Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 3,587, William Williams, Md.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE 
Md.

Williams, William 

NUMBER
S.3,857

carded

CONTENTS
Page 2

Ohio 19,913

Wm Williams
of Pickaway Co in the State of Ohio 
who was a Private in the Co. commanded 
by Captain Ridgely of the Regt. commanded 
by Col. Dorsey in the Maryland 
line for 21 mos = $70..

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio 
at the rate of 70 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 24 day of Septr
1833 and sent to John 
L. Green, Circleville, Ohio

Arrears to the 4th of Septr 1833. - 175.
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar '34. 35.
$240.00
======

{ Revolutionary Claim, }
{ Act June 7, 1832. }

Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk, 
Book [illegible] Vol. 8 Page 29.
Page 3

Wm. Williams 
24197
Page 4

The State of Ohio } On this 19th day of February AD 1833 personally appeared
Pickaway County Ss. } in open Court before the Honble Frederick Genicks President and 
the Honble David Kinnead, Samuel Lybrand and Thomas Rovick Associate Judges of the Court 
of Common Pleas of said County holding the February term of said Court at the Court House in the 
town of Circleville in said County William Williams a resident of said County aged eighty four 
years on the 20th day of November last past, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth 
on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress 
passed June 7th 1832, being interrogated by the Court pursuant to the instructions from the 
War Department to wit: That he was born in Anne Arundell [Arundel] County in the State of Maryland 
on the 20th day of November in the year 1749 as he is informed and believes that there is a 
record of his age in Prince Georges Chapel in [word struck out] Prince Georges County in said State of Maryland 
and that he continued to live in said County where he was born until the breaking out of the 
√ Revolutionary War.  That in the fall of the year 1775, as well as he now recollects, he was 
drafted in the Maryland Militia, and started from the neighborhood of his home with his 
company and marched to Annapolis where he was stationed in a fort in defense of said 
town.  The the name of his Captain was Thomas Mullican, the 1st Lieutenant 
Absalom Anderson, and Ensign George Hayden.  The company to which he belonged 
was attached to a regiment under the command of Colonel William Hyde, applicant re
members that one night during his first tour, owing to some negligence, the enemy 
succeeded in striking some of the cannon of the fort.  That he remained two months on 
this his first tour and then being discharged, returned to his home in Anne Arundel 
√ County.  That in the spring of the year 1776, he was again drafted in the Maryland Mili
tia, and started from the neighborhood of his home in Anne Arundel County, in the 
same company and regiment and under the same officers as in his first tour.  That he 
was marched to Roundbay below Annapolis and was there stationed in fort, nothing 
particular here occurred, and after serving his tour of two months duty at that place 
√ he again returned to his home as aforesaid.  That in the month of June of the same year 
he was enlisted in the Maryland State troops for the term of six months.  The com
pany to which he belonged was attached to the 1st Regiment of Maryland State troops,
Page 5

[following repeated from the bottom of prior page:
succeeded in striking some of the cannon of the fort.  That he remained two months on 
this his first tour and then being discharged, returned to his home in Anne Arundel 
√ County.  That in the spring of the year 1776, he was again drafted in the Maryland Mili
tia, and started from the neighborhood of his home in Anne Arundel County, in the 
same company and regiment and under the same officers as in his first tour.  That he 
was marched to Roundbay below Annapolis and was there stationed in fort, nothing 
particular here occurred, and after serving his tour of two months duty at that place 
√ he again returned to his home as aforesaid.  That in the month of June of the same year 
he was enlisted in the Maryland State troops for the term of six months.  The com
pany to which he belonged was attached to the 1st Regiment of Maryland State troops,]

as well as he now recollects, and was commanded by a Colonel Hale, whose first 
name he does not recollect. His Captain's name was James Disney-1st Lieutn.,
Harry Ridgeley, 2nd Lieutn. Jonathan Sellman, and Ensign Edward Spancer.  That 
he started from home in said Anne Arundel County, joined his company at their ren
dezvous in the neighborhood and marched to a point some ten or twelve miles 
above the City of New York, on the North River between Forts Constitution and 
Washington.  Here he was for some time employed in trenching and picketing the Amer
ican lines.  The main army, or a large part of it being encamped a short distance 
off.  That he remained at this point about two months when he was marched
Page 6

