Family Tree Maker's Genealogy Site: Genealogy Report: Descendants of John Barr

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Descendants of John Barr

Generation No. 1

      1. John¹ Barr was born 01 May 1751 in County Mayo, Ireland, and died 22 Aug 1833 in Bald Eagle, Centre County, Pennsylvania. He married Mary Elcock. She was born 23 Jul 1764 in The Isle of Jersey, and died 17 Jan 1847 in Elk County, Pennsylvania.

Notes for John Barr:
John Barr enlisted in the Continental Army on February 1777 in the State of Delaware into a Regiment newly authorized by the Continental Congress ( 27 Dec 1776 ) and newly commissioned ( 11 Jan 1777 ) by General George Washington as Col. Hartley's "additional" Continental Regiment. Pvt. John Barr served in Company "D" commanded by Capt. George Bush. Source: Regiment Roster - Pennsylvania Published Archives - 2nd series - vol. X page 782.
Hartley's Regiment was in the 1st Pennsylvania Brigade, Gen. Anthony Wayne's Division. Hartley commanded the brigade in the battles of Brandywine , (11 Sept 1777) Paoli , (21 Sept 1777) and Germantown (4 Oct 1777) .
On 14 July 1778 , the regiment was sent to the fort at Sunbury, Pa on the Susquehanna River to counteract attacks by Indians and Tories on the frontier.
About 21 September 1778 John Barr, still serving as a Private under Capt. George Bush, and commanded by Col. Hartley , participated in an expedition sent by Congress, against marauding Indians along the Susquehanna West Branch territory. Many battles and skirmishes with waring Indians occurred on West Branch before it became nessesary to chase Indians northward up the Susquehanna East Branch. Col. Hartley and his men traversed about 300 miles in extremely difficult conditions in just over two weeks. This West Branch campaign of 1778 ranks as one of the most remarkable achievements ever accomplished in any war. Source: History of Lycoming County, Chapter V, pgs. 97-105
Col. Hartley requested to be relieved of his duties after the West Branch Campaign, which was granted November 1778. Lt. Col. Adam Hubley Jr, an officer of the New 11th PA Regiment under Col. Hartley, was placed in command of the Regiment.
By order of Congress on 13 January 1779 the "additional Regiments" and other companies were reorganized and incorporated with Hartley's Regiment, the whole, to form a complete Battalion and added to the Pennsylvania Line as the "New 11th Regiment " of that state. Source: Pennsylvania Published Archives - 2nd series - vol. X - pgs. 777-784, by Matthew S. Quay, Secretary of the Commonwealth, edited by John B. Linn and Wm. H. Engle, MD.
The July 1779 roster of "Field and Officers of the New 11th PA Regiment " listed ; Lt. Col. Adam Hubley Jr., Commander, Capt. George Bush, Captain of the Third Company (Company C), and Pvt, John Barr. Source: PA Published Archives 5th series vol. III pgs. 629-649.
The New 11th Regiment under the command of Col. Hubley was engaged in the Indian Campaign called the"Sullivan Expedition" from July through October 1779. This Campaign was designed to neutralize the British-lead Tory and Indian raids on frontier settlements of the West Branch Valley, Wyoming Valley and all along the New York / Pennsylvania state border. The New 11th, Company C, Capt. George Bush and Private John Barr were engaged in many skirmishes against overwhelming numbers of Indians. General Sullivan, running short of supplies, appealed to the troops to agree to half-ration of vegetables and extra pay in exchange for no meat rations in order to continue the expedition. The soldiers agreed. The army continued its march into the state of New York destroying villages and crops.
On 1 January 1781 the New 11th PA Regiment stationed near Morristown became involved in a protest and mutiny over the lack of food and supplies. Some had not received pay, others complained about inequities of benefits offered for new enlistments. New enlistments, were now being offered bounty payments of eighty one dollars in silver and the promise of 200 acres of land after the war. Soldiers enlisted for three years were being told they had to remain longer. The problem was resolved when Gen. George Washington gave his solemn promise that the soldiers would receive their back pay plus interest and soldiers would be discharged on completion of their term. As a result the New 11th PA Regiment was inactivated. Source: The Pennsylvania Line Regimental Organization and Operations 1775 - 1783, chapters XIV & XVI, by John B.B. Trussell Jr. 2nd edition - Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg PA 1993
Two and one-half weeks after the mutiny, John Barr received his discharge as a private at Trenton New Jersey 18 January 1781. He served 3 yrs. 11 mo. and participated in the Battles of Springfield, Brandywine, Germantown, Morristown and Paoli.

