Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4,140, John Burton, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Burton, John
Susanna

NUMBER
W. 4,140

CONTENTS
Page 2

[left hand side of page]
Reported

[right hand side of page]
49. Increase
5349
[torn part of page] Nor?th Carolina.
Susanna Burton, decd
widow of John Burton NC who was an Adjutant in the Revolution for two years
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 480 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. & end 19 Augt 1844, when she died
Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Decr. 1850 and sent to Alexr. Ray, Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844] Increased from $320.
Recorded in Book A
Vol 2 Page 152
Payable to Saml B. Pope
Exr. she having left no children.
Page 3

Declaration.
In order to obtain the benefit of The act of Congress of the 7th of July 1838, entitled "an act of granting half pay & pension to certain widows" -
State of North Carolina}
Hertford County} on this 13th day of November 1840 personally appeared before me one of the Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for Hertford County Mrs Susannah Burton aged Eighty four years, who being first duly sworn, according to Law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress, passed July 7th 1838 entitled, an act granting half pay & pension to certain widows." That she is the widow of John Burton who was an Adjutant of the 8 Battalion of The Continental Line of the State of North Carolina in the war of the Revolution and served as such from an early period of the War to its close as will appear by the evidence hereto annexed - She further declairs that she was married to the said John Burton on the 7th day of May 1792 as will appear by an entery on the lid of her Bible in the hand writing of her husband most of which has unfortunatly been distroyed. That her husband the aforesaid John Burton died on the 3d day of December 1800. That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the services. but the marriage took place previous to the 1st of January seventeen hundred and ninty four vis: at the day & year above written. 

Susanna Burton [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day & year above written before
Jno Vann {JP}?
Page 4

State of North Carolina}
Hartford County} On this 13th: day of November 1840 personally appeared before me
Mrs Susannah Burton residing in the County above written and subscribed and swore to the forgoing declaration in due form of Law. I also certify that I have cut from the family Bible
a part of a record in the hand writing of John Burton which corresponds with my recollection of the date of the marriage of John Burton with his wife now applying for a pension. I also certify
that I knew John Burton and resided near to him and his wife from my earliest recollection to the present time viz up to the death of John Burton and up to the present time close to his widow. I know the entry attached is in his hand writing and I know he was married at that time.
Given under my hand & seal the day and year above written

Jno. Vann {JP?}

[scrap of paper - could be a seal but am unable to read]
Page 5

State of North Carolina}
Hartford County}

I hereby certify that Mrs Susannah Burton is a very old and infirm Lady and her attendance on a court would greatly endanger her health if not life.

Given under my hand & Seal this
13th day of Novr 1840.

Jno. Vann {JP?}
Page 6

September 22, 1939 

Mance M. Burton
128 N.W. Twenty-first Avenue
Miami, Florida

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

JOHN BURTON
W. 4140 
BA-J/MLD

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record
of John Burton, of North Carolina, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

You are furnished herein the record of the only John Burton of
North Carolina found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
The data therein were obtained from the papers in pension claim,
W. 4140, based upon his service in that war.

The date and place of birth of John Burton and names of his
parents were not given. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he served in
His Majesty's 81?” [illegible] Regiment of Foot and about the beginning of the
Revolution went from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Hertford County, North Carolina.
.
While residing in Hertford County, North Carolina, John Burton
entered the service early in 1776, served as adjutant of Colonel Hardy
Murfree's North Carolina regiment, was in the battles of Trenton,
Brandywine, at the burning of Suffolk, Virginia, in the battles of
Guilford Courthouse and Eutaw Springs and left the service in the
spring of 1783. It was stated by soldier's widow that he served as
ensign, lieutenant or captain, also. He died December 3, 1800, in
Hertford County, North Carolina.

John Burton married May 7, 1792, in Hertford County, North Carolina, Mrs. Susanna Maner or Manier, a widow.

Susanna Burton was allowed pension on account of the Revolutionary War service of her husband, John, on her application executed November 13, 1840, at which time she was aged eighty four years and living in Hertford County, North Carolina.
Page 7

It is shown, also, that John Burton was allowed eleven hundred sixty-eight acres of land on Warrant No. 171, issued October 23, 1783, by the State of North Carolina, in recognition of his services in the Revolutionary War. 

Susanna Burton died in Herford County, North Carolina. No children survived her and no names of children were given. 

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension and name and address of the person paid on the case of Susanna Burton, you should write to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city and cite the following data: Susanna Burton, widow of John, certificate #6055, issued December 7, 1850, rate $480 per annum, commenced March 4, 1836, Acts March 3, 1843 & June 17, 1844, North Carolina Agency. 

Very truly yours 

A. D. HILLER 
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 8

[left hand side of page - partly Illegible due to damage]
Letter? J Bat’n? Ma?
To Hon K. Raynce ?
1844 same Apl? 5 184?
(Could not get there letters as dates are torn off

[right hand side of page - first three lines illegible due to damage]
?rton,
?rton,
? The Act of 
?issued? On the 3 December 1800,
Hertford in the Tate of N. Carolina
Who was a Adjutant in the 8th Battl. Commanded
By Captain    of the Regts     commanded 
By   N.C. in the Continental
Line for 3 years

Inscribed on the Roll of North Carolina
at the rate of 320 Dollars __ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of Feby 1840 
and sent to Hon: K.? Rayner
House of Reps.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1840 $1440:00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar ’41 160:00
$1600:00
{Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by Wm. C. Lantzinger? Clerk,
Book A?    Vol. 2    Page 186
39
Page 9

No 5349
Susannah Burton
N. C.

Let Hon Asa Biggs
May 15th 1846
Same 18th, May ’46
T. L. & A. T. Smith, June 18, ’46
To Hon. Asa Biggs, June 22, 1846
Let to T. L. Smith. Oct. 13 ’48
Alexd? Petey. 28th Sept 1850

Act 3rd March 1843
Page 10

6055 Increase

North Carolina 

Susanna Burton decd 
Widow of John Burton 
who was a pensioner under the Act of 
and who died on the 3 December 1800 
of Hertford in the State of North Carolina 
who was an Adit. in the 8th Battalion commanded by Captain       of the 
       commanded by       in 
the Continental line for 2 years. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville
at the rate of 480 Dollars 00 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836. 

Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of 
Dec 1850 and sent to Alexr Ray, present.

Increased 
Total amount, ?[illegible] $320.00 
Payable to same B. Pope
Exr? — no children {Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by  J. P. Chase Clerk,
Book. D.  Vol. 1.  Page 285
Page 11

[badly deteriorated typewritten form with faded writing]

[royal logo]

His Majesty's XXXI Regiment of Foot, 
whereof ?[illegible name] is Colonel..
These are to certify, that the Bearer hereof 
?[several illegible words] in the Regiment aforesaid,
and in ?[illegible names] Company, 
?[illegible words] 
has served honestly and faithfully for the space of one year 
and is hereby discharged ?[illegible words] in said Regiment, 
?[2 or 3 illegible lines]
having first received a full and true Account of all his Cloathing, Pay, Arrears of Pay, and all Demands whatsoever, from the time of his inlisting, to this present Day of his Discharge; as further appears by this Receipt below,
GIVEN under my Hand and Seal of the Regiment, at ?[illegible]
?[several illegible words] 1779?

J. ?[illegible] MacKenzie Major [signature]

To all whom These may concern,
I, John Burton do acknowledge, that I have received all my Cloathing, Pay, Arrears of Pay, and all demands? whatever? from the time of my inlisting into the above Regiment and Company to this present Day ?[illegible] discharge? subsistence? ?[illegible words], ?[illegible words including date].
As witness my Hand, the Day and Date above.
John Burton [signature]
Page 12

[left side of page]
1930 - Nov 20 - Hist.
To Mrs J. S. Welboro. EES

1934 - July 27 - Hist. To 
Mrs. W. H. Weaver?  EEL

1937 - Jan 21 - Hist. To Mr
Graham B. Mi? EEL?

1939 - Sept 22 - Hist. To Mrs.? M.
Burton - ?

[right side of page]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4140
Susanna Burton
Wid.
John Burton
Adit, Rev: War
Act: Mch, 37 / 43, June 17th / 44
Index:—- Vol. A, Page 101
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 13

State of North Carolina}
Hertford County} This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the County above written John Vann Esqr aged seventy two years, who being first duly sworn according to law; testifies and says - That at an early period of his life he became acquainted with John Burton universally known and reputed to have served as an adjutant in the War of the Revolution; my knowledge of him commenced immediately after the close of the Revolution and continued up to his death. I have a perfect recollection of his marriage with the widow Susannah Maner and from my knowledge of his handwriting I am fully convinced that the entry this day cut from the lid of the family Bible and appended to the declaration of Mrs. Burton is certainly in the handwriting of the said John Burton and was intended as a record of his marriage the date corresponding with my recollection of the time it did take place. Mrs. Burton now resides near to this affiant and to his knowledge has never married since the death of the said John Burton.

