WWII Military Records

Civil War Pension Applications 

War 1812

Revolutionary War Pension Applications 

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)

WWI Military Records

Richard David Richardson

Richard James Richardson

Civil War Pension Applications 

Isaac Brokaw Wallace

Declaration for Original Invalid Pension

State of Illinois
County of Bureau
On this 13th day of August, A.D. 1877, before me George W. Stone, a duly authorized officer of a Court of Record within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared Isaac B. Wallace, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical man who enlisted under the name of Isaac B. Wallace in the Military Service of the United States, at Washington Iowa on the 23rd day of September A.D. 1861 as Private of F. Co. 11th Regt, Infantry Iowa Vol to serve 3 years. Reenlisted in the same Company & Regiment as a Private was thence Honorably Discharged on the 8th day of June A.D. 1865.
That he never served otherwise or in any other Company or Regiment in the U.S. Army or Navy, in the war of 1861 or at any other time. That he has not been engaged, or received pay in the U. S. Army or Navy, since he was honorably discharged on the 8th day of June A.D., 1865. That his personal description is as follows: Age…….. height………feet………..inches……….complexion………….hair…………eyes. That while in the Service aforesaid, and in the line of his duty, he was wounded or injured, or contracted disease in time and manner following: 

That at the Battle of Shiloh, Tenn. On the 6th day of April 1862 was wounded by a musket ball through his left foot. He was lying down at the time loading his gun. The ball struck him on the top of his foot, passing through came out in the hollow of the same. That he was not sent away to hospital but remained with his company. That on or about the 22nd day of July 1864 while on duty as stretcher-harer he was captured by the enemy. Taken to Andersonville, Ga. And thence to Florence, N.C. That he was parole and placed within the Union lines at Wilmington, N.C. and sent thence to Ward 2 Parole Hospital, Wilmington N.C. where he arrived on or about the 5th day of march 1865. There he remained until March 28th 1865 was thence sent to City Hospital Annapolis, MD. Where he remained about 10 days. Where on the 13th day of April 1865 he was sent home on Furlough for 30 day, which was extended to 60 and until about the time of discharge that from the starvation exposure incident in prison --- ---- ---- 1865 he contracted scurvy and Chronic Rheumatism in his hips and backs which has almost wholly disabled him for labor of any kind that besides this his constitution was so broken down and his health so ruined that he has been suffering in consequence since to the present date. That he claims pension on account of wound, chronic Rheumatism, scurvy and general ill health contracted in prison. That since discharge has resided in Bureau County, Ill. And followed carpentering as an occupation.
That he hereby constitutes and appoints E. S. Weeden, of No. 143 East Monroe Street, Chicago, Illinois, his Attorney, to prosecute this claim.

That he has never received or applied for a pension.
That his residence is Bureau County Illinois and his post office address is Ohio Station Bureau Co., Ills.
Isaac B. Wallace
Claimants Signature 

War 1812

Francis Smith

CHAPTER XXXIII. WAR OF 1812. Companies Raised in Coshocton county-Hull's Surrender Muster Roll of Johnston's Riflemen-March of Colonel Wil- liams' Command-Their Services on the Frontier-Defense of Fort Meigs-Rev. H. Calhoun's Communication. AFTER the declaration of war against Great Britain, in June, 1812, Return J. Meigs, at that time Governor of Ohio, raised several regiments, among the commanders of which was Colonel Lewis Cass of Muskingum county. Col. Cass in raising his regiment, enlisted an entire company from Coshocton county, chiefly from the south and west parts. Early in June, this company, with its regiment, marched to Urbana, where they were joined by the full force under the command of General William Hull, about the middle of June. The entire army numbered twenty-five hundred men, and began its northern march from this point; and by the end of June had reached the Maumee. General Hull's campaign ended in disaster; the surrender of all his forces and effects to the British; and the Coshocton company returned home on parole. The surrender of Hull's forces, August 16,1812, was a great shock to the people, who had up to that time complete confidence in the army for their defense. They had not built block-houses or engaged the militia to any great extent. Governor Meigs, on the receipt of the news of Hull's surrender. made a requisition for volunteers; and in response thereto, Judge Isaac Evans raised a company .in Coshocton county, immediately marched to Franklinton (across Scioto from Columbus); was mustered into service and furnished with uniforms and United States muskets.

