Military Records Northumberland County USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. Civil War Pension Application for Robert Kerstetter and Elizabeth Kerstetter Pvt. Co. H 172 Regt. Enlisted Oct. 1862 Discharged Aug. 1863 PENSIONER DROPPED DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Pensions Aug. 11, 1916 Certificate No. 437173 Class Act of April 19, 1908 Pensioner Elizabeth Kerstetter Soldier Robert Service H 172 Pa. Inftd. Mil. The commissioner of Pensions. Sir, I have the honor to report that the name of the above-described pensioner who was last paid $12, to May 4, 1916 has this day been dropped from the roll because of death, June 5, 1916. Very respectfully, Chief, Finance Division No. 770810 WAR DEPARTMENT Record and Pension Division Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Robert Kerstetter Co. H, Reg’t. 172 Pa. Vols. was enrolled Oct. 22, 1862 and m/o with Co. July 31 From Feb. 28, 1863 to m/o he held the rank of private and during that period the rolls show him present , other records furnish nothing additional bearing upon this cause. The medical records show him treated as follows - no record found. By authority of the Secretary of War Captain and Ass’t Surgeon, U. S. Army Date July 12, 1890 Stamped U. S. Pensions Office July 14, 1890 No. 770810 WAR DEPARTMENT Record and Pension Division Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions. Robert Kerstetter Co. H, Reg’t. 172 Pa. Vols. was enrolled Oct. 22, 1862 and m/o with Co. July 31 From Feb. 28, 1863 to m/o he held the rank of private and during that period the rolls show him present , other records furnish nothing additional bearing upon this cause. The medical records show him treated as follows - no record found. By authority of the Secretary of War Captain and Ass’t Surgeon, U. S. Army Date July 12, 1890 Stamped U. S. Pensions Office July 14, 1890 Accreed No. 890773 No. 631849 orig. Case of Elizabeth Kerstetter, widow of Robert Kerstetter Co. H 172 Regt. Affidavit of John J. Karchner, William Reed, Crawl, Northumberland Co., Pa. That soldier was never married before, that widow was never married before, that widow has not married since, that they were never divorced, known them 40 years. Filed G. W. Long, attorney at law, Selingsgrove, Pa. Stamped June 8, 1896 State of Pennsylvania Northumberland County In the matter of Claim for Pension of Elizabeth Kerstetter widow of Robert Kerstetter late of Company H, 172 Regt. Pa. Inf. personally came before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County and State John J. Karshner aged 62 years a citizen of Shamokin Township, Northumberland County and State of Pennsylvania whose Post Office is the Crowl, Northumberland Co., Pa. And William Reed aged 63whose residence and Post Office is the same, both well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: Affiants were acquainted with Robert Kerstetter over forty years and know that he was not married until his marriage to Elizabeth Gass, that they were acquainted with Elizabeth Gass six or eight years before her marriage to Robert Kerstetter and know that she was never married until her marriage to Robert Kerstetter, they also know that she has not remarried since the death of Robert Kerstetter, they also know that the claimant was never divorced from the soldier, they both know these facts from having lived near neighbors and being well acquainted with them, the forgoing testimony was written by Simon Vought J. P. in our presence and from our oral declarations then made to him that the same was written May 28th 1896 at Elysburg and that in making this statements we did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement or recital, prepared or dictated by any other person, they further declare that they have no interest in said claim and not concerned in its prosecution. Signed in the presence of Daniel B. Martz, John J. Krarshner Reuben Noll,, William Reed Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above affiants and I certify that I read said affiants - it to said affiants and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same, I further certify that I am in no wise interested in said case nor am I concerned in its prosecution and that said affiant is personally known to me and they are credible persons and so reputed in the community which they reside. Witness my hand and official seal this 28th day of May A. D. 1896 Simon Vought J. P. Stamped by U. S. Pension Office June 8 1896 No. 890773 Elizabeth Kerstetter and Robt Kerstettter Co. H 172 Regt. Pa. Vols. Paxinos Pa. Afft. of J. D. C. Kase, Wm. Pensyl Elysburg, Pa., value of real estate, filed by G. W. Long, atty at law, Selingsgrove, Pa. Stamped U. S. Pension Office April 20, 1896 State of Pennsylvania Northumberland County In the matter of claim for pension of Elizabeth, widow of Robert Kerstetter late a Private of Company H 172 Regiment of Pa. Drafted Militia personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said county J. D. C. Kase aged 68 years and William Pensyl aged 60 years both residents of Elysburg, Pa. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit who after being first duly sworn according to law do depose and say that they are acquainted with the farm of Robert Kerstetter deceased, that the farm is worth about twenty-five hundred dollars and believe that figure a fair valuation of the farm, that they are not concerned and have no interest in the prosecution of this claim the above statements written by Simon Vought in our presence and from our statement to him made and that they are both owners of farms and know the value thereof. J. D. C. Case William Pensyl Sworn to and subscribed before me this 16th day of April A. D. 1896 and I certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Simon Vought, J. P. No. 890773, W. O. 631849 Case of Elizabeth widow of Robt. Kerstetter C. H 172 Regt Pa Vols, Paxinos, Northumberland Co., Pa. Afft. Of Miles A. Pensyl Quitman, Montour Co., Debt, Filed by G. W. Long atty at law, Selingsgrove, Pa. Stamped U. S. Pension Office April 24, 1896 State of Pennsylvania Northumberland County In the matter of claim for Pension of Elizabeth Kerstetter widow of Robert Kerstetter late a Private of Company H 172 Regt. Pa. Drafted Militia. Personally appeared before me a justice of the Peace in and for said County Miles A. Pensyl aged 36 years a resident of Mayberry Township Montour County, Penna., whose Post Office is Quitman, Montour County, Penna. well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit who after being first duly sworn did depose and say that he holds a judgement exemption notice against Robert Kerstetter dated January 25th A. D. 1894 for sixty dollars with interest and that there has never been anything paid on the same. The above statements were written by me and I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Miles A. Pensyl Sworn to and subscribed before me this 18th day of April A. D. 1896 and I certify that I have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. Simon Vought J. P. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland In the matter of claim for pension of Elizabeth Kerstetter widow of Robert Kerstetter late of Company H 172 Regt Pa. Militia. Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County and State, Elizabeth Kerstetter, aged 56 years, citizen of the town of Paxinos County of Northumberland, State of Pennsylvania well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: that she is the owner of one bed and one chest which she owned at the time of her marriage, that since her husband’s death she has taken at appraisement of her late husband’s one cook stove pipe and utensils, room stereo table and (?) Cupboard and sink with dishes and glassware 1 ½ day chairs 2 rockers lounge and clock, organ and stool and 5 lamps, bureau and sewing machine, gun, 4 beds and bedding, carpet, rugs and oil cloth, tinware, crokery and canned fruit, potatoes, vinegar, barrels and iron kettle, chickens and gunias, 2 tubs and wash boards, 3 looking glasses, smoked meat, 3 cans lard, corn in crib, sow and one pig, 2 shoats, white spotted cow, red cow, 2 horses, double set harness, collars, lines and bridle set light harness, grain in ground, wheat in granary, oats rye, buckwheat, that the above named goods were appraised at $300 dollars and that includes all the goods and property of any kind which she owns, she further declares that she has interest in said claim and is concerned in its prosecution. Frank Kerststter Elizabeth Kerstetter Chester J. Knowl Signature of Affiant Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-named affiant; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, and acquainted her with its contents before she executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me; that she is a credible person and so reputed in the community in which she resides. Witness my hand and official seal this eighth day of August, 1896 Simon Vought, J. P. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland In the matter of the pension claim of Elizabeth Kerstetter widow of Robert Kerstetter, Co. H, 172 Reg’t Pa. Vol. Claim no. 631846 Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County and State, Wm. E. Bloom, aged 35 years and a citizen of the town of Sunbury, County of Northumberland, State of Pennsylvania, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declares in relation to aforesaid case as follows: that I have known the claimant for about six months having been employed by her as attorney to settle the estate of her husband Rob’t Kerstetter of which she is the administratrix, that the amount realized from the sale of said decedents real estate and personal property will not, in my opinion, be sufficient to