Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7260, for John Murphey, South Carolina
Page 1

(3 - 1776 )
SERVICE
S.C.
Murphey, John Senior
NUMBER
S. 1260
Carded
CONTENTS
Page 2

Mississippi 26.142
John Murphey Senr
Corondes, to in the State[illegible]
was a P in the Compy commanded
Captain Brittein of the Reg commanded
by Col Moultrie in the So Carolin
line for --
1 Yr Pr1 $40.00
Inscribed on the Roll of Mississippi
the rate of 40 Dollars -  Cents per annum
commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Dead
May 1884
See letter to H. M. Greer, Nov.
1834, S. Corke Jan. 22
1835
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th day of Mch
and Sent to
[illegible] S. Cocke Columbus, Miss
Arrears to the 4th of March 34 - 120.00
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Sept.  20.00
---
$140.00
{Revolutionary Claim,
June 7, 1832.}
["Recorded by J. P. Sprague Clerk
Book 6 - Vol. 18 Page 72
Dead - May 1834
See letter to H.M. Greer, Nov q
1834 - it to S. Cooke Jan 22d
1835" crossed out]
Page 3

The State of Mississippi
Lowndes County
County Court
January Term 1833
On this 14th day of January
1833 personally appeared in open Court before the
County Court of Lowndes County in the State of
Mississippi aforesaid now in session, John
Murphy a resident citizen of the County aforesaid
aged eighty six years and nine months
was being six the year 1747 & has no record of his age
who being first duly sworn and 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, SS
from S. Carolina, that he resides in said county now, that [illegible] him since hearin [?] that he is enters the service
of the United States under the following named
officers and served as herein after stated,
The said John Murphy
declares that he entered the service of the United States
in York County, State of South Carolina
where he then resided in the early part of
the year 1778 according to the best of his
recollection at this time and as a volunteer
under the command of Captain Hugh Bratton
and Col. William Bratton to go on an
expedition or campaign against the Tories
in the back part of South Carolina,
That the tories on the approach of the whigs
fled and dispersed and the army in
which he had enlisted returned to there
homes. He states that some time thereafter
the precise time not recollected he was in
Charleston S. Carolina with his waggon and
Team when upon the reception of
intelligence by the Americans that the
British were about to invade Georgia
under Col. Campbell he thinks, he and his
team were impressed into the United dtates
service and he and team were marcher
from Charleston to Savannah with the
main army under the command of
Col Moutrie, that they lay at Savannah
Page 4

until the British under Genl Howe came when
the Americans retreated and the British took
possession of the place.-- This affiant states
that after evacuating Savannah he was frequently
and almost constantly in the service against
the British and Tories until the British came
and took Charleston when his party and
himself joined General Sumpter, General Sumpter
was defeated the next day after the defeat of
Gates, the defeat of Genl. Sumpter he thinks
took place at fishing Creek. This affiant
States he was taken prisoner by the British and
sent to Camden jail where he was confined
there weeks, That his wife prevailed upon the
tories to go his security and he was liberated
on parol. He states he can now repeat the
words of his parol, it was as follows, "I John
Murphy of Fishing Creek acknowledge
myself a prisoner on parol to a detachment
of his majestys troops, under the command
of the Right Honorable Lieutenant Genl
Earl of Cornwallis and I do promise
that I will not act directly or indirectly
against his majestys government nor
stir up others so to do, that I will not
speak or say any thing that shall be
prejudicial to his majestys interest and
will confine myself to my own plantation
not exceeding one mile from thence until
further enlarged,"
This affiant states that
he afterwards went to the Camp of Genl. Sumpter
who persuade him that no good man
and patriot would be bound by such a
promise, in then tore up his parole and
joined Genl. Sumpter under the command
Captain John Henderson, Col. Thomas
Taylor. He states he was at the Battle of
Rights Bluff on Santee River where the
British had a fort at which the American
were defeated. This affiant states he there
got wounded by a ball through both
Page 5

