ALLSHOUSE, HENRY
PA
Roll: 15 Image: 598 File: S2032 Total Pages: 8 Revolutionary War records
Henry Allshouse (1757-1836), s/o Henry apparently initially married a Catherine Marie Kunkel (1758-1836). He was born in Easton, Bucks Co, PA and died on 8 NOV 1836 in Jeannette, PA. He initially had six children: Elizabeth Ann Allshouse (1778 -
The Revolutionary War: In the Revolutionary War Henry was a 15 year-old fifer with General George Washington. He enlisted in the 1st battalion of the Associators in Northampton Co. on 9 July 1776 in the first Company, commanded by Capt. John Arndt Sr. of Easton, PA as a fifer. The Company was under the command of Maj. Baxter and was taken to Long Island, NY and its first battle was fought on 27 Aug 1776. In this battle there were two Sergeants, nineteen privates, two non-commissioned officers wounded and missing. The next battle was fought at Fort Washington on the Island 16 Nov 1776. There were 37 listed as killed, wounded and missing and Henry Allshouse, fifer and John Arndt Jr., drummer, were of the missing. Many if not all were imprisoned on British ships anchored in the New York harbor. Henry was a prisoner for 18 months upon one of these ships. On his release he returned home where he enlisted in the Fifth Battalion, Northampton Co Militia, Forks Twp Company in 1778. This unit was sent against the Indians who had been equipped by the British and incited by them to war against the northern settlers of the Western Hemisphere. In PA Archive records he was listed as Capt. for his service in the Revolutionary War. He was listed as a Maj. with the Militia. (Commissioned Captain in 1780 and Major 6th Bat in 1783.)
The move to Westmoreland: In 1796 land was conveyed to him in Westmoreland Co, Hempfield Twp, where he brought his wife and family of 13 children to live. He was the owner of 380 acres of land at the time of his death. He served as a member of the House of Representatives for the years of, beginning Dec 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1817, 1818. He served in the State Senate beginning Dec 7, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826. Henry, who served in the Revolution, made application for a pension 14 Jan 1833 at which time he was 75 and his pension was allowed for 8 months of actual service. He belonged to the Democratic party. One source has that he signed the oath of allegiance May 29, 1780 at Easton, PA. Also that tax records show that he was living in Northampton Co, PA in 1785, 1786, and 1788. The 1790 census shows that he was living in Westmoreland Co, PA.
Henry's burial: The graveyard (near the corner of Frothingham and Margaret Street) where he is buried was at the junction of lands of Daniel Klingensmith, John P. Klingensmith, "Richfield", and John Klingensmith. The Allshouse family owned a tract of land here in 1806, a part of "Richfield". The granite marker for Henry Allshouse was placed by E. E. Allshouse (attorney in Greensburg) in 1945. It is the last and only marker on what once was the graveyard for burial of early settlers and their families. With the years an alley and a street shrank the area. Relatives removed bodies to Brush Creek and other cemeteries. A few remained, with records faulty or missing.
Inscription of the headstone in Jeannette: Near this spot in 1836 was laid HENRY ALLSHOUSE Revolutionary soldier Member of Penna. Assembly for 20 years also his son Isaac. This stone erected in 1945 by E. E. ALLSHOUSE Great Grandson of Henry Grandson of Isaac And son of Henry II
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burial - [place: Jeannette, PA]
Baptism - [date: 1757] [place: Church of Reformed, Easton, PA]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Dated Feb 5, 1932 from Dr. C.C. Cronshore, West Second St., Greensburg,
PA.
Dear Sirs:
Reference is made to your communication relative to Henry Allshouse, a soldier
of the Revolutionary War. The data furnished herein are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.2032, based upon
the military service of Henry Allshouse in that war. Henry Allshouse was born
November 8, 1757, in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
He enlisted in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in June 1776, served as a fifer
in Captain John Arndt's Rifle Company, Colonel Peter Kachlsin's Pennsylvania
Battalion of the Flying Camp, and was in the battles of Flatbush on Long
Island and Fort Washington, at which latter place he was taken prisoner, placed
on board the prison ship, "Grosvenor" and held until in February, 1777, when he
was paroled, and remained on parole until November, 1778, when discharged.
