Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R.11754, John Witman, Penn

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn
Witman, John Anna Maria
R11754
CONTENTS

Winton Reading New England
10. Decmbr - 1811
W W

William Wetman the son of John Wetman and Mary his wife, was Born the 19 th day of February 1772.
1773 October the 30 th we had two Sons born, the one lived one day, & died, he was Baptized & called John. The other was born Dead.
- Benjamin Wetman was born the 28 th day of Nov r 1774
Jacob Wetman was born the 28 th day of August 1776
- Jonathan Wetman was born the 18 th day of August 1778

The affiant of Wm Pauli taken at the town of Reading on the 16 th day of Nov r 1843 affiant states that he is the minister of the German Reformed Church, and as such has the custody of the old Records minutes Bookst. of said Church from the year 1770 to 1788 inclusive, and on the books of a date 1771 the 1 st . Sept, is the following entry made therein by Wm Boas the then minister of said Church, Towit,
"1 st Sept 1771
I married John W. Newman and Anna Maria Fae Goo both of Reading all in the hand writing of the said Wm Boas
State of Pennsylvania
Wm Pauli
Berks county } Set
I Wm Schoener a Justice of the peace in for said County, Wm Pauli, who made oath to the foregoing affidavit, He is well known to me, and is the minister of the German Reformed Church Given under my hand this 16 th day of Nov 1843 Wm Schoener
State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss.
I Daniel Young Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, do certify that William Schoener is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, duly elected and commissioned, and that the above signature purporting to be his, is true and genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Reading November 16. 1843
Daniel Young Prothonotary

State of Pennsylvania Berk Co. ss. On this 19 th day of October A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and thirtysix before me Matthias S. Richards a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania personally appeared Anna Maria Witman a resident of the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania Aged Eighty 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 3 rd 1836 "That she is the Widow of Captain John Witman who was formerly a Captain, in actual service of the Militia in the Revolutionary War, and that her said Husband was duly Commission- ed as such by the then Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania in the Year One Thousand Seven hundred and seventy six and that her said Husband Commission has been either lost or mislaid and that she has in her power the Testimony a credible Witness Namely Jacob Ritz a Soldier of the Revolutionary war a Pensioner of the United States, and that her Husband had charge of the Prisoners, called Hessians which were taken at Trenton and that her said Husband and his Company Marched said Prisoners to Lancaster in Penn- sylvania and that she has in her power a receipt book of the Names of Many Names of the Members Soldiers who served as Guards as aforesaid and two separate receipts herewith which will accompany this Declarat- ion and that her Husband was at Head Quarters in the County of Bucks; and in the Jerseys and at Albany in the State of New York; and at a place called the Yellow Springs and the Valley Forge in Penn- sylvania and that she is now at a loss to state all particulars on account of Old Age and her Memory being much impaired. That Michael Maderer & Castner Maderer had both served in her Husband's Company and as far as she can state to the best of her knowledge and belief she is of Opinion that her said Husband served in the war of the Revolution a Captain for the term of One Year, and that she this Declarant has lost the use of her feet she being incapable of walking and that she is now in the receipt of an Pension annuity granted to her by the Pennsylvania Legislature

which Pension was granted to her as aforesaid in virtue of her said Husband as Captain in the war of the Revolution and that said Pension is paid to her Semi-annually July 31 st and January 31 st in every year during her Natural Life, and that this Declarants Maiden Name was Anna Maria Yeager and that she was Lawfully Married to aforesaid John Witman On the first day of September A.D. One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventyone by the then William Boas Pastor of the German Reformed Congregation in Reading Pennsylvania as will more fully appear by the Certificate of Marriage herunto annexed all of which she Declares is strictly true on her solemn Oath and that her Husband the aforesaid John Witman Died on the 2 nd day of October A.D. 1819 and that she has remained a Widow ever since that period as will more fully appear by reference to the Proof hereto annexed Anna Maria for Witman widow marks
Sworn to and subscribed On this 19 th day of October A.D. 1836 before me Matthias V. Richards a Judge of Berks County.
State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss
On this 19 th day of October A.D. 1836 before me Matthias V. Richards a judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania personally appeared Jacob Petry a Resident of said County and State aforesaid a Revolutionary Soldier and a Pensioner of the United States who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on his Oath depose and say that John Witman aforesaid was a Captain formerly in the war of the Revolution against the Common Enemy and that said John Witman commanded a full Company of Militia in actual service in said war and that he saw the said Captain Witman discharging his duties as Captain at head Quarters in Berks County called Newtown in Penn s and that said John Witman as such was much respected as an Officer and that he was a Vigilant Officer and that he saw him at Newtown A.D. 1777 executing his duties as aforesaid as Captain This Deponent does not know how long a period of time that Captain John Witman served further Deponent says not Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Matthias V. Richards a Judge of Berks County
Jacob Petry

