Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7561, for William Smith, Virginia
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Va.
Smith, William
S. 7561
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State of VA
Morgan County

On this 24th day of April 1843 personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Morgan now sitting William Smith a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged about eighty one years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his rath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated [illegible] as a private soldier under Capt. Vanmetre of Berkely County, Virginia, that he was drafted out of Capt. Henry Ambrose's Company in said County as well as he recollects in December 1880, and served under Major Vanmetre and Col. Lewis who commanded the Virginia troops to which he was attached and that after Capt. John Vanmetre had left the army he was transferred or attached to Capt. Davis's Company in which he served until he received his discharge, and that after marching from Martinsburgh by Fredericksburg to Richmond, Va, he was finally discharged at a place called Bottoms Bridge as well as he recollects about the 1st of July 1781, it being in the Summer of the same year in which Cornwallis surrendered. Was born on the  farm on Sleepy Creek. I now live now Morgan County, Va on the 20th December either in 1762 or 1763 according to the earliest information I have had as to the time and place. When called into service I lived on the same farm I now live and and have lived on the same
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ever since except at short periods. I saw General Wyne with his command join our troops near Richmond. At Richmond I saw the Marquis and General Mribuburg the forces under these were several thousand. Major Vanmetre and Colonel  Lewis commanded the Virginia troops to which I was attached. I was drafted out of Captain Ambroses Company in Berkely Country Virginia as well as I can recollect in December 1780, Captain John Vanmetre commanded the company to which I was attached I marched from Martinsburg to Fredericksburg to Richmond we were closely pressed by the British but had an actual engagement or battle after Captain John Vanmetre had left the service. I was transferred or attached to Captain Davis's company in which I served till I was discharged.   Sworn to April 24, 1843.  William Smith
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35563
Wm Smith
Va
Act. 7. June ‘32
amt 6 mo pri $20
Elias Smith
Berkley Springs Va
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State of Virginia Morgan County JS
On this 24th day of April 1843, Personally appeared before the Justices of the County Court of Morgan, now sitting, William Smith a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged about eighty one 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 act of Congress passed June 7th 1833
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein after stated (viz) as a private soldier under Capt. Vanmeter of Berkley County Virginia, that he was drafted out of Capt. Henry Ambrose’s Company in said County as well as he recollects in December 1880, and served under Maj. Vanmetre and Col. Lewis, who commanded the Virginia troops to which he was attached — and that after Capt John Vanmetre had left the army he was transferred or attached to Capt Davis’ Company in which he served until he received his discharge and that after marching from Martinsburg by Fredericksburg to Richmond, Va, he was finally discharged at a place called Bottoms Bridge as well as he recollects about the 1st of July 1781, it being in the summer of the same year in which Cornwallis Surrendered
William Smith
Sworn to in Open Court April 24 1843. Richard Curl
Questions by the Court. 
1. Where and in what year were you born? answer, on the farm I now live, now Morgan County Va on the 20th December either in 1762 or 1763 according to the earliest information I have had as to the time and place.
2. have you a record of your age? if so where is it? Answer, I have seen one many year ago among my father’s papers, I heard him say it was a record of my age.
3. Where were you living when called into service? where have you lived since the revolutionary war? and where do you now live? Answer, when called into service I lived on the same farm I now live, and have lived on the same farm ever since, except at short periods.
4. State some of the general officers who were with the troops where you served such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect, and and the general circumstances of your service. Answer. I saw Genl. Wayne with his command join our troops near Richmond at Richmond I saw the Marquis, and Genl. Mulenburg the forces were there were several thousands, Majr Vanmetre and Col Lewis commanded the Virginia troops to which I was attached, I was drafted out of Capt. Ambroses company in Berkeley County Va as will as I can recollect in December 1780 Capt John Vanmetre commanded the company to which I was attached I marched from Martinsburg to Fredericksburg to Richmond, we were closely pressed by the British but had no actual engagement or battle after Capt John Vanmetre had left the service I was transferred or attached to Capt.
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Davis's Company in which I served till I was discharged.
5. Did you ever received a discharge from the service? If so, what has become of it? Answer, I did at a place called Botton Bridge near Richmond I do not remember by whom it was signed, I took no care of it not deeming it with worth preserving Sworn to in open Court, 26th April 1843. Richard, Curl.
State some of the persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood who can testify to your character for Veracity and their belief of your service as a soldier of the revolution. Answer. John Smith George Gray Joseph Higgins John Fleur and George Groshour.
We John Smith aged about sixty six years & George Gray aged about Seventy years residing in Morgan County State of Virginia do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration and that we believe him to be about the age of eighty one years that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and we concur in that belief
Sworn to before me this 24 day of April 1843 Jno O Fenall J. P.
Morgan County, to wit: Personally appeared Joseph Higgins aged about seventy one years and made oath according to law that he is well acquainted with William Smith who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration, that he believes him to be about the age of eighty one years, that he has heard his father talk of said Smith having been a soldier in the revolution, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood in which he lives to have been a soldier of the revolution and that he concurs in that belief and further said Higgins states that his own father was a Major in the revolution.
Given under my hand this 24th day of April 1843 Jno O Fenall J.P.
State of Virginia, Morgan County to wit: I Jacob Richard Clerk of the County Court for Morgan County aforesaid [illegible] that the foregoing proceedings were had in said Court were had as therein set forth — that John O Fenall, whose signatures appear to the next preceding certificate, was at the time of of making the same, are acting Justice of the peace, in and for said County duly commissioned and sworn, according to the laws
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of the State of Virginia.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my name and affixed the seal of said Court, this 3rd day of June, A.D. 1843.
J. Richard, CMC
A copy — Test.
J. Richard, CMC
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Virgin
Smith
Co in the
n Co
Captain of the
by in the Revolutionary
For 6 months Va. Line
Records
trnscribed on the Roll of Richmond
the rate of 20 Dollars 00
mmence on the 4th day of March, 18
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Aug 1844 and sent to Elias Smith, Berkeley Springs Va
Arrears to the 4th of March 1844 $260.00
Seasonal allowance ending 4 Sept 44 10.00
$270.00
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by T. L Swann.
Book E Vol. 6’2 Par
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17561.
INVALID.
William Smith
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: —Vol. [illegible], Page 347
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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35563
William Smith
Va
Set to E Smith Sep 13 1843
“ “ Hon W Lucas March 9th 44
Act 7 June 1832
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State of Virginia Morgan County to wit,
Personally appeared Andrew Michael Junr aged about forty five years before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, and made oath according to Law. That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek Morgan County Va. formerly Berkeley County Va. That he was born and raised within a few miles of the said William Smith That he is now informed that he is an applicant for a Pension. That he remembers of hearing Michael Widmeyer say some twelve or fifteen years ago that him and the said William Smith was drafted in one day out of Capt Ambroses Company for a tour in the militia in the War of the Revolution, and from the report in the neighborhood where he resides, he is induced to believe that the said William Smith was a soldier of the Revolution, and the said Andrew Michael further states that the said William Smith yet lives on Sleepy Creek in Morgan County aforesaid and he believes him to be about Eighty one years of age, and he further states that he has reason to believe that the said Michael Widmeyer drew a Pension for his service in the Revolution
Given under my hand & seal this 22nd day of January 1844 Cromwell Orrick -seal-
I Cromwell Orrick a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Morgan in the State of Virginia do Certify that I am well acquainted with the character of Andrew Michael Junr who has this day made oath before me to the above statement is a man of Respectability and truth, to whose oath full credit should be Given — Given under my hand and seal this 22nd January 1844 Cromwell Orrick -seal-
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State of Virginia, Morgan County } To wit:
I, Jacob Richard, Clerk of the County Court for the said County of Morgan, do hereby certify, that Samuel Abernathy, George Aulabaugh, Jacob Ash, Cromwell Orrick, and Samuel Vanosdoll, whose respective signatures appear to the foregoing certificates, respectively, were at the time of making the same & now are, acting Justices of the Peace in and for said County of Morgan, in the State of Virginia, duly commissioned and sworn, and that full faith & credit are given to all their official acts as such, as well in Courts of Justice, as these — art.
