Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 17123, for John Mc Gowan, Pennsylvania

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental Penn.
McGowan, John Mary
N. 17123
{ B.L. K. 1453. 300. capt. Issued Apr. 7. 1795 to John Nicholson, assignee of papers.
CONTENTS

Date of death not on list
864
City of New York - 33
3391 Mary M c Gowan, widow of John M c Gowan -
and died in the year 1796 - of N. York in the State of N. York who was a Captain in the Invalids  comman. by Captain  of the Reg t commanded by Col  in the Penna line for 2 years Captain of Invalids.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 480 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 th day of July 1840 and sent to Charles Bolt, Esq. New York -
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 1840 - $4560.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 th Mar ch '41 - 240.00
$4800.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Not July 4, 1836, Section the 3 rd }
Attested by S. A. Elliot Clerk,

United States of America Southern District of the  New York State of New York
No. 1.
City and County of New York ss. On this fourth day of May, One thousand, eight hundred and forty, personally appeared before me, Samuel R. Betts Judge of the U.S. Dist. Court, in open court Mary McGowan, of the ninth ward of the City in the county and state aforesaid, who being by me 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 4, 1836:— That she is the widow of John McGowan, who was a Captain in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. She further declares, that she was married to him at Mendham, in the State of New Jersey, in the year 1780, and removed with him to Philadelphia, then came to West Point; and from thence to Fish- kill, in the State of New York, in the year 1781, where her husband had the command of the Barracks, having been transferred from the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment commanded by Colonel Butler, to an Invalid Corps commanded by Colonel Nikolaus, of which Dr. Mays was the surgeon;— That she is half sister to Thomas Church, who was a Major in the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, and Alexander Church, a Captain in the Quarter master's Department, in the Revolu- tionary Army, at the time she became acquainted with her husband at Mendham:— That she was married, as nearly as she can ascertain, in the month of October, 1780, the record of her marriage having been sought for and not to be found, and a minute or the copy of it, in a family Bible, having been left to her two half brothers and lost to this applicant;— And that her husband died in Philadelphia, in the fall of the year 1793; and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by the proof annexed.
Sworn to and subscribed, on the fourth day and year above written, Before me, in open Court.
Sam R Betts Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
her Mary X McGowan mark

(No. 2.) Marriage Record.
State of New York
City and County of New York, ss. I, Charles Holt, of the city and county aforesaid, do under my oath depose and say, That I have made due and diligent search and enquiry in endeavouring to ascertain the date or time of the marriage of John McGowan and Mary Martin, which took place at Mendham, in New Jersey, in the month of October, one thousand seven hundred and eighty, according to the best information I have been able to obtain, either verbally or in writing; and that I believe no written record or evidence is to be found, at this time, of the day or date of the said marriage, as I am advised by a letter from the Postmaster at that place, of which the following is an exact and true copy, viz.
[Copy of the Letter.]
"Sept 18, 1839"
"Mr. Charles Holt,"
Sir, I received a letter some time ago from you concerning the marriage of Mary Martin to a McGowan in Mendham. I have made enquiry amongst the old inhabitants, and none of them remember any thing about them. There never was a Minister settled in this place by the name of Muhlenburg. [The name Mrs. McGowan thinks, of the clergyman who married her] — but from 1775 to 1790, [Mrs. McGowan was married in 1780] a minister by the name of Joline preached in this place, but there is no record now of his marriages. Perhaps Mrs. McGowan would remember some person who was at the wedding or some one that she lived neighbours about that time. If she does I will try and find out or it might have been in some other part of the country that she was married. At all events if I can be of any service to you I will assist.
"Yours with respect"
"John J. Ballentine!"
Signed and sworn to, this fourth day of Oct  May , 1840,
Charles Holt
Before me, Sam R. Betts Judge of the United States for the Southern District of New York

(See the No. 3.  ledger of the Bible, No. 3.) Extract from a record in a Bible, belonging to Martha Conenhoven, (formerly M c Gowan) - formerly the property, and the record made by Alexander Church, half brother of Mary M c Gowan.
"Alex r Church" (Signed.) "Martha M c Gowan, daughter to John and Mary his wife, was born the "7th day of November 1782, at eleven o'clock at night. "John" [ at Philadelphia as baptized Roger] M c Gowan their son was born the fifth day of "May 1784, at three o'clock in the morning."
The foregoing Record of the Birth of Martha Conenhoven, daughter of John and Mary M c Gowan, is copied truly from an Old Bible , in the hand writing of Alexander Church , whose signature, with evident marks of age, appears on this (species of) record, which contains also the name of Philip Church , the other half brother of Mary M c Gowan, mentioned in her Affi- davit. The date of Martha's birth is incorrect in the baptismal certificate. But both are truly and exactly copied, in their original shape, and are so presented, in order to avoid the suspicion or appearance of adaptation or alteration in the case.
Copied and certified by me, this 16th day of April, 1840, being duly sworn to, Charles Holt,
Before me, { W m H. Bell a justice of the Peace in the City & County of New York }
The Bible from which the above extract is copied, is the property of Mary M c Gowan, and came to her from her brother Alexander, whose name is written in several places, " Alexander Church his Bible, Oct. 21, 1781. " the said Bible having been in her possession ever since the death of her said brother to the present time.
Charles Holt

