Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7896, for Benjamin Jinnings, Pennsylvania
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn. 
Jinnings, Benjamin
or Jennings, 
Rhoda
NUMBER
W. 7896
CONTENTS
Page 3

6185

Pennsylvania Phila
Rhoda Jennings, decd
widow of Benjamin Jennings
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848. & Endg
February 7" 1849
Certificate of Pension issued the
28th day of Novr 1833
and sent to 
A Hanna
Harnedsville
Penna
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2,1848, Page 239 Vol. 2

Date of widows death not on  AB.
Page 4

State of Penna
Somerset County } SS

On this fourth day of February 1851 personally appeared before the judges of the Court of Somerset County (Pa.), David Jennings a resident of Lower Turkeyfoot , in said county, aged sixty years who being first duly qullified according to law, doth on his oath make the folowing declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed 2 February 1838 and previous acts & granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war & for the heirs of such persons to draw the arreurage of pension due & not paid at the death of such pensioner & That he the said David Jennings who drew a pension of $80 per annum She the said Rhoda widow of Benjamin Jennings drew her pension up to 4th March 1848 & died 7th February 1849 That she left 10 heirs viz James, Benjamin, Jesse, Mary, Olley, Grant, Rhoda, Thomas, Margarat and  the aforesaid David Jennings (applicant) 
[signature] David Jennings

Affirmed & subscribed in open court the day and year above mentioned. 
[signature] R. L. Stewart Pro

State of Penna
Somerset County } 
Personally appeared before me A Hanna a Justice of the Peace in & for said county Samuel Ream aged 62 years who being duly quallified according to law says that he knows the facts set forth in the above declaration to be substantialy true i e so far as relates to the death & heirs of the above named
cont ..
Page 5

Rhoda Jennings that he was present in person time of her death helped to dig the grave & burry her, that he is personally acquainted with the 10 heirs named in the foregoing declaration & that the date of her the aforesaid Rhoda Jennings death & that the number & names of her heirs are truly set forth in foregoing declaration. 
[signature] Samuel W Ream
Sworn to & Subscribed the 1t day of April 1851 before Me
[signature] A Hanna JP
seal

Somerset County SS. 
I, R. L Stewart Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Somerset County do hereby certify that A Hanna Esq is an acting Justice of the Peach in & for said county duly commission and sworn & that his signature is known to me to be genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the seal of said court at Somerset this 30 April 1851
[signature] R. L Stewart
Pro
Page 6

No. 32.995
Benjn Jinnings
Pennsyla

Admitted
$80
J. L. Black.
Somerset
Pa
[written perpendicular to above] 
Address J. L. Black
Somerset
Somerset County Penna.
Page 7

State of Pennsylvania
Somerset County Ss } 
On the 28th day of April A.D. eighteen hundred and thirty five personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County and Commonwealth aforesaid Benjamin Jennings a resident of the township of Turkeyfoot in the county aforesaid and state aforesaid aged seventy six years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832. That he was born in Maryland. That he enlisted in the army of the United States on the 9th day of September in the year 1776 with Captain David Kilgore and served in the eighth Pennsylvania regiment under the following named officers Colonel McCoy Lieutenant Colonel Wilson Major Richard Butler & Captain D Kilgore and left the service in the month of September in the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine that he resided at the time he enlisted in Turkefoot Township Somerset County Pennsylvania, then Bedford County. He marched from the place of his enlistment to Kittanning on the Allegheny River where he joined the regiment was there about two months and was then marched under the command of the above officers through Philadelphia to a place called Baskin Ridge near Qeuibbletown where declarant took sick and was sent to a hospital near the place the army had hatted. He joined the regiment again in March thereafter. The regiment was encamped
Page 8

then together with some other troops at Boundbrook in New Jersey and was still under the command of the same officers except Cols. Mcleary & Wilson who had died and Major Butler was in command of the regiment. the British were encamped about six miles lower down the river Rairton. The British troops attacked them at their encampment. The Americans retreated overpowered by numbers there being only five hundred of them and it was said there were six thousand of the British. Thence they went to a place called Millstone near Somerset court House. remained there perhaps about two or three weeks. thence marched to the further end of Baskin Ridge and joined the army under the immediate command of General Washington. There the declarant was taken out of the regiment he had been in and transferred to Col. Morgan's regiment of reflerness thence marched towards Brundwick near the British lines and had fifteen skirmishes with the enemy in fourteen days in most of which declarant was personally engaged. Sometime after this the regiment marched back into Pennsylvania remained at Germantown a few days and then marched back to New Jersey. Sometime in August declarant thinks they marched northward towards the army of General Burgoyne. Declarant served in Col. Morgans regiment in the battles with Burgoyne's army which were fought in that quarter was in the battle of Saratoga and
Page 10

Muncy tribe of Indians. returned to Pittsburg where declarant was discharged in September 1779. The discharge of declarant was given by him to a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature to whom declarant applied unsuccessfully for relief about twenty years ago and the discharge never was returned. His discharge was signed by Col. Bayard. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state. 
[signature] Benjamen Jinnings 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court. 
[signature] C. Forward Prothy

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Somerset County Ss. 
Personally appeared in open court of Common Pleas of Somerset County aforesaid Abraham Faith aged seventy six years a pensioner of the United States for revolutionary services and being sworn according to law doth say that he enlisted in the year 1776 in Captain David Kilgore's company in the 8th Pennsylvania regiment commanded by Col. Mcledy, Lieut. Col. Wilson and Major R. Butler. Benjamin Jennings served in the same company with this deponent during the time that said Benjamin Jennings was in the 8th Penna. Regiment. Jennings was taken out of said company and regiment in New Jersey and joined Morgans
Page 11

rifle regiment. This deponent then saw no more of Jennings until he (Jennings) joined again the 8th Penna regiment at Valley Forge in the spring of 1778. Benjamin Jennings was again in the same company with this deponent after he rejoined the regiment. Benjamin Jennings and this deponents were messmates and served together in McIntosh's campaign and the other services of the regiment of above mentioned until the regiment went up the Allegheny river against the Indians Jennings went with the regiment and deponent was left behind as a boat guard being unable to march on account of disabilities. When deponent got his discharge in November 1799 at Pittsburg he was told by the officer who gave him the discharge that Benjamin Jennings had been already discharged. Deponent had lived in Somerset County Penna. ever since the revolutionary war and Jennings has also resided in the same county. Benjamin Jennings the foregoing declarant is the identical Benjamin Jennings who served and was discharged as above stated. 
[signature] Abraham faith
Sworn and subscribed this 29th April 1835 in open court. 
[signature] C. Forward Prothy

We Michael Tanner Jr. and Sylvester Colburn both residing in the township of Turkeyfoot in the county of Somerset Penna. do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Benjamin Jennings who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy six years of age. That he is reputed to be a soldier
Page 12

of the revolution and that we concur in the opinion and further that there is no clergyman residing in the neighbourhood of the said declarant. 
[signature] Silvester Colburn
[signature] Michl. Tanner Jr.
Sworn affd. and subscribed in open court the 29th day of April 1835

