Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 5348, John Archer, Va Sea Service
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SERVICE NUMBER
Va Sea Service Archer, John W5348
Martin, Elizabeth and
(Former widow) Va.Half Pay, Act July 5, 1832
CONTENTS
See Acc.No.837-Virginia State Navy
John Archer File Y.S.
Va. Half Pay
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In the name of God Amen, I John Archer of the 
Borough of Norfolk and State of  Virginia being of sound mind
and memory do constitute and ordain, this my last will and testament
in manner and form following.
1st I give and bequeath to my loving wife Elizabeth Archer the use of my house and lot I at present occupy
and at her death the use of the Archer House and lot to my brother
Edward Archer and his wife during their lives and at their death
to my niece Anna Maria Archer and her heirs forever on this
condition and proving that my brother Edward Archer pay my just 
debt which I suppose not to exceed one thousand pounds current
money 
2nd. I give and bequeath to my loving wife Elizabeth Archer all 
my bldgs and their furniture, all my chairs and furniture of every kind
whatsoever, except Silver tables from which I give to my
loving sister Francie Archer.
3rd I give to my nephew John Archer as a token of my
affection for him, my gold broach.
4th. and lastly I nominate and appoint my brother
Edward Archer Executor of this my last will and testament
In witness whereof I hereunto affix my hand and seal
the 15th day of October 1793.
John Archer (seal)
Witness
Jason Jeffery
Geo. Billusy
John George
Norfolk Borough - Ste Hastings Court held the
28th day of July 1794. This last will and testament of John
Archer deceased was proved by the oath of Jason Jefferey and George 
Billus two of the witnesses hereto and ordered to be recorded
Teste Hlesci Moseley O.N.
Virginia Norfolk Borough to with,
I John William, Clerk of the Hastings Court of the Borough
aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing copy of the last will
and testament of John Archer deceased as a true transcript from 
the record of said Court,
In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand
and affixed the seal of the said Court the 13th (Seal) day of February 1834. and in the fifty 
eighth year
of the Commonwealth
John William B.B.
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Norfolk Borough to wit
The affidavit of Mrs. Elizabeth Martin aged seventy four years and upwards taken before me John E Holt Mayor of the Borough of Norfolk - The said Elizabeth Martin being duly sworn saith that she was well acquainted with Lieutenant John Archer of the State Navy of Virginia during the War of the Revolution. The said Archer commenced service in the year seventeen hundred and seventy four and was attached to the Brig Liberty which vessel was in the early part of the War, commanded by Captain George Rogers of the said State Navy of Virginia ~ The said Archer was actively employed in the said Naval service except when a prisoner to the British according to the best of his recollection until the close of the War. the said Archer and the said Captain George Rogers were taken prisoner by the British in the year seventeen hundred and seventy eight, or seventeen hundred and seventy nine, and after the said Archer's liberation and return to Norfolk he informed this affiant that they had both been closely confined to New York as prisoners by the British and that the said Rogers had died from confinement and from a Jail fever he had contracted The facts here detailed have been impressed on the mind of the Witness from the circumstance of her having received the addresses of both Captain Rogers, and Lieutenant Archer at the time they both joined the Navy as before stated and she well remembers that after the said Archer returned from Captivity the family of Capt Rogers with whom this affiant was very intimate considered him (Captain Rogers) as having died in the manner stated by the said Archer
The said Archer died on the Eighteenth day of October in the year seventeen hundred and ninety three
Elizabeth Martin

Norfolk Borough to wit
I certify that the foregoing affidavit was taken and sworn to before me this seventeenth day of July 1832 and that the affiant Elizabeth Martin, is a lady of respectability and entitled to full credit. Given under my hand on the above date
Jno E Holt Mayor

Norfolk July 30, 1832
Mr Frederick Vincent
Sir, I will certify that I was acquainted with Captain John Archer who was formerly of the State Navy of Virginia during the Revolutionary War. He commanded the vessel that conveyed a detachment of State troops & Militia from Portsmouth Virginia to Hampton commanded by Lieutenant Fleet and myself on our way to Yorktown immediately after the siege in 1781 the said Archer at his death left a brother named Edward and a sister named Fanny. with both of whom I was well acquainted
your/
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your Obdt. Servt.
Stephen Wright

Norfolk County to wit
Before me Wm Wright a Justice of the peace
for Norfolk County personally appeared Stephen Wright and made oath that the statements contained above are true
Given under my hand and seal of Norfolk
this 30th July 1832
Wm Wright (seal)

Norfolk County towit
Before me a Justice of the peace of the County of Norfolk personally appeared Capt John Cox aged seventy nine years and upwards and being duly sworn states that he was intimately acquainted with Captain John Archer formerly of the State Navy of Virginia during the Revolutionary War. I cannot at this distant day recollect the name of the particular Vessel which he commanded but I know that at many periods during and at the close of the War he was actively employed - my intimacy with him continued until his death, and that he was at all times reputed to be an officer of bravery and patriotism
Jno Cox
taken and sworn to before me, and I do certify that I am well acquainted with Captain John Cox, and that he is a man, of the first respectability - Given under my hand and the seal this 28th day of July 1832
T. Webb JP (seal)

Williamsburg. 22nd. August 1778
Capt John Archer Sir
You being appointed to the Command
of the Boat, now building under the direction of Captain Paul Loyale of Portsmouth makes it necessary for you to proceed with industry to get your sails and rigging ready, to do which you must employ on the boat terms possible such persons as are proper for the execution of the business the materials shall be sent to Portsmouth early in the ensuing week a consideration well deserving your attention is the high Wages asked by seamen, therefore in my opinion you should only engage for the present such a number as are indispensably necessary - Remember the speedy completion of this matter will give us advantages which a future day may deprive us of the situation of the Bay is more a grand object, and is sufficient to induce us to make the most industrious exertions
Let me hear from you after -
I am Sir your Mo Obd Serv Thomas Smith
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I do certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a letter contained in an old letter Book for the year 1778
Given under my hand at the Auditors office Richmond 2d August 1832
Jas E Heath
Admr Pub. Accounts

Executive Department
Richmond July 16, 1833
I hereby certify that the foregoing are true copies of the Vouchers on file in this Department upon which Lieutenant John Archer was allowed Land Bounty
Jno. B Richardson
Assistant Secy Comth

Treasury Department
Registers Office August 23d 1842
I certify that the foregoing are true copies of documents on file, with others, in this office pr Report No 64,605
J E Heath
John Archer's Will and Register
evidences of service
Va
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Norfolk Borough
At a Quarterly Session Court held the 22d day of August 1842
Elizabeth Martin aged Eighty Six years being first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her Corporal Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by an Act of Congress of the 7th of July 1835, or of any Subsequent amendments which have since been made to the said Act or which may hereafter be made entitled an Act granting half pay and pensions to Certain Widows, that she is entitled to the benefit of the provisions of the said Act of Congress or of any subsequent amendments thereto by Virtue of her first Marriage with John Archer; who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia Navy in the War of the Revolution that she Cannot state particularly his Services which were rendered previous to her intermarriage, although she knew he was a Lieutenant in the said Navy and served under Capt. George Rogers on board the Look Out boat the Liberty; that while on board the said Boat or Schooner (as she believes the boat was) he was Captured by the enemy, carried into New York and held in Captivity till sometime in the year 1778, when he was released and returned home, She further declares, that her maiden name was Calvert, that she intermarried with the said Lieutenant Archer in the Borough of Norfolk on the twelfth day of March 1792 at the residence of her mother Mary Calvert, that the marriage was Solemnized by the Reverend James Whitehead of the Protestant Episcopal Church, that her said husband John Archer departed this life on the 18th day of October 1793, that in the year 1799 She again intermarried with Alexander Martin, that the said Alexander Martin, has been dead many years, probably thirty years or more, that she is now, and has been since the death of the said Alexander Martin a widow and has always resided and does not reside in the said Borough of Norfolk, and lastly she declares, that the heirs at law of her first husband John Archer some Eight or ten years ago obtained from the State of Virginia and the United States land and money for the Services of the said John Archer, during the War of the Revolution as an Officer of the said Virginia State Navy -
Also at the same time appeared Thomas R. Ingram a respectable and credible Witness, who being Sworn according to Law, deposes and says that he has been long and intimately acquainted with Elizabeth Martin, who made the foregoing Declaration that he was present at her intermarriage with her first husband the said John Archer, who he always understood and believed, was an Officer of the Virginia State Navy in the War of the Revolution that the Said Elizabeth and John lived together as man and wife till the death of the said John, that he knew the said Elizabeth as the widow of the said John Archer
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till her Second marriage with Alexander Martin, that he knew her as the wife of the said Martin till his death which happened many years ago, but how many years he cannot say, and that he has known her, as the widow of the Said Martin ever Since and that the Said Elizabeth is now and has been a widow ever since the death of the said Alexander Martin
Virginia Norfolk Borough towit:
I John Williams Clerk of the Hastings Court of the Borough of Norfolk in the State of Virginia, do hereby Certify that the foregoing is a true Copy from the Records of said Hastings Court - and I do further Certify that I have carefully examined the Records of the said Court and it thence appears that there are no bonds such as are taken on issuing Marriage Licenses in the Said Court prior to January in the year Seventeen hundred and ninety Seven, nor is there any record of Marriages Celebrated in this Borough prior to the twentieth day of May Seventeen hundred and ninety nine - In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Said Hastings Court this twenty third day of August in the year Eighteen hundred and forty two in the Sixty Seventh year of the Commonwealth
Jno: Williams, C.C.
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Declaration
Mrs. Martin -
No 8389
Elizabeth Martin
formerly widow of
John Archer
Va
Act 7 July 38
& 23 Aug. 42-
admd
20/pay Lt. Navy
$365
No deduction

Henry Northup
Present
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Virginia
At a Quarterly Session Court held for the Borough of Norfolk on the 22d day of August 1842.
Elizabeth Martin aged eighty six years being first duly sworn according to law doth on her Corporal Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by an Act of Congress of the 7 of July 1835 or of any subsequent amendments which have since been made to the said Act or which may hereafter be made entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to certain widows" that she is entitled to the benefit of the provisions of the said Act of Congress, or of any subsequent amendments thereto by virtue of her first marriage with John Archer who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia Navy - in the war of the Revolution - that she cannot state particularly his services which were rendered previous to her intermarriage, although she knows he was a Lieutenant in the said Navy and served under Capt: George Rogers on board the look out boat the liberty - that while on board the said boat or schooner (as she believes the Boat was) he was captured by the enemy, carried into New York and held in Captivity till sometime in the year 1778 when he was released and returned home. She further declares that her maiden name was Calvert - that she intermarried with the said Lieut Archer - in the Borough of Norfolk on the 12" March 1792 at the residence of her mother Mary Calvert - that the marriage was solemnized by the Revd James Whitehead of the Protestant Episcopal Church - that her said husband John Archer departed this life on the 18th day of October 1793 - that in the year 1799 she again intermarried with Alexander Martin - that the said Alexander Martin has been dead many years - probably thirty years or more - that she is now and has been since the death of the said Alexander Martin a widow and has always resided, and does not reside in the said Borough of Norfolk - and lastly she declares that the heirs at law of her said first husband John Archer, some eight or ten years ago, obtained from the State of Virginia and the
United
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United States land and money for the services of the said John Archer during the war of the Revolution as an Officer of the said Virginia State Navy. Also at the same time appeared Thomas R Ingram a respectable and credible witness who being sworn according to law deposed and said that he has been long and intimately acquainted with Elizabeth Martin who made the foregoing declaration - that he was present at her intermarriage with her first husband John Archer who he always understood and believed was an Officer in the Virginia State Navy in the war of the Revolution - that the said Elizabeth and John lived together as man and wife till the death of the said John - that he knew the said Elizabeth as the widow of the said John Archer till her second marriage with Alexander Martin that he knew her as the wife of the said Martil till his death which happened many years ago but how many years he cannot say - and that he has known her as the widow of the said Martin ever since - And that the said Elizabeth is now and has been a widow ever since the death of the said Alexander Martin.

State of Virginia, City of Norfolk sc:
I John Williams Clerk of the Court of the Corporation of Norfolk (late the Borough of Norfolk) in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing is true copy from the records of the said Court.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed the seal of the said Court and
subscribed my name this thirtieth
day of June in the year of our Lord
One thousand eight hundred and
fifty one, and of the Commonwealth
the Seventy-fifth.
Jno: Williams clerk
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Rept Dec 7 -
J. H. Robertson
Oct 20, 1851

3063.
Virginia Richmond
Elizabeth Martin, formerly
widow of John Archer
who was a Lieut.
in the Va. line
for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
365. Dollars -
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
1st day of Decr. 1843
and sent to
J. H. Robertson,
Norfolk,
Va.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1. Page 150
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21 July 5th 1851
Norfolk Va
June 30/51
Joseph H. Robertson

Wants information relative
to the claim of the Widow
of John Archer an Officer
in the Navy of Revolution &c.

