Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,447, Essex Worsham, Va.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
Va.
SERVICE
[stamp illegible]
Worsham, Essex
NUMBER
S. 6,447.
carded
Page 2

12332
Virginia
Epex [Essex] Worsham
of Pitts, {illegible] in the State of Va 
who was a pr[blank] in blank] commanded
By Captain [blank] of the [Ri [illegible commanded 
by Lawson in the [illegible] _
time 14 mos: 12 days_
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 45-Dollars - Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1834.
Certificate of Penson issued [sfsued] the 22-day of [illegible] 33
and {liiegible] Williams
Turnsaill.clk.Pittsylvania
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833  [$]96
Semi-anual allowance ending 4 Sept. [$]24 $120

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book 3 
Vol. 6 
Page 30
Page 3

State of Virginia
Pittsylvania County} to wit

On this 19th day of November 1832 personally appeared
before the Court of Pittsylvania County now sitting Essex Worsham
a resident of the said County of Pittsylvania in the State aforesaid
aged Seventy four 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 act of Congress passed June 7 1832,
That he entered the service of the United State as a Militia Soldier
being drafted and marched from the County of Amelia in 
State of Virginia to the best of his recollection in the fall of the
year 1778 in a Company under the Command of Capt William
Tinner through Chesterfield County to Richmond where the Company
joined some other troops and marched from that place
to Mins ferry of James River where they were stationed about
two weeks when the whole of them were discharged by General
Orders consequently he has no written discharge nor does he know
any person living that was in Service with him at that time. the
whole of the time of service rendered on this tour was six weeks
That he again entered the service of the United States in the
year 1779 as a substituted for his Brother Henry Worsham and
joined Captain Creed Haskins Company of Militia in the
County of Chesterfield in the State of Virginia and marched with
them through Richmond to Williamsburg where the company
joined the army under General Muhlenburg and marched with
him to the juncture of Mattapony and Pamunky Rivers from there
they were regularly marching in various directions not being stationed
long at any one place untill their term of service expired. He was
discharged at Williamsburg by Col.o Dourman some time in the
Summer of the year 1779 his discharge is lost and cannot be found
nor does he know any person living that was in that service with
him. the whole time of service rendered on this tour was three months
That he again entered the service of the United States being
Page 4

drafted and marched from the County of Amelia in Captain
Crawley's Company of a Militia in the Month of October 1780
but was transfered to Capt. Richard Allens Company from
Cumberland and marched through the Town of Petersburg
to Cabin point on James River from thence to Stoners Mill
where the company joined the Main army under Gen.l Samson
in the Regiment under Major Boyer and Col.o Downman, there remained
at the said Mill about three weeks and then marched
down to the Chuckituck Mills from then to Sullolk from there
to Edmonds Hill about 12 miles from Norfolk, they remained
at that place about seven weeks then marched up to the
said Chuckituck Mills and were stationed there untill they
were discharged. He was discharged at that place by Cap.
Scott in the Month of April 1781. His discharge is lost and
Cannot be found but the Services rendered on this tour is proved
by Matthew Soaz who was a soldier with him in the said
Service ^at that time the whole of the time of service^ rendered on this tour was at least Six Months.
That he again entered the Services of the United States in
the Month of June 1781 as a Substitute for his Brother Cannon
Worsham and joined the Company which was commanded by
Captain Branch from Chesterfield in County of Henrico
near Richmond Captain Branch either resigned or obtained a
furlough, he left the Company in the said County of Henrico and
Lieut. Moody Commanded as Captain, they marched under his
command direct to Williamsburg where they joined the Main Army
under Gen.l Samson Muklenburg, Barren Stuban + many
other officers that he does not recollect, they left Williamsburg
and marched in many directions in the adjacent County
untill some time in the Month of August, they again stoped at Williamsburg.
About the time the said Army left Williamsburg for
little York he was taken sick and discharged by Gen.l Samson
in the Month of August 1781, his discharge is lost and Cannot
by found nor does he know any person living that was with
Page 5

him in that service. the whole time of Service rendered On
this town was at least three Months. I was born in the County
of Amelia in the year 1758. My age was recorded by my Father
in my Family Bible that was in his profession at the time of his
Death after which I not know what became of it. I lived in the
County of Amelia when I entered the Service of the Revolutionary
War. I lived in that County when the war ended. I lived
in that County about ten years after the War ended, then moved
to the County of Prince Edward in the State of Virginia. lived 
in that County of fifteen of Sixteen years then removed to the County
of Pittsylvania and have lived in that County ever since -

I was drafted twice when I entered the Services and entered
the Service twice as a Substitute once for Henry Worshaw and
Once for Cannon Worshaw - The officers that I served with
and the Circumstances of my Services are stated in my Declaration.
I cannot recollect the No. of the Militia or Continental
Regiments that I was with. I have not thought of
them for many years - I received three discharges one
was given by Col.o Downman. One by Captain Scott and one
by Gen.l Dawson, they are lost or mislaid and cannot be
found - [illegible]  refer to Nelson Tucker, John Hunt, George
Dejarnett, Edmond Templeton, Daniel Johns and Many Others
who can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief
of my services as a Soldier of the Revolution - 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 agency of any state - Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid - 

his
x
mark
Essex Worsham

We Nelson Tucker and John Worsham residing in the County
of Pittsylvania hereby certify that we are well acquainted with 
Essex Worsham who has Subscribed and sworn to the above.
Page 6

declaration that we believe him to be seventy four years of
age that he is reputed and believes in the Neighbourhood where he
resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur
in this opinion - sworn to and subscribed the day and 
year aforesaid -