State of Pennsylvania
a Berks County ss.
On the 19 th day of October A D 1836 before me Matthias S. Richards a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks, in the State of Pennsylvania personally appeared Dr. John B. Otto — a Resident Citizen of the County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath Depose and says that Anna Maria Witman widow of aforesaid John Witman. that she has remained the widow of John Witman aforesaid ever since the decease of her Husband and that she yet continues the widow of John Witman and she has never been intermarried since the decease of John Witman.
Sworn to and Subscribed the Day & Year aforesaid before me
John B. Otto
Matthias S. Richards a Judge of Berks County
I William Pauli Pastor of the German Reformed
Church of Reading Pennsylvania do hereby Certify that it appears from the Church Book of said Congregation that John Witman was joined into the bonds of Marriage unto Anna Maria Reager On the 23 rd day of Sept r A D One Thousand seven hundred and twenty one by the then Pastor of said Congregation William Boas And in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and subscribed the same at Reading Penn a Octobr 19 th 1836
W. Pauli
I Matthias S. Richards a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks, in the State of Pennsylvania do hereby Certify that Anna Maria Witman the foregoing named Declarant is entirely disabled and is unable to attend the Court of which I am a Judge. I have therefore attended at her place of abode and administered the foregoing Oath in pursuance of the act of Congreg. and I do further Certify that the Declarant and the parties hereto who have sworn and subscribed their names before me are credible Persons and that on their Oaths and statements made that credit is due every of them and of right ought to them be given And in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & subscribed the same the Day & Year aforesaid Matthias S. Richards a Judge of Berks County Penn a

11754
Oct 19 1836 Anna Maria Witman Pennsylvania
3 Dec.
Prothonotary
State of Pennsylvania
Berks County To J. Alexander H. Witman of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Berks, in the State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original Proceedings of the said
Matthias S. Richards Esquire Judge as aforesaid in the matter of the Application of Anna Maria Witman for a Pension widow of Captain John Witman deceased and I further certify that the said Matthias S. Richards Esq. is a Judge for the said County and State aforesaid and that he is duly Commissioned and authorised to administer Oaths. And I also certify that all the Signatures in this foregoing purporting to be his are all and every of them his Genuine Signatures In Testimony whereof I have hereunto Affixed the Seal of the said Court and subscribed my Name & Quality at Reading in the County of Berks Pa. On this 19 th day of October A.D. 1836
H. A. Miller Reading Pa.
Alexander H. Witman Prothonotary

Benj. Whitman Declaration
12 60 12
5

State of Pennsylvania } Berk Co. } 3 Set
On this 16 th day of Nov 1843 Came in person in open Court before the quarter Sessions in and for Said County, Benjamin Whitman a president of Said County age Sixty Eight, who on his Solemn oath makes the following declaration to obtain the benefits of the provisions of the act of Congress passed the 4 th of July 1836
Affiant States that he is informed and has good reason to believe, that his father John Whitman enlisted as a regular Soldier in the army of the American Revolution, in the Pa Line, that he continued to serve as such in the 1 st and 2 nd Pa. Regiments, until the close of the war, the name of the officer this affiant does not know, but must beg leave to refer to the records in No. Harrisburg & Washington City, That Said John Whitman before the revolutionary war about the year 1771 intermarried with Anna Maria Yeager in Reading Pa that they continued to live together as such until 1819 when Said John Whitman died, that his widow Anna Maria lived as Said Whitman's widow until the 14 th day of Nov 1837, when she departed this life, that this affiant and Johnathan Whitman of Dauphin County Pa are the surviving children of Said Anna Maria & John Whitman and that Affiant has no documentary evidence in his possession at this time & if he should find any he will furnish it that he knows of no witness by the Register of birth of Said John & Anna Maria's children for all this whom he can prove his service, sworn to and subscribed this day & year aforesaid
Benj m Whitman

