Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8630, John Greathouse, Penn.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Penn.

Greathouse, John

NUMBER
S.8630
---------------------------------
CONTENTS
Page 2

[left-hand side of page]
12,094
Virginia
-------------------------
John Greathouse
of Harrison in the State of Va: -
who was a pri. in the --- commanded
by Captain ----- of the Regt ---- commanded
by Col. Broahead in the Va [crossed out with a star above)---
line for 2 years
Pa. Line
Dec. 12/04
Records corrected
---------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia -
at the rate of 80 -- Dollars  --- Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
----------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of March
1833 and sent to Alex S. Withers Clarksburgh Va.
----------------------------------
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833   160.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept -    40.00
$200.00 [double underlined]

{Revolutionary Claim, }
{Act June 7, 1832.       }

Recorded by Nathan Rice  ---Clerk,
Book E    Vol. 6   Page 9 -

[right-hand side of page]
[top of page cut off, causing writing to be illegible]
19.1836 - records sent to W. P.
Goff & J.  Recd Jan. 4. 183[rest of year illegible]

letter 16 May 1837 [illegible] en Agent
[illegible] ---A. P. Goff
Decd
Order to pay & letter to A. P.
Goff 26 Sept 1838.

[written sideways at bottom right-hand side]
Let sent Agt. on 12 March 1835
  "     "    N. Goff  } Off
  "      "   24 July 
   "      "   22 Aug.
   "      "    Agent -----Resumed
Page 3

Jno Greathouse

Declaration

Admitted

J. G. Jackson
Page 4

Virginia Court: At a Court held for the County of Harrison on the 18th day of May 1818 and 42nd year of the Commonwealth. Present Samuel P. Moore, Edward B. Jackson, John Sommerville &amp; Benjamin Robinson Gentlemen Justices.
Before the Court aforesaid personally appeared John Greathouse aged 60 years a resident of this County who being duly sworn according to Law upon his oath makes the following declaration in order to procure the provision of the late act of Congress entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval forces of the United States in the late Revolutionary war." That he the said John Greathouse enlisted in Bedford County State of Pennsylvania in the year 1777 in Captain Neilson's Company of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment of Regulars commanded by Col. —; afterwards commanded by Col. Brodhead that he continued to serve in the same Corps for the term of three years when he was discharged at Pittsburg in March 1780 and received the accompanying discharge. That he was in the battles of Brandywine Germantown and Paoli and; that he is in reduced circumstances and stands in need of the assistance of his country for his support and that he has no other evidence in his power of his said services —
Teste. J. Wilson Jr. CH
It appearing to the satisfaction of the court that the said John Greathouse served in the revolutionary war against the common enemy and from the declaration now filed and their belief in its truth from examination of the said John before the Court and his standing as a Citizen in this County. It is ordered that the said declaration...
Page 5

with the opinion of the Court be certified to the honorable
Secretary of war. The Court being fully satisfied that
the said John did serve in the army of the United States
[in the] service of the common enemy for the term of nine months
and that [he] is in reduced circumstances and
stands in need of the assistance of his country
for support.
[signed] J Mason, Clk
Virginia, I John Wilson, Clerk of the County Court of
Harrison do certify that the foregoing is truly copied
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed my seal, this 8 day of July 1818  
J. Wilson Jr. CH (Signature)
Page 6

February 6, 1912

Mrs. V. Samuel Goodwyn,
Emporia, Va.
Madam: 
In reply to your letter dated the 25th and received the 26th ultime, you are advised that the John Greathouse, Sur, File No. 8,630, Rev. War, a record of whose services was furnished-ed you January 10, 1912, was placed on the pension roll January 28, 1819, pension to commence May 19, 1818. He stated under oath that he was sixty years old in 1818. The same John Greenhouse was also allowed a pension under Act of June 7, 1832, placed on the pension roll March 22, 1833.  Commence-ment of pension March 4, 1831. 
There is no data on file as to his family, nor is it state that he was ever married. 
The above noted is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War pension records. 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Page 7

Blank Page


John Greathouse
S.F. 8630 Pa
Page 8

This is to Certify that the bearer John Greathouse Soldier in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment in Captain  Joseph Finley's Company Having enlisted for the Term of Three Years Having Served His Time Tough and Faithful as Becometh a Good Solider is Here by Discharged Accordingly Given under my Hand at Fort Pitt this 7th Day of March 1780 

To All Whom It May Concern
Page 9

( Postage Stamp - Clarksburg Aug 3 Va.)