N. Tucker
John Worsham

And the said Court to hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogations
prescribed by the War Department that the above named affiant,
was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and the Court
further certifies that Nelson Tucker and John Worsham who have
signed the above Certificate are residents of the County of Pittsylvania
and that Matthew Seay, William Worsham +Edm.d Templeton
whose affidavits have been produced to them as evidence in
this case and also residents of the said county, that they are credible
persons and that their statement is entitled to credit
The following are the affidavits refered to in the foregoing
Declaration to wit -
State of Virginia to wit,
This day Matthew Seay a credible man of the
County of Pittsylvania is personally appeared before me Champness
Terry a justice of the peace for the said county in the state
aforesaid and made oath that Essex Worsham now of the County
aforesaid was a Revolutionary Solder that he entered the militia
services of the United States in the Month of October 1780 in Cap.n
Crawley's Company from a Amelia County that he was transfered
to Captain Allens company from Cumberland and from that
to Cap.t Scott Company that the said Worsham was in the said
services untill April 1781 when he was honorable discharged
by Cap. Scott at the Chuckituck Mills near Suffolk Virginia,
that his deponent was a Soldier in the said service at that
time, that he lived in the County of Amelia a close neighbor
Page 7

to the said Worsham during of the War and believes that he served
several other tours of duty. Given under my hand this 10th day of
November 1832 -

Champness Terry

The affidavit of W.m Washam
He saith that as to Essex Worsham's services in the Revolutionary
War he know nothing about as to his own knowledge as
he was too young in that day, but to hath heard his Father say
that the said Essex Worsham served a Tower in the Militia for
him in the Revolutionary War + also one Tower for his Brother
Cannon Washam + that he hath no doubts from these reports
but that the said Essex Worsham did serve the said Tower's

his
x
mark
W.m Worsham

Pittsylvania County Court
This day W.m Washam made oath before me Nelson Tucker
one of the Justices of the peace for said County that the foregoing
affidavit contained the truth to the best of his recollection - Given
under my hand this 17th day of November 1832

N. Tucker

The affidavit of Edmond Templeton
The saith that he hath been acquainted with Essex Worsham
for many years + hath often heard the said E. Worsham say that he
served four Towers in the Militia in the Revolutionary War + further
he saith not -

Edmond Templeton

Pittsylvania County Court
This day Edmond Templeton came before me Nelson Tucker
a Justice of the peace for said county + made oath that the foregoing 
affidavit contained the Truth Given under my hand this
17th day of Nov 1832 - 

N. Tucker
Page 8

I William Tunstall clerk of Pittsylvania County, Virginia
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings
of the said Court in the matter of the application of Essex
Worsham for a pension -

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and seal of office this 10th
day of December one thousand eight
hundred + thirty two
W,,m Tunstall
Page 9

Copy
Essex Worsham's
Declaration
Page 10

No 2297 [?]
Essex Worsham
V.

admit as a private for
14 mo. and 17 days
$48-

Gen Lawson Va

C.H.

Thomas Williams
Williams Store
Pittsylvania Co
V.a
Page 11

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office.

Sir:

The evidence is 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 show what is
necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). Your will, when
your return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.

A Statement, showing the Service of Essex Worsham Pittsylvania, Co Va

Period when the service was rendered.
Drafted 1778 fall of

Duration of claimant's service.
42 days

Rank of claimant.
Priv

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Capt Tinner Allen

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Col

Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
None

Country though which he marched.
Va

Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
Aged 74

Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Tracktionary Living Witness

Period when the service was rendered.
1779 Subst.

Duration of the claimant's service.
3 Months.

Rank of the claimant.
Priv 

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Haskins 

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Dourman

Battles in which the applicant was engages.
None

Country through which he marched.
Va

Period when the service was rendered.
1780 Oct Drafted

Duration of the claimant's service.
6 Months.

Rank of the claimant.
Priv

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Crawley

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Downman

Battles in which the applicant was engages.
None

Country through which he marched.
Va

Period when the service was rendered.
1781 June Subst.

Duration of the claimant's service.
3 Months.

Rank of the claimant.
Priv

Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Branch

Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Genl Lawson

12[Months]
2[Months] 12 [Days]
---------------------
14[Months] 12 [Days]

I am respectuflly,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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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
ss.

On this [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank] 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 in the 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 enered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [symbol of a hand pointing right] This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he 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 [blank] of

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 day 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. [blank] 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 applicacation of [blank] for a pension.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal 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 it 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 circumstances 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 alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 13

3
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
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 he 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
enquiry 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 or 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 claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the 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 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 sayeth, 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."
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 phrase 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, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a 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 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 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 certificate 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 a 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.
[symbol of a hand pointing right] 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 all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Dyer Castor
Exum Clerk
Page 14

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

September 9, 1935

Mrs. A. L. Anderson
1901 Austin Ave
Broonwood, Tex.

Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6447, it appears
that Essex Worsham was born in 1758 in
Amelia County, Virginia.

While residing in said county, he enlisted
and served as a private in the Virginia Troops
as follows -

In the fall of 1778, six weeks in Captain 
William Finnen's Company.

In 1779, three months in Captain Creed Haskins'
Company.

From in October 1780 to in April 1781 in Captains
Crawley's and Richard Allen's Companies, Colonel Downman's
Regiment.

From in June 1781 to in August 1781 in Captain
Page 15

Branch's Company.

He was allowed pension on his application 
executed November 19, 1832, while a resident of
Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

It is not stated that soldier was married.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 16

Rev War
6447
INVALID.

File No. 6447
Essex Worsham
Pri Rev War

Act: June [illegible] 32
Index:- Vol. A, Page 414

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side of page:]
1925 - Sept 9 - Hist to
Anderson - see letter -
Worsham S. 6436 [illegible]