Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3,584, for Christopher Ottinger, Pennsylvania

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Pink
Ottinger, Christopher Elizabeth
N. 3,584 B. L. W. 80027-160-55
CONTENTS

Pennsylvania- 1241 Phila
Elizabeth Ottinger, widow of Christopher Ottinger
Penn who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Sergeant.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 — Dollars 00 —
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 th day of April 1855, and sent to Douglass Ottinger,
Care of Hon. John Dick. H. R.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act July 29, 1848, Page 154. Vol. H
289443

289.443
Act March 3/58 ap 20/58
Elizabeth Ottinger wid of Christopher Ottinger n c officer
(apt for Single & Pn " " Seaford ) mil
Revolutionary Pens Special case by the Comm.
AD: 160 A.C. Vol. 22/58 B.O. 1/58
Youngs Ottinger M. Present
Jan'y 31. 07
to Mrs. D. Ottinger as her copy of letter
FEB 21 1907 Explained to Charles D. Ottinger why it is thought proper to retain Vogus duplicate in this Bureau - (copy). C.M.B.
Vol. A. page 140.

This Certifies that Christopher Ottinger, of Philadelphia County, Germantown Township and Elisabeth Brinckhurst, of Philad: County and Leaven City, where jointly confirmed in the Bonds of Matrimony, by me the Subscriber Minister of the German Reformed Congregations Philadelphia
April 20 th
1799
Samuel Steffenstein
Ottinger, Christopher Penn W W3584

289.443
Special G.C.W 20 Apr. 1858
See pension papers in file. G.C.W.
Addup Douglas Ottenge Present.

We Mathias R. Miller and Jacob Mehl residents of Germantown in the 22 nd Ward of the City of Philadelphia upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Elizabeth Ollinger in our presence; that we are well acquainted with her and knew her and her said husband during his life time to live together as husband and wife and to be so reputed; that she is still a widow and the identical person she represents herself to be
Sworn and Subscribed Before me on the said 17 th April 1858
Mathias R. Miller
Witness my Hand and Seal.
and I further certify that Mathias R. Miller and Jacob Mehl the affiants are credible Witnesses.
Jacob Mehl
J. A. Gibson M a
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sub- scribed and sworn to before me the day and year hereinbefore written, and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, that I believe the claimant is the person she represents herself to be, and is still a widow, and that I have no interest in this claim. -
Witness my Hand and Seal this 17 th April 1858,
J. A. Gibson M a 
State of Pennsylvania City and County of Philadelphia } ss.
I, Edward G. Webb Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do certify that James G. Gibson, before whom the above and foregoing Affidavits were made, was at the time and now is an Alderman and ex officio Justice of the Peace of the City of Philadelphia, duly Commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations and to take ac- knowledgments &c. and to all whose acts as such, full faith and Credit are and ought to be given as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere; and that his signature thereto is genuine. In testimony whereof I have here- unto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this 19 th day of April. Feb. 19. 1858.
Edward G. Webb Prothonotary

State of Pennsylvania City and County of Philadelphia } ss
On this Seventeenth day of April ~ 1858 before me the subscriber ~ an Alderman & ex-officio Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally came Elizabeth Olinger, aged eighty five years a resident of the County aforesaid who being duly sworn ac- cording to law declares that she is the widow of Christopher Olinger who was a non-commissioned officer in the 3d Battalion Northampton County Militia of the State of Pennsylvania in the war of the revolution, that her said husband entered the service at Germantown in a company com- manded by Captain James Hagle in 1775, and was in service in the above named bat- talion on the 14 th May 1778, in a company commanded by Capt Joseph Siegfried, and was engaged in the battle of Germantown, as will appear from testimony on file in the Pension Office: She further states that she was mar- ried to the said Christopher Olinger on the 20 th day of April 1799, by one Samuel Ket- tenstein, a Minister of the Gospel, that her name before her said marriage was Eliza- beth Douglass: that her said husband died at Germantown on the 14 th day of November 1820, and that she is now a widow.
For proof of her said marriage, of her husband's death and of his service while living and of other matters connected herewith she refers to testimony on file in the Pension Office in connection with her application for a pension.
She makes this declaration for the purpose of ob- taining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3. 1855, and she further declares that she has not received or ap- plied for bounty land under this or any other Act of Congress.
Sworn and subscribed this day and year aforesaid Witness my Hand Seal J. H. Gibson
E. Olinger

State of Pennsylvania City and County of Philadelphia } S.S.
On this Seventeenth day of March A.D. Eighteen hundred and fifty eight (1858.) Personally appeared before the Court of Common Pleas held at Philadelphia for the City and County aforesaid. Elizabeth Ottinger, a resident of Germantown, in the Twenty Second Ward of said City, aged Eighty five years — who being duly sworn in Open Court according to Law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the Act of Congress, passed the 29 th July, A.D. 1848. She, this deponent, Swears and declares, that she is the widow of Christopher Ottinger deceased, who was a Sergeant of and served in the Third Battalion of Northampton County Pennsylvania, Militia, in the Revolutionary War, with Great Britain. She further declares that she was married to the said Christopher Ottinger on the Twentieth day of April, in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety-nine, that her husband, the aforesaid Christopher Ottinger, died on the Thirtieth day of November Eighteen hundred and twenty (1820) that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service, but the marriage took place, previous to the Second day of January, Eighteen hundred, viz at the time above stated. She further Swears that she is now, and since her said husband's death, remained a widow and that she has never before made any application for a Pension.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and Year above written. Before Me Oswald Thompson President Judge of 1 st Judicial District, Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Ottinger