1842 No. 1. Know all Men by these Presents, That I, Mary W o Gowan, of the City and county of New York, do hereby make, constitute and appoint Charles Holt, of said City, my Attorney, for me and in my name and for my use, to apply for, demand and receive, all and whatever money or moneys may be due or to be obtained from the United States for me, as the Widow of the late John W o Gowan, a Captain in the Revolutionary War, as an annuity or pension, under any act or acts of Congress granting or authorising the same, and to take all proper and lawful measures for procuring said allowance or pension, and give a receipt and acquittance therefor, as fully and in every respect as I myself could do if I were personally present. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, this thirty first day of October, in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty Nine.
Sealed and delivered in presence of
Mary W o Gowan mark
Shankland Parsons
No. 5.
I, Mary W o Gowan, (formerly Mary Martin) of the city, county and state of New York, being duly sworn, depose and say, that I am the Widow of the late John W o Gowan, a Captain in the revolutionary Army of the United States in the 4th Regiment of the Pennsylvania line, commanded by Colonel Butler  William  William  Butler , from which he was transferred to an Invalid Corps, and put on half pay or pension; That I was married to the said Captain W o Gowan at Newburgh, in the State of New Jersey, in the month of October 1780, (the record being lost and date not exactly recollect ed ) and about two months after went with my husband to Philadelphia then to West Point, then to Fishkill, and then to Philadelphia near the beginning of 1781, (time of the Revolt of the Pennsylvania line Jan. 1. 1781) and was at Philadelphia at the time of the taking of Cornwallis, (in October 1781). That while in Philadelphia I had three children, one of which, Martha Newburgh now living, was christened by the reverend Mr. (since Bishop) White, some time about the year 1783. That my husband died in the first Philadelphia Yellow Fever, (in 1793) and I have remained his widow and unmarried ever since. That
I was

I was born in Ireland, and came to this country at the age of about 16, with my mother, and landed at New castle in the state of Delaware in the month of August soon after the first battle (at Lexington, April 1775) of the Revolution, and must now be 80 or 81 years of age. That I had two half brothers, Thomas and Alexander Church, the oldest of whom on the death of my father, took possession of his effects, among which were his family bible and records and other papers, containing a certificate of my marriage, the birth of my children, &c. which I have never seen since; that the record and certificate of my marriage and the birth and baptism of our children, has been diligently sought and searched after and cannot be found, and that I am known as having been the wife and widow of the said Captain John McGowan by respectable and credible witnesses now living, although all the desired record or certificates in the case are not to be found or obtained.
Signed and sworn to, this 16 16 day of October  April 40 18 37 . Before me,
Charles Holt, Commissioner of Deeds.
Wm H Hill a Justice of the Peace for the city & county of New York
her Mary McGowan mark
No. 5. Martha Louenhoven, widow, aged 57 years, being duly sworn, deposes and says, That (as far as she can know) she is the daughter of John and Mary McGowan, and was born in Philadelphia, in 1782. That her father was a Captain in the American Army of the Revolution, and received a Pension as an Invalid from the United States until his death, which was in the year 1793;— That her Mother, the widow of Capt. John McGowan, is now living, at the age of 80 or 81 years, and has not been married since the death of deponent's father; That the records of her mother's marriage and the birth of her children have been lost and cannot be found; And that deponent believes and has no doubt that the facts stated and set forth in her mother's application for a pension, are, as far as can be ascertained, strictly correct and true.
Signed and sworn to, this 16 21st day of September  April 40 18 37 , before me,
Charles Holt,
Commissioner of Deeds
Wm H Hill a Justice of the Peace for the city and county of New York
Martha Louenhoven
Retained, good No. 7. At Washington

State, city and county of New York, ss. I, Charles Holt, of said city and county, being duly sworn, depose and say, That the two leaves or pieces of paper annexed to this deposition, were in and a part of a Bible, in the possession of Mary McGowan, declared by her and her daughter to have been given her from her half brother Alexander Church, on his death, and formerly a present to him from Anthony Sim, in the year 1775. And further saith not.
Before me, this fourth day of May, 1840. Samuel R. Wells Judge of the United States for the Southern District of New York
Charles Holt.

Anthony Sime
Moethwen 15 th May 1775
Married his wife October 22 nd 1798 at New Church his Bible Oct 21 st 1798
Martha M c Govern Daughter to John and Mary his wife was born the 17 th Day of November 1782 at Eleven O'clock at night
John M c Govern their Son was Born the fifth Day of May 1784 at Three O'clock in the morning

United States of America
Southern District of New York ss: I Frederic J Belts Clerk of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York, Do hereby certify that Samuel R Belts whose name in his own proper hand writing is subscribed to the jurats to the foregoing depositions was at the time of signing the same Judge of the said District Court, and that the oaths were administered to the deponents Mary W Gowan, and Charles Holt were administered by the said Judge in Open Court the Fourth day of May A D 1840
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said District Court this Fourth day of May one thousand eight hundred and Forty
Fred J Belts Clerk.

