Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 3412, John Gordon, Penn.
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Service                    Number
Penn         Gordon, John               W3412
                             Sarah

Contents
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Aunst notify
Letto Hm J Brown HR Apl
19.1842

Pennsylvania 31, 924
John Gordon
Of Lancaster County in the state of Penn
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain ______________ of the right commanded
by Col Butler in the PA
line for 9 months

Inscribed on the roll of Philadelphia
at the rate of 30 dollars ___ cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of Feb
1862 and sent to DB Vondursmith
Lancaster, Penn

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 1861                315.00
Semi-anl allowance endng in Mar 62        15.00
                                                               $330.00
Revolunionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832

Recorded by D. Brown Clerk,
Book E2, Vol 3, Page 23
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Reported
3d.... May 9, 1837



380
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Sarah Gordon
Widow of John Gordon
who served in the revolutionary 
war, as a private
inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
30 Dollars ___
Cents per annum, to commence on the 
4th day of March, 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the
22 day of June 1848
and sent to
Hon. John Strohm 
Hoff

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1818, Page 223 Vol 1.
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Journal style document with the left side showing a ribbon closure and the right side shows the following:

Declaration of John Gordon a Revolutionary Soldier
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                            Declaration
      In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 -
State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County. }ss

     On this 15th day of September AD 1841. Personally appeared in Open Court before the District Court now sitting John Gordon (underlined),  resident of West Hempfield Townshp in the County and State aforesaid also 79 years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to law, doth make the following declaration-
     I was born in Berks County, in the State of Pennsylvania, in the year 1760- In the year (1777) to the best of Declarant recollection, I served as a private soldier in the Amy of the revolution in Pennsylvania, 6th Regiment - 
     I went as a private from Berks County and was marched to Germantown, we remained but a short time until we got into an engagement with the British and they retreated  - from thence we marched to Jersey State and encamped the place that we encamped at - I think was called the plains -
     In the year (1778) In the spring we marched to Monmouth, there we got into an engagement with the British, and they retreated - we remained here a while - I cannot say how long -
     In the fall of the year (1778) we marched to Brandywine, there we had a battle with the British - and the Americans where defeated - from thence we marched to Valley Forge, there encamped during the winter -and from thence, we marched to Berks County - there encamped - I took the small pox - my father who serve with me, during the Revolutionary War - also took sick, with the fever and died in camp - at his death he was in possession of my discharge as I believe it was lost or mislaid -
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Page 2

I was under General Anthony Wayne - I cannot recollect the Captain or Colonial - he has no record of his contained his age, his mother took to Virginia were she died - again the record which the Declarant cannot positively swear to the exact length of his service but swears that he served to the best of his recollection a period of at least twelve months - and for such service he claims a pension - 
     He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present. And declares that his age is no on the pension roll of the agency, of any state - or if any, only on that of the agency of the State of Pennsylvania - James Up John, whose affidavit this declaration is unable to appear in court and or to leave his residence in Columbia - accompanies. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - 
Done in Open Court -          Jon Gordon (seal)
After the interline actions were first made in Open Court }
Attest L Mc Lenegan Prothy}

     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 -
A.L. Hayes, President
Judge of the District Court
For the City and County of Lancaster (Pa)

State of Pennsylvania}
Lancaster County }.   I, L Mc Lenegan, Prothonotary of the District Court for the city and County of Lancaster being a court of Record and of original jurisdiction do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of John Gordon for a pension and that A.L. Hayes Esq above named is the President of said Court duly commissioned in the above signature of his is genuine. Witness my hand and official seal the 15th Sept 1841. L. Mc Lenegan }
Prothy.          }
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Lancaster County
Pennsylvania ss

Personally appeared Before me the undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Lancaster Penna, James Up John of the Borough of Columbia in said County and was duly sworn according to law and saith that he knows and is well acquainted with John Gordon of West Hempfield Township in the County aforesaid, and that he knows the said John Gordon to have been a private soldier of the army of the Revolution in the Pennsylvania Regiment under General Anthony Wayne, that he was engaged with him in the battels (sic) of Monmouth, Germantown and Brandywine in the year 1777 and 1778 and that he knew him to have been in these battels (sic).

Sworn and Subscribed          }       (signed) James Upjohn
Before me August 11th 1841}
(signed) Thos Lloyd
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Pennsylvania
Lancaster County  ss

I L. McLenegan Prothenotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County do certify that Thomas Lloyd Esquire within named is a Justice of the Peace of said county acting at present in the duties of his said office & that the signature within purporting to be his is genuine.

Witness my hand & seal of Office at Lancaster the 15th of September 1841

(signed) L. McLenegan Prothy
Page 9

Declaration In order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress 7th July 1838.

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County       }  ss

On this 10 day of June AD 1843, Personally appeared before me, Emanuel Schaeffer one of the associated Judges in and for the County Lancaster and State aforesaid.  Sarah Gorden a resident of East Hempfield Township in the County and State aforesaid aged 76 yrs and upwards who being first sworn according to law doth depose and say that she is the widow of John Gorden dec'd.  (who was a pensioner of the United States in his lifetime), who was a private in the Army of the Revolution and that she knows that her said husband was the battles of Brandywine, Germantown and Monmouth.

My husband's papers are now on file in your office, his pension was granted on the 28th day of February AD 1842, at the rate of thirty dollars per year.

She further declares that she was married to the said John Gorden on the 16 day of June AD 1791 and that her husband the aforesaid John Gorden died on the 10 day of July AD 1842.  And that she further declares that she still remains his widow.

Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me.
(signed)  Sarah (her X mark) Gorden

E Schaeffer
Test.  DB Vondersmith

Lancaster City  ss
I Emanuel Schaeffer of of the (associate)
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Associate Judges in and for said County of Lancaster before whom the foregoing declaration was taken, do certify that Sarah Gordon is the widow of John Gordon deceased, (a pensioner of the United States, and that her declaration is entitled to full credit and belief -
     Witness my hand and seal this 16th day of June AD 1843
E Schaefer. (Seal - handwritten)
Page 11

State of Pennsylvania  }
Lancaster County        }  ss

I George W Glessner Pastor of the German Reformed Church in the City of Lancaster in the County and State aforesaid do certify that the following extract showing  the marriage of John Gordon and Sarah Myers, taken from the records of said church is a true copy of the Record with the exception of the date which is expressed on the record in fair legible figures as follows- 
1791
June 16  John Gordon and Sarah Myers were married

I George W Glessner above named depose and say that I hold the office of Pastor of the German Reformed Congregation in the City, County and State aforesaid and that the above extract is a true extract from the records of said congregation.
Sworn to & Subscribed this 14 day of June AD 1843.

(signed) G W Glessner (hand drawn seal)
                      Pastor

before me
(signed) Geo. Musser, Ald.
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State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County ss:

I Rudolph F. Rauch Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Do Certify that Emanuel Schaeffer Esquire before whom the within proceedings were had is one of the Associate Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas and that George Musser Esquire before whom the within affidavit was made is an Alderman of the City of Lancaster in said County; both duly Commissioned & qualified and that the signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of Said Court & Subscribed my name this Thirty first day of July in the year of our LORD one thousand eight hundred & forty three.
(signed) Rud. F. Rauch, Prothy
(signed( P  Sam'l Dowart
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Revy WIDOW, &c

File No.  3412
Sarah Gordon
Widow
John Gordon

Act Feb. 2d, 48

Index: - Vol.  A, Page 279.

[ Arrangement of 1870 ]
Page 14

John Gordon 
Pennsylvania

Suspended

See letters noted within and let. 23 Dec 1841 to D. B. Vondersmith
let: to (illegible) 5 Jan 1842
let: 15 Jan 1842 H J. Buchanan
let (illegible)  S. B. Vondersmith, let: to do 17 (illegible)
Let 22 Feb 42 to H J Buchanan

Act 7 June 1832
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John Gordon
Pennsylvania

Act 7, June 32
No 5207
Suspended

See letter to Mr. John Gorden
June 10, 1841

let 21 Sep 41 S. B. Vondersmith,
      28                    same do 6 Oct 41

Written on the right side margin going from the bottom to the top

let: 30 Mar 41 to S B Vonder
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4637

Pennsylvania Phil.a

Sarah Gordon
widow of John Gordon
who was a private 
in the Pennsylvania Line

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the twenty fourth day of Jany 1844 and sent to D. B. Vondersmith,
Lancaster, Pa

[Act of March 3, 1843]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1  Page 132
Page 17

Paid at the Treasury Under the Act 6 April 1838, from 4 Sep 1841 to 4 Sep 1842 Agt notified 17 Oct 1844

(illegible) to Hon. J. Brown 5 March 1845. Let to J. R. Montgomery Sept 14 46.
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7783

Pennsylvania Phila

Sarah Gordon
widow of John Gordon
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832
and who died on the 10th July, 1842 of Lancaster in the State of Penna who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain (blank) of the Regt commanded by Col. Butler in the Penna line for 9 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Penn @ Phila at the rate of 30 Dollars  --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Oct. 1843 and sent to D. B. VonderSmith, Lancaster Penna

Total amount,  $150.--

[Act of July 7, 1838. ]
Recorded by Tho. Lumpken, Clerk,
Book A  Vol. 2  Page 152
Page 19

State of Pennsylvania  }
Lancaster County        } ss:

On this 28th day of October AD 1843 Personally appeared before Michael Carpenter an alderman in and for the City of Lancaster  duly commissioned, Sarah Gordon a resident of the Borough of Columbia Lancaster County aged 75 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 on the 3rd March 1843 granting pension to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.

That she is the widow of John Gordon who was a private in the ware of the revolution, and that she received a pension under the act of 7 Jul 1838, annual amount $30. (which is more fully stated in a former Declaration under which said pension was granted).

She further declares that she is still a widow

Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before me.
(signed) M Carpenter, Ald.
(signed) Sarah (her X mark) Gordon
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Lancaster City ss

I Michael Carpenter an alderman in and for said City, duly commissioned before whom the foregoing declaration was taken do Certify that Sarah Gordon is the widow of John Gordon a pensioner of the United States and that her declaration is entitled to full credit and belief.

