Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5322, for John Light, New Jersey
Page 1


SERVICE
Continental
New Jersey

Light, John
Catharine

NUMBER
W5322
Page 2

1274
Pennsylvania
-
John Light
Lancaster in the State of Penna.
who was a Dragn  For. master in the______
commanded by Captain _______________
of the regt commanded by Col Maglann in the Light Dragoons line for 2 years Forage Master
Increased from $219. 86.

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 480 Dollars per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 & ending
July 2d 1834 when he died
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Feby: 1842 and sent A Ray Esq
Present
Arrears to the 4th of March '34 $1440.00
allowance ending July 2 1834, the time of his death     157.34
Former payments to be deduct 1597.34
and paid to Catherine his widow
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Tho L Moody, Clerk
Book E Vol. 5 Page 127

Agent notified
Feb 25, 42
Page 3

341
Increase Phil
-
Pennsylvania
Catherine Light decd widow of John Light
who died on the 2 July 1834 of Lancaster in the State of Penna who was a Forage master the Compy commanded
Captain [illegible] of the Regt commanded by
Col Moylan in the Light Dragoons line for two years
Inscribed  on the Roll of Philadelphia
the rate of 600 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831 & end 27 Jany 1846 when she died.
-
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of
April 1850 and sent to son E. W. McGaughey, H.R.
---
Increased from $480.00
Arrears to the 4th of
Semiannual allowance ending
Payable to Dr John S. Atlee-
son of Sarah Adams, decd
was only surviving child of Catherine Light decd
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the
Recorded by J P Chase, Clerk
Book D vol. 2 Page 36

Reported
Page 4

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County
I Emanuel Shaeffer one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas being a Court of Record for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it has been made to appear to my satisfaction that Catharine Light deceased late widow of John Light
deceased and pensioner under the act of July 4th 1836 died on the 27th day of January in the year one thousand Eight Hundred and forty six and that Mrs Sarah Adams was her only surviving child and the said Sarah Adams now deceased, died on the 23rd day of March 1850. Dr John L. Atlee is her sole administrator
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal this 8th day of April 1850.
E Schaeffer
Page 5


State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County S.S. I Henry Stock Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County do certify Emanuel Schaeffer Esq. whose signature is attached the within
Certificate is and was at the time of signing one of the judges of the said Court duly appointed & commissioned and that the signature is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have herewith set
my hand and affixed the Seal of said
Court at Lancaster the 8th day
April A.D. 1850
Henry Stock
Prothy,
Page 6


BRIEF in the case of Jno Light of Lancaster County of Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania
(Act 7 June, 1832.)
of
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? near 78
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
In 1775 to 1783 with the exception of 1 year & 3 months
Duration of Service.
Years,
4
Months,
4
Days.
15
Years
1
Months
8
Days
17
Rank.
As a
Private
Forage Master rank of Captain
Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Gen.
Col Tayler Lord Herling Col Wines Genl Washington, Col Maglan, Genl Forman, Col Pickering
5. In what battles was he engaged Expedition against the tories Three Rivers. Princeton,  Germantown, Monmouth & Yorktown
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Bedford West Chester County
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
Documentary
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
Correct
Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
James Wilson Examining Clerk
Page 7

Oct 1775 enlisted for 1 year
Aprl 8. 1778 enlisted for 2 years

appointed assistant Forage master
from '80 in sd Regt of Horse Wagons
July 26. 1781, appointed again by
Col Pickering here to end of the War
Capt Potheman
Lord Stetery N J
4 Regt Dragoons Col Moylan
Capt Plunkett
Found on Roll for "War"
enlisted April 8, 1778
promoted Corporal, Jany 1779
Dischd. 31st July 1780
Page 8

No 1805
Jno Light
Pennsylvania
Admitted
Dragoon 3 mos 13d , 14.28
Forage Master 20 mos 17d, 205.58

$219.86
Page 9

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss
On this twentieth day of August AD one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County in open Court, John Light, Esquire, a resident in the City of Lancaster, County of Lancaster and State of Pennsylvania, aged near seventy eight 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 7, 1832
I was born in the Township of Bedford County of Westchester and State of New York on the 25th December AD 1754- Early in the year 1775 I joined the minute men under Mr Peretinghuysen near Somerset Court House, and was the first man who signed the paper
after the call. During the summer we paraded and exercised often preparatory to service, under Captain (afterwards Colonel) Taylor
On the 28th October 1775 I enlisted for one year, (which superseded my previous engagement) in the first Jersey Regiment in Captain Polhemus Company Lord Sterling being Colonel of the Regiment.  On his promotion the regiment was commanded by colonel Wines.  We lay in New York and on Long Island that winter during which time we had an expedition against the Tories in Hempstead Plains, - In the spring of 1776, I believe the 3d or 4th of march we left New York for Canada and went down Lake George and Champlain, then into the St. Lawrence River and were in the Battle of the Three Rivers
Page 10

under Colonel Thompson who commanded the whole detachments at that battle. Colonel Thompson was defeated and taken prisoner. We retreated and suffered every privation until we arrived at Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and were busily employed in fortifying it and its dependancies. We lay there from that time until November and staid two weeks beyond our time at the request of Genl Gates, as the British were within three miles of us.
We left there about a week after the British went into winter quarter on our way home in Jersey, and at Elizabethtown I was discharged by Lieutenant Colonel Mathias Ogden on the 21st November 1776, who stated in my discharge That I had faithfully served out the time of my enlistment.
I resided on the main road between Brunswick
and Princeton, and had been at home but two or three days when I joined Genl Washington in his retrograde march through the Jerseys, as a volunteer, and was at the battle of Princeton, where we took a number of prisoner.
I was one who marched with the prisoners to Pluckamyn where we left them under the care of some officers.
After the British retreated to Brunswick I was
appointed a guide or assistant to the scouting parties sent from Princeton where General Putnam commanded and I was in several skirmishes with the enemy
At one time I was chiefly instrumental in the
capture of thirteen British Light Infantry, at another time of three grenadiers.  I was also in that year (1777) at the battle of Germantown where Captain Most (?) was killed at my side. Genl Forman commanded us.
On the 8th day of April 1778 I enlisted for two years in the fourth regiment of Light Dragoons commanded by Col Stephen Moylan, in Captain Plunketts troop.
I believe Captain Plunkett resigned and that Captain Pike took the command of the troop.
This regiment was at the battle of Monmouth; I served until discharged by Col Moylan on the 21st March 1781, being within two weeks
of three years.
Page 11

In the year 1780 your petitioner was appointed assistant to Thomas Thackam who was forage master to said regiment of horse and on his resignation, on the 26th day of July 1781
your petitioner was appointed forage Master to the same regiment by Coln Pickering, the Quarter Master general, in which capacity he served until the end of the war.
He was at the taking of Cornwallis and went with the Regiment wherever ordered, until they were discharged and the horses sold at Lancaster, Pennsylvania sometime in the year 1783. where he has resided ever since.
In the discharge, Col Moylan certifies that he served as a have faithful and good soldier - See discharge
After the war, when your petitioner settled his public account with the Quarter Master General, Colonel Pickering, he (Col. Pickering) kept his commission or appointment,
together with some other papers, one of which was, a certificate from the commanding officer of the Regiment, that your petitioner had served as forage master in said regiment to the
end of the war, alledging that he needed them as vouchers in settling his account, but gave me a copy of my oath of office.
The pay of your petitioner as forage Master was $35.00 per month and two rations, and he was promised $10.00 extra pay monthly for having the care and command of the wagons, teams, and drivers of the regiment, but which
extra pay he never received. My rank from the time of my appointment as Forage master was that of Captain
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
John Light
Sworn to & Subscribed the & year aforesaid in open court
Christ Bachman
prothy
Page 12

And the said Court do hereby declare that opinion that the within named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states
Walter Franklin
Sam Dale
John Lightner
I Christian Bachman Prothoanery of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Light Esquire for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 20th day of August AD 1832
Christ Bachman
prothy
time of service | year | mo
Minute men of N. Jersey | 1 | ---
under Genl Washington | 1 | ---
Mylin Light Dragoon, | 2 | 11 1/2
Pay rations of a Captain | 1 | 9 1/2
when forage Master
_______
6.9

John Light Esq.
Page 13

No 1
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the 3d section of the act of Congress of the 4th July, 1836.
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster City Ss:
On this second day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty six, personally appeared in open court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County now composing an orphans Court, of record before the Judges thereof Catharine Light a resident of the City of Lancaster and State of
Pennsylvania aged about seventy three years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit
of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 4. 1836
That she is the widow of John Light who was a
Forage Master in the army of the Revolution and was placed on the pension roll of the United States on the thirty first day of October AD 1832 at the rate of two hundred and nineteen dollars eighty six cents per annum
That she was married to the said John Light
at the City of Lancaster aforesaid on the 22
day of December AD 1782; that her husband
the aforesaid John Light died on the second day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty four and that she has remained a widow ever since that period.
Further that she was married to the said John
Light whilst he was in the service of the
United States in the capacity, as well as she now recollects of forage master; and that he was not discharged from said service until the year following their marriage-
her
Catharine Light
mark
Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court this 2d day of December AD 1836
Attest
D B Vondersmith For D Vondersmith, Clk  R.O. C.
Page 14

No 2
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss:
Personally appeared in open Court of Record the orphans court of Lancaster County at the same time and place John Leonard of the City of Lancaster, and Dr John L. Atler who being duly sworn according to Law depose and say
That they have been long acquainted with
John Light and Catharine Light the person
named in the foregoing application; that the
said John Light in the same person to whom
a Pension was granted on the thirty first day of
October one thousand eight hundred and thirty two by the United States; that the said Catharine was the wife of the said John Light. That he the said John Light died on the second day of July one thousand eight hundred and thirty four and that the said Catharine has ever since remained a widow, and is now the widow of the said John Light.
John Leonard
Jno. L Atlee
Sworn to and subscribed
in open Court, this 2d day of
December A D 1836

