Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 39,627, Valentine Gruber, Continental (Penn.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Penn) Truber, Valentine S 39627
CONTENTS

Valentine Gruber, Bedford County, Pa. 4 th April, 1820.
Capt. Van Heer's company independent light dragoons Penn a line — 3 years. The services of the applicant
are admitted — Before a
Col: can be issued the Schedule of property must be exhibited June 1820
Worth 70 dollars.
David Mann, agent, Bedford, Pennsylvania, 28. August, 1820.

Gruber, Valentine Cont-Penn 539627

Western District of Pennsylvania and County of Bedford No. 3
On this Thursday 11th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty three the undersigned Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas held at Bedford in and for Bedford County.
In the said District personally appeared Volentine Gruber aged about 30 years, of the County of Bedford and State of Pennsylvania, being first sworn, deposes and says that he is the person described in and who is entitled to the benefits of the act "to provide for the relief of the indigent and disabled soldiers of the United States who have been honorably discharged from the service of the United States" and that the facts stated in his application are true to the best of his knowledge, information and belief. That he was at the battle of the White Plains and a skirmish at New York City and a place called Springfield and many other places where he was present and that he has in his possession an honorable discharge from the service of the United States and that he was personally engaged in many battles and that the company in which he was engaged was engaged in more battles as he understood than any other company in the war. That he has been since the war engaged in farming and other business and that he has been unable to support himself and his family and that he is entitled to the benefits of the act aforesaid. That he has been unable to support himself and his family and that he is entitled to the benefits of the act aforesaid. That he has been unable to support himself and his family and that he is entitled to the benefits of the act aforesaid.

had her leg broke lately and lost her health entirely and from his own age and infirmities he is unable to support himself by labor that he is in reduced circumstances and poor and that he is in need of the assistance of his country for support - and that he has at present no other residence in his stead of his former one because there are none of his old acquaintances living near him at present. After he was a boy for a year in Berks County Pennsylvania then moved to near Hanover in Pennsylvania, then to Wilmington County in Maryland then to near Washington D.C. then to near Frederick City in Maryland then to different parts of which he has been since he has been in the South to be and I subscribed this 4th day
of this 1820 before me I. B. Martin
Valentin Gribun
Before me personally appeared I. B. Martin who being first sworn, deposes and says that he is the person described to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed. Given under my hand this 4th day of April 1820 John H. Hill
Subscribed this 4th day of April 1820 I. B. Martin
John H. Hill
To Honorable Martin - I believe that the foregoing instrument is a true and correct copy of the original now on file in my office and that the facts stated in the preceding declaration against the common law are true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.

enemy for three years and more at one time, in the continental establishment; and I now transmit the original discharge of one John Valentine Gruber and the proceedings of testimony taken and subscribed before me, a Notary Public, in the Department of War, pursuant to the direc- tion of the Department and Act of Congress. I am also satisfied that he needs the assistance of his country for support.
April 10 20
Abraham Martin
State of Pennsylvania.
Bradford County, ss. I David Mann Notary Public of the court of Common Pleas in and for said County do certify that Abraham Martin Boarman before whom the foregoing Depositions of Valentine Gruber, John H. Hill appears to have been taken & whose name is thereto subscribed and also the Certificate made by him and whose name is thereto subscribed was at the time of taking said Depositions and making the Certificate aforesaid and signing the same one of the Associate Judges of the court of Common Pleas in and for said County duly com- missioned and sworn to whom Official acts of such full faith and credit is due as well in courts of Justice as elsewhere.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Affixed the Seal of Office at Bradford the eighth day of April Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred and Twenty.
The within John H. Hill intitled
David Mann Notary

See letter to J. Mower Jan. 4, 1837 let 21 Jan 1837 Hon. John Adams, See letter to Hon. M. H. Sibley H. R. Jan 11. 1838 Hon. J. L. Russell July 23/52
20.457
Pennsylvanid Valentine Gruber
of Bedford Co. in the State of Penn la who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Van Heur — of the Regiment commanded by Colonel — in the Penn la line, for the term of three years from March 15 1779 to — 1782
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvanian at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 15 day of August 1832
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 of August 1832 — and sent to Hon. George Burd. Bedford. Pa.
Arrears to 4th of September 1832 $ 5.44 Semi-ann. all'ce ending
5.44
{ Revolutionary Claim, Acts March 18, 1818, and May 1, 1820. }
Rec. Book D. L. 6. fol. 58.