thighs, and that he was not afterwards in the
service of the United States, he had no discharge in form He did not march
through any other Country but South Caroline
and Georgia, he knew Col. Moultrie, Capt.
Craig, and others of the regular officers
He has no documentary
evidence of his service nor does he know
of any person by whose testimony within
his power at this time he can prove his
service, some time since he applied
to be placed on the pension roll as an
invalid pensioner and there proved by
his captain (John Henderson) of his being
wounded, and forworded his testimony
to the war department. He states that the
period of his service was about
three years. He hereby relinquishes
every claim whatever to a pension or
annuity except the present and Declares
that his name is not on the pension Roll
of the agency of any State-
John Murphy Senr his mark X
Sworn to and subscribed
the day and year aforesaid 
R. D. Haden Clerk C C
by his deputy J.  H. Morris
The State of Mississippi  SS
Loundes County
We Jacob Crocker a
Clergyman residing said County and William
Feamster residing in the same hereby certify
we are well acquainted with John Murply
who has subscribed and sworn to the
above declaration, that we believe him
to be Eighty six years of age, that he is
reputed and believed in the neighborhood
when he resides to have been a soldier
of the revolution, and that we concur
in that opinion
Jacob Crocker
Willm. Feemster
Sworn to and subscribed
day and year aforesaid
R. D. Wade Clerk C.C
By his deputy J. H. Morris
Page 6

The State of Mississippi 
Lowndes County
Count Court Jany Term
1833
And the said Court
do hereby declare their opinion after the
investigation and after putting the interrogatories 
prescribed by the war department
that the above named applicant was a
revolutionary soldier and served
as he states, And the Court further
certifies that it appears to them that Jacob
Crocker who has signed the preceding
certificate is a clergyman resident in
the County aforesaid, and that William
Feamster who has also signed the same
is a resident in the same County and
is a credible person and that this statement
is entitled to credit
Thos Sampson
Justice
Samuel Bellergan
associate Justice
John Morris
The State of Mississippi 
Lowndes County SS
I Robert D. Haden
Clerk of the County Court of said County
do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the
said Court in the matter of the
application of John Murphy for a
pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal of office this 14th day
of January 1833
R. D. Haden Clerk C.C.
by his deputy J. Morris
Page 7

John Murphey Serv Lowndes
County Mississippi
Adm 1 year
$40
S. Cocke Esq
["Jas. F. Potter" crossed out] Columbus Mississipi
Page 8

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
31st May 1833
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has
been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. the notes and the regulations will show what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when
you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and
you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim.
A Statement, showing the service of John Murphy Loundes County Mississippi
Period when the service was rendered.
Vol 1778 
Served Inscription
Served
Duration of the claimant's service.
Years. Months. Days.
not stated
not stated
not stated
Applicant states that he served
about 3 year -
Rank of the claimant.
private
[illegible]
 - 
Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served.
Cap Brattan, Colonel Bratton
Col Moultrie
Cap Henderson, Genl Sumpter, Col Taylor
Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service.
86 years
York County
South Carolina
Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Traditionary evidence & Clergimans
certificate witness certified credible
paper correct
I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS.
Commissioner of Pensions
1.12
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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, mucicians 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 ss
County of
On this - day of - personally appeared (a) before
A. B. a resident (b) of - in the county of - and State, Territory or District
of - ages(c) - years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) -, with - and
served in the - (e) regiment of the - line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under
more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the
town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged,
and the country through which he marched. -> 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 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 - of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of - for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of - & 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 - and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with -, who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B.
who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, - Clerk of the Court of - do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this - day of - & c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission;
but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if
possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services
of the applicant, and such 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 history
Page 10

3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case The facts stated will afford one of the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted;
and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected.
All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
5. 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 the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are
requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court,
without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be
the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed
and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion.
If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character
and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the
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 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.
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 if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no pubthe
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 same character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
- The notes from to 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.
Page 11

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
February 7, 1925
Mrs. Calvin S. Brown
University, Miss.
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim S. 7260 it appears
that John Murphey, Senior, was born May 10, 1747 in
York County, Pennsylvania.
While a resident of York County, South Carolina
He enlisted early in 1778 and served as a private at
various times when called upon until March 1781, under
Captains Hugh Bratton and John Henderson, Colonels
William Bratton, Moultrie and Thomas Taylor and General
Sumter. He was captured at the battle of Fishing
Creek (he was then a married man ) and paroled after
three weeks confinement. He was wounded by a ball
through both thighs at the battle of Wright's Bluff.
In 1818 he moved to Madison County, Alabama and
from there to Lowndes County, Mississippi where he
Page 12

was allowed pension on his application executed
January 14, 1833. He died May 7, 1834 at the home of
his son-in-law Irish Henry M. Greer in said County
Soldier's three daughters are referred to,
but their names and the name of his wife are not
given.
Respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 13

[stamp "COLUMBUS MI FEB 27']
Free
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of pension
Washington City
[sideways]
March 13 1831 Mississippi retd
Page 14

