the Cavelry
the general circumstances of my services are contained 
in my declaration

6th Question by the Court.  Did you ever receive a discharge from the
service, and if so by whom was it given
and what has become of it.
Ans None other than a verbal one from my officers

7. Question by the Court.  State the names 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
Ans Othniel Looker Esqr. Saml Bond Esqr. Genl W H Harrison 
John Kerr

"Sworn & subscribed the day & yr afsd
I, William Burke a Clergyman residing in the City of
Cincinnati do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with
[crossed out: Willis] John Kerr who has subscribed and sworn 
to the above declaration that I believe him to be seventy
three years of age that he is reputed and believed
in the neighborhood where he resides to have been
soldier of the revolution and that I concur in that opinion."

Sworn & subscribed the day & yr last afsd
in open court.
William Burke.
Danl Law Clk PY

And the Court further certifies that William Burke who
has signed the preceeding certificate is a Clergyman residing
in the City of Cincinnati and that his statement is entitled to

[written sideways on the left:] No 4057
Page 11

The State of Ohio
Hamilton County ⎬ Sct

I Daniel Gana Clerk of the Court
of Common Pleas P.T. within and for said County do
hereby certify that the foregoing contains the additional
proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application
of John Karn for a pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this 27th 
day of Feby A.D. 1833

Danl Law
Clk PT
[flourish]

[on the left, seal on a small paper, with ribbons underneath] COUNTY [illegible]
Page 12

State of Illinois,
McLean County Ss.
On this twenty first day of August
One thousand Eight hundred and thirty nine, before
me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said
County of McLean, personally appeared John Kerr, who
on his oath, declares that he is the same person who
formerly belonged to the Company commanded by Captain
Gerhart in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Mehelms, also in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Frelinghuysen, also in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Hogeland, also in the Regiment commanded by Colonel
Beavers, also formerly belonged to the Company commanded
by Captain Phillips in the Regiment commanded by
Colonel Seely, also formerly belonged to the Company commanded
by Captain Reddin in the Regiment commanded
by Colonel Chambers, also formerly belonged to the Company
commanded by Captain Clun of the Artillery, all in the
service of the United States; that his name was
placed on the pension roll of the State of Ohio, from
whence he has lately removed; that he now resides
in the State of Illinois where he intends to remain
and wishes his pension to be there payable in future.
The following are his reasons for removing from the State of
Ohio to the State of Illinois, that he had taken up
his residence with his youngest son Jacob Kerr, and lived in
the family of the said Jacob Kerr as a member
thereof for about four years last past, that the said Jacob
Kerr sold his possessions in the State of Ohio, and purchased lands in the State of Illinois, that the said Jacob Kerr
removed with his family and all his effects to the State of
Illinois, that the said John Kerr was desirous of continuing
with his said son Jacob as a member of his family
and removed with him to the State of Illinois, and now lives
with his said son Jacob in the State of Illinois as a member of
his family and expects to continue to do so.
John Kerr
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year aforesaid

Baily H. Coffey Justice
of the Peace of McLean
County Illinois
Page 13

State of Illinois,
McLean County ⎬ ss:

On this twenty first day of August
One thousand eight hundred and thirty nine, before me
the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace for the said County
of McLean, personally appeared Thomas Karr, who,
on his oath, declares and says, that he is well acquainted
with John Kerr, that he saw him the said John
Kerr subscribed the foregoing oath or affidavit, and that the
said John Kerr is the identical person described
in the said foregoing affidavit
Thomas Karr

Sworn and subscribed to before
me, the day and year aforesaid.
Baily H. Coffey Justice of
the Peace of McLean County
Illinois

State of Illinois}
McLean County} ss:
I Baily H. Coffey, an acting
Justice of the Peace for the said County of McLean, do
hereby certify that Thomas Karr who subscribed the
above affidavit is a person of veracity, and his
statements in the above affidavit entitled to full
credence.

Given under my hand this twenty first day of August
one thousand Eight hundred and thirty nine. 
Baily H. Coffey [drawing of a round seal with scalloped edges:] Seal
Justice of the Peace
of McLean County, Illinois
Page 14

State of Illinois,
McLean County ⎬ ss:

I, Isaac Baker, Clerk of the
County Commissioners Court of McLean County in
the State of Illinois, do hereby certify that Baily H.
Coffey is an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for
the said County of McLean, duly commissioned and
qualified; and that his signatures to the foregoing
affidavits and certificate are genuine.