Witness my hand & seal this 28th day of October AD 1845.
(signed) M Carpenter Ald. (hand drawn seal)

Lancaster County ss

I Rudolph F. Rauch Prothnotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Do Certify that Michael Carpenter, Esquire before whom the foregoing proceedings were had, is an Alderman of the City of Lancaster in said County, duly Commissioned & qualified and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court & Subscribed my name this Twenty eighth day of October in the year of our LORD One thousand eight hundred & forty three.
(signed) Rud. F. Rauch Prothy.
(signed) P Saml Dorwart
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Depositions of Peter Shindle 
and George Leonard, revolutionary
soldiers - in the case
of John Gordon
Page 22

State of Pennsylvania }
Lancaster County       } ss:

On the 21st day of January AD 1842, personally appeared before the subscriber an alderman in and for the city of Lancaster, Peter Shindle of the city of Lancaster, the County and State aforesaid, a soldier and pensioner of the United States who being first sworn according to law says:  That he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the revolution by John Gordon, an enlisted soldier of the revolution and that they were substanially (sic) as follows:  viz: -  I first got acquainted with the said John Gordon about the beginning of August (1777) it was some place near Germantown where the companies from Berks, and Lancaster County lay together.  I also become acquainted with James Upjohn, at the same time (who is now deceased) this same month we were marched to some place above Wilmington, there we had some skirmishes in which we took near on to a hundred prisoners, from this place we were marched across the Brandywine and landed at Chad's Ford we were under General Wayne's detachment.  Sometime the aforepart of September (1777) the battle commenced at Brandywine and it was a hot one, we retreated to Chester, I recollect, as well as if it was today, when Genl. Lafayette was wounded, the said Gordon was with us all the time as above stated, from this place we were marched to Germantown near Philadelphia, it was early on the morning of October, when the battle commenced, we retreated from Germantown.  We were then marched to a place called Whitemarsh, there encamped this was sometime in December (1777) not very far from Philadelphia the soldiers here suffered very much for the want of clothes from this place we were marched to Valley Forge, there we encamped for the winter, we arrived here sometime in December (1777) and it was very cold.  We commenced building huts of logs, here we remained until war weather, it must have been either June or July (1778) when we left here we suffered very much from Valley Forge we marched to jersey State, we crossed the Delaware,
(under)
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under General Wayne, and encamped at Jersey.  Shortly after we had encamped the company in which Gordon belonged, were marched for Monmouth, this was sometime the beginning of Summer, we remained or the company which I belonged to, were encamped at Elizabethtown on the return of the Company which Gordon belonged to, and several other Companies encamped also here and remained here until December (1778).  When we all left Elizabethtown and where marched to the respective counties in which we belonged, from the statement of my services, in which the said Gordon was also engage, from the time, I first got acquainted with Gordon which was in August (1777) as before mentioned, I had a personal knowledge of his services, during all this time, until we left Elizabethtown which was in December (1778).  I have known him to my certain knowledge to have belonged to the Army at least sixteen months.

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforementioned.
(signed) Peter (his X mark) Shindle

(signed)  Geo. Musser
Test. D B. Vondersmith
(signed) Michael Kehrer


Lancaster City ss:
I George Musser an alderman in and or said city before whom the foregoing deposition was taken, do certify, that Peter Shindle is a highly credible person, and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief.
Witness my hand and seal, at the said city, this 21st day of January AD 1842.
(signed) Geo. Musser
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State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County       }  ss:

On this 21st day of January AD 1842, personally appeared before the subscriber an Alderman in and for the City of Lancaster, George Leonard, of the City of Lancaster, in the County and State aforesaid, an revolutionary soldier, and pensioner of the United States who being first sworn according to law says:  That he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the revolution, by John Gordon an enlisted soldier of the revolution and that they were substanially (sic) as follows viz:
I first got acquainted with John Gordon was near Germantown, sometme in August (1777) as was stated by Peter Shindle, I and the said Shindle started about the same time from Lancaster, we encamped a few days near Germantown, I also knew James Upjohn this same month (August) w were marched a few miles above Wilmington, we had a small battle here, and took about 80 prisoners as far as I can recollect, we where (were) then marched across the Brandywine, and got to a small stream called Chad's Ford.  I was in Genl Armstrong's detachment we had got here but a few days (that is at Brandywine) when we got into a fight this was either the latter end of August or the beginning of September (1777), all the detachments retreated to Chester, from Chester we were again marched back to Germantown, the detachment which I belonged was marched to Jersey State and the detachment which the said Gordon and Shindle belonged, encamped but a few days until the battle commenced this was in October (1777), after the battle of Germantown, I saw the said Gordon at Valley Forge, the detachment which I belonged to, got orders to march to Valley Forge and take u winter quarters, we arrived here about the latter end of December I believe (1777), here I help to put up log huts and also saw the said Gordon aiding also, here w remained until about May(1778) and the detachement which I belonged was ordered again to march to Elizabethtown, I believe and there
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encamped, a few weeks afterwards, the Army came across the Delaware, and also encamped, there was a detachment sent on to Monmouth, and the said Gordon was in that as we had a drink together before parting, we remained at Elizabethtown, we heard a few weeks afterwards that the detachment had a battle at Monmouth with the British, they returned by the way of Elizabethtown and I again saw the said Gordon, we lay encamped until December (1778) or January (1779), after we left Elizabethtown on our way home.  I did not see him afterwards he lived in Berks County , I was marched to Lancaster County upon the oath which I have taken, I do say that the said Gordon belonged to the Army at least 16 months, which I have a personal knowledge of.

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid,
(signed) George (his X mark) Leonard (hand drawn seal)

(signed) Geo. Musser
Test.  D. B. Vondersmith
(signed) Michael Kehrer

Lancaster City ss:  I George Musser, an alderman, in and for the City of Lancaster, before whom the foregoing deposition, was taken, do certify, that Georg Leonard is a highly credible person, and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief.
Witness my hand and seal at the said City the 21st day of January AD 1842
(signed) Geo. Musser

State of Pennsylvania  }
County of Lancaster    } ss:   I John W. Forney, Prothnotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Lancaster do certify that George Musser Esq. before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting alderman in & for the City of Lancaster duly elected commissioned & qualified, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine.

