Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 11693, Jacob Wilt, Penn.

SERVICE
Penn.
NUMBER _____
Wilt, Jacob
No. 11693
CONTENTS

To the honorable Commissioners of Pensions of the United States at the City of Washington, District of Colum- bia July twenty first Anno Domi- ni - 1854
The petition of Joseph Wilt eldest son and heir at law of Jacob Wilt late of Salisbury Township in the county of Lehigh and State of Pennsylvania Widower Deceased Humbly Seeks
That your petitioner's said Father died intestate on the thirteenth day of June AD 1852, leaving Ofse Seven Children to wit Your petitioner Joseph, Magdalena Married to Daniel Kewuly, Andrew, Lydia Married to William Simons, Jacob, Anna Married to Jacob Bogard, And Abraham
And that the said Jacob Wilt had ser- ved as a private Soldier in the Army of the United States During the Revolu- tionary war (as your petitioner verily believes) and that he was at the time of his Decease entitled to a pension from the United States according to the acts of Congress in such cases made & provided And whereas the said Jacob Wilt Died without leaving a Widow, Your Petitioner therefore prays Your honour to grant and award the pension to which he was or may be entitled to the above named Children and heirs at Law of the said Jacob Wilt Deceased

and your Petitioner will ever pray &c Joseph Wilt
Lehigh County ss. On the 21 st day of July A D 1854 Before me the Undersigned one of the Justices of the Peace of said county - Personally appeared the within named Petitioner Joseph Wilt and being duly sworn according to law doth declare and say, that the within Statement of his said Father's death, and the number and names of his said Father's Children, is perfectly correct and true, to the best of his knowledge and belief In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year last above written
Wm H Townsend P.P.

State of Pennsylvania Lehigh County ss
I Francis Samuel Prochnotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Lehigh certify that W m H Townsend Esq before whom the within affidavit was made is now and was at the time of taking the same a magistrate in and for said County of Lehigh, duly elected and confirmed according to law as such, and that the signature purporting to be his, is genuine
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Office at Allentown July 21 st AD 1874
F. Samuel Prochnotary

Pennsylvania Lehigh County ss. } 3
Before me Jacob Stein Esquire one of the associate judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, personally appeared Peter Hank, aged Eighty three and Andrew Gangmer aged Eighty seven years who are (I certify) Creditable persons known to me and residing in the said County - after having been sworn in due form of law depose and say, respectively that during the Revolutionary war they resided in the County of Lehigh (then Northampton) that they then knew and still know Jacob Wirt Senior, who is an applicant for a pension, that the said Jacob Wirt resided in the same County. That they know that the said Jacob Wirt resided in the County of Berks in the state of Pennsylvania, and that prior to his coming to reside in the County of Lehigh And that he entered the Army as a soldier and was absent for a considerable time when he returned to this County again and continued to reside here ever since & that he never was out of the United States -
Sworn & subscribed this 17 th day of January A.D. 1835 } 3
Peter Hank Andrew Gangmer
Jacob Stein
Pennsylvania Lehigh County ss. } 4
Edwin W. Hutter, Pulvernotary of the court of common-pleas of Lehigh county, do hereby certify, that Jacob Stein, before whom the foregoing affidavits were respectively made, and whose name is thereunto subscribed, is one of the associate judges of the court aforesaid duly commissioned, and that full faith and credit is due to all his official acts, as well in courts of judicature as elsewhere.
The Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said court at the Borough of Northampton, county aforesaid, this twenty-second day of January A.D. 1835.
Edw W Hutter

1835
Pennsylvania — Lehigh County ss
Before me Jacob Stein Esquire one of the Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Lehigh personally appeared Jacob Wittenberg a resident of the township of Salisbury in said County, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, I was born in the Township of Maxatawny in the County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania and removed into the County of Northampton (now Lehigh) where I have always since resided and never out of the state of Pennsylvania, unless I may be considered as having resided out of the state when I served as a soldier of the American Revolution. I entered the service of the United States and served as stated in the declaration which I have heretofore made. I am of German extraction and did not belong to the French army, but to the American Army and was an American soldier as I verily believe.
Sworn & subscribed this 17 th day of January 1835
Jacob Stein
Jacob Stein

