Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 37802, William Burke, Continental Va.
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Service. Continental Va.
Burke, Willam or Burk
Number. S.37802 B.L.Wt. 1353-100
Contents
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Letlo T. AT Reily
14 July 34
Notification Seal July 1820
June 23 1826 A.B Lemuel Bent [illegible]
Winchester Virginia

1,307
Virginia.
William Burke, Capt Brian Private, Virginia line 4 In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the roll of Virginia at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 20. of May 1818.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30.th of June, 1818 and sent to the care of Hugh Holmes, Esqi, Winchester, Virginia.
Arrears to 4th of Septem. 1818. $:28-
3 months, 15/30 $28
{Revolutionary claim, Act 18th March, 1818}
7 Years
[illegible] Z
Frederich Co
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Virginia
 As a court continued and held for Frederich County the 6th day of August 1828. Ordered that it be certified that Margaret Kremer wife of Peter Kremer of the corporation of Winchester in this county is the daughter and only heir of William Burke late of the said corporation deed and formerly a soldier in the Revolutionary War.
I Thomas Allen Tidball [illegible] of the court of the county aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoins is a true transscript from the records in my office.
   In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and offered the seal of said county the 14th day of August 1828.

T.A. Tidball
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S.V. Niles, Esq
Genl. Land Office
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Land warrt. w. 1353, for 100 acres (illegible) aug 19th. 1828, to Maragaret Kreemer, daughter and only heir at law of Wm Burke as private of the Virginia line

Mr. Niles will please state whether the above mentioned warrant has been satisfied, and if so, to whom the patent was sent

Pension Offices
aug. 4th. 54

The warrant above stated was satisfied by the
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District of Virginia, 88.
On this 31st day of March 1818, before me the subscriber, one of the Judges of the (illegible) court said district, personally appeared William Burk aged sixty years, president in (illegible) county in the said district, who being by me first duly sworn, according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the provision made by the late act of Congress, entitles "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and the naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war:" That he, the said William Burk enlisted in the fall of 1776 in the state of Virginia in the company commanded by Captain (Illegible) of the Land state 11th Regiment Virginia line; that he continued to serve in the said corps, or in the service of the United States until the end of the war, when he was discharged from service in Richmond sate of Virginia, that he was in the battles of () and that he is in reduced circumstances, and istands in need of the assistance of his country for support; and that he has no other evidence now in his power of his said services.
Sworn to and declared before me, the day and year aforesaid. Hugh Holmes.
I, Hugh Holmes Judge, &c. as aforesaid, do certify, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said William burk sis serve in the revolutionary war, as stated in the preceding declaration, against the common enemy, for the term of nine months, on the continental establishment; and I now transmit the proceedings and testimony taken and had before me, the Seretary for the Department of War, Pursuant to the directions of the aforementioned act of congress.
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Oath and Declaration
William Burke
1307
Sept 1818
Sent to
Lemuel Bent
(illegible)
Va July 10. 1820
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Virgina,
 
At a court held for the corporation of Winchester, the 30th day of June 1820.
Corporation of Winchester is.
On the 30th day of June 1820. personally appeared in open court, being a court of record for said corporation, William Burk aged sixty three years, resident in the said corporation of Winchester, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War, in the company commanded by Capt. Brian Brain in the Regiment commanded by Colo. Daniel Morgan in the Virginia line, from which he was transferred to the region of cavalry commanded by Lieut. Colo Henry Lee, and that he hath received a certificate for a pension which is not numbered, but which is signed by J. C Calhoun Secretary of War, and is dated the 20th day of May 1818. And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident (illegible) of the United States on the 18th day of March 1818, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the (illegible) of an act of congress entitled "one act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the Revolutionary War, (illegible) on the 18th day of March 1818; and that I have not, nor has any person in trust for one, any property or securities, contracts, or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is, contained in the schedule hereto (illegible), and by me subscribed, (illegible): 
 One table, one chair, and some benches, a few earthen cups, plates and dishes, one chest three or four knives and forks, a pail, a skillet, except necessary clothing and bedding.
William his x mark Burk
I have no occupation being (three illegible words), and utterly incapable of any kind of labour nor have I any family residing with me except my wife, who is also sixty three years of age, and able to do but very little work indeed all her time is employed in taking care of me.
William his x mark Burk
Sworn to and declared this 30th day of June 1820. before me Obed Waite Mayor of the said Corporation and in open court.
Obed Waite Mayor

