Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11576, for William Summerford, South Carolina
Page 1

(8-1776)

SERVICE                                         NUMBER

S. C.            Summerford William    W. 11576
                              Piety

Born in S. C.
____________________________________________
CONTENTS
Page 2

& Increase        No. 6306
Mississippi
____________________________
Piety Summerford
Widow of William Summerford
SC 
who served in the Revolutionary war,
as a Private.
___________________________
Washington City agency.
Rate 40 Dollars
   cents per annum.
Commencing 5th March 1861 End 26 July
Re-commencing 27th July 1868 at $96-/
____________________________________
Certificate dated November 4th 1869
and sent to Claimant
Care C. Dowed Smithville
"Atawamba Co" Miss
_______________________________
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 176 Vol 6
Anderman Sent
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order to pay May 26, 1857.
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the 6 April 1838 from 4 March 1837 to 4 Sept 1837. Agt. notified 6 July 1838.
____________________________________
Paid at the Treasury under the act of the1st April 1838 from 4 Sept1837 to 4 March 1838. Agt. notified 28 Dec 1838.
___________________________________
Paid as above from 4 Sep 1838 to 4 Sep 1839. Agt. notified 8 Sept 1840
_______________________________
Paid as above from 4 Sep 1839 to the 4th March 1840. Agent notified 30th Decr 1840
__________________________________________
South Carolina 12.818
________________________________
William Summerford
York Dist. in the State of South Car. who was a pri: in the company commanded by Captain 
Barnett of the Regt. commanded by Col. Hill in the York Dist. line for 12 months
__________________________________
Inscribed on the Roll of South Car: at the rate of 40 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
______________________________
Certificate of Pension issued the 29 day of May '33 and sent A. McWhorter
York. C. H. S. C.
___________________________________
Arrears to the 4th of March '33           80
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept.     20
                                                           $100

                              [Revolutionary Claim,]
                              [Act June 7, 1832.]
Recorded by Wm. Miller Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6. Page 80
Page 4

State of South Carolina]
York District]

On this 26th day of March 1833 personally appeared in open court before Richard Gantt one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting William Somerford (Summerford) a resident of York District, State of South Carolina, aged Seventy 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 I entered the Service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
That I was born in Kershaw District in the State of South Carolina in the year 1762.  That my father moved into York District in the State of South Carolina when I was a boy, that I have no record of my age.  That I was living in York District when called into the Services of the United States, and had resided there ever since, and resides in the same at this time.  That I was drafted and entered the Service of the United States under Capt. Jacob Barnett, and Col. William Hill, and Served on Turkey Creek, at a fort then known by the name of Rebels folly. That he served in this trip one month.  That I was again drafted and entered the Service, under Capt. Jacob Barnett and Genl. Thomas Sumpter, marched to Congaree fort in South Carolina, where we lay until driven from the fort by a body of British regulars sent from Camden, retreated to Belville.  Marched from Belville to Wrights Bluff near which we had a skirmish with the enemy.  Served in this trip one month,

(written up left side of page)
Wm. Summerford 25023
Page 5

That after he returned I enlisted and served with the state troops (10) ten months, under Capt. Barnett (who had also enlisted) and Col. Hampton (?) & Genl. Sumpter.  In this trip served part of the time in the low county in South Carolina, was sent by Genl. Sumpter to join General Waynes army near Savannah in Georgia, where I served out the balance of my enlistment, while with Waynes army.
I was commanded by a Capt. Moore.
I hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declare that my name is not on the pension role of the agency of any state. 
                                      William Summerford

Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid in open court.
                         AMcWhorter CCC/JP
                         R Gantt P. Judge

I Aaron Williams a clergyman Residing in York District State of South Carolina and Gordan Moore residing in the same state and District do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Somerford, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; That we believe him to be seventy years of age; That he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
                               A Williams
                               Gordon Moore
     Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid in open court.
       AMcWhorter CCC/JP

And the said court do hereby declare their opinion after this investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier
Page 6

and served as he states.  And the court for this certify that it appears to him that Aaron Williams who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the District of York, State of South Carolina and that Gordan Moore who has signed the same is a resident of York District, State of South Carolina and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.
                                    R Gantt


I Andrew McWhorter Clerk of the Court of Sessions and Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of William Somerford (Summerford) for a pension.
     In testimony thereof I have herewith set my hand and seal of office this 26th day of March one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and of the independence of the United States of America the fifty seventh.
                              A McWhorter
                                      CCC/CC

State of South Carolina]
York District] ss.
Personal examination of William Somerford (Summerford) made in open court before the Hon. Richard Gantt a Judge of the Court of Sessions & Common Pleas at York Court House, March term 1832.