Given under my hand and the seal of the said
County Commissioners Court of the
County of McLean aforesaid, at
Bloomington this twenty first day of
August One thousand Eight hundred
and thirty nine
Isaac Baker clk ccc

[Round seal stamped over a round paper with serrated edges]
Page 15

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3 -- 525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., [blank], 19 [blank] 

In reply to your request of [blank], received [blank] 
a statement of the military history of John Kerr
soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension 
on file in this Bureau.
S. 31184

[Table Headings: 1. DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. - 
2. LENGTH OF SERVICE. - 3. RANK. - 
4. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED, CAPTAIN. COLONEL. - 
5. STATE.]

1. Aug ^or Sept 1776 - 1 mo. 20 das. - [blank] - Captain Jacob Gearhart, Colonel Mehelm - N.J.
2. Oct 77 - I mo 25 das.- [blank] - Captain Philips, Colonel Fredk. Frelinghuysen - [blank]
3. 78 - 25 das - [blank] - Captain Chas Reading, Colonel Chambers - [blank]
4. 78 - 1 mo 20 das - [blank] - Captain Philips, Colonel Seely - [blank]
5. 78 - 1 mo 10 das - [blank] - Captain Jos Clunn, " - [blank]
6. 79 - 1 mo. 14 das - [blank] - Captain Jacob Gearhart, Colonel Seely - [blank] 
7. 79 - 1 mo. - [blank] - " ", Colonel Hoagland - [blank] 
8. 79 - 1 mo. - [blank] - " ", Colonel Beavers - [blank] 
[end table]

Battles engaged in, [checkmark]
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Kingwood Twp. Hunterdon Co. NJ
Date of application for pension, Nov. 2, 1835. His claim was al.
Residence at date of application, Hamilton Co. Ohio
Age at date of application, b. in N.J. in 1739
Remarks: living with ^his younger son Jacob in McLean Co Ills in 1839.
He died Dec 26, 1840 place not stated

No John C. Karr or Kerr found on Rev War records
of this Bureau
Respectfully,
[blank] Commissioner.

[handwritten on top of Commissioner:] Report of last
payment of Pen., etc. 
at back of this Corres. 

(sol. does not state that he was in battle of Monmouth)
Page 16

19,893.

John Kerr
Ohio

Hon. W. H. Harrison,
Senate U. S. 

Recd. 4 Feb: 1826.

Rejected - See letter
17 Feb: 1826

[illegible]
Page 17

[written diagonally, on the left] J.G.B

3-871
RECORD DIVISION
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Briefed by C.S.B.
Claim No. [blank] 
Certificate No. [blank] 
Claimant [blank] 
Soldier John C. Karr

Service [blank] 
Additional Service [blank] 
No. [blank] claim, State records [blank], 191
No claim, combination records [blank], 191 

[handwritten between the above 4 printed lines] alleged to have died
Dec. 16. 1840, and buried in
McLean Co. Ills.
The printed Census of 1840
reports, John C. Karr aged
81 years, residing with
Tharasco Karr, in McLean Co. Ills.

REMARKS:
Sept. 16, 1913.
No O. W. Inv. or Wid.
No ow Inv, or Wid Reg.
CSB

No John or John C. Karr or Kerr
or Carr on Rev. War Agency
book of Ills. except S.31187.
John Kerr

J. T. Cam
[written over another word] Assist,
Chief Division.

6-1944
Page 18

Hollywood, California.
October 26, 1914.

Pension Office,
Washington D.C.

Dear Sirs-:
I am desirous of some data regarding a Revolutionary Soldier, 
Captain John Karr, who served in Wayne's Legion.  He probably
enlisted from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  He moved from there
to Sussex County New Jersey in 1793.  Moved to Cincinnati,
Ohio in 1818.  Finally moved to Heyworth, Mclean County,
Illinois, where he died December 16, 1840, and is buried in the
cemetery there.  His wife's name was Mercy Lee.  Childrens [s crossed out] 
name's, Joseph, Nancy, Rebecca, Jacob, Thomas, Ellen, William, John,
Mercy and Walter.

I am in the direct line and want to obtain
supplemental recognition on same, in the N.S.D.A.R.

Thanking you for any information and data you may
be able to give me, I am,
Respectfully yours,
Mary D. Noble
R.F.D.10, Box 149B.

