Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7518, for John Sims, Virginia
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Service
Va.   John Sims. S7518
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23.099
John Sims
Of       In the State of Va.
Who was a pr in the. Commanded
By Captain        Of the High Commanded
By Col. Dickendora in the Va
Line for 2 years

Inscribed in the Bell of Virginia 
At the sale of  80 Dollars…for
To commence on the 4th day of March  1831

Certificate of pension   The 6th day of
And issued at Bennett
Weston Va

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833.  200
Pensioners allowance ending 
March 34.     40
——
$240.00

Revolutionary
Acs.  June 7, 183- 
Recorded by 

Auth Rice
Book. 
Column 6 Page 32
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Original paper is
This case to 729 —— US 
Disabled Aug 9th 1834
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State of Virginia
County of Lewis

On this 27th of September in the year 1833 
Personally appeared before me, William
Patterson a Justice of the Peace in and for Lewis County and State aforesaid John Sims a resident of Lewis County and State of Virginia aged 78 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain benefits of the Act of Congress dated June 7th, 1802.   That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.  In Augusta County in the State of Virginia in the months of June (day month recollected but thinks it was about the middle of the month in the year 1777.   He volunteered as a private in the company of volunteers under the command of Captain John Hopkins, subbattilions many forgotten underground at Staunton with a few companies of Virginia militia is under command of Col. Dickinson lay at Staunton Sometime, then marched by way of the warm springs now in Bath Co.,Va to Greenbrier RiverBay at the fort here some weeks, joined some companies of Virginia militia commanded by Col Skillermale from Battoued and Rockbridge Counties continued their march across the south mountain to the Great Kanuba River , descended the New River to Point Pleasant at its mouth, arrived here he believes some time  in the beginning of September. Remembers the leaves were turning yellow, joined  the Fort commanded by Capt. Arbuckle, remained stationed until sometime in the beginning of winter, in the meantime seen  Gov Grant who he was informed had descended the river from Pittsburg (then called Fort Pitt) witnessed the death of some Indian Chiefs, he remembers that one was
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Called Cornstalk.  In the beginning of winter he retraced his steps together with the whole army with which he had marched to the point. Arrived at the forts on Greenbrier sometime in the winter, remembers that the ground was covered with snow 6 or 7 inches deep, and that the weather had become extremely cold.  Separated at Greenbrier with the Bottetourt troops and was marched back to Augusta, and discharged.  Some time in the month of January (but the day he cannot recollect) in the year 1778, having served as a private militia man a tour of not less than seven months. 
In the said County of Augusta in the month of July in the year 1778, he was drafted as a private militia man in the company of militia under the command of Capt. Joseph Bell, and was marched to Williamsburg, VA and was stationed there in a regiment commanded by Col. Stugart, was chiefly employed while here in the keeping tories in check, some more of the British forces was discharged by his Capt. Bell sometime in Oct.  and returned home, having served as a private not less than three months.  Remembers he was drafted for three months and served out his time. 
In Augusta County Virginia in the summer of 1779 (the month he does not recollect, thinks it was the latter end August) was drafted as a private for a term of two months, and served in the company of Augusta militia commanded by Capt Thomas Rankins, was marched through Charlottesville to Richmond and was here stationed until time of service ended under Col. Streiker, was chiefly employed this year in watching tories and preventing them from furnishing the enemy with provisions, who he was informed were in great numbers in the country committing deportations, destroying lives and property.  Was, after his time of two months inspired
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discharged, but does not remember by whom, and returned to his residences. He was in no battle and seen none of the British.
In Augusta County Virginia in the month of September in the year 1780, he was again drafted as a private in a company of militia commanded by Patrick Buckhannon Capt. was marched through Rockfish Gap to Lynch's Ferry on James River, crossed there. Crossed the Dan river at Dick's Ferry, thence to Hillsborough in North Carolina, here joined Genl. Gates' army and was placed in a Regiment commanded by Col. Howard. Was soon after marched down the Cataba river where a battle was fought and some British taken prisoners, returned to Charlotte, and there seen Genl. Green who took the chief command of the Army, thinks this was in the beginning of Decr. 1780. 
At this time declarant became sick of fever, and remained in the hospital at Charlotte during the greater part of the Winter in a very low condition, during which time he heard of the success of the American arms at the Cowpens. In February he was able to perform duty, and rejoined his company in Col. Howard's Regt. in a Brigade commanded by Genl. Morgan, at Guilford Court House, remained in the neighborhood marching and countermarching, pursuing and being in turned pursued by the enemy under command of Lord Cornwallis. Some time in March declarant was detailed as one of the Baggage Guard and was sent to How River with the Baggage about 20 or 30 miles from Guilford C.H. was on How River when battle was fought, could hear distinctly the roaring of the cannon. Battle fought he believes near the middle of March. Soon after which declarant was discharged by a man named - Dearing but what his office or commission knows not. Got home in April 1781 having served as a private 7 months.~
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In Augusta County State of Virginia some time about the first of June 1781 declarant substituted for John Robertson and marched in a company of militia commanded by Capt. Given and in Rockfish Gap rendezvoused, was there attached to a Regt commanded by Col. Hugart marched immediately to Richmond and joined Genl. Campbells army. Then marched to Williamsburg, was near this place in a severe battle at Hot water, this he believes was near the last of June. retreated to muddy run, then marched to Richmond, thence to Good's Bridge on the Appomatox River, thence to Petersburg, thence to Eastham, thence to New Kent Court House, here joined Genl. La Fayette's Army, from New Kent marched to York Town, remained here until after the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, which he believes was towards the last of October 1781, was then discharged having served as a private 4 1/2 months. - In May in the year 1782, in the said County of Augusta he was drafted, or rather ordered out by Col. Sampson Mathews to repel an Indian invasion, was placed under command of Capt. McKitrick and marched to Warwick's Fort on Greenbrier river, from thence to Tigert's Valley was here stationed at John Warwick's Fort and was engaged as an Indian Spy in spying through the adjacent counties until Septr. 1782, was then discharged, having served as a militia man and Indian Spy 4 months.
He was born in Culpepper County Virginia on the 12th day of February 1755, moved from thence to Augusta in 1769, lived there until 1819 then moved to Lewis. where he now lives He has no documentary evidence, and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity excet the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of any State. - Sworn and subscribed the day and
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year aforesaid.
(signed) John Sims

