Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9,602, for Henry Purdy, South Carolina
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
S.C.       

Purdy, Henry     
Nancy

NUMBER
W. 0,602

CONTENTS
Page 2

7733
South Carolina 
Nancy Purdy 
widow of Henry Purdy
Purdy
who was a Private
S.C.
in the Revolution
husband died 16th August 1816
---------------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
80 Dollars [blank]
Cents per annum, to commence on 
the 4th day of March, 1843.
--------------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 
8th day of May 1846
and sent to J. W. Kilgore Esq
Monroe, Walton Co
Georgia
--------------------------------------
[Acts of March 3, 1843.]
& 7th June 1844

Recorded in Book D
Vol. 2  Page 168.

[upper right side of page]
Reported

[written on right margin sideways]
Date of death not on AB -
Page 3

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."

State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

1845 Court of Ordinary
On this twentieth day of November one thousand, eight hundred and forty-five; personally appeared before the Honorable the Court of Ordinary in the State of South Carolina Abbeville District, Nancy Purdy, widow of Henry Purdy. a resident of the state of South Carolina, Abbeville District aged eighty-two years past, 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 July 7th, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows."  That she is the widow of Henry Purdy who was, as she believes, and always understood from himself and from those who served with him, a Wagoner in the war of the Revolution. in the state of South Carolina.  He entered the public service with his wagon and team in November 1778 and continued in service till about the close of the war; that she has no documentary evidence of his services; her husband's old papers having all been lost.  The names of the officers under whom he served not recollected.  She further declares that she was married to the said Henry Purdy on the fifth day of December, in the year seventeen hundred and eighty-six, by Robert Hall a Presbyterian Clergyman; that she has no record evidence of her marriage, but her family record which is hereunto annexed. 

That her husband, the aforesaid Henry Purdy, died on the sixteenth day of August, one thousand eight hundred and sixteen, that she was not married
Page 4

to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four [illegible] at the time above stated.
Nancy [her mark] Purdy
Sworn to and Subscribed
on the day and year first written
in open Court before me
David Lesly Ordinary and
Judge of said Court of Abbeville
District State of South Carolina
David Lesly
Page 5

12466
Nancy Purdy
widow of Henry
Dec 24, 1865
SC
act of July 1838
married 1786
must died 1816
Page 6

present and witnessed the death of his father, the said Henry Purdy, who died on the 16th of 
August 1816, leaving Nancy Purdy his widow; that she has remained his widow ever since his death.  He further declares that the family record hereunto annexed, is a leaf taken from his father's old family Bible, the only family record he ever had before, or at the time of his death and that it has undergone no alteration whatever since his death.

The births of my fathers' children were recorded by himself upon this leaf and has always been referred to by himself till his death, and by the other members of the family, since, as a record bearing, the true date of the births of his children.

James Purdy

Sworn and subscribed in open court on the day and year above mentioned before me.  I further certify that Mr. James Purdy the affiant is respectable, intelligent and creditable witness, this the day and year first mentioned.

David [illegible] Ordinary and Judge of said court in and for Abbeville District South Carolina
Page 7

Sept, 3 1787 James Purdy Born
Novm, 7th 1788 Elezabeth Purdy Born
Febr 21. 1790 Margret Purdy Born
January 2. 1792 Grizzella Purdy Born
Sept 6th. 1793 Ann Purdy Born
October 3. 1795 Henry Purdy Born
Jan 5. 1798 Agness Prudy Born $ 333-12 ½
Sept 12 1800 Mary Purdy Born
Septemb 7 1803 Sarrah Purdy Born
Febur 11 1806 Jennet Purdy Born
November 1 1808 Allah Purdy Born
William Norrel Purdy Born May 31 1811
James H Purdy Born December the 19 1834
Elizabeth A Purdy Born July the 27 1847
Ammasiah R. Purdy Born June the 6 1843
I Departed this life on the 16 of August 1816
Henry Purdy aged 65 Years
Page 8

[a page from the Bible written in two columns]

[left column]
Blessings to those that fear God.
16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often
one to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard
it and a book of remembrance was written before
him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought
upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in
that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare
them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the
righteous and the wicked; between him that serveth
God, and him that serveth him not.

