Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 4456, for Gideon Johnson, North Carolina
Page 1

N.C.                   Johnson, Gedeon           S4456

Contents                                                     carded
Page 2

                                         19258
West Tennessee
Gideon Johnson
of Williams Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Armstrong of the regt commanded
by Col Martins in the N. Carolina
line for 15 months from 1776.

Inscribed on the Roll of W. Tennessee
at the rate of 30 Dollars ---- Cents for annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of August
1833 and sent to C.A.
Harris Esq War Sect
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 $100---
[illegible] allowance ending 4 Sep    25---
                                                        =====
                                                         125---
                              Revolutionary Claim,
                              Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by [illegible] Clerk
Book E  Vol 7 Page 85
Page 3

No 17314
Gideon Johnson of Williamson
County Tennessee
from 1776 private
15 months
W. Noble
                   $50


    Can only allow for
    15 months

C.A. Norris
       War Dept.
H. E. Harkman Clk of 
Williamson County Tennessee
Page 4

BRIEF in the case of Gideon Johnson
    of Williamson County in the State of Tennessee
                            Act 7th June, 1832

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or Judge?      Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  No

3. How old is he?    78 years

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period - Enlisted in 1776
Years, Months, Days - Not Stated
Bank
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served - Capt [illegible] Armstrong, Lieut [illegible] Tate, Col. Alex Martin

5. In what battles was he engaged? - Duncans Creek

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? - Guilford County N. Carolina

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? - Traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? - defective

Certify the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.

                 Richard Shey Walls  Examining Clerk
Page 5

                                 17314
                             Gideon Johnson
                             Declaration
Page 6

State of Tennessee
Williamson county
On this 2 day of October
1832 personally appeared
in open court before the
Worshipped Wright Stassly and
Gabez Owen and George Shannon Esquires
     composing the court of Treas and
Quarter Sefsious of Williamson county now
sitting at Franklin Tennessee Gideon Johnson
aged seventy eight years 7th November 1832 who
being first duly sworn according to law, doth on
his oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of a an act of Congress [illegible]
June 7th 1832
   That I enlisted in the army of the United States
sometime in the last of the month of July 1776
for the term of twelve months under Capt John
Armstrong from Surry county Lieutenant Joseph
Tate from Guildford county in North Carolina
I [illegible] in Guildford county N.C. at that time
and joined the army in that county at a place
called Spring Garden. Capt Armstrong's company
joined the Second regiment of the Continental live at
Salisbury shortly after my enlistment as well as
I can recollect which regiment was commanded
by Col Alexander Martin we lay at Salisbury
about three months when we marched threw
to a place near Hollinsworth mills on Duncan's creek
which I think is a branch of the Catawba rise
Receiving information that there were a body of
tories collected either on Duncan's 
creek about fifteen miles distant we were
marched thither in the night and surrounded
them near daybreak when we were fired on 
by their centinels and our now closed in upon
Page 7

thru and took as was reported one hundred pris
oners whom we marched to head quarters on Duncan's creek
where we guarded them two days when they were
sent to Charlestown South Carolina. Shortly after
this we rendezvoused at Salisbury I going by
home by furlow whence I in the company of
Capt Samuel Martin who had recruited a 
company of fifty now with some delinquents
marched to Charleston S.C. where we joined
the main army the latter part of the summer 1777. In the mean time having been our
[illegible] in assisting Capt Samuel Martin
in recruiting men he being a recruiting of 
four of the U.S. army, and in scouting after the tories in NE. On account of the
sickness of the troops in Charleston we left
that place where I took sick and was halled [hauled]
to Campden [Camden] in a waggon where we lay
8 or 10 days. From that place the army
marched towards Salisbury N.C. and I
being too sick to travel further was left
at the widow Sutton's on seven mile creek
under the care of Sergeant Reuben Curtis. At
the end of ten days I went to Charlotte
N.C. where I met with Capt Samuel Martin
with whom I traveled to Salisbury where I
arrived about the last of October 1777 where
I think I received a discharge signed by
Col. Alex Martin which I have lost not 
thinking it would ever be important to me
   Some years after this when Col. Alex Martin
was chosen governor of N. Carolina the year I cannot
recollect it being necessary for him to have a life
guard I was chosen by him as one of his life guards and became
such in Guildford county and marched with him
there to a place called Nutbush in Granville county
Page 8

where we, after remaining over time were dis
missed and returned home after an absence of
about four weeks. Capt Issiah Gates commanded
this company of life guards. it was represented to us
when acting as his guard that that tour should
answer as a three months tour but whether
I got a discharge for the same I do not now
recollect.
I put 1778 or the winter of 1779 I carried an
of express from from [sic] Col. James Martin of
the county of Guildford to the Western part of the
state into Birk, Bunkum [Buncombe] and Wilks county
and delivered the same to Col. & Maj Ervin
Col & Maj McDowel and to Mr. Greenlea
of Bunkum [Buncombe] county in this expedition I
underwent much hardship on account
of inclement weather and high waters and
returned home after having been absent
about four weeks.
I was born as I have been informed by my
father in Amelia County Virginia on the 7th
day of November 1754. I have a record of
my age now with me which I got from my 
father and in his own handwriting.
I lived in Guildford count North Carolina
when I was called into service sometime after
the Revolutionary war the county Rockin
ham was taken off the North part of Guildford
in which Rockingham I resided until 1819
when I removed to Davidson county Tennesse
where I resided till the year 1826 when I moved
to Williamson county where I have ever 
since resided.
Page 9

