Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 8010, for Austin Knight, Virginia
Page 1

Knight, Austin
Elizabeth 
Service: VA
Number: W8010
Page 2

5686
Virginia, Richmond

Elizabeth Knight, widow of Austin Knight, who was a Private in the Revolution. 

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 20 dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1843

Certificate of Pension issues the 16th day of June 1844 and sent to R. H. Gray 
Lynchberg VA 

Act of March 3, 1843
Recorded in Book A 
Vol 1 Page 150

Reported 
Letters to S. Aunsialey &
Pension Agent July 1. 1844
Page 3

9713
Elizabeth Knight
Va
Act 7 July 38
Married Feby 24th '89
Died Sept '17
admd
6 mo pri
$20
R. H. Gray
Lynchburg
Va
Page 4

Know all men by these presents that we Orson Knight and Francis
Wood are held and firmly bound unto Beverly Randolf Esqr
Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in the sum of fifty
pounds Current money to be paid unto the said Randolf Esqr and
to his successors for the use of the Commonwealth which payment
well and truly to be made we bind ourselves our Heirs Exors &c jointly
and severally firmly by these presents sealed with our seals & dated this
24th day of February 1789
The Condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a
marriage shortly intended to be solemnized between the above Bound
Orson Knight Batchelor and Betsey Harn Spinster both of the County
of Amherst. If therefore there be no lawfull cause to obstruct the said
Intended marriage then the above obligation to be void Else to remain in
full force and virtue
Orson Knight {seal}
Francis Wood {seal}
his mark
Teste
John Taliaferro

State of Virginia
Amherst County } To Wit.
I Saml M Garland Clerk of the County
Court of Amherst in the State of Virginia hereby certify
that the foregoing is a true copy of an original bond now
on file in my office.  - Given under my hand this 23d day
of September 1843
Saml M Garland Clerk
of Amherst County Court
Page 5

State of Virginia, Amherst County
At a court holden in and for said county on the 20th day
of May 1844. The Declaration of William Knight was read in court
claiming arrears of pension due the heirs of Elizabeth Knight deceased
of said County, under the act of march 1843, together with the certificate
David Pattison Esqr and the Court being satisfied with the same
do certify to the war department, that said Wm Knight is the Administrator 
on the estate of said Elizabeth Knight deceased of said county, the
identical person to whom a certificate of pension was issued (since
her death) now before the Court - No 8.296 Act July 7 1838 at $20.
per annum, dated April 11. 1844 and signed by William Wilkins
secretary of war. That said Elizabeth Knight died in said county
on the 25th day of December 1843 bearing 2 children, to wit,
William Knight and Ann Mays and that Wm Knight was
appointed her administrator by said Court on the 19th day of
February 1844, and that David Pattison is an acting Justice of the
peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified
as such and that the signatures purporting to be his affixed to
This several certificates in this case are genuine

In testimony whereof I Samuel M Garland
Clerk of the County Court of said County have
hereto set my hand and affixed the seal of
the said Court this 20th day of May 1844
Samuel M Garland Clerk
of Amherst County Court

Ro U Gray Agent
Lynchg. Va.
Page 6

State of Virginia, Amherst County S. S.
on this 20th day of 1844, before me David Pattison
a Justice of the peace in and for said county
personally appeared mr William Knight 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 to the Act of Congress (for the heirs of Elizabeth
Knight decd of said county) passed on the 3d of March 1843 granting
pensions to widows of persons who served during the
Revolutionary war. That he is the Administrator of
Elizabeth Knight decd of said county - who was the widow
of Austin Knight decd of said county - who was a private
of Malitia during the Revo. war and who died in
said county on or about the 25th day of September 1817
leaving a widow called Elizabeth, whose maiden name
was Harn - and whose declaration for a pension
under the Act of July 7, 1838 was before the Com. of
pensions at the time of her death, which was on
the 25th day of December 1843; and to whom a certificate
of pension has been issued since her death - under 
the act of July 7, 1838, for 5 years, at $20 pr. An_ No. 8296
dated 11th April 1844, and signed by Wm. Wilkins Secretary
of war; and that as Adm- of said Elizabeth Knight ^decd he
claims the pension due her under the act of March 3, 1843
to the time of her death as aforesaid

That the decd pensioner Elizabeth Knight aforesaid, resided
in said county, and state for the space of 70 years
before her death; and that previous thereto she resided
in the County of Amherst
William Knight
admr. of Elizabeth Knight

sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written -
Before me David Pattison J.P.
In presence of -
Ro. U Gray
Page 7