State of Pennsylvania City and County of Philadelphia } ss
I Edward G. Webb
Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said City and County the first Judicial District of Pennsylvania Do Certify that the Honorable Oswald Thompson Esquire in whose Court and Before whom the foregoing Declaration of Elizabeth Ottinger was made, and whose name is thereto subscribed was at the time of making said Declaration by said Elizabeth Ottinger and still is President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for the City and County of Philadelphia duly Commissioned and sworn to all whom Acts as such full faith and Credit is and ought to be given as well in Courts of Justice as elsewhere - and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court the Seventeenth day of March, A D. eighteen hundred and fifty eight (1858).
Edward G. Webb Prothonotary

Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., Nov 7 , 1893.
Sir,
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Christopher Ottinger , a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you will please find below the desired information as contained in the application for pension on file in this Bureau. by his widow —
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     May 1776 uncertain } 6 mo or more } Sgt James Hazel not stated Pen n   1777 not stated " not stated "   1778 do " Joseph Siegfried Michael Probst "   This last service is on record as in Northampton Co Militia.  
Battles engaged in, Brandywine & Germantown
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Germantown & Northampton Co Pen n
Date of application for pension, by widow March 1858
Residence at date of application, by widow Germantown Pen n
Age at date of application, by widow 85 years & he died Nov 30. 1820
Remarks: Married April 20. 1799 to Elizabeth Brighurst of Germantown — He went to Germantown to serve as an apprentice & first enlisted there & after his military service, engaged as a journeyman at his trade in Germantown
Very respectfully,
Mr. Cecil J. Hoskinson
618 Brooklyn St
Philadelphia Pen n
Commissioner.

W. C. J. Hoskinson Pa.
Mrs. 2 1/2 Mil. Nest. 618 Brooklyn Av. Phila.
Recp WIDOW, &c.
File No. 3384
Elizabeth Osinger Widow
Christopher Osinger 1st. Rev. War
Act: July 29, 1848
Index: Vol. 2 , Page 105
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Hinger, Christopher Penn W3594

State of Pennsylvania,
COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss.
I, EDWARD G. WEBB, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Do CERTIFY, that
James B. Freeman Esq.
before whom the annexed Affidavit was made, was at the time, and now is an Alderman and ex-officio Justice of the Peace of the City of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgments, &c., and to all whose acts, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this seventeenth day of March
A. D. 1858
Edward G. Webb
Prothonotary.

3 Alexander Christopher Cann West

State of Pennsylvania } ss. City and County of Philadelphia }
Before me the Subscri- ber one of the Aldermen in and for the said City and County, personally came and appeared Emanuel Hel- fenstein of said City Esquire, who being duly sworn according to Law, doth declare and say that he, this deponent is a son of the Reverend Samuel Helfenstein formerly Minister of the German Reformed Congregation of Philadelphia; that he is well acquainted with his said father's Signature and hand writing having frequently seen him write his name as well as other matters and things; that he has viewed the signature "Samuel Helfenstein", af- fixed to the annexed marriage Certificate, of Christopher Ot- linger and Elizabeth Bringhurst, dated April, twenti- eth 1799 and verily believes as well the signature as the writing in the body of said marriage Certificate and the date thereof are all in the handwriting of his said father: and further saith Not.
Sworn ~ and subscribed before me this Seventeenth day of March, A.D. 1858. And I do hereby certify that Emanuel Helfenstein is a credible witness
E. Helfenstein
Samuel B. Haiman Alderman

80,027
160 acres

No. 1487.
Elizabeth Ottinger, widow of Christopher Phil a Co - Penn a ,
Rev. Douglass Ottinger, March 23/58 Same Apt. 5/90
Det July 29. 1868.

This warrant is in a brown envelope in the safe with proper endorse- ment thereon.
H. M. Vincent
March 1/07.

80.027-160.55.
Elizabeth, wid. of Christopher Ottinger.
False warrant.

Brief Declaration of Elizabeth Ottinger widow of the late Christopher Ottinger a soldier of the Revolution
Original Marriage Certificate
Affidavit of Wm Dedier -
Certificate of Register of Will of Christopher Ottinger mentioning Elizabeth Ottinger his wife, Exa
Muster Roll
Affidavit of Douglas Ottinger
Addns Douglas Ottinger Canz Hon. Mr. Dicko Ho of Reps

Elizabeth Ottinger, widow of Christopher — Philadelphia County Pennsylvania
// Admitted Oct. 29, 1848 at rate of $30 per annum commencing 1 st . March 1848 —
// Service 6 months as Sergeant
// Pay ordered —
// Certificate to Douglass Ottinger Esq Care of Mrs. John Dick House of Reps.

