Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,627, for William Stow, Virginia
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
Va. Stow, William
NUMBER S. 7627
carded.
CONTENTS
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(left page)
[illegible] in 24 1854
(right page)
North Carolina 23.606
William Stow
of [Cabarrus?] in the State of N.C. who was a Pri in the -- commanded by Captain -- of the [Regt?] commanded by Col [Wood?] in the Va. line for [8 months?]
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina - at the rate of 26 Dollars 66. Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the [illegible] day of [March?] and sent [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of [March?] 
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible]
7998
18.33
9331
{Revolutionary Claim, 
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by att. [illegible] -- Clerk. 
Book E Vol. [illegible] Page [90?].
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Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 1832 State of North Carolina Superior Court of Law for Cabarrus County [illegible]
Cabarrus County -- held at the Court House in Concord November 19th 1832. 
On this 19th day of November One thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before the Honorable David L. Swain, one of the Judges of the Superior Courts for North Carolina, now sitting for Cabarrus County, William Stow a resident of Cabarrus County North Carolina aged seventy nine, 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. "To Wit."
In the County of Amelia, State of Virginia, on or about the first day of April ["April" crossed out] 1778, I enlisted in the state Troops of Virginia, under a recruiting officer by the name of Wood Jones, and was marched with ["under" crossed out] him, in July I think to Petersburgh in the state of Virginia where, there being more troops than were needed, we received furloughs & were called back the 1 October 1778. Our Captain was William Fitz Gerald, Major Philip Jones -- Col. David Mason, Lieut. Col. Burwill or Burrell -- I think our regiment was not then numbered -- we were called the "New Levies" -- I enlisted for eighteen months. We lay at Petersburgh three months. On the first day of January 1779 -- we were marched from Petersburgh under the same officers except Philip Jones, who was succeeded by Wood Jones, my recruiting officer, a major who (who came to North Carolina and then left us) -- having [been?] ordered to the south to be placed under Genl. Lincoln. There were three regiments together in the March -- all of the "New Levies" -- we marched to Halifax Town N.C. where we met the North Carolina troops, who were also called the "New Levies." We were then marched with them to Hillsborough N.C. -- thence to Salisburty N.C. -- thence to Charlotte N.C. thence to Camden S.C thence to Bacon's Bridge 10 miles or 12. From Charleston S.C. on Edisto River I think was the name of the stream -- thence to Head Quarters of Genl. Lincoln, on Ashley River -- we remained there till the Battle of Stono -- I was in that engagement under the same officers. I remember that the 14th Regiment of Regulars were with us in that Battle -- the Americans retreated -- all returned to Head Quarters -- This battle as
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(section of text above transcription is duplicated from previous page)
well as I remember was on the 10th day of June 1779 -- We were thence from Head Quarters marched to Beaufort (or Blueford as it was called by us) -- thence I went back to Camden S.C. to guard some prisoners that had been the third day after the battle of Stono, on Wednesday -- I remained at Camden till my regiment [Camden?] -- which was in August -- we remained there till sometime in November 1779 -- When our regiment was discharged -- I received my discharge from Captain George Witcher -- who commanded the corps that had brought the prisoners on to Camden -- I was then in actual service about 12 months -- three months on Furlough -- and three months before I went to Petersburgh after I was recruited I saw the regiment under Count (Genl.) Pulaski pass by us while at Head Quarters on Ashley River. It was a most splendid Regiment --
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Again, in the County of Amelia State of Virginia, in the month of July 1780 (about the middle of the month I think) I was drafted in the militia service, and placed in a company commanded by Captain Abner Osborne -- Major Cocke in the Regiment commanded by Col. Saml. Sherwin -- was a draft for three months -- marched to Richmond Va thence to New Castle on Mattaponi River head of Chickahominy Bay -- New Castle was then but a small village -- There we were placed under Baron Steuben -- remained there till I was discharged in October 1780. I was discharged by Captain Osborne -- we were kept at New Castle as a garrison -- I suppose about 500 men -- 
I was again in Amelia County Va a volunteer in the month of February, about the first of the month 1781 -- in a company under the command of Captain James Overstreet, Major Cunningham -- Col. Holcombe -- under Genl. Robert Lawson of the Militia -- we were volunteers for an indefinite period, during the expedition -- It was after the retreat of Genl. Greene through N.C. -- when he rallied in Va. and started back to N.C. to meet Cornwallis. We marched in front of the Regulars. I do not remember but one regiment which consisted of "eighteen month men" under Col. Campbell -- we marched on under Lawson & Greene and were in the battle of Guilford Court House on the 15th of March 1781 -- In the battle, after the militia infact had dispersed, we were met by Col. Campbell and placed on the left wing of his regiment -- and remained on the ground till the last fire in the contested fire there, after the battle, went on to Haw River with Greene -- Col. Lee and Col. Washington were also along -- I was discharged on Haw River about the first of May -- by Captain Overstreet -- I remember that I returned home after my discharge in time to put in my crop of tobacco -- I served in this tour nine weeks. 
