Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39959, Stephen Barth, Continental (Penn)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Penn)
Barth, Stephen or Baird
S. 39959 B.L.Wt. 178-100
CONTENTS

19.555
Pennsylvania.
Stephen Barth or Baird
of Berks Co in the state of Pennsylvania who was a Private in the Comp y commanded by Captain Heer  von Heer of the Comp y Hellmuth's regiment commanded by Colonel in the Penn a line, for the term of three years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania at the rate of 5 Dollars per month, to commence on the 5 of November, 1825
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 of Jan y 1826, and sent to Henry Betz Esq r Reading, Pa
Arrears to 4th of March, 1826. $31.16 Semi-ann. all ce ending
{ Revolutionary claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }
1 March 1825
March 26
Let to Hon Ed. Davis Dec 12. 1840
" " J. C. Nipps Jan 28. 1842.
" " Same Feb 3. 1842.
" " same Sept. 14. 1842
Let the to Mr. Nipps Esq r Jrr corner of 6 th & Boates Sts Phil a Oct 1 st 1842
Letter to same Oct 3 rd 1842
Letter to same and Pension Agent Phil a Oct 6 th 1842
Let the to J. C. Nipps Pension Agent. 4 March 1843 — do. to P. Sgt. J. C. J. Jack, 15 Sept. 1843
Let the to C. J. Jack of Pen a Agent 7 th March 1844. do to Rev. W. Smith, Mar 8. 1844.

C. J. Jack
Ans.
April 20 th 1843
(to sister)
178
100 acres
St. Thomas, Virginia Brent's Land Office In witness of Dr. Br. John Brant
W. G. Galt
Mar. 8 1843
Recd. April 8 th 43

William Smith Esq. Bounty Land Office Dear Sir,
Mr Stephen Banta of New Haven, Dra- goons. Claims 100 Acres of Land as his Bounty will You have the kindness to say what funds he begins him to go through to -
Phila da March 6. 1843
March 3 J. S. Ingersoll
Warrant No. 178 for 100 acres of land by March 1843 to Stephen Banta private of New Jersey Dragoons

19.795
Stephen Barth, Berks County, Pen.
On roll. Final Settlements - Page 20. 1 st Vol. Admitted -
Comm. 8 Nov: 1825
Henry Betz Esq. Reading, Pen -

Berks County Penn a S
On the eighth day of November A.D. 1820 one thousand eight hundred and twenty five personally appeared in open Court of Common Pleas held in the Borough of Reading County aforesaid being a Court of Record proceeding according to the Courts of Common Law with a Jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings Stephen Barth aged upwards of seventy two years a resident in Berks County in said district who being first duly sworn according to Law with on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions made by the Acts of Congress of the 18 th day of March 1818 and the first day of May 1820 that he the said Stephen Barth enlisted in the year 1776 for the term of three years in the State of Pennsylvania in a Company Cavalry Commanded by Captain Vanheer in the Pennsylvania line, on the continental Establishment that he continued to serve in the same Corps until the expiration of said term when he enlisted in the same Corps during the War that after the War he was discharged in the City of Philadelphia that he had received an honorable discharge signed by Genl. Washington which said discharge he gave to Joseph Baister Esquire when a Member of Congress to obtain one hundred acres of Military Land, and was informed that said discharge was filed in the War or Land Office of the United States And in pursuance of the Act of the first day of May A.D. 1820 I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any manner disposed of my property or any part of it with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress entitled "An Act to provide for certain persons engaged in the Land and Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary War" passed the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and that I have not since that time any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed and by me subscribed
Sworn in Open Court.
R. Foster
president of the third judicial district of Pennsylvania
his Stephen X Barth Mark
I have no Property except my wearing apparel. I have no trade, I have no family that he has lost the use of right Arm, that he is not able to support himself without the assistance of his country.
Sworn in Open Court.
R. Foster
president of the third judicial district of Pennsylvania
his Stephen X Barth Mark
On the third day of January A.D. 1826 personally appeared the above named Stephen Barth in Open Court of Common Pleas of the County of Berks, who upon his solemn Oath doth depose and say that in the year 1818, he resided with his father-in-law, that he was a man of wealth, that he did expect to receive apart of his Estate that he had since died and left that part of his Estate, which I did expect to my children, that was the reason this deponent made no application under the Law of the 18th day of March 1818 and that this deponent at that time had no Estate whatsoever
Sworn in Open Court.
R. Foster
president of the third judicial district of Pennsylvania
his Stephen X Barth Mark

