Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8735, John Webb, S.C.
Page 1

(8-1776)
SERVICE 
S. C.

Webb, John
Smith, Susanna
(Former widow)

NUMBER
W8735
B.L. Wt. 3143-160-55.

CONTENTS
Page 2

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

S.C.
Feby 48 No 6236
21
Vol W 1, page 83.

[Right panel]

20,476 Mar. 3. 1855
=====  " 28 "

Susannah Smith, widow of 
John Webb, Private
___
[struck out: Capt.] Priv in So. Carolina 
[struck out: Col.] Militia
___
Entd.
Dis. 
Revolutionary War
___
Pensioner.
___
Admit 160 Acres July 26"/55
Boynton
___
3143 is July 26/55
___
James Taylor
Sumterville
S.C.

[Written vertically left margin]
Rd M[illegible]
Page 3

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

October 3, 1854
Duplicate issued and
sent to James Taylor
Sumpterville, S.C. 

[Right panel]

6,236
South Carolina 

Susanna Smith 
widow of John Webb
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private of dragoons 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
34 Dollars 72 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
12" day of April 1854
and sent to 
J. J. Coombs
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act 
February 2, 1848, Page 333, Vol. 2
Page 4

So. Ca.

Susannah Smith 
No 6236

Duplicate to 
James Taylor
Sumpterville
So Ca.

[Appears upside down on image]

[illegible circular mail spam]

L P. Waldo [illegible]
Commisr. of Pensions
Page 5

State of South Carolina }
Sumter District } On the 23 of September 1854 Personally 
appeared Richard S Webb Grandson of Susannah Smith a U. S. pensioner 
who being duly sworn according to law, upon his oath swears that he received 
from James Taylor the original certificate of pension issued in favor of the said 
Susannah Smith for the purpose of delivery to his said Grandmother as to be 
returned by him for safe keeping, but which he believes was not delivered 
to his Grandmother and that is is lost or mislaid having made all due 
search therefor.  He therefore makes this affidavit for the purpose of setting 
forth the above facts in order to obtain a new or duplicate of said 
original pension certificate issued in name of said Susannah Smith.
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day } R. S. Webb
and year above written }
Jno. R. Logan 
Magistrate }

No, 11,640, 9507 and 6236-dated 12 April 1854
" 11,640, 9507 Surrendered No. 6236 lost or mislaid dated 22 April 1854 @ $34.72/100 }
per annum --- }
Page 6

State of So. Ca. }
Sumter Distct } I W J Singleton Clerk of the Court of Common Please and given at [illegible] 
do certify that John R Logan Esquire before whom the within affidavit was made was at the 
date thereof a duly appointed and qualified Magistrate for Sumter district and that his 
signature thereto is genuine.  In [struck out: witness] testimony whereof I have hereunto 
subscribed my name and affixed my official seal 
this 25th September 1854.
W J Singleton CCPS
Page 7

L. P. Waldo Esquire }
Commissioner &c. } Summerville So. Ca. 245h Sept. 1854

Sir

This carless and inconsiderate conduct of my own [illegible]
man, the original pension certificate No. 6236 issued on 12th April last in favor of 
Susanna Smith formerly Susanna Webb is lost and it is presumed destroyed for 
I have taken great pains and troubling search to find it.  Will you therefore grant 
me a duplicate or renewal because without it the pension can be collected.

Your ob Servant

James Taylor
Page 8

20,476

Declaration &c
Susannah Smith 
for Bounty Land Act March 3, 1855
Page 9

STATE OF South Carolina } 
Sumter District } S.S.

On the 24th March, 1855 Before the subscribing Magistrate, in 
and for the district and State aforesaid, personally appeared Susannah Smith 
is aged 87 years, a resident of the district & State aforesaid, who 
being duly sworn, according to law, declares, that she is the widow of John Webb deceased 
[following has been struck out: who was __ in the Company commanded 
by Captain __ in the __ Regiment 
of __ Commanded by __ in 
the war.

__; That __ said __ at __
__ on or about the __ for the term 
of __ and continued in actual service in said war until __
__ and was honorably discharged 
at __ on the __ which discharge, if ever re
ceived is lost or mislaid:__ ]

who was a private of Dragoons in the Revolutionary war for whose services she 
desires a pension under certificate No 6236 issued 3 October 1854 in duplicate 
in lieu of one stated 12 April 1854. She [remainder is too light to be transcribed] 

makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Bounty land  to which 
she may be entitled under the Act of Congress approved March 3, 1855 
further swears that she has never received any Bounty land under said 
act of March 3, 1855 nor has she ever made any applications therefore except the 
present.  Susannah her X mark Smith

SWORN to and subscribed before me, the day and year first above written; and I do certify 
that I have no interest in said claim or its prosecution; and I do further certify I 
am personally acquainted with the declarant Susannah Smith who is a person 
of truth and respectability, and the claimant is the person she represents herself to be
Jno. R. Logan 
Magistrate
Page 10

STATE OF South Carolina }
Sumter District }

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS: THAT I Susannah Smith of Sumter 
District and State aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint 
James Taylor of Sumterville So Ca 
my true and lawful Attorney for me and in my name to receive from the Commissioner of 
Pensions the bounty land warrant 
to which I am entitled under the act approved the 3 March 1855

My said Attorney being authorized to sign all necessary papers 
as fully and amply as I could do if personally present; hereby confirm
ing whatever my said Attorney may do by virtue of these presents: Declaring this my Power 
of Attorney to be irrevocable.

IN WITNESS, Whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and set 
my Seal this 24th day of March 1855
Susannah her X mark Smith [L. S.]

