Person:Leonard Critzer (1)

Military Service

American Revolutionary War Veteran

Revolutionary War Pension Information

Information from “Virginia/West Virginia Genealogical Data from Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Records”, Vol. 1, compiled by Patrick G. Wardell, Lt. Col. U.S. Army Ret. :

Critzer, Leonard - entered service 1776 in New Jersey; granted Pension abt. age 73 in Booth's Creek, Harrison County, Virginia, 1832; 2 daughters mentioned but not named in 1852, 1 resided in Harrison County, Virginia & the other resided in Ohio. R692.

Will Transcript

Will of Leonard Critzer of Harrison County, Virginia, written 5 July 1845, proven 5 August 1852, Will Book 6, Pg. 98-100.

Pay debts and funeral expenses from what property and fund that may be in my possession at my decease, by my executors and to be decently buried at the direction of my surviving friends

That no sale of my property shall be made in the usual mode prescribed by law

To my daughter, Jane Critzer, wife of George Sparks, $35 to be paid to her or her heirs in such property as may be found in my possession at my death.

To the heirs of my daughter Margaret Critzer, deceased, late the wife of Ugenius Clark, ½ acre of land in Shinnston, it being the land which Ugenius Clark now lives on to be sold by my executors after my death and divided as follows: To Mary McMonagle Clark and Frances M. Clark $5 each, the balance to be equally divided between Bartholomew Clark, Elizabeth Jane Clark, Martha Ann Clark to have as they come of age.

To Ugenius W. Clark $1, West Virginia money.

To my granddaughter, Mary Magdalena Critzer, wife of George Slocum $50 to be paid to her of her heirs in property to be valued by two dis-interested neighbors.

I will my real estate, all appurtences to my daughters, Elizabeth Critzer and Leonard Critzer Clark, my grandson, who both now reside with me, to be divided in equal portions between them upon the following conditions: My daughter Elizabeth Critzer shall enjoy possession and benefit of my dwelling house and my grandson to live in the same house so long as they agree, and neither parties shall sell or dispose of his or her ½ of the said land to any person or persons, except if one of them s[h]ould sell to the other which they are permitted to do. And if either of my daughter or grandson should refuse to comply with the above conditions then he or she shall forfeit his or her right to the said land and the other shall become the owner of the same. They shall be at equal expense and divide equal profits in occupancey of the said land.

Executors: Leonard Critzer Clark, grandson; George Slocum, son-in-law and Elias Slocum.

Witnesses: James S. Winter, John Slocum and James McCann

1.   Find A Grave.

   Leonard Critzer
   BIRTH 25 Nov 1758
   Hunterdon County, New Jersey, USA
   DEATH 17 Mar 1852 (aged 93)
   Harrison County, West Virginia, USA
   BURIAL
   Bridgeport Cemetery
   Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia, USA
   
   He married Elizabeth McKnight
   
   https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52876215/leonard-critzer

2.   Geneanet.org.

   Name John Leonard Criteser
   Gender M (Male)
   Birth Date 25 nov. 1758 (25 Nov 1758)
   Birth Place Hunterdon Co., New Jersey, USA
   Death Date 17 mars 1852 (17 Mar 1852)
   Death Place Harrison Co., WV, West Virginia, USA
   Spouse Elizabeth McKNIGHT
   Child John Criteser

3.   West Virginia. Wills and Probate Records, 1724-1985.

   Name Leonard Critzer
   Probate Date 5 Jul 1845
   [1852 Aug 5]
   Probate Place Harrison, West Virginia, USA
   Inferred Death Year 1845
   Item Description Calendar of Wills, 1840-1901
   Others Listed (Name) Relationship
   Leonard Critzer Testator
   George Slocum Executor [and son-in-law]
   Elias Slocum Executor
   Jane Critzer Daughter and wife of George Sparks
   Mary Magdelena Critzer Granddaughter
   Elizabeth Critzer Daughter
   Leonard Critzer Clark Grandson

4.   United States. 1850 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432).

   Name Leonard Critzer
   Gender Male
   Race White
   Age 91
   Birth Year abt 1759
   Birthplace New Jersey
   Home in 1850 District 21, Harrison, Virginia, USA
   Occupation Farmer
   Industry Agriculture
   Real Estate 1944
   Line Number 10
   Dwelling Number 612
   Family Number 612
   Household Members (Name) Age
   Leonard Critzer 91
   Leonard C Clark 26
   Elizabeth Critzer 55
   John R Coss 26
   Mary Cross 20

5.   Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Book : NSDAR : Volume 103 : 1913, in North America, Family Histories, 1500-2000.

