Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6834, William Falls, N.C.
Page 1

SERVICE 
N.C.
Falls, William
NUMBER
S. 6834
Born in Pa. 
carded
CONTENTS [blank]
Page 2

12.984
North Carolina
William Falls
of Iredell in the State of North Car [Carolina]
who was a private in the company commanded 
by Captain [William] Falls of the Regt. commanded 
by Col. [Francis] Locke in the North Car. 
line for 15 mos & 12 days

Inscribed on the Roll of North Car:
[at] the rate of 64 Dollars 46 Cents per annum,
[to] commence of the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of June '33
[1833] and sent to J. Campbell Statesville No. Ca.

Arrears to the 4th of March '33 - 128.92
Semi-anl. allowance ending -4 Sept " [1833] 32 .23
$161.15

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book 3 Vol. 6 Page 840
Page 3

Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6th April 1838 from 4th Sept 1836 to the 1st Feby 1837, the day of his death 
Agt notified 6 April 1839
Page 4

William Falls 
Declaration
Page 5

State of North Carolina 
Iredell County
November Session A.D. 1832.

On this 21st day of November 1832 personally appeared in open court before a Court of pleas and quarters Session now sitting William Falls a resident of Iredell County North Carolina aged 69 years who being first Sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and Served as here Stated.

He first served in Cherokee Campaign under Genl. [Griffith] Rutherford, Col. [Francis] Locke in the Company Commanded by Capt [William] Falls his father and Lieutenant Neil - was not old enough to be liable to draft but entered as Volunteer, his Father went to Cathey's Fort [North Carolina] on the Catawba River was there six weeks, and he returned with the Waggons which could go no farther throug [through] the mountains -

Was then a resident of Rowan (now Iredell County) North Carolina in the Summer of 1776.
His next tour was three months a volunteer under Capt [William] Falls and Lieutenant Sloan the company was Stationed at Davidson Fort [North Carolina] on the Catawba River guarding the frontier Settlements from Indian invasion which was in the Spring of 1777 he thinks.

Was next out in what was called Cross Creek 
Expedition about Fayettesville [North Carolina] 
against Tories
Page 6

Genl. [Griffith] Rutherford and Col. Posley he thinks of Guilford [North Carolina] commanded. Was a volunteer as before under his Father Capt. Falls [William Falls] 
during the Fall of 1777 or 18. Served six weeks and was then sent express to Salisbury [North Carolina] with Letters.

Was next in a scouting tour of three months through Lincoln and Rowan [Counties,  NC] (now Iredell) on Catawba River guarding the Fords on said river under Capt [William] Falls and Lieutenant [James] Kerr. And was in frequent tours of some kind afterwards a few days at a time dates not Recollected.

Was next out about the time of Ramsours Battle [Battle of Ramsour's Mill, North Carolina] in June 1780, a week or so previous to is was in the Scout through Lincoln [County] and when it was perceived that the Tories was embodied he rode express to Genl. [Griffith] Rutherford between Charlotte & Salisbury [both NC] who imediatly [immediately] detached Capt [William] Falls and Lieutenant [James] Byers, with their companys which he joined as Volunteer.

marched to Lincoln [County, NC] by Shirrerlls ford [Sherrills Ford County, NC]
on Catawba River to a camp on Mountain Creek- went to Ramsour's [Mill,NC] under Col. [Francis] Locke and Mjr [Major [Griffith] Rutherford was present in the Battle in which his father Capt. [William] Falls was killed.

he then came home being in service about twenty days. In the fall of 1780 as well as 
he  now recollects he again Volunteered for Three months was selected with others to furnish the army with Beef Cattle under the discretion of James Kerr purchasing commissary.  After this he as occationally  [occasionally] a guard on Catawba River under no regular command 

On Cornwallis [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] appearance from South Carolina
Page 7

proclamation was made that all who would furnish themselves with a horse and Serve for Six weeks might claim a service for three months on foot  he joined a company under Capt. [James] Bjers with Col. [William Lee] Davidson Col. Dixon Col. McCall and Col. Perkins -

after Cornwalls [General Charles Lord Cornwallis] crossed Catawba [River] in February 1781, they followed on after his army to the vicinity of Hillsborough North Carolina and joined Col. Lee of the light horse [Henry "light horse Harry" Lee] near Harts Mills [North Carolina] Eight miles from Hillsborough [NC].