STATE OF So. Ca. }
Sumter district }

BE IT KNOWN: That on 24th of 
March 1855 Before the subscribing Magistrate 
in and for the district and State aforesaid, personally appeared Susannah Smith 
subscriber to the foregoing Power of Attorney, and acknowledged the signing, seal
ing and delivery of the same to be his own voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein set 
forth.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name.
Jno. R. Logan
Magst

STATE OF So. Ca.}
Sumter district }

Before the subscribing Magistrate 
in and for the district and State aforesaid personally appeared R. McDurant & 
James H. Dingle Senr
Residents of  who being duly and separately sworn 
according to law upon their oaths swear [struck out: ___ commanded by Captain 
in the Regiment of 
commanded by]
that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Susannah 
Smith in our presence and that we believe from the appearance such 
Statements
Page 11

Statements of the applicant that she is the identical person she represents herself 
to be. R McDurant
James H. Dingle Senr.

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first above written. I do certify I am personally acquaint
ed with the affiants [struck out: Susannah Smith] R. McDurant and James H Dingle Senr who are persons of respectability and 
credible witnesses.  
The name Susannah Smith, just above erased & the names 
R. McDurant & James H. Dingle Senr inserted before signing
Jno. R. Logan 
Magst

STATE OF South Carolina }
Sumter District }

G. S. C. DeSchamps Esquire, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas  
& General Sessions for District and State aforesaid, do certify that Jno. R. Logan 
before whom the foregoing declaration, power of atty and 
affidavits were made was at the date thereof duly appointed and qualified magistrate for
the District and State aforesaid and that his signatures thereto are genuine.

I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the declarant Susannah Smith & R McDurant 
& James H Dingle Senr. and that they are persons of truth and respectability, in whose statements the fullest faith and 
credit should be placed, and I do certify that I have no interest in said 
claim or its prosecution.
IN testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and af
fixed my Seal of Office this 24th March 1855
GSC DeSchamps
CCPC
Page 12

No. 15,118
Power of Attorney-declaration &c
Susannah Smith formerly wid of 
John Webb
Act 27th July 1838
___
👉Family Record 
in Mr Coles Room
___

J. J Coombs
Page 13

Know all men by these Presents,
THAT I, Susannah Smith - widow of Richard Smith and formerly of John Webb who was a soldier in the army of Revolution, do hereby constitute and appoint J. J. Coombs Esquire Washington City District of Columbia- my true and lawful Attorney, for me in my name, to prosecute against the Government of the United States, before any department thereof, any and all claim or claims I have to arrears of pay or pension money, under any Act or Acts, Resolution or Resolutions of the Congress of the United States, and especially the Acts, 4th July, 1836, 7th July, 1838, 3d March, 1813, 17th June, 1844, 2d February, 1848, and 29th July, 1848, ^[notations added (18 Sept 1850 and 3d Febry 1853)] as well as the more ancient Acts of 18th March, 1818, 15 May, 1828, and 7th June, 1832.  Said Attorney is moreover authorized in my name to demand at any department of the said Government, a re-consideration of any decision hitherto or hereafter to be given touching my interests, and to obtain from any department or the archives thereof, any and all information or evidence, of whatever character, relating to or in any wise bearing upon the claim or claims we hereby seek the investigation of.  Said Attorney is moreover authorized to do any thing and all things necessary to carry out the foregoing purposes, and to receive the certificates of pension or other character of drafts or evidences of the amounts due me, and to appoint one or more Sub-Attorneys, to confer upon him or them all the powers therein conferred upon him, hereby ratifying and confirming all that my said Attorney may do, by virtue of these presents. Hereby [illegible] and revoking all powers of Attorney and authority heretofore given for prosecuting said claims.

WITNESS my hand and seal, this 12th day of November 1853.
the figures and words 28 Sept 1850 and 3 February 1853 in the tenth line [stamped seal]
interlined before Signing
Susanna Smith [X] mark
State of South Carolina [illegible]
BE IT KNOWN THAT ON THE 12th day of November 1853 before me the subscriber, a Magistrate in and for the district and State aforesaid, personally appeared Susannah Smith subscriber to the foregoing power of Attorney, and acknowledging the signing, sealing and delivery of the same to be her own voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein set forth.  In testimony whereof I do hereunto subscribe my name.  The interlineations as above made before Signing
Jno RLogan
Magistrate
Page 14

"Susannah Webb was born [words struck out] September the 27th [struck out: Sept] 1768 
and was married May the 10th 1785 being 16 years 8 months and 
17 days old"

On the 14 day of November 1853 Before [struck out: the] William 
Lewis Esquire Judge of the Court of Ordinary in and for the district 
of Sumter State of South Carolina personally appeared Wm L 
Brunson who being duly sworn according to law on his oath 
says he is now 64 years old that the above extract is a true copy 
of the record from the family Bible of John Webb deceased and his widow 
Susannah Smith widow of Richard Smith deceased formerly of John 
Webb of the time of the marriage between the said John Webb and his 
wife Susannah that the said original record is in the hand writing of 
the said John Webb having frequently seen him write and familiarly 
acquainted with it. He further swears the said John Webb departed this 
life in eighteen hundred and one and that fact is brought to the 
recollection of this deponent by reference to the said family Bible 
wherein he finds following record of the marriage of said Widow 
Webb to Richard Smith Viz "Richd. and Susanna Smith 
was married the 6 of Oct. 1803." that the said extract is a true 
copy of the original made in the hand writing of the said Richard 
Smith with which this deponent is familiar.

He further swears that the said Richard Smith died in [struck out: Sumter District] Georgia 
16 January 1845   W L Brunson
In testimony whereof I have hereunto }
subscribed my name }
William Lewis OSD
Page 15

State of South Carolina }
Sumter District }

On this [illegible] 4th day of November 1853 
before me William Lewis Judge of the Court of Ordinary in and for the district 
and State aforesaid personally appeared Susannah Smith widow of Richard 
Smith deceased and formerly the Widow of John Webb a Revolutionary 
soldier who being duly sworn according to law upon her oath makes 
the following declaration for the purpose of obtaining the arrears of 
pay and pension due her husband the said John Webb and herself under 
the acts of Congress of 7th July 1838, 2d February 1848, 28th Sept 
1850 and 3d February 1853 and all other previous acts applicable thereto. 
That she is the Widow of Richard Smith deceased who died on the 16th 
day of January 1845 and formerly the Widow of John Webb who died 
in 1801 in Sumter distr. So. Ca. that her said husband John Webb 
was a soldier in the Army of Revolution under Capt Daniel Conyers, 
Major James Conyers, Major Gamble, Red McCoy, [word struck out] Revy. 
pensioners.  William Pringle, William Daniel and David Brunson 
were the names of a few of the fellow soldiers of the said John Webb 
in General Marion's Brigade; that the said John Webb was as the 
attack of Col. Tynes's party who were Tories at Fort of Black [struck out: creek] River, 
Battle of Fort Matte, Battle of Black Mingo.

He was a Sergeant in Reids troop, W. Hamptons Regiment 
Sumpters Brigade State Troops as per Compt. Generals' 
certificates hereunto annexed.  That her said husband John Webb 
and the declarant were married on the 10th day of May 1785 and 
that the said John Webb her husband died in 1801, as aforesaid; 
that her age and marriage are recorded in her Bible in the hand 
writing of the said John Webb her husband as follows
"Susanna Webb was born September the 27th 1768 & was married [words 
struck out] May the 10th 1785 being 16 years 8 months & 17 days old." 
She further swears she had one surviving child named William 
to the said John Webb who now survives; that she married the 
said Richard Smith on the 6th day of Oct 1803 
who
Page 16

who departed this life on the 16 day of January 1845 as aforesaid 
leaving her a widow, and not again married, but is now the widow 
of the said Richard Smith and also the widow of her first 
husband the said John Webb. She further swears that she 
has never received any arrears in back pay or pension money 
for the services of the said John Webb nor has she made any 
application therefor except the present.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
subscribed my name and affixed the seal 
of said Court the day, month and year first 
within written. I do further certify Wm L Brunson Susanna her X mark Smith
& Susanna Smith are personally known to the Court 
who are persons of undoubted veracity William Lewis OSD

State of South Carolina } It is hereby certified that satisfactory proof 
Sumter district } has been exhibited to the subscriber William 
Lewis Judge of the Court of Ordinary in and for the district and State aforesaid 
to prove and did prove to the satisfaction of said Court that John 
Webb and Susannah his wife were married that he the said John 
Webb was a soldier in the Revolutionary army that he died in 1801 
leaving the said Susannah Webb his widow and one child named 
William that she again married one Richard Smith who died on the 
16th January 1845, leaving his said wife Susannah his widow formerly 
the widow of John Webb a Revolutionary soldier as aforesaid, that 
the said Susanna has not since married but continues a widow 
all of which is more fully set forth in the declaration of the 
said Widow written on this and the preceding page as well as 
the affidavit of William L. Brunson, containing true copies of 
extracts of marriages recorded in the family Bible of said 
[word struck out] Widow which Bible and writings were exhibited to said Judge.
In testimony I have hereunto set my hand and affixed 
my seal of office at Sumterville in said distr. & State 
this 14 day of Nov. 1853,
W. J. Singleton
C.C.P. [illegible]
Page 17

Lib M {
No. 186 {  Issued the 1st October 1784 to 
Mr. John Webb late a 
Sergeant in Reids troop,
W. Hampstons Regiment 
Sumpters Brigade State 
Troops for one hundred 
and five pounds fif
teen shillings g" it being 
amount pay and Boun
ty due him for services 
therein together with in
terest thereon from first 
April 1782 agreeable to a 
resolution of general assembly 
of the eleventh March 
last.
Principal . . . . . . £105 " 15 " 0
Interest . . . . . . . .     7 " 8 " 0
£97 " 7 "
_______

Compt. Genls. Office Columbia S. Carolina 
9 November 1853 
I hereby certify the above 
to be a true copy from Indent Book 
M page 186. Given under my hand 
W. F. Arthur 
For Comptlr. Genl.

[Encircled No Seal 
of Office]
Page 18

Lib X {
No. 265 { Issued the 6th September 1785 
to John Webb for thirty five 
pounds fourteen shillings 
& three pence for 250 days mil
itia duty in Horse in 1782
pr .account audited
Principal . . . . . . . .£35 " 14 " 3 1/4
Annual Interest . . £2 " 9 " 11
No 66
_____
State of South Carolina 
1782. To John Webb Drs.
Jany 1st. For 250 days militia 
Lt. Drags. pay a 20/ pr. diem £250"
Sg. £35" 14 " 3 1/4

Camden District 
Jno Webb personally appeared 
& swears the above acct. is just & true 
Sworn before me 16 days of August 1784
Wm Martin J.P. | John Webb
£35 " 14 " 3 1/4 Stg. Exd. J.Wmc S.G.

Comptl. Genls. Office Columbia 9 November 
1853. I hereby certify the above to be a 
true copy from Indent Book X page 265 
& also of the account upon which said 
Indent was issued. Given under my hand.
W. F. Arthur 
For Comptl. Genl.
[Encircled No. seal of office]
Page 19

9,507 
South Carolina 

Susanna Smith formerly 
widow of John Webb 
who was a pri of Dragoons 
in the Revolution 
S.C.

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
34 Dollars 72 
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1844.

Certificate of Pension issued the 
12th day of April 1854 
and sent to 
J. J. Coombs
Present 

[ Act of JUNE 17, 1844. ]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2, Page 169
Page 20

16,640
South Carolina 

Susanna Smith formerly 
widow of John Webb 
who died on the ---
of --- in the State of S. C. 
who was a private of Dragoons in the --- commanded 
by Captain --- of the --- commanded 
by --- in the Revolution 
[struck out: line] 8 mos 10 days

Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston 
at the rate of 34 Dollars 72 Cents 
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 12th day of 
April 1854 and sent to 
J. J. Combs
Present

Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi annual allowance ending 
===

