Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1260, Lawrence Fry, Penn.

Page 1

Penna

Fry, Lawrence                                       
       Mary

W. 1260
B.L. Wt.14971-160-55

Page 2

See letter to Hon J. C Bucker


Lawrence Fry of Dauphin Co in the State of Pennsylvania who was a Private in the Company commanded bt Captain (illeg) in the Regiment commanded Colonel Hubley in the Penna line for the term of three years from April 1777 to April 1780.

Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence on the 16th of May, 1825,

Certificate of Pension issued the 20th of May 1825 and sent to Wm McClure, Esq. , Harrisburg. Pa.

Arrears to 4 Sept 1825 $29.18.

See letter from Dennis Brady within recd Apl 26, 1826

Page 3

1675
Pennsylvania Phila
Mary Fry
widow of Lawrence 
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
96 Dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence on 
3rd February 1853
and sent to
Jacob Barrick
Harrisburg PA
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
(words crossed out) Page 104 Vol. A
Feby 3rd/53
 
most writing on right is illegible.

Page 4

19.620
Lawrence Fry,
Dauphin County,
Pa

W Miller

Wm McClure Esq
Harrisburg,
Pa

Page 5

Dauphin County (squiggle line)

On this nineteenth day of April 1825 personally appeared in open court being a court of record for the county of Dauphin Lawrence Fry aged sixty years and a resident in the county aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the Acts of Congress of the 18th of March 1818 and the first of May 1820 that he said Lawrence Fry enlisted for the term of three years on the tenth day of April 1777 in the state of Pennsylvania in the company commanded by Captain Samuel Kearsly in the regiment then commanded by Colonial Malcolm afterwards commanded by Colonial Hurley of Lancaster in the line of the State of Pennsylvania on the Continental establishment: that he continued to serve in the said corps (two words lined through) as a drummer for Captain Kearsly’s company until the Spring of the year one thousand seven hundred & eighty when he was discharged from the said service in Trenton, in the State of New Jersey and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services, accept that of his Captain Samuel Kearsly.
Lawrence Fry (above his name is states his X)
(Name underneath was not legible)

And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st of May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on this 12th day of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled “an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval services of the United State's in the Revolutionary War” passed on this 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me any property or securities, contracts or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the

Page 6

Schedule thereto and said by me subscribed
Schedule of Property

2 old feather beds and bed clothes worth $15
One cow worth $10
Two old pots & knives & forks & plates worth $5
Worth $30

Has raised a family of nine children all of age and living in various parts of the United States except the three younger.
One called Andrew Fry about twelve years of age who is bound out
One called Jacob Fry about eight years of age who is bound out.
One called Michael Fry who is about sixteen years of age and doing for himself - 
My wife’s name is Phoebe an infirm woman and very deaf aged about forty one years I follow as an occupation working by the day and job for those that will employ me. I have been for some years subject to the falling fits and in consequence of them am seldom able to work.
(First name is not legible)
Obed Fahnestock
William McClure
(On the right side of those signatures is Lawrence Fry with an X between first and last name stating it was his mark)

Sworn to and declared in Open Court on this 19th day of April 1825
1825 Obed Fahnestock 
Proctor

Page 7

Dauphin County ss

I Obed Fahnestock clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dauphin Do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration and oath ["and the schedule" crossed out] and the schedule and statement thereto annexed are truly copied from the Records of the said Court; and I Do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property inhibited in the aforesaid schedule is thirty dollars

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court on this 20th Day of April 1825 at Harrisburgh

Obed Fahnestock Clk

Page 8

State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County
{SS [written to the right of the above]

