Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 4594, for Thomas Steward, Virginia
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(S-1776)
Service   Number
Va. Steward, Thomas. W.4594
Sarah.
Contents
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9063
North Carolina
Sarah Steward dead
widow of Thomas
who was a private
in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of Sept 1851 and sent to George C. Ames Present
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book [illegible] Vol. 2 Page 160
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Declaration
Sarah Steward
1838
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th July 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.
State of North Carolina
Person county } On this 15th day of February One Thousand Eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me Clement H. Jordan a justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions Sarah Steward a resident of said County aged seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of Thomas Steward late of this County and formerly of Meclenburg County Virginia who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and who at the time of his enlistment resided in Lunenburg County Virginia. That she believes he enlisted under one Capt Dawson or Dowson that she is of opinion that Genl. Gibson commanded the brigade. She is not informed what direction the army in Virginia took but has often heard her husband speak of being on the Holston River and on the Schuylkill River. Of being at Valley Forge and of being insulated there for smallpox. She further states that he was at the battle of Guilford and at the siege of York, and that in the former battles he received a wound in the wrist or arm which resulted in a [illegible] distortions of said limb which even afterwards prevented the regular motions of that arm.
She further states that she is of opinion that his whole service in the war would have amounted to some two or three years he having enlisted several times.
She further states upon her oath that she was married to her said husband Thomas Steward in the fall of the year
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Seventeen hundred and ninety one by James Yancy Esq of Granville County in this state. She further states upon her oath that her said husband Thomas Steward died on the 10th day of February 1818 leaving seven children. She further states that he [illegible] drew a pension nor any bounty for his service [illegible] further states upon her oath that she now is and has ever remained the widow of said Thomas Steward
Sarah Steward
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written; before C. H. Jordan JP and also before: H. Woods J.P.
State of North Carolina Person County } We certify that we are acquainted with Sarah Steward the above declarant and that she is entitled to credit upon oath. Given under our hands on the 4th day of July 1843
C. H. Jordan J.P.
H. Woods J.P.
State of N. Carolina Person County }
We further certify that from old age and bodily infirmity the above named Sarah Steward cannot attend court. Given under our hands day and date above written
C. H. Jordan J.P
H. Woods J.P
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State of North Carolina Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions Person County Special Law November. 10th 1851.
Magistrates present viz.
Green Williams }
Junius P. Moore }
Jesse Munday } Esqr
On motion the following order was made viz. It appearing to our Satisfaction that Sarah Stewart late of Person County departed this life interstate and owing to her having received a Pension certificate from the Department of the Interior for the services of her late Husband Thomas Steward in the Revolutionary War.
Now Therefore that the amount of the said pension certificate may be received we do hereby appoint Thomas Stewart her eldest son entitled by law: Special administrator (he having entered into bond according to law in the sum of Four hundred Dollars with Clement H. Jordan his [illegible].) for receiving and distributing the same. Given under our hands on the [illegible] affixed at Roxborough November 10th 1851
G. Williams JP.
J. P. Moore J.P.
Jesse Munday J.P.
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State of North Carolina Person County }
I Charles Major clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county and State aforesaid, hereby certify that G. Willaims, J. P. Moore and Jesse Munday whose [crossed out] names appear to the foregoing order are now and was at the time of signing the same magistrate in and for the county of Person duly commissioned and Qualified, and I further certify that the foregoing is a true and [illegible] an order made by said court.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 3rd day of November 1851
Charles Major Clerk
State of North Carolina Person County }
I Charles Major clk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in and for the county aforesaid certify that it appears to my satisfaction that Sarah Steward named in foregoing certificate, widow of Thomas Steward died 14th April 1848. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name, day and date as above written.
Charles Major Clerk
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State of North Carolina Person County}
On this 3rd day of July 1843 personally appeared before me Clement H Jordan one of the justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the county above named William Baird a resident of said county aged seventy years (and one of the justices of the peace for the county) who being first duly sworn according to law, doth upon his oath state that he was acquainted with Thomas Steward and Sarah Steward his wife for fifty years or more. That he knew them as man and wife from the time they came into this County until the death of of the former which he believes took place about the time stated by Sarah Steward in her declaration. He further states that when they came into this county they settled on his lands and there remained to the time of his death and that the said Tho. Steward always spoke of Sarah Steward (now about to apply for a pension) as his wife and always recognized her as such. He further stated that he often saw the wounds upon the body of Thomas Steward made in the battles of the Revolutionary War, as he said, and of which he has no doubt. And he further states that he the said Steward supported as far a character as any man sworn to and subscribed on the day and date above written in presence of:
C. H. Jordan J.P. [illegible]
State of North Carolina Person County}
I certify that I am acquainted with William Baird the above deponant and knew him to be a man of respectability and entitled to credit upon oath. Given under my hand day and date above written.
