Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 2218, William Wilson, N.C.
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(8-1776)
SERVICE NUMBER
N.C.    Wilson, William    W2218
Rachel
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13332
Jonesborough Agency
Tennessee
William Wilson
of Cartertownship in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Hoskins in the Regt commanded
by Colonel Sevier in the North Carolina
line for
Inscribed in the roll of Jonesborough
at the rate of 70 Dollars ____ Cents per annum.
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16 day of M [page torn away]
1833 and Sent to Hon
J Blair Jonesborough
Arrears to the 4th of March                 140.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept     35.00
                                                               $175.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by N Daniel Bay S Clerk,
Book 6 Vol. 76 Page 136
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n A. Johnson May 19/53 [ stricken through]
Mildred Nov 21. 1852
5 
Tennessee
Rachel Wilson
widow of William Wilson
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private
North Carolina Mil
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
70 Dollars 00
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
25th day of April 1850
and sent to
Hon A. Johnson
Honn of Refs
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February [ stricken through] July 29 1848, Page 187 Vol. 1
Book A
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State of Tennessee
Carter County Circuit Court September [illegible] 1832
On this 17th day of September 1832 personally 
appeared in open Court, before the honorable Samuel
Powell one of the Judges & now holding [said crossed through] the
Circuit Court in and for said county, William
Wilson, a resident of the County of Carter and
State of Tennessee aged seventy two years who
being first duly 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 into the service of the 
United States under the following named officers
and served as herein stated.
That sometime in the 
month of June 1779 (as well as he can remember) he
volunteered in the company commanded by Captain
Ninian Hoskins, and was at that time a citizen of
Washington County, North Carolina, (now Carter & Washington
Counties in Tennessee)That after he volunteered as
above stated, His company joined Colonel John Sevier 
at a point on Doe River about half a mile above the 
place where Elizabethton now stands. That from thence
he marched under Col Sevier - as his superior officer thro
the wilderness, to French Broad River, and after crossing
it, they went to Boyd's Creek five miles distant and was
there attacked by the [crossed through] Cherokee Indians, Col
Sevier's forces at that time amounted to about two hundred
and fifty,  and the number of Indians is not known
by the affiant. The engagement continued about half
an hour and the Indians were completely routed. The
number of Indians in killed and wounded was
not accurately ascertained,  but sufficient to be about
eighty. None of the whites were killed as well as he
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recollects - tho a few were wounded. Affiant states that
at the time he was acquainted with Captain Robert Brown?
in addition to the officers above named.
After the engagement
above described and during the time Col Sevier's
force remained on the battleground, an express was 
received from Col Arthur Campbell of Virginia instructing
Col Sevier not to proceed any further into the Indian
Country (as was his original design) until Col Campbell
should come up with him. Col Sevier accordingly went 
back about five miles, and encamped five days in an 
Island situated in the French Broad River waiting for
the arrival of Col Campbell, where the troops, during that
time, were without food. On the fifth day Col Campbell
joined Col Sevier, with about five hundred and fifty
men from Virginia under his command and on the 
day following Colonels Campbell and Sevier began their
march for the Indians. The same day they arrived at the  Big
Island Town, an Indian village on the Tennessee River, which
was burnt, and a great number of the Indians killed and
taken prisoner. They then marched into the Indian country
further and destroyed all of the Indian towns in sweeping
amounting to thirteen in number. Among others they destroyed
the following towns, to wit, Tellico, Chota, Cowee, and
others whose names are not now recollected. Chilhowee
was the last Indian town burnt. The whites were engaged
eight days before that town with the Indians before a 
successful attempt was made at firing it. About
one hundred and fifty Indians, including women and 
children, were taken prisoners, during this  excursion,
and after the battle of Chilhowee, they were taken to 
Long Island, in the Holston River, and left by Colonels
Campbell & Sevier, until after the treaty of Long Island
when they were exchanged. So soon as the prisoners were
left at Long Island, the troops were disbanded and
affiant returned home. He was out on this occasion
three months  - but never recieved a regular discharge.
