Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 23956, for Nicholas Straw, Pennsylvania

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn
Straw, Nicholas Staw or
S 23956
CONTENTS
[Blank dotted lines for entry]
[Blank dotted lines for entry]

Pennsylvania 11.443
Nicholas Staw
of Clinton Co in the State of Penn a who was a Do. in the Company commanded by Captain Ely of the 1 st Reg t commanded by Col. Potter in the Penn a Militia Troops -
2 Co - Private - $80.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of $80. Dollars per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of May 1833 and sent to Hon John Ely. Batten Pa
Arrears to the 14th of March 1833 - 100.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept " 40
$ 200.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. Sprague Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 5 Page 52
A.H.M. ark and Jany 26/33

State of Pennsylvania Chester County ss
On this 10th day of April A.D. 1833 personally appeared before me
Nicholas Evans Esquire one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said County & Nicholas Stair a resident of Tiber Township in said County and State aforesaid, aged about sixty years, who being duly sworn according to law with me, do hereby make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. To wit - That the said Nicholas Stair enlisted for the term of one year on the 10th day of December 1776 in the State of Pennsylvania at Bosque Valley in Northumberland County in the Company commanded by Captain William Gray in the Regiment commanded by Colonel James Potter in the Pennsylvania line on the field - Continental establishment - That during this campaign he marched immediately after enlisting into New Jersey and was engaged in the cannonading of Trenton on the 2nd of January 1777 - from thence he marched to Princeton and was in the "Battle of Princeton" and that he was discharged in the fall of 1777 at Elizabethtown in the State of New Jersey - That immediately after his return home, in the fall of 1777 he again enlisted at the place aforesaid in the Company commanded by Captain Hawkins Moore in the Regiment commanded by Colonel Wetmore and served on the Pennsylvania frontier in the field - Continental establishment - for one whole year and was dismissed at Northumberland - That in the fall of 1778 he again enlisted in the place aforesaid and served as Lieutenant under and in the Company commanded by Samuel McClellan in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Kelly in the line and service aforesaid and was again discharged after serving one year at Northumberland - That in the fall of 1779 he enlisted at the place aforesaid in the Company of Capt. Samuel Thompson in the Regiment commanded by Colonel John Kelly and served as

aforsaid, and was discharged, in the fall of 1780. That he again enlisted at the place of service in 1780. in same company commanded by Colonel John Kelley. in the line of the establishment - as aforesaid - and was finally discharged, in the fall of 1782 at the Town of Northumberland in the state of Pennsylvania Contra said claimant, does hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity except the interest - and declares his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn & subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Jonah Evans
with love & thanks
I Gary Bishop a Clergyman residing in the Town of Clearfield, in Clearfield County, & state of Pennsylvania - do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Victor Shaw who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that I believe him to be about eighty years of age, that he is respected and beloved, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the Revolution, and that I concur in that opinion.
Sworn & subscribed the day & year aforesaid Jonah Evans
Gary Bishop
Interrogatories
1st - When & in what year were you born -
Answer I was born in Lancaster County, (Cecil) Township, state of Pennsylvania in the year 1753 -
2nd Have you any record of your age, & if so when is it now. The record of my age is in the family Bible which I now have at home -
3rd Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war, & where do you now live -
And when I enlisted I was living in Buffalo Valley Northumberland County & state of Pennsylvania. I have lived ever since in the state of Pennsylvania and now live in Pike Township, Clearfield County and state of Pennsylvania -
4th How were you called into service were you drafted

did you volunteer or was you a substitute — And as I volunteered once and then enlisted and was appointed Lieutenant as above stated in my declaration —
5th State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the Troops when you were such continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service —
Ans. Colonel Kelley. After getting Mustered. As all the regiments along the frontier were called — continental —
6th Did you ever receive a commission of 20. by which was it signed and what was the bearer of it —
Ans I did receive a commission it was signed by General Mifflin. It was thrown about and lost. I did not expect it would ever be of any service —
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your neighborhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and truth and good behavior, and your services as a soldier of the Revolution
Ans. John H. Day. Sheriff Dept. Post. Poughkeepsie Ira Day. Thos. Vanplace Day. Col. Boon Day —
And the said Josiah Evans Esquire Justice of the Peace as aforesaid in & for said County. Do hereby certify that Nicholas Shaw the above Applicant for a pension is old and infirm and is now con- fined to his house and not able to attend at the Court and that it is his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after hearing the