Attest
D B Vondersmith For D Vondersmith

Clk O. C.
I do certify that the Court in the above case
expressed an opinion that the foregoing witnesses were credible persons and that their statements were entitled to full credit, and that they are residents of Lancaster City. I further certify that the foregoing contains the
original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of the said Catharine Light for a pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and the seal of the said Orphans Court at Lancaster this second day of December AD 1836
D B Vondesmith For D Vondersmith
Clerk of the Orphans Court of
Lancaster County
Page 15

John Light, a lighthorseman, & Catharine Bridges were lawfully married on the twenty second day of December A.D. seventeen hundred & eighty two.
A true extract from the records of Trinity Church, Lancaster, Penna.
Lancaster, Penna.
December 20. 1836
John C. Baker
S.t. Pastor

Lancaster City ss
Be it remembered that on the twentieth
day of December Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and thirty six personally appeared before me the subscribed one of the Alderman in and for said City of Lancaster, the
above named John C. Baker, and whose name is hereunto subscribed who on his Solemn Oath taken according to law doth declare and say that the above certificate was taken from the Records of the Trinity Church in the City of
Lancaster, and of which he is Pastor and that the same is a just and true abstract
John C. Baker
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and year above written. -
John Bomberger
Page 16

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Ss.
I, Z. McLenegan, Prothenotary of the
Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County
certify, that John Bomberger, Esquire, is
an Alderman of the City of Lancaster, as
within stated. That he is duly commission
and qualified as such, and that the signature purporting to be his, is his genuine signature
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand & official seal the 20th day of December A.D. 1836.
Z. McLenegan-
Prot.
Page 17

Rev. War Section
September 14, 1923.

Mrs. Howard Peaker,
808 W. 21st St.
Kearney, Nebr.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in
the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5322, it appears that John Light was born in Bedford, Westchester County, New York, December 25, 1754, and early in the year 1775 he joined the minute men near Somerset Court House. On October 28, 1775, he enlisted and served in Captain Polhemus' company, Lord Stirling and Colonel Winds' New Jersey regiment, until
discharged November 21, 1776 and was in the battle of Three Rivers.
He resided on the main road between Brunswick and Princeton, New Jersey, and had been at home only a few days, when he joined General Washington's army in the retreat through New Jersey and was at the battle of
Princeton.
In 1777, he was appointed a guide to scouting
Page 18

parties sent from Princeton and was in several skirmishes, also was in the battle of Germantown.
From April 8, 1778 to March 21, 1781, he was a
Dragoon under Captain Plunkett and Zebulon Pike, and Assistant Forage Master to Thomas Thackam in Colonel onel Stephen Moylan's 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons, and on July 25, 1788 he was appointed Forage Master to said regiment and served until 1783, was also at
the taking of Cornwallis.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, while a resident of Lancaster, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He died July 2, 1834.
Soldier married in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, December 22, 1782, Catharine Bridges, she was allowed pension on her application executed December 2, 1836, while living in Lancaster, Pa., aged seventy three years. She died January 27, 1846, leaving Mrs. Sarah Adams her only
surviving child, who died March 23, 1850.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner
Page 19

1912, Mar. 13. Hist. to 
Mrs. Bernice Peaker 
1914 Mch. 27 Hist to
Bertha Girton
1914 Apr. 3 & Bertha Girton
there is no other family
that furnished
1920 Mch 3 Hist to Laura Gumpe
1923 Sept. 14 Hist. to Mrs. H

Revy WIDOW, &c.

File No. 5322
Catharine Light
Wid
John Light
Forage Master Pa, line
---
Act: July 4th / 36
-
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 435
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

Permit the bearer John Light & Willm Anderson
to return to their homes they having
faithfully served out the time of their inlistments in the 1st Jersey Regt
Elizth Town
21st Nov. 1776
Matt Ojoin (?) L Colnl
Page 21

No. 2.
Sir
The bearer hereof John Light agreeable to the
Muster Roll of the Rgt & a Certificate given him by Capt Moore at the time of his Enlisting has served agreeable to his engagement & three months more as a good soldier I therfore recommend him to you for a discharge
July the 20th 17[illegible]
Col Moylan

from your most Obed & Humble Sert
Zeb Pike Capt
Page 22

I certify that John Light has served the time for which he engaged in the 4th Regt Light
Dragoons as a brave faithful and good Soldier - he is hereby Discharged
Richard Morgan
Col Com Lt
Lancaster 21st March 1781
No. 5.
Mr John Light's son is not provided for by the act granting Donation lands to the Jersey Line
John Davidson
Comp Land office
Feb 6, 1801
Page 23

No. 5.
Mr John Light's son is not provided for by the act granting Donation lands to the Jersey Line
John Davidson
Comp Land office
Feb 6, 1801