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act July 7, 1838. }

H. R. Weightman Clerk
Book D. Vol. 1. Page 313
Page 21

John Webb } Releas
To } For 
John Laverty } 234 Acres
Page 22

Together with all and singular the rights, members and appurtenances whatsoever to the said tract of land containing Two hundred and Thirty 
four acres, Belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the Reverson and Reverson's Remainder and Remainder's, Rents, Issues and Profits thereof 
, and also all Estate, Right, Title, Interest, Possession, Property, Profit, Claim and Demand whatsoever either in Law or Equity to the said 
John Webb of in or to the said Tract of Land To Have and to Hold the said Tract of Land hereby granted and Released, or ment or Intended to be here
by granted and Released, With their and every of their Appurtenances unto the said John Laverty his heirs and assigns forever, and the said John Webb 
for himself, his heirs, Executors and Administrators Doth hereby covenant, grant and agree to and with said John Lavery his heirs and assigns that 
he the said John Webb his heirs and every of them the said Tract of Land with the Appurtenances unto the said John Laverty, his heirs and assigns 
against him the said John Webb, his heirs and Every of them, and all and Every other person whatsoever lawfully claiming, or to claim the premises 
or any part thereof, Shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Witness whereof the said John Webb hath hereunto set his 
hand and affixed his seal the day and year first above writtenx x x x x
Signed, Sealed and Delivered } John Webb [word Seal encircled]
in the Presence of } Susanna her X mark Webb [word Seal encircled] 
James C Lemans
Daniel M. Donaly
Page 23

James Taylor Esqr
Sumterville
Page 24

At Home July 7th 1854

Mr James Taylor 

Dr. Sir Yours of 14th Inst is before me. In regard to the trouble the deposition 
at Washington puts you to of identifying my father as a Sergt. of Dragoons 
during the revolution, I know not if you can accomplish it but I hope you may 
the actors on the stage at that time have nearly all disappeared. If old Mr. 
Redden McCoy was alive or old Mr. John Bowman a Methodist preacher who 
died some years ago in Clarendon, I have no doubt the identity would be 
easily proven.  Old Mr McCoy related to me several times some of the occurrences 
that took place in two volunteer operations to the up country in which my father 
was one of the party, one he disignated [designated] by the name of "the persuit [pursuit] of the 
[illegible]" the other by the name of the Snowy Camps, in one of these they 
penetrated into the Indian Country and gave them a taster of the sabre, that the 
up country people were so enraged they could not be restrained by their 
officers from inflicting the most summary vengence [vengeance] on, men women & children 
and that he McCoy and my father & others from the low country did all in their power to save the squaws & 
their infants from the sword.  In one of these Dragoon trips to the up country 
he said that my father acted in some capacity other than a common soldier 
but what I do not recollect. Old Mr Bowman give me pritty [pretty] much the same 
account. In regard to the above relation by these old men it always seamed [seemed] to 
me that they intended it as a sort of prelude to other and greater exploits under 
Gen'l. Marion which they encountered afterwards, and never failed to go 
into the relation of. My mother recollects something of the Snowy Camps 
but does not know whether my father was one of the party or not & for 
the best reason in the world for she was not at that time acquainted with 
him. She says their acquaintance began after he was grown and she 
a girl about 8 or 10 years old. I have no history of those times at hand 
but think those up country trips must have taken place some time before 
the fall of Charleston which was in 1780. The Continaltal [Continental] money
Page 25

which I now have was my fathers which my mother can testify to but 
can't say positively that he got it for services in the war, but as he 
never got anything from his father's Est. which she says was worth 23 
likely Negroes it is pritty [pretty] certain that he got it for services in the war, and 
this is her belief. You wish me to state at what time I received it and 
from whom &c. It was given to me by my mother some short time after 
my marriage which was in 1820 but I know that it was in her possession in 
1802 for I frequently drew on the bank for thumb papers of it to save 
old Fenning & Dilworth's spelling books from the ravages of dirty thumbs 
and I often beged [begged] it from her to give to my school fellows for the same use. 
I also recollect giving to my son Wm a parcel of it some 15 years ago 
what became of all of that I don't know, from considering it of no value no 
special care has been taken of it. The size of the pile of money when I 
first saw it, was I think double what it is now. I suppose now there is about 
1500 or 2000 dollars (for I have not taken the trouble to count it). 
From a fact stated by my mother that after the war the depreciation was 
known to be so great that large bills were frequently given for heming [hemming] a 
pocket hdfk. I have come to the conclusion and believe that the original 
amt received by my father could not have been short of from 8 to 10000 dollars 
My father had the character among his brother soldiers as told to me by some of his mess mates of being a good  
soldier, a great equestrian and not at all averse to the smiles of the ladies 
and we know from experience, don't we [illegible] that money will make them 
smile almost at any time, and then it looks so liberal for a gentleman 
from the hard earnings of a seven years war to hand out a fifty or 
seventy five dollar bill give to a lady for heming [hemming] a pocket hdfk.

Recapitulation. The contineltal [continental] money was given to me by my mother about 
32 or 3 years ago; I know that it was in her possession 32 years ago the pile was 
much larger when I first saw it than when she give it to me and larger up 
to the time I give some to my son Wm M Webb than now, and I believe
Page 26

from various circumstances that it was originally much larger than 
when I first saw it, say from eight to ten thousand dollars at the first 
I send you the contineltal [continental] money but wish it returned, for I 
still hope the government may reach that point of honesty which they 
should have done long-long ago by redeeming a part at least if not all of it

All well and hope this may find you the same.

Yours Respt Wm. Webb

J. J. Coombs Esquire } 
Washington } Sumterville So. Ca. 20 July 1854

Dear Sir

Mr Webb has sent me $1549 of Continental 
paper money-payable in Spanish milled dollars within value in Gold or 
Silver and £216 currency issued under resolutions of Congress [word struck out] at Philadelphia 
and Provincial Congress of So Ca at Charleston at various dates.

I do not think we can make Mr Vanghaus evidence available for he swears to 
be unacquainted with John Webb or any other Webb.  I send Wm. Webbs statement 
as far as he has been informed, you must recollect Webb was born in 1796 & 
his father died I think in 1802.  Perhaps you can prove a sufficient declaration 
and deposition to be made by Wm Smith and his son or you can instruct 
me how to do it from the materials furnished by Webb.