   Mrs. Muriel Clark Corby 102313
   Born in Indianapolis, Ind.
   Descendant of Leonard Critzer, Timothy Taylor, Capt. Philip Pindall, Jacob Pindall and Moses Shelby, as follows:
   1. Arthur H. Clark (b. 1853), m. Margaret L. Hood (b. 1854)
   2. Leonard Critzer Clark (1824-1864) m. 1852 Mary M. Roane (1825-1890); William Hood (1822-99) m. 1847 Hannah Pindall Coombs (1825-85).
   3. Eugenius W. Clark (d. 1864) m. 1823 Margaret Critzer (1797-1842); Philip Combs (d. 1846) m. 1817 Elizabeth Pindall; James Roane m. 1819 Mary Taylor (1787-1863)
   4. Leonard Critzer m. Elizabeth McKnight; Timothy Taylor m. 1780 Aschsah J. Taylor (1759-1826); Jacob Pindall m. 1787 Hannah Roberts Shipps (1771-1852).
   5. Philip Pindall m. Rachel (Shelby) McFarland
   6. Moses Shelby m. Isabel Alexander
   Leonard Critzer (1758-1852) applied for a pension, 1832, from Harrison County, Va., for service as private, 1776-1780, New Jersey Line. His claim was allowed. He was born in Saxony; died in Virginia.

6.   Graves, William T. Southern Campaign Revolutionary War Pension Statements & Rosters.

   Pension Application of Leonard Critzer S9251 NJ
   Transcribed and annotated by C. Leon Harris
   
   State of Virginia }
   Harison County } to wit
   on the 22nd Day of August one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in
   open Court before William A Thayers[?] Wm. Martin Jacob Coplin & Joseph Johnson the Court of
   Harrison County now sitting Leonard Critzer a resident of Booths Creek Harrison County and state
   aforesaid aged seventy three years who being first duly sworn doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832.
   That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that he entered the service in March 1776 in the County of [blank] State of New Jersey in the Company commanded by Cpt Groonenkike marched from thence to Amboy thence to Straten Island [sic: Staten Island NY] was engaged in building a Fort on said Island does not recollect the name of any field officer but recollects the name of Cornelius Carheart [Cornelius Carhart] who commanded a company at the same place from thence returned to Amboy and discharged which discharge has since been lost or destroyed having served one month
   In the fall following he reentered the service under Cpt. C Caerheart Marched to Elizabeth Town
   was commanded by Lieut Colonel Berry and Colonel Mehelum was discharged at the end of one month
   Soon after he was again called into the service in the Company of Cpt Groonenkike Marched to
   Elizabeth town thence to Stratten Island returned to Elizabeth town and discharged
   Soon after he again entered the service under Cpt. Jacob Caerheart or Kearheatr [Jacob Carhart]
   marched to Elizabeth town thence to Pumpton [probably Pompton Plains NJ] thence to peramus [sic:
   Paramus] Meeting house commanded by Colonel Taylor discharged having served one month
   Some time after he again entered the service commanded by Cpt Adam Hope marched to
   Elizabeth town thence to Newark and returned to Elizabeth town and discharged having been under the command of Colonel [Frederick] Frelinghuysen one month
   In May 1778 he enlisted for nine months under Cpt Ross Lieut Clark Ensign Horsey and joined
   the army at Trenton commanded by Gen Wm. Maxfield [sic: William Maxwell] 3rd Jersey Regt. Col
   Elias Dayton Lieut Col Barbour [sic: Francis Barber] Majr Joseph Bloomfield. Marched from Trenton to Mount holly remained there untill the British evacuated Philadelphia [18 Jun 1778] thence to Crosswicks Bridge was engaged in a skirmish with the British thence to Trenton thence to Maidenhead Meeting house thence to Monmouth Court house fought the battle at that place on the 28th Day of June 1778 from thence to Elizabeth town was discharged the last day of Feb 1779 on the following morning attacked by the enemy and drove them into their boats and left the service and returned home obtained an honorable discharge which has since been consumed by fire together with all his other effects
   The following May he again entered the service under Cpt — Hope and Col Taylor Marched to
   Elizabethtown remained there six months and discharged The Corps was styled the flying Camp
   obtained a discharge which was also destroyed by fire as above described
   In the following year he again entered the service as a waggoner attached to Samuel Hunts
   waggon Brigade and served in that Capacity one year obtained a discharge that was also burnt
   Sworn to before me this 22 Day ag’t. 1832
   Sam’l. Kemble J.P.
   [Signed] Leonard Critzer
   