Inter 1- Where and in what year were you born?
Answer I was born in Kershaw District, State of South Carolina according to the best of my knowledge in the year 1762.
Page 7

inter. 2.  Have you any record of your age; and if so, where is it?
Answer.  I have no record of my age.

Inter. 3.   Where were you living when called into Service, where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Answer.  I lived in York District South Carolina when called into Service.  I have lived there ever since and reside in the same at this time.

Inter. 4.  How were you called into the Service.  Were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute; and if a substitute for whom?
Answer.  I was twice drafted, enlisted once in the State troops but was never a substitute.

Inter. 5.  State the names of some of the regular officers, who were with the troops where you served such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your Service.
Answer.  I never was with the regular army, except with General Wayne near Savannah, my own officers were generally Capt. Jacob Barnet & General Thomas Sumpter, and others referred to in my declaration to which declaration, I would refer for the general circumstances of my Service.

Inter. 6.  Did you ever receive a discharge from the Service; and if so by whom was it given, and what has become of it.
Answer.  I never received any discharge from Service.

Inter. 7.  State the names of persons, to whom you are known in your present neighbourhnood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your Services as a soldier of the revolution.
Answer.  I can refer to all who know me, But would name as particular Revd. Aaron Williams and Gordon Moore.
                        William Summerford
Sworn to & subscribed in open court March 26th, 1833.
A. McWhorter CCC//CC
R. Gantt J. P.
Page 8

                Mrs. P. Summerton

         C. Dowd, agt.
             Smithville 
                    Miss
Page 9

The State of Mississippi]
County of Monroe]

On this 26th day of August AD 1851, before me John Bush a Justice of the Peace in and for the county and state above mentioned, personally appeared Mrs. Piety Summerford aged about sixty six years, a resident of the County of Itawamba in the State of Mississippi, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of William Summerford deceased, late of York District in the State of South Carolina who was a soldier in the war of the Revolution of the United States against Great Brittain; That she is unable to detail the particular services of her said husband, or to make any direct proof thereof, by any living witness within her knowledge, but presumes that the necessary and satisfactory proof of said services may be found on file in the archives of the Pension Department, accompanying his declaration and application for a pension made some fifteen or twenty years ago, and on which said application he was allowed a pension and which said pension he continued to receive for several years previous to his death.
     The further (illegible) that she was married to the said William Summerford, in York District in the State of South Carolina about the year 1811 or 1812 by one John L. Henderson, then a Justice of the Peace in said district, and that her name, before said marriage was Piety Dabbs; That her said husband, William Summerford died in said York District in the State of South Carolina some time in the year 1844 or 1845 and that she is still a widow, and has never married since.
     She makes this declaration for the purpose of
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of obtaining such Pension and arrange of Pension as she may be entitled to by law, by reason of the services and death of her said husband.
                                    her
                            Piety X Summerford
                                  mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date first above written.
                                  (no signature affixed)
                                  Justice of the Peace

The State of Mississippi]
County of Monroe]
Before me John Bush a Justice of the Peace for the county and state aforesaid, this day personally appeared Andrew Davison, aged about seventy years a resident of the aforesaid County of Monroe , & James Leach & Jos. Davison residents of the state aforesaid and County of Itawamba, persons whom I certify to be creditable witnesses, who being duly sworn agreeably to law declare that they were present and saw Mrs. Piety Summerford sign her name to the foregoing Declaration, that they resided near to and were well acquainted with said Piety Summerford and her husband William Summerford for many years in York District in the State of South Carolina, that the said Piety & William Summerford were reputed to have been lawfully married, and it was never questioned or doubted as they ever heard of, that they lived together as man and wife & raised a family of respectability, that the said William Summerford in the section of county where he resided (viz) York District, South Carolina, was reputed to have been a solider of the revolutionary war, and a pension of the United States for said service.  Said affiants did not see the said William Summerford after his death, but, but have information from sources unquestionable, that he died in York District South Carolina about the year 1844, that since the death of her husband the said Piety Summerford has removed to the County of Itawamba State of Mississippi
Page 11