I know of no person, except Abner Johnson & John W. Crunk, by whom I can prove
my services personally all my other companions in arms
whom I have known in this country, having departed
this life, neither have I any documentary evidence
by which I can prove my said services. I herby
relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or
annuity except the present and declare that my
name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency
of any State.
Sworn to in open court 2nd October 1832
                        Gideon Johnson
                   [illegible] Clerk
We Garner McCormic a clergyman residing in the
county of Williamson state of Tennessee and Joshua Farrington
and Nicholas Seales residing in the same county & state
herby certify that we are well acquainted with Gideon 
Johnson who has subscribed and sworn to the above
declaration that we believe him to be near seventy
eight years of age; that he is respected and believed, in
the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier
of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion 
Sworn by Farmington & [illegible]in open court
                          
2nd October 1832 [illegible]
Sworn to by [illegible] in open court 3rd October 1832 [illegible]
                               Garrison McConnell
                               J Farrington
                               Rick Sealey
                               Robert [illegible]
And the said court do herby declare their opinion, after the
investigate of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories
prescribed by the War department that the above named applicant
was a soldier of the Revolution and served as he states. And the
court further certify that it appears to them Mat Garner McCormic
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman,
resident in Williamson county, and that Joshua Farrington
and Nicholas Seales who have also signed the same
are residents of said count and are credible persons
and that their statements are entitled to credit

                                   John {illegible]
                                   Wright Stanhope
                                   George [illegible]
Page 10

first lines are illegible
who has signed the [illegible] certificate is a clergyman,
resident in Williamson county, and that Joshua Farrington
and Nicholas Seales who have also signed the same
are residents of said county and are credible persons
and that their statements are entitled to credit.
                              John [illegible]
                               Wright Stanley
                               George Shannon
I Thomas Hardeman Clerk of the Court of [illegible] and
       [illegible] for the County of
       Williamson in the State of Tennessee
       do herby certify that the foregoing
       contains the original proceedings
       of said Court in the matter of the 
       application of Gideon Johnson for 
       a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my
name and affixed the seal of said Court at office
in Franklin this 25th day of October AD 1832.
                              Mr [illegible]
Page 11

               Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the seventh of June 1832,
           State of Tennessee
            Davidson County S.S. Circuit Court January Term 1840.
On this Twenty second day of January 1840 personally appeared in Open
Court before the Circuit Court of Davidson County; now sitting Gideon
Johnson a resident of Davidson County and State of Tennessee aged eighty six years who being first only sworn according to law doth on
his oath make the following declaration in order to attain the benefit
of the provision made by the act of Congress dated June 7th 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following names
and Officers and served as here in stated -
He entered the service in the month of June 1775 he thinks in the second 
Regiment of the Continental line of North Carolina as a regular
soldier under the command of Colonel Alexander Martin in which
there were four companies. first company commanded by Captain John
Davidson of Rowan County - second company and to which deposant
belonged commanded by Captain John Armstrong of [illegible] County -
third company commanded by Captain __ Picket of Auson County - 
fourth company commanded by Captain John Bell of Guildford County,
which four companies composed said Regiment - Deposant states
that he first turned out as a volunteer under Lieutenant Joseph
Tate, who was Lieutenant uder his Captain John Armstrong at
Spring Gardow Guilford Count North Carolina for a term of (he thinks)
twelve months, rendezvoused in the latter end of the same month at
Salsberry and (he thinks) left Salsberry in September following - while
enlistment became necessary and was proposed by Colonel Alexander
Martin for a term of eighteen months for which time said deposant
volunteered- He thinks about the last of July or first of August 1775.
   The troops when leaving Salsberry were ordered South; kept head
quarters at Nottingsworths Mills on Emmore RIver about four blocks
after which the troops were ordered South, on a meandering route to 
the Hickory Camps, he thinks near the border of South Carolina from
there, he thinks in the month of January following, they were informed
there was a company of Tories attacked on Duncans Creek to which
Page 12