On this tenth day of June Eighteen hundred and fifty three Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the justices of the Court of Common pleas in and for said County Mary Fry a resident of Harrisburg Dauphin County state of Pennsylvania Aged seventy four years who being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following --- Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress, passed January [gap] Eighteen hundred and fifty three that she is the widow of Lawrence Fry, who was a pensioner of Dauphin County state of Penna by reference to the pension Roll will more fully appear, she further declares that she was married to the said Lawrence Fry on the 19th day of September in the year Eighteen hundred and twenty six, that her husband the aforesaid Lawrence Fry, died on the 23 or 24th day of October in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty four, that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place at the time above stated she further swears that she is now a widow, and that she has never before made any application for a pension, that the Certificate of her marriage herewith annexed is the original and has been in her possession ever since her marriage

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above ---
Written before
Mary ["her mark" written above and below an "x"] Fry
Wm. F. Murray, Judge

I do hereby Certify that the deposition of Mary Fry was taken at her dweling in Harrisburg, that she is unable to appear in open Court from bodily infirmity

Wm. F. Murray, Judge

Page 9

State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County ss

[a seal to the left]

I Stephen Miller, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County & State aforesaid: Do hereby certify that Wm. F Murray Esquire; whose name is subscribed to the within and foregoing certificate; was at the time of subscribing as aforesaid; one of the Judges of said Court in and for the County aforesaid; duly elected & commissioned and that full faith and credit is and aught to be given to all such his official acts accordingly; and that the signature purporting to be his genuine,

Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court at Harrisburg this tenth day of June A.D. 1853

Stephen Miller 
Prothy

State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County 
{ss [written to the right of the above]

On this Eleventh day of June Eighteen hundred and fifty three Personally appeared before me the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for said County David Hummel and George Beaty Gentlemen of Respectability Deserving full faith and Credit known by me who being first, duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say, that they [inserted above] were well acquainted with the within named Lawrence Fry and Mary Fry his wife, that the said Lawrence Fry was a Revolutionary Pensioner of Dauphin County state of Penna, and died some years ago that they know the within applicant Mary Fry that they believe her statement to be true, that she has remained a widow Ever since.

sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written before me

W. Kline J. P. 
Dauphin County

Geo Beatty
David Hummel

[the bottom of the image is cut off]

Page 10

State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County ss

[a seal to the left]

I Stephen Miller Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in the aforesaid county, certify that William Kline Esquire before whom the within and foregoing affidavit was made; was at the date thereof a magistrate as within; and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.

Witness my hand and the Seal of said Court this eleventh day of June AD 1853

Stephen Miller 
Prothy

Page 11

This looks like it was written on a small journal that has vertical length and two sides showing. The left side states as following:

Several numbers lined through then Act 3 (word not legible) underneath May 5/
————————————————————————-
Mary Fry  widow
Lawrence Fry Private
———————————————————————-
Residence - Penn-

Revolutionary War
———————————————————————-
Written on an angle: No 14971 Ifs Jan 29/56
H.M. Grayson
Harrisburg
(On the right side page mostly blank and at the very bottom is the following: Vol.F.132. And a squiggle line)

Page 12

119981

Page 13

State of Pennsylvania
 Dauphin County (initials T.T.)

On this third day of May, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid Mary Fry aged upwards of seventy years a resident of Harrisburg, in the State of Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to the law declares that she is the widow of Lawrence Fry deceased who was a private soldier in the Revolutionary War and a Pennsylvania pensioner of the United States that the evidence of her marriage to the said Lawrence Fry and of his decease is filed in the Pension Office, in the city of Washington, in support of her application for a pension. And that She is now in receipt  of a pension  from the United States under the provisions of the 2nd section of the Act of February 3rd 1853 4 that she is now a widow.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the county land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3, 1855
Witness:
J Hailman.                           Mary X Fry
M McKinney.                              Her mark

We, Jonathan Hailman & Merdicai McKinny, residents of Harrisburg, in the State of Pennsylvania upon our oath declare that the fore said declaration was signed & acknowledged by Mary Fry in our presence. That we have known the said Mary Fry for many years, both before and since the death of Lawrence Fry, with whom we were also acquainted. That she has (next page)

Page 14

Resided since the death of the said Lawrence Fry in Harrisburg, in its immediate vicinity, and that from our knowledge of her during that time we believe and are satisfied that she has remained & is now a widow and the identical person she represents herself to be. 
David Harris
Justice of the Peace

Page 15

State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County, SS

I Jacob Shope Protonotary & Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of the county & state aforesaid, do certify that David Harris is and was on the 3rd day of May One Thousand and Eight hundred and fifty five a Justice of the Peace in & for said county duly commissioned & qualified, and that his acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit. That his signature attached to the foregoing certificate is genuine & that the court whose seal is hereto annexed is a court of hand.

Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this fourth day of May, A.D. 1855.
Jacob Shope
Prothy & Clerk

(Seal on the left side next to the signature)

Page 16

Marriage Certificate
Lawrence Frye
Mary McWhellen

[at bottom right of page in vertical print]
Fry, Lawrence
Penn. W 1260

Page 17

This is to Certify that on the 19th day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty six before me W. Holbrook esquire a justice of the peace in and for the County of Dauphin & State of Pennsylvania Lawrence Frye and Mary McWhellen both of Harrisburg were legally joined in marriage each of them being of full age and declares themselves free, respectfully, from prior engagements or other lawful impediments In witness whereof as the ?? and other authority wherefore as I the said justice have here subscribed their ?? this day and year aforesaid. 
W. Holbrook Justice of Peace
Mary McWhellen (her mark)
Abigail Pauge
Lawrence Frye
Mary Frye

Page 18

Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
-------------
File No. 1260
Mary Fry
Widow 
Lawrence Fry
Pri. Rev. War
---------------
Act: Feb. 3, 1853
Index:--Vol. A. Page 252

[Arrangement of 1870.]

Page 19

(1st piece of paper)
V
14.971

Rev War

(second piece of paper)

written top to bottom left side
Recd March 13th 1833

Boynton

(round postal stamp)
(inside stamp)
Lancaster Mar 12

(above address)
E. Heister

(stamped FREE)
L. P. Waldo
Comm of Pensions
Washington City

Page 20

Pension Office
Aug 26/53

Sir

Please report time of last payment to or death of within named pensioners or whether or not, or when he was dropped from the rolls.

Respectfully Ic
S. Cole
for County

F. Brush, Esq.
B and 
Resent
--------

Lawrence Fry, Act 1818
$8 pr month.--Died 22d October 1834
Paid to his death

F. Bruth
Audited

Page 21

[Envelope, postmarked]
Harrisburg
June 13
Mayo
1853

Mr Heath
Commissioner
of Pensions
Washington City, D.C.

Page 22

[Envelope, postmarked]
Harrisburg, May 4
[vertical number, 119981]
L. P. Waldo Esq
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, DC

Page 23

1.675
Pennsylvania
Phila
Mary Fry
widow of Lawrence Fry
who served in the Revolutionary war as a Private, Pennsylvania lines
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 dollars 00 cents per annum, to commence on the 3rd February, 1853
Certificate of Pension issued 1st day of Sept, '53
and sent to Jacob Barrick, Harrisburg PA
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853 Page 104 Vol A

Page 24

Washington, Feb, 2nd
Dear Sir
Permit me to direct your attention to the suggestion of the accompanying letter from the Hon John Strohm
Respectfully J S Hiester
Hon L. P. Waldo

Page 25

(This is a form letter with blanks)

State of Pennsylvania
Dauphin County, SS.

I Stephen Miller Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Dauphin County, do hereby certify, that W. Holbrook Esquire whose name is subscribed, to the above Certificate was an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said count and state, duly elected and commissioned, and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all such his official acts, and that the signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
Witness my hand and the seal of said Court at Harrisburg, this ninety day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three. 
Stephen Miller Prothonotary.

Page 26

Harrisburg, May 4, 1855


Dear Sir:

Enclosed I send the application of Mrs. Mary Fry for bounty land, drawn in conformity with the directions contained in your letter of the 25th of April last.