into the same neighborhood with affiants, that she has not married since the death of her said husband and is still his widow.
     And also personally appeared at the same time and place, before me, a Justice of the Peace as aforesaid Abraham Summerford aged thirty three years, a resident of said County of Itawamba in the State of Mississippi who being also duly sworn according to law declares that he is the respected son of William Summerford Deceased late of York District in the State of South Carolina, and Piety Summerford, who signed the foregoing Declaration in his presence, That his same Father William Summerford, died in his presence in York District, South Carolina on or about the first day of April 1844 and that he saw him buried.  He further states that he resided with his said father and mother until he married, after which he resided within a few hundred yards of them until the death of his said father as aforesaid, after which he removed to the State of Mississippi and has lived near to his said mother ever since.
     He further states that his father, the same William Summerford rec'd a pension from the United States for several years before his death.
                                    Andrew Davison
                                    James Leach
                                    James Davison
                                    Abram Summerford
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 26th day
of August 1856.
             John Bush (seal)
             Justice of the Peace
Page 12

The State of Mississippi]
County of Monroe]

I W G Elkin Clerk of the Probate Court for the county and state aforesaid (which is a Court of Record) do hereby certify that John Bush Esq. before whom the foregoing Declaration and affidavit were made and whoes (whose) and whoes (whose) genuine signature appears to the certificates thereof, is and was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county, duly commissioned and qualified to all whoes (whose) official acts in the premises, full faith and credit is due and ought to be given; and I further certify that I have no interest in the claim and am not concerned in its prosecution.

                     Given under my hand and
                     seal of my office at Aberdeen
                     this 1st day of September 1856
                           William. G. Elkin Clerk
Page 13

The State of South Carolina]
York District]

I John G. Enloe Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions for the District aforesaid do hereby certify that there is no such record as a marriage Record kept in my office.  And I further certify that no such record is required by law to be kept.
      Given under my hand and Seal of Office at 
      York Court House this 22nd day of May Anno
      Domini 1856
                               John G. Enloe
                               CCCPls. & GS
Page 14

25023
William Summerford
S. C.
SC
Admit as (illegible)
12 mo $40.00

York District
S. C.
Page 15

                         WAR DEPARTMENT,
                                   Pension Office,
                                                                183

Sir:
     The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned.  The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form.  On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed.  The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done.  Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus:]).  You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
__________________________________________
A Statement, shewing the Service of William Summerford S. C.
__________________________________________
Period when the             Duration of the
service was rendered.   claimant's service.
                                 Years.  Months.  Days.
_____________________________________
1) drafted                                    1          -
2) again                                       1          -
3) then enlisted                           11        -
in State troops
_______________________________________________
Rank of the                Names and rank of the 
claimant.                    Field officers under
                                   whom he served.
____________________________________________
1) private                   Cap. Barnett Col. Hill
2)    "                            "         "    Genl. Sumpter
3)    "                            "         "   Col Hampton
______________________________________________
Age at present, and             Proof by which the
place of abode when           declaration is
he entered the service.         supported.
__________________________________________________1) 70                                    born in Kersham 
                                            D.St. entered in 
                                            York Dist. S. C.
                                            and now lives there
_________________________________________________
                                            Certificate of a 
                                            Clergyman and one
                                            Citizen 
                             I am respectfully,
                              Your obedient servant,
                                 J. L. EDWARDS,
                                 Commissioner of Pensions
Page 16


                           2
REGULATION UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are
also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claim
ing the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of
Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

                                                                  DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory or District of} ss.
County of                                 }

On this______day of_____personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of______in the county of _______and State, Territory or District
of_____aged_______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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)____, with  and
served in the_____ (e) regiment of the_____ line, under the following named officers:

(Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. ☞This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of
the Agency in the State of

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid._______________A. B.

[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.

I _____________of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of__________________ for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
________ day of _____________& c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out ___________

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:______________

(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____________ and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we   _____________      are well acquainted with ___________ , who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be ___________
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 days and year aforesaid.
[
And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

And the said Court do hereby declare their 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 the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the___________
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the __________
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.