Columbers 22 Febry 1834
Sir,
Enclosed you have the amended declaration
of John Murphy for a pension. His
indisposition has been the reason of
not been attended to at an earlier
period - your prompt attention the
subject of his claim is respectfully
solicited - confidence is sustained
that you will see it
your Obt Svt
Stephen Cook
Page 15

Henry M Greer
4-Novr 1834
G.C.
Record Vol 211 page 466
G. C
Page 16

War Dept
Pension Office
Nov. 4. 1834
Sir,
In reply to your letter respecting the
case of John Murphy, senr decd I have to inform you that
his pension commenced on the 4th of March 1831, at the
rate of $40 per annum, and is payable from that time
to the day of his death. If he died early in May last, but little
more than $126 can be due.
Mr Henry M. Greer,
Columbus
Mississippi
Page 17

Stephen Cocke Esq
Jany. 22, 1835
G. C
Record Vol 25 1/2 Page 111
Page 18

War Dept
Pension Office
Jan. 22. 1835
Sir, 
The copy of the will of John
Murphy, decd wherewith returned. The law will not
permit the executors to draw the money and pay
it over to the legatees. All the children are equally
entitled, and the amount due cannot be
paid in any way other than the rules present;
a copy of which have already been forwarded to you
Stephen Cocke, Esq
Athens,
Monroe County
Mississippi
Page 19

MRS. CALVIN S. BROWN
HISTORIAN D. A. R. IN MISS.
UNIVERSITY, MISS.
Jan. 14, 1925.
Bureau of Pensions
Washington,
My dear sirs,
As State Historian D.A.R.
I am applying for a head
stone for the unmarked
grave of John Murphy 
Revolutionary soldier, private
in S. C. Continental; granted
a pension Mch. 4, 1831 aged
87; died May 8, 1834. Before
granting my application, the
[stamp "PENSION OFFICE U. S. JAN 14 1925"]
Page 20

War Department asks for
approximate dates of enlistment 
and discharge. May
I ask you to send me
a copy of your record
of John Murphy's service?
If you can send a duplicate 
to the War Department, 
Office Quartermaster
General, you will save us
a good deal of time
Thank you!
Sincerely yours
Maud Morrow Brown
(Mrs. Calvin S.)
Page 21

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
S. File 7260.
March 21, 1825.
R. P. Harbold, Major, Q. M. C.
Office of Quartermaster General,
Washinton, D. C.
Sir:
I have to advise you, that John Murphey, Senior,
was born in York Co., Penn., May 10, 1747.
He enlisted in York Co., S. C. in 1778, served as
private whenever called upon, until March 1781, under
Captains Hugh Bratton, and John Henderson, Colonels
William Bratton, Moultrie and Thomas Taylor, and General
Sumter, (actual service amounting to one year.)
in the South Carolina Troops.
He was pensioned under Certificate 26142.
He died May 7, 1834 in Lowndes Co. Miss.
Respectfully,
Hays Haymaker
Acting Commissioner.
Page 22

WAR DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF THE QUARTERMASTER GENERAL
WASHINGTON
March 10,1925.
IN REPLY REFER TO QM-293-A - C
Murphy, John
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
In order that a headstone may be provided for the grave of the
decedent mentioned below, The Quartermaster General requests that the
correct military service and the spelling of the name be supplied this office
from the records of the Pension Bureau.
John Murphy
Senior Pvt. S. C. Continental, Rev. War
Enlisted early in 1778, served until Mar 1781
Died May 8, 1834.
Very truly yours,
R. P. Harbold
R. P. Harbold
Major Q.M.C.,
Assistant.
[stamp "PENSION OFFICE U. S. MAR 11 1925"]
Page 23

1925 . - Feb 7 - Hist to Mrs. Calvin S. Brown MMHF
1925. Mar. 21, Tombstone data to J.M. Gen, AW
7260
INVALID RevWar
File No. 7260
John Muphey Sent
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:- Vol. 1st, Page 269
{Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 24

