Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 15,944, for William P Napier, Virginia
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
Va.

Napier, William P.

NUMBER
S. 15,944

carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

Virginia 23.558

William P. Napier
of Caroline in the State of Va
who was a pr in the _____ commanded
by Captain _____ of the Company commanded
by Col. Morris in the Va
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 80 - Dollars  ___ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of Feby 34. and sent to Hon: W.P. Taylor HR

Arrears to the 4th of Sep 33  200
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34  40
$240 -

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

Recorded by -- Rice - Clerk,
Book e Vol. 6 1/2 Page 26

Date of death ------
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16.886 -
Revolutionary Declaration
of Va
W. P. Napier
- Amended -

Suspended - See let
Nov: 1833 -
to Wm H Howison
Bowling Green.  Va
Page 4

The declaration of W. P. Napier under the act of Congress 7th June 1832. - which was returned from the Pension office War Dptmt it for informality - herewith amended
No 16,886.

State of Virginia }
County of Caroline } Scilicet

On this 12th day of August 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court of Caroline County now sitting William P. Napier a resident in and of said County and State of Virginia aged between 67 and 70 years of age 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 7th 1832
I am now aged between 67 and 70 years my register being as I believe lost or destroyed in the ravages of Cornwallis while in Virginia in 1781 so that my age cannot be readily ascertained.  I was born, raised and educated in the County of Goochland tho' I have been a resident of Caroline for upwards of 40 years - The first time
I entered the service of the United States was in
December 1779 very young - a substitute in the militia and served two tours at the barracks in Albermarle county in guarding the British prisoners - I served one tour under Capt John Curd of Goochland County and one under Capt Warner Lewis of the same County These 2 tours
embraced one of the severest winters of my
time (79 and 80 )
In 1780 I substituted again for 6 months in a six months draft which took place in Goochland County. I think the officer commanding at that time was a Colo. Nathl. G. Morris. The Captains name I do not recollect. Before the six months tour had expired I enlisted for Eighteen months and was under a Capt Bratcher for the purpose of joining General Gates in South Carolina we marched from Goochland Court-house to Richmond crossed James River at that place and marched up to Powhatan House for an examination by a Major Scott who was placed there to receive the new recruits - Myself and three or four others were sent back to the Colonel of the county  The Colonel's name was Woodson - The
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intention of our being sent back as I understood was to work in the Magasine at Westham near Richmond - and from thence down and up James River till we met Genl Lafayettes army and marched under him throughout his retreat through all the lower Counties (nearly). I remember a French Major belonging as he said to the third Regiment by the name of De---man. I then continued with Lafayette's Army substituting myself at different times throughout his  retreat in the upper counties and throughout all his meandering in Virginia down to old James Town where a smart action took place. Followed
Lord Cornwallis to York-town and after a close siege of 10 or 12 days had the good luck to see his Lordship march out and lay down his Arms - I was then with different companies of militia appointed to guard the prisoners to Maryland where they were received by the Maryland militia
and taken to a place of safe keeping. We all (what there was) officers and Soldier laid down our Arms without papers or discharges with empty bellies and dirty shirts in November 1781
and returned to our homes. In April 1782 I stood a draft in Hanover County and it fell to my lot and others to return to Yorktown under Capt Doswell and Richardson officers to haul the cannon from different ----------- and
to put them on board vessells to carry to New York. I think in June we returned to our homes
nearly clothless and quite moneyless - the field officers whom I remember were Genl Muhlenburg - Gen. Stevens of Culpeper, and Marquis Lafayette. I was with Gen Lafayette
When he crossed the Racoon ford on the Rapid Ann river between the Counties of Culpeper and Orange and when he cut his road known by the name of the Marquis road. I believe that I am
known to almost every individual in the county of  Caroline - In my neighbourhood I am well known to Robert B. Corbin, Joseph Norment, John Graves, Booth Brown (late Col. of the County) Micl. Young, Nathaniel Ware

And the said W. P. Napier further deposeth and swears that  by reason of old age and 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 Eighteen months I served as an enlisted soldier -  and for Ten months I served as a militia man and for such service I
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claim a Pension - He 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
Sworn to and subscribed in due form of Law the
day and year aforesaid
W. P. Napier