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 Benjamin Jennings the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the court further certifies that it appears to them that Abraham Faith, the witness who has sworn to the services in the revolution of the said Benjamin Jennings, is a man of veracity and credit and that Michael Tanner Jr. Esq. and Sylvester Colburn who have signed and sworn to the above certificate are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to full credit. 
By the Court. C. Forward Proty
Page 14

State of Pennsylvania
Somerset County Ss. }

On this Sixteenth day of October in the year eighteen hundred and forty-six personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for said county Rhodey Jennings a resident of Turkeyfoot township in the county of Somerset aged eighty 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 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows" That she is the widow of Benjamin Jennings who was a private in the army of the Revolution and a pensioner as appears by an original certificate now in her possession of which the following is a true copy. 
"War Department
Revolutionary Claim
I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Benjamin Jennings of Pennsylvania who was a private in the army of the Revolution is entitled to receive eighty dollars and ~ cents per annum during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831 and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September in every  year
Given at the War Office of the United States
this twentieth day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty six. 
Lew Cap
Secretary of War
{United State of America seal War Office} 
Examined & countersigned
J L Edwards
Commission of pensions
Page 15

She further delcares that she was married to the said Benjamin Jennings when she was between seventeen & eighteen years of age. That they were married she thinks in the year Seventeen hundred & eighty that her the aforesaid Rhodey Jennings husband Benjamin Jennings died on the 12th day of May eighteen hundred & forty five, the she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place previous to the first of January seventeen hundred & ninty four viz at the time above stated. 
Sworn and subscribed on the day & year above written before me
[signature] Alexander Hanna
J. P. 
X her mark Rhodey Jennings

I Alexander Hanna before whom the foregoing declaration or afadavit was made do hereby certify that the same was made in manner X form as there stated. and that Rhodey Jennings the person who made the same is by reason & of bodily infirmity unable to appear in open court to make the same. 
[signature] Alexander Hanna 
J.P.
Page 16

November 29, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BENJAMIN JINNINGS
W. 7896
BA - J/MMHF: MLB

Mr. Milton R. Jennings
R. F. D. # 1
Ithaca, New York

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of October 19, 1937, in which
you state that you received the record of John Heath, S. 23693, and
request that the Revolutionary War records be checked to determine
whether or not the records are on file of all the soldiers named in
your former letter of August 10, 1937, namely: Benjamin, Isaiah,
John, Jonathan, Michael and William Jennings, Jinnings, Jenkins, Jinkins, Gennings, Ginnings, etc., all of Pennsylvania, Benjamin
being of Somerset, Washington or Cumberland County, and William of
Chester County,

The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched
and no claims for pension found based upon service of an Isaiah or Michael Jenkins, Jennings, etc., nor of a William of Chester County,
Pennsylvania, nor of a John or Jonathan who served in the Pennsylvania
troops. Each of these given names was searched with each spelling of
the surnames Jenkins, Jennings, Gennings, etc.

The Revolutionary War record has been found of only one Benjamin
under any spelling who served in the Pennsylvania troops. His record
is furnished you herewith as found in pension claim, W. 7896.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 17

November 29, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BENJAMIN JINNINGS
W. 7896
BA-J/MLB

Mr. Milton R. Jennings
R. D. # 1
Ithaca, New York

Dear Sir:
The record of Benjamin Jinnings ( Jennings or Gennings) follows as
found in pension claim, W. 7896, based upon upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Benjamin Jinnings was born in Maryland. The date, exact location
of birth and names of his parents are not shown.

While a resident of Turkeyfoot Township, in that part of Bedford
County which was later Somerset County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted
September 9, 1776, served as a private in Captain David Kilgore's company,
Colonel McCoy's Pennsylvania regiment; in June, 1777, he was transferred
to Colonel Morgan's Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment and served in Captains
Van Swearingen's and Knox's companies, was in the battle of Saratoga and at the surrender of Burgoyne, in the battle of Whitemarsh and in many
skirmishes near Brunswick, New Jersey, wintered about eight miles west of
Valley Forge and about May 1, 1778, was taken out of Colonel Morgan's
regiment and returned to the regiment to which he first belonged then
commanded by Colonel Daniel Brodhead, was in General McIntosh's Campaign,
assisted in the building of Forts McIntosh and Laurens, marched against
the Indians up the Allegheny, helped to burn their towns and destroy their crops and was discharged in September, 1779.

The soldier was allowed pension on his application executed April 29,
1835, at which time he was aged seventy-six years and a resident of Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. He signed Benjamin Jinnings
but his name was borne on the pension rolls as Jennings. He died in
Turkeyfoot Township May 12, 1845.

Benjamin Jinnings married in 1780 Rhodey Spencer (pensioned as Rhoda).
The date and place of her birth and names of her parents were not given.

Soldier's widow, Rhoda Jinnings, was allowed pension on her application
executed October 16, 1846, at which time she was aged eighty-three
Page 18

years and a resident of Turkeyfoot Township, Pennsylvania, where she
was still living in 1847. She died in Somerset County, Pennsylvania,
February 6 or 7, 1849.

The following children survived their mother, Rhoda Jinnings:
James Jennings, the oldest son, aged about 66 years in 1847
Benjamin "
David " who in 1851 was aged sixty years and a resident of Lower Turkeyfoot Township, Pa.
Jesse "
Israel " 
Thomas " 
Rhoda Ann " who in 1849 was aged about 65 years and unmarried
Ollie " 
Mrs. Mary Nicola
Mrs. Margaret Nicola

In 1847, Thomas and David Jennings jointly witnessed the signature
by mark of soldier's widow, Rhoda Jinnings in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was not stated whether they were the children named above.

In 1846, one Rhodey Mitchell, aged seventy-five years was a resident
of Turkeyfoot Township, Pennsylvania, and made affidavit that she had
always lived near the soldier, Benjamin Jinnings, and his wife, Rhoda,
who after their marriage visited her (Rhodey Mitchell's) father's family,
no relationship stated.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 19

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
MEE/eel

June 5, 1929

Honorable Cyrenus Cole
House of Representatives
Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Cole: 
In response to your letter of June 1, 1929, I have
the honor to advise you that this bureau is unable to furnish
the history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a
claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the
United States on account of his services.

The records fail to show such claims on file on account
of the services of Andrew Ream or John Ream as described
by you, or of any Henry Rosenberger or Benjamin
Rosenberger.

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension
claim, W. 7896, it appears that Benjamin Jinnings (the name
also appears as Jennings and Gennings) was born in Maryland, date not stated.

While residing in Turkeyfoot Township, Bedford County,
later Somerset County, Pennsylvania, he enlisted September
9, 1776, served as a private in Captain David Kilgore's
Page 21

Jesse, Israel, Thomas, Rhoda Ann, and Ollie Jinnings, and
Mrs. Mary Nicola and Mrs. Margaret Nicola.