Cap Triplett

Ackd. & Refd to Comr of Pensions
for answer
Dept Intr.
July 3/51
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Norfolk June 30, 1851
The Hon, A H. Stuart
Sir
I have to apologize for the liberty
in addressing you upon a matter which probably should be addressed to another source - It is this - John Archer was a Lieutenant in the Navy of the revolution, he died leaving a Widow but no children - This widow Elizabeth afterwards intermarried with Alexander Martin who died his wife Elizabeth surviving, - 
And is now in the Ninety fifth Year of her age - 
The heirs of John Archer have received the bounty land that he was entitled to for his revolutionary services. 
In October 1842 the widow Elizabeth Martin received from the U. States $1825 as Commutation pay or something of the linke nature, for Services of her first husband teh said Jno. Archer, and in 1844 in April, she received a further sum of $365. for arrearages of pension, or for something else, I don't know which -
The evidences upon which these Payments were made to her are of course On file in Your department - 
She is now informed that she is entitled to a further Sum for the Services of the said Jno. Archer, and my object in troubling you is to ascertain if She is so entitled, and to what amount, and to know what course is to be pursued for its recovery from the government - If you can find time to answer
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this letter (And it be Consistent with the rules of Your Office so to do) I shall feel much obliged for your courtesy -
Enclosed you will find a copy from the records of the City Court of the Affidavit of Mrs. Martin on which the sum of $1825 was paid in October 1842 -
Should she be entitled to any thing further would her power of Attorney to me authorize my receipt, of it, - In what form ought the power to be, and how is it to be executed -
I have the Honor
to be Very Respy.
Jos: H: Robertson

Norfolk June 31, 1851

The virtue of the above is well known to me-
He has no pecuniary interest in the matter & is not engaged in prosecuting claims but, his wife being a distant Connection of the Old Lady referred to, he is actuated solely by friendship - & will desire no benefit whatever in any court -
He is a gentleman of high character & I will vouch for the correctness of any thing he will say - 
Signed.
F Mallory
Navy Agent
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In reply to your request of - , received - 
for a statement of the military history of John Archer a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau. W. F. 5348.
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
1775
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
RANK.
Lieut
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. COLONEL. STATE.
George Rogers, on "Liberty Va Sea Service,
was captured, taken to New York
and imprisoned until 1778.
See extra
service on a
paper filed
in claim
since this was
written
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, not stated.
Date of application for pension by widow, Aug. 21, 1842. Cl. al.
Her Residence at date of application, Norfolk, Va.
Her Age at date of application, 86 yrs.
Remarks: Soldier was at Norfolk Va., Mch. 12, 1792, Elizabeth, dau. of Mary Calvert; he died Oct. 18, 1793 and she married, in 1799, Alexander Martin.
The above is the only John Archer of Va. found on the Rev. War pension records, and there is no John Archer of N.C. or S.C. on said records
Very respectfully,

Commissioner.
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1906 March 3 - History to Mrs Emma
Stevens Ganson, Aud No M.A.V.
Clam John Stevens. MBH.
Aug 15, 1912. History to
Mrs. Francis M. Maxwell. F.W.

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5348
Elizth. Martin former
Wid. of
John Archer
Lieut. Va. line

Act: Mch, 3"/43
Index:-Vol. M, Page 3
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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Reported. 6799
Virginia
Elizabeth Martin formerly
widow of
John Archer, decd
who was a pensioner under the Act of
and who died on the 18 Oct: 1793,
of Norfolk in the State of Virginia
who was a Lieut in the Liberty
commanded by Captain Rogers of the
- commanded by - in
the Virginia line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 365 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day 
of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of
Sep. 1842 and sent to 
Jas: H. Robinson, Norfolk, Va.

Arrears to the 4th of March '41
Semi-annual allowance ending
Act 23 August
1842 1825.
& [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Theo L Moody Clerk,
Book A Vol. 2 Page 180
Page 18

G
Page 19

Elizabeth Marti
formerly widow of
John Archer,
Virginia

Suspended
See let 26 Augt '42
H. Northup
to same, 8 Sept. 1842

Act 7 July 1838 &
23 Augt. 1842
Page 20

No.
12,156
REJECTED
John Archer
Capt
Va Navy
Revolution
Discharged -, 18
3003
3003
H'f Pay - Act '32
Page 21

March 20/50
Capt John Archer

Revolutionary
Archer

Commutation

March 20 1850

Hona. James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
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Elizabeth Martin
formerly widow
of John Archer
Virginia

on roll, Va,
Lt. State Navy L39,112

Papers under act
5 July 1832 - 2d Sunt.
2 January 1777, still in
service 27 Augt 1777 - 
October 16, 1777

from Jany 77. to Aug 78
in service 20. mo-
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This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia State Line, during the Revolutionary WAr, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 23d day of June 1787 -, in the name of John Archer as Lieut Navy -
for L39.1.2, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to - 
J. Valentine - and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.

