Documents in Revolutionary War Pension File
TRANSLATION: MISCELLANEOUS "A"
Mr. Georg Pfeifer and Miss Magdalena Schäfer entered into the state of holy matrimony on April 2 A.D. 1781 and in the beginning of their marital state lived in Machanay township, Norththumberland county. The names of these children who were born of the Christian marriage of this husband and wife of the place named above are the following:
On May 15, 1802, we moved away from our first place of residence and took up our domicile in Crawford county, Blumfield township. where God gave us another young son, who due to his weakness, saw the light of this earthly world only for one year and nine months. In 1810 we again moved from our domicile and now live in Crawford county, Mead township.
Translated from German by Matteossian ja 5/11/34
The file contains the old Pennsylvania German "taufscheine", or baptismal certificates. (view). The translation reads:
Johann Georg Peifer "d:: is g : " was born of Christian parents on September 15, A.D. 1756 in Heydelberg township, Berks county. The godparents to the baptism were Georg Joh. and his wife, Maria Elisabetha. He was baptized by Pastor Wagner "g:- n:. d: g:. b:". The parents are: The respectful Johannes Peifer and his respectful wife named Maria Barbara.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Maria Magdalena Schäferin was born of Christian parents on June 2 A.D. 1762 in Heydelberg township, Berks county. The godparents: Bernhart Voss and his wife, Martha. She was baptized by pastor Waltschmidt. The parents are: The respectful Johannes Schäfer and his wife named Maria Eva nee Sabin.
Translated from German by Matteossian/js/ 5/11/34
TRANSLATION MISCELLANEOUS B.
Johan Georg Pfeifer was born of Christian parents on September 15, 1756 in Heidelberg township, Berks county and was baptized on December 11 according to the Christian rites by Rev. Pastor Wagner at a church meeting. his godparents, who held him over the font of the holy baptism, were Georg John and his wife, Maria. His parents were named: Johannes Pfeifer, his mother Maria Barbara.
After earnest and careful bringing up by the parents, this son of theirs was confirmed in the year 1772 in Maconay township, Northumberland county, by Rev. Pastor Enderlein and admitted as a member of the Christian Evangelical Church.
On April 2, 1781 he was married according to the rites of the Christian church to Miss Magdalena Schäfer, legitimate daughter of Johannes Schaefer and his wife, Maria Eva, of Mahonay township, Northumberland county, by Rev. Pastor Enderlein, who confirmed the bride and groom and bound them in the tie of matrimony.
God blessed their marriage with 11 legitimate heirs, of whom 9 followed his father to the grave in mourning. Four male children, Georg, Johan, Michel, Samuel and five female, Barbara, Eva, Elisabeth, Magdal., Margre., all of whom are married. He died on Sunday, January 19, 1823 at 5 p.m. from a suffocating catarrh after having complained on the evening of the 14th that he was sick. his last yearning was for the spring of life, the Word of God which was spoken to him by Rev. Pastor Meyer according to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 7, verses 1-8, in the presence of his entire family and others, on which occasion, upon being questioned, he replied, acknowledging and confirming his faith. In his lifetime he was known as a kind father to his children, a tender husband, a loyal citizen, an earnest follower of his religion and church, and he died as a Christian awaiting the reward of his Lord following a virtuous life, at the age of 67 years 4 months and 4 days.
Translated from German by Matteossian / js/ 5/11/34
The Petition of Mary Magdelena Peiffer, the Widow of an old Soldier Praying for aid. H.R. Jan. 4, 1837.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The petition of Mary Magdalene Peiffer of Woodcock Township, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, Respectfully herewith.
That she is the widow of Georgs Peiffer late of the same place, deceased. That she was married to the said Georges about year 1780 in Mohannoy township, Northumberland County, Penna. And lived with him until the time of his decease in January 1823. That the said Georges was born, from the best information your petitioner has, about the year 1756, in the Hydelburg township, Berks County, Penna, that prior to this intermarriage he marched either as a volunteer or enlisted soldier, but under what offices petitioner cannot now, from failure of memory, state, from Northumberland County, and joined the main Army, and was at the battle of Brandywine, that he was out in service six months. that after this intermarriage, the said Georges, in 1782, but the season of the year not recollected, was called out at different times to march against the Indians, that he was out sometimes [ * ] and at other two months.
That in 1802 the said George moved with his family from Northumberland to Crawford County, where he lived until the time of his decease. Your petitioner states that she will be seventy five years of age the second day of next July; that she is poor and in indigent circumstances, and [ * ] that from the services rendered by her husband as a soldier in the Revolutionary war for the proof of which she [ * ] the testimony of Henry Minium. She is entitled to receive a pension. She respectfully prays that one may be granted her.
And she will pray. Mary Magdalena Peiffer (her marks). Witness - George Peiffer.
Affidavit of Henry Minium
Crawford County, Pa. Henry Minium of Woodcock township in said County, having duly sworn, says that he is seventy six years old the 20th day of this month, that he was personally acquainted with George Peiffer, within named, from the time he, the said George, was about fifteen or sixteen years old till his decease, that in the year 1777, and deponent thinks in the spring of the year or early part of the summer, said he recollects the year from its being the same one in which Philadelphia was taken by the British. The said George was drafted or volunteered to march towards Philadelphia, that he marched from Sunbury and thinks from what he heard at the time & now recollects, that General Potter had the command, that he does not personally know where the said George marched to, but understood that it was towards Philadelphia, and that he was engaged in the Battle at Brandywine, that he recollects of said George returning the latter part of the fall of that year. After he had been absent six months, the time for which he & the other men had volunteered or been drafted, and that he often heard him speak of the battle and of his being in it, and deponent has not the slightest doubt but that he actually was. Deponent states that he knows of the said George's marching at different times about the years 1781 & 1782, on scouts against the Indians in Northumberland County, and thinks two months at a time, but he cannot mention the particular places he was stationed at except one time at Fishing Creek. And further that he knows the within named petitioner to be the widow of the said George, and that they must have been married about the time she states in her petition, that the said George moved from Northumberland to Crawford County about the years 1802 and died in 1823, and that the widow is poor and in indigent circumstances.
Sworn this 19 December 1836, Before me, John P. Davis, [ * ] Miniam
Affidavit of Mary Magdalina Peiffer, March 16, 1838
Pennsylvania, Crawford County} ss.
On this sixteenth day of March, One Thousand Eight Hundred & Thirty-Eight, personally appeared, in open Court, before the Court of Common Pleas, in & for said County now sitting, Mary Magdalena Peiffer, a resident of Woodcock Township in said County, aged Seventy Six years, the 2nd day of June next, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 4th July 1836. That she was the daughter of John Shaffer and was born, as she has always understood, & verily believes, on the 2nd day of June 1762, in Heidleburgh Township, Berk County Pennsylvania; - that somewhere about the year 1770, her father moved, with his family, to Mohanoy Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, & on the 2nd day of April 1781, she was married to George Peiffer, in said Township last mentioned, & lived with him until the day of his death, the 19th day of January 1823, since which period she has continued unmarried: - That the said George Peiffer was born, September the 15th 1756 in Heidleburgh Township aforesaid, where this deponent first knew him, & that he moved to Mohanoy Township aforesaid, about the year 1771, shortly, say, within one or two years after her father: - That she cannot speak with any kind of precision of the Military services rendered by her husband in the Army of the United States during the revolutionary War prior to their marriage, but that she knows that he was out on duty, at different periods, for considerable length of time, the fact of his absence & the causes of it, she knew at the time, but cannot tell the length of time or places where he was, excepting as informed by him afterwards both before & subsequent to their marriage, viz. that the first Military tour was for six months, in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, & that he was in the battle of Germantown. His second & third ones were for two months each, one up the West branch of the Susquehanna River, above Northumberland, & the other up the North branch, at Fishing Creek, against the Indians. - after their marriage, deponent states, that her said husband was out twice on military duty, & both times went, as she then understood, & now believes, up the North branch of the Susquehanna River, above Northumberland in pursuit of the Indians. The first of these two last services must have been in March or April 1782, from the recollection that her eldest daughter, Barbara, was not more than one or two months old at the time & lasted, she would say, at least, two weeks; - & the other was the summer following for about the same length of time. She cannot remember under what officers he marched or served at either of the periods mentioned, & if she ever did know, it has entirely escaped her memory. During her husband's first absence on duty, in the spring of 1782, deponent was baking bread in an oven, a short distance from the dwelling, & while attending to it she became so much alarmed, from dread of the Indians, that she fastened herself in the house, & was unable or unwilling to return to take her bread from the oven in consequence of which it was lost. She has no recollections of ever seeing a discharge of her husband or any paper by which his services could be proven, but she annexes this probate of John Nicholas Conrad, who had some knowledge of his services, & their marriage, - also the probate of her son George Peiffer as to certain other facts, & certain, & certain Papers marked "A", "B" & "C" respectively showing the periods of deponents & her husband's births & marriage, & the births of their children, & certain other facts as therein mentioned. The paper marked "A" was written in the year 1819 by one Augustus Hubutas, a teacher in this neighbourhood, at the instance & request of deponent's husband, he being unable to write. Where the said Hubutas now is, the deponent has no knowledge, not having heard of him for many years. Paper "B" was written by the Rev. Philip [ * ]ffer, a German Clergyman, immediately after deponent's husband's death, & was taken from papers "A" & "C", facts which had then occurred. Paper "C" was written by a man by the name of ------ Trevits, in the year 1794 or 1795 for deponent's husband, in Mohanoy Township aforesaid, & has been in the family ever since. - Besides the papers deponent owns she has no knowledge of any documentary evidence whereby the births & marriage of herself & husband can be proven. She further states that about Thirty Six years since, her husband moved with his family from Mohanoy, to Bloomfield Township Crawford County aforesaid, & from there he moved to Mead now ------- Woodcock Township aforesaid, where he resided till his death & where she has ever since resided; - That she heretofore applies to the Legislature of this State for, & obtains a pension, in consideration of her husband's service during the Revolutionary War as before detailed. Other than this she declares her name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state, & that she hereby relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity except the present.