I Lemuel Bent clerk of the court of the corporation aforesaid in Virginia, do hereby certify that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto (illegible) are truly (illgible) the (illegible) of said Court and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is five dollars.
In testimony hereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said court, on this 30. day June. 1820
Lem. Bent CLK of the Court of the Corporation of Winchester.
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(illegible) all men by these presents that Margaret Kremer and of the court of (illegible),  state of Virginia, do hereby (illegible) our (affair?) then A.T. Riley, Winchester Va.
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
AWF:MLB

July 14, 1930

Mrs. W. H. Matthew
824 Jackson Street
Gary, Indiana

Dear Madam:

I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 37802, it appears that William Burke or Burk enlisted in the State of Virginia in the fall of 1776, and was a private in Captain Peter Bryant Bruin's company, Colonel Daniel Morgan's Eleventh Virginia Regiment. He was transferred May 1, 1781 to Colonel Henry Lee's Partisan Legion and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of White Plains, Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, Buford's Defeat, Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs.

He was allowed pension from October 10, 1808 on account of disability incurred while in the service. The nature of this disability is not shown. 

He relinquished this pension and was allowed pension on his application executed March 31, 1818 while a resident of Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia and was aged sixty years.

In 1820 he referred to his wife as aged sixty-three years, but did not give her name.

He died January 23, 1826 in Winchester, Virginia.

Mrs. Margaret Kremer, the wife of Peter Kremer, was a resident of Winchester, Virginia in 1854 and stated that she was the daughter of the soldier. There is no further reference to children. 

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
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37802
INVALID
File No. 37802 [or 87802]
William Burke
Pri Rev War
Act: 18 March 18
Index:- Vol. 2, Page 68
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[on facing page, vertical near binding]
1930 July 14 - Hist to Mrs. W.H. Matthew
1937- Dec 10 - “     “  Miss Emily R. Burke
Page 12

I do certify that William Burk has served as a soldier in Partizan Ligion commanded by Lee from the 11th day of March 1781 for which time has received no pay from the said Ligion given under my hand this 12th day of August 1783
Wm Winston Leed
Lees Ligion
Corporation of Winchester towit
Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said Corporation Conrad [illegible] and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God that the above is a true copy of the original sworn to before me this 2 d day of oct 1817
[perhaps Josh or Jub] Baker
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I do certify that William Burk has served as a soldier in Partizan Legion commanded by Lee from the 11th day of March 1781 for which time has recd no pay from the said Ligion given under my hand this 12th day of August 1783.
Wm Winston Leut.  Lees Legion a copy

[added in lower left corner of document]
I hereby certify to have had the original of this certificate during my service in Congress [symbol probably for ‘and’] am not certain in what manner it was disposed of. John Smith
[illegible] Virga-october 2nd 1817.
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Frederick family Sct.
James Thompson this day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County  aforesaid and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty that William Burke of the Town of Winchester enlisted as a soldier in the Revolutionary War under Capt Peter Bryan Bruin in the fall of the year 1776 and that he served in the 11th Regt with this deponent, and that he was enlisted for and served during the War.  Given under my hand the 4th day of March 1816.
John Bell
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Virginia Frederick County to wit
Personally appeared before me the subscribe a Justice of the peace for said county. William Ball of the Corporation of Winchester and made oath on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God Deposeth and Saith that he knew and was well acquainted with William Burk of the said Corporation in the years 1781 .. 1782 and 178[3?] at the end of the war when he the said Burk was  regularly discharged from Collonel Lees Ligion as a soldier in the Revolutionary War and further this deposant saith not.
William Ball