to a place he thinks they called the "Red Lions" from thence to the "Paoli".  That he 
was engaged in the battle of the "Paoli" and well remembers the watchword which 
that fight originated.  From thence he marched to a place he thinks they called the 
"Tuckahoe heights" where he remained about a week or so, when he was marched to 
the "White Plains" with the main army under General Washington, Brigadier General 
Bell, he thinks commanded the brigade which his company belonged.  That he was 
in the battle which took place at the White plains in the month of September, as well 
as he now recollects.  That he was then marched with part of his own company and 
some other men across the river to Fort Washington under Colonel Magan, and at the 
surrender of that fort applicant with his orderly Sergt. and two or three men made 
their escape from the enemy and joined the American troops at Fort Lee, where 
applicant was again attached to his old company, who had been sent there [word struck out] when 
he parted with them after the battle of "White Plains."  That after the surrender 
of Fort Lee he was marched with the retreating army to Newark, Brunswick 
Princeton and Trenton and thence crossed to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware 
river.  That during their retreat through New Jersey applicant in common with 
his fellow soldiers endured the most cruel hardships.  He well recollects that 
he went without any food for four days and three nights and on the fourth night 
he appeased his hunger with a piece of the flesh of a Continental horse that had 
been killed, he and his [illegible] boiled it and he thought it as delicious a morsel 
as he had ever eaten.  That he was then marched to the City of Philadelphia where 
he remained a short time when his term of service having expired to wit: six months 
he was regularly discharged.  That notwithstanding this hardship and privation 
he had endured he readily agreed to remain with his fellow soldiers according
√ ly, without returning home, he re enlisted for a term of nine months under his 
former 1st Lieutn. Harry Ridgeley who was then promoted to Captain, Edward 
Spurrier 1st Lieutn., Caleb Bayle his former orderly Sergt. 2d. Lieutn. and Chaney 
Williams Ensign.  His company was then attached to a regiment under the 
command of a Colonel Dorsey, who shortly after resigned, and one Colonel Ewing 
took the command.  That during this his second [remainder illegible]
Page 7

[following is repeated from the bottom of prior page:
as he had ever eaten.  That he was then marched to the City of Philadelphia where 
he remained a short time when his term of service having expired to wit: six months 
he was regularly discharged.  That notwithstanding this hardship and privation 
he had endured he readily agreed to remain with his fellow soldiers according
√ ly, without returning home, he re enlisted for a term of nine months under his 
former 1st Lieutn. Harry Ridgeley who was then promoted to Captain, Edward 
Spurrier 1st Lieutn., Caleb Bayle his former orderly Sergt. 2d. Lieutn. and Chaney 
Williams Ensign.  His company was then attached to a regiment under the 
command of a Colonel Dorsey, who shortly after resigned, and one Colonel Ewing 
took the command.  That during this his second term of enlistment, he was constant]

ly employed in scouting parties occasionally under the command of one Captain 
John Gorman.  That he served his time of mine months in the neighborhood 
of Philadelphia and when his time was expired he was regularly discharged
√ and returned home to Anne Arundel County.  That in the fall or winter of the 
year 1777 applicants brother was drafted in the Maryland Militia, but he 
having a wife and three children to provide for applicant went as his 
substitute. That he joined his company in the City of Baltimore under the 
command of Captain John Watts, 1st Lieutn. Lot Wharfield, 2d. Lieutn. Joseph 
Williams, Ensign Willoughby Wherrit.  That his company was attached to a
Page 8

to a regiment under the command of Colonel Owens.  That he marched with his regi
ment to Philadelphia where after remaining until his two months had expired, he 
returned home to Anne Arundel County.  That he served faithfully three terms 
of two months, each as a drafted militia man and substitute, and fifteen months in the 
Maryland State troops making in all one year and nine months, during or 
part of which time he suffered, [words struck out] in his country's cause, [illegible] hardship 
and privation which can scarcely be conceived except by those who were active in 
those scenes.  That he continued to reside in said Anne Arundel County about 
three years after he returned from his last tour when he removed to Frederick 
County Maryland, here he resided he thinks about eight or nine years when he 
removed to the neighborhood of Leesburg in Loudon County Virginia where he 
resided about ten or eleven years. From thence he removed to Hells bottom 
on Paint Rock in Ross County Ohio, where he resided about two years. From 
thence he removed to Crookes Creek Pike County Ohio where he resided about 
nine years.  From thence he removed to the neighborhood of Williamsport 
in Pickaway County Ohio where he has continued to reside up to the pre
sent time a period of about three years.  That he has no documentary ev
dence of his services in his possession, his written discharges having long 
since been lost or destroyed.  That he knows of no persons in this neighbor
hood who are acquainted with his services.  He has two half sisters residing 
in Pike County about thirty miles from this who are acquainted with the 
facts but from their advanced age and infirmities they are unable to at
tend this Court.  Their names are Mrs Elizabeth Findley, and Mrs Mary 
Howard their depositions together with that of Cornelius Howard are 
herewith transmitted.  Applicant hereby relinquishes every claim what
soever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his 
name is not on the pension roll of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
S. S.Denny Clk  William his X mark Williams
Page 9

[following is repeated from the bottom of prior page:
in Pike County about thirty miles from this who are acquainted with the  
facts but from their advanced age and infirmities they are unable to at 
tend this Court. Their names are Mrs Elizabeth Findley, and Mrs Mary  
Howard their depositions together with that of Cornelius Howard are  
herewith transmitted. Applicant hereby relinquishes every claim what 
soever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his  
name is not on the pension roll of any State. 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
S. S.Denny Clk William his X mark Williams]

Mr. Lemuel Evans and John Williams residing in the County 
of Pickaway do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William 
Williams who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that 
we believe him to be eighty four years of age that he is respected and be
lieved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of 
the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.  John Williams
Sworn to and subscribed the day and  Lemuel Evans
year aforesaid.  S. S. Denny Clk
Page 10

Also the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that after the investiga
tion of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories as prescribed by the War
Department that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served 
as he states And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that 
Lemuel Evans and John Williams who have signed 
the preceeding [preceding] certificate are residents of said County of Pickaway, that 
they are persons of truth and veracity and that their statement is 
entitled to credit.

I Samuel S. Denny Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of Pickaway County 
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said 
Court in the matter of the application of William Williams for a pension 
[Blurred seal of office] In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
and seal of office this 19th day of February AD 1833.
S.S. Denny Clk
Page 11

Depositions & Certificate
Page 12

The State of Ohio Pike County Ss.} Be it known the on the 24th day of July AD 1833 before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within and for said County personally appeared Elizabeth Findly, who is personally known to me to be a person of truth and veracity, and entitled to credibility, who being first duly cautioned and sworn deposeth and saith, that she will be sixty nine years of age in September next--That she well remembers her brother William Williams. serving as a soldier in the war of the Revolution, that she does not now remember the number of times he was out, but recollects of his going and returning several times from the army. That at that time deponent lived with her mother (who was at the time married to a man by the name of Howard) in Anne Arundel County, State of Maryland. The she is informed that her brother the said William Williams of Pickaway County Ohio is now an applicant for a pension from government, under the act of Congress lately passed upon that subject, and further said not.
Elizabeth Findly  X  her mark
Sworn and subscribed to before me the day and year above written, the words "now of Pickaway County, Ohio" interlined before signing said deposition
William Barnes J P

The State of Ohio Pike County Ss.}  Be it known that on the day and year above mentioned personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace within, and for said County, Cornelius Howard, who is personally known to me to be a person of truth and veracity and entitled to credit, who being first duly cautioned and sworn deposeth and saith that he will be sixty five years old in January next. That as brother in law to William Williams now of Pickaway County Ohio who is he is informed is an applicant for a pension from government under a late act of Congress. That he many years ago remembers to have heard from the said William Williams and from others that he the said Williams that he served in the Army during the revolutionary war. and that he has no reason to believe that there is any doubt about the fact, and further said not.
Cornelius Howard  X  his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year
Page 13

before above mentioned.  The words "now of Pickaway County Ohio" inter
lined before signing said deposition.
Le the Justice sign on this line. William Barnes J.P.

The State of Ohio } Be it known that on the day and year first 
Pike County Ss, } before written personally appeared before 
me the subscriber a Jutice of the peace within and for said 
County, Mary Howard who is personally known to me to be a per
son of truth and veracity and entitled to credit who being first duly 
cautioned and sworn deposeth and saith that in the month of 
March last she was sixty six year of age.  That she is sister to 
William Williams of Pickaway County who she understands is now 
applicant for a pension from government under a late act of 
Congress.  That she well remembers her brother leaving home 
at different times, how or when she cannot say, to join the 
army during the revolutionary war.  That at that time she 
lived at home with her mother (then married to a man 
by the name of Howard) in Anne Arundel County, State 
of Maryland from which place her said brother started 
when he went out to the [repeated: the] army. And further saith not

Let the witness sign on this line  Mary her X mark Howard
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year 
first above written.
Let the Justice sign on this line  William Barnes J. P.

State of Ohio }
Pike County Ss. } I Hallan Hempstead Clerk of the Court of Common 
Pleas for the County aforesaid do certify that William Barnes 
Esquire, before whom the foregoing Depositions appear to have been ta
ken was at the time & still is an acting Justice of the peace in and 
for said County of Pike duly commissioned & qualified.  And that 
the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are genuine. And 
that full faith and credit are due to all his official acts as such 
as well in Courts of Justice as thereout.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand 
and affixed the seal of said Court at Piketon this 
24th day of July AD 1833.
Halllan Hempstead Clerk
Page 14

William Williams
S. 3587

[Note in left margin: First half of this 
letter in James Williams, S. 40712]

William Williams was born November 20, 1749 in Anne 
Arundel County, Maryland.

While a resident of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, 
he enlisted in the fall of 1775 and served two months 
in Captain Thomas Mullican's Company, Colonel William 
Hyde's Maryland Regiment.  He enlisted in the spring of 
1776 and served two months in Captain Thomas Mullican's 
Company, Colonel William Hyde's Maryland Regiment.  He 
enlisted in June 1776, served six months in Captain Disney's 
Company, Colonel Hall's Maryland Regiment and was in the 
battle of White Plains and at the surrender of Fort Washin
ton.  He reenlisted, served nine months in Captains Harry 
Ridgeley's and John Godman's Companies, Colonel Dorsey's 
and Ewing's Maryland Regiments and was in the battle of 
Paoli.  He enlisted in the fall or winter of 1777 and 
served two months as a substitute for his brother, his name 
not given, in Captain John Watts' Company, Colonel Owens' 
Maryland Regiment.

About three years after his services he moved from 
Anne Arundel County, Maryland to Frederick County, Mary
land, about nine years later he moved to Loudoun County, 
Virginia, about eleven years later he moved on Paint Creek, 
in Ross County, Ohio, about two years later he moved on 
Crooked Creek, in Pike County, Ohio, and about nine years later 
he moved to Pickaway County, Ohio.

He was allowed pension on his application executed 
February 19,  1833 while a resident of Pickaway County, Ohio.
[Note in right margin: Date of death not on A.B.]

Soldier's half sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Findly, aged 
sixty-nine years in September 1833 and Mrs. Mary Howard, 
aged sixty-six years in March 1833 and Cornelius Howard, 
brother-in-law of soldier, aged sixty-four years in 
January 1833 were residents of Pike County, Ohio, in 1833. 
The sisters stated that at the time of soldier's services 
they lived in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, with their 
mother, her name not stated, who was at the time married to 
a man by the name of . . . . Howard.

One John Williams was living in Pickaway County, Ohio, 
in 1833, no relationship to soldier stated.  There are no  
further family data.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 15

The depositions 
of Elizabeth 
Findly and
Mary Howard

[illegible] cost
75 cents
Page 16

The Deposition of Elizabeth Findly to go to 
Pickaway County State of Ohio

State of Ohio }
Pike County }  Personally appeared before me 
William Barnes one of the Jus
tices of the Peace in and for said County Eliz
abeth Findly of said County who being first 
duly cautioned and sworn according to law depo
seth and saith that she can't tell how old she 
was when her brother William Williams went to 
the army but at this time she saith next Sep
tember she will be sixty nine years old she 
saith that she knows him to start to join the 
army and of him returning home sum
time [sometime] afterwards and that they lived in Aronld [Arundl ]
County at that time further this deponent saith 
not
Elizabeth her X mark Findly
The above deposition sworn to 
and subscribed before me
this 25th day of Feb 1833
William Barnes J.P.
Page 17

The Deposition of Cornilius to go to Pickaway
County State of Ohio

State of Ohio }
Pike County } Personally appeared before me
William Barnes one of the Justice of the 
Peace in and for said County Cornilious Howard 
[struck out: and] of said County who being first duly caution
ed and sworn according to law deposeth and 
saith that he is next January he will be 
sixty five years old and that he is a brother 
in law to William Williams and he saith that 
he heard him many years ago say that 
he was in the army further this deponent 
saith not
The above deposition  Cornilious his H mark Howard
sworn to and subscribed 
before me this 25th day 
of Feb 1833
William Barnes JP
Page 18

The Deposition of Mary Howard to go to 
Pickaway County State of Ohio 

State of Ohio }
Pike County } Personally appeared before me 
William Barnes one of the Justice 
of the Peace in and for said County 
Mary Howard of said County who being first 
duly cautioned and sworn according to law 
deposeth and saith that she can't tell how 
old she was when her brother William Williams 
went to the army but at this time she saith 
that next March she will be sixty six 
years old she saith she she know him to 
start to join the army and him return
ing home sumtime [sometime] afterwards and that they 
lived in Aronld [Arundel] County at that time 
further this deponent saith not
The above deposition 
sworn to and subscribed  Mary her H mark Howard
before me this 25th day 
of Feb 1833
William Barnes JP
Page 19

19.913
24.197

William Williams
Pickaway Co Ohio

[struck out: Send to G.G. Brewer
Return J.]

