Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2,599, John W Harper, Va.
Page 1

SERVICE: Va.
Harper, John W.
NUMBER: S. 2,599
carded
CONTENTS
Page 2

Ohio. 22597
John W. Harper
of Highland Co. in the State of Ohio.
who was a Private in the Co. commanded by Captain Morgan - of the Regt. commanded by Genl. Morgan in the Virginia line for Eight Months.

Inscribed on the Roll of Ohio.
at the rate of 26. Dollars 66. Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of November 1833 and sent to Wm. Scott. Hillsboro - Highland Co. Ohio

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833.- 66.65
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 34 - 13.33
$69.9-
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm. R. Palmer Clerk
Book E Vol. 8 Page 11.
Page 3

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.
The State of Ohio Highland County SS:
On this 31st day of October 1833 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Common Pleas of said County now sitting John W Harper a resident of Liberty township in said County 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 Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers & served as herein stated:
Questions by the Court:
1st Question. Where & when were you born? Answer. I was born in Montgomery County in the State of Maryland on the 18th day of May AD 1760.
2d. Have you any record of your age? Ans. I have not.-
3d. Where were you living when called into service in Berkley (now Jefferson) county in the state of Virginia I lived in Berkley until the year 1820 when I moved to Highland County Ohio where I have ever since lived. 
4th. How were you called into service?
Answer. I was drafted:-
5th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served, such continental & militia regiments as you can recollect & the general circumstances of your service.-
In the month of October AD 1781 I was drafted for the Virginia militia at Charleston in Berkley county Virginia in the company commanded by Captain Abram Morgan I do not recollect the name of our Colonel but the whole force of troops raised in my neighborhood was commanded by General Daniel Morgan - We remained in Charlestown a few days & then marched to Yorktown Virginia where Lord Cornwallis with the army was besieged by the American Army. One object was to assist in the siege of said town but when we arrived Cornwallis had surrendered. We marched some time after our arrival to guard some of the British prisoners through Charlestown Virginia & Fredericktown Maryland to the town of York in the State of Pennsylvania where the prisoners were delivered over to the Pennsylvania Militia After which I received a written discharge in the month of May 1782 at York from my captain & returned home - after serving eight months.- I have lost the discharge above mentioned.-
I was well acquainted with General Washington & Roan General Gates & Stephens & several other General officers of the American army. 
State the names of some persons in your present neighborhood who can testify as to your character for veracity & their belief of your services as a soldier of the revolution.-
John Roads, John Smith Samuel Bell Alton Trimble Thomas Mullenix George Pulse & many others will testify.-
There is no Clergyman in my neighborhood-
Page 4

The said applicant states that he has no documentary Evidence, nor does he know of any person by whom he could prove his service-
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension but the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
John W Harper x his mark
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Samuel Bell Clk {Clerk

We the subscribers residing in Highland County Ohio do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John W Harper who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 73 years of age; that he is reputed & believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to & subscribed the day Adam Brown
& year aforesaid Thomas Mullenix x his mark
Samuel Bell {Clerk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter & after 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 that it appears to them that John Brown & Thomas Mullenix -
who signed the preceding certificate are residents of said County of Highland are credible persons & that their statement is entitled to credit.

I Samuel Bell Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas of said County of Highland do certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the Court aforesaid in the matter of the application of John W Harper for a pension-
Witness my hand & seal of Office this ___ day of _____ AD 183-
Samuel Bell {Clk
Page 5

November 4, 1938
xxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/MCS
John W. Harper, S. 2599

Mrs. George A. Frank
426 North Rutan
Wichita, Kansas

Dear Madam:

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S.2599, based on the military service of John W. Harper.

John W. Harper was born May 18, 1760, in Montgomery County, Maryland. The names of his parents were not given.

While living in that part of Berkeley County which later became Jefferson County, Virginia, he enlisted at Charles Town in October, 1781, served as private in Captain Abram Morgan's Virginia company and was discharged in May, 1782.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Liberty Township, Highland County, Ohio, having moved there from Berkeley County, Virginia, in 1820.

