From Ancestral File (TM), data as of 2 January 1996.

Jacob emigrated from Germany as a young man, before the revolution, settling in Berks County, Pennsylvania. From the Authority, Military Accounts (Militia), Records of the Comptroller General, at the Division of Public Records: "To Whom it May Concern: This is to certify that one JACOB BOTTOMER of Berks County enlisted it the German Regiment, Pennsylvania Continental Line on August 9, 1776 for the duration of the War." He completed his service April 9, 1781. After the war he settled in the Ligonier Area of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was in Hempfield Township by 1793 and Fayette County around 1796. His son George administered his estate in 1825.

From the Pennsylvania Archives, Fifth Series:Volume 2, page 865. Jacob Bottomer, wounded January 4th, 1777, two ribs broken by a musket ball. Served four years and eight months. Died in Westmoreland County, 1820 (?). Private in Second Continental Line.Volume 3, page 790. Jacob Bottomer, Private in Captain Peter Boyer's Company, German Regiment, Continental Troops, commanded by Lt. Colonel Weltner. Volume 3, page 809. Jacob Bottomer, private, enlisted Berks County, PA. Volume 3, page 813. Jacob Bottomer, enlisted August 9th, 1776 for the term of the War.

There were five companies in the German Regiment."The German Regiment of Maryland and Pennsylvania in the Continental Army, 1776-1781," by Henry J. Retzer. (It isn't available on microfilm.) On p. 30 and 31 is a summary of what happened:

"At morning roll call on 14 July 1779, 33 men of the German Regiment were found missing. Quizzing those remaining, it was quickly determined that the missing men felt their 3-year enlistments had expired and they were going home, discharge or no discharge. A friendly Indian was sent out to determine the direction in which the missing men had headed. When their route was determined, 50 mounted men were sent in pursuit. The deserters were captured "at the gap in the mountain," presumably then on the road to Easton. The mounted men returned to Fort Wyoming with 29 prisoners on 19 July; four men had escaped successfully.

On 24 July 1779 a general courtmartial was held with General Poor presiding. There are no details available for this trial. All 29 men were found guilty. The five ringleaders: Fifer Joseph Alexander and Privates Jacob Bottomer, Philip Cook, Frederick Kerls and George Ottenberger were sentenced to be shot. Corporals Henry Moser and Frederick Sipperal were reduced to the ranks and were to run the gauntlet through two brigades and the artillery. The remaining 22 privates were also to run the gauntlet. Sentences were to be carried out at 4 PM on 26 July.

Unsettled weather on 26 July caused a 25-hour postponement. A petition from the prisoners was accepted and General Sullivan ordered a Board of General Officers to meet. This time cooler heads prevailed and when orders for 17 July were read they included:

'The Commander-in-Chief having received a petition form the prisoners of the German Battalion now under sentence, manifesting their consciousness of the crimes for which they have been condemned, and promising in case of pardon to distinguish themselves in future as brave and obedient soldiers, which petition being laid before a board of general officers in hopes that an act of lenity may have a proper effect on their future conduct as well as that of others, they have unanimously advised a pardon of all the offenders without discrimination. The General, wishing to extend mercy where it can be done without injury to the public service, has accordingly consented to pardon each and every one of the offenders tried and sentenced by a general courtmartial, whereof Brigadier General Poor was president, and directs that they be immediately released and restored to their duty. Lest this unparralleled act of lenity should be abused, and any soldier take the same unjustifiable measures hereafter, the Commander-in-Chief absolutely declares that he will not in future pardon a deserter, or one who, though his time be expired, shall quit his corps without a proper discharge from his commanding officer."

The prisoners rejoined their companies. Six of the seven named deserters appear on a later muster roll as reenlisted for the duration of the war, so reenlistment was apparantly also a condition of the pardon, probably for all 29 men. There is little doubt that all of the 33 deserters were Pennsylvanians..."

He probably received a pension not too long after April 30, 1813.

No. 631 George Buttimore Administrator of Jacob Buttimore $229.00 5 mo. 5 D A. D. MDCCCXXV Entd. Dr. The Commonwealth of Penna. To George Buttimore Administrator of Jacob Buttimore late of Fayette County Decd.

To amount Authorized to be paid in lieu of a tract of Donation Land. Settled in pursuance of the second section of an Act Entitled "An Act granting compensation to Michael Werner a Revolutionary soldier and for the relief of the heirs of Jacob Buttimore - passed 11th April 1825 - $229.

Settled and Entered Approved & Entered David Mann John Nielzone Auditor General's Office William Clark Treas. May 5th 1825 Treasury Office 5th May, 1825

On June 27, 1793 he was in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. "this twenty seventh day of June In the seventeenth year of American Independence Annoque Domini One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Three" he set his mark to a comprehensive power of attorney which he gave to his "Trusty and Loving friend John Thomas", of Hempfield Township. It appears that he was leaving Westmoreland County and left John Thomas to handle his affairs for him. On February 6, 1812 he was near Connellsville and listed as being in Fayette and Bullskin on April 14, 1813.