The above noted Benjamin Jennings is the only soldier
by that name, under any spelling, of Pennsylvania,
that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this
bureau.

Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH
Commissioner.

-3-
Page 22

tion [other text is cutoff]

January 26, 1929

Erma E. Shepard
#3 Oakwood Apartments
McKeesport, Pennsylvania

Madam: 
I advise you that this bureau is unable to furnish
the history of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim
for pension or bounty land has been made on account of
his services.

The records fail to show such a claim on file on account
of the services of John Jennings who served with
the Pennsylvania Troops.

in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Benjamin
Jinnings (Jennings), W. 7896, who served in Captain Knox's
Company, Colonel Morgan's Regiment, the name of soldier's
father is not stated.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 24

Somerset County Ss. Before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the county of Somerset in the State of Pennsylvania personally came David Jennings who having sworn as law directs doth say that in August 1832 according to his best recollection this deponent sent to the state of Virginia to get the deposition of one Amos Roberts (who resides in that state) relative to the services of Benjamin Jennings in the Revolutionary War that said Amos Roberts was sworn and in his deposition stated that he knew the Benjamin Jennings that served in the 8th  Penna Regiment in the Army of the Revolution and that he, Roberts, knew the fact of Benjamin Jennings being discharged from the service and that he (Roberts) had written the discharge of Jennings which was signed by the proper officer and given to Jennings. Roberts in the same deposition stated that the Captain they served under was named Kilgore. Roberts also served (as he states) in the same company. The said Roberts lived in Preston County Va. the Justice of the Peace before whom the deposition was taken also lived in the same county and the clerk of the court of Presdon County  certified in in substance that the Justice before whom the deposition  was taken was an acting Magistrate duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit was and to all his official acts as such This deponent has since heard that the above names Roberts is dead. The deposition was given to Benjamin Jennings and he deponent has been told that it is now either lost or in the possession of Mr Burd late
Page 26

[written perpendicular] Decemb. 15 47
Enquiry in case of Rhoda Jennings

Addition Pa
Dec 13th 
Commissioners of 
pensions
Washington City
District of Colubia
Page 27

Turkeyfoot Somerset Co. Pa. Dec 11th / 97
Gentleman
for the sake of Rhoda Jennings
widow of Benj. Jennings a Revolutionary pensioner I write to you as I am an acting Justice of
the peace, She & her friends wants me as a neighbour to ascertain why she dos not get a certificate for
a pension according to the true intent sperit &
meaning of the act of Congress, She certainly is
an object of charity, poor, needy, and afflicted with Rhumalick pains, She has now, and for more than
two years past, to be helped from & to her bed.
her statements with Rhoda Mitchell & Jacob
Rush the latter, now a pensioner & 94 years of age, Strange to tell are all adjoining neighbours and have
been since before the Revolutionary war, there
statements all agree that the petitioner Rhoda Jennings was married to the above named Bejamin
Long prevous to 1794 there Lawful Marriage and
living together man & wife as such up to the time his deth can not be doubted. the 3 witnesses all
Live about 21 miles from Somerset place where
the Court of Record is held, and owing to oald age
and bodily infirmities & Rough Road the could not
be got before open court, hence Judge McCarty was
got to go to them, William Rush is a son of the oald pensioner Jacob Rush, his age is about 69 years, and being
playmates with the petitioners children knows some of
them to be older than himself there are plenty of evidance
who knows the same that Wm. Rush has stated, and believe me to be candid when I say the witnesses are all
more then ordinary Respectable having belonged or members of
the Church no doubt half a century, as to the petitioners oldest children Judge McCarty himself knows
them i.e 3 or 4 of them to be over 60 years of age
cont
Page 28

to get at the truth and what is right is the
object, and that is what is wanted and nothing more
by the petitioner & her friends as She truly needs
relief and as there has been some delay and Mr
Forward the attorney says he dos not know why
has been one cause why this is written. thinking
that you may have been overly Strong and
forgoten it-- let us here from you as soon as
convenient and you will do a kindness to
your friend and Well wishes
[signature] Alexer. Hanna
Page 31

State of Pennsylvania
Somerset County SS
on the 26th day of February
A D Eighteen hundred & forty seven
Personlly appeared before me one of the
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
in and for Somerset County Rhodey
Mitchell a Resident of Turkeyfoot
Township in the County aforesaid aged
Seventy five years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on
her oath say that she is personly and well
accuainted with Rhodey Jennings the person
who makes the foregoing declaration and new her to
be the widow of Benjamin Jennings that She
deponent knew Rhodey Jennings previous
to her marriage with Benjamin Jennings and ever
since and knows that that they lived together as
man and wife down to the time of his death, that
she was not present at the marriage but thinks
She recolects of them visiting her fathers family the
day after their Marriage and knows that it took
place and was previous of January Seventeen hundred & Ninty four.  Sworn and subscribed date above written
X her mark Rhodey Mitchell

Sworen and subscribed before me 26th day of Feb 1847
[signature] John McCarty
Judge
Somerset County SS
I John McCarty before whom the foregoing
Page 32

I do hereby certify that Rhodey Mitchell the
person who made the foregoing deposition or affidavit
before me is unable because of bodily infirmity to attend
court - and further that I know her to be respectable
character and that I verily believe that her affidavit
is entitled to full credit-
[signature] John McCarty
Page 33

Pittsburg November 19th 1779

Abraham Faith, a Soldier in the Eighth Pennsylvania
Regiment being enlisted for three years from the 15th
Day of August 1776, he having served the above time
as a good soldier is hereby Honerably Discharged the
service
Given under my hand the day & date above written
[signature] S Bayard L Clo
Command 8 Pa
To All Concerned

Auditor Genls Office
June 6th 1835
I certify that the above is a true copy of
the original remaining on file
in this Department
Witness my hand & seal of
Office the day & year
aforesaid
[signature] David Sturgeon
Auditor Genl
Page 34

Somerset County Ss
Personally appeared before me the Subscriber one of the Justice
of the Peace in and for the said County of Somerset Jacob Rush in
who being duly Sworn doth depose and say that he this Dept. is well aqainted with Benjamin Joinning and Stats that the said Benjamin Jinning was enlisted in Capt Kilgore Company in the eighth Pennsylvania Regim for the term of three years and served the time out of the three years. He enlisted or was enlisted in the fall of Seventeen hundred and Seventy Six. And further Dept. States that he frequently understood that Benjamin Jinning was out under Col Morgans Regt of Rifflemen And Never heard it doubted.  is well sattesfied that Benjamin Jinning served the above Term by or from knoledge &c And further saith Not.
[signature] Jacob Rush
Sworn to & subscribed this 7th day of December AD 1833 before me
[signature] John Hanna

Somerset County
Pennsylvania Ss
I Chauncey Forward Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county, do by these presents certify that John Janna Esquire before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was at the time of taking such affidavit and now is an acting Justice of the peace and for the County at Somerset duly Commissioned and Sworn to all whose official act as such, due faith and credit is and of right ought to be given as well in the County & Commonwealth as it is here. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed seal at Somerset this 15th day of
August A D 1835
For C. Forward Prothy
[signature] Wm Philson
Page 35

Oct 21
Pa
Free
J. L. Edwards Esp
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C. 

