Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 9587, William Holson, Va.
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SERVICE: Va.
Holson, William
NUMBER: S. 9587
Carded
CONTENTS
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30,550
Ohio (Pittsburgh)
William Holson
of Richland Co in the State of Ohio
who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Davy - of the regt. commanded by Col Morgan in the Virga mila for 8 1/2 months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio (Pittsburgh) at the rate of 28 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8 day of April 1836- and sent to Hon: W. Patterson, H.R.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1836 $141.66
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept 36 13.33
$155.00
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm Allison Clerk,
Book E 2 Vol. 5 Page 146
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The State of Ohio}
Richland County} ss
On this 24th day of November 1834 personally appeared before the Ho. Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of Richland William Holson of Clear Creek Township in the said County of Richland & State of Ohio aged 73 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 7ty 1832--That on the 1st day of October AD 1776 he entered the army as a Substitute for Amos Smith in a Regiment under the command of Col. Zackias Morgan, in a company commanded by Owen Davey and that we marched to Dayvs Station in Monongahela County Virginia, in which County I then resided that the duty the Regiment had to perform, was to guard the frontiers against the Inroads of the Indians. That I continued in Service for the space of two months, that being the time for which the person for whom I substituted, was drafted to serve - that the Regiment of which my company formed a part was stationed along the frontier at different stations. My Company was stationed at Davy Station but was not engaged in any battle whatever during that tour\That again on the 1st day of January 1777 I entered as a Substitute for a person whose name I cannot now recollect in a Regiment under the command of Col Zachias Morgan in Company commanded by Capt Reason Virgil. That our company was stationed at Kellims [sic] Station in Monongehala [sic] County Virginia in which County I then resided and that we employed in guarding the frontiers against the inroads of the Indians - that I continued in the service for the space of one month at the endo f which, the time for which our company was drafted [marked out: drafted] expired - That our company nor myself was engaged in no battle during that tour.
That again on the 1st day of July 1777 I volunteered in a Company under the command of Capt Charles Martin, in a Regiment commanded by Col Zachias Morgan. That our Company was raised for the purpose of guarding the frontiers against the Inroads of the Indians and we marched sometimes along the frontier divided into Scouting parties, and sometimes stationed at Morison Station. That I continued in the Service for the space of three months when we disbanded. that
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I was engaged in no battle during that term of service -
That again on the 13th day of March 1778 as near as I can recollect I volunteered in a company under the Command of Capt Charles Martin that our Company was Engaged all the time in this Town in the service of Scouting along the frontiers, principally in the County of Monongehala [sic] Virginia where [marked out: they]
I at that time resided.  That I continued in the service for the space of three months. When we disbanded. That during that we were in engaged in no batle.
And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or any annuity except the present and that 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 of the State of Virginia 
William Holson
Sworn to & subscribed the}
day & year aforesaid}
Jared Irvin Clk PL

We John Dickson & John Urquehart residing in Richland County Ohio hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Holson who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 73 years of ages - that he is reputed & believed, in the neighborhood, where hi resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion -
John Dickson
John Urquehart
Sworn & Subscribed the day}
and year aforesaid}
Jared Irvin Clk PL

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after an investigation of the matter, & of the putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states -
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And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that John Hickson & John Urquehart - who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of Richland County Ohio, and are credible persons and their statement is entitled to credit-
I Jared Irwin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court, in the mater of the application of William Holson for a pension -
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 24th day of November 1834-
Jared Irwin Clerk CPL

The following interogations [sic] prescribed by the War Department & the answers thereto were put to the applicant in the presence of the said Court-
1st Where & in what year were you born?
I was born in Hartford County State of Maryland in the year 1761 -
2nd Have you any record of your age?
Ans. I have none
3rd Where were you living at the time you were called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
Ans I was living in Monongahala [sic] County Virginia at the time i was called into service - from there I removed in the year 1800 to Washington Ct. Ohio - then [illegible] I removed in the year 1812 to Jefferson County Ohio & in the year 1815 I removed to this county where I have since resided.
4- How were you called in to service?
Ans The two first times I entered as a substitute & the last time, I volunteered - then [illegible]
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regular officers or troops with us, soldiers Militia troops called out by the State of Virginia to defend the frontiers from the Indians
I cannot recollect whether I received a discharge or not - if I did receive any I have lost them -
Wm. Holson
Sworn to & subscribed}
this 24th day of Nov'r 1834}
in open Court - }
Jared Irvin Clk P L.
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[illegible text sideways in upper left-hand corner]