Given under my hand this 13th day of November 1840.

Jno. Vann

State of North Carolina}
Hertford County}  This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the county above written John Vann Esqr and subscribed and sworn to the above affidavit in due form of Law. I also certify that Mr. Vann is one of the oldest and most respectable inhabitants of this county & full faith and credit should be given to his testimony. Given under my hand & Seal this 13th day of November 1840.

John A. Anderson (JP)
Page 14

State of North Carolina

I Lewis M. Cooper? Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of Hertford County & State aforesaid do hereby ?[illegible] certify that John A. Anderson Esquire before whom this within affidavit was made is an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Hertford duly commissioned & qualified & that signature therein is genuine.

[seal image]  In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my Office at ?[illegible] this 14th day of November A. D. 1840

L. M. Cooper Clk
Page 15

I Susannah Burton of the County of Hartford and State of North Carolina being low? in health? but of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my Last Will and Testament in manner following:

First. I give and bequeath unto my friend June Riddick of the County and State aforesaid, my Bed Stand, Bed & Furniture ?[illegible] One ?[illegible] bed stand now in the possession of Robert Jenkins to her and her heirs forever, also my Chest to this said June Riddick.

Secondly. I give & bequeath unto my beloved friend Mary Kithill? of the County & State aforesaid my 6? Boarfout? and all its Furniture?; also my evening apparel of every description, also all my sitting chairs, and all the balance of my household furniture of every description to her and her heirs forever.

Thirdly. I give and bequeath unto my friend Samuel B. Pope of the County and State aforesaid, One Bed and Furniture now in his possession. Also all the money which is or may be coming to me from the United States for my pension justly allowed to me for the Services of my husband John Burton in the Revolutionary War.

Finally. I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend Samuel B. Pope Executor to this my Last Will and Testament this 20th day of March 1841.

Susannah her X mark Burton.  {Seal}

Signed & Sealed in presence of us
M. E. Manning
John A. Anderson

State of North Carolina     Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
Hartford County                 August Term 1844

The within Last Will & Testament of Susannah Burton was exhibited in open court for ?[illegible] & this was execution? of the same proved by this ?[illegible] of M. E. Manning one of the subscribing witnesses hereto & this Same and ordered to be Recorded.  At this same time. Samuel B. Pope The Executor.
Page 16


[bleed through writing - very difficult to read handwriting]

The? appointed appeared in open Court and was duly Qualified is? Executed and ?? And Optic? ?? for Settied? Testimony.

Test? L? M. Cooper Clk

The foregoing is a true Copy from the Records of my Office.

Tash? L. M. Cooper Clk

State of North Carolina
By the Justice of the County Court of Please and Quarter Sessions for the County of Hartford. August Term 1844.
It having been Certified to wit, That Susanna C? Burton late of Hartford County is ?[illegible], and having made her Last Will and Testament in ?[illegible], and in due form of Law appointing Samuel B. Pope her Executor; The said Samuel B. Pope appeared in open Court at this Term and was duly Qualified as Executor according? to Law and took upon himself the ?[illegible] and Trusty? ?[illegible] and Obtained an Order for Letters Testismenting? Thereas? These are therefore to authorize? and ?[illegible] him the said Samuel B. Pope executing aforesaid to enter into and upon that? Add? Such ? ?[illegible] The Goods and Chattels rights and Credit of the said Susanna Burton and into his possession the same ?[illegible] whosoever? In the State ?[illegible] of the State to be ?[illegible]; and as Inventory to exhibit according to Law and all her just debts of Her? ?[illegible] to pay?; and the residue distribute according to the provisions? ?[illegible] in the wife of the Deceased?

Witness Lewis M. Cooper Clerk of the said
Court into? ?[illegible] raw 6th day of October
Anni? Dem 1850

L. M. Cooper [signature] Clk
Page 17

State of North Carolina
I Lewis M. Cooper Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Hartford County; do hereby Certify; That by satisfactory evidence, it appears that Mrs. Susanna Burton a pensioner of the United States and resident of the said County of Hartford died on the 19th day of August 1844. That she left no child or children surviving her; And that Samuel B. Pope was duly Qualified as her Executor and approved? Of Record in this Court and is the legal Executor of said Susanna Burton. In Testimony whereof I Lewis M. Cooper Clerk of the said Court have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the Seal of my Office at Winton? This 26th day of October Ann.? Dem? 1850.

[seal image]    L. M. Cooper Clk
Page 18

Hall of ?[illegible] Repts:
Fby 16th 1841

To James L. Edwards Esqr

Sir,
By the mail of yesterday a letter
was received by Mr Mosby from Mr Hill in relation to the
case of Mrs Burton, and presuming that he has answered
your letter upon the same subject; I now avail myself of the earliest
moment to request that you will take up the case and grant it. 
In my letter delivered to you by Gnl. Carter a few days since 
I did indulge a hope that the case would be disposed of without
further delay, the letter of Mr Hill now in the possession of Mr
Mosby I consider as conclusive and satisfactory to show that
Burton did serve after 1779. For he receive land Bounty and
money pay in 1784 & 85. and those payments were made to Col.
Murfree. It is candidly my opinion that you may fix the date of the
discharge as you contend in 1779. and if that is its correct date you
cannot suppose the 3 years service proved to have been rendered
by Burton took place previous to 1779. The paper speaks of John
Burton being discharged as supernumerary? (as you say in April
1779). How if he was discharged as supernumerary in April 1779
for one years service, his enlistment in the British service must have 
been in April 1778. When you bring to mind the efforts there making
by the British to subscribe? and even to purchase men in Germany 
to carry on the war; it is not to be credited that they would discharge 
men as supernumerary, at that very period. Again if you are right 
in fixing the date of the discharge in April 1779. The years service
Page 19

must have commenced in april 1778 and if he served in the american army before he enlisted as you suppose in the British service in 1778. his service in the american army must consequently have commenced in april 1775 fully one year previous to the organization of the quota 4 troops raised by N. Ca: I think I have shown from the facts of the case and the history of the period that it is impossible that John Burton could have served from 1778 to 1779 in the British army and that he had served in the american army 3 years previous to that service.

The service of 3 years by Burton must if 
you are correct in calculating? the  date in 1778, have commenced after april 1779 and have terminated in april 1782 which is I have before stated relieves the case of all imbarassment. In your last letter to me you say that Mrs Spiers is entitled to a pension under the act of 1838. I am induced to take it, because I am anxious to get something to supply her immediate wants and secondly because the 4th of march is so near at hand as not to afford time to take evidence to account for the length of time before the birth of her first and second child. In accepting of the pension under the act of 1838 I reserve the right to assert her claim to be pensioned under the act of 1836. Upon the production of the proof you will please make out the certificate in the case of Mrs. Spiers & I hope also that of Mrs. Burton and send them to me with as little delay as practicable.

Very respectfully 
    Your obedient servant

K. Rayner
Page 20

T. L. Smith
Oct. 13. 48
Page 21

67

Pension Office
October 13th, 1848

Sir

The Certificate of the Secretary of North Carolina, in the case of Susanna Burton widow of John Burton furnishing no evidence of her husband rank or services as a Lieutenant in the Line of that State.

From the papers now filed in this case it appears that Mrs. Burtons husband was an adjutant, but there is not proof whatever of his having held any rank in the Line. She has been allowed the highest rate of pension the law authorizes us to grant.

T. S. Smith Esq
Present
Page 22

Pen Off

Sir

May 15, 46

I have the honor to inform you that Mr. Littles letter to? W. Hills certificate in the case of Susanna Burton is but a repetition of what had been filed by the Messr Smith of this place. It is a fixed rule of this Dept. which is never waived to disallow all claim to the Rank of a Commissioned officer without record or documentary evidence. No evidence whatsoever of that grade has been addressed? to show that her husband held a lineal commission and the calculations of Mr. Little being found upon the assumption that he served but 3 years, is not a plausible argument much less evidence of such commission. The rolls which show all those who were commissioned in the Line do not bear his name
Page 23

[sideways in lefthand margin] Hon. Asa Biggs - 15th May 1846

and the payment to him by Commissioner in 84 was as Adjt. Alone & the bounty land granted him for at least three years service upon a certificate of a General officer was also for service as Adjt. alone. The amount allowed him in 84 even if it should be shown to have been in ?[illegible] may not have been confined to monthly pay which Mr. Little assumes as the basis of his calculation.
Page 24

Ho.? Reps  —  Jany. 30th 1841

Sir,

Enclosed you will find additional testimony in favour? of the claim of Mrs. Burton and Mrs. Spiers, who are applicants for pensions in consideration of the services of their late husbands.