Revolutionary War Pension Applications 
George Brokaw 
Samuel Hutchins
William Wallace
John Wear

Transcript of Revolutionary War Application
of George Brokaw-Revolutionary War Soldier #1232

State of Ohio, Harrison County

On this 8th Day of October personally appears and before the judges of the Superior Court sitting in said Harrison County & State of Ohio George Brokaw, a resident of the county & state aforesaid, aged seventy-eight years who being first duly sworn according to law and on his oath makes the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the pension which by the act of Congress passed on June 7, 1832. That he enlisted for five months about the commencement of the Revolutionary War. The day he did not recollect, in what was called The Flying Camp. Ephraim Martin was Col. of the Regiment, Chambers was his Captain and 1st Lieut. Jacob Rosecrans, 2nd Lieut. Aaron Westbrook. When he enlisted, he lived in Sussex county, New Jersey. He marched from that county to the City of New York. Just as he got to the City of New York he states that the British "Asa" man-of-war was hoisting sail, and sailed from Statton Island up North River. As they were sailing, the Americans fired on them and I recollect one of our canons burst and killed seven of our men. From there we went to Long Island. From thence back to New York. From there to Ft. Washington on North River. From there we went up North River to what was called "The White Plains." There we were drawn up for reinforcement but we got an order to march on so I was not in the engagement. We then crossed North River and went down to Ft. Lee opposite Ft. Washington. While we were there the British Regulars landed above us in order as I suppose to surround us in Ft. Lee it being situated on a narrow neck of land. Washington then marched all the army up the river into a large field and then he left Col. Martin with his Regiment for the purpose as I supposed for delaying the enemy and drawing them down to Ft. Lee. Col. Martin marched us in the direction of Ft. Lee till we came to a marsh, which the British Light Horse could not pass. Then he wheeled and marched us through the marsh and crossed a stream and on the same day we came up with the main army which was commanded by Gen. Washington. Gen. Washington marched us to Elizabethtown and then he (not legible) us if we would enlist for another tour, but our clothes were worn out and the weather was getting cold and there was very few if any who enlisted. He (Washington) then marched us on to New Brunswick in New Jersey and there I was discharged. I do not think that any of us ever got a written discharge. The officers of my Company was discharged at the same time and we all went home together.

I again was drafted in the service of the United States in December 1777. I served under Lieutenant Henry Hoover. He, I think, was all the officers I had. I then also lived in Sussex County, New Jersey. We marched to Woodbridge and lay there one month to guard the county from the ravages of the British Regulars. I think I did not receive a written discharge. Sometime after my discharge I moved to Somerset County, New Jersey. I then was drafted in 1781. I cannot remember the month nor can I remember my officers names. I was drafted for one half month to guard the county from the ravages of the British soldiers that lay on Statton Island. If I ever had, I have not at this time any documentary evidence of my services.

The following are the answers of the applicant to questions put to him. I was born in Somerset County, New Jersey on the 29th day of March, 1755. I have a record of my age set down in one of my books. It was taken from my father's family Bible. When I first enlisted for 5 months I lived in Sussex County, New Jersey. When I was drafted for one month I lived in the same place. When I was drafted for one half month I lived in Somerset County, New Jersey. Since the Revolutionary War I moved back to Sussex County and lived there 7 years, from thence I moved to Beavertown in Fayette County, Penn. and lived there 3 years. From thence I moved to Washington County, Penn. and lived there for 3 years. From thence I moved to Jefferson County, State of Ohio, and lived there 6 years. From thence to Harrison County and State last aforesaid where I now live. I first enlisted for 5 months, next I was drafted for one month and again I was drafted for one half month.