After the Revolution, he resided in Northampton County, Pennsylvania until 1788,
when he moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was allowed pension on
his application executed January 14, 1833, while residing in Hempfield Township,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. There is no data as to his family. The above
is the history of the only soldier named Henry Allshouse, under any spelling,
found on the Revolutionary War records of this
office.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Killer
Assistant to Administrator
Note: Flying Camp--special battalions of PA Line troops recruited from the PA Associators.]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westmoreland News - July 3, 2000
Gravesite unearths mystery in Jeannette
Maria Condo of Jeannette stands near the marker for Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary War soldier and state legislator, in an alley near her home. (S.C.
Spangler/Tribune-Review photo)
By Bob Stiles
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Maria Condo passed the gray stone nestled among the houses in her Jeannette
neighborhood for approximately two years before she realized what it was.
"I just thought it was a big rock, because from where you see it ... you don't see the face.
It's covered with hedges," she said.
But when Condo discovered the purpose of the rock during a conversation with a
neighbor, she became fascinated. The stone along an unnamed alley between Margaret
and North First streets in Jeannette is a grave marker.
The stone's inscription reads: "Near this spot in 1836 was laid Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary soldier and member of the Pennsylvania Assembly for 20 years. Also his
son Isaac."
"I thought it was very interesting. I remember I came to see it right away," Condo said.
She said the Allshouse family "was one of the first to settle in this area; it's a very old
name."
City Foreman Curt Elliott said he learned of the stone about three years ago, shortly
before a cleanup of high weeds and trash at the site.
Elliott said he had passed the stone many times prior to that cleanup, but didn't realize it
was a monument because the stone's face and inscription are blocked from the views of
motorists on Margaret Street by a hedge. The rock's clearly visible side - toward the alley
- contains no writing.
Jeannette officials said the city maintains the site periodically, although a disagreement
exists about who is responsible for upkeep.
Neighbor Ronald Rager also takes care of the grounds.
"The only thing I know (about the stone) is I cut the grass," Rager said.
Disagreements exist about the site's history, too.
Some neighbors believe a cemetery had been on the property, and most of the graves
were moved to another site. Others think the site was a family cemetery plot.
Jim Steeley, executive director of the Westmoreland County Historical Society, said
either account could be correct, although he tends to believe the land was probably a
family burial area.
Marlene Niedzalkoski of Margaret Street said she was told by a person who had lived in
the neighborhood since the 1920s that a cemetery was on the site.
"They exhumed all the graves except the one that had the officer. ... They said he was
someone very important, and that's why he will be there forever," Niedzalkoski said of
neighborhood lore.
Each Memorial Day, Mario Maloberti puts a flag at the monument in remembrance of
Allshouse's service in the Revolutionary War. But as far as the stone's history, Maloberti
- an American Legion member and an assessor in the county tax office - said he hasn't
turned up much.
"What I know, that was to be the old St. Clair Cemetery," he said. "It's just listed as the
St. Clair Cemetery. Whether that's St. Clair out of Greensburg or St. Clair out of
Jeannette ... I don't know.
"But I'll tell you, that's a nice headstone ... that's a nice piece of granite," he added.
None of the Allshouses listed in the telephone book and reached for comment knew about
the site.
But a few things are known about Allshouse, based on records at the county historical
society.
According to the "Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Westmoreland County,"
published in 1890 by John M. Gresham & Co. of Philadelphia, Allshouse came to
America from Europe and settled in New Jersey prior to the Revolutionary War.
During that war, he was taken prisoner by the British and "carried to England," but
"effected his escape and returned to witness the success of the Colonists and to see their
efforts crowned with victory and independence in the cause of right," the book states.
Allshouse then moved to Pennsylvania. He purchased "a large tract of land just north of
the present town of Jeannette," according to the book.
"Here he resided and became prominent in the county and a ... figure in politics, being
elected to the state Legislature, term after term, for upward of 20 years."
According to the publication, Allshouse was married twice and died at age 88.
E.E. Allshouse, who erected the stone, is Henry Allshouse's great-grandson and was an
attorney, the publication states.
Whatever it's history, Condo thinks the stone's proximity to homes makes it different.
"I think it's really neat. I just feel it's remarkable," she said.