C. H. Jordan J.P.
State of North Carolina Person County}
On this 3 day of July 1843 persons Baird and Clement H. Jordan two of the justices of the court of pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the county aforesaid. John Lawson and Elizabeth Lawson resident of said county the former aged 77 years and the latter aged 70 years
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who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon their oaths state that they were well acquainted with Thomas Steward late of this county who was the husband of Sarah Steward now an applicant for a pension. That they came to this county as man and wife. That they lived together as man and wife upto the time of his death, which they believe occured about the time stated in the declaration of Sarah Steward, viz in February 1818. They further state that their acquaintance commenced with them in the year 1792 or 1793 and that they were then living together as man and wife and that the former deponant (viz: John Lawson) wrote the will of the said Tho Steward in which he recognized the said Sarah Steward as his wife and left her the whole of his property or at least the greater part thereof.
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and and date above written in presence of John Lawson Elizabeth Lawson
Wm Baird JP
C. H. Jordan J. P.
State of North Carolina Person County} We William Baird and Clement H. Jordan justices of the court of Pleas and Quarter sessions in and for the county above named certify that we are well acquainted with John Lawson and Elizabeth Lawson the above deponants and that they are respectable and entitled to credit upon oath given under our hands day and date above written
Wm Baird JP
C. H. Jordan J.P.
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State of North Carolina Person County} I Charles Mason clerk of Person County court of pleas and Quarter sessions hereby certify that Clement H. Jordan, Hugh Woods [illegible] above appeared to the [illegible] Declaration of Sarah Steward, claimed a pension for the Revolutionary service of her husband Thomas Steward [illegible] act of Congress 1838 and also the signatures of the same annexed to the Deposition of John Tippet and also to the Deposition of Thomas [illegible] magistrate in and for the county above named and the foregoing deposition purporting to be [illegible] I further certify that [illegible] C Jordan whose signature appears [illegible] of [illegible] is a magistrate as above said that the deposition purporting to be his is genuine and I further certify that William Baird and Clement H. Jordan [illegible] whose signatures appear to the foregoing Depositions of John Lawson and Elizabeth Lawson are [illegible] as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. And I further certify that where the signatures appear to the foregoing [illegible] they are genuine and [illegible] magistrates all their act and deed are entitled to full faith and credit. And I further certify that in examination in any office [illegible] the will of Thomas Steward [illegible] bearing date the 30th January 1818 recognized Sarah Steward as his beloved wife and bequeathed to her all his property excepted one [illegible] during her life of widowhood.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my official seal of office and subscribed my name at office in [illegible] July 5th 1843 Charles Mason clerk
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This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a certificate issued on the 21st day of May 1784, in the name of Thomas Steward as a soldier of Infantry for £19.17.7, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Col Whale and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.
P276. {No Seal of Office} Given under my hand, at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 10th day of June 1843.
Jas E Heath Auditor.
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10
June 7
Dr C. H Jordan
[illegible]
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North Carolina.
Granville County. } Js.
I James M Wiggins clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the county and state aforesaid hereby certify that I have carefully examined the records in my office relating to marriages and am unable to find any thing showing a marriage between Thomas Steward to Sarah Drummonds. The marriage bond, the only evidence that could exist in my office not being on file.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of my office at Oxford. The 8th day of June. AD. 1843
Jas M Wiggins clk
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KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS That I Thomas Steward hereby constitute and appoint Geo C. Ames Esquire my true and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Sarah Steward for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase Pension that may be due; and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file in the Departments at Washington City or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments; and to receive the certificate which may be issued for said claim, which Certificate I wish made payable to C. H. Jordan to appoint one or more substitutes under him for the purposes herein expressed: and to do all things that I might or could do were I personally present. Hereby ratifying and condemning all that my said Attorney Agent shall lawfully do in the premises.
Witness my hand and Seal this 16 day July A. D. 1851 Thomas Steward
Signed and Sealed in the presence of
David Brooks
State of N. Carolina County of Person}ss:
On this 16 day of July A. D. 1851 before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared [illegible] and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be set and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid.
