Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 6,436, William Worsham, Va.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
Va
SERVICE
CONTENTS
Worsham, 
William
NUMBER
S. 6.436
contents carded
Page 2

Let. Agent May 28 1836
do to James & J. D Wood, June 16
1836 -
Dead - Order to pay 2.0
March 1837
Aug. 27-1836--aB- 
2762
Virginia 
William Worsham 
of Pri [Prince} Edward in the State of Virginia
Who was a Pt in the command 
by Captain of the Reg commanded by Col. Henry in the Virginia line for 2 years from 1775. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
at the state of 33.0- Dollars - Cent
per annum, 
to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued the 5 day of Dec' '32
and served to 73.
Worsham, Prince Edward, Va.
Arears to 4th of Sept 1832- $495.-
$165.-
Semi-ant. allowance ending 4 Mar:33 $165.-
Aug. 27. 1836.
$660.-
d. August 27, 1936
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Nathan Rice - Clerk
Book D Vol. 7 Page 120
1
Page 3

6050
William Worsham
2 yrs. private & Captain from 1775.
$330. P-63.
5.12.
Int. 1.2.7.

See let Nov 16 - 1832
Pr. J. Worsham
Prince Edwards
Va
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6050
BRIEF in the case of William Worsham
County of Prince Edward in the State of Virginia
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Court

2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?

3. How old is he? 80

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.

Period.
[1] Summer In 1775 enlisted
[2] Feby 1780
[3] Fall 1780 -
[4] again 
[5] In Feby 1781 
[6] was a prisoner -
Duration of Service.
[1] Years, 1, Months, ~, Days. ~
[2] Months, 6, Days, ~
[3] Months, about 2, Days. ~
[4] Months, about 2, Days. ~
[5] Months, 3, Days. ~
[6] Months, 2, Days. ~
Rank. As a
[1] Private
[2] Capt.
[3] Capt.
[4] Capt.
[5] Capt. 
Names of General and field Officers under whom he served. Gen.
1st - Regmt Va. Lt. Jos: Scott
Col. Patrick Henry, Maj F Epps - Capt Markham, Maj Phil Jones Col. Green

5. In what battles was he engaged? None mentioned

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Amelia Cty Va.

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

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

Thaugh Examining Clerk.
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Wm Worsham
No 6050.
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State of Virginia, County of Prince Edward Sc
On this 20th day of August 1832, personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of said County, William Worsham, a resident of the parrish of Saint Patrick in the county of Prince Edward and State of Virginia, aged eighty 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 1st. Virginia Regiment in the Service of the United States in the summer of 1775 as a Soldier, for one year, with Lieutenant Joseph Scott, and served in the said Regiment under the following officers, Colo. Patrick Henry, Major Francis Eppes the officers of the Company to which he belonged were Capt. Markham, 1st. Lieut. William Cunningham, 2nd Lieut. Joseph Scott & Ensign Tarlton Woodson, he was then a resident of the County of Amelia, but much of his time was spent in Chesterfield county, shortly after he enlisted he marched to the Town of Manchester, from thence to Williamsburg and on to Norfolk in this State, on their march to Norfolk in December 1775 an engagement took place at the Great bridge, between the advanced Troops of our Army under the command of Colonels Scott & Marshall, and the British, when the British retreated and after several days irregular skirmishing and fighting they embarked on their vessels that Norfolk was about this time [illegible] and the American Troops went to Kemps landing about eight miles distant from Norfolk, where they remained untill the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he was discharged - Afterwards he received a commission as Captain in the Militia of this State, his [illegible] being then in the county of Amelia, and he was ordered into Service, and in February 1780, he as a Captain of Militia, with Captains Robert, Fitzgerald & Jones marched to aid the people of North & South Carolina, who were then much annoyed by the British Troops. & Tories, that they went to Halifax Town North Carolina where they remained sometime & being joined by some of the Militia of that State, they were placed under the command of Colo. Wylie Jones and marched near to Charleston, about the time the American Troops were defeated at Camden, and the
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Militia returned, the company he commanded to the County of Amelia where they were discharged, having served a Tour of Six months. That in the fall of the  year 1780, he was again ordered on duty as a Captain of Militia, he still residing in Amelia County, and marched to Richmond, Wilton and the County about Richmond, he was then under the Command of Major Phil Jones and Colo. Abraham Green, that after being in the service for about Two months he was discharged near Richmond and having returned home there was another call for Militia from the said county of Amelia when he again marched as a Captain of Militia to the town of Petersburg, where he was placed under the command of Colo. Edmond Booker and after serving for about two months he was again discharged at Petersburg; about this time Arnold and Phillip were invading the country about Petersburg and Richmond, and the militia was called out frequently to serve for Short periods. In February 1781 there was again a call for troops from Amelia County, when he again went as a Captain of Militia, and Marched to the head quarters of Marquis de la. Fayette at Walton near Richmond, ~ Cornwallis with his army from the South came about this time to Virginia, that the British forces were at Petersburg, and it was the intention of La fayette to attack them at different points at the same time, one division of the American Troops under Colo. Barbour marched direct to Petersburg, & the other under Lafayette marched around to cross at  Goose Island, this applicant acting as a guide to Lafayette, but Colo. Barbour arriving before Lafayette attacked the british from Baker hill and the british ~ retreated from Petersburg going to Richmond & across James river to Point of Fork, That he served at this time as a Captain three months, and upon other Troops coming on the Militia from Chesterfield and Amelia Counties were discharged at a place called Bird Ordinary near Point of Fork, on the day after his discharge he with Capt. John Knight & Lieutenant Archer Watchall with about two hundred soldiers, set out for their residence in Amelia
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and Chesterfield, when they fell in with and were taken prisoners by Tarlton and Cornwallis, and the Commission which this applicant held as a Captain, was taken from him by an officer of the British army, he was detained as a prisoner for Two months, when at Jamestown in July 1781, after the battle was fought between the Americans under Genl Wayne and the British under Cornwallis, he was discharged by the British and returned to his residence in Amelia with the small pox on him; The siege of Yorktown commenced immediately after and continued till October when Cornwallis surrendered, and this applicant was not again in the Service.
The applicant further States that he does not know of any one now living, who can testify as to the particular services which he rendered, and having no documentary evidence in his possession upon which to rely, he having long since ~ despaired of receiving Compensation, he cannot at this distant period, specify dates with particularity or certainty. 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. ~
William Worsham
Sworn to and subscribed the
day and year aforesaid.