I, ____________-Clerk of the Court of ____________ do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of ____________
for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this ______ day of      ____________ & c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission
; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are  know at the Department.  A very full account of  the service of each person
Page 17

3

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, 
and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. 
To a Solder.     } Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, 
and what has become of it?
To an Officer. } Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has be come of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify
as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper
county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record,
or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper
Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a
Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is
his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before
the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the
declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure,
taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period
of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the
opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the
claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so
definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the
loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason
of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his
recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:--For---year----months----, and ------------days  , I served as a --------- For -----------months and------- days, I served as a ------; and for such service I claim a pension."

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 is
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 place 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.

[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i ] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.
                                                                                     
                                                                                          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.
                                                                                        
                                                                                                    Proof of Service.
[j] 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.
☞ The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j]  applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l]  If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m]The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 18

(too faint to subscribe)
Page 19

Revy      WIDOW, & c. 
          ___________
File No. 115,576
Piety Summerford
            wid
William Summerford
Pri. Rev.
Act: Feb 3d/'53   July 27/86
Index: - Vol. BM, Page 254
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 20

C. Dowd, Mch/58
1858 April 21st Duplicate issued
and sent to C. Down, Smithville, Miss.
________________________________________
                   6306
Mississippi
__________________________
Piety Summerford,
widow of William,
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a private
______________________
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate 
of 40 Dollars 00 cents per annum,
to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
_________________________________
Certificate of Pension issued
21st day of Decr. 1857
and sent to
C. Dowd
Smythville, Miss.
______________________________
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under at
February 3, 1853, Page        Vol. H

(written up left side of page)
308989 B. Land - Let  Wm. H. Moore
Del: 5/10
Page 21

               No. 6481
Piety Summerford
widow of William -
Itawamba Co.
               Mississippi
Let. C. Dowd, Oct. 3, 1856
Page 22

               No., 6481
Piety Summerford
widow of
William Summerford
Dec    Pri
_______________
Itawamba Co. Miss.
Act 53

Committed for #40 per an.
Com: Feb 3d, 1853

C. Dowd
Smythville, Agent
Miss
Page 23

As teh applicant resides remote from any Post Office, the Hon. Secretary will please address.
                                C. Dowd
                                    Smithville
                                            Miss
Page 24

(addressed envelope)
                                           FREE
Commissioner of Pensions
               Washington City
                                  D.C.


Piety Summerford
Miss                               

notice sent
files Nov 13/56
D
Add 
sent Cir
Nov 13 1856
Page 25

                  Pension office, Sept. 24, 1856.

The Third Auditor will please certify the Date to which the within named pensioner was paid; and the name of his widow if she received (illegible)

                               Very respectfully
                                        B. Hood
                                       F Commissioner

3d Auditors office
Sept. 26, 1856

Sir:  Wm. Summerford, S. C. Act 1832 at $40 per annum appears to have been paid to 4 Sept, 1844.  The name of the widow is not known at this office. 
                       Very Respy
                          Wm Taylor
                          Acting Auditor


      Comm of Pensions

(there are several words on this page that are illegible)
Page 26

                 Department of the Interior.
                            __________________
Received July 26th, 1869.
Dated July 18th, 1869.
From C. Dowd.
Smithville, Monroe Co. Miss.
            ___________
Subject.
Transmits application for renewal of pension of Mrs. P. Summerford, widow of Wm., a Revolutionary soldier.
.......................................................................
                  Action.
July 26/'69
Resp'y referred to the Comm. of Pensions.
Gen. T. (illegible)

Registered, Pensions.
Filed, .........
Page 27

Brief in the case of Piety Summerford, widow of William, Itawamba County and State of Mississippi, Act 3d Feb, 1853.
__________________
Claim, ("original,")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

     Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance,
Husband was a pensioner at the rate of #40 per an. under the Act of 7th June, 1832.  Three witnesses testify to general reputation of marriage & cohabitation & that the parties raised a family of children.  Soldier died in March 1845 as appears by the affidavits of two credible witnesses & report of this Auditor of the Treasury.
                                 Widowhood & W Entity
(If for increase.)
     Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
Established by the testimony of five credible affiants.