Bureau of Pensions.
No. 80-027-160-55, Elizabeth, widow of Christopher Ottinger.
O.W.&amp; N.
Feb. 21, 1907.
Mr. Bryant; Chief of Old War and Navy Division:
On January 18, 1907, Mr. Charles D. Ottinger of Philadelphia, Pa., wrote to Bureau stating that he had in his possession a bounty-land warrant, No. 80,027, 160, issued to Elizabeth, widow of Christopher Ottinger, on April 26, 1858, marked duplicate.
On January 31, the writer was told that the original warrant (see caption) was issued on the date mentioned but that no duplicate warrant had issued from this Bureau; and he was requested, if the word duplicate appeared on the warrant, to send it to the Bureau for inspection, which he did February 8, 1907.

Inspection:
3-068. (Old No. 1-643.) 6-20 Calling at the General Land Office, I found that the genuine warrant was located July 29, 1858, and patent issued to one Zadoc C. Weedman on June 15, 1860. (See attached memorandum of Mr. McLean, clerk, G. L. O.) I personally examined the warrant which is in the files of the General Land Office and found that both warrants, including the numbers and the word duplicate on the bogus warrant, were written by the same person, then a clerk in the Pension Office. The files of the General Land Office furnish nothing additional.
The warrant stub-book shows issue of the genuine warrant on April 26, 1858, and no endorsement as to issue of a duplicate is recorded; and the bounty-land case contains no information relative to a duplicate.

Bureau of Pensions.
I have also examined papers in Revolutionary war pension claim of the widow (warrantee) of the soldier and find that one Cecil J. Hoskinson of No. 618 Brooklyn street, Philadelphia, Pa., on October 27, 1893, furnished a copy of this bogus warrant, which he claimed was issued to his great-grandmother; and I further find, on comparison with other papers, that this copy is in the handwriting of Douglass Ottinger, who also wrote the name in pencil of "J. C. Whiting," Commissioner, in said bogus warrant. A letter in the pension claim from Douglass Ottinger, addressed to Hon. Geo. C. Whiting, shows that as early as March, 1858, he knew the Commissioner's full name. Why he used the initial "J" instead of "Geo." is not understood, unless his memory played him false. When he furnished Hoskinson with a copy of the paper purporting to be a duplicate warrant, which copy Hoskinson filed in the Bureau in 1893, he must have known that said paper, to which he affixed the name J. C. Whiting,

80027:Ottinger:4.
was of no value.
At the time this original warrant and the paper purporting to be a duplicate warrant were issued, the new blank for 160-acre warrants under the act of 1855 was not in use, and it was then the practice simply to write duplicate on the face of the warrant, instead of a certificate, signed by the Commissioner, to the effect that the paper is a duplicate, as is now the practice.
Douglass Ottinger was attorney in the widow's claim for pension and therefore may be presumed to have known of the issue of the original warrant. Whether he was in collusion with the clerk who wrote the warrants, and, if so, what their motive may have been, or what benefit they expected to derive from the issue of this paper marked duplicate, is not apparent.

Bureau of Pensions.
80027:Ottinger:5.
I think the fake or bogus duplicate warrant should be retained in the Bureau with the other papers in the case and Mr. Charles D. Ottinger of N. W. Corner Twenty-sixth and Wharton streets, Philadelphia, Pa., advised of the reasons for said action.
Very respectfully,
Chief, Old War Section.

1241.
Department of the Interior.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Elizabeth 3584
wid
Christopher Ottian- 925.
Pa. Rev. War
Page 154. Vol. H.

4085.
N. J. Jenkins

July 29-58
Located NW \frac{1}{4} Sec 4 - T 14 R 16
Kansas - patented June 15-1860 - to Zadoc
C. Weedman
Wt. 80027-160-53-

No. 289 443
ACT OF March 3, 1855
Received April 20, 1858.
Elizabeth Ottinger wid. of Christopher Ottinger Capt. In. State Pa. Mil. Rev. war.
Warrant No. 80.027
For 160 acres.
March 27/07. Mrs. L. Ottinger declining to return w- on copy letter unrecd. Dor.

STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
OFFICE OF THE Secretary OF THE Commonwealth.
Harrisburg, Pa. April 7th. 1858
Douglas Attinger Esq Dear Sir,
Your communication of the 5th Inst. came to hand this morning.
I caused to be transmitted under cover to the Hon: John Beck some three weeks ago, a certified Extract, from a Return of the 3 d Battalion of Northampton County Militia, made in May 1778 containing the name of Christopher Attinger, as a Sergeant in Capt. Joseph Siegfrieds Company of said Battalion, which I am not certain from the tenor of your last communication has been received by you, if not I will cause another copy to be forwarded.
(I)

I had given special direction in refer- ence to a minute examination in your case, when first addressed, and the clerk after making such, Reported that the information forwarded to Hon. John Sick was all that was to be found in this Dept.
I have caused the Records to be gone over again, but with no better success, the paper above refer- ed to, is the only one found, that containing the name of Christopher Ottinger and the only Return from the 3 rd Battalion of Northamp- ton County Militia, on file, showing the the names of the Non-Commissioned Officers.
There is not on file in this Dept. "Continuous and complete muster & Pay Rolls of the Penna. Militia. what are on file are Muster Rolls, the evidence of pay is to be found in the Auditor General's Office

at this place, but I have requested a search in that office, and the name of Christopher Ottinger is not to be found there.
I cannot say whether the Report upon which your Father's name is found, is the first one made of by the 3 d Battalion or not, but it is the only one to be found at this period with his name upon, Nor is there any means of showing in any manner by the Records here how long he served.
The old Revolu- tionary papers have not been care- fully preserved, and I have no doubt many have been lost, and others destroyed by time, so that it is impossible to say what evidence of service might have been made for filing originally. In fact it is very difficult to make out a case from the Records at this

late date, it is only by a liberal construction that it can be done at all,
Regretting my inability to serve you in this matter
I am very Respectfully
Your friend
Wm Lloyd
Secy of the Committee,