Copy of Declaration No of Valentine Gruber
David Mann, Agt. Bedford, Pa
rec d 28 Aug. 1820.
(Over) David Mann Agt. Bedford, Pa
$1.00

Western District of Pennsylvania
County of Bedford, ss.
On the seventh day of August A.D. 1820. Personally appeared in Open Court of Common Pleas held at Bedford in and for Bedford County aforesaid being a court of record for said County having the power of fine and imprisonment, proceeding according to the course of the common law with a jurisdiction unlimited in point of amount and keeping a record of its proceedings, Valentine Gruber aged sixty eight years and upwards residing in Dublin township Bedford County aforesaid, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that on the 10 th day of March 1779. he the said Valentine Gruber in Pott's Grove in the State of Pennsylvania enlisted for the term of three years in the Company of Independent Light horse commanded by Captain Bartholomew Von Heer on the Continental establishment that he continued to serve in said Company in the service of the United States until the 3 rd day of March 1782. when he was honorably discharged from service by a discharge in writing signed by his Captain the said Von Heer and by Jacob Mytinger Lieutenant of said Company which discharge the said Valentine Gruber always kept in his possession until it was delivered to his original declaration made before Abraham Martin Esq. One of the Associate Judges of the Court aforesaid. Which said declaration is dated the fourth day of April A.D. 1820. - That before his said enlistment in the Company of Light Dragoons he served at two different times six months and more in the flying camp in the militia. That he was at the battle of the White Plains and in a skirmish at Horse Neck and a place called Spring field and many other such services not recollecting where. And the said Valentine Gruber do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States and

On the 18 th day of March 1818. And that I have not since that time by gift Sale or in any manner dispose of my pro- perty or any part thereof with intent thereby 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 Services of the United States in the Revolutionary War passed on the 18 th day of March 1818. And that I have not now has any persons 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 West Two Cows, One horse blind of one eye, Three sheep, Three chains with bottoms, Three chains without bottoms, One table, One Iron pot, One Dutch oven, Six knives and forks, Six spoons and Spinning wheel —
Valentin Gruber
The said Valentin Gruber has a wife named Margaret who is fifty eight years of age and upwards, who is weak and in bad health and likely to continue so a son married and with a family of his own, two Daughters married and one Daughter single and living with him aged thirty six and in a weak state of health.
The said Valentin Gruber saith further that to the best of his knowledge and belief the full value of all his property real personal and mixed does not exceed Seventy Dollars —
Sworn declared & subscribed in open Court 7 th August A.D. 1820 Coram D. Mann Judge
Valentin Gruber
The Court upon hearing the above and foregoing declaration and examining the before written Schedule of property, and examining witnesses on oath as to the value of the said property do approve of the valuation fixed by the said Valentin Gruber and concur in the said sum of Seventy Dollars — By the Court. David Mann Judge

Bradford County ss.
In testimony that the foregoing is a true copy of the Original remaining in my office at Bradford on file. I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at Bradford the twenty fifth day of August A.D. 1820.
David M ann Justice

Bedford County ss.
Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Miller and being duly sworn according to law did depose and say, that this deponent lives about one mile from Wallentine Grouver, in Dublin Township Bedford County, and this deponent doth say that when the said Wallentine Grouver came to said Township he purchased an improvement of one Joseph Flowers and said Grouver had the writings drawn and made to his son Henry Grouver, his reason for this was to keep his creditors from getting their just demands &c. and that this deponent was collector and when he called for the tax, said Wallentine Grouver paid it, and always when talking to this deponent about his land he always called it stoped, he then called it his sons Henrys. land &c. Grouver, lives as well as any of his neighbours, & generally does. has plenty of grain & cattle &c. and that said Grouver was a Hersh and came to this country, and it is general under stud and talked that he was a hersh and comley called a Hersh &c. by his neighbours. &c. this deponent merely declares that he is not entitled to his portion of John Miller sworn and subscribed this 14th day of June A.D. 1823. before me
G. Ritterhouse