C. Dowd, Esqr.                 S. C. (illegible)
  Smythville,                     Examining Clerk.
               Miss.
Name and residence of Agent
Page 28

Smithville Miss Feby 6th 1858

Commisr. of Pensions
     Dear Sir:  Some time in the latter part of the year 1855 or in the year 1856, I forwarded to your department the Declaration of Mrs. Piety Summerford, widow of Wm. Summerford who was a solider in the Revolutionary War.
     I need no acknowledgement of its receipt and consequently am ignorant of the No. it bares (bears).
     Under date of October 3d 1856 I received from the Commissioner, a letter stating that he had examined the papers transmitted in support of the claim of Piety Summerford for pension under the Act of Feby. 3d 1853, as the widow of Wm. Summerford; that Wm. Summerford was paid a pension to Sept. 4th 1844, and required additional evidence of marriage & c
     Additional evidence was prepared & forwarded and I afterwards received from the Commissioner a letter dated Novr. 13th 1856 stating that the evidence had been rec'd and, required me to furnish the No. of the claim in order that it might be filed with the papers in the case.  I replied that I could not furnish the No. & c & c and so the matter rests.
     Perhaps as the department is getting most of the claims off of hands, the matter may by this time be easily adjusted if looked in to.
    Will you pleas (please) look into it & write me, as the old lady is needy and deserving.
     If the papers cannot be found pleas (please) direct what course to persue (pursue).
                                Yours Respectfully
                                C. Dowd Agt.
                                Smithville, 
                                         Miss.
Page 29

Department of the Interior.
           _____________
Received Octr. 27th, 1869.
Dated Octr. 12th, 1869.

From Mrs. P. Somerford (Summerford)
                   Smithville, Miss.
________
Subject.
Applies for restoration to pension rolls.  Husband in Revolutionary War.

Action.
Oct. 27th/69
Repy referred to the Comm. or Pensions.
Geo. T. (illegible)
 Chief Clerk.

Registered, Pensions.
Filed,.........

(stamped received in Pension office.)
OCT 08 (remainder illegible)
Page 30

Revolutionary War
Page 31

Restoration & (illegible)        6306  WP
Brief in the Case of Piety Summerford, Widow of Wm. Private R. War          Smithville
Itawamba County and State of Mississippi
                 Act 2d Sec Feb 3, 1853.
________________________________________
                                  Inc Act 13 Sec July 27, 1868.
CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
                PROOF EXHIBITED,
A pensioner roll of Miss at $40 per ann. & paid to March 4, 1861, Certificate surrendered.
   She applies for reiteration of pension previous identify loyally and continued widowhood by the affidavits of Witnesses who are certified as credible & loyal.

Admitted Nov 1/69 to pension at $40. per ann to commence March 5, 1861 & terminate July 26, 1868.  Also (illegible) 96 per ann to commence July 27, 1868.
                                     W. E. Trask
                                      Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent,
Piety Summerford
     Smithville
           Itawamba Co.
                       Miss.

Care C. Dowd
Esq.
Page 32

(stamped - date illegible)
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Smithville Miss. July 18th 1869
The honorable Secretary of the Interior
Washington City D. C.

Dear Sir,
     Enclosed I send you Mrs. Piety Summerford's declaration for her pay as a pensioner.  I sent it to Jackson Miss, according to the inducement on the certificate of allowance, but there being no agent for paying pensions there, I know not what better to do than to forward it to you, hoping you will at your earliest convenience make the necessary arrangements for the old lady to receive her pay, as she is very poor and needy.
     Pleas (Please) address me as the old lady resides some distance from any post office.
                            Yours Respectfully
                              C. Dowd
                              Smithville
                              Monroe County
                                        Miss.
Page 33

Brief in the case of Piety Summerford,
Monroe County and State of Mississippi
Act 3 February, 1853.
__________________________________________
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Duplicate - issued in lieu of one dated 21 Dec. 1857, which has been lost.

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

C. Dowd.                            S. Cole (?)
Name and residence         Examining Clerk.
of Agent
Smithville
         Miss.
Page 34

Payment to be made at Jackson, by D. N. Barrows, Esq.

Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of Mississippi,

Payable on the 4th September and 4th March

Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d, 1853, Page
Vol. 26
           G. T. Getty Clerk.
Page 35

(Duplicate)
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WIDOW'S PENSION.
I certify that in conformity with the 2d section of the July of the act of February 3, 1853,
Piety  Summerford, 
widow of William Summerford,
who was a private in the revolutionary war,
is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty
dollars and ____ cents per annum, commencing on the
3 d  of Februray, 1853, and  continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.  This certicate ia issued in lieu of one dated December 21st 18 57 _ 

Given at the Department of the Interior
this 21th day of April, ______
one thousand eight hundred and fifty
eight _____

J. [illegible signature]
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and Countersigned
Jno  C Whiting [signature]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 36

Treasury Department 
Second Comptroller's Office,
July 3. 1838.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States, " William Summerford,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the S. Carolina Agency, at
the rate of forty - Dollars and "________"
per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1837
to the 4th of September 1837
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 37

TREASURY DEPARTENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
December  16", 1840.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States, " William Summerford,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina Agency, at
the rate of forty - Dollars and "________"
per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1839.
to the 4th March 1840,
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 38

Treasury Department
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 11th, 1838.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States, " William Summerford,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the South Carolina Agency, at
the rate of forty - Dollars and "________"
per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th - Sept.  1837 -
to the 4th March,1838,
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 39

TREASURY DEPARTENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
August 25th. 1840.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States, " William Summerford,
a Pensioner on the Roll of the S.  Carolina Agency, at
the rate of forty - Dollars and "________"
per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept.  1838.
to the 4th Sept.1839.
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 40

[stamp]
DEPARTMENT.
OCT
27
1882
OF THE INTERIOR:


Piety Summerford
application
For Pension


C. Dowd agent
Smithville P. O.
Miss
Page 41

I Piety Summerford of the state of Mississippi and County of Itawamba do solemnly swear in the presence of Almighty God that I will henceforth, faithfully support, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States and the union of the States there under; that I will in like manner abide by and faithfully support, all laws and proclamations which have been made during the existing rebellion with reference to the emancipation of slaves:  So help me God.
                                 her
                         Piety X Somerford (Summerford)
                                mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12 day of October A. D. 1869
S. F. Hampton Clerk of Circuit Court
Page 42

The State of Mississippi]
Itawamba County]
On this 12 day of October A. D. one thousand eight hundred and sixty nine personally appeared before me Samuel F. Hampton Clerk of the Circuit Court in said state and county the same being a court of record, Mrs. Piety Summerford aged about seventy seven years, a resident in the County of Itawamba, and State of Mississippi, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the identical Piety Summerford, who was a pensioner on the roll of the agency at Jackson, Mississippi whose pension certificate is herewith returned; that she has resided since the first day of January A. D. 1861 in the County of Itawamba, State of Mississippi where she still resides; that during this period, her means of subsistence have been for a few years, the proceeds of some little property which she owned, and after that was (illegible) she has been dependent on and received her support by the charity of her two sons, who reside near her, and that she has never married since the death of her said husband, Wm. Summerford, but still remains his widow, and that she has not borne arms against the government of the United States, and she has not in any manner aided or abetted the rebellion or those prosecuting said rebellion or manifested any sympathy with their cause; but on the contrary, did during the said rebellion, earnestly desire its suppression by force of arms, and that she was last paid her pension, some time in the month of March A. D. 1861 according to her present recollection.
     This application is made for the purpose of securing a restoration of her name to the pension roll and of obtaining a new pension certificate, such as she may be entitled to under the law existing reference
Page 43

reference being made to the evidence heretofore filed in the Pension Office to substantiate her original claim.  
                                     her
                             Piety X  Somerford
                                     mark     (Summerford)

Smithville Post Office]
Miss.]

Also personally appeared N. W. Stafford and G. M. Davison residents of the Itawamba County, State of Mississippi, persons whom I certify to be respectable and entitled to credit and loyal citizens and who being by me duly sworn, say that they were present and saw Piety Summerford make her mark to the foregoing declaration and they further sware (swear) that they have every reason to believe from the appearance and their acquaintance with her, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be; that she has never married since the death of her husband William Summerford, many years ago but still remains his widow.  That their means of knowledge of the loyalty of said applicant is from an intimate acquaintance with her conversations and her repeated declarations to that effect, and they further sware (swear) that they have no interest in the prosecution of this claim.
                       N. W. Stafford
                       G. M. Davison

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 12th day of October A. D. 1869, and I hereby certify that the contents of the foregoing affidavit signed by Piety Summerford was made known to her fully before signed, and I further certify that I have no interest directly or indirectly in the prosecution of this claim.