I certify that John Light has served the time for which he engaged in the 4th Reg. Light Dragoons as a brave faithful good soldier - he is hereby discharged.
Arthur Moylan
Col Com Lt
Lancaster 21st March 1781
Page 24

Public
Mr. John Light
Lancaster

Light, John
Cont - N.J. W 322
Page 25

 
Camp at Philipsburg July 26th 1787
No 6
Sit,
The bearer Mr. Thackam will deliver you your appointment as Forage Master to the 4th Regt of Dragoons together with a plan for conducting the Qmly Department & two blank Oaths which you will take before a Justice
of the peace & transmit a copy or one of them to this office as soon as may be convenient you will see by the plan for our department that no pay is be allowed to any person
in it unless he takes the Oath as prescribed by Congress,
Your measurer is also
Page 26

also to take the Oath a duplicates of which
you will please to forward to this Office 
with your own, No forage Master
is to have an asst but a measurer, only
whose pay is to be eight hard dollars per
month & no more
I am Sir
your Most obd serv
[illegible]
Page 27

he Q M.Y. say that it is not requisite
for the measurer to take the oath, that the
Forage Masters may employ whom they
please for that business & to be accountable for their conduct, no more than one
measure is to be allowed to each forage
Master
Yours as before
Page 28

Dead. See letter to Hon. J. Buchanan Dec. 14. 1836

1274
Pennsylvania
John Light
Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania
who was a dragoon Forage master in the____
commanded by Captain____ of the Regt commanded by Col Maylan in the Light Dragoons line for 3 months & 13 days Dragoon $14.28
20 " "  &17 " Forage Master 205.58
$219.86
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 219 Dollars 86 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of October 1832 and sent to Pensioner
Lancaster Pa
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832
329.79
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4th March 1833, 109.93
$439.72
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by  J. M. Duffield Clerk
Book D Vol. 6 Page 67
Page 29

Agent notified Feb 25.42
Let. to Hon C. W. McGaughey
April 5 /50
---
341
Pennsylvania.
Catherine Light widow of John Light decd
who died on the 2d day of July 1834
Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania
who was a Forage Mastier in the Comp. commanded by Captain _____ of the _____
commanded by Col Moylan in the Light Dragoon line for 2 years Forage Master
Increased from $219.86.
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania
at the rate of 480 Dollars ____ Cents per annum, tp commence on the3d day of July 1834 the day subsequent to his death.
widow ofCertificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Feb 1842 and sent to A Ray Esq
Present
Arrears to the 4th of March '41
$320 [illegible]
4 yr 8 mos 1 day

Former payment to [illegible]
$3441.33
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836
Section the }
Recorded by Tho. Moody, Clerk
Book. C Vol. 3 Page 155
Page 30


Pennsylvania 341
Catharine Light of Lancaster State of Pa
who was a ___ in the ____ commanded by
Captain_____ of the ______ commanded
by____ in the ____
widow of John Light decd late Dragoon & Forage Master in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll of Penna at the rate of 219 Dollars 86 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831 amt pd to 2 July 1834 to be the deducted
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Dec
1836 and sent Hon Jas Buchanan Senate U.S.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1836 $1.209.24
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 37 109.93
$1.319.17
{ Revolutionary Claim Jan 7, 1836}
Recorded by D D Addison Clerk
Book A Vol. 1 Page 168
See letter January 28. 1842 to A. Ray
Page 31

21
act 1832
Increase this to $480 per annum 
March 4, 1831 & ending July 2d 1834 when John Light died - Payable to Catharine his widow 
deduct former payments send Cert to A Ray Present
Page 32

Please say to what time John Light
of Pa was last paid at $219.86?
Act 1832
W. W. A.
Died 2d July 1834 paid to that period
IH
Page 33

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, Ss 
I hereby Certify that on the 30th January 1846
the Last Will and Testament of Catherine Light decd late of Lancaster (and widow of the late John Light dec) was duly proven according to Law, and that on the same day Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decd were duly granted to Washington L. Attee the
Executor, that Mrs Sarah Adams is sole heir to
all the estate bequeathed by said will, and that 
said will now remains in the Registers Office
of said County
Witness my hand and the seal of said Office
the day of March A.D. 1850
E. Rauch Deputy Regr
Page 34


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
LancasterCounty, ss:

Personally appeared before William Bausman, Esquire, One of the Justices of the peace in & for the County aforesaid, Isaac Davis of the Borough of Lancaster, who upon oath, duly taken according to law, Saith, that he was a non commissioned officer in the 4th Regiment of Light Dragoons, or Pennsylvania Legion, commanded by Colonel Stephen Moylan, in our Revolutionary War with Great Britain, that John Light who now resides in the said Borough of Lancaster, was Forage Master
to said Regiment or Legion, that he the said John Light, went with said Regiment whereever it was ordered, and continued Forage Master in the same until the end of said War.
and further saith not.
Isaac Davis
Sworn and subscribed this 4th day of Aug A.D. 1838 before me,
William Bausman,
Page 35