Respectfully Yours,
H. M. Graydon

L. P. Waldo, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Page 27

June 15. 1853
-----------------
No. 2180 (crossed through) 2181
Appl. of Mary Fry widow of Lawrence


Pa
11
DT 32

Act 3d Feby 1853

Rev:
______
allowed $96 per an
Com. Feb 3 1853
___________________

Jacob Barrick
Harrisburg
Pa.

(right side bottom written top to bottom)
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
PENSION OFFICE, OFFICIAL BUSINESS

Page 28

Dauphin County SS

Personally appeared in Open Court (the same being a Court of Record for the County of Dauphin) Lawrence Fry a soldier of the Revolutionary War and an applicant for a pension from the United States who being duly sworn on his solemn oath doth depose and say that on the 18th day of March 1818 he had no real property, nor has he owned any since that time, and that his personal property consisted of two feather beds and bed clothes the same that are mentioned in the schedule of his property sworn to on the nineteenth day of April last two pots and knives & forks & plates & some other small kitchen articles-that he has had generally one cow for the use of his family & at one time since the 18th of March 1818 he had an old horse who is now dead---and at no time since the said 18th of March 1818 has his property much increased in value the amount indicated in his schedule and sworn to on this 18th of April last--and he further deposeth and saith that he has never drawn any pension from the United States, nor has he ever got any bounty land from them
Sworn & Subscribed in Open Court this 16th day of May 1825
Lawrence Fry
his mark
Obed Fahnestock Proth

Page 29

Extract from the Juror as-
Sworn to on the 19th of April 1825
"And in pursuance of the Act of the 1st of May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th of March 1818 and that I have not, since that time, by gift sale, or in any manner, deposed of my property or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring my self within the provisions of an act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed on the 18th day of March 1818 and that I have not, nor has any persons in trust for me any property or securities, interests or debts due to me, nor have I any income other than what is contained in the schedule hereto amended and by me subscribed"
I Obed Fahnestock prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dauphin & clerk of the several other Courts for said County Do certify that the foregoing deposition sworn to and subscribed by Lawrence Fry is truly copied from the record of the said Court as well as the above extract which Records are now remaining on file among the records of the said Court in the Prothonotary's office at Harrisburg in County aforesaid
In testimony whereof I have

Page 30

hereunto affixed this seal of the said Court of Common Pleas at Harrisburg and subscribed my name this sixteenth day of May 1825
Obed Fahnestock Prot

Page 31

Dauphin County SS
Before me one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Dauphin personally came Samuel Kearsley late a Captain in the seventh Pennsylvania Regiment who being duly sworn doth depose and say that Lawrence Fry the applicant was regularly enlisted as a Drummer in his Company during the Revolutionary War sometime in the year 1777 and served in that capacity during that year and the years 1778 and 1779 during all that time he preformed his duty well-which Regiment was commanded by Colonel Hubly but the company was commanded when he enlisted by Colonel McColm 
Samuel Kearsley

Sworn & subscribed 
this 19th day of April
1825 before me
James Green

Dauphin County SS
I Obed Fahnestock prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Dauphin Do certify that James Green Esq is a judge of the said Court & duly appointed and commissioned In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Harrisburg this 20th day of April; 1825 
Obed Fahnestock Clk

Page 32

The Honorable James S. Barbour
Secretary of War
Washington City

(written on top of the address from top to bottom starting on the right side)
Lawrence Fry 191620
Dauphin Co. Pa.
_______________
Wm McClure
Harrisburg Pa
_________________
Recd 22 April 1825

