Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 5133, for John A Otto, Pennsylvania

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Penn.)
Otto, John A.
S 5133
Carded
CONTENTS

Col. H. A. E. Brady Sept 26 1848. Geo. M. Phillips May 29/57. " " " " 31. "
26.999  Pennsylvania John Otto Berks Co. in the State of Pa who was a Sergeant in the by Captain of the by into during the Revolution War D. G. Sergeant $480.
Inscribed on the Roll of the the rate of 480 Dollars Cents per annum commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 th day of Sept 134 H. A. and Joseph Co.
Arrears to the 4th of March 1831 $40.00 annual allowance ending 4 Sept. 220.00 X $1080.00
Revolutionary Claim, filed June 7, 1832. recorded by [Signature] Clerk, Vol. 5 Page 44
Continental Line Records corrected, Apr. 20/54.

Portrait of Attorney V Memoranda D John Botto
He died 15 Dec 34
227.50

Know all men by these Presents, That I, Dr John B. Otto, of the City of Reading, County of Berks, and State of Pennsylvania, son and Executor of the Estate of Dr John Otto, deceased, and late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, have made, constituted and appointed, and by these Presents do make, constitute and appoint George M. Phillips of the City of Washington D. C. my true and lawful Attorney to prosecute for and in behalf of the Estate of the said Dr John Otto, deceased, any claim that the said Estate may have against the United States for interest and arrearages of pension, on account of the services of the aforesaid Dr John Otto, as a Surgeon in the Army of the Revolution. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal this twenty-seventh day of May 1828
In presence of
W. M. Richards.
John B. Otto

{ Dr John Otto died 16 th Dec 1834 buried on the 18 th Mrs Catharine Otto died 22 Dec 1834 married on 11 th Apr 1776 at White Marsh Catharine Hötner
Mrs Margaret Witman of Benj' Witman she is dead since Mary Hiesten of Gabriel Dr John B. Otto
Elizabeth Richards of Henry he is dead Daniel Otto died since his father
Sarah Hiesten wife of John Hiesten Catharine Wood of Joseph Wood she died before her father leaving Catharine No. Allevita of her child
Pages of History & Memoranda Dr John B. Otto
He died 11 th Dec 34
227.50

On behalf of the heirs Declaration of Dr John Otto, late a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, under the Act of 7 th June, 1832, for increase of Pension
State of Pennsylvania } § Berks County }
Be it known, That on this Eighteenth day of August - in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, personally appeared before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, held at Reading, in and for the County of Berks, State of Pennsylvania, Dr John B. Otto, a resident of the City of Reading, County and State aforesaid, and Executor of the Estate of Dr John Otto, deceased, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, make the following Declaration, in order to obtain for himself and the other children of Dr John Otto, late of said County, deceased, the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress of 7 th June, 1832, and the decisions of the Department in cases arising under said law. That he is the Executor of the Estate of Dr John Otto, who departed this life on the sixteenth day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four, and at the time and prior to his decease was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, at the rate of Four Hundred and Eighty Dollars per annum, on account of his services as a Surgeon in the War of the Revolution - That the said Dr John Otto, left a widow, Catharine Otto, who survived him six days, having departed this life on the twenty second day of December, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-four, there being no Executor or Administrator on her Estate. This Declaration and application is made for the purpose of having allowed unto the children of the said Dr John Otto and Catharine Otto, the increased amount allowed those holding the rank of Surgeon, and he therefore asks that a certificate may issue for such increase.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above written, in presence of the Judges of the Court aforesaid
Peter Strohecker Prothonotary
John B. Otto
Executor of the Estate of Dr John Otto.