Mary Magdaline Peiffer (her mark), Sworn in Open Court this [blank] of March 1838. (Witness) Israel Berlin.
Also came John Nicholas Conrad, who, on his solemn oath duly administered, say he was born on the 15th of October 1764, that in the fall of 1773, his father moved from near Reading, Pennsylvania to Mohanoy Township Northumberland County Pennsylvania, & that soon after, deponent became acquainted with Mary M. Shaffer, now Mrs. Peiffer, the within applicant & daughter of John Shaffer who then resided in said Township about six miles distant from deponents fathers: - That about the year 1776 he became acquainted with George Peiffer, who also resided in Said Township, about 13 miles from deponents, & that the said George Peiffer, & Mary M. Shaffer were intermarried, as deponent believes, in the forepart of the year 1781 - that he knows of the said Peiffer's marching as a volunteer & militia man from Mohanoy Township in the spring of 1777 for the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, & as deponent understood at the time, was to join the Regiment [*] under the command of Col. Potter of Pennsylvania, & afterwards learnt that the said Peiffer had been in the battle of Germantown, but deponent cannot now say how long he was out in service, but is of the belief it was six months. After the marriage of the said Peiffer in the summer of 1782, deponent, with many others in the Mohanoy Township, was called upon to march against the Indians, - he went to Sunbury, the place of rendezvous, where he saw Peiffer on duty ready to March, but in a different company to that in which deponent was; - he marched up the West branch, & Peiffer up the North Branch, but how long said peiffer was out deponent cannot say. After deponent moved to Meadville Penna. in the year 1802; where he has continued to reside ever since, with an interval from 1807 to 1814 - the said Peiffer also moved to the Said County about the year 1803. It was always understood in Mohanoy that Peiffer had been out at different times on duty against the British & Indians, but how often, & when from the great lapse of time & failure of Memory, deponent cannot now tell except as above stated. He always considered him, as well as his wife, as credible persons, & in whose word full reliance could be placed.
Sworn in Open court, March 183[*], [unreadable signature].
Affidavit of George Peiffer, continuation of above document
Also came George Peiffer, who being duly sworn, says he is the son of George Peiffer deceased, & Mary M. Peiffer, the forgoing applicant, - That he was born, in Mohanoy Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, on the 22nd of August 1783, & had one sister older than himself, named Barbara, who was born the 21st day of February 1782, - that his father resided in said Township till the 15 of May 1802, when he removed to Bloomfield Township Crawford County Penna, & continued to reside there till 1810 when he removed to Mead, now Woodcock Township in said County, where he continued to reside till the 19th of January 1823, when he departed this life. Deponent recollects well of the three different papers being written, the one marked "A", by a man of the name of Augustus Hub[*]tas, at deponent's fathers & at his request, in the year 1819, - the paper "B", by the Rev. Philip Maynhoffer, two or three days after the decease of deponent's father, & at his request in 1794 or 1795, deponent got a similar one for himself at the same time - The two papers "A" & "C", were kept by his father untill[sic] his death, & are the only ones, except paper "B" showing the births & marriages of deponents parents, & the births of their children, of which deponent has any knowledge. He further states, that he has frequently heard his father speak of his services in the Revolutionary War - that as early as he can recollect, he heard him tell of his being a volunteer for some months in 1777, - that he marched from Mohanoy aforesaid to near Philadelphia, & was in the battle of Germantown, - that he was afterwards drafted twice as a Militia Man for two months each, once up the West & the second time up the North branch of the Susquehanna, against the Indians, & that he was out at several other times, for short periods, for similar purposes. George Peiffer
Affidavit of Israel Berlin, continuation of above document
Also came Israel Berlin, who on his solemn oath duly adminstered says that he is aged 44 years, that he was acquainted with George Peiffer from the year 1811 till the time of his death - at some time in the year 1813, the deponent, heard him say that at the time La Fayette made his celebrated retreat in the year (blank) he, Peifer, was with the Pennsylvania Militia on the opposite side of the Schoolkill & he was generally believed to have been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Israel Berlin.