[round date stamp] o NOV 2 1914 U. S. PENSION OFFICE
Page 19

[round date stamp, upside down] APR 3 1908 RECORD DIVISION

[rectangular date stamp, stamped sideways on the right]
OFFICE [illegible] DEPT. MAR 3 1908
[illegible] - 12 - 2 - 4 P.M.
Page 20

3 -- 397.
(Old No. 3 - 899.)
aw, Ex'r.

[stamp] Record Division.

[blank] Division.
Sur. File No. 31 184,
John Kerr
Rev.

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., Mar. 30, 1908

SIR:
For use in the above-entitled claim for pension, you are requested to
furnish this Bureau with a report in the case of
John Kerr
pensioned under the Act June 7, 1832 by certificate
No. 7957 issued April 26. 1833, Illinois Agency,
showing date of his death.

Very respectfully,
[illegible signature]
Commissioner.

[illegible handwritten comment]

THE AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMAN
Treasury Department.

[round date stamp] H APR 3 1908 U. [illegible, S.?] PENSION OFFICE

[rectangular date stamp] OFFICE OF AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPT.
MAR 31 1908 Pension Division.

o-2
Page 21

[round date stamp] H APR 3 1908 U. [illegible S.?] PENSION OFFICE

[round date stamp] APR 3 [illegible] 08 RECORD DIVISION
Page 22

[in the upper left corner] K

[round stamp showing a balance and a key, inside a dotted shield shape]
OFFICE OF AUDITOR FOR INTERIOR DEPARTMENT

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, April 2nd 1908.
The Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir: In reply to your letter of 30th inst, in case of
John Kerr, Rev War. Act 1832 Certificate #7957
Illinois Agency, [blank] Roll, 
you are informed that, according to the latest account rendered
by the U. S. Pension Agent, the records of this office show
last payment to have been made at $32.67 per ^12 months, to
4 September 1840 in September 1840.  A pensil note says died 26
December 1840.  The pensioner resided in McLean Co. Ohio.

Letter herewith returned.
[illegible] Respectfully,

By [illegible signature] Acting Auditor
6
Deputy Auditor.

Form 3577. Feb. 16-07--1,000.
Page 23

[two-column page]

[left side]
31184
Revy INVALID.

File No. 31,184
John Kerr
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7th 32
Index: [blank] Vol. 2, Page 219

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side]
1908 Apr. 7. R.R. Jones
Ohio S of R. [illegible] date of
death.

1913. Sept. 18. Hist to
Milo Custer of Bloomington
Ills. (for Hist. Society) see
letter in Thos Sloan
S 32522. au

1914 Nov 4: History to Mrs Mary D. Noble
M. B. H.
Page 24

Commercial Bank of Cincinnatti
Pension Agency Sep. 18. 1839.

Sir.
Yours making enquiry respecting the time of the last payment
to John Kerr has this day been received-
He has been paid up to March 4th 1839

Very Respectfully
Yr ob Servt
T. J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commissioner of Pensions

T J Armstrong
Pension Agent
Page 25

Cincinnati Feby 27th 1833

Sir
I herewith return you the application
of John Karr for a pension ammended as
directed I also enclose you the application
of Benjamin Morris for yr examination and
decision

Respectfully
Thomas J Henderson
[flourish]

J L Edwards Esqr
Pension office

Please direct yr to answer to me
T. J. H
Page 26

Carmi Ill
2nd Sep

Free

James L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

[written sideways, on the left] Sept 72
Jn Ewan
Page 27

Carmi Ill

Pension Agents Office
2nd Sept 1839

Sir
Enclosed is the application of
John Kerr to be transfered to
this agency- If correct you
will please remit to me

very Respectfully
your obt Sevt
Daniel Hay

James L Edwards Esqr
Com Pensions
Washington City
Page 28

State of Ohio Hamilton County ss
Pearsonly appeared Before me the undersigned one 
of the Acting Justices of the Peace within and for
said County John Kerr of Lawfull age and
Being of Sound Mind Deposeth and Saith that the
Following Statements of Facts by him this 
First Day of November 1825

Subscribed and Sworn
to is just and true to the Best of his Knowledge
and Rememberence Statements as follows