State of Pennsylvania } County of Lehigh } Ys.
In this fourth day of February A.D. 1833 personally appeared in Open Court before Garrick Mallery President And John Vogel and Jacob Steen Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lehigh aforesaid now sitting, Jacob Wilt sent a resident of the Township of Salisbury in the County of Lehigh aforesaid, and State of Pennsylvania aged seventy years or thereabouts, 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 June 7 th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officer & served as herein stated. He joined the Company of Captain Jacob Yehl in the month of April in the year 1781, and was discharged in the month of January 1783. When he entered the service he resided in the Township of Whitehall — in Northampton County Pennsylvania (since become South-Whitehall, Lehigh County). He was a volunteer, was engaged in no battles, but marched as follows. From Philadelphia to Wilmington, from thence to Williamsburg, from thence to Baltimore and thence to Philadelphia. The army proceeded to New York but on account of lameness he remained in Philadelphia about two weeks with many others who were sick. He joined the Army again at New York and marched to Providence, from thence returned to Philadelphia and was discharged. He has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. 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. Sworn to, and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in Open Court Garrick Mallery

Lehigh County Ys.
We Benjamin German — a Clergy- man, residing in the Township of Lower Macungy in said County of Lehigh and Peter Houck of the age of Eighty years, residing in the Borough of North- ampton in the same County hereby certify: that we are well acquainted with Jacob Wirt Senr. who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration: that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is re- puted and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the — day & year aforesaid in open Court.
Benj. German
Peter Houck
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Benjamin German who has signed the preceding Certificate is a Clergy- man resident in the Township of Macungy in Le- high County and that Peter Houck who has also signed the same, is a resident in the Borough of North- ampton in said Lehigh County, and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Garrick Mallery Pres t Judge
John Knoch an official record
Jacob Stein a Lehigh County

Lehigh County ss.
Jacob Stein a Judge of Lehigh County Pennsylvania
I. Daniel Kramer Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lehigh, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jacob Witt Witt for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this Thirteenth day of February A. D. 1833.
D. Kramer Proth. y
3

Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Lehigh personally came James Nunnemacher who now resides in the Township of East Penn, in the County of Northampton & State of Pennsyl- -vania and being duly affirmed  sworn according to Law says that he is well acquainted with Jacob Wittgen and knows him to have been a soldier of the Revolution - that he was not acquainted with the said Jacob Wittgen until after he was out as a soldier - that the said Jacob Wittgen belonged to Captain Jacob Yehl's company - That he saw the said Jacob Wittgen in Philadelphia in Williamsburg in Virginia, in York Town in Virginia, in Hart- -ford in Connecticut, and Providence in Rhode Island as a soldier of the Revolution - The deponent further saith that he is of the age of seventy years and was out himself as a soldier - And further saith not - Affirmed & subscribed this seventeenth day of April A.D. 1833 before me -
Nich s Gaeger
James Nunnemacher
Lehigh County Ps.
I, Daniel Kramer Prothonotary of the said County do hereby certify that Nich s Gaeger above written is in the hand writing of Nicholas Gaeger who resides in the Borough of Northampton in Lehigh County and is an acting Justice of the peace - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twenty seventh day of August A.D. one thousand eight hundred & thirty three -
Kramer Protho by Sam A Bridges

Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Lehigh in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Jacob Witt sen r who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory he can not swear positively as to the precise length of his service - but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the period mentioned below and in the following grade: For one year and eight months I served as a private soldier and for such service I claim a pension -
And further the said Jacob Witt sen r deposeth and saith in addition to the Declaration made by him on the fourth day of February A.D. 1833 that — Dallman was his Quarter Master and Rochembeau his General - but that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he can not at this time recollect the name of his Colonel - and further saith not -
Sworn and subscribed the twenty fourth day of January A.D. 1834 before me —
Nich s Saeger
Lehigh County ss.
I Nicholas Saeger a justice of the peace of Lehigh County do hereby certify that James Vonemacher who affirmed & subscribed to the affidavit to which this is annexed on the 17 th day of April A.D. 1833 before me, is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit -
Nich s Saeger
Lehigh County ss.
I Daniel Kramer Prothonotary of the County of Lehigh do hereby certify that Nicholas Saeger whose proper & genuine signature is subscribed to the above certificate and also to the above affidavit of Jacob Witt sen r resides in the Borough of Northampton in Lehigh County and is an acting Justice of the peace. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this fifteenth - day of February A.D. 1834.
D Kramer Prothy by Sam l H Bridges

26, 790
Jacob Witt Sur. Pennsylvania
Adm Lyman and 8 months City of Lux
J. W. Hornbeck Allentown Penn a .

