Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 21000, Jonathan Downs, S.C.
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SERVICE  SC
Downs, Jonathan
Sarah
NUMBER W21000
CONTENTS
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3088 South Carolina
Sarah Downs Widow of 
Jonathan Downs SC decd
who died on the 18th October 1818
of _ in the State of _
who was a Lt & Major in the Company commanded by Captain [James] Williams of the Regt commanded by Major Downs [himself] in the So Ca Militia line for 6 months as Major & 3 months as Lieut.
Inscribed on the Roll of So Carolina
the rate of 190 Dollars _ Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 21 day of Oct 1839 & sent to W. R. Farley
Laurens C. H. So Ca
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1839 $1615.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Mar 40 95 00 =$1710.00

Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836,
Section the 3d
Recorded by D. McCurdy, Clerk
Book A Vol. 2 Page 173

Let. Thomas B. Thurston Jan. 9/56
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Jonathan Downs and Sary [Sarah] Gary was married July the 8th 1772
By John Caldwell Esq
Jane Daughter of the same was born
July 6th 1774
Milley Daughter of the same was born April 5th 1776
Frances Daughter of the same was Born April the 10th 1784
William Son of the same
was Born Jany 10th 1787
Pheobe Daughter of the same was Born April the 7th 1791
Louisa Daughter of the same
was Born May the 15th 1790
& C
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Grandpa Downs
(67)
strife of natural passions, till the Spirit of Love is the breath of every thing that lives, and moves in the heart. For Love is the only blessing and goodness, and God of nature;
and you have no true religion, are no worshipper of the one true God, but in and by that Spirit of Love, which is God himself living and working in you.
But here I take off my pen, and shall leave the remaining part of your objection to another opportunity
I am, &c June 16. 1752.

Downs, Jonathan (SC) W-21000
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State of South Carolina
Laurens District
On this 10th day of December eighteen hundred & thirty eight personally appeared before the Judge of the Court of Ordinary for Laurens District Sarah Downs a resident of Laurens District & State of South Carolina, aged 82 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 provision made by the act of Congress passed July 4, 1836: That she is the widow of Jonathan Downs who was a Major in the army
of the Revolution. That her husband the said Jonathan Downs resided in Ninety-Six District & State of South Carolina when he entered the service
That he took up arms and joined the whigs in the month of November 1775 immediately after [Loyalist  Major] Patrick Cunningham and his party captured some Powder near Ninety-Six. That he was then first Lieutenant under Capt James Williams (who was afterwards killed at Kings Mountain as Col Williams) and Major Andrew Williamson. That his company was surrounded by a party of the Tories commanded by Patrick Cunningham at Ninety-six, when the first Gun was fired by the whigs for liberty and Independence in Ninety six District. That in the month of January 1776, he served in the Execution called the Snow Camps
when the above named Patrick Cunningham made his escape, but was taken in a few days by the said Jonathan Downs, & by him carried
to Charleston and delivered to the proper authority. That on the 15th day of July 1776, he commanded
as Major at the Battle of Lindley's fort against the Indians and Tories, in Ninety six District
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So. Ca. See 1, Edition of Ramsey's History of So. Ca. Vol. 1, page 280. That in the summer of 1778 he
was engaged in the Battle of Senaker old Town [Seneca Town] at Oconee Creek, in the Cherokee Country now
Pendleton District, Commanded by Col. [Andrew] Williamson when Col Williamson's horse was shot under him. That in the latter part of the summer of 1776 commanded as Major at the Battle called the
Ring Fight, in the Cherokee Country in
Co. Ca. in which he was wounded in the abdomen and in the hand; the Ball that entered his body he carried with him to his grave. See History of So. Ca. by Robert Mills page 609.  That his wounds rendered him unfit for service, and he was brought home. That although he was incapacitated
by his wounds from performing active service he acted the part of a decided Whig, & Sustained the cause of liberty, by rendering such service as he was able to do, up to the close of the Revolution. that in the year of 1781 he was one of the number taken prisoner by Major William Cunningham and his party, at Hayes defeat, a station commanded
by Col. Hayes in Ninety-Six District for the particulars see Ramsey's History of So. Ca. Vol. 1, page 450. That the said Jonathan Downs from the time he volunteered in November 1775
up to the time of the King fight in 1776 performed a regular tour of service - that he performed service in that tour as Major not less than six
months - and as first Lieutenant three months. that all the service performed by him after he was wounded, was such as above stated.
She further declares that she was married to the said Jonathan Downs on the 8th day of July 1772
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in the year Seventeen hundred & Seventy two that her husband the aforesaid Jonathan Downs died on the 18th day of October 1818, and that she has remained a widow ever since that period, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed. That she is not able
to attend personally in Court by reason of old age and bodily disability. Sarah Downs X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written, before
W Watts J. C. O. L.D. 
I Robert Long who was a solder in the Revolutionary War, residing in Laurens District So Ca hereby
certify that I am well acquainted Sarah Downs who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that I believe her to be 82 years of
age. That I was also well acquainted with Johnathan Downs who was a Major in the Revolutionary War and concur in the opinion that he performed service as stated in the foregoing declaration. That the said Sarah Downs is the widow of the
said Johnathan Downs. That they were married previous to the commencement of the Revolutionary
War. That the said Jonathan Downs died in the year 1818 and that the said Sarah Downs has remained a widow ever since that period.
s/Robt Long
Sworn and subscribed this 15th day of December 1838
W D Watts J. C. O. L.D.

