Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 8696, William Harris, Va.
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(3-1776)
SERVICE Va.
Harris, William
NUMBER S. 8696
carded

CONTENTS [blank]
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Virginia 16.459
William Harris of Albemarle in the State of Va. who was a Priv. in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the Regt commanded by Col. Quarles in the Va line for 2 years-
Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia [a]t the rate of 80 Dollars [blank] Cents per annum, [t]o commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 26- day of Augt. 33 and Hon. Wm. F. Gordon Lindsey's Store, Va
Arrears to the 4th of March 1833 160
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Septr 40
$200-
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.} 
Recorded by Nath: Rice-Clerk,
Book E Vol. 6 Page 14

Letter to Hon. G. W. Summers 22? April '44
" " W. S. Goggin, 14. June 1844.
Dead
Paid at the Treasury under the Act 6. April 1838 from 4 Sep to 23d Decr 1840. Agt notified 29 Oct 1844
Date of death not on AB
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William Harris' Declaration 
a copy
Examined
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State of Virginia
At a court held for Albemarle County the 6th day of November, 1837.
On this 6th day of November 1837 personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the County Court of Albemarle now sitting (the same being a court of record) William Harris aged seventy eight years on the 16th day of June last, 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 1837
That he was born on the 16th of June in the year 1754 in the County of New Kent Virginia, that he has lost the family register of his birth, it having been burned with his house many years since; that he removed to the County of Albemarle forty or fifty years ago-that he entered the service during the Revolution as a common soldier in the Company commanded [check] by Capt Jno Peyton in the County of Hanover, near the line of which he lived at the time in the County of New Kent. That he enlisted in said company of regular troops early in the Revolution, the year is not recollected but it was  about the time, when a little before or a little after the invasion of Virginia and Richmond under Tarlton (he will not be positive which) he marched to Richmond, where there was a recruiting station and thence after being ["first" crossed out] stationed there about eight or nine months, guarding the public stores &c. He marched to the Point of Fork at Columbia in the County of Fluvanna at the junction of James and Rivanna rivers He marched with Capt Taylor and remained at Point of Fork the balance of his tour or period of enlistment viz three years. He is inclined to think that he enlisted after the British Invaded Richmond as their forces under Tarlton and Simcoe had been at Point of Fork before he was stationed there. He was discharged at that place by Capt Peyton, but his discharge was burnt with his home. He has no documents or other proof
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of his services except the statement of William Paine to which he refers- He knows of no other witness. He recollects the names of Ensign Wm Price under whom he served, Major Langhorne (Christian name not recollected) also Colo Jno Quarles.-
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a Pension or anuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the agency of any state
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
William X his mark Harris

Henceforth the Court propounded to the applicant the following Interrogatories 
1 Where and in what year were you born
A I was born in New Kent County State of Virginia in 1754
2 Have you any record of your age and if so where is it
A I have none
3 Where were you living when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary war & where do you now live
A When called into service I lived in Hanover County Virginia shortly after the Revolution I removed to Albemarle County Virginia where I now live
4 How were you called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
A. I was drafted
5 State the names of some of the Regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and militia Regt. as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your Service
A I don't now remember more than I have stated in my declaration.
6 Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given & what has become of it
A I received a written discharge from Capt Jno Peyton which was burnt with my home.
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William Paine being first duly sworn in open Court, says that he knows that the applicant in the foregoing declaration William Harris served in the Revolution under Capt John Peyton for the period of three years, as the witness saw the discharge of said Harris under Capt Peytons hand and said discharge stated that said Harris ["stated" crossed out] had served three years to a day, and he knows that the house of said Harris and every thing he had were burnt, and has heard that his discharge was burnt also.
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 served as he states. And the Court further certifies that William Paine who has deposed as above, is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to Credit.
I Ira Garrett Clerk of the County Court of Albemarle County do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of William Harris for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office this 15th day of November 1832 in the 57th year of the Commonwealth
Ira Garrett Cl
[seal illegible]
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Wm Harris
4
found on Rolls
No col. of the name of Quarly
28 Jany 1833
P-225
Hon Wm F Gordon
Lindsey's store
Va
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BRIEF in the case of William Harris
of Albemarle Co in the State of Virga
(Act 7th June, 1832.)