I think there can be no doubt of this additional testimony’s meeting all the objections to the allowances of these claims heretofore.  The services of the parties and their marriages with the applicants before the time limited by law, and clearly and satisfactorily proven. I think you can no longer hesitate after reading the testimony. All the omissions of proof mentioned in your communication rejecting these petitions before have been supplied. I know all the witnesses whom affidavits and hereby forwarded viz Tyner, Powell, Weston, Vann, Best, Griffith, and Spiers. The sin? First an old man, the ?[illegible] first are very old, and are all pensioners for revolutionary services. They are ?[illegible] of character, integrity and entitled to full faith and confidence.

You will please examine these cases immediately and let me hear from you as soon as possible. I wish this matter not to be postponed til after
Page 25

the 4 March. These old ladies are quite aged and infirm. If they are entitled it is right they should have their dues? They may not live to enjoy the reward provided by law for their husband’s services, if it is postponed til after the 4 March.

Yours very respectfully

K. Rayner [signature]

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissr. Of Pensions
Page 26


Hall of the Hs of Representatives
Fbry 11th 1841

To James L. Edwards Esqr

Sir,
Since my interview with you a few days since in relation to the claim of Mrs Burton, I
have reflected upon the subject then stated by you growing out of the mutilated discharge showing that John Burton was at one period in the British service. The result of that reflection convinces me that the claim should be allowed and I hope will convince you also, that it is unnecessary to wait for additional information from Mr Hill-

The certificate of Mr Hill appended to the evidence in the case shows that Burton was in service for 3 years and received from North Carolina Land Bounty for the same. The testamony establishes the fact that Burton marched to the North in November 1776- now if the 3 years 
proved and certified by Mr Hill commenced in Nov? 1776, it must have terminated in Nov. 1779 and consequently imbraces the period you suppose him to have been in the British army and discharged from it. Again if the service of three years is established in taking place from 1776 to 1779 you cannot sustain your opinion that the discharge of Burton is dated in 1779 without a conflict with the records of the State of N. Carolina certified to you by Mr Hill, in a word it is
impossible that John Burton could have been discharged from the British service in 1779, when the records and evidence all show him to have been at that period in the American
service. If you locate the 3 years service after 1779, then you have the very information you desire to obtain from Mr. Hill
Page 27

Whatever light may be thrown upon the subject by Mr. Hill cannot in my view up the case effect its merits. We know from the records that John Burton served 3 years; if you make that service commence in 1776 and terminate in 1779, it excludes your opinion that he served and was discharged from the British Army in 1779. If the three years are made to commence after 1779 then you get rid of the difficulty which you wish to have removed by Mr. Hill. To sustain your opinion that the discharge is dated in 1779 you must suppose him to have been first in the American then in the British and lastly back in the American service after 1779 for you [to] find by Mr/ Hills certificate he received receipt [of] his Land Bounty at the close of the [unidentified].
I find by your letter received his Land Bounty at the close of the Revolution.

I find by your letter received this morning that you have misconstrued my opinions in relation to your views of the case of Mrs. Spiers - so far from agreeing or intimating on agreement with your views. I then as I now do entertain exactly the reverse. In a word, I am fully satisfied of the justice of her claim.

Yours very respectfully,
K. Rayner
Page 28

Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter enclosing the papers and evidence in the application of Mrs. Susannah Burton, and also a copy of a mutilated discharge of John Burton as a soldier in the British Service, and your objections to granting her a pension dated on the 18th Instt.
Before I enter upon a reply to the objections stated by you to the allowance of this claim, I must say that I can not see the properity? of sending me a copy of the paper styled? in your report as a Commission?, and withholding the original, the side which applies to that paper is usually applicable to the balance of the papers filed in your office. I am induced to make these remarks because I find on examination by the copy sent, and a comparison of it, with the statement made in your report that you have committed two the manifestations. First in styling it a commission, and second in filling up the date in 1779– after making the above statements of the contents of the discharge (for it is manifesting discharge of a soldier) you say, they raise a strong presumption against her claim”.
That paper was filed only? to show that John Burton was a military? man prior to the Revolution, and that, as is the tradition in his neighborhood, he was a soldier in our colonial wars with the French and Indians. Abundant evidence could be adduced?, as I learn, to show that John Burton came to Hartford County about the commencement of the Revolution from Williamsburg, Virginia, and lived, married and died in that county. You then speak of the paper, as being “a commission in the name of John Burton belonging to the 20th Reg. of his majesty’s foot”. If you will ?[illegible] the above with the copy of the discharge you can not fail to see the manifest ?error into which you have fallen. It says “having first received a full, true account of all his clothing, pay, arrears? of his pay, and all demands whatsoever? from the time of his inlistment” to the present day of his discharge”. This extract shows so clearly that he acted as a soldier, and that the paper is his discharge and not a commission; that I deem it unnecessary to say more about it. I ?[illegible] beg ?[illegible] to call your attention to the second equally manifest error committed in your report, in addition? to this paper. You say it is dated at 8th? August in 1779. The copy before me shows that the date is obliterated. So as to render? it according to your own showing impossible to make it not. Such being the fact, as appears from, the copy I am wholly at a loss to know how you have filled up the blank with 1779, particularly as it is made a prominent ground of objection to the allowance of the claim.
Page 29

I will now dismiss the objections to the claim giving out of the discharge with a
full assurance that it will not, and cannot be made a cause of rejection.
The most objection is, the widow claims for 3 years service of her late husband
as an adjutant in the North Carolina line; and has furished the certificate of
the Secretary of State of North Carolina shewing that a person of the same name did
perform such service, without pretending to any very accurate knowledge of the
evidence necessary to establish the service of an officer, and his said I can not
conceive that a higher grade of testimony could be had, or required, then the
records of the government and so far as the objection is raised to his identity
as not being the individual stated to have performed 3 years service, that
objection can not in my view of the case be paided, unless it can be shown from
the records, or some other authentic and credible source, that there was in
service, and attached to the North Carolina line in the Revolution, an other
individual named John Burton who served as an Adjutant, or in some other
grade, with whom he may have been confounded.
You then say that the proof of the widow's identity, and the proof of her alledged
marriage is equally unsatisfactory. When I presented for your consideration a few
days since this application, I took occasion to file a statement of my personal
knowledge of the parties applying, and the unimpeachable character of the persons
testifying in the case. I am induced to call your attention to the fact, for it does appear
to me impossible for you to doubt, that the applicant is the widow of John Burton, and was
married to him, as set forth in her declaration for the 7th day of May 1792) and fully
proved by the testimony of Mr Powell, and Mr Vann, the one present at the marriage
and saying that the date of it is fixed in his memory from the birth of one of his own
children in two days of the event. The other, in the immediate neighborhood and
confirming the fact. Unless this testimony is wholly disregarded and discredited, 
I can not conceive how a rational doubt can be saided to the proof
of the identity of the applicant, as the widow of John Burton, or the date of the marriage. 
It may be that the failure in this case to produce the marriage bond sometimes
filed in the Clerks office of the County is the ground of objection to the proof the
marriage. If such is the fact, I have to say that the Clerks office of Hertford
County was burnt by the hand of an incendiary in the year 1828, 1829, and
nearly all the records destroyed. I feel well assured that the present records would
furnish no evidence of the existence of a transaction as remote as 1792.
My time & attention and so much occupied with other duties, that I can not consent
to go into a protracted discussion of this and I trust the statements now made
will relieve you of all further trouble or difficulty in the matter, as
Page 30

I intend if the foregoing statement is not satisfactory, to the return of the papers to Mrs. Burton, that she may take further testimony to strengthen her claim you will please to me the discharge, which you withheld when you returned the other papers that it may be further examined and your doubts [unidentified] on the subject. At all counts, I shall be glad to know what are the regulations of your office, which prevents its action any more than the accompanying papers. Having as briefly as possible serviced? your objections to the allowance of a pension in this case, and answered them as I hope satisfactorily, I hope no further obstacle or objection will be paided to awarding her the benefit of the pension made by the Act of Congress. With a firm belief of the justice of the claim, and a hope that it will be granted, I remain, 
Very respectfully too?, 
Your Obed. Servt., 
K. Rayner
P.S. You will please let me know your final decision as soon as is convenient 
You will please return me the papers in the case of Mrs. Mary Spiers. That additional testimony may be taken in that case, if it can be procured. K. R.
Page 31

Raleigh No. Carolina 
Secretary of State’s Office
February 11, 1841
Sir, 
Your favor if the 8th instant is received asking information or to the time John Burton an adjutant in the Revolutionary War entered and left the service. I have examined for, and regret to say, I have nothing that affords the evidence derived. I have no doubt of his having served the length of time stated in my certificate, and finding the Colo. Murfree drew his warrant for county land and his pay for service, I am of opinion that Colo. Murfree gave the certificate on which his warrant issued. 
You will see on page three of the book of settlements, that his account was settled at Halifax between the 1st of Sept. 1784 and the 1st of February 1785, and that he was allowed ₤573,176. 
Very respectfully, 
Your obed. servt.,
W. Hill
[WRITTEN ON THE SIDE OF THE LETTER: Colo. Murfree was a very honorable man]
Page 32

Washington
Nov. 4 1850

James L. Edward Esq. 
Com. of Pensions
Sir, 
In compliance with your instruction to me; in your letter, on the 28th of September in the case of Susanna Burton dec'd? late of  North Carolina made [unidentified] 38. I herewith enclose you the evidence of her death. 
I remain your obed. servt.,
Alex Ray
Page 33

House of Representatives
September 16th, 1850

Sir, 
May I request the favor of your early attention and decision in the case of Mrs. Susanna Burton deceased under act 7, July 1838. And also in the case of James McDaniel under act 7 July 1832 both were pensioned on the North Carolina role. And to report to Mr. Alex Ray the Agets attorney in the cases.

Your compliance will oblige

Your [illegible]
Respectfully, 
JRJ Daniel

James L. Edwards Esq., 
Court of Pension, 
Washington City
Page 34

Chs Powell- states that he knew B. at the [unidentified] of the war, was with him as adjt at Suffolk? in Va and from that time upto his death. Was present at the marriage in 1792. 

Nichs Tyner- [unidentified] that Burton was dischd? in Spring 1783.

Chs Powell- 2 [unidentified] Burton came from [word crossed out] to N.C. before the revolution reputed to have been a soldier in the British Service before the revolution. 

Jas Weston- Burton was an adjutant from an early period. The war to its close.
Page 35

State of North Carolina
Secretary of State’s Office
I, William Hill, Secretary of State in and for the state of North Carolina do hereby certify that it appears of record in this office, that John Burton as Adjutant of the 8th Battalion of the Continental line of this state in the Revolutionary War, obtained a warrant for three years service in said line on the 23rd day of October 1783, which warrant is No. 171 & was drawn by Colo. Murfree. 
Given under the hand this 4th day of May 1840, 
W. Hill
Page 36

Washington DC
17th of November 1845

Sir, 
We have the honor to enclose the certificate of the Secretary of State of N. Carolina of the service of John Burton as adjutant for three years in the Continental Line of that State, in support of his application for a pension.
We are respectfully
Your obed. servt.
T.L. Smith and A. Tho Smith

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pension
Page 37

Washington– April 2nd 1844

J.L. Edwards Esq.,
Sir,
You say in your letter that Mrs. Susannah Burton drew? five years pay as lieutenant under the act of ‘38. Is she not entitled for a certificate for one year more under the act of ‘43- as Lieutenant? And will [unidentified] getting out this? certificate for lieutenant's pay prevent her from afterwards drawing the additional amount for adjutant pay, if the claim pay for adjutants be allowed? 
Please [send] that to me objection to putting Mrs. Burton on the pension roll for life. 
Very Respectfully, 
K. Rayner
Page 38

Richmond 3 July 1844

Col. J.L. Edwards,
Commr. of Pensions

D Sir,
 
I omitted to do when as [unidentified] what I ought to have done (a very common occurrence) and [unidentified] without a very good excuse. In Nov. or early in Decr. last Mr. W.J. Baker forwarded to you the application of Mrs. Burton of N. Ca, widow of John Burton for a pension increase of [unidentified] as adjutant. 

I promised? to see if any thing were wanting to complete the case. 

The certificate of the secretary of State of N. Ca. shows that he had been at least three years an adjutant. Allow me to ask if the case, her case has come up, or if anything be deficient. 

I am the attorney & your obed. servt.,
Thomas Green
Page 39

Raleigh Office of Secretary of State
1st May 1846

Sir, 

Your favor of the 45th Ultimo is received requesting to be informed what evidence the records in this office affords, that John Burton, who was an adjutant in the No. Caroline Line, held also a commission in the Line. I do not find his name on the muster rolls, but his land warrant having been issued to him as an adjutant of the 8th North Carolina Battalion induces me to believe he held the office of Capt., Leiut., or Ensign previous to his appointment to that of adjutant, or as it appears, adjutants were generally made of such officers. The warrant, I see, was drawn by Colonel Hardy Murfree, and was no doubt issued on his certificate, and he stood as fair as any officer of the Line of this state. 

Very Respectfully, 
Your obed. servt.,
W. Hill

James L. Edwards, 
Commission of Pensions
Page 40

Hon. Asa Biggs
29th April 1846
Page 41

Pen. Office
April 29th, [18]46

Sir, 

I have the honor to inform you that the certificate of the Secy of Mass upon which an increased pension is asked has been examined. During the Revy [Revolutionary] war the pay of an Adjt. having no commission in the Line was $26.00 per/mo and if he held a commission in the Line, it was $13 per mo in addition to his pay in the Line. This is an application founded upon assumption that her husband was [unidentified] & adjt. which is disproved by all the records on which his name appears among officers of N. C. in the Continental service. If however, the records showing the pay of the officers should prove that her husband rec’d more than $26.00 per/mo her pension will be proportionally increased. 
Honorable Asa Briggs
HR
Page 42


Washington DC
21 March 1846
Sir,
On the 17th of November, last we enclosed to you the certificate of the Secretary of State of N. Carolina, of the services of John Burton ro be used in the case of his widow Susanna Burton who applied for a pension under the Act of 1838, and also for an increase of her husband’s pension under the Act of 1833. We have not, since that time, heard the result of the examination of these cases and respectfully request that we may be informed as to the present condition of them. It was believed, at the time, that the evidence sent to the office was all that was required. 
We are respectfully, 
Your obed. servt.,
T.L. Smith and A. Tho Smith
J.L. Edwards Esq.
Comm. of Pensions
Page 43

Washington- March 25th, 1844
J.L. Esq.

Sir, Please send me a copy of the [unidentified] & regulations in regard to the course to be [unidentified] by widows of Revolutionary soldiers in applying for pensions for the services of their deceased husbands. 
Respectfully, 
K. Rayner
P.S. You will also please inform me, the amount allowed to Mrs. Susannah Burton of Hertford Co. No. Co. in consideration of the service of her husband. 
K.R.
Page 44

Ho. of Reps.
April 27th, 1846
Sir, 
I am requested to transmit you the enclosed certificate the object of which is to ask you to examine the application of Mrs. Burton the widow of the Adj. Burton for staff pay. Her former allowance being for a lieutenant pay only, and this certificate it is insisted is sufficient to authorize the additional allowance now asked. 
Respectfully yours, 
Asa Biggs

J.L. Edwards, 
Commission of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 45

Raleigh
8th May 1846

Dear Sir, 

I had the honor to receive from you some days since the letters from the Commissioner of Pensions relating to the claim of Mrs. Burton for an increase of pension. The muster Roll does not show the name of John Burton. He received Bounty Land on the Certificate of Col. Hardy Murfree, a field officer as an Adjutant. Secretary Hill is of opinion that he was undoubtedly a Lieut.? Ensign or Captain in the Line otherwise he could not have held the rank of Adjutant. The pay roll through august fully the objections  after [unidentified] and removes all doubt the rank in the line. You will [unidentified] from the secretary of state certificate he received £573.17 & this in dollars rating the £ of [unidentified] at $250 (which [unidentified] informed me was the value of it) and as which it has heretofore been rated at the pension office, amounts to
Page 46

$1434.50. Three years service is he can claim for, and Land was allowed him for that period. The pay of an adjutant says the commission having no rank in the line [was $26 66 2/3 / 100 per month, amounting to $320 per annum or three years service this would be $960 which deducted from the $1434 would leave $474. If he held a commission in the Line his pay would be $13 per month in addition to his pay in the Line; this would be $156 per annum which for three years service amounts to $468 being less than the [unidentified] stated of $474 his pay as  adjutant. This shows conclusively that he must have held a commission in the Line otherwise his 3 years service would have only intitled him to $960 instead of $1434. 
I will thank you to make a statement to the [unidentified] from these facts, in support of the application. 
You will oblige by Respectfully
Your [unidentified] & obed. servt.,
Geo Little