That some time in the Month of August 1776
that he then Being a Vollenteer in Capt Gearharts 
Company of Vollenteers Raised and Residing in
the State of New Jersy Hunterdon County &
Township of Kingwood.  he then received orders 
from his Capt to aquip himself with
a gun Knapsack Blanket and three Days
provision and meet his Capt at a place
of Rendivouse Appointed which order he this
Deponent promtly obeyed and Was from thence
Marched to Elizabeth Town by our Capt to join
our Rigment in the State Aforesaid Commanded
by Cols Meheloms and Freelinghuson.  after
joining our Rigment We Were Marched to
Staton Island to meet Col Allens Rigment of 
Refegees.  at Which Time We Chased them a 
grate part of the Day, and returned the Same night
to our Camp Neer Cranes Ferry at Elizabeth Town 
point, Where we lay if I Remember Right untill
some time in the month of November following.  
When the news of the British having Taken Forts
Page 29

Washington and Lee Reached us-- We then received
orders to march to Morris Town on the Mountains
where our Rigment [sic] was divided into detatchments [sic] 
and Sent as Scouts and [illegible] to anoy
and keep Back the torys- this was our Business
untill Christmas.  Our Army then recrosed
the River Delaware, and some time in the
January following they took up Winter quarters
on the Hill near Morris Town, the Volenteers
and Militia were Still Kept on the Scout
Neare the line often times meeting the
enimy and had numerous scrimiges untill
some time in June, When the British left
the State of New Jersy.  We then with our Rigment
Followed them and camped at Brunswick on 
thiere Tempory Bridge, from thence to Elizabeth
Town again, Where We Lay untill the Last
of August or first of September Following. at Which
Time their was a suffishent forse to guard
our Shores.  We then Ware Dismised and
Started for home
John Kerr

State of Ohio Hamilton County ss
Pearsonly Appeared before me the Above Named
John Karr and Was Sworn by me as the Law
directs.
Witness my hand and seal this 1st day
of November 1825

William Clark
[drawing of a round seal with scalloped edges:] Seal
Page 30


The State of Ohio}
Hamilton County} S.S.

[on the left, a round seal]
I, Daniel Law Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas in and for said County do
hereby certify that William Clark Esqr
before whom the within Deposition was taken
and whose certificate thereof is attached
is now, and was at the time of taking the same an acting
Justice of the Peace in and for Hamilton County duly
elected, Commissioned and Sworn into Office and to all
his official acts as such full faith is due and ought to be given.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the Seal of our said Court at
Cincinnati this 8th of December 1825.
Danl Law Clerk

****

Cincinnate the
State of Ohio
Hamilton County
⎬
&
Oct
---
Torence President Judge of the with ┃
circuit of the Court of Common Pleas com
posed of said County do hereby certify that
Daniel Law Clerk of the said Court duly and ┃
that the attestation of said Clerk is in due form of law ┃
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand &
seal at Cincinnati this 15th of Decr 1825
Seal  G. P. Torrence
Page 31

John Kerr the within Applicant being
further duly sworn deposeth & saith
that the only property he has is sixty
eight acres of public land, & that
there has only been one payment of
eighty dollars on the Quarter section
in which his land is situate, & further
he saith not.

Sworn to & Subscribed
in open Court Decr.
8th 1825 - 
Danl Law Clerk
[flourish]
Page 32

free
Honorable  
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
D. C.

Clarks Ston O
Augt. 8th 1833

[written sideways, on the left] 7957 Ohio

[written upside down] 7957
Page 33

Crosby 4th August 1833.

Honoured Sir.
I have applyed for a pension and I think have proved one years
service in the Revolutionary War.  But have drawn only thirty
two dollars and sixty seven cents.  Now if I have proved 
a years service I have not my due according to the Law.

As we are all liable to Mistakes, will you be so kind as to Reexamin
my Vouchers and Deposition And if it appears that I have served
a year then you will correct the mistake and order me forty
dollars a year instead of thirty two etc.
No doubt the great Number of Applications have 
Alarmed the Government but a few years will relieve the country from the
Burden.

Truely the sum I ask is but small yet if it is my
due I humbly concieve it will be granted.