The heirs of Capt. Harris do not object 
to the contract made with me.  I have sent word to Wm. Harris to come 
& administer on his Mothers Estate, but I have not yet seen him.

You will receive by this mail the $8.09 Treasury dft in favor 
of Emily Brown | William | Yours truly

James Taylor
Page 27

447 
Susanna Smith 
form wid. John Webb
___
S.C. Act 1838
___


[Address appears upside down on image]

[illegible]
[illegible circular mail stamp]

J. J. Coombs Esquire 
Counsellor at Law
Washington City 
D of C
Page 28

Comptroller Generals Office.
Columbia So. Ca. April 28th 1854

Pay roll of Capt John Reids troop of Light Dragoons 
in the Regt commanded by Leut Col Wade Hampton Genl
Sumpters Brigade.
______
Names | 
______ |
John Webb

Rank | 
____ |
Serg

Commence |
ment of serv |
ice |
___________ |
81 |
April 15 |

Time of |
service. |
_______ |
10 months |

Remarks |
________ |
--- |

Pay & bounty |
in negroes. |
Grown | small. |
____________ |
1 | 1/4 |

Pay & bounty |
received |
____________ |
Grown | small |
____________ |
- | - |

Bal |
lance due |
Grown | small |
___________ |
1 | 1/4 |

I do hereby certify the above to be a true Copy 
extracted from Capt John Reids Pay Roll as 
taken from the Records of this Office qualified the 
11th of April 1782 by Capt.  For Comptroller General 
John Reid. | P. S. Jacobs
(No Seal of office } Deputy

[illegible] Jan 15 1781
to Apr 11 1782
Page 29

The House took into consideration the 
Report of the Committee appointed 
to join a a Committee of the Senate 
to examine and settle the accounts 
of Brigadier General Sumter and 
Lieutenant Colonel. Samuel Ham
mond, which being read through 
and after an amendment it was 
agreed to, and is as follows, viz,

Report of 

That upon examining 
the said accounts as far as they 
relate to negroes due in [illegible] 
with the Committee of the 
Senate they find from the several 
Regimental pay Rolls as well as 
from a general state of them 
made out by the Commissioners 
which were appointed by this House 
for the purpose that there appears 
to be due to the State Troops formerly 
under the command of Brigadier 
General Sumter, five hundred and 
seventy and 3/4 grown negroes and 
forty four 3/8 small negroes, they 
find also from a Report of a 
Committee of a former Session 
which stands upon the journals 
of the House, that there are due to the 
Troops formerly commanded by Lie
utenant Col Samuel Hammond 
one hundred and one grown 
negroes, and nine [illegible] all ones, 
it also appears that there are a
Page 30

number of negroes which had 
been there for the pay and bounty 
of the Troops under General 
Sumter, but were deemed im
proper for the purposes, remain
ing in the possession of different 
officers and men of the said Brigade.

Your Committee are 
therefore of opinion in which 
the Committee of the Senate 
concurred, that three Commiss
ioners should be appointed to reside 
at Maj. Crawfords at the [illegible]
to recited the negroes which 
have not been disposed of and 
are in the possession of the officers 
and men as aforesaid or other 
persons who were in General 
Sumters Brigade, that when 
received the Commissioners shall 
in order to ascertain the property 
advertise them at least [illegible]
see this in the Gazette of this 
State and at such places as they 
shall think proper and upon 
a legal property in any of them 
being established shall deliver 
them to their respective owners, 
that such as shall appear to be 
public property, shall after suf
ficient notice being given be 
sold at public auction for 
State Indents, on a credit of 
six months, and the said 
Indents by lodged in the public 
Treasury
Page 31

That upon the several Regimental 
pay Rolls as certified by the Chairman 
of your Committee and a receipt from 
the Commissioners above authorized 
for the negroes remaining in the 
possession of some of the officers and 
men as aforesaid, being delivered 
to the Treasurers, they be authorized 
empowered & directed to issue Indents 
to the several persons respectively to 
the account of their respective de
mands, at the rate of eighty pounds 
sterling for each grown negroe, and 
forty pounds for each small negroe 
which Indents shall bear interest 
from the time the said negroes 
became due.

Resolved, That this House do 
agree with the Report of the Com
mittee--

Ordered, That the Report 
and Resolution be sent to the Sen
ate for their concurrence, and 
that Colonel Anderson and 
Mr Johnson do carry the same
March 11th 1784
Page 32

Office of the Clerk of the House 
of Representatives the State of 
South Carolina 1st May 1854 

I hereby certify the foregoing 
to be a true copy from the Journal 
of the House of Representatives of 
So. Ca. 1784 No 44, pages 256 & 266.

W. F. Arthur
Legislative Librarian 
& State House Keeper
Page 33

Meem  m
              ---
Page 34

Susannah Smith formerly widow of John Webb 
S.C. Act of 1838--

The widow declared that her husband 
was a "soldier"-in the same declaration (2d paragraph) 
she refers to the Comptroller's certificate whereby he is 
shown to have been a Sergt & Lt.

This is is no discrepancy-as the term soldier defines 
both officers and privates, both in common parlance 
and according to lexicographers.  In the strictest sense the 
word applies to those enlisted, rather than commissioned.

The 2 tours of service cannot, in all probability,  
have been rendered by the same person.
Both a/cs are stated to be for service in 1782.

It is a mistake to suppose that the service 
shown by indent No 265 was rendered in the 
capacity of a Lieutenant. The rate of pay 
specified in Webbs a/c, namely, 20/-, is that 
of a private. "The language of the a/c is 
"To 250 days militia Lt.# Drags.
"a 20/pr. diem  £ 250.
Stg £ 35:14.3 1/4"
#"Lt. Drags." means Light Dragoons not Lieut, &c.

The capital W. at the head of the registry 
on the blank leaf of the the New Testament, and 
the J. In "January," written twice on the same 
page are in the same style as the facsimile.
Page 35

I agree with the Comptroller in the opinion 
that the hand writing is the same.