which place the troops were ordered and marched under the guidance
of our Informants - On and arrived at said Duncan's Creek, we had a
small skirmish with the Tories. They fled save three hundred prisoners
we took and marched back to Hickory Creek - Guarded them
there two days and nights; thence they were sent to Charleston
South Carolina under a guard of militia - From Hickory Creek
we marched South in the direction of ninety six through the Country
Watered by Tiger River [illegible] falling down below
ninety six - thence we beat towards Bells Mills on deep River in
the direction of Fayettsville in North Caroline; thence we returned 
to Salsberry where we stayed five or six weeks and where
many of the troops were furloughed for a small space of time.
We were from there marched to Charleston, through the Swamps
of Lautee River and arrived at Charlestow some time in August.
Just in time to see the British embark when they evacuated
Charleston or Sullivan's Island near Charleston where we continued
until (I think) the latter end of October following; occupying
the old British Barracks - from which place we were then ordered
to march in consequence of the bad health of the troops
of whom many had died. On our first or second days march
at night going towards Camden, [illegible] for
the first time was taken sick - and put in a Waggon; he thinks
about twenty miles from Charleston; and hauled from there to
Camden. He thinks 130 or 140 miles. there in consequence of sickness
of the troops we lay about three weeks; some two or three
men died there. From thence we marched to seven mile Creek
at Widow Suttes -deponant was given out for dead and left in
the care of Sergeant Reuben Curtis for an attendant - deponant thinks
he lay here about three weeks from whence deponant started alone
leaving his Gun and shot bag and belt not being able to carry them
was never heard of them since he pursued the army alone (having
left Sergeant Curtis sick) to Charlotte in North Carolina where
he stayed with Samuel Martin about two weeks; From thence
by the assistance of the said Samuel Martin he went to Salsberry where
he joined the remaining fragment of his Regiment he thinks some time
in the month of November 1776. after remaining at Salsberry a
short time Deponant by permission of Colonel Alexander Martin left for
Page 13

for his home in Guilford County being very weak; arrived then he thinks in
November near the latter end. he afterwards saw Col. Marting who gave him
a discharge; his term of eighteen months being ordered.
    Some time in the month of January or February in the year 1777 or 1778
deponent was engaged by Colonel James Martin of the Militia of the County
of Guilford to bear some [illegible] he thinks to Joseph & Charles O'Dowell
living in Wilkes County North Carolins both bearing Commissions in the 
United States service; and to Maj Alexander Evivier and Major Green
Lee Living he thinks in Hawke County and State aforementioned for which 
service he, Colonel James Martin gave him a receipt for a term of three
months service as a militia man.
Deponent thinks in the month of May, June or July 1779 he again
volunteered as a life Guard to Colonel Alexander Martin to guard &
convey him to Wilmington, he being appointed to Governor of the State
of North Carolina to fill the place of Governor who was
taken prisoner by the British. in consequence of some [illegible]which
Col. A. Martin met we did not escort him quite to Wilmington for
he later being Captain we marched back to Guilford for which
service deponent got from (he thinks) Colonel Martin a [illegible]
for a three months term of service as a militia man.
Deponent further states that he was at home plowing in his field when
he heard the firing of the cannon and platoons at the battle of Guilford
on the 15th of March he thinks 1781 or 1782. he immediately took out
his horses; seized his gun and hastened hither though not at that time
in service himself he had a substitute (Elise Curray). He met the waggons near Gullford making their way to a safe place, not on Dan
River, he turned around led them on till he knew they could not mistake
the way. he then hastened to the place of action and joined his country
men in that engagement. It having nearly ended recommitted and assisted
in [illegible] for about 9 days. this service was voluntary for which 
deponent had no receipt nor did he expect demand or with any.
Deponent had been previous to this summoned as guest to the Legislature
at Salem in North Carolina in which service he was engaged about 3 or 4
weeks. Depenant further state that the discharge of Colonel Alexander
Martin the receipt from Colonel James Martin and the last receipt
from Colonel A. Martin making in all a term of two years service. he
viewed said Deponent as being entirely [illegible] to him and he thinks he destroyed
Page 14

the same in the year 1819 when he left Carolina to recon to [illegible] in Davidson
County where he now lives and has lived ever since. Deponant
further states that his name is already on a pension roll of the agency
of the State of Tennessee was placed there on the 20th day of August 1833.
and receives a pension of fifty dollars payable semi annually - that said
pension is not proportionate to his term of Revolutionary services for
the want of living testimony to the facts herin before stated that he
has since making application [illegible] found living [illegible] of whom he
did not know; which accompanies this declaration; many things
have also came to his own recollection since - which are true and
not [illegible] in his former declaration. He formerly relinquished every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any Agency of any state except as above stated.  Gideon Johnson

Davidson County SS
     I Robert B. Turner Clark of the Circuit Court of the 
County of Davidson aforesaid certify that at a Circuit Court held for
the County aforesaid in the state of Tennessee at the Court house in Nashville
on the 22nd day of January 1840, Gideon Johnson who signed the foregoing
Declaration appeared in open court and swore oath in deed form of law
that the facts in said Declaration stated as of his own knowledge are true
and those facts stated as in the knowledge and information of others, he
believes to be free.
    In testimony where I have hereinto set my 
    hand and caused the seal of said Court to
    be official at Nashville the 22nd day of
    January AD 1840   R.B. Turner
        By his Deputy   W. Garrett
Page 15

                                     October 14, 1939
                                     xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mr. Robert Martin McBride   BA-J/CC
Union Springs, Alabama        Gideon Johnson
                                               S.4456

Dear Sir:

    Reference is made to your letter in which you request
the Revolutionary War record of Gideon Johnston ( or Johnson)
who was a captain in the North Carolina militia.