Berks County ss
On the eighth day of November A.D. 1825 personally appeared in Open Court of our honorable Justices of Berks County Adam Koch and David Fox Creditable Witnesses of the Borough of Reading County aforesaid who upon their solemn oath doth depose and say that they are well acquainted with the within named Stephen Barth that he was enlisted in a Troop of Horse commanded by Captain Vanheer in the service of the United States in the revolutionary War that the said deponents were also enlisted and served in the same Corps.
Sworn in Open Court.
R. Porter President of the third judicial district of Pennsylvania
Adam Koch his David Fox Mark
I Robert Porter President Judge of the third judicial Law District of Pennsylvania do hereby certify that it appears to my satisfaction that Stephen Barth, did serve in the revolutionary War as stated in the preceding declaration on the continental establishment. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the said Court to be Affixed this eighth day of November A.D. 1825. R. Porter President of the third judicial district of Pennsylvania

39 959 INVALID.
Rev  ms
File No. 39 959
Stephen Barth Pa Ver Ind
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 8 , Page 28
[Arrangement of 1870.]

By His Excellency George Washington Genl General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United States of America.
The bearer Stephen Bath, private Dragoon in the Independent Troop of Horse Commanded by Major Van Heer, being enlisted for the War, and having served the term of his engagement, consented to continue until the 31 st day of December inst; from which date he is hereby discharged the American Army. — — And in consequence of his Attention and Fidelity, the Commander in Chief being authorised by a Resolution of Congress, presents him with the Horse, Saddle & Accoutrements now in his possession, as a gratuity.
Given at Philadelphia this Tenth day of December 1783
G. Washington
By His Excellency's Command David Cobb aid de Camp

Stephen Barth or Board 13.7 Wt 175-100
No 188 178. Barth,
Discharge
Stephen Barth
Look by Col. Heister
look
James No 178 - 2nd Col. Heister.

Stephen Barth. Penn a roll act March 18. 1818.
Be pleased to say to what time he was last paid.
Pension Office
Dec 12 1840
1 st to 4 th Sep 1840
JH
Stephen Barth, Penn a roll, act March 18. 1818.
Be pleased to say to what time he was last paid.
Pension Office, { Feb 3. 1842. }
1 st to 4 th Sept. 1841 - JH

a Edwards minister of Gospels Washington D.C.

J. D. Edwards Esq.
I Sir
Enclosed you have the duplicate required in Yours of the 1 st inst. The extreme age of the Old Gentleman, the approach of Winter and his anxiety to return to his home induces me to ask from you that his his request be granted, as early as you possibly can.
I Remain Your Obedient
John Levesque N. W. Corner 6 th & Hood St Phila delphia
4 th Oct 1842

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Mr. Sir.
I enclose the duplicate papers of Stephen Barnes the Bond where pension Certificate was illegally withheld by the Board of Lancaster County - please direct your agent here to pay him the money as he has been in this City some 10 or 12 days.
Philadelphia Sept. 13. 1848
And obliged
Yours truly C. J. Bache