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement,  shewing the Service of Jacob Witt Sen r Lehigh Co. Pa
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     Apt. 1780 } Jany. 1783 } Pr. Capt. Galt 70 years Whitehall Pa Living witnesses & Traditional evidence  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }  On this                      day of                      personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of                      in the county of                      and State, Territory or District of                      aged (c)                      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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)                      , with                      and served in the                      (e) regiment of the                      line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I                      of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of                      for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of                      &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the                      and C. D. residing in (the same)                      , who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with                      , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the                      and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the                      and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I,                      Clerk of the Court of                      do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this                      day of                      &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? { To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
He must state the name of his Colonel.

35649
Jacob Wilt
J o
act 7. June '32

1844 State of Pennsylvania County of Lehigh
On the Seventh day of February in the Year of Our Lord One thousand Eight hundred forty four, personally appeared, in Open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Lehigh aforesaid now sitting, Jacob Wiltsen a resident of the Township of Northampton in the County of Lehigh aforesaid, aged Eighty four years or thereabouts, who being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832.
That he was Born in Hanover Township in the County of Berks & State of Pennsylvania - That he enlisted the services of the United States in April 1781 as a Private under Captain Weis for during the War in Philadelphia, and sometime in May we was marched off to Baltimore. From thence to Williamsburg Virginia, we layd there a time, and was afterwards march back again to Baltimore and from there to Little York, as far as I can remember back to Philad a . in crossing the Susquehanna in a Boat my foot got hurt by a Baggage Wagon which lamed me, and is to the present day very painful at times, he says he had to remain in the Hospital in Philad a with some of his Comrades for a couple of weeks, after being well again myself and James Kunnemacher others the names I have forgot was ordered to march to join the Army at Trenton which we did, and was attached to our Captain Weis's Company again. Peter Kuhn was also there he being one of my mess mates with Kunnemacher, after our arrival we got orders to march to Kings Ferry on the North River. we laid there a while with a part of the Army, and rec d orders to march with the whole Army to Providence in Rhode Island, and there we went into Winter Quarters, and about Christmas we rec d orders to march back to Philad a . Myself, James Kunnemacher Peter Kuhn were under command of Capt Weis. and Superior Officer I have forgot their names. these two named were my mess mates, and are now dead a number of years ago, we laid a while after our return at Philad a and the latter part of January I think in 1783 then I got my discharge. and a Certificate thereof, which I lost or mislaid or may be I think got among the papers that were sent to Harrisburg. at the time I got a portion of the State of forty dollars for during my life, which is not sufficient for my support.

He has no documentary Evidence of Service, but that his Son has often seen the Certificate of discharge, but what has become of it he cannot say, That he hereby relinquishes all & every Claim whatever to a pension or annuity, from the United States, except the present I now reside in Northampton Township County State aforesaid & having served nearly two Years in the Army of the U States  Sworn & Subscribed The day and Year aforesaid Jacob Wilt one of the Associate Judges of Lehigh County
We Joshua Yeager a blacksmith and George Habernackler residing in the Borough of Allentown County State aforesaid hereby Certify, that we are well acquainted with Jacob Wilt senior who has Subscribed & sworn to the foregoing declarations: that we believe him to be Eighty four Years of age or thereabouts; that he is respected & beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Soldier of the Revolution; and that we concur in that Opinion
Sworn & Subscribed The day & Year aforesaid Joshua Yeager George Habernackler  one of the Associate Judges of Lehigh County

I Andrew Wilt of the Township of Northampton in the County of Lehigh State of Pennsylvania Do depose and say, that a number of Years ago. I have often seen my father's Certificate of discharge as a private in the United States Army but what has become of it deponent cannot say
Andrew Wilt
Sworn & Subscribed the 3 day of Year aforesaid
James M. [?] one of the Associates Judges of Lehigh County
And the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the Matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states. And the Court further Certifies, that it appears to them that Joshua Yeager - who has signed the preceding Certificate is a clergyman resident in the Borough of Allentown, and that George Haberacher & Andrew Wilt, are both credible persons; and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Daniel Merz, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jacob Wilt Senior for a Pension
Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this seventh day of February in the Year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred & forty four Daniel Merz Prothonotary