Brief in the case of Elizabeth Ottinger, widow of Christopher Philadelphia County and State of Pennsylvania. act July 29, 1848.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Ans based of Claimant is shown to have been a sergeant in the revolutionary war by record evidence from the office of the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania. The duration of the service is shown to have been at least 6 months, by the affidavit of an eye-witness, entitled to be credible.
(If for increase.) Marriage, in April 1799, proved by the production Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what? of the marriage certificate.
Allowance accordingly, upon consultation with the commissioner.
Douglass Ottinger Esq. Care of Hon. John Dick, Name and residence of Agent House of Representatives.
R Geddis Examining Clerk.

Pension Office, March 23. 1838.
Sir,
I have very carefully examined the papers presented in support of a claim for pension under act of 29 July, 1828, of Elizabeth Ottinger, widow of Christopher Ottinger, an alleged revolutionary soldier.
If it could be admitted that this evidence satisfactorily identifies the present claimant as the widow of the Christopher Ottinger who served in the Northampton militia, [it has not been shown that he even resided in said County during the war] still the length of service would be left entirely uncertain. A service of at least six months' duration is indispensable to authorize a pension of the lowest amount.
Very respectfully, &c.
Woodbury Commissioner.
Douglass Ottinger, Esq., Care of Hon. John Dick, House of Representatives.

City of Washington } District of Columbia }
Before me the subscriber personally appeared personally appeared for the said & hereby Douglas Ottinger who being duly sworn according to law doth solemnly declare and affirm as follows. That he is a native of Germantown in the State of Pennsylvania and is fifty four years of age. That in his childhood he often heard his Father the late Christopher Ottinger when conversing with his neighbors who had also rendered military service during the Revolution allude to various incidents of that war while in service as a soldier. But the only conversation, the substance of which he at present remembers distinctly is, that on one occasion when his Father was con- versing with a fellow soldier of the Revolution named King, the Christopher Ottinger mentioned the circumstance of having heard numerous "bullets whistle" near and above his head, This deponent believes was at the Battle of Germantown.
Douglas Ottinger
Subscribed and sworn before me this 18th March 1858 }
John T. Galt

855.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA  Bounty Land  160 ACRES 160 ACRES  Department of the Interior  OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS   It is hereby Certified, that under the Act of March 3 rd 1855, entitled, "An Act in addition to certain Acts granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States,"  Elizabeth Ottinger widow of Christopher Ottinger Non Commissioned Officer Revolutionary War  is entitled to locate ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY ACRES , at any Land Office of the United States, in one body, and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public lands, upon any of the public lands subject to sale at either the minimum or progressive graduated prices.  Given under my hand and the seal of my Department, this twenty-sixth day of April, 1855.  No 80027.    
Note. You can locate this Certificate at any of the United States land offices, or it will be located for you by the General Land Office on the return of it, with your request to that effect endorsed thereon, specifying the State and Land District in which you wish the location made. If you locate it, fill up and sign the following application.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania } City and County of Philadelphia } ss
Before me the Subscriber One of the Aldermen in and for the City of Philadelphia personally came and appeared Thomas Park of Germantown in the Twenty Second Ward of said City who being by me duly affirmed according to Law doth Solemnly affirm as follows to wit I am now in my one hundred and first year of my age, I was Born in Germantown on the Fourteenth day of March Seventeen hundred and fifty eight - I well remember the Battle of Germantown and was in Germantown at the time of the Battle - I was personally acquainted with Christopher Ottinger in his life time he lived in Germantown at the time of the Revolution I am also personally acquainted with his Widow Mrs Elizabeth Ottinger who is Still living in Germantown and I should judge her to be now about eighty five years of age - Christopher Ottinger her Husband was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War with Great Britain I can well remember the day when he the said Christopher Ottinger was Mustered into the Service, the Muster took place immediately opposite the Shop where I was working, the Shop stood near where Mr. Junhurch now lives about the middle of Germantown It was a Coach Trimmers Shop, and I was by trade a Coach Trimmer. The Muster took place I think in May Seventeen hundred and Sixty six, Christopher Ottinger was then out of his apprenticeship I mean passed Twenty one years of age, he had been apprenticed to & served his time with Old George Sharpless - at the time of the Muster I speak of, he Christopher Ottinger was under the Command of Captain James Hazel - my Recollection is so distinct that I can at this day well remember the entire dress and uniform he and others of the Company wore - his dress was Buff pants, White Vest, Blue long Body coat faced with buff and a three cornered Wool

