Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 869, for Jesse Simmons, South Carolina
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( 3- 1776 )  SERVICE S.C. born in S.C. Simmons, Jesse Charlotte NUMBER W. 869
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26507 West Tennessee  Jesse Simmons of Davidson Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the co commanded by Captain Simmons of the __ commanded by __ of S. Carolina line for 1 year. Inscribed on the Roll of W. Tennessee at the rate of 40 Dollars __ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th of March 1831. Certificate of Pension issued the 1 day of March 1839 and  Hon. J. B. Forrester HR  . Arrears to the 4th Sept  $ 110.00 Semi- anl. allowance ending 4 March  $ 70.00 ( total $ 180.00 ) { Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832. }  Recorded by  Danl Boyd Clerk., Book E Vol. 7 Page 97
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29.516 Jesse Simmons de 1776 pr 1 yr $ 40   Hon. J.B. Forrester John B Forester H. Rep
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[ State of Tennessee Davidson County ] SS.  On this 3rd of December 1833 personally  appeared in open Court  before me James C. Mitchell , one of the district Judges in and for the State of Tennessee  now presiding  .. ( illegible ) Jesse Simmons  a resident of said County and State of Tennessee aged seventy two years who being duly sworn according to law and on his oath make the following declaration  in order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.  I was born in Richland County  , South Carolina in the year 1761 , and lived in that County during the Revolutionary war and left that County  in the year 1796  for this State and have lived in this County of Davidson  and Robertson ever since - In the year 1776 about the month of September of that year , I was called into the service with others  by the constituted authorities of South Carolina to defend Savannah in the State of Georgia which was attacked by the British armies and taken possession of  before  I reached that place. I was marched into the service some time in the month of September 1776. We marched from home to Monk's Corner, where a large a large number of soldiers were stationed ; from thence to a place called the Quarter house six miles from Charleston , from thence was ordered to Harisburg (?) a little
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town on  Savannah River , the line between the States of  South Carolina and Georgia  where we joined head quarters under the command of General Lincoln, we remained at ...burg ( illegible)  until we were discharged by the officers. we were in no engagement during this tour, as Savannah was taken before he reached the place. He was a militia man and served ( three months ) ( underscored ) on this tour was commanded by Capt. William  Simmons who was the father of this applicant. Colonel Goodwin and General Richardson , the militia officers . In the year 1781, I was again called into the service under the command of Capt. James Craig ,  Col. Henry Hunter, and Genl Sumpter we marched from Richland County South Carolina to Orangeburg on which march  we had several skirmishes with the British and plundered several of their boats  . we made Genl Sumpter's our head Quarters on Santee River, after serving  a tour of ( three months ) ( underscored )  we again disbanded having served as a private soldier in both of the above tours, received no written discharge. In a short time after his discharge , in the above mentioned tours, and not exactly recollected by this declarant was marched by Capt. James Craig and Col. Henry Hunter was marched along the Charleston road towards the Eutaw Springs ; about 4 miles from said place we joined Genl Green's army  and we were placed
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under the command of Genl Pickens this declarant was not in the heat  of the action at  the Eutaw Springs having been placed on a guard to protect  some houses a short distance from the field of battle - In this action the American were victorious and the British retreated to Charleston. we were disbanded after the battle having served ( three months ) ( underscored ) . He was again called into the service in a very short time after the discharge as well as he now recollects about the time  of the surrender of Charleston by the British or a short  time thereafter in the latter part of the year 1782, or first of the year 1783. He was under the same Capt and Col that he was in the last mentioned tour- we marched from .... ( illegible ) joined head Quarters on Edisto River, commanded by Genl  Richardson our principal business was to protect  the citizens from  the depredations of the Tories. we were principally in scouting parties  and at the  .. ( illegible ) of ( three months ) ( underscored )  he was again  disbanded and went home, with the  joyous tidings  of a general resolution of peace . This applicant never received any written discharge  from his officers in any of the above tours, he knows of no living person by whom he cam prove his services  owing to the  lapse of time.
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and the forgetfulness of extreme old age, and the infirmities consequent therein - he does not whether his name is on the rolls of military service, or not and knows no person by whom he can prove the same. He assigns as a reason for applying in Davidson County for a pension , that he lives as near the Court house of Davidson as Robertson , and that he can have his business attended to with  less trouble and expense. This applicant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension  roll of the Agency of any State. Jesse Simmons ( signed ) Sworn to in open Court by Jesse Simmons Dec 3 1833 . Jacob McGavock ( signed ) Clerk   We Jonas Shivers a clergyman residing in the County of Davidson  and State of Tennessee  and James B Williams  and Robert Weakley residents of  the County and State aforesaid  do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with  Jesse Simmons whos name is signed to the above declaration that we believe him to be 72 years old  or there about, 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 to in open Court  by Jonas Shivers, James B Williams, & R. Weakley .  Dec 4 1833. Jonas Shivers ( signed )  James B Williams ( signed )  R Weakley ( signed ) Jacob McGavock ( signed ) clerk