No 5
10/10/10

Christopher Beakley, of the City and County of New York, being duly sworn, deposes and says, That he was in the service of the United States, in the American Army in the Revolutionary war, at Fishkill, N.Y. in the year 1781, That he was then acquainted with Captain John McGowan, commandant of the Barracks at that place, That the said McGowan had been married but a few months when he came to Fishkill where his first child was shortly after born with his wife, and lived a neighbour to this deponent, who was intimate with his family. That said McGowan went from Fishkill to Philadelphia, as deponent understood and has no doubt, where the said McGowan died, and Mary, his widow, came to reside in New York, where deponent has known her ever since, and she has remained a widow and never married again. That he knows or believes the said widow, and her daughter Martha Louenheven, to be persons of honest and unexceptionable character for truth and veracity, and worthy of entire and perfect credit in all that they may say or testify. And further says not.
C Beakley
Signed and sworn to this 17th  11th day of April 1840 October 1839. Before me.
Charles Holt,
Commissioner of Deeds.
Wm H Mills a Justice of the Peace In the City & County of New York
We have been for many years acquainted with Christopher Beakley, of this City, and know him to be a man of entire respectability, and perfectly entitled to credit for his truth and veracity. Dated at New York, this 22 day of Nov 1839.
Thos G Walmsley H on of the Ward
William Campbell " "
assistants H on of Ward

John McGowan W. 17123
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John McGowan are not shown in the papers in the pension claim.
He served as captain in the 4 th Pennsylvania Regiment, from which he was transferred to Colonel Nicola's Invalid Regiment and served to the close of the war. He was pensioned for disability, the nature of which was not stated.
He died at Philadelphia in the fall of 1793 of yellow fever.
It also appears that Warrant Number 1453 for three hundred acres of bounty land was issued April 7, 1795, on account of the above service. Said warrant was issued to John Nicholson, assignee.
The soldier married in October, 1780, in Mendham, New Jersey, Mary Martin. Mary was born in Ireland, date not shown and came to this country in August, 1775, with her mother, whose name is not given.
Soldier's widow, Mary, was allowed pension on her application executed February 12, 1840, at which time she was aged eighty or eighty-one years and was living on Charlton Street, New York City, with her daughter, Martha Cottenhoven.
John and Mary McGowan had three children: Martha, born November 7, 1782, married ----- Cottenhoven; John, born May 5, 1784, baptized in Philadelphia as Roger and was deceased in 1840; the name of the third child is not shown.
Three half brothers of the widow were referred to: Captain Alexander Church, Captain Thomas Church and Philip Church.
There are not further family data.
*****
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

155 Castle Pa (L.B.)
17.123.
Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 17123
Marg McGowan Widow of John McGowan Capt. Rev War
Act July 4th 86
Index: Vol. M , Page 24
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Febry - 1 - 1901 - m J. S. Du Shane - New C
Jan 24 '08. Hist. to H. K. Baillie (Vlavo. N.
1917 Mar. 22. Hist to H. S. McEown. ad.
1928. Aug. 13 D.B. Warnock furn. Hist. A.H.Y.
1928 Aug. 31 - D.B. Warnock rev'd no further data mmst
1933 - July 29 - Hist. to Miss Anna M. Maginnis EK
Letter in Care Capt John M c Corran B.L. St. 1822-300
1935 - Jan 26 - Hist to Miss Pearl M c Corran Letter in C. Capt John M c Corran B.L. St. 1822-300 EK

(6775)
N York
Mary M c Gowan
let. to Hon. O. Hoffman 28. March 1840
to same 23. April 1840
to L. Holt 27. June 1840
Set July 1838

Papers of Mary W cy Gowan.
No. 1. Declaration, under Act of 1836. 2. Affidavit of Want of Marriage Record. 3. Leaves from Bible, or Family Record. 4. Affidavit of C. Beakley Power of Attorney 5. Mary W cy Gowan and Martha Covenhoven's Affidavits 6. Affidavit or Declaration made before Judge Betts. 7. Certificate from Pennsylvania retained at Washington gov.

STATE OF NEW-YORK, CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW-YORK, } ss.
I, Joseph Hoxie , Clerk of the City and County of New-York, and also Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for the said City and County, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, That William H Bell, Esq. before whom the annexed deposition was taken, was, at the time of taking the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said City and County, duly commissioned and sworn, and that I believe the signature of said Justice thereto subscribed is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court and County, the 20 th day of April 18 40
S. H. Hoxie Clerk.