"Time Line" for John Barr and Mary Elcock"
1784 - Marriage to Mary Elcock ; Information in Mary Barr's 8 Aug 1846 declaration for pension - Her maiden name was Mary Elcock and (she) was married to said John Barr in the County of New Castle in the State of Delaware, according to the best of her recollection, on the 18th day of March 1784. She has no record of her marriage. She was married by Rev. William McCannon. Signed by Mary Barr, (her mark) On 25 August 1846, Mary provided additional information "according to the best of my recollection, the place of my marriage was called Red Clay Creek Hundredth, at that time there were no townships, but it was about 1 mile from Newport, 3 miles from Wilmington, and 4 or 5miles from New Castle."
Researcher's note: There is existing today, a Church named Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church located 500 McKennans Church Road, Wilmington, Delaware founded in 1722. The first meeting house erected 1761 was located in what is now part of the cemetery adjoining the present church known as "The Little Church on the Hill". The original members of this congregation were Scotch-Irish immigrants who worked on nearby farms, some of their decedents are still members of the church. The first minister was Rev. William McKennan for whom the church road was named who served as pastor from 1755 - 1809. The marriage date, church location and minister's name (spelling variation accepted) matching Mary's description, it is probable that this is the location of John and Mary Barr's marriage.
1793 - Tax list - Pine Creek Twp. Northumberland Co. John Barr is listed as " additional resident " pg. 480 "History of Centre and Clinton Counties Pennsylvania", by John Blair Linn
1793 - On 24 April 1793, John Barr made application to the Land Office of Pennsylvania for a warrant and survey on a tract of land -- to purchase "vacant land" from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania -- an approximate 400 acres of land located on the West Branch of Wallace Run (which empties into Bald Eagle Creek) in upper Bald Eagle Twp. Mifflin Co. PA (now between Boggs and Union Twp's in Centre Co.)-- adjoining a tract of land applied for by Ann Deal.
1793 - Warranty certificate No. 220 was issued, as applied for, in Mifflin Co. -- for the amount of 50 shillings per 100 acres -- dated 27 April 1793 -- and signed by the Govenor of Pennsylvania, Thomas Mifflin.
1808 -The tract survey was returned 20 Dec.1808 on warrant No. 220 (Mifflin Co.) for 412 acres and 84 perches -- land situate (after county line change) to Spring twp., Centre County, PA. The survey sketch, boundaries and location is copied into Pennsylvania land office-- Book "G" pg. 408.
Sold Land - Upon receiving the approved warrant of the above tract of land, John Barr then preceded to sell it to other parties. The deed read as follows: Know ye all men by this presence that application hath been made by me, John Barr of Pine Creek Twp. Northumberland Co. on the 24th day of April 1793 to the Land Office of Pennsylvania for the purchase of a tract of land containing 400 acres situate in the county of Mifflin --seaking whereof a warrant and a survey of the same for my use. Now know ye that I, the said John Barr, for the consideration of 5 shillings apiece to me in hand paid by Robert Fleming and Thomas Grant, the receipt of which is acknowledged as well as other good causes and valuable considerations have bargained and sold to the said Robert Fleming and Thomas Grant. Filed in Spring Twp, Centre Co. and recorded Deed Book F pg.10, Dec. 1, 1817. Surveyors drawing and property can be located in State Land Records, Pennsylvania State Archives, Harrisburg, PA under Mifflin County, book G, pg. 407-408.
1798 - US Direct Tax of 1798 - John Barr listed on property number #51, living in a log cabin, 300 acres, located in Lycoming County described as follows: "on the east side of of Pine Creek known by the name of James Alexander improvement which includes a small island in said Creek of about 40 acres situate about 5 miles from the emptying into the west branch of Susquehanna: bounds on the lower side by a mountain and extending up said creek to the narrows" This property is listed as owned by Colonel Thomas Proctor, the noted Revolutionary War Artillery Officer. Source: Tax list - Lycoming Co, Pine Creek Twp. - 2nd Appropriation District, 7th division, PA State Archive document # 0214.
1800 - List of taxable inhabitants of Pine Creek Township, Lycoming Co. PA - 7 March 1800 lists John Barr, occupation farmer
1808 - Land Purchase on Cooks Run - Lycoming County deed book Vol.10 pgs. 249-250. John Conaway deeds to John Barr of Dunstable Twp. for the consideration of 50 pounds, all the tract of land in Warrant No. 1933 (dated 20 August 1793), which was laid out about 1 mile above the north of Kettle Creek on the north side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Dunstable Twp. (late Pine Creek Twp) Lycoming Co. PA