No 4
I John Light do acknowledge the UNITED STATES OF AMERICAN to be Free Independent and Sovereign States, and declare that the People therof owe no Allegiance or Obedience to George the Third, King of Great Britain; and
I renounce, refuse, and abjure Allegiance or Obedience to him, and I do swear that I will to the utmost of my power support, maintain and
defend the said United State, against the said King George the Third, his Heirs and Successors, and his and their Abettors, Assistants  and Adherents, and will serve the said United State in the Office of Forage Master which I now hold, with fidelity, according to the best of my Skill and Understanding.
John Light
Sworn & subscribed before me 28th Augt 1781,
William Henry

I John Light do swear that I will faithfully, truly and impartially execute the Office of forage master to which I am appointed; and render a true Account, when thereunto required, of all public Monies by me received or expended, and of all Stores or other Effects to me intrusted, which belong to the UNITED STATES; and will in all Respects, discharge the Trust reposed in me, with Justice and Integrity, to the best of my Skill and understanding.
John Light
Sworn & subscribed before me 28th Augt 1781
William Henry
Copy of the original
in my hand
Lin: Pickering Qtly
Page 36

John Light
No 1805
Aug '32
A.
Page 37

Washington

Feby 4. 1842
Sir/
In compliance with your favor of the 28th Ulto,
I now enclose a letter addressed to you, by Mr Catherine Light, widow of John Light. of Lancaster Penn a pensioner under act 1836
accepting the increase to her pension you propose to grant,
Before, computing the allowance, be kind enough to read my letter to you of the
2d Ulto
I am very respectfully your ob serv
Alex. Ray
J.L. Edward, Esq
Commission of Pensions
Page 38

341
Catharine Light widow of John
Pennsylvania Lancaster Co.
increase $481 to $600
com 4 Mar 1831 to 27 January 1846,
when she died
payable to Dr John L. Atlee Admin
of Sarah Adams dau only surviving child of Catherine Light decd

deducting what has been paid
Act 4 July 1836

Hon. E. W. McGaughey
N.R.
Page 39

Washington
Jan 3, 1842
Sir
In your letter of the 28th in the case of Catherine Light of Penna. Act 1836. You state, if
she is willing to receive a pension at the rate $17.00 for 20 months and 17 days, for her husbands sevices as Forage master, and for 3 mos 13 days as a Dragoon Soldier, a certificate will issue as
John Light served as a Corporal of Carly (?)
(as appear by records at Harrisburg and afterward as an assistant Forage Master, the monthly pay of a Corporal being $10 pr Mo. and that of an Asst Forage Master $26.2/3
Is not the widow, therefore, entitled for the
3 & 13 days to the pension of an Asst Forage Master or a Corporal, instead of an allowance as a "Dragoon Soldier."
Yours most respectfully
Alx. Ray

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

Decision of Hon T Ewing Secy Interior in the case of Catharine Light widow of John
Pa
April 4 1850
(AB)
Page 41

Department of the Interion
April 4 1850
Sir
I have examined the papers in the case of
Mrs Catharine Light, Widow of John Light, decd, who was a Forage Master, during the war of the Revolution and I am of the opinion that the proof of service is very clear
It appears from the certificate of the Secretary
of State, that the "Return of persons employed in the Forage Department with the Army, under the direction of Clement Biddle, Commissary General of Forage 1st August 1779", shows that the pay of a Forage
Master was $80 per month.
The amount of pension should therefore be
settled by the provisions of law, and not by the
recollections of the party
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Servant
(Signed )
T. Ewing
Secretary
J.S Edwards Esq
Com of Pension
Page 42

Washington March 17th 1850
Sir, 
I have to request that you will cause the application of the heirs of Mrs Catharine Light widow of John Light of Pennsylvania late a pensioner under the act of July 4th 1836 for an increase of pension to be examined-
Mr Amweg her attorney is now in Washington and is very anxious to get the increase allowed before he returns to Pennsylvania and you would confer a particular favor on me by accommodating him
Mr Light was appointed a Forage Master to Col. Moylan's Regt of Dragoons in the Spring
of 1781 and continued to serve in that capacity until the close of the war, consequently, his widow Catharine Light was entitled to a pension of $600 instead of $480. per annum, which has heretofore been allowed
Enclosed you will find a certificate of Court showing that W.L. Allen Esquire is the Executor & Mrs Sarah Adams the only surviving child and sole heir of Catharine Light deceased

Yours truly
Danl Sturgeon

Hon. Tomas Erving
Secretary of the Interior
Washington D C
Page 43

Hon Danl Sturgeon
March 17/50
asks that the application of the heirs of Mrs. Catherine Light for increase of pension,
be examined-
-
Letter to Hon D. Sturgeon
March 23d 1850
Refd to Com of Pensions
for a Report
Dept of the Interior
March 23d 1850