Also Came in open court Geo Shull aged 83 years who on the oaths State that they had been acquainted with John & Ann Maria Whitman for 65 years and that they were lived together as man & wife from my earliest acquaintance until about the year 1819 when said John departed this life, that said Ann Maria lived as said John's widow until the 14 th day of Nov 1837 when she departed this life, that Benj Whitman of Berks County Pa & Johnathan Whitman of Dauphin County are the only surviving children of said John & Ann Maria Whitman, and that said John was reputed a soldier of the Revolution.
Geo Shull
The court are satisfied that Benj & Johnathan Whitman are the only surviving children of Ann Maria & John Whitman and that said widow died on the 14 th Nov 1837, all of which is ordered to be entered,
W Bunk
Pres E Judge

State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss.
I Daniel Young Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County do certify that M c Kean Esq. whose name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration was at the time of so doing and yet is President Judge of the third Judicial District of Pennsylvania and by virtue of his said Office pending Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in and for Berks County, that he is duly commissioned and qualified and that full faith and credit are due & of right ought to be given to all his official acts, whereof the foregoing is one.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hands and affixed the seal of said Court at Reading November 16. 1843
Daniel Young Prothonotary
1837 65 72

John Witman (Penn.) R. 11754
A receipt signed Nicholas Sheffer, Capt. dated Jan. 12, 1777 and
A receipt signed Jacob Jäger and others, dated Reading, March 1, 1777 and
A receipt signed Jon. n Potts, dated July 21, 1779
have been removed from this claim to be sent to the War Dept-
D.G.
Nov. 24, 1911
Sent to War Dept. Jan. 16, 1913.

The acc n book of Capt J. Witman shows that he paid expenses of the guard at Lancaster Penn a July 15 1876. —
Petre testifies that he saw him in command at Newtown N. J. 1777.

No. 394
Lev to Am. J. Pitts 6th March 1844 to same Vry 30th 1844 Jenny M Jones Lev to Prof. D. D. D. Oct. 21: 1844.
Anna Maria Whitman Pnn.
Adh July 4. 1836

N 394
Anna Maria Wilmann Pa
  Ed  Hon H. A. Muhlenberg  21 Oct 36    "  I Retier  11 Dec 43    "  Same  12 Feb 44    "  "  4 March "    "  "  30 July "    "  M Jones  21 Oct "    Dtl.  No. 17th  48  
act 4 July 1836

Anna Maria Withers Pennsylvania
Suspended
let 214 Oct. 1836,
to B in H. A. Muhlenberg
" " J. Rettn Dec. 11. 1837
" " J. Rettn Feb. 12 th 44
4. July 1836.

1909 Feb. 9. Receipt book of John Witman sent to Library of Congress.
Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873.
11704. am
P. O. Anna Maria Witman
Service: widow John Witman
Enlisted: _____, 18
Discharged: _____, 18
Application filed: _____, 18
Alleges: _____
Re-enlisted: _____
Attorney: _____
P. O. _____
_____ Recognized. _____ Contract.
_____ Cert. of Dis. Searched for _____, 18

Reading, July 24, 1844.
J. S. Edwards, Esq.
Sir,
A number of W. M. Jones, I take the liberty of transmitting to you the here- with in closed papers. By paying at- tention to its contents in due time you will oblige
Very respectfully, Yours,
M. Pitter

Washington City March 18th 1852 -
J E Heath Esq Sir:
I presented some time since an application for Pension arrear due Anna Maria Witman of Berks County Penn te for the heirs - under act of 1836 - 4th July - I hereby inform and authorize Edwards and Smith - to attend to the case for me - as they they
Yours Respectfully -
Darius May. Jones

Anna M. Wiltman La. M. Jones authy. to examine.
Supposed Penna
Edward Smith
E. P. Cole
Mar 7/52

Washington City March 20th 1852
J. C. Heath Esq
Sir:
You will oblige me by taking up the claim of the heirs of Anna Maria Witman for Pension under act of 4th March 1836. The claim has been lying over some years and Report to Messrs. Edmonds and Smith
From Reading Penn la
Yrs Respectfully James May. Jones
[Faint vertical text, likely bleed-through from the reverse side of the page]