To the sworn several interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, and propounded by the said Justice, he (the declarant) made the following answers, Viz.
1st. I was born in Culpepper County in the State of Virginia on the 12th. Feb. 1755.
2d. I have no record of my age, but remember to have seen it recorded in my father's Bible-
3d. When called into service I was living in Augusta County in the State of Virginia, moved from there to Lewis County Va. in 1819 where I am now living.
4th. In the first tour of service I volunteered, in all the other tours I was drafted, except the tour in the Summer and Fall of the year 1781, when I substituted for John Robertson.
5th. At Point Pleasant seen Capt. Arbucle who commanded the Fort, as a regular officer, seen also Genl. Hand, Col. Skillern, served under Col. Dickinson in South Carolina, and seen Genls. Gates Green, Morga. Colo. Howard and Washington. At Richmond seen Col. Stricker, Genl. Campbell. At York Town seen Genl. Washington, Wayne, Fayette, Weeden and many other officers whose names I have forgotten.
6th. I received a discharge from Capt. Jno. Hopkins, another from Dearing, and others signed by men whose names I have forgotten, They are all lost.
7th. I am known to Wm. Bennett and Job Haughton who reside in my neighborhood and can testify to my character for veracity and their belief of my services as a revolutionary soldier.

We Wm. Bennett and Job Houghton residing in the County of Lewis and State of Virginia hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Sims who
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has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe im to be 78 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
(Signed) {Wm. Bennett
{Job Houghton

And I the said Justice of the Peace do hereby declare my opinion, after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and I the said Justice do further certify that it appears to me that Job Houghton and William Bennett who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of Lewis County and State of Virginia, that they are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. And I the said Justice do further certify, that there is no Clergyman residing in the neighborhood of the above named applicant, and that he, from bodily infirmity is by no means able to travel to the Court House of the said County of lewis. And I the said Justice do further certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of myself in the matter of the application of John Sims for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 27th. day of September 1833.
William Peterson J.P. {Seal}

State of Virginia
County of Lewis} SS.
I, John Talbott Clerk
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of the County Court of Lewis County aforesaid, do certify that William Peterson is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his, is genuine.
{Seal} In testimony whereof I have
hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my seal of Office at Weston
this 30th day of September 1833.
(Signed) J. Talbott Clk.
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October 15, 1934
xxxxxx
John Sims-S. 7518
BA-J/AWF
Mrs. Frank T. McFarland
1230 W. High Street
Lexington, Kentucky

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of John Cassel of Maryland; Coonrad Coon of Virginia, later West Virginia; Hosey Daughters of Delaware; Isaac Israel, Captain of the 8th Virginia regiment; Jacob Morris of Sussex County, Delaware; and John Sims of Virginia, later West Virginia.

You were advised, July 13, 1934, that this office is unable to furnish the record of a soldier of the Revolution, unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States, based upon his service in that war, and that a search of the records failed to show such claims on file on account of the Revolutionary War services of any Hozey Daughters, under any spelling.

A search of the records fails to show claims for pension or bounty land on file, based upon the Revolutionary War services of John Cassel of Maryland; Coonrad Coon of Virginia (West Virginia); Jacob Morris of Sussex County, Delaware; or of any Isaac Israel.
These names have been searched under various spellings.