PA
Roll: 15 Image: 598 File: S2032 Total Pages: 8 Revolutionary War records
Henry Allshouse (1757-1836), s/o Henry apparently initially married a Catherine Marie Kunkel (1758-1836). He was born in Easton, Bucks Co, PA and died on 8 NOV 1836 in Jeannette, PA. He initially had six children: Elizabeth Ann Allshouse (1778 -
The Revolutionary War: In the Revolutionary War Henry was a 15 year-old fifer with General George Washington. He enlisted in the 1st battalion of the Associators in Northampton Co. on 9 July 1776 in the first Company, commanded by Capt. John Arndt Sr. of Easton, PA as a fifer. The Company was under the command of Maj. Baxter and was taken to Long Island, NY and its first battle was fought on 27 Aug 1776. In this battle there were two Sergeants, nineteen privates, two non-commissioned officers wounded and missing. The next battle was fought at Fort Washington on the Island 16 Nov 1776. There were 37 listed as killed, wounded and missing and Henry Allshouse, fifer and John Arndt Jr., drummer, were of the missing. Many if not all were imprisoned on British ships anchored in the New York harbor. Henry was a prisoner for 18 months upon one of these ships. On his release he returned home where he enlisted in the Fifth Battalion, Northampton Co Militia, Forks Twp Company in 1778. This unit was sent against the Indians who had been equipped by the British and incited by them to war against the northern settlers of the Western Hemisphere. In PA Archive records he was listed as Capt. for his service in the Revolutionary War. He was listed as a Maj. with the Militia. (Commissioned Captain in 1780 and Major 6th Bat in 1783.)
The move to Westmoreland: In 1796 land was conveyed to him in Westmoreland Co, Hempfield Twp, where he brought his wife and family of 13 children to live. He was the owner of 380 acres of land at the time of his death. He served as a member of the House of Representatives for the years of, beginning Dec 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1817, 1818. He served in the State Senate beginning Dec 7, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826. Henry, who served in the Revolution, made application for a pension 14 Jan 1833 at which time he was 75 and his pension was allowed for 8 months of actual service. He belonged to the Democratic party. One source has that he signed the oath of allegiance May 29, 1780 at Easton, PA. Also that tax records show that he was living in Northampton Co, PA in 1785, 1786, and 1788. The 1790 census shows that he was living in Westmoreland Co, PA.
Henry's burial: The graveyard (near the corner of Frothingham and Margaret Street) where he is buried was at the junction of lands of Daniel Klingensmith, John P. Klingensmith, "Richfield", and John Klingensmith. The Allshouse family owned a tract of land here in 1806, a part of "Richfield". The granite marker for Henry Allshouse was placed by E. E. Allshouse (attorney in Greensburg) in 1945. It is the last and only marker on what once was the graveyard for burial of early settlers and their families. With the years an alley and a street shrank the area. Relatives removed bodies to Brush Creek and other cemeteries. A few remained, with records faulty or missing.
Inscription of the headstone in Jeannette: Near this spot in 1836 was laid HENRY ALLSHOUSE Revolutionary soldier Member of Penna. Assembly for 20 years also his son Isaac. This stone erected in 1945 by E. E. ALLSHOUSE Great Grandson of Henry Grandson of Isaac And son of Henry II
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burial - [place: Jeannette, PA]
Baptism - [date: 1757] [place: Church of Reformed, Easton, PA]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Dated Feb 5, 1932 from Dr. C.C. Cronshore, West Second St., Greensburg,
PA.
Dear Sirs:
Reference is made to your communication relative to Henry Allshouse, a soldier
of the Revolutionary War. The data furnished herein are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.2032, based upon
the military service of Henry Allshouse in that war. Henry Allshouse was born
November 8, 1757, in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
He enlisted in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in June 1776, served as a fifer
in Captain John Arndt's Rifle Company, Colonel Peter Kachlsin's Pennsylvania
Battalion of the Flying Camp, and was in the battles of Flatbush on Long
Island and Fort Washington, at which latter place he was taken prisoner, placed
on board the prison ship, "Grosvenor" and held until in February, 1777, when he
was paroled, and remained on parole until November, 1778, when discharged.