9584

INVALID

File No.  9587

[signature] William Holson

[illegible] Rev. War

Act: June 7th 1832

Index:--Vol.    1,  Page  178

(Arrangement of 1870)
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[postal cancelation stamp] MANFIELD OHIO
Wm. Holson Ohio
[illegible] 32314

[sideways] Hon. Wm. Patterson
Hon Wm. Patterson, M.C.
Washington City 
D.C.
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Mansfield Nov 25, 1834

Dr Sir

Enclosed I send you my declaration for the purpose of obtaining a Pension accompanied with certificates & affidavits to prove my service. 
If you will send this to the Commissioner of Pensons and bestow some little attention to the investgation of my claim, you will render me a great service.

Yours respectfully,

William Holson

Hon. W. Patterson
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[illegible sideways text in upper left hand side]

To the Commissioners of Pensions

Hon. William Patterson

House of Congress [illegible]
Washington City

[illegible]
April 10
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Clearcreek Co 6th of April 1835

Sir, The Honorable William Patterson Congress

I wrote to you that I had no Testimonial Explanatory on my obtaining a pension I had forgot that I had been acquainted in the Revolution with Augustine Bigerstaff of Jefferson County [illegible].  I suppose you have been acquainted with him. I was at [illegible] station and my Captain Divided his company and he sent me with a detachment to Philip Dodrige and also Bigerstaff lived with Mr. Dodridge till the station was [illegible] it is easy enough to prove that I served as a Militia Soldier somebody I think must have told his honor that my pretended declaration formed no liability to Military service now I think if I was enroled [enrolled] under the commanding officer if I was commanded to go upon any expedition for the defence of our country had the commanding officer no authority to commanding the militia I think he had I would not csat a distant reflection upon the worthy commissioner he says that
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the militia of that section of country where I resided were only called out to perform a specific service. I beg his pardon I will inform you otherwise for I know that I was egaged [engaged] in the military service under Captain Owen Davey and when he discharged me from under him Captain John Evans aceded [acceded] in command, and Captain Evans solicited me to join his company but I declined his service but directly I went and joined another station.  I am sure there was many calls of militia I was an eye witness of. Even Davey was called out on Buffalo Creek. John Evans was called same place. [illegible] was called on Dunkard Creek Joseph Neil was commanded out at Scots Mill Charles Martin was called out at Ten Mile Creek again Charles Martin was call out at Martins fort more I can easily prove these things to be true if I could recollect there was many more calls out I went to Christian Forts since I wrote to you he told me he was stationed at Scots mill under Captain Neil he included them services with the rest of his services and receives his pay. I must surely be under a mistake.
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if I have not been authoritatively been commanded If I have offended I beg pardon I only want to make the matter plain
I ope to send Mr. Augustine Bigerstaff's certificate to the city I expect he will give some light upon the subject so I hope his honor will not throw my case away

your very obedient humble servant

William Holson
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[sideways in left margin] Ohio June 4

The Honorable [illegible] James Edwards

Commissioner of Pensions

Washington City

[illegible]