The names of the officers were Col. Martin, Gen. Washington was with us part of the time, Capt. Chambers, 1st Lieut. Jacob Rosecrans, 2nd Aaron Westbrook, and Lieut. Henry Hoover. The names of the Regiment I cannot recollect.

If I ever received a written discharge from the army, I certainly forgot it and it must be lost for I have none in my possession. The names of the persons who can testify as to my character for sincerity and my services as a soldier of the Revolution to whom I am known in my present neighborhood are Isaac Berry, Rev. Jacob Coon, Rev. John Rea, John McCollough and Robert McCollough, Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of said Harrison County. I, George Brokaw, hereby relinquish every claim whatever war pension or annuity except the present and I declare that my name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state.

Sworn and subscribed in open court this day and year aforesaid.

George Brokaw

Before me William Tingley,
Clerk of said County
Oct. 8, 1832

Samuel Hutchins Revolutionary Pension File
This is in PDF format - click on the link

William Wallace

In the year 1776 I lived in York County in this state and in the commencement of Harvest of that year I volunteered I think in the month July under Capt. William Ross & Lieutenant Joseph Morrison. The company met at Reeds ferry, about sixty or seventy miles from Philadelphia. We remained in the city about two or three weeks, & then with several other companies we went up in shallops to Trenton, New Jersey. From that place we proceeded to Princeton, & thence to Brunswick, thence to New Ark, & thence to Bergen on the North River opposite New York. We met at Bergen several companies under the command of Colonel William Smith & Lieutenant Colonel Francis Holton. We remained a considerable time, & I with several others of our company, volunteered & joined the Flying Camp. We were lying at Bergen the time the Battle of Long Island took place. The rest of our company, who did not join the Flying Camp, returned to their homes. After we joined the Flying Camp we still remained at Bergen for a considerable time. The Camp at this time was under the command of Colonel McAllister of York County Pennsylvania. Under the Colonel we marched down with the Battalion to Amboy. We were here for some time and the Colonel marched us out every morning, before day light, for the purpose of exercising, & continued so until about 9 or 10 o'clock each day. From Amboy, we marched under the command of the Colonel and Major Clark. We marched up to Fort Lee, opposite Fort Washington on the North River above the City of New York. The object of going there was a rumor that Fort Washington was to be attached. Some of our company were taken over to Fort Washington to strengthen the force to resist the attack about to be made by the British. Some time after our arrival at Fort Lee, the British made their attack on Fort Washington & the Americans finally were compelled to surrender the Fort & give up their men as prisoners. After this defeat, the troops at Fort Lee were gathered up & we commenced ur retreat from the Fort to Hackinsack and thence to New Ark, New Jersey. Thence to Brunswick. Thence to Princeton. Thence to Trenton & then we crossed the Delaware River & fixed our tents, nearly opposite to the town of Trenton. We remained here encamped for some time. The British took Trenton a short time after we crossed the river. While we were here the Army was considerably strengthened by the recruits of militias. While we lay in this place a party of about two hundred were formed to go up the river & take some English stores a few were apprised of our movements & we then returned. While here I think Gen'l Washington came over the river & took the town of Trenton & took the Hessians. Our portion of the Army, which was encamped nearly opposite Trenton, went over the River to Trenton when there was a small portion of Washington's army still in the town, the main body having gone with him to Princeton where he was engaged in the battle of that place. About the first of February in the year 1777 I was discharged by Capt. William McCasky (under whose command I was placed when I joined the Flying Camp) & returned home to York County Pennsylvania after a service of seven months. In the fall of this same year, the month I cannot state, I was drafted under Capt Job Colwell & marched through Lancaster, PA. & thence on to the White Marsh close to Philadelphia, where an Army was stationed. After being here some time, a part of the Army went down to the common near Philadelphia & discharged several cannon & returned to our Camp at White Marsh. Gen'l Washington was here with the Army. A short time after then, our company under the command of Capt Colwell was placed in Col. Andrew's Regiment & we all marched to Swede's ford on the Schuylhill river, crossed over, & encamped. The whole of the militia at White Marsh, I think came with us & encamped or stationed near Col Andrew's Regiment. The object of our going over the river was to attack the British, who were coming up from Philadelphia. Our portion of the Army under Col. Andrews were placed in the woods about one hundred rods from the road. The Col was ordered to remain there untill (sic) further orders. While we were here the British ____ along the road & chased our Army up the road untill they came within sight of Washington who had his Army stationed on the river & they (the British) turned round & went to Philadelphia. They killed & took prisoners several of our army. After this we all joined at Swede's ford I think where Washington's Army was stationed. After we were here I was discharged after a service of two months. I have no documentary evidence of my services & I know of no person except John Cowen & Robert McCreedy to prove my service. Both these persons are extremely aged & infirm & entirely unable to appear in Court. I was born in York County Pennsylvania in the year 1758 I think. I have no record of my age but this is to state from the information which I received from my parents. As before stated I lived in York County Pennsylvania when I entered the service & I moved to this County I thin in the year 1781 & still live here. I volunteered & was drafted. I am not able to state the names of my officers than I have already done. The Continental or Militia Regiments I do not remember. I never received a written discharge. I am well know by Andrew Farrer, Robert Lyle, David McGuigin, John White Esq., Thomas Patterson & whoever testify to my services & who _____ that I was a soldier of the revolution. I hereby relinquish my claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present & disclaim that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of the state.