Bedford County ss.
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for said County William Chesnut. and being duly sworn according to law doth depose and say that he lives not more than one mile from Wallentine Grover. in Dublin Township Bedford County, and this deponent doth say that he heard this said Wallentine Grover say that he came in this country as a Quaker abolitionist and was taken prisoner by Washington, Harney and he never fought for America. but he took the oath of Allegiance, and that he had the rights of his land said in his sons Henrys name so as to keep his creditors from getting their just due &c. and lately some of his creditors have sold some of his personal property, and since he has applied to some people he is worth nothing & and by his means he might draw his petition &c. he has as plenty to live on as the most of his neighbours, and is by no means in any way in want, and as this deponent merely believes that said Wallentine Grover is not entitled to draw his petition &c.
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 14th day of June 1823
G. D. Rittenhouse
Bedford County ss.
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for said County, Henry Gaster and being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he lives about half a mile from Wallentine Grover in Dublin Township Bedford County, and that he knows that said Grover lives well, and is in no way of want, of grain or meat &c.
Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of June 1823
G. D. Rittenhouse
Henry Gaster

Bedford County ss.
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for said County, Isaac Rebaugh, and being duly sworn according to law did depose and say, that he lives a near Neighbour to Wallentine Grover in Dublin Township Bedford County, and this deponent say that said Grover lives as well as his neighbours, and lately he has went out of his Township, and got several men to make oath, in order that he might draw his pension, again, for by reason of having had some of his personal property sold by the Constable for and several times, his son Henry owns all the property, and some times his son-in-law owns all the property. ss
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 14th day of June 1823. J. W. Winders
G. D. Rittenhouse Sub
Bedford County ss.
I do certify that I will now
Wallentine Grover in Dublin Township Bedford County, and I merely believe he lives as well as the most of his neighbours and that he did three years ago return two tracts of land as his own property and I was the Assessor of said Township in the year 1822 and 1823. And he then returned it as his sons Henrys Land and as I merely believe he done it in order to get to draw his pension again, and I further certify that John Miller, William Chesnut, Henry Gaston and Isaac Rebaugh, is residents of Dublin Township Bedford County, and is respectable men of society, as any men that lives in said Township ss Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of June A.D. 1823.
G. D. Rittenhouse Sub

for a statement of the military history of Valentine Gritter S.7.39.627 a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pen- sion on file in this Bureau. He  He  came to the United States as a Hessian soldier.
   DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.     ✓ 6 mos Flying Camp ✓ Penn.   ✓ 4 yrs. ✓ Hiester. "   Mch 15 1779 Mch 15 1782 Private Bartholomew Van Keer Brig Gen Light Horse Dragoons "  
Battles engaged in, White Plains; Skirmishes at Hornebeck and Springfield.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Enlisted at Pottsgrove Penn.
Date of application for pension, Apr. 4 1820. His claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Dublin Township, Bedford Co. Penn
Age at date of application, 69 years in Sept. 1820.
Remarks: 1820, he mentions wife Margaret, aged 58 years; Christian name not stated 1 married son with family; single daughter aged 36 years; 2 married daughters; in 1823 son Henry referred to as unmarried; in 1829 daughter Elizabeth Gritter referred to.
Soldier's pension was discontinued under the Act of May 1, 1820 but restored Aug 15, 1832, he having established his dependence thereupon.

Gruber, Valentine Cont.-Penn S 39627

Valentin Gruber having been enlisted a Dragoon under my Troop of independent Light Dragoons for the space of three Years commencing the 15 th March 1779 & ending March 15 th 1782. He has behaved him- self during his period as a true & faithfull Soldier. As he is not willing to stay any longer to continue the service, I do discharge him of my Troop & recommend him to all militair & Civil Officers or other Gentlemen to forward him on every Occasion.
Given under my Hand this 31 st Day of March 1782.
Barth- von Hecker Capt L. O. R.
Georg Mytner L. O. R.