    There is no claim for pension on file based upon service
in the Revolutionary War of a Captain Gideon Johnston ( or Johnson)
who served with the North Carolina troops. The record of the only
Gideon Johnson (or Johnston) who served with the North Carolina
troop is furnished you herein.
    
    The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in 
pension claim S.4456 based upon service of Gideon Johnson in 
the Revolutionary War.

    Gideon Johnson was born November 7, 1754 place of his birth
and names of his parents are not shown.

    While residing in Guilford County, North Carolina, Gideon
Johnson enlisted in June 1775, or July 1776, and served at various
times until about March 24, 1781, amounting in all to about two 
years as private under Captains John Armstrong, Samuel Martin and
Jesiah Gates, and Colonels Alexander Martin and James Martin, in
the North Carolina troops; during a period of three months of his
service he was guard to Governor Alexander Martin. He was in an 
engagement on Duncan's Creek and was in the battle of Guilford Court House.

    After the Revolution he lived in that part of Guilford County, North Caroline which was later Rockingham County, and continued to 
live there until 1819, when he move to Davidson County, Tennessee.
Page 16

and in 1826, he moved to Williamson County, Tennessee where
he was living when allowed pension on his application executed 
October 2, 1832. In 1840, he was residing in Davidson County,
Tennessee.

    No reference was made to wife or children.

    In 1832, one Abner Johnson (his brother), aged seventy-four years, stated
in Maury County, Tennessee, that he served in the Revolution
a part of the time with Gideon Johnson. In 1835, one William
Johnson was Justice of the Peace in Williamson County, Tennessee,
their relationship not stated.

    In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the
name and address of person paid and possibly the date of death of
Gideon Johnson, you should address the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city and cite the following data:

Gideon Johnson
Certificate #1925
Issued August 20, 1835
Rate $50.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
West Tennessee Agency

           Very truly yours

            A. D. HILLER
            Executive Assistant
            to the Administrator
Page 17

1939 - Oct 14 - [illegible] to
Robt Martin McBride

                                    4456
                                 INVALID

File No. 4456
    Gideon Johnson
    [illegible]

   Act: June 1732
Index Vol. A   Page 195

            Arrangement of 1870
Page 18

                             Pen Office
                                       July 17, 1840

Sir
   The amended declaration
of Gideon Johnson made for
the purpose of obtaining
an increase of pension has
been filed. In his original
declaration he alleged one
years services in the regular army
and some [illegible] service makig
it all fifteen months for which
a pension has been allowed. In 
his amended declaration he alleges
several short times for which he
received discharges from those months
service although he performed but
a small portion of time and was
engaged in carrying [illegible] for which
he was allowed for a time of three months.
TJe actual service above can be
[illegible] and the employment
as an [illegible] was not of that [illegible]
Page 19

provided for by the act of
7th June 1832 as increase of
pension cannot therefore be
allowed. Mr. Turner's letter
is herewith returned.
Page 20

State of North Carolina
                                Secretary of State's Office
I William Gill Secretary of State in and for the State
aforesaid, do hereby certify that the name of Gideon
Johnson is not to be found on the masterrolls of the
Continental line of this State in the revolutionary
war.
                              Given under my hand
                                this 2nd day of April
                                1833.
                                      W. Gill
Page 21

Gideon Johnson
       Williamsante
                    Ten
Clks of Williamsory
                   Ten
Page 22

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which these
     answered in the negative in red ink will apply to the claim of
Gideon Johnson which require
further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?  Yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  Yes

V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled?  No

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claims to any other pension that the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seat? Yes
Page 23

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason for not obtaining it?

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes

XIV. If the applicant's name is not foudn on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? the Court has
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? The [illegible] are not certified as credible

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? [illegible]

         EXPLANATORY NOTES

*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
    Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being
duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ______________ year _________ months, and __________ days, I served as a _______________ For __________ months and __________ days, I served as a ______________; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 24

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rand he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was no employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
  In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment; company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
  In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certification must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the sear of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
   In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 25

Gideon Johnson
      Declaration
Page 26

                State of North Carolina
                                   2nd April 1833

James L. Edwards Esqr
                
                    SIr
                           Although I do not find the
name of Gideon Johnson on the masterrolls, I am of
opinion he served as stated in his declaration. I
lived near him in Rockingham County several years
and do not believe he would make an incorrect
statement. I also know persons and places mentioned
by him in his declaration, and as very few
of the Soldiers who served to the South a short
time in the early part of the revolutions are found on the rolls I think it likely he was among
them.
                             Very respectfully
                                         your [illegible]
                                            W. Gill
Page 27

State of Tennessee Rutherford County
                            September 13, 1832
This day came John W. Crunk before me one of the
acting justice of the above mentioned county and made
oath that in the year of 1776 he was intimately
acquainted with Gideon Johnson in the continental
army and further saith that he knew him to
be a regular soldier in the revolutionary war in the
second regiment of the North Carolina troops commanded by Col. Alexander Martin and Captain
John Armstrong's company and he further saith
that he (Crunk) and the said Johnson both belonged
to the same company at the same time and 
he further saith that in consequence of
sickness that he (Crunk) was separated from
the regiment and sent home and that he
never returned to the regiment again - the
time for which he enlisted having expired
before he recovered from his sickness. But that
said Johnson continued in the army for a long
time, and returned home to Guilford County
honourably discharged. The time for which
he enlisted being eighteen months. He furthers adds that they were both born and 
raised in the same neighbourhood.
Sworn and subscribed before me the day and 
date of above written
Joseph Mason Jr.                        John W. Crunk
Page 28

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
    I Joseph Mason an acting justice of the peace in and for said county
and state do herby certify that
John W. Crunk who has subscribed and sworn to 
the foregoing statement is a credible person and
his statements are entitled to full credit. to the 
best of my knowledge he has been my
neighbor for two or three years and is of
[illegible] age to know what he has stated
in the written affidavit.
July the 27th 1833              Joseph Mason J.O.

State of Tennessee
Rutherford County
     John R. Laughlin, clerk of the county 
court of said county, do herby certify that
Joseph Mason, Esquire, before whom John W.
Crunk made the appended affidavit,
was on the day the same bears date, an
acting Justice of the peace within and for
said county, duly commissioned and qualified 
according to law, and that all his official
acts are entitled to full faith and credit.
  In testimony where of I have
  hereunto set my hand and
  affixed the seal of said court at
Office in Murfrees Burough, this
eighth day of July, 1833.
                   John R. Laughlin, [illegible]
Page 29

                       John W. Crunk
                         affidavit
Page 30

                            DEPARTMENT OF WAR
                                 Pension Office June 27, 1832

   The following regulations have been adopted by the Secretary of War for carrying into effect the Act
of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, entitled "An Act supplementary to an Act for the relief of the 
surviving officers and soldiers of the Revolution".
THis law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army,
and to include under the terms "Continental Line", "State stroops", "militia", and "volunteers", all
persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who 
were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to
Store Keepers, &c. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c.
    Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
      1. The Regular Troops.
       2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
       3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
       4. Indian Spies
    As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming
the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers. musicians, or privates, will in the first
instance make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a 
Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is
considered a Court of Record.

                   DECLARATION
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of
On this          day of        personally appeared the                 of the
         A.B. a resident of                in the county of             and State, Territory or DIstrict
following declarations, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision mad by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year       , with         and
served in the              regiment of the       line under the following name officers:
  [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service;
(and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank
and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service;
the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched.]
   He herby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he
declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of               .
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.                                     A.B.
And the said Court do herby declare their opinion, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier, and served as he states.
I                                   of the Court of                    
do herby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the
application of                                     for a pension.
      In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this
                      day of                               &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will receive detailed instructions, respecting the nature and form of the testimony, they must
produce, to secure their being placed on the Pension roll. As the presumption will, in such cases, be
against the applicants in consequence of the omission of their names in the muster rolls, they will be re-
quired to furnish, as near as may be, the same evidence as has hertofore been required, by the Regulations
and practice adopted to carrying into effect the act of Congress, of March 18, 1818 and the acts supple-
mentary thereto; with such relaxations as have been from time to time, sanctioned by the Department, on
account of the rapid decrease of the survivors of the Revolutionary army, and the consequent difficulty of
procuring direct positive testimony in every case.
    Wherever an officer or non-commissioned officer is now in the receipt of a pension, he should make
application, if entitled to the benefits of this act, by letter merely, setting forth his rank, and the regiment,
corps or vessel, in which he served, and his present place of residence. His pension certificate must ac-
company his letter.
    In those cases where the applicants have once been on the pension roll, under the act of March 18,
1818, and have been dropped therefrom on account of property, or for any other reason, or where applica-
tion has been made under the act of May 15th, 1828, and the evidence of service is in the Departments, or
having made application and proof of service, and having been rejected, instead of the above declaration
they will make a statement, setting forth, under oath, their having been previously on the pension roll, and
their having been struck from the same, showing their rank, the regiment, corps or vessel in which they
served, their present places of residence, and their place of residence when the first application was made,
or their application under the act of 15th of Mary, 1828.
In a case where a claimant may make person application at this Department, and can produce satis-
factory proof of service, and his identity also, at the seat of government, he may make his declaration
before a justice of the peace.
    2. The case of State troops, volunteers and militia is different. There are in the Department no
rolls of State troops, except those of Virginia; and no rolls of militia, except those of New
Hampshire.
    Applicants who served in the State troops of Virginia, and applicants, who served in the militia of 
New Hampshire, will be required to product the same proof, as is prescribed for these, who served upon
the Continental Establishment. But, with respect to the other State troops and militia, there is not record
to advert to, and no presumption to be rebutted. The nature of the case, therefore, demands a different
rule of proceeding.
Page 31

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia
except as is above provide, will make and subscribe the following declaration;
                    DECLARATION
     In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
                State, Territory or District of
                      County of
    On this             day of                personally appeared in open Court, before
the Court of                      now sitting, A. B. a resident of              in the County of            and
State, Territory or District of                 aged        years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth
on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed
June 7, 1832.
    That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as
herein stated.
   [Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers; the day (if possible) and the
month and year when the claimant entered the service, and the time when he left the same; (and if under
more than one engagement, he must specify the particular periods, and the rank and names of his officers;)
the town, and County or State, in which he resided, when he entered the service; whether he was drafted,
was a volunteer or a substitute; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged; the country through which he
marched; the continental regiments or companies with which he served; and the names of some of the 
Regular Officers whom he knew; together with such farther particulars as may be useful in the investi-
gation of his claim; and also, if the facts be so, that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows
of no person, whose testimony he can procure, who can testify his service.]
    He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declared
that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency
of the State of    
       Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
                                                 C. D.
    And then will be annexed the following certificate:
   We, A. B. , a Clergyman, residing in the                 and C. C. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with              ,who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be      
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
      Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
     And then will follow the certificate of the Court.
   And the said Court to herby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revo-
lutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them the A. B.                
who has signed the preceding certificate, is a clergyman, resident; the
and that C. D. , who has also signed the same is a resident in the              
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
  I,                            Clerk of the Court of          do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of application of            
for a pension.
        In testimony whereof, I have herunto set my hand and seat
        of office, this      day of         &c.
  The form of the proceedings and of the certificates will be so varied, as to meet the case, when the de-
claration is made out of Court, before a Judge, as hereafter provided for.
   Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commis-
sion; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the ser-
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.
   If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at-
temped; and unless, therefore, these are simply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there
subscribe and be sworn to one of the declarations above provide, according to the nature of his case.
   The Court will propound the following interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia;
   1. Where and in what year were you born?
    2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
    3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
war, and where do you now live?
    4. How were you called into service; were you drafter, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
    5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service.
Page 32

6. {To a Soldier. {Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
    {To an officer. {Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can tes-
tify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
    The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
    The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, with-
out too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons - one of whom should be the near-
est clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaint-
ance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the
neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these
persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing
of other persons, giving such certificates.
    The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, ex-
cept the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whe-
ther the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject. To require from the
applicants positive proof of service from a temporary survivor would , after the lapse of so many years, be
to deprive many of them of the benefit of the law. And as no presumption is raised against the Militia by
the existence of Rolls in the Department, there is no good reason why this requisition should be extended to
them. On the other hand, to receive the declaration of the parties, as a sufficient ground for placing them
upon the Pension Rolls, without coroborating circumstances, would be to open the Treasury to great frauds.
A just medium seems to present the best rule for carrying into effect the objects of Congress.
If the two persons, whose certificates is required, cannot be produced in Court, without too much in-
convenience and expense to the applicant, then the statement of the facts and opinions, above mentioned,
will be made under oath before some Judge or Justice of the Peace, and the certificate of the Court to the
situation and credibility to of the persons making the statement will be given.
    Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before 
required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper coun-
ty, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and
will also certify, that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
    Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a 
Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the 
Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of
a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
    3. Persons serving in the marine forces.
    4. Indian Spies.
    Each of these two latter classes of cases will produce proof, as nearly as may be, comformablyto the pre-
ceding regulations, and authenticated in a similar manner, with such variations as the different nature of the 
service may require.
    No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the
taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration
herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and
authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the 
opinion of the neighborhood respecting such service, the title of the claimant and the opinion of the Court
upon the whole matter.
Page 33

State of Tennessee
Wilson County   The 13th day of July 1838.
                           I have proceeded this
day to take the deposition of John W.
Crunk a revolutioner as a witness for
Gideon Johnston, about the age of Eighty
one years at Salisbury in said county
in obedience to an act of Congress in
such cases made and provided to be
read as evidence so as to enable the
said, Gideon Johnston to draw his full
pension from the general govern-
ment as a pensioner, the said John 
W. Crunk after being sworn on the
holy Evangelist do speak the truth the 
whole truth and nothing but the truth
concerning the services of the said Gideon
Johnston's services in the revolution his
age and residence deposes as follows

In the year seventeen hundred and seventy six
I was intimately acquainted with Gideon
Johnston in the revolutionary army in
the second regiment of the North Carolina
troops commanded by Colonel Alexander
Martin, and in Captain John Armstrong's
company for the term of eighteen
months, during the term of Eighteen months
we aware seperated by sickness, and I
saw him no more while his time was
out and came home he resided in 
Gilford County North Carolina,
Page 34

and there we both continued until
the Revolution was over, the said
Gideon Johnston is about eighty four
years of age, does not know how long
he remained in the state of North Carolina
after the Revolution, but removed
from there to the State of Tennessee,
Davidson County remained dthere about
four years and remove to Williamson
County State of Tennessee and there
continues
                          John W Crunk

I certify that the foregoing deposition is
all in my own hand writing, that I am
in no way related to either of the above
named parties that the same was taken
before me on the day at the place in
the presence of the parties above
written, that the same was read to
the witness after riten and signed
with his own hand
                                        Solomon Capmeyer
                                        Justice of the Peace
                                        Wilson County State
                                                of Tennessee
Page 35

State of Tennessee
Wilson County
    I Josiah McClain Clerk of the County and
of said Wilson County herby certify that Solomon
Caplinga is a magistrate above and that
the foregoing declaration purporting to be his
is genuine in testifying when of [illegible]
[illegible] is my hand and
 affixed my seal of office this
12th day of July 1838.
                 J. W. McClain Clerk
                 of Wilson County Court
Page 36

                         Abner Johnson
                           Affidavit
Page 37

State of Tennessee
Maury County
    This day personally appeared
before me James Walker an acting
justice of the peace in afor said county
Abner Johnston who after being duly74th year 
[illegible] according to law says that he
is now in his 74th year - that he cannot in
his [illegible] from infirmity & great [illegible]
[illegible] to attend the Courts
of Williamsons County - That he [illegible]
himself a soldier of the Revolutionary
war that he signed our tour as a
Guard for the Governor of North Carolina
to Nutbushs -with Gideon Johnsons
that hes known the fact that the said
Gideon Johnsons was a soldier of the 
Revolution - that he is well acqu-
ainted with Gideon Johnsons & knows
that he has always been reputed 
[illegible] a soldier of the Revolutionary
war and is of undoubted virality.
He has reasons to believe that this said
Gideon Johnstons served at least twelve
Months as regular continental
Soldier in North Carolina.

Sworn to before me this 22nd
of Sept 1832
James Waller JP
                                Abnor Johnston

State of Tennessee
Maury County
                   James Walker an acting justice
in and for the County of Maury and State of Tennessee do
herby certify that Abner Johnson who has sworn to and
Page 38

subscribed the foregoing affidavit is a credible person
and that his statements are entitled to full credit given
under my hand seal this 30th day of July 1833.

                        James Walker, Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee Maury County - I Thomas A. Porter
clerk of the County Court of Maury County do hereby
certify that James Walker Esqr before whom the fore-
going affidavit was made by Abner Johnson was other
time said affidavit was made and still is an acting
Justice of the peace in and for said County of Maury
duly commissioned and qualified accor-
ding how and of such full faith
and credit are due to all his official 
acts - given under my hand and seals
of office at office in Columbia in said
County this 30th day of July A.D. 1833.
                Thomas J. Porter Clerk
             of Maury County Court
          By Deputy O. E. Ervin
Page 39

Gideon Johnson
Tennessee

for increase

Hon. Felix Grundy
     Senate
Page 40

my hand and seal of office this 14th
day if February 1840- and of this
Independence of the United State the
64th.                  R. B. Irvin
                   By his Deputy
                            W. Garrett
Page 41



                            Fed
Hon. Lewis Cass   Secretary of War
             Washington City
                 (D. C.)
Page 42

Franklin Tennessee August 9th 1838

Sir,
    I enclose you the Pension papers
of Gideon Johnson amended as far
as was in his power. Please to direct 
your return to me in this place
as I act as his attorney.
                              R. Alexander
Page 43