State of Pennsylvania Berk Co. ss
I Peter Strohecker Prothonotary and Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County held at Reading on the 18th day of August A D 1848 in and for the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that St John Otto was a revolutionary soldier of the United States at the rate of Four hundred & Eighty dollars per annum; was a resident of the County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania, and died in the County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four on the Sixteenth day of December in said year; that he left a widow whose name was Catharine Otto who survived him but a few days, and was a resident of the County of Berks aforesaid, and died in the said County of Berks in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty four, on the twenty second day of December in said year; that they left children whose names are Margaret, intermarried with Benjamin Witman - Mary, intermarried with Gabriel Kiester; - John B Otto; - Elizabeth intermarried with Henry Richards; - Daniel Otto; - and Sarah intermarried with Jon. Kiester all of whom survive, with the exception of Margaret Witman and Daniel Otto who have since deceased. I further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings the said Court in the matter of the application for increase of Pension by the Executor of the Estate of St John Otto deceased.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office at Reading this 18th day of August A D 1848 - Peter Strohecker Prothonotary

31. 665
John Otto Pennsylv
for 1777 Surgeon mate 2 yrs $480
de John Otto

State of Pennsylvania Berk's County ss.
On this sixth day of August One Thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas now sitting for the County of Berks, in the the State of Pennsylvania, before the Honorable Garrick Mallery Esqr President and his Associate Judges of said County of Berks. John Otto a practising Surgeon and Physician a Resident of the Borough of Reading in said County and State of Penn. Aged 82 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 7 th 1832. That he entered a Physician and Surgeon for the Army of the United States in the war of the Revolution. and that he was appointed duly authorised a Mate in the Military Hospitals as will fully appear by the certificate of Benjamin Rush Physician who was one of the Principal Physicians and Surgeon. Entered on my duty on the 18th day of July A D 1777 the same day on which I received a certificate giving me full authority signed by said Benjamin Rush. Entered first at Reading the day and year aforesaid and attending two Hospitals namely the Presbyterian Church and Lutheran Church were made use of for Hospitals were I executed my duty aforesaid as Surgeon and Physician and was fully attached to the Medical Staff of the U. S. Army. From Reading I was called to Philadelphia Penn s from Phila a I marched to Trenton in which place I attended the Hospital there as there was many Men Sick in that Hospital and

The Medical Staff of the U. S. Army, from Reading I was called to Phila- delphia Penn s from Phila. I marched to Trenton in which place I attended the Hospital there as there was many Men Sick in that Hospital and in the year 1778 the General Hospital was removed to Easton Pennsylvania where I also executed my said duty as Physician & Surgeon and also at a certain place called the Yellow Springs & at the Valley Forge, and at all such other places where occasion required I now have in my possession the Certificate herewith presented which will satisfy the investigation of my claim that I entered the Army as aforesaid July 14 th A D 1777 continued to serve as such untill the first day of August A D 1780 which amounts to three years & fifteen days service as aforesaid and for that period of time I claim a Pension. I was also acquainted with Nicholas Lott who was a Sergeant in the Army of the Revolution. He was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine. He was sent on after he was wounded to a certain place called, the White Horse in Pennsylvania about 1777 when he came under my charge and I did attend him faithfully and executed my duties as Surgeon and healed his wound perfectly as will appear by his Testimony herunto affixed and also that I served the U. S. States in the Revolutionary War in both capacities a Surgeon and Physician and to his Testimony credit is and ought to be given

and that he had received a Certificate signed by Doctors Benjamin Rush and Shippen which fully certified that I had served the U.S.A. in the Army of the Revolution as a Surgeon and Physician for the term of three years and past. That Certificate was by them subscribed bearing date the first day of August A.D. 1780 this same certificate was since lost or mislaid. My reasons for leaving said services was I was seized with a violent fever and therefore on that account being unable to pursue my duties I was obliged by extreme debility to continue no longer. I was acquainted with Colonel Morgan Captain Slin Colonel Hazen Captain Bowen Captain Bowen Captain Nyle and many others. I was born in the Empire of Germany called Hanoverian born the 30 th day of July A.D. 1751 I lived in Philadelphia Penn a few years with my Parents and then removed to the Jersey I was only one year old when I arrived in America, I served & studied & learned to perfection the art & science of Surgery & Physician with my Father Bodo Otto. I came with my Parents to Reading Pennsylvania where I first entered aforesaid service in the war aforesaid and since the war of the Revolution I have lived here in Reading Penn for more than sixty years past and I now live in the same place I have my age in the family Bible I have no church Record of my age and he hereby relinquishes every claim 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 of any State whatever.
Sworn to, and subscribed in Open Court before the Judges of the said Court the day & year aforesaid.
John Otto
Attest: William Lloyd
State of Pennsylvania