Pennsylvania, 1787 Valentine Gruber, Bedford co: Penns a .
Capt. Van Heer's Comp y . independent light drag o . Penn a line — 3 years.
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary
Inscribed on the Roll of Pennsylvania, at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence the 4. of April, 1820.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12. of Oct r 1820 and sent to David Mann, agent Bedford, Pennsylvania.
Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1820. $ 40. 26. Semi-ann. all ce ending 4. March, 48 " 5 mo s 1/30. } 1821. } $ 88. 26.
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. } and 1 st May, } 1820. }
see letters 13 Ap r 1821 to Hon. J. Tod, H. R. & Jan. 28. 1829 to Hon. C. Forward, H. R.
See letter July 17. 1832 to Hon. G. Mound —

To what time was Valentine Gruber, of Penn. act 1818, last paid?
paid to 4 Sep 1821 J/H
J L Edward 4 Jan. 1837

Norfolk Virginia June 17 th
The Rev. Mr. [?]
Secretary of War Washington City
Rec. 220 June 1823

Memorandum of an agreement made and concluded on this 16 th Day of June 1810 by and between Joseph Flowers of the Township of Dublin, County of Bedford and State of Pennsylvania of the one part, and Henry Graver of the other same place of the other part Witnesseth, That the said Joseph Flowers for himself his Heirs Executors or Each of them hath granted and sold unto the said Henry Graver his Heirs or Assigns, a Certain tract of Land by the said Flowers held by Improvement, and situate or lying in the Township, County and State above mentioned adjoining Lands of Henry Flowers senior, John Miller and others. Which Improvements with all the Buildings and Appurtenances thereto belonging he the said Flowers, to the said Graver doth grant and sell, and by these presents convey.
and for himself his Heirs Executors or either of them or any other person claiming or that may hereafter claim from by or under him or either of them doth by these presents warrant and forever defend all the Right Title or Interest into the said Improvements and in consideration of which he the said Henry Graver hath by these presents promised to pay unto the said Flowers the sum of one hundred and thirty Dollars to be paid in the way and Manner following viz One black horse in hand at Eighty five Dollars the Receipt of which is hereby Acknowledged, and the remaining Forty Three Dollars in two Different payments as follows viz First Twenty Dollars to be paid at or upon the 16 th Day of June 1813 and Twenty Three Dollars to be paid at or upon the 16 th Day of June 1814. To which we the said parties to these presents do set our hands and seals the Day and year first above written.
Signed Seal and Delivered in the presence of us Witness Present
William Griffith
Valentine Graver
Joseph Flowers Seal
his
Henry X Graver Seal Mark

Bedford County Is Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said county name William Griffith and on oath do certify that the within is a true copy of an article contained in his hands between the said parties therein mentioned and further saith not Given & Subscribed this 38 th day of July A.D. 1822. } William Griffith Before me John Davis }
State of Pennsylvania Bedford County } {
I, John Mann Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Bedford in the State of Pennsylvania, do certify that John Davis Esq. before whom the above affidavit of Wm. Griffith appears to have been taken and whose name as thereto subscribed was at the time of taking the same and now is a Justice of the peace in and for said County, duly Commissioned and qualified by legal authority and acting as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Bedford the 19 th March A.D. 1830. J. B. Mann Prothon.

V. G. G. / sapus

Issue a new cert. in the case, as in original claim
pen: 1/2 com. 15 August 1832.
Hon. G. Brand
rec. Aug. 22
L. S. Frazar Edward's Exr Pension Office War Department Washington City

Bedford 15 th Aug t 1832
J. L. Edwards Esq r
Dr Sir
Yours of the 17 th inst, in relation to the case of Valentine Gruber was duly rec d by me. In reply I have to say that according to my verbal statement made to the acting Secy of War. That I am well acquainted with Valentine Gruber, that he is aged poor & infirm. The legal title to the lands on which he resides is vested in the representatives of the late Benjamin Burd of this County & in a W. Cope of Philadelphia. He resides as you will perceive by the affidavit of Genl. John Noble of this County her with forwarded, with his son Henry Gruber who purchased an improvement right to this land from a certain Joseph Flowers who was in mere squatting upon the tract which had been regularly surveyed & returned on a Warrant in due form of law, issued for the same. The lands is poor & all the shadow of title which the son can have to it, or any one else except the owners of the legal title arises from 21 years possession. & this only protects him in his claim to land which has been in actual possession for the 21 years.
You will perceive this land claimed by the son Henry Gruber is the same tract allegedly to have been owned by Valentine Gruber, the prisoner.
With contents of great respect
Your obed Serv t George Burd