State of Virginia, Amherst County S . S .
I David Pattison a Justice of the peace in and for said
County, do hereby certify that William Knight who
has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration
before me is the Administrator on the estate
of Elizabeth Knight decd of said County - who died on
or about the 25th day of December 1842; the identical
person named in an original pension certificate
now before me, No. 8. 296 Act July 7 1838, at $20 pr An.
dated April 11th 1844, and signed by Wm Wilkins Secy.
of war. Given under my hand this 20th day
of May 1844.
David Pattison J.P.
Page 8

State of Virginia
Amherst County S S
on this 19th day of July 1843, before me William
M. Waller a Justice of the peace in and for said
county personally appeared Mrs Betsy Knight, a
resident of said county, Aged 70 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 July 7, 1838; entitled, An act
granting half pay and pensions to certain
widows: That she is the widow of Austin Knight
decd. of said County - who was a private soldier of
Malitia, from said County, in and during the
Revol. war; and served two tours as such. One
tour of 3 months duration, he performed at the
Battle of Guilford in N. Carolina in March 1781
under Captain Landrum of Holcombs Regt and
the other tour, he performed under Captain John
Steward, in said Holcombs Regt at Yorktown Va in 
Octr 1781 - and to Winchester Va to guard the British
prisoners - which was also of 3 months duration or
more - making at least 6 mo. services her decd husband - 
the aforesaid Austin Knight performed - in and
during the Revol. war, as a malitia man - besides
one tour he paid a substitute to perform. She further
declares, that she was married to the said Austin
Knight in said County by the Revd. Mr. Dameron
on the 23 day of March 178; That her husband the
aforesaid Austin Knight, died in said county, on
the [blank] day of September 1817; that her maiden name
was Harn - that she was not married to him prior to
his leaving the service, but the marriage took place
previous to the first day of January 1794 - : Viz, at the
time above stated - all of which will more fully appear
by the proof annexed
Elizabeth Knight
her mark
Witness
Ro. U Gray

sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above
written. Before me -  William M. Waller J.P.
In presence of - 
John B Duncan

the
Page 9

State of Virginia
Amherst County S S
I Wm M. Waller a Justice of the peace, in and for said
county - do hereby certify, that Mrs Betsy Knight, who
has this day sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration 
before me - is the widow of Austin Knight decd.
of said county - who was by reputation a soldier in the
Revol. War - and died some 20 years ago or more - 
leaving his present widow Betsey Knight - who has
remained a widow ever since her husbands death
as aforesaid to the present time: That she is the Identical
person who is claiming a pension from the Genl.
Govt. as the widow of the aforesaid Austin Knight decd.
of said county : and further, that she is too infirm
to attend court - so great a distance - say 12 Miles.
Given under my hand this 19 day of July 1843
Wm M. Waller J.P.

State of Virginia
Amherst County } to wit
At a Court of Monthly Session held for the County of Amherst at the Court
house, on Monday the 18th day of September 1843
The declaration of Mrs Elizabeth Knight was read in Court claiming a
pension under the act of congress of July 1838 together with the affidavits
of William Cashwell Samuel Arrington Mathew Rickets and Ann Beck
and the certificates of W. M. Waller, Charles Mundy, Jesse Mundy and
William Dillard ^John C. Whitehead^ Esqs and the Court being satisfied that the same is
genuine do certify to the war department, that said Elizabeth Knight
is the widow of Austin Knight deceased, of said County say about
the year 1817 and who had the reputation of having been in the Revolutionary 
war as a malitia soldier, and who was married to his present
Widow Elizabeth Knight whose maiden name was Harn, on or about
the [blank] day of March 1789 as appears by the records of the County & the affiants
above & that in Wm. Cashwell, Saml. Arrington Mathew Rickets, Ann Beck are respectable residents
of said county and whose oaths are entitled to credit, and that William M Waller, Charles Mundy
Jesse Mundy [crossed out: and] are acting Justices of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned and qualified
and that the signatures purporting to be theirs affixed to their general certificates in this
case are genuine
In testimony whereof I Samuel M Garland Clerk of
the County Court of Amherst have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal of office this 19th day of September 
1843 and in the 68th year of the commonwealth
Saml M Garland Clerk of
the County Court of Amherst
Page 10

State of Virginia
Amherst County S S
On this 19th day of July 1843, before me William M. Waller
personally appeared Mr Wm Cashwell, a respectable
resident of said county, who being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on his oath say - that he is 80
years old - and was well acquainted with Austin
Knight during the Rev. war the same person
who married Miss Betsey Harn in said county in
or about the year 1789, or 90 - it being about a year
previous to deponents own marriage which was in
the year 1791. That said Austin Knight served two
tours of service, with deponant in the Rev. war - of 
three months duration each. The first tour, that
said Knight performed with deponant - was at the
Battle of Guilford in March 1781 - under Captain
Landrum of Holcombs Regt of 3 months duration
leaving home, the first of Feby 1781 and returning, the
last of April, or first of May, 1781. And the other
tour, that deponant served with said Austin
Knight, was at the capture of Lord Cornwallis - at
Yorktown Va in Octr 1781 - under Captain John
Stewart, also, (like Landrum), of the Amherst militia - 
and Col Holcombs Regt again; which tour
was also of 3 months duration - leaving home the
last of August or 1st of Sepr. 1781 - and returning home on
the last of Novr or 1st of Decr. 1781 - being a part of
of the guard, or force, that conducted the British
prisoners to Winchester Va that was captured at Yorktown 
at the surrender of Cornwallis. The said
Austin Knight, was with deponant in said two
tours of service, under Landrum and Stewart, as
aforesaid - throughout - and faithfully performed
his six months service as a malitia man in
and during the Revo. War. That the said Knight
died in said county, on or about the [blank] day
of Sept. 1817 - leaving his present widow Betsy
Knight - whose maiden name was Harn - and
who has remained unmarried, ever since the death
Page 11

of her husband as aforesaid - to the present time - 
and, is the identical person, who is now claiming
a pension as the widow of said Austin Knight decd.
dep. is certain it was about the beginning of winter
when himself, and Knight returned home from
Winchester - when they had left the British prisoners - 
for they were caught in the snow while crossing
Rockfish Gap.
William Cashwell
his mark

Signed in presence of
Christopher Dillard
James Carter

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written-
Before me - William M. Waller J.P.

deponant, upon further reflection, is disposed to
think, that Austin, or Orson Knight - was under
Cap. Jas. Dillard of the Rifle company -  at the Battle
of Guilford instead of Cap. Landrum with dep.
but is not certain - but is positive, that he belonged
to the same Regt. under Col. Holcomb and
served out his full three months as above stated
William Cashwell
his mark

sworn to and subscribed on this 26 day of August 1843
Before me - John C. Whitehead J. P.
Page 12

State of Virginia Amherst County

On this 16th day of September 1843, before me Charles Mundy a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Mr. Mathew Rickets a respectable resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he is 83 years old, and was well acquainted with Austin, alias Orston Knight - during the Revolutionary War - the same man that married Elizabeth Ham of said County about 54 or 55 years ago - or about the year 1789 or 1790 - deponant knows of two tours of service that said Knight performed in and during the Revo. war. The first from said county under Cap. Wm Tucker, in company with dep. at Yorktown in the Winter of 1779 and 1780 - that they, Knight and dep. left home under said Tucker about the ___ day of Nov'r 1779, and returned together about the ___ day of Febuary 1780 - having served their three months faithfully out, and ? their discharge. This was 18 months or more before the capture of Cornwallis.

After deponant was at home about 12 months he was again called into service say, the last of Feb 1781 - to go to Guilford N.C. said Knight was in service also on said occasion under Cap. Jas Dillard of the Rifle company - and who marched for Guilford some 6 or 8 days before dep. did, who was under Cap. Upshaw - who never got his men into action - but retreated at the sound of the British fire arms and never stopped until he got home, having left his coat and hat behind him on the road. But dep. is well satisfied that said Knight - under Dillard served his three months faithfully out as Dillard was an officer that was not afraid to fight. said Knights given name was always pronounced Austin - though he may have spelled it differently.

his mark
Mathew Rickets

witness
Ro. U Gray

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written. Before me - Charles Mundy J.P.