William Dunlop residing in Laurens District SC. a soldier in the army of the Revolution hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Sarah Downs who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration: that she is the widow of Jonathan Downs who was a Major in the army of the Revolution, that I believe her to be 82 years of age. That I was well
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4167
acquainted with her husband Jonathan Downs and was present with him in the expedition called
the snow camps in the winter of 1776 that the said Jonathan Downs then commanded as captain. that
I am of opinion that he performed service as stated in the foregoing declaration. that the said Jonathan Downs and Sarah Downs were married previous to the year 1776. That the said Jonathan Downs died in the year 1818, and that the said Sarah Downs has remained a widow ever since that period. s/ William Dunlop
Sworn to and Subscribed this 17th day of December 1838.
W D. Watts J. C. O L D

I, WD Watts Judge of the Court of ordinary of Laurens County and State of South Carolina the same being a Court of record under the laws of said state do hereby certify that Sarah Downs who has sworn to the above declaration is unable to appear personally in the Court of which I am Judge & have therefore attended at her place of abode and administered
the foregoing oath and the Court further certifies that the said Sarah Downs is a credible person and that
her statement is entitled to credit and the Court also certifies that Robert Long and William Dunlap Residents of Laurens District South Carolina, who have signed the preceding certificates are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit
Given under my hand and seal of office this the the Seventeenth day of December 1838
W.D. Watts J.C. P. L. S.