Given under my hand and the seal of my office
this 12th day of October 1869.
                          S. F. Hampton Clerk of 
                                                    Circuit Court
Page 44

Mrs Piety Summerford
Application for
Duplicate


C. Dowd agent
Smithville
Miss
Page 45

The State of Mississippi]
County of Monroe]

     Before me John Bush a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, this day personally appeared Mrs. Piety Summerford and who being duly sworn declares, That she has made application to the Pension Department for a Pension, in consequence of the Services of her late husband William Summerford Dec'd who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  She is informed that her claim has been allowed and the certificate sent to her Agent C. Dowd at Smithville.  That she has not received said certificate, and does not know what has become of it.
     Said affiant respectfully prays that a Duplicate certificate may issue.
                                                 her
                                          Piety X Summerford
                                                mark
     
Also personally came before me C. Down who being duly sworn, declares that he has been acting as agent for Mrs. Piety Summerford in the prosecution of her claim for a Pension as set forth in her affidavit above that he received a few days ago, a letter dated Pension Office March 17, 1858, stating that said claim was allowed Dec. 21st 1857 for $40 per annum and her certificate sent to his (your) address at Smithville, Miss., that he has never received said certificate and has no knowledge what has become of it, and that he has made proper and special enquiry at the Post Office in Smithville and cannot find or hear of it.
                                C. Dowd
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 7th day of April 1858.
                                   John Bush  (seal)
                                   Justice of the Peace
Page 46

The State of Mississippi }
County of Monroe  }

I, W. G. Elkin Clerk of the 
Probate Court for the County aforesaid, which 
is a Court of record, do hereby certify that John 
Bush, before whom the within affidavits were 
made and whoes [whose] genuine signature 
appears to the certificate thereof, is and was at 
the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace 
duly commissioned and sworn, and that all his 
official acts as such are entitled to full faith 
and credit
Given under my hand and 
seal of office at Aberdeen 
this 8th day of April AD 1858
Wm G. Elkin Clerk
Page 47

Piety Summerford
Pension Claim

C. Dowd agent
Smithville
Monroe County
Miss
---
Page 48

The State of Mississippi}
Itawamba County }

Before me L Somerford 
a Justice of the peace within and for the 
County aforesaid, this day personally appeared 
Mrs Piety Summerford, aged about seventy seven 
years, to me well known, who being duly sworn 
states upon her oath, that she is the widow of 
William Summerford deceased, who was a private 
in the revolutionary war; that she is the 
identical person to whom a certificate of 
allowance for Pension was issued and which 
is now in her possession, of which I certify the 
following is a true copy, to wit,
Duplicate 
Department of the Interior
Widows Pension, 
I certify that in conformity with the 2d Section of 
the act of February 3, 1853, Piety Summerford 
widow of William Summerford, who was a private 
in the revolutionary war, is inscribed on the 
Pension List at the rate of Forty dollars and 00
cents per annum, commencing on the 3d of February 
1853 and continuing for life, unless she should again 
marry; in which case the Pension is not payable 
after the time of such marriage.  This Certificate is issued 
in lieu of one dated December 21st 1857.
Given at the Department of the Interior, 
this twenty first day of April one thousand 
eight hundred and fifty eight.
J Thompson 
Secretary of the Interior
Examined and countersigned 
Geo. O. Whiting
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 49

on the back of said Certificate is the following, to wit, 
"Payment to be made at Jackson by D. N. 
Barrows Esqr Agent for paying Pensions in the 
Agency of Mississippi, payable on the 4th September 
and 4th March.  Recorded in the Pension Office 
on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 3d 
1853 Page Vol H G. T. Getty Clerk"

Said affiant further states on oath, that she has not 
married since the death of her said husband William 
Summerford but stills remains his widow; that 
according to her present recollection she received 
payment of her Pension under the aforesaid 
Certificate up to the 4th of March 1861, since 
which time she has never applied for nor received 
the same or any part thereof.
Piety her X mark Somerford [word Seal encircled]
Sworn to and subscribed before me }
this 3rd day of March 1869 }
Loummi Somerford [word Seal encircled] }
Justice of the Peace }