intwga to wit I subscribe by the war Department that the above named Applicant was a soldier of the Revolution and served at the States and the said Justice further certify that it appeared to him that Gary Bishop who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident of Clearfield Town, Clearfield County and is a minister of the Gospel and that Henry Deal and Felix Deal who have signed the annexed certificate are residents of Centre County and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
Joniah Evans
State of Pennsylvania
Clearfield County ss
J. Joseph Boone
Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas of the said County do certify that Joniah Evans appeared before whom the within declaration was made and who has signed the same in his own proper hand writing and at the time said declaration was made an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and to whom official acts of such Justice and credit is and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court at Clearfield Town this eleventh day of April A.D. 1833.
J. Boone Prop.

11443- Pennsylvania Phil a Nicholas Strum of Phil a dec d
of Private in the State of who was a Vic te in the Penn a commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Revolution line for increased from $80.
Inscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia at the rate of 100- Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. and end 28 th August 1833-
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of July 1833- and C. H. Markland Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present-
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk, Book E 2 Vol. 5 Page 58 .

Application of the heirs of Nicholas Straus for increase of Pension Penn a ad 1882
A. H. Maitland

State of Pennsylvania County of Clearfield
Be it Known, that on this Eighth day of August A. D. 1854 before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared, Christian Straw
resident of Hergeser township in said County, and made oath according to law that he is administrator and a son of the identical Nicholas Straw whose name, under Act of 7th June 1832 has been placed on the Pennsylvania Pension Roll at the rate of ninety-six Dollars per annum.
That he is credibly informed that the said Pension may and ought to be increased from its commencement and during its continuance; that he is directly interested as a claimant in said increase, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
A. H. Markland
Countermanding and revoking all Powers of Attorney heretofore given, I hereby constitute and appoint [redacted] of Washington City , my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute the claim of Nicholas Straw for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or INCREASE OF PENSION , that may be due; and for the purpose of establishing additional service by the soldier for whose military duty in the Revolution the aforesaid Pension was granted, I hereby authorize my said Attorney to apply for and obtain from State archives or other sources, certified proofs of such service. To examine all papers or documents in relation to said service on file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments, and to receive for my benefit the Certificate for INCREASE which may be issued in satisfaction of said claim, which certificate I wish made payable at the Pension Agency of this State; 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 Agent and Attorney shall lawfully do in the premises. The name of A. H. Markland interlined before signing. In the fifth line the word "fifty" erased and ninety-six written above before signing.
Christian Straw
Sworn to, Subscribed and Acknowledged before me the day and year above written, and I hereby certify that I believe the said Christian Straw to be directly interested in said claim as set forth, and to be the identical party therein alleged, in whose claim I am in no wise interested.
James Wrigley Justice of the peace
State of Pennsylvania County of Clearfield
It is Hereby Certified, That satisfactory  the evidence hereto attached which I believe to be true has been exhibited before me. Clerk of the Court of Deants. Pa.

State of Pennsylvania
Clearfield County ss:
Before me James Wrigley a Justice of the Peace in and for Clearfield County personally appeared John Bloom, senior, aged sixty eight years now almost sixty nine, - who upon his solemn oath doth say that he has resided in Clearfield county for fifty-three years and upwards, that he was well acquainted with Nicholas Straw who have been was reputed to have been a soldier in the War of the Revolution, that the said Nicholas Straw died in Pike township, Clearfield County where he lived for many years previous to his death, that he died in the month of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and thirty-three, - that said deponent knows of the death of said Nicholas Straw from his own personal knowledge and was present and helped to lay out the dead body of the said Straw just after his death, - that the said Nicholas Straw was a near neighbor of said deponent, and was married to an aunt of said deponent's wife, that said Straw left no widow, his wife having died before him. - that said Straw left four children living at the time of his death, viz, Christian Straw, Rachel (now widow of Robert McCracken) Nicholas Straw Jr. And Catharine, now wife of George Tubbs. - that said children are living yet. - that said Christian Straw who now lives in Clearfield County settled up the business after his father's death. - and further saith not. -
Sworn and subscribed before me December 19th, 1885 James Wrigley
J.P. Seal
John Bloom

State of Pennsylvania Clearfield County ss:—
Before me David Ferguson one of the Justices of the Peace in and for Clearfield County aforesaid personally appeared Christain Straw — who upon his solemn oath doth say that Nicholas Straw a revolutionary soldier and pensioner who died in Pike township Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, in the month of August AD 1833, died on the Twentieth day of the said month in the said year. Sworn and subscribed before Christain Straw on the 2 nd day of Febr- uary — AD 1855
David F. Ferguson J.P.