They captured a company of Tories under a British officer- Tarleton [Banastre Tarleton] came out with 300 men from Hillsborough [NC] in pursuit of whence Col. Lee [Henry Lee] marched us and followed for 5 days 

They came up with Piles [John Pyle], a Tory Colonel who was said to have 350 men in his detachment. that Piles 
[John Pyle] under the belief that it was Tarteton's Horse [cavalry] made no preparation to resist and in Consequence the grater [greater] part of his men (265 it was Said) was killed. [Battle of Haw River, North Carolina] 

We minuverd [maneuvered] in the neighbour hood a few days during which ther [there] was Skirmish with a party of British in Alamance [County, NC] We shortly after joined General Green [Nathanael Greene] and manuvered [maneuvered] with him until our term expired a short time before the Battle of Guilford [Battle of Guilford  Courthouse, North Carolina] in April 1781

At other times frequently in gaged [engaged] in Scouting parties but dates cant be recollected. That in addition to these services he was often called out for short periods of time in the service of his country that he honestly and conscientiously believes that he was at least Eighteen months
Page 8

In actual Service. He was born in the state of Pennsylvania in Chester County on the 7th day of August 1763. as it is Recorded in his fathers Bible which is now in his possession at home. 

He was but a few weeks old when his father removed from the State of Pennsylvania to the State of North Carolina Rowan County (now Iredell) where he has lived ever since.

Thus he has no Recollection of having ever recived [received] any written discharge 
He refers to Joseph Sharpe & George L. Davidson He has no documentary evidence and thus he knows of no other person at present whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services except the attached hereunto

He hereby Relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name in not on the pension Roll of the agency of any state.

Sworn to and Subscribed the Year and day 
aforesaid.
Wm Heath
Page 9

No 19358
William Halls 
Iredell County 
North Carolina

Admit as a private
15 mo & 12 days.
Card. P.393
$114.46

Sp: let
April . L-
J. Campbell -Esq
Statesville
[crossed out A months falls] ia
NC.
Page 10

BRIEF in the case of William Falls
County of Iredell in the State of North Carolina
(Act of 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?   Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  
3. How old is he? 69 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[column headings] 
Period/Duration of Service/ Rank/ Names of General & Field Officers under whom he served.

Vol. [volunteer] 
Period 17~~/Duration 1 month 15 days/ private/ 
Period 1776/ Duration 3 months/private
Period 1778/ Duration 1 month 15 days/private
Period  1778/ Duration 3 months/private
Period  1780/ time not specified/private
Period  1780/about 20 days/private
Period  1780/ 3 months/private
Period  1780/ 1 month 15 days/ Horse [Cavalry] 

Officers
Period 1776-1780 
Genl. [Griffith] Rutherford, Col. Lock [Francis Locke]
Capt William Falls
Period 1780 
Col. Lock [Francis Locke], Mjr. Rutherford [Major William Rutherford]
Period Horse [cavalry] Col. Davidson [William Lee Davidson] 

5. In what battles was he engaged? At Ramson Mill 
[Battle of Ramsour's Mill, North Carolina]

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Iredell County N.C.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Living witnesses in part

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above ,
mentioned.
M. Clageth Examining Clerk.
Page 11

State of North Carolina
Iredell County

This day personally appeared William Falls and made oath before me the Subscribing Justice of the peace in and for said County and being first duly Sworn doth on his oath make the following additional declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed the 7th June 1932.

That be reason of Old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the length of his service but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below.

This 1st tour under [Griffith] Rutherford Cavalry as private 1 month 14 days 
This 2nd tour under [William] Falls do do 3 month 00 days
This 3rd tour do do   1 month 14 days
This 4th tour do  do  3 month 00days

Sundry Short tours guarding the passes of the River. (See declaration) do do 2 months  00 days

His 5th tour  do do 20 days
His 6th tour  do do 3 months
His 7th tour   do do  1 month 14 days
16.01

For which service I claim a pension $15.12
and if the last  service is allowed according to proclamation to rate as a three months tour, it will make 17 fu [full] months

He was born in Chester County Pennsylvania in the year 1763. He has a record of his age in his Bible taken from his fathers Bible. He refers to Joseph Sharper and George L. Davidson
Page 12

Sworn Subscribed before
me this 17th Day of May 
1832-  [signature]Wm falls
J campbell Jp
 
State of North Carolina
Iredell County,

I Absalom Simonton clerk of the court of pleas and quarter session of Iredele [Iredell] County do hereby certify that James Campbell before whom the foregoing Certificate and affidavit was made is an acting justice of the peace in an for said county and that his signature hereinto is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto let my hand and affixed the seal of my office this 20th day
of May 1833.
A. Simonton Clerk
Page 13

[typed print]
June 11, 1932.
BA-J / ILL
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
William Falls
S. 6834
[handwritten serv]
Miss Bella Furr 
200 North Main
Mooresville, North Carolina.