We Spilsbe Woolfolk a clergyman residing in Caroline county and State of Virginia and Daniel Dejarnett citizen residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
William P. Napier who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that he believe him to be between 67 and 70 years of age - that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood
to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that Opinion
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid -
Spilsbe Woolfolk
D. Dejarnett

And  the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogtoreis prescribed by the war department to the said W.P. Napier (whose answers so for as his memory served him are set forth in his declaration aforesaid) that said applicant W. P. Napier was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Spilsbe Woolfolk who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in and of Caroline County and that Danl. Dejarnatte who has also signed the same is a resident of the same County and that they are both men of character and truth and  their said statement entitled to all credibility 

I John L Pendleton Clerk of the County Court of
Caroline County aforesaid do hereby certify that
the foregoing contains the Original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application of William P. Napier for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set  my hand and seal of Office this day of 14th Augt. 1833 -
John L Pendleton ck
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February 13, 1933

William P. Napier-S.15944
BA-J/AWF

Miss Maud Napier
1526 - 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C.

Dear Madam:
Complying with your request of this day, you
are furnished herewith the record of the Revolutionary War pensioner, William P. Napier.

The data which follow were obtained from the
papers on file in pension claim, S. 15944, based
upon the Revolutionary War service of William P. Napier.

He stated that he was born, reared and educated
in Goochland County, Virginia. The date of his birth is not given, nor are the names of his parents shown.

William P. Napier enlisted in December, 1779 and
served two tours at the barracks in Albemarle County, Virginia; one tour under Captain John Curd, and one under Captain Warner Lewis. He enlisted in 1780 for six months, under Colonel Nathaniel G. Morris, but before his enlistment had expired, he re-enlisted for eighteen months and served under Captain Brathher in Colonel Woodson's Virginia regiment, and was in Lafayette's Army in the engagement at Jamestown and in the siege of Yorktown, was discharged in November, 1781. He also served from April to June, 1782 under Captains
Doswell and Richardson at Yorktown to place the cannon on vessels to be carried to New York.

William P. Napier was allowed pension on his
application executed August 12, 1833, then a resident of Caroline County, Virginia, and aged between sixty-
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seven and seventy years.
There is no reference to wife or children.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
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MRS. HARRY HYMAN
HONORARY STATE REGENT
D. A. R.
HYMAN & COLORADO, TEXAS

Dec, 16, 1927.

U. S. Pension Office,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir;-
I am quoting from the W. Va. Historical Magazine, the following: --

"From papers on file in the U.S. Pension Office
as well as from J. T. McAlisters, "History of
the Virginia Militia, in the Revolutionary War,
it was found that a Company of Virginia Militia, under a six months draft for services against the Indians in Rockingham County, either in 1782-3, was sent under the Command of Capt. William Smith, to Hinkles Fort, on North Fork, then Rockingham Co, but now Pendleton."

My ancestor William Napier [only] lived in Rockingham, County and I am trying to complete his records and I also had another ancestor who is said to have lived here at one time, Daniel Booth[e] but later of Randolph Co. where he died.

Will you tell me if either name appears on this
list? Or any information is given of them.

Thanking you in advance, and hoping to hear from you soon, I am,
Very truly,
Mrs Harry Hyman.
Page 10

P
15944
INVALID.

File No. 15,944
William P. Napier
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7" 32
Index: --Vol. 1,  Page 272

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1923 Sept. 18 Hist. to Mrs H. Hyman  aw
1927 - Feb - 14 - Hist to Mrs. Clarence Hughel MMHF
1928 Oct. 3 " " " " Mrs Harry Hyman  awf
1933 - Feb. 13 " " "  Miss Maud Napier awf
Page 11

P
15944
INVALID.

File No. 15,944
William P. Napier
Pri Rev War

Act: June 7" 32
Index: --Vol. 1,  Page 272

[Arrangement of 1870.]