In testimony whereof, I hereto set my name, and affix the seal of said Court at Both, the 27th day of January A.D. 1844. J. Richard
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State of Virginia Morgan County to wit
Personally appeared George Zeiler about seventy five years of age before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and made oath according to Law. That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek Morgan County, formerly Berkeley County Va, who he is informed is an applicant for a Pension. That he recollects of hearing the said William Smith more than twenty years age talk of his services in the Revolutionary War and he further states that he was acquainted with Michael Widmeyer of the aforesaid County before his death who he has reason to believe was a soldier of the Revolution and drew a Pension for the same before his death. The said George Zeiler further states that the said William Smith yet lives on Sleepy Creek in the County aforesaid, & he has reason to believe that he was a soldier of the Revolution from what he has often heard the said William Smith say about the same [illegible] of twenty years ago and that he believes the said William Smith to be about Eighty one years of age —
Given under my hand and seal this 24th January 1844 George Aulabaugh -seal-
I George Alabaugh a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Morgan, Va, do certify that I am well acquainted with the Character of George Zeiler who has this day made oath before me to the above statement. That he is a man of Respectability, who Entitled to full credit on oath. Given under my hand and seal this 24th January 1844 George Alabaugh -seal-
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[frank] BERKELEY SPRINGS AUG 7
Aug 8 43
Wm. Smith
[illegible]
Joseph L Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pension
Washington City D.C
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Berkeley Springs, Morgan County, Virginia
August 1st 1843
Dear Sir I inclosed to you sometime since the papers of William Smith an applicant for a Pension as a soldier of the revolution — the object of these lines is to Enquire if said papers have reached your office; and what action has been had in the case, whether he is entitled to a pension or not and if any what amount.
you will confer a particular favor by writing as soon as you receive this letter
Respectfully yours Elias Smith
J. L. Edward Esq.
direct: Berley [Berkeley] Springs Morgan County Va
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State of Virginia Morgan County, to wit;
Personally appeared John Casler aged about Seventy Six years before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and made oath according to law. That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek, Morgan County formerly Berkeley County Virginia that he is now informed that he is an applicant for a Pension. That he was born and raised within a few miles of the said William Smith and that he knew him at the time of the Revolution and that he has lived within a few miles of him ever since. That he recollects it was reportedly then that the said William Smith was drafted at the time of the Revolution and that he believes that he went for a militia tour in Virginia at that time, he believes said Smith was out in the service in the same year in which Cornwallis surrendered [which he believes to be the year 1784]. That he was drafted he believes some time before Cornwallis surrendered, and that he has often heard it spoken of shortly after the revolution and since that said Smith was a soldier of the revolution and that he well remembers of hearing, William Neely Decd who he believes was also a soldier of the Revolution talk of the said William Smith having also been a soldier of the Revolutionary War and the said John Casler further States that the said William Smith yet lives on Sleepy Creek in the said County of Morgan formerly Berkeley County Va, and that he knows him to be the same man that was drafted as aforesaid and he believes served a tour in the Militia in the war of the revolution
Given under my hand this 15th day of January 1844 S. Vanorsdall
I Samuel Vanorsdall a Justice of the peace in and for Morgan County Virginia do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Casler and know him to be a man of truth and that he is intitled to full credit on oath. Given under my hand and seal this 15th day of January 1844 S. Vanorsdall -seal-
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State of Virginia Morgan County to Wit
Personally appeared John Smith of Lawfull age before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and made oath. That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek, Morgan County formerly Berkeley County that he is now informed that he is an applicant for a pension that he was born and raised within a mile of where the said William Smith lived at the time of the revolution, that he knew the said William Smith at the time he was drafted for a tour in the Virginia Militia in the revolutionary War That he recollects of the said William Smith, preparing to go to serve his tour in the revolutionary Army after he was drafted, and he recollects of seeing him return home to Sleepy Creek after he had been a soldier in the army, and that to he has often heard his Father who was also a soldier of the Revolution talk of the said William Smith having served as a soldier in the Revolution shortly after he the said William Smith returned from the Army, and also many other neighbors Living in the same Neighborhood shortly after the revolution speak of the said William Smith as a soldier of the Revolution, and he recollects of hearing the said William Smith, himself shortly after the Revolution often talk about the hardships he endured as a soldier of the revolution. That he believes the said William Smith to be about Eighty one years of age and that he yet lives on Sleepy Creek, in Morgan County, formerly Berkeley County Va, and he knows him to be the same that was drafted and served in the war of the Revolution as aforesaid