[circular stamp] SOMERSET Oct. 18
Page 36

Somerset 17 Oct 1835

Sir
The enclosed is a paper relating to the application of B. Jennings which explains itself. It was neglected to be sent with the others which went by yesterdays mail. 
Very respectfully
Yours &c
J S Black

J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Page 37

Secretary's Office
Harrisburg 9th November 1835

Dr Sir, 
I handed your letter of the 28th alt. to the Clerk of the House of Representatives to whose office the subject of it appertains . He has informed me that the petition you speak of was presented on at the session of 1815-16 but is not now on file, from which he presumes that it was subsequently withdrawn. 
I am, Dr. Sir,
very Respectfully
Yrs, 
[signature] James Findlay

J. A. Black Esq
Page 38

Penna Jan 16
Benj. Gennings
Free
Revolutionary Claims

Hon. J. L. Edward
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City DC
[circular stamp] SOMERSET Jan 12
Page 39

Somerset Pa. 12. Jan. 1838

Dr Sir
Since your letter of Oct. 22 was recd. I have done every thing that could be done to remove the objections made by you against placing Benjamin Jennings immediately on the Pension Roll. 

I have written to the Secretary of the Commonwealth for the authenticated copy of the papers on which his application to the State of Penna. for a pension was founded and recd. the answer which I have enclosed. 

With some difficulty I have found a printed Journal of the House of Rep. for the session of 1815-16 and have torn from it the leaf containing the report of the committee on his case. I have also sent you a leaf from the pamphlet law of that year on which you find the act as it was finally pass. These things may have some weight as they show that his case has already undergone the test of a legislative investigation. 

The affidavit enclosed was overlooked at the time the other papers were sent on. 

If you want further authentication of the papers relative to his application to the Penn. Legislation, I will get a copy of the original journal & statute book certified by the proper officers. 

Very respectfully
Yours &c
[signature] J. A. Black

J. L. Edward s Esq. Comm. of Pensions
Page 40

13125
Rhodey Jennings
widow of Benj
Penna
Act 7 July 38

married before 1794
see statement of Hon. A. 
Stewart


husband died 12 May 1845

Rep Forward, Esq
Somerset
Penna
Page 42

State of Pennsylvania ss
Somerset County

on the Sixteenth day of October
eighteen hundred & forty-six personly appeared
before me a Justice of the peace in and for said
County of Somerset Rhodey Mitchell aged seventy-five years who after being duly sworn according to
law doth depose and say that she is well
acquainted with Rhodey Jennings the person
who makes the foregoing declaration that her
maiden name was Rhodey Spencer, and that she knew her time of and ever since her Marriage
withe Benjamin Jennings that she recolects of
their coming to visit her fathers family the day
after their Marriage that she not at their Marriage
but that she knows them to have lived together
as husband and wife and were reputed as such
previous to the year seventeen hundred and
ninty four and down to the time of his death
which was in the year eighteen hundred and
forty five that she lived all that time a near
neighbour even ajoining farmes, and their being
Lawfully married has never been doubted and
as Husband and wife have raised a large
family of children

X her mark Rhodey Mitchell

Sworn and subscribed before me the Subscriber day and year above written
[signature] Alexander Hanna
JP
Page 43

I Alexander Hanna before whom the foregoing
afadavit was made do hereby certify that the
same was made in manner & form as there
Stated - and that Rhodey Mitchell the person
who made the same lives about twenty one miles from
the place of holding Court and that the reason
of bodily infirmity she is unable to appear in
open Court
[signature] Alexander Janna
JP
Page 44

Somerset County SS
I Andrew J Ogle Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Somerset in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania do by these presents Certify that Alexander Hanna Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavits were made and who has there unto in his own proper hand writing subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly commissioned & sworn to whose acts as well due faith and credit are and of right ought to be given throughout the United States & elsewhere. 

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Somerset in the said County this 24th day of November A.D. 1846. And of the sovereignty and independence of the United State of America the Seventy first
[signature] A. J. Ogle
Prothonotary
Page 46

I do hereby certify that Rhodey Jennings the person
who makes the foregoing declaration is at this time
and has been for a long time back unable to attend
in open court because of old age and bodily infirmity
and further that from my knowledge of her character I
believe every part of her statement to be correct and entitled
to full credit.
[signature] John McCarty

I do hereby certify that Jacob Rush the person who makes
the foregoing affidavit is from old age and bodily infirmity
unable to attend in open Court and further that from my
long personal acquaintance, and knowledge of his general character
that I believe no mans statement ought or could be entitled
to better credit.
[signature] John McCarty
Page 47

State of Penns. 
Somerset County Ss
On this 26th day of February in
the year A.D. eighteen hundred and forty seven personally
appeared before me one of the Judges of the Court of
Common Pleas of Somerset County Jacob Rush a resident
of Turkeyfoot Township in the County aforesaid who being
first duly qualified according to law doth depose and say that he is personally and wele acquainted with Rhodey
Jennings the person who makes the foregoing declaration
and know her to be the widow of Benjamin Jennings. That the
deponent is aged ninety one years. That he knew
Rhodey Jennings previous to her marriage with Benjamin
Jennings and ever since and knows that they lived
together as husband & wife down to the time of his death that he was not present at the marriage but
that he heard of the same about the time that it
took place and knows that it was previous to the
first of January seventeen hundred & ninety four because
that he was married by the same person David Jones a
Justice of the peace in October 1778. 

X his mark Jacob Rush

Sworn & subscribed date above written before me
[signature] John McCarty
Judge
Page 49

[written perpendicular to other text] 
18.125
Nov 28 18466
U
Rhody Jennings, Aug 7. 1838

Paid 20
Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 50

Somerset November 24th 1846

J L Edwards Esq

Dear Sir

I send you the declaration of Rhodey
Jennings widow of Benjamin Jennings deceased with the evidence on which she relies to obtain a pension according to
the act of Congress &c. She is at this time a very old & feeble woman and much in need of the little assistance which I think she is evidently entitled to receive from the government. 
If her case should be regarded favorable, you can ender her certificate to me as at her earnest request I have undertaken to assist her in getting the same.
Yours respectfully
Rep Forward
Page 52

and in great need.

Please let me hear from you on this point and if there is any hope for her I wile see that the papers are properly authenticated and sent on again.