Hat, and at the side of the Hat a small Buck tail, In this Company there was between Sixty and Seventy, I well knew others in this Company besides Christopher Ottinger, there was Jacob Sommers, Rudy Fraly, John Fraly, John Archy, Philip Smith George Henry and I should have been in that Company myself if it had not been for Old Brughurst with whom I was apprenticed and who kept me back by main force - I was between Eighteen and Nineteen then - At the time I speak of, when Christopher Ottinger was in the Company they marched for Brandywine, and I am certain he was in active service as a Soldier in the Revolutionary War with Great Britain for over one year - I am certain also that he was in the Battle of Germantown - I was just as well acquainted with him as with any intimate acquaintance I had, and I know that he came to Germantown from Northampton County in this State, he came from Northampton County to Germantown to be apprenticed to Mr. George Sharpless -
I well remember Gen: Washington when he resided in Germantown and made the Harness for his Four Horses and trimmed the first Coach he had made here - Washington himself gave me many a piece of Money, and when the Carriage was finished he gave me a half Doz: Eight dollar piece, and two Spanish dollars to treat the men, and a good treat we had - with this Carriage Washington always drove Four Horses, one driver, and one footman behind -
Affirmed and Subscribed Before me this thirteenth day of March A D 1858. and I do hereby further certify that Mr. Thomas Burke the affirmant is a Credible Witness -
Witness my Hand and Seal -
J. A. Gibson " " " "
Thomas Burke

State of Pennsylvania. County of Philadelphia } ss.
I, Edward G. Webb,
Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do certify that James G. Gibson, Esquire, before whom the above or foregoing affirmation was made, was at the time and now is an Alderman and ex-officio Justice of the Peace of the City of Philadelphia, duly Commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations and to take acknowledgments &c. and to all whose acts as such, full faith and Credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere and that his signature thereto is Genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto Set my Hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this Thirty first day of March, Anno Domini 1858,
Edward G. Webb, Protho.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania } ss City and County of Philadelphia }
Before me the Sub.
Seiber one of the Alderman in and for said City and County personally came and appeared Charles M. Wagner of the said City Esquire, Who being by me duly Sworn, upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and swear as follows: I was personally present, when the annexed Affirmation of Thomas Burk was taken and made before Alderman James G. Gibson; — Notwithstanding the extreme old age of Mr. Burk, his mind is still vigorous and retains its faculties; his testimony was given openly and distinctly and entirely from memory; — Mr. Burk, is a very respectable old Gentleman and to my knowledge enjoys a good reputation among his neighbors; — he is reputed to be the oldest man living in Germantown
Sworn and subscribed before me this thirty-first day of March Anno Domini 1858. Witness my hand and seal And I do hereby further certify that
Charles M. Wagner
State of Pennsylvania, COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss.
I, EDWARD G. WEBB, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Do CERTIFY, that
Peter Kay Esquire
before whom the annexed deposition of Charles M. Wagner was made, was at the time, and now is an Alderman and ex-officio Justice of the Peace of the City of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgments, &c., and to all whose acts, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this Thirty first day of March A. D. 1858
Edward G. Webb Prothonotary.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania } ss City and County of Philadelphia }
Before me the Sub.
Scriber one of the Aldermen in and for said City and County personally came and appeared Charles M. Wagner of the said City Esquire, who being by me duly sworn upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, did depose and swear as follows: I was personally present when the annexed Affirmation of Thomas Burk was taken and made before Alderman James G. Gibson. — Notwithstanding the extreme old age of Mr. Burk, his mind is still vigorous and retains its faculties; his testimony was given openly and distinctly and entirely from memory; — Mr. Burk is a very respectable old Gentleman and to my knowledge enjoys a good reputation among his neighbors; — he is reputed to be the oldest man living in Germantown
Sworn and subscribed before me
this thirty-first day of March
Anno Domini 1858. Witness
my hand and seal
And I do hereby further certify that Charles M. Wagner, the deponent above named, is personally known to me, and that he is a credible witness.
Peter Hoag Alderman
Charles M. Wagner

In the Matter of the Application of Elizabeth Ottinger Widow of Christopher Ottinger deceased to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by Act of Congress passed the 29 th July A.D. 1848
State of Pennsylvania City and County of Philadelphia } ss.
Before me the Subscriber one of the Aldermen in and for the City of Philadelphia personally came and appeared Thomas Burk of Germantown in the Twenty Second Ward of said City who being by me duly affirmed according to Law doth Solemnly affirm as follows to wit: I have already taken and subscribed an affir- mation in reference to the claim of Mrs Elizabeth Ottinger for a Pension under the act of Congress of the 29 th July A.D. 1848 and am informed the same is now on file in the Pension Office at Washington - In reference to the term of service of Christopher Ottinger as a Soldier in the Revolution- ary War with Great Britain I am entirely satisfied in my own mind that he served faithfully for at least one year as a Soldier and during that time performed all his duties as such - I know he left Germantown with Captain Hazels Company about May 1776 and he came back to Germantown about June 1777. I saw him the next day