   We Hamilton Goss and Matthias Winters residing in the County of Harrison aforesaid hereby
   certify that we are well acquainted with the above named Leonard Critz who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy three years of age that he is respected; and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion sworn and subscribed to the day and year aforesaid
   [signed] Hamilton Goss [signed] Mathias Winters
   And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the Investigation of the matter and after putting the questions prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further states that it appears to them that Hamilton Goss Clergyman and Matthias Winters who have signed the foregoing certificate are residents of the said County of Harrison are both credable persons and that their stament is entitled to full faith and credit
   [signed] Jacob Coplin
   
   War Department/ Pension Office, 27th Feb. 1827
   Sir [Nathan Goff], I herewith return Mr. Leonard Critser’s letter to you, and have to inform you, that his statement in regard to his service in Col. Dayton’s regiment, is corroborated by the rolls in this Department; but he is not entitled to any monthly pay for his services, as all such claims are barred by the act of limitation. I have the honor to be/ Very respectfully/ Yr. Obt. Sert.
   J. L. Edwards [James L. Edwards, Commissioner of Pensions]
   
   [On 19 Nov 1832 Critzer was issued a certificate for a pension of $63.33 per year for 19 months service.]
   
   [The following report is by US District Attorney Washington G. Singleton who investigated hundreds of pension applications in present West Virginia. For details see my appendix to the pension application of David W. Sleeth S6111. Singleton wrote “Entitled” in this report.]
   Leonard Critzer draws $63. ^33/100
   Mr. Critzer says he is in his 76th year of age was raised in New Jersey & lived there until he was 32 yrs old – in March 1776 he substituted in the place of Joseph Little and marched under Capt Granandike from Lebanon township to Amboy, then to Statten Island and back to Amboy (there were about 100 men –) and was then discharged having been in service one month.
   In June or July 1776 was drafted & marched from same place under Capt. Cornelieus Cohart to
   Elizabeth town Staid there for the tour. one month.
   In the fall of the same year, was drafted again Marched from same place to same place &
   remained for one month. was under Capt Jacob Cohart.
   In the Spring April 1777 was drafted again and marched from same place to Peramus Meeting
   house, under Capt. Adam Hope this was a tour of one month
   In the fall of the same year 1777 was drafted again & marched from same place under Capt
   Granandike to Elizabeth town – this was also a monthly tour.
   In the year 1778 he volunteered for nine months & marched from Pottstown under Capt. John
   Ross to Trenton then joined Gen’l. Maxwells brigade. Col. Elias Dayton’s Regt. the 3rd Jersey Regt.
   Barber was Lieut Col. Joseph Bloomfield Major. Shepherd [sic: Samuel Shepard] adjutant.. Served out the tour of nine months & got his discharge
   In the year 1779 he enlisted in Lebanon township under Capt Adam Hope for 6 mo. in the flying
   camp marched to Elizabeth town. remained there for the six months.
   Jos. Johnson wrote his declaration – made to him the same statement he now makes – gave him
   $15–
   In Witness that this statement contains the truth I hereto subscribe my name.
   Witness N Goff [Nathan Goff].
   [Signed] Leonard Critzer
   Note. this is an Honest man – a rare commodity in this region. W. G. Singleton/ Nov. 20 1834
   
   War Department/ Pension Office/ April 10 1835
   Sir [Nathan Goff Esqr./ Clarksburg Va.]:
   Leonard Critzer has either fallen into a very great error in relation to service, or has claimed
   service never performed.
   He alleges among other services to have performed one months service in June or July 1776 in
   New Jersey and one month in the fall of the same year. He also claims for six months service in the year 1779 in the flying Camp.
   The corps called the flying Camp was raised in 1776 and served from June to December five months. You will readily perceive the discrepancy in his statement Both of these services here named could not have been performed, and the presumption is, that the latter is wrong.
   Before issuing a new certificate therefor, I have thought proper to give you this statement.
   I am Respectfully/ Your obt Servant
   J L Edwards
   
   Harrison County ss
   This day Leonard Critzer named within personally apeard before me the subscrber a justice of
   the peace for said County, – and makes oath in due form of law, – that he actually done the whole servic[e] setforth in his origional declaration, – he is Confident as to the Lenght of time he was in servce, – but may be mistaken as to dats, – and very likely is, – he states he cannot be mistaken as to the 6 months servse represented and mentioned in the annexed Letter, – he volenteered or enlisted (dont know which is the proper name) for 6 months and marched to Eizabeth town in Newjersy and continued their & in that rigion untill he was discharged, Colo Taylor his Com’and & Capt Hope, – the soldiers called it the flying camp – , (its likely it was not the proper name) They were to go where ever they were ordered, – he had a discharge for this 6 months tour, it was burnt when his house was burnt, – he further states that he never was in [illegible word] called the Flying Camp in the year 1776 – that all the services he done in 1776 was in monthely Towers, – he is confident that the above 6 months tour was done in the year 1779.
   [Signed] Leonard Critzer
   
   Sworn to & suscribed before me Jas. Reed J.P. May 19th 1835
   I also ceretify that Leonard Critser (above) is a man of good character & is to be believed when on oath or otherwise
   Jas. Reed J.P.
   