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[ State of Tennessee Davidson County ] November Term of the Circuit Court 1838-  And the said Court does hereby declare his opinion  after the investigation of the matter , and after putting the interrogatories prescribed  by the war department  that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the Court further certifies that it appears to him that Jonas Shivers  who has signed the preceding  certificate is a clergyman  residing in the County and State  aforesaid and that Robert Weakley  & James B. Williams who has also signed the same are residents in this our County and State and are credible persons and that their statement is  entitled to credit. J. C. Mitchell ( signed ) Presiding Judge  [ State of Tennessee Davidson County ] November Term of the Circuit Court 1833  I Jacob McGavock clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said County  do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Jesse Simmons for a pension . In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of my office this 4th day of December 1833.  Jacob McGavock ( signed / sealed )
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( left page )  5851 Nashville Tennessee Charlotte Simmons widow of Jesse Simmons who was a private in the Revolution  S.C. line Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 40 Dollars __ Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1843. Certificate of Pension issued  the 15, dayof July 1866 and sent to  Ezra Holstead South Harpeth, Ten.  [ Act of March 3, 1843. ] Recorded in Book A. Vol. 1. Page 222.( right page ) Repd  Stamp  or seal illegible  ( vertical note ) ( Date of death not on AB-)
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7478  ( check mark ) Charlotte Simmons of Jesse Tennessee ( vertical note ) ( No 7478 )
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[ State of Tennessee Robertson County ] SS.  Charlotte Simmons the widow of Jesse Simmons dec'd  a Revolutionary pensioner for the purpose of obtaining a pension as the widow of  said Simmons under the Act of Congress of the 7 July 1838 & the act of 4th July 1836 & the Resolution of 1837 made before me John Forbes -an acting Justice of the  peace for Robertson County - she being duly sworn sayeth that she is aged seventy five years and that she is a  resident of Robertson County Tennessee , that she is the widow of Jesse Simmons, dec'd that he was a soldier in the Revolutionary  that she married the said Jesse subsequent to the  performance of service in the Revolution , of her own knowledge she knows nothing but what she heard him  say upon the subject  & refers the Department to his declaration on file in the Pension office for the purpose of obtaining a  pension for himself before his death, for the best account of his services she can .. ( illegible )    for the Department . She further declares that she was married to the said Jesse in the year 1788 , the precise day she cannot recollect but is satisfied that it took place in that year and that her husband
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died the 22nd of August 1834 - that she  was not married prior to his leaving the service  that the marriage took place prior to the 1st of January 1794 and that the time stated - that  no record  was kept of her marriage by her husband as far as she ever knew nor of the birth of her first child, which lived four or five years after its birth  & died - after that time  record of the ages of the other children were kept in the family Bible a leaf of which has been cut out  & filed with these papers.  ( her mark x ) Charlotte Simons  Sworn to  & subscribed before me  this 27th day of  October 1840.  John Forbes ( signed ) J.P.
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[ State of Tennessee Robertson County ] Conrad Coon  personally appeared before me John Forbes an acting Justice of the peace for said County  & makes oath that he married the sister  of the present applicant  Charlotte  Simmons and  has been acquainted with  her ever since, that he knows she was married to the said Jesse Simmons prior to the 1st of January 1794  & believes in the year 1788 - the precise time he does not know - that he knew them as man and wife , to live together , from their marriage until the death of the said Jesse in 1834, & that she yet remains a widow of the said Jesse from the time of his death to this time - at her request I cut a leaf  from the family Bible  containing the ages of her children which accompanies this paper but whether it in the hand write of Jesse Simmons he does not know. He does know that the oldest child died a few years after his birth  and was a son.  Conrad Coon  ( signed ) John Forbes ( signed ) J.P.    [ State of Tennessee Robertson County ] I John Forbes an acting Justice of the peace  for  Robertson County  certify that the  proceeding declaration of Charlotte  Simmons  & the affidavit of Conrad Coon  were taken and subscribed before me  &  duly sworn to & that she the said Catherine( ?Charlotte ) is  aged and infirm & unable to attend Court for the purpose of  having her declaration made in open court. & further  certify that Conrad Coon is a credible witness.  In testimony whereof I have  hereunto set my hand & seal  this 27th day of October 1840.  John Forbes ( signed . sealed ) J.P.
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[ State of Tennessee Robertson County ] I Joseph E Winfield Clerk of the County Court of Robertson certify that John Forbes  who signed the within certificates is a Justice of the peace for Robertson County  is an acting Justice of the peace for said County and was   such at the time of the date thereof and the signature to the several affidavits  in in his proper  hand writing and that he is duly commissioned  & qualified as such.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Springfield this 13 day of November 2840  J.E. Winfield ( signed / sealed ) Clk   No 7478  ( vertical notes ) ( 7478 Charlotte Simmons of Jesse Tennessee )
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[ State of Tennessee Robertson County ]  This day personally appeared  Charlotte  Simmons before me John Forbes one of the acting Justices of the peace  for said County and made oath in due form of law who sayeth that the names, and, ages of her two children  that on the leaf of the Bible is in the hand writing of her husband Jesse Simmons to the best of knowledge and  belief, Sworn to and subscribed before me this27th day of October 1840.  ( her mark X ) Charlotte Simmons  John Forbes ( signed ) J.P.
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( THE NEW TESTAMENT ) Bible leaf page front side
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( leaf from Bible ) Nancy Simmons was born  June the 13th 1797  Ephriam Simmons was born March the 11th 1802.
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May 10, 1935
Jesse Simons - W.869
BA-J/AWF