The papers in this claim contain no data relative to the soldier's family.
Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 6

28286
John W Harper
Ohio
22: 597.
Adm 8 Months 26.66.
2 1/2
53.32
13.33
66.65

William Scott
Hillsboro
Highland Co
Ohio
Page 7

Hillsboro Ohio Nov 5th 1830
Sir
Enclosed are the Applications of Jno Beard Chas White John Richardson & John W Harper for pensions - Please direct the Answers to me 
I am &c
Wm Scott.

J L Edwards Esq
Page 8

John W Harper
S. 2599

November 4, 1938
xxxxxxxxxxxx
John W. Harper, S. 2599
Robert Harper, B.L. Wt. 271 66-160-12
Thomas Harper, B.L. Wt. 10788-100 [clerk note: Her let. in Rev. War]
Thomas Harper, B.L. Wt. 1689-160-12
BA-J/MMHF:MLB

Mrs. George A. Frank
426 North Rutan
Wichita, Kansas

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Robert and Thomas Harper, brothers, who were killed in the War of 1812, in your effort to connect them with relatives in the Revolutionary War, also the record of Thomas Harper of Delaware, Revolutionary War soldier, who received B.L. Wt. 10788 for one hundred acres. You cite a bounty land warrant No. 16895 which was issued for service of a Thomas Harper in Captain Ramsey's company, United States Rifle Regment.

The Revolutionary War records have been searched and one claim for pension, only, found based upon service in that war of a soldier with surname Harper, who is shown to have lived in Jefferson County, Virginia (West Virginia), the county in which the Thomas Harper, whose record is enclosed, was born. It is the record of John W. Harper. This search was made in the effort to aid you in your Revolutionary War research. His record is furnished you herewith, also that of Thomas Harper who served in Captain Ramsey's company, and that of Robert Harper, the two War of 1812 soldiers in whom you are interested, as nearly as could be identified.

There are no papers on file which were submitted by the applicant for bounty land warrant No. 10788-100 acres, which warrant was issued September 2, 1789, for service of Thomas Harper of the Delaware line, War of the Revolution, because of the destruction of papers in such early bounty land claims when the War Office was burned in 1800. This office has no further information in regard to that Thomas Harper.

Your letters from the War Department and Department of the Interior are returned herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 9

December 1, 1933
xxxxxxxxxx
John W. Harper, S. 2599
BA-J/MCS

Mr. Robert C. McGowan
Call Building
San Francisco
California

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your request for information in regard to John and Robert Harper who served in the Revolution or in the War of 1812.

The Revolutionary War records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to a Robert Harper.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in the pension claim, S. 2599, based upon the military service of John W. Harper, the only soldier by that name who was from Berkeley County, Virginia, that is found in the Revolutionary War records of this office.

John W. Harper was born May 18, 1760, in Montgomery County, Maryland. The names of his parents were not given.

While living in that part of Berkeley County which later became Jefferson County, Virginia, he enlisted at Charles Town in October, 1781, served as private in Captain Abram Morgan's Virginia company and was discharged in May, 1782.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Liberty Township, Highland County, Ohio, having moved there from Berkeley County, Virginia, in 1820.

The papers in this claim contain no data relative to the soldier's family.
Page 10

The War of 1812 records of this office fail to afford any information in regard to pension having been claimed on account of the service of a John Harper who enlisted from Virginia, or of any soldier named Robert Harper.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 11

March 4, 1931

Rev.& 1812 Wars Section
MCS:MLB

Mrs. Helen Smith Spahr
North Detroit Street
R. R. 3
Xenia, Ohio

Dear Madam:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 2599, that John W. Harper was born May 18, 1760 in Montgomery County, Maryland.

While a resident of Berkeley County, Virginia, he enlisted in October, 1781, served as a private in Captain Abram Morgan's Virginia company, and was discharged in May, 1782.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1833, at which time he was a resident of Liberty Township, Highland County, Ohio, and he stated that he had moved to that county in 1820.

There are no data relative to his family.

This bureau has record of those soldiers who received pension from the United States on account of service in the Revolution, and both service and disability pensions were granted to these soldiers.

No charge is made for furnishing this information.