David Brooks J. Peace
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State of North Carolina
County of Person
BE IT KNOWN. That on this 16 day of July A.D., eighteen hundred and fifty one before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, personally appeared [illegible] Steward a resident of [illegible] in said County, and made eth according to law that he is the Son of Sarah Steward who appeared first [illegible] widow of Thomas Steward who was a Revolutionary soldier, and informed that the said Pension ought to be allowed: that he is directly interested as a claimant in said Pension and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my Agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and your aforesaid, before me. David Brooks, J. Peace.}
I, David Brooks Justice of the Peace, in and for said County do hereby certify that [illegible] who executed the foregoing paper is a respectable resident of this County, and is, I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set forth.
David Brooks J. Peace.
I, Charles Mason Clerk of the Court of the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that David Brooks before whom the foregoing papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly authorize by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscribed, is his signature.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal, this 31st day of July AD 1851
Charles Mason
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State of North Carolina
County of Person
It is hereby certified that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited before me Charles Mason clk that Sarah Steward widow of Thomas Steward who was a Revolutionary soldier of the United States died on the 14 day of April eighteen hundred and 48 leaving surviving the following named children viz. Mabel Shepard Nancy Epps, Thomas Steward, John Steward and that the above named children are the only surviving children of the aforesaid. Sarah Steward
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 31st day of July [illegible] and eight hundred and fifty one
Charles Mason Clerk
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11.166
North Carolina
Sarah Steward, died widow of Thomas Steward who died in the year 1848 Person Co, in the State of N. C. who was a private in the army commanded by Captain - of the regt commanded by Col - in the Revolution for 15 months
Inscribed on the Roll of [illegible] at the rate of 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 4 day of September 1851 and sent to Geo C. Ames Arrears to the 4th of Present Semi-annual allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by [illegible] clerk. Book [illegible] Vol. 1. Page 299
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Brief in the case of Sarah Steward, wid of Thomas
County and State of N. C. act 7 July 38 & supplemental.
Claim, ("original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Proof of service, Record of parole
" of marriage. Living witnesses and testimony
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Name and residence of Agent
Geo. C. Ames, Present
F. F. Kirby
Examining Clerk
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State of North Carolina Person County} On this 13th day of June Eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before us Hugh Woods and Clement H. Jordan two of the justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the county aforesaid John Epps a resident of the county of Stokes in this state (now on a visit to this county) aged seventy Eight years and a Revolutionary pensioner), who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon his oath state that he was well acquainted with Thomas Steward late of this County who was a Revolutionary soldier, and who was the husband of Sarah Steward now an applicant for a pension. He states that his acquaintance first commenced with Thomas Steward in the county of Lunenburg Va several years before the commencement of the Revolutionary War that he knows Thomas Steward enlisted in the County of Lunenburg under Capt Dawson and that Genl Gibson commanded the brigade that he was personally acquainted with both officers at the time the said Steward enlisted. He further states that he is well satisfied that he served in this town not less than eighteen months and probably two years. He further states that he often heard that Steward speak of this town and particularly of his inoculation for [illegible] pose at Valley Forge. He further states that he knows that Thomas Steward served a tour under under Genl. Gates and under Genl. Green or that he left Lunenburg Co and came up into the county of Mecklenburg together with a number of others to make out a company or ridgement for this Southern Campaign and he further states that he often heard the said Steward say that he received the wound in his wrist in elevating his gun to make his second fire at the battle of Guilford he further states that the said Steward served a tour of six or nine months in this campaign for although he was not with him he knows he was absent at least that length of time.
He further states that having heard that no record can be found of the marriage of the said Thomas Steward and Sarah Drum
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mond can be found. That they left his house in Lunenburg County Va for the purpose of going to North Carolina (it being a runaway match) for the purpose of getting married. That he saw Thomas Steward in a short time after that & that he Steward informed him that they were married by James Yancey Esq of Granville County which he then and does now believe. He further states that he always knew them after that period as man and wife upto the time of Steward's death which occured about the time stated in the declaration of Sarah Steward, he the said Steward always recognizing her as his wife. John Eppes
Sworn to and subscribed day and date above written; before H. Woods J.P.