and he hereby relinquishes every claim 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 of any State whatever.
John Otto
Sworn to, and subscribed in Open Court before the Judges of the said Court the day & year aforesaid.
William Lloyd
State of Pennsylvania Berk's County ss.
On this sixth day of August A D one Thousand eight hundred and thirty four personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas Now sitting for the County of Berks, Pennsylvania before the Honourable Garrick Mallery Esqr President and his associate Judges of the said Court of Common Pleas in and for Berks County John Nicholas Lott a Resident citizen of Reading County and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath depose and say that he said Nicholas Lott served in the Army of the United States in the War of the Revolution and that he is a Pensioner of the U. S. and that to his certain knowledge he knows that above named John Otto served in the Army of the United States in the Military Hospitals in the War of the Revolution services a Surgeon and Physician and this Deponent declares

declares that he Nicholas Lott was wounded by the Enemy in the Battle of Brandywine that he was then a Sergeant and that Immediately upon being wounded he was taken and conveyed to a certain place called the White Horse in Pennsylvania where he was put into the charge of John Otto aforesaid who attended him in person and dressed his wound and bandaged the same wounded Leg which he now receives a Pension for and that he attended faithfully in all Respects and cured this Deponent perfectly and this Deponent further says that from the best of his knowledge John Otto entered a Surgeon and Physician as aforesaid first at Reading Pennsylvania in July 1777 continued his said services aforesaid until the Year 1780 which was three years service and that he is acquainted with John Otto aforesaid for more than sixty years and on his Oath believes him to be of the age Eighty two years and that said John Otto is reputable in his professions in Surgery and in Physic
Sworn to and subscribed in Open Court before the Judges of the said Court the day and year aforesaid W. Allard North
Nicholas Lott
and the said Court do hereby declare their Opinion that the aforesaid John Otto applicant was a Surgeon and Physician in the War of the Revolution and Service of the United States

Isaac Lallade  Prothonotary  Notary
and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the aforesaid John Otto applicant was a Surgeon and Physician in the War of the Revolution and served as the States
Gerrit Smith First Judge
Matthias V. Richards a Judge of Berks County
William D. Lewis a Judge of Berks County
State of Pennsylvania
Berks County ss. Isaac Lallade Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Berks in the State of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Otto for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Reading Pa. the sixth day of August A.D. 1834.
Isaac Lallade  Prothonotary  Notary
I hereby testify that Mr John Otto and Mr. Lott whose names appear in the above proceedings are persons of great respectability & credit & that full faith may be attached to any testimony they may give
Amos Muhlberg M.C.
Reading Aug 6. 1834.

September 1, 1932
Mr. James E. Gibson Market St. Natl. Bank Bldg. Philadelphia Pa.
BA-J/MCS John Otto S. 5133
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter requesting information in regard to John Agustus Otto who served during the Revolution.
The data furnished herein were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 5133, based upon the military service of John A. Otto.
He was born July 30, 1751, "in the Empire of Germany called Hanoverian" and was the son of Dr. Bodo and Catharine Otto. When he was one year old he came with his parents to America, lived in Pennsylvania a few years and "then removed to the Jersey".
Having moved with his parents to Reading, Pennsylvania, he entered the army July 14, 1777, was appointed a mate in the military hospitals, served as surgeon and physician in the hospitals at Reading, Philadelphia, Trenton, Easton, Yellow Springs and Valley Forge until August 1, 1780.
He married April 11, 1776, at White Marsh, Pennsylvania, Catharine who was born August 14, 1758, and was the daughter of George and Mary Bitner.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 6, 1834, while living in Reading, Pennsylvania.
He died there December 16, 1834, and his widow, Catharine, died there December 22, 1834.
In 1848 the following children were alive: Mary, who married Gabriel Hlester; Elizabeth, who married Henry Richards; Sarah, who

married John Hieater; and Dr. John B. Otto then of Reading, Pennsylvania. The following children were then dead: Daniel Otto; Margaret, who married Benjamin Witman; and Catharine, who married Joseph Wood.
The records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to pension having been claimed on account of the Revolutionary War Service of Dr. Bodo Otto, Senior or Junior; Dr. Frederick Christopher Otto; and George Hitner; or of the War of 1812 service of Dr. John B. Otto.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