? said Knights given name was pronounced Austin tho I believe he spells it Orston - or Orson - Charles Mundy J.P.
Page 13

State of Virginia
Amherst County S S
On this 18th day of August 1843, before me Jesse Mundy
a Justice of the peace in and for said
county, personally appeared Mrs Ann Beck a respectable 
resident of said county, who being first
duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath
say - that she is 77 years old - and recollects
distinctly that Austin Knight decd. of said county
a Revolutionary Soldier - married Elizabeth Harn
a close neighbours daughter - about 54 or 55 years
ago - it being about 3 or 4 years after deponant was
married ^which was in 1784 or 85 - and perhaps was married
by the Revd. Mr. Dameron; a circuit preacher in said
County at that time! Deponant knows nothing
of the services of said ^Knight in the Revo. war of her own
knowledge - but that she understood that he
was in the malitia service during the Revo. War.
She was well acquainted Cap. Jno Steward of said
county, during the Revo. war he having married
near neighbor to dep. That the said Knight
died in said County about 25 or 26 years ago.
Ann Beck
her mark

,,which, Knight,, interlined
before signed - Jesse Mundy JP
Test
Ro. U. Gray

sworn to and subscribed on the day and year
above written - 
Before me - Jesse Mundy J.P.
In presence of
France Palmer

State of Virginia, Amherst County S S
I Charles Mundy a Justice of the peace in and
for said county, do hereby certify, that I became
acquainted with Austin Knight of said county
in the year 1804 - the same year dep. moved to said
county. He is the same man that married Elizabeth 
Harn of said county; and was by reputation
a soldier in the Revol. War - and have
Page 14

heard said Austin Knight, and his brother Wm Knight - talking together of their services in the Revolutionary war; and heard them relate many circumstances that occured while the were in service - but cannot bear them in mind at this time. Said Austin Knight must have been married over 50 years ago - or at the time I first got acquainted with him. He ? a son at least 12 or 14 years old who, Wm Knight - is now living, and must be over 50 years old. Said Knight died in said county about the 1815, 16 or 17. and last I heard of his widow Elizabeth, she was still alive. Given under my hand this 16th day of August 1843.

Charles Mundy J.P.

State of Virginia, Amherst County

On this 22nd day of August 1843 before me William Dillard a Justice of the Peace in and for said county personally appeared Mr. Samuel Arrington, a respectable resident of Nelson County, who being first duly sworn according to the law, doth on his oath say - that he is 81 years old - and was at the Capture of Lord Cornwallis in Oct. 1781 - under Cap Christian from Amherst Co and that he recollects distinctly seeing a man there by the name of Austin Knight - who was ? neighbourhood in said Co, and about 5 ? 10 or 11 in high. That after the surrender of Cornwallis said Knight marched with deponant (under Cap. Jno. Stewart) as part of the guard (to Winchester) that had charge of the British prisoners  - to said place - dep and Knight was discharged the ___ day of Nov'r 1781 at Winchester - and served, as long as dep on said occasion - say 4 months or more from beginning to end.

Witness (James M Harris) 
his mark
Samuel Arrington
Nelson ? William Dillard J.P.

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year above written before me.

Mathew Dillard J.P.
Page 15

State of Virginia 
Amhurst County S. S. 
On this __ day of __ 1843, before me a Justice of the peace in and for said county personally appeared Mr Mathew Rickets, a respectable resident of said County, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath says that he is __ years old, and was well acquainted with one Austin Knight during the the Revolution at the same man that married Elizabeth Heam of said County and I on Nightown to deponent. They were married he thinks by the heirs Mr Donavon a circuit preacher - 54 or 55 years ago - or about the year 1789 or 1790. dep. knows of two axes of service, that said Martin Knight performed for and during the Revo. war. The first from said County under Cap. Jas Dillard, at the Battle of Guilford, in a Rifle company. Dep. marched to Gilford under Cap Laney Upshaw, some 6 or 8 days after said Austin Knight did, under Cap Dillard. Cap. Upshaw never got his men into action, but took his horses at firing of the British Cannon, and ordered a retreat, which his men very dutifully obeyed-- and never stopped until they get safe home the capt (Cifer Gilpin) being left his hat, coat and the road behind him to dispercumber himself. But is satisfied, that Austin Knight served his time out - he being under an officer that was afraid to face danger. Deponant, after that served a tour of duty in company with said Austin Knight at the capture of said connellis at Yorktown in the year 1781 under Cap. Tucker or Sandersons from said county leaving home on or about the __ of 1800 and a return home of Feb 1780 - 1779; depot with said Knight in service or said mission, until after the surrender of Camyallis where deep was discharged - but understood that Knight went on to Winchester as part of the guard, that conducted the British prisoners to Winchester having served full three months on said occasion with said Knight
Page 16