his letter 
Apr 23, 1825
18 Agent

postmarked
HARRISBURG
APR 20
PENN

Page 33

Harrisburg April 20th 1825

D Sir

Enclosed are the application of Lawrence Fry a soldier of the revolutionary war and the disposition of Samuel Kearsly his Captain--It is hoped his case is made sufficiently clear to authorize his being placed on the pension list-If the evidence should not be sufficient I should with the papers returned to me as soon as possible with such directions as would enable me to correct all opposition in matters of form-As Captain Kearsly is living in this neighborhood I can have his deposition taken more fully knowing that Lawrence served as his drummer-that he entered an Independent Company in the Revolutionary war which was some time before the close of the war attached to the 11th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line-I would ask it as a favor that his claim might be acted on immediately as he is a very poor man and has been compelled to live out his children being unable to maintain himself-I wish to know if he is entitled to bounty land as he says he got no land you will please let me know the opinion of this application as soon as possible. 
The Honorable Secretary at Your service 
William McClure

Page 34

(Envelope)
FREE

The Honorable James Barbour
Secretary at War
Washington City
D. C. 

postmarked HARRISBURG PENN
May 16

(written bottom to top on left side)
Pension Office

Page 35

Harrisburg May 16th 1825
Sir
I received a letter from Mr. Edwards dated April 23, 1825 relating to the application of Lawrence Fry for a pension which I enclose together with the envelope.  I would have been much obliged to Mr. Edwards if he had enclosed with his letter those regulations to which he enclosed in his letter or a note of them as it would have been very convenient for me.  I thought perhaps they were accidently omitted. I thought perhaps this was a mistake made and this person who assumed the paper had ? under the impression that Fry had been dropped from the pension list which is not the fact as he has never received a pension.  I would urge and swear to this as probable as Fry is a poor man and living near thirty miles from this place and being to age is very unable to walk that distance

Page 36

to attend the court.  I have drawn up his deposition a copy of which I enclose to you so as to ? this requisition made of him by Mr. Edwards as far as I know the original are on file with the Records of the Court.  Should this ? your early attention it would oblige the applicant and myself very much.  I give you my thanks for the ? with which my ?
Yours
William McClure
The Honorable
John Barbour
Secretary of War

Page 37

Metered envelope dated April 21 in Harrisburg Pa from Lawrence Fry to Honourable James Barbour Esquire, Secretary of War, Washington City.

Page 38

Harrisburg April 21st, 1826
Sir,
I take the liberty of writing these few lines to you concerning a certain Lawrence Fry belonging to the pension list roll of the Pennsylvania Agency.  I sold him a mare and he gave his certificate in as security for payment till the fourth of September next he left this place and the people says he might go to the war office and tell that he lost his certificate and obtain another if he should be so disposed to prevent such a fraud I took the liberty of giving this notice his certificate is dated the 20th day of May one thousand eight hundred and twenty five countersigned by J. L. Edwards.  I do not believe that he would think of the like as he gave up his certificate in the presence of one of the judges of our court Jacob Bucher Esquire.  I remain sir your most obedient servant.
Dennis Brady
Honorable James Barbour Secretary of the War office

Page 39

Harrisburg September 2nd 1835
War Department
The enclosed paper, proving the claim of Mrs. Fry, widow of L. Fry to obtain the balance of pension due to his time of his death have been placed in my care to transmit this to the pension department.
most respectfully yours
John C Bucher

Page 40

I. E. Hiester
Hon. L. P. Waldo
Committee of Pensions
President
Received July 26th 1855

Page 41

Near New Providence, Lancaster Co. Pa.
L. P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
March 27th 1855
Sir,
The late act of Congress granting bounty land to old soldiers, has of course engaged the attention of that class of our citizens who still remain amonst us.  One of them Andrew Reese, of this Count, who through my agency obtained a warrant for 60 acres of land under the Act of September 28th 1850, has again requested me to procure for him the benefit of the late act.  Not having yet seen the Act in extense, I am uninformed in regard to the precise provisions thereof, and ignorant of what may be required by the Department to substantiate the new claim.  If any specific instructions and forms have been issued by the Department, I would thank you to send me a copy thereof as also a copy of the late "Bounty Land Bill" as prepared by Congress if convenient.  I would suppose that a petition signed by the soldier and certified by a magistrate and one or two respectable citizens of the vicinity would be sufficient to establish the identity of one who had received bounty land under the former act, whose proof of his service rendered is of course on file in the office, but perhaps something more may be required.  I would also ask your attention to the