The text of the Power of Attorney follows:
Know all men by those presents that I Jacob Bottomer of Hempfield Township Westmoreland County and State of Pennsylvania have constituted made and appointed and By these Presents do constitute make and appoint my trusty and loving friend John Thomas my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name and stead and to my use do ask demand Sue for Levy Recover and Receive all such sum and sums of money (illegible) Rents (illegible) wares amounts dues and other demands whatsoever which have or shall be due owing payable and bargaining to me or detained or detained from me any manner of ways or means whatsoever by giving and Granting to my said Attorney By these Presents my full and whole powers strength and authority in and about the Premises to have use and take lawful ways and Means in my name and for the Recovery thereof and upon sufficient discharges for me and in my name do make Seal and Deliver and Generally all and every other act and acts thing and things or device or devices in the law whatsoever needful and necessary to have in and about the Premises for me and in my name to do (exeedle?) and promises (balance of line illegible) All intents and purposes as I might or could do if I was personally present or if the matter required more especial authority than is herein given and attorneys one or more under him for the purpose aforesaid do make Constitute and again at pleasure to revoke ratifying allowing and houlding for firm and effectual all and whatsoever my Said Attorney shall lawfully do in and about the premises by Virtue hereof in Witness whereof I hereunto set my hand seal this twenty seventh day of June in the seventeenth year of American Independence Annoque Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety three

Sealed and delivered his

On the reverse side of the above document appears -

Mr. Sml Garriguer x x to know this woman to be the wife of John Thomas - if to be will please to pay for (illegible)

July 23, 1795 I have known Mrs. Thomas to be the wife of John Thoma for more than ten years past and have full confidence in her integrity and attention to her husband July 23, 1795 Samuel Carrigu

WESTMORELAND COUNTY SS Be it remembered that the within named Jacob Botimore personally appeared Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for Said County and acknowledge the Within Instrument of Righting to

be his act and Deed for the purposes within mentioned, as Witness My hand and Seal July 2d, 1793

W. Lochry (Seal)

Enrolled in the Rolls Office for the State of Pennsylvania in letter of Atty Book No. 5 Pa. 114 &

c.

Witness my hand and Seal of Office the 24th July 1795 Wash Irwin MA

EXTRACTS FROM PENSION PAPERS Near Connellsville February 6th 1812

DeSir

Agreeably to your directions I enclose you the only proof I can collect here of the time and manner I received this wound in the battle of Trenton; for which I now solicit a pension from my Country and a remuneration for my expenses and suffering in consequence of that misfortune. The proof is not so full or explicit as I could wish such as it is, I hope it will be sufficient - Please do present my respects to Mr. Lane and accept the best wishes of an old soldier for your health and happiness

Yr. obliged and devoted Hbst

Jacob Bottimore Honbl James Reading Esq (By HKT - written along the left hand margin of this document is the following

If the enclosed Affidavit should be insufficient you will please drop me a line and I will endeavor to hunt up some of my old comrades in Arms on the East side of the mountains and expense I am no means able to bear. JB

Thomas Atkinson, in his disposition as a witness, "saith that he is well acquainted with Jacob BUTTIMOR for two years last past, that he lives as a tenant on the land of this deponant that he has a very little visable property and has not the means of a comfortable living - and has been assisted by his sons who is themselves labourers - and that he is old and frail and has had to labour, perhaps, beyond his abilities for his support ---- that he may be fairly denominated a poor man ----" Sworn and subscribed April 26, 1813.

Thomas Atkinson.

Another deponent says that "he was acquainted with Jacob Buttimor, Sr. for a number of years and that he has been assisted by his Sons to make a comfortley living and that he was not able to live So without their assistance."

Joseph Gibion.

Jacob Bottimers papers 8 March 1813 I do hereby certify that I have known Jacob Bottimer ever since the year 1796 until a few years ago when he removed his family from Westmoreland to Fayette County. I am certain that during the whole of the above time he was known to be a very poor men not possessing the means of a Comfortable living and moreover I do know that he was at times afflicted with sickness which he had received and other sufferings while in the Army of the United States during the Revolutionary War. I have examined his body and have no doubt of the reality of his Statement. The marks is evident. James Brady.