In Witness whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court and Subscribe my name the 22nd day of January 1842.
(signed) John W. Forney Prothnotary
(signed) R. F Rauch
Page 26

Lancaster Pa
Septem 8 46
Jno R Montgomery
Pension for Sarah 
Widow of John Gordon
a Revy Pensioner

M 357
9 Sept 1846
Pension Bureau

Sarah Gordon
(illegible)
4647-43
Page 27

Lancaster Sept 8th 1846

Dear Sir

I write at the instance of Mrs Sarah Gordon, the widow of John Gordon Dec'd, who was a revolutionary soldier & a pensioner, whose widow is, in consequence entitled to receive a pension also, to enquire what it the sum, to which she is entitled & in what manner it can be remitted to her, so as to save her the exorbitant  charges, her agents make her pay for receiving it for her.  Your prompt attention to this request & early reply to this letter will much oblige me and confer an especial favor on the old lady.
Very respectfully
(signed) John R Montgomery

The Honorable
William Marcy
Secretary of War
Page 28

9319
Sarah Gordon
Pa
Act 7 July '38

Adm'd
9 mo 
Priv

$30 per an.


D B Vonder Smith
Pa
Page 29

Left side
Postmarked: LANCASTER
FEB 24
HANDWRITTEN OVER THE POSTMARK
Pa feb  25 1842

Stamped upper right corner:  FREE

Addressed:  
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 30

Lancaster Feby 23, 42

Dr Sr-

I rec'd your letter of the 17th inst. in which you inform me "that the witnesses having testifying under oath for nine months service of John Gordon, the claim shall be allowed for that time on its being signified, that a pension for that time will be received"  I think that the applicants, affidavits show a longer term of service than nine months, yet if the Department are unwilling to grant him a compensation for all the time that he was engaged in the service of his country, he will be obliged to yield and accept the compensation for nine months.

I am very Respectfully 
your Obedient Servant, 
(signed) D B Vonder Smith

Hon: J. L. Edwards
Page 31

Left third of the paper
Postmarked LANCASTER JAN 12
Handwritten:  Jan 12, 1842 
Mr. Allison


Center of Paper:
Stamped FREE
Addressed:

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 32

Lancaster Jany 12 1842

Dear Sir

Yours of the 5th inst has been received.  I must confess I was astonished at the (illegible) of it.  I think that a more satisfactory case could not have been possibly resented for the consideration of the department then the application of Mr. Gordon, there can be no question as to the identity of the person, the applicant is the same person for whom Mr. John McCreary was the assigner, the affidavits of those respectable individuals, accompanying the declaration must have been satisfactory, the witnesses having all of them been actors themselves in the war, which is well known to the Department, and in particular in the battle for his services in which this applicant claims his pension, " because he has not applied before this time", should not prejudice his claim, he has stated his reason for not applying ere this.  What proof the department requires I am unable to tell, but if you will let me now any evidence in justice and reason which they can require I will furnish them, and you with it.
Accompaning (sic) this letter I send the affidavits of John Gonter who states that he saw his father and the said John Gordon leave Berks County as an enlisted soldier, after such an array of testimony I cannot conceive, why the Dept rejects his claim. 

I am very Respectfully,
D B Vonder Smith

Hon:  J. L. Edwards
Page 33

Handrwitten"
Jan 24, 1842
Pa
Add; (illegible)
J Gordon


FREE

Addressed
Hon: J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
D. C.
Page 34

Lancaster January 22nd 42

Dear Sir, 

I have rec'd a letter from the Hon. James Buchanan enclosing the letter that he rec'd from you, in which you mention the pension will be granted the petitioner, if the depositions of witnesses will be produced, proving the fact of service for one year, the requisitions have been complied with, the depositions gives the exact nature of the service as they occurred to the said Shindle and Leonard, their depositions states the time, that they first become acquainted with John Gordon this was in August (1777) and to the time of their discharge at Elizabethtown, which was in December (1778) both of then have proven clearly 16 months service as an enlisted soldier - hoping soon to hear from you.

I am very Respectfully 
(signed) D B VonderSmith

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 35

FREE

Hon.  J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
District of Columbia


John Gordon is handwritten over the postmark
Page 36

Lancaster February 14,  42

Sir, 

I must confess, I feel very much astonished at the course of conduct pursued by you in regard to the application made by John Gordon for a pension, and it would seem that your object whether right or wrong has been not only to throw every obstacle in his way, but even when they were all surmounted and the act of Congress complied with to the very letter you then refused to grant him that to which he is justly entitled to and on what ground   "I in the hurry of business upon examining the witnesses viz: Peter Shindle and George Leonard did not examine them particularly as to the length of time during which Gordon performed military services, and it appears that in the former affidavits one of them testifies to a service of 8 months and the other 9.  I then received a letter from you very unsatisfactory in its character, stating that it was necessary to entitle Gordon to his pension that there should be proof of service for more than one year and your letter contained a promise that the pension should be granted if that proof was given you, under the belief that you would act in conformity with the promise thus made.  I sent for Peter Shindle and George Leonard and examined them more minutely as regard to time, found that I myself was mistaken in drawing up their former affidavits, and now when I have transmitted to you their solemn affidavits, convincing you of the only fact necessary to entitle him to his pension, you state that
Page 37

the testimony is not sufficient on account of the discrepancy in the time of service mentioned in the two affidavits. I ask then in common justice that this man shall not loose that to which he is justly entitled on  account of a mistake which I myself made, and if you think it necessary that the character of the these witnesses, both pensioners, should be sustained on account of the mistake which I mad.  I can send on affidavits to the goodness of their character for their veracity if the Department should think this necessary you will inform me of it. 

