Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4,633, for George Orwig, Pennsylvania
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(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn.
CONTENTS
Orwig, George
NUMBER
S.4.633
carded.
Page 2

5068
Pennsylvania

George Orwig
of - in the State of Pennsylvania who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Olds of the [blank] commanded by Col Lindamute in the Penna. line for Private 1 year  $40.00

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 2d day of February 1833 and put to Hon L. Donah House Reps.

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 1833 

$60.00
20.00
$80.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Vinal Luce Clerk, 
Book D Vol. 6 Page 74

Date of death not on AB -
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Declaration of George Orwig

12.681.
Page 4

Pennsylvania
Union County ss

On this twenty fourth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Union now sitting, George Orwig - a resident of Mifflinburg Township [crossed out in the County of Union and State of Pennsylvania aged Seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his solemn oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated in

I enlisted in the Flying Camp in July 1776 for 5 months, under Captain James Olds, a Rifle Company. found our own Armes, we met our Captain at Reading in the State of Pa, From there we marched to Amboy in the state of New Jersey, From Amboy to New York. and from New York to Long Island where we had the first engagement with the British, generally called the Battle of Long Island, this was the 27th of August 1776. Henry Haller was our Colonel - From there we retreated about 40 miles above New York to a place called White Plains where we fought the Battle of White Plains, The British kept up a heavy cannon fire about three quarters of a day, from there we crossed the North River to the Jersey side, and marched down to Brunswick, there the British came within sight of our army, and so we marched to Trenton, From there we crossed the River Delaware, where we staid to the end of my five months, without tents, we had to lay on the frozen ground nolless in our blankets by our fires, which was in December, from there went home raged and dirty without money in our pockets - In 1777 went out as a substitute for Philip Spots for two months August and September under Captain Jacob Whetstone where we fought the Battle of Brandywine on the 11th September 1777, from there we marched to a place two miles above the mouth of the [illegible], and crossed the river Schuylkill to the Philadelphia side - Where we stood as guards on the bank of the Schiylkill about one week, the Enimy lay on the other side, and when they crossed the river we had a small skirmish but our army being too small we retreated up to the Trop tavern, The Enimy marched down and took possession of Philadelphia, But we staid at the Trop about two weeks, after that my time was up and I went home again - After this there was a call made on my Brother Henry for his service two months, in the
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year 1778 in the winter. I served the first month and he the second, because we had a farm between us, I served at a place called the Plimouth Meeting about 12 miles on this side of Philadelphia, the Commanders being strangers I have forgoten their names, In the same year 1778, there was a call made on my class for two months March and April, we lay some time in Bucks County, and the remainder about 10 miles this side of Philadelphia at a place called White March, our head commanders were Colonel Lindamute and George May -  In the same year 1778 two months August and September my services being wanted at the frontiers on the North Branch of the Susquehanah River at a place called Fort Jinkins, where the inhabitence had fled in fear of the Indians, our commanders being the same as before Col Lindamude and Lieutenant Col George May, This altogather makes my service in the Revolutionary war. One year, I have now given a small account of the trials and fatigues and difficulties, I endured in these dificult times, and know of no person living that can testify as to my actual services, except it be Adam Beaver who knows of my being in the service & whos deposition is hereto annexed - 

I was born in Berks County Penna on the 11th March 1758. I have a record of my age in my Bibb in my possession. I lived in Berks County Pa when called into the service, and since the revolution have lived in Mifflinberg Union County Pa where I now live. 

I never received any discharge except by parol - nor did I ever receive any commission -

John Ray Esq. Henry Grouch Esq. Guy Youngman, James A. Cummings, John Stitze, Jacob Maize, Andrew Grove Adam Boyer and many other of my present my neighbours can testify as to my character for veracity, and their belief of my services as a soldier of the revolution - 

I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on any pension roll of the agency of any State.

his mark [hand drawn x] George Orwig

Sworn & Subscribed in open Court Sept 24. 1832
[signature] Joseph Stilwell, Prot
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We J. Henry Frees a Clergyman in Mifflinburg Union County, and James A. Cumming residing in Mifflinburg - in the same County, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with George Orwig - who has subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be ^seventy four years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion
[signature] Just Henry Fries
[signature] J A. Cummings

Sworn and subscribed in open Court the 24th September 1832
[signature] Joseph Stilwell Prothy.