CHAP. IV.

[notes] 1 God's judgment on the wicked, 2 and his blessing on the
good,  4 He exhorteth to the Study of the law,  5 and telleth
of Elijah's coming and office.

For, behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an
oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do
wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh

[right column]

The Study of the law recommended.

shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it 
shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the
Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings;
and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the
fall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they
shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day
that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, 
which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel,
with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will feed you Elijah the prophet
before the coming of the great and dreadful day of 
the LORD:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the
children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,
lest I come and smite the earth with a curse,

The End of the OLD TESTAMENT.
Page 9

October 2, 1937

Henry Purdy
W. 9602
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. R. M. Lester
425 Riverside Drive
New York City

Dear Madam:

In compliance with your request of recent date
you are furnished herein the Revolutionary War record
of Henry Purdy as found in papers on file in pension 
claim, W.9602, based upon his service in that war.

The date and place of birth of Henry Purdy
were not given, nor were the names of his parents
stated.

While a resident of Abbeville District, South
Carolina, Henry Purdy took the Oath of Allegiance
May 14,1778.  He served as a private in the South
Carolina militia, in Colonel Anderson's regiment,
also served as a wagoner, and continued in the service
until 1783, length of entire service two 
years.

Henry Purdy married December 5, 1786 in Abbeville
District, South Carolina, Nancy Rickey; they 
were married by Robert Hall, a Presbyterian minister.

He died August 16, 1816 in Abbeville District,
at which time he was aged sixty-five years.

His widow, Nancy Purdy, was allowed pension on 
her application executed November 20, 1845, then a 
resident of Abbeville District, South Carolina, aged
eighty-two years.  The date and place of her birth
Page 10

2-

were not given, nor were the names of her parents stated.

The following are the names of the children of 
Henry Purdy and his wife, Nancy, as shown in the claim:

James        born September 3, 1787
Elezabeth  born November 7, 1788
Margret     born February 21, 1790
Grizella      born January 2, 1792
Ann            born September 6, 1793
Henry         born October 3, 1795
Agness       born January 5, 1798
Mary          born September 12, 1800
Sarrah        born September 7, 1803
Jennet       born February 11, 1806
Allah          born November 1, 1808
William Norrel born May 31, 1811.

The following names are shown, their relationship
to the family not stated -

James H. Purdy        born December 19, 1839
Elisabeth A. Purdy    born July 27, 1841
Ammasiah R. Purdy  born June 6, 1843.

James Purdy, son of Henry Purdy this wife Nancy
was residing in 1845 in 
Abbeville District, South Carolina.

William Rickey stated in 1846 that he was quite
young at the time of the marriage of Henry Purdy and 
Nancy Rickey, but remembered quite distinctly the occasion;
his relationship to the said Nancy was not shown.

The papers on file in this claim contain no
further discernible family data.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of 
this pension, name and address of person paid, and
Page 11

3-

possibly the date of death of the widow, Nancy Purdy, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., and furnish the following data:

Nancy Purdy, widow of Henry Purdy
Certificate # 7733
Issued May 8, 1846
Rate $80.00 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1843
Act of March 3, 1843 and Act of June 17, 1844
South Carolina Agency.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 12

Revy.
WIDOW, &c.
-----------
File No. 9602
Nancy Purdy
Wid
Henry Purdy
Privt Rev War
-------------
Act:  March 30/43  June 17/1844
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 144
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[note on the top right of the page]
1937 Oct. 2  hist to Mrs. R. M. Lester AWS
Page 13

20

[post mark]
MONROE
FEB 10
GA.

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commsr of Pens
Washington City -
D.C.