Yours respectfully
Rep Forward

Hon J L Edwards
Page 53

State of Penna
Somerset County ⎬ SS

On this 20th day of January 1849 personally
appeared before the Subscriber a Justice of the peace Rhoda Jennings a resident of the Township of Turkeyfoot in the County of Somerset aged 86 years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her
Oath make the folowing declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made
by the act of Congress, passed on the 2d February
1848 granting pensions to widows of persons who
served during the Revolutionary War.
That she is the widow of Benjamin Jennings
who was a private in the army of the United States
Infentry & received $80 pension per
Annum up to the time of his deth, and
She received $80 per Annum under the 
act 17th June 1849 i.e. 2 years 1846-47
She further declares that she is still a widow

Sworn to & Subscribed on the day & year above written, before

X her mark Rhoda Jennings

[signature] A Hanna JP
Witness
Tho Jennings
David Jennings
Page 54

[written perpendicular] April 15, 1847 Amended dec  Rhody Jennings

[circular stamp] SOMERSET [illegible] 12

Official business

Hon J. L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D C
Page 55

Somerset April 10th 1847

Hon J L Edwards
Dear Sir

Enclosed I send you
another declaration with the accompanying evidence
in the case of Rhodey Jennings which I trust you will find to be now according to the requirements. as
stated in your communication to me.

Please let me hear of its disposition soon

Yours truly
Rep Forward
Page 56

[written perpendicular] Sept 1847 Add as
Rhoda Jennings

[circular stamp] SOMERSET Pa. SEP 6

Official Business 
XO

Hon. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C
Page 57

Somerset Sept 4th 1847

Hon J. L. Edwards
Dear Sir

Enclosed I send you additional testimony in the case of widow Jennings application. I trust that it wile be deemed sufficient when taken in connection with those already on file to establish the marriage as previous to 1794. Please enclose to me her certificate as soon as the matter is determined. 
Yours respectfully
Rep Forward
Page 58

Dec 30 '47
DC

Hon A Stewart
HR

[written perpendicular] Jennings - 
Le A Stewart Esq
J L Edwards Esq
Com Pens
War Dept
Page 59

Ho of Reps
Dec 30 '47

I am acquainted with the persons referrd to in the enclosed letter from Esq Hanna The witness was Rush I know to be credible  Some of the children of Rhoda Jennings widow of Benj Jennings late a pensioner  I know to be from 60 to 70 years of age  There is no doubt of the widows right to a pension  Please order the certificate to me if issued [illegible]
Yrs respectfully
A Stewart

J L Edwards Esq
Com Pens
Page 60

Harnedsville
Mar. 28
#
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Washington City
D. C. 

[penciled lightly perpendicular] Coll.
Page 61

23 March /49
Sir
I herewith send the application
of Rhoda Jennings for her pension
according to an act of Congress 2d Feb 1848
You will perceive the application was
made 20th Jany /49 and before the proper officer had an opertunity of certifying to the
fact of my being an acting Justice of the
peace & forwarding the application to you, She
the applicant died. She died 6th Feb /49
her daughter Rhoda, a feble old maid has had care of her mother & has had to help her in and out of bed & feed her for 7 years past,
now as she is poor & neady, (being about 65 years of age) What further proceedings will be necessary to enable her or the heirs to draw the pension up to the time of the Mothers death.
Your prompt & kind attention heretofore is acknowledged
& you will again confer a favor
on us by giving us information of the subject. 
I Remain your Well Wisher
[signature] Alexa. Hanna

P.S. Pleas answer as soon as convenient. 
A H

A J Ogle Ex- Prothoneter is now in Congress & has heretofore officialy certified and knows me well to an acting Justice of the peace
A H
Page 62

Brief in the case of Rhoda Jennings
Somerset County and State of Pennsylvania
act 2 February 1848

Claim, ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Originally allowed under act 17 June 1844, & extended under act 2 Feb 1848

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

P. Cole
Examining Clerk. 

A. Hanna.
Name and residence of Agent
Harnedsville Pa
Page 63

Respy case
Rhoda Jennings
and Benja

Harnedsville
Let under 25

$-
J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D C
Page 64

24th Sept / 50

Sir Rhoda Widow of Bej. Jennings
drew pension from the time of his death up to /48 She then made application according to
the act of Congress passed 1848 of which you
sent me a copy but she died 7th July /49
before the application was carried out or sent to you; I then by letter informed you of her death
&c And Information of you have the heirs should
proceed in order to draw the amt due up to time of her death; David Jennings as heir then
made application, which I sent to A. J. Ogle
our R. in Congress in order for him to present it to you that the true intent of it might be carried out
but as yet have recd no answer, PLeas let me
hear from you on the subject. Soon as convenient
Old Jacob Rush pensioner, died Feb. last
& 4th March /50 or within a few days of one years
pension being due; He married a 2d wife 23 years since but had no children by her, She remains his
widow he left a will; Pleas inform me who
should make application for the pension back
& due up to time of his death. i.e.  will the
Widow the Executors, or the children of 1 wife apply.
All the time honoured old pensioners
in my neighbourhood are now dead vis Rewan, Jennings & widow, Beln and the time honoured old Jacob Rush We 2 last died Feb & March last; consequently the 2 above pension cases is all that will ever trouble your department from where I live & your good attention heretofor Leves no doubt but all will soon be carried out.
Pleas let me hear from you soon Relative to the 2 above cases; & you will much oblidge your friend and Well Wisher
[signature] Alex. Hanna
Page 65

Feb 28. 1853
Addl. evi: in case
Rhoda Jennings
decd. wid: of Benj:

A. Hanna
(no address given) 

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D C
Page 67

Harnedsvill
9th Nov 1853

Sir
I herewith send to you the court certificate corrected as directed by you & Hope it may answer the intended purpose &c Pleas do me the kindness to instruct me how to proceed after certificate is obtained &c
Your Well Wisher
[signature] A. Hanna

S. Cole
Comm
Page 68

114
JOURNAL OF THE HOUSE
monthly pay, back rations, land and pay for a rifle he states he lost,
as well as pay for a fellow soldier's right he states he purchased. Your
committee know of no precedent wherein this Commonwealth have
given either pay or land to soldiers who have served so short a time
in the Pennsylvania line as the petitioner; neither do they believe the petitioner's claims rest altogether against this Commonwealth.
Your committee are of opinion that the petitioner did loose his rifle,
for which they think it reasonable he should be paid.
The committee offer the following resolution, viz.
Resolved, That the committee appointed to draft bills on the subject
of claims, be instructed to bring in a bill granting the petitioner
dollars as pay for his rifle, lost in the service of his country. [this paragraph is marked with ( )]
And on motion, said report was read a second time, and the resolution
thereto attached was considered and adopted.
Mr. Holmes, from the committee appointed for the purpose, reported, 