Given under my hand this 15th day of January 1844 S. Vanorsdall
I Samuel Vanorsdall a Justice of the peace for Morgan County Virginia do hereby certify that I am acquainted with John Smith, that I believe he is intitled to credit on oath — Given under my hand and seal this 15th day of January 1844 S. Vanorsdall -seal-
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State of Virginia Morgan County to wi
Personally appeared Nicholas Caw aged about fifty seven years before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid and made Oath according to Law. That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek Morgan County formerly Berkeley County Va That he is informed that the said William Smith is an applicant for a Pension. That he remembers of hearing his Father Peter Caw who was also a soldier of the Revolution, more than thirty years ago speak of the said William Smith having been a soldier of the Revolution, and he remembers of hearing other persons upward of thirty years ago speak of the said William Smith as a soldier of the Revolution, and from the report that he has heard many years ago he has good reason to believe that the said William Smith was a soldier of the Revolution, and the said Nicholas Caw further states that his own Father Peter Caw above stated drew a pension for his services in the Revolutionary war and that the said William Smith yet lives on Sleepy Creek in the County of Morgan aforesaid and he believes him about 81 years of age
Given under my hand this 22nd day of January 1844 Cromwell Orrick
I Cromwell Orrick a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Morgan State of Virginia, do certify that I am acquainted with Nicholas Caw who has this day before me made oath to the above statement is a man of Respectability who is entitled to full Credit on his oath. Given under my hand and seal this 22nd day of January 1844 Cromwell Orrick
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Virginia Morgan County to Wit,
Personally appeared George Shank of Lawful age before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid and made Oath according to law. That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek in the aforesaid County that he has been acquainted with him for fifty years and upwards, that he is now informed that he is an applicant for a Pension that he has often heard it spoken many years ago that he was a soldier of the Revolution and that to the best of his recollection he remembers of hearing Jacob Davis about 20 years ago say that William Smith aforesaid was a soldier of the Revolution, in the Virginia Militia and that the said Davis was likewise a soldier in the War of the Revolution and further that from the General report in the neighborhood he has good reason to believe that the said William Smith was a soldier of the revolution
Given under my hand this 6th day of January 1840. and I further certify that the above named George Shank is a man of credibility. J. A[  ]
State of Virginia Morgan County to wit, before me a Justice of the peace for said County, Personally appeared John Ouckwall aged about fifty nine years and made oath according Law. That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek in said County That he has been acquainted with him for about fifty years. That he is now informed that the said William Smith is an applicant for a pension for his services in the Revolutionary War: That he the said Duckwall has lived in the same neighborhood of the said William Smith Ever since he the said Duckwall was born. that he has often heard his Father and mother and the neighbors living in the same neighborhood talk about the said William Smith having served
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a tour in the Virginia Militia in the War of the revolution, and of the Hardships he Endured in the service, as a soldier of the revolution, That he has often heard the same spoken of by his Father and Mother and others ever since he has been able to Remember any thing. and That he the said Duckwall believes that he was born within about two hundred yards of where the said William Smith lived at the time of the revolution, and that this said William Smith, yet lives on Sleepy Creek in Morgan County formerly Berkeley County Virginia, and he believes him to be about Eighty one years of age, and that he has good Reason to believe from the General report in the Neighborhood from his Childhood, that the said William Smith was a soldier of the Revolution
Sworn to before me this 10th day of January 1844
Samuel Abernathy

