Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7870, William Whitt, Va.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
Va

Whitt, William

NUMBER
S. 7870

Carded

CONTENTS
[blank]
Page 2

[printed form, handwritten responses]
16580
Virginia
William Whitt
of Mecklenburg in the State of Va
who was a pr: in the [blank] commanded
by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded
by Col: Rogers in the Va
line for 18 months

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the rate of 60 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Sept: 1837
and [illegible] J. G. E. Bayn=
ham - White House. Va

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34
150
30
[total] $180-

(Revolutionary Claim, )
(Act June 7, 1832.)

[Reco]rded by Nath. Rice Clerk,
[Bo]ok E Vol. 6 Page 31
Page 3

Wm. Whitt Decd
Page 4

State of Virginia Halifax County To wit

On this 22nd day of Decbr: 1832 Personally appeared
made Oath before me John Bennett a Justice of the peace
in the county aforesaid William Whitt a resident of the county
and State aforesaid.  Aged Seventy six years who being
not able by old age and bodily infirmity to attend the
courts being duly sworn according to law ["doth on his Oath" is crossed out]
doth on his Oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the provision made by an act
of Congress passed the 7th June 1832.  This applicant
states that in the commencement of his services in the revolution
he was a drafted militia man in the ["the" is crossed out] County & State aforesaid
under the command of Capt. Peter Rogers, was sent on to
Salsbury N.C. Crossing the Yadkin river and from thence
to Camden, and from thence to Stono where he was in
an engagement and served three month and then was
detained in the service for the Period of Nine months more
but recollects but little of the field Officers then except Gel.
de Calb [Kalb] and after he returned from Stono he was
again drafted and served six month and entered
the service under the command of Capt Moses Fountain
was sent on to Camden to Join Genl. Gates and was
in an engagement there at the defeat of Genl Gates 
and from there was drove by the enemy to Halifax
County Virginia, reinforced and with on under
Genl. Green to Guilford and there had another
engagements returned home and Vollenteered [volunteered] under
Conl. Peter Rogers & Capt John Faulkner went on
to York, and remained there during the Siege, and
after the surrender of Cornwallace was sent to
Richmond to guard the refugees, after remaining
there some time returned [illegible] that he crossed James river
from [illegible] old fields. That he served two years as a Soldier
in the revolutionary war, besides some other little
calles that he has not mentioned ["two Years" is crossed out]. That
he can not recollect precisely the time he served
Page 5

in those small tours but to the best of his
knoledge [knowledge] he thinks he served about two months
over the two Years.  That Joseph Faulkner has knoledge [knowledge]
of his going to the South as a Soldier if of the revolution
and also to York - and also John Fitts at Stono
That his discharge is lost, & he has no documentary evidence
of his services. That he was born in Halifax county in the Year
1756 and have lived in the same county all his life.  He
hereby relinquishes every Claim whatever to a pension or anuity [annuity]
except the present & that his name is not on the pension roll of any
State
William his x mark Whitt
Sworn to & Subscribed the day & year aforesaid
We Reuben Vaughan & Bonony Grisham Residing in the County
of Halifax & State of Virginia hereby certify that we are well
acquainted with William Whitt who has subscribed and
Sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to
be seventy six Years of age, that he is reputed and believed
in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he resides to have been a soldier
in the revolution and that we concur in that Oppinion [opinion]
Reuben his x mark Vaughan
Benony Gresham

State of Virginia Halifax County to wit
I John Bennett a Justice of the peace for the County
and state aforesaid do hereby declare my Oppinion [opinion]
after the investigation of the matter and after pulling the
intorogatories [interrogatories] prescribed by the war department that 
the within named applicant was a revolutionary soldier
and served as he states and I do further certify that
Reuben Vaughan & Benoni Grisham who has signed the
preceding certificate residents of the county & State aforesaid
an both creditable persons and that their statements are
entitled to credit.  Given under my hand this 22d
day of December 1832-
Jno Bennett J.P.
The Justices [illegible] certify that the applicant cannot
by reason of bodily infirmity appear in open Court.
Page 6

Know all men by these presents that I William
Whitt of the county of Halifax & State of Virginia do
hereby constitute and appoint Joseph G Baynham of
the said County my true and lawful attorney with a
power of substitution for me and in my name to
receive from the united states the amount of pay now
due to me under the act of Congress passed June the
7th 1832 entitled an act supplementory to an act
for the relief of the surviving Officers & Soldiers of the
revolution as a soldier in the revolution as witness
my hand & seal this 22 day of December 1832
William his x mark Whitt (seal)
sealed & delivered
in presence of
T A Bennett
Robert Young
Before me John Bennett a Justice of the peace in
the county of Halifax & State of Virginia.  Personally
appeared this day William Whitt whose name
is subscribed to the forgoing power of attorney and
acknoledged [acknowledged] the Same to be his act & deed.
Given under my hand this 22 day of December
1832 .
Jno Bennett J.P.
Page 7

I Samuel Williams clerk of Court of the County
of Halifax in the State of Virginia do hereby certify
that John Bennett before whom the within declara-
tion of William Whitt was made.  and the same John
Bennett, before whom the within power of Attorney was
acknowledged was at the time a Justice of the
Peace of said County
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed
my name and affixed the Seal of said
County at my office this 18th day of
January 1833
Samuel Williams

Wm. Whitt Decd.
Page 8

[printed form, handwritten responses]
7870
INVALID.