1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
3. How old is he? 78 years
4. State his services, as directed in the form annexed.
Period. not recollected In 17
Duration of Service. Years, Months, Days. 3 Years
Rank. As a soldier
Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served. Col. Jno Quarles, Capt Jno Peyton Co enlisted
5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Hanover Coy. Virga
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? by one witness - Certified to be credible
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.
E. Stephens
Examining Clerk.
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April 7, 1938
xxxxxxx
BA-J/EEL
William Harris- S.8696
Mrs. A. T. Herring
R.F.D.# 1, Box 223
Arvada, Colorado
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Claborn Harris, who served as ensign in the North Carolina troops and of William Harris, of Albemarle County, Virginia.
There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a Claborn Harris. You are furnished herein the record of William Harris, who served in the Virginia troops and received pension while residing in Albemarle County, that state, the data for which were obtained from pension claim, S. 8696, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.
William Harris was born in New Kent County, Virginia, June 16, 1754. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Hanover County, Virginia, William Harris enlisted in the fall of 1779 or winter of 1780, served as private in Captain John Peyton's Virginia Company, was stationed in Richmond for eight or nine months as a guard to the military stores and served at least two years.
After the Revolution, he moved to Albemarle County, Virginia, where he was living when he was allowed pension on his application executed November 6, 1832.
He died December 23, 1840, place not shown. He left a widow, May Harris. There are no further data in regard to his marriage and no reference was made to children.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.

The only John Peyton of Va in Kentman left the service in 1778 & was afterward a Int. Secy. & as this sol. was a guard to military stores, he may served under him. We think he may have served under a Col. John Quarles but is so vague about that, I did not use it. He stated he served 3 yrs but as he was pensioned for 2 yrs. I said "at least 2 yrs
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AWF
RECORD DIVISION.
Rev. and 1812 Wars Section.
March 14, 1934.
Maude H. Beckham,
Farmville, Va.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 8696, it appears that William Harris was born June 16, 1754 in New Kent County, Virginia. He resided in Hanover County, Virginia, when he enlisted in the Revolutionary War.
He was allowed pension, for two years service as a private in the Virginia Troops, on his application executed November 6, 1832, while a resident of Albemarle County, Virginia.
He died December 23, 1840, leaving a widow May. There is no further data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
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3-525.
and DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
S. F. 8696 Washington, D. C., , 19
In reply to your request of , received for a statement of the military history of William Harris, 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. 1779
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 years
RANK. Pvt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. Jno Peyton
COLONEL. John Quarles
STATE. Va
Battles engaged in,
Residence of soldier at enlistment, New Kent Co. Va (Hanover Co.)
Date of application for pension, Nov. 6, 1832, His cl al
Residence at date of application, Albemarle Co. Va.
Age at date of application, b. June 16, 1752 in New Kent Co. Va.
Remarks: He left a widow May 
No further family data.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
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RECEIVED MAR 19 1938
MRS. A. T. HERRING
R. F. D. 1, Box 223
Arvada, Colorado
March 16-38
Veterans Administration,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Will you please send me the Revolutionary War Record of Claborn Harris, Ensign, in Capt Jonathan Kittrell's Co. Granville, North
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2
MRS. A. T. HERRING
R. F. D. 1, Box 223
Arvada, Colorado
Carolina, Militia?
Length of service, if he drew a Pension & to where it was paid.
12
Also William Harris to William Harris Jr Albemarle Co Va.
Thanking you, I am,
Very truly,
Mallie F Herring.
(Mrs. A. T.)
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Farmville, Va.
Feb. 11th, 1924.
The Pension Bureau,
Washington, D.C.
Gentlemen:-
Will you kindly send me all the data connecting with the following Revolutionary Soldiers, as I am trying to collect together some family records
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Wm. Harris (Albemarle)
S. of W. 1835-Pen. II. 108
Wm Harris (Nelson)
S. of W. 1835- Pen - 2 - 176
Wm Harris (Capt. Amherst Co.)
Aud. Acct. 1779-1780, ... 134
2d name
Boaz Mishack S of W 1820
Doc. 55. 555-
Blaine Alex. (Lt. Albemarle M.)
Aud. Acct. XV 333
Please let me know if there is any expense
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attached to copying the above-mentioned records-
Yours truly,
Mrs. Maude H. Beckham
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1913 July 9 Hist. to Mary A. Johnson. V.L.M.
Letter in S.F. 41382 Samuel Woods.
1924 - Mch. 14 - Hist. to Maude H. Beckham AWF.
1938 - Apr 7 - Hist to Mrs A. T. Herring

8696
Rev War
INVALID.
File No. 8,696
William Harris
Priv Rev War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index:-Vol. 1st, Page 161
Arrangement of 1870.
Page 18

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 Harris which require further proof or explanation.
 
