Catherine Helphenstine

! Parents for Catharine Berger has not been established. Some think she may have been related to a Buger who was also listed as a founding member of the Lutheran church at Winchester.

! The 1790 United States Census lists Catharine as Head of Household of six males, and 0 blacks.

! Pension papers for Catharine produces several interesting documents. In Feb. 1793 the Clerk of Fred. Co., Court certifies that Catherine remains a widow, is very aged and infirm, and is indigent. (How could someone who had so much, now have so little, that they are considered indigent???) 15 March 1793 Gov. Lee approves Catharine's pension. In April of 1793, Catharine assigns her pension money for 1790 -92 of 80 pounds to John Conrad "for services rendered". Witnessed by Conrad Kremer. In April of 1794 Catharine assigns her pension money for 1/93 to John Conrad. Witnessed by Robt. Little. Signed by Catharine by her mark. Proof she could not write. 25 June 1795, document states "Catharine, advanced in years...desertion of all her children...extreme bad health...", visits P. White to ask for help in being returned to the pension rolls. This generates a letter from Mr. White to Jas. Wood in Richmond which gets her re-established. 18 July 1795 Gov. Broome approves Catharine's pension. About 13 Feb. 1796 Catharine dies. This was derived from a statement made by Conrad Kremer to Fred. Co. Clerk of the Court, 31 Dec. 1803. But on 26 Feb 1796 Catharine signs her name (Forgery?? She couldn't sign before this time except with her mark.) This was for her pension of $66.66 from Griffin Taylor. 31 Dec. 1803, Conrad Kremer give power of attorney to Lewis Wolfe to get Catharine's last pension payment. Clerk records Kremer's statement about the time of Catharine's death. 13 Jan. 1804 Lewis Wolfe accepts $7.09 pension payment for one month and 13 days for Catharine.

! Catharine Helphinstine died intestate. (leaving no will)