Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 4017, for Jacob Surber, Virginia

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va.
Surber, Jacob
S. 4017
carded
CONTENTS

26. 526. 22.471
Jacob Suiber Ohio
Return
Adm 2 years. $80.—
William Scott Hillsboro Highland Co Ohio

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
9th October 1823
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of Jacob Surber
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     March 1777 h. private Capt. Denton 89 years   April 1778 h. " Same Captain Shenandoah   March 1779 h. " " " County Traditionary   April 1780 h. " " " Va.   March 1781 3. " Capt. Rinker   Col. Rinker   July 1781. 20 " Same Captain   Col. Tipton   Aug - " 3. " Capt. McC   Col. Barker  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
It would be satisfactory to the Dept. if the claimant was to state explicitly, whether he was engaged in no civil pursuit, & was in actual Military Service during the whole time he alleged to have acted as an Indian Spy. See Note C.

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

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

The State of Ohio } ss. Personally appeared before the subscriber Highland County } one of the justices of the peace in for said county on the 21 st day of June AD 1833.
Leah Furber a resident of said county of Highland aged 89 years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth in his oath sub d the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th AD 1832. — That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated — The following interrogatories were propounded by said justice of the peace to said applicant to which the annexed answers were returned.
1 st Question. Where & in what year were you born? Answer. I was born in Germantown in the State of Pennsylvania in the year of our Lord 1744. —
2 nd . Have you any record of your age? Answer. I have not.
3 rd . Where were you living when called into service; Where have you lived since the revolutionary war, & where do you now live?
Ans r . I lived when called into service in the County of Shenandoah in the State of Virginia, After performing my several tours of service in the revolutionary war I again returned to said County of Shenandoah where I lived till the year 1801. — when I moved to the State of Tennessee, remained there about 9 years when I moved to Highland County Ohio where I have since resided.
4 th . How were you called into service? Answer. I always volunteered.
5 th . State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops when you served; also continental & militia regiments as you can recollect, & the general circumstances of your services.
Ans r . In the month of March AD 1777 I volunteered in the company of Virginia Militia commanded by Captain Jonathan Bratton in the County of Shenandoah in said State of Virginia — Said Company was stationed at a place called Wendall's fort in said County of Shenandoah. Soon after I joined said Company I among others was sent out by my said Captain as a spy against the Indians with orders to range throughout the mountains of said County of Shenandoah & the neighboring counties. I acted as a spy in this tour six months during which time I frequently returned to said fort to give information to my said Captain. The spirit of said Company killed one hostile Indian during the term of my service. I was discharged verbally by Captain Bratton in September 1777.
2 d In the month of April AD 1778 I again volunteered under said Captain Bratton of the Virginia Militia & served as a spy against the Indians over the same tract of country — rendezvoused at the same fort. Wendall I was discharged after six months service by my said Captain.
3 d In the month of March AD 1779 I again volunteered under the same Captain Jonathan Bratton of the Virginia Militia as a spy against the Indians served as a spy for the term of six months over the same tract of country after which I was again verbally discharged by my said Captain at said fort Wendall.
4 th In the month of April AD 1780 I again volunteered under the same Captain Bratton at said fort Wendall for a six months tour as a spy against the Indians I served as a spy through the same tract of country for six months I was then

discharged verbally at said fort Stradale by my said Captain - As a spy against the Indians I served two years at least during which time I repeatedly saw hostile Indians & as frequently gave intelligence of the fact to my said Captain Denton who was stationed for a principal part of said 2 years in said fort Stradale with a part of his company - There was at said fort Stradale no higher officer than a Captain during my services as a spy for my men any is so has on account of my old age that I cannot recollect the name of the Colonel who commanded the regiment of which said Denton's company was a part - (3 rd ) Some time in the first of March 1781 I again volunteered in the company of Virginia Militia commanded by Captain Henry Rinker at said county of Shenandoah in Virginia our regiment was commanded by Colonel Jacob Rinker We were called together at that time for the purpose of driving off some Tories who were collecting in forest a place called Gap Capen in the mountains of Shenandoah County - We marched immediately to Gap Capen & dispersed the Tories then collected after wounding one & taking some prisoners - After serving three months in this tour I rec d a written discharge from my said Captain Rinker
(6 th ) About the middle of July 1781 I again volunteered in said county of Shenandoah under Captain Henry Rinker of the Virginia Militia in the regiment commanded by Colonel Lipton - This was soon after the army of General Cornwallis invaded the state of Virginia - I marched under said officers to a place called the "Burnt Ordinary" from the fact that a part of the British army under Cornwallis had burnt the place a few days previous - From thence to the place where I volunteered when I was discharged - say my said Colonel - I volunteered for but 20 days the term served out my 20 days I rec d a written discharge -
(7 th ) In the month of August 1781 I again volunteered at said county of Shenandoah for the Virginia Militia under Captain Lee - for a three months term - our Colonel Colonel was named Wartle - The object of our being called out at this time was to defend the state against the invasion of the British under Lord Cornwallis - We marched under command of said officers to Yorktown soon after I volunteered - I remained under said officers before Yorktown of York which was then occupied by Cornwallis & surrendered by Washington until the surrender of Cornwallis - I after serving three months was discharged by my said Captain Lee & I rec d at the time a written discharge -
In all the 7 terms of service in the revolutionary war above mentioned I served two years six months & 20 days at least -
8 th Question - State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution?
Answer - Hercules Murphy Nathan Putnam Jacob Coffman John Borden Anthony Sonner & many others will testify as is required -
9 th Question - Did you ever receive a discharge? - After the 4 th first above mentioned term of service as a spy I was verbally discharged by my officer - after the then last term I rec d in each case a written discharge all of which I have since lost -
This applicant says that at the said siege of Yorktown he was wounded in the left arm by a musket ball - That during said siege he became acquainted with Genl. Washington Col. Fayette Wayne, & Stephens - & then another officer or regiment other than already mentioned - He has no documentary proof nor does he know any individual who can testify as to his services