22
Page 44

Washington 24 March 1848
Sir,
in the case of Catharine Light widow of John a pensioner under act 1836 Penna Agency, at the rate of $480 p annum
I now renew an application in her behalf for an augmentation of her stipend at the rate of $600 pr annum under your decision made
few days ago in the case of William Crittenden who was a Wagon Master, in favor of Judge Barber
The allowance he informed me was made under the resolution of May 11 1779 which  fixes the pay of a Wagon Master at 80 pr mo:  the same resolve allows a forage master " the same pay and rations as a Wagon Master"
and as John Light was appointed and served after 1779 as Forage Master in a regiment
of Horse, his widow's case must be embraced under your decision
I remain your Most Ob Ser
Alex. Ray
Jas L Edward Es
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 45

Lancaster February 2nd 1842
Sir
I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo
addressed to my agent Mr Alexander Ray, and herewith accept in compliance with it, the augmentation proposed to my present pension, under act 1836. by old certificate is returned through Mr. Ray for that purpose.

Yours respectfully
her
Catharine Light
mark

To
J L Edwards Esqr.
Commr of Pensions
Attest
Washington L. Atlee
Page 46

Ho. of Reps
Washington City April 15th 1850.
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Sir
Please to deliver to D.D. Addison Esqr the
certificate of Pension issued to Catharine Light and Mary Dunscomb and obliged
Your Obt. Servt
E W McGaughey
Page 47

Payments to be made at Philadelphia Pa. by 
Presdt Guard Bank Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Philadelphia
Increase to $480 per annum commencing
July 3d 1834 - deduct former payments-
Send cert: to A. Ray
Present
Recorded in the Pension
Office in Book D. Vol 1 Page 168 by W. D. Addison Clerk
Page 48

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim.
I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July, 1836, Catharine Light of Pennsylvania
widow of John Light decd who was a Dragoon Forage Master in the War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Two hundred & Nineteen dollars and Eighty Six cents per annum, during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831
and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September
[illegible]
Given at the War Office of the United States, this 24th day of December one thousand
eight hundred and thirty six
J.P. Butler
Secretary of War ad interim
Examined and Countersigned. }
J L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 49

in Lancaster 74 yrs
pension no where
Sept 1837

341
Page 50

J L Edwards
Comr of Pensions
Washington D.C.
March 27, 1850
relative to the case of Catharine Light,
widow of John Light
Papers 22 in number,
enclosed
Letter to Hon E.W. McGaughey
Comer of Pensions, April 4th 1850.
Page 51

Pension Office
March 27. 1850
Sir,
I have the honor herewith to transmit to you a
Brief of the evidence in the case of Catharina Light accompanied by the papers numbered from 1 to 22 inclusive. In his memorial John Light states that he received $35. per month, and held the rank of a Captain during his services as Forage Master. He was  consequently, allowed the same pension as a Captain, and his services computed as 2 full years, when in strictness they were not fully proved for more than 20 months in that capacity, and the remainder of the time he acted as a Private in Dragoons. Forage
Masters, Wagon Masters &c seem during the Revolution to have been engaged for a stipulated price, varying at different time and places, and under different Qr. Mr Generals, and when the pay they agreed to receive is established by themselves. I have deemed it
but fair to compute their pension at the same
rate
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully,
Your Obt. Sevt
J.L. Edwards
Hon T. Ewing
Secretary of The Interior.
Page 52

Lancaster Dec 8th 1836
Hon. James Buchanan
Dear Sir
Enclosed I send you the paper necessary to establish Mrs. Light's claim to the pension formerly obtained by my grandfather viz
the deposition of Mrs. Light together with that of Mr. Leonard & myself & the certificate of the Court of record. Also & separately, the certificate of Marriage  taken verbatim from the church books by the Rev.  J. C. Baker
Should any thing further be required of Mrs. Light or myself be informed of it, we shall attend to it immediately.
With many thanks for your kind offer to attend
to the business I am [illegible] very respectfully
yr obedt Servant
Jno. L. Atlee
Page 53


Washington
Dec. 13th 1841
Sir
You will receive enclosed an application made by Mrs Catherine Light, a pensioner under act 4 July 1836. on the Penn. roll, as the Widow of John Light,
Since the declaration has been made I have examined the Penn rolls at Harrisburg
and find that John Light was paid from
April 1778 to the 1st of August 1780, as a corporal of Cavalry. After that I am informed he was appointed an assistant Forage master to the 4th Reg. of Light Dragoons and upon the resignation of Thomas Thackam who was forage master to said regt of horse in 1781. John Light was appointed to succeed him a forage master by T. Pickering Q. M. Genl and served up to the spring of 1783
Will you be good enough to have the
paper on file examined, and apportion the
increase according to the period of service as forage Master and as assistant
I am very respectfully
James L. Edwards Esq
Your ob ser
Alex Ray

James L Edward Esq
Commr of Pensions
Page 54


Washington 23 Dec 1836
Dear Sir
I enclose you the certificate of the Marriage of the late Col. Light, properly authenticated
according to your directions
W. Baker is the respectable pastor of the ancient Lutheran Church of Lancaster. I am well acquainted with all the parties & entertain no doubt the perfect fairness of the application.