I, William Porter, Register in and for Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, do certify the following to be of record in the said Office of Register of said County, viz:
Clearfield County ss:
Be it remembered that on the seventh day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and thirty-three letters of administration issued in due form  and legal form to Christian Straw of all and singular the goods and chattels, rights and credits which were of Nicholas Straw late of Pike Township in the County of Clearfield deceased, he having been duly sworn and given security to administer the same according to law.
Bail with the administration Wilson McClure.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 15 th day of January in the Year of our Lord One thousand Eight hundred and fifty-five.
Wm Porter Register

State of Pennsylvania County of Clearfield } It is hereby certified that the evidence hereto attached, which I believe to be true, has been exhibited before me Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of Clearfield County, to the effect that Nicholas Straw was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States at the rate of 96 87 / 100 per annum and that he died on the twentieth day of August A.D. Eighteen Hundred and thirty-three leaving surviving the following named children and none other to wit, Christian Straw, Nicholas Straw Jr. Rachel now widow of Robert McCracken and Catharine now wife of George Tubbs.
I also hereby further certify that James Wrigley Esq before whom the preceding affidavit and power of attorney signed by Christian Straw, and also the attached affidavit of John Bloom were made and acknowledged; and that David Ferguson Esq before whom the attached affidavit of Christian Straw was made and acknowl- edged; were, at the time that the said affidavits were made and acknowledged before them respectively, duly authorized Justices of the Peace in and for said County, and that the signatures purporting to be theirs I believe to be genuine; And further that in the within claim for Increase of Pension I am in no degree interested. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office this fourteenth day of January A.D. 1855.
My R. E. Clerk of the County of Clearfield Pa

In the Spring of 1878 I entered the frontier service under Col. John Kelly, and served under him until I was taken prisoner in April 1879, as stated in my declaration, two years as Captain of the First Battalion of Pecos Militia. Our service was that of minute men and almost constantly on duty in scouting parties and in guarding the frontier protecting the inhabitants from the incursions of the Indians, my actual service during the period was not less than two years. —
Captain James Thompson's Declaration, Feb. 4, 1883.
Roll of his Company from April 15, to Aug 15, 1880
Col. John Kelly
Capt. James Thompson
Lieut. Joseph Poole
Ensign Alex. Ewing.
October 14, 1879. Received of Capt. James Thompson the sum of one hundred & Eight seven pounds thirteen shillings for my Dismissal of Militia I say received by me Nicholas Shaw.
James Shaw gave a similar receipt Oct. 30, 1879
Dr. W d Carmichael Recd. £. 34 17 8 for two months service May 7, 1878

Application of the heirs of Nicholas Straw for increase of pension Penn a 1832 ad.
A. H. Markland

Washington DC
January 23 rd 1855.
Hon L. P. Waldo,
Secy of Reason, P
I enclose herewith, evidence of the death and heirship of Nicholas Straw of Pennsylvania whose claim was admitted under act 1832, as a private. I now ask the increase as a Lieutenant, evidence of his services as a Lieutenant will be found in the original Rolls and receipts filed with the case of his Captain James Thompson, Pennsylvania admitted act 1832
I AM Sir Very Resp. Applg Your Obt Svt
A. H. Markland

Revolutions
23956 INVALID.
File No. 23,956
Nicholas Stran
His Rev Mr
Act: June 7 th 39 th
Index:—Vol. 9 , Page 398
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1927 Feb. 19. Miss. Wm M. Ferguson info of set of copies check for $1.40 returned to 1927 Mar. 26. Ferguson who is advised Mrs. Wm M. Ferguson it must be certified. and 1927 June 23 photos mailed to Mrs. Wm M. Ferguson. and

Adm e p r o r d r of W th 2
2 years $80.
Hon John Gilmore Bath, Va

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Nicholas Straw which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No  No See Quere B VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? the Justice has IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. †If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No  At See Quere 14.
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? Yes
XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? They are all answered
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

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 is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years 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 shewn 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.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which 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.
QUERE XVI. 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 paper 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.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.