At the same time and place also personally appeared 
before me Edward Luck & James Luck, well known 
to me and whom I certify are credible persons, who made oath 
in due form of law, that they have for many years past been 
well acquainted with Mrs Piety Summerford, who signed the 
foregoing affidavit in their presence, that she is well known 
in the community where she resides as the widow of William 
Summerford deceased; that she is a credible lady and 
they they believe her statements set forth in the foregoing 
affidavit are strictly true.
Edward Luck [word Seal encircled]
Sworn to and subscribed before me } James Luck [word Seal encircled]
this 3rd day of March 1869 }
Loummi Somerford [word Seal encircled]
Justice of the Peace
Page 50

The State of Mississippi }
Itawamba County }

I S. J. Thomas 
Clerk of the Probate Court for the County aforesaid 
do hereby certify that L Somerford Esqr
whoes [whose] name appears to the foregoing affidavits in 
his own proper hand writing [struck out: is, and] was at the 
date thereof, an acting Justice of the Peace in 
and for said County, duly commissioned and 
sworn according to law and that full faith and 
credit are due all his official acts as such.
In witness whereof, I hereunto set 
my name and affix the seal of said 
Court at office in the town of Fulton
this 12th day of June 1869
S. P. Thomas
Clerk
Page 51

Piety Summerford
Additional Evidence


C. Dowd agent
Smithville
Miss
Page 52

The State of Mississippi}
County of Monroe }

On this 29th day of October 1856 personally 
appeared before me (John Bush) a Justice of the peace 
within and for the County and State aforesaid Mrs Piety 
Summerford aged about sixty six years, a resident 
of the County of Itawamba, in the State aforesaid 
and who some two or three months ago made applica
tion for a pension as the widow of William Sum
merford deceased, and who being duly sworn according 
to law, declares, that she has no record of her marriage 
to her late husband William Summerford, nor does she 
know of any such record in existance [existence], and that 
she does not know of any living person, who was 
present and witnessed said marriage by whom she 
could prove it
Piety her X mark Summerford
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day & date above written
John Bush [word Seal encircled]
Justice of the peace

The State of Mississippi}
County of Monroe }

Before me John Bush a Justice of the peace 
within and for the County & State aforesaid this day 
personally appeared Abram Summerford who being duly 
sworn according to law, declares that some two 
or three months ago, he made an affidavit in 
support of the application of Piety Summerford 
for a pension in which he set forth, according 
to the best of his knowledge, that William Summ
erford (his father) died in the year 1844; that he 
made that affidavit from the best of his recollection 
and believed at that time that it was correct, but 
that he has since that time referred to a record 
of the age of his first born child, and has become
Page 53

convinced that in that statement he was mistaken 
as to the date and is now confident that his father 
the said William Summerford died on the last day 
of March and was buried on the first day of April 
AD 1845
Abram Summerford
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of October 1856
John Bush [word Seal encircled]
Justice of the peace

The State of Mississippi}
County of Monroe }

Before me John Bush a Justice of the peace 
within and for the County and State aforesaid 
this day personally appeared Loummi Summerford 
aged about twenty seven years, a resident of the State 
aforesaid and County of Itawamba, who being duly 
sworn according to law declares, that according 
to the best of his recollection, strengthened by various 
circumstances or occurrences, he verily believes 
and thinks he is not mistaken, that William 
Summerford, his father, died in York District in 
the State of South Carolina about the last of the winter 
or early in the spring of 1845, that he, affiant was 
living with his said father at the time of his death 
and saw him buried, and that his (affiants) mother 
Piety Summerford now resides in Itawamba in the 
State of Mississippi, and that she signed the foregoing 
affidavit in his presence
Loummi Summerford 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of Octr 1856
John Bush [word Seal encircled]
Justice of the peace
Page 54

The State of Mississippi}
County of Monroe }

I William G. Elkin, Clerk of the 
Probate Court for the County and State aforesaid 
(which is a Court of Record) do hereby certify 
that John Bush Esqr. before whom the foregoing 
affidavits were made and whoes [whose] genuine 
signatures appear to the certificates thereof 
was at the date thereof, a justice of the 
peace in and for said County, duly commission
ed and sworn, and that full faith and 
credit should be given to all his official 
acts as such.
Given under my hand and 
seal of office at Aberdeen 
this 1st day of November 1856
William G. Elkin Clerk