I certify that Mary Magdalene Peiffer, John Nicholas Conrad, George Peiffer and Israel Berlin were severally sworn in open Court to the forregoing statements given by them respectively, this 16 March 1838. James Cochran, Clk.
And the Said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigations of the matter that the within named George Peiffer, decd., was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, as is stated in the foregoing statement of Mary M. Peiffer, N. Conrad, George Peiffer & Israel Berlin; Also that the applicant Mrs. Peiffer was the wife & now the widow of the said deceased as within stated. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that John Nicholas Conrad who has given his statement & affidavit - as within mentioned, is a resident in the Borough of Meadville Crawford County, Penna, that Israel Berlin and George Peiffer who have each given their statements & affidavits within are residents in Woodcock township County aforesaid, are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit. Also that the [ * ] papers marked "A","B","C", respectively, are original papers as deposed to by Mrs. Peiffer & George peiffer. Signatures: Steph. Barlow, John H. Work[?]
Pennsylvania, Crawford County} ss.
I, James Cochran, Prothenotary of the Court of Common Please in and for said County of Crawford, do certify that the foregoing and annexed papers are the original and only ones in the application of Mary [text covered by seal] pension. In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Meadville this 16 day of March 1838. James Cochran
Letter
War Dept., Pens. Officer
March 31, 1838
Sir,
The papers in the case of Mrs. Mary M. Peiffer widow of George Peiffer, decd, have been examined and filed with suspended cases. She alleges that her husband served as a militia man of Pennsylvania for a tour of six months in 1777 during which he was at the battle of Germantown and for two other tours of two months each, and for a tour of two weeks in the summer of 1782, and a like term in 1783. There is no evidence in this office that the militia of Pennsylvania served longer than two months under one engagement and unless documents or record proof be exhibited showing that the claimant's husband served six months as alleged, only two months services can be computed for the first tour. The two alleged tours of two months eaach should be proved by witneses from personal knowledge. They should state the period, the officer's names, and the years and places where the service was performed.
Hon. A. Plumer, N.R.
Letter
War Dept., Pen. Officer
March 7, 1839
Sir,
The additional testimony in the case of Mrs. Mary M. Peiffer widow of George Peiffer decd. has been examined and filed with her other papers in this office. The usual service of the Pennsylvania militia was in tours of two months, and there must be an error in the statement that the militia were marched to Philadelphia in the spring of 1777. The service of the militia was not required at that city until it was known that the enemy intended attaacking it which was not until sometime in August. Only two months can be allowed for the tour in 1777, and the two other alleged tours of two months each previous to the claimant's marriage should be proved by witnesses who had a personal knowledge of the service. I herewith return Mr. Derrickson's letter to you.
Hon: A. Plumer, Franklin, Penna.
Letter
Pension Office, June 5, 1844
Sir,
In answer to the [ * ] letter I have to inform you that the claim of Mrs. Mary M. Peiffer cannot be allowed, unless she [ * ] produce such proof as the regulations direct. The letter of the 7th March 1839 to the Hon. A. Plumer, of which the enclosed is a copy, will show what is required. I have [ * ].
Hon. Samuel Hays, House of Rep.
Affidavit of Andrew Shaffer
Crawford County [*]
Andrew Shaffer deposeth and says that he was acquainted with George Peiffer in the year 1778 and from that period he was intimately acquainted with him for the space of Fifty years, he was first acquainted with him prior to his being Married to the [*] Peiffer was married in the year 1781, To Mary M. Shaffer, both of Mahoney Township Northumberland County Pennsylvania, he says he knew him the Decd. Peiffer to have been in the Revolutionary war under Gen. Potter of Pennsylvania A volunteer in 1777, 78 he thinks his Capts. name was Gray, he is certain that he [ * ] Peiffer was out under Gen. Potter six Months; he likewise knows of Peiffer subsequently being out on two Different Tours in the Militia, one of the Tours was of two months Duration under Capt. Adam Shaffer, the other Tour he was under Capt. Reed in Company with Deponent's Father, both Tours were up the Susquahanna against the Indians, these Tours were all performed prior to his the said Peiffers being Married, he afterwards was out on two scouting parties of Seven days each, in one of the Militia Tours, he this(?) said Peiffer assisted in burying the Dead that were Kiled by the Indians at Freelings [or Freclings] Fort, the Deponant was born in 1771 although he was young he says he can Distinctly recollect when the said Peiffer returned from his first Tour under Gen. Potter from the vicinity of Philadelphia, he can recollect that is was in the spring of the year and all has been retained in his memory from the often repeated assertions he heard made by Mr. George Peiffer himself, his deponents Father and Mother and other Neighbours and that the aforesaid George Peiffer together with Mary Magdalena his wife and family removed from Northumberland County to Crawford County Penna; in the year 1802 Where he died in 1823, where now his family and decendants reside. Deponent's Father together with Deponent and his family emigrated to Crawford County in 1800. Deponent further says that to George and Mary Magdalene Peiffer there were Born Nine Children that arived[sic] to the age of Maturity viz. Barbary, George, Eve, Elizabeth, John Michael, Samuel, Mary Magdalena and Margaret. Eve and Michael are Deceased, the rest of the family all reside at present in Crawford County Pennsylvania. Andrew (his mark) Shaffer
Sworn & subscribed before me this 15th day of August 1845, Jon. Morrison, Justice of the Peace.