Revised
5133
INVALID.
File No. 5133
John Otto
Surgeon, Revolutionary War
Act: June 7 1839
Index: Vol. 11 , Page 280
Pa
[Arrangement of 1870.]
1926, July 16. Relet. to Maude J. Glass. 1927. Jan. 19. Relet. to Mrs. Paul Otto 1932. Sept. 1. hist. to Mr. Jas. E. Gibson WCS 1932. Nov. 21. Mr. Jas. E. Gibson adv. hist. sent Sept. 1. 1932 1932. Dec. 16. Mr. James E. Gibson advised all valuable data included in former report of Sept. 1, 1932, also that he had examined the papers and collected data. WCS See his letter and office copy in file Dorrance, B. 22134 1933. Feb. 14. Photos mailed to Mr. James E. Gibson. Accts. Div. notified 1/4/33 1933. Aug. 2. Mr. Jas. E. Gibson adv. C.E. G. Supplement as surgeon not on file, WCS

Dr John Otto, Pensioner 1832 Pennsylvania
Elizabeth Leitheiser widow of Hartman Leitheiser Pensioner Art 38, 43-44-48, Pennsylvania

Feb 13 1851 at Mr Phillips
Mr Phillips
2 nd floor No 100
Feb 13. 1851.

Washington City, Aug 22. 48
Sir
I send you enclosed the application of the heirs of Dr John Otto (a Surgeon in the Army of the Revolution, and late a pensioner of the U. States) for increase of pension, according to the decisions and laws affecting such cases. Yours, &c
J. L. Brady
J. L. Edwards, Esq Court of Pensions

Dr John Otto, of Penna Pensioner Act 1832 For Increase of Pension
Geo. M. Phillips Present

Washington, Feb. 24, 1851
Sir
An application (on my behalf) was filed some time since, by the Hon. Jasper E. Brady, from the son of Dr John Otto, who was a Pensioner in Pennsylvania, under the Act of 1832, for an increase of his Father's Pension which was not allowed.
I beg leave to state that Dr Otto, was appointed a Surgeon's Mate, in the Hospital Department under Dr Rush, and served as such from July 14, 1777, until August 1, 1779, and that consequently his case comes within that class who are now allowed a larger pension than at the rate of $480, per annum.
May I ask therefore that the proper allowance be made
I am,
Very Resp y
Yours S r
Geo. M. Phillips
Jas E. Heath, Esq Court of Pensions

Abgang mit dem Begräbnis der Hn. Luth. Gemeinde in Reading Pennsylvanien.
December den 18 ten 1834, wurde begraben Hr. Johan A. Otto, Sohn des Hn. Bode Otto und seiner Frau Catharina. Er wurde geboren 30 ten July 1751 und starb am 16 ten December 1834. Alt 83 J. 4 M. u. 16 T. Gestorben an der Folge des Apoplexflusses.
December den 24 ten 1834 wurde begraben, Catharina Otto, verwittwete Tochter des George Hütner und I. Frau Mary, und Mutter des Hn. Johan A. Otto. Sie wurde geboren den 14 ten August 1758 und starb am 22 ten December 1834. Alt 76 J. 4 M. u. 8 T. Gestorben an der Folge des Apoplexflusses.
(Translation with the figures written out)
Extract from the Church Record of the Scampton Lutheran Congregation of Reading Penn a
December the 18 th (eighteenth) 1834 (Eighteen hundred and thirty-four) was buried Dr. Johan A. Otto - Son of Dr. Bode Otto and his wife Catharine. He was born on the 30 th (thirtieth) July 1751 (Seventeen hundred & fifty-one) and died the 16 th (sixteenth) December 1834 (Eighteen hundred & thirty-four) Age 83 yrs. 4 M. + 16 days Died in consequence of Apoplexy.
December the 24 th (twenty-fourth). 1834 (Eighteen