United States of America Southern District of New York ss. On this 12th day of February A 1840 personally appeared before me Samuel R. Betts Judge of the United States for the Southern District of New York Mary M c Gowan, who being by me first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration, that she now resides in the City of New York in Charlton Street with her Daughter Martha Conover; that she is the widow of John M c Gowan who was a Captain in the fourth Regiment of the Pennsyl- vania Line, from which he was transferred to a Regiment of Invalids in which two Regiments he served from the time she first knew him until the end of the Revolutionary War: She further declares that she was married to the said John M c Gowan in the town of Mendham in New Jersey in the fall of the year and according to the best of her recollection about two months after the Revolt of the Pennsylvania Line and that the said 4th Regiment to which her husband was attached was stationed at the time of her marriage at Morristown in New Jersey under the command of Col. William Butler and her half brother Thomas Church was then a Major in the same Regiment, but she is now unable to state the day or month

or year of her said marriage, and she further declares that her husband the said John McGowan died in Philadelphia several years after the close of the Revolutionary war, of the yellow fever, the year that fever first raged in Philadelphia, but she is unable to give the date of the year: And she further declares she was married to the said John McGowan whilst in the service and previous to the first of January 1794.
And she further declares that she is now unable from extreme age and failure of memory to state the above facts with more particularity as to dates or to give with certainty her own age; but she declares that she came to the United States with her mother then in August after the battle of Lexington, the same year, and was married as near as she can recollect about five years afterwards. And the above declaration is made in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838 entitled "An act granting full pay and pensions to certain widows." Given & subscribed on the day Mary McGowan of year above written (Mark) before me.
Law R Bette N. L. Franklin

No 2
5723 6775
(No. 7 retained at Washington - 1860)
Mary M c Gowan N.Y.
act 4 July 36
m 80-
adm
2 yrs left of Invalids
480 0
No deduction
on final settlement - Invalids for 87.2.3 - rec? 60 cents per
Hon. Ogden Hoffman
Charles Holt Esq New York

Southern District of New-York, ss :
I, FREDERIC J. BETTS, Clerk of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New-York, do hereby certify that The Honorable Samuel R. Betts — whose name, in his own proper hand writing, is subscribed to the jurat of the foregoing deposition — was, at the time of signing the same Judge of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New-York.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and affixed the seal of the said District Court, this eighteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty and of the independence of the United States the Sixty fourth
Fred. J. Betts Clerk

to Mr. ... at least
Mary M c Gowan
FREE
July 8. B.W.
22
James L. Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D.C.

Mr. Edwards,
Jersey City, N.J. July 7, 1840.
Sir, I thank you for your attention to the case of Mary M c Gowan , and hope to be able to make it sufficiently plain for your final and favorable action.
The want of any record of her marriage is accounted for in the best way we are able, and as we think the case will admit; and the copy of the letter from the Postmaster at Mendham shows that due search has been made for such record and any other evidence in vain, the state of the times possibly accounting for the want of certain and regular documents of the kind, and other casualties mentioned in the affidavit of the applicant — the discovery of the Bible fortunately coming in to our aid.
That she was the wife she declares herself to be is known to C. Beakley, (see his affidavit) as much as could be known by one who did not see the marriage ceremony performed, she living with the man known and accredited by common repute and never doubted, to be her husband. The Church Record of Philadelphia mentions the baptism of the children of John and Mary M c Gowan by name, Martha now living and deposing, and Roger , long since dead.
The time of his service and Act of Congress by which he was provided for, must rest with your discretion to determine. The old lady only remembers that he "served the war out," of year and date or time in her advanced age and state having no definite recollection. Whether her connexion with her half brothers Major Thomas Church and Captain Alexander Church, is any evidence of the correctness of her belief that he "served the war out," beyond the 1st of August 1780, you will decide. That he served beyond that date, and was married after it, while in the service, appears by the affidavit of Mr. Beakley.
I am very sensible, Sir, of the extreme difficulty and responsibility of your station, and had no idea of the trouble required to search out and present the proofs necessary to substantiate such a claim as I have made for the old lady. You are aware, however, of the change made in

in the affairs of a family and neighborhood where they were but transient residents, for a few months, sixty years ago, — and the effects of a want of education in those times.
If our claim to service must be limited to the 1st of August 1780 as its termination, at what time must it have commenced? The old lady speaks of her husband being transferred to the Invalid Regiment , for service in which, the Pennsylvania certificate stands. What corps might he have been in before? This strict calculation, from 1st August 1780 back to the time the balance certified accrued, you make the time he served "7 months and 21 days". That he served after August 1780 , would appear from his being at Morristown and married in the service in 1780, and at Fishkill and Philadelphia in 1781 and 1782. The certificate to August 1780 , must have been for preceding unsettled service; — after which he was married in October 1780, was at Fishkill, commanding at the Barracks, in 1781, and at Philadelphia in 1782 and afterwards. Mr. Beakley, a remarkably clear headed and intelligent man for his age, says her first child was born at Fishkill . If born at regular time this would make 9 months at least subsequent to the Pennsylvania certificate of 7 or 8 months to August 1780. If this child was not born until November 1782, it would extend the period of his service, and make it probable if not quite certain that it lasted "through the war," as insisted upon by the old lady and always understood by the daughter — and I have no doubt was the fact, however deficient in the evidence required to prove it we may be.
We cannot but regret that the law should raise any doubts of the marriage, where none ever existed before, and when nearly 60 years lapse of time renders proof so difficult and record not to be found. But to the law we must submit, as a regular course; and whether we come under the Act of 1838 or 1836, must be for you to determine. And we pray your favorable consideration of the premises as soon as convenient, in regard to the frail tenure of life in the aged and decrepid applicant.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
James L. Edwards, Esquire
Charles Holt

McGowan
June 20. 1840.
Mr. at
W. J.
Hon. J. L. Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D. C.