That said applicant resides between 10 & 15 miles from the place where the Court of record for said county sits & that he is unable from bodily infirmity to go such a distance from home without serious injury to his self - He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Sworn to & subscribed the day I hear aforesaid before me
John Calvin cc V.P.
Isaac S Surber mark
We Nathan Puhlham a Clergyman residing in said county of Highland & Frederick Gibler & Anthony Forner residing in the same county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Isaac Surber who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 89 years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a Soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to & subscribed before me the day & year aforesaid
John Calvin cc V.P.
Nathan Puhlham G. Gibler Anthony Forner
And the Court of Common Pleas in & for said county of Highland now in session do hereby declare their opinion after investigating the matter, that the interrogatories prescribed by the war department were put by said justice of the peace to said applicant, that said applicant was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states, & that he could not conveniently attend personally before this court to make his declaration by reason of old age & consequent bodily infirmity. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Nathan Puhlham who has signed the preceding certificate is a Clergyman residing in said county of Highland & that Frederick Gibler & Anthony Forner who have also signed the same are also residents of said county, are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.
July 16 th AD 1833.
Samuel Bell Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said county of Highland in the State of Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said court in the matter of the application of Isaac Surber for a pension. Witness my hand & seal of office this 16 th day of July AD 1833
Samuel Bell Clerk of Highland County Ohio.

The State of Ohio, Highland County, ss:
Personally appeared before me one of the justices of the peace in & for said county, the within named Jacob Surber who made solemn oath that he was in the service of the United States during the revolutionary war as an indian spy at four different times (that each time when he went out as a spy against the indians, served six months, as he has stated in the within declaration he was in actual service either as an indian spy or under arms & performing garrison duty in fort Muncie taken the spring of 1782 and 1783 - and that during the time in which this applicant's service as mentioned in the within declaration was performed, he was never employed in any civil pursuit but always was under arms & performing military duty.
his Jacob Surber
Sworn to & subscribed before me a justice of the peace of said county this 23 rd day of October In the Year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred thirty three.
John Calvin
26. 594
I Samuel Bell Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Highland County in the State of Ohio do hereby certify that John Calvin who has subscribed his name to the above certificate was at the time of signing the same one of the justices of the peace in & for Highland County Ohio duly commissioned & qualified that the above signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand Seal of Office this 24 th day of October 1833.
Samuel Bell Clerk

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
August 17, 1853.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 28, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the Pension agents,
the only child of Jacob Surber, dec., a Pensioner on the Roll of the Cincinnati Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June 1832 has been paid at this Department, from the 11 th of Sept. 1838 to the 23 rd August 1839.
Respectfully, yours,
J. P. Minton Acting Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

April 14, 1932
BA-J/AWF XXXXXXXXXXXX Jacob Surber S. 4017
Mrs. Maude S. Swisher 1076 West Macon Street Decatur, Illinois
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter requesting information in regard to Jacob Surber, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 4017, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Jacob Surber.
He was born in 1744 in Germantown, Pennsylvania.
While living in Shenandoah County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as an Indian Spy in Captain Jonathan Denton's company of Virginia militia, as follows--from sometime in March 1777, six months; from sometime in April 1778, six months; from sometime in March 1779, six months; and from sometime in April 1780, six months. He enlisted sometime in March 1781 and served three months as private in Captain George Rinker's company in Colonel Jacob Rinker's Virginia regiment. He enlisted about the middle of July 1781 and served twenty days in Captain George Rinker's company in Colonel Lipton's Virginia regiment. He enlisted sometime in August 1781 and served three months in Captain All, See or Lee's company in Colonel Darke's Virginia regiment, and was at the siege of Yorktown, where he was wounded in the left arm by a musket ball.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 21, 1833, at which time he was living in Highland County, Ohio, where he had moved from the state of Ten-