Page 42

application of John McDonald of Lancaster County PA, No. 162.715
In a communication to me dated July 27/'53 you stated that as "no provision was made in the act of Sept 25/'50 for Marines in the War of 1812.  The claim of Mr. McDonald was inadmissible" The late law I understand embraces all claims and therefore presume that he will now be entitled to bounty land.  McDonald gave me a power of attorney dated March 17th/'53 to receive the land warrant which he then expected and ? for the same to Samuel Charles of whom and some time he had in the ? of loans and advancements received nearly the full value thereof and was to receive the balance when the land warrant should be received and the transfer made.
My present object is to ascertain whether the papers on file are sufficient to substantiate the claim of John McDonald for bounty land under the late act of congress and to request that the said warrant when issued may be directed to my ? 
Your favor of ? in regard to Mr. Fry's pension has been duly received.  I am acquainted with some of the persons whose names are therein contained and am satisfied that all is correct, unless forgery has been committed I may probably pursue this matter something further, by calling on some of the persons alluded to and if anything is elicited that might be of interest to you, you shall again hear from 
Yours John Strohm

Page 43

P.S. In order to give you as little trouble as possible I would state that the acknowledgement of McHeath the Commissioner of the receipt of Andrew Reese's petition is dated March 17th 1857

Page 44

Harrisburg Feb 10th 1854

S. Cole Esq.

D Sir

Your favor of the 7th is before me and please accept my thanks for the information you have given me. I suppose the semi-annual payment of pensions is now due. What will it be necessary for me to have to draw Mrs. Mary Fry's pension? Where can I find out whether the September payment was made and to whose and how much?
Barracks the person I wrote you concerning had a power of Attorney and drew some money but has not as yet paid it over and we want to prevent his drawing more. Mrs. Fry is an ignorant, poor woman and does not know what she did give Barracks. By giving me the information desired you will much oblige.
Yours truly
Jon. W. Brown

S. Cole Esq. 
Washington

Page 45

Harrisburg June 13th. 1853

Sir
I enclose the Declaration of Mary Fry of Harrisburg for a Pension as soon as Convenient please let me know Respecting her claim and her Health
Oblige yours Respectfully
Jacob Barrick
Harrisburg

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Page 46

Harrisburg March 7, 1856

D Sir,
IN the case of the pension of Mary Fry about which I wrote you some time ago I find that the person whom she entrusted the drawing of her pension for Sept-still retains her certificate and he cannot be found. I suppose she cannot draw her pension without a certificate.
You will please send me by return mail a Certificate of her being entitled to draw a pension in manner and form so as she may be able to draw what is coming to her as she is in needy circumstances.
Yours truly
Jno W Brown

S. P. Waldo Esq. 
1675 3 Feb

Page 47

Harrisburg Feb 3 1854

D Sir

A pension was granted to Mary Fry widow of Lawrence Fry who was a Revolutionary Soldier I believe and she gave Power of Attorney to a man named Jacob Barrick of Cumberland County Penna and he has drawn some money on the pension how much I do not know as he has not yet paid it over. This power of Attorney has been revoked and Mrs. Fry refuses to acknowledge him as her Attorney or Agent in the case.
You will please inform me how much he has drawn and what amount is still due the widow-
Yours truly
Jno. W. Brown


ygh
1675
53

Page 48

H. M. Graydon
Sept. 18 1854 Harrisburg Pa

Requesting on behalf of
Mrs Mary Fry widow
of Lawrence Fry-that her
pension be paid through 
the P. M. at Harrisburg Pa


Respectfully referred to
The Comm of Pensions
for Attention-
Respectfully
G. C. Whiting
Chief clk
Sept 21 1854