after he returned, it was up at old Mr Sharpley Shop, Mr Sharpley had been his Master, when he left he was free - when he came back, he was very fat and looked very hearty, he was very much tanned and looked dark like an Indian, between Seventeen and Eighteen Soldiers came back with him to Germantown, at the time I speak of in June 1777 - Rudy Fraley John Fraley & John Archy were among those who came back Jacob Sommers did not come back to Germantown until the latter end of 1777 - I went up to Mr Sharpley Shop to hear the News, and hear him Christopher Stinger tell how he liked being a Soldier, when Christopher Stinger came back he had his Regimentals on, they were nearly new, and he told me that the latter end of the year 1776 he got that suit of Clothes, It consisted of a long body Coat, Blue turned with yellow a Buff, Buff Breeches with strings to tie round the knees at long fair top Boots, yellow vest & a three cornered Wool hat with the Buck tail at the side - he had with him when he returned plenty of Money Continental Money we all went over to the Tavern, Powdermakers Tavern, at the corner of Powdermakers Lane, now the Indian Queen Lane, and Main Street, and he treated the whole party - and in that Tavern he pulled out a mighty big pile of Money, when he paid for the drinks - Christopher Stinger was very saving though, and he told me that he saved his Liquor Rations while in the Army for six

month, and sold them and saved the money - he was a man that did not drink - Christopher Ottinger told me himself that he was at the Battle of Brandywine - During the Battle of Germantown I myself was present I was not a soldier though - I carried Old George Baughurst's Knapsack & Gun up to the upper end of German- town and there gave it to him, he was very much excited and he immediately entered the ranks. I saw Christopher Ottinger myself at the Battle of Germantown he was stationed to the Westward of Chew's House he was in the ranks and performing his duty as a soldier. the People about Germantown were very much alarmed during the Battle and generally took refuge in the Cellars I mean the Women children and younger people, and some of the Men - After the Battle of Germantown Christopher Ottinger went to work for Old Sharpless and worked Journeywork until he got married. I always thought he got his pay as a soldier at the time he left the Army because of his having the bulk of money I speak of, he never told me any thing more than that he was satisfied with the pay he received -
Affirmed and subscribed before me this seventeenth day of April A.D. 1858 and I do certify that Thomas Pugh the Affirmant is a credible Witness - Witness my Hand and Seal J. A. H. H. H.
THOMAS PUGH

State of Pennsylvania City and County of Philadelphia } ss.
I Edward G. Webb Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, do certify that James G. Gibson before whom the above affirmation of Thomas Burk was made, was at the time, and now is, an Alderman and ex-officio Justice of the Peace of the City of Philadelphia duly Commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations and to take acknowledgments &c. and to all whose acts as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that his signature thereto is Genuine.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 19th day of April A.D. 1858.
Thomas Webb pro Edward G. Webb Proth. & P.
Edward G. Webb Prothonotary x

State of Pennsylvania City and County of Philadelphia } ss
Before me the Sub- scriber one of the Aldermen in and for the City of Philadelphia personally came and appeared William Dederer of Germantown in the Twenty Second Ward of the City of Philadelphia aged Seventy eight years who being by me duly affirmed according to Law doth solemnly declare and affirm as follows That he this affirmit was personally acquainted with Christopher Ottinger in his life time and for a long time before his death which took place in Germantown about thirty years since - That he this affirmit verily believes that the said Christopher Ottinger was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War with Great Britain and did service as such in said War and the reason of such his belief is that he this affirmit has frequently heard the said Christopher Ottinger in his life time speak of his service in the Revolution as a Soldier and has also heard Mr Jacob Miller, Mr Martin Mehl and Mr Samuel Mechlin who were all three Revolutionary Soldiers (and all now deceased) speak of the service of the said Christopher Ottinger in the War of the Revolution with Great Britain the said Jacob Miller Martin Mehl and Samuel Mechlin were all three personally known to this affirmit and were men of Character and Standing and well worthy of belief - This affirmit further says that he is personally

acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Ottinger the Widow of the said Christopher Ottinger deceased and has known her personally over fifty years, The said Christopher Ottinger and Elizabeth his Wife always lived and cohabited together as Man and Wife until the time of his decease and since the death of said Christopher Ottinger the said Elizabeth Ottinger has remained his Widow unmarried,
Affirmed and Subscribed to Before me this Sixteenth day of March A. D. Eighteen hundred and fifty eight 1858 Witness my Hand and Seal
William Dedier
Wm H. Butler Alderman C.O. Justice of the Peace
And I further certify that William Dedier the Affirmant above named is a Credible Witness Witness my Hand and Seal the day and
State of Pennsylvania,
COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, ss.
I, EDWARD G. WEBB, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County, Do CERTIFY, that
William H. Butler Esq.
before whom the annexed affidavit was made, was at the time, and now is an Alderman and ex-officio Justice of the Peace of the City of Philadelphia, duly commissioned and qualified to administer oaths and affirmations, and to take acknowledgments, &c., and to all whose acts, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, as well in Courts of Judicature as elsewhere, and that his signature thereto is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said Court, this Seventeenth day of March
A. D. 1858
Edward G. Webb
Prothonotary.

acquainted with Mrs Elizabeth Ottinger the Widow of the said Christopher Ottinger deceased and has known her personally over fifty years, The said Christopher Ottinger and Elizabeth his Wife always lived and cohabited together as Man and Wife until the time of his decease and since the death of said Christopher Ottinger the said Elizabeth Ottinger has remained his Widow unmarried,
Affirmed and Subscribed to Before me this sixteenth day of March A. D. Eighteen hundred and fifty eight 1858 Witness my Hand and Seal
William Dedier
Thos H. Butler Alderman C.O. Justice of the Peace
And I further certify that William Dedier the Affirmant above named is a Credible Witness Witness my Hand and Seal the day and year aforesaid
Thos H. Butler Alderman C.O. Justice of the Peace