That in conjunction with a similar committee from Senate they
have compared, and yesterday presented to the governor for his approbation, the bills entitled as follows, to wit:
No. 1. An act releasing to Christopher Hassinger and Elizabeth
Hess the right of this Commonwealth to a certain escheated estate.
No. 2. An act vesting the title of a certain piece of land in Somerset
township and county of Washington, in certain trustees and
their successors for the use of the German Lutheran and Calvinist
congregations in said township.
No. 3. An act authorising Mary M'Creary, one of the guardians
of the persons and estates of the minor children of Thomas M'Creary, deceased, to execute and receive certain releases therein mentioned, and to repeal an act heretofore passed relating thereto.
No. 4. An act to vest in Sarah Vernon the estate of her natural
son Emmor Vernon, late of Delaware county, deceased.
No. 5. A supplement to an act entitled An act to erect the town of
Hanover in the county of York, into a borough.
No. 6. A further supplement to an act entitled An act to enable
the Governor of this Commonwealth to incorporate a company for
making an artificial road from the intersection of Front street and
the Germantown road, in the Northern Liberties of the city of Philadelphia, through Frankford and Bristol, to the ferry at Morrisville on the river Delaware.
Laid on the table.
Mr. Buchanan read in his place, and on leave given presented to
the chair, bill No. 52, entitled, An act concerning the erection of
new counties within this Commonwealth; which bill was read, and
made the order of the day for Thursday the 11th instant.
Mr. Sutherland read in his place, and on leave given presented
to the chair, bill No. 53, entitled, "An act authorising the appointment
of an additional auctioneer within the City and county of Philadelphia;' which bill was read, and made the order of the day for
Wednesday the 10th instant.
On motion of Mr. Read and Mr. Haldeman,
The report read on the 22d ultimo, relative to the purchase of an
Page 69

OF REPRESENTATIVES.  113

Saturday, January 6, 1816.

Mr. King presented a petition from sundry inhabitants of the
borough of Somerset in Somerset county, praying for certain alterations
of the lines of said borough.
And said petition was read, and referred to Messrs. King, J. Anderson
and Coon.
Mr. Kelly presented ten petitions of similar tenor, from sundry
inhabitants of the counties of Indiana, Armstrong, Mercer and Venango, praying for certain alterations in the law relative to the breach of the Sabbath.
And said petitions were read, and referred to the committee on
vice and immorality.
Mr. Tryon presented a petition from Daniel Brodhead of the city of
Philadelphia, accompanied with documents, praying for reasons
therein stated, that patents for certain tracts of donation land may
be granted to him.
And said petition was read, and referred to Messrs. Tryon, Morgan
and Stewart.
Mr. Rowland presented a petition from sundry inhabitants of the
township of Hilltown in Bucks County, praying that said township
may be erected into a separate election district, and the elections
thereof held at the house of John Hockman in said township.
And said petition was read, and referred to the committee on
election districts.
Mr. J. Bucher presented four petitions of similar tenor from sundry
inhabitants of the borough of Harrisburg, praying that so much
of the act incorporating the said borough as authorises the annual
holding of fairs therein, may be repealed.
And said petitions were read, and
Laid on the table.
Mr. Kelly presented a petition from William Trimble of Indiana county, accompanied with documents, praying for reasons therein
stated, that he may be authorised to sell in fee-simple certain
real estate in which he has an estate for life.
And said petition was read, and referred to Messrs. Kelly, Kryder
and C. Bucher.
Mr. Martin presented a remonstrance from sundry inhabitants of
the county of Bedford, against the division of said county.
And said remonstrance was read, and referred to the committee
appointed on that subject on the 19th ultimo.
Mr. Powell, from the committee on claims, to whom was referred on the 15th ultimo, the petition of Benjamin Jennings, made
report, which was read as follows, viz. [this paragraph is marked with ( )]
That they have had the same under their consideration, and find
by the petitioner's statement that he enlisted in the year 1776, in the
Pennsylvania line, and served but a few months, and was afterwards
drafted in col. Morgan's rifle regiment and served in that regiment
during the war; for which services he claims of this Commonwealth

15
Page 70

( 145. )

SECT. II. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the sum of two dollars per day be allowed to each Compensation of
the said viewers, for the time necessarily spent in viewing, surveying and marking said road, which shall be in full for their
services, and shall be paid out of the treasury of said county on
warrants drawn by the commissioners of the same.
REES HILL, Speaker
of the House of Representatives.
JOHN TOD, Speaker of the Senate.
APPROVED--the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and sixteen.
SIMON SNYDER.

CHAPTER XCIX.

An ACT for the relief of Benjamin Jennings, an old revolutionary soldier. [this is marked with ( ) ]

SECT. I. BE it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly
met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the
state treasurer be, and he is hereby required to pay to Benjamin
Jennings, or order, the sum of forty dollars, in full for
losses sustained by him while in the service of Pennsylvania
during the revolutionary war.

REES HILL, Speaker
of the House of Representatives.
JOHN TODD, Speaker of the Senate.
APPROVED -- the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight
hundred and sixteen. [this is marked with ( ) ]
SIMON SNYDER.
---
CHAPTER C.
A SUPPLEMENT to the act, entitled "An act to authorise James Barton
and George Biddis, their heirs and assigns, to convey water from a spring
or stream of water called the Vandine Kill, into the town of Milford, in
the county of Pike."
SECT. I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly
19
Page 71

( 146 ) 
Repeal of part of former act. 

met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the
several provisos in the second section, and the whole of the fourth and fifth sections of the act to which this is a supplement, be, and the same are hereby repealed.

Price of water regulated. Penalty on taking water without leave
SECT. II. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the price to be paid by any one family for the using of the said water for one year, shall not exceed the sum of eight
dollars, and the price to be paid by any one family, for a right of using of the said water for ever, shall not exceed the sum of sixty dollars; and if any person or persons within the said town of Milford, shall use or take any of the said water, for the use of families, without the consent of the said James Barton and George Biddis, their heirs or assigns he, she or they shall forfeit
and pay to the said James Barton and George Biddis, their heirs or assigns, any sum not exceeding one dollar, to be recovered as debts of equal amount are recoverable before a justice of the peace:

Proviso. 
Provided, That nothing contained in this act, or
the act to which this is a supplement, shall be construed to prevent
any inhabitant of the said town from using water obtained
in any other way, or to compel any inhabitant to use the water
so introduced by the said Barton and Biddis.

Penalty on letting works be out of repair. 
SECT. III. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the said James Barton and George Biddis, their
heirs and assigns, shall at all times have a sufficient quantity of water conveyed into the said town for the use of the inhabitants, agreeably to the true intent and meaning of this act, and if they
shall allow the pipes or any of the said works to be out of repair
so that the said inhabitants shall be deprived of water
for the space of ten days, they shall forfeit and pay any sum
not exceeding one hundred dollars, to be recovered before a justice of the peace as debts of equal amount are recovered, one half to the person suing for the same, and the other to the use of the township:
Proviso.
Provided, That the water so introduced,
shall be used gratis in all cases of fire, and also for waggoners
and travellers passing through said town.

Time for completing works extended. 
SECT. IV. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That the time for completing the said works shall be, 
and the same is hereby extended for the term of three years from and after the passing of this act: Provided, That nothing
herein contained shall authorise the said James Barton and
George Biddis, to do any injury to private property in the
construction or completion of any of their said works, without the consent of the owner of said property being first obtained. 