Sworn before me [illegible signature, perhaps J. Tidbale or Tidball]
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Pension Office July 19, 1854
Sir; In reply to your letter of the 15th last, I have to inform you that William Burke dec’d, was allowed an invalid pension at the rate of $40 per annum from the 11, Oct 1808 to the 11th April 1811, when it was increased to $[illegible, maybe $64] per annum, which he continued to receive until the 20 May, 1818, when he relinquished his invalid pension and was allowed $96, per annum under the act of 18 March 1818.  He received this amount per annum until his death, January 23, 1826.
He states in his declaration, that he enlisted in 1776, in Capt Bruin’s Company, Col Morgans Regt, from which he was transferred to the legion of Cavalry commanded by Col Henry Lee and served to the end of the war. No discharge is on file. His declaration is supported by the affidavits of Charles

[please note: a few numbers in this document were difficult to read, especially those that I transcribed as “6” based on context]
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Thos. A. T. Riely
Ansd. Augt 5th 1854
William Burke  Va. [illegible]
Sent certified copies of the Papers filed in the case of Wm. Burke
[numbers representing date or case number]
[initials, perhaps RW or Ril]
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Winchester Virginia
July 29 1854
Hon L P Waldo

Dr Sir
I have this moment received from your bureau a communication dated “July 27th” informing me that a “land warrant no 1353 for 100 acres paid on 19th August 1828 to Margaret Kremer, the daughter and only heir at law of Wm Burk dec’d, a soldier of the Virginia Continental line and was  sent to Col Jos Watson”-
I immediately informed Mrs [or perhaps Mar] Kremer of the result of application and was surprised to hear that she has never received any bounty land for his services and has she ever applied for land furthermore never has heard of such a man as Col Jos Watson who is said to have prosecuted the claim [and received] the warrant-
There is no doubt but that a poss [or prop] fraud has been practiced upon the department, and we are at a [illegible… perhaps..loss to ??] to commence [illegible]- If it is not contrary to the rules of the department, I wish you could
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Send the papers which were filed in the prosecution of the claim to the Post-Master in this place, so that I can see the magistrates name, witnesses & hand writing, and by comparing their with other signatures, as if there are any such men living about here as its witnesses, if so whether living be-
 There is not the slightest doubt in my mind of the fraud, and for the following reasons-
1st That Mar [or Mrs] Kremers testimony is well worthy belief. She has lived in this place for 50 years [illegible] are here who will certify, there is no one in the town [illegible] worthy of belief in any statement she may make
2nd That there never was such a man living about here as Col Jos Martin-
3rly That at the time of the application, Wm Burks widow was living and the application aught to have either been made in her name or she aught to have joined in it
4thly That I am satisfied Mar [or Mrs] Kremer never knew there was anything [illegible] until told by myself-
I really hope you will instruct me whats to be done for I am altogether [illegible]  - she aught not to lose it-
I am with respect  Thos A. T. Riely
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65.00
145.00
40.00
______
$250.00
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WAR DEPARTMENT

I CERTIFY that in conformity with An Act of Congress of the 3d. of March 1811, entitled, “An Act concerning Invalid Pensioners,” “William Burke”, is placed on the Pension List of the United States and Roll of the Virginia Agency at the rate of Two Dollars and Fifty cents per month, to “commence on the 10th day of October 1808.”

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 23d day of September 1811.

W. Eustis
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[illegible] Virginia
July 15th 1854

Hon L. P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir,

I have [illegible] investigation in your department in regard to the service of William Burke deceased. Mr. Burke was a pensioner of the United States up to the time of his death under the Act of Congress granting pensions to invalids. He was one of those [illegible] a full pension up to his death for having served during the [illegible] War.