After the Revolution, he resided in Northampton County, Pennsylvania until 1788,
when he moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was allowed pension on
his application executed January 14, 1833, while residing in Hempfield Township,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. There is no data as to his family. The above
is the history of the only soldier named Henry Allshouse, under any spelling,
found on the Revolutionary War records of this
office.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Killer
Assistant to Administrator
Note: Flying Camp--special battalions of PA Line troops recruited from the PA Associators.]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westmoreland News - July 3, 2000
Gravesite unearths mystery in Jeannette
Maria Condo of Jeannette stands near the marker for Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary War soldier and state legislator, in an alley near her home. (S.C.
Spangler/Tribune-Review photo)
By Bob Stiles
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Maria Condo passed the gray stone nestled among the houses in her Jeannette
neighborhood for approximately two years before she realized what it was.
"I just thought it was a big rock, because from where you see it ... you don't see the face.
It's covered with hedges," she said.
But when Condo discovered the purpose of the rock during a conversation with a
neighbor, she became fascinated. The stone along an unnamed alley between Margaret
and North First streets in Jeannette is a grave marker.
The stone's inscription reads: "Near this spot in 1836 was laid Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary soldier and member of the Pennsylvania Assembly for 20 years. Also his
son Isaac."
"I thought it was very interesting. I remember I came to see it right away," Condo said.
She said the Allshouse family "was one of the first to settle in this area; it's a very old
name."
City Foreman Curt Elliott said he learned of the stone about three years ago, shortly
before a cleanup of high weeds and trash at the site.
Elliott said he had passed the stone many times prior to that cleanup, but didn't realize it
was a monument because the stone's face and inscription are blocked from the views of
motorists on Margaret Street by a hedge. The rock's clearly visible side - toward the alley
- contains no writing.
Jeannette officials said the city maintains the site periodically, although a disagreement
exists about who is responsible for upkeep.
Neighbor Ronald Rager also takes care of the grounds.
"The only thing I know (about the stone) is I cut the grass," Rager said.
Disagreements exist about the site's history, too.
Some neighbors believe a cemetery had been on the property, and most of the graves
were moved to another site. Others think the site was a family cemetery plot.
Jim Steeley, executive director of the Westmoreland County Historical Society, said
either account could be correct, although he tends to believe the land was probably a
family burial area.
Marlene Niedzalkoski of Margaret Street said she was told by a person who had lived in
the neighborhood since the 1920s that a cemetery was on the site.
"They exhumed all the graves except the one that had the officer. ... They said he was
someone very important, and that's why he will be there forever," Niedzalkoski said of
neighborhood lore.
Each Memorial Day, Mario Maloberti puts a flag at the monument in remembrance of
Allshouse's service in the Revolutionary War. But as far as the stone's history, Maloberti
- an American Legion member and an assessor in the county tax office - said he hasn't
turned up much.
"What I know, that was to be the old St. Clair Cemetery," he said. "It's just listed as the
St. Clair Cemetery. Whether that's St. Clair out of Greensburg or St. Clair out of
Jeannette ... I don't know.
"But I'll tell you, that's a nice headstone ... that's a nice piece of granite," he added.
None of the Allshouses listed in the telephone book and reached for comment knew about
the site.
But a few things are known about Allshouse, based on records at the county historical
society.
According to the "Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Westmoreland County,"
published in 1890 by John M. Gresham & Co. of Philadelphia, Allshouse came to
America from Europe and settled in New Jersey prior to the Revolutionary War.
During that war, he was taken prisoner by the British and "carried to England," but
"effected his escape and returned to witness the success of the Colonists and to see their
efforts crowned with victory and independence in the cause of right," the book states.
Allshouse then moved to Pennsylvania. He purchased "a large tract of land just north of
the present town of Jeannette," according to the book.
"Here he resided and became prominent in the county and a ... figure in politics, being
elected to the state Legislature, term after term, for upward of 20 years."
According to the publication, Allshouse was married twice and died at age 88.
E.E. Allshouse, who erected the stone, is Henry Allshouse's great-grandson and was an
attorney, the publication states.
Whatever it's history, Condo thinks the stone's proximity to homes makes it different.
"I think it's really neat. I just feel it's remarkable," she said.