Philadelphia City and County, ss.
I, CHARLES W. CARRIGAN , Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration in and for the City and County of Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Do hereby certify and make known, That on the Nineteenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty  twenty one - 1821 . Letters Testamentary on the Estate of  Christopher Ottinger of Germantown Phil a County deceased , were granted unto Joseph Douglass he together with Elizabeth Ottinger the Wife of the Testator being the Executrix in the said Last Will and Testament of said deceased named. And I further certify that the Will of said dec d is dated the sixth day of June A.D. eighteen hundred and fifteen and duly proved on the ninth day of December A.D. eighteen hundred and twenty - filed and remaining of Record in this Office and that said Ex or having first been duly Qualified well and truly to administer the same.
Given under my hand and seal of office, this 15 th day of March 1858.
Charles W. Carrigan.
Register.

4
A General Muster Roll of the Third Battalion of Northampton County Militia
Field Officers
  Michael Probst  Colonel    Michael Siebert  Lieutenant Colonel    Philip Penninghoff  Major  
  Captain  Joseph Siegfried    1 st Lieutenant  William Leiby    2 nd Do.  John Ritter    Ensign  Valentine Miller  
Sergeants
  Leonard Neff  Peter Sazeman    Christopher Menger  Jacob Shoemaker  
Corporals
  Charles Gackbach  Michael Bauman    Philip Staetter  Daniel Knapp Jr  
Privates
  David Frey  George Reichert    Peter Klein  John Witt  
Return Received May 14 th 1778. 11

Secretary's fees $10

Ms. A. 9. 2. 17 John Lefferts & Son By Dea. Brevet Philadelphia
Secretary's Office
Pennsylvania J. S.
I do hereby certify that the foregoing and annexed is a true and correct extract from the original paper entitled "A General Muster Roll of the Third Battalion of Northampton County Militia" Received May 14th, 1778. as the same remains in file in this office
In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Secretary's Office to be affixed at Harrisburg this eighth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-eight and of the Commonwealth the eighty second.
By L. Dieffenbach, Deputy Secy of the Commonwealth,

Taken out of Rev. Purdie. File no 3584
Elizabeth, cond Christopher Otterbein -
1000
Feb 14/07
see at 80.027.160-55 wid

(Copy)
Bounty Land Act March 3 rd 1855 Dept of the Interior, Elizabeth Ottinger widow of Christopher Ottinger Non Commissioned Officer Revolutionary War, Act entitled an act in addition to certain acts granting Bounty Land to certain Officers and Soldiers who have been engaged in the Military Service of the United States.
Elizabeth Ottinger widow of Christopher Ottinger, is entitled to locate One Hundred and Sixty Acres, at any Land Office of the United States, in one body, and in conformity to the legal subdivisions of the public land upon any of the Public lands "subject to sale at either the minimum or lower graduated prices" Given under my hand and the Seal of the Department.
This 26 th day of April 1858 E. Whiting Number 80027 Commissioner

Thos George L Whiting Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
I respectfully transmit herewith Affidavits of Thos Burk and Charles M Wagner as additional testimony in the claim of the widow of the late Christopher Otinger a soldier of the revolution.
In an affidavit already before You I stated that I had often heard my Father, Christopher Otinger speak of circumstances while in action at the Battle of Germantown & also have heard him speak of having been at Valley Forge when in conversation with one of our neighbors named King who I now remember as having been a soldier of the Continental Army.
It seems as if the facts & circumstances of this case would justify the conclusion that Christopher Otinger exchanged into or entered the Northampton County Militia at Valley Forge, and trust that the imperfect condition of the Regimental and Company Rolls of the Pennsylvania Militia will not be an obstacle to Your favorable decision in the claim of

of the widow of a soldier who I am satisfied served truly and that the claim I am endeavoring to advocate is just.—
I am very respectfully Your Obedt Servt
Douglas C. Attinger

Department of interior      Phila Pa. 2/22 nd /07. Bureau of Pensions. Washington D.C.
Sir
Referring to yours of 2/22 nd /07 will say that so far you have was the property of my father - who came in possession of same through death of his uncle Capt. Douglaslass Attenges therefore I request of your Department to return said copy of warrant - As it was only sent to your Department on request of your Department to examine and to be returned - As the said so far is the rightful property of Douglaslass Attenges residing here in Phila. Pa at 1238 St Breeze Ave
Your records show me about what we wish to find out. Therefore we again request of you to let us know for what part of the country state & County - was this Grant given to that Mr Ladoe C. Werdman June 15 th 1860
Thanking you for information Mr Lewis I am Yours Very Truly C. L. D. Attenges 26 Wharton St

O.
#618 Brooklyn St. Phila, Pa.
Oct. 27 th /93.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
Find enclosed a copy of (duplicate) certificate of Bounty Land granted to my Greatgrandmother. Will you kindly let me know what Regiment said Christopher Altuiger served in? Also give me all information concerning him you can that regards his military history. All I know of him is that he hailed from Laxanth, Penna.
Respectfully, Cecil J. Hoskinson.