Very truly yours

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Page 12

MMHF

Margaret B. Harper
220 North High
Paris, Ill.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 2599 it appears that John W. Harper was born May 18, 1760 in Montgomery County, Maryland.
While a resident of Berkeley County, Virginia he enlisted in October 1781, served as a private in Captain Abram Morgan's Virginia Company and was discharged in May 1782. (They marched to Yorktown to assist in the Siege of that place, but when they arrived Cornwallis had surrendered.) [clerk note: this sentence for this particular inquiry]
In 1820 he moved to Highland County, Ohio where in Liberty Township he was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1833.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,

WILBER S. METCALF.
Commissioner.

[clerk note: Date of death not on AB]
Page 13

MMHF
Rev.&1812 Wars Section

October 29, 1925

Mrs. L. L. Holmes
115 East Walnut St.,
Hillsboro, Ohio.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 2599 it appears that John W. Harper was born May 18, 1760 in Montgomery County, Maryland.
While a resident of Berkeley County, Virginia he enlisted at Charlestown Va in October 1781, served as a private in Captain Abram Morgan's Virginia Company and was discharged in May 1782.
In 1820 he moved to Highland County, Ohio where in Liberty Township he was allowed pension on his application executed October 31, 1833.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.
Page 14

RECORD DIVISION 3-525
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., ________, 19__

In reply to your request of ________, received _______ for a statement of the military history of John W. Harper a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his application for pension on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Oct. 1781 - May 1782
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
8 mos
RANK.
Pvt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Abram Morgan
COLONEL.
STATE.
Va.

Battles engaged in, none stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Berkeley Co., Va.
Date of application for pension, Oct. 31 - 1833 - His claim was allowed
Residence at date of application, Highland Co., Ohio.
Age at date of application, Born May 18, 1760, Montgomery Co. Md. 
Remarks: Soldier moved to Highland Co Ohio in 1820. No data as to family.

Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 15

ROBERT C. McGOWAN
ATTORNEY AT LAW
CALL BUILDING
SAN FRANCISCO

November 14, 1933

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:

Have you any record of a pension having been claimed by reason of the military service of either Robert Harper or John Harper of Berkeley County, Virginia, in the War of the Revolution.

Have you any record of a pension having been claimed by reason of the service of either of the above two men of Jefferson County, Virginia, in the War of 1812.

Thanking you in anticipation of your attention to the above, I am
Yours very truly,
[signed] R. C. McGowan
RCM W

[stamp]
RECEIVED NOV 18 1933
MAIL SUB-DIV.
VETS. ADM.
READER #65
Page 16

GREENE COUNTY NEWS COMPANY
NEWSPAPERS-MAGAZINES
XENIA, OHIO

February 15, 1931
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington D. C.
Gentlemen:- Do you have on file in your records, the names of those to whom Pensions were paid for having served in the Revolutionary War?
If so, I would like to know if John Harper of Berkeley County West Virginia (formerly Berkeley Co. Va.) saw any service in the war.
[clerk note; To AGO] If only disabled soldiers received Pensions, perhaps, you can tell me to what Department should I write to find out what I wish to know.
Will pay fee for any certified materials sent me.
Mrs. Helen Smith Spahr,
North Detroit St., R.R. 3,
Xenia, 
Ohio.

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE 
FEB 17 1931
Page 17

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
H BUREAU OF PENSIONS
FEB 27 1925
Page 18

Paris Ills.
Feb 24, 1925

Information Bureau
Department of Interior
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sirs:-
Wishing to know that I am eligible to membership in the D.A.R.'s, I would like to have the required information about one John Harper who was present at the time of the capture of Cornwallis as the family history records.
He was from the State of Ohio as were his descendants.
Information regarding this will be highly appreciated.
Yours. Respectfully.
Miss Margaret B. Harper Paris Ills. (220 N. High

[stamp 1]
CHIEF CLERK, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
FEB 27 1925