I am very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
(signed) D B Vonder Smith

Hon J. L. Edwards
Page 38

Sept 27, 1841 handwritten over postmark of
LANCASTER
SEP 25
Pa

Addressed:
Hon: J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensioners
Washington City
D. C.
Page 39

Lancaster Sept 24, 1841

Dear Sir, 

In reply to your letter of the 24 inst stating that the amended declaration of John Gordon was not satisfactory, the said Gordon has mentioned the battles that he was engaged in and also the places that they encamped, that is all I believe that is necessary, he has mentioned under what Commander he was, you have also stated, "it is therefore doubtful whether he enlisted as a regular soldier"  In answer to this he does not state in his declaration that he was an enlisted soldier, but that he went as  a private,  I asked him particularly whether he was an enlisted or not, his reply was that he was drafted he believes, according to the statement in his declaration it does not appear that he was out less than six months, he has stated and also his witness (which is now the only one remainind (sic) to the best of his knowledge) that he was in three battles vis:  Germantown, Brandywine and Monmouth, the battle of Germantown, was in Oct. 1777 -  Brandywine Sept 1777 - Monmouth June 1778, according to this statement he must have been out at least 8 months.

Last Monday I sent on to you,
Page 40

the declaration of Peter Mauser, a pensioner of the United States in behalf of Elizabeth Rathford which must satisfy the Department that he served in the Revolutionary war.  I could if it would be necessary send on to you 10 or 12 old inhabitants of the City of Lancaster that they heard frequently from their fathers that the said Jacob had served with then in the war of the Revolution.

I remain very Respectfully
your Obediant (sic) Servant
(signed) D B Vonder Smith

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Page 41

Postmarked LANCASTER NOV 27 Pa
Handwritten over the postmark:
Nov. 28, 1841
Pa
John Gordon


Stamped:  FREE

Addressed:  Hon:  J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 42

Lancaster Nov 26 1841

Sir

This morning Mr. John Gordon called on me respecting his pension, he resides about 12 miles from Lancaster.  I stated that I have received a letter from you and that I had stated that you was not an enlisted soldier, his reply was that his father was enlisted, and that he went with him and was enlisted for the tine stated or served as stated in his Declaration, perhaps by looking over the record you might find his name in the Pennsylvania line of enlisted soldiers, he states that he served in the 6th Regiment.  Mr. Up John has since died who testified that he served with him at the Battles stated in his deposition, this declaration was taken on the death bed of Upjohn and that it is not very probable that he would state that was not so at his last moments, for the very same service the said Upjohn draw a pension from the United States.  I hope the Department will give a favorable decision respecting his claim.

I remain very Respectfully,
(signed) D  B Vonder Smith

Hon J. L. Edwards

I shall endeavour (sic) to send on the Declaration of some other witness to substantiate his claim - if possible.
Page 43

Vertical on page:

17. Sept. 1841
Mrs Allis aD
John Gordon 
Elis Rathfon
Circular stamp showing Lancaster P.A. Sep 16

Horizontal on page:

Free
Hon. J. L. Edwards.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 44

Lancaster Sept. 15. 1841

Sir
     Enclosed I send you the declaration of John Gordon, an applicant for a pension, and also the affidavit of James UpJohn (a pensioner of the United States) who swears positively that he served in the battles as stated in his declaration —— He is very poor and really deserving of a pension - he is entirely dependent upon his neighbours for support ——This James UpJohn is he only living witness that he knows of that was out with him——if it is necessary to have more persons, to testify to his respectability — I can forward the names of the whole neighbourhood, where he resides as to his honesty and integrity —- please answer as soon convenient ——
                  I am very Respectfully your obedient servant
Hon. J.L. Edwards.                     D (illegible)Smith

P.S. Please inform me what has been done respecting Mrs Rathfon’s Claim - I sent on to you about two weeks ago an extract sent to me by the Secretary of the State, showing that Capt John Henry was employed that congress paid him for rations for said Company —-as you stated to me in your letter of July last, that if I could produce some record that would go to show, that those officers where authorized by competent authority, you would grant it —-
Page 45

This appears to be an envelope with writing or addressing in both vertical and horizontal on the page as follows:

Vertical: Left side
Feb 21. 1842
Pa
John Gordon

Horizontal:  Middle
J.L. Edwards Esquire 
Commissioner of Pensions

Vertical: Middle 
Hon J. Buchanan
Senate US

Horizontal: upside down
Initials CH
Page 46

My dear Sir/

     Will you be kind enough to enable me to answer the enclosed letter?  I know both Peter Shindle and George Leonard. They would booth be believed in Lancaster; and if they swear positively to their own knowledge of a service by Gordon of sixteen months in the Revolutionary war, they ought, see any opened, to be credited; illegible there be some circumstances to doubt them beyond these James affidavits.  But of all this you are the best judge.
Yours very respectfully,
James Buchanan
21 Feb: 42 Senate Chamber

J.L. Edwards }
Page 47

This appears to be an envelope with writing both vertically and horizontal as follows:

Vertical - left side:

Dec 18 1841 
Circular stamp shows Lancaster Pa, Dec 16
Pa.
John Gordon

Horizontal - middle
FREE
Hon: J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
~~~~~~
Page 48

Lancaster Dec 1841

Dear Sir —-
     With great trouble and expends this old gentleman (John Gordon) of going to Harrisburgh for the purpose of obtaining an extract from the records which he has succeeded in getting —- he left Berks County in the 6th Regiment —after the battle of Germantown, the company which he belonged to, were changes and put into another battalion in Regiment when they march to Monmouth, but he cannot recollect the number of battalion or Regiment —- Some years after the war, a man by the name o McCreary of Berks County, came to him and stated that he was entitled to land, and stated if he would give him an order he would get the land for him —-which he did —-he ever seen him after he gave it to him —-he never was given one cent for the land —-he supposed as he did not return, that he had not succeeded, and that he was not entitled to it—- These extracts will go to show that he was regularly enlisted in the Pennsylvania line, and also drew his pay at that time,, according to the pay roll and —-and also have produced another deposition which goes to prove that he was in the battles as stated in his declaration, and that he served more than six months, as Mr. Leonard is an enlisted soldier of the revolution (and a pensioner of the United States, who was in the battle Princeton, and draws pension for that service) who swears positively that the said Gordon, he saw at Germantown, and also seen him on his way to Monmouth —-these depositions of James UpJohn (now deceased) swear positively that he was in the battle of Germantown, Brandywine and Monmouth, as he fought himself
Page 49

Page 2

In those battles, and had a personal knowledge of the services of John Gordon for this service under him drew a pension from the United States —-I hope that with these extracts from the record at Harrisburgh and the depositions that I have sent, that the Department will give a favorable decision —- the law only requires two witnesses to prove the services of the applicant —
Very Respectfully your obedient Servant
D B VonderSmith
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hon J.L. Edwards
Page 50

35.207
John Gordon
Pennsylvania

Admitted
Private 9 mos $30 ~~
Capt - Col. Butler, Pa.

Act of Congress 1832

D.B. VonderSmith
Lancaster Pa
Page 51

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County } ss
     On this tenth day of January and 1842 personally appeared before me one of the Alderman, duly commissioned for the city of Lancaster, John Gonter, a soldier of the Revolution (a pensioner of the United States) who being first sworn according to law says that he has a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the revolution and that they were substantially these——That in the year 1777 he became acquainted with the said Gordon, at Reading in Berks County, we were both natives of that place, he knew his father also—-in the year above mentioned, the said John Gordon volunteered himself as an enlisted Soldier—-his father was enlisted — I knew that the said Gordon was marched to GERMANTOWN—-this is all the knowledge he have of his services- except he seen him in the year (1778)on his way to Monmouth—- he was not engaged with him, that is he did not belong to the company which he did— He served principally as a dragoon in the Revolutionary 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned—— 
Geo Musser Ald 
To John Gonter (Seal)
Page 52

No. 35207

John Gordon
Priv (checkmark)
Act 7.June 32

Pension
Page 53

Lancaster County
Pennsylvania   SS

(seal)  Be it remembered that on the 20th day of April, Anno Domini, one thousand, eight hundred and forty one 1841.  Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Lancaster, Pa, personally appeared James Upjohn of the Borough of Columbia in said County (a soldier of the Revolution and was duly sworn according to law, and deposeth and saith that he is well acquainted with and knows John Gordon of Westhempfield township in the County of Lancaster aforesaid, and that he knows the said John Gordon to have been an enlisted soldier and private of the Army of the Revolution, under the Command of Colonel Butler of the Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, under General Anthony Wayne, and served therein under Captain Peckenham for the [illegible] of nine months and upwards in the years 1777 and 1778 at the Valley Forge. 

Sworn and Subscribed Before me  
Thos Lloyd [signature]

James Upjohn [signature]
Page 54

In the matter of the claim of John Gordon for a pension personally appeared in open District  Court for the city of Lancaster.  John Gorgon of Lancaster City in the State of Pennsylvania who being duly according to Law [illegible] think he is 

[can't make it out, will come back]
Page 55

Honorable Judge Alexander Hayes-
     Lancaster- Pa
I find it the ? to have this examination made before your court and included by some ministers of the people-
    Your old friend
      C JJ

[Sideways after a fold] 
?Apps
     Proth.
      ??
Page 56

GIDEON, PRINTER

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
July 24th, 1843
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners,
and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the 3d section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of John Gordon decd
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Phil. Pa
Agency, at the rate of thirty Dollars ['and Cents' crossed out] per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4st of Sept. 1841, to the 4th March 1842
J Seaver acting Comptroller.
Respectfully, yours
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 57

State of Pennsylvania
Lancaster County
SS 
Personally appeared before the subscriber, an Alderman in and for said City, Peter
Shindle of the City of Lancaster, a soldier of the Revolution, who being first sworn according to law says: That he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the Revolution by John Gordon, and that they were substantially as follows (viz: that in the year (1777.) I first saw John Gordon, at Brandywine, as an enlisted soldier from Berks County and
I served as fifer, the said Gordon fought in this battle as I seen him personally-- 'James
Up John, I was also well acquainted with, and many others from Berks - and upon the oath which I have taken, he was a brave soldier.
in the same year (1777) about three weeks afterwards or perhaps more we were marched