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the questions prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, and the Court further certify that it appears to them that Just Henry Frees who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in Mifflinburg [crossed out] Township Union County and that James A. Cummings who has also signed the same is a resident in [crossed out] the Mifflinburg Union County and is a creditable ^person and that their statement is entitled to credit-
[signature] Hugh Wilson Ad Leight

I Joseph Stilwell Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Union County do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of George Orwig for a Pension-

In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 24th day of September 1832 - 
[signature] Joseph Stilwell Pro

I Joseph Stilwell Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Union County do certify that the foregoing with the Affidavit of Adam Beaver and certificate thereon, hereto attached contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of George Orwig for a Pension -

I have set my hand and affixed the seal this 28th day of January AD 1833-
[signature] Joseph Stilwell Prothy

[seal]
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February 18, 1937

George Orwig
S. 4633
BA-J/AWF

Mr. F. M. Sperry
3133 Pioneer Avenue
Dormont, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to George Orwig of Pennsylvania, and Johnathan Nicholas of North Carolina , soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims for pension and bounty land, which have been made to the United States, based upon service in that war. A search of the records fails to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary War service of a Johnathon (Jonathan) Nicholas, who served with the
North Carolina troops.

The Revolutionary War record of George Orwig which follows was obtained from papers on file in pension claim, S. 4633, based upon his service in that war.

George Orwig was born March 11, 1758 in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not given.

While residing in said Berks County, George Orwig enlisted in the "Flying Camp", sometime in July, 1776, served five months as private in Captain (James) Olds Rifle Company, Colonel Henry Haller's Pennsylvania regiment, and was in the battles of Long Island and White Plains. He enlisted sometime in August, 1777 and served two months in Captain

I believe this was Capt. John Old [illegible] leave out first name of Capt. next time
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Jacob Whetstone's company, was in the battle of Brandywine, and a skirmish on the Schuykill River. He served one month early in 1778, as substitute for his brother, Henry Orwig, names of officers for this service not given. He served, again, in
1778, four months in Colonel Lindemuth's Pennsylvania regiment.

The soldier, George Orwig, was allowed pension on his application executed, September 24, 1832, at which time he was living in Mifflinburg, Union County, Pennsylvania.

The papers in this claim contain no reference to wife or children.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of this pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D. C., and give all of the following data-

George Orwig
Certificate # 5068
Issued February 3, 1833
Rate $40.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Pennsylvania Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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February 21, 1896
histy to Mr H.J. Orwig
Chicago, Ill.

July 14 '99
Miss H. J. Hendrick
Chicago Ill.

Mch. 17 - 1900
Miss Susan R. Hetzel - City

1921, Jan. 10 Hist to P.G. Orwig Ew.

1937 - Feb. 18 - lush to F. M. Sperry My

Rev War
4633
INVALID.

File No. 4633
George. Orwig.
Privt Rev War

Act: June 7. 1832
Index: - Vol. A, Page 280

[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Union County ss.
Adam Beaver being duly sworn in open cou says he is well acquainted with George Orwig whose application is hireto annexed, and saw them at the Battle of White Plains we were often together after that and
crossed the North River together at [illegible] ferry and saw him after while he was in the service.
[signature] Adam Lisbon
Sworn & subscribed in open court the 24 Sept 1832
Joseph Stilwell Prot
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Penna
Union County ss. 
I Joseph Stilwell Prothonotary of the Court of common pleas in and for the County of Union before whom the within Affidavit was taken in open Court, do certify that the within named Adam Beaver, the witness therein named, is a person of credibility and that full confidence may be placed in his testimony. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at New Berlin this 28th day of January AD 1833.-
[signature] Joseph Stilwell Prothy
Page 12

Geo Orwig

Adm

Hon. L. Dewart
Page 13

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of George Orwig which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled?
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal?
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2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XI. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. [cross symbol] If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? No, see Quere 14.
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. [double cross symbol] Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No, see Quere 16.
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For - year - months and -
days, I served as a -. For - months and - days, I served as a -; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature
of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
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4633
Geo Orwig

Sept 24. 1832
Mifflinsburg Pa -74

July 76 Berks Co Pa
Capt Jas Olds Pa
Col Hy Haller 5 mo.

Aug 77 Capt Jacob Whetstone
Col - 2 mo

78 1 mo

[illegible] 78 Apr -
Col Lindamute 2 mo

Bat. Long Island
White Plains. Bradywine

Born Berks Co Pa
Mch. 11, 1758
Page 17

Own

3117. Forest Av.
May 13, 1899.

Department of Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sir: - Will you kindly furnish me with a copy of the military history of George Orwig, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, as I desire using
it, in entering the Daughter of the Revolution. and oblige.
Page 18

Yours respectfully,
Helen I. Hendricks,
3117 Forest Av.,
Chicago, Ill.
Page 19

O. W. & N. Division
Ge

J.S

M. G. C.

2979 Prairie Av.
Chicago, March 5, 1900.

Department of the Interior.
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D.C.