Reading July 24 th 1844
J S Edwards Esq.
Dear Sir
In your letter of the 11 th December relative to the case of Anna Maria Witman, you stated that there wanted further evidence in order to apportion the time served in the different grades, before the rate of Pension per annum was affixed; In order to furnish further evidence, the papers on which this Woman was placed on the pension list by her own state, was withdrawn from the files at Harrisburg and enclosed to you; These papers were returned by you, with a requisition that they should be authenticated by the Clerks Certificate and County Seal; and that it also be certified as to the credibility of the witnesses. These papers were sent back to Reading and the requisition fully complied with; and again endorsed to you, when you again answer on the 6 th of March you say there "I have the honour to inform you that the papers enclosed in yours of the 19 th 20 th respecting the Case of Anna Maria Witman do have been examined, they are equally indefinite with the other papers on file in relation to the length and grade of service and do not fulfil the requirements of of my Office 11 th December last" Such is your letter of the 6 th March relative to this claim, I would here remark that those papers that were withdrawn from Harrisburg were before you and examined and returned making the requisition

for the authentication, and certifying the Credibility of the witnesses, This requisition when complied with, and the papers mailed you again; produces your answer of the 6th March relative to this Case, You certainly had some objects in view when you made the requisition for authentication & I could not think you would be disposed to cause any person trouble and expense in this matter, without some reason, you having read those papers before you returned them, knew all their contents, So if a Pension be absolutely refused it would argue a glaring inconsistency, because the authenticating Certainly does not alter the Contents of the papers themselves as originally sent you; authenticating in no way changes the evidence the papers contained You say the length and grade of service is indisputable , It is not known that further proof can be had at this day And as to the length of service you have abundant evidence to wit that in the commencement of the Revolution he was in service in 1776 and 1777 as a Captain and in the latter part of the war for two or three years as a regular Soldier If a full Pension as Capt of Malatia is deemed not satisfactorily proven, he has certainly served long enough to entitle him to a full ten years Pension at a medium between a Capt and a Common Soldier and if not that, full pay as a Soldier, that he rendered service sufficient to entitle his widow to full pay as a common Soldier I should think there would be no question; with these remarks trusting to your liberality of construction for these poor Clients of mine I shall patiently wait the issue Respectfully Yours James Mc Jones

Phil a Dec 21 st 1844
Dear Sir
Sometime in August last or about that time I presented Additional testimony in the case of Ann Maria Whitman or Witman the widow of John Witman of Reading. Benj the Law made the declaration, he was a militia Sol d Capt, has the claim been acted on. If it has not I would be much pleased to have you do so. If it is allowable under any circumstances I will accept it for just what you please, knowing it to be good for at least six mo in different capacities. The claim did not occur to me when I had a personal interview with you.
In that case we have been coöperating it until I fear by having too many cooks there will be no broth. Some of Reading once had something to do with it.
In the case of Capt Gill or rather Ruth Gill I will hope to receive the Certificate in the course of next week. The Governor of Ky. thinks it is nearly time for his hearing.
I have the honor to be your Very obt Servant Wm H Todd.
To Hon d J L Edwards Washington D.C.

Reading June 1 st 1846.
J S Edwards Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions. }
Sir,
It has been a long time since, any correspondence has taken place, in regard to the claim of the heirs of Anna Maria Witman, (widow of John Witman) deceased. I have been called upon by the claimants within the last few days, who anxiously plead for that claim, they are poor folks and would thankfully receive whatever might be awarded them, I therefore as their Agent respectfully ask that you examine the papers on file having relation to their claim, and adjust it, as you, in your judgment may think right. It is impossible that at this late day, we should be able to furnish detailed statements and proof, of all that occurred in regard to his services; There is proof of ten years service as a common soldier towards the later part of the Revolution, and proof before that as Captain, you will please look at the whole of it together, if there is not that satisfactory evidence in regard to his Captaincy as is desired, allow us as much, as you possibly can as a common soldier; look at the whole case, as the supreme arbiter between the Government and the heirs and decide, as shall to justice appertain,
Respectfully Yours,
James M c ay Jones

H. of Reps. Jany 15, 1844.
James L. Edmonds, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir,
I herewith transmit additional vouchers to sustain the claims of the children of Maria Lott and of the children of Anna Maria Wikman , to be placed with the papers I had the honor to present in the early part of December last. Will you have the kindness to take them with the rest and take them up for adjudication as early as practicable?
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours
M c Ritter

House of Reps. Febr'y 19, 1844 J. L. Edwards, Dep. Comm r of Pensions.
Sir,
I have the honor to return the papers in relation to the claim of Anna Maria Witman , with the required certificates annexed, to be filed with the papers of her children, which were presented at the Pension Office in the early part of December last. It would be agreeable if acted on at as early a day as convenient.
Will you have the goodness to inform me whether the papers in possession of the Pension Office in relation to the claim of Mrs. Catharine Smith , are sufficient to authorize you to pay to me the amount of her claim, which is said to be $66 66 / 100 , as stated in a letter to Mr. W. M. Jones of Reading, Pa.? If not, please advise me what more is required.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully yours
M c Clintock
See letter to J. May Jones Nov 6. 1843 24 yrs. Phil Smith die?