After remainingat home about four days, he
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again volunteered under Captain James Roddy and came
to the place where Elizabethton now stands where he joined
Col. Sevier who had about three hundred men under his
command, and marched over to Yellow Mountain and thu
North Carolina, into South Carolina, where he joined General
Francis Marion, at a point low down on the Santee
River, in the swamps. His Lieutenant on the occasion was
by the name of Ford, and he knew Col Charles Robinson
and captain Bean. He remained with General Marion
until the termination of the Revolutionary War a period 
of about two years, and during this time was occupied in
roving about the swamps of Santee under his command, and
in occasionally volunteering for these excursions which
were made by Marion's men from their hiding place. He
was present when one hundred and one prisoners surrendered
to Major Walton at the two and twenty mile house,  which
was a British hospital. He was also present when the 
firing had commenced between Marion's men & the British
near Charleston,  and when a British Dragoon, who
was a dissenter, came up and informed Marion that
the British had nearly surrounded his army. Marion, perceiving
the statement to be correct,  gave orders to his men
to retreat,  and affiant was among those who retreated
back to the Swamps of Santee & crossed that river the
same evening - Col Sevier did not remain all the time
with Marion, but Col. Robinson, Captains Roddy,  and
Bean, & Lieutenant Ford, continued there as long as affiant
did, and when the news came that the war had
ended, affiant was marched home under Lieutenant
Ford.-
Affiant was born in  1759 or 60 in Amelia County
Virginia, an d came to this country when he was quite small
and haas resided here ever since.  The place of his residence
was at the time of the Revolution a part of Washington
County, North Carolina,  and since the establishment of
Tennessee, included in the County of Carter.  He has no record
 of his age, and no documentary evidence by which
to establish the truth of his claim. He knows of no
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pension whose testimony he can procure who can testify
to his service except his brothers Joseph and John Wilson
who both volunteered at the same time he did, and who
both served with him during the greater part of the time
mentioned in this statement and their affidavit is hereinto 
annexed. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present and
declares that his name is not on the pension roll
of the agency of any state to his knowledge
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid in open court
William Wilson (X, his mark)
Out A. M. Carter elk
By Wm B Carter DC 
State of Tennessee
Carter County Circuit Court September Tenn 1832
Joseph Wilson aged 74 years and John Wilson
aged 76 years,  both citizens of the county and state aforesaid,
make oath that they have heard the foregoing affidavit of
William Wilson read and know of their own knowledge
that all the material facts therein stated are true. They
volunteered at the same time and place mentioned by their
brother William, under the same officers and performed the
same services he did in the Indian War. They both volunteered
 at the same time and place stated by them both.
and under the same officers when they went to South
Carolina. John Wilson continued with William during
the whole time he remained with Marion's army,  and
knows of his own knowledge that William served as he
states  - Joseph Wilson volunteered at the same time
William did,  and went with him and John as stated
in the foregoing affidavit, to South Carolina, and joined
Marion's army,  but was absent then from a part of
the time serving under Col Charles McDowell in
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South and North Carolina, He however believes 
that William Wilson served as he states, during his
absence, and knows that while he continued with
him he served as he alleges.
Jhon Wilson
Joseph Wilson X his mark
Sworn to &subscribed this
14th September1832 in open Court
Out M Carter elk
By Wm B Carter DC
Mr. Green Moore and Abel Dugger (there
being no clergyman resident in William Wilson's
neighborhood) hereby certify that as one well acquainted
with William Wilson who had subscribed
and sworn to the above declaration 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. We also further
certify that we are acquainted with Joseph Wilson
 and John Wilson whose certificate accompanies
this affidavit of Williams, that they have always
so far as they know, been reputed in the neighborhood
where they live,  and believed to have been soldiers 
of the revolution: that we concur in that opinion
and believe their statements entitled to credit.
Moore/ A Dugger [at RH margin]
Sworn to and subscribed 
in open court 14 Sept 1832 
Out A. M. Carter elk
By Wm B Carter DC
And the said Court do hereby declare
their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and 
after putting the interrogations prescribed by the
War Department that the above named applicant
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William Wilson was a Revolutionary soldier and
served as he states. And the Court further certifies
that it appears to them that Green Moore and
Abel Dugger who have signed the preceeding
Certification are residents in the County of Carter and
are credible persons and that their statement is one
titled to credit. 
S. Momes Jury of the [illegible]
County of the State of Tennessee
I Alfred M. Carter Clerk of the Circuit
Court of the County of Carter and State aforesaid
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original 
proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the 
application of William Wilson for a pension. In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private
seal (there being no seal of office) this 19th
day of September 1832.
A.M. Carter elk
By Wm B Carter DC
I John Blair, Representative in Congress
from the first Congressional District of Tennessee, do
hereby certify that Alfred M. Carter is Clerk of the
Circuit Court of Carter County: that  Wm. B. Carter is
his deputy: that I am acquainted with the hand writing
of ths said Wm B Carter and believe the above signature
to be his. September 19th 1832.
John Blair (signature)
William Wilson Affidavit 13.523
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Mar 4 32[?]