80 027-160-vr Elizabeth and Christopher Ottinger
File in case
for

19/140
Q.W. & N.
For advice through desl
Phila March 22 nd 07.
Hon. Theo. Roosevelt. — President of the United States. Sir:
I regret that I have to call your attention to the neglect of the Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions referring to a copy of papers as part of a warrant, for bounty land issued to Elizabeth Ottinger Widow of Christopher Ottinger on April 26 — 1858. No of said warrant 800 27.
Information was asked for and part given then the said department wrote me that it would see to rectify my statement, and to forward the copy they now retain to the said bureau for examination, and after the same had been completed, that the part I sent would be returned. This so far they have refused to do. This is the rightful property of Douglas Ottinger Grandson of the said Elizabeth Ottinger residing in Phila Pa. Now I wish to call your attention to it and hope that through your kind office and influence that the papers will be returned to its proper owner with the information
Which is to know when the ground was given with date to whom and the State and county it is in. Thanking you most kindly in advance for any information as whatever you may do for me in this matter.
I am Very Truly Yours
Thos. D. Ottinger
N. W. Cor 26th & Wharton St. Phila Pa.

Oah
e
...
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4

Department of Interior. Office of Commissioner of Pensions: Gentlemen.
Phila. Pa. Jan. 18 th 1907.
I have in my possession a bounty land certificate - (marked duplicate) N o 80027 - issued (26) th day of April 1858. - amt. (160 acres) to Elizabeth Ottinger widow of Christopher Ottinger.
Will you kindly inform me of the facts - why this certificate was duplicated also what has become of the original any information given of same should surely merit a reply Resp ly yours
Charles D. Ottinger N.W. Cor 36 & Walnut St Phila. Pa.

Phila., Pa. Feb. 8, 1907.
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions:
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:-
Replying to your favor of the 31st ulto. in which you state that your department wishes the privilege to examine the warrant in my possession, of which I have inquired of your department regarding any information you may have to give, concerning the said warrant, and in response to your letter, I have enclosed the same for your examination.
Any information of same will be thankfully received.
Yours very truly,
Chas. D. Ottinger
N.W. cor. 26th and Wharton Sts.,
Philada., Pa.

JRC
Feb. 21, 1907.
Mr. Charles D. Ottinger, N. W. Corner Twenty-sixth and Wharton Sts., Philadelphia, Pa.
Sir:
Receipt on the 9th instant is hereby acknowledged of your letter of the 8th instant transmitting what purports to be a duplicate land warrant, issued to Elizabeth Ottinger as widow of Christopher Ottinger, a noncommissioned officer of the Revolutionary war, and numbered 80,027.
In reply you are informed it has been ascertained that the records of the General Land Office show the original warrant issued to this woman to have been located July 29, 1858. It is further shown by said records that patent was issued June 15, 1860, to one Zadoc C. Weedman.
This paper filed by you, purporting to be a duplicate warrant, bears the same date as the original and appears to have been written by the same clerk. It was neither signed by the Commissioner of Pensions, nor was the seal of the Department affixed thereto. It never has had any value. It appears that at some time unknown the name "J. C. Whiting" was written thereon by one Douglass Ottinger, who furnished a copy of said paper, including the name "J. C. Whiting," written by himself, which was filed in this Bureau in 1893 by one Cecil J. Hoskinson of No. 618 Brooklyn street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Commissioner of Pensions at the time the original warrant

80027:Ottinger:2.
was issued was George C. Whiting. There never was a commissioner of pensions named J. C. Whiting.
As the paper transmitted by you can serve no good purpose, and might fall into the hands of some unscrupulous person, by whom it might possibly be improperly used, it is retained in the custody of this Bureau with the other papers relating to the original claim.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
, to one Zadoc C. Weedman.

Jan. 31, 1907.
Sir:
In response to your communication of January 18th, received January 21, 1907, in which you state that you have in your possession bounty land warrant #80027, for one hundred and sixty acres, issued to Elizabeth, widow of Christopher Ottinger, on April 26, 1858, and marked duplicate, you are advised that the records of this Bureau show that the original warrant was issued on that date, but do not show that a duplicate warrant was issued to the above-named person and there is no information showing what disposition was made of the original warrant. It is suggested that you verify your statement relative to the warrant being marked duplicate and, if found to be correct, that you send it to this Bureau for examination and when the same shall have been completed, the warrant will be returned to you.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Mr. Charles D. Ottinger, N.W. Cor. 26th & Wharton Sts., Philadelphia, Pa.

March 27, 1907.
Sir:
In response to your communication of the 22nd instant, addressed to The President, and received in this Bureau, by reference, on the 26th, in which you insist that the fraudulent bounty land warrant filed by you February 8, 1907, be returned, it being the property of Douglas Ottinger, the grandson of Mrs. Elizabeth Ottinger who received the original warrant which she assigned and was subsequently located by the assignee, I have to call your attention to a letter from this Bureau of February 21, 1907, explaining to you that the warrant in question never had any value as it was improperly written and was neither signed by the Commissioner of Pensions nor had the seal of the Department affixed thereto, and declining to return the warrant for the reason that it could serve no good purpose and might fall into the hands of some unscrupulous person. The Bureau has nothing to add to the letter of February 8, 1907.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mr. Thomas D. Ottinger, N.W. Cor. 26th & Wharton Sts., Philadelphia, Pa.