Will you be kind enough to send to Miss Susan R. Hetzel, 902 F. St. Washington - D. C. a statement to the effect that George Orwig - who enlisted in the Rev. War - from Berks Co.
Page 20

Pa. and whose application for pension was made from Mifflinburg, Pa - Sept. 24 - 1832. as the Registrar General - can find no record of my ancestor by that name.  you sent me during
last summer a statement of the same - "Office" & which I sent her two weeks ago - but have received no reply. Please do this
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for me, as my entrance into the Daughters of the
Revolution has been delayed exceedingly.
Yours very truly,
[signature] Helen L. Hendricks.
Please send me his number on the pension list.
[circular stamp in black ink reading "PENSION U S OFFICE K MAR 7 1900"]
Page 22

After 5 days return to F M Sperry
# 3133 Pioneer Ave Dormont Pa
South Hills Branch,
near PITTSBURGH, PA.

Veterans Administration
Washington, D C 

Gentlemen,

Information regarding George Orwig. 1758 - 1841 Capt. James Olds, Rifle Co. - War Revolution of Pennsylvania founder of Orwigsburg Pennsylvania will be
appreciated.

Respectfully yours
[signature] F. M. Sperry
P.S. also regarding o Johnathon Nicholas of North Carolina - Planter and Ele.

[circular stamp in black ink reading "PITTSBURGH, PA FEB 3 8 PM 1937"]

[circular stamp in black ink reading "RECEIVED FEB 4 1937 MAIL SUB-DIV. VETS ADM READER #5"]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

Supplement.
(George Orwig)

In July, 1776, enlisted and served five months in the Rifle company commanded by Capt. James Olds, and during this service was engaged in the battle of Long Island, and in the battle at White Plains; in August, 1777, he enlisted as a substitute for Philip Shots and served two months as a private in the company commanded by Capt. Jacob Whetstone, and was engaged in the battle of Brandywine; in the winter of 1778 enlisted as a substitute for his brother, Henry Orwig, and served one month as a private at "Plymouth Meeting", about twelve miles from Philadelphia --- officers names not stated; in March and April of the same year served two months as a private at White Marsh, about ten miles from Philadelphia, under the command of Col. Lindamute, and Lt. Col. George May; in September, 1778, served about two months at Ft. Jenkins, as a private under the officers last mentioned. No other details of his services are given.
Page 24

O. W. & N. Division.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C., 

F. S.
M. E. C.

February 21, 1896.

Sir:

In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of --- George Erwig --- a 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.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. COLONEL. | STATE.

See Supplemental statement.

Battles engaged in, See supplement.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Berks Co., Pa.
Date of application for pension, September 24, 1832.
Residence at date of application, Mifflinberg, Pa.
Age at date of application, Born in Berks Co., Pa., March 11, 1758.
Remarks: His application for pension was allowed.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Mr. H. I. Orwig,
22 Fifth Ave.,
Chicago, Ill.

1111111

1832b2m
Page 25

This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services. Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.

O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.

L. W. B.
I. 4633.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,

July 14th, 1899.

Madam:-

In response to your recent communication you are advised that George Orwig made an application for pension on September 24, 1832, at which time he was 74 years' of age and residing at Mifflinburg, Penna., and his pension was allowed for one year's actual service as a private in the Penna. troops, Revolutionary war. He enlisted in Berks Co., Penna., and served under Capt. Olds and Col. Lindamute.

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

Miss Helen I. Hendricks,
3117 Forest Avenue,
Chicago, Ills.
Page 26

[letterhead of the International Sunday School Association] 

Rev H

December 1, 1920.

Commissioner of Pensions, 
Washington, D. C. 

Sir:

Will you kindly send me the Revolutionary War records of George and Gottfried Orwig from Berks County, Pennsylvania?

Appreciating your attention to this matter, I am Sincerely yours
[signature] P.G. Orwig

PGO FEB

[stamp in black ink reading "PENSION U. S. OFFICE DEC 3 1920"]
Page 27

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., Jan 10, 1921

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

[column headings: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. CAPTAIN. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. COLONEL. | STATE.]

July 1776 | 5 mos. | Pvt. | Jas. Olds | Henry Haller | Pa

1777 | 2 mos. | [blank] | Jacob Whetstone | [blank] | [blank]

1778 | 1 mo. | [blank] | officers not stated | [blank] | [blank]

Mar 1778 | 2 mos. | [blank] | [blank] | Lindemuth | [blank]

Aug. 1778  | 2 mos. | [blank] | [blank] | " | [blank] [end table]

Battles engaged in, Long Island, White Plains, Brandywine; 
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Berks Co., Pa.
Date of application for pension, Sept. 24 1832. Cl al
Residence at date of application, Mifflinsberg, Union Co. Pa.
Age at date of application, b. Mar 1758 in Berks Co. Pa. -
Remarks: No fam. data

Respectfully,
Commissioner.

6 - 2856