John Wear Revolutionary War Pension File #S:1781

Revolution War Service - North Carolina - 10 months
June 2, 1832, Age 92
Pension granted beginning 4 Mar 1831, $33.33
Jan 1781 3 months, Pvt.., Captain Sevier
Apr 1781 3 months, Pvt., Captain Tate
Jan 1782 2 months, Pvt., Captain Moore
Apr 1782 2 months, Pvt., Captain Moore, Col. Ware

Residence following the war:
Geene County, TN until 1800
Cape Jerico (Girardeau) MO, a few months
Christian County, KY; a year
Sevier County, TN 

Battles:

Siege of Yorktown and Capture of Cornwallis
The Battle of Yorktown was the last battle of the Revolutionary War. In Aug. 1781, British General Lord Cornwallis began to establish a Navel Base across the river from Yorktown, VA. The French fleet blocked the Chesapeake Bay and York River, which prevented Cornwallis from escaping. General Washington and 17,600 troops moved from New York to Virginia and surrounded Cornwallis. On October 19, 1781 Cornwallis surrendered.

Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)

The Grand Army of the Republic was founded on April 6, 1866 in Decatur, Illinois. Membership was limited to honorable discharged Union Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Veterans, or “Veteran's of the late unpleasantness.” Initially it was for camaraderie but later became a very influential political tool.

Veterans returned home, many wounded and without jobs. Their communities already recovering from four years of war in their backyards could not offer the support so many veterans disparately needed. The government from the President down promised to care for the men who gallantly served and the widows and children but no one was exactly sure where to begin.

In 1868, the GAR Commander-in-Chief, John A. Logan issued a General Order No. 11 calling for all GAR Departments and Posts to set aside the 30th of May as a day for remembering fallen comrades. Today we still remember our veteran's on Memorial Day.

GAR emerged as a strong political power and by 1890 were over 409,488 strong. They founded soldiers' homes, and were active in establishing pension legislation. Five members were elected President of the United States and at one time it was nearly impossible to be nominated on the Republican ticket without the endorsement of GAR.

GAR endorsed the Sons of Veterans of the United States of America, now known as the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War as its heir. Later, the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, similar to the Sons but for women, earned the designation as an Allied Order of the GAR.