Hon. Asa Biggs
Hou Reps
Page 47

Gates? [unidentified] fr.? C
September 28th, 1843

Sir, 

You will find herein enclosed the Declaration of Mrs. Susannah Burton, widow of the late John Burton of the Revolutionary Army filed in order to obtain the pay which would have been allowed her husband (who was an adjutant in the war) in virtue of his staff appointment.
In a few weeks, I will forward you the evidence which will be found amply satisfactory to establish this claim. I am convinced too, that there is sufficient testimony on file in your office to answer that purpose.
You will be pleased to expedite the [unidentified] of the claim as early as may be convenient [unidentified]. In great haste.
Respectfully, 
Your obed. servt.,
Will J. Baker

James L. Edwards, Esq.
Page 48

Gatesville N. C.
Sept 28th 1843

Sir, 
Within this envelope you will find the Declaration of Mrs. John Burton filed in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress passed on the 3rd of March 1843 granting an extension of one year’s pension to widows of Revolutionary soldiers who were provided for under the Act of July 7th, 1838. 
You will have the goodness to give this claim your earliest attention as Mrs. Burton is in indigent circumstances and in absolute need of the provision made by Congress. 
With great respect,
Your obed. servt.,
Will J. Baker
P.S. Be pleased to forward to me the certificate as soon as the claim is [unidentified] upon.
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pension
Page 49

Ho of Reps
May 14, 1846
Sir,
I herewith transmit some additional evidence I have just received on behalf of the application from Mrs. Burton. 
Respectfully yours, 
Asa Biggs

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Commr of Pensions
Page 50

Ho of Reps
May 11, 1846
Sir, 
I herewith transmit a certificate from the Secretary of State of North Carolina and a letter from George Little Esq., to show that Mrs. Burton’s pension should be increased, and it is believed that the evidence now further establishes the fact that her husband received more than $26.00 per month and therefore according to the decision in your letter to me of 29th ult. her pension should be ‘proportionally increased.’
Very Respectfully,
Your obed. servt.,
Asa Biggs

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commr of Pensions
Page 51

O.W.Widow 
File 4140 
Widow 
John Burton
Page 52

Washington City
Sept 9th, 1850

Dear Sir,
I was employed by Mr. Samuel Pope the Executor of Mrs. Susannah Burton to investigate her claim for increase of pay for Staff [illegible] of her husband John Burton an officer in No. Carolina Line. 

I hereby request you to call of the office of Col Edwards Commissioner of Pensions and give the case such attention as you may think desirable.
Yours Very Respectfully,
Geo Little

Alex Ray Esq
Washington City
Page 53

Gatesville N. Carolina
Oct 28th 1843

Sir,
Enclosed you can find the certificate of our Secretary of State, in relation to Mrs. Susannah Burton’s claim on the government of the United States in consideration of the services of her husband as a staff officer in the army of the revolution. I hope you will find the evidence satisfactory and will [illegible] upon both of her declaration on file in your office as early as possible and forward to me the certificate of Pension as soon as you may find it convenient. This letter will be mailed at [illegible].

Very Respectfully Yr Obt Sevt
Will. J Baker

James L Edwards, Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 54

Washington
Sep 12 1850
James L Edwards
Comr.

Sir,
In a conversation a few days ago with George Little of North Carolina. The agent in the case of Susannah Burton decd late a revolutionary pensioner under act of 7 July 1843 + the subsequent acts on account of the husband's John Burton services.
Mr Little informed me there is abundant record proof of John Burton, pay as $40 for his service as an adjutant and the claim was probably disallowed because at the time the case under consideration there were no children, the certificate could not [illegible] to an Exr? [illegible] but now the decision of the Secy of the Interior set aside that that objection.
Under the resolve or the old case? of the (19 Sep 1777) I think adjt of regiments was allowed the pay of a capt and are now allowed, by frequent decision of your office at the rate of $480 pr anm. May I respectfully reqst. a re-examination of the case- all the papers necessary for the admiss? of the claim Mr. Little inform me are on file.
Page 55

Again, in the case of James McDaniel decd under act 7 July 1832, Mr Little informed me there is record proof of 12 mo. more filed in the claim may have been allowed for. be pleased  also to report the particulars to in this case to me.
You have herewith a letter for my authoring in asking a re-examination. 

I am Sir
your [illegible]
Alex. Ray
Page 56

754
Pension Office
Septem. 28th, 1850

Sir,
In reply to the letter of the Hm JNJ Daniel, in relation to the case of Susanna Burton and James M Daniel I have to state that if appears from the evidence filed in the case of Susanna Burton widow of John Burton, that her husband was paid for his service as Adjutant $40.00 per month, the amount allowed her will be increased to $480 p an. But before a certificate can issue the court must certify to the date of her death and the names of her Children who survive her.
In the Case of James McDaniel, H.H. Sylvester was informed by my letter of May 1848 that a pension for 12 mo service would be allowed, the certificate of the court shows the date of McDaniel’s death and giving the names of his widow if he has one or if no widow of his children who survived him required by my letter to M. Sylvester showed be furnished.

Alex. Ray Esq
Present
Page 57

The case of Mrs. Susannah 
Burton for a pension under The act of 7th of July 1838.
NO. 7499  

Hon. K. Rayner
H. R.
Page 58

State of North Carolina
Hertford County

The affidavit of Mr. Charles Powell a citizen of the county above written aged Eighty Three years and now a Pensioner of the United States who being first duly sworn according to Law, Testifies and says that he knew John Burton at the commencement of the Revolution who served as an Adjutant and served in that capacity when this affiant was ingaged in the expedition to Suffolk in Virginia which the enemy burnt from that time up to the period of the death of John Burton he resided a very close neighbor to this affiant and was married on the 7th day of May seventeen hundred and ninety two to the widow maner? in two miles of this affiant and continued to live in two miles of this affiant up to his death. This affiant was present at the marriage and he has examined the entry attached to Mrs. Burton’s declaration he knows it to be the handwriting of John Burton and if it had not been mutilated would show the entry of his marriage, which certainly took place at the time above mentioned which this affiant is convinced of from the birth of one of his own children which was in two days of the marriage.
John Burton was certainly in service for some time, but not with this affiant. In conclusion he testifies that Mrs. Burton now applying for a pension is the identical person married to John Burton as above stated and has never married since his death. Given under my name on this 14th day of November 1840.

Charles Powell [signature]
Page 59

State of North Carolina
Hertford County
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the county above written Mr. Charles Powell and subscribed and swore to the forgoing affidavit in due form of Law. I also testify that Mr. Powell in one of the oldest and most respectable citizens of this county; and that due & with and credit is due to his testimony.
Given under my hand & seal this 14th day of November 1840.
Jno Vann (JP seal)
Page 60

State of North Carolina
I Lewis M Cowper Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Hertford County do hereby certify that John Vann Esquire whose signature is affixed to the Declaration of Mrs. Susannah Burton and the affidavit of Mr. Charles Powell is and was at the time of signing the same one of the acting Justices of the Peace for the County of Hertford & his signature appeared to the same is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office at [illegible] this 14th day of November Anm? Dom? 1840.

[seal image]

L M Cowper, Clk
Page 61

Washington DC
23 April 1846

Sir,
We respectfully ask your attention to the claim of Mrs. Susannah Burton widow of John Burton of N Carolina. On the 17 November last we enclosed to you the certificate of the Secretary of State of N Carolina of the Service of Burton as adjutant for three years in the continental line of that state and have not yet had the pleasure of hearing from you in reply.

We are very respectfully,
Your? most obt? servt?,
TL + A Tho Smith

JL Edwards Esq.
Comm of Pensions
Page 62

State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that it appears from a book of this office, that a warrant for 1168 Acres of land was issued on the 23rd day of October 1783 for three years service of John Burton an adjt. in the 8th Battalion of the Continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, which warrant was issued on the certificate of a Field officer and is No 171.

Given Under my hand this 23rd day of April 1846
Wm. Hill Secretary
of State
Page 63

State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the state of North Carolina, do hereby certify that it appears of record in this office that a warrant for bounty land was issued for the services of John Burton an adjutant for three years in the Continental line of this state in the revolutionary war which warrant was issued at a time when all warrants of that description were issued on the certificate of the Field Officers. The said warrant is No 171 dated 23rd October 1783.