pay the debts and expenses of administration and that the only sum she, the said widow, will realize thereout is the sum of $300, the widow’s exemption , allowed by law and the commission to which she is entitled as administratrix for services in selling the same. This affidavit written by myself. He further declares that he has no interest in said claim and he is not concerned in its prosecution. B. F. Kelly W. E. Bloom Signature of Affiant Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-named affiant ; and I certify that I read said affidavit, and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same. I further certify that I am in no wise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me; that he is a credible person and so reputed in the community in which he resides. Witness my hand and official seal this 26th day of November, 1896 B. F. Kelly Justice of the Peace Stamped U. S. Pension Office Dec. 3, 1896 GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland In the matter of the pension claim for increase of pension of Robert Kerstetter, Co. H 172 Regt. Pa. Vols. No. 890773 Personally came before me, a Justice of the Peace, in and for aforesaid County and State, William Haas aged 70 years and Joseph Y. Tietsworth aged 56 years, citizens of the town of Elysburg Pa. and Paxinos Pa.County of Northumberland, and State of Pennsylvania well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case, as follows: We have known Robert Kerstetter for thirty five years that his disabilities did not come from bad or vicious habits, and he has always been a well behaved man in every particular since we knew him, he is now an old man and confined to the house suffering from disease and has been all winter. The above statements were written in the presence of the witnesses and from their oral declarations then mad to Simon Vought who reduced the testimony to writing. We further state that the above testimony was all written in our presence and from our oral statements made this tenth day of February A. D. 1896 that these oral statements were made by us to Simon Vought in Robert Kerstetter’s house, and that in making the same, we were not aided or prompted by any written or printed statements or recital prepared or dictated by any other person. We further declare that we have no interest in said case , and are not concerned in its prosecution. We are not related to claimant. Joseph W. Kerstetter William Haas Elizabeth Kerstetter Joseph Y. Tietsworth Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-named affiants; and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiants and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiants are personally known to me; that they are credible persons and so reputed in the community in which they reside. Witness my hand and official seal 10th day of February, 1896 Simon Vought Justice of the Peace Stamped U. S. Pension Office Feb. 12, 1896 GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland In the matter of Robert Kerstetter, Original pension #770810 On this 26th day of July A. D. 1890, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths, Robert Kerstetter aged 60 years, a resident of Paxinos in the County of Northumberland and State of Penna. Well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: That he is the claimant in the above cited case and in reference thereto he desires to state that he is unable to furnish medical testimony showing his condition since discharge for the reason that Dr. Lorenzo D. Robbins died Dec. 1875, he was the principal doctor in my case, and the other dortor, Jos. C. Robbins (father of Lorenzo D. Robbins) who made an occasional call is now in the 85 year of his life, and memory being impaired, my case has been entirely forgotten by him, and he cannot make affidavit. It is therefore requested that the affidants of neighbors be accepted in lieu of medical testimony. His Post Office address is Paxinos, Penn., he further declares that he has interest in said case and is concerned in its prosecution. Jacob Keller (?) State of Pennsylvania Northumberland County In the matter of claim for pension of Elizabeth Kerstetter widow of Robert Kerstetter late of Company H 172 Regt Pa. Inft personally came before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid county and state Reuben Noll aged 38 a citizen of Coal Township, Northumberland County Pennsylvania whose Post Office is Shamokin, Pa. and Clara V. Vought aged 47 a citizen of Elysburg whose post office is Elysburg, Pa. Both are known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit and who being duly sworn declares in relation to aforesaid case that they are both well acquainted with Allie M. Kerstetter youngest daughter of Robert Kerstetter and Elisabeth Kerstetter and that she is now living. The forgoing testimony was written at Elysburg by Simon Vought J. P. on May 