Mr. Edwards, Sir,
May 24th June 18, 1840. Jersey City,
If old age, want, and precarious health, furnish a plea for seeming importunity, we shall be excused for requesting your decision or further directions upon the application of Mary W il gowan for a pension, pending in your office for some time; that we may know whether any thing is to be expected from it, or can be done to promote its success. If there is no money appropriated in the Treasury, we presume a certificate of the claim would have the effect of at least saving the possible trouble of applying in the name of the daughter or other heirs of the present applicant, aged, sickly, and infirm as she is. Your favourable attention will ever be held in grateful remembrance.
Your obedient servant.
Charles H. H.
J. L. Edwards, Esquire!

Hon. Ogden Hoffman Esquire, U.S. House of Representatives Washington City D.C.

Mr. Hoffman,
Jersey City, April 20, 1840
Sir, I return you the papers of Mrs. McGowan, amended and corrected, agreeably to directions. The aid of Judge Bell, who is a neighbor to the old lady, was proffered, but declined, from the suggestion that his was not a Court of Record, which I now understand is not a fatal objection from a lawyer who found it to answer in the Pension Office. The official character of Judge Bell, from his being in a United States Court, I thought would be recognized at Washington without a certificate. The "application" or "declaration" before him was offered by me in the manner directed in the blank form, but the old lady being unused to examination and faltering in her recollection, the Judge preferred certifying it in his own way, and wrote it in the manner you see, intending to embrace all the points required in the printed directions. To be more certain, however, I forward a Declaration in the form prescribed, to accompany the one made before Judge Bell, who was too scrupulous to overlook dates so old and imperfectly remembered by the mother, although the daughter is positive and clear in her recollection, as mentioned in her affidavit. And the old lady, at her house, unembarrassed, examined by Judge Bell, was quite perfect and distinct in her recollection. Will you have the goodness, Sir, to look over the papers, and see if by any explanation and reference you may give them, any objections as to matters of mere literal form (if raised by the Commissioner, which I hope may not be the case) may not be removed.
Your much obliged and very obedient servant,
Charles Holt
Hon. Ogden Hoffman Esquire, U.S. House of Representatives.

FEB
John L. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D.C.
Atkins May 1874

New York, July 23, 1840.
Mr. Edwards,
Sir, Your Certificate for the Pension of Mary W m Gowan, dated the 16th instant, having arrived in due course of Mail, it becomes me to acknowledge the receipt thereof, and to return you my hearty thanks for your attention to the business; and to subscribe myself and in behalf of the aged Pensioner, with sincere respect,
Your very obedient humble servant,
Charles Holt,
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
3391 Act 1836

Mar 17. 1840.
O'Boyle Mr
James L. Edwards Account of Previous Le ...
from to-day
Mrs
Hoffman

Home of Reps April 21. 1840
Dear Sir,
after the receipt of your letter here with enclosed, I transmitted the Papers of Mrs. M c owan to New York, in order to have the deficiencies as to her proof supplied, in the manner you suggested - & believe , I hope, that they will now enable her to pass muster - and I trust, that this poor old woman may, in your opinion be entitled to the bounty of her "country" - I ask your attention to them -
Very Respectfully,
Yours &
J. Hoffman
2 1 Edwards Esq. Counsel of Pensions In & c

Hon. O. Hoffman, He. R.

Woun of Phe
March 16. 1840
Dear Sir,
Mr Charles Wells has informed me, that, some time since, he made an application to your office in behalf of Mrs. Mary Garrison of New York for a Pension. Will you do me the favor to inform me, whether her papers have been received & what is the result of your exami- nation of her case? So, that if the proof be not sufficient, measures may be taken to supply what may be required -?
I am, Sir,
Very Respectfully Yours & J. Woffman
L. L. Edwards Esq. Commissr of Pensions
Le ben se
Not an agent of 48th Street for 1838

And Gent

No. 163 1 Certificate for £ 115: 15. " Specie.
We do certify, that the State of Pennsylvania, is indebted to Captain John McEowan of the Invalid Regiment, in the sum of One hundred and fifteen pounds, fifteen Shillings Specie, with lawful interest from the 10th day of April 1781 being part of the amount of the residue of the depreciation of his pay, pursuant to two acts of Assembly, passed at Philadelphia, the 18th of Dec r 1780 and the 10th of April 1781
Philad a April 15th 1781
one year Int d Paid Mr. one year Int d Paid Mr. one year Int d Paid Mr.
Isaac Stevenson } Aud rs John Nicholson }
Auditor Genl's Office
I certify the foregoing is a correct copy of the original on file in this office. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office at Harrisburg the 25th day of October A.D. 1839
ROR Espy Auditor Genl.
10 of

No 7. 8.