Nicholas Straw deceased — Pa for increased Brief.
July 8. 1855-

Nicholas Straw - then spelled Staw- was pensioned under the act of 1832. for 2 yrs serv - at $80. Certif issued May 9. 1833.
He declared nearly for 1 yr's service from 10 Decr 1776. under Col Patten. Pa., on the first Cont l establishment 1 yr from autumn of 1777 under Capt Hawkins Boore and Col Weltner - 1 yr from autumn of '78 under Capt Saml McCreedy v. Col Jno Kelly - as Lieut 1 yr from autumn of '79 - same comp y - as Lieut . 2 yrs from fall of '80 - Lieut - same comp y
The only testimony is that of Henry Deal, a comrad, who testified to the first service of about one year - and that of Felix Deal, who swore that he served from Decr 1777 most of the time to the peace -
Reference is now made to the case of Capt James Thompson. Pa. adm l , 1832. No 5371.
Among the receipts filed in Thompson's case is one signed by Nicholas Straw for £187.13. "for my division of militia " dated Oct 14. 1779.

These parol proofs are not the most satisfactory - yet, such as they are, they were admitted by the office twenty-two years ago, as evidence of 2 yrs service.
It is proper to assume that the first term was one of 12 months, in the first, or g. uasi, continental establishment of Pa. - The remainder of the service was, doubtless, in the militia - and, with the exception of that in 1777 7-8 , as Lieutenant.
If, then, we admit the two years' service to have been proved - ( res adjudicata ) - it would be proper to allow for 14 months private and 10 mos as Lieut.
Dodge
July 5. 1855-

Section paper
Ac
Dear John Gilmore Butte
Elmhurst 82 April 15
Pennsylvania

Clearfield Town Apr 11th 1885
Dear John Gillam
Dear Sir
I have again taken the liberty of enclosing you the Declaration 2nd of Michael Stearn. He is very unfrain-cued and you will very much oblige me by requesting of Mr Edwards to write you immediately and either send the amount of the pension or say that for that it will not be allowed at all. The declaration of John Bliss please accept my thanks for your kind interference in this matter and believe me to be yours &c with respect & esteem -
D. G. H. Stearns -

6769
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
May 28, 1927
Chief Pen. War Section
I have this day received from
Mrs. W. M. Ferguson
M.O. No. 369,759
for $1.45, requesting
photostat copy post office address } as per
letter herewith.
1927 June 3- photos mailed D.W. of Maine Roy A.W.
O. J. RANDALL Chief Finance Division.
26.6.2 cc. 31 E. G. 1

IN REPLY REFER TO
3-1855
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
WASHINGTON
March 26, 1927.
Mrs. Wm. M. Ferguson; Clearfield, Penn.
Madam:
In response to your letter which was received in this bureau on March 21, 1927 enclosing a check for one dollar and forty-five cents in payment for certified photostat copies of eight pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.23956, of Nicholas Straw, I have to advise, that such checks are not accepted in payment for copies. It essential that a certified check should be sent. Herewith is returned your check dated March 17, 1927, on the Mahaffey National Bank, No.598, signed Mrs. W. M. Ferguson.
Upon receipt of a properly certified check, or a money order made out as directed in the bureau letter of February 19, 1927, the copies will be made for you.
Respectfully,
Winfield Scott WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
AFTER 5 DAYS RETURN TO THE EDWARD A. WOODS COMPANY GENERAL AGENT W. M. FERGUSON, SPECIAL AGENT 112 SOUTH FOURTH AVENUE, CLEARFIELD, PA.

aw March 28, 1927.
Mrs. Wm. M. Ferguson; Clearfield, Penn.
Madam:
In response to your letter which was received in this bureau on March 21, 1927 enclosing a check for one dollar and forty-five cents in payment for certified photostat copies of eight pages from the Revolutionary War pension claim, S.23956, of Nicholas Straw, I have to advise, that such checks are not accepted in payment for copies. It essential that a certified check should be sent. Herewith is returned your check dated March 17, 1927, on the Mahaffey National Bank, No.598, signed Mrs. W. M. Ferguson.
Upon receipt of a properly certified check, or a money order made out as directed in the bureau letter of February 19, 1927, the copies will be made for you.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

Rev. Sect. 2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS Finance Division
Mar. 21, 1927
Chief Rev. War. Section Division.
I have this day received from Mrs. H. M. Ferguson check No. 245 for $ 1 , requesting
photostat copy post office address } as per letter herewith.
Check herewith not certified to be returned. returned Mar 26 1927 AW
O. J. RANDALL Chief Finance Division. 266 L