1923 Sept. 18 Hist. to Mrs H. Hyman  aw
1927 - Feb - 14 - Hist to Mrs. Clarence Hughel MMHF
1928 Oct. 3 " " " " Mrs Harry Hyman  awf
1933 - Feb. 13 " " "  Miss Maud Napier awf
Page 12

Admit as private
2 yr. $80

James L Ed
Pen

Hon Wm Taylor HR
Page 13

James L Edwards Esqr
Pension Office

Admit as private
2 yr. $80

Hon Wm Taylor HR 

Hon W. P Taylor
Page 14

Feb. 6, 1834

Sir
The enclosed is a certified affidavit of the Revolutionary services of Wm P. Napier. It is sent to me with a request to file it with his Declaration numbered 16.886 or 16.686. This Declaration has been heretofore returned for insufficiency of
proof. The paper inclosed will supply the deficit
and I ask your reconsideration as soon as possible. I have to know to be
reply
yr; obt st
Wm P Taylor
Page 15

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.   AWF

October 3, 1928

Mrs. Harry Hyman,
Colorado,
Texas.
{See misc. corres. under Scott-Hyman]

Madam:
I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 15944, it appears that William P. Napier was born and raised in Goochland County, Virginia, date of birth not stated.
He enlisted in December 1779 and served as a private in the Virginia Militia under Captains Curd and Warner Lewis, date of discharge not given.
He enlisted in 1780, for six months, under Colonel Nathaniel G. Morris, but before his time was out he re-enlisted for eighteen months and served under Captain Bratcher and Colonel Woodson, and in LaFayette's Army and was
in the engagement at Jamestown and in the Siege of Yorktown, and was discharged in November 1781. He also served from April to June 1782 under Captains Doswell and Richardson removing the cannon from Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 12, 1833 while a resident of Caroline County, Virginia
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aged between sixty-seven and seventy years.
There are no data on file as to his family.
The above noted William P. Napier is the only soldier of that name found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau.
Said records fail to afford any information in regard to any Daniel Booth or Boothe.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.

COPIED BY ADY
Page 17


MMHF
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

February 14, 1927

Mrs. Clarence Hughel
5348 Ohmer Ave.,
Indianapolis, Ind.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 15944 it appears that William P. Napier was born and raised in Goochland County, Virginia, date
of birth not stated.
He enlisted in December 1779 and served as a private in the Virginia Militia under Captains Curd and Warner Lewis, date of discharge not given.
He enlisted in 1780, for six months, under Colonel Nathaniel G. Morris, but before his time was out he re-enlisted for eighteen months and served under Captain Bratcher and Colonel
Woodson, and in LaFayette's Army and was in the engagement at Jamestown and in the Siege of Yorktown, and was discharged in November 1781. He also served from April to June 1782 under Captains Doswell and Richardson removing the cannon from Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 12,
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1833 while a resident of Caroline County, Virginia aged between sixty-seven and seventy years.
There is no data on file as to his family.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 19


AW
Rev. War Section 

Sept. 18, 1933.

Mrs. Harry Hyman
309 W. Magnolia Ave.
San Antonio, Tex.

Madam:
I have to advise you that you are herewith furnished the history of the only soldier of the Revolution named Napier found on the records of this Bureau.
From the papers in the pension claim, S. 15944, it appears that William P. Napier was born and raised in Goochland Co Va. date of birth not stated.
He enlisted in December 1779 and served as a private in the Virginia Militia under Captains John Curd and Warner Lewis, date of discharge not given. He enlisted in 1780, for six months under Col. Nathaniel G. Morris, but before his time was out he re-enlisted for eighteen months and served under Capt. Bratcher and Col. Woodson, and in Lafayette's Army and was in the engagement at Jamestown and in the siege
of Yorktown, and was discharged in Nov. 1781. He also served from April to June 1782, under Captains Doswell and Richardson,removing the cannons from Yorktown.
He was allowed pension on his application executed Aug. 12, 1833, while living in Caroline Co. Va. aged between 67 & 70 years. There is no data on file as to family.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 20

Maud Napier (Miss)
1526 17th St. N. W. 
Washington, D.C

Please furnish to above address the Rev War 
record of Wm P. Napier
S. 15944
Feb - 13 - 1933
Page 21

5348 Ohmer Ave
Indianapolis, Ind.
Dec. 14, 1926.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.

Sirs: -
Having been advised through the Adj. Gen. of
War Dept:,  I am writing you for information concerning this Revolutionary Soldier, Wm P. Napier, of Caroline Co. Va.
In the City Library of Ind'p'ls his name appears in the Virginia record as a pensioner, with
the data S. of W. 1835, after his name. Any information you may be able to give me will be
greatfully received.
Respectfully
Mrs Clarence Hughes.