Again about the 15th day of August 1781 -- in the County of Amelia, Va. I was drafted in a company commanded by Capt James Overstreet, Lieut John [Burwell?] in the regiment commanded by Col. Thomas Short -- marched from Amelia to Blackwater to Blounts Old Fields -- thence to City Point on James River -- there we were placed
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(section of text above transcription is duplicated from previous page)
under Genl. Wayne and marched with his army to near Yorktown -- there, were were joined by Genl. Washington & his army -- and marched there with the whole army under Genl. Washington to Yorktown -- where we remained till the Surrender of that place on the day of October 1781 -- I remember seeing the French army under Genl. Lafayette -- after the surrender, I marched with a guard of prisoners to Albermarle Court House, under Captain Overstreet, and discharged by him there on the 15th November 1781 -- Having served three months, the term for which I had volunteered -- I served in all twenty-six months and one week -- I have lost or mislaid all my discharges -- I was born in the County of Amelia, State of Virginia on the 5th day of March 1753. I lived in Virginia, in Amelia, till April 1787 -- when I moved to Mecklenburgh County North Carolina where I now live, in that part of the County, which since its division has been called "Cabarrus"
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where I now live -- and where I have lived ever since -- My age is recorded in a book, here produced in Court -- I have no documentary evidence of my services. I refer to Genl. Paul Barringer & John Robinson D.D. to prove my character and the reputation of my having served in the Revolution. I know of no living person, whose testimony I can procure to testify to my service. I do hereby 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 & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid. } 
William Stow, X his mark 
Questions propounded by the said Court to William Stow. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? 
Ans. I was born in Amelia County Va. on the 5th day of March A.D. 1753. -- 
2. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it? 
Ans. I have here provided in Court -- in my bible. 
3. Where were you living when called into service -- where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live? 
Ans. I was always living in Amelia County Va. when called into the service -- after the War I remained there till the year 1787 -- Since then I have always lived where I now do, in the County of Mecklenburgh, in that part now called "Cabarrus" -- 
4. How were you called into service were you drafted -- did you volunteer -- or were you a substitute & if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I was twice drafted -- & twice a volunteer in the service -- 
5. State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops when you served -- such Continental & Militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service -- 
Ans. I remember Count Pulaski at Ashley River -- Genl Lincoln -- Genl. Washington -- Wayne -- Lafayette -- (in the expedition to Guilford -- Col. Campbell -- Col. Lee -- Col. Washington -- Genl. Greene -- I remember the 14th Regiment regulars at Stono -- I was at Stono -- Guilford -- Yorktown. I remember also Baron Steuben at New Castle Va. in 1780. 
6. Did you ever receive a discharge from the service -- & if so, by whom was it given & what has become of it -- 
Ans. I was always regularly discharged first at Camden by Capt George Witcher in Nov. 1779 -- then by Capt Osborn in Oct 1780 and in May 1787 by Capt Overstreet and afterwards
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(text above transcription is duplicated from previous page)
in November ["May" crossed out] 1781 by Capt Overstreet -- they are all lost -- or destroyed -- 
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief in your services as a soldier in the Revolution -- 
Ans. I refer to Genl. Paul Barringer & Dr. John Robinson D.D. 