{No Seal of Office.} Given under my hand, at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 19th day of September 1842
Jas E Heath AUDITOR.
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Memo for
Pension Agent in Mrs
Martin
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Memorandum
John Archer was a Lieut of the Virginia State Navy was a long time retained in Captivity in New York . He served to the end of the war.
And Died Testate in Norfolk in 1792 or 3 a Copy of his will and other Vouchers are on file in The Treasury Department where the half pay was drawn under the Act of 5th July 1832 and where it is presumed satisfactory evidence will be found to ascertain this claim Both to the rank time of service Marriage & Death his will expressly provides for his wife Elizabeth and this is before the 1st of Jany 1784 -
The Pay of a Lt of the Va State Navy is $365 per year equal for five years to $1821 the evidence on file in the Treasury Department is not sufficiently satisfy the evidence accompanying Mrs. Martins papers surely will be completely sufficient
Herewith is a Copy of his will and the Vouchers on which land was granted by Virginia to him as a Lieutenant of the Navy in 1832 for the period of three years-
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Commonwealth of Virginia
Norfolk Borough} sc.
Be it Known that on this 31st day of August 1842 personally appeared before me Miles King Mayor of the said Borough Elizabeth Martin aged eighty six Years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Corporal oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act of Congress passed the 7th July 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows", and of the act of the 23rd August 1842 passed in Amendment of said act, That she is entitled to the benefit of the provisions of the said Acts, by virtue of her first marriage with John Archer who was a lieutenant in the Virginia Navy of the War of the revolution, but she cannot state particularly his services which were rendered previous to her intermarriage with him, although she knows he was a lieutenant in the said Navy and served under Captain George Rogers on board the Look out boat the "Liberty", and while on board of said boat or schoon
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Archer departed this life on the 18th of October 1793, that in the Year 1799 She again intermarried with Alexander Martin; and that the said Alexander Martin has been dead many Years probably thirty Years or more, and that she is now and has been since the death of the said Alexander Martin a Widow, and has always resided and does not reside in the said Borough of Norfolk; and lastly she declares that the heirs at law of her said first husband John Archer some eight or ten Years ago obtained from the state of Virginia and the United States land and money for the services of the said John Archer during the said War of the revolution as an Officer of the said Virginia State Navy.
Elizth Martin

Commonwealth of Virginia}
Norfolk Borough.} sc:
Be it Know that on this 31st.
of August 1842 personally Appeared before me Miles King Mayor of the said Borough, Sarah Ingram aged Eighty two Years and Thomas R Ingram aged fifty five and upwards, who being severally sworn according to law depose and say that they and each of them have been long and intimately acquainted with - Elizabeth Martin who made and signed the foregoing declaration in their presence, and that they were present at her intermarriage with her first husband the
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said John Archer, who this deponent the said Sarah knows was an Officer of the Virginia State Navy in the war of the revolution, and this deponent the said Thomas R Ingram always understood and believed that he was such an officer:
They further depose that the said Elizabeth and John lived together as man and wife 'till the death of the said John; that they severally Knew the said Elizabeth as the Widow of the said John Archer 'till her second marriage with Alexander Martin; that they knew her as the wife of said Martin 'till his death which happened many Years ago but how many they cant say, and they have known her as the widow of the said Martin ever since, and that the said Elizabeth is now and has been ever since the death of the said Martin a Widow, and that she is the same Elizabeth at whose marriage with the said John Archer they were present, and whom they severally Knew as the widow of the said John Archer; and further these deponents say not.
Sarah Ingram
Thos. R. Ingram

State of Virginia
Borough of Norfolk} sc
I Miles King Mayor of the Borough of Norfolk in the State of Virginia do hereby certify and make known to all whom it doth or may concern that on this 31st day of August in the Year of our Lord 1842, Elizabeth
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Martin, (widow) of the said Borough, Sarah Ingram and Thomas R Ingram (which said Sarah and Thomas R are deponents well known to me and whom I hereby Certify are witnesses of Credibility) who being each duly sworn made oath to the truth of the statements by them and each of them made and subscribed before me and in my presence as aforesaid.
In testimony whereof I the said Mayor have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office on the day and Year first above written.
Miles King
Mayor.
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3226
Elizabeth Martin

$365.

J. H Robertson
Norfolk 
Va
Page 31

Declaration
State of Virginia
Norfolk Borough} ss.
On this seventh day of August in the Year of our Lord 1843 personally appeared before me William G. Camp a justice of the peace in and for the Borough aforesaid Elizabeth Martin personally Known to him a resident of the said Borough, aged eighty seven Years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3d. March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the revolutionary war; That she is the widow of John Archer (her first husband) who was a lieutenant in the Virginia Navy in the war of the Revolution and who served on board the look out Schooner Liberty Captain George Rogers, and that her husband the said John Archer departed this life on the 18th of October 1793, after which she married in the Year 1799 Alexander Martin who is also dead many Years ago; and that the annual amount of her pension which she received under the act of July 7th 1838 was three hundred and sixty five dollars as she supposes from the fact that the sum
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of eighteen hundred and twenty five dollars was paid her at one time in October last as the whole amount to which she was entitled under the said act of Congress; and lastly she further declares that she is still a Widow.
Sworn to and subscribed on
the day & year above written} Elizth Martin
before, Wm G. Camp J.P

Norfolk Borough to wit
I, William G. Camp a Justice of the peace for
the Borough aforesaid do hereby Certify that Elizabeth Martin, widow, who subscribed the foregoing declaration is personally known to me and that she was duly sworn and subscribed the said declaration before me on the day and year first above written.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this 7th August 1843
Wm G Camp J.P {seal}
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State of Virginia, Norfolk Borough towit:
I John Williams clerk of the Hastings Court of Norfolk Borough aforesaid in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that William. G. Camp Esquire who hath given the preceding certificate is now, and was on the day of the date thereof, a Justice of the peace in and for the said Borough, duly elected and qualified - that full faith and credit is due to all his acts as such, that he is authorized by the Laws of this Commonwealth to administer oaths and that the signature "Wm. G Camp" thereto subscribed is in his proper handwriting. In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court,
this Eighth day of August in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred
and forty three, and of the Commonwealth
the sixty eighth.
Jno: Williams C.C.
Page 34

880

Navy Board Journal.
Thursday May 15th 1777.
Present Mr. Whiting, Mr havis, & Mr. Archer.
Mr. John Blassingham is desired to furnish Lieut John Archer, with a flat-bottomed boat, for the purpose of landing Anchors, from on board the Sloop Scorpion.

Saturday May 24th 1777.
Present Mr. Whiting & Mr. Archer.
Ordered that the Keeper of the Public Store, let Lieut. John Archer have such goods, as he be in want of, on his paying for the same.

Thursday Oct 16th 1777
Present Mr. havis, Mr Archer & Mr Lewis.
Ordered that the Keeper of the Public Store, deliver to Lieut John Archer, as much cloth as will make him a suit of clothes, upon his paying for it.
Thursday 1st January 1778.
Present Mr. Whiting. - Three Letters from Commadore Brooke, Two from Capt Tompkins, one from his Excellency the Governor, one from Capt. Eliezer Callender, and one from Lieut John Archer, were received, and being severally read are ordered to be filed.
true extracts
Jas. E. Heath aud Virg a.
Page 35

Act July 5, 1832.
John Archer decd
Aug 9, 1845.

Recorded Vol 43, page 168.
Page 36

Pension Office
August 9, 1845
I certify that I have examined the
claim of Robert Archer, administrator of the
late John Archer, deceased, who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy; and I find that
half-pay under the act of the 5th of July 1832,
entitled "an act to provide for liquidating
and paying certain claims of the State of
Virginia," was allowed from the 3d. of September
1783 to the 18. of October 1793, and that half-
pay is still due from the 22d. of April 1783, when the service of said John Archer terminated. I
therefore certify that there is due to said
administrator half-pay under said Act, at the
rate of one hundred and eighty two dollars and
fifty cents per annum, from the 22d. of April 1783 to the 3d. of September 1783, and that the amount is payable to James Eveleth, attorney of Robert Archer, administrator of John Archer, deceased.

Approved Commissioner of Pensions

Secretary of War.
Page 37

John Archer decd.
Act July 5, 1832
July 5 1832
May 1. 1846
May 1, 1846

entd

Recorded page 179
Page 38

Pension Office
May 1, 1846
I certify that I have examined the claim of the administrator of the late John Archer, decd. and I find that under the act of July 5, 1832 half-pay was allowed for service of said Archer as a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, from the 22d. of April 1783. It appears now that Archer was not in the service after the 31. of December 1781; and the administrator claims half-pay from that time. My opinion is that the claim should be allowed. I therefore certify that half-pay is still due from the first of January 1782 to the 22d. of April 1783, at the rate of one hundred and eighty two dollars and fifty cents per annum, and that the amount is payable to James Eveleth, attorney of Robert Archer, administrator of John Archer, deceased.

Commissioner of Pensions
Approved

Secretary of War Entered by J.L.E.
Page 39

Geo W Crump Esqr
Actg Commr of Pensions
Present

H. Northup
Present
Sept 23, 1842.
Page 40

Washington City 23 of Septr 1842
Sir Enclosed is a letter from James E Heath in Answer to a request of Mr. Edwards for the inspection of a Letter of Thomas Smith showing that there as in other offices letters were Copied when written into a letter Book and that i t is contrary to the rules of the office to suffer such book to be sent out of the Office. Mr Heath States the Doctor office Mr. Smith held at the time of writing his letter to Lt Archer It is not known that Any further evidence can be found than that already furnished it being such as the Executive of Va granted land on for three years service. And such as the Secretary of The Treasury Audited and paid the half-pay Claim of Lt Archer on I enclose it in this and the Certificate of the Ballance of Pay paid to Lt Archer. Will you please file them with the Papers of Mrs. Elizabeth Martins Claim for Pension and Decide the case upon the evidence already furnished as I have of none other to be found Yours respecty
Henry Northup
Page 41

James E Heath
19th of Septr 1842

Mr Northup.
Page 42

Auditors Office Va.
19 Sept 1842

Sir

The letter of Thomas Smith
to Lt. Archer in August 1778 - is found on the
letter Book of Smith in this office and I
presume was copied by a Clerk into the
L. Book from the Original. It would
be a departure from the rules of this office
to permit the Book to go to Washington,
nor can I conceive or imagine how an
inspection of it could supply information
not now furnished by the copy at Washington.
Mr. Smith acted as Agent for the
State in reference to supplies for the Navy
& had no appointing power. There is
no evidence in this office of the length
of Lt Archer's service. I send you a
Page 43

certificate of his final settlement - also
a similar Certificate in the case of Lt. Tom
Massenburg's name is not on the Rolls
Very Respectfully
Jas. E. Heath
Page 44

James E Heath
19th of Septr 1842

Mr Northup.
Page 45

Washington City Sept. 3th 1842
Dear Sir
Enclosed you will receive the
original Declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth
Martin a certified copy of which, is
on file in your office, with which 
My father wishes
the enclosed filed ~
Yours
Respectfully,
Hy. Northup
Page 46

Ho Reps
Aug 25. '42
Sir

I enclose you an application
for a Pension for Mrs.
Martin of My district on which
I ask an early & prompt decision -
If any thing is wanting
please inform Mr Northup
who will hand you this.
Ry
T. Mallory

J L Edwards esq.
Com of Pensions
Page 47

Norfolk 8th. Augt. 1843.
The Hon.
J. L. Edwards,
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose you
the declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth Martin to obtain the pension under the act of Congress of the 3d. March last. I hope it is in strict conformity with the rules of Your Office.
I Know not what receipt is required on the Payment of the money, but if I may take the liberty of suggesting (to save time and trouble) if you will send her through me a check to her order, I will get mail send such a receipt as you may decide.
As to my responsibility, I would refer you either to Mr. Miss if in the City, or to Judge Upshaw.
I have the Honor
to be Very Respy.
Jos H Robertson
Page 48

Reo '23 Sept. 1833. 878. 519.
Auditors Office of Virg a.
Sept: 20, 1833.

Sir,

I have duly received yours of the
14 inst, enclosing copies of vouchers upon which Land bounty was allowed to Lieut Archer.

The only additional evidence which
we have been enabled to find respecting Lieut Archer's service after diligent search, is contained in the enclosed paper - consisting of extracts from the Navy Journal.

I am sir
Very respectfully
Your obedient Servt
Jas E Heath

The Hon W. J. Duane
Page 49

Willauls Hotel - Washington
March 20 1850.