Philadelphia, 2/16/09.
Commissioner of Pensions, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.,
Dear Sir:-
Can you tell me if Valentine Gruber, a Revolutionary soldier, received a pension for his services in the war, and if so when said pension was granted also the amount and how long was he on the Pension roll?
Was his pension rescinded?

if it- was that was the reason for discontinuing Pension.
Any particulars, in reference to Pension of said Valentine Gruber, will be duly appreciated by.
Yours Very truly V. Florence Jones, # 316 So. 4 th St.— Philadelphia, Penn a .

on cuts family history P.P.H
39 627 INVALID.
Rev.
Apr 19-19 M.A. Gruber
File No. 39,627 Valentine Gruber His wife
1909 March 23: military to Mrs. V. Florence Jones
Act: 18 th March 18 th
Index:—Vol. 8, Page 304
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1822 Dated at Hark Valentine Grover Court B1 416 Dated 15th
Summary Cause issued August the 15th returned the 22 said judgment on a set of hand Dated April the 13th 1821 Preamble twelve accounts after Date for ————— $28 50 interest 2 28 Judgment Entered as above $29 78 Execution issued April the 28th to Samuel Morran Caretaker
Bedford County Pa I do certify the above to be a true copy off my Dated in the above cause on this my hand and seal this day of October 1829. S. H. H. Shuemaker
I do certify that the above property of Valentine Grover which he gave me under a Levy at the amount of thirty five Dollars and ninety five cents are judgment from John Kistner Docket in favour of William Griffith for Debt and cost on Execution Eight Dollars and Seventy six cents Stokes & Execution after amount is stated above property sold in May 1823 the day not recorded names of persons sold to and the amount —————
  Thomas Allender five Sheep — — —  $4.96    Do 24 pounds of Wool — — —  7.68    Alexander Kitchener one mare and bolt 15 00     Abraham Lang one horse — — —  8 28     $35.92  
The above is true Statement October 31st 1829
Samuel Morran Caretaker

Bedford County ss on the 31 st day of Oct 1829 personally appeared Samuel Moran former constable of the Borough of Milton being for the year 1828 and was duly sworn according to Law saith that the within certificate as to the execution and sale of Valentine Grubbs property as therein stated is correct sworn and subscribed before me the
Henry H. Had Justice of the peace in and for said County
Samuel Moran

To All persons to whom this may concern We the undersigned Inhabitants ever of Dublin Township Bedford County & State of Penn. — And Neighbours of Wallentine Greaver of the said Township, County & State aforesaid The Said Wallentine Greaver dos Draw a petition from the United States for services as a Protectioner Soldier, &c. And under an Act of Congress he has made Application before the Courts of Bedford County. That he dos not hold or is not worth any Personal property nor Real &c. We do consider the Said Greaver an impostor and by the Said Act of Congress is not entitled to a petition. We therefore do certify that he dos possess and owns the following property Wallentine Greaver is Taxed for Eight hundred Acres of Land which he returned to the Sessor. as his property, and four head of horses, Seven head of horned cattle & sheepe, swine &c. and the Said Greaver lives well, and has plenty of every kind of necessaries of life to live on, and there is not a man in Dublin Township lives better &c. —————
George D. Rittinhouse Wm Jones John Chesnut
Attest John Jones

Bedford County ss.
Personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for said county William Chesnut, William Jones, John Jones, and John Chesnut, all being duly sworn according to Law, did depose and say that the Statement in the foregoing Instrument of writing is just and true, and that they verily believe according to the best of their judgements that the said Valentine Grover is not entitled to a pension, as he has applied and Drawed it heretofore
Sworn and subscribed this 22 nd day of January A.D. 1822 - before me
John Chesnut William Jones John Jones John Chesnut
George D. Rittenhouse " " " "
We do certify that the foregoing statement is a correct statement of the goods and chattels of Valentine Grover is just and true and that he is in now way in want of any means of life and he is sound in body and healthy and now way described. And I George D. Rittenhouse do further certify that I was principle depositor in the years of 1819 & 20 and at that time Valentine Grover did returned to me to be taxed the number of Acres of land mentioned & horses & cows etc. George D. Rittenhouse