Mrs Ira F. East
617 East Franklin Street
Clinton, Missouri

Dear Madam:

The Revolutionary War record of Jesse Simmons which follows was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.869, based upon his service in that war.
He was born in the year 1761 in Richland County, South Carolina; he was the son of William Simmons, name of his mother not given.
Jesse Simmons resided in Richland County, South Carolina during the Revolution.  He enlisted in September 1776, served three months as a private in Captain William Simmons' company (his father), Colonel Goodwin's South Carolina regiment.  He enlisted in 1781, served three months in Captain James Craig's company, Colonel Henry Hunter's South Carolina regiment and was in frequent skirmishes. He enlisted and served three months in Captain James Craig's company, Colonel Henry Hunter's regiment and at the time of the battle of Eutaw Springs, was guarding some horses a short distance from the "field of battle".  He enlisted, date not shown, and served three months in Captain James Craig's company, Colonel Henry Hunter's regiment, protecting the inhabitants from the Tories, and was in several scouting parties.
He left Richland County in 1796 for Tennessee and lived in Davidson and Robertson Counties.  He was allowed pension on his application executed December 3, 1833,
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at which time he was living in Robertson County, Tennessee.
Jesse Simmons married in the summer of 1788 in Fairfield County, South Carolina, Charlotte, her maiden name not stated.  They were married at the home of Lewis Parrey, it is not shown that he was related to either of them.
Jesse Simmons died August 22, 1834.  His widow, Charlotte Simmons, was allowed pension on her application executed October 27, 1840, then seventy five years of age and living in Robertson County, Tennessee.
The following data in regard to their children are also found in the claim:
Their first child, a son, name not given, was born in 1790, died four or five years after birth:
Nancy born June 13, 1797
Ephraim born March 11, 1802
Conrad Coon in 1840 stated in Robertson County, Tennessee, that he married the sister of the widow, Charlotte Simmons; he did not give her name.

