Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 16427, for Abraham Johnson, Virginia
Page 1

(3—1776)
SERVICE Va.
Johnson, Abraham
NUMBER S. 16427
carded
CONTENTS
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13922
Indiana
Abraham Johnson of Sullivan Co in the State of Indiana who was a Captain in the comps commanded by Captain — of the regiment commanded by Col Stephens in the Virginia line for 7 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Indiana at the rate of 140 Dollars — Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of July 1833 and sent to John W Davis  Carlisle

Arrears to the 4th of March  250.—
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sepr 70.—
[=] $350.00

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Dan'l Boyd  Clerk,
Book E  Vol. 7  Page 117

See letter 12 March 1834 to [crossed out: Sec. of War] Hon J. Evans & Pen Agt.

Date of death not on A.B.
Page 3

J. L. Edwards Esq
Pension Office
War Dept.

For Mr. Allison
with land bounty 
[illegible: privately?]
Page 4

House of Reps March 10. '44

J. L. Edward Esq
Sir,
The administration of the estate of the late Capt Abraham Johnson of the Revolutionary Army writes to me for information which I request of you.  He says Capt. Johnson was placed on the pension Roll, according to the certificate issued, on the 15th day of July last, and died a few weeks afterwards:  That he applied to the agent at Corydon, (W. Posey,) who informed him, the name of A J. was not on his Roll.  of course .  That omission can be readily supplied.  He also informs me, that W. Posey expressed some doubt whether he could pay the sum due to a legal admr when there were heirs in existence, and not willing to incur another expensive journey to Corydon without being certain, he wishes to be advised.
The commission of Capt. Johnson is with his application in your office, and I am requested to examine if his heirs are entitled to Land.  to what corps did he belong?-
Respy. yours,
[Illegible: Md. Living?]
Page 5

10.574
Abraham Johnson
Indiana
Sullivan Co.
from 1778 Captain 
7 months $140.
return

5.14.10 Col Stephens

60
[x] 7
[=] 280

4/48.0
12.0

20
1-
24

Dec 12,
John W. Davis Esqr
[Crossed out: AV M. Purdy]
Carlisle
Inda
Platte
Page 6

10574
BRIEF in the case of, Abraham Johnson.
of Hadden township Sullivan County in the State of Indiana
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  In Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he?  77 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
[1] In 1777 Aug.t 
[2] 1781
Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days.
[1[ Served near 6 months
[2] Thought he served about 2 months
Rank.  
[1] As a Capt.
[2]  "
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Militia
Gen. 
[1] Colo. Stephen Riddle  
Major Vanmeter
Genl McIntosh ||
[2] Colo. Elias Poston
Major John Higgins

5. In what battles was he engaged:
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?  Hampshire Co'ty Virginia
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?  traditionary evidence, & by living witness.
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.

Examining Clerk.
Page 7

State of Indiana
Sullivan County } ss
On this 26th Day of February 1833 personally appeared in Open Court before the Circuit Court now Sitting in and for the County of Sullivan, State of Indiana Abraham Johnson a resident of Haddon Township, State and County aforesaid, aged seventy seven Years Last October who being 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.  That he entered into the service of the United States in the State of Virginia, Hampshire County, under the following named officers and served as herein stated.  The applicant was a militia Captian in Hampshire County State of Virginia at the Commencement of the Revolutionary War and was ordered as such into service in the month of August 1778 under the command of Col Stephen Riddle and Maj Vanmeter both militia officers of the County of Hampshire Va— and all under the command of Genl McIntosh.  The Term of services was for three months but owing to different arrangements the applicant continued in service eight months having been dismissed in April 1779—  During said service the applicant was marched from his place of residence to Red Stone Fort on the Monongahela River from thence to the mouth of Big Beaver— at the Ohio River, at which place the applicant assisted in building a Fort which was called after the commander, Fort McIntosh.  From thence the applicant was remanded back to the County of Hampshire the place of his nativity for the purpose of conducting another company to Fort McIntosh.  But owing to the arrangements made with the Indians by Genl McIntosh the applicant did not reach the Fort having received orders not to proceed and consequently returned home—  In the month of July 1781 the applicant was again ordered into service for the Term of three months, which three months he served, under the command of Col Elias Pasten and Maj John Higgins militia officers he proceeded in sd service in capacity of Capt (Major Higgins did not Go owing to sickness) under said
Page 8