to Brandywine, were I also seen the said Gordon personally fight in that battle-- I knew that he lay encamped with the said Company at Valley Forge for some time-- I seen the company which he belonged to march to Monmouth - this was in the year (1778), but when he returned from Monmouth I am unable to say.  and upon the oath which I have taken I can say that the said Gordon belonged to the army more than nine months to my own knowledge.  and for the same service I draw a pension from the United States - further
Deponent saith not-
Sworn to and subscribed
this 29th day of December AD 1841
Peter Shindle X his mark
[Seal]
Geo. Musser
test- Michael Kehren
DBBlondersmith
Page 58

Lancaster City SS
I George Musser, an Alderman in and for said City, before whom the foregoing deposition was taken, do certify that Peter Shindle is a highly credible person, and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief - and also that he is unable to appear in Court
on account of Indisposition
witness my hand and seal this 29th day
of December AD 1841-
Geo. Musser 
[Seal]
Lancaster County ss, I Z. McLenegan, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Lancaster, Do Certify that George
Musser Esq. before whom the foregoing proceedings were had is an acting Alderman in & for the City of Lancaster, duly elected commissioned & qualified, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereto affixed the
Seal of said Court and subscribed my name
the thirtieth day of December A.D. 1841
J Mc Lenegan, Prothonotary
R. F. Rouch
Page 59

Washington City 28th Feby 1845
Sir
Enclosed I send you a letter
addressed to me by H Ellsnaker Esq
of Lancaster City asking for certain
Information respecting the pension
allowed to John Gordon a Solder dec
some time ago
Would you please furnish me with such information as will enable the widow to recover what may
be held back from her
Very Respectfully
your Obedient served
Jeremiah Brown
J L Edwards Esq
Page 60

Jan 1, 1842
Pa.
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C
Page 61

Dear Sir
-
Lancaster Dec. 1841
you have states in your letter of the 25 ult.
that the testimony sent on to you, in the case of John
Gordon was not sufficient. Mr Gordon has succeeded
in getting the deposition of Peter Shindle, a revolutionary
soldier of the United States, at the present time a pensioner
who was a fifer in the Battle of Germantown and Bran
dywine, who also saw the said Gordon personally in the
battles mentionedthere
can be no doubt upon the
minds of the department, as to the claim of John Gordon
to be just and trueit is
impossible for the
said Gordon to state the exact length of time that he servedit
might be one year or more as his memory has failed
him very much within the last five or six years in consequence
of old ageand
as to the name mentioned
in the extractitis not his fathers as he died in the midst
of the revolution on his return home (1778). this McCready
got the power of Attorney from him sometime after the revolutionary
warwhen
the said Gordon went to Harrisburg
the stated to Mr Shunk, that he was a revolutionary
soldier and that he intended making application for a pension
and stated that he served in the 6th Regiment Pennsylvania
line, the clerk referd to the record and immediately
found it and gave him an extractof
the Department
doubts him for honesty and truth - we can refer you
Page 62

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

to the Hon: James Buchannan as to his character___

John Gordon not applying before this time, induces strong dowbts as to the legality of his claim” ___ the said Gordon made application several years ago, but the persons that he had employed would not attend to it, unless he would pay them for their services, which he was unable to do, as he had no money___

and his reason for not applying is ths that he never would be supported by the public, as long as he could support himself by labour__ as he is now unable to do any labour, he asks for a pension from the united States for his service during the revolutionary war__  it would be an act of charity upon the part of the government to grant his application ___

he has therefore produced three witnesses who has testified that they had a personal knowledge of his services, and also the extract of the pay roll ___ those witnesses have also sworn that he has not served less than nine months __ he therefore claims a pension for nine months service__

Very Respectfully your Obedient Servant__
D B VonderSmith

Hon J. L. Edwards__
Page 63

[An envelope or cover for a letter addressed to]

J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Washington City
D.C

[A round stamp, with location around the edge and date in the center]
LANCASTER Pa.  OCT 30

[Writing at various locations and in various directions]

5111
Nov [Illegible] 43

V [lined through] pa
Mar 30 1843
Sarah Gordon
#30 per an

D B Vondersmith
Lancaster Pa

[A stamp "FREE"]
Page 64

Lancaster Oct 30. 43

Dr Sir-

Enclosed you will receive the Declaration of Sarah Gordon under the act of March [illegible] 1843-

I am very Respectfully your obedient Servant

D B VonderSmith

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commr of Pensions
Page 65

[An envelope or cover for a letter addressed to]

Hon J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C


[A round stamp, with location around the edge and date in the center]
LANCASTER Pa.  FEB 8

[A stamp reading "FREE"]

feb 9 1842
pa
John Gordn
Page 66

Lancaster February 7th. 42

Sir—

I recd yours on the 6th inst. In answer to my letter of the 20th of January respecting Thomas Henry’s claim—and also respecting the claims of Revolutionary Sordiers for land__  and the object of my writing is that you did not mention whether you had recd depositions from me, which I sent on to you the 22nd of January last-  I rec’d a letter from the Hon: James Buchannan stating that the claim of John Gordon was to be granted if I could send on witnesses testifying that the said Gordon was in the Services as an enlisted Solider one year-

Please inform me whether you have received them or not__

I am very Resepectully
D B VonderSmith

Hon: J. L. Edwards
Page 67

G[illegible]
Act 48
Cole
Penna 4647

Games Gordan
for Pension

Admitted

[Illegible]
John Strohen
Page 68

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

Columbia Lancaster County Pa.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir:

The undersigned, a widow of an old Soldier, begs you to place her name on the pension roll and make her a participant of the benefits of the Act of Congress of 2nd February 1848.  

G G Cleveland             her
                           Sarah  +  Gordon