Yours very respectfully
James Buchanan

J. L. Edwards Esq
Page 55


Washington City D.C.
Novr 3d 1849.
Dear Sir
I am requested (as you will perceive from the enclosed letter) by Mr. John L. Atlee, Executor of John Light, decd of Pennsylvania, late a pensioner under the act of 1832, and of his widow, Catharine Light, under the act of 1836,
to ask a reexamination of their claim with a view to an increase of pension In order to enable me to procure the additional evidence, necessary, in support of their claim to an increase, I have, respectfully, to ask that I may be furnished with a statement of the service set forth in their declarations on file in your office. 
I am, Very respectfully
Yr. Mo. Obt. Sv.
D. D. Addison

J.L. Edwards Esqr
Com. of Pensions
Page 56

Lancaster Pennsylvania
November 2nd 1849.

Col. J. S. Edward
Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
Please let William S, Amweg Esquire of this city or D.D. Addison Esquire of Washington D.C. see and examine the pension papers of Lt John Light deceased pensioned under the act of
Congress 1832 and also the pension papers of the widow (Mrs Catherine Light) of John Light deceased pensioned under the act of Congress 1836 as they are my regularly employed attornies and still have a claim against the
General Government for increase pensions and you will much oblige
Yours very respectfully
Jno. L. Atlee Executor of the Estate of John Light decd
Page 57

Washington Jany 21st 1850
Sir
Sometime early last fall I filed in your office applications for increase of pension in the following cases, Viz
Mary, widow of Joseph Dixon N.Y. acts '38 &c
Catharine, widow of John Light, Pa. acts '38 &c
Elizabeth widow of John Pratt, Cinat. Act July '48
Olny Winsor Act June 7th 1832, R Island
As the regular term for action on these
claims, has long since passed and as the parties interested are becoming very
impatient, I beg that you will do me the favor to have them examined without
any further delay  Y oblige
Very Respectfully
Yr. Mo. Ovt. St.
D. D. Addison

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissr of Pensions
Page 58

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss.
On this 8th day of December 1841 personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, Catherine Light, a resident of Lancaster City in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, does on her oath state, that she is the widow of John Light decd
who was a revolutionary pensioner under the act 1832 as Forage master and Dragoon at the rate of $219.86 per annum, and died on the 2d day of July 1834 as evidence filled in the war department will shew and that she now receive the same amount of pension under the act 1836. and paid at the Penna agency
Now the object of this declaration being made
is, as widow of said Light to obtain an increased rate of Pension in right of her husband as Forage Marth at the rate of $40 per month from the 4 of March 1831 up to the 2d day of July 1834 and all other claims to any pension or annuity except the present is hereby relinquished
Sworn and subscribed to on the day and year above written before me
her
Catharine X Light
mark

E M Sargant J.P.

Witness present at Mrs. Lights signature
Washington L. Atlee
Page 59

State of Pennsylvania
County of Lancaster Ss.
I, Z.  McLenegan Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said County certify that E. McLenegan Esquire, within named is an acting Alderman in & for the City of Lancaster duly elected commissioned and qualified, and that the within or foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine-
In Testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the
Seal of Said Court & Subscribed my name the fourth day of December A.D. 1841-
Z. McLenegan, Prothonotary
D J Powel
Page 60


State of Pennsylvania 
Lancaster County s.s.
On this 4th day of December 1841. personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Mrs. Catherine Light a resident of Lancaster City, in said County, who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath state, that she is the widow of John
Light deceased, who was a revolutionary pensioner under the act 1832 at the rate of $219.86 per annum, and who died on the 2d July 1834 - And that she is now a pensioner  under the act 1836 at the same rate, and paid
at the Pennsylvania agency at Philadelphia
Now the object of this declaration being made
is, in order to obtain an increase rate of pension for the revolutary service of her decd husband as Forage master at the rate of 40 per month, and for the difference of the amount be increased from the 2 July 1834
the period of said Light death and all other claims to any pension or annuity except the present is hereby relinquished
her
Catharine  X Light
mark
Sworn and subscribed to on the day & year above written before me
E McLenegan J.P.
Witness present at Mrs. Light's signature.
Washington l. Atlee
Page 61

State of Pennsylvania
County of Lancaster Ss
I Z Mclenegan Prothonotary of the Court
of Common Pleas for the said County of Lancaster Do certify that E. McLenegan Esq before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting alderman in & for the city of Lancaster, duly elected commissioned & Sworn, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his genuine-
In Witness whereof I have hereto affixed the seal of said Court & subscribed my name the fourth day of December AD. 1841.
Z. McLenegan, Prothonotary
B J Powel
Page 62


Kearney, Neb. March, 1912
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Having read an account in the paper
that Mrs. John Horton Miller of Buffalo, N.Y., representing the Daughters of the American
Revolution, has asked Congress to make
this research easier by publishing all the old records of pensions land grants & land
rights of American soldiers prior to the Mexican War, & that these records are now
Page 63

2.
stored in Washington and are often 
called for by women who aspire to become members of the D.A.R."
Would you please look up the record of Johannes or John Light or Licht, Jr, who was born in 1731 and died 1798.