Rej.11693:Rev.War.
Feb. 16, 1905.
Madam:
In reply to your request for the military history of Jacob Wilt, Sr., a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that he applied for a pension February 4, 1833, at which time he was seventy years of age and a resident of Salisbury Township, Lehigh Co., Pa.
He stated that he was of German extraction, born in Maxatany Township, Berks Co., Pa., and was a resident of Whitehall Township, Northampton Co., Pa., when he entered the service.
He enlisted at Philadelphia in April, 1781, as private under Capt. Jacob Yale or Yehl, and Col. Weis, of the Continental Line, Genl. Lafayette commander-in-chief; marched to Williamsburg, Va., while he was attached to the French Army, thence to Baltimore, Md., Little York, Trenton, N. J., Kingsferry, N. Y., and Providence, R. I.; was in no battles; discharged in January, 1783, at Philadelphia, Pa.
The name of soldier's wife is not mentioned; he died June 13, 1852, leaving no widow, but seven children as follows: Joseph Wilt; Magdelana, wife of Daniel Haverley or Heverly; Lydia, wife of William Simons; Andrew Wilt; Jacob Wilt; Ann, wife of Jacob Bogard or Boger, and Abraham Wilt.
This claim was rejected on the ground that the soldier's service in the French Army precluded him from the benefits of

11693 Wilt 2.
under which he applied, the provision of the Act of June 7, 1832, as the said troops were not provided for by the above-named Act.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mrs. Langley C. Smith, 99 White Plains Road, Williams Bridge, New York City.

11,693
P. O. Jacob Wild
Service: _____
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
REJECTED
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.

Sol. to Hon. M. H. Scruggs March 9 th 1844.
Sol. to Gen. John April 13. '47
Sol. to Hon. Samuel D. A. Bridges April 19. '48 to Calmant Oct 7/50

Feby. 16, 1905 Dist. to Mrs. Langley C. Smith, Williams Bridge N.Y. City
1909 Apl. 10. That to J. Andrew Milt Eng. L.

Act 7. June 1832
Suspended
See letter 3 rd March 1834 to J. W. Hornbeck Allentown
Po
See letter Jan'y 7 th 1835 to J. D. Bellinger. do 4. Feb 1835
Jacob Wilt
Rej. 11. 693

26,790 = N o 38,781 =
Jacob Wilt die!
Pa.
Hon. S.A. Bridges 26 July 1854.
Hon. Henry Chapman
February 17, 1858.
Same March 12/58
Act 7 June 1832.

26,790 - N o 38,781 =
Jacob Wilt die?
Pa.
Hon. S.A. Bridges 26 July 1854.
Hon. Henry Chapman
February 17, 1858.
Same March 12/58
Adch 7 June 1832.

Jacob Wilt P o Line - Bounty Land?
Yrs
. Not ret d as enalld

To Hon S. L. Edwards Comt. Pensions in I have appointed Arad Joy of Onond New York my agent to investigate my claim to a pension March 4th 1847 Joseph Milt
and with his Mark Milt

Joseph Will Dec 17-47
1817 To 1818
Wrote you, if he only entered service in the Spring of 81 & quit in June 82 there could be only 6 or 8 months & I fear no record could be found of it probably no hope Feb 1. 48
General P Dec 17
Rev S
Jack Will of Pa from Rev S

Emmaville Lehigh County Decem r 17 th 1847
Dear Sir
I take the opportunity to send you a few lines of my Father's Pensions concerns pleas to kind the word how the it stands with the same if you bin going on with the pension papers to washington or not My Father bin affair at me to write you about his concerns
I am Sir respectfully yours
Joseph Witt
Post Paid
To Miss Wad Day Esq re

Washington Feb. 16. 1858.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir,
I beg to inquire if there is on file an application in behalf of Joseph Wilt of Lehigh County, Penn a for a Pension,
Very respectfully
Yr. Ob. Serv t .
Henry Chapman.
H. of Reps.

Washington Feb. 8. 1858.
Gen. G. C. Whiting,
Sir,
Please inform
me if there is an application in behalf of Jacob Wilt of Lehigh County, Penn a . who served in the Revolutionary War, for a Pension, on file in your department.
Very respectfully,
Yr. W. L. Smith.
Henry Chapman.
H. of Reps.