nesses, having moved there in 1801 from Shenandoah County, Virginia.
He died August 23, 1839, leaving an only child, whose name is not given, nor is the name of his wife shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Nilesboro' Ohio
Sir
I have according to your request taken Surgen's affidavit in which he has stated as minutely as possible his services as an Indian Spy in the Revolutionary war.
I am Sir
Wm. Scott -
Lt. Edwards Esq. } Counsel of Pensions }

Rev War
4017
INVALID.
File No. 4017
Jacob Surber Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 364
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1920 Dec 11. Transcript of copies to my P.M. Ansbach. and 1920 Jan. 6. Copies mailed to P.M. Ansbach 1932 April 14 given to Mrs. Maudie S. Surber

Request for Photostating (To be prepared in duplicate.)
3-2006
Ex. pw
2531
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job No. _____ Date Dec. 31. 25 Subject Jacob Surber, Rev. SH 017 1 copies of 2 pieces consisting of 5 pages to be (No.) (No.) (No.) forwarded when completed to the Rev. 1812 War's Sect Division.
Remarks: _____
Approved:
W.E. Wilson Chief Division. Sect.
Chief Clerk.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section aw
December 4, 1925.
P. M. Ansbach, Alhambra Apartments, San Francisco, Calif.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 31218, it appears that John Lochridge, pensioned as Lockridge, was born in October 1762, in Augusta County, Virginia.
While a resident of Rockbridge County, Virginia, he enlisted in 1781, served three months as a private in Captain Tilford's Company, Colonel McDowell's Virginia Regiment and was at the battle of Guilford.
He again enlisted in 1781 and served three months in Captain Eliot's Virginia Company.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 1, 1832, while living in Montgomery County, Kentucky.
In 1840 soldier was living in Sangamon County, Illinois, where he had moved that he might provide for a large family of children, having lost his wife in Kentucky. Her name and those of his children are not on record.

From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 4017, it appears that Jacob Surber was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, in 1744.
While living in Shenandoah County, Virginia, he enlisted and served as an Indian Spy, in Captain Jonathan Denton's Company of Virginia Militia as follows: from March 1777, for six months: from April 1778, for six months: from March 1779, for six months: and from April 1780, for six months.
From March 1781, he served three months as a private, in Captain George Rinker's Company, Colonel Jacob Rinker's Virginia Regiment.
From July 1781, he served twenty days in Captain George Rinker's Company, Colonel Lipton's Virginia Regiment..
From August 1781, he served three months in Captain See, or Lee's Company, Colonel Darke's Virginia Regiment and was at the Siege of York, where he was wounded in the left arm by a musket ball.
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 21, 1833, while living in Highland County, Ohio, He died August 23, 1839, leaving an only child, whose name and that of his wife are not on record.
If you desire photostat copies of the papers in the above noted claims, the same will be furnished you, at the

rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra in each claim for certification, if that is desired.
In the claim of Jacob Gurber, S. 4017, the number of pages to be copied is five.
In the claim of John Lochridge, S. 31218, the number of pages to be copied is six.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this Bureau, by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

3-2233
113
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Dec. 21, 1925.
Chief Rev. Sec. Division.
I have this day received from P. M. Arsbach
..... M. Q. .... No. ....
for $ 75/100 ..... requesting
photostat copy post office address } as per
letter herewith.
1926 Jan 6 Copies made for Finance Div noted AW
O. J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Div.
26-6-2

Attention of Rev. & 1812 Section. Reference is made to Revolutionary and 1812 Wars Section, as requested in the letter of the Commissioner of Pensions to me, dated December 4, 1925, concerning the following:
Alhambra Apartments, 860 Geary Street, San Francisco, California. 9 December 1925.
The Honorable, The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
I beg to thank you for your letter of the 4th instant, with brief account of Revolutionary services of John Lochridge and Jacob Surber.
I desire to have photostated the declaration or Revolutionary services of Jacob Surber, whose Revolutionary war pension claim you state to be S. 4017, and the number of pages copied you state to be five. I do not desire certification, and for photostating of said Surbers services, I inclose herewith post office money order for seventy-five cents.
Unless I have the above promptly, shall be unable to use it. Therefore, I hope for a response at your earliest convenience, if not by return post.
Respectfully,
P. M. Ansbach P. M. ANSBACH
mailed at earliest possible date. Photostat Operator was sick, last two weeks of Dec 1925