Recd 31 Jan. 1822
Free
Mr. Standish
Washington
John C. Calhoun Esq.
John C. Calhoun Esq. Secretary of War Washington City

Harrisburg Jan 7 1877
Sir The enclosed statement respecting the property of Valentine Grover, of Dublin township, Bedford County Penn a who is at this time drawing a pension from the U. S. was forwarded to me with a request that I would transmit the same to you — I will only add that I am well acquainted with George D. Rettenhouse Esq r and William Chesnut, two of the persons who have subscribed the enclosed statement, and they are men of character upon whose statement confidence may be placed — I am with due respect yours Off. Secy.
David Marks
J. C. Calhoun Esq r

W. H. Gruber
Refused to the pension of the 1861
Howland Island

War Department, Pension Office, 12 th . May 1823.
Sir,
Your letter of the 6 th instant, relative to John B. Webster and Valentine Gruber, has been received. No further decision can be had in the case of Mr. Webster, until he shall have complied with the regulations under the act of the 1 st of March 1823. A blank form, with instructions thereto attached, is herewith enclosed for his guidance.
The case of Valentine Gruber is still suspended; and must so remain, until it shall appear to the satisfaction of the Secretary of War that the statement transmitted to this Department against him, is incorrect. Four respectable citizens, certified to be such, by the magistrate who administered the oath to them, have sworn that Gruber owns the following property, "Eight hundred acres of land, which he returned to the assessor as his property; four head of horses, seven head of horned cattle; sheep, swine, &c." They further state, that Gruber "lives well, has every necessary of life, and that there is not man in Dublin Township who lives better." It is not customary to give the names of the informants in such cases; otherwise, I would let you know who these citizens are. If such information, however, were necessary to the vindication of the claimant, it would be furnished. He was apprised more than a year ago, of the cause of the suspension: but no steps appear to have been taken by him to remove the cause.
Hon: John Tod, Bedford, Penn:
I am, very respectfully, Yr. Obt. Servt. J. L. Edwards

...ians during which ... G. ... present land
Grubbs

Bedford County ss Personally came before me the sub- scribers one of the Justices of the peace in & for the County of Bedford Abraham Walker James Austin John Derr John Davis Esq. Henry Bets John Noble John H. Hill Ludwick Belf Jas. Bernal John Wilcox & C. Ream and being all duly sworn according to Law Deponeth and sayeth that they are well acquainted with Valentine Grober (of Dublin Township) for 8 & 10 years & upwards ever since Mr Grober came to reside in these parts & Grober rented or worked land on the shares for several years during which time Henry his son began an improvement on land (adjoining the rented land) to hold by estimation 400 Acres had that quantity re- turned to the Appraiser (the better to substantiate his claim and whilst living on the improved land together with his Father & family so Henry Grober traded a va- luable Horse (bought by him when a colt) to Joseph Flowers for an improvement held by the Flowers estimated at 400 Acres as per their Article will fully appear being (as the deponents are creditably informed) previously for- warded to the War department so Henry Grober then moved into the place thus bought together with his Father Valentine Grober & family who still remain to live at the Henry Grober being a single man & unlearned and generally transacts monied matters for his son; which is the only true cause of Henry Grober two Tracts being Appraised in the name of Valentine Grober as the Deponents do verily believe ————— that the Valentine Grober is a man of truth fully in- titled to belief on his Oath: himself & Wife, both old & unable to support themselves by labour ————— that they are poor have not wherewith to support themselves — that since the pension from the U. S. has been suspended the Constable has sold his little effects and Debts yet remain unpaid ————— that the deponents verily believe the information forwarded to the War department was instigated by and in consequence of a suit preferred vs William Glanet relative to Hogs alleged to be illegally not being sustained, threats

themselves - no - has been suspended the Constable has sold no - effects and Debts yet remain unpaid - That we deponants verily believe the information forwarded to the War department was instigated by and in consequence of a suit preferred vs William Shumet relative to Hogs alleged to be illegally withheld from S r Grober & not being sustained, threats were then used that the pension S r be stopped of this  last claim, deponants are very creditably informed. further saith not.
John Davis
I do hereby Certify That The under written Subscribers are all Respectable Citizens of Bedford County and were duly Sworn according to law Given under my hand and Seal the 1 st day of September A.D 1823
John Jordan
James Austin. (As to the two latter clauses of the above)
John Se r Smith
Henry Bitz
Ludwick Bitz
John Noble
John Kern
James Manners
John Gilks
Abra m Walker
C o Reamer