                                   mark


State of Pennsylvania    }
Lancaster County          } SS

On this eighteenth day of May A.D. 1848 personally appeared before the Subscriber, a Justice of the peace of the County of Lancaster, Sarah Gordon a resident of West Hemp[illegible] Township in said County, aged Seventy one years, who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd of February 1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War.  

That she is the widow of John Gordon, who was a Soldier in the Re
Page 69

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription, this document starts mid-word]

volutionary War, and signed, as she believes, in the 5th regiment under General Wayne.  The said Sarah Gordon also says that she received a pension under the act of Seventeenth June 1844 of the amount of twenty eight dollars & seventy five [illegible mark or symbol] per annum.

She further declares that she is still a widow.

Sworn to and Subscribed at the [illegible] of Columbia May 18th 1848 
                                               her
Before me                    Sarah   x   Gordon
Robert Spear                         mark
[The word "Seal" in a doodle]

I Robert Spear one of the Justices of the peace in & for Lancaster County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Sarah Gordon.  She resides in West Hemp[illegible] Lancaster County [Illegible] my hand and Seal May 18th 1848

Robert Spear [The word “Seal” in a doodle]
Page 70

State of Pennsylvania         }
County of Lancaster   SS    }

[A round, illegible seal below the caption and to the left of the first several lines]

I, J. H. Kurtz, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid do certify that Robert Spear Esqr before whom the foregoing affidavit was made, and whose name is thereto Subscribed was at the time of making thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace, in and for Said County duly qualified & commissioned to all whose official acts as Such, full faith & credit are and ought to be given, and that the name purporting to be his is genuine. 

In Testimony whereof I hereunto Set my hand and affix the Seal of Said Court this 25th day of May A.D. 1848

J.H. Kurz Prothy
Page 71

Extract from the Record.

A Return of the Pennsylvania line entitled to Donation Lands, reported by the late Comptroller General.

[A table with categories above and information below]

Name		John Gordon
Rank		Private
Regiment	2d Penna
Acres		200

Extract from the Donation Land Book.

[A table with categories above and information below]

Date			787 Apl. 23.
Name and rank	John Gordon p.
No			        385
Acres			200
By whom drawn	John McCreary Assee”

Pennsylvania            }  SS.

I hereby Certify that the above are true extracts from the Records remaining in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. 

[An illegible circular seal to the left of the following]

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of office, at Harrisburg, 

Frns R. Shunke 
Secretary of the Commth
Page 72

January the 1st 1781 Signed by John Pierce, commissioner and described as below for the balance of a Settlement between the United States and us for Payor to January 1st 1781

[A table with categories above and information below]

Date of Issue              October 7th 1785
                                        “       20th   “

No of Certificate           68.736
                                        “  “ 37

Names                           Julian Francisco
                                      John Gordon

Sum Dollars [Illegible]     33  30
                                          33  30

Signers                            Barns Colgan
                                       Tho Buchanan

[A large illegible seal to the left of the following]

Auditor Generals Office of Pennsyla.
December 13th 1841

I Certify that the foregoing is a correct copy from the original Payroll Book 13 page 62 on file in this office

In testimony whereof I have hereunto Set my hand and Seal of office

Geo R Espy
Audt General
Page 73

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]

Personally appeared before the subscriber, an Alderman, in and for said City, George Leonard of the City of Lancaster, Lancaster County an enlisted Soldier of the Revolution, who being first Sworn according to law, says:

That he was well acquainted with and had a personal knowledge of the military services performed in the war of the Revolution by John Gordon__ and that they were substantially as follows viz: 

In the year (1777) I first got acquainted with the said John Gordon an enlisted soldier it was at Germantown when the Army was lying there__ he was from Berks County.  the company laid joining us__ we left and went to Jersey __ and the said Gordon remained at Germantown, that is the company which he belonged to __ I recollect very well when we had left about two weeks we heard of the battle of Germantown__

the weather was very cold, it was in fore part of the winter__  I did not see him until about five or six months afterwards, when the Regiment, was again to Monmouth, which he belonged to, we drank together, before we parted __ James Upjohn was with us at the same time __ 

In the year 1778 – I seen him when the Company was returning to Berks County__ and upon the oath which I have taken I have known him to my knowledge to have belonged to the Army more then eight months__ I did not know that the said Gordon was living until I saw him about two weeks ago__

Sworn to and subscribed this 7th day of December AD 1841__       his 
                             George X Leonard
                                         mark

Geo. Musser
Test. W O Jenkins 
D B Vondersmith
Page 74

[Breaks added for clarity of transcription]  

Lancaster City    SS__

I George Musser an alderman in and for Said City before whom the foregoing deposition was taken do certify that George Leonardis a highly credible person and that his deposition is entitled to full credit and belief __ and also that he is unable to appear in court on account of indisposition __

Witness my hand and seal at said city this 7th day of December AD 1841-

Geo. Musser [the word "Seal" in a doodle]


Lancaster County   Ss.

I, Z. McLenegan, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County do certify that the within named George Musser is an alderman duly elected commissioned & qualified for the City of Lancaster in said County & that the above signatures purporting to be his are genuine

Witness my hand and the Seal of the Said Court this fifteenth day of Decem: 1841.

Z. McLenegan Prthy
For J. C. Van Camp