ALLSHOUSE, HENRY
PA
Roll: 15 Image: 598 File: S2032 Total Pages: 8 Revolutionary War records
Henry Allshouse (1757-1836), s/o Henry apparently initially married a Catherine Marie Kunkel (1758-1836). He was born in Easton, Bucks Co, PA and died on 8 NOV 1836 in Jeannette, PA. He initially had six children: Elizabeth Ann Allshouse (1778 -
The Revolutionary War: In the Revolutionary War Henry was a 15 year-old fifer with General George Washington. He enlisted in the 1st battalion of the Associators in Northampton Co. on 9 July 1776 in the first Company, commanded by Capt. John Arndt Sr. of Easton, PA as a fifer. The Company was under the command of Maj. Baxter and was taken to Long Island, NY and its first battle was fought on 27 Aug 1776. In this battle there were two Sergeants, nineteen privates, two non-commissioned officers wounded and missing. The next battle was fought at Fort Washington on the Island 16 Nov 1776. There were 37 listed as killed, wounded and missing and Henry Allshouse, fifer and John Arndt Jr., drummer, were of the missing. Many if not all were imprisoned on British ships anchored in the New York harbor. Henry was a prisoner for 18 months upon one of these ships. On his release he returned home where he enlisted in the Fifth Battalion, Northampton Co Militia, Forks Twp Company in 1778. This unit was sent against the Indians who had been equipped by the British and incited by them to war against the northern settlers of the Western Hemisphere. In PA Archive records he was listed as Capt. for his service in the Revolutionary War. He was listed as a Maj. with the Militia. (Commissioned Captain in 1780 and Major 6th Bat in 1783.)
The move to Westmoreland: In 1796 land was conveyed to him in Westmoreland Co, Hempfield Twp, where he brought his wife and family of 13 children to live. He was the owner of 380 acres of land at the time of his death. He served as a member of the House of Representatives for the years of, beginning Dec 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1817, 1818. He served in the State Senate beginning Dec 7, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826. Henry, who served in the Revolution, made application for a pension 14 Jan 1833 at which time he was 75 and his pension was allowed for 8 months of actual service. He belonged to the Democratic party. One source has that he signed the oath of allegiance May 29, 1780 at Easton, PA. Also that tax records show that he was living in Northampton Co, PA in 1785, 1786, and 1788. The 1790 census shows that he was living in Westmoreland Co, PA.
Henry's burial: The graveyard (near the corner of Frothingham and Margaret Street) where he is buried was at the junction of lands of Daniel Klingensmith, John P. Klingensmith, "Richfield", and John Klingensmith. The Allshouse family owned a tract of land here in 1806, a part of "Richfield". The granite marker for Henry Allshouse was placed by E. E. Allshouse (attorney in Greensburg) in 1945. It is the last and only marker on what once was the graveyard for burial of early settlers and their families. With the years an alley and a street shrank the area. Relatives removed bodies to Brush Creek and other cemeteries. A few remained, with records faulty or missing.
Inscription of the headstone in Jeannette: Near this spot in 1836 was laid HENRY ALLSHOUSE Revolutionary soldier Member of Penna. Assembly for 20 years also his son Isaac. This stone erected in 1945 by E. E. ALLSHOUSE Great Grandson of Henry Grandson of Isaac And son of Henry II
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Burial - [place: Jeannette, PA]
Baptism - [date: 1757] [place: Church of Reformed, Easton, PA]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Letter Dated Feb 5, 1932 from Dr. C.C. Cronshore, West Second St., Greensburg,
PA.
Dear Sirs:
Reference is made to your communication relative to Henry Allshouse, a soldier
of the Revolutionary War. The data furnished herein are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.2032, based upon
the military service of Henry Allshouse in that war. Henry Allshouse was born
November 8, 1757, in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
He enlisted in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in June 1776, served as a fifer
in Captain John Arndt's Rifle Company, Colonel Peter Kachlsin's Pennsylvania
Battalion of the Flying Camp, and was in the battles of Flatbush on Long
Island and Fort Washington, at which latter place he was taken prisoner, placed
on board the prison ship, "Grosvenor" and held until in February, 1777, when he
was paroled, and remained on parole until November, 1778, when discharged.