I likewise certify that the above Andrew Shaffer is a credible witness. Jon. Morrison, J.P.
Crawford County, State of Pennsylvania} ss.
I, William McArthur, Prothenotary of the Court of Common Please in and for said County, do hereby certify that Joseph Morrison, Esquire, before whom the foregoing deposition was taken, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, to all whose acts, as such, due faith and credit ought to be given, throughout the United States and elsewhere. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the same Court at Meadville, the Fifteenth day of August, A.D. 1845. Wm. McArthur, Prothy.
Letter
Letterhead: "Edmund F. Brown, Attorney and Agent for Claimants, Notary Public and Commissioner for Virginia, Illinois, and Alabama. &c., continues to attend to the settlement of business before Congress and the several Departments of the General Government, and particularly claims for Pensions, Patents, Lands, Contracts, &c. Office on Seventh street, two doors above the City Post Office. Letters (postage paid) may be addressed, E.F. Brown, Box 103, P.O. Washington City."
U.S. Agency, Notarial, and Commissioner's Office,
Established in 1843
Washington City, 28th December 1846
J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Comms. of Pensions
Sir:
About the year 1838, Mrs. Mary M. Peiffer, Widow of George, applied for a Pension under Act of 1836, and before she succeeded in obtaining the additional evidence then required, she died, 10 Oct. 1844.
I am requested by her heirs to present the enclosed additional evidence, and request that they may be allowed the Pension due to her at her death.
These papers were sent me some time since, but returned for authentication.
It is believed that proof of marriage is already filed.
Very Respectfully, [ * ], Edm. F. Brown
Affidavit of Christian Roads
Clarion County, State of Pennsylvania.
Personly[sic] appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County Christian Roads and after being affirmed according to law doth depose and say that he was well acquainted with named George Piffer of Northumberland County Pa., he was first known to him previous to his being Married to the said Mary M. Shaffer he assisted his father Michael Roads in making shoes in the year 1781 he knew him to be in the Revolutionary War that he was out full as long as Andrew Shaffer states and that he was on two scouting parties of seven days each, after mariage[sic] to the said Mary M. Shaffer. I am 80 years of age. Christian (his mark) Roads.
Affirmed & subscribed before me this 6th day of March A.D. 1846. James Wilson, JP
I likwise certify that the above named Christian Roads is a creditable[sic] witness.
James Wilson, JP
Clarion County} ss.
I, James [ * ], Prothonotary of the Court of Common Please of Clarion County Do hereby certify that James Wilson Esquire before whom the foregoing Deposition was taken is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County, to all whose official acts as such full faith and credit are due, and whose Signature thereunto annexed is genuine and in his own proper handwriting, In Testimony Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court at Clarion this 6th day of April A.D. 1846.
James [ * ] [Goe, Coe, Gor, Isor?]
Affidavit, George Peiffer
Mr. George Peiffer now aged Sixty-Two years and oldest son [ * ] & Mary M. Peiffer, deposeth and said that he heard his father say that he was in the services of the United States under General Potter as a volunteer in the Pennsylvania Militia for six months. Shortly after the Battle of Brandwine[sic] and frequently heard him state that the army or part of the army crossed the Schoolkill River (of which he Peiffer was one) on a Bridge constructed of wagons placed across the stream Bettwen[sic] Christmas and a New Years Day and part of them waded across and that he was present with the Army during the winter and that he frequently saw the read[sic] Coats, and likewise he heard him say that he was out in two Militia Tours on the North and West Branches of Susquehanna stationed at one time at Fishing creek Fort when word was brought in that the Indians were coming, about the time the women were milking the cows and that he was considerably diverted as seeing the Milk Pails Flying and that he assisted in Burying the dead that fell at Freelings [or Freclings] Fort, these Two being performed Previous to his being maried[sic] and that after he was Maried[sic] he was out on Several Scouting Parties against the Indians, one of these Scouting Tours Being performed after deponats[sic] oldest sister was born. Deponant would Refer you to the Papers of Mary M. Peiffer as exhibited in the Pension office of the United States in 1838 and in Perticular[sic] to the deposition of Israel Berlin and that of N. Conrad of Crawford County.
Meadville April 9th 1846. George Peiffer.
Sworn and Subscribed before me this 9th Day of April A.D. 1846. J.E. [ * ], J.P.