1812 Wars Pension.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR BUREAU OF PENSIONS
WASHINGTON
February 19, 1927.
Mrs. Wm. M. Ferguson, Clearfield, Penn.
Madam:
I have to advise you, that the records fail to show claims for pension on file on account of the Revolutionary War services of David Hanna, John Ferguson, Christian Dale. and on account of the services in the Revolution and War of 1812, of John Rowles, as described by you.
If you wish photostat copies of papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Nicholas Straw, S. 23956, they will be furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is eight.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau, by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, ( not to the order of the Commissioner of Pensions).
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
Enclosed find $1.45 for photostat copy, certified of Nicholas Straw's pension papers
Yours truly
Mrs. W. M. Ferguson

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
aw
February 19, 1927.
Mrs. Wm. M. Ferguson, Clearfield, Penn.
Madam:
I have to advise you, that the records fail to show claims for pension on file on account of the Revolutionary War services of David Hanna, John Ferguson, Christian Dale, and on account of the services in the Revolution and War of 1812, of John Rawles you described by you.
If you wish photostat copies of papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim of Nicholas Straw, S. 23956, they will be furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is eight.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau, by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, ( not to the order of the Commissioner of Pensions).
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.
If paid for copy decla of Apr 10, 1833 = 4 pages aff of John Bloom Dec 19 SH = 1 " " " Christian Straw Jan 15 35- = 1 " " " Wm Porter Jan 15 35- = 1 " " " " " " " = 1 " " " " " " " = 1 "

SUITABLE LIFE ASSURANCE SOCIETY
OF THE UNITED STATES
W.A. DAY PRESIDENT
393 SEVENTH AVENUE NEW YORK
THE EDWARD A. WOODS COMPANY GENERAL AGENT FRICK BUILDING, PITTSBURGH
SPECIAL AGENT ALD, PA.
WESTERN CENTURY CLUB 1928
Clearfield Pa.
Feb. 14 1927.
Pension Commissioner
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir;
Spaght 823956
From the report of the Secretary of War of 1835, I learn that Nickolas Straw was pensioned in Clearfield County, 1833, pension to commence March 1831, age 81 years. The State Librarian at Harrisburg tells me I can secure a photostat copy of the papers signed by Nickolas Straw for 15 cents a sheet. Will you please tell me how much this will be as I desire a copy of this and will send you my check when I hear from you.
Do you have any record of David Hanna, Northumberland County, Buffalo Valley or Lock Haven Pennsylvania receiving a pension or being in the Revolutionary War.
Have you a record of John Rowles of Baltimore Md. During the Rev. He was at Valley Forge as a blacksmith. Later he moved to Curwensville, Pa. Was drafted in the war of 1812. none of both wars or who moved to Pa -
Have you a record of John Ferguson, Rev. soldier from Cumberland Co. Pa. He later moved to Clearfield Co. Pa.
Also Christian Dale who lived at Lewisburg 1772. He was a pioneer settler of Buffalo Valley, Northumberland Co. During the Rev.
Thanking you
Yours truly.
Mrs. William Mahaffey Ferguson

MRS. WILLIAM MAHAFFEY FERGUSON CLEARFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA
Jan. 15. 27. Pension Dept. Washington, D.C. Gentlemen:
Do you find records of Nicholas 1 Straw born 1744 - died 1834 being in the Revolution. He was pensioned till his death. He was at Valley Forge winter of 1777-8. If his wife's name is mentioned please tell me what it is as my histories conflict.
Would also like record of Christian 2 Dale, James 3 and John Ferguson, David 4 Hanna. Christian Dale was born 1733 died July 1805. John Ferguson was born 1754 died 1846. He served under General Sullivan. Was at Freeland's Fort when it was captured by Indians + British forces under General Butler.

I want to join the D.A.R. must have official verification of these records of my ancestors.
Thanking you, Yours truly Mrs. H. M. Ferguson.
Fourth Avenue Clearfield Pa.
PS These men all lived around Buffalo Valley in what was then Northern Berland Co. Pa. Nicholas Stran may have been from Greensburg Pa. 6 —
John Roriles was another ancestor who was in the Revolution. Do you have a record of him? Thanking you Mrs. H. M. Ferguson.