Also Major John Light N. 5322. of Lancaster
Pa. who served through out the entire period of the revolution, & if they are the same person, & greatly oblige
(Mrs) Bernice Peaker
2111 Ave D.
Kearney, Neb.
Page 64

Kearney, Neb.  July 30, '23

Dept. of Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C
Dear Sir: In reply to your letter of May
11. '23, will say,
"In reference to Lights of Revolutionary Fame, will say that we have knowledge of one who
served with distinction throughout the entire period, notably, Major John Light of Lancaster, Pa. Major Light was originally from the state of
New York, lived in Lancaster but returned to his native state shortly before his death." Copied
from letter of John H Light, of Avon, Pa. He also says "You doubtless know that the religious belief of many of the early settlers prevented them from taking part
Page 65

2.
in war and it is likely for this reason that so little is known of their early connection with  the wars."
Hoping that this may be of service tracing
my ancestor, who served in the Revolution War,
I am
Yours respectfully,
(Mrs) Howard Peaker
808. W, 21st St
Kearney, Neb
P.S. Did have a record of date of his birth & death, but have been unable to find it.
H.P.

[Stamp] Pension Office Aug 2 1923
Page 66

State Center Iowa
March 18 1914
Commissioner of .Pensions Washington D.C.
Will you please give me the Revolutionary War service of John Light Born 1754 in West Chester New York. died in Lancaster Pa
I think placed on pension Roll about 1831
or 1832 - he was a Dragoon, & forage Master
of a Continental Pennsylvania Line. But
do not know what Officers he served under nor
when to what date - have you any records of his family. I shall appreciate and information - I desire it to become a D.A.R

Mrs Bertha Girton
State Center
Iowa
Page 67

State Center Iowa
March 24 - 1914
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Will you kindly give me the Pension Record of John Light Born 1754 died 1834
placed on pension Roll 1832
Born in West Chester New York
died at Lancaster Pennsylvania
wife name Catherine Britzens
one daughter's name Sarah married
William Pitt can you give me
any other childrens names - Please
Miss Bertha Girton
State Center
Iowa
Page 68

Rev Sec
Aurora, Illinois, February 15, 1920.
Mr. G. W. Saltzgaber,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Please send me a copy of the pension record of John Light born 1754 Westchester County, N.Y. Died 1834 Lancaster, Penn. Pension granted 1832 for service in Penn Continental Line. Also of Jonas Child born 1761. Died Hallowell, Maine, 1815. was placed on Invalid pension roll in 1782, wife was Anna Hayden.
Thanking you for your reply, I am,
Respectfully yours,
(Miss) Laura Guempelein,
322 Spring Street,
Aurora, Illinois.
[Stamp] Pension Office Feb 18 1920
Page 69

V.L.M.
Rev. War Section.
April 3, 1914

Miss Martha Girton,
State Center,
Iowa.
Madam;
In response to your letter dated the 24th [illegible] you are advised that in the claim of John Light, Wid. File No. 5,322 Rev. War, there is no other family data than that furnished you
March 27, 1914.
Very respectfully,
G M Saltzgaber
Commissioner.
Page 70

RECORD DIVISION.
3 -- 525.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
___, 190__
In reply to your request of ____, received ___
a statement of the military history of John Light 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.
W. 5.322
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Oct. 28, 1775 to Nov 21, 1776
1777
Apr. 8, 1778 to Mar. 21, 1781
July 26, 1781 to 1783
LENGTH OF
SERVICE.

RANK.
Dragoon & Asst Forage master
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Polhemus
joined Gen Washington in retreat thru New Jersey
served as guide to scouting parties under Gen. Petersens orders.
Plunkett and Zebulon Pike
Thomas Thackam
COLONEL
Lord Stirling and Winds
Stephen Moylan, 4th regt Lt. Dragoons
Stephen Moylan 4th reg Lt Dragoons

STATE.

Battles engaged in, Three River, Princeton, Germantown, taking of Cornwallis and several skirmishes
Residence of soldier at enlistment, between  Brunswick & Princeton, N.J.
Date of application for pension, Aug 20, 1832. Cl. al.
Residence at date of application, Lancaster, Lancaster Co., Pa.
Age at date of application, b. Bedford Twp. Westchester Co, N.Y. Dec. 25, 1754
Remarks: Soldier mar in Lancaster, Pa. Dec. 22, 1782 Catharine Bridges,
He died July 2, 1834, and she was al. pens. on his apl. Exc. Dec. 2 1836, while ac as 73 yrs, and a res. of Lancaster, Pa. She died
Jan. 27, 1846, leaving Mrs. Sarah Adams her only surviving child, who died Mar. 23, 1850.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 71

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration 
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Light, John
GRADE Private
LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 7393
ACREAGE. 100
ISSUED Oct. 3, 1791 to Isaac Brooks, assignees
The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent
dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.