In my opinion the proof of 250 days' service 
as a private of Dragoons by the former husband 
of the claimant is made out, and the claim 
should be admitted.

Family Bible shows his
date of Marriage (May 10, 785)
Returned.

The entries in the handwriting 
of John Webb were used for identifi
cation.
Page 36

No. 20476

ACT OF MARCH 3, 1855.

Received March 28, 1855

Susannah Smith Wid 
of John Webb Private 
So Carolina Militia 
Revolutionary War

Warrant 3143-160

James Taylor 
Sumterville 
S.C.
Page 37

[This is a blank page]
Page 38

Pension Office 
March 27th 1854.

Sir,

I have compared the facsimile of the signature 
to the Indent issued in favor of John Webb by the State 
[struck out: of State] of South Carolina, and that appended to the an
cient deed filed as evidence in the case of Susannah Smith, 
widow of John Webb, with the handwriting of claimant's
husband in the Bible also filed by her, and have to say 
that, although there is some similarity in their general 
characteristics, it is not sufficient, of itself, to identify 
the claimant's husband as the party who served as cer
tified.  In the absence, therefore, of other proof of iden
tity, the claim cannot be admitted--more especially as 
the Indent shows service as an officer, and the widow 
claims that her husband was a soldier.

I am, respectfully, 
Your Obt. Svt.

LP Waldo
Commissioner.

J. J. Coombs, Esqr.
Present.
Page 39

Washington, March 29th 1854

Sir:

Some time since I presented to your 
office the claim of Susannah Smith, 
formerly widow of John Webb, of 
South Carolina, for pension under 
the act of 7th July 1838.

At the time of presenting the claim, 
I filed the certificate of the Comptroller Gen
eral of South Carolina, showing an account 
settled in favor of John Webb for 250 
days of service as Lt. of Cavalry, to which 
the name of John Webb is signed.  At the 
same time I presented a family record, proved 
to be in the hand writing of said John 
Webb, decd. with the certificate of the 
Comptroller that he had compared 
the hand writing in said family record 
with the signature of John Webb to said 
account in his office, and that he 
believes both to have been written by 
the same man.

On the 27th of February I received 
a letter from your office (of which 
I present a copy) requiring me to fur
nish a fac simile of the name signed
Page 40

to said account, and informing me that 
"if satisfactory the claim would be al
lowed."

Since then I have filed the enclosed 
certified fac simile of said signature, 
accompanied by another specimen 
of the genuine hand writing of said 
John Webb decd. viz his signature to 
an ancient deed.

I this morning received the enclosed 
letter from your office, dated March 
27th 1854, which much to my surprise 
objects that the fac simile is not sat
isfactory to identify the hand writing 
of the soldier, with the husband 
of the claimant.

Being myself perfectly satisfied 
as to the identity of the hand writing, 
I respectfully solicit your personal 
inspection of the same, and judgment 
thereon.

The fact that service as a Lieut 
was not claimed for, specifically,  
in the declaration, I think will not 
strike you as an objection when 
you examine the case. You will 
see that the widow does not profess
Page 41

to describe the service from her own know
ledge, but refers to the indents presented 
with her declaration, and claims ac
cordingly. Whatever evidence of service 
the indents show, the declaration is 
broad enough to cover.

It is true a claim is set up for 
the service as Sergeant, shown in 
the first indent, but as I admit 
we have not fully identified her 
husband with that service, I claim 
nothing under it.

I have the honor to be 
Very Respectfully 
Your obt servt.

J.J. Coombs

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commsr. of Pensions
Page 42

Washington, Feb. 27th 1854

Sir:

Enclosed I have the honor to present the claim 
of Susannah Smith, formerly widow of John Webb, 
for pension under act of Jth July 1838 and 
subsequent acts. I think you will find 
the case fully made out by the evidence.  
The marriage in 1785 is proved by an an
cient family record in the accompany
ing family bible.  The entry is proved 
to be in the hand writing of said John 
Webb, who died in 1801. It is therefore un
questionably an ancient record. 

The service of John Webb for 8 months 
and ten days (250 days) as [struck out: Sergeant] Lieutenant of 
Cavalry, is proved by the records in the 
Comptroller's office of South Carolina. 
The husband of the claimant is identified 
with this service, by comparison of 
hand writing.

You will observe that the account of 
John Webb certified by the Comptroller, is sworn
to by him and his name is subscribed 
to the affidavit. The Comptroller has com
pared their signature with the hand wri
ting in the family bible, and certified that
Page 43

he declares both to have been written 
by the same man.

I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully 
Your obt Servt

J J Coombs

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commr. of Pensions
Page 44

Copy

Pension Office 
Feby. 27, 1854

Sir:

The application of Susanna Smith 
formerly widow of John Webb of S. C. has 
been examined and filed under the act 
of July 7, 1838.

A fac simile of the name signed to 
the account against the State of S. C. 
for 250 days service rendered by a John 
Webb, must be procured and furnished 
this office, for inspection, and if satis
factory the claim will be allowed.

J. J. Coombs Esq
Present
Page 45

BRIEF IN THE CASE OF Susannah Smith
County and State of So Carolina
2 February '18
CLAIM, (" original " or " for increase. )
PROOF EXHIBITED, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what

Original certificate lost or mislaid
Duplicate ordered

Name and resident of Agent
James Taylor Esq }
Sumpterville           }
S C                             }

R Mc Rae,  Examining Clerk
Page 46

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Pension Office, Official Business

Commissioner.

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Comr of Pensions

C.  Clk
Page 47

Washington, March 21, 1854

Sir:

I have the honor to present a duly cer
tified fac simile of the signature of John 
Webb to the military account on file 
in the Office of the Comptroller Genl of 
S. C. in accordance with the requirement 
of your letter of the 27th ult. in the case 
of Susannah Smith, formerly widow 
of John Webb, of S. C. act 1838.

I also present an ancient deed signed 
by said John Webb in his life time. 
I presume you will be satisfied that 
the deed, the family record, and 
the [repeated: the] signature in the Comptrollers ac
counts, are all in same hand writing.