May 29th
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Clear creek Ohio 22nd May 1835
The right Honorable James L. Edwards commissioner of Pensions
Please in your Clemency and good will hear my Petition and give these lines
a reading. I received you letter 20th of April 1835. I feel very much
grieved that you have made such an unfavorable and fatal decision in my care.
You say it cannot be departed from. You say that the service mentioned in
my letter 6th of April 1835 were all performed after the termination of the 
revolutionary War. I wish not to offend but beg [  ] to inform you that if you 
construed my letter right I have made a great mistake. To do myself justice, I will endeaver now in the fullest terms explain myself. I was born in the year 1761 in Maryland. I crossed the mountains in the year 1779. I think the revolutionary war commenced in the year 1775 (crossed out words)and in the year 1776
our independence was declared and in that same year I engaged as a
substitute as a  Malitia soldier.  I was going into sixteen years of age under
Captain Owen Darcy and well received by my officers. Again I engaged in the 
revolutionary War in the year 1777 and in the year 1778. I engaged in
the revolutionary war and have performed my duty with fidelity through
much hardship and danger and have narrowly  escaped with my life. A
good soldier will not flee from danger and peril, but like a good soldier for
his country's cause and has been said I was bold in the causes of my country.
And have been said by my acquaintance: if any man would receive a pension
ought to have a pension, Mr. Andrew [Joe] deposed and said that I serve
with him in the revolutionary war. Mr [Joe] is a man of good character and
had good estate my sister the attorney said her deposition was good evidence
and I am sure and it is a plumb fact that I performed my services in
the revolutionary war now I do not recolect exactly when General Clark went with
his Army down the river know that he went with command under authority
before the termination of the revolutionary war. Now witness that Mr. Christian
Fast was with the General Clarks Army down the Ohio reiver. And he was
taken prisoner by the Indians - in about one year he returned home and
had applied for his pension and has obtained and ample pension. I have
been acquainted with him through the war and have thought that I had done
more actual service than he had done. I helped built the boat that Clark army
sent in and worked I suppose about two months lived hard but such was was
my anxiety for my country now please your Honor let me notice Christian
Fast in that army was confined a prisoner about a year and he implicated
his services with other serviced that he performed before his confinement and has
received an ample pension he is still my respectable neighbor I would not
wish to envy his success but think it unfortunate that I am denied the
little pitance that I require. Mr. Fast and myself was in the heat of
the revolutionary war he can testify the same. I would feel very much
distressed in mind if the Honorable Gentlemen of the war department would think
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That I would impose falsehood upon the Honorable Gentlemen of the war department would I think that I would impose falsehoods upon the worthy war department or would I think to present Erroneous or flimsy Documents before Them I would think it an awful conclusion to think that I would impose falsehood upon the fully respectfully war department (and me upon Oath) my conscience bear me witness that I am telling the truth I went into Mansfield last November Term to press the Court I applied to an Attorney Mr Shearman wrote my declaration I showed him Mr Ice's and my sisters certificates my Attorney said that my Sisters certificate is as Good my Attorney laid before my declaration before The court Judge Jackson one of the Judges of said Court particularly viewed my Declaration he Examined me I answered his questions I believe to his satisfaction I showed him some names he appeared well satisfied with their names he said I would get my my pension he said I ought to have my pension Transmit to you them names you may Judge whether I tell you the truth or not Mr Sturges a very respectable Merchant in Mansfield he insted upon me to persue my pension Mr Sturgess' acquainted with me about twenty years I used to live in Monongalia and believe the most of the Gentlemen in Mansfield would tell you that they believe me to be a man of truth and veracity and many of the most respectable men in Mansfield wish me to Obtain my pension and many respectable People wish me to Obtain my pension Sir I said ough tto have it
Now may it please your Honor I humbly bet that you would open your decision and give me reconsideration Now I think if the certificates sent to you are somewhat lame it will make up the decision of by the number of Vouchers in my behalf and cogent and Copious Circumstances Now please to consider that I have traveled about Three hundred miles to and from different stations with a number of Excursions and Scouting parties at the peril of life please remember how long it took to perform the much services I underwent all before the time I helped to build Clarks boats and to include the services done for Clarks boats after that never performed any revolutionary services of any consequence please remember that I have not charged the United States with building Clarks boats which think I ought to have done I did not think till I saw your letter that the decision was made but Thought that my papers was suspended for the proof I expect to get good Evidence shortly in my favor it will greatly distress me if you deny me the small sum I require I am now within a few days be Seventy four years of age it will not be a great burden to the Community to allow me what I require I cannot be satisfied till get something Excuse bad writing for I am old And infirm but thank God of sound mind and memory but my declaration have been so indelaly Established it will not be case by eraced
Gentlemen respectfully your most humble and obt. servant