House of Representatives Washington July 24/54
Wm Mr. Uvalde
Dear Sir,
Will you please to examine the accompanying papers and inform me of the result as soon as convenient -
Respectfully Yours In haste Sam l A. Bridges

Washington H. R. April 7/48
How L. L. Edwards, Sir,
Will you please to inform me whether the papers of Jacob Weiss Senior. of Lehigh County. Pa. an ap- =plicant for a pension, are on file in your office. If so, what objection is there to granting him a pension.
Very Respectfully Yours In haste Sam W. Bridges

Quid N.Y. March 20. '47
Sir
I enclose my agency in the case of Jacob Wilt an applicant for a pension from Pa - the family are so Dutchy, I cannot get a clue to the case, please give me a copy of the alleged service, & please state your objection to granting the pension, or what you require, if proper to do so
Respectfully Your Ob st Servt Abad Joy
Hon L L Edwards Comm d of Pensions Washington DC

Home Reef
July 22 (1844)
J. L. Edwards, Esq
Comm of Pensions
I will be obliged if you will turn your attention to the enclosed Application for a pension, and write me at your earliest convenience upon the subject.
Yours truly
M. B. Dennis

Allenstown Feb 4/8 th 1844
Dear Sir
I thank you kindly for the papers & documents that you forwarded to me, by particular request. I have been instructed to forward an application for a pension for Isaac Witt. The applicant is a very poor man, also the family; but respectable and popular they are, in the Township they reside. I have always belonged to the Whig party. I trust you will do your utmost endeavours of getting his pension. He is upwards of 83 Years & was a number of Years ago not in need of a pension, but his Sons have been unfortunate and have suffered by the hard times, and necessity has made him apply for help. He cannot live above a few Years, he begins to fail fast, and Compassion should be had in such Cases. We had a tremendous meeting in Court Week, passed Strong Resolutions for Clay & Banks, and particularly the Tariff — the Locos appeared well pleased no sour faces, as you could see heretofore at our meetings, alls well so far & no doubt Clay & Banks will carry the State. the Locos are divided on their Governors Candidates more than
Yours Respectfully
J. F. Nutke
Hon Mr. H. Jenkins.

Emans October 2nd A.D. 1850 Sir.
I have sent to you my Application for a pension, through the hands of D. D. Addison of Washington City D.C. - and I have not yet received an answer from him relative my claim. Now would you have the kindness to inform me what has been done in my application for a pension. For I think if any body is entitled to a pension, I am, because as I have served my time so faithfully you won't hesitate to allow my claim, also I stand in great need of it, for I am an old worn out soldier. So much from your old revolutionary friend.
And a line in answer to mine, will be gratefully received by
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pension Washington D.C.
Your Obedient Servant. Jacob this X Wilt mark.
Attest
Please Direct your letter to Maj. Joseph Wilt. Emans P.O. Lehigh County Pa.

Allentown, Lehigh County Pa Dec. 31. 1884
Dr Sir
About a year ago the application of Jacob Wilt Sen., a resident of this County, for a pension under the act of June 7. th 1850, was sent to your department and rejected on account of his service having been in the French Army. - The fact is that Mr. Wilt is a native of Berks County, in this state, entered the service at Philad a . under the Command of Captain Yehl an American Officer, And marched to Williamsburg where the Company was attached to a French Regiment, or under the Command of a French Officer, from whence came the title of French Regiment, which Mr. Wilt related to Mr. Sternbeck, who drew his application, without explaining the reason why it was so called, and how he got into it -
I have been requested by Mr. Wilt and his friends to write to you for information whether his application could not be amended by explaining that part of it relating to his having been a french soldier.
Mr Wilt is very poor, feeble and not able to support himself by labour. -
Please to address the answer to me or to Mr. Wilt, at this post office.
Very respectfully
Yours &c.
Jacob Dillinger
J L Edwards Esq.

House of Rep. Apr. 7. 1834.
Sir
Under the date of March 11. I received a communication from you, saying that the claims of Jacob Konenmacher and Jacob Wilt had been rejected, their services in the French army not entitling them to pensions under the act of 1832. Will you do me the favor to again examine the papers of Jacob Wilt, and see if he did not serve six months or more in the American army of the Revolution - With great respect I am your obed. Servt. H. King
J. L. Edwards Esq. Com'r of Pensions