With my best wishes for the perpetuity of the Rights and privileges
which I helped to acquire for my Country.  I Remain 
Your humble Servant
John Kerr
Page 34

[illegible initials]

J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Agent
Washington
D. C.
Page 35

State of Illinois}
McLean County} ss:

I John Kerr being duly sworn
depose and say, that I the said John Kerr was a
soldier in the Army of the Revolution, and that I
have in my possession a Certificate of Pension, of
which the following is a true Copy, to wit:

"War Department.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that in conformity with the law of the
United States of the 7th June, 1832, John Kerr, of the
State of Ohio, who was a Private in the Army of
the Revolution, is entitled to receive Thirty Two dollars
and sixty seven cents per annum, during his natural
life, commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and
payable semi annually on the 4th of March and 4th
of September, in every year.

[on the left, drawing of a round seal with scalloped edges:] S. S.

Given at the War Office of the
United States, this 26th day of
April one thousand Eight hundred
and thirty three.
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.

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

No. 7957.
Paymentsto be made at Cincinnati by 
Pt. U. S. Br. Bank Agent for paying Pensioners, in the
Agency of Ohio

Recorded in the Pension Office, in
Book E. Vol. 2 Page 14 by Wm. R. Palmer, Clerk."

And I the said John Kerr do further depose and
say that I resided in the County of Hamilton in the
State of Ohio, for about twenty eight years last past, that
I have removed from the said County of Hamilton in 
the State of Ohio in the month of May one thousand 
eight hundred and thirty nine, to the County of McLean
in the State of Illinois, that I commenced my Residence
in the said County of McLean in the State of Illinois,
on the twenty third day of May one thousand eight
Page 36

hundred and thirty nine, and that I expect permanently
to reside in the said County of McLean in
the State of Illinois, and I the said John Kerr do
further depose and say, that my Pension has been
regularly paid to me at Cincinnati in the State of
Ohio; that my pension has been paid to me down
to the fourth day of March one thousand Eight
hundred and thirty nine, and further this deponent
says not.
John Kerr

Subscribed and sworn to}
fore me this 30th day of}
May A.D. 1839.-}
Baily H. Coffey J.P.

State of Illinois
McLean County ⎬
I Isaac Baker Clerk of the County
Commissioners Court of McLean County aforesaid do hereby
certify that Baily H Coffey Esq whose signature appears
to the foregoing certificate was at the date thereof an
acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of
McLean aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified

[bottom of page not visible]
Page 37

Bloomington May 30th 1839.

To the War Department,

Having changed my residence
to the County of McLean in the State of Illinois,
it will no longer be convenient for me to receive my
Pension at Cincinnati.  I would desire that it be so
arranged that I might draw the money at some place
in the State of Illinois.  Springfield would be quite a
convenient place, but I do not know whether an
Agency for paying pensions is established at that place,
if not, I would desire to draw it at the nearest ^possible
point to Bloomington the seat of Justice of McLean 
County- I trust that the foregoing affidavit will be found
sufficient to warrant the change-- and if it is
found insufficient I would be thankful for the
necessary instructions.

Very Respectfully 
[seen from page underneath: dred]
Your Obt. Serv
John Kerr
Page 38

State of Ohio Hamilton County Ss
Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Justices
of the peace in and for said County, Thomas Kerr and
Thomas Lacy who after being duly sworn depose and
say that they have both been acquainted with Capt
John Kerr from his youth, And that we know that
said John Kerr served nine months at one time- in
the Revolutionary War In the regiment commanded
by Col. Mehelms and Frelinghusen and in the company
of Capt Gearheart.  And further these deponents
say not.

Thomas Kerr his mark [I]
Thomas Lacy

Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 2d day of
September 1825
Wm Wakefield
justice of the Peace

Upon a reexamination of the above witnesses 
before Patrick Smith Esqr one of the Judge of the Court
of Common Pleas of Hamilton County they answered the
following questions proposed by Genl Harrrison

Question to Thos Kerr
How do you know that John Kerr seved as above
stated.  I knew that he entered the Regt as above stated
& he was absent with it as I understood for about
year. or least I know that he did not return home 
for that time

The same question asked to Thomas Lacy.
I saw John Kerr at Morristown in the month
of Nov ^[illegible] duty in Sd. Regt. & I think also in the
month of Jany following at Trenton.

Question Are you satsified that he was in Service 
in the interval between the periods above
mentioned
Page 39

State of Ohio Hamilton County ss
I do hereby certify that the within [illegible]
was taken before be at North bend in the
County and state aforesaid, by the said persons
being duly sworn-- Given under my hand
and seal October 12 1825 Patrick Smith 
[drawing of a round seal with scalloped edges:] Seal
Associate Judge H. C.