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid. }
Will Stow, X his mark
Mr. John Robinson D.D. a clergyman residing in the county of Cabarrus and Genl. Paul Barringer residing in the same, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Stow who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy-nine years of age as stated by him -- that he is reupted & believed in the neighbourhood where he resides  to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion -- 
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid }
John Robinson
P. Barringer
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And the said Court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department -- that the above named applicant (William Stow) was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states -- And the Court for this certifies that it appears to them that John Robinson D.D. who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman and that Genl. Paul Barringer who has signed the same are both residents of Cabarrus County are credible persons -- and that their statement is entitled to an audit. 
D. [Lowain?] [illegible]
J. David Coleman Clerk of the Superior Court of Law for Cabarrus County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Stow for a pension -- 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & Seal of Office -- this 19th day of November 1832 -- 
Dan Coleman [C.L.C.?]
(written upside down)
29.078
William Stow
Declaration
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(written vertically in top left)
G.H. [Scott?] [Clerk?]
(written horizontally)
Wm Stow
Anderson
[Wm F?] Davidson
now Present
[November?] 24th [1924?]
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Power of Attorney
STATE OF North Carolina
COUNTY OF Cabarrus } SS: BE IT KNOWN that before the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace personally appeared William Stowe or Stow aged sixty three years, who, being duly cautioned and then sworn in due form of law, states, that he is the son of William Stow *who was a pensioner of the United States -- and that he believes that he is -- entitled to whatever is due, and that the United States are still indebted to him -- , under the law of Congress, for the pension that was due Wm Stowe and that for the purpose of investigating and establishing my claims as aforesaid, I appoint Wm F Davidson true and lawful attorney with irrevocable powers, to examine all papers on file, and to do whatever I might do were I personally present to establish my claim, and to receive the certificate which I wish made payable to myself -- In Witness Whereof, I have on this 19th day of July -- 1853 -- hereunto signed his name, and affixed their seal 
William Stowe, X his mark
GH Swaringen J.P.
James White
SEAL
WITNESS:
WITNESS:
Signed, sealed, acknowledged, and sworn to before me: and I further certify, that William Stowe has always by the community been known as the son of William Stowe dec
Dated on this 19th day of July 1853 -- 
G.H. Swaringen J.P.
STATE OF North Carolina }
COUNTY OF Cabarrus } to wit: 
I hereby Certify, that G.H. Swaringen Esq. before whom the foregoing power of attorney was made, and who has hereunto subscribed his name, was at the time of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn, and that his signature above written is genuine.  
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Cabarrus 
County Court, this 29th day of May on thousand eight hundred and fifty-four
G.M. [Scott?] Clerk. 
*State whether applicant or a pensioner.
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I G.H. Swaringen an acting Justice for Cabarrus County N. Carolina certify I was well acquainted with William Stowe who was a United States pensioner who died about the year 1835-1836 -- then leaving a widowe, Martha Stowe, who also died in January 1847, leaving the following children, viz, Mary -- Archibald, William, Martha, Jane, Amy, Lewiza, & Elizabeth. 
who are the only surviving children of said Dead 
given under my hand this 19th 1853.
G.H. Swaringen J.P. 
(faded handwriting)
State of North Carolina Cabarrus County 
I G.M. Scott, Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Cabarrus do hereby certify that G.H. Swaringen who signed the above certificate was at the time of signing an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the said County duly commissioned and qualified as said who that the signature purporting to be his is genuine, in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, at office this 29th day of May A.D. 1854.
G.M. Scott C.C.
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Rev. & 1812
Wars Section 
ILL [illegible]
October 13, 1930.
Mrs. Bess L. Dumas
3320 South Carrollton Avenue 
New Orleans, Louisiana. 
Dear Madam: 
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 7627, that William Stow was born March 5, 1753 in Amelia County, Virginia. 