Fourth Regiment Subsistence:
We and each of us whose names are hereunto subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B. Bowen, and Captain Vincarius Beatty, Agents for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several sums opposite to our names, respectively in certificates, dated July 1st 1784, bearing interest at six per cent. from August the first 1780, signed by John Pierce, Commissioner, and described as below, being for the last balance of a settlement between the United States and us for Subsistence to August the 1st 1780
Date of issue no of certif c
Dolls ct. Signed
March 21st 1785-69192, John McHowan $100.13 Sam d McClellan
Auditor Genl's office
Harrisburg Oct r 26th 1839
I certify the foregoing extract is a true copy of the original on file in this office. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day & year aforesaid
AT N Gspy Auditor Genl.

James L. Edwards, Esq. Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City.

New York, February 13, 1840.
Mr. Edwards,
Sir, In behalf of a poor but respectable old neighbour, I have undertaken to apply for the pension or half pay that may be due her from government under any laws formerly or recently passed and embracing her case.
She is the widow of John M c Guowan , a captain in the Pennsylvania line, to whom she was married in 1780. Her husband was transferred to an Invalid Regiment, and she thinks received his pension till 1793, the year of his death, since which she has remained unmarried.
The existence of such a man is shown by the Certificate from the Auditor General of Pennsylvania, in the 14th Regiment of the line, and then in the Invalid Regiment.
The name of his wife is shown by the Record of Christ Church in Philadelphia, and in a family bible confirmed by oral testimony.
At this late period of time, 58 years since, no living witness to her marriage are recollected; but unimpeachable testimony of her being known and living with her husband as his wife, as a matter never questioned or doubted, is presented. The record of her marriage being lost, as accounted for in her affidavit, and search having been made for it without success.
The evidence I have been able to obtain of the facts stated is submitted to you, to determine whether it is the best that can reasonably be expected or not, and sufficient under all circumstances to decide in her favour; with a request, that if you find any deficiency in the papers presented, you will have the goodness to point it out, and direct the return of the documents for such addition or correction as you may deem proper.
The applicant is destitute of professional aid, and prays you to examine the papers sent you in extenso , and if you can find in them the substance of the matter required by the technical form, to waive such objections to the manner as may be dispensed with, and give us as easy instructions to finish the business as may consist with the faithful discharge of your public duty and all safe and humane regard to the generally needy character or condition of the subjects for your consideration.
I am, Sir, with the greatest respect,
Your very obedient servant,
James L. Edwards, Esq. (Commissioner of Pensions.)
Charles Holt.

NEW CASTLE CHAPTER SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
New Castle, Pa.
Jan. 14 1900
Commissioner of Pensions,
Dear Sir.
Will you please give us such military and personal history as may be contained in the application for pension of Capt. John McGowan , of the 4 th Penna. Line Troops in the Revolutionary War,
Yours truly
J. S. Dushane,
President.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.
January 13, 1908.
The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Sir:-
If consistent with the rules of your office will you please give me such information as there may be on record, regarding John McCowen who served in the Revolutionary War as Captain of a Pennsylvania company.
He was retired as a Captain for disability and received a pension until his death, leaving a widow who received the pension until her death.
I desire to know the date of the death of the said Captain John McCowen and the name and date of death of his widow.
Respectfully,
H. K. Baillie
"The Bartram"
Chestnut & 33rd Sts.,
Philadelphia, PA.
Mrs. W. L. Baillie

Rev Sec one
NEW CASTLE, PA.
Commissioner of Pensions
Dear Sir:
I am a descendant of Capt. John McGoun of Miles Rifle Regiment, Pennsylvania Troops in the Revolutionary War.
He was pensioned. Will you please give me such of his personal and military record as is contained in his application.
Your's truly
H.E McGoun
205 N Mercer St.,
New Castle, Pa.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Old War & Navy Division
He was buried in North Beaver Twp.
Beaver Co. (now Lawrence Co.) Pa.

Warnock-Robingson Company
D. B. WARNOCK, PRESIDENT C. C. ROBINGSON, VICE-PRESIDENT H. B. BUSH, SECRETARY H. G. WARNOCK, TREASURER
SAFE DEPOSIT AND TRUST BUILDING FOURTEEN NORTH MERCER STREET
New Castle, Pa.
October 11, 1927.
Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Is there any record in your office of one John McGowan, who served in the Revolutionary War as a Captain in the 4th Pennsylvania Regiment. He was commissioned in January, 1777. He also served in that war as a captain in the Corps of Invalids, Continental Troops. Was wounded at Germantown.
If he ever received a pension, can you furnish me the date of birth and death. Or, if he received a land grant, is such on record in your office. I have reason to believe he received a land grant, but have no knowledge of what disposition he made of it, and am of the opinion that he died soon after the land was granted.
Thanking you for any information you may be able to give me, I am,
Very truly yours
A handwritten signature in cursive, appearing to read "D. B. Warnock".
D. B. WARNOCK
126 North Walnut Street New Castle, Pa.