I Samuel Abernathy a Justice of the peace in and for, Morgan County in the State of Virginia, do Certify that the above named John Duckwall who has this day before me made oath to the above statement is a Man of whose Character I am well acquainted, that he is a man of Respectability, to whose Oath full credit should be given 
Given under my hand this 10th day of January 1844
Samuel Abernathy
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State of Virginia Morgan County to wit;
Personally appeared Jacob Beckdol aged about sixty three years, before me the Subscriber a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County, and made oath, according to Law, That he is well acquainted with William Smith of Sleepy Creek in the aforesaid County; who he is informed is an applicant for a Pension that he has lived in the Same Neighborhood of the said William Smith for upwards of twenty years, and that he has often heard it spoken of in the neighborhood that he was a solider of the Revolution That he has heard of the said William Smith to the best of his recollection upwards of 20 years ago talk of his services in the Revolution and frequently talk of the same since that time, That he to the best of his recollection upwards of 20 years ago heard Thomas Dawson Decd talk of the said William Smith having been a soldier of the Revolution, and that hte said Thomas Dawson was a very old man who said he also was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. that the said Thomas Dawson also lived in the same neighborhood of the aforesaid William Smith ever since his recollection, and the said Jacob Beckdol further states that the said William Smith yet lives on Sleepy Creek in Morgan County formerly Berkeley Va, That he believes him to be about 81 years of age, and that from the report in the Neighborhood he has good reason to believe that the Said William Smith was a Soldier of the Revolution.
Given under my hand this 12th day of January 1844
Samuel Abernahy

I Samuel Abernathy a justice of the peace in and for Morgan County, Va, do certify that I am well acquainted with the Character of Jacob Beckdol who has this day made oath before me to the above statement that he is a man of Respectability, who should be Entitled to full Credit on his Oath - Given under my hand this 12th day of January 1844
Samuel Abernathy
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State of Virginia, Morgan County to Wit,
Personally appeared Sarah Widmeyer aged about Seventy years before me the Subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and made oath according to law, That she is the widow of Michael Widmeyer decd who died between five & six years ago who was a soldier of the Revolution and that she knows he drew a Pension for his Services in the War of the Revolution, and the said Sarah Widmeyer further states that, she recollects of hearing of the said Michael Widmeyer speak of William Smith having been drafted at the same time that he the said Widmeyer - was, for a tour in the War of the Revolution, and that the Said Michael Widmeyer lived in Morgan County formerly Berkeley County, Va. and she believes him and the said William Smith was drafted out of Capt Henry Ambroses Company formerly of Berkeley County Va, from what she heard her Husband say more than forty years ago -
Given under my hand and seal this 24th day of January 1844
George Aulabaugh {Seal}

I George Aulabaugh a Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Morgan, in the State of Virginia do Certify that I am acquainted with Sarah Widmeyer, who has this day made oath to the above Statement that she is a Woman of Respectability to whose oath full Credit Should be Given, Given under my hand and seal this 24th January 1844
George Aulabaugh {Seal}
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Jany 30th 1844
Va
Add proof
Wm Smith

Joseph L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City, D. C.
Widmeyer -
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Berkeley Springs, Morgan County Virginia
January 27th 1844

Dear Sir
I herewith transmit to you a number of affidavits in Support of the Claim of William Smith to a Pension; whose declaration is on file in your office, - was presented or filed in your Department last Summer - These affidavits I hope will be Conclusive to Establish his Claim to a Pension,
The reason why he did not attend to his Claim some years ago was that the amount then was so small as scarcely to be worth the trouble of attending to, and he was then in better Circumstances, - but a reverse of fortune having recently taken place, and the amount now being more Considerable, would now render it highly acceptable, it is therefore hoped that you will give the papers a Careful perusal & reexamine the declaration, as soon as Consistent with the rules of your office, and write to me, the result - Direct to me at Berkeley Springs Morgan County Virginia, - it is hoped that whatever informality may appear in these papers will be Excused, as not Wishing to incur the Expense of Employing an Attorney, I have drawn them up Myself being inexperienced in the business, should the decision be favourable to his claim - you will Confer a particular favor by giving information when and where the money is to be drawn and such instructions relative to the same that is not incompatible with the duties of your office
Joseph L Edwards, Esq} I am Respectfully
Comr of Pensions} Yours &C Elias Smith