Alhambra Apartments, San Francisco, California. November 28, 1925.
The Honorable, The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.
Dear Sir:
On or about October 31, I wrote you requesting the usual brief outline you give citizens, of the Revolutionary pension declaration of John Lockridge and Jacob Serber (Surber), and cost of photostating same , which I believe I am entitled to under the law.
Not having heard from you, may I respectfully call your attention to the above matter, and hope for a reply at your earliest convenience, if not by return mail?
John Lockridge resided in Montgomery county, Kentucky, and Jacob Serber, in Hamilton county, Ohio, according to the report on Revolutionary pensioners of the Secretary of War in 1835.
Very respectfully,
P. M. Ansbach P. M. Ansbach
Handwritten notes: Jacob Surber, Va. S4017- = 5 pages — decla = 4 pages Comp. Rep. = 1 " John Lockridge Va. S31218 = 6 pages — decla = 4 pages af. of 1820 = 2 "
RECEIVED NOV 30 1925

Alhambra Apartments, San Francisco, California. October 31, 1925.
The Honorable, The Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I have been informed you will furnish the Revolutionary records of two soldiers of the Revolution, without a request coming through our Congressman. I was not aware of this and am anxious to obtain two records.
I will be pleased if you will give me a short record-as disclosed in their declarations-of birth, residences, services and any family data, on Jacob Serber (sometimes spelled Surber) and John Lockridge. Serber was a resident of Hamilton county, Ohio, and John Lockridge, of Montgomery county, Kentucky, according to the published list of Revolutionary pensioners made in the report by the Secretary of War in 1835.
Please also inform me how much it will cost to have the above declarations photostated.
Very respectfully yours,
P. M. Ansbach P. M. ANSBACH

WESTERN ADJUSTMENT AND INSPECTION COMPANY
ESTABLISHED 1885
HEAD OFFICE-CHICAGO
R. A. SELLERY, GENERAL MANAGER R. R. LIPPINCOTT, ASST. GENL. MGR. J. K. NELSON, ASST. GENL. MGR. H. M. GREENBERG, GENERAL ADJUSTER T. C. REED, GENERAL ADJUSTER GALE TILMAN, AUTO SUPT. T. SHUGART, SPECIAL RISK SUPT.
BRANCH OFFICE
W. M. ELLIOTT, MANAGER CITIZENS BUILDING TELEPHONE 5383 DECATUR, ILLINOIS
DIRECTORS
 C E DOX G H BELL  J F STAFFORD C W HIGLEY  J C HARDING A F POWRIE  C R TUTTLE E A HENNE  F A RYE G C LONG, JR.  A G DUGAN JNO A CAMPBELL  C R STREET W N ACHENBACH  S M BUCK 
May 3, 1932
U S Commissioner of Pensions Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:
My ancestors were Adams Surber (Capt. Adams Surber) and Col. Jacob Surber - My grandfather Isaac Surber was born in about 1789 in Wythe Co Virginia - The family then about 1808 moved to Kentucky - My father was Henry Clay Surber son of Isaac Surber and Artemacy Mayfield Surber. I wish to get a record of the Revolutionary Service of both Adams (Capt) & Col. Jacob Surber so my daughter can go into the D A R thru Surber Line - I know they received a pension

WESTERN ADJUSTMENT AND INSPECTION COMPANY
ESTABLISHED 1885
HEAD OFFICE - CHICAGO
R. A. SELLERY, GENERAL MANAGER R. R. LIPPINCOTT, ASST. GENL. MGR. J. K. NELSON, ASST. GENL. MGR. H. M. GREENBERG, GENERAL ADJUSTER T. C. REED, GENERAL ADJUSTER GALE TILMAN, AUTO SUPT. T. SHUGART, SPECIAL RISK SUPT.
BRANCH OFFICE
W. M. ELLIOTT, MANAGER CITIZENS BUILDING TELEPHONE 5383 DECATUR, ILLINOIS
DIRECTORS
 C E DOX G H BELL  J F STAFFORD C W HIGLEY  J C HARDING A F POWRIE  C R TUTTLE E A HENNE  F A RYE G C LONG, JR.  A G DUGAN JNO A CAMPBELL  C R STREET W N ACHENBACH  S. M. BUCK 
(2)
but this is about all I do know. The Surbers are German - If I can get a "copy" from your department it will help me a lot whole lot. I am sending a self addressed envelope for reply -
Thanking you in advance I am Sincerely yours
Mande Surber Swisher 1076 W. Macn. St. Decatur - Ill.
P.S. The Pension papers will help me to locate the " gravn " and also the name of Grandmother - If you know or can tell me where I could write to get more information I certainly would be glad as I have several links to get before having our lineage established. I so desire to locate the graves + put up a stone. W.G.S.