Affidavit, Israel Berlin
Israel Berlin deposeth and says that Mary M. Peiffer, Consort of George Peiffer, decd. died on the 10th October 1844, Leaving heirs at Law living - and now living George Peiffer, John Peiffer, Samuel Peiffer, Barbara Farst, Elizabeth Miniam, Mary M. Lesher, and Margarett Kepler, All Children of George & Mary M. Peiffer, decd.
Israel Berlin
Sworn and Subscribed Before me this 9th Day of April A.D. 1846. J.P. [ * ], J.P.
Crawford County, ss.
I hereby certify that [ * - perhaps "Gries"], Esq., aforesaid, is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and that the signature purporting to be his is true and genuine. Witness my hand and the seal of the Courts of said County, this 9th day of April, A.D. 1846.
Jas. E. McFarland, Proth'y.
Letter
Pension Office, December 14, 1850
Sir,
In relation to a claim for pension of the heirs of George Peiffer, an alleged soldier of the Revolutionary War made in 1838 by Mary Peiffer, who claimed to be his widow, and the case suspended on the ground that the evidence adduced was insufficient to establish the requisite period of service.
You are referred to the enclosed copy of a letter dated March 7, 1839, for a statement of the exceptions taken to the case at that time. -
The requirements of the office therein specified have not since been satisfactorily complied with.
Very respectfully,[initials]
J.C.G. Kennedy, Esqr.}
Present}
Affidavit of George Peiffer Jr. and Samuel Peiffer
Know all Men by these present that we George Peiffer and Samuel Piefer[sic] of the Township of Woodcock in the County of Crawford and State of Pennsylvania and Children and legal representatives of George Peiffer a Solder[sic] of the Revolution from the State of Pennsylvania and Mary Magdalene his wife both of whom are now deceased, do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint Joseph C.G. Kennedy Esqr. of Washington City D.C. our true and lawful attorney for us and in our names and stead to examine into and prosecute any amount of Pension that Mary be due the heirs and legal representatives of the said George Peiffer by virtue of his service in the Revolutionary War, and the several acts of Congress relative thereto. We do hereby authorize our said attorney to apply for and obtain from State Archives, or other sources, Certified proof of such service to examine all papers or documents in relation to such service on file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere. And we whereby coint[*] and evoke all Powers of Attorney and are thereby heretofore by us given for the above purpose. Hereby satisfying and confirming all that our said attorney shall lawfully do in the premises.
In Witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals this third day of September AD Eighteen hundred & fifty three.
George Peiffer (Seal)
Samuel Peiffer (Seal)
Crawford County, State of Pennsylvania
On this third day of September AD 1853, Personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace, George Peiffer and Samuel Peiffer and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be their act and deed for the purposes therein expressed.
Joseph L. Perkin, Justice of the Peace
State of Pennsylvania}
Crawford County, ss.}
I, Joseph Brown, Prothonotary of the Court of Common Please of said county of Crawford, Certify that Joseph L. Perkin Esquire, by whom the annexed and foregoing Acknowledgement was taken, was at the date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace, within and for the said county, duly qualified and as such duly authorized by the laws of this Commonwealth to take the same. And Further, that I am acquainted with the handwriting of said Justice and believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In Testimony Whereof, I hereunto set my hand and affix the Seal of said Court, at Meadville, the third day of September A.D. 1853.
Joseph Brown, Prothonotary
Letter from Joseph S. Perkins, Nov. 8, 1853
Venango, 8th Nov. 1853
Joseph C.G. Kennedy, Esq., Washington, D.C. (at bottom of letter)
Dear Sir
Your [ * ] of the 1st has been rcd. I thank you for your kindness.
I send you powers of Attorney for Geo. & Samuel Pieffer & Hannah Sea[*]y, both are suspended claims. Pieffers I think will be able to prove six months service of their father by Andrew Schaeffer who now lives in Jefferson Co, this claim is in the hands of Mr. Neely. In the Mrs. S[ * ] case her father died in 1840 in Ashtabula Co. Ohio.
You would do well perhaps to examine closely into the Ely case I sent you some time ago [ * ].
Mrs. Pieffer the mother of Geo. & Samuel [ * ] a pension from this state. Her name was Mary Magdalene. She applied for a M.S Pension in February 1838. She died Oct. 2nd 1844 - in 1845-46 the heirs applied again but recd. no answer.
Very Truly Yours, Joseph S. Perkins
Affidavit, Andrew Shaeffer
State of Pennsylvania}
County of Jefferson} ss.