The record of John Sims of Virginia (West Virginia) which follows were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7518, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

John Sims applied for pension, September 27, 1833, then a resident of Lewis County, Virginia,
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where he had lived since 1819. He stated at this time the following-

He was born February 12, 1755 in Culpeper County, Virginia, and in 1769 moved to Augusta County, Virginia, names of his parents not given. While residing in said Augusta County, he enlisted about the middle of June, 1777, served as a private and Indian Spy at various times in the Virginia militia, under Captains John Hopkins, Arbuckle, Joseph Bell, Thomas Rankins, Patrick Buckhannan, Given, McKitrick, Colonels Dickenson, Hugart, Stricker, Skillernall, that he was stationed at several forts on the Greenbrier River, was in the battle of Hotwater, surrender of Cornwallis, and continued to serve until in September, 1782.

He was allowed pension for two years service as private in the Virginia Troops.

Upon an examination of his claim by the United States District Attorney, his name was dropped from the pension rolls, March 16, 1835, as it was found that he was too young to have rendered service in the Revolution.

The wife of John Sims informed the U.S. District Attorney, that his mind had been impaired by a fall from a horse, and that he had been deceived and imposed upon by some one, who had influenced him to make the statement as to his service in the Revolution. 

The family of John sims is referred to in 1835 no names given nor is the name of his wife stated; also, reference was made in 1835 to one John Sims, who had been dead many years, his relationship to the family not stated.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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Rev War 7518
INVALID.

File No. 7518
John Sims
Priv Rev War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. 1st, Page 342
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1934 - Oct. 25 - Hist to Mrs. Frank T McFarland
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Report in the case of
John Sims
a Pensioner
Frand
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John Sims, age 78, served two years a pensioner of Lewis County

The  evidence collected in reference to this pensioner all want to prove  that he 
had been dead for may years and is thought unnecessary to report this evidence after it was taken.  I fell in with the “John Sims” who is drawing a pension.  I saw him at his time on the first day of July.   He is between fifty/sixty years old, his mind is increasingly weak almost an idiot.   His wife said his mind has been impaired by falling from a horse.  I learned from this mans family that he has been deceived and imposed on by James Bennett (Member elect of the Virginia State of Delegates) who calls at his home.  Took him from home and used influences and advice of his family, also provided him to swear to a Declaration setting forth that he had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  Then he Bennett has gotten  him a pension__ had retained one hundred and ninty file dollars. The money draw on his certificate.  We shall be able to prove by a number of witnesses that Bennett knew all about this mans weak state of mind as well as his ego,   Bennett has lived all his life in the same neighborhood with Sims and has __him from his first recollections.  And must have known at the time that he can engage in financing him a pension that he is not entitled.   
Respectfully Reported
W Edingleton
Special Agent
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Lexington, Ky., September 22, 1934

Mr. A D Miller
Washington DC

Thank you so much for your kindness.  I am trying to trace some of my ancestry but it seems almost a hopless thing.
This Nozey Daughters (Nosea Darters) was a private in the 10th Reg, Dagsbury Hundred , Del. Militia but I do not know what War it was. This is what I am trying to find out.   I thought it was the Rev tho perhaps it was the War of 1812 tho I do not think so.  The record I found was dated 1803.   He must have been living about that time for he was the maternal grandfather of my gradmother and she was born in 1820.  

John Sims and Coonrad Coon both lived in Harrison Co., Va.  Now W Va.   Each of them had Land  Grants there.   I have that record.  These lands were taken in 1772.   Both spent all their lives in Harrison  County.   On page 402 in the Report of Sec. of War (1835) in Relation to the Pension Establishment of U.S. Vol. 2 .   That is my John Sims.

In the List of Rev Soldiers of Va Vol. 1 by N.J. Eckenrode is found Conrad (Coonrad) Coon) Pitts  21.    As you know that reference to Fort Pitt.   That is my Coonrad Coon.   Both John Sims and Coonrad Coon must have been born around 1750-60

On page 236 of Neitman’s is an Isaac Israel who is also my ancestor.   He was Capt. of 8th Va Reg.  He also lived in Harrison Co.

Now, John Cassel lived in Prince George’s County, Md.  His name appears from that county in the first Census record.   He was a soldier of the Revolution.  His daughter was my great gradmother and she was born in 1775 so he must have been born around 1750, too.  Died in Md

Each of the above mentioned men were parents of my greatgrandparents.

Do you have the name of Jacob Morris of Sussex Co. Del.   He is another one.   He was the son of Capt. William Morris.   One Jacob Morris was a member of the Delaware “Flying Camp”.   He was born about 1758 and died 1841 in Sussex Co., Del.

Thanking you again for your invaluable assistance,  I am 
Most cordially yours,
Leona M McFarland
(Mrs. Frank T. McFarland)
1830 W. High St.
Lexington, Ky