The State of Mississippi
Lowndes County 
Circuit Court Febuary Term
1834
The amended declaration
of John Murphy for a pension-
And now on this 17th day of February in the year
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty
four personally appeared the said John Murphy in
open court and being first duly sworn maketh
oath that the period of the revolutionary War when
he served was in the years 1778 1779-1780 and 1781.
and the said declarant states that by reason of old
age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot
now swear positively 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. His grade
was that of a private for the year 1778 not
less than six weeks - in the year 1779 - the affiant
has no recollection of having been engaged in any
embodied troop but was one of what was called
the minute men ready to go at the first warning
that in the year 1780 and 1781 he was actually engaged
in the service of the United States the whole of
said years until the first week of March 1781.
When he got wounded in the thighs after which
time he was not in the service of the United States
any more, during The revolutionary War
during the second year he was not engaged in any
embodied troop - He states that the Capt John
Henderson under whom he served and whose
testimony his original declaration refers to, as
being on file in the war department and as taken on
his application some years ago for a pension as an invalid
prisoner had at the time of taking the declaration
to which this is an amendment removed to some
place in the state of Tennessee  to this affiant unknown -
That he supposes the testimony of said
John Henderson is yet on file in the war
department - That his said Captain in said
Page 25

testimony proved that he was a soldier and got
wounded while in the service of the United States
during the revolutionary war - This affiant
States that his memory at this advance period
of his life is extremely defective and in nothing
more so that in precise date, that he considered
himself in the service of the United States
the first year of his entering the service of
the United States during the whole year having been
one of the minute men ready at any
time to go when called and so included that
year as a year of service in his original
declaration to which this is an amendment.
He doesn't now know nor did he then know of any person
by whom he could prove his said services except
his own oath whose testimony he could procure -
And in answer to the interrogatories propounded
by the court in conformity to the regular
words of the war department - the declarant
States -
To the first interrogatory he states that he was
born in York County State of Pensilvania, that
not having ever seen any record of his age he
cannot say what day but he states that from
the best account he has ever had of his age, he
is now going on eighty seven years & will be eighty
seven the 10th day of May next which of his information
has been correct he must have been born on the
10th day of May 1747.
To the 2. He has no record of his age
To the 3. He was living in York County State of
South Carolina when he entered in the Service
of the United States. He has resided in said County
of York S.C. until the year 1818 when he moved to
Madison County State of Alabama and resided
there about five years he then moved to Lowndes
County State of Mississippi in which he now lives
To the 4 He states he volunteered
to the 5th The names of some of the regular whom he knew
were Genl Engle, Genl Howe Col. Moultree
Page 26

to the 6 He states he has no recollection of having received
any written discharge and thinks he did not
that written discharges were not given if he did
it has been lossed or diswayed [?] from the length
of time and he can now give no account of it
To the 7. The names of persons in his present neighbourhood
whom he know who can testify to his character for
veracity and a belief of his service, as a Soldier
of the revolution he will save the reverend Jacob
Crocker Mr William Feamster Capt. Robert Doudle
John Williams Esq. Mr William Egger and he could
name an hundred others who is confident
would willing bear testimony to their confidence
in his integrity to their opinion of his service
as aforesaid
John Murphy Sent his marl X
Sworn to and subscribed
in open Court this 17th
of February 1834-
Wm Dowsing Jr Clerk
and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after putting
the interrogatories prescribed by the war department
that the above named applicant was a revolutionary
soldier and served as he states. And the Court
further certifies that it appears to them that
Jacob Crocker who has signed the preceeding certificate
in the original declaration is a clergiman residing in the said County
of Lowndes and that William Teamster who has
signed the same is a resident of the same county
and that both of them are persons of credibility and
of first standing in point of respectability and that
their statement is intitled to full credit -
William Dowsing Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lowndes
County State of Mississippi do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of said Court on the
amended declaration in the matter of the application
of John Murphy for a pension - In testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of said Court
at office this 21st day of Febuary 1834. Wm Dowsing Clerk
Page 27

To the Secretary of the
Pension department
Washington
2d
PAID
[stamp "COLUMBUS MI OCT 17"]
Page 28

20 Oct 10 1834 Miss St Lounds Cty
Dr Sir on the 7 May Last my Fatherinlaw
died in my house made his will and appointed me his
Executor for years previous he had applied for a Pension
and it was not granted untill a Short time before he
died he heard it was obtained by a Generall Cook
who Sent for me to go and see him I did he told me
he was authorised to pay me $100 for the 3 daughters as
he was authorized to receive $120 but it appears at
another time he has stated $250 now there is 2 of the
Leggitus has urged on me to State a line to you and
know the exact amount that Pension department
directed John Murphey Deceased to Receive I think
his name is on the Mississippi List My Dear friendd.
Write soon direct me how mutch and how to act
in order to receive it for the Legatees feel their Need of
it direct to Columbus Office Care of Henry Hunt
and in so doing you will greatly ob. your Real friend
Irish Henry M. Greer