After the Revolution, he resided in Northampton County, Pennsylvania until 1788,
when he moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was allowed pension on
his application executed January 14, 1833, while residing in Hempfield Township,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. There is no data as to his family. The above
is the history of the only soldier named Henry Allshouse, under any spelling,
found on the Revolutionary War records of this
office.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Killer
Assistant to Administrator
Note: Flying Camp--special battalions of PA Line troops recruited from the PA Associators.]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westmoreland News - July 3, 2000
Gravesite unearths mystery in Jeannette
Maria Condo of Jeannette stands near the marker for Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary War soldier and state legislator, in an alley near her home. (S.C.
Spangler/Tribune-Review photo)
By Bob Stiles
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Maria Condo passed the gray stone nestled among the houses in her Jeannette
neighborhood for approximately two years before she realized what it was.
"I just thought it was a big rock, because from where you see it ... you don't see the face.
It's covered with hedges," she said.
But when Condo discovered the purpose of the rock during a conversation with a
neighbor, she became fascinated. The stone along an unnamed alley between Margaret
and North First streets in Jeannette is a grave marker.
The stone's inscription reads: "Near this spot in 1836 was laid Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary soldier and member of the Pennsylvania Assembly for 20 years. Also his
son Isaac."
"I thought it was very interesting. I remember I came to see it right away," Condo said.
She said the Allshouse family "was one of the first to settle in this area; it's a very old
name."
City Foreman Curt Elliott said he learned of the stone about three years ago, shortly
before a cleanup of high weeds and trash at the site.
Elliott said he had passed the stone many times prior to that cleanup, but didn't realize it
was a monument because the stone's face and inscription are blocked from the views of
motorists on Margaret Street by a hedge. The rock's clearly visible side - toward the alley
- contains no writing.
Jeannette officials said the city maintains the site periodically, although a disagreement
exists about who is responsible for upkeep.
Neighbor Ronald Rager also takes care of the grounds.
"The only thing I know (about the stone) is I cut the grass," Rager said.
Disagreements exist about the site's history, too.
Some neighbors believe a cemetery had been on the property, and most of the graves
were moved to another site. Others think the site was a family cemetery plot.
Jim Steeley, executive director of the Westmoreland County Historical Society, said
either account could be correct, although he tends to believe the land was probably a
family burial area.
Marlene Niedzalkoski of Margaret Street said she was told by a person who had lived in
the neighborhood since the 1920s that a cemetery was on the site.
"They exhumed all the graves except the one that had the officer. ... They said he was
someone very important, and that's why he will be there forever," Niedzalkoski said of
neighborhood lore.
Each Memorial Day, Mario Maloberti puts a flag at the monument in remembrance of
Allshouse's service in the Revolutionary War. But as far as the stone's history, Maloberti
- an American Legion member and an assessor in the county tax office - said he hasn't
turned up much.
"What I know, that was to be the old St. Clair Cemetery," he said. "It's just listed as the
St. Clair Cemetery. Whether that's St. Clair out of Greensburg or St. Clair out of
Jeannette ... I don't know.
"But I'll tell you, that's a nice headstone ... that's a nice piece of granite," he added.
None of the Allshouses listed in the telephone book and reached for comment knew about
the site.
But a few things are known about Allshouse, based on records at the county historical
society.
According to the "Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Westmoreland County,"
published in 1890 by John M. Gresham & Co. of Philadelphia, Allshouse came to
America from Europe and settled in New Jersey prior to the Revolutionary War.
During that war, he was taken prisoner by the British and "carried to England," but
"effected his escape and returned to witness the success of the Colonists and to see their
efforts crowned with victory and independence in the cause of right," the book states.
Allshouse then moved to Pennsylvania. He purchased "a large tract of land just north of
the present town of Jeannette," according to the book.
"Here he resided and became prominent in the county and a ... figure in politics, being
elected to the state Legislature, term after term, for upward of 20 years."
According to the publication, Allshouse was married twice and died at age 88.
E.E. Allshouse, who erected the stone, is Henry Allshouse's great-grandson and was an
attorney, the publication states.
Whatever it's history, Condo thinks the stone's proximity to homes makes it different.
"I think it's really neat. I just feel it's remarkable," she said.