J. S. Edwards Esq.
Reading July 4th 1848.
Dear Sir.
Inclosed you will find some additional evidence in the case of Anna Maria Wilmans dec d who was a widow of Captain John Wilmans dec d . I would like you to examine this claim, all we ask pension for is 6 months service as Captain. It is impossible to furnish any more definite evidence. You are well aware that Pennsylvanians have rendered great service in the Revolution in which she possesses no record evidence, additional living witnesses is also not to be had. The claimants in case are very poor; I would be much pleased to have this claim adjusted at 6 months as Captain. Which I feel assured you would be warranted in doing by the papers in the case; Nothing more can be done if this fails.
Respectfully Yours
James M Jones

J S Edwards Esq
Reading August 5th 1844
Dear Sir
Yours of the 30th July was rec d and in answer thereto, I would remark that inasmuch as there did not appear clear and satisfactory accounts of the services rendered by Capt n John Witman as a captain and a private in regard to the length of service, notwithstanding there is evidence of service and proof service rendered by said John Witman, After I seen that the evidence did not comport with what you desired, I had no further idea of getting full pension as a Captain. Yet when there is evidence of service I had always thought there was discretionary power lodged with you to allow that which would seem to be just according to the information afforded you from various sources; with this letter I send an old receipt book which was in the possession of his son Benjamin Witman, Containing some evidence on this subject, he takes a receipt for muskets in his possession as Capt n John Witman in January 9th 1777. If this affords you any further satisfaction in adjusting this claim and if you wish this book surmise as being the property of his father you can make the requisition and it will be complied with, but do not ask the trouble and expense of him if when done it is to be treated as was the papers sent you heretofore that when withdrawn from Harrisburg. (to be of no avail) In conclusion Sir I wish to know if there is estimation any evidence of service at all, if there is what amount you are disposed to allow

The claimants in this case are poor and needy and are urging me to get this affair to a close. If you have come to the conclusion not to allow them anything I would would wish you to state so at once; if they are entitled to anything I would wish you to state what amount you can allow consistent with your duty as a Government Officer. I have believed from what the son, (who is an old man) has told me that there was a claim due, and if my view of the case should appear not so clear on all points it is because I had not the beginning of it but was subsequently engaged to attend to it. I wish all that can be done, and what can be done I wish done. Some is the wish of the claimants.
Respectfully Yours James M. Doney

I do hereby Certify that Lieut. Peter Nagel and James Whitehead a private, belonging to Capt. John Witmans Company of Militia of Berks, under my Command, entered into the Continental Service the tenth December last and have continued in the service at New Town to this day. The said Captain with the rest of his company being ordered away as a Guard to the Hessian Prisoners sent to Lancaster, were discharged at Reading by Col. Brodhead. Witness my Hand 22 d January Anno Domini 1777. Gabriel Hester Major.
The above Lieut. Peter Nagel & James Whitehead passed muster 22 d Jany. 1777.
Lod k R. Sprogell M. M. G. of P.
Secretarys-Office
Harrisburg June 14 th 1848
Pennsylvania ss:
I Certify the foregoing to be a true copy taken from the original on file in this office,
Witness my hand and Seal of said office, the day and year afore mentioned.
H. Schkin
Deputy Secretary of the Com tee

Act of July 4. 1835.
Anna Maria Wetman widow of John. (Penna.)
Power of Atty.
To examine Claim.
Chas. B. Tucker. Atty. Present.

Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these presents, that I. Benjamin Witman of the City of Reading, County of Berks + state of Pennsylvania do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint CHAS. C. TUCKER, of Washington City, D. C. my true and lawful Agent and Attorney to prosecute the Claim of Anna Maria widow of John Witman for any amount of Revolutionary Pension or increase of Pension that may be due under the provisions of the Act of July 4. 1836 or any other Act or Resolution of Congress, and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to examine all papers and documents in relation to said Claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere, to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive the Certificate which may be issued for said Claim, and to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do, were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and seal this 22 nd day of February 185 3 .
In presence of M rs B. Schoener L. E. Walker
Benjamin Witman Seal
STATE OF Pennsylvania Berks COUNTY—ss.
On this 22 nd day of February 185 3 , before me an Alderman of the City of Reading in and for the County and State above mentioned personally appeared Benjamin Witman and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.
M rs B. Schoener alderman
STATE OF Pennsylvania } ss. Berks COUNTY.
On this 22 nd day of February 185 3 , before me the undersigned an Alderman of the City of Reading — in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Benjamin Witman a resident of said County, and made oath according to law that he is the identical Benjamin Witman who executed the foregoing power of Attorney, and that he is directly interested in said Claim, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my said Attorney may use in prosecuting said Claim.
Benjamin Witman
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written.
M rs B. Schoener Seal alderman
STATE OF Pennsylvania } COUNTY OF Berks }
I Charles H. Hunter Borth Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks do hereby certify that M rs B. Schoener Esq., before whom the foregoing affidavit and acknowledgment were made and who has thereunto signed his name, was at the time of so doing an Alderman v Ex Officio Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and affixed my official seal this 22 nd day of February 185 3 . C. H. Hunter Borth

Second Regiment 1781
We and each of us whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B. Bowen & Captain Ereuius Beatty, Agents for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several sums opposite to our Names respectively, in certificates dated July 1. 1784, bearing interest at six per cent from January the first 1782 signed by John Pierce Commissioner, and described as below, being for the Balance of a Settlement between the United States and us for pay from Jan y . 1 st 1781 to Jan y . 1 st 1782
   Date of Issue No of Certificate Letter Names Sums Signers   Dollars 90ths     August 18 th 1785 72.681 A Matthias Wynstaff 49. 30 Matthias X Wynstaff   Sept r 27 th " " " 81 b. John Whilman 59. 50 John Whiteman  
Second Regiment 1782.
We and each of us whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B. Bowen, and Captain Ereuius Beatty, Agents for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several sums opposite to our Names, respectively, in certificates, dated July 1, 1784, bearing interest at six per cent. from January the first 1782 signed by John Pierce Commissioner, and described as below, being for the Balance of a settlement between the United States and us for pay to January 1 st 1783.
   Date of Issue No of Certificate Letter Names Sums Signers   Dollars 90ths     August 18 th 1785 72.858 F. Matthias Wynstaff 80. .. Matth s X Wynstaff   Sept r 27 th " " " 9 b. John Whilman 80. .. John Whiteman  
First Regiment, 1783
We and each of us whose Names are hereunto Subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B. Bowen, and Captain Ereuius Beatty, Agents for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several sums opposite to our Names respectively, in certificates, dated July 1, 1784, bearing interest at six per cent. from November the fourth 1783, signed by John Pierce Commissioner, and described as below, being for the Balance of a settlement between the United States and us for pay to November 3 rd 1783.
   Date of Issue No of Certificate Letter Names Sums Signers   Dollars 90ths     August 18 th 1785 74.511 E. Matthias Wynstaff 110. 60 Matth s X Wynstaff   Sept r 27 th 1785 " " 12 G John Whilman 110. 60 John Whiteman  
Auditor General's Office, Pa
Harrisburg September 12 th 1843
I certify that the foregoing extracts from the pay roll, are correct copies of the original on file in this office
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office
Will. H. Packer for J. Straub.
Aud. Genl.

Document in support of the claim of Ann N. Whitman
End

State of Pennsylvania Berkis County ss.
Be it Known that on the 24 th day of February A D One Thousand eight hundred and thirtyfour before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County of Berks personally appeared Jacob Petry a Resident Citizen of said County who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his solemn Oath depose and say that he said Jacob Petry was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and that he now Receives a Pension for his Service from the United States that he was acquainted with Captain John Witman in the Revolutionary war that Captain Witman was duly commissioned and authorized as such and that the Regiment being formed in Philadelphia under Colonel Potter that was A D 1776 that Captain Witman with his company attached to the Reg t Marched from Philadelphia to Bucks County Pa ne and that he continued his said Services as Captain on the Line of Pennsylvania Militia Musquetry and that during his said Service Captain Witman took charge with his company as guards over the Hessians that were made Prisoners of War and Marched them to Lancaster Pa ne and that Captain Witman executed his duties promptly and was very strict executing his duties as Captain with fidelity and this Deponent says that from the year 1776 until the year seventeen hundred and seventyseven thinks that so far as this deponent knows must have served for a term of more than four months and that the Prisoners of war aforesaid were the then Prisoners at Trenton which Captain Witman Marched them to Lancaster aforesaid Jacob Petry Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid before me Michael Forst just of this age