Col Pasten as far as Faquier [Fauquier] County, Va, in which County the applicant was appointed to act in capacity of Major, he being the oldest Captain in the Regiment.  The Col was here obliged to return home being unable to attend duty from Sickness and ordered the applicant to conduct the Troops to Fredericksburg which he accordingly and was there put under the command of Col Wm Dark of the regular service.  The applicant was then appointed by Col Dark to assist in conducting the horses of four companies back to Hampshire County the place of his residence.  The whole Term of his service in the Two campaigns was as near as he can recollect Eleven months.  The applicant in this declaration does not ask compensation for his services as Maj.  he never received any commission for that office, but was merely appointed to meet the exigencies of the moment.  The applicant has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person that can testify to any pert of his services except Thomas Hollenback who's affidavit accompanies this Declaration.  The affirment hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to any pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State to his knowledge
Abraham his x mark Johnson
Sworn and Subscribed the Day and Year aforesaid.
A Kinney

We John M. Davis Physician and James Brooks our Associate Judge residing in Hadden Township Sullivan County and State of Indiana, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Abraham Johnson who was subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration; that we beleive him to be seventy seven Years of age; that he is reputed and beleived in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and that we concur in that opinion 
James Brooks
John. W. Davis

State of Indiana
Sullivan County } ss.
Personally appeared before the Circuit Court afsd County now in Session Thomas Hollenback who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and sayeth that he is known to the within named Abm Johnson, serving in Genl McIntosh's campaign, of Hampshire County Virginia in the Year 1778 he verily beleives and that he sd A Johnson was a militia captain of respectable standing at home.  But he Deponent does not recollect in what capacity sd Johnson served nor the Length of Time he was in service
Thomas Hollenbach
Sworn & subscribed in open Court 
A. Kinney
Page 9

1. Question — Where and in what year were you born
Answer — In the county of Hampshrie [Hampshire] State of Virginia; In the month of October 1754
2nd Question. Have You any record of Your age and if so where is it
Answer. I have none: I beleive it was lost by my father at Braddocks defeat—
3rd Question. Where were you living when called into service; where have You Lived since and where do You now Live—
Answer. When first called into service, I resided in the County of Hampshire Virginia and after said War I removed to Belleville on the Ohio River in the County of Woodand State of Virginia and in the Year eighteen hundred and Ten I removed to the County of Sullivan State of Indiana and have resided there since and still do reside there—
4th Question — How were you called into service,- were you drafted, did You volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom—
Answer. I was ordered out by Col Hite as Capt of the militia.
5th Question.  State the names of some of the 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—
Answer. Col Abm Hite.  Col Stephen Riddle; Col Elias Posten and Col Michael Crissop.  I served under Gen McIntosh we commenced our campaign in Spr of 1778 and marched from the County of Hampshire Virginia to Red Stone on Monongahela River; thence to the mouth of Big Beaver on the Ohio River.  there I assisted in erecting a fort, which was named after Genl McIntosh: at this Time I was ordered back by Col Riddle and Major Van Meter for a reinforcement and after I had collected them I recd orders not to bring them on and was not discharged untill the next spring—
6th Question— Did You ever receive a commission and if so by whom,—
Answer — I Did receive a commission.  It was signed by Patrick Henry Governor of Virginia
7th Question— State the names of persons to whom You are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify to your character for veracity and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution
Answer — The Hon James Brooks.  Hon Joseph Wilson  Dr John W Davis.  John N. Eaton Esqr.  Saml Whittlesey Esqr atty at Law.  Col John Benefice.  Wm M Purdy Mercht and Dr James K. O'Haven —
Page 10

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after pulling the interogitories 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 John W. Davis and James Brooks the persons within within certificate are residents of the County of Sullivan and are credible persons and that their Statements are entitled to beleif—
And the Court do further certify that Thomas Hollenback the Witness within named is a person of credibility and that his statements are entitled to credit—
A. Kinney  [illegible]

State of Indiana
Sullivan County ss
I Benjamin Wolfe, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County of Sullivan and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Abraham Johnson for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereto set my hand and seal of said Court at Meson— this twenty sixth day of February Eighteen hundred and thirty three.
Benjamin Wolfe Clerk S.C.C.
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January 7, 1932
BA-J/AWF
Mrs. John Nye 
Neodesha 
Kansas. 
Dear Madam:  Reference is made to your letter relative to Captain Abraham Johnson of Virginia, War of the Revolution.
The data contained herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S.16437, based upon the military service of Abraham Johnson, during the Revolutionary War. He was born in October 1754 in Hampshire County, Virginia. 
At the commencement of the War he was captain of militia in Hampshire County, and was called out in August 1778, and served as captain in Colonel Stephen Riddle's Virginia regiment, marched to Red Stone Fort on the Monongahela River and , thence to the mouth of Big Beaver on the Ohio River and assisted in building Fort McIntosh, returned home to Hampshire County, having served eight months.
He was appointed major in July 1781, in Colonel Elias Posten's Virginia regiment, Colonel Posten returned home on account of sickness, and Colonel William Darke had command of regiment, length of service three months. 
He moved after the Revolution to Belleville, on the Ohio River in Wood County, Virginia, and in 1810 moved to Sullivan County, Indiana. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed February 26, 1833, then a resident of Haddon
Page 12