James Clancey affidavit to
Grover
Post 25 th

I James Connor of Du blin township, Bedford County and State of Pennsylvania do depose that the following that I purchased in the Spring of 1828 one half part of a tract of land from Henry Gruver son of Valentine Gruver of said township, for which I agreed to pay him twenty two dollars and fifty cents. The said tract supposed to contain about two hundred and sixteen acres. Situate in township, aforesaid - and that the said purchase was real and Bona fide - Sale and purchase on both parties - and further that I before purchasing examined into the said Henry Gruvers title to said land and found that the same had been assessed to him for a number of years - and from all that I could learn I was induced to believe that his father Valentine Gruver had no title whatever to any part whatever of the aforesaid tract of Lands - and further saith not
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set the bscibed my name this 13th day of April 1829 James Connor
Sworn and Subscribed before me one of the Justices of the peace in and for the County aforesaid - this 14th day of April 1829 Matthias Elias

19 Jan.
J. L. Edwards
Pension-Office

Washington City 16 th Jan y . 1830 J. L. Edward Esq. Dear Sir,
Enclosed I send you the papers in the case of Valentine Gouber. Will you be kind enough to inform me of the result of his appli- -cation as soon as convenient. I am informed that "he is a subject worthy of the boon contemplated by Congress." I have this upon good authority. Yours C. Foxworth

Hon. Mr. John C. Calhoun They are War
You have directed the papers relative to Val. Gruber's pension to be sent to me for my opinion about the men &c -
Of those who certify against V. Gruber I know Pittenhouse & Wm. Chestnut - Pittenhouse I believe to be an honest man -
I know all those who certify for Gruber - They are the most respectable men in that part of the country - They are neighbours of Gruber - But as what they mention is chiefly matter of opinion, and what is alleged on the other side must in my opinion, from the character of the men, be at least half of it true I think on the present evidence Gruber

ought not to be re-instated on the pension list
Very Respectfully
Your obedt Servt John Goa

W. Edwards has given me the papers of Valentine Green of Dublin Esq. Bedsford Camp d Penn a in order to examine the same with Mess rs . Hook & to be delivered in an hour -
Geo: Bond 18 th July 1832

Copy of Deposition of Valentine Gruber

Pennsylvania
Bedford County, S. 3
On this twenty sixth day of November A.D. 1829 personally appeared in open Court being a court of Record for the County of Bedford in the state of Pennsylvania, Valentine Gruber resident in said County, aged seventy seven years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of the 18 th March 1818. and the 1 st of May 1820. That he the said Valentine Gruber enlisted about the year 1775 in a troop of horse commanded by Captain Von Horst, which said troop served as a life guard to Genl. Washington, and that he was three years in said troop that he then enlisted in a Regiment of Foot commanded by Col. Diester, in the line of the State of Pennsylvania, on the Continental establishment, and that he served in said Corps four years, when he was discharged from the service in Reading, in the State of Pennsylvania, and that his name has been placed on the pension list, and dropped therefrom on account of his property. — And further, in pursuance of the act of 1 st May, 1820. I do solemnly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States, on the 18 th day of March 1818. and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or in any manner disposed of my property, or any part thereof with intent thereby 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 during the Revolutionary war" passed on the 18 th day of March 1818. And that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts due me, nor have I any income whatever, that the real property said to be held by me, and for which my name was dropped from the pension list, is held by my son Henry Gruber who has nothing more than an improvement right for the same; that warrants and other titles for said land are in the hands of other persons, and that neither I myself nor any person for me ever made any claim to said land. That I with my wife at present reside with my son, that my wife has had her leg broken twice within four years, and is at present unable to walk, and that I myself am unable to work at my former occupation which was that of a labourer, nor have I any means of support whatever. That the property said to be owned by me and sold by the constable on two executions, one issued by Anthony Shoemaker Esq. in favour of Adam Stoke the other issued by John Sutterer Esq. at the suit of William Duffica was owned part by my son Henry Gruber, and part by my daughter Elizabeth Gruber as follows vizt. The mare and colt by my son, and 5 Sheep, and 24 lbs of wool by my daughter, and one horse by myself and that the said property was sold to the persons, and for the prices mentioned in the certificate of Samuel Morrow the constable and to the declaration annexed.
Sworn & subscribed in open Court the 26 th Nov. 1829. Job Mann & Brothers. }
Valentine Gruber