James L. Edwards esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir
I beg to present for examination and settlement, under the Act of 5th July 1832 the claim of the legal representative of Captain John archer, for the Commutation of 5 years full pay and interest, due for his Services as a Captain in the State Navy of Virginia during the War of the Revolution.
The evidence on file with the original papers, to which I respectfully refer you, will show that Captain Archer served until the end of the War; that is until the proclamation of Peace on the 22d. of April 1783.
I am very respectfully
Your obedient Servant
Frederick Vincent
Page 50

2 July 1851
Jno S Gallaher

Asking that the papers
in half pay case of Jno
Archer be returned.
Page 51

Treasury Department
Third Auditor's Office
July 2 1851.

Sir
Please send the papers in the
half pay case of John Archer Lt
in Virginia State Navy to this office
to enable me to answer letter from
Norfolk They will be returned to
you as soon as the examination
has been made.
Very respectfully
your obedient servant
Jno. S. Gallher
Auditor

James E. Heath, Esq
Comr of Pensions
Page 52

O.W.&N. C
Kansas City. Mo.
Jan. 24. 1906.
1328. E. 9th St.
JAN 27 1906
Pension Bureau.
Washington. D. C.
U. S. PENSION OFFICE. A
JAN 26 1906 I have been
advised to write to you in
regard to a matter in which
I am very much interested as
I think you will be able to
assist me if you will be so 
kind. I want to join Daughters
of Revolution and have
two ancestors - John Archer
Page 53

and John Stevens - both I
understand officers in the
Va. State Navy. My grand-
father Wm. Stevens moved here from
Buckingham Co. Va. and I
presume that was their County
but am not positive. There
were land warrants issued by
Charlotte Cannon - Frances Coleman
& Harriet Carr and Chas Cannon
heirs of John Stevens and can
you help me to prove that my
grandfather, Wm Stevens was 
an heir - You may have some
records of his family which
Page 54

would help me & also could you
give me any proof of Rev. service
prior to the peace proclamation.
John Archer was also
ancestor on my grandmother's
side & was Lieut. in Va. navy -
Think his father was Robert
and the heirs rec'd 4000 acres
land grant. His Daughter Frances
Archer married Dougald Ferguson
the father of my grandmother
and wife of Wm. Stevens Jr.
The Va. Historical Society intes
me hist both John Archer and
John Stevens were prior to
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the Peace Proclamation else
would not have rec'd Land
Bounty & if you have record
of such services will you be
kind enough to send me. If I
can prove that Wm Stevens was
one of the heirs of John Stevens I
need go on jacket - but if not
I want every thing possible on
the Archer line and I assure
you I shall be most deeply
Grateful for any assistance you
can give me. Hoping to hear
from you soon, I am -
Most Sincerely -
(Mrs) Emma Stevens Ganson.
1328 East 9th St. K.C. Mo.
U. S. PENSION OFFICE A 
JAN 26 1906
Page 56

U. S. PENSION OFFICE D
AUG 12 1912
Page 57

NEW PHONE 61 OLD PHONE 128
F. M. MAXWELL
ATTORNEY AT LAW
SUITE 403 AMICABLE BUILDING
WACO, TEXAS
Waco, Texas,
Aug. 8, 1912.
Com. of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,- I have been trying to secure information relative to the military service of John Archer Elmore Aron Spring and Reuben Jordan, who enlisted either from Va. N.C. or S.C. The first two named soldiers served in the Revolutionary War and the last named in the War of 1812. The widow of Reuben Jordan drew a pension during the latter years of her life while living in the State of Alabama. I have been referred to you by the Adjutant General of the War Dept. Any information that you may be able to give me will be very highly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance, I am,
Very resp'y,
Mrs. Francis Marion Maxwell,
Mrs. O.A. Maxwell
1905 Franklin St.,
Waco, Tex.
Page 58

Calvert}
Elizabeth Martin widow of Lt. John Archer Va age 76 yrs - Augt 18 42 the of Norfolk} Navy at whose death Oct 18. 1793 remarried Alexander Martin 1799 Md Archer Mch 12 1792 at residence of her Mother Mary Calvert - by Revd James Whitehead of P. E Church - He died about 1812

Lt Archer of Norfolk entered 1775 brig Liberty Capt George Rogers Va Navy & both was taken prisoner 1778-9 Confined in NY - Rogers died in prison from Jail fever
Archer Cmd Norfolk that transported troops from Portsmouth to Hampton to take part in Siege of Yorktown (1781)
She always resided in Norfolk
Archer left behind his widow brother Edward & niece Anna Maria Archer & Sister Fanny Archer.