State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss I Michael Forst a justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I am acquainted with Jacob Petrey who has sworn and subscribed his name to the foregoing Affidavit in the Case of Captain John Witman he is fully entitled to Credit and on his Oath Credit is and ought of Right to be given And I do further certify that his Testimony will be received as such in any Court of Justice And in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and subscribed the same the 24 th day of February A.D. 1834
Michael Forst
I Matthias V. Richards, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Berks. Pennsylv a Do certify that Jacob Petrey whose name as a witness is subscribed to the foregoing testimony was personally known to him in his life time, that his standing in society was that of a man of credit and belief and whose testimony would receive full faith & credit. that he is not now living, but died some years since. In testimony where of I have hereunto subscribed my name the sixteenth day of February A.D. 1844.
Matthias V. Richards

Geiger
Document in support of the claim of Ann Maria Wetman widow of Capt John Wetman an old soldier
Mar. 14. 1834
Clerk.

State of Pennsylvania Berk Co. ss.
Be it known that on the 12 th day of March A.D. 1834 before me the Subscriber a justice of the Peace in and for the County of Berks personally appeared Reuben Bright a Resident citizen of Reading in Lehigh County who being first duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say that Anna Maria Hitman widow of Captain John Hitman deceased that the said widow is far advanced in years and unable to support herself and that she is poor under all circumstances.
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me Michael Poos
Reuben Bright
I Michael Poos a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Berks do hereby certify that Reuben Bright who has sworn and subscribed his name before me to the foregoing Affidavit in the case of Anna Maria Hitman aforesaid is a disinterested Witness in behalf of her claim and I do further certify that to his oath credit is due and of Right ought to be given and that his Testimony will be Received as such in any Court of Justice And In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & subscribed my Name at Reading in the County of Berks the day & year first above written
Michael Poos
I Matthias V. Richards one of the Judges of the court of common pleas of the County of Berks Penn o do certify that Reuben Bright whose name is subscribed as a Witness to the foregoing paper was a citizen of Reading, Berks County, now of an adjoining county, that he is a creditable person whose testimony would receive full faith and credit in a Court of Justice — In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name the sixteenth day of February A.D. 1834.
Matthias V. Richards

State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss.
I Daniel Young Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, do certify that Michael Porse and David Shunk were, at the time of affixing their signatures to the within papers, acting Justices of the Peace, in and for Berks County, duly appointed and commissioned, and that the said signatures are true and genuine - also, that Matthias S. Richards is an associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, duly appointed & commissioned, and that the signatures affixed the within papers purporting to be his, are true and genuine -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Reading February 17. 1844
Daniel Young Proth.

To the Honourable the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly Convened the petition of Anna Maria Witman widow of Captain John Witman deceased; a Resident of Reading in the County of Berks Penna.
Respectfully sheweth that her said Husband Captain John Witman was duly commissioned and authorised a Captain in the service of the Pennsylvania Line in the War of Revolution against the common Enemy, and that her said Husband executed his duties in said War Line aforesaid. In One Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy five having a full company of Musketry in his Command and was in actual service in the War aforesaid and in his said Company many Persons joined Voluntarily as Volunteers in the service of their Country and that she has in her power the testimony of John Strackecker a Resident of Reading County aforesaid who is a credible Witness of services rendered by her said as will more fully appear; Your Honourable Bodies, I have no doubt are aware that during the Revolutionary struggle the Families of such Persons who were engaged in the service were obliged to undergo many hard trials and meet many intricate crosses and among them Your Petitioner is one I therefore Humbly state that I am now advanc- ed to the age of 82 years and of course in a delicate state of health; I was Lawfully joined into the bonds of Matrimony with my said Husband John Witman on the 1st day of September AD 1778 as will appear by William Boas then Pastor of the German Reformed Congregation of Reading, and will fully appear by the Certificate given by William Pauli Pastor now of the same Church who has the Church Book Record of Marriages in his care. My said Husband was duly commissioned a Captain. That Commission I have at present not in my power to present has since been either lost or mislaid under the above mentioned circumstances with the Testimony hereto subscribed I come before my Country and should your Honourable Bodies be of your Opinion that my said Husband John Witman Captain has by his services aforesaid merited a Reward for me out of the Bounties of the State then and in that case only that she asks for Relief.
Attest
David Shunk J. P.
Anna Maria Witman mark circle