Adm 1. year & 9 months 
$70.00

John S. Green
[struck out: S Denney Esqr]
Circleville
CC
Pickaway County 
Ohio
Page 20

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 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 William Williams
================================================================
Period when the |
service was |
rendered. |
______________ |
Fall 1775 |
drafted |
Spring 1776 |
June 1776 |
Vd |
Vd |
[struck out: 1777] |
Subd 1777 |
for his Brother |

Duration of the |
claimant's service. |
________________ |
Years. |
Months. |
2 |
2 |
6 |
9 |
2 |
Days. |
_________ |

Rank of |
the |
claimant. |
__________ |
Private |
" |
" |

Names and rank of the Field of- |
ficers under whom he served. |
___________________________ |
Capt Mullican |
Col Hyde |
Same officers |
Capt Disney |
Colo Hall |
Capt Ridgely |
Colo Dorsey |
Colo Ewing |
Capt Watts |
Colo Owens |

Age at present, |
and place of abode |
when he entered |
the service. |
_________________ |
84 years |
__________ |
Ann |
Arundel |
Co |
Maryland |
________ |

Proof by which the declaration is supported.
______________________________________
Traditionary

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant, 

J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 21

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 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 claim
ing 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 [blank] day of [blank] personally appeared (a) before [blank]
[blank] A. B. a resident (b) of [blank] in the county of [blank] and State, Territory or District
of [blank] aged (c) [blank] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the
following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832.  That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank], with [blank] and 
served in the [blank] (e) regiment of the [blank] line, under the following named officers :
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers ; the time he left the service ; (and if he serv
ed 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 per
sons 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 [blank]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank] , 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 revolu
tionary solider, and served as he states.
I [blank] of the Court of [blank]
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of [blank] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
[blank] day of [blank] &c.

If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be
found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.

Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia,
except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and
subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank], who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration ; that we believe him to be [blank]
years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier
of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the 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 Revo
lutionary 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 [blank]
and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank]
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank] Clerk of the Court of [blank] do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [blank]
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this [blank] day of [blank] &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power.  This is the original discharge or commis
sion ; 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 ser
vices of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light
upon the transaction.

If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will
also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful
in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
alleged service, as they are known at the Department.  A very full account of the services of each person
Page 22

3

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case.  The facts stated will afford one on the principal
means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be at
tempted ; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be ex
expected.  All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and
there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his
case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of
service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State
troops of Virginia.

1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary
war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service ; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute?
And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served ; such
Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
 {To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it giv
6. {en, 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 tes
tify 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 pro
cure, 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 fol
low 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 au
thority ; 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 pub
lic 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 con
tains 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 the 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 wit }
{ nesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. }
[Note in right margin: 3 living witnesses before a justice of the peace not certified as credible]
[👉] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops.  The proof required by rule in
note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[k] This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[l] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 23

[Two panels]
[Left panel]

[Note written vertically right margin]
1933 May 23 Hist. to Mrs. Clark Funsicker
See her letter in James Williams, S 40712,
Rev. War A.D.Y.
________________________________

[Right panel]

√ 3587
Rev War
√ INVALID>

File No. 3587
Wm. Williams
Privt Rev War

Act: June 7" 1832
Index:--Vol. A, Page 407

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 24

Piketon O }  10
March 8th }

John L Green
Atty at Law
Circleville
Ohio
Page 25

State of Ohio }
Pike County Ss} I Hallan Hempstead Clerk of the 
Court of Common Pleas for the County aforesaid 
do certify that William Barnes Esqr. was on the 
25th day of February last, and still is an acting 
Justice of the peace in and for the County of 
Pike aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualifi
ed to all whose official acts as such full faith 
and credit are due and ought to be given as 
well in Courts of Justice as thereout.
[Blurred seal of office] In Testimony whereof I have here
unto set my hand and affixed 
the seal of my office at Piketon 
this 5th day of March AD 1833.
Hallan Hempstead Clk
Page 26

[Envelope]

Ohio Aug 1
ntd.

[Circular mail stamp]
CIRCLEVILLE 
July
27
O

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City 
D.C.
Page 27

Circleville July 26 1833

J. L. Edwards Esq

Sir.

Inclosed [Enclosed] the papers of Mr Williams
with the testimony retaken and certified according to the 
note in red ink in the instructions.

The old man is infirm and needy 
and if any relief is to be offered by government 
very desirable it should be done as speedily, as the 
business of yr department will admit.

Sometime since Inclosed [Enclosed] the papers 
of John [illegible] a soldier wounded in St. 
Clar's defeat, I should esteem it a favour [favor] 
if you would inform me of its progress 
and probable fate.

Very Respectfully 

Jno. L. Green