On this 26th day of November AD. Eighteen Hundred & Fifty-Three Personally appeared before me A Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, Andrew Schaeffer aged 83 years now a Resident of Said County, who after being duly sworn according to law, states he was well acquainted with George Peiffer now decd. who was a Soldier of the Revolutionary War from the State of Pennsylvania, and who for many years before his death lived in the County of Crawfor[sic] State aforesaid. That the said George Peiffer served in Said war for a period of not less than Six Months as a volunteer in A Regiment Commanded by Col. Oshterman under Gen. Potter and that he entered said service shortly after the Battle of Brandewine and was honerbly[sic] discharg[sic] in March or April 1778, that he (depot.) seen him (Peiffer) at this Return at his (Depo's) Father's house at his (Peiffers) return from said tour at said time and that afterwards he (Depot.) Resided near him (Peiffer) in Crawford County Penna. for 18 years and was well acquainted with him and frequently heard him state that he was in said service for the Period of Six Months, he further states that he knows from the uniform statements of the aforesaid George Peiffer that he served two other Tours of Two months each against the Indians up the Susquehanna in Militia of Penn., he also swears further that he has made affidavit in the case before and stated then or intended to state that said George Peiffer served over Six Months but has since learned that it was not so put down and he swears that he is a disinterested witness.
Andrew (his mark) Scheaffer[sic]
Witness Israel Berlin
Sworn and subscribed before me
Alexander M. Kinstry, J.P.
26th Nov. 1853
Jefferson County ss.
I William McCandless Prothonotary of the Court of Common Please in and for said County of Jefferson in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Do Certify that Alex. M. Kintry Esq., whose genuine signature here subscribed to the above Certificate is and was at the date thereof a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn to all whose official acts as such full faith and credit is and of right out to be given.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court at Brookville the 26 November 1853.
Wm. McCandless, Pro.
Letter
Pension Office, December 24, 1853
Sir,
The affidavit of Andrew Sheaffer filed in support of the claim for pension of Mrs. Mary M. Peiffer, has been received. It is to the same purport of the one made by him in 1845, when the claim was suspended.
It is a historical fact that the tours of the Pennsylvania Militia were not for as long a time as he testified. I again refer you to my previous letter.
Very respectfully, (initials)
J.C.G. Kennedy, Esq.}
Present}
Cover Letter
Pension Office, May 5, 1855
Sir,
The soldier of the Line who, in 1784, received a balance of $42.60 for Revolutionary services, must have been a different man from the husband of Mary M. Peiffer of PA as he was a militia soldier, as all the [ * ] of the case show.
J.C.G. Kennedy, Esq.
Present
Attachment: Ledger Page
Sixth Regiment. 1781
We and each of us whose names are hereunto subscribed, do acknowledge to have received from Major Thomas B. Bowen and Captain Encurius[?] Beatty, Agents for the late Pennsylvania Line, the several sums opposite to our names, respectively, in Certificates, dated July 1, 1784, bearing Interest at six per cent, from January the first 1782. Signed by John Pierce, Commissioner, and described as below, being for the Balance of a Settlement between the United States and us for Pay jc. to January the first 1782.
Date of Service/ No. of Certificates/ Letter/ Names/ Sums (Dollars-cents) / Signers
Aug. 17, 1784/ 68.995/ G/ Alex. McKinley/ $99. -/ Alex. McKinley
Aug. 27, 1784/ [68.9]96/ N/ Richard Hampton/ $8. -/ Rich Hampton
Aug. 11, 1784/ P/ George Peffer/ $42.60/ George Peffer
Auditor General's Office
Harrisburg Feb. 24, 1855
I certify the above to be a true copy of the original remaining on file in this department.
Witness my hand and seal of office the day of year aforesaid.
E. Banns, Aud. Genl.
Letter from Miriam Catherine Kepler, Oct. 6th, 1920
Letterhead: Established 1817,
One Hundred Years of Successful, Continuous Hotel Business in Crawford County
The Only Hotel in Meadville with Hot and Cold Water in Every Room
Rebuilt 1894, New Annex 1914, Everything First-Class
Kepler Hotel
M.G. Kepler, Prop'r.
Corner of Market Street and Market Square
Center of Business Section
European Plan, Meals a la carte
Rates $1.50 to $2.50 per day.
Meadville, PA, October 6, 1920
U.S. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir -
Being desirous of becoming a Daughter of the American Revolution, I am directed to address you for the purpose of being informed as to whether or not my "Ancestor" was a "Pensioner" as a Revolutionary War Veteran.
My Ancestor was John George Peiffer, born in Northumberland County, Penn'a., on the 15th day of Sept. 1856, dying in Woodcock Twp., Crawford Co., Penn'a, Jan. 19, 1823.
In 1802 he moved from Northumberland Co., Penn'a., to Bloomfield Twp., Crawford Co., Penn'a.
Respectfully submitted,
Miriam Catherine Kepler
Kepler Hotel,
Meadville, Penn'a.