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of June 7th. 1832.
State of Pennsylvania County of Lehigh. } ss.
On the day of November A.D. 1830, personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace in and for the county of Lehigh & State of Pennsylvania Jacob Wilt a resident of Emmaus and county & State aforesaid aged about ninety years who being first sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he enlisted in the service of the United States under the following named Officers as herein stated. Enlisted under Captain Jacob G. Gale, Sometime in the month of April, A.D. 1781, as a Continental Soldier in Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania as a private, during the whole war, & was honably discharged by Gen. Rochambeau, I think, at Philadelphia in fourth Street, sometime in the month of January A.D. 1783, and further do depose and say that I was attached to the French Army under Col. Weis of the Continental line. Col. Weis was the commander of the Brigade & Regiment, & Gen. Lafayette was Commander in chief, I was taken from Philadelphia to the State of Virginia, at Williamsburg, and there I was attached to the French Army, under Captain Jacob Gale, who took charge of the Company, and I got sick, & Col. Weis wanted me to go back to the Hospital, but I went to Capt. Gale or Galt, & he said I should stay with him, & I should not go to the Hospital, he would keep me & then they told me to go back about forty miles to the Chesapeake Bay, there lived a German man there, I should stay until I should recover again to a perfect state of health, after I had recovered a little, I received orders to return back to Williamsburg, there I put up my tent alongside the Public Road, where I laid until the Army returned from Yorktown, after the capture of Lord Cornwallis, there they passed us, & two days afterwards we followed them on to Baltimore in the State of Maryland, there we laid about three weeks, in

the meantime Capt. Galen Gohl, called us out to muster at different times for exercise and practice so that we were ready for battle, during our stay at Baltimore, and Col. Weis asked me in an peremptory tone whether I was well again, to which I replied in the Affirmative. Col. Weis ordered me and several others to go back to Rappahannock in the State of Virginia with Teams for the purpose of bringing an Hospital to Baltimore, which took us about four or five weeks the the French Army returned back to Philadelphia, by Delaware route that is through Delaware State, & Capt. Jacob Galen Gohl, took our Company followed them on to Philadelphia, then Capt. Gohl left the Army & returned home to Northampton County in the State of Pennsylvania. I stayed about two weeks at Philadelphia & I had to go down in the mean time to the wharf twice every day to unload the ship, I remained in the same company, the said Company was afterwards commanded by a French Officer, after Capt. Jacob Gohl had left, I then took charge of a team & crossed the Delaware at Philadelphia to go to Trenton in the State of New Jersey, thence we followed the Army on to the North River in the State of New York, & there crossed the North River to go to Providence in the State of Rhode Island, there I remained with my team with General Washington and other principal Officers of said War, to supply said Officers with fuel & other necessaries &c, After those Officers seen that I have obeyed them so faithfully in supplying them with the same aforesaid requisites & fuel &c for said Officers during stay, And after I was done with my work I made a compliment to them like a good soldier ought to do to his Officers, they presented me with half a crown, & the rest of the Teams followed the French Army on to Boston in the State of Massachusetts, & I had to stay with those Officers aforesaid at Providence in the State of Rhode Island until the French Army had shipped at Boston, and then the Teams returned to Providence, after the said Teams having returned, then we received all orders of Gen. Rochambeau to return to the City of Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania, we returned by the same route back that we came, & in the mean time while returning to Philadelphia, Gen. Rochambeau, hetch up to us at Hartford at the Connecticut River in the State of Connecticut, & when he came into the house where we stopped, he said why boys

You have got a fine house, almost fine enough to have a grand jubilee to cheer you Soldiers & Teamsters up to a good Spirit, & then he asked whether we had some money yet, we all told him that we had a little left yet, & then he told & requested us all to call down to his dwelling, a few houses a long side the Connecticut where he resided, we did so & when we came down into his house, he had put on the table as many heaps of money as there were men & (Jacob Wilt) received the largest heap because he had not yet received as much as the others for my pay. & then we returned back again to our stopping place, & there we had a glorious jubilee, And after our grand jubilee was over which we so gloriously enjoyed, after returning from the services of the United States, which was on the 26th day of December A.D. 1882, After said jubilee we returned & left Hartford for Philadelphia as aforesaid, & a few days afterwards Gen. Roosenbeau followed us on to Philadelphia, And after we arrived at Philadelphia, & a few days after our arrival at Philadelphia, we were honorable discharged, I think by Gen. Roosenbeau, at Philadelphia in the State of Pennsylvania, & then Jacob Wilt returned home to South Whitehall Township Northampton County and State of Pennsylvania where he resided when he was called into the service of the United States.
The preceding wished every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity, except the present & declared that his name is not on the Pension roll of the Agency of any state.
Sworn and subscribed before me this November A.D. 1886.
Abm. Ziegenfuss J.P.
his Jacob X Wilt mark Attest.
Jacob Wilt do depose & swear that I am nearly blind & to weak in body to get Allentown court, to have my Declaration taken. Sworn and subscribed before me this November A.D. 1886.
Abm. Ziegenfuss J.P.
his Jacob X Wilt mark Attest.