Am enclosing communication }
from War Dept. } returned to Mrs Clarence Hughes

U.S. PENSION OFFICE
R
DEC 16 1926
Page 22


309 West Magnolia Ave.
San Antonio, Texas.
August, 27, 1923.

Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir: -
In going over my notes which I copied last year from the Archives of the State Library, I find that William Napier drew a pension, which is as follows:

"William P. Napier, (Caroline) S. of W. 1835, Pen.
124. Private, Annual allowance, 80, sums received 240. Va. Continued. Jan. 25, 1834. Commencement of Pension, March 4, 1831."

Are there any other Napiers from Caroline?

Please  tell me if any other information is given, his wifes name or where he enlisted, and where he was living when the Pension was applied for.

Any information most gratefully received. 

Very truly, 
Mrs Harry Hyman

P.S.
I find the following and will be glad if you can tell me if this William even was granted a pension, also please tell me if a soldier who drew a pension was also granted land?

Early days from Rockbridge Co.

On August 5th, 1779,.  On motion of Wm. Moore, etc. to be allowed 50 acres for serving as soldier in regular service, in the old Old Virginia Regiment, formerly commanded by Washington. The same in favor of William Napier for service in Capt Dickinsons Ranging Co.

Later this Wm. moved to Ky. and I have an idea his land grant was located there.

DISBURSING CLERK
U.S. BUREAU OF PENSIONS
AUG 31 1923 
MISC. C
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Revolutionary Claim

Bowl Green }
Nov. 2 }

J.L. Edwards Esquire
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
Page 24

Bowling Green Octo. 31st. 33
To J. L. Edwards Esquire

Sir
I return your old Mr. Napier's Declaration with the proof of his enlistment by a man who lives in the County of Goochland. You will readily perceive that the party applicant and the deponent are both very old men - I hope that the 
the evidence offered taken in connexion with the Declaration will be regarded by you as establishing period of enlistment and the time of service specifically enough. The promptitude with which my letters have been replied to deserves
and has received my acknowledgments; but if you know how worthy a man my old client is you would not be surprised at my solicitude for his
success.
very respectfully
Your obt. svt.
Wm H. Howison
Page 25

Goochland County to wit
This day Charles Rogers of the said County and State of Virginia aged 68 as 69 - and of good report and a respectful citizen and made oath that Wm. P - Napier of the County of Caroline who applies for a Pension under the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832 that he the sd. Napier & himself were both - apprentices together he thinks in the year 1778. and part of the year 1779. Sometime in the latter part of 1779 or in 1780 he the said Napier left his apprenticeship & inlisted in the service of the
Revolutionary Ware.  Given under my hand
and seal this 16th day of October 1833.
John Martin

State of Virginia,
Goochland County ss
William Miller Clerk of the Court of said County of Goochland, do certify that John Martin Gent. before whom Charles Rogers made the foregoing affidavit was at the time of making the affidavit aforesaid before him, & now is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County duly appointed commissioned & qualified, and that full faith & credit are & ought to be given to all his acts & deeds as such as well within Courts of Justice as thereout
In attestation of which I have as clerk of the said Court hereto set my hand & annexed the seal of the said County & Court this 16th day of Octo. 1833. & in the 58th year of the Commonwealth
W. Miller C. G. C.
Page 26

(illegible) Edwards
Whether the (illegible)
can be (illegible) a conclusion
name not on rolls
(illegible) M Taylor
Page 27

I Charles Rogers living in Goochland County
aged 68 or 69 years do hereby certify that during the revolution I was well acquainted with Mr. William P. Napier of Caroline County - that he was raised in my immediate neighborhood, and well remember that he enlisted in the service of the revolutionary war - But, that I have no knowledge of the length of time he served during the war-
Charles Rogers

Goochland County to wit:
This day Charles Rogers personally appeared
before a justice of the peace for the County
aforesaid, and made oath to the truth of the above affidavit; and I moreover certify the said Charles Rogers to be a person of truth, and good character in his County
Witness my hand this 20th day of Jany - 1834
John Martin

State of Virginia: } 
Goochland County } ss
I William Miller Clerk of the County Court of
the said County of Goochland, do hereby certify that John Martin before whom Charles Rogers appears to have made the foregoing affidavit and who has subscribed his name to the preceding certificate, was at the date thereof,
and still is, an acting Justice of the peace in the said County, duly commissioned and qualified, and that his signature above is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and affixed the seal of my office this 21st
day of January 1834.
Willi Miller ck