Right of proprietors after certain time may be purchased. 
SECT. V. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if at any time after the expiration of twenty years from and after the passing of this act, the citizens of Milford
should be disposed to purchase the said water works and privileges, they shall have a right so to do, for such price as shall be fixed by seven judicious and disinterested persons, or
a majority of them, to be appointed by the court of quarter
sessions of the county of Pike, who shall be under oath or
affirmation, and upon the payment of the price so fixed, all
Page 73

On Pension business
5
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington 
D C

Harnedsville Pa
Oct 3

C. Cert
Page 75

No 13125
Ad '49 55y
Rhoda Jennings
widow of Benjamin
Pa
Act 7 July 1838
Rejected husband 
Aud 12t March 1845
Adm Act 17 June '44
$80.00 per am
from 12 March 1845
Page 76

Benjamin Jennings Pa. Act 7 June 1832. $80.00 per ann
To What time was he last paid? 
G.C.A.
Paid to 4th Mar. 1845
BLB
Jan 6th

Pension Office
Jany 7. 1848
Page 77

468 Phil
Pennsylvania
Rhoda Jennings
widow of Benjamin Jennings
who was a Private
in the Revolution
Husband died 12 March 1848
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80 dollar -- cents per annum, to commence on the 12th day of March, 1845. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 19 day of Jany, 1848, and sent to Hon H. Stewart
House of Reps
 Act of JUNE 17, 1844. 
Recorded in Book A 
[cut off] Page [illegible] 

Reported
Letter to A. and 
Oct 30: 184 [cut off] 
Hon A J Ogle 24 Sept 1850
Let Alex Hanna Aug 27 /50 
A. Hanna 14th June 1853
Same 8 Oct 1853
Page 78

Free
Geo: Burd
M. C
[circular stamp] REDF P. NOV 7

Mr. Benja. Jennings
Turkeyfoot Township
Kings Post Office Somerset County Pa
Page 79

Bedford 5th Nov. 1833
Dear Sir, 
In May last I recd. your papers returned from the Pension Office & objected to in
much as your name they say is not on the Rolls
of service another witness is required. It will be necssary
for you to enquire amongst your old acquaintences, & try whether you can procure a credible witness who knows of
your having enlisted with Captain Kilgore in the 8th Penna
Regiment.  It may also be in your power to procure testimony of your service in Col Morgans Regiment of Riflemen.
It will be absolutely necessary for you to have the
proof of some
one who will testify as to your services.
If your name were on the rolls of
the army there would be as further difficulty but as it is there must be additional proof.

If any such can be had write
to me immediately, & I will send you your papers with
directions how to have the affidavit annexed & certified. 

I have not seen any of the old pensioners here so [ok penciled above] that an enquiry could be made of any one of
them respecting you. 

If you can obtain the evidence have it taken & certified by a Justice of the peace & sent to me per mail to this place & I will send your papers to Mr. Forward & have the proper certificate made out & present your papers to the War Department myself. 

You have only to be somewhat industrious & yr pension will be certain. 
Respectfully
Yr friend &c
[signature] George Burd

Mr. Benja. Jennings}
Page 80

P.S.
You state that you enlisted in Turkeyfoot Township Somerset County, then I presume Bedford County in Sept 1776 with Captain David Kilgore of the 8th Regt Penna. line & served near one year with him & in June 1777 was transferred to Col. Morgans Regt of Riflemen. 

I suppose that there yet must be some person or persons living in Turkeyfoot Township or in some part of Somerset County who know of your having entered the army of the revolution & the length of time you were out. 
Write to me on the rest of this
Yr's respectfully
[signature] George Burd
Page 82

Harnedsvill P.O. lower Turkeyfoot
Somerset Co Penna. 

Sir: Some time back I sent to you 2 applications for pension certificats one for Ann Rush, Widow of Jacob Rush, & one David Jennings for the heirs of Benj. & Rhoda Jennings (&c?) The applicants & myself live between 20 & 30 miles from Somerset where the county courts are held & more then ordinary rough road between us & Somerset we would be glad therefore to get some return answer from you relative to the certificates before the 25th of this month court then sets in Somerset &c & as it is the last of the old pension cases under my notice & the applicants think & justly that I have been somewhat indolent heretofore 
Pleas be so kind as to enable me to give them the gratification of something geting done in there behalf &c
for more then ordinary haste; 
Your friend and 
Well Wisher
[signature] A Hanna
Page 83

Rhoda Jennings, decd
widow of Benjamin
Pa
Act 2 Feb 1848
$80 per annum commencing 4 March 1848 & ending 7 Feb 1849, payable to
James Jennings
Benja. Jennings
David Jennings
Jesse Jennings
Israel Jennings
Thomas Jennings
Ollie Jennings
Rhoda Ann Jennings
Mary Nicola & 
Margaret NIcola.
only serv'g children 

Phila. 
A. Hanna
Harnedsville
Pa
Page 84

Somerset County ss. Before me the
subscriber a justice of the peace in and for
said County personally came Benjamin Jennings
who being sworn according to law saith that he
is at this time an applicant to the United States
government to be placed on the list of Revolutionary
pensioners for services as a soldier of the revolution which are detailed in his declaration according to
the act of Congress passed in 1832 that the
reason why he did not apply for a pension
under the law of 1818 was because he was not
aware that he had any right or claim under that law as he had understood it was only
for the relief of those who were totally unable
to maintain themselves by their own means
or out of their own property-- As soon as
he was aware that the law of 1832 was passed and of the terms of it he took the
necessary measures to be placed on the list
by employing the Hon. George Burd M.C.
to attend to it for him that he made the
declaration and got his witnesses sworn
and placed the paper in M. Burds hands that he understood some objection
was made to the papers by the War Dept. but never knew what it was and never got the papers out of Mr Burds hands
that after he found he could not get the papers from Mr Burd without going or
sending to Bedford for them he made a new declaration & a new application
his first declaration was made about
three years ago- that these facts account
for the present application being so late. And further saith not
[signature] Benjamin Jinnings
Sworn & subscribed
29th Aug 1835 before me
[signature] John Hanna
Page 85

Pennsylvania
Somerset County ⎬
I Chauncey Forward Prothonotary of the Court
of Common pleas in and for said County do
hereby certify that John Hanna Esquire
before whom the within affidavit was
made was then and now is an acting
Justice of the peace in and for said County
duly Commissioned and sworn to all
whose official acts as such full faith and credit are due as well in the County & Commonwealth aforesaid as elsewhere
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
affixed my official seal of office at Somerset this 17th
day of October AD 1835
[signature] C. Forward Prothy
Page 86