Rev. War
Township, Sullivan County, Indiana. 
He referred to his father (no name given) as being at Braddocks Defeat. 
In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, the name of person paid and possibly the date of death of the Revolutionary War pensioner, Abraham Johnson, S. 16427, you should apply to the Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, Washington, D.C., citing all of the following data– 
Abraham Johnson 
Certificate No. 13920 
Issued July 15, 1833 
Rate $140 per annum 
Commenced March 4, 1831 
Act of June 7, 1832 
Indiana Agency. 
Very truly yours 
A. D. HILLER 
Assistant to Administrator
Page 13

16.427
INVALID.
File No. 16,427
Abraham Johnson
Capt  Rev War
Act: June 7" 32
Index:—Vol. A, Page 447
[Arrangement of 1870]

1910 Mch. 26. History to Mr. J. L. Johnson.  ¢ from catalogue
1923. Aug. 24. Hist. to Mrs. Robt. Strickler.  AWF.
1932. Jan. 7- Hist to Mrs. John Nye AWF.
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The COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA 
To Abraham Johnston [Illegible: Jus. Gant?] GREETING: 
KNOW you, that from the special Trust and Confidence which is reposed in your Patriotism, Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, you are, by these Presents, constituted and appointed Abraham Johnston [illegible: Jus. Gt?] in the County of Hampshire.  You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Captain of the Militia, by doing and performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging; and you are to pay a ready Obedience to all Orders and Instructions which from Time to Time you may receive from the Governour, or executive Power of this State for the Time being, or any of your Superiour Officers, agreeable to the Rules and Regulations of the Convention or General Assembly. All Officers and Soldiers under your Command are hereby strictly charged and required to be obedient to your Orders, and to aid you in the Execution of this Commission, according to the Intent and Purport thereof. Witness Patrick Henry, Esquire, Governour or Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth aforesaid, at Willamsburg, this 12th day of May in the Third Year of the Commonwealth, Anno Dom. 177?
P. Henry
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10.574 
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Abraham Johnson which require further proof or explanation. 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes 
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes 
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes 
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes & has a device.
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XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes 
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes 
XIV. + If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? no
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? 
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? 
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No 
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 

EXPLANATORY NOTES. 
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For — year — months and — days, I served as a — .  For — months and — days, I served as a — — ; and for such service I claim a pension."
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3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the 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.
+ QUERE XIV. Proof of Service. 
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 claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which be 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. 
‡ QUERE XVI. Mode of authencing papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being in properly attached to the certificate. 

Hardy [ illegible ] can write for proof of service from the [Register/Regents] of the [ ] 3 office at [illegible: Army? p---]
Page 18

Carlisle Ind  March 1st 1833
Sir
Here with you will find enclosed the papers of Abm. Johnson Senr. an applicant for a pension, his papers have been before the dipartment and returned for the want of form.  It is hoped they will now meet the requissitions of the department.  For the respectability of the subscribing Witnesses to Mr. Johnsons papers permit me to refer you to Genl Tipton of the U.S. Senate with whom they are personally acquainted.  Mr. Purdy who last forwarded the papers is now confined from illness
I have the honor to be
Your obt. sert.
John W Davis

[Illegible: H] Lewis Cass
Secty. of War
Page 19

S.O.T
3—871.
RECORD DIVISION.
Department of the Interior,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Briefed by  W. T. Conboye
Claim No.  March 17, 1910
Certificate No.
Claimant
Soldier  Abraham Johnson
Service  Capt., Va  Rev. War.
Additional Service
No   claim, State records   , 190
No claim, combination records   , 190
REMARKS:
No claim as above except O W Inv. File 16,427.
Chief Division
0–8
Page 20

[Stamp:] MAR 9- 1910

No_641_Cedar St.,
Abilene, Taylor: Co., Texas.
March_3_1910

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
I have been informed that Captain Abraham Johnson was a private Officer in Revolutionary War & that Births & Dates are kept of most every one that enlisted in the Army  Will you please send me his Birth & where he was born at & where he enlisted at
Page 21

2
in the Army  Captain Abraham Johnson is supposed to have been born some time from 1740- to 1776- & Died in the year of 1829_  What I want is to get a correct statement of his Birth & where he was born at & Also Captain Abraham Johnson had a son named Peter Johnson that was in Revolutionary War & if you have his Birth & Date & where he
Page 22