Very truly yours.
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Adminstrator
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May 16, 1935
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Ira F. East
617 East Franklin Street
Clinton, Missouri

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Jesse Simmons, also the records of all soldiers with surname Simmons, who served in that war.
The Revolutionary War record of Jesse Simmons furnished herewith was obtained from the papers on file in pension claim W.869 based upon his service in that war.  This is the record of the only Jesse Simmons (all spellings of the surname searched) found on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office.
This office is unable to furnish the record of a soldier of the Revolution unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made t the United States, on account of his service in that war.
In order to search the records for service of other soldiers with surname Simmons, the first name is essential, with as much as possible of the following data relative to each soldier; approximate dates of birth and death and places of residence at enlistment and after service.
Very truly yours,

A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Charlotte Simmons of Jesse Tennessee Suspended see 6 & 5 Dec 40 Hon. C.  Johnson

Act 7 July 1838
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7478 Charlotte Simmons of Jesse Tennessee admitted Pr : 1 yr - $40 Cap. Simmons Col : Goodwin  died 22 Augt 1834  Act 7 July 1838  Hon. C. Johnson HR
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( left page )  Rev War  WIDOW, &c. File No. 869 Charlotte Simmons widow Jesse Simmons Priv. Rev. War. Act : March 3 , 1843 Index: - Vol. M Page 214 [ Arrangement of 1870.]  ( right page ) ..35 May 16 - hist to Mrs. Ira F. East ans
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5982  Tennessee Charlotte Simmons widow of Jesse Simmons,  dec'd who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 22nd of August 1834 of Robertson Co. in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the compy commanded by Captain Simmons of the reg't commanded by Col  Goodwin in the  S. Carolina line for one year. Inscribed on the  Roll of Nashville at the rate of $4- Dollars __ Cents per annum. to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.  Certificate of Penson issued the 19th day of January 1841 and sent to Hon C. Johnson   House of Representatives. Arrears to the 4th of March 1841 $ 210.00  { Act July 7, 1838.}  Recorded by  D. Mc Curdy Clerk, Book A.  Vol. 2 Page 209
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Jan 2841 Charlotte Simmons Tenn. Mail  Hon. C. Johnson HR ( vertical on page )( The Commissioner of Pensions Washington City )
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Washington Jany 17 1841  Dear Sir, I enclose you the additional evidence required upon the application of Charlotte Simmons - your early attention will much oblige. Your friend C. Johnson ( signed )
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No 7478 Dec 5 1840 In -ab Mr Allion ( vertical on page ) ( The Commissioner of Pensions Washington City )
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Washington Dec 3rd, 1840  Dear Sir, I enclose the application of Mrs. Simmons for a pension- may I ask your early attention to the same.  I am respectfully yours C. Johnson ( signed )
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617 East Franklin St. Clinton , Mo . April 21, 1935  ( post mark ) [ RECEIVED APR  25 1935   MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM HEADER  # 26 ]   Veteran's Administration Washington, D.C. To whom it may concern : I am interested in becoming a  D.A.R.  I am sure that I have  an ancestor who fought in the Revolutionary War. The exact dates have not been handed down  thro family history. Can you find record of one Jesse Simmons or any Simmons as I do not know name of Jesse Simmons father ? I  thought they both  probably fought in said war. Our family traces back to  Jesse Simmons born in Stokes Co. North Carolina about 1760 . If you have record of any Simmons' would you please send me their names and dates. Would appreciate  so much any information you can send.  Thanking you , I am respectfully  Mrs. Ira F. East ( signed )
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Lowy Teal Jany 6th                                  free  Hon. C. Johnson Representative In Congress Washington City  ( vertical note ) (  Hon C. Johnson HR )
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[ State of Tennessee Robertson County ]  This day personally appeared  Conrad Coon  before me  John Forbes one of the acting Justices of Peace for said County  and made oath in due form of Law, who sayeth in addition to a former affidavit made relating to Mrs. Charlotte Simmons marriage and the birth of the first child, She was married in Fairfield County State of South Carolina in the date of 1788 and her first child was born in 1790 and lived between four and five years old, and died before she had another child some time but the precise time I have no recollection . I lived in Richland County  State of South Carolina about nine miles from the said Charlotte Simmons on Crain Creek at the time of the marriage  the said Charlotte Simmons to Jesse Simmons and never lived exceeding ten miles apart with the exception of moving from South Carolina to this State and that was only  a few months apart  and further this deponent sayeth not. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of January 1841. ( his mark T ) Conrad Coon  John Forbes ( signed ) J.P,  Mrs. Charlotte Simmons makes oath that she was married in Fairfield  County  State of South Carolina in the  house of one Lewis Parreys on what was call five and twenty mile creeks some time in the summer of 1788 . the precise day and month she do not recollect and to the  birth of her first child was about two years after her marriage with Jesse Simmons and it lived four or five years and died, and it was some time before she had her next child but time and date
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of the year she cant recollect precisely . Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of January 1841. ( her mark X ) Charlotte Simmons  John Forbes ( signed ) J.P.   John Forbes is an acting Justice  of the peace for Robertson County in the State of Tennessee & the above is in his hand writing . This name subscribed in his own proper hand writing .  C. Johnson ( signed ) 17th Jany 1841
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Addressed to:
J. L .Edwards Esq
Comm. of Pensions
Washington City, DC