Rachel Wilson
Ten
M Alli
Hon A. Johnson
HR
A
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State of Tennessee
Johnson County To wit
Be it known that before me Green
Moore an acting Justice of the Peace in and for
the county aforesaid personally appeared Rachel
Wilson, and made oath in due form of law that
she is the widow of  William Wilson deceased who
was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States
that she was married to the said William Wilson
on the ___________ day of February 1784 by B Wilson
Esq a Justice of the Peace for then the county of 
Washington State of North Carolina by the publication  
of bans(?) that she does not believe there
ever was any record evidence of her said marriage 
except in the family bible of her father, that
her father afterward moved to the State of South 
Carolina and carried the bible with him, that the
bible fell into the hands of one of the family who moved
thence to Georgia and of whom she now has no information
whatever. She also further swears that she
does not know of or believe that there is any person
living who was present at her marriage
by whom she could prove the same: and that 
she lived with her husband from the time of 
her marriage up to the day of his death in
September 1847 esc
 Rachel Wilson (X her mark)
Sworn and Subscribed this 25th February 1869 before me
G Moore J.P.
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State of Tennessee, Johnson Count
Be it known, that on this 1st day of March
A.D. 1849, before me Green Moore on acting Justice
of the Peace in and for said County, personally
appeared Jacob Shrimp who is a credible witness
and being legally sworn says that he is well acquainted
with Rachel Wilson who is the widow
of William Wilson (a Revolutionary Soldier) that
he knows her to be the widow of the said Wm
Wilson that she has never married since the
death of her husband. He further swears that he
became acquainted with said Rachel Wilson &
William Wilson her husband in the year one
thousand seven hundred and ninety four, that
they were then living together as husband and wife
and had three children : that although he does not
KNOW of their marriage (it having taken place before
settled in the country) he believes the fact of their
marriage to be without question or doubt. He also
further swears that he is disinterested
Jacob Shrimp (signature)
Sworn and subscribed
the date above
before me
G. Moore J.P.
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State of Tennessee
Johnson County
On this twenty fifth day of May A.D. 1848 personally appeared
before me Green Moore a Justice of the Peace in and
for the county aforesaid Rachel Wilson a resident of said
County of Johnson aged eighty five years, who being first duly
sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following
declaration, in order to obtain the benefits of the provisions
made by the act of Congress passed on the 2nd February 1848 granting
pension to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary 
War ; that she is the widow of William Wilson
who was a private in the army or militia of the Revolution
from North Carolina now Tennessee,  that she cannot now 
state the number or officer of his Regiment by reason of
her great age and lack of memory; that her husband the said
William Wilson drew a pension of seventy dollars per
annum in his lifetime and died on the 27 day of
September 1847; that his declaration in order to obtain
his pension and all the other evidence of his service she presumes
are now on file in the Department and to which she
would refer in further proof of her claim.
She further declares that her marriage took place before
the 1st day of January and thousand seven 
hundred and ninety four and that she is still
a widow.
Rachel Wilson X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed this date first above
written before me G Moore
J. Peace
Witness present Hon A. Johnson
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State of Tennessee, Johnson County
I Green Moore and acting Justice of the Peace in and 
for the county above named,  do hereby certify that
I am well acquainted with Rachel Wilson  who
has this day appeared before me and sworn to her
declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the 
act of Congress passed the 2nd February 1848 to enable
the widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary
War to obtain pensions, and know her to be
the widow of William Wilson who was a Revolutionary
pensioner, and a person of credibility
Given under my hand a seal this twenty sixth day
of May 1848
G Moore J.P.

 State of Tennessee
I Archibald Bradforte Clerk
of the County for the county of Johnson, State of Tennessee do hereby
certify that  Green Moore Esq. whose name appears to
the two foregoing certificates is an acting Justice of the 
Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and
qualified as such, and that his signature is in his
own proper  hand writing. In witness whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office of
office in Taylorsville this 26th of May A.D. 1848
A. Bradforte Elk
By P. Sharp D.C.
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February 25, 1959
XXX:XXXXXX:XXXX
William Wilson
W.2218
BA-J/MLB
Mrs. Susie Wilson Miller
Monmouth
Kansas
Dear Madam;
You are furnished herein the record of William Wilson as found
in the claims for pension on file under W. 2218, based upon his
service in the Revolutionary War.
William Wilson was born in 1759 or 1760 in Amelia County, Virginia
and while still small he moved to that part of Washington County, North 
Carolina which later became Carter County, Tennessee. The names of
his parents were not given.
While a resident of Washington County, North Carolina, William
Wilson volunteered in June, 1779, served three months as private in
Captain Ninian Hoskins' company, Colonel John Sevier's North Carolina
regiment, marched to French Broad River and was in an engagement with
the Cherokee Indians at Boyd's Creek. in which many Indians were killed
and wouned and their towns burned. He then returned home and after
remaining at home about four days, again volunteered and served seven
tours of three months each as private in Captain James Roddy's company,
under Colonels John Sevier and Charles Robertson in the North Carolina
troops and marched home under Lieutenant Ford. William Wilson's two
brothers, John and Joseph Wilson, served with him during the greater
part of his service.