Page 49

Pa
Harrisburg, Sept 18. 1854

Hon. R. M. McClelland,

Dear Sir:

By a certificate from the Department of the Interior dated Sep 1. 1833, I find that Mrs Mary Fry, widow of Lawrence Fry, a soldier of the Revolutionary War is on the pension list at the rate of $96 per annum. The old lady, who is a resident of Harrisburg, is desirous of having some arrangement made, if possible, by which she can draw her pension here in person. I have understood that pensions are sometimes paid through the Post Office Department. If such an arrangement can be made in the present case, it would confer a great favor upon the pensioner, who has already suffered severely at the hands of pension agents. She has given an order, she tells me, for the payment due on the 4th of March last and it has probably been paid though none of it has  reached her. Another half year payment was due on the 4th day of the present month, which has not yet been paid. If it is in the power of the Department to make the arrangement spoken of above, it will oblige the old lady very much & enable her promptly to secure all that she is entitled to. Please give this your early attention.
Respectfully Yours, 
H. M. Graydon

Page 50

Lancaster, March 12. 1855

Dear Sir,
In reply to yours of the 8th inst I have to state that the address of Hon. John Strohm is New Providence, Lancaster co. Pa.

Respectfully
Yours Obt Servt
Isaac E. Hiester

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comm.

Page 51

Free

(postal date stamp)
HARRISBURG PA
Sep 19

Hon. R. McClelland
Department of the Interior
Washington,
D.C.

Page 52

Washington, Mar 14. 1854

Dear Sir,

Please favor me with an early answer to the inquiries of the enclosed letter, & return the letter with your answer.

Respectfully Yours
Isaac E. Hiester

Hon. L. P. Waldo,
Comm.

Page 53

(Partial form letter)

Brief in the case of Mary Fry widow of Lawrence
Dauphin County and State of Pennsylvania
act of Feb 3rd 1853
------------------------------------------------
Clainm ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Husband a pensioner act of 1818 at $96 per annum

Pri
(If for increase.) Marriage proved minister rec. attached

Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Death  Aud. rep

Identity cr. witts.

Name and residence of Agent
Jacob Barrick
Harrisburg
Pa.

Examining Clerk 
J L Gray

Page 54

New Providence, Feb 20th. 1855

Honl. Isaac E. Hiester,

Dear Sir,
I take up my pen for the purpose of returning to you my acknowledgements for various public Documents, which you have been kind enough to transmit to me.
The "U. S. Court Survey, of 1853," and "Hendon's Valley of the Amazon" with the accompanying Maps are valuable and interesting works, containing a great deal of information not furnished in any other work.
In sending me W. Chandler's Speech and the "Congressional Directory" you anticipated my wishes as I had it in contemplation to write to for both--For those and other similar favors, you will please accept my warmest thanks. During the last session I had occasion to write to you in reference to a pension to a widow of an old Soldier, named Lawrence Fry, and in return received a letter from Commissioner Waldo, stating that on the first of September 1853, a pension was granted to Mary Fry, as the widow of Lawrence Fry, under the Act of Feb 3rd, 1853, and the certificate sent to Jacob Barrick, Harrisburg, Pa.

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Mr. John Fry, at whose instance I then wrote, inform me that his Father, Lawrence Fry, drew a pension from the U. S. government, and died at Harrisburg in Nov. 1833. That his Mother's name was Phebe Ann, and that she died in September, 1841. So that unless there was another Lawrence Fry, at Harrisburg, who was entitled to a pension, the one above alluded to, as having been granted to Mary Fry, must have been granted upon some fraudulent or fictitious papers--If you think proper to suggest this to the Commissioner on pensions, you may do so-it might lead to the detection of some villain, who is, in all probability, robbing the public Treasury--
I see in the Directory that you sent me that Messr Middleworth and Russell are in the same (???) with you.
Please present to them my best respects--
Very Respectfully
Yours &c
John Strohm