Notes on envlope:
 6140 July 5 44
Tenn, 
Mar 3 1813
Charlotte Simmons
aw
Ezra Holstead
South Harfelt
Tenn
South Neapath
June 26

$40 per ann
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South Harpeth Tennessee June 24th 1844                J. L. Edwards Esq.                                                Dear Sir                                                             Enclosed you will receive the application of Mrs. Charlotte Simmons of Robertson County Tennessee for a pension - If the evidence in her case is sufficient, please forward her Pension Certificate to me at South Harpeth  Davidson County Tennessee and you will much oblige. Your Obt Servant Ezra Holstead ( signed )
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[ State of Tennessee County of Robertson ] SS. On this 13th day of June 1844 personally appeared before me  an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Robertson and State of Tennessee Mrs. Charlotte Simmons age 78 years who being first duly sworn according to law  doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit  of the  provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 3rd March 1843 granting pension to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of Jesse  Simmons who was a pensioner and paid at the agency of Nashville and that she received forty dollars annually under the act of July 7th 1838. She further declares that she is still a widow . Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. before me  ( her mark X ) Charlotte Simmons  Signed in the presence of us  W.W. Williams ( signed ) Justice of the peace for Robertson County Jas. Stewart ( signed ) Mr. Krantz ( signed )
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I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with  Mrs. Charlotte  Simmons who has made oath  to the within declaration and affixed her mark for fifteen years and that in consequence of her  infirmities she is unable to  write her name and that she still continues the widow of Jesse Simmons. Given under my hand  this the 13th day of June 1844.  W. W.  Williams ( signed ) Justice of the peace for Robertson County  [ State of Tennessee Robertson County ] I Joseph E. Winfield Clerk of the County Court  for said County do certify that W W Williams whose signature appears to the foregoing affidavit & certificate is an acting Justice of the peace  for the County of Robertson duly and constitutionally elected and sworn and that  the ... ( covered by seal ) purporting to be his is genuine.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at office in the Town of Springfield on the 17th of June 1844. J. E. Winfield ( signed / sealed ) Clerk of Robertson County Court