State of Virginia Amherst County
On this 16th day [of] September 1843, before me Charles Mundy
a Justice of the peace in and for
said County personally appeared Mr. Mathew Rickets
a respectable resident of said County who being first duly
sworn according to law doth on his oath say that he is
83 years old - and was well acquainted with Austin, alias
Orston Knight during the Revolutionary war - the same
man that married Elizabeth Haur of said County
about 54 or 55 years ago - or about the year 1789 or 1790 - 
deponent knows of two tours of service that said Knight
performed in and during the Revo. war. The first from said
County under Cap. Wm Tucker, in company with dep. at
Yorktown, in the winter of 1779, and 1780 - that they Knight
and dep. left home under said Tucker about the [blank] day
of Novr 1779, and returned together about the [blank] day of
February 1780 - having served their three months faithfully
out, and [?] their discharge. This was 18 months or more
before the capture of Cornwallis.
After deponant was at home about 12 months he was again
called into service - say, the last of Febr 1781 to go to Guilford
N.C. said Knight was in service also on said occasion
under Cap Jas Dillard of the Rifle company - and who
marched for Guilford some 6 or 8 days before dep. did
who was under Cap. Upshaw - who never got his men into
action - but retreated at the sound of the British fire arms
and never stopped until he got home - having left his coat
and hat behind him on the road. But dep. is well satisfied 
that said Knight - under Dillard served his three
months faithfully out - as Dillard was an officer that
was not afraid to fight. Said Knights given name was
always pronounced Austin - though he may have spelled
it differently.
Mathew Rickets
his mark
witness
Ro U Gray
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above
written - Before me -Charles Mundy     J.P.
NB said Knights given name was pronounced - Austin - tho, I believe
he spelled it - Orston - or Orson - Charles Mundy     J.P.
Page 17

[stamp: [illegible] SEP [illegible] ]
[stamp: FREE]

Jas L Edwards Esq
Com of pensions
Washington 
[Cy]

G 9713
Sep 28 1843

Elizabeth Knight 
Act 1838
Va.
Page 18

Lynchg. Sepr. 23 1843

Sir,
Enclosed I send you the declaration of
Mrs Elizabeth Knight of Amherst,
widow of Austin, or Orson Knight - claiming
a pension under the act of July 7 1838
9 months services ^at least, or more -^ are clearly proven
by the different witnesses to wit Wm Caldwell
proves two tours, Guilford and York ^and Winchester^.
Saml Anington proves about 4 months at
cap. of Cornwallis, and Winchester - and
Mathew Rickets proves two tours - [one]
at Guilford, and another at York in 17[illegible]
and 1780 &c. besides other coroborative evidence
they were married in 1789.
Yours respectfully  Ro U Gray Ag.

NB. The tone at York in 1779. 80. is stated as a distinct
tour, to the capture of Cornwallis.
R. U. G.

altho, Knight it appears could write - yet spelled
very badly - for he did not know how to [illegible]
his own name - say Orson for Aus[tin]
Page 19

Elizabeth Knight, widow of Austin Knight
The vouchers in this case are objected to - the correction of the error in
the name of the pensioner, in the oath of identity, not being made by the
Magistrate before whom the oath was made
Anty Robinson
Page 20

E. Knight
$20 per an

R.H. Gray
Lynchburg
Va.
Page 21

Lynchg. June 3d 1844,
Sir,
Enclosed is the declaration of Wm. Knight
Admr, of Elizabeth Knight decd of Amherst - claiming
the pension due the heirs - from the 4th of March
1843, to the 25th day of Dec 1843 - under the act of March
3rd 1843. A Certificate, I presume has to be issued
before it can be presented at the Agency in Richd_
for payment.
Ro. U Gray Agent
Page 22

Virginia 8296

Elizabeth Knight
widow of Austin Knight
who was a pensioner under the Act of [blank]
and who died on the - September 1817
Amherst Co. in the State of Virginia
who was a Private in the company
commanded by Captain Landrum of the
regt commanded by - in
the Virginia line for 6 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 20 Dollars - 
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of
April 1844 and sent to R. H.
Gray, Lynchburg, Va

Total Amount, $ 100
(Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by D Brown Clerk,
Book D, Vol. 1, Page 271
Page 23

Revolution
Virginia
WIDOW, &c.

File No. 8010
Elizth.  Knight
Wid:
Austin Knight
Pvt. Rev: War

Act: Mrch. 3d/43
Index: - Vol. A Page 407
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 24

[stamp: RICHMOND JUN 29]

James L. Edwards esqr
commissioner of pensions
Washington City

July 1 1844
Mr Evans
Page 25

Richmond June 29 1844
JL Edwards esqr
Comr: Pensions &c.
Dear Sir
Will you be pleased to direct the
payment of the Pension due on the enclosed application of
Elizabeth Knight widow of Austin Knight
Respectfully yours
L. Nunnally atty