William Holson
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Wm Holson
Ohio
allow for 8 1/2 months
$28.33/100
there was a Capt John Evans of a different family for that of Mr Evans F. S. Evans, living near Morgantown, Al. was a very old man when he died, some years since.
Hon Wm. Patterson
HR.
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The State of Ohio The Worthy War Department
Richland County SS On this 31st day of December AD 1835 personally appeared in open Court William Holson a Resident of Richland County, Ohio before the Court of Common Pleas in & for said County of Richland being aged 74 years of age, 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 7 1832 
That he was born in Herdford County Maryland in the year 1761 he has no record of his in 1772 he crossed West of the Allegheny Mountain and settled near where Morgan Town Now stands in Monongalia County Virginia in 1776 1st of October he Entered into the service of the United States as a private Soldier in the Virginia Militia under Captain Owen Davey at Daveys Station in said County of Monongalia as a Substitute for Amos Smith for a term of two months Morgan Morgan was Lieutenant John Davison was Ensign Col. Zacheus Morgan of said County of Monongalia he had the command of the Militia that he served under he served out the full term of two months at that station he believes he had a writen discharge but does not know what has become of it for he did not know that it would be of any use That station was at Buffalo Creek and it was a fronteer Post and the Militia were called out and stationed there to defend against the Indians sometimes he was scouting sometimes he was on station
Then January the 1st 1777 he again he Entered into the service of the United States as a private Soldier in the Virginia Militia at Kelham station in said County as a substitute he believes for Thomas Craige for a term of one month under Catain Rezin Virgin Brice Virgin Lieut he served out the full term of one month he does not recollect a discharge but he knows He served the term at that station that station was a fronteer for at Dunkard creek and the Militia was called out to defend against the Indians
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And the tours he performed was an Organized corps called into Actual service by competent Authority and for the time during which the service was performed he was not Employed in any Civil Pursuit
Again about the first of August 1779 he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier the Virginia Militia Now it was so that the Tories was Opposed to the United States and it was thought the Tories would rise on the side of the British on alarming Circumstance and a number of them are brought into Martins Garrison here he resided and the Tories was first under guard in Martins Garrison Captain Charles Martin had the command of the Militia at that place and he was called out to guard the Tories as considerable number of field officers was present he volunteered to Join a corps of Militia to guard and Escort the Tories to Swaringham Fort Captain Charles Martin was his Captain Samuel McLinley was Lieut Col. Zacheus Morgan was the commander of the Regiment the Tories were Escorted 12 miles to Join the body of Tories to Sweringham a fort of 2 in Number and he was bound to Military service he resided as a guard over the Tories a considerable time of term and he went to Martins Garison he was sent with a serjant and a file of men to apprehend deserters James Neil Captain of a regular Troops was placed a while at Martins Garrison as a guard he served three months on that tour 
And he thinks he was called into Actual service by Competent Authority and he was in company with the Militia and he was Either Scouting or in Garrison and for the time during which the service was performed he was not Employed in any Civil pursuit; but He was not discharged for the service bound to the Militia service but the war all the while ceased but about the first of March 1778 the Indians broke out worse than before then He was commanded to go on into the fronteers
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To defend the country against the Hostile foe leaving all Civil pursuits The Indians killed on the 13th day of March 1778 4 persons - and made 4 persons prisoner at one place a few days afterward He passed by that place on a guard and two young men were killed he passed by about one mile from that fort it was about 12 miles from Kradders fort at Martins he arrived at Shaddlers Fort and joined a corps to defend that place and was placed as sentinel against that place he attended to the burying a number of persons that was killed by the Indians on that tour he resided a while at Shaddlers fort here turned through the wilderness as a scout many miles to Martins Garrison he remained a guard at the Garrison till he was discharged at that tour was 2 1/2 months he lived only for the defense of the welfare of the United States country again he thinks in 1779 he joined a company of volunteers to guard a place in distress by the Indians at Pickets fort about thirty miles distant he thinks about 3 weeks but he does not charge the United States with his tour he leaves it to generous minds he was Engaged about Two months building General Clarks boats to go on Expedition down the Ohio - he had no battles
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present And declares his name is not on the pension roll of the Agency of Any State, or if any only on that of the Agency of the State of Ohio-
Sworn to & Subscribed the Wm Holson
day & year aforesaid
Jared Irwin Clk
C.P.
RCC
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We Joseph Hall a Clergyman residing in said Richland County, & Benjamin Gass residing in the same do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Holson who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy four years of age - that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the Revolution & that we concur in that opinion Joseph Hall Benjamin Gass
Sworn & affirmed to & subscribed the day
& year aforesaid-
Jared Irwin clk

And the said Court do hereby declare their after investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states - And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Joseph Hall who has signed preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in said county of Richland, and that Benj. Gass who also has signed the same is a resident in said County of Richland & is a credible person, & that their statement is entitled to credit-

I Jared Irwin Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in & for the said County of Richland & State of Ohio do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of William Holson for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my & seal of office this third day of December Eighteen hundred & thirty five-
Jared Irwin Clerk
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The following are the answers to the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department 
1st I was born in the year 1761 in the County of Hertfort Maryland-
2nd I have no record of my age-
3 I lived at the time I was called in service in Mongahala County Virginia After the war I moved into Fayette Co. Pa. then into Washington Co. Ohio. then to the County where I have lived for 20 yrs
4th I volunteered & substituted-
5th Capt Neil was the only regular officer I knew - I was employed in defending the frontiers from the Indians
6th I believe received discharges from any of
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officer, but they are now lost or destroyed-
7th I will state the names of the Hon Wm Patterson Member of Congress - Hon Mordecai Bartley-
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June 10 - 1834-
I hereby certify that Mr William Holson of Richland Co. O. has for many years been an acceptable member of the Methodist Church and of good standing in civil society- Elmore Yocum Current Preacher
M. E. Church

Mr Wm. Holson has filled the office of Justice of the Peace in Ohio 9 years was regularly commissioned by Governor Meags County Surveyor - has been a mail contractor under bonus of some thousand dollars Refferences can be had to the Records at Columbus
Stephen Smith
Isaac Oskin
Henry Pittenger

This is to certify that we have been acquainted with the above named Wm Holson Esq for several years and do consider him to be a man of truth & veracity
Wm Gardiner
Jacob Gardner
D. J. Swinney
Matthew Lind
Benjn. Gass

This is to certify that I have been acquainted with Mr Wm Holson for the last ten years during which time so far, I ever heard he maintained an unblemished character I always considered him among the most respectable of the citizens of the country and I have the fullest confidence that for truth and veracity he stands equal to any man in the country
Wm Patterson
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Wm. Holson
re-examine report to Hon. Mr. Patterson (Ohio) 
Look at Jacob Fast's papers - He is on the roll-+ why not put on Holson, who [illegible] with Fast? 
Should be Christian Fast.
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J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Dec 21
Ohio
Hon Wm Patterson
HR
Page 27

House of Reps. Dec 18th 1835
Sir
I gave the information contained in yours of yesterday to Mr Holson who claims a pension for Revolutionary Service in a letter directed to him this day.
And in the evening received from him a new declaration. which I now inclose to you for examination and can only say that I have no doubt on my mind from the knowledge I have of the man that he did perform the service as stated in his declaration and hope he has now made such evidence of his Claims as will be satisfactory to the department
I have the Honour to be
Respectfully yours &c
W Patterson
J L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 28