Reference is made to your letters requesting information relative to Major William Falls, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 6834, based upon the service of William Falls in that war.

William Falls, the son of Captain Falls, was born August 1763 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and was taken when but a few weeks old to Rowan County (later Iredell County), North Carolina [handwritten where his father moved as or county], where he [handwritten they] lived at the time of the Revolution. The given name of his father is not stated.


He volunteered in the summer of 1776 in his father's company, Colonel Locke's North Carolina Regiment in the campaign against the 
Cherokee Indians, following which he was on several tours during the years 1777 and 1778, was in the battle of Ramsour's Mills in June, 1780,  [handwritten arrow see reiteration] where his father was killed, was in Captain Byers' Company on short tours and was in an engagement with the Tories in the spring of 1781 near Hillsboro, North Carolina; the length of his entire service was eighteen months.

He was allowed pension on his application executed November 21, 1832, while residing in Iredell County, North Carolina, never having
moved from that county.

He died February 1, 1837.

It is not stated that the soldier was married.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 14

6834.
Rev War
INVALID.
File No. 6834
William Falls
Priv Rev War
Act: June  7th 1832
Index:- Vol. 1st, Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 15

1920, Nov, 17 Hist to Mrs. Lula H. Chapman- Em
1932- June 11- Hist to Miss Bella Furr. ILL.
Page 16

TREASURE DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
March 30th 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States." The heirs of William Falls,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the North Carolina
Agency, at the rate of Sixty four
Dollars and forty six cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832,
has been paid at this Department, from the
4th of Sept. 1836 to the 1st February
1837, the day of his death.
Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 17

William Falls 
Declaration
For
Pension
19358
No 31
Page 18

We Joseph Sharpe and George L. Davidson 
Residing in the County of Iredell
State of North Carolina do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Halls who has subscribed and Sworn to the above declaration. that we believe him
to be 69 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he resides to have ben [been] a Solder of the Revolution and that we concur in this opinion.

Joseph Sharpe further says that he saw William
Falls in the service of the County at Ramsours
mill [battle of Ramsour's Mill] at the time of the Battle when his
father fell. and saw him afterwards in the
service of the Alamance
[signature] Joseph Sharpe

George F. Davidson says that he knew
William Falls during and ever since the
revolutionary war, that he has allways [always]
understood and believes such is the [crossed out word] [illegible unerind] belief
that
and has ben [been] at all times that he was a solder of the Revolutionary war in the Battle at
Ramsours Mill where his father was slain and in the engagement with the Tories under
Piles

[signature] Geo. L. Davidson
Page 19

Gilbreath Neil after being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and sayeth that during the
Revolutionary war and ever since he has
lived a Close neighbor to William Falls
who has signed the foregoing declaration
that he was with him in the Cherokee apidition [expedition] Commanded by Genl [Griffith] Rutherford in pursuit of Indians
And that he saw him at the Battle of
Ramson Mill on the 20th June
1780, when his father Capt. [William] Falls was killed that he verily believes he served his country to the full amount set forth in his declaration that he knows he was frequently in the service of his country
Sworn to and subscribed
this 21st november 1832.
[signature] Gilbreath Neill

And the said Court do herby declare the
opinion after the investigation of the matter and
after pulling the interogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary solder and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Joseph Sharpe and George L. Davidson and Gilbreath Neil who has signed the preseeding [preceding] certificates resides in the County of Iredell and is credible persons and that their statement
is entitled to credit
Page 20

I Absalom Simonton Clerk of the Court
 of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Iredell County North Carolina do herby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said County in the matter of the application of William Falls for a Pension

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 21st
day of November 1832.

A Simonton Clerk
Page 21

William Falls
No Ca

[faded printed text]
Page 22

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Falls which require further proof or explanation.


I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides : yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides : yes

III. Did the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so.

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served: yes 

V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No
#

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with regulations : Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension that the one under the Act of June 7 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion : Yes

IX. Has the Court given his certificate : Yes

X. Is the Clerk’s seal affixed? And, if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes
Page 23

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman or another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief of his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 2 Citizens
 
XII. If the clergyman’s affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
living witness
XIV. * If the applicant’s name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, as the magistrate who administered the oath certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? the court has
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?  yes

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation or of such an age as to have personal knowledge of the applicant’s service? he has [illegible a] apart
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [yes crossed out]  No

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered.
[No crossed out] 1 2 7

EXPLANATORY NOTES
*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned a Justice of the Peace &c A. B . who, being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his services but according to the best of his recollection, he
served not less than the periods mentioned below and in the following grades; . For __ year ____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _______ . For __ year ____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _______ and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 24