James L Edwards 
Com s of Pensions
Washington City

Inverted Text -
Page 10

Dated August 1st, 1835
Sir,
I have received yours of 24th... regarding the subject of John Greathouse, a junior—the evidence Mr. Greathouse made represented to Mr. Singleton, which is the same reports made by Singleton to you—Mr. Greathouse is extremely ignorant & simple—has not knowledge enough to make a story and tell it.
When I took his statements, I took much pains in examining him—and cross-examining him—he was fully convinced he had done the services he represented to have done—I did not take down his whole story, only so much as I thought necessary... He gives me in his simple state a full statement of his desertion, and also stated he had given the same statement to his agent, who got him placed on the pension rolls... I suppose
Page 11

his agent left that part out, fearing it would prejudice his claims—The old man lives some distance from town & is too feeble to come in—I have not time to go out... 

I have not one doubt on the subject—he certainly is entitled to a pension—& I hope he will be replaced.
Your (illegible)
Nathan Goff

J.L. Edwards
Coms of Pensions
Page 12

To Letter to Hon. P. Doddridge
H.A. Jan 26 1832
Sen Letter to Hon Lewis Max
dated 28 July 1832

5998.
Virginia 
John Greathouse

Pennsylvania Sen 8 August 
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia 
at the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence of the 19 of May 1818

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 of January 1819 and send to J G Jackson Esq. Clar Roburg 
Arrears to set of Sept 1818 9 Mo. 28.41 
Semi-anl alee ending 4 March 1819
Page 13

Clarksburg Va. Sept 19, 1838

You will find under cover pension  voucher of Milly Greathouse if found correct please direct payment of the same to be maid to Mr.. A.P. Goff of Wheeling Va. Yours Respectfully, Jas Reed
Page 14

12094

John Greathouse, Penn [underlined text]

Harrison Cty.

[Illegible]

Not on the Penn roll The 
discharge provided health appearance of need living pension -

Says nothing of having deserted in his first dec. under the Act of 1828.

War des. at Philed. not Ch.-discharge [illegible] says Fort Pitt.
Page 15

John Greathouse, draws $80—
In July the 9th, the Pensioner made the following Declaration— did not know his age, is an old man. He Enlisted in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. Can’t say in what year, but thinks it was one year before the Battle of Brandywine. And rendezvoused at Hannahstown, Penn. where several companies had gathered. His Enlistment was for three years. Marched from there to a Stockade Fort called Fort Catanni... remained there until late in autumn when the whole army was ordered to the Jerseys... they took up the line of march and went on by Bedford, Alts, York, and Lancaster.
On getting within fifteen miles of Philadelphia, he deserted the Company with another... and returned home. He marched in September and deserted about Christmas. He gave himself up sometime in the Spring following to one Capt. James Moore (with 15 other deserters). The Captain took charge of us and marched us to Jersey, Mount Pleasant, and delivered us up to Col. Broadhead. He was then attached to the main army and made his former captain's Regt. the 8th Penn. Regt. He was here taken sick and was transported in a Baggage Wagon to a place called Black-run. Remained sick 2 months. Joined the army again and marched to Philadelphia. hen up a fork of the Susquehannah river to guard the settlers... Joined the army again at Fort Pitt... marches on to Pittsburg... and aided in building Fort McIntosh. Then to Tuscarawas and aided to build Fort Lawrence... and was then marched back to Philadelphia where he received his discharge, having fully served out the term of his Enlistment & less days for me for the time absent when he deserted.
Which in turn he was at the Battle of Brandy Wine Gen Wayne commanded his cousin - the Battle of Germantown - his discharge is in Washington City taken then by Gen John E. Jackson. Jackson got his a pension sion under that on Can - he can [illegible] off [illegible] he has property. [Illegible] 
W G Singleton [signature]
Nov. 17. 1836
Page 16