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 15400
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
May 31, 1927 192
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 8 pages from the Rev. Pension claim, S. 23956, Nicholas Straw
No. of copies 1 of each page. Shall form be kept standing? days
For further information see A. E. Wilson Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved: A. E. Wilson Acty Chief Clerk of Bureau.
R. E. Wilson Chief of Branch Division
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering.
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph single or double space? Facsimile signature? .....
Mimeograph one side or both sides? Facsimile signature? .....
Folding once or twice? Assembling Once? Twice? Side? End? Stapling
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Nicholas Straw, deceased Penn'a. (Clearfield County)
Act June 7, 1832 - for increase
Admitted -
Sent of Entry 2 mos, $26.66
Private " do 22 " 73.33
at _____ $100.00
per annum, from March 4 th , 1831 to August 28 th , 1833, when he died. deducting former payments at $80 per annum.
Certificate payable to
Christian Straw his administrator - for the benefit of himself and of Nicholas Straw
Rachel McCracken & Catharine Tubbs - his only surviving children.
Atty
A. A. Markland
Present.

Brief in the case of Nicholas Straw , decd (admitted under the name of Staw ) Clearfield County and State of Pennsylvania act June 7th, 1832.
Claim, (" original " "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Nicholas Staw. pensioned under act of 1832, on certificate issued May 9th, 1833, at $80 for two years service as private of Infantry - died Aug 28th, 1833.
Straw declared that he served a very considerable part of his time as a Lieutenant of Militia under Capt James Thompson, and others; but as the proof of his service was partial, only (If for increase.) he was not allowed for more than a private.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
On reference to the papers filed in support of the admitted claim of Capt James Thompson - Pa. act of 1832, No 5371. an original receipt of Nicholas Straw is found, receipting for the pay of his division of Capt Thompson's company for an amount, which, compared with other vouchers in the same connection, shows that he must have served as much as 2 months as Lieut. for which difference, alone, an increase is allowed, with the concurrence of the Comm. , making the pension $100 per annum, instead of $80.
Name and residence of Agent
A. H. Markland
Present
J. G. Dodge
Examining Clerk.
That Straw died as stated, leaving no widow. That Christine Straw is his Adm te , and the number & names of his able surviving children - parol testimony and Oral Certificate

Pension Papers 2
Free
Butler La 21 st April
J. L. Edwards Esquire
Comr of Pensions Washington City D.C.

Bull. April 20 th 1833.
Sir, You will much oblige me by your early attention to the inclosed applications.
I trust you will work your in relation to the applications of James Moore a son Lieut of Deane Co Penna also some applications from Butler Co Penna. (with Mr. Lading) Mr. Harbrow and others. will you please let me hear from you on this sub- ject -
I wish you to send on the application of James Russell for further proof as he received a certificate  was was granted for 6 m th before than he claimed owing to the omission of a record in the applications. I will then send on his certificate so that a new one may issue
Yours very Respectfully J. H. Gilmore

affirmation of Mary & Elizabeth Daughters of Mr. Henry

Centre County Pa
Seal
Personally came before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County Henry Dale who on his solemn affirmation that administered according to Law saith that he is well acquainted with Nicholas Straw who is about to apply for a pension for his Revolutionary services, and that he the said Nicholas Straw and this affiant enlisted on the tenth day of December 1776 under Captain William Gray and that he the said Straw was with this affiant in the Battle of Trenton on the 2 d day of January 1777, and in the Battle of Princeton the day following, and this affiant further saith that he was but seven or eight years of age when he entered the service and continued but three months at that time, and that he knows that the said Nicholas Straw was in the service after this affiant left the army and further saith not  Affirmed and subscribed the 30 th day of January A D 1828 before Wm Murray
Henry Deal
Centre County Pa
Personally appear d before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for said County Felix Dale who on his solemn affirmation saith he is well acquainted with Nicholas Straw the above named applicant for a pension, and saith that he well knows he was in the army the time of the Revolutionary War, and that after he came home from serving the first term of duty he lived on the frontier and again entered the Army in the month of December 1777 and continued in the army most of his time until peace was made between the United States and Great Britain & further saith not  Affirmed & subscribed the 30 th day of January A D 1828 before Wm Murray
Felix Deal

State of Pennsylvania Centre County
§ James Gilliland Proth.
Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Centre. Do hereby certify that William Murray Esquire before whom the within deposition was taken, and who has signed the same in his own proper hand writing, was at the time said depositions were taken an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn, and to whose official acts as such full faith and credit is and ought to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at Bellefonte the 16th day of November A.D. 1832.
James Gilliland Proth.
Information of Henry H. H. and John D. D.