Rev War

File No. 7870  [illegible]
William Whitt
Priv Rev War

Act: June 7th 1832
Index:--Vol. [illegible], Page 403

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 9

State of Virginia Halifax County
This day Personally appeared before
me James L Blackwell one of the acting Justice of the
peace for the county a for said [aforesaid] John Fetts who
being first duly sworn according to Law, make
the following declaration.  That he was well
acquainted with William Whitt, a resident of the
county & state afor said [aforesaid] in the time of the
revolutionary war. And do know that he went
on with the troops to Stono and have no doubt
but he served a considerable time in the revolu
=tionary war and believe that he was a very
deserving soldier from Genl. carracter [character] and that
he went under Peter Rogers. Given under my
hand this 19th day of October 1832.-
James L Blackwell
I do certify that John Fett the above         )
named is a credible person.  Given under )
my hand the 8th day May 1833                 )
James [page damage] Blackwell
Page 10

Virginia to wit
I Samuel Williams Clerk of the County
Court of Halifax, do hereby certify that
James L Blackwell before whom the within
deposition of John Fetts was taken is an
acting Justice of the peace of said County, and
that his signature thereto is genuine
In Testimony whereof, I have
hereunto Subscribed my name and
affixed the Seal of said County at
my Office this 18th day of January
1833
Samuel Williams
Page 11

William Whitt
Admit as private
18 mo $40

J. G. E Baynham
Page 12

There was a record of
his age _ but he [illegible]
not [illegible] where it is.
That he had dischar
=ges and lost them
Thinking they would
be of no use to him
that Reuben Vaugham
& Benony Gresham
can certify as to his
carracker [character] &
also Joseph Faulkner
Molly Whitt & J. Sizon
Gesse, Atkinson=
That he also [illegible] subscribes to for
his [illegible] Sam [illegible]
the nine months that
he was [illegible]
and served from them
to [illegible] and from
thence back [illegible]
Stono and to [illegible]
=ry and [illegible] thence
to agusta and there
was discharged
Justice certify to his disability
Page 13

[printed form, handwritten responses]
BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
William Whitt which require
further proof or explanation.

1. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? [blank, no response]

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? [blank, no response]

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? [blank, no response]

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? [blank, no response] 

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 [amount] of pension
he is entitled? [blank, no response]

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? [blank, no response]

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of
June 7, 1832? [blank, no response]

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? [blank, no response]

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?  [blank, no response]

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?  [blank, no response]
Page 14

[printed form, handwritten responses]
2
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 revolu-
tionary service? Two citizens.

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtain-
ing it?
No.

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?
[blank, no response]

XIV. [cross symbol] If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness
or witnesses as to his service? [blank, no response]
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? No
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the
regulations direct? [blank, no response]

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? No.

XVI. [double bar cross symbol] Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? [blank, no response]

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And,
if not, which of them is not so answered?
5 and 7 not ansd. [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 recol-
lection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For [blank] 
year [blank] months, and [blank] days, I served as a [blank] For [blank] months
and [blank] days, I served as a [blank]; and for such service I claim a pension.

[handwritten notation]
TTJ
1833
69
[total] 64
Page 15

[printed form]
3
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 in-
definite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions
merely state 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 objection-
able. It must in every case be clearly shewn 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 em-
ployed in any civil pursuit.

[cross symbol] 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 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 magis-
trate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

[double bar cross] QUERE XVI. 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 paper authenticated, the cer-
tificate 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.
[pointing hand symbol] In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, 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.
Page 16

Washington City
Feby 13th 1833
I Joseph G Baynham a resident of Halifax County & State
of Virginia, do Certify that I am well acquainted with Joseph
Faulkner who made an affidavit respecting the Services
of William Whitt as a Solider and know him to be one of the leading members
the Babtest [Baptist] Church and a Credible person as any in
his neighbourhood [neighborhood]. I do also certify that I believe John
Fitts of the county & state afor said [aforesaid] the declarant in behalf
of the Services of William Whitt to be a Credible person.
also to the belief of their being of sufficient age to of had
personal knowledge of the services of the applicant in the
revolutionary war.  I further certify that the reson [reason] Wm.
Whitt did not get a Clergiman [clergyman] to certify for him
there was none in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] convenient
Joseph G. Baynham
I certify that I am well acquainted with Mr
Joseph Faulkner the affiant in the case of
William Whitt declaration for pension. He now resides
in the county of Halifax & is a man of high standing
& strict veracity. I am also well acquainted with
Capt. Joseph G. E. Baynham who resides in the 
County of Halifax & is now here acting agent; that
he is a man of strict integrity & honor & that I
believe he will make no certificate nor state nothing
to the department but what shall be strictly correct
& true.-
H Davenport
Washington Feby 16th 1833
Page 17