Alexander S. Withers
Clarksburgh 
Harrison Co
Va )

Department of War
Washington City 
D.C.
[Inverted mailing address text]

P.O. Aug 28 32 [handwritten text on left side of inverted mailing address]

1777  Cast Relgore
Col Broadhead
Va Line [handwritten note at bottom of document]
Page 17

[Page 1 of 2 Letter from Alex S. Withers]

Clarksburg, Harrison County Va.
August 20th 1832
---------------------

Sir,
I enclose the statements of John Greathouse, a soldier of the revolution, with the certificates annexed to it. Under the law of 18th March 1818, he was placed on the pension roll, and subsequently removed therefrom because of the amount of property held by him, the pension certificate then granted him, was forwarded by me, early last winter to the honorable P. Doddridge, by whom I believe it was handed to the department, over which you preside, and I presume, is yet there. — A communication from Mr Edwards to Mr Doddridge, forwarded to me by the latter gentleman, shews it to have been there in your office.
I presume there can be now no difficulty in having him placed on the pension roll of the U.S. under the recent act of congress, on the subject of granting relief to certain officers & soldiers in the war of the revolution. Should there be any, you will please apprise me of it, by letter addressed to me at Warrenton, Fauquier county Va. where I expect to be, and remain, after
Page 18

[Page 2 of 2 Letter from Alex S. Withers]

this week until the middle of next month; after the expiration of which period, I shall be again here. the certificate of pension, if one be granted him, may be forwarded in like manner.
The erasure, occurring at the foot of his statements, was made because that Col. Martin, presiding justice of the court then sitting, erroneously affixed his name to it, as evidence of his having administered to Greathouse the oath required to be taken. it was immediately discovered to be an error, and instantly corrected. When the papers were completed, they were entrusted to me, by Mr Greathouse, to have delivered at the Department of War, under the impression that I should be in Washington early after. Circumstances have delayed my visit to the lower country till now, & I know not that I shall, while there, have leisure to be in the City. I consequently have thought it advisable to forward them by mail.

Respectfully
Yr. obdt. svt. [Shorthand  text for Your obedient Servant]

His Excellency
Lewis Cass Secy W. [Shorthand text for Secretary of War]

Alex. S. Withers [signature]
Page 19

John Greathouse
Va.

J. Greathouse,
Admint for 2 yr or a private in the Penn. [Virginia crossed through] Con Line
from 1777- $80-
Capt Kilgore,
Col. Broadhead }

War Office [handwritten vertically]

Alex A. Withers 
Clarksburg, Va
Page 20

Army of the United States -  Sworn to subscribed this day and year aforesaid  John Greathouse [signature] [his mark handwritten above and below signature]  And this court declares this opinion after this was being evaluated of the matter, that the above named John Greathouse is the same person who was enrolled a pensioner under the Acts of Congress of March 18th 1818, and that he was enlisted and served as he has above stated. And this court does further certify that Jacob Coplin and Christopher Nutter whom certificates is here unto attached are residents in the vicinage of the aforesaid John Greathouse In the county aforesaid and said persons and that this statements is entitled to credit.   The Jacob Coplin and Christopher Nutter residing in this county of Harrison in Virginia do certify, that was are well acquainted with John Greathouse who has undersigned and sworn to the statements further have made, that we believe him to have been in service as stated by him that he is so candid and in the neighborhood in which he resides. That he was on the pension rolls as stated by Jim and that his declaration is entitled to full faith and credit. Sworn and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid   Matthew Nutter [signature] Jacob Coplin [signature]
Page 21

has subscribed and sworn to the statements first above made, that we believe him to have been  in review as stated by him, that he is so commandeered and in the neighbordhood in which he resides. that he was on the pension roll as stated by him, and that his declraration is entitled to full faith and credit. Sworn and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid. 