Given under my hand this 14th day of October 1845
Wm Hill Secretary
of State
Page 64

Gates Ville N.C
April 6th 1843

Sir,
Your letter dated a week or two back, I have received. Permit me to return my acknowledgements for the promptness with which you attended to my wishes. I shall be compelled to inform again upon your kindness. I think I stated in my former communication that Mr. Moseby, the agent for Mrs. Susan Burton & Mrs. Mary Spires of Hertford County in this state had retained the [illegible] of the papers, by means of which they succeeded in establishing their claim. I am at present unable to give the one [illegible] description of the services of their husbands in the revolutionary war, and I shall be much indebted to you, if you will either furnish me with a copy of the declaration filed by them under the Act of Congress of July 7th 1838, or with the directions which will enable me to apply to the proper office, for the information which I require. Will you, with your reply be kind enough to send me a copy
Page 65

of the new “census of Pensioners” just distributed among the States? I am with great respect Your Obedient Servt.
Will: J Baker

James L Edwards Esq.
Page 66

Raleigh NC
May 13th 1846
I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of John Burton appears of Record in my office for having been paid the amount of two hundred and twenty nine pounds, two shillings and six pence (229.2.6) as Adjutant as will appear in Book No 2 of the United States of America to the State of North Carolina, as cash paid by Jacob Blount paymaster to the officers and soldiers of the North Carolina Brigade. Given under my hand and seal this day and date above written.
Wm F Collins, Compt.
[seal image]
Page 67

State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from a settlement of the accounts of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, made by a Board of Commissioners at Halifax in 1784. 5. that John Burton an adjutant of said line, was allowed for his services the sum of Five hundred, seventy-three pounds, seventeen shillings and six pence (573.17.6)

Given under my hand this 7th day of May 1846
Wm Hill Secretary
of State
Page 68

Pen Off
June 22, 46

Sir,
I have the honor to return you W. Little’s letter in the case of Susanna Burton and to inform you that this is a claim for service as Sr.? & Adjt in the N.C. line of the Continental army and that no record evidence of his commission as “Lieut” has been added? This is the only point of difficulty & the record recognition of his lineal appointment of “Lieut” is indispensable. The Comptn Certificate now sent relates to several John Burtons. Her husband whenever he appears upon the record is “Adjt.” & the full records of the officer of the N.C. line in the state’s office do not bear his name as “Lieut” but simply as Adjt for which she has been allowed already.
Page 69

Please let W. Little know that unless the record recognition of “Lieut” is adduced it is wholly unnecessary to burthen this office with a correspondence through his subage as well as his Member of Congress.

Hon Asa Biggs
H.R.

[written sideways in right margine]
Hon A. Biggs
22 June 1846
Page 70

Ho: of Reps.
June 15, 1846

Sir,
I herewith transmit an additional certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina and the letter of George Little Esq. in relation to the claim of Mr. Burton, which W. L. thinks will be sufficient evidence to authorize the increase of Mr. Burton’s pension.
Your early attention is [illegible].

Very Respectfully
Yr Obt Servt
Asa Biggs

J.L. Edward Esq.
Comms of Pensions
Page 71

T.L. & A.T. Smith
June 18, 40.
Page 72

425
Pension Office
June [May crossed out] 18, 1846.

Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 21st of March last, in the case of Mrs. Susanna Burton, I have to state that on the 18th May a report was made in the case to the Hon. Asa Biggs, in which he was informed that “a receipt of the comptroller of [Connecticut crossed out] N.C. has been received showing a payment for revolutionary service to ‘John Burton, Adjt.’ which is a further confirmation of the proofs already filed, which show that so far from the records affording any evidence of a commission in the line they invariably style him adjutant. Unless record evidence of a lineal commission be addressed, there is no ground of increase in the case of his widow.” As no additional testimony has since been introduced no further action has been had in the case.

Messers T.L. & A. T. Smith – Present
Page 73

119
Pension Office
Dec 18, 1840

Sir,
The claim of Ms. Susannah Burton widow of John Burton decd has been examined and placed upon one? files.
The widow claims for 3 years service of her late husband as an Adjutant in the NC line and has furnished the certificate of Secretary of State showing that a person of that name did perform these services. The proof that this person was her husband is not satisfactory. The fact that the claims had in her possession has filed in the office with the papers a commission in the name of Jno Burton belonging to the “21st Reg. of his majesty, Foot” dated at St. Augustine in 1779, raise a very [illegible] [illegible] presumption against her claim
Page 74

Aside from the want of satisfactory proof of identity, the proof of the date of her alleged marriage is equally unsatisfactory.
Mr. Powell [illegible] states that he knew that Burton was an adjutant in the early part of the war, when he the [illegible] went to Suffolk in Va.
These Powells papers it appears that he served only 6 mo, commencing in 1780 and that he did not leave the State of N.C.
[signature illegible]

Hon. K. Rayner.
H.R.

OC?
July 4, 1838
7499

[written sideways in right margin]
Hon ? ? ?laymen
Dec 18 1840
OC?
Page 75

Raleigh NC
Compt Office
I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of John Burton appears of record in this office in a Book containing a list of officers in the Revolutionary War both militia and Continental, as an officer, but of what grade, I am unable to determine from the manner in which the entering. J. C. following his name appears there being no meaning given of its signification in the Index of Titles. It appears that the following Certificates for military services were issued in his name, by one for seventy pounds eight shillings ($70.8) See book A and? No 15 page 40. Also another for seventy-one pounds nine shillings (74.9) See Book 8 page 27. Also another for Seventy One Pounds fourteen shillings and eight pence ($71.14.8). It also appears in Book C No 18 page 3 that he had two due bills issued in his favor.
Page 76

of Seventy One Pounds Fourteen Shillings each and receipted for by Hardy Murphy, given under my hand and seal this 13th day June A.D. 1846

Wm F Collins Compt

[seal image]
Page 77

Hon. Asa [illegible due to torn area]
May 18, 1846.
Page 78

589?
Pen off
May 18, 46

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the Compt of N. C showing a payment for revy service to "John Burton Adjt," which is a further confirmation of the proofs already filed which show that so far from the records affording any evidence of a commission in the Line they invariably style him adjutant--unless record evidence of Lineal Commission be adduced there is no ground of increase in the case of his widow Susanna Burton



Hon Asa Biggs
H, R.
Page 79

Dec. 21-1840.


To J. L. Edwards Esq - Commissioner of Pensions,
Sir I have received your report of the 18 Inst. rejecting the application of Mrs. Sussannah Burton for a pension.
I am too much engaged to call at your office, and examine again the evidence in the case, and have to request that the papers may be sent to me by the [illegible].
Yours very respectfully,

K. Rayner
Page 80

Susanna Burton
widow of John Burton
Adjutant
3 years
N. Carolina line
act 7 July 1838
$320 her ann. to com: 4 March 1836
N. Carolina Roll

Send cert: to the
Hon. K. Rayner H.R.

[written sideways]
James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington
Page 81

Increase
Susanna Burton decd?
Wid of John
N.C.
Act 7th July 1838
[illegible] 2 yrs Adit.
$480 per ann.
From 4th Mch 1836
To 19 Aug: 1844 [illegible]
Apr? 2 yrs when she decd?
Payable to same
B. Pope, [illegible] executor, she having left no child
Cert sent to Alex. Ray
Present
Page 82

State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State
I William Hill Secretary of State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears of record in this office that John Burton an adjutant of the 8th Battallion of this State in the revolutionary war, obtained a land warrant for three years services as adjutant aforesaid, which warrant was drawn by Colo. Hardy Murfree on the 23rd day of October 1783 No. 171.
Given under my hand this
17th October 1843.
Wm. Hill.
Page 83

[left side of page]
5349
North Carolina

Susanna Burton
widow of John Burton
who was a Adjutant N.C.
in the Continental Line


Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 320 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of pension issued the 18 day of April 1844 and sent to Hon. K. Rayner H. Reps

[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 1        Page 199

[right side of page]
[illegible] 18 Apl 44
Letter to Hon. Asa Briggs
April 29th 1846
Page 84

State of North Carolina
Hertford County

I Susannah Burton widow of John Burton who was a Lieutenant and Adjutant during the War of the Revolution, do hereby make oath that I am the widow of the aforesaid John Burton, and that I have as such been allowed, and that I have received a pension for five years, under the Act of Congress of 7th of July 1838; and that I am now [illegible] that under the Law passed on the 7th day of June 1832 by the Congress of the U.S, I am entitled to the pay which would have been allowed to my husband in virtue of his Staff appointment had he been living; and to obtain it I do hereby relinquish every other claim to any pension or annuity  from the Government, except the one now claimed by me. She further declares that she is still a widow -            
Susannah "her mark" Burton

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year above written before.