This evidence, I suppose, fully estab
dishes the claim for 8 months 10 days, 
(250 days) service as Lieutenant of 
Calvary. *

There is another indent for ser
vice of John Webb as a Sergeant of 
Calvary. But in the present state

[Note written vertically left marking]
* This I perceive is an error - "Lt." and this is for "Sergt" & not 
"Lieutenant."
Page 48

of the evidence I cannot claim that 
the claimant's husband is suffi
ciently identified with said [illegible]
service in the rank of Sergt.

I therefore only claim now an 
allowance for the 250 days as Lt. 
of Calvary, and if hereafter I 
shall be able to identify the claim
ant's husband with the other ser
vice, I will then ask a further 
allowance

Very respectfully 
Your obt servt.

J. J. Coombs

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commsr. of Pensions
Page 49

This paper was
attached to the family
Bible which has been
returned to Mr Coombs
April 11/54 [illegible]
Page 50

Compt. Genls. Office {
Columbia So. Ca. {

14 February 1854 { I hereby cer
tify that I have compared the sig
nature of John Webb to his account 
now on file in this office, with his 
family record (so proven to be) and
to the best of may judgment and 
believe, believe it to have been 
written by the same man
Given under my hand
W. F. Arthur
For Compt. Genl.

[No Seal 
of office encircled]
Page 51

State of So. Ca. } On this 12th day of February 1854 before the subscribing Magistrate in and 
Sumter district } for said district and State personally appeared William L. Brunson 
of Sumterville So. Ca. who being duly sworn according to law upon his oath swears that 
he is the identical Wm. L. Brunson who on the 14th day of November 1853 made a 
deposition to the marriage between John and Susanna Webb on the 10th May 1785 as 
recorded on the first blank leaf preceding the 1st. Chap. of Matthew in the family Bible 
of said husband and wife and in his hand writing and which Bible accompanys [accompanies] this 
This deponent further swears he was well acquainted with the said John & Susanna 
Webb untill [until] the said John Webb died many years ago, who was a reputed soldier of the Revolutionary war 
which this deponent verily believes was true and further swears that he believes the 
said John and Susanna Webb were lawfully married and knew they lived together 
as husband and wife and were so reputed untill [until] the said John Webb died as aforesaid 
leaving the said Susanna his widow and one surviving son named William 
Webb, [struck out: which] both of whom now survive. He further swears the said Susanna 
married one Richard Smith who died in 1845, and that she has not again 
married but continues the widow of said John Webb and Richard Smith 
The words "died many years ago" interlined on the ninth line before signing 
as formerly deposed. [struck out: I swear] the deponent swears he has no interest in a pension 
to which the said widow may be entitled for the services of the said John Webb in 
the Revolutionary war or in a prosecution for the same
W. L. Brunson 

Sworn and subscribed to the day and year first above written in my presence And I do certify 
that I am personally acquainted with the above Wm. L. Brunson who is a man of 
truth and respectability and I do further certify, that the Bible containing the Record above 
stated is hereunto attached.  John R. Logan
Magistrate
Page 52

State of South Carolina } I W. J. Singleton Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General 
Sumter district } Sessions in and for Sumter distr. and State aforesaid do certify that John 
R. Logan before whom the foregoing affidavit was made was at the date thereof a duly appointed 
and qualified [words struck out] Magistrate for Sumter district and that his signature thereto is genuine; I do 
further certify that I am personally acquainted with the witness William L. Brunson and that 
he is a man of truth and respectability in whose statements the fullest faith and credit should 
be given; I do further certify the accompanying Bible is the one referred to in the within affidavit 
as acknowledged by the same William L Brunson. In testimony whereof I have 
hereunto set my hand and official seal this 22d 
day of February 1854.
W. J. Singleton
CCCP&GS

[Written vertically left margin]
Jno Webb
Page 53

Department of the Interior,
Pension Office, Official Business

Hon J Minot
Comr of Pensions

Cole
Page 54

✓No. 15,118
Susannah Smith 
former widow of 
John Webb 
So C

J.J. Coombs Feby 27 1854
Let. Same March27/54

Act July 7 1838
Page 55

3143

160 acres
Page 56

Susannah Smith 
wid of J Webb
C SC Jul 38
Cole

[Written vertically]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 
Pension Office, Official Busi

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commisr. of Pensions
Page 57

[Math calculations-Two columns]

[Left column]
16 
31 Apr
30 Jne
31 Jly
31 Ag
____
138
142
___
90)270

[Right column]

[illegible]30
031
230
231
___
442
Page 58

H. Ogden Niles Esq
Pension Office
[illegible]
Page 59

Revolution
South Carolina 

WIDOW, &c.

File No. 8735
Susanna Smith [illegible initials]
Wid
John Webb
Privt Drags. Rev. War

Act: Febry 2d 1848

Index:--Vol. M, Page 220

[ Arrangement of 1870. ]
Page 60

SOUTH CAROLINA.
PURSUANT to an ACT of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY, passed the 16th of March, 1783, WE, the COMMISSIONERS of the TREASURY, have this Day delivered to [blank]
this INDENTED CERTIFICATE, for the Sum of [blank] the said [blank]
his Executors, administrators, or assigns, will be entitled to receive from this Office, the Sum of [blank]or
on the [blank] for [blank] 
one Year's Interest on the principal Sum of [blank]
and the like Interest annually [blank].
The said [blank] his Executors, Administrators, or Assigns, will be entitled also to receive, and shall be paid, if demanded, the principal Sum of [blank]
on the [blank]
And the said [blank]
his Executors, Administrators, or Assigns, may make any purchases at any Public Sales of Confiscated Property (except such as shall be ordered by the Legislature for special Purposes); and this INDENT shall be received in Payment

for the true Performance of the several Payments in Manner above-mentioned, the PUBLICETREASUREY is made liable, and the Faith of the State pledged by the aforesaid Act.

