Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9382, James Davidson, Penn.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Penn.
Davidson, James
NUMBER
S. 9382
carded
CONTENTS [blank[
Page 2

Death not on A. B.

27.555
Ohio - Pittsburg Agency
James Davidson
of Portage Co. in the State of Ohio 
who was a Pvt [Private] 
in the Company commanded
by Captain Leipsic of the Regt commanded
by Col Clark in the [illegible] line for the Militia
6 mo [months] pr [per] $20.00

Inscribed on the Roll Ohio Pct [Precinct?] at the rate of 20 Dollars -- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 21st day of August [illegible] [1834?] and sent to Cyrus Prentice, Revenna  [Ohio]

Arrears to the 4th of Mch '34         [$] 60.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept " [$] 10.00
[Total]                                               $70.00
---
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by D T Sprague Clerk,
Book C, Vol. 8 Page 109
Page 3

State of Ohio. Portage County ss
On this 6th day of March AD 1834 Personally appeared in Open Court before the President and associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas now sitting James Davidson a resident of Franklin in the County of Portage and State of Ohio, aged Eighty four years on the fifth day of May next, 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- On the fifth day of August AD 1776 I entered the service at Carlisle Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, (near which place I then resided), as a volunteer in the Militia, under Col William Clark, Major John Davis Captain Charles Leipsic Lieutenant William McFarland and William Swansey, and ensign Mathew Saird. We marched
to Philadelphia and from thence to  Bergen in New Jersey and after remaining at Bergen two months was marched back to Philadelphia and was there discharged and returned home-
In August in the year 1777 I was drafted into the Militia service at Carlisle and
served in the Company of Cap James Douglas Lieutenant and Ensigns names not recollected, were marched into the neighbourhood of Germantown. The Brittish [sic] had the possession of Philadelphia, and we were kept scouting about the country for two months, after which we returned home again to Carlisle Pa In the month of August 1778 I was again drafted into the service
Carlisle Pa and served as a Lieutenant, with Ensign William Woods under me - Captain Kennedy was drafted
Page 4

as the Captain of the same Company but he did not serve and consequently I commanded the said Company. We marched to the standing stone on the Juniata in Huntingdon County Pa. under Col Gibson, Col James Dunlop commandant, and after remaining there about two weeks, we march to Lytles  Fort where I remained in the two months for which we were drafted had expired and we were then discharged by Col. James Dunlap
I having as above stated performed six months service in these several tours of two months each, the first as a volunteer private, the second as a drafted private and the last as a drafted Lieutenant. I have no documentary evidence of the service I have performed and know of no person whose testimony I can procure to the facts above stated. That he knows of no clergy who he can get to testify for him.
I hereby 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 of any State
James Davidson

Sworn Subscribed the day and year aforesaid, before me Brice S. Hunter Dep. Clerk

We Thomas Metland and Jacob Winter farmers residing in Springfield in the County of Portage and State of Ohio hereby certify that in an well acquainted with James Davidson who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be about 84 years old, 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
Jacob Winters
Thomas Mittlin
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid - Before me Brice S. Hunter Dep. Clerk
Page 5

Interrogatories by the Court & the answers
1 Where, and in what year were you born
Ans. In Carlisle in Pennsylvania, in the year 1750
2 Have you any record of your age, and if so where is it
Ans. I have a record in a Book at home
3 Where were you living when called into Service. Where have you lived since the revolutionary War and where do you now live?
Ans. Near Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, I moved from thence up the Susquehanna into Northern Boland County, Pennsylvania, where I lived until 1816 when
I moved to Springfield, Portage County, Ohio, where I lived untill [sic] last April, when I moved into Franklin Portage County, Ohio, where I now reside
4th How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom
Ans. The first tour in 1776 I was a volunteer, the second tour in 1777 I was drafted as a private Militia man and the third tour I was drafted as a Lieutenant our of Militia and served two months at each tour in person.
5th
Did you ever receive a discharge from the service
Ans. I did receive from Col. James Dunlop a discharge for myself and company on performing the last tour of service. But I do not know what has become of it. I received a commission from Thomas Mifflin Governor
of Pennsylvania, I think, but do not know what has become of it.
6 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-
Ans. Genl Washington and Wayne commanded the troops while we were scouting about the Country
Page 6

I cannot recollect the continental or militia regiments because we were not attached to any that I can recollect, and our service was scouting about the country for the protection of the inhabitants, except while in lay at Bergen, and at Lytles Fort
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution
Ans. I name Thomas Metlin and Jacob Winter, who were acquainted with me in Pennsylvania and also in this State.
James Davidson

Subscribed this 6 day of March A.D. 1834 before me Brice S. Hunter Dep Clerk

The State of Ohio. Portage County ss
Court of Common Pleas March Term AD 1834
And the said Court do hereby declare their
opinion that the above named applicant was a revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states
I George Kirkum Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas of Portage County, Ohio, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Davidson for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office, this day of March AD 1834

And the said Court do 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 was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jacob Winters and Thomas Metlin who have signed the certificate annexed to the declaration of the said applicant are residents in the Township of Springfield in said County of Portage and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled

Hon. J. Sloan

James Davidson
Application for [illegible]
29.873
Page 7

tionary Soldier, and served as he states
I George Kirkum Clerk of the Court of Common
Pleas of Portage County, Ohio, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Said Court in the matter of the application of James Davidson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office, this day of March AD 1834
And the said Court do 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 was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Jacob Winters and Thomas Metlin who have signed the certificate annexed to the declaration of the said applicant are residents in the Township of Springfield in said County of Portage and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit-


I Geo. Kirkum Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Portage County in the State of Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of James Davidson for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of my office, this seventh Day of March A.D. 1834-

James Davidson application for [illegible] 29.873
Page 8

29.873
James Davidson
Ohio

for 1776 pr 6 mo [months]
$20
to
Cyrus Prentiss
Ravenna
Portage Co.
Ohio
Page 9


WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
21st March 1834
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling [sic] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing [sic] the Service of James Davidson
Period when the service was rendered
1776
1777
1778
Duration of the
claimant's service.
2 months
2 months
2 months
Rank of
the
claimant.
Pri [Private]
Pri [Private]
Lieut [Lieutenant]
Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Col Clarke
Cap. Leipsic
Cap Douglass
Col Gibson
Age at present,
Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.
84 years
Carlisle Penna
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
The claim for service as a Lieutenant cannot be admitted unless the claimant shall produce testimony as to the fact of his being a Lieut & serving as alleged. If this proof cannot be had and he shall so direct, the claim will be admitted for 6 months as a private
Page 10

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
21st March 1834
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by compling [sic] with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

A Statement, shewing [sic] the Service of James Davidson
Period when the service was rendered
1776
1777
1778
Duration of the
claimant's service.
2 months
2 months
2 months
Rank of
the
claimant.
Pri [Private]
Pri [Private]
Lieut [Lieutenant]
Names and rank of the Field officers
under whom he served.
Col Clarke
Cap. Leipsic
Cap Douglass
Col Gibson
Age at present,
Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service.
84 years
Carlisle Penna
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
JAMES L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
The claim for service as a Lieutenant cannot be admitted unless the claimant shall produce testimony as to the fact of his being a Lieut & serving as alleged. If this proof cannot be had and he shall so direct, the claim will be admitted for 6 months as a private
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 2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7 1832,
The following regulations have been adopted:
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 troops," "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. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged
in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
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 [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of
 [blank] in the county of  [blank] and State, Territory or District of [blank] aged (c)[blank] 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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d)[blank], with [blank] and served in the [blank] 
(e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named 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,
sons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.] and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and per-
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he the Agency in the State of
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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.    A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court]

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank] day of
[blank] & c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C.D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank] who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
[blank] 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 days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do 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 was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal [blank] of office, this [blank] day of [blank] & c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; 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 services of the applicant, and such 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, (l) 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
Page 12

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 attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply 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 provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) 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 drafted, 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 services.
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 one has become of it?
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, 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, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance 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, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general; and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
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 county, 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 of 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.
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 services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the declarant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of 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 consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, accordingly 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."
It is important, in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank 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 phrases about three or four months, is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, names of 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 to 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 not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he 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.

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certification of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In 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 claimant's 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 the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must in all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 13

April 21, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
James Davidson, S.9382
BA-J/MCS

Elizabeth D. Harbaugh
North Kenova
Ohio

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S.9382, based upon the Revolutionary War service of
James Davidson.
He was born May 5, 1750, in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not given.
While living near Carlisle, he enlisted August 5, 1776, and served two months as private in Captain Charles Leeper's company in Colonel William Clark's Pennsylvania regiment. He enlisted in August, 1777, and served two months as private in Captain James Douglass'
Pennsylvania company. He entered the service in August, 1778, as a lieutenant, was in command of a company under Colonel James Dunlap and served two months.
From his residence near Carlisle he moved to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, and lived there until 1816 when he moved to Springfield, Portage County, Ohio, and he moved from there to Franklin, Portage County,
Ohio, in April, 1833.
He was allowed pension on his application executed March 6, 1834, at which time he was living at Franklin, Ohio.
The papers in this claim contain no data relative to the soldier's
family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 14

1937, Apr 21 hist to Elizabeth D. Harbaugh
see correspondence in Rev. War clm [claim], Wm. Davidson
W. 1722

Rev War
9382
INVALID.
File No. 9382
James Davidson
Priv. Rev. War
---
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol., 1 Page 90
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 15

Free [postage]

Ravenna
Aug 14th
J. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D. C.
Page 16

Ravenna Augst 11 1836
J L Edwards
Dear Sir.

I herewith enclose you Mr James Davidsons papers he has not as yet been able to get testimony respecting his service as a Lieutenant and can duly to apply for the six months -  needing as he does even  that small pittance - You will please address me at this place 
Ravenna Portage Co Ohio
I remain Very Respectfully
Yours
Cyrus Prentiss
Page 17

April 21, 1937
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jas. Davidson, S. 9282.
Wm. Davidson, W. 1732
BA-J/MCS

Elizabeth D. Harbaugh
North Kenova
Ohio

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your request for information relative to Revolutionary War soldiers, James and William Davidson and their father, James Davidson, and William Clark.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based upon the military service of soldiers in that war. A careful search of the records fails to show such claim on file on account of the service of the William Clark described by you.
You are furnished herewith, the records of James Davidson, S. 9382, and William Davidson, W. 1732.
No record is found of a James Davidson who can be identified as the father of James Davidson, S. 9382, or William Davidson, W. 1732.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator