Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7,663, for Richard Summers, Maryland
Page 1

SERVICE
Md. Summers, Richard

NUMBER
S.7663

Carded
Page 2

33,084
1856
Oct. 28 To James B. White
Virginia  R
=====
Richard Summers decd.
of ___ in the State of ___
who was a private in the ___ commanded
by Captain ___ of the ___commanded
by ___ in the Md.
line for Revolution
Records ok July 26, 1904.
=====
Inscribed on the Roll of Richmond
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Ending 7 July 1851.
=====
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 day of
Janr. 1853 and Sent to Vespasian Ellis [illegible]
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending


{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by R. McRae Clerk,
Book E Vol 6 1/2 Page 34
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Revd. George H. Ewell
Page 4

The affidavait of the Revd. George H. Ewell of the County of Accomack and State of Virginia being first duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that he legally solemnized the rights of Matrimony between Elizabeth Summers (formerly Elizabeth Slurs) and Richard Summers in the Court of Accomack on the 14th day of July 1836 which said Elizabeth [Summers] is now an application for a Pension in trusted of her. I did marriage with the said Richard Summers who was respected and believed to have been a Revolutionary soldier.
Given under my hand this 4th day of October 1857
George H Ewell

Accomack County
State of Virginia
This day the Revd. George H. Ewell personally appeared before me a justice of the court for the County affforded and made oath to the above affidavit.
Given under my hand this 3rd day of October 1851.
[illegible] A. Hiernmay J Peace
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left column

Nov. 10th 1851
Elizth Summers
Declaration.
---------
davies what was due her husband under act of 7 June 1832 at the time of his death.
Va

filed by V. Ellis atty

Triplett

right column

Richd. Summers decd.
Va.
Act 7 June 1832.

Set Jan 16/52.

V. Ellis
Present
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At a Court held for Accomack County, on the 29th day of September 1851.

This day Elizabeth Summers, the widow of Richard Summers decd, personally appeared in open Court, and made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7th day of June 1832.

State of Virginia, County of Accomack.
On this the 29th day of September 1851 personally appeared before the County Court of Accomack, Elizabeth Summers, widow of Richard Summers, who departed this life on the 7th day of July last past, a resident of the County of Accomack and state, aforesaid, who having been first duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832; That she intermarried with the said Richard Summers decd. in t he year (1831.) That they lived together as husband and wife until the 7th day of July last past when her said husband departed this life. That she [always] understood and verily believes he was a Revolutionary Soldier, as she has heard him speak of his services in the militia during the war, and has heard him say that when the Army marched to the North, he was tempted to go with them and join the Regular Army but was dissuaded from it by his father and mother; that she verily believes he served in the Militia for more than two years but does not know at this late day by whom to prove it, except his Brother Horsey Summers, who served with him and knows of his services. That her deceased husband, Richard Summers, lived during the Revolutionary War on the line of Virginia adjoining the County of Accomack and the Maryland side, which was equally exposed to invasion of the enemy as the County of Accomack. Shortly after the war he crossed over into Accomack County in which County they were married by the Revd. George H. Ewell and resided until his death and was reputed and believed to have been a revolutionary soldier. That he was well acquainted with Littleton A. Hinman one of the Court of Accomack, Thomas R. Joyner former Clerk, Honl. Henry A. Wise, the Revd. George H. Ewell (who married him), Col. Thorogood Taylor and nearly all the prominent men of the County. That the said Richard Summers was in the Ninety first year of his age when he died as I have understood from his Brother, who testifies to the fact. That she thinks he entered the service in 1777 or 1778.
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and continued until near the close of the war. She hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that her name is not on any Pension Roll of the agency of this or any other state so far as she knows or believes.
Sworn to and subscribed
X her cross Elizabeth Summers

The deposition of Horsey Summers of the County of Accomack in the State of Virginia deposeth and sayeth that he was well acquainted with Richard Summers decd., who was the late husband of Elizabeth Summers who has signed the above Declaration and knew him well during the Revolutionary War, in fact he frequently kept guard with him; that he knows that he served as a soldier in the Militia of the State of Maryland in the County of Somerset, during the Revolutionary War more than two years - from his knowledge of the said Richard Summers services; that shortly after the war he came to the County of Accomack where he intermarried with Elizabeth Lewis who is still living and he died in said County in July last in the 91st year of his age. My acquaintance with Richard Summers was intimate he being my Brother and served with him in the same County and Regiment under the command of Col. Gunbey, Capt. Cox, Capt. Miles and Capt. Starling; he was two years older than myself.
Given under my hand this 4th day of August 1851.
X his cross Horsey Summers

Accomack County, State of Virginia
This day Horsey Summers, who was the Brother of Richard Summers, personally appeared before me, a Just of the Court for the County aforesaid, and made oath to the above Deposition. I further certify he is a man with whom I have been acquainted for the last 25 years and that his Oath is entitled to full faith and credit. Given under my hand this 12th September 1851.
Littl: A. Hinman J.P.

We, George H. Ewell, a Clergyman of the County of Accomack, hereby certify that on or about the year (1831) he celebrated the rights of Matrimony between the foregoing Richard Summers and Elizabeth Summers
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(then Elizabeth Lewis). That he was well acquainted with Richard Summers for the last sixty years; that he was reputed and believed to have been a Revolutionary Soldier and I concur in that opinion and that I believe him to have been about the age set forth in the foregoing declaration.
George H. Ewell

And the said Court do hereby declare after the investigation of the subject that the said Richard Summers was a revolutionary Soldier and served as stated in the above declaration and that the said George H. Ewell is a Clergyman; and that said Horsey Summers, who testifies in the matter, is the Brother of the said Richard Summers, and that his oath is entitled to full credit. That it further appears to the Court that the foregoing Elizabeth Summers is the widow of the said Richard Summers, and that the said Richard Summers died in the County of Accomack on the 7th July last past and was of the age represented.

State of Virginia, Accomack County, Sc:
I, Jno: W. Gilley, Clerk of the County Court of the County aforesaid, in the state aforesaid, certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of the said Court; that Littleton A. Hinman, before whom the deposition of Horsey Summers, inserted in the above transcript, was sworn to [illegible] on the 12th day of September 1831, a Justice of the Peace in and for the said County; and that, on t he 24th day of November 1834, a testimonial to celebrate the rites of matrimony was granted by the said Court, the said George H. Ewell named in the foregoing, and that said testimonial has never been revoked.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, this 2nd day of October A. D. 1851, and in the 76th year of the Commonwealth.
J. W. Gilley C. A. C.
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Mr. A. W. Bagwell & John R. Hinman of Accomack County Virginia do certify that we were well acquainted with Elizabeth Summers formerly Elizabeth Lewis and George Lewis her husband and that her said husband George Lewis was a Revolutionary pensioner and that Elizabeth Summers is the identical person who is now applying for a pension under the act of 3rd February 1853, is the widow of the said George Lewis and that George Lewis and Elizabeth his wife were married on or about the 21st day of November 1822 and that he died on the 9th day of May 1834. We further certify that we were acquainted with Richard Summers, the husband of Elizabeth Summers the present applicant for a pension and that they were married on or about the ___ day of 1836, and the said Richard Summers died on or about the 7th day of July 1850. We further certify that Elizabeth Summers, the present applicant for a pension, is now a widow.
A. W. Bagwell
John R. Hinman

State of Virginia }
Accomack County } SS
On this 15th day of December 1853, John R. Hinman of the County of Accomack State of Virginia personally appeared
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County and made oath to the facts in the foregoing affidavit. I further certify the above named John R. Hinman is well known to me and that he is a credible and uninterested person. I further certify that I have no interest in this claim.
Thos. Littleton J P

State of Virginia
Accomack County } S.S.
On this 19th day of December 1853 Augustus W. Bagwell of the County of Accomack, State of Virginia personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for said County and made oath to the facts in the foregoing affidavit. I further certify the above named Augustus W. Bagwell is well known to me and that he is a credible and uninterested person. I further certify that I have no interest in this claim.
Saml. M. Hopkins J. P.

State of Virginia, Accomack County, to wit:
I, Ino: W. Gillet, Clerk of the County Court of Accomack County in the State aforesaid, certify that Thomas Littleton and Samuel M. Hopkins, whose names are subscribed to the foregoing certificates, were at the time of subscribing the same, Justices of the Peace in and for the said County, duly commissioned and qualified according to the Constitution and laws of the said State; and their signatures thereto are genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County, this 19th day of December 1833, and in the 78th year of this Commonwealth.
Test: J. L. Rayfield DY:
for J. W. Gillet, C. A. C.
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November 26, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Richard Summers-S.7663
BA-J/AWF
am (handwritten)

Mr. Wilson Somers
North Emporia
Virginia

Dear Sir:

The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7663, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Richard Summers.

The date and place of birth of this soldier are not shown, nor are the names of his parents given.

Richard Summers enlisted in 1777 or 1778, served in the Maryland militia, from Somerset County, at various times as a private under Captains Cox, Miles and Starling in Colonel Gumby's regiment, length of service about two years.

He moved shortly after the Revolution to [Accomack] County, Virginia, where he married, July 14, 1836, Elizabeth Lewis, widow of George Lewis.

George Lewis was a soldier of the War of the Revolution and died May 9, 1834. The soldier, Richard Summers, died July 7, 1851 in the ninety-first year of his age; he died in [Accomack] County, Virginia.

His widow, Elizabeth Summers, was allowed the pension due her husband, Richard Summers, under the Act of June 7, 1832 to the time of his death, July 7, 1851.

Horsey Summers, brother of the soldier, Richard
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Summers, served with him in the Revolution.
There are no further data in this claim concerning the family of the soldier, Richard Summers.
Very truly yours
A. D. Hiller 
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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No 38.283 
Rick Summers Dec Va
Act 7th June 1832 .
V. Ellis January 18 1852
Page 14

ENVELOPE

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington

July 24/5
Pension
Act 7 June 18
Addl. Evi in cash
Horsey Summers
Richard Summers
Somers

[illegible] Ellis
Present
Page 15

I admit the claims of Horsey and Richard Summers who were Revo soldiers in the Accomack Militia for 2 years [illegible] because although not in strict compliance with the Regulations required under the act of June 7 1832 are in conformity to several precedents - such as Richard Summer & others, but also in conformity to the [illegible] of the Dept of the Interior in the case of Custer Bull.

Col Miles will prepare statements for certificate.

J E Heath Comm
Jan 7, 1838 (1853)
Page 16

Reclaim our [illegible] Agency

Richard Summers, etc
who was a private in
[illegible] militia.

-----

An Act June 7, 1832

2 years private
$80 per Annum

Ca March 4, 1801
End July 7, 1851.
when he died.

-----

Pay all to
Elizabeth Summers,
widow, &

-----

Vespasian Ellis,
Present.
Page 17

Washington 23 July 52
Comm. of Pensions

Sir,

I ask a reconsideration of the two cases of Horsey & Richard Summers (or Somers) under act of 7 June 1832, on the Virginia suspended roll.

Both cases are substantially alike & both stand on the same footing as the case of Custis Bull, in whose case Ser Secretary's division page 532 of Army & Moultons Pension laws.

I file herewith 2 depositions of old men of the adjoining County (Somerset [illegible]) one of whose is 100 years old & the other 90 years old & both certified to be of the highest character. See Hon W. Cotterman's letter on the subject of the credibility of these two certificates.

I file also proof that Horsey Summer died 25th July 1852 & the names of his children. William Somers or Summers is son & [illegible] of Horsey.

Yr of st
Vespasian Ellis
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Mr. Cole

I was the acting atty in the pension case of Richard Somers [illegible] to Elizabeth, under act of 1832 (his widow) on the Va roll. Will you please [illegible] the papers to J. B. White Esq. for whom I was acting?
Yr Oblige Sr
V. Ellis

If he wishes only of [illegible] please furnish it. V E
Page 19

FORM

Brief in the case of Richard Summers, dc.
Accomack County and State of Virginia
act June 7, 1832.
============
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

Admitted by the Commissioner of Pensions. See his note filed with the papers.

(If for increase.)
Jan 7, 1853.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and resident of Agent

Vespasian Ellis
Present.
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===================

WASHINGTON, D. C.,
S. Cole Esq.
Dear Sir
Samuel C White Esq [illegible] me 2 certificates you [illegible] in relation to the Pension Certificate of Richard Somers [illegible] to Elizabeth Somers his widow Va Roll act 7 June/32.

His son James B White wants the [illegible] documents officially certified showing that the pension Certificate was delivered to me as attorney, & he wishes to use them in Court. The papers you gave him will not be recd as evidence because not officially certified & because they are not copies of papers on which the pension was paid or the pension Certificate delivered. He has gone home & wishes the paper copies
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furnished by mail directed to James B. White Accomack Virginia Court.

1st A copy of the pension Certificate which has delivered to me & which shows the [illegible] of delivery to me on its face. A certificate that such certificate opened is not evidence in Court - it must be a copy of the pension certificate.

2d. A copy of my power of attorney under which I recd the pension certificate. If this is not found in the papers of Richard Somers it may hopefully be found in the papers of Horsey Somers, as both cases came together (I think) at one time.

If the power of atty cannot be found then a copy of the order which I gave White to see the papers may be [illegible].

These papers [illegible] be certified
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under the hand & seal of the Court & of the Secretary of the Interior. Will you be kind enough to attend to them today or tomorrow as the Courts sits next week.

White took home the certificate you gave him so that in the event that these above named are not recd in time he could use them to get a continuance in the suit.

The pension Certificate [illegible] to me 11 January 1853 under act 7 June/37 Va Roll.

Yours truly
Vespasian Ellis

Richard Somers case, paid to his widow.
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Somers or
Summers.
Page 24

Washington 21st August 52

Comm. of Pensions

Sir:

In the case of Richard Summer's widow, I understand she is very low in health & poor, and I have to ask that her claim for pension may be taken up & examd on t he new evidence furnished, which was filed about one month ago. This evidence relates also the case of Horsey Summers which stands on the same footing, which I would like to have decided at the same time.

Yr Ob St.
Vespasian Ellis
Atty in the two cases above
Page 25

Eliz Summers
or Somers

V. Ellis atty
Va suspended case

1832
Page 26

120.

Pension Office
January 16 1852

Sir:

The declaration of Elizabeth Summer, widow of Richard under the Act of 7 June 1832 has been examined but as the service claimed is not proved, we cannot allow the pension.

There is but one witness Horsey Summers who claims to have any knowledge of the service, & he is not a pensioner & his evidence cannot be taken as conclusive. He has not, as yet, proved his own service.

Very Respectfully
Your Obt Serv
J Wilson
for Commissioner of Pensions

V. Ellis Esq
Present
Page 27

Depositions as to services of Horsey & Richard Summers. Act 1832
Virginia list
Page 28

The deposition of Henry Sterling aged Ninety years a Revolutionary soldier who being first duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that during the Revolutionary war in which he served and is an applicant for a pension, he was well acquainted with both Horsey Summers and Richard Summers who were brother who at that time resided on the Maryland line [opposite]] Accomack County in the State of Virginia and [equally] exposed to the enemy that they were both regularly enlisted in the Militia to which I belonged under the command of Col. Gumby in the company commanded by Capt. Miles that during the war that they as well as myself were frequently called out on guard to protect our citizens and to prevent the [invasion] of the enemy as the British then lay in the Pocomoke Sound and would frequently land and destroy our property the river being narrow between our side and the Accomack side. Col. Simpson would some times [illegible] over the river with his men to assist us in [illegible] down the Tories thus the said Summers and myself continued some times on guard and allows to near the close of the war as did nearly all that was old enough to bare arms and from the knowledge of my own service as well as the service of said Horsey, and Richard Summers, I have no hesitation in stating on oath that they served over two years in said War on duty
Given under my hand Henry Sterling
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The deposition of Thomas Nelson of the County of Somerset Maryland formerly of the County of Accomack State of Virginia aged over one hundred years a Revolutionary Soldier and is an applicant for a Pension for his services who being first duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that during the war of the Revolution he was well acquainted with Horsey Summers and Richard Summers who [also] served in the said War as they resided near me nothing [separating] us but a narrow river and they kept guard on one side and he on the other side that tome times Col. Simpson who commanded the Militia of Accomack would some time cross us over to the guard on the other side where the said Horsey Summers & Richard Summers were on guard so that we frequently saw each other one duty; and notwithstanding I cannot say the precise times the said Horsey and Richard Summers were on guard. I have no hesitation in saying they served over two years as I know I did and truly believe they did [also].
Given under my hand
X his mark Thomas Nelson
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Somerset County
State of Maryland
This day Henry Sterling and Thomas Nelson who has signed and sworn to the foregoing depositions personally appeared before me a Justice of the Court for the County [aforesaid] and made oath to the facts therein contained.

I further certify that I am well acquainted with both of the Gentlemen and have ever since I was a boy, and that they are men whose oaths are entitled to full faith and credit and that they have [always] been reputed and believed to have served in the revolutionary war, and I concur in this opinion. I have frequently heard them state their ages on former occasions as set forth in their affidavits and speak of their Revolutionary Services.
Given under my hand this 26th day of April 1852
Michael Somers J. Peace

Maryland Somerset County towit: I hereby certify that Michael Somers Gentleman before whom the above & annexed deposition & affidavit appear to have been made, was at the time of making and subscribing the same a Justice of the peace of the State of Maryland in & for Somerset County Commissioned & qualified according to law.
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name and affix the Seal of my office this fourth day of May Eighteen hundred and fifty two.
Seven Woolford Clk
Page 31

left column
[first line fully illegible]
this letter in Horsey Summers S.2664 Aug

right column
Rev War
7663
INVALID.
-----
File No. 7663
Richard Summer
Priv Rev War
-----
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:--Vol. [illegible], Page 364

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 32

November 26, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

BA-J/AWF

Mr. Wilson E. Somers
North Emporia
Virginia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your request for the Revolutionary War records of Horsey and Richard Summers. Their records are furnished herewith, as found in pension claim, based upon their service in the War of the Revolution. The record of George Lewis, [handwritten insert - George Lewis - N. 7218. Mrs. [illegible] rec'd send notes record also - Casey) whose widow, Elizabeth, married Richard Summers and was allowed pension on account of the serves of her former husband, George Lewis, is also furnished. This record may be of interest to you.

Very truly yours
A.D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 33

FORM

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME Summers, Solomon
GRADE Private
LINE Maryland

WARRANT NUMBER 11696
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED February 7, 1790 to ____ not shown___

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrant issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.