I John Garlington Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Sessions
for the District of Laurens, certify that WD. Watts is Judge of the court
of Ordinary as above, which is a court of record and that the foregoing
Signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have
affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 18th day of December in the year 1838
John Garlington Clk of
CP & G.S.
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Rev and 1812 Wars Section EEL
May 21, 1930
Mrs. D. B. Hollingsworth
Edgefield
South Carolina
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W21000, it appears that Jonathan Downs, while residing in Ninety-Six District, South Carolina, entered the service in October, 1775, as First Lieutenant  in Captain James Williams' Company, under Major Andrew Williamson in the South Carolina Troops, was in an engage-
at Ninety-Six and at the Snow Camps and served three months. In January, 1776, he was commissioned Major in the South Carolina Troops, was in the battles at Lyndley's [Lindley's] Fort, Seneca Town, Tugaloo River and in the Ring Fight in the Cherokee country where he was wounded in the abdomen and hand, and served seven months.
In 1781, he was taken prisoner at Hayes' Defeat, Hayes' Station, South Carolina, no details given. He died October 18, 1818 His age is not shown. The soldier married July 8, 1772, Sarah Gary. She was allowed pension on her application executed
December 10, 1838, at which time she was eighty-two years of age and resided in Laurens District, South Carolina.
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Their children were:
Jane was born July the 6th 1774
Milley was born April the 5th 1776
Frances was born April the 10th 1784
William was born January  10th 1787
Pheobe was born April the 7th 1791
Louisa  was born May the 15th 1790
Very truly yours
EW Morgan
Commissioner
date of widow's death not on AB
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[stamp] LAURENS CHSC SEP 28 FREE
JL Edwards
commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
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Rev. War Section. March 27, 1918.
Honorable Frank Clark,
House of Representatives.
My dear Mr. Clark:
In response to your letter dated the twenty fifth instant, I have the honor to advise you that in the papers in the claim of Sarah Downs widow of Jonathan Downs, W. File No. 21, 000 Rev. War, it is stated that her husband was a resident of Ninety Six District, South Carolina, when he volunteered in October, 1775, as First Lieutenant under Captain James Williams,
and Major Andrew Williamson; was in an engagement at Ninety Six
in November, 1775 and at the Snow Camps in December, 1775; served
three months. In January, 1776, he was commissioned Major, and was in engagements at Lindley's Fort, Seneca Town and Tugaloo River, and was in command at the Ring Fight in August 1776 where he was wounded in abdomen and hand; served seven months. In 1781, he was taken prisoner in Hayes' Defeat at Hayes' Station, by Major William  Cunningham no further particulars given.
Jonathan Downs married July 8, 1772, Sarah Gary. He died October 18, 1818, and she was allowed pension on her application executed December 10, 1838, while a resident of
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Laurens District South Carolina and 82 years of age.
Their children were:
Jane was born July the 6th 1774
Milley was born April the 5th 1776
Frances was born April the 10th 1784
William was born January 10th 1787
Pheobe was born April the 7th 1791
Louisa was born May the 15th 1790
Very truly yours
EC Tieman
Acting Commissioner
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Rev. War Section. July 9, 1917.
Bettie B. Brewster,
Austin, Texas.
Madam;
In response to your letter dated the 30th ultimo, you are advised that the record of Jonathan Downs, File
No. 21, 000 Revolutionary War was forwarded to you on June 30, 1910.
It is not the practice of this Bureau to furnish more than once to the same person.
Very respectfully,
EC. Tieman
Acting Commissioner.
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July 1, 1910.
Mrs. Betty B. Brewster,
Corpus Christi, Texas.
Madam;
In reply to your letter dated September 19, 1909 and received
in this Bureau on the 24"" ultimo, you are herewith furnished the history
of Major Jonathan Downs, Wid. File No. 21,000, and are advised that a
careful search of the Revolutionary War pension records fails to afford
any information in regard to Henry Downs (Downes) of South Carolina.
Very respectfully,
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Edgefield S. C
Mch 11 - 30
Bureau of Pensions (Rev. War
Please send me information regarding the Pension of Sally Downs
of Laurens County South Carolina
she was drawing a pension
1835- 1840,
Respectfully