"A man by the name Conaway made the first improvement on the flat below Cook's Run which is known as the Millegan Place, and subsequently John Barr came into possession of the property, and planted an orchard and made most of the improvements. This was in a early day and contemporaneous with the settlements at Kettle Creek and Cook's Run. Mr. Barr had three* sons, William, Robert, and James.* (John's son -John Jr, b 1791- was somehow missed )This property was eventually purchased by Hugh Millegan." Source: History of Centre and Clinton Counties, Pennsylvania, by John Blair Linn - page 650.
1810 - US Census PA - John Barr listed in Lycoming Co property No. 837 Dunstable Twp.
1818 - Declaration for Pension Application - The Eighth Judicial District of the state of PA, Lycoming Co, Court of Common Pleas, Term no.10 - On the 18th day of June 1818 personally appears John Barr, age 67 years, resident of said County, doth on his oath make the following declaration ;... the said John Barr enlisted in Feb. 1777 in the state of Delaware in the company commanded by Capt. George Bush and joined the 11th Regiment commanded by Col. Hubley of the Pennsylvania Line, that he continued to serve in the said Corps in the service of US until 18th day of January year 1781. He was then discharged of service at Trenton in the state of New Jersey. He was in the battles of Springfield, Brandywine, Germantown, Morristown and at the Piole (Paoli) Source: Revolutionary War Pension file No. 3496
War Department Pension Certificate # 4805 -
I certify that in conformity of the law of the United States of the 18th March 1818 John Barr late private in the Army of Revolution is inscribed on the pension list, roll of the PA agency at the rate of $8 per month to commence on the 18th day of June 1818. Pension Certificate 4805 given at the war office of the United States this 8th day of December 1818, signed; John C Calhoun, Secretary of War, Washington City.
1820 - US Census PA - John Barr listed in Lycoming Co property No. 081 Chapman Twp.
1820 - Declaration for Pension Application - Lycoming Co., Term No. 12 - On the 4th day of December AD 1820 personally appears in open court of Common Pleas held in Williamsport for the county of Lycoming, John Barr age 71 resident of Lycoming Co....doth make the following declarations....I do solely swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the 18th March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift, sale or any manner have disposed of my property or any part thereof with intent thereby so to diminish it as to bring myself within the previsions to an Act of Congress....signed by John Barr, (his mark). Source: Revolutionary War Pension file No. 3496
Schedule of Property: I have besides necessary clothing and bedding, 1 cow, 7 sheep, 1 walnut table, 1 set cup/saucer value $25.25 : 5 tin cups, 11 spoons, 2 tin buckets, 1 pot and kettle, value $5.50: 1 churn, 1 tub, 6 plates, 6 knives and forks, value $2.30: 1 tea cannister, 1 spinning wheel, 1 teapot, value $2.37: 1 coffee mill, 2 bottomless chairs, value $2.00: about 50 acres of land which lies in a remote place of the county on the Sinnemahoning Creek, without any communication to it for any kind of carriage, value $50.00:
I am by occupation a weaver, but my age and many infirmities, am not able to pursue that occupation. I have 3 children residing with me, James age 19 years , Jane age 16 years, Esther (Hester) age 11 years and my wife Mary age 62 years and infirm like myself. Signed John Barr (his mark)
State of Pennsylvania Lycoming Co., : I, Thomas Hays, prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said county hereby certify that the foregoing oath and the schedule, thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount and value of property on the schedule is $87.42....Williamsport, 4 December 1820, signed Tho Hays, Prothonotary
War Department Pension Office dated 12 April 1821 Certificate No. 4805
Sir, you are hereby informed that the schedule of your property has been examined, and the Secretary of War has directed your name to be continued on the pension role. You will be paid, at the ensuing semi-annual payment in September next, the sum that may then be due from the time of suspending your pension....signed Travis L. Edwards, Washington City DC.
1826 - John Barr Sr. sells Cooks Run property to his son, John Barr Jr. -
Lycoming County Deed book Vol.18 pg.8. John Barr Sr. deeds to John Barr Jr. property in Warrant No. 1933 for consideration of 50 pounds paid by John Barr, Jr. of Spring Twp. in the County of Centre State of PA. Signed, John Barr (his mark) Mary Barr (her mark) recorded August 14, 1826.
* See John Barr, Jr. for sale of same Cooks Run property to Hugh Millegan