Matthew Nutter [signature]
Jacob Coplin [signature]


I David Davidson Clerk of the Court of the county aforesaid and State of Aforesaid, as hereby certified that the foregoing certainly the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of the above named John Greathouse for a pension. In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and the seal of the office of said county this 21st day of July 1832 
D.Davisson C.H.C.C.
Page 22

State of Virginia
Harrison County }

On this 16th day of June, personally appeared in court, before the county court of the aforesaid county of Harrison in the state aforesaid now sitting John Greathouse a resident on the waters of Elk Creek in the aforesaid county, who being duly sworn according to law, both on his oath make the following statement, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. 
That he was placed on the pension roll under the act of Congress of March 18th 1818, and was not continued thereon because of the property owned and held by him; that he was in the war of the Revolution, an enlisted soldier in the Continental troops, for the term of three years, discharge was forwarded to the war department in order to having his name placed on the pension roll under the last mentioned act of Congress. 

That he was in the 8th Regt. Pennsylvania, that when he was a pensioner he resided where he does now on the waters of Elk as aforesaid. And he does hereby renounce and relinquish ever claim to a pension or annuity whatever except the present and declares that he is not a pensioner and that his name is not on the pension rolls of this age...
Page 23

Army of the United States -

Sworn to subscribed this day and year aforesaid 
John Greathouse [signature] [his mark handwritten above and below signature]

And this court declares this opinion after this was being evaluated of the matter, that the above named John Greathouse is the same person who was enrolled a pensioner under the Acts of Congress of March 18th 1818, and that he was enlisted and served as he has above stated. And this court does further certify that Jacob Coplin and Christopher Nutter whom certificates is here unto attached are residents in the vicinage of the aforesaid John Greathouse In the county aforesaid and said persons and that this statements is entitled to credit. 

The Jacob Coplin and Christopher Nutter residing in this county of Harrison  in Virginia do certify, that was are well acquainted with John Greathouse who has undersigned  and sworn to the statements further have made, that we believe him to have been in service as stated by him that he is so candid and in the neighborhood in which he resides. That he was on the pension rolls as stated by Jim and that his declaration is entitled to full faith and credit. Sworn and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid 

Matthew Nutter [signature]
Jacob Coplin [signature]
Page 24

has subscribed and sworn to the statements first above made, that we believe him to have been in review as stated by him, that he is so commandeered and in the neighborhood in which he resides. that he was on the pension roll as stated by him, and that his declaration is entitled to full faith and credit. Sworn and Subscribed this day and year aforesaid.     Matthew Nutter [signature]
Jacob Coplin  [signature]          

I David Davidson Clerk of the Court of the county aforesaid and State of Aforesaid as hereby certified that the foregoing certainly the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of the above named John Greathouse for a pension. In testimony where of I have here unto set my hand and the seal of the office of said county this 21st day of July 1832  D.Davisson C.H.C.C.
Page 25

[Postmark: Clarksburg VA MAR 5]

Mr. E  May 15 
Re Greathouse
Va 
12094 [handwritten text to the left of the postmark]

from 

James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
City of Washington  [handwritten mailing address-text sideways]
Page 26

Clarksburg Va.
Aug 6th 1837

J L Edwards
Coms of Pensions }

Here enclosed is the vouchers for John Greathouse's pension - , please forward the name to A.P. Goff (illegible) Va. - if the vouchers are  (illegible). 

Very Respectfully 
yours
Nathan Goff [signature]
Page 27

Nathan Goff
Va [illegible] 1835 [Return Address]

[Postmark: Clarksburg Jul 20 Va]
Va. July 24 [handwritten text on left side of envelope]

FREE [stamped above mailing address]

James L Edwards Esq.
Coms of Pensions
City of Washington [Mailing Address]
Page 28

Clarksburg Friday 19th 1835 —

Sir
Mr James Teny, pensioner of Lewis
County, who was reported entitled (underlined text)
— he was reported with the loss
of Harrison County — wishes to
know what has been done
by the department on Mr
Singletons report — &c &c [Shorthand symbols for etc.]
— please give me the
information —
Mr John Greathouse of this County
was reported entitled — & you
have dropped him — will you
give the cause —
yours [Penmanship mark for Respectfully]
Nathan Goff
Page 29

Information contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.[typed text] John Greathouse SF 8620 [handwritten and underlined]