PA
Roll: 15 Image: 598 File: S2032 Total Pages: 8 Revolutionary War records
Henry Allshouse (1757-1836), s/o Henry apparently initially married a Catherine Marie Kunkel (1758-1836). He was born in Easton, Bucks Co, PA and died on 8 NOV 1836 in Jeannette, PA. He initially had six children: Elizabeth Ann Allshouse (1778 -
The Revolutionary War: In the Revolutionary War Henry was a 15 year-old fifer with General George Washington. He enlisted in the 1st battalion of the Associators in Northampton Co. on 9 July 1776 in the first Company, commanded by Capt. John Arndt Sr. of Easton, PA as a fifer. The Company was under the command of Maj. Baxter and was taken to Long Island, NY and its first battle was fought on 27 Aug 1776. In this battle there were two Sergeants, nineteen privates, two non-commissioned officers wounded and missing. The next battle was fought at Fort Washington on the Island 16 Nov 1776. There were 37 listed as killed, wounded and missing and Henry Allshouse, fifer and John Arndt Jr., drummer, were of the missing. Many if not all were imprisoned on British ships anchored in the New York harbor. Henry was a prisoner for 18 months upon one of these ships. On his release he returned home where he enlisted in the Fifth Battalion, Northampton Co Militia, Forks Twp Company in 1778. This unit was sent against the Indians who had been equipped by the British and incited by them to war against the northern settlers of the Western Hemisphere. In PA Archive records he was listed as Capt. for his service in the Revolutionary War. He was listed as a Maj. with the Militia. (Commissioned Captain in 1780 and Major 6th Bat in 1783.)
The move to Westmoreland: In 1796 land was conveyed to him in Westmoreland Co, Hempfield Twp, where he brought his wife and family of 13 children to live. He was the owner of 380 acres of land at the time of his death. He served as a member of the House of Representatives for the years of, beginning Dec 1802, 1803, 1804, 1805, 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815, 1817, 1818. He served in the State Senate beginning Dec 7, 1819, 1820, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1825, 1826. Henry, who served in the Revolution, made application for a pension 14 Jan 1833 at which time he was 75 and his pension was allowed for 8 months of actual service. He belonged to the Democratic party. One source has that he signed the oath of allegiance May 29, 1780 at Easton, PA. Also that tax records show that he was living in Northampton Co, PA in 1785, 1786, and 1788. The 1790 census shows that he was living in Westmoreland Co, PA.
Henry's burial: The graveyard (near the corner of Frothingham and Margaret Street) where he is buried was at the junction of lands of Daniel Klingensmith, John P. Klingensmith, "Richfield", and John Klingensmith. The Allshouse family owned a tract of land here in 1806, a part of "Richfield". The granite marker for Henry Allshouse was placed by E. E. Allshouse (attorney in Greensburg) in 1945. It is the last and only marker on what once was the graveyard for burial of early settlers and their families. With the years an alley and a street shrank the area. Relatives removed bodies to Brush Creek and other cemeteries. A few remained, with records faulty or missing.
Inscription of the headstone in Jeannette: Near this spot in 1836 was laid HENRY ALLSHOUSE Revolutionary soldier Member of Penna. Assembly for 20 years also his son Isaac. This stone erected in 1945 by E. E. ALLSHOUSE Great Grandson of Henry Grandson of Isaac And son of Henry II
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Burial - [place: Jeannette, PA]
Baptism - [date: 1757] [place: Church of Reformed, Easton, PA]
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Letter Dated Feb 5, 1932 from Dr. C.C. Cronshore, West Second St., Greensburg,
PA.
Dear Sirs:
Reference is made to your communication relative to Henry Allshouse, a soldier
of the Revolutionary War. The data furnished herein are obtained from the
papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, S.2032, based upon
the military service of Henry Allshouse in that war. Henry Allshouse was born
November 8, 1757, in Northampton County, Pennsylvania.
He enlisted in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in June 1776, served as a fifer
in Captain John Arndt's Rifle Company, Colonel Peter Kachlsin's Pennsylvania
Battalion of the Flying Camp, and was in the battles of Flatbush on Long
Island and Fort Washington, at which latter place he was taken prisoner, placed
on board the prison ship, "Grosvenor" and held until in February, 1777, when he
was paroled, and remained on parole until November, 1778, when discharged.
After the Revolution, he resided in Northampton County, Pennsylvania until 1788,
when he moved to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He was allowed pension on
his application executed January 14, 1833, while residing in Hempfield Township,
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. There is no data as to his family. The above
is the history of the only soldier named Henry Allshouse, under any spelling,
found on the Revolutionary War records of this
office.