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?
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 amout [sic] of pension he is entitled?
The rolls present no name corresponding with "Col Jno Quarles "The claimant may on further reflection be able to correct this only discrepancy between his statement & the records of the off
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations?
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion?
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate?
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?
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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 belier in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?  [marked out: no]

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? [marked our:  none stated\

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?  [marked out: No]

XIV. +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?
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been 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 ages, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?  [marked out: no]

XVI. ++Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?

AVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?

EXPLANATORY NOTES.

QUERE V.  In ca 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 that 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 the 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.
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 be belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated 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 tape or narrow ribbon, the end 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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apl 2d 44
Va
Wm Harris
Hon G. W. Summers
Free
G W Summers
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comr. of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
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House Reps
April 1st 1844
J. L. Edwards Esq
Sir
I enclose you herewith a letter from Hon. V. W. Southall of Charlottesville Va - May I ask your immediate attention to the enquiries which he makes, and that you forward me the proper forms &c to enable Mrs Harris to draw any money which may be due her
Is she not entitled to a pension as a widow, or only to what was remaining due to her husband at the time of his death
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt
G W Summers
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Ho Reps June 11th 1844
Sir
You will please examine the enclosed Declaration of May Harris with the letter of V. W. Southall Esq. of Albemarle - I will thank you to let me hear from you before Session expires-
I am yours
Respectfully
W. L. Goggin
J. L. Edwards Esq
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TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
June 24th, 1844.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of William Harris, decd. a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at the rate of - Eighty - Dollars per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. to the 23d Dec. 1840
Respectfully, yours,
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS,
Present.
Page 25

Harris &c
G W Summers
NC
Mr. Crump
Chief Clerk
Pension Office
Washington DC
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House Reps
Apl. 20, 1844
Dr Sir
Some weeks since, I sent to the pension office, addressed to J. L. Edwards Esq, a letter from V. W. Southall Esq - of Charlottesville Va to me, making enquiry as to the right of pension, of a widow of a Revolutionary soldier - I requested Mr Edwards attention early, and particularly to that communication - I have not heard one word from him on the subject - I might say the same as to several other communications - Will you have the goodness to aid me in having an immediate answer to Mr. Southalls letter - I feel some mortification that I have not been able to send him a reply sooner
Very Respectfully
Yr Obt St
G W Summers
Page 27

Wm Harris'
Additional Declaration
2835
Albemarle County, Virginia.
Admd
24 mo. pri
80$
Alex. H. Arthur Charlottesville Va
Page 28

State of Virginia, Albemarle County Sct:
Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the peace for said county & state, William Harris who being duly sworn, deposeth & saith, that according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades - For the years 1780 - 1781- and 1782 - or for parts of the years 1779 - 1780; 1781 and 1782, making altogether a period of three years as a private in the regular service - By reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory, and the loss of his discharge as explained in his declaration heretofore made, he is unable to state with precision the month or even the year when his service commenced, or when it ended - He is confident as is also, the witness Paine who saw his discharge, that his service began, (he thinks) some months before the invasion of Virginia by Tarlton - He is therefore unable to say whether his service began in the fall of 1779 - or winter of 1780 - but it ended just three years after its commencement, and he recollects its commencement more from the court attended to rather than from his memory of the date-
He served the said period of three years as a private the whole time - and for this service he claims a pension-
As it respects the name of "Col John Quarles" he is still inclined to think that he served under an officer of that name - He cannot be positive as to his rank, nor indeed is he able to rely entirely on his memory as to the name "John Quarles" - though he honestly thinks he served under an officer of that name
for which service he claims a pension
Given under my hand & seal this 1st day of June 1833.
Jno R Jones S.S
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State of Virginia
Albemarle County Court Clerks Office, to wit,
I Ira Garrett clerk of the County Court aforesaid, do hereby certify, that Jno. R Jones Esq. before whom the foregoing affidavit was made and who hath Certified the same, is an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County - duly commissioned and qualified as Such; that full faith is due and ought to be given to all his official acts as such and that his Signature annexed is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand, and affixed the seal of Said County Court, at my office aforesaid, in the town of Charlottesville, this 1st day of June 1833. in the 57 year of the Commonwealth
Ira Garrett H.C.C