I Samuel Morrow do certify that the following is a correct list of goods sold by me as constable of the borough of McConnellsburg as the property of Valentine Gruber, on two executions issued by Anthony Shoemaker and John Gutwiler Esquires, and directed to me, at the suits of Adam Hoke and William Duffield which said suits was brought by the above mentioned A. Hoke and Wm Duffield to recover certain money due to them.
   List.   Articles sold. To whom sold. Price     two Sheep - Thos. Alender. $2.07   one Do - " " " 1.02.   " " " " " 1.02.   " " " " " 0.85   One mare & colt. Alex. Richardson. " 15.00.   One horse Abm Long. " 8.28.   24 lbs wool. Thos. Alender " 7.68.   $35.92  
The above is a correct list given under my hand this 2 nd day of July 1829.
Samuel Morrow Const.
I cannot recollect the day on which the above property was sold, but I am certain it was between the 1 st and eighth of June 1823. The mare and colt belonged to Mr Gruber's son Henry, and the sheep to his daughter Elizabeth.
Samuel Morrow Const.
State of Pennsylvania Bedford County } ss
I Job Mann Prothonotary of the The Court of Common Pleas in and for
The said County of Bedford do certify the above foregoing to be a true copy from the Original remaining on file in my Office at Bedford -
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Affixed the seal of said Court the 11 th December 1829
Job Mann Prothonotary

I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Valentine Grover who has applied for a Pension that he has a Wife who is a cripple from having her leg broken & afterwards her thigh be- ing broken or dislocated lay under the care of doctors for a long time - they both live with his son Henry are both old & infirm and has no real Property nor never claimed any since he came to these parts; being upwards of twenty Years a near Neighbour to me, S c Valentine frequently worked for me as day labour- ers some time after his son had bot d the Improvement light for the land and was living there S c Valentine sent for me to write his Will being dangerously ill & not expecting to live I took a Memorandum - he d d nothing con- cerning the land I asked him if he had for- gotten to mention the land, he replied I have no land it belongs to the boy (meaning his son Henry) he traded his House for it - the improvement tract began before I knew any thing of it his Mother & me was from home for some time & when we return I first knew that he had been working on it - I wrote his Will at that time & Witnessed it - I at that time understood that he wish d to save that little effects he had for his Wife & e- and prevent two Married Daughters from taking a share - I have a number of Years since together with others relatives to S c Valentine & his circumstances & the representation relatives to him which was the cause that his name was struck off the Pension list gave an expression on oath or otherwise re- ference thereto will fully appear (this paper can be found in the War Department, I expect) to which I still certify 18 th Dec r 1830 John Noble

I John Davis a Justice of the peace and for Bedford County, and before whom the foregoing affidavit of John Noble was taken, do certify that the said John Noble is a person of good character, and respectability, and worthy of belief on oath or otherwise, and that the within state- ment or any other which he may make, may be fully relied on. Certified by me this 7 th day of March
State of Pennsylvania
AD 1831
John Davis
Bedford County S s
Robt. Mann
In the name of the Court of Common Pleas in and for the County of Bedford in the State of Pennsylvania do certify that John Davis Esquire before whom the foregoing deposition of John Noble appears to have been
taken and by whom. The above certificate is made and whose name is thereto subscribed was at the time of the respective dates thereof to wit: 22 d October 1830 & 7 th March 1831 a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County of Bedford duly commissioned and qualified by legal authority and acting as such and that the signatures "John Davis" thereto are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at Bedford the 15 th day of August A.D. 1831 Robt. Mann Esq.

Bedford County ss
Personally came before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County John Noble who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that the facts contained in the within certificate are true
John Noble
Sworn to & subscribed this 22 nd Octo 1830
Before me
John Davis 6