Mrs D B Hollingsworth
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[letterhead] COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UNITED STATES, WASHINGTON.
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
June 12 th, 1918.
Sir:
Mr. Jonathan Downs was a soldier in the American Revolution, and I understand drew a pension after the close of the Revolutionary War.
I am writing to ask that you will have the records searched and send me a statement showing the facts as they appear in your office relative to his service in the Revolutionary War.
Thanking you for your attention, I am
Very truly yours,
Frank Clark
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[letterhead] COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, UNITED STATES.
WASHINGTON.
March 25th, 1918.
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.
Sir:
I have a constituent who desires to know if one   Jonathan Downs, who was a major in the War of Revolution,
drew a pension after the Revolution War. I would also like to know
if the wife of Jonathan Downs drew a pension after the death of Major Downs. In fact I would be very glad if you could furnish me with a statement as to the military services of Major Downs in the Revolution War. 
Thanking you in advance, and with best wishes, I am
Very truly yours,Frank Clark
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Brewster 5
AUSTIN JUL 1 -17
US PENSION OFFICE JUL 5 1917
to the hon Commissioner of Pensions
Washington DC
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Austin Texas,
June 30th 1917
To the Hon. Comm of Pension
Sir
Please send me a copy of the application of Sarah Gary Downs
for a pension as the widow of Major Jonathan Downs of the regular
Continental Army. Did Major Downs ever receive a pension during his lifetime, and did his widow ever receive one?
Respectfully
Betty B. Brewster
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Sarah Downs Jonathan SC 1836
the Commissioner of Pensions
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[stamps]
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE WAR DEPARTMENT SEP 24 1909 1570764
US PENSION OFFICE JUN 24 1910
JUN 25 1910
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Corpus Christi, Texas
September 19, 1909.
TO THE Commissioner of
Pensions Washington, D.C.
Sir
I am a descendant of Major Jonathan Downs, and Also of his brother Henry
Downs, my grandfather and
Grandmother having been cousins. Major Jonathan Downs was an
officer in the Continental
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army during the Revolutionary War, and received an almost mortal wound in battle at the Ring fight, in the
District of Ninety Six, South Carolina. His brother Henry Downs signed the Declaration of Independence at
Mecklenburg North Carolina.
There were seven of the Downs
brothers and all of them served in the Revolutionary war, excepting one, who was a cripple, and therefore
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[illegible] not enter the Army.
If there is any record in the War Department in reference to the two brother's, Henry and Jonathan Downs, I would esteem it a favor if you
would furnish me with a copy of it
My grandmother has told me that when Major Downs received his wound he did not let his command
know of it, but pressed one hand on it, holding his bridle with the other and
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continued to lead the charge
until they had cut their way
through the British that surrounded
them. The bullet which Major
Towns received was never removed, it having passed through his body and lodged near the lower part of his
spine, and he was a cripple for the remainder of his life.
Yours most respectfully
Betty B. Brewster
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[letterhead] Sam Houston Normal Institute Huntsville Texas
TEXAS STATE NORMAL SCHOOL
Huntsville, Texas, January 25, 1909.
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
The Adjutant General has suggested that I communicate with you regarding information of my ancestor, Maj. Jonathan Downs of South Carolina, who served in the American army during the Revolutionary War.
My eligibility to membership in certain patriotic societies will depend
on the proof of his service.
Any information that you can give
we will be appreciated.
Yours very sincerely,
William Longino
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Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 21.000
Sarah Downs Wid of
May Jonathan Dowry
Maj Rev. War
Act: July 4th 1836
Index: -- Vol. A. Page--190
Arrangement of 1870.
1909. Feb. 10. History to
Wm. Longino, Huntsville Texas
1910 June 30. Hist to Betty B. Brewster 
1917 July 9 Bettie B. Brewster that she has had one record.
1918 Mch 27 to Hon Frank Clark
1918 June 18,   "         "
1930 - May 10. Hist. to Mrs
D. B. Hollingsworth
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Laurens Court House
Sept 28th 1839
Sir 
Yours to the Hon J K Griffin
of the 12th of July on the subject of the claim of Mrs Sarah Downs, has been forwarded to me.
I have made application to the Executive offices of this State, but do not find any Record of the commission issued to Maj. Jonathan
Downs. The History referred to in the Declaration of the claimant shows that her late husband served as Major. I do not know that the History of the country is regarded as documentary evidence, and would respectfully make the enquiry whether it is necessary to furnish you
with it. On a reference to the rules of evidence, I find that the affidavit of a commissioned officer, as to the grade & term of service, is regarded as being sufficient in the absence of
other proof; the evidence of William Miller last forwarded to the department, was intended to furnish the evidence required under that rule.
It may be that his affidavit in its present form, does not come within that rule, if so, it shall be amended to meet your vision of the requisitions of the law. Any suggestions
that you may think proper to make in
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relation to the claim will be thankfully received. the merit of Mrs Downs claim will be vouched by the Hon J C Calhoun, Hon F H Elmore, Hon W. Thompson & Hon J K Griffin and
if the present objection cannot be removed by other satisfactory proof, then I will Respectfully ask whether it would be foremost to withdraw the evidence and
lay the claim before Congress
I have the honor the
very respectfully
Your obt sent
W. R. Farley