Hon. John D. Sleeper Esq. Commissioner of Pensions Washington

S. J. Lawrence Esq Hon Sir
On the 13 th of September A.D. 1842. I requested from You by Letter a Pension Certificate for Stephen Barth - a Soldier in the Rev- olutionary War - One of the life guards of Gen Washington I complied with all the requisitions. necessary to be done - And on the 7 th of Oct 1842 I rec d from You a Letter stating that orders had been sent to the Pension Agent for the payment of his Pension - which was promptly paid - On the 4 th inst He waited upon the Pension Agent here - for the pur- pose of receiving a continuation of the same favour but was informed that the same formality was necessary - as he could obtain the same - and on the 4 th inst. You will find herewith - the Application And as I am the favour - (which I am satisfied You will) to send an order. similar to the one of 6 th Oct He, as You will perceive. resides in Chester County a distance of 45 miles from Philada a . He is now near Ninety Five Years of Age - If You can do anything - whereby - a repetition of the same trouble can be avoided You will much o- blige him and
Yours obedt Servt
Thos M c Ilwain
S.W. Corner - 6 th & Coates St
March 6 th A.D. 1843
Philada

Sept 21. 1842
Mr Dandje
Genl. Cassell Esq. Commissioner of Customs Washington DC

Edw. Edwards Esq. Sir
Enclose you have the papers relating to Stephen Bathurst's application for a Pension Certificate. Should you require any thing more you will do me the favour to acquaint me of it as early as convenient.
20 th Sept 1842
Your obedt Servt
Snob Nipsey S. W. Corner 6 th and Coates St. Sturminster

Oct 3. 1842
In-attention Mr Dand
Hon. J. S. Dimes Commissaire of Customs Washington City D.C.

Isaac Edwards Esq
Sir
About ten days ago I sent a letter to you containing the evidence of the identity of Stephen Barth an applicant for a Pension Certificate. as yet I have received no answer. Stephen Barth is now 95 years old. is at this time in Philadelphia. waiting the result of your enquiry. You will confer a favour upon me if you will send me info the Certificate. or inform me what further is necessary to obtain it. I have given no notice to the Pension Agency here. that the Pension due him be paid to no one. save himself
Your obed Serv Isaac Nippes
S. W. Corner 6 th & Wood St
Oct 1 st 1842

Feb 3. 1842
St. Barth Frank
Adwards Esq Commr of Pensions Washington DC

La Cabañas Eny
Dear
Yours of the 28 th ult. was this day rec d . desiring to know the object for which a Certificate of Stephen Barth's being enrolled on the Pension list of the U.S. is required. I would respectfully state that the said Stephen Barth is an Applicant to the Legislature of the State of Penn a for the relief provided by law for Revolutionary Soldiers & Widows. That before any soldier can obtain relief under said law he must produce evidence of his having served in said war, that being impossible, from the length of time elapsed since said war, the Committee have said that a Certificate of the Applicant's drawing a pension from the U.S. will be rec d . to establish such fact, such being the object for which it is required You will do him a great favour, to transmit the same as early as convenient either to me or to John J. Mc c acken, Legislature of Penn a at Harrisburg.
I Remain Your obed Serv t John C. Nespes
S. W. Caver 6 th & 8 th Coats St.
1 st Feb 1842

Hon A Upsher Sec of War of the U States Washington
St. Bank of Brain Pa. will
Comm of business
Jan 28. 42

Hon A. W. Fisher
Sir
Will you do me the favour, to transmit to John S. McCauley Esq. Member of the House of Representatives of the State of Penn a a Certificate showing that Stephen Barth alias Bard (a private in Capt Vanheers Company of Dragoons an Independent Corps, in the Revolutionary war) is enrolled on the Pension list, and draws a pension from the U S And you will oblige
Your obedt Servt
Isaac Nipsey
S. W. Corner 6 th & Coates St Philada 25 th Jan y 1842