Letter
November 11, 1920
Miriam Catherine Kepler,
Kepler Hotel,
Meadville, Penn.
Madam:
In response to your letter dated the 6th ultimo, you are advised that in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 8,078 it appears that John George Peiffer or Pfeifer or Peifer was born September 15, 1756 in Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pa., and married April 3, 1781 in Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, Pa., Mary Magdalena, daughter of John Shaffer. She was born June 2, 1762 in Heidelberg Township, Berks County, Pa. Soldier moved in 1810 to Mead which was later Woodcock Township Crawford County, Pa., where he died January 19, 1823 while a resident of Woodcock Township Crawford County, Pa.
It is alleged that soldier served in the militia of Pennsylvania at various times from 1777 to 1782 under Captains Gray, Reid and Adam Shaffer and Colonels Oshterman and Potter and other officers whose names are not stated, and that he was at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown.
Her claim was not allowed for the reason that she failed to furnish sufficient proof of six months service as required by the pension laws.
She died October 10, 1844. Their children were:
Barbara born February 21, 1782
George born August 22, 1783
Eva born March 8, 1785
Elizabeth born October 6, 1787
Johannes born March 16, 1789
Michael born March 14, 1791
Samuel born April 16, 1794
Magdalena born March 14, 1796
Catharina born March 14, 1799
Margaretha born January 18, 1802
Catharina, Eva and Michael died before their mother, the other survived her.
Very respectfully,
F.D. Byington
Acting Commissioner
Letter, April 12, 1927
Honorable Albert R. Hall
House of Representatives
My dear Mr. Hall:
In response to your letter of the ninth instant, I have the honor to advise you that the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau fail to afford any in formation in regard to Nathaniel Farmer, who served in either the New Jersey or North Carolina Troops, if however he ever served in the troops from any other state, please so state, furnishing as much as possible of the following data - approximate dates of birth and death, the places of residence after the Revolutionary War, also please furnish the same data in regard to William Davis, and a proper search of said records will be made in your behalf.
You are herewith furnished the history of the only John Fifer or Pfifer (all spellings of that name searched) found on the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau.
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim R. 8078, it appears that John George peiffer or Pfeifer or Peifer was born.....[repeat verbatim of letter toMiriam Catherine Kepler...]
Very truly yours,
Winfield Scott
Commissioner
Letter, from Albert Hall to Winfield Scott, May 20, 1927
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C.
May 20, 1927
Hon. Winfield Scott,
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Department of the Interior,
Washington, D.C.
My dear Mr. Scott:
A short time ago, you were good enough to send me the military records of John Pfifer, a Revolutionary War veteran. I am not just sure now what militia he served with as I sent your letter to a constituent but as I recall, it was either the Pennsylvania or North Carolina forces.
It so happened that these records were not of the veteran that my constituent had in mind and if there are any other veterans by the name of John Fifer or Pfifer, I shall be glad to have their records.
I shall also appreciate knowing the records of any John Tackett or Pennsylvania and any John Marshall of North Carolina unless the number of similar names would burden you too much in securing their records.
With many thanks for your favors, I am
Sincerely yours,
(signature)
Letter from Anna E. Rhodes, Aug. 5, 1932
Saegertown, Pa., Aug. 5, 1932
Bureau of Pensions
Rev. Sect.
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs,
I wish to obtain the military history of George Peiffer, served from Pa. in Rev. war, a pensioner.
I need also same history of Daniel Terrill of Pa. and Henry Minium of Fayette Co. Vir., now West Vir., also Dean Swift from Conn.
Former requests have been received most gratefully.
(signature, Anna E. Rhodes)
Letter to Anna Rhodes from A.D. Hiller, Asst. to Admin., Aug. 19, 1932
August 19, 1932
BA-J/AWF
John George Peiffer
R.8078
Miss Anna E. Rhodes
Saegerstown
Pennsylvania
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter requesting information in regard to George Peiffer, a soldier of the War of the Revolution.
The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, R.8078, based upon the Revolutionary War service of John George Peiffer. In the claim he is usually referred to as George Peiffer, the name is also spelled-Pfeifer and Peifer.
[......verbatim copy of previous letters on the subject....]
Very truly yours,
A.D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Postcard from Elizabeth Weir McPherson, no date.
712 Bond Bldg., Washington, 5, D.C.
Dear kin:
I am mailing you papers of our 61,000 descendants of English-American HOLCOMBES, including you, from sample pages of the most complete history ever published of a single surname.
You are among some, who can have this record of their branch in loose sheets, -for .75¢ in stamps.
If you order before remaining books are sold the .75¢ sent will be credited on book.
The book is too expensive to reprint. The influence for good of such a book to this and future generations, -and not gain to me, prompted the making of this book from 1939-1947.
Devotedly, your cousin, (signature) Elizabeth Weir McPherson
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