State of Virginia Halifax Cty [County] To wit
Joseph Faulkner made Oath before
me James L. Blackwell a Justice of the peace in
the county afor said [aforesaid]. That he was well
acquainted with William Whit, (an appli
=cant for a pension) in the year 1777 and
from that time to the end of the revolutionary
war, and says that he has knoledge [knowledge] of
his going twice to the South as a Solder &
once he believes he marched under Capt Peter
Rogers, and that he also marched under
Capt John Faulkner to the Siege of York
town in the year 1781 and that he heard
the Capt say he was as good a Soldier as
he had under his Command.
Given under my hand this 17th January 1833
James L. Blackwell
Page 18

Virginia to wit
I Samuel Williams clerk of the
County Court of Halifax, do hereby certify that
James L Blackwell before whom the within deposition
of Joseph Faulkner was taken, is an acting Justice
of the peace of said County, and that his signature
thereto is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed the
Seal of said County at my office this 23rd
day of January 1833
Samuel Williams

I do certify that Joseph Faulkner who
made oath before me to the within affidavit
is a credible person & a member
of the Babtest [Baptist] Church. Given under
my hand this 8th day of May 1833
James L. Blackwell
Page 19

State of Virginia Halifax County to Wit
Mary Whitt this day personally appeared before
me William Thaxton a Justice of the peace in the
county aforsaid [aforesaid] and made oath that she was
well acquainted with William Whit who is applicant for a pension in time of he [the] revolutionary
war, knew that he was a soldier of the army of the
revolution, and that she has knoledge [knowledge] of his being
in the service of the united states a considerable
time, and to the best of her belief and recollection
he did not serve less than two Years in the revoluti
=onary war.  Given under my hand this 5th day
of June 1833
William Thaxton

I do certify that Mary Whit the above named
affiant is a credible person and is of sufficient
age to have had knoledge [knowledge] of the services of William
Whit in the revolutionary war Given under my
hand this 5 of June 1833
William Thaxton
State of Virginia Halifax County [illegible]
I Samuel Williams Clerk of the Court of
Halifax County certify that William Thaxton
is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing
signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have here-
unto affixed my seal of office and
subscribed my name, this 8" day of
June 1833
Samuel Williams
Clerk of the Court of Halifax County
Page 20

Know all men by these presents that I William
Whitt of the county of Halifax & State of Virginia do
hereby constitute and appoint Joseph G Baynham of
Said county my true and Lawful attorney with a power
of Substitution for me and in my name to receive
from the united States the amount of pay now due
to me under the act of Congress passed June the 7th
1832, entitled an act supplementary to an act for the
relief of the Surviving Officers & Soldiers of the  revo
lution, as a Soldier of the revolution-- as witness
my hand & Seal this 5th day of
1835.
William his x mark Whitt

Sealed & delivered
in [illegible] of
Walker Lourey
James Smith

Before me James L Blackwell, a Justice of the peace in
the county of Halifax & State of Virginia personally
appeared this day William Whitt whose name is sub-
=scribed to the foregoing power of attorney and ack
nowledged [acknowledged] the Same to be his act and deed.
Given under my hand the 5th day of June 1833.
James L Blackwell

Virginia to wit
I Samuel Williams clerk of the County
Court of Halifax in the State aforesaid do hereby certify
that James L Blackwell before whom the foregoing
power of attorney was acknowledged is an acting Justice
of the peace for said County and that the foregoing signa-
ture purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed my seal of office this
18th day of June 1833
Samuel Williams
Page 21

State of Viriginia Halifax County to wit
On this 8th day of May 1833 William Whitt a resident of
the county afore Said personally appeared before me James L
Blackwell a Justice of the Peace for the County a for Said [aforesaid] who
being duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath make the
following additional declaration to his former declaration
dated December the 22nd 1832. In Order to obtain the benefit
of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832. That he was a
subsitute [substitute] for his under Saml Whitt the period of Nine
months being detained by pursuation [persuasion] to take his uncles
place. That he served in that tour from Stono to Charleston
and from thence back to near Stono and to Sunsberry
from thence to agusta [Augusta] and was discharged at
that place.
That he had discharges but took no care of them thinking
they could be of no use to him and expects they were distroyd [destroyed]
That Reuben Vaughan, Benony Grisham, Jessee Atkinson
and Solomon Sizemore, can testify as to his caracter [character]
for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier
in the revolution. That the above named persons are
residents of the neighbourhood [neighborhood] where he now lives.
That he can find no record of his age. That there
was no clergeman [clergyman] in the neighbourhood [neighborhood] convenient.
William his x mark Whitt

Sworn to & Subscribed the day & Year afor Said [aforesaid]
I do certify that in my oppinion [opinion] William Whitt the
above applicant can not by reason of old age and
bodily infirmity appear in open Court the distance being
far of
Given under my hand this 8th day of May 1833
James L. Blackwell
Page 22

Virginia to wit
I Samuel Williams clerk of the 
County Court of Halifax in the state aforesaid do hereby certify that James S Blackwell before whom the within declaration of Wm Whitt was made is an acting Justice of the Peace for said County and that his signature thereto is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto 
set my hand and seal of office this 
8th day of June 1833.
Samuel Williams 
(seal)