[written sideways on the left side]
Feb. 14. 1844
Addl to case
Nancy Purdy
Page 14

Monroe Walton Co. Ga
February 6th 1846

Sir

I have the honor to enclose you the additional evidence in the 
case of Nancy Purdy widow of Henry Purdy, such as is required in 
your requisition of 30 ult
The Comptroller Generals Certificate of South Carolina shows that 
claimants husband, received some £53 Sterling for malitia duty
which amounts to considerably upwards of two years, Beside the 
Waggon Service, which you say afford me grounds for a pension

Your humble servant
John H Kilgore



J L Edwards Esqr.
Washington City
D.C.
Page 15

[post mark]
MONROE
DEC 19
GA

30


J L Edwards
Commsr Pensions
Washington City
D.C.


[upside down on page]
12466
Dec 24, 1848
be
Nancy Purdy
July 7, 1838
Page 16

No 12466
Nancy Purdy
S.C.
John H. Kilgore  Jany 30. '46

Act 7 July 1838
Page 17

96 District

I do hereby certify that Henry Purdy hath taken 
and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and fidelity as Derected by an Act
of the general Assembly of the State of South Carolina entitled an
act to oblige every free Male inhabitant of this State above a Certain 
age to give Assurance of fidelity and Allegiance to the same
and for other purposes - Given under my hand this 14th day 
of May 1778

Francis Logan 
Capt.
Page 18

State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

Be it known that on this 29th day
of January 1846 before me William
P. Noble a Magistrate in and for the district aforesaid personally
appeared Andrew Weed, a resident of said district and State, aged
eighty one years past, who being first duly sworn saith on oath, That he 
was personally acquainted with Henry Purdy who was a Private
Soldier and served in the War of the Revolution in that 
capacity in the State of South Carolina;  That he became acquainted 
with the said Purdy at Pickens Block House in the year 1779
or 1780.  That the said Purdy was doing duty as a private soldier
in Col. Anderson's Regiment - Genl. Pickens Brigade So. Ca. Militia;
and that he remained attached to the American Army until Peace
was made in 1783.
That the said Purdy, two or three years after rendering the 
services aforesaid, married Nancy Rickey, in Abbeville District
So. Ca.; where he resided during his life time;  That he has always
understood and believes the said Henry and Nancy were legally
married; but he did not witness the marriage ceremony.
that they lived together as Husband and Wife, until separated
by death - and had several children;  That James, the eldest
son, was born in the latter part of the year 1787, which fact
he knows by a comparison with his own family record.
That the said Henry Purdy died in the year 1816, leaving
the aforesaid Nancy as his legal widow, and that she has 
remained a widow ever since -

Andw. Weed

Sworn to and subscribed on the day & year 
above mentioned before me

as to his remaining in the service until the close of the war
I am not able to say, as to his marriage I know nothing

W. P. Noble Magist.

I further certify that Andrew Weed is a man of common
intelligence and knows the obligation of an oath and that he is 
a respectable person of undoubted veracity, and is a creditable 
witness.  Given under my hand this [blank] day of January 1846

W P. Noble  Magist.
[seal]
Page 19

State of South Carolina
Abbeville District

Be it known that on this 24 day 
of January 1846 before me John
Seawright a Magistrate in and for the District aforesaid, Personally
appeared William Rickey who being duly sworn according to law
saith that he did not see Henry Purdy and Nancy Rickey
married, that he deponent was quite young at the time, but
recollects distinctly of their going off to get married, and 
returning, was pronounced to be a married couple, that he 
verily believes they were legally married in the year Seventeen
Hundred & eighty six (1786) and that James Purdy, their eldest
child, was born in the year Seventeen hundred & Eighty seven, from 
the best estimate he can make by reference to incidents of his 
own family history.  That the said Henry Purdy died in the 
year Eighteen hundred & Sixteen in Abbeville District So Carolina
leaving the said Nancy Purdy his widow, and that she is still 
his widow.  And this deponent further states that the said
Henry Purdy was reputed to have been in service during the 
War of the Revolution as Waggoner.  

William Rickey

Sworn to and subscribed on this 
day and year above written 
Before me

John Seawright Mag.

I further certify that William Rickey is a respectable
person of undoubted veracity and a creditable witness 
and knows the obligation of an oath.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my 
hand this 24 day of January 1846.

John Seawright Mag.
Page 20

State of So Carolina
Abbeville District

Be it known that on this 27 day
of January 1846 before me Andrew Gillespie Senr.
a magistrate in and for the district aforesaid, Personally
came Andrew Gillespie Junr. who being duly sworn according
to law, saith, that he was personally present and did see
the aforesaid Henry Purdy depart this life, that this event
occurred on the 16th day of August 1816. that he also saw
the said Henry Purdy buried, & Nancy his wife has lived a widow
ever since - 

Andw. Gillespie Jnr.

Sworn to before me and subscribed
the day and year above written

Andw. Gillespie Magt.

I further certify that Andrew Gillespie Jnr. is a respectable person
of undoubted veracity and a creditable witness who appreciates
the obligation of an oath.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
this 27 day of January 1846.

Andw. Gillespie Magt.
[seal]


State of So Carolina
Abbeville District

I John F Livingston Clerk of
the Court of Sessions and Common Pleas in and for the district
aforesaid certify that Wm. P. Noble, John Seawright & Andw. Gillespie
are acting Magistrates duly commissioned and qualified as 
such, and that the foregoing signatures, purporting to be
theirs, are genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and Seal of Office this 29 day of January 1846

Jno F Livingston
CCP&GS
[seal]
Page 21

10004
South Carolina
-----------------
Nancy Purdy
Widow of Henry Purdy
who was a pensioner under the Act of [blank]
and who died on the 16th Augt. 1816
of Abbeville in the State of S. C.
who was a private in the Compy
commanded by Captain [blank] of the 
Regt commanded by [blank] in 
the Revolution for 2 years
------------------------------
Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston
at the rate of 80 Dollars [blank]
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day 
of March, 1836.
---------------------------------
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of 
May, 1846 and sent to J. H. Kilgore
Monroe, Walton Co Georgia
----------------------------------
Total amount,          $1100.00
----------------------------------
[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by Tho. Lumpkin Clerk,
Book D  Vol. 1  Page 311.

[upper left side of page]
Reported
Page 22

No 12466
Act '43  8612
Act 44  517

Nancy Purdy
Widow of Henry
SC
Act 7 July 1838

Admit 2 years pri
$80.oo per ann

Admit Act 3 March 1843
and 17 June 1844
$80.00 per ann


John H Kilgore
Monroe
Walton Co
Ga
Page 23

Comptroller Genl's Office
Columbia So Ca.  Decbr 8/45

Dr Sir

Your communication of the 4" Inst is to hand
Subjoined is the Evidence as furnished from the records
in this office in the case of Mr Henry Purdy &c -

Very Respectfully
For Comptroller Genl.
Laval

C.go $3-


Comptroller Genl's. Office
Columbia So - Ca  Decbr 8/45

Book S
Indent 199
Issued the 10" of June 1785 To Mr Henry Purdy
for Two Hundred and two Pounds, seventeen shillings
and one penny half penny sterlg for militia duty as Private
service the the reduction of Charleston, and for wagon service
in 1780, 81, 82, & 83 for amt audited 110-36-
Princl     £202:17:1 1/2
Annl.Int  £014:3:11

Acct. 36 - Henry Purdy
His a/o [aso?] for duty pr Col. Andersons return  £165--
                                                   "  "  "  horse day £122--
                                                   "  "  "                     091
                                                                             £2961

+ 281 days wagon service in 80, 81, 82, & 83 -     1124
                                                              Currency £1420
                                                   Sterling " 0202:17:1 1/2

I certify the above to be a true copy from the Records in this office

For Comptroller Genl.
Laval
Page 24

Mrs. R. M. Lester
425 Riverside Drive
New York City

Personal request for 
Rev War record for 
Henry Purdy - W 9602

Sept 29 - 1937