J. A. Raward Esq. Commission of Pensions Washington City D.C.

J. A. Edwards Esq. Sir
Will you do me the favour to send me a Certificate. showing that Stephen Barth. is a Pensioner. The object for which the same is wanted is this, about twelve years ago he gave a Power of Atty to Samuel Bowman, who from that time is Post Master of Breknecks Township Lancaster County Penn ce and who has regularly paid the pensioner (not in money) but in goods such as groceries &c. this is the old Gentlemans Statement to me. He is now in Philada and is anxious to handle a little of the residue but cannot obtain it upon account of the absence of his Certificate. On the 5 th inst I wrote to Mr Bowman. for his Papers and up to this time have rec d no answer. Any information that you can give me which will be an advantage to him in relation to this affair will be thankfully rec d by
Your Ob st Servt
Sept 13 th 1842
John E. Nipsey. his Atty S. W. Corner. 6 th & Hoopes St Philada

Mr. G.
I send you the property of Stephen H. Smith relating to his Pension, please send instructions to the agent here to pay his Pension - as the old man has none to turn in this account alone -
Philada March 4. 1846
Yours truly J. Sack

Washington March 6 th 1844
Mr Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions Sir
I enclose the deposition and power of Attorney of Stephen Baird relative to his pension. any information from you on the subject will be thankfully Rec d .
Most Resp y
John T. Smith 3 rd House Rep
Also whether said Baird obtained his warrant for land, and if so. by whom.

Philadelphia; February 29/1844
County of Philadelphia ss
Personally appeared before me one of the Ald: in the County of Philadelphia Stephen Baird who being duly sworn according to Law, says: that Samuel Bowman has been in the habit of drawing his pension due from the U. S. government and that he has been for a number of years subjected to the greatest inconvenience in consequence of having been compelled to bow submissive to the views and wishes of said Bowman who has not unfrequently compelled him at great loss to take pork, flour and various articles of produce necessary for the sustenance of life at his own price thereby subjecting him to great loss and serious inconvenience In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 29th of February one thousand eight hundred and forty-four (1844)
Stephen Baird X
his mark
Sworn and subscribed before me Feb 29/1844
C. Martin Potts Ald

Letter of Attorney
Stephen Baird To John T Smith Esq-

Witness my hand and seal this twenty ninth day of February One thousand eight hundred and forty four. 1844.
Witness present
Charleston Falls
Los: L. Fortesque
Stephen Baird
X Seal, his mark

State of Pennsylvania } Philadelphia County - ss }
Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace, in and for said County came Stephen Baird the party within named and acknowledged the within Letter of Attorney, as and for his act, and deed, and desired the same may be recorded as such according to Law.
Witness my hand and seal This                      day of                      A.D. 1844.
(Seal)

KNOW all men by these presents, That I Stephen Barth of Brecknock Township, in the County of Lancaster, and State of Pennsylvania, - late private in Capt. Vanheers Troop of Light Dragoons, late in the Service of the United States of North America, - have made, ordained and Constituted, and by these presents, do make, ordain and constitute and in my place and stead put and depute Joseph Heister of the County of Berks and State aforesaid, Esquire, (now at the City of Washington) my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name, and for my Use, - to ask, demand and by all lawful ways & means to obtain from the persons duly authorised, a Patent or Patents for all such Lands which I am entitled to, for the Services rendered to the United States, by virtue of any Act of the said United States, - with power also an Attorney or Attorneys under him, for that purpose to make and substitute, & to do all lawful acts requisite for effecting the premises hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney or his substitute shall Lawfully do, by virtue hereof. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the fifth Day of February A.D. 1805: one thousand eight hundred and five, -
Sealed & Delivered
in the presence of
As: Shaffner
The mark of Stephen O Barth,
as: Shaffner junr.

Lancaster County ss.
Before me the subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County of Lancaster aforesaid. Personally appeared the within named Stephen Barth and acknowledged the within written power of attorney to be his act and deed & desired that the same may be recorded as such according to law. Witness my hand and seal the fifth day of February A.D. 1905.
William Bausman,
Lancaster County ss.
I, William Barton, Clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace in & for the County of Lancaster do hereby certify that William Bausman Esquire, whose name is subscribed to the above writing, was at the time of signing the same & now is a Justice of the Peace for the County aforesaid. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & the seal of the said Court this fifth day of February A.D. 1905.
W. Barton