(hundred & thirty four) was buried Catherine Otto daughter of George Witner & his wife Mary - a wife of Dr John R Otto. She was born on the 14 th (fourteenth) day of August 1758 (seventeen hundred & fifty- eight) and died on the 22 nd (twenty second) day of December 1834 (Eighteen hundred & thirty four) Aged 76 yrs 4 mo 18 days She died of Apoplexy.
Berks County ss
Personally appeared before the Subscribed one of the Aldermen in & for the City of Reading Rev Jacob Miller D.D. who being duly sworn on his oath says that the above writing in the German language is a correct extract from the Church Records in his custody and that from the same it appears that Dr John R Otto died on the Eighteenth day of December in the year One thousand Eight hundred & thirty four and Catherine Otto his wife on the twenty second day of December One thousand Eight hundred & thirty four. (The alteration in the figures in the German made by him in signing before signing this affidavit, viz "1834")
JB Mitter
Sworn & subscribed this 17 th day of August A.D. 1848 Matthias Menzel Alderman

State of Penn a Berks County ss
I Peter Strohecker Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County do certify that Mathias Munk is an acting Alderman in and for the City of Reading in the County of Berks duly authorized to administer oaths having been elected and commissioned according to law, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is true and genuine - Witness my hand & seal of office at Reading August 17 th A D 1848
Peter Strohecker Prothon y

Berks County ss.
I Isaac Ely Register for the probate of wills, & granting letters of administration in and for said County, do hereby certify that letters testamentary upon the will of John A Otto late of Berks County deceased, were granted to John B Otto, on the first day of January A.D. 1835.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office the 17 th day of August A.D. 1848.
Isaac Ely Register

Aug 11 Penna
Hon H. A. Muhlenberg
Free H. A. Muhlenberg
James L. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
War Department, Washington City.
admitted for withdraw.

Reading Pa Aug 6. 1834
Dear Sir,
I want to thank you, to have the enclosed application of Dr. John Otto for a pension examined and the result communicated to me, at your convenience. There can be no doubt of his having served as stated. I have often heard him relate the circumstances long before he had any idea of applying for a pension. His character is such that any person here would place implicit confidence in his word without an oath. — Whether the evidence attached is sufficient, I will not undertake to say. A more credible witness than Nicol. Lott can however not be found any where.
I am
J. L. Edwards.
Very respectfully
Yours
Wm Markleberg

John S. Richards Reading Aug 1876 Enclosing Declaration De of Dr Otto

Court House Rensselaer Aug 18/48
Dear Phillips
I enclose you the papers wh I hope you will find correct. I called on Otto, at once, and he informed me that he had put the papers in the hand of H W Smith Esq who had always done his business. In this way the business hung up until yesterday. When Smith handed the papers back to him, & he placed the matter in my hands.
You will see that the Minister is upholding the most absurd a figure, which I afterwards noticed in the paper. It was not however as to a material part (viz his death) but when he was buried
If the matter goes right you will see that I have the chance to get a small fee out of the Dr
I regret the delay which you will perceive was not my fault.
You forgot to send me the list of widows
I will inquire about Mrs Rose
Yrs Truly
Wm S. Richards

John Lottan for the me Miss Be E of William Maper Christian Waglemyer
John S. Richardson Reading Aug 1876 Enclosing Declaration Re of Dr O H

1474675 "K" MKH
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GENERAL LAND OFFICE WASHINGTON
OCT 28 1932
MKH
CRP All other correspondence returned to Mr. Gibson as it was addressed to Gen. Ld. Off.
The attached communication has been received by the General Land Office and is referred for answer to the Director of Pensions, Veterans' Administration, and the writer so advised.
J. C. Gann
Acting Assistant Commissioner.
Wanted Dr. John Augustus Otto of Reading Pa. Surgeon's mate & surgeon in Conti Hospital.
said this record had already been furnished in Sept. 1, 1932

611-12 th Ave 8. Nampa. Idaho
John Otto May - 16 th 1926
Pension Department - Catherine (Mary Ann) (Maiden Name) born 1812-14 for land grant - settled in (East End) (Pitts) early days land grant made out for land in Iowa. no pension - asked for land - have application records of John Otto wife Catherine (Maiden Name) born 1812-14
Also for our John Otto born 1753- died 17- land grant for land where Fairmount Park Phila now is. he was a soldier in War Rev. Said John Otto had two sons John & Dan Any charges for same will be forwarded. Yours Truly Mrs. Maude J. Glass