[Column Heading: DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. ] 1777
[Column Heading: LENGTH OF SERVICE.]  3 years [Arrow pointing to line below with text] discharged - March 14, 1780
[Column Heading: RANK.) - Pvt. 
[Column Heading: OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.) Captain Kilgore 
[Column Heading: COLONEL.]  Broadhead
[Column Heading: STATE.]  8th Penn 

Battles engaged in,[typed text] Brandywine, Germantown, and Paoli [handwritten response]

Residence of soldier at enlistment, [typed text] Enlisted in Bedford Co. Penn.[handwritten response]

Date of application for pension, [typed text] May 19, 1818 [illegible handwritten response]

Residence at date of application,[typed text] Harrison Co. Va [handwritten response]

Age at date of application, [typed text] 60 yrs, Died May 14, 1838 * [handwritten response]

[Handwritten note at left side bottom of document] 
not included when this hist. was sent.        (Milly Greathouse referred to in Sept. 1838 - no relationship stated.)

[Handwritten note at right side bottom of document]
* from Age by book? [reference back to Age at date of application response above]
Page 30


[Page 1 of 3 - Letter from Mrs. Sam'l Goodwyn]

M [Bold Print]
MURPHYS HOTEL INC
RICHMOND, VA
[Stationary Letterhead]

Emporia, Va,
Jan 25, 1912.
Dear Sir,
While in Richmond I visited the library and found from Report of Secty. of War Pension Rolls Vol. 2 John Greathouse. of Harrison Co. Va. 1st John Greathouse, from (Va. Court Line) Vale plaved on pension Roll Jan 28, 1819. then 76 years of age. Page 151
Commencement of Pension May 19, 1818. The above born 1742 [date underlined] (over) 

[Postmark Pension D Jan 26 1912 U.S. Office] 

[Stamped Jan 29, 1912]
Page 31

[Page 3 of 3 - Letter from Mrs. Sam'l Goodwyn]

the same day.
The elder one married a Miss Thompson for his 2nd wife in 1793.                                                    The younger a Miss Gillespie in 1795.  Respectfully, 
(Mrs) W Samuel Goodwyn 
Emporia, 
Virginia
Page 32

[Page 2 of 3  - Letter from Mrs. Sam'l Goodwyn]

The 2nd John Greathouse private Va. Cont. Line placed on pension roll Mar. 22, 1833. Then 76 years of age commencement of Pen soon March 4, 1831. Also of Harrison Co. Va.
________________________
The above from 1757 [date underlined]

Will you please send me report of John Greathouse born 1742 men-buried on 1st  [illegible]

Frome Harrison Co. record found the corner finer that both of then John Greathouse were married on
Page 33

[Postmark - Pension D Jan 2 1912 U S Office ]
Ack Jan 6, 1912 [handwritten text]
Page 34



W. SAM'L GOODWYN
ATTORNEY AT LAW
EMPORIA, VA
[Stationary Letterhead]

New Year's Day, 1912.

The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
My ancestor, John Greathouse of Harrison County, Virginia, served in the Virginia Militia during the Revolutionary War, 1775-1783, and was placed on the Pension Roll January 28, 1819, with an annual allowance of $96.00 for his services as a private. [rank underlined] 

Will you please give me any further information you may have in your Bureau and oblige,

Respectfully yours,

Dora Hedges Goodwyn [Handwritten Signature]

Mrs. W. Sam'l Goodwyn,
Emporia, Virginia.
Page 35

[Left Side of Page]

8630 
INVALID. [Heading Bold Text]

Rev War [Left margin handwritten text] 
--------

File No. [typed text] 8630

John Greathouse
Pri Rev War
______
Act: [typed text] June 7th 32
Index: - Vol. [typed text]  1st, Page [typed text]151 

(Arrangement of 1870) [typed text at center bottom]

[Right Side of Page]

1912 Jan'y 10 Hist to Mrs. W. Sam'l Goodwyn 1912 Feb'y 6  Mrs. W. Samuel (VLM) Goodwyn this is the only Soldier of this name on Rev. Pension Records. [handwritten notes]