The State of Ohio Personally appeared before me
Wayne County SS M Culbertson Justice of the Peace in Seal and for said County Mary McDonald being first Duly sworn according to law deposeth and sayeth that in the year 1776 she Crossed the Aleghany mountain and she was informed that William Holson her half Brother had went on station in the revolution to guard against the Indians and she remembers that he the said William returned from the station & we lived together in one family a short time and she believes the said William went out on different Expeditions against the Indians for the defence of our fronteers she remembers that Charles Martin was Captain and Samuel McGinley was Lieutenant part of the time said William served under the remembers that we Resided in Monongalia County State of Virginia and further this deponent sayeth not
Mary Mcdonald

The State of Ohio I M Culbertson do Certify that
Wayne County SS the above deponent Mary McDonald is believed to be a woman of truth and Punctuality and I believe her to be 69 years of age
Sworn to and Subscribed on the 26th day of Feby 1834 before M Culbertson J Peace

State of Ohio I John Sloane Clerk of the Court
Wayne County SS of Common Pleas of Wayne County Ohio do hereby certify that the above signed Moses Culbertson Esquire is an acting Justice of the Peace within and for said County duly commissioned and qualified and that all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at [illegible] the 26th day of February AD 1834
J. Sloane
Clerk
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State of Indiana Henry County
Personally appeared before me Benjamin J Cady Justice of the Peace within and for said County Andrew Ice who being first duly sworn according to Law deposeth and saith that he served Six months in the army of the revolution with William Holson and that said William Holson did serve in the army of the revolution six months and that they were Stationed at Capt. Owen Davys Station at the head of Buffalo creek in the state of Virginia in the year 1776 and at the expiration of the term of six months I, saw Said William Holson received a discharge from Capt Owen Davey the Capt under whom we served and Morgan Morgan was our Lieutenant John Davison was our Ensign during the term of six months we served in the Army of the Revolution together
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 15th day of Dec 1833
Andrew Ice
B. J. Cady JP

State of Indiana sct
Henry County I Eli C Murphy Clerk of the Henry Circuit Court Certify that B. J. Cady Before whom the foregoing affidavit was taken is and was at the time of taking the same an Acting justice of the peace of said County Lawfully Commissioned and sworn into office and as such all his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at New Castle this 18th day of December 1833
Eli Murphy Clerk
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Clear Creek Ohio 22nd June 1835
Honored Sir
I received your letter last Thursday with some hopes of success you state that I should make a declaration setting forth Each Tour of duty I had performed for my part I thought that you had received my declaration and I thought the different tours of service I performed was clearly stated I know I instructed my Counsel so to do the first tour of service I performed in the revolutionary war was the term of two months under Captain Owen Davey Morgan Morgan was Lieut. John Davison was Ensign Zacheus Morgan was commander of our Regiment I was a Substitute for Amos Smith he was Drafted and I went in his place we was Stationed at Captain Owen Daveys Station on Buffaloe Creek in Monongalia County in the state of Virginia the Captain received me in Amos Smith's place I went into the service a Scout the first of October in the year 1776 undoubtedly the Company was organized under legal authority and it was our duty to range and to see for signs of the Enemy sometimes in station sometimes in the wilderness to search for the signs of the Enemy it has been declared upon Oath that I had a written discharge but I do not remember whether or not for I was very young and o not know whether I received a discharge or not but I believe I did but remember well that I served two months - again I substituted under Captain Rezin Virgin Brice Virgin was his Lieut, the first of January 1777 I believe 
I was substitute for Thomas Criag but I cannot be sure but I know I served one month under Captain Rezin Virgin at Kelhams Station I do not remember whether many Occurences took place at that station for it was very cold weather I do not recollect whether I received a discharge or not - Kelhams station was at Dunkard Creek in said County of Monongalia - and the third Tour I volunteered under Captain Charles Martin he was Captain of the Militia in that section of country Monongalia County aforesaid I was Commanded to guard against insurrection and considered myself under legal Authority and would Not Expect to be commanded by no Authority that I know that I was un
Page 31