Mrs. [illegible] the person who executed the foregoing power of Attorney, is his only child, and [illegible] file at the department, proving his service, in order that she may present a claim she has against the State of Virginia.

This is a very poor woman and I hope you will furnish the evidence which may aid her in the prosecution of the claim aforesaid. If from the evidence it is possible, you will please furnish the answers to the following questions.

1st What time did he [illegible] obtain his pension? How much was it? &c.

2nd The officer’s names under whom he served & how long his service? Whether in the Continental or State Line?

3rd What is the nature of the evidence on file? Whether his declaration for a pension? What they say? Viz. the evidence & the papers or affidavits, if so whose affidavits?

4th How long he drew a pension?
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The [illegible] the evidence of his disability? He [illegible] carnal place, damned badly, we want to know what is the evidence of [illegible]?
I really hope you will afford all facilities to you [illegible], for this is really very much in need of help. Being about 70 years of age, with nobody [illegible], withstand the common hardships of life - living upon the bounty of a charitable community.
[illegible] with great respect.
Yours truly,
Thos A.T. Riely
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Thomas A.T. Reiley
July 19 [markings]
Page 25

34 [top right corner]
Pension Office
July 19, 1854
Sir,
In reply to your letter of the 15th [illegible]. I have to inform you that William Burke, deceased, was allowed an invalid pension at the rate of $8 per annum from the 11th Oct 1813 to the 11th April 1814, when it was increased to $10 per annum, which he continued to receive until the 3rd May 1818, when he relinquished his invalid pension and was allowed $96 per annum under the act of 18th March 1818. He received this amount per annum until his death, January 23, 1831.
He states in his declaration that he enlisted in Capt. Brown's Company, Col. Morgan's Regt. in 1777, and was transferred to the Legion of Cavalry commanded by Col. Henry Lee and served to the end of the war. His discharge is on file. His declaration is supported by the affidavit of Charles.
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40 [top right corner]
Magill, John Smith, Wm Ball & John Bell
We have no evidence on the files of this office relating to his wounds, as the invalid papers were destroyed when the War Department was burnt in 1814.
Thomas A.T. Ridley, Esq
Winchester
Va
Page 27

I am called on by William Burke of Winchester Virginia, to certify my knowledge of his military engagements during the revolutionary war. 
I will recollect William Burke to have enlisted under Capt. Peter B. Bruin in the regt. Commanded by the late Genl. Daniel Morgan; this was early in the war, and was the first company raised in the regt. 
I recollect repeatedly during the war to have seen William Burke & always a solider, in his station I well remember him when the army was discharged. 
For many years William Burke has resided in Winchester, he was robust on his discharge from the army & maintained himself by his labor, of late he has become debilitated & his understanding much impaired, as I recollect him always considered by his officers as a gallant & faithful solider. I give this certificate with pleasure. 
Given under my hand this 7th day of March 1818.
John Smith
Of Virg.
I recollect that the above named William Burke was present in Captain Peter B. Bruin’s Company as late as the year 1776 and early in 1777 to serve during the Revolutionary War, from which company [rest of page illegible]
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[illegible] where after the remaining sometime I went into one of the Virginia State Regiments in which I served as a Captain and Major until April 1781 when I retired as a supernumerary army officer. In the month of March preceding, I left the American Army under the command of General Greene and joined the British Army under the command of Lord Cornwallis who were retreating from Guilford Courthouse after the general engagement which took place there (I think on the 15th of March) between the [illegible] armies, and I well recollect seeing the said William Burke in service with the troops under the command of General Greene’s command as a private in Colonel Lawson’s command as a private in Colonel Lawson’s corps before and after the action at Guilford Courthouse. Certified this 28th day of March 1818 by Cha. Magill
Fredrick County, Virginia
The aforesaid Charles Magill this day appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace for said county and made oath that the aforesaid certificate contains the whole truth, nothing but the truth, to the best of his knowledge recollection and belief. Given under my hand this 28th day of March 1818
[Illegible] Mcguin
Page 29