Warnock-Robingson Company
D. B. WARNOCK, PRESIDENT C. C. ROBINGSON, VICE-PRESIDENT H. B. BUSH, SECRETARY H. G. WARNOCK, TREASURER
TWENTY-SIX SOUTH MILL STREET
New Castle, Pa.
August 16, 1928.
Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Winfield Scott, Commissioner
Dear Sir:
Re: Rev.& 1812 Wars Section Capt. John McGowan
I thank you for your letter of August 13, containing information as to the war record of the above mentioned McGowan. There seems to have been two Capt. John McGowans serving in the Rev. War from Pennsylvania. The John McGowan in whom I am interested received a grant of 500 acres in what is now Lawrence (then Beaver) County Penna., being Lot No. 8 First Donation Lands. The grant seems to have been made direct to McGowan. Sur. Oct. 24, 1785., Pat. Apr. 4, 1789.
If any further information relating to this John McGowan should come to your knowledge I will appreciate advice.
Very truly,
D. B. WARNOCK,
126 North Walnut Street New Castle, Pa.

Rev. War Section.
March 23, 1917.
Mr. H. E. McGoun, 205 N. Mercer St. New Castle, Pa.
Sir:
In reply to your letter which was received the 9 th instant, you are advised that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford information in regard to any soldier named John McGoun, but from the papers in the Revolutionary War claim W. 17,123, it appears that one John McGowan served as Captain in the Fourth Penn. Regiment, from which he was transferred to Col. Nicola's Invalid Regiment and served to the close of the war. He was pensioned for disability, the nature of which is not stated and he died of yellow fever at Philadelphia in the fall of 1793.
b. l. - x He His age is not given.
He married at Mendham, N. J., in Oct. 1780, Mary Martin, who was born in Ireland, date not stated, and came to the United States in August 1775, with her mother, whose name is not given. She was allowed pension on her application executed Feb. 12, 1840, at which time she was 80 or 81 years of age and living on Charlton Street, New York City. She had a daughter Martha Conenhoven, who was born Nov. 7, 1782. They had a son John born May 5, 1784, and it is stated that he was baptized in Philadelphia, as Roger. Another child is also referred to name not stated.
Soldier's widow Mary
Very respectfully,
Last place; at the time she applied for pen. she was living with G. McGowan, b. - They also had a son Commissioner.
In view of the misrep in printed records as to date of death, and the fact that there was more than one Pa Captain of this name under different spellings of it and also that the Pa. Inv. pensioner is reported as McGowan, I adhered strictly to data in claim and did not quote pension record of Inv. of 1835.

See Pa. Archives 5 th Series, Vol. 2, p 1032
It shows John McGowan as Captain H th Pa. Regt. "from Miles' Jan 3. 1777; brigade Major, Oct. 1777; wounded at Germantown; transferred to Invalid Corps, Feb. 3. 1781, aged 44 years. Jan. 1786, see pen. papers."
and same series Vol. 4, page 568,
on list of Phila Co. Pa. pension applications on file in Division of Public Records in the Penn. State Library is
"John McGowan, was a Captain in H th Pa. Regt. was wounded at Battle of Germantown on Oct. 4. 1777."
On 1835 list of Invalid pensioners paid at Phila. whose papers were destroyed appears John McGowan Capt. Rev. #240. Act June 7, 1785-
There is a bounty land granted on service of a Capt. John McGowan of Pa. W# 1822-300. No data as to service in that claim and family data entirely different from W 17123 - The Pa. Archives shows none than one officer named John McGowan (there was a Capt. in 6 th Pa. in 1778)
The Pa. Archives & Heitman give the wrong date of death for W. 17123. they say 1805 so I am afraid all the printed records are mixed about these men.

A.N.Y.
August 13, 1928.
D. B. Warnock, 128 North Walnut Street, New Castle, Pennsylvania.
Sir:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 17123, it appears that one John McGowan served as captain in the Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment, from which he was transferred to Colonel Nicola's Invalid Regiment and served to the close of the war. He was pensioned for disability, the nature of which is not stated. He died of yellow fever at Philadelphia in the fall of 1793. His age is not given.
It also appears that Warrant Number 1453 for three hundred acres of bounty land was issued April 7, 1795 on account of the above service. Said warrant was issued to John Nicholson, assignee.
He married October 1780, in Mendham, New Jersey, Mary Martin. She was born in Ireland, date not stated, and came to the United States in August 1775, with her mother, whose name is not given. Soldier's widow Mary was allowed pension on her application executed February 12, 1840, at which time she was eighty or eighty-one years of age and living on

Charlton Street, New York City.
At the time she applied for pension she was living with her daughter, Martha Conenhoven, born November 7, 1782. They also has a son John born May 5, 1784, and it is stated that he was baptized in Philadelphia, as Roger. Another child is also referred to name not stated.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
COPIED BY ADY
August 31, 1938.
D. B. Warnock, 126 North Walnut Street, New Castle, Pennsylvania.
Sir:
I advise you that the grant of five hundred acres of land in Lawrence (then Beaver) County, Pennsylvania, Lot number 8 eight, First Donation Lands, issued to Captain John McGowan, October 24, 1785, Pat. April 4, 1789, as cited by you, does not pertain to United States records, but to state records.
It is regretted that the bureau has no record other than that furnished you of a John McGowan, on the 13" instant.
Respectfully,
E. W. MORGAN, Acting Commissioner.