State of Tennessee
Williamson county
                        Gideon Jonson in addition and
                        explanation of his said declaration
                        herewith enclosed states that he
served as a private from July 1776 till  October
1777 fifteen month for which he got a discharge
as stated in said declaration.
He states that he served as a private for one month
as a life guard for Governor Martin in the year 1778
as well as he recollects he is not certain of the time.
He states that he served as a private one month in
carrying on [illegible] from Col. Martin to Col. & Maj. Erwin
& others as states in his declaration in 1778 & 9 making in all
as near as he can recollect seventeen months
and in every instance as a private soldier.
He also states Garrier M. Morriss a clergyman Joshua
Farrington Nicholas seals and Robert McClellan
are persons to whom he is known in his neighborhood
and who can testify to his character for veracity
and their belief of his services as a soldier of the
revolution and that they have certified as to the same
according to the printed form of the War department.
State of Tennessee      Gideon Johnson
Williamson county
 This day personally appeared before
us William Johnson & John Willalter
two of the acting justices of the peace in
and for said county and state Gideon Johnson
the above declarant who made oath that the facts
contained in the foregoing amended statements are 
true to the best of his recollection and belief
Page 44

The State of Tennessee
I Thomas Hearduman Clerk of the Court of [illegible] quarter
sessions for the county of Williamson in the state aforesaid do
certify that William Johnson & John W. Millio Esquires whose
signatures appear written and before whom the written
affidavit of Gideon Johnson was made are now and
were at the time of making the same affidavit
acting justices of the peace in and for the county of
WIlliamson aforesaid duly commissioned & sworn & that
full faith and credit are due their official acts as
such. In testimony any whims of I have unto subscribed
my name and affixed the seal of valid court at
office this 9th day of August AD 1833.
                        Tho Hardumen
Page 45

       Rick Vernon's
           Affidavit
Page 46

State of Tennessee
Williamson County On this 25th day of January A.D.1840 Personally
appeared before me Gilbert Carshale one of the acting Justices of the 
peace for the county of Williamson in the state of Tennessee aforesaid Richard
Vernon aged about eighty one years and made oath in due form that he
has been acquainted with Gideon Johnson for aforewards of seventy years first
in the state of North Caroline & then in this state that he was present
when said Johnson enlisted into the Regular Army in Continental Union with
Lieutenant Joseph Tate of Capt. John Armstrong's company. Col. Alexander
[illegible] Regiment that the troops to which he be belonged marched to the South
as he then understood that about the times his enlistment expired he returned
to his father's house where deponent visited him and found him reduced
almost to a skeleton by sickness that said enlistment was for twelve or
eighteen months that he knows Col James Martin sent expresses to some
persons in Wilkes County N. Carolina but does not recollects who was the [illegible]
of them. that he knows also that Col. Alex Martin which was appointed
Govenor of N. Carolina has a guard to send him on his way to Washington
& that Isiah Gates was Captain of that Guard but he does not recollect
who composed the guard & that said Johnson served as one of the guard
to the Legislature at Salem. Said deponent also states that he was personally
acquainted with Col. Alex Martin, Col James Martin, Capt John Armstron
Lieutenant Joseph Tate & Joseph & Charles McDowel. He also states that
during the Revolutionary War & afterwards said Johnson was considered
a good Whig and a true friend to his country & was frequently engaged
in active service during the War. He also further states that he was
acquainted with Walt Crunk and would believe him on his oath, and 
that he would believe what said Johnson would state on oath, and
further this deponent saith not.
Sworn and subscribed            RIck Vernon
before Jan 29th 1840
             Gilbert Marshall Lt.
Page 47

The State of Tennessee

I L[illegible] B McConnice clerk of the county of Williamson county in the State of Tennessee aforesaid do certify that Gilford Marshall whose signature appears to the [illegible] affidavit of Richards [illegible] us bit and was at the taking thereof are acting Justice of the Peace in and for the county of Williamson aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that full faith and credit are due his official acts and that the witness signature purporting to be his is genuine

[a faded seal of the court is affixed below this written statement]

In testimony where I have hereto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office this 1st day of February AD 1840 [written to the right of affixed seal]

L. B. M [illegible], [signature below statement]

The State of Tennessee SS
I Gilbert Marshall chairman and presiding magistrate of the county court of Williamson county in the State of Tennessee aforesaid to certify that [illegible] B. McConnice who has given the [illegible is clerk of county court of Williamson county aforesaid and was such at the [illegible] thereof that full faith and credit are due to his official acts and such, that said attestation is in [illegible] form; and that the signature of said [illegible] B Mc[illegible] to the same is genuine given under my hand and seal this 1st day of February AD 1840

Gilbert Marshall [hand drawn seal with the word "seal" within to the right of the signature]
Page 48

                               Union Springs, Alabama
                                September 19, 1939

United States Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:
I shall appreciate it very much if you will send me the information
which the Bureau of Pensions has regarding one GIDEON JOHNSTON
( or Johnson), who was a captain in the North Carolina militis
during the American Revolution.

I understand that he married Ursula Allen and that among his children
were (1) Mary, who married a Pillow and (2) Nancy, who married James
Cotton; but I would like to have from you exactly what
information your records show.
                  Sincerely yours,

                  signature of Robert Martin McBride
                   Robert Martin McBride