John A. Anderson {JP}

I John A. Anderson one of the Justices of the Peace for the County of Hertford & State of North Carolina do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Susannah Burton widow of the said John Burton, a revolutionary officer that she is the person who [illegible due to ink smudge] allowed and received a pension for five years under the act of July 7th 1838 and that
Page 85

State of North Carolina

I Lewis M. Cowper Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of Hertford County do hereby certify that John A. Anderson Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was made is an acting Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned & qualified & think the above is his proper signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my office at Winton this 28th day of September A. D. 1843.
[seal image]
L. M. Cowper Clk?
Page 86

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of March 3rd 1843, granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7th 1838
State of North Carolina
Hertford County

On this 28th day of September 1843 personally appeared before me one of the justices of the Peace of the County of Hertford North Carolina Susannah Burton a resident of North Carolina in the County of Hertford aged Eighty odd 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 previsions made by the act of congress passed on the 3rd day of March 1843, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War that she is the widow of John Burton who was a Lieutenant & Adjutant during the war of the Revolution and as such has been allowed, and has received a pension of five years at the rate of three hundred & twenty dollars per annum under the act of July 7th 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow -- 
Susanna her X mark Burton

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before
John A Anderson [JP}

I John A Anderson one of the Justices of Peace of Hertford County North Carolina do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with the above named Susannah Bur
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ton, the widow of John Burton, and that she in the person who received a pension of five years under the act of congress of July 7th 1838, and that she is from bodily infirmity unable to appear before the Court. Given under my hand & seal this 28th day of September 1843

John A Anderson {JP}

State of North Carolina
I Lewis M Cowper Clerk of this Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of Hertford County & State aforesaid do hereby certify that John A Anderson Esq before whom the foregoing affidavit was made is an acting Justice of the peace for said County duly commissioned & qualified & think the above is his proper signature.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name & affixed the seal of my office at Winton this 28th day of September A. D. 1843.
[seal image]
L. M. Cowper Clk
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State of North Carolina
North Hampton County

The affidavit of Nicholas
Tyner of the said County now in the ninty first
year of his age and a pensioner of the United States
who being first duly sworn according to
Law testifies and says that he enlisted
under Captain Jacob Turner at Halifax in
the fall of 1776 and marched to the North under the
command of Col Hardy Murfree - John
Burton whose widow is now applying for a pension 
was adjutant of the Regiment. I served
to the north and was at Trenton & Brandywine
and continued to serve until 1780 when we
returned to North Carolina and joined Gnl Green
at Hillsboro, and served at Guildford Courthouse
and Eutaw Springs. In all this service John
Burton acted to the Regiment as adjutant
We were finally discharged at Halifax in
the spring of 1783. John Burton returned to
Hartford County, and there lived, married, and
died living all his life in fifteen miles of
this affiant. This affiant can testify that
John Burton served as above stated; and he
knows that he is the identical person who
served and then married the individual
(now his widow) and applying for a pension.
The marriage of John Burton with his widow
now applying for a pension took place in May
seventeen hundred and ninty two
Given under my hand this 19th day
of January 1841

Nicholas his X mark Tyler
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State of North Carolina
Northampton County
This day personally appeared before me a Justice
of the peace for the County aforesaid-- Nicholas Tyler
a very respectable and old man a citizen of this County
and subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit
in due form of Law. I also certify that Mr Tyner
is in the full possession of all his faculties and
his Testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand this 19th day of January 1841
Collin W Barnes J.P.

I also further certify that Mr Nicholas Tyner
above named formally signed his name to
such proceeding as was necessary, and now from
advanced age and the unstedy condition of
his nerves? he is incapable of doing so, his mark
is therefore appended to his certificate
Given under my hand the day and date
above written
Collin W Barnes J.P.

State of North Carolina
I William Bottom clerk of the Court of Pleas
and quarter Sessions for the County of
Northampton, hereby certify that Collen W
Barnes whose name appear to the above
Certificate is and was at the time of signing
the same an acting Justice of the
peace in and for the County of Northampton
aforesaid, and that full faith and credit are
due all his official acts as such. Given
under my hand & seal of Office at Office
this 21st day [rest of date cut off]
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State of North Carolina
Hartford County
The amended affidavit
of Mr Charles Powell taken to prove more fully 
his knowledge of John Burton and his wife
now applying for a pension, who being first duly
sworn according to law testifies and says
That John Burton came to this state before the
revolution and was reputed to have served as a
soldier in the British service before the revolution 
He served as I have stated in my former
affidavit when we marched to Virginia when suffolk
was burnt- I did not claim myself for that service 
because I did not think it worth claiming as
we were in service but for a few days.
On reflection I can add nothing to my former affidavit
but to say that I know that John Burton is the identical
man who served as an Adjutant in the Revolution
and is the identical person married as stated in my
former affidavit in my presence, and his widow now
applying for a pension is the identical person
then married to him.
Given under my hand this 22d day of January 1841
Charles Powell
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State of North Carolina
Hartford County
This day personally appeared 
before me a Justice of the Peace for the
County above written Mr Charles Powell and 
subscribed and sworn to the forgoing affidavit in
due form of Law. I also certify that Mr Powell
is a very old and respectable citizen of this
County and full faith and credit is due to his
testimony.
Given under my hand & seal this 22d
day of January 1841.
Jno Vann {JP}
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State of North Carolina
Hertford County
The affidavit of James 
Weston now a pensioner of the United States taken
to prove the service and marriage of John Burton
This affiant being first duly sworn according to
law testifies and says. That he knew John
Burton at the commencement of the Revolution
and from that time up to the period of his
death, this affiant resided in eight miles of him
This affiant never served with John Burton in the
Revolution, but he can testify that John Burton
did serve as an Adjutant from an early period
of the war to its close. He can also testify that he
returned to Hartford after the close of the war and
lived and died in right miles of this affiant
and after his return he married the widow Manier
who is now his widow and applying for a pension.
The marriage of John Burton with his wife now
applying for a pension certainly took place at
the period mentioned by Mr. Powell I was not
at the marriage but living as I did and now do
in eight miles of the place I have a perfect 
recollection of it, as occuring in the early part of May
seventeen hundred and ninety two.
In conclusion he can testify that John Burton
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is the identical person who served as an adjutant
under Col. Hardy Murfree for the best part of the
war, and is the identical person married in May
seventeen hundred and ninty two to the widow
Manier, and she is the identical person now applying
for a pension.
Given under my hand this 21st day of January 1841.
James Weston

State of North Carolina
Hartford County 
This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for the
County above written -- Mr James Weston and subscribed
and swore to the forgoing affidavit in due form of Law. I also certify that Mr. Weston
is a very old and respectable citizen and his testamony is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and seal this 21st day of January 1841.

Thos Griffith {JP} {Seal}

I also certify that I was present at the marriage
of John Burton with the Widow Susannah Maner
and my recollection of the period is
strictly in accordance with the statement made
by Mr Powell.
Given under my hand & seal
this 21st of Jany 1841. 
Thos. Griffith
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State of North Carolina
Hertford County
The affidavit of Henry Best
taken to prove his knowledge of John Burton and
his wife now applying for a pension. This affiant
being first duly sworn according to law testifies and
says, That John Burton was known to him from
his earliest recollection up to the period of his death
he also knows his widow who was the widow Maner
and he was a perfect recollection of the following
facts. John Burton certainly did serve as an
adjutant during the war of the Revolution, and
married the widow Maner in the month of may
seventeen hundred and ninty two, after that time
he lived as he did at the time of his marriage and
up to his death a close neighbor to this affiant.
He can testify first to his marriage secondly that
his widow now applying for a pension is the
identical person married to him, and she
has never married since-
Given under my hand this 22d day of January
1841.
Henry Best
Page 95

State of North Carolina
Hartford County
This day personally appeared
before me a Justice of the Peace for the County
above written Henry Best and subscribed and sworn
to the forgoing affidavit in due form of Law. I
also certify that Mr Best is a very old and 
respectable citizen of this County and full faith
and credit is due to his testamony-
Given under my hand & seal this 22d day
of January 1841.
Jno Vann {JP}
Page 96

Additional testimony in the case of Mrs. Susannah Burton

Hn K. Rayner
HR
Page 97

State of North Carolina
Hertford County The affidavit of John Vann
Esq taken to be read in evidence in the application
of Mrs Susanna Burton for a pension. Being first
duly sworn according to Law, testifies and says,
That at a very early period of his life he knew John
Burton who served as an Adjutant in the Revolution.
John Burton came to this section of country before the
war commenced from Williamsburgh Virginia and
was stated to have served in the British army before
he came to this state such a belief and tradition
has always existed in this section of country.
In reflection I can add nothing to my former 
affidavit respecting the marriage of John Burton with
his widow now applying for a pension; I am as well
convinced that it took place at the time mentioned by
me as I can be of any fact whatever. I can with equal
certainly say that John Burton was the identical man
who served as an adjutant in the North Carolina Line
and his widow on applying for a pension is the
identical person married to him on the 7th of
May 1792.
Given under my hand this 25th day of January 1841.
Sworn & subscribed before me
the day above mentioned
Jno. Vann
John A. Anderson {JP}
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State of North Carolina
I Lewis M. Cowper Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Hertford County
do hereby certify that John Vann, Thomas Griffith and John A. Anderson Esquires before whom the foregoing affidavits of Charles Powell, Henry Best, James Weston and John Vann were made as acting Justices of the Peace for the County of Hertford duly Commissioned & Qualifying as such.
I also Certify that the Records of the County of Hertford were all destroyed by fire the last of March 1830. There are consequently no records
in my Office of Marriage Bonds prior to that date.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my Office at Winton
this 25th day of January Anno Dom 1841.