28th 1896 in our presence and from our oral declaration then made to him and that in making this statement we did not use and was not aided or prompted by any written or printed statement or recital prepared or dictated by any other person, they further declare that they have no interest in said claim and are not concerned in its prosecution. Signed in presence of John J. Karshner Reuben Noll William Reed Clara V. Vought Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above named affiants and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiants and acquainted them with its contents before they executed the same. I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case nor am I concerned in its prosecution and that said affiants are personally known to me that they are credible persons and so reputed in the community in which they reside. Witness my hand and official seal this 28th day of May A. D. 1896 Simon Vought J. P. GENERAL AFFIDAVIT State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland In the matter of pension claim of Robert Kerstetter On the 27th day of September, A. D. 1890, personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the aforesaid County, duly authorized to administer oaths, Jackson Hoffman aged 40 years, a resident of Elysburg in the County of Northumberland and the State of Pennsylvania whose Post Office is Elysburg, Penn., well known to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows: I was personally acquainted with Robert Kerstetter before he was drafted into the service of the United States, and I know that he was then a sound and healthy man to all appearances. At the time of his discharge and return home from the army in August 1863, I was working in his family, and I know that at that time he was but a shadow of his former self as he was suffering from chronic diarrhea, which he contracted in the service. He complained frequently of pains in his bowels and dizziness in his head, and was faint on every little exertion, and could do but little work without being exhausted. I lived near him, and for twenty years of the time I was within less than a mile of his dwelling, and I met him frequently and talked with him about his disability, chronic diarrhea, as I too, was afflicted with this same disease which I contacted in the army, and I therefore have ample reasons for knowing that is was chronic diarrhea from which he has been sufferer from the time of his discharge to the present time. He further declares that he has no interest in said case and he is not concerned in its prosecution. Preston Vought Jackson Hoffman State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland Sworn to and subscribed before me this day by the above-mentioned affiant, and I certify that I read said affidavit to said affiant, and acquainted him with its contents before he executed the same, I further certify that I am in nowise interested in said case, nor am I concerned in its prosecution; and that said affiant is personally known to me, and that he is a credible person. Simon Vought Justice of the Peace I, H. F. Mann, Prothonotary & Co., of the County Court in and for aforesaid County and State, do certify that Simon Vought Esq., who hath signed his name to the foregoing and affidavit, was at the time Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit, and that his signature thereunto is genuine. Witness my hand and seal of office this 29th day of September 1890. S. P. Fausold Clerk of the Deputy Prothonotary Stamped U. S. Pension Office Oct. 2, 1890 Stamped May 4, 1916 May 12, 1916 Aug. 7, 1916 To the Chief, Finance Division: You are hereby notified that check # 2283279 for $36. 00 dated Aug. 4, 1916, in favor of Elizabeth Kerstetter, post office Sunbury, Pa., Certificate # 437173 Act Apr. 1133 Court Street Class Act April 19, 1908, Section 5, has been returned to this office by the Postmaster with the information that the pensioner died June 5, 1916 and said check has this day been canceled. Very respectively, Guy O. Taylor Disbursing Clerk DECLARATION FOR WIDOWS PENSION Act of June 27, 1890 State of Pennsylvania, County of Northumberland On the 27th day of March, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety personally appeared before me, a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid, Elizabeth Kerstetter aged 55 years, a resident of the Twp. Of Ralpho, county of Northumberland, State of Pennsylvania, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Robert Kerstetter, who enlisted under the name of Robert Kerstetter, at Harrisburg Pa. on the 16th day of October, A. D. 1862, in Co. H 172 Reg’t Pa. Drafted Militia and served at least ninety days in the War of the Rebellion, in the service of the United States, who was honorably discharged the 31st of July 1863, and died the 16th March 1896. That she was married under the name of Elizabeth Gass