We William German & Ambrose Rondthaler, clay- -ymen residing in Emmaus Lehigh County and State of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Jacob Wilt, who has subscribed & sworn to the above Declaration that we believe him to be about ninety years of age, & that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a Soldier of the Revolution & that we concur fully with the within Declaration.
Affirmed & Subscribed before me This November 28, 1856. William German Ambrose Rondthaler Hon. George W. Geiger
I Hon. George W. Geiger, Justice of the Peace in & for the county of Lehigh & State of Pennsylvania do hereby declare in my opinion after the investigation of the matter & after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the within named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, & served as he stated, & certify that William German & Ambrose Rondthaler, who have signed the certificate are clayymen residents of Emmaus in the County of Lehigh & State of Pennsylvania, & that Jacob Wilt who has signed the same, is a resident of Emmaus, & County and State aforesaid, & is a Credible person, & that his statement is entitled to full credit.
On the 29th day of May A.D. 1854 Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county of Lehigh and state Pennsylvania personally appeared Abraham Geiger, formerly a Justice of the Peace in and for said county. Being sworn according to law, doth depose and say that the foregoing is a true copy of the original de- -claration and affidavit, to the best of knowledge and belief Sworn and Subscribed before me Hon. George W. Geiger

Lehigh county
On the 29 th day of May A D 1854 Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the said county of Lehigh State of Pennsylv- vania, Personally appeared Joseph Wilt, and being duly sworn according to law Doth depore and say that he is the eldest son and one of the heirs at law of Jacob Wilt a Revolutionary Soldier Deceased, And that his said Father Jacob Wilt did in the latter part of the summer of 1850 make a declaration of his services in the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary war. For the purpose of obtain- ing the benefit of the act of Congress of June the 7 th 1832, and also obtained a competent and respectable Witness to prove the same (said Witness to wit George Gangewer being now dead) And forwarded the said declaration to an Attorney in the City of Lancaster in the State of Pennsylvania, Who forwarded the same to his Agent at Washington, which declaration with the affidavits therewith at- tached have been mislaid or lost, And the said Jacob Wilt having on the 13 th of June 1852 Died leaving Issue namely 7 children 4 sons and three Daughters viz Joseph Magdalena wife Daniel Heverley, Lydia wife of Wm Simons, Andrew, Jacob and Ann wife of Jacob Bager, and Abraham and further sayeth not
Sworn and Subscribed before me Wm H Townsend J P May 29 th 1854
Joseph Wilt

Lehigh County ss
On the twenty ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty four, Personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said county, Abraham Geigenfuss a former Justice of the Peace in and for said county - And being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say, That he went with Joseph Wilt eldest son of Jacob Wilt a Revolutionary Soldier Deceased, to the home of George Gangawere in the township of South Whitehall in the county of Lehigh and State of Pennsylvania, in the farmers  latter part of the Summer of 1851, And the said George Gangawere, then and there being duly sworn according to law by him the said Deponent, And thereupon the said George Gangawere (also a Revolutionary Soldier) did declare and say that he was well acquainted with Jacob Wilt the said Revolutionary Soldier, and that he knew the said Jacob Wilt to have been in the service of the United States as a Soldier at the same time that he himself was in that service and further saith not Sworn and subscribed before me this 29 th day of May A D 1854 Wm H Townsend { Abm Geigenfuss

State of Pennsylvania Lehigh County ss 3
I Francis Samuel Rothkotter, of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Lehigh Certify that Abraham Ziegenspeiss Esq before whom part of the within affidavits were made was at the time of taking the same a magistrate in and for said County of Lehigh duly elected and authorized according to law to take such affidavits and that the signatures purporting to be his are genuine, And I do further Certify that Wm H Townsend Esq before whom part of the within affidavits were made is now and was at the time of taking the same a magistrate in and for said County of Lehigh, duly elected and Commissioned according to law, to take such affidavits, and that his signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Office at Allentown the 6 th day of July A. D 1854.
F Samuel Roth
38491