[stamp 2]
DEP'T OF THE INTERIOR
RECEIVED FEB 27 1925
TO BUR. PENSIONS
SECYS. OFF. - APPT3., MAILS & FILES.
Page 19

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly send me a copy of pension certificate of John W. Harper, Revolutionary soldier, private of Highland County, Ohio Virginia Militia. Placed on pension roll Nov. 16th 1833.
He is my great grandfather and I am anxious to join the D.A.R. I am
Respectfully
Mrs. Lorie L. Holmes 115 East Walnut st, Hillsboro Ohio
Page 20

U. S. PENSION OFFICE F
MAY 24 1922
Page 21

424 Jefferson St.
Greenfield Ohio
May 21st 1922
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly send to my above address a copy of pension granted to Jno W. Harper at the age of 74 - then living in Highland Co. Ohio,- Pension granted for service as Virginia Militiamen - (McAllisters Data Page - 274. - By T. S. McAllister-
I also am anxious for a copy of Pension granted Jesse Hughes - N. York - Malitia Va. B. th. Fluvanna Co - Pri of Art - Sept. 16 - 1833 - age 78.-
Th. S. Pension Record Vol 2 Page 135 - (Va)
I do not understand the
Page 22

meaning of "N. York" Malitia Va. - Kindly tell me.-
I am the daughter of this Harper - who's father was force in Va in 1789 - came to Highland Co Ohio in 1805-
His father John W. Harper was with him. - John Harper Jr married Delelia Hughes - dau of Jesse Hughes of Va. Hence my interest in both - I will appreciate any kindness by you-
Very truly yours-
(Mrs) Ella Harper Mackerley.
Page 23

Nevada, Iowa
Sept. 12, 1893.

- Harper,
- Co. - , - Regt - (Md.)
W. T. Frazier (descendant)
Asks names & history of all who served in the Revolutionary War by name of Harper.

send to com' of Pensions
R. & P.

Record and Pension Office,
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington. Sept'r 15, 1893
Respectfully returned to
Mr. W. T. Frazier,
Nevada, Iowa,
with the information that the records of the Revolutionary War are filed in the Pension Office and in the Department of State.
Communications of this nature should therefore be addressed to the Commissioner of Pensions and to the Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
BY AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR:
[signed] F. C. Ainsworth
Colonel, U. S. Army, Chief of Office.
Per 4
(800a)

James Harper Va officer
recd Land from Va

[stamp 1]
SEP 15 1893
373158

[stamp 2]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE. G
SEP 21 1893

[stamp 3]
SEP 23 1893
FILES

[stamp 4]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE. G
SEP 21 1893
Page 24

J. S. FRAZIER,
Attorney=At=Law.

[clerk note: John W Harper is the only one found from or near Harper's Ferry.]

Nevada, Iowa, Sept 12" 1893

Hon Secty of War.
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir: If it will not be of two great an Inconvince, I wish you would please inform me as to whether there were any Soldiers In the Revolutionary war by the name of Harper If there were they went from about or near Harpers ferry, I had ancestors who Lived there & who were Intimate friends of President Washington & I understand there was several of them in the revolutionary war. I do not know their first name. I wish you would send me the name & history of them If any from about that place in the war as found on the records.
If I have not addressed the proper office, please forward it to the sec
Thanking you In Advance for the same
I remain respectfully yours
W. T. Frazier
Page 25

Oct. 21/93 Mil. Hist. to W. T. Frazier. Nevada, Ia.1922 - June 30 - Hist to Mrs. Ella Harper Mackerley. MMH
1925 - Apl. 21 - Hist. to Miss Margaret B. Harper - MMHF
1925 - Oct. 29 - Hist. to Mrs. L. L. Holmes. MMHF
1931. Mar. 4. hist. to Mrs. Helen Smith Spahr.
M.C.S.
1933 - Dec. 1. hist to Mr. Robt. C. McGowan. MCS
1938, Nov. 4, hist. to Mrs. Geo. A. Frank see letter in Rev. War. clm. B. L. Wt. 10788-100 Thos. Harper. M.C.S.

Rev War
2599
INVALID.
File No. 2,599
John W. Harper
Privt Rev" War
Act: June 7" 1832 
Index:-Vol. A, Page 157.
[Arrangement of 1870.]