L. M. Cowper Clk
[seal image]
Page 99

128 N.W.Twentyfirst Avenue
Miami,Florida
September 16,1939

The Pension Department
Washington,D.C.

Gentlemen:

Have you any data on the Revolutionary soldier, John Burton of North Carolina? [handwritten notation above John Burton “only one NC”]
I should greatly appreciate any you may have.

Thanking you,I am,

Very truly yours,

Mance M. Burton

[stamp that reads: "RECEIVED SEP 20 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV, Reader No. 25, VETS ADM"]
Page 100

Mrs. Graham Blair Moody
2728 Claremont Boulevard
Berkeley, California

Jan 7 - 1937

[stamp that reads: "RECEIVED Jan 12 1937 MAIL SUB-DIV, VETS ADM READER 12]

Veterans Administration
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
I am trying to trace back my own family history. Please give me all information on the following soldiers of the Am. Revolution
From N. Carolina Register:
John Burton. pt. Rev. War [handwritten note above John Burton “only 1 in NC”]
Yarborrow? Co. 1781. [handwritten note in left margin “Set”?]
12 mo. Time out May 1 '82.
Page 101

Mrs. Graham Blair Moody
2728 Claremont Boulevard
Berkeley, California

(Virginia)
Cargil, Cornelius, Jr. (et)
H.S. 7. 223
Cargill, Daniel. H.S. 7-223
Cargill, John (Capt) H.S. 7-223 [handwritten note "more" in left margin]
Cargill, John Jr. H.S. 7-223 [handwritten note in left margin "Jno Cargle  VA & NC]

Very Truly,

Vinnie Burton Moody
Page 102

Mayfield Ky,
July 13, 1934.

[stamp that reads: "RECEIVED JUL 16 1934 [illegible]]

The Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Have you any record of John Halliburton or Burton as is sometimes put in records, who served in the Revolutionary War from Person County North Carolina? If so does it give the parents' names and his wife, and [illegible] land go
Page 103

about getting copies, if there are any records? Please let me hear from you promptly. I was referred to this department by the war department.
I wish to thank you,

Respectfully

Mrs. W. H. Weaver.
Page 104

[symbol of the first Confederate flag]
United Daughters of the Confederacy
NORTH CAROLINA DIVISON
DEPARTMENT OF CONFEDERATE VETERAN
MRS. JOHN S. WELBORN, DIRECTOR
BOX 424
HIGH POINT. N. C.
Oct 25th 1930

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.

Dear Sir:
Can you give me any information about the record of service -in the Revolutionary war- of John Burton of N.C. I have a record of payment of -L 229-2-6 currency to John Burton of N.C. Adjutant in 1779 but it does not gieve his home county. John Blunt was Paymaster. but does not state district of paymaster.
Did John Burton get a pension?
Any information you can give me will be appreciated.

Sincerely

Mrs. J.S.Welborn

P.O.Box 424.

[date stamp - OCT 27 1930 - U. S. Pension Office]
Page 105

January 19, 1937

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/MLB

Mrs. Graham Blair Moody
2728 Claremont Boulevard
Berkeley, California

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information relative to John Burton who served as private from Yarborough County, North Carolina, in 1781; Cornelius Cargil, Jr., Daniel Cargill, Captain John Cargill and John Cargill, Jr., of Virginia, all soldiers of the Revolutionary War.

There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolution of a Cornelius or Daniel Cargill, under any spelling.

In order to identify the record of the particular soldier named John Cargil or Cargill in whom you are interested, should it be on file, as much as possible of the following data in regard to him should be furnished: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.

The record has been found of only one John Burton, of North Carolina, which is furnished herewith.

Very truly yours



A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 106

January 31, 1937


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/EEL
John Burton-W.4140

Mrs. Graham Blair Moody
2728 Claremont Boulevard
Berkeley, California

[illegible Ex. pges illegible 9/22 - written in the right margin]

Dear Madam


The data which follow are obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.4140, based upon the military service of John Burton in that war.

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John Burton are not shown. He served in His Majesty's 31' Regiment of Foot prior to the Revolutionary War and about the beginning of the conflict went from Williamsburg, Virginia to Hertford County, North Carolina.
[21" is written in the margin]

While residing in said Hertford County, John Burton entered the service early in 1776, served as adjutant of Colonel Hardy Murfee's North Carolina Regiment, [caret "Ensign Lt, & Capt"] was in the battles of Trenton and Brandywine, at the burning of Suffolk, Virginia, and battles of Guilford Courthouse and Eutaw Springs and left the service in the spring of 1783. It was stated by soldier's widow that he served, also, as lieutenant.

He died December 3, 1800, in Hertford County, North Carolina.

The soldier married in Hertford County, North Carolina, Susannah Maner or Manier, a widow.
[May 7, 1792 is written in the right margin]

On account of the service of John Burton in the Revolutionary War, his widow Susannah [the "h" is crossed out], was allowed pensioned on her application executed November 13, 1840, at which time she was aged eighty-four years and resided in Hertford County, North Carolina. It was shown also, that soldier was allowed eleven hundred sixty-eight acres of land on Warrant No. 171, issued October 23, 1783, by the state of North Carolina, in recognition of his services in the Revolutionary War.

Susannah [the "h" is crossed out] Burton died August 19, 1844, in Hertford County, North Carolina. No Children survived her and no names of children are given.
[illegible handwritten text]
Very truly yours

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant
to the Administration
Page 107

July 27, 1934


xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


BA-J/EEL
John Burton-W,4140

Mrs. W.H.Weaver
Mayfield
Kentucky

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of John Halliburton or Burton, of North Carolina, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, W.4140, based upon the military service of John Burton, the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this office who served in the North Carolina Troops. The name does not appear as Halliburton and there is no claim for pension on account of the services of a John Halliburton. It is hoped that this record may be of interest to you.

The date and place of birth and the names of the parents of John Burton are not shown in the papers in the pension claim. He served in His Majesty's 31" Regiment of Foot prior to the Revolutionary War. He went to Hertford County, North Carolina, from Williamsburg, Virginia, about the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

While residing in Hertford County, North Carolina, John Burton entered the service early in 1776, served as adjutant of Colonel Hardy Murfree's North Carolina Regiment, was in the battles of Trenton and Brandywine, at the burning of Suffolk, Virginia, and battles of Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs and left the service in the spring of 1783. The soldier's widow stated that he also served as lieutenant.

The soldier married May 7, 1792, in Hertford County, North Carolina, Susannah Maner or Manier, a widow.

He died December 3, 1800, in Hertford County, North Carolina.

On account of the services of John Burton in the Revolutionary War, his widow, Susannah, was allowed pension on her application exe-
Page 108

November 21,1930

Mrs. J.S.Welborn
Box 424
High Point, North Carolina


Dear Madam:


[handwritten in left margin: I used "prior to the Rev." for British serv. as the date on the discharge is not legible]

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 4140,that John Burton served in his Majesty's 31st Regiment of Foot prior to the Revolutionary War. He went to Hertford County, North Carolina, from Williamsburg, Virginia, about the beginning of the Revolution.

While residing in Hertford County, North Carolina, he enlisted early in 1776, served as Adjutant of Colonel Hardy Murfee's North Carolina Regiment, was in the battles of Trenton and Brandywine, at the burning of Suffolk, Virginia, and battles of Guilford Court House and Eutaw Springs and was discharged in the spring of 1783. The soldier's widow stated that he was also a Lieutenant.

[handwritten in the right margin: "she said he was a Lt. but this [illegible] not be proved & the records of the [illegible] of NC only showed adjt but from amt of pay he received it was thought he must have been a Lt or Ensign as well as Adjt also because they made adjutants from such commissioned officers]

The soldier married May 7, 1792, in Hertford County, North Carolina, Susannah Maner or Manier, a widow.

He died December 3, 1800, in Hertford County, North Carolina. His age is not shown nor the place of his birth.

On account of his services in the Revolutionary War, his widow, Susannah, was allowed pension on her application executed November 13, 1840, at which time she was aged eighty-four years and resided in Hertford County, North Carolina. It also appears that the soldier was allowed eleven hundred and sixty-eight acres of bounty land on Warrant No.171, issued October 23, 1783, by the State of North Carolina, on account of his services in the Revolutionary War.
Page 109

Susannah Burton died August 19, 1844. [handwritten in right margin: "in Hertford Co NC"]

No children survived her and no names of any children are shown.


Very truly yours



E. W. Morgan
Acting Commissioner.