GIVEN under our Hands, at the Treasury-Office, in Charlston, the [blank] Day of [blank] One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-[blank]

 } Commissioners
 } of the 
 } Treasury.
[British Pound symbol] __________ Principal.
[British Pound symbol] __________ Annual Interest.
No.
Book
Page 61


Act 2d Feby 48 S. Ca.
Boynton
Page 62

Susannah Smith 
formerly widow of 
John Webb
__
S.C. Act 1838
__
Suspended

Addl evidence
__

J. J. Coombs
Page 63

Comptroller Generals Office. 
Columbia So. Ca. March 13th 1854

I do hereby certify that the following is 
an exact fac simile of the signature of John 
Webb to account No 265, Book X on file in 
this Office as near as I can execute the 
same. viz "John Webb"

For Comptroller General 
Philip S. Jacobs 
Deputy

(No Seal of Office)
Page 64

W. Welch 
Bostionellis 381
Pa Av
___
W. Savage 
Mrs Lake's
No 504 Pa. Av.

[Math calculations]
106
  13.33
    6

160
  80
     6 66
______
246. 66
      9 33
     15 00
_______
271 00

815
  28
___
43

9.13

18.15
 28
____
19.83

333
4
____
1333
166
____
5[illegible]00

[illegible] 666
Aug 85
Page 65

128,178

175418

Joseph
Joseph 
[struck out: Joseph H Smith]
[words struck out}
Page 66

James Madison Smith 
James Barnwell Mills 
Jennings Pigott Attorney At Law
Declan Lyncoln Development
Development of Democracy in This City 
is very extraordinary in my judgment

J. Barnwell Mills Student Att [illegible]

Jennings Pigott
Attorney At Law 
Washington City 
District of 
Columbia 
Augt 6th 5.C

Washington Washington
Page 67

Washington Aug 15th 1850

Sir,

Enclosed I have the honor to present 
additional evidence in support of the claim 
of Susannah Smith, formerly widow of 
John Webb of S.C. for increase of her pension 
under act of 1838, and subsequent acts.

In the papers originally filed by me, 
will be found a copy of an indent 
issued to John Webb for £ 105.151. for ser
vice as a Sergeant in Capt. Reid's troop 
W Hampton's Regt. Gen. Sumter's Brigade, 
for which service no allowance 
was made in computing the pension 
heretofore allowed.

I now present a certified extract 
of Capt. Reid's pay roll, showing ten 
months service by said John Webb 
as Sergt in 1781 & 82. This is doubtless 
part of the service for which said 
indent was given.

It will be seen that the papers
Page 68

I now enclose [illegible] executed some 
time ago. I have kept them in my 
hands for some time in the hope 
that the original indent, with Webbs  
endorsement thereon might be found 
but the most thorough search in 
the Comptrollers office has failed to 
bring it to light.

The son, Wm H. Webb, has a large 
amount of Continental paper which 
will be forwarded, if in your opin
ion it will have any weight as 
evidence.

I enclose a letter from him on 
the subject, dated in 1854, addressed 
to James Taylor Esq

Very Respectfully 
Your obt servt

J. J. Coombs

Hon J. Minot
Commr. of Pensions
Page 69

Susannah Smith, formerly 
widow of John Webb 
So Carolina
Act July 7, 1838

Admitted 
Private of Dragoons 250 das=8 mos 10 das
at [amount struck out] $34.72 per annum 
from Mar 4, 1836 (excepting 
2 years).

Certificate payable 
to the claimant

Agent
J. J. Coombs 
Present.
Page 70

Brief in the case of Susanna Smith, formerly widow of John 
Webb, Sumter Distr. [struck out: County] and State of So Carolina 
act July 7, 1838

Claim, ("original," [struck out: or "for increase"])

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.

Service - Shown by Certificate of Comptroller Genl. & identity 
by comparison of hand writings.

Marriage - May 10, 1785 - by Family record

Death of John & of second husband - Parol and record

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent | S. G. Dodge
J. J. Coombs | Examining Clerk.
Present
Page 71

Susannah Smith 
formerly widow 
of John Webb 
S. C. 
Act 1838, admitted

J. J. Coombs
Page 72

State of South Carolina } Ordinarys Office 
Sumter district }

On the 10th day of June 1855 
before William Lewis Esquire Ordinary for Sumter district and 
State aforesaid personally appeared Susannah Smith aged 
87 years a resident of Sumter district and State aforesaid 
and a pensioner under certificate No. 6236 who being duly 
sworn according to law, upon her oath swears that she is the 
identical Susannah Smith widow of John Webb deceased, 
late of said district a private in the light dragoons in the army 
of the Revolution for whose services she only was allowed & 
received $555. 52/100 in certificates No. 11640, 9507 and 
6236 whereas she has reason to believe her said husband served 
upwards of 2 years instead of only 250 days for which 
she has only been allowed a pension as aforesaid because it 
is said no additional evidence of her husband's service 
is found on record, the same having been lost or destroyed but 
she refers to the evidence on file attached to her first de
claration for her said husbands service as Sergeant of 
Captain Reeds troop, W Hamptons Regiment Sumters 
Brigade State Troops amounting to £105.15p Sterling 
and in addition thereto is entitled to a balance on the value of 
36 Negroes captured from the enemy by said troop being 
equal to 10 months service which amount of £105.15p 
as aforesaid; she could not produce evidence at the date of 
her first declaration because it was not recorded in the usual 
manner, but found afterwards by a resolution of the General 
Assembly of the State on the 11 March 1784 and that 
the pay Roll of Captain Reid was only recently found 
showing the appropriation of the balance due on the 36  
Negroes being equal to 10 months service as aforesaid 
She therefore makes this her second declaration declaring that 
she
Page 73

she may be allowed an additional pension equal 
to two years service rendered by the her said hus
band. She further declares that she is still a widow.
Susanna her X mark Smith

Sworn to and subscribed before me the date and year 
first within mentioned; and I do certify she is the person 
she represents to be. In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
subscribed my name and affixed my 
official seal at Sumterville this 12th 
day of June A.D. 1855.
W. Lewis
OSD