   Clarksburg May 19th 1835
   We the under signed are acquainted with, the within namamed Leonard Critzer, and do not know
   of any person who stands higher in the Community, than he does,– as a man of truth & correct principals
   – We do not believe he would make an incorrect statement for the purpos of getting a pension
   [15 signatures including those of the following:]
   E S Duncan is judge of our Superior Court of Law & Chancery–, Wm P Goff Senator of the State,– D
   Kincheloe,– Member of the House of Rep’rs D. Davisson, Clerk of the County Court,– Wm Williams
   Post Master of this place, and all the persons signatures annexed are persons of good characters.
   [signed] Nathan Goff
   
   Clarksburg May 20th 1835
   J L Edwards/ Com’r of Pensions
   Sir Leonard Critzer whome the enclosed papers relates to, I have been acquainted with ever sinc
   I was a child,– and I have never knew a person of more stern integrity in my life, – he says he knows his statement to be correct as to the length of time he served – that he would not deviate from what he has stated, as he knows it to be true,– were his doing so to procure him all the pension money in the United States,– I think he is mistaken as to the name of his Campaign 1779 – but have no doubt but that he done the service,– I am yours &c
   [signed] Nathan Goff
   
   Clarksburg Oct 27 1835
   James L Edwards/ Com’r of Pensions
   Sir, Leonard Critzer person of this County (Harrison) who was suspended with the general mass
   of suspensions [in Harrison and Lewis counties pending Singleton’s investigation], and was afterwards reamiteded by you and his pension paid at Richmond up to Last March,– has this Fall sent on his power of Att’y to draw his penson from the 4th
   of March to the 4th Sept 1835 and has been informed that his penson is suspended &c –, I supose it to be a mistake of the new agent at Richmond, that he has looked at the old Suspension, and not noticed that he was reamstated,– I wish you would informe the agent, that he has been remstated,–
   The agent also refuses to pay Jonathan Hewes’s [sic: Jonathan Hughes, pension application S9591]
   pension,– says Hewe’s name as it stand on his book is spelt Hughes,– and in the Power of Atto Hewes – it is speled in the pension Certificate Hewes – which Corrisspnds with the speling in the power of atto I hope you will direct the agent also to pay Hewes’s pension,–
   Shall I never be done with the pensioners
   In haste/ yours Nathan Goff
   
   [The handwriting in the following letter is nearly undecipherable. The transcription is my best attempt.]
   Clarksburg Va/ 1st July 1852
   J E. Heath Esqr/ Com’r of Pensions
   Dear Sir, How is this, I have been drawing pension for a number of years, – The pension Agent
   at Wheeling has Just returned me a penson Voucher Sent him by me, withe the Following Memorandm
   on it, “The heirs must apply boath at the Same time”. The Case is This, Leonard Critzer, Late pensioner of our County, died Leaving 2 Daughters one Living here the other in the State of Ohio, I Reccollect the pension papers in due form, have all the proper orders of Court &c &c – The daughter Living here executed her poe of Attory for the purpos of drawing her Majity [moiety?] Small a bout $15— I Sent the power of Atto’y. to the Ageny at Wheelg, it has been returned with the above Memeradum – How is it, I have heretofore drew pensons in the same way, That is a Childs portion, – has the department Changed its practice, if not, I disire the agent at Wheelg to be directed to pay, &c &c – as I do not want the trouble of Making aut annother set of papers – I hope you will direct G. S. Thompson, to pay &c – Please Answer.
   Very Respectfully/ yours &c
   [signed] Nathan Goff
   
   Pension Agency/ Wheeling Sep 20, 1852
   J E Heath Esq
   Dear Sir I enclose an enquiry made of me by Nathan Goff in reference to arrears of pension due
   Leonard Critzer a pensioner under Act 7 June 1832
   One of the two children applied for arrears – I sent the application back stating that both of them must apply at once and that the certificate must be surrendered.
   Was I right? please return Mr Goff letter. Very respectfully/ Your obedient sevant
   Geo S Thompson/ Pen Agt
   
   http://revwarapps.org/s9251.pdf