We Charles Woodson and William T. Walker residing in the county of Prince Edward, do hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with William Worsham, who has ~ subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be eighty years of age, that he is ~ reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier and officer in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Charles Woodson
William T. Walker.
Sworn to and subscribed
the day & year aforesaid.
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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 officer & served as he states. And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Charles Woodson and William T. Walker who have also signed the same, are residents in the county of Prince Edward, and are Credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to Credit. ~
I Branch J. Worsham clerk of the court of Prince Edward county, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of William Worsham for a pension. In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office the day and year first mentioned.
B. J. Worsham C,C,
Page 10

Wm Worsham's
Amended decl.
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State of Virginia, County of Prince Edward Sc
On this 22d. day of November 1832, personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of said county, William Worsham, a resident of Saint Patricks parrish in the county of Prince Edward, and State of Virginia, aged Eighty years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following amendment & addition to his declaration made before the Court of and County on the 20th. day of August last, in order to obtain the benefit of - the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 Viz:
He was born according to the best information that he can procure on the subject, and he believes, on the 16th. day of June 1752, in the county of Chesterfield in Virginia:
He has a register of his age in a Prayer book now in his possession, which formerly belonged to his mother.
He names as persons who know him, in his present neighborhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier and officer of the Revolution, Wm. T. Walker, Charles Woodson, James Morton, John L. Crute and Henry E. Watkins.
According to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, in the following grades:
For one year he Served as a private or Soldier.
For six months he served as a Captain in the Virginia Militia,
For Two months Lo....Lo....Lo
For Two months Lo....Lo....Lo
For Three months Lo....Lo....Lo. In this last Tour, on the day after he was discharged and before he could reach home, he with others, as stated in his original declaration, were Taken prisoners by the British Army & detained for a further period of two months; making his whole service as a soldier Twelve months, and as a Captain of Militia including the time he was a prisoner Fifteen months.
That he knows of no Clergyman in his neighbourhood or in the County of Prince Edward whose evidence he can obtain, as to his belief respecting his age and general belief relative to his revolutionary services. ~ William Worsham.
Sworn to and Subscribed the day & year aforesaid. ~
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And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and Officer and Served as he States. ~

I Branch J. Worsham clerk of the court of Prince ~ Edward County, do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the amended application of William Worsham for a pension. In Testimony whereof, I hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 22d day of November in the year 1832. ~
B. J. Worsham C,C,
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November 12, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxx
William Worsham-S. 6436
BA-J/AWF

Mr. A. B. Spencer
Lumber Company, Wholesale & Commission
San Antonio, Texas

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Captain William Worsham of Prince Edward County, Virginia.

The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 6436, based upon the service of William Worsham, during the War of the Revolution.