-der strict Command if my memory serves me right I entered into That service the month of July 1777 and went into Active service immediately afterward I served three months on that tour and was in very straitened circumstances you will please remember our country was very that could cause a number to battle and we had to go to very young to go for the defence of our country against many foes sometimes in garrison sometimes to suppress insurrection of some distance miles sometimes to apprehend deserters then on the fronteers for it was considered a great place of slaughter And I think we was kept busey against the Enemy I served the full term of three months terminated in November 1777
the the first day of March or thereabout in the year 1778 I Engaged under Captain Charles Martin as a Volunteer to make my matters more plain ascertain Jacob Parton was shot at by the Indians but missed him he laid whip to his horse and cleared himself about the first of March 1778 
The on the thirteenth day of March 1778 the Indians surrounded a company of men ten in number the Indians killed four on the spot took 3 prisoners 3 made their escape then in a few days afterwards ordered to go with a company of men to go twelve miles Distant to Straddlers fort to the relief of the inhabitants of that fort and as we were on our way near to that fort the Indians killed two men near that fort helped to bury the dead we remained a while in that fort for the inhabitants of that fort was so many killed and drive away the rest of the people were afraid to leave
That place least they would be killed by the way there we went with a company about nine miles from Straddlers fort. Col. Morgan Col Evans Captain Davey John Cannasters James Perdue and others nineteen in number we went to search for a Mr Jacksons family we found Mr Jackson lay dead by the road his son in law was killed Mr. Jackson and a man of the name of  Thomas made prisoners we buried the dead our route about 31 miles we was forted at Martins fort some times in the fort sometimes on scouting but on the fronteers mostly but it comes
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nearer home we were left entirely a fronteer the people, were Driven to the East side of the Monongalia river The Indians came like roaring Lions I do not know how I Escaped the Tomahawk for I was nearly every day on the fronteers sometime in May ten persons were killed and made prisoners that did belong to Martins fort took nineteen Horses some rifle guns was taken those of any relations fled for safety and had left me to guard the fort I think that tour was two months and a half 1st 2 month
2 - 1 Do
3 - 3 Do
4 - 2 1/2 Do
Month 81/2
I suppose you refer me particularly to the two braces in the printed sheet first brace you speak of Alleged service as they are known at the department I suppose Captain Owen Davey is enrolled in the department if so Amos Smith is enrolled there also Amos Smith has been dead many years and if Cap Davey is not enroled it can not Exist for all I know he was under legal authority or I know he had command of a considerable troop if Amos Smith was Enroled and his name is in the department I ought to be placed to his services if now I can not be had I suppose the proceedings may be traditionary and in case of Captain Rezin Virgin no rol Exists it will be tradition my Dear Sir please your Honor I cannot procure the Evidence I might have done for I believe Every Officer that was over me is dead Andrew Ice I suppose is living but I cannot easily get his testimony for he lives a great way off I wish I could know whether you received my declaration or not I humbly beg you to let me know if I need to go before the Court again or not I know that I was sworn before the Clerk of Richland County and in the presence of the Open Court I plead that you would be so kind as to direct me some way to obtain my Pension for I greatly need it if I had not done so much service in the United States in the revolutionary war I would hold my peace and say no more about it I suppose my counsel sent my declaration with the description of my age &c with all necessary information if you please send me some releaf and I will humbly thank you
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I hope please your Honor I think you will be satisfied that I ought to have a small Pittance I think you will imbrace the Idea that I have performed a great Deal of services in the revolutionary War the rapid decrease of the revolutionary Army it will be hard to procure living witnesses to prove a claim for instance I have said before that I believe that Every last one of my Officers id Dead and if you will not receive such evidence I have procured many will loose their Pension Honorable Sir if my name is not enroled in the department and Cap. Davey in the department Capt Rezin Virgin and Cap. Charles Martin in the Department and my name is not I think they have neglected me and must I loose my Pension for their neglect pray most worthy sir Prove my friend at this time
I am with greatest respect your most
Humble and Obedient servant
William Holson

The Honorable James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
P.S. I humbly beg pardon for giving you so much trouble, but I could not make my writing any shorter to make the matter plain your honor has done a great deal for me Already which I thank you for
ans July 6. 1835