William Wilson was allowed pension on his application executed
September 17, 1832,  at which time he was living in Carter County,
Tennessee. He died September 27, 1847.
The soldier married in February,  1784, in Washington County,
North Carolina, Rachel ________. The date and place of her birth,  her
maiden name,  or the name of her parents are not shown. They were
married by one B. Wilson, Justice of the Peace for Washington County,
whose relationship to soldier's family was not stated. Rachel's father
later moved to South Carolina,  and one of her family went to Georgia,
their names not designated.
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Rachel Wilson was allowed pension on account of the service of
her husband, William, on her application executed May 25, 1848, at
which time she was aged eighty-five years and a resident of Johnson
County, Tennessee. She died November 21, 1852.
It was stated that William Wilson and his wife, Rachel, had
three children in 1794, their names not given, and no further
reference was made to children.
In 1832,  William Wilson's brother, John, was aged seventy-six
years and his brother, Joseph, was aged seventy-four years, both
living in Carter County, Tennessee.
In order to obtain date of last payment of pension and name and
address of person paid, you should write to the Comptroller General
General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the
following data: Rachel Wilson, widow of William, certificate #560,
issued April 25, 1850, rate $70 per annum, commenced March 4, 1848,
Act of July 29, 1848, Tennessee Agency.
Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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1919 Janry. 3. Hit. to Ben Whitlock letter
in W. 6540 John Wilson. ¢.
1939 Feb. 25 Hist. to Mrs. Persie Wilson Miller ML
Rev.
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 2218
Rachel Wilson
Widow
William Wilson
Pri. Rev. Wan.
Act: July, 29, 1848
Index:____Vol. M. , Page 336.
[Arrangement of 1870]
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G. Moore, Esq.
July 25, 48,
Act 11 July 47,
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359
Pension Office
July 25, 1848
Sir,
Since the date of my letter to Hon. A.
Johnson, the papers of Wm Wilson have been found
but before Mrs Wilson can be placed on
the pension roll proof of her marriage &c
must be furnished according to the enclosed
rules and regulations.
Jane &c
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N.
Rachel Wilson
widow of William
Tennessee
Johnson Co.
Admitted
Pr----- $70 per
annum 4 March
1848 under[?] at
19 July 1848
Hon A. Johnson
WR
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Hon. A. Johnson,
May 19/53
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255
Pension Office
May 19 1853
Sir
I herewith return the letter of [illegible]
Butte and have the honor to inform
you that William Wilson of
Tenn claims to have entered the
service in 1779 or 1780 and served
until 1781. No one can be pensioned 
under the Act of 1828 after 
the passage of the Act of 1832. Wilson
was not entitled under the act of 1828
because he did not enlist [illegible illegible]
during the war and serve to the end
of the war. For the same reason he
was not entitled to land from the 
Federal Government.
Hon A Johnson
Greenville Tenn
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Andrew Johnson
June 20. 48
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96
Pension Office
June 20. 1848
Sir,
I have examined and filed the
papers in the case of Rachel Wilson,
widow of William Wilson, of Tennessee.
She claims a pension under the act of 
February 2 1848 and alleges that her
husband drew a pension of $70 per
annum: but no such person's
name can be found on the pension 
roll. We cannot allow her
claim upon her present statement.
There is something wrong about the 
case. I [illegible]
Act 2 Feb. 1848
susp. cases
No 1
Andrew Johnson
House of Rep
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Taylorsville, T
Jul 15
From G. Moore
[illegible]
Hon. J.L.Edward
Comsr of Pensions
Washington De
D.C.
Page 26

Taylorsville, T. July 15th 1848
Dr Sir
Some time since I forwarded to the Hon
A. Johnson of the House of Rep. the application of
Rachel Wilson of this state for pension under the 
act of July last, since then he has forwarded
me your notes of the 20th June last in which
you say that "no such person's name (W. Wilson)
can be found in the Pension Roll; and that there 
must be something wrong in the case. I have
now before me the original Certificate given
at the War Department the 16th May 1833
and signed Lewis Cass secr war - examined
and countersigned J.L. Edward Commissioner
of Pensions. On the back of the Certificate
endorsed, "Recorded in Pension office, in Book
E. Vol. 7 Page 133 by Daniel Bage Clerk - The
figure 7 is somewhat defaced & may have been 
intended for a one. If required  the certificate
will be forwarded or any other testimony
I know all is right.
Honorable
G. Moore
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William Wilson
from 1779 private
21 months, $70.
Amended Pension Claim
Hon J. Blair
Hon R
Nelson Ergs
Elizabethton 
E. Tenn
Page 30

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.