State of Pennsylvania
Berks County ss
Be it known that on the 10 th day of February A.D. 1834 Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Berks personally appeared Anna Maria Witman widow of Captain John Witman deceased who being first duly sworn according to Law doth depose and say that the matters as stated in her foregoing petition are true to the best of her knowledge and belief Anna Maria Witman Mark
Sworn to and subscribed The day & year aforesaid Before me David Shunk J.P.
State of Pennsylvania Berks County ss
Be it known that on the 10 th day of February A.D. 1834 Before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Berks personally appeared John Strohecker a Sergeant in the War of the Revolution who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath depose and say that he was acquainted with Captain John Witman aforesaid and to his certain knowledge knows that the said John Witman was a Captain of a company of Minutemen in the service of his country on the Pennsylvania Line duly commissioned and authorized as such and that Captain John Witman was in actual service of his country against the common Enemy in the War of the Revolution A.D. 1776 and that he executed his duties as Captain with fidelity and that the said John Witman Captain had the charge of Prisoners the Hessians that were taken Prisoners of War at Trenton and with his company marched through Lancaster with said Prisoners This deponent further says that he saw the said Captain Witman executing his duties as Captain in Bucks County Pennsylvania in Decem r 1776 and that he remained here in same place one month Deponent says that he does not know how long he served in all of his services J. Strohecker Sworn to & subscribed The day & year aforesaid Before me David Shunk J.P.

Geiger
298
The petition of Anna Maria Witman widow of Captain John Witman a Revolutionary Soldier praying relief
Feb 13. 1834
elms
G. H. H. H.

I David Shunk a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Berks do hereby certify that Sergeant John Strohecker who has sworn and subscribed his name to the foregoing affidavit is a credible Person Personally known by me as such and full faith and credit are due him and of right ought to be given, and I do further certify that his Testimony will be received in any Court of Justice and for Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and subscribed my name the day and year aforesaid David Shunk J.P.
State of Pennsylvania Berk County ss. Be it known that on the 10 day of February A.D. One Thousand eight hundred and thirtyfour before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Berks Personally appeared Samuel Levan a Resident of Reading County aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath depose and say that he is acquainted with Anna Maria Wirtman widow of John Wirtman deceased and that she is a Person of which he knows is credible and that full faith and Credit are due her and of right ought to be given and this deponent further says that she has not any property of any Description and that she does stand in need of assistance Sworn to and subscribed The Day & Year aforesaid Before Me David Shunk J.P. Samuel Levan
I David Shunk a Justice of the Peace in and for Berks County do hereby certify that I am acquainted with above named Deponent Samuel Levan he is a credible Person and further that his Testimony will be fully received in any Court of Justice and that to his oath and Testimony full Credit are and ought to be given And in Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and subscribed my name the day & year aforesaid David Shunk

John Witman and Ann Maria Yeager, Widow of said John Witman, were joined in the bonds of matrimony on the 1 st day of September A D 1771 by Rev d William Boas.
I do hereby certify, that the above is a true extract from the Records of the German Reformed Church of Reading.
John Paul Pastor of said Reading Feb y 11: 1834 Church
I Matthias V. Richards one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Berks. Penn a do certify that I was personally acquainted with John Stockacker, whilst living, and whose name is subscribed as a witness to the foregoing paper, that he was a creditable citizen whose testimony was taken in full faith and credit that he is not now living but died some years since. I do also certify that I was acquainted with Anna Maria Witman in her life time, and whilst she was the widow of the said John Witman deceased, that she was a widow Lady for a number of years, and the facts set forth by Samuel Levan that she had no property, was substantially correct. she had the reputation of being a creditable person and her testimony entitled to full faith and credit to the best of my know- ledge and belief — and I do also further certify that the Rev d William Pauli, is an officiating clergyman of the German Reformed Church, in good standing and credibility. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name the sixteenth day of February A D 1844. Matthias V. Richards