Notes for Mary Elcock:
1846 - Widow's pension claim
State of Pennsylvania County of Elk, Be it known that before the subscriber, a Judge in and for said county of Elk personally came Mary Barr who having been by me duly sworn according to law on her oath making the following declaration in order to obtain benefits of the Act of Congress July 7, 1838. That she is the widow of John Barr who was a soldier in the Revolution and at the date of his death a pensioner of the United States, that her maiden name was Elcock and that she was married to the said John Barr at the town of _______ in the county of New Castle in the state of Delaware according to the best of her recollection on the 18 day of March 1784. That the said John Barr died at Bald Eagle Centre County PA, on the 22nd day of August 1833, that she has no record of the marriage of the said John Barr but has a record of the births of her children which is herewith sent to the pension office, that said record is in the handwriting of Elihu Chadwick and was made at the request of the said John Barr in the said year 1819 - that she was married by Rev. William McCannon - that she has not intermarried since the death of the said John Barr but remained his widow. signed by Mary Barr (her mark) 8th day August 1846. Source: Revolutionary War Pension file No. 3496
Declaration addition - 25 August 1846, Dear Sir, Herewith I send a declaration of Mary Barr with record of births of children and the pension certificate of her husband. Mrs. Barr is unable to state the town in which she was married but says the place according to the best of her recollection was called Red Clay Creek Hundreth that at that time there were no townships that it was about 1 mile from Newport 3 from Wilmington and 4-5 from New Castle. signed A L Lynde
Note: the list below was a page cut from the family Bible and attached to the declaration.
Births - John Barr, born May 1, 1751
Mary Barr, (Elcock) born July 23, 1764
Robert Barr, born Jan'y 20, 1785
Mary Barr, born Feb'y 25, 1787
Elizabeth Barr, born March 27, 1790
John Barr, Jr. born Oct'r 5, 1791
Anna Barr, born Oct'r 26, 1795
William Barr, born Jan'y 26, 1798
James Barr, born Dec'r 30, 1805
Hester (Esther) Barr, born March 2, 1809

Children of John Barr and Mary Elcock are:

+	2	i.	Robert² Barr, born 20 Jan 1785; died 19 Nov 1824 in Gibson Twp, Clearfield Co., PA.
	3	ii.	Mary E. Barr, born 25 Feb 1787.
	4	iii.	Elizabeth Barr, born 27 Mar 1790.
+	5	iv.	John Barr, born 05 Oct 1791 in Pine Creek Twp Northumberland Co. PA; died 17 Oct 1850.
	6	v.	Anna Barr, born 26 Oct 1795 in Lycoming Co. Pa.
+	7	vi.	William Barr, born 26 Jan 1798 in Lycoming Co. Pa; died 28 Apr 1886 in Cameron County, PA.
+	8	vii.	James Barr, born 24 Mar 1802 in Lycoming Co. Pa; died 14 Feb 1860 in Cameron County, Pennsylvania.
	9	viii.	Jane Barr, born 30 Dec 1805 in Lycoming Co. Pa; died 18 Aug 1869 in Palmer Twp. Washington Ohio.

Notes for Jane Barr:
Date and location of death provided by Dennis Darling family file

ix.

Hester Barr, born 02 Mar 1809.

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