August 8, 1932
Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:
Have you, in your Pension or Bonus Land records, any data that will furnish me the complete Revolu- tionary War records of: Dr. Bodo Otto , Senior, Hospital Physician & Surgeon, Reading, Pa. -- Dr. John Agustus Otto, Surgeon's Mate, Reading, Pa. -- Dr. Bodo Otto, Junior, New Jersey Militia Colonel and Surgeon or Surgeon's Mate, Sweedsboro, New Jersey -- Dr. Frederick Christopher Otto, Surgeon, New Jersey -- George Hitner , Philadelphia County, Pa.
Also information on Dr. John B. Otto Second  Read my Pg Brigade Surgeon, War of 1812.
Yours truly,
James P. Gibson

Revolutionary War Dept., c/o Veterans Bureau, Washington, D. C.
July 14, 1933
Gentlemen:
Included in the text of the Pension application of Dr. John A. Otto of Reading, Pa., in 1834, is a statement that he was submitting the certificate of appointment as Surgeon signed by Dr. Rush. I do not recall seeing it in your files when I examined them in February last but if it is among your papers I would very much like to obtain a photostat copy.
Among the sustaining affidavit was one for Nicholas Lott who stated that Dr. Otto had served him when wounded after the battle of Brandywine - and that he was leaving receiving a pension from the U. S. Government because of his service. Would you be good enough to send me an abstract of his service as well as of Maj. or Col. Joseph Heister in command of Berks Co. troops if you happen to have it.
My reason for wishing to obtain as much information as is possible, on the two above mentioned men is that the Record of the Berks Co. Historical Society state that Dr. John A. Otto served as Battalion Surgeon in Col. Heister's Battalion while his Pension application only mentioned his hospital appointment. His service record, as presented however, indicates service in the field as well as in the hospitals and if I find that this service, mentioned, parallels that of Col. Heister and Nichols Lott, It will be most convincing.
I am also interested in the service record, as per claims for pension of one Eve Fricker of Reading, Pa., who I believe served as a nurse for the Revolutionary soldiers.
Are your files in such shape that you can inform me whether you have any Pension Records of Revolutionary Surgeons and Hospital Matrons and Nurses who served at the Valley Forge Hospitals in or adjacent to Yellow Springs.
My interest in the answers to these questions is more than casual as I am preparing a book on the Otto Surgeons of the Revolution to include much heretofore unpublished information on the Hospitals of that war.
Your interest and cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
Very Sincerely,
James E. Gibson James E. Gibson
JEG;gt
P.S. I have, among my papers, a letter from one Dr. Robert Harris of Pa. who I find is recorded as a "mate in the 2nd Regt. 1777-80" and who mentions his own service as surgeon in the U.S. Navy. The communication indicates he saw service with Dr. John A. Otto so any information you have on him will be of great interest.
J.E.G.

Aug. 2, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
RA-T/100HF/eol am
Mr. James E. Gibson Market Street National Bank Building Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dear Sir:
July 14, 1933 Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Nicholas Lott, Colonel Joseph Heister, Eve Fricker and Doctor Robert Harris, all of Pennsylvania, also, photostatic copy of Doctor John A. Otto's certificate of appointment as Surgeon signed by Doctor Rush, which certificate is referred to in Doctor Otto's claim for pension.
The Revolutionary War records have been searched and the records found of Nicholas Lott, Joseph Heister, Robert Harris and Eve Fricker. Their records are furnished you herewith each on a separate sheet.
The claim, S.5133, of Doctor John A. Otto, has been examined. You will note in your photostatic copy of said claim that Doctor Otto made affidavit before the Court of Common Pleas for Berks County, Pennsylvania, so it was to that court he exhibited his certificate which he then had in his possession and which he stated would satisfy the investigation of his claim. The certificate was not presented to the Pension Office, therefore is not on file in his claim for pension.
With reference to your inquiry in regard to the files, Revolutionary War records of this office are not arranged according to rank or places of service.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator.

