Military
WWII Military Records
Civil War Pension Applications
Revolutionary War Pension Applications
Grand Army of the Republic (GAR)
| George Brokaw | ||||
| Isaac B. Wallace | ||||
| William Wallace | John Wear |
Civil War Pension Applications
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
Revolutionary
War Pension Applications
George Brokaw
William Wallace
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
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.
The final encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic was held in Indianapolis in 1949 and the last member died in 1956 at the age of 109.