The State of Ohio Perry County ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned
Frederick Grimke President Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit of the State of Ohio, on the 17th
day of June A.D. Eighteen hundred and thirty five
Thomas King of the County of Perry and who being
by me duly sworn touching the application of
Benjamin Jennings of Somerset County in the State of Pennsylvania for a pension from the United States
for services performed by him during the Revolutionary war, deposeth and saith that he is well
acquainted with said Benjamin Jennings, for the space of 48 years, this deponent being 13 years old on his first acquaintance with said applicant, and is of opinion that said Benjamin is a man of
integrity & truth and as touching the discharge of
said Benjamin as a revolutionary soldier this deponent states that in the session of the legislation of said
State of Pennsylvania A. D. 1814 & 1815 - said Benjamin placed into the hands of deponent a certain discharge
of said Benjamin from the service of the United States
army as a soldier of the revolution which this deponent
believes to have been genuine, this deponent being then
a member of said Pennsylvania Legislature, undertook & succeeded in obtaining from said state the sum of
forty dollars for a gun which was stolen from said
Benjamin during that war, James Mitchel who
was also a member of said legislature the year next before this de-
Page 87

ponent, stating on Oath that he was a fellow soldier
and mess mate with said Benjamin, in that war whose oath courpond one of the documents which
was used in obtaining said forty dollars. This deponent
does not recollect the name of the officer who
signed said discharge, but he clearly recollects that the said discharge mentioned that said Benjamin had
served three years in that war in the American army- And deponent further states that the reason
why no further compensation could then be obtained
from said State of Pennsylvania, was, because the
said Benjamin was not then proven to be
poor or wounded-
[signature] Thomas King
Subscribed and sworn to before me at Somerset in
the County of Perry and State of Ohio the said
17 day of June A.D. 1835.
[signature] Frederick Grimke {seal} 

The State of Ohio Perry County ss
I John Beckwith Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for said county do certify that Frederick Grimke Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken was at the time of taking the same President Judge of the 6th Judicial Court of Ohio comprising the county of Perry duly commissioned and qualified as such and that his signature is genuine. 
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and seal of said court this 17 day of June AD 1835
[signature] John Beckwith Clerk
Page 88

[illegible] Mch [illegible] Hist
Letter Willis Van Devanter
Letter in W.F. 6371
1928 Dec. 1 Hon. Clyde
Kelly adv. father's & mother's name not stated. See John Jennings
S. 13529. A.D.Y.

1929 Jan 26 Erma E. Shepard advised sol father's name not stated. M.E.E.

1929 - June 6 - Hist to Hon Cyrenus Cole, M.E.E.

1937. Nov. 29. Hist to Milton R Jennings. MKD

Revolution
Pennsylvania
WIDOW, &c
File No. 7896
Rhoda Jennings
Widow
Benjamin Jennings
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Feby. 2d 1848
Indes: - Vol. A, Page 373
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 89

#3 Oakwood Apts.,
Peterson Plan.
McKeesport, Pa.
Nov. 19, 1928.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,

Have you any record among your files of a Benjamin Jennings
also a John Jennings. Benjamin Jennings served under Captain James Knox's Company of Riflemen commanded by Col. Daniel Morgan. John Jennings served under Capt. Evan Edwards Co 3d Pa Regt commanded by Lt Lambery Cadwalader. I would like to have their Revolutionary War record as well as the manes of their parents particularly Benjamin
Jennings record. Tradition has it that there was a Benjamin Jennings
Sr. and Jr which served in the Revolutionary Ar.

I might add the reason I am so interested in obtaining this information is that there is an estate left to the heirs of Benjamin
Jennings father. In order to present my claim I must know his christain name.
Any information you may be able to reader will be greatly
appreciated by me.

Very Sincerely, 
[signature] Erma E Shepard

[circular stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE NOV 21 1928
Page 90

CYRENUS COLE
5TH DISTRICT IOWA
LILY B. LOCKWOOD
SECRETARY

MEMBER OF
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, D. C.

June 1, 1929. 

Mr. Earl D. Church,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

My dear Mr. Church: 

Can you give me some information about
the following Revolutionary soldiers -- their war record, and
service:
Andrew Ream, born 1737, died 1818 - Somerset County, Penn.
John Ream, born 1759, died 1839 -- Somerset County, Penn.
Benjamin Jennings, born about 1755 or 1760 - Somerset County, Penn.
Henry Rosenberger, - Bucks County, Penn.
Benjamin Rosenberger, born __
died 1777 - Montgomery or Bucks
County, Penn.

I have received all the information which
the Adjutant General's office can furnish, and am calling on you
now for whatever your recrds may disclose about these soldiers.

Thanking you for your attention, and reply, I am,
Sincerely,

[signature] Cyrenus Cole

C:L

[circular stamp too faint to make out details]
Page 91

#3 Oakwood Apts,
Peterson Plan,
McKeesport, Pa
October 11, 1928.

Record Division, 
Department of the Interior, 
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir, - 
I am a direct descendent of Benjamin Jennings a soldier of the Revolutionary War. I can trace my ancestry as far back as Benjamin Jennings but
do not know the name of his father and mother. Tradition says his father
came from England. Possibly you have the names of them on his military record.
He enlisted Sept 9, 1776 at Turkeyfoot Twp Penna and was discharged at Pittsburg Sept. 1779, he served under Captains Kilgore and Van Swearingen, and under Colonels
McCoy and Morgan. His name may appear as Jennens, Jinnings or Ginnings.
Any information you can give will be greatly appreciated. If you do not
have the desired information could you suggest any one to whom I might write.
Thanking you in advance, I am,

Very truly yours,
[signature] Mrs. E. M. Shepard

[circular stamp] U.S. PENSION OFFICE O OCT 12 1928
Page 92

[circular stamp] RECEIVED OCT 20 1937
MAIL SUB. DIV.
VETS. ADM. 
READER No. 6

October 19, 1937
Vererans Administration
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sirs - 
(Reply No. BA-J/MCS)
Rec'd your welcome letter in giving data of my g. g. John Heath and was very good to have it for Society I am about to join. 

But you did not send me the check list of Jennings which I requested you to check them out which one you have in files and I do not mean of you to send me its war records of Jennings - Just like, I meant, indexed to files of records. 

Please send me the check list or indexes to file records of Jennings of eastern out Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey - (not war records or personal nature), Will you? I will be nine grateful of your cooperation.  Remember the spellings of Jennings or Jenkings. How much for the check list? 
Hoping to hear from you very soon. I am - Thank you very much for your services. 

Your obedient servant
[signature] Milton R. Jennings
Ithaca N.Y. 
R.D. 1.
Page 93

Pennsylvania
Somerset County ss
I John J Schell Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas held at Somerset in and for the County of Somerset, do hereby certify that Satisfactory evidence has been exibited to the said Court that
Rhoda Jennings was a pensioner of the
United States at the rate of eighty dollars
($80,00) per year, was a resident of the County of Somerset, in the State of Pennsylvania
and died in the County of Somerset in
the State of Pennsylvania on the Seventh day of February A.D. 1849. That she left
ten children, whose names are James Jennings
Rhoda Ann Jennings, Benjamin Jennings
David Jennings, Mary Nicola late Mary
Jennings, Ollie Jennings, Jesse Jenning Israel
Jennings, Thomas Jennings and Margaret
Nicola late Margaret Jennings,
in testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the
Seal of said Court at Somerset
this 3d day of November A.D. 1853,

[signature] John J. Schell Prothonotary