Very truly yours,
A. D. Killer
Assistant to Administrator
Note: Flying Camp--special battalions of PA Line troops recruited from the PA Associators.]
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Westmoreland News - July 3, 2000
Gravesite unearths mystery in Jeannette
Maria Condo of Jeannette stands near the marker for Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary War soldier and state legislator, in an alley near her home. (S.C.
Spangler/Tribune-Review photo)
By Bob Stiles
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Maria Condo passed the gray stone nestled among the houses in her Jeannette
neighborhood for approximately two years before she realized what it was.
"I just thought it was a big rock, because from where you see it ... you don't see the face.
It's covered with hedges," she said.
But when Condo discovered the purpose of the rock during a conversation with a
neighbor, she became fascinated. The stone along an unnamed alley between Margaret
and North First streets in Jeannette is a grave marker.
The stone's inscription reads: "Near this spot in 1836 was laid Henry Allshouse,
Revolutionary soldier and member of the Pennsylvania Assembly for 20 years. Also his
son Isaac."
"I thought it was very interesting. I remember I came to see it right away," Condo said.
She said the Allshouse family "was one of the first to settle in this area; it's a very old
name."
City Foreman Curt Elliott said he learned of the stone about three years ago, shortly
before a cleanup of high weeds and trash at the site.
Elliott said he had passed the stone many times prior to that cleanup, but didn't realize it
was a monument because the stone's face and inscription are blocked from the views of
motorists on Margaret Street by a hedge. The rock's clearly visible side - toward the alley
- contains no writing.
Jeannette officials said the city maintains the site periodically, although a disagreement
exists about who is responsible for upkeep.
Neighbor Ronald Rager also takes care of the grounds.
"The only thing I know (about the stone) is I cut the grass," Rager said.
Disagreements exist about the site's history, too.
Some neighbors believe a cemetery had been on the property, and most of the graves
were moved to another site. Others think the site was a family cemetery plot.
Jim Steeley, executive director of the Westmoreland County Historical Society, said
either account could be correct, although he tends to believe the land was probably a
family burial area.
Marlene Niedzalkoski of Margaret Street said she was told by a person who had lived in
the neighborhood since the 1920s that a cemetery was on the site.
"They exhumed all the graves except the one that had the officer. ... They said he was
someone very important, and that's why he will be there forever," Niedzalkoski said of
neighborhood lore.
Each Memorial Day, Mario Maloberti puts a flag at the monument in remembrance of
Allshouse's service in the Revolutionary War. But as far as the stone's history, Maloberti
- an American Legion member and an assessor in the county tax office - said he hasn't
turned up much.
"What I know, that was to be the old St. Clair Cemetery," he said. "It's just listed as the
St. Clair Cemetery. Whether that's St. Clair out of Greensburg or St. Clair out of
Jeannette ... I don't know.
"But I'll tell you, that's a nice headstone ... that's a nice piece of granite," he added.
None of the Allshouses listed in the telephone book and reached for comment knew about
the site.
But a few things are known about Allshouse, based on records at the county historical
society.
According to the "Biographical and Historical Cyclopedia of Westmoreland County,"
published in 1890 by John M. Gresham & Co. of Philadelphia, Allshouse came to
America from Europe and settled in New Jersey prior to the Revolutionary War.
During that war, he was taken prisoner by the British and "carried to England," but
"effected his escape and returned to witness the success of the Colonists and to see their
efforts crowned with victory and independence in the cause of right," the book states.
Allshouse then moved to Pennsylvania. He purchased "a large tract of land just north of
the present town of Jeannette," according to the book.
"Here he resided and became prominent in the county and a ... figure in politics, being
elected to the state Legislature, term after term, for upward of 20 years."
According to the publication, Allshouse was married twice and died at age 88.
E.E. Allshouse, who erected the stone, is Henry Allshouse's great-grandson and was an
attorney, the publication states.
Whatever it's history, Condo thinks the stone's proximity to homes makes it different.
"I think it's really neat. I just feel it's remarkable," she said.
Gravesite Details
Lone grave marker in residential neighborhood along New Jersey Way near intersection with Frothingham Way.
Family Members
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