Will. Burke
N 1333
Page 30

State of Virginia
County of Fredrick
I, Thomas Allen Tidball, Clerk of the Court of the County of Fredrick, do hereby certify that George Reed Esquire, before whom the declaration [illegible] at the time of making and signing the same, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the County of Fredrick, duly commissioned and qualified as such, and to all his official acts as such, full faith and credit should and ought to be given. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and  affixed my seal of office, at Winchester in the County aforesaid, this 12th day of August, in the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight. 
T.A. Tidball
Enlisted in the fall of 1776 in Col. Morgan’s Virginia Regiment transferred to Col. Lee’s Legion Calvary served to the close of the war - aged 63 years no family resides with him except his wife who also is 63 years of age - gives at Winchester Virginia.
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I, Margret Kremer, wife of Peter Kremer of the town of Winchester in the County aforesaid, daughter and only heir at law of William Burke late of the said town of Winchester in the county of Fredrick and state of Virginia, but now deceased, do, upon oath, testify and declare, that to the best of my knowledge and belief the said William Burke was a trooper a private in the legion of cavalry commanded by Col. Henry Lee belonging to the Virginia line on continental establishment, during the Revolutionary War. I do further testify and declare, that I have never received a warrant from the United States for the quantity of land due the said deceased from the United States, nor do I believe that he ever received it, or transferred his right to it in any manner during his lifetime. 
Therefore, know all men by these presents, that I Margaret Krenner as aforesaid, do hereby constitute and appoint Col, Joseph Watson my true and lawful attorney, for me, in my name, to demand and receive from the Secretary of War of the United States, for the time being, a warrant for the quantity of land due in right of said deceased. And my said attorney is also hereby fully authorized and empowered to constitute and appoint, one or more substitutes or attorney’s under him, for the special purpose herein expressed, and the same to revoke at will. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of August A.D. 1828.
her
Margaret Kremer (seal)
mark
In presence of Leml Bent
Personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a justice of the peace, in and for the above named county, the above named Margaret Kremer, signed and sealed to the foregoing declaration and power of attorney and made oath in due form of law to the truth, and acknowledged the other, as her voluntary act and deed for the purposes therein named. Given to and subscribed and acknowledged before me this 7th day of August 1828.
Leml Bent
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State of Virginia 
County of Fredrick
	Personally appeared before the subscriber, a justice of the Peace, in and for the county aforesaid, Conrad Kremer and Lemuel Bent both credible and disinterested witnesses, being duly sworn, did depose and say, that they very believe that William Burke named in the within declaration, signed by Margret Kremer, served in the Virginia line, during the Revolutionary War. That they have understood that he died about two years and one half since, [illegible] on or about the 13th day of January 1828 within the town of Winchester in the county aforesaid leaving a widow, and that Margaret Kremer is the reputed and only heir at law of him the said William Burke. 
							Conrad Kremer
							Leml Bent
Sworn and subscribed before me this 7th day of August 1828
[illegible]
State of Virginia
Frederick County to wit:
Be it remembered, That on this day, to wit; the 7th day of August Anno Domini 1828, there has been adduced satisfactory proof before me, a justice of the peace of the county aforesaid by the deposition of Conrad Kremer and Lemuel Bent two credible witnesses, and other explanation and information submitted that Margaret Kremer who has made the declaration on oath, and Lemuel Frost two credible witnesses, and other explanation and information submitted that Margaret Kremer who has made the declaration on oath, and has published the power of attorney herewith connected, is a daughter and the only heir of William Burke late a private dragoon in the continental army of the Revolutionary War. It witness of all which, I have hereunto affixed my hand and seal official in my capacity of a justice of the peace this 7th day of August Anno Domini 1828.
[illegible] [seal]
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MRS. W.H. MATTHEW
824 JACKSON STREET
GARY, INDIANA
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington,
D.C.
Dear Sir: 
	I am mailing herewith some reference to a pensioner whom I believe to be a direct ancestor of mine. Kindly examine your records and give me your data on this man including: 
Date and place of enlistment;
Period of service;
Companies enrolled and served in;
Actions in which engaged;
Members of his family;
Death; When and Where. 
Very Respectfully, 
Mrs. W.H. Matthew
Page 34