State of Pennsylvania } ss Philadelphia County } Sept 19 th 1842
Conformably to the Regulation of the Mr. Department of the 27 th October 1832. I Joseph Smith an Alderman in the County above named do hereby Certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence viz. upon the oath of Charles Breckenridge, a Gentleman with whom I am well acquainted, and in whose statement I do place much credit - And also upon my personal knowledge that Stephen Barth who this day appeared before me to take the oath of identity is the identical pensioner he de- clares himself to be in the annexed affidavit. And I am also satisfied, that the statement made by him in relation to the pension certificate is true
Given under my hand and seal at Philadelphia the day and year above written
Joseph Smith Alderman
I Saml. Hart Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County Certify that Joseph Smith Esq r is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing certificate purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 19 th day of October in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Two
S. Hart Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
(43)

State of Pennsylvania } ss Philadelphia County }
Be it known that before me Joseph Smith an Alderman in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Stephen Barth and made oath in due form of law that he is the identical person named in an original pension certificate now legally withheld by
Samuel Bowman Post Master at Breakneck Towns Life Lancaster County. Pennsylvania
About twelve years ago he gave to Samuel Bowman a Power of Attorney to collect his pension and so continued to do. Semi annually until the present time. That he has not seen his certificate from that to the present time. That on the Fifth instant he through his Atty J. L. Kipps sent for the same and as yet has not received it. That he is entitled to a pension of Eight dollars per month on account of wounds and disabilities received or of services rendered to the United States, during the Revolutionary War that he served in Captain Vonheer's Company of Dragoons, the Life Guards of Gen Washington, regiment that he now resides in Chester County Penn a and has resided there for the space of two years past, and that previous thereto, he resided in Lancaster County Penn a .
Stephen his Barth mark
Sworn and subscribed this Nineteenth day of September A.D. 1842 before me
Joseph Smith Alderman
The said Stephen Barth having placed his cross to the above in the presence of us
Joseph Smith
John L. Kipps

In the matter of the application of Stephen Barth or Barthe Pennsylvania S. S. } Phila da City & County S S }
Personally appeared Before me the subscriber one of the Aldermen of said City Stephen Barth of the Army of the Revolution aged Ninety eight Years and upwards residing in the interior of the State of Pennsylvania who being duly sworn according to Law saith that he is the identical person named in an original pension certificate granted him by the Department of War of the United States for Revolutionary service at the rate of eight Dollars per Month that his said Certificate was held by Samuel Bowman Esquire of Lancaster County Pennsylvania, to whom application was made for the same, but he alledges that the same is lost, and this is the third applica- tion for his pension.
Sworn & Subscribed before me this sixth day of September A.D. 1843
Armon Davis Alderman
his Stephen X Barthe Mark
Personally appeared Before me Benjamin Brock- erman who being duly sworn saith that he is well acquainted with the said Stephen Barth or Barthe for twenty five Years, and knows him to be a soldier of the Revolution and what he says to be true -
Sworn & Subscribed Before me this sixth day of September 1843
Armon Davis Alderman
Benjamin Brockerman

I certify that it has been truly proved before me and I am satisfied from personal inspection of the man that Stephen B. Smith is the identical person represented by him as having the sum in his hands - for Rev. his time my service - which is illegally obtained from him as he has stated.
Armon Davis Alderman
Pennsylvania Philadelphia County } ss.
J. Richard Palmer Jr. Esq. Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas of said County Do Certify that Armon Davis Esq. before whom the within affidavit was made and whom his own proper hand writing has therunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing and now is an alderman in and for the City of Philadelphia and ex Officio a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and Credit are and ought to be given as well in Courts of Jurisdiction as there out.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Court at Philadelphia this 18th. day of September 1843.
R Palmer Jr. Prothonotary