The within named Jacob Bottimore lives about a mile from my home, he rents a cabbin and a little poore land it is said by his neighbors (who are better acquainted with him than I am) that he is in indigent circumstances. I have seen him frequently within the last twelve months and his appearance fully corroborates the report. March, the 9th 1813 P. C. Lane

Fayette County State of Pennsylvania

Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the peace in and for Said County appeared John Whaley upon his Solem Oath deposeth that Jacob Buttimore, Sr. of the County of Fayette & township of Bullskin, that the said Jacob Buttimore is not a full liver, and for some time back has been generally supported by his sons and is at this time assisted by them Sworn and Subscribed Before me this the fourteenth day of April 1813

John Whaley

Fayette County SS the Commth of Penna. Personally appeared before me Joseph Kithcant one of the Justices of the Peace in and for sd County Conrad Hile who on his solemn oath disposeth and saith that he was in the battle of Trentown where our Comdeer was Frederick Weltner Corln and that I saw a young man wounded that belonged to the same Core and he was shot in the left side about three inches or four inches from the nevil and the bullet came out behind the hench bone at the same side but what his name was I Cannot Say but I knew of none but one that was shot in such a manner in that sd battle this was the Second at Trentown and the Captain that commanded the Company that the applicant Jacob Butimore served in was Peter Boyer and further saith not Sworn and Subscribed the 11th Day of February 1812

Conrad Hile (his mark)

Dr Sir )

Yesterday Morning I heard a Petition read in the Senate Chamber from Jacob Bottomer, praying for a Tract of Donation Land; - In his Petition he set forth that he received a Wound whilst in the service of the United States, as a Soldier. - I believe Sir, I am able to give you some account in respect to his receiving his wound; I was at that time a Lieutenant in the Army. General then Colonel Hand, was ordered by his Excellency General Washington to march a considerable Detachment to endeavor to prevent and annoy the Enemy from crossing Maidenhead Bridge in the Jersey: - I was with this Detachment; Jacob Bottomer was also along; the Enemy forced us to retreat, and on our retreat through the Streets of Trenton, Jacob Bottomer received a wound, I think it was somewhere in the left side of his body, the enemy at that time fired upon us from several directions; I believe I was so near to Bottomer when he received the wound, that he was within reach of me, he hallowed out considerably loud that he was shot, I ordered some of the soldiers if it was possible to bring him along, and not to let him fall into the Enemies hands, and advised him not to hollow; when we got near the Bridge that crossed the Creek wich passes through the Town of Trenton, Bottomer fell down, and was run over by at least I think fifty of our soldiers, as soon as we had crossed the bridge, we formed in Battle array along the Creek, on this side of the Creek; some little while after Bottomer came crawling along, but being very weak owing to the loss of blood & c we all who then seen him allowed that his wound was Mortal, he was ordered off to be put under the care of the Surgeons; I do not recollect seeing Bottomer afterwards; - Our Artillery began to fire upon the Enemy, and after dark we made up large fires, and about midnight our Army marched off for Princeton, where we then Attacked the Enemy. I am Dr. Sir Your Most Obed. Hum Servt Ber. Hubley Honble Jas. Brady Lancaster March 18, 1807

Greensburgh 30th April 1813 Dear Sir

You will recollect that during the last Session of the Legislature I made application to have Jacob Bottimore placed on the pension list but the Board of Commissioners appointed by Law to decide on Claims of old soldiers, suspended their discussion until proof would be made as to the circumstances of the applicant

Bottimore has called upon me and furnished the enclosed depositions which I should suppose will be quite sufficient. The Witnesses are men of credibility

As soon as the Claim is decided upon please to inform Mr. Joseph A Mejernsey who is empowered to receive the gratuity. I am D Sir your Obed Servt James Brady

A return of the Names of the Officers, Non-commissioned Officers and Privates of the five companies belonging to the State of Pennsylvania in the German Regt. Commanded by Lt. Col. Ludwick Weltner, and the States Counties Towns in which they were Commissioned and inlested with the Dates of their Appointments, Inlistments and the terms inlisted for. #75 Jacob Bottomer Private Penna. Berks Aug 9 During the War

More correspondence has surfaced from the pension files of Jacob Buttermore dec. file #1557 These come from the files of James H. Shaw . It appears that after the death of Jacob, his son George was named executor of his estate and he continued to try to obtain some compensation for Jacpb’s wounds received in battle. The correspondece is as follows:

Letter Dated Greensburg October 12, 1809 signed by James Pottlethicaet (SP?) And David Marchand

Bein authorized by commissions under thehand of his honor Michara Peters to examine invalids applying for pensions. We have duly examined Jacob Bottomer, and find marks of a wound said to have been occasioned by a musket ball which struck him on the left side about two inches afrom the lower part of the sternum and poping thrhrough the body, came out aabout three inches from the backbone. We are of the opinion that in consequende of such wound, the said bottomer is at times entirely unable to make any mention for a maintence, and that generally he is not able to make more than half those mentions necessary to support a large family

Greensburg October 12th, 1809

James Pottlethicaet

David Marchand

Letter from G.M. Saltzgaber, not dated:

From the papers in File # 1557 Rev. War, it appears that in the affidavit executed May 8, 1818 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Jacb botomer stated that he enlisted in the harvest of 1776 in Capt Daniel Burchardt’s Company Colonel Hausegger regiment of the Pennsylvania troops afterwards commanded by Captain Peter boyer and Colonel Ludowick Weltner: he aided in the capture of the Hessians at Trenton, and in the battle of Trenton, where he sustained a gunshot wound of the body and that he was discharged January 15, 1781 at Trenton. His claim was not allowed for the reason that he did not serve to the end of the war as required by the laws governing bounty land grants. It is stated that jacob botomor was married prior to 1787,(date and name of wife not stated), and that he died in 1818 leavingheirs, viz” George, Administrator, Peter , Jacob and others(not named) and that his widow died in 1835, name not stated. The said heirs were not allowed pension by the United States Government, there being no provision of the law that would give them title thereto. It is proper to add that the soldier was pensioned for his wound by the State of Pennsylvania, to those printed Archives you are referred for further information.

Very Respectively,

G. M. Saltzgaber

Commissioner

Letter to John Collins of Connellsville, PA May 8, 1849 not signed

Pwnnsylvania Office May 8, 1949 Sir::

In reply to your letter of the 4^th of September last in the case of the heirs of Jacob Buttermore , decd, I have to state that they are not entitled to apension for his service in the Revolution or on account of his having been wounded, He died before 1832 and his widow died in 1835, Had he been living at the time of the passage of that his children would have had a claim for what he may have been entitled to under that act up to the period of his death. Or if the act of July 1838 was passsed and her marriage entitled her to have taken place before 1794.

In the case of Elizabeth Stillwagen the additional advice presented by the Hon A. Stewart for increase of pension has not been founda receipt wll be made to you in her case..

Letter from John Collins to Hon A. Stewart Connellsville December 1847 Sir: Shortly before your departure for Washington, I sent you a commendation requesting you to state to the Commissioner of Pensions that the purpose of jackson Kilpatrick were sent to that Department between the 30^th of August and 25 th of September by me, this is the information asked for by Mr Edwards in his note to you nothaving heard from you. I concluded in the hurry of business you had mislaid my letter, this is to request you to bring the matter before the Comissioner and see if the papers have ever came to that office. The __askes for whom so much has been done in the way of trying to obtain for him a pensionis anxious to know whether his case has been fully decided upon, there has been considerable testimony sent on and no answer. If his case has been decided against himhe wants you to bring it before the Committee on Pensions and see if something can not be done for him there, there is also the case of Christian Murphy whose papers I senton and received no answerwith the objections which I thought I had sent in the last testimony submitted in July last and have had no answer from as yet in this cas. I can produce satisfactory testimony to prove this disability wher and how occured and give any satisfaction that may be required yet an answer from him in regard to his case also. I herewithenclose some papers of Jacob Buttermore deceased , for which his heirswant to know if they are entitled to anything for his service, he was about making application when he died and his widow not knowing she was entitled to anything never did make the application. They were married before 1787 and he died 1818 and she died I believe in 1835.The old man was in indigent circumstances at the time of his death all their matters can be proven, if nothing can be granted and it is not contrary to the rules of the Department their papers might be returned get me answers as soon as possible as they are anxious to know if anything can be obtained so that the testimony can be produced. .

I have the honor to be Very Respectfully Your obdt servant, Jno Collins

Petition dated May 8, 1818 signed bt James Finley

Fayette County of Pennsylvania

Before me one of the judges of the Court of common pleasin and for the county

Personally appeared Jacob Butemore who being duely sworn deposseth that in the harvest season of the year 1776, he enlisted under Capt.Daniel Berget of the Second Regiment of the Pennsylvania line Commanded by Col Hossaeker- that he was at the taking of the Hessians at Trenton in the same year, and the new years day following in a battle at the same placae he was shot through near the center of his body, his enlistment was only for three years he continued 20months in the service after the expiration of his time in the same company and regiment- he was discharged from the service at Trenton Captian Peter boyer and Frederick Weltner Colls being his officers at that time- that he has been resident of this county nearly eight years-the Doctor report on his discharge were forwarded to the office at Harisburgh and not returned that from his reduced circumstances in life he stands in need of assistance from his country for

I do certify that I have no doubt the depossant did serve in the Revolutionary War and having knowledge of the man for some time now am fully satisfied of the truth of his statement. James Finley

Fayette County seal appears on document accompanying this letter I , John St Clair pretty of the court of common pleas of said county do certify that the within named James Finley before me whom the within deposition was taken was at the time of so duty and he is a depociaton judge of th said court and that as such has faith and credit are due to all this office acts as well within county of justice throughout. In testimony wherof I have thereto set my hand and seal of office this 7^th day of May 1818

John St Clair Pretty -