3 
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration in highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit. 
QUERE XIV. PROOF OF SERVICE. 
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. MODE OF AUTHENTICATING PAPERS. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 25

Quitman, Ge
Oct. 27-1920
[Daughters of the American revolution stamp]
Commissioner of Pensions,
Woahington [Washington] D. C
Dear sir ! -
will you please give me the official record from your office of " Wm Falls Iredell Co. N.C. 1833." a revolutionary pensioner ! an early reply will be of great assistance. Yours truly
Mrs, Lula Hitch Chapman 
registrar D.A.R
Page 26

Quitman Ga
Oct, 12th 1920
Commissioner of Pensions 
Woahington  [Washington] D.C.
Dear sir ! - [pension  office U.S. OCT 15 1920 stamp]
Can you tell 
me if this is on record
in your office one William Falls [ Name underlined] of Iredell Co. Nc. [Location underlined] 
on pension list for Revolutionary service ! [last 2 words underlined] 
I would appreciate
Page 27

any additional data
you can give me such
as names to wife & children
of Wm Falls. [illegible u?] would 
assist me in [crossed out if ] filling out a family record.
Thanking you for
prompt reply, i am
Yours truly 
(Mrs.  Lula Hitch Chapman
Page 28

Mooresville. n.c.
april -1932
Veterams administration
Washington  D.C.
Dear Sirs-
your letter in reply to mine of april 23 rd [illegible] today and i thank you for your interest. in regards to maj Wm falls 
who died in 1837, age 74 years,
of course was born in 1765
whether he got his title in the Revolutionary war or some other i do not know and that is one thing i do want to know. [illegible] he got a pension? any thing you can tell me i will appreciate! This information I have
just received & perhaps it may aid you.
William Falls sons were Theophilus, John and Edwin, and a Daughter Isabella. I was asked once for this information so i am passing it on.
Theophilus Falls, son of Maj Wm Falls was commission officer to alabama during the Creek and Indian wars and died near Davidson
Isabella married married Absa Simonton and their chil-
Page 29

Dren were Robt. absa and Mary June, 
Absa Simonton was major of the 4th N.c. regiment. was killed on the evening of the seven days fight - battle of  seven pines. He had just been raised from captain to major, a friend rode up and congratulated him, he raised up to thank him when a soldier in ambush shot him.
  I have just gotten the above i hope it may help you.
I am a direct descendant of Captain William Gil[scribbled out Gilbraith?] Falls who was killed by a Tory in the Revolutionary war and his wife Isabella Falls. I am trying to get things straightened out so I can write 'et [it] in a book 
Respectfully
Bella Furr
Page 30

Mooresville N.c. 
apr 23-1932
Beaureau [bureau] of Pensiones 
Washington D. C.
Dear sir-
I am anxious to obtain information about Maj. William falls [underlined] who is buried at  Centre Presbyterian Church in Iredell Co. once Rowan Co, near Davidson College & Mooresville , N.c. there is this simple inscription on the
tombstone,
Maj. William Falls died in the in the year
1837, age 74 years
In what war or battle did he gain his title? Did he draw a pension?
Captain William Gilbraith Falls is also buried at centre. He was shot at the battle of Ramseur's [Ramsors] Mill near Lincolnton nearly 5-2 years ago by a Tory who tried to rob the body. my mother who is a direct descendant has told us it was handed down in the family that his oldest son surprised the tory, took his fathers
Page 31

sword and killed the Tory . though history has it, it was a nephew.
I wonder if this Maj William Falls was captain William Gilbraith Falls son. He had a son of that name, & he would have been 17 yrs old. 
Any information will be heartily appreciated. 
I am enclosing stamped envelope 
Respectfully 
(miss) Bella Furr
Page 32

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION,

3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., Nov. 17, 1920.

In reply to your request of [BLANK], received [BLANK] for a statement of the military history of Wm Falls a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [CROSSED OUT: (or his widow's)] application for pension on file in this Bureau.

[COLUMN HEADINGS: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED: CAPTAIN. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED: COLONEL. | STATE.]

Sum | 1776 to 1791, served at various times in all 18 mos. | Pol. | Falls | Locke | NC

In 1776 he was in campaign against the Cherokee Indians with his father Capt Falls, who was killed at the battle of Ramsour's Mill.

Battles engaged in, Ramsour's Mill.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rowan later Iredell Co. NC
Date of application for pension, Nov. 21, 1882 et al-
Residence at date of application, Iredell Co. NC
Age at date of application, b Aug 17, 1763 in Chester Co., Pa.
Remarks: He d Feb 1, 1837 - It is not stated whether he was married.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.

6-2856