to said Robert Kerstetter on the 24th of August, 1856, by Rev. Henry Hoffman, at Paxinos, Pa., there being no legal barrier to said marriage. No former marriage of either party and no subsequent marriage, neither of them were ever married before or after they were married. That she has not remarried since the death of the said Robert Kerstetter. That she is without other means of support than her daily labor; that names and dates of birth of all the children now living under sixteen years of age of the soldier are as follows: Allie M., born Sept. 13, 1881. That her husband has not been employed in the Military or Naval service otherwise than as stated above. That she has heretofore applied for pension and the number of her former application is never applied but her husband received a pension of $6 per month act of June 27, 1890, no. of pension certificate 890773. That she makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States under the provisions of the Act of June 27, 1890. She hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation G. W. Long "Atty at Law", of Selingsgrove, Pa., State of Pennsylvania, her true and lawful attorney to prosecute her claim, and to receive therefor a fee of ten dollars; that her post-office is Paxinos county of Northumberland, State of Pennsylvania. John Krick Elizabeth Kerstetter Chittillen Mc Williams Also personally appeared John Krick, residing at Paxinos Pa., and Chittillen McWilliams, residing at Elysburg Pa., persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Elizabeth Kerstetter, claimant, sign her name (or make her mark) to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe from the appearance of said claimant and an acquaintance with her of 40 years and 40 years, respectively, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be, and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim. John Krick Chittilen McWilliams Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th day of March, A. D. 1896; and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. Simon Vought Justice of the Peace DECLARATION FOR ORIGINAL INVALID PENSION State of Penna., Northumberland County On this 21 day of April, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and 90, personally appeared before me, Prothy of the (?), a court of record within and for the County and State aforesaid, Robert Kerstetter aged 59 years, a resident of the town of Paxinos, county of Northumberland, State of Pa., who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Robt. Kerstetter who was enrolled about the month of Oct. 1862, in Company H of the 172 Regiment of Pa. Inf. Commanded by Capt. Eckman and was honorably DISCHARGED at Harrisburg about the ninth day of Ag., 1863, that his personal description is as follows: age, 59 years; height 6 feet 0 inches; complexion, light; hair, brown; eyes, blue. That while a member of the organization aforesaid, in the service and in the line of his duty at Warrington, in the state of Virginia on or about the ninth day of July, 1863, he contracted chronic diarrhea from exposure and bad water. That he was not treated in hospital nor by regimental surgeon. That he has not been employed in the military or naval service otherwise than as stated above. That since leaving the service this applicant has resided in the Co of Northumberland in the State of Pa., and his occupation has been that of a farmer. That prior to his entry into the service above named he was a man of good, sound, physical health, being when enrolled a farmer. That he is now (?) disabled from obtaining from obtaining his subsistence by manual labor by reason of his injuries, above described, received in the service of the United States. He hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation, Charles E. Fairman & Co., Washington, D. C., his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim. That he has not received nor applied for a Pension. That his Post Office Address is Paxinos county of Northumberland State of Pa. Urias Bloom Robert Kerstetter D. B. Martz Also personally appeared D. B.Martz, residing at Sunbury and Urias Bloom, residing at Sunbury, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, say they were present and say Robt. Kerstetter, the claimant, sign his name (or make his mark) to the foregoing declaration; that they have every reason to believe, from the appearance of said claimant and their acquaintance with him, that he is the identical person he represents himself to be; and that they have no interest in the prosecution of this caim. Urias Bloom D. B. Martz Sworn to and subscribed before me this 21 day of April, A. D. 1890, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration, &c., were fully made known and explained to the applicant and witnesses before swearing, and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim. S. P. Fausold Deputy Prothy