3
was born at will be Thankfully received Both of these men did live a while at Harpers Ferry Virginia but do not know if they lived at Harpers Ferry Virginia when they joined the Army  I was refered to your department by The adjutant General War Department Washington D.C.  What ever your charges are for this information please
Page 23

4
let me know & I will send same by return mail
Fraternally
J. L. Johnson
No_641_Cedar St.,
Abilene, Taylor: Co, Texas.
Page 24

Frankfort Ind
July 9, 1923

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:—  Will you please informe me if Cornelius Morris Rank Private Description of Service Maryland Continental when placed on pension Roll April 27, 1819 Under Act of Congress Mch 18 1818, will you send me his official pension record it will tell where he died he was living in Ohio
Page 25

2.
Also the Pension Record of Captain Abraham Johnson probably he was not a Captain  He enlisted in Maryland or Virginia he died in Indiana, so his relatives state the pension record would show if he was a pensioner
And Peter Van Winkle was in the Revolutionary War. enlisted in New Jersey  He was a Captain in the War of 1812 1st Battalion N.Y. Artillery, did he receive a pension for either the Revolutionary or the War of 1812?  I have his
Page 26

3
war record but not his pension record  please send it if you have it.
An early reply will be greately received, I visited your pension Department last year for the record of my Grandfather Daniel Eldred who served in the Mexican Wars, and was very successful in obtaining the information desired, I ask for an early reply
Very Respectfully
Mrs Robert Stuckler
558C Washington St
Frankfort, Indiana
Page 27

Neodesha Kansas
Nov 28 1931.

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:-  Is there any record of service in Rev war for Captian Abraham Johnson from Virginia whos wife mame was Elizabeth—  if so please send me a copy and any mention of son Peter with wife, full name if given
Yours truly
Mrs John Nye
Neodesha
Kansas

[Stamp:]
RECEIVED DEC 1 1931
RECEIPT SECTION
PENSION FILES SUB-DIVISION
Page 28

Record Division. 
March 26, 1910.

Mr. J. L. Johnson, 
#641 Cedar Street, 
Abilene, Texas. 
Sir: In reply to your letter dated the 3" and received the 7" instant, you are furnished the enclosed military history of the only Captain Abraham Johnson of the Virginia troops, found on the Revolutionary War pension records of this Bureau, and are advised that as the name Peter Johnson (of the Virginia troops) appears more than once on said records, some of the following data in essential to identify the subject of your inquiry; full name and rank of soldier, names of some of his officers, his places of residence at enlistment and after service, approximate dates of birth and death, given name of widow. 
Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
Page 29

Rev. War Section. 
Aug. 24, 1923. 

Mrs. Robt. Strickler, 
558 E. Washington st., 
Frankfort, Ind. 
Madam;  I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 40175, it appears that Cornelius Morris enlisted in Montgomery Co., Md., Feb. 1780 and served as a private in Captain Lloyd Bell's company, Colonel John Stewart's regiment, Md. troops, to the close of the war.  He was in the battles of Camden, Guilford and siege of Ninety Six. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed June 5, 1818, while a resident of Clark Co., O., aged 60 years. 
In 1821, soldier referred to his wife, Sarah aged about 53 years; daughter Jane aged about 19 years; son Cornelius aged about 16 years; daughter Harriett aged about 13 years; and Elizabeth aged 10 years. 
There is no further family data on file. 
From the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 16427, it appears that Abraham Johnson was born
Page 30

Oct. 1754 in Hampshire Co., Va., and at the commencement of the Revolutionary War was a captain of militia in said county.  

[ Handwritten notes: ]
res Hampshire
marched the Red Stone Ft on Manongahela River
assisted in bldg ft at Big Beaver now Ohio River
ft mcIntosh


Aug. 1778 he served 8 months as a captain in Colonel Stephen Riddle's regiment.  July 1781 he served 3 months as a major in Colonel Elias Posten's regiment, Colonel Posten returned home on account of sickness and Colonel William Dark had command. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed Feb. 26, 1833, while a resident of Haddon Township, Sullivan Co., Ind. 
There is no data on file as to his family. 
Owing to a lack of clerical force available for such a purpose, only two reports are furnished each inquirer. 
Respectfully,
Commissioner.

[Handwritten notes:]
After Rev. removed to Belleville - the [illegible; Brother?] [in?] [Wood Co?] Va. [ ]  1810 removed x 

[$]10.32
[+] .77
[=] 17.55

He referred to his father. no name,  as being at Brad Defeat . 
I did not mention date of death, as no specific date was given  AWF