July 29, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-T/HEL
Miss Anna M. Maginnis 603 N. Jefferson Street Abingdon, Illinois
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John McCown, private of the 4 th Pennsylvania Battalion, and Captain John McGown, of the 6 th Pennsylvania Regiment.
A search of the records has been made in your behalf and no claim for pension found based upon the service of the first named John McCown. The record of a Captain John McGown and that of a Captain John McGown, both of the Pennsylvania Line, have been found. Their records are furnished you herewith as found in the papers on file in the claims made to the United States based upon their service in the Revolution.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

July 29, 1933
----- BA-J/REL John McCowan-B.L.Wt.1822-300 John McCowan-W.17126
Miss Anna M. Maginnis 603 N. Jefferson Street Abingdon, Illinois
Dear Madam:
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John McCowan are not shown in the papers in the application for bounty land.
John McCowan served as a captain in the Pennsylvania Line, War of the Revolution; his service did not conclude until the close of the war; no further particulars are shown.
His wife, her name and the date of their marriage not given, died about 1797 and the soldier had died a few years previous.
His widow left two children, a daughter, Martha, and a son, John; the dates of their birth are not stated. Martha married ----- Smith and in 1832, was a widow and residing in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John married Sarah-----, date not given, and died about 1820, leaving his widow and four children, as follows: Susannah, married ----- Ashmore; William; John; and Charles, in 1832, aged respectively twenty-four, twenty-two, twenty and eighteen years, and all residing in Philadelphia.
The above named heirs of Captain John McCowan were allowed bounty land in full satisfaction for his services in the War of the Revolution on their application executed February 29, 1832.
In order to obtain the location of the land, you should apply to The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, citing the following data: Wt.#1822-300-acres, issued March 19, 1832.
* * * * *

January 26, 1938
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Mrs. Pearle McCowan 531 So. Jefferson Mason, Michigan
BA-J/ERL John McCowan- B.L.Wt.#1822-300 John McCowan-W.17133
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Brigadier-Major John McGowan or McCowan, Revolutionary War soldier, who might be Captain McCowan.
You are furnished herein the records of a Captain John McCowan, also, that of a Captain John Mc Gowan, both of the Pennsylvania Line, War of the Revolution. It is hoped that these records will be of assistance to you in your research.
John McCowan B.L.Wt.#1822-300
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in claim for bounty land based upon the military service in the Revolutionary War of John McCowan.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John McCowan are not shown.
John McCowan served as a captain in the Pennsylvania Line, War of the Revolution; his service did not conclude until the close of the war; no further particulars of his service are shown.
His wife, her name and the date of their marriage not given, died about 1797 and the soldier had died a few years previous to her death. officer
His widow left two children, a daughter, Martha, and a son, John; dates of birth of children are not stated. Martha married ----- Smith and in 1832 was a widow, residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. John married Sarah -----, date not given and died about 1820, leaving his widow and four children, as follows: Susannah, married----- Ashmore; William; John; and Charles, in 1832,

aged respectively twenty-four, twenty-two, twenty and eighteen years, and all residents of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
February 19, 1832, the above named heirs made application for the bounty land which was due on account of the service of Captain John McGowan in Revolutionary War. They were granted three hundred acres of bounty land on Warrant No.1832, issued March 19, 1832.
In order to obtain information in regard to the location of the land cited above, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official the number of the warrant, the acreage and the date of issuance of said warrant.
*****
→ John McGowan W.17123
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.17123, based upon the military service in that war of John McGowan.
The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John McGowan are not shown.
John McGowan served as captain in the 4 th Pennsylvania Regiment, from which he was transferred to Colonel Niels's Invalid Regiment and served to the close of the war. He was pensioned for disability, the nature of which was not stated.
He died at Philadelphia in the fall of 1793 from Yellow fever.
It also appears that Warrant Number 1453 for three hundred acres of bounty land was issued April 7, 1795, on account of the above service. Said warrant was issued to John Nicholson, assignee.
This officer The soldier married in October, 1780, in Mendham, New Jersey, Mary Martin. Mary was born in Ireland, date not shown and came to this country in August, 1775, with her mother, names of Mary's parents not shown.

Mary, widow of Captain John McGowan, was allowed pension on her application executed February 12, 1840 at which time she was aged eighty or eighty-one years and was living on Charlton Street, New York City, with her daughter, Martha Couenhoven.
John and Mary McGowan had three children: Martha, born November 7, 1782, married -----Couenhoven; John, born May 5, 1784, baptised in Philadelphia as Roger and was deceased in 1840; the name of the third child is not shown.
Three half brothers of the widow were referred to: Captain Alexander Church, Captain Thomas Church and Philip Church. Their places of residence are not shown.
In order to obtain information in regard to the location of the land cited above, you should address The Commissioner of the General Land Office, Interior Department, this city, and furnish that official the number of the warrant, the acreage, the date of issuance of said warrant, name of soldier and name of assignee.
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension and the name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Mary McGowan, widow of John McGowan(S.17123), you should address The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following data:
Mary McGowan, widow of John McGowan Certificate No.339 Issued July 16, 1840 Rate, $480.00 per annum Commenced March 4, 1831 Act of July 4, 1836 New York Agency.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.