BA-J/MLB REV. & 1812 NO. 145
February 10,
3.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Rev. War claim for pension of John A. Otto, File No. S. 5133.
Actual 1 of each page
90 cents ----- 6 pages
XXXXXX
Kindly leave margin of 1½ in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number.
Chief, Rev.& 1812 Wars Section

February 10, 1933
Veterans Administration Washington, D. C.
Please furnish photostatic copies of six pages from original papers on file in Revolutionary War claim for pension of John A. Otto, S. 5133.
Signed:
James E Gibson Market Street Nat. Bank Bldg Phila Pa
Received payment 90 cents February 10, 1933
Wm A Finch
Revolutionary and 1812 Wars Section

1. Paldieri Appln. Aug. 6, 1834 - 3 pages ending with page that has affidavit of Nicholas Lott.
2. Letter from Henry Muhlenberg, dated Aug. 6, 1834, Reading, Pa. - 1 page
3. Affidavit of John B. Otto, dated May 27, 1848 1 page
Family data - marriage of Dr. John Otto death, etc. 1 page Power of Atty.

February 14, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
JOHN A. OTTO S. 5133 BA-J/MLB
Mr. James E. Gibson Market Street National Bank Building Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dear Sir:
You are furnished under separate cover photostatic copies of six pages from original papers on file in the Revolutionary War pension claim of John A. Otto, S. 5133. Open with care, photos outside of carton.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

July 16, 1936.
Mrs. Maude J. Glass, 611 12" Ave. Nampa, Idaho.
Madam:
I have to advise you, that from the papers in the pension claim, S. 5133, it appears that John(or John A.) Otto, the son of Dr. Bodo and Catharine Otto, was born July 30, 1751, "in the Empire of Germany called Hanoverian" and came with his parents to America when one year old.
While living at Reading, Penn. he entered the army July 14, 1777 and served as Mate, Surgeon and Physician in the hospitals at Reading, Philadelphia, Trenton, Easton, Yellow Springs and Valley Forge until August 1, 1780.
He married at White Marsh, Penn. April 11, 1776, Catharine, born August 14, 1758, the daughter of George and Mary Hitner. She died December 22, 1834.
John Otto was allowed pension on his application executed August 6, 1834, while living at Reading, Penn. and he died there December 18, 1834.
In 1848, the following children were alive: Mary, who married Gabriel Hiester; Elizabeth, who married Henry Richards; Sarah, who married John Hiester, and Dr. John B. Otto.

The following children were then dead: Daniel Otto; Margaret, who married Benjamin Witman; and Catharine who married Joseph Wood.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT, Commissioner.

MMH
January 19, 1927
Mrs. Paul Otto University, Virginia
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 5133 it appears that John (or John A.) Otto, the son of Dr. Bodo and Catharine Otto, was born July 30, 1751 "in the Empire of Germany called Hanoverian" and came with his parents to America when one year old.
While living in Reading, Pennsylvania, he entered the army July 14, 1777 and served as Mate, Surgeon and Physician in the hospitals at Reading, Philadelphia, Trenton, Easton, Yellow Springs and Valley Forge until August 1, 1780.
He married at White Marsh, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1776, Catharine, born August 14, 1758, the daughter of George and Mary Hitner. She died December 22, 1834 in Reading, Pennsylvania.
John Otto was allowed pension on his application executed August 6, 1834 while living in Reading, Pennsylvania. He died December 16, 1834 in said Reading.
In 1848 the following children were alive: Mary, who mar-

ried Gabriel Hiester; Elizabeth, who married Henry Richards; Sarah, who married John Hiester, and Dr. John B. Otto then of Reading, Pennsylvania.
The following children were then dead: Daniel Otto, Margaret who married Benjamin Witman, and Catharine who married Joseph Wood.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

November 21, 1932
Mr. James E. Gibson 2101 The Market Street Natl. Bk. Bldg. Philadelphia Pennsylvania
BA-J/MCS
Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter of October 24, 1932, which was addressed to General Land Office, Department of Interior, Washington, D.C., and referred to this office for consideration.
On September 1, 1932, you were furnished the history of John A. Otto as shown by the papers in his pension claim, S. 5133, on file in this office.
The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to Dr. Bobo Otto, Jr., and John Burrows as described or any soldiers named Frederick Christopher Otto, George Coryell and Jacob Huy.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Assistant to Administrator

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Otto Thomas GRADE Private LINE Hazen's Regiment
WARRANT NUMBER 13566 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED May 20, 1795 To Just shown—
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Ouderkirk, Myndert GRADE Private LINE New York
WARRANT NUMBER 1575 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Sept. 27, 1790 to — not shown —
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.