C. H. Jordan JP.
State of North Carolina Person County} On this 13th day of June Eighteen hundred and forty three personally appeared before us Hugh Woods and Clement H. Jordan justices of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the county aforesaid Thomas Pool a resident of said county aged 57 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon his oath state that he knew Tho. Steward and Sarah Steward the present applicant for a pension for many years as man and wife; that they lived in this neighborhood ever since he was a small boy capable of going to a blacksmith shop to which he was in the habit of going for his (Pool) post, that they lived together then as man and wife and continued to do so upto the times of his death in 1818. Thomas Pool
Sworn to and subscribed before day and date above written}
H. Woods J.P
C. H. Jordan J.P.
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State of North Carolina Person County}
We Hugh Woods and Clement H. Jordan two of the justices of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the County aforesaid, certify that we have known John Epps (a resident of Stokes County in this state, whose deposition is above taken concerning the revolutionary services of Thomas Steward, late of this County and formerly of Sunnenburg Co Va) he has lived for a great many years thirteen or fourteen miles of us and as far as we know or even heard is entitled to credit upon oath. Given under our hands on the day and date above written.
H. Woods J.P.
C. H. Jordan J.P.
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9337
Sarah Steward
NC
LA to C. H. Jordan Sep 1943
Oct 30
Hon R. M. founder 11 April 1844
Act 7 July 1838
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Nov. 21 1901
Geo. C. Stewart
Land office
4544
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 4594
Sarah Steward
Wid
Tho Steward
Rev War
Act:  [illegible] 247118
Index:-Vol. M, Page 240
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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5755
North Carolina
Sarah Steward decd
widow of Va Thomas Steward who served in the Revolutionary War, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
[illegible] 14 April 1848
Certificate of Pension issued the 4th day of Sept 1851 and sent to
Geo C. Ames
present
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 235 Vol. [illegible]
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Certf made payable to name and [illegible] sent to Agent [illegible] 1157
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Sarah Steward dec
wid of Thomas
N. C.
Act 7 July 38 H
15 Mo per-$50
per an: to 14 apl 48
when she died
Payable to Mabel Shapard, Nancy Eppes, Tho Steward & John Steward only living children.
sent to Geo C. Ames
Present
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Department of War
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State of Virginia
Halifax County Towit: } On this 28th day of February one thousand eight hundred and forty three, appeared before me William L. Owen, one of the justices of the peace for the County aforesaid, John Fitts of said County aged about eighty years and a Revolutionary Pensioner, who being first duly sworn according to law doth upon his oath depose and say that he was well acquainted with Thomas Steward who lately resided in Person County and State of North Carolina and who was a soldier of the Revolutionary War. That he first became acquainted with the said Thomas Steward in Lunenburg County in this state. That he served in the Army of the Revolution with the said Steward and in the same Regiment under the Command of Col. James Saunders, that he knows that the said Steward was wounded in the wrist by a musket ball either at the Battle of Guilford or at Gates' defeat, he has forgotten which. Soon after the Battle of Guilford this deponent received his discharge and afterwards enlisted in the Cavalry under Col [illegible] and saw nothing more of the said Steward during the Revolutionary war. He knows that the said Steward served a tour of nine months but does not know whether he served longer. He has known the said Steward since the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, but has not seen him for more than twenty years.
Sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and date above written. Wm L. Owen JP} John Fitts
State of Virginia
Halifax County Towitt: I do certify that I am acquainted with the above deponant John Fitts, [illegible] upon testifying before oath.  Wm L. Owen JP
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State of Virginia
I William Holt clerk of the court of Halifax County do certify that William L Owen is a justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and sworn a that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his [illegible].
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name that 29th day of February 1843.
Wm Hall ck
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Oct. 7. 1843
N. C.
Sarah Stewart
C. H. Jordan
Roseboro N.C
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Roxboro Person Co N.C. 30th Sept. 1843
Sir
In relation to the claim of Sarah Steward, I can only repeat what I have said about the difficulties in proving every thing in chronological order, in my letter of Today upon the claims of Margaret Mitchel. Thomas Steward undoubtedly endured all the service for which she claims, when, or at what times he was at Valley Forge, Schuylkill, Holstein River, Guilford and Little York, she could not establish if her life were the forfeit. She heard him speak of these various places and probably of visiting them during the war or the time he was out. The evidence that he did serve is conclusive. The certificate of depreciation proves this - John Epps testifies that he was out - that is in the campaign eighteen months or two years - that he was under Capt. Dawson and Genl. Gibs - both of whom he knew before and aft the war. He I was informed was the only Thomas Steward found on the rolls at Richmond. John Fitts states that he knew him well that he was at the battle of Guilford and was wounded in the wrist. This wound was so notorious that every old man in the county was familiar with this fact.
This is an other case where there is no record of marriage, there is proof that he recognized her as his wife before the year 1794. Of course they must have been married prior to that period, Mr Baird, Mr & Mrs Lawson say they were man and wife fifty years and upwards.
[Illegible]. L. Edwards [illegible]
Yrs Respectfully, C. H. Jordan