Rej. 11,693 Jacob Wilt senr
Feby. 4, 1833 res. Salisbury
Twp. Lehigh Co. Pa. 70 res Whitehall Twp. Northampton Co. Pa at m.
Phila. Apt. 1781 Pri
Capt. Jacob Yalt as a Const. soldier Col. Wilt's
Dallman QM + Gen Rochambeau dis Jany 83 1 yr. 8 m
6. Mayatsany Twp. Berks Co Pa.
1844 son Andrew
no mid. Sol. J. June 13, 1852 leaving Joseph, Magdalena wife of Daniel Staverey, Lydia wife of Wm Simons, Andrew Jacob, Ann wife of

Jacob Bogard Abraham
Marble
Palto - French very
Quilt p. k - New York
King of Prussia
West -
U. Phila

Feby 4, 1835
Sir,
The amended statement of Jacob Welt and the testimony in support of his claim is still unsatisfactory. He should make a statement setting forth his service and showing to what regiment he belonged.
He alleges that he entered the service in 1781 and marched to Phila, Balto N.Y. & P'keepsie, but does not state the character of the service in which he was engaged.
Unless he can give a very full and particular statement as it regards his service a favorable decision cannot be expected.

Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190_____
No. _____
Mr. _____
Co. _____ Regiment _____ (State.)
P. O., _____
Co., _____, _____ (State.)
You are hereby directed to report in person to
Dr. _____
(St. and No.), _____
Town, _____
County, _____, State, _____
upon any Wednesday within three months from date hereof, for a medical examination.
Return this slip with the date of the ex- amination noted below by the surgeon mak- ing the same.
Very respectfully,
E. S. Harkness H. C. Harkness Commissioner.
Examination made by me this _____ day of _____, 190_____
_____ Examining Surgeon.
Attorney: _____
P. O.: _____

Mar 3, 1834
The claim of James Stoneback and Jacob Wilt Senior have been examined.
Their having served in the French Army precludes them from the benefits of the provisions of the Act of June 7, 1832 as the said troops are not provided for by the above named act
The papers will remain in our files
John Stoneback

O. W. and N. D.
Div. 3-339.
(Old No. 3-690.)
WAR WITH SPAIN
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., _____, 190__
No. _____
Mr. _____
Co. _____ Regiment _____ (State.)
P. O., _____
Co., _____, _____ (State.)
You are hereby directed to report in person to
Dr. _____
(St. and No.), _____
Town, _____
County, _____, State, _____
upon any Wednesday within three months from date hereof, for a medical examination.
Return this slip with the date of the examination noted below by the surgeon making the same.
Very respectfully,
E. J. Ware N. C. Taylor Commissioner.
Examination made by me this _____ day of _____, 190__
_____ Examining Surgeon.
Attorney: _____

O. N. Feb. 6 th 1905-
R
Commissioner of Pensions;
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly tell me what you can of our Jacob Wilt (Wilt) a Franco-German, who came over with 11,493 Lafayette, and fought with the patriot army.

and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
His wife was Elizabeth Allen
You will oblige me if you will tell me any thing you can concerning them both - more especially the war record of the man. also - if you will tell me

the pages and volume of your books. when in such facts may be found. By so doing you will confer a great favor upon me, Very Truly —
Mrs Langley C. Runt 99 White Plains Road Williams Bridge, N.Y.C.

BRADFORD COUNTY COURT HOUSE
J. Andrew Wilt, Attorney-at-Law, Towanda, Pa.
March 16 1909.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:- I have the honor to make application for the Military record of my Grand Father, Jacob Wilt , who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
Said Jacob Wilt served in a company from Northampton county State of Pennsylvania, and of course in a Pennsylvania regiment, if the company was attached to any regiment.
He was a pensioner of the United States, and as I understand it, from what I have heard others say, he died in Lehigh county Pa, in about 1844 or /45.
My father's name was Andrew Wilt, and I was named for my Grand father Jacob, and my father Andrew, consequently I was christened Jacob Andrew Wilt.
I am led to believe that your records will show the military record of said soldier, as well as how many and who his children were; as in some of the forms of pension applications for soldiers of the Revolutionary War, all these facts had to be alleged and shown.
Will you examine the records of your office, and give me the information I want.
I am very obediently,
J. Andrew Wilt, Towanda Pa.