State of Pennsylvania } County of Philadelphia } ss.
Be it known that before me Joseph Smith an alderman in and for the county of Philadelphia personally appeared Stephen Barth & made oath in due form of law that he is the identical person named in an original pension certificate now illegally withheld by
By Samuel Bowman Postmaster at Brickhill Township Lancaster County Pennsylvania — About thirteen years ago he gave to Samuel Bowman aforesaid a Power of Attorney to collect his pension and so continued to do semi-annually until about one year ago — That he has not seen his certificate from that to the present time. That on the 5 th September A.D. 1842 he through his Attorney John C. Vappis best for the same but as yet the same has not been received
That he is entitled to a pension of eight dollars per month on account of his wounds and disabilities rec d or of services rendered to the United States during the revolutionary war that he served in Captain Vanheers' Company of Dragoons the Brigadiers of General Washingtons Regiment. That he now resides in Chester County Pennsylvania and has resided there for the space of more than two years past & that previous thereto he resided in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.
Sworn and subscribed this Sixth day of March A.D. 1843 before me
Joseph Smith alderman
his Stephen X Barth mark
Witness present at the signing
Joseph Smith
John C. Vappes

State of Pennsylvania } County of Philadelphia } ss.
Conformably to the Regulations of the War Department of the 27 th Oct. A.D. 1832 A.D. Joseph Smith in the County above named - do hereby certify that I have the most satisfactory evidence viz. upon the Oath of Charles Brockman a Gentleman with whom I am well acquainted. and in whose Statement I do place much credit - and also upon my personal knowledge that Stephen Barth - who this day appears before me to take the Oath of identity is the identical pensioner he declares himself to be in the annexed affidavit. and I am also satisfied that the Statement made by him in relation to the Pension Certificate is true.
Given under my hand at Philadelphia the day and year above written, to wit 6 th March 1843
Joseph Smith Alderman for County of Philadelphia
I. Richard Palmer Jr. Esq r . Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County. Certify that Joseph Smith Esq r . is an alderman in and for the County aforesaid as above - and that the foregoing Certificate purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this sixth day of March A.D. 1843
R Palmer Jr. Prothonotary

In the matter of the Pension of Stephen Barthe Pennsylvania G.S. Phil City & County PG
Personally appeared before me the subscriber one of the Aldermen of the City of Philadelphia, Stephen Barthe now aged Ninety Nine Years and upwards, who being duly sworn according to Law saith That he had a Pension Certificate from the War Office for his Revolu- tionary Service, which entitled him to Eight Dollars a Month. That Squire Brumman of Lancaster County Pennsylvania drew his Pension for him for Years and now says that it is lost and that he has not got it. That Department has been communicated that fact to the Pension Commission but has now received a New Pension Certificate. That Department has advised in Chester County Pennsylvania - and has come to the City to get his Pension due on the 4th March 1844. That there will then be due him, the sum of Forty Eight Dollars -
Sworn & Subscribed Before me the twenty eighth day of February 1844
Armon Dawks Alderman
Stephen X Barthe Mark.
Benjamin Brockerman being duly sworn says, that he is well acquainted with Stephen Barthe and knows him to be as represented by him a soldier of the Revolution and a Pensioner - has known him for thirty five Years - Benjamin Brockerman Sworn & Subscribed Before me the twenty eighth day of February 1844
Armon Dawks Alderman

I Certify that it has been truly proved before me that Stephen Borth is a Soldier of the Revolution and a Pensioner of the United States, and I being before the same - In trust my hand this Twenty Eighth day of February 1844. Armon Davis Alderman
Pennsylvania Philadelphia County } ss.
J. Richard Palmer Esq. Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas said County Do Certify that Armon Davis Esq. by whom the foregoing Certificate and attestation were made and given and whom his own proper hand-Writing has thereunto sub- scribed his name was at the time of so doing and now is an alderman in and for the City of Philadelphia and ex officio a Justice of the Peace duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and Credit are and ought to be given as well in Courts of Jurisdiction as thereout.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and af- fixed the Seal of the said Court at Philadelphia this 29th day of February A.D. 1844.
R Palmer Jr. Prothonotary