6 Stat. at Large p.100
Chapter XLII - An Act concerning invalid pensioners. 
		(Approved March 3, 1811)
William Burke at the rate of two dollars and fifty cents per month, to commence on the tenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and eight.
Page 35

Wilmington, Delaware,
November 26, 1937.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Pension Office,
Washington, D.C.
Dear sir: 
	I wish to join the Daughters of the Revolution, and as it is necessary to prove that an ancestor served in the Revolutionary War, I am writing to ask if your Department can substantiate the family tradition that our ancestor, William Burke, was wounded at Valley Forge and received a pension from this government because of this injury.
	William Burke is said to have come to this country after a disagreement with King George 3rd in regard to the American Colonies. He was banished from England and was given a grant of land in the West Indies, provided he remained away from England and the Colonies. He forfeited this grant and came to America and fought in the Revolutionary War.
Page 36

I will appreciate it very much if you will advise me if you can furnish this information, and what the charge will be for doing it. 
I forgot to state that William Burke landed on an island in the Chesapeake Bay, then settled in Maryland, and it is supposed that he enlisted from Maryland.
Yours very truly,
(Miss) Emily R. Burke [signed]
1213 Scott St.,
Wilmington,
Delaware.
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December 10, 1937
William Burke 
S. 37802
BA-J/AWF
Miss Emily R. Burke
1213 Scott Street
Wilmington, Delaware
Dear Madam: 
The reference is made to your letter in which you request information relative to your ancestor, William Burke, who you state came to this country and landed on an island in Chesapeake Bay, settled in Maryland, served in the Revolutionary War, was wounded at Valley Forge and received a pension from the government because of this injury. 
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and the record of only one William Burke or Burk has been found, who received pension on account of disability incurred while in the service. 
This record is furnished herein as found in papers on file in pension claim, S. 37802, based upon disability and service of William Burke, War of the Revolution. 
The date and place of birth of William Burke were not given, not were the names of his parents stated. The name is shown also as “Burk”.
William Burke enlisted in the State of Virginia, in the fall of 1776, served as a private in Captain Peter Bryant Bruin’s company, Colonel Daniel Morgan’s Eleventh Virginia regiment, was transferred, March 11, 1781 to Colonel Henry Lee’s Partisan Legion, and continued in the service until the close of the war; during his service he was in the battles White Plains, Brandy-
Page 38

wine, Germantown, was at Valley Forge in April, 1778, and in the battles of Monmouth, Buford’s Defeat, Guilford Court House, and Eutaw Springs.
	The soldier, William Burke, was allowed pension from October 10, 1808, on account of disability incurred while in the service; nature of this disability is not stated.
	He relinquished this pension, was allowed pension on his application executed March 31, 1818, at which time he was sixty years of age and living in Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia. He stated in 1820 that his wife was sixty-three years old, but did not give her name, and there is no further reference to her.
	William Burke died January 23, 1826 in Winchester, Virginia.
	Mrs. Margaret Kremer, wife of Peter Kremer, was a resident of Winchester, Virginia in 1854, then aged seventy years, stated that she was the daughter of the soldier.
	Conrad Kremer in 1828 was of Frederick County Virginia; it was not stated that he was related to the family. 
	Should you find that this record is not that of the William Burke in whom you are interested, and will furnish some of the following data in regard to him, another search of the records will be made in your behalf - approximate dates of birth and death, and places of residence at enlistment and after service. 
	Very truly yours

	A.D. HILLER
	Executive Assistant
	to the Administrator