J L Edwards Esq.
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I William Millwee residing in Anderson District State of South Carolina do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Sarah Downs
residing in Laurens District and State aforesaid. That she is the widow of Major Jonathan Downs decd. That the said Jonathan Downs volunteered
in the service of the Revolutionary War in the month of October in the year of 1775 as first Lieutenant
under Capt James Williams. That in the month of November in the year of 1775 we served together in an engagement with the Tories at ninety six in ninety six District and State of South Carolina and were commanded by Mjr Andrew Williamson, the Tories by Patrick Cunningham. That in the latter part of the month of December in the year of 1775 we served together in the execution called the
Snow Camps, in the upper part of South Carolina and had an engagement with the Tories, when
many of them were taken prisoners, we were commanded by Capt James Williams. That in the month of
January in the year of 1776 the said Jonathan Downs was commissioned a Major, and had command of the regulars who were raised to defend the Country against the Cherokee Indians. That in the month of July in the year of 1776 we served together at the Battle of Seneca old town in the Cherokee country, and were commanded by Genl Andrew
Williamson. That in the same month and in the same year we served together at an engagement with the Indians and Tories at Tugaloo River, in
the Cherokee County. That in the month of August in the year of 1776 we served together at the Battle of the ring fight with the Cherokee
Indians, in the Cherokee Country, when Major
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Jonathan Downs had the command, and where he received a ball in the abdomen which he carried with him to his grave. That Magr Downs'
wound rendered him unfit for active service and that he returned home.
That in the year of 1781 we were taken prisoner at Hayes Station in Ninety Six District South Carolina, by the Tories commanded by Mjr William Cunningham. That the said
Jonathan Downs performed a regular tour of service from the time he volunteered in October 1775 to
the time he was wounded in August 1776 of ten months, viz three months as first Lieutenant and seven months as Major. s/ Wm Millwee
Sworn to and Subscribed the 18th day of May 1839 before me
Alexander Evins
Not. Pub. & Ex off Qu
State of South Carolina
Anderson District
I, Alexander Evins notary public, and Justice of the Quorum Ex officio of the District of Anderson and State aforesaid and duly authorized by law to administer oaths do certify that Mr William Millwee did this day
appear before me and was sworn to and subscribed the above certificate. that I am well acquainted with
the said William Millwee, and that he is a credible person; and that his statement is entitled to credit. Given under my hand & seal this 18th
day of May 1839.
Alexander Evins
Not. Pub. & Ex off Qu
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State of South Carolina
Anderson District
I, Elijah Webb Clerk of the Court of Common pleas & General
Sessions of Anderson District & State aforesaid do hereby certify that Alexander Evins is Notary public and Justice of the Quorum Exofficio
of the District of Anderson and State of South Carolina That he is duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that due faith and
credit should be given to his official acts as such. And that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. Given under my hand and seal of Office at Anderson Court House this the 18th day of May in the year one thousand eight hundred
and thirty nine
Elijah Webb
clerk of the Court of CPGS.
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Washington,
28 Dec 55
To the Commissioner of Pensions
Sir, you will please furnish me with the following information as desired of the Representative of the pensioner,
If a pension (Revolutionary) was ever granted to the widow of Jonathan
Downs of Laurens Dist. South Carolina. under what act she was pensioned, the amount of it, annual, & what grade of service she was pensioned for the services of her husband. your attention will greatly oblige the parties
Vry Respy
Thomas W Thurston

Comr Pensions
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S. Carolina 4167
Sarah Downs Susp
Hon JK Griffin 7 Jan 1839
" 14 Feb 1839
" 16 Feb 1839
" 12 July 1839
Ad July 4 1836
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State of South Carolina
Laurens District
I