William Worsham was born June 16, 1752 in Chesterfield County, Virginia, names of his parents not given.

While residing in Amelia County, Virginia, he enlisted in the summer of 1775, served one year as private in Captain Markham's company, Colonel Patrick Henry's Virginia regiment, and was in the battle of Great Bridge. He was commissioned captain of Virginia militia, and was called out in February, 1780, marched to Halifaxtown, North Carolina, and there joined Colonel Wylie Jones' regiment and marched on to Charleston, South Carolina, length of this service six months. In the fall of 1780, two months as captain in Colonel Abraham Green's Virginia regiment, and again two months in Colonel Edmund Booker's regiment. He was called out in February, 1781 and marched withain of militia to Richmond, Virginia and was there about three months, and while on his way home, was taken prisoner by the British, held in Jamestown, where his commission as captain was taken from him; he was discharged shortly after the battle of Jamestown.

He was allowed pension on his application exe-
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cuted August 20, 1832, then a resident of the Parish of St. Patrick, Prince Edward County, Virginia. He died August 27, 1836.

It is not stated whether the soldier, William Worsham, was ever married.

Branch I. Worsham in 1832 was Clerk of the Court of Prince Edward County, Virginia, his relationship to the soldier not shown.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
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Treas. Dept June 9. 1834
Respectfully referred to the
Commiss. Pension Office

W. U. June 9

Levi Woodbury Esquire
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington City

[stamp 1]
FARMVILLE
JUNE
6
VA.

[stamp 2]
FREE
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Farmville Virga 6th June 1836

Dear Sir,
By a reference to the Treasury Books headed Revolutionary Claims, It will be seen that I have made Out and as a Magistrate Certified the Claims for Pensions of James Martin & Jno. Crute from the year 1828 to the time when the business was transferred to the Pension Agent in Richmond; in 1835; during that period I never had the least difficulty with the Treasury department, I believe during apart of that time I also rendered the same services for Cap. Wm. Worsham also a Pensioner in this County (Prince Edward) under the Law of 1832 I think in Sept. last I made out the papers for the above mentioned three pensioners, and sent them to my friend Richard Anderson the President of the Old M P. Bank in Richmond they were presented & returned to me; they were again renewed & sent on and again returned: in March last the papers for the pension falling due the 4th. that month was made out & forwarded & the old & the new both returned, the papers have again been renewed & forwarded and a few days past I have been notified, by Mr. Anderson that James Morton & Jno. Crutes pension has been paid & that Cap. Worshams was not because in the statement furnished by the Treasury Department to the Agent in Richmond it was stated the amt. to be pd. Cap. Worsham was $320 pr Ann: Whereas the Certificate he holds says $330 pr Ann: and the Agent was to write on to Washington for further information about it, thus the business stands at present: I do not know who the Agent is nor am I actuated by my improper feelings towards him, altho I have just cause of Complaint, inasmuch as when the
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papers were first presented, if they were deficient, in any respect it was his duty to point them all out, at once, which he failed to do; 
I am perfectly aware that many impositions have been practised on the Government, by Individials prosecuting false papers, and Consequently stricter regulations are necessary to govern the Conduct of Agents in paying but there may be an Over Caution Sometimes unnecessary: But the main object in this Communication is to Suggest respectfully, that the Agent in Richmond pursued the Course formerly pursued by the Treasury department. that is, to forward to each Revolutionary Pensioner in the state a printed form since two weeks previous to the time when the pension falls on: so that at the proper time (the 3d. Mar. & 3d Sept.) it can be filled up the [illegible] administered to & forwarded at the proper time - And also, to instruct him that when the name of an Individual has been duly Certified under the hand & seal of the Clerk of the County where he resides that he is an acting Magistrate in the County that it is sufficient authority, without requiring it every time a pension falls due:
By adopting these suggestions it appears to me that much difficulty and trouble may be avoided, and the pensioners who have heretofore received their pensions with so much regularity and particularity, would be greatly obliged: and the Agent saved from much perplexity - The pensions I have named within I have known for more than 30 years, they are truly esteemable men, & Confidently believing that they rendered valuable Services to their Country in its time of need, I very cheerfully offered them my services to get their Pensions for them from time to time as they might fall due: I never have directly nor indirectly received One Cent reward for any
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services I may as for them nor do I ever mean to receive any: I am gratified in having it in my power to render them the best Service: 
Should you have any doubt as to the Correctness of the within: I beg leave to refer you to my Representative in Congress James W. Bouldin Esq. and to Benjn W. Leigh Esq. of the Senate with whom I am Acquainted
Very Respectfully Sir
Yr Mst Obt
James D. Wood
Levi Woodbury Esq.
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington City

Although I refer to War Dept which then had charge of them July it the year past 
W
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Wm Worsham
Page 20

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of William Worsham which require further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for him not doing so? ~

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes

V. *Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? No (on amended decla)

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
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2

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Two Credible persons

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? No (on amended decla)

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes

XIV. [notation sign 1]If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? ~
And is the official character and signature of the magistrate certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? ~

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? ~

XVI. [notation sign 2]Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? ~

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 1. 2. 7 (see amended decla.)
_________________________
EXPLANATORY NOTES.

*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ___________ year _____________ months, and _________ days, I served as a ______________ For _____________ months and ___________ days, I served as a _______________; and for such service I claim a pension.”
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3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which 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 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.
[notation sign 1]QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[notation sign 2]QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the 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.
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Rev War 6436
INVALID.
File No. 60436
William Worsham
Pri Rev War
Act: June 7th 32
Index:-Vol. A, Page 414
[Arrangement of 1870.]

1925 - Sept. 9 - Hist to Mrs. A. L. Anderson AWF.
1934 - Nov. 12 " " A. B. Spencer AWF.
Page 24

AWF.
Rev. and 1812 
War Section.

September 9, 1935

Mrs. A. L. Anderson
1901 Austin Ave
Brownwood, Tex.

Madam:
I have to advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 6436, it appears that William Worsham was born June 16, 1752 in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
While residing in Amelia County, Virginia, he enlisted in the summer of 1775 and served one year as a private in Captain Markham's Company, Colonel Patrick Henry's Virginia Regiment. [handwritten note: Baldin Bridge]
After this he was appointed Captain in the Same Militia, and from in February 1780 served six months under Colonel Wylie Jones, and in the fall of same year, two months under Colonel Abraham Green, a little later, two months under Colonel Edmund Booker, and from in February 1781, three
Page 25

months, while on his way home, from this service, he was taken prisoner and held two months, then discharged and returned home.
He was allowed pension on his application executed August 20, 1832, while a resident of the Parish of St. Patrick, Prince Edward County, Virginia. He died August 27 1836.
There is no data on file as to his family.

Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
S. F. 6436 Washington, D. C., _________, 19__

In reply to your request of ______, received _____ for a statement of the military history of William Worsham a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
[1] Summer 1775
[2] Feb'y 1780
[3] Fall 1780
[4] [checkmark]
[5] Feb'y 1781
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
[1] 1 year
[2] 6 mos.
[3] 2 mos.
[4] 2 mos.
[5] 3 mos. While on his way home he was taken prisoner & held 2 mos. then discharged & returned home.
RANK.
[1] Pvt
[2] Capt.
[3] "
[4] "
[5] "
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
[1] Markham
[2] mil
COLONEL.
[1] Patrick Henry
[2] Wylie Jones
[3] Abraham Green
[4] Edmund Booker
STATE.
Va.
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Amelia County
Date of application for pension, Aug. 20. 1832. His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application, St. Patrick Parish, Prince Edward Co. Va
Age at date of application, born June 16, 1752 in Chesterfield Co. Va. died Aug. 27. 1836*
Remarks: There is no data on file as to his fmaily.
*from A.B.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.

Never Sent out.
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[Header]
Forms 5-1 1-31 5000
All contracts and agreements are made contingent upon strikes, fires, floods, inability to secure cars, accidents, delays of carriers and other delays unavoidable and beyond control. No allowance for switching charges at destination.
All quotations are subject to prior sale and change without notice. Rules of the Southern Pine Ass'n. Govern Grades and Manufacture.
A. B. SPENCER LUMBER CO.
WHOLESALE COMMISSION LUMBER SHINGLES
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

[typed body]
October 27th 1934

A. D. Hiller, Assistant to Administrator,
Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:-
Have you any record of Captain William Worsham [handwritten note: AWF.], Prince Edward County, Virginia, having served in the Revolutionary war? Will appreciate it if you will kindly let me hear from you in regard to this.
Yours very truly,
A B Spencer

ABS/M

[stamp
RECEIVED
OCT 30 1934
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM.
READER # 17
Page 28

Brownwood, Tex
July 3' - 1925
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C
Dear Sirs:-
Will you please give me the Revolutionary War Record of Essex Worsham (Pittsylvania County) and William Worsham (Prince Edward), Virginia.
Thanking you in advance for your information, I am
Yours truly
Mrs. A. L. Anderson
1901 Austin Ave
Brownwood, Tex

[stamp]
PENSION
S
JUL
U. 8 S.
1925
OFFICE.