While a resident of Amelia County, Virginia, he enlisted April 1, 1778 under recruiting officer, Wood Jones, marched in July to Petersburg, Virginia, was furloughed there, was called back October 1, 1778 and served as a private in Captain William Fitzgerald's Company, Colonel David Mason's Virginia Regiment, marched through North Carolina to South Carolina, was in the battle of Stono after which he guarded prisoners in Camden and was discharged in November, 1779. He enlisted in July, 1780 and served three months in Captain Abner Osborne's Company, Colonel Samuel Sherwin's Virginia Regiment. He enlisted in February, 1781, served nine weeks in Captain James Overstreet's Company, Colonel Holcombe's Virginia Regiment and was in the battle of Guilford Court House. He enlisted August 15, 1781, served in Captain James Overstreet's Company, Colonel Thomas Short's Virginia Regiment, marched to Yorktown, remained until Cornwallis surrendered, marched then to Albemarle Court House with some prisoners and was discharged there November 15, 1781. 
Soldier lived in Amelia County, Virginia until April, 1787, when he moved to Mecklenburg, North Carolina, that part which was later Cabarrus County, North Carolina. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 19, 1832, while a resident of Cabarrus County, North Carolina. 
He died in 1835 or 1836, leaving a widow, Martha, who died in January 1847. There are no further data relative to her.
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(handwritten in top left)
went out in error
1853
(typed)
In ["1835" circled with question mark], their surviving children were Mary, Archibald, William, aged sixty-three years, Martha, Jane, Amy, ["Lemisa (?)" underlined with handwritten arrow and "Lewiza" written underneath] and Elizabeth. 
Very truly yours, 
E.W. MORGAN, 
Acting Commissioner.
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(left page)
1930 - Oct. 13 - Hist. to Mrs. Bess L. Dumas. ILL. 
(right page)
7624
INVALID.
["Rev War?" written vertically]
File No. 7624
William Stow
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. 1 eb, Page 359
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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War Department
Pension Office
Sir
The claim of William Stow has been again examined. As no part of his twelve months service under his enlistment has been exhibited, that part of his claim cannot at present be admitted. 
If the applicant shall think proper to accept a certificate for 8 months, the amount of his Militia Service, it may be issued & not preclude him from obtaining an allowance for the first mentioned Service, wherever he shall be able to produce the necessary proof to sustain it. The papers are herewith returned.
I have the Honor to be
very respectfully 
your [illegible]
J.L. Edwards
I accede to the above proposition and take the pension for 8 months now -- how and why [] further proof for the [illegible]
D.L. Barringer 
House of Representatives
D.L. Barringer
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BOYS' HOME
D.G. DUMAS, SUPERINTENDENT 
3320 SOUTH CARROLLTON AVENUE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Society for the Relief of Destitute Orphan Boys
GEORGE G. WESTFELDT, PRESIDENT
529 GRAVIER ST. 
J. BLANC MONROE, SECRETARY
1104 N.O. BANK BLDG.
WARREN KEARNY, TREASURER
520 SOUTH PETERS ST. 
MRS. PAUL H. SAUNDERS 
CHAUNCEY FRENCH
LOUIS J. BRIGHT
WM' A. PORTEOUS
CHARLES C. CRAWFORD 
WALDO BURTON MEMORIAL.
NEW ORLEANS 9/23/30 193
Bureau of Pensions,-- 
Washington, D?C.
Gentlement;--
I wish a complete record of William Stowe's Revolutionary services, --- he fought in Virginia and died presumably in North Carolina. He drew a pension, I am sure. 
Also include, if you will, the record of his son, Jacob Stowe, who was a Virginian and died in North Carolina. 
Thanking you, I am, -----
Mrs Bess L. Dumas
(Stamped seal)
U. SEP
25
1930
OFFICE
(typed text resumes)
Also records of Hudson Berry who died in South Carolina; and of George Foorde or Foarde or Forde of Virginia who died in North Carolina. 
I am the Historian of my Chapter D.A.R.
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William Stowe
N.C.
Admit a [pension?]
8 Mo $26.66
Feby 16 -- 33
5.14
P 249. 
Hon. D.L. Barringer H.R.
["Hon. D.L. Barrington" crossed out]
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Stow -- which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in 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?
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 amout of pension he is entitled? No 
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
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 seal?
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2
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?
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned 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?
["23" handwritten on left margin]
XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? No
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?
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
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.
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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
FORM VAM - 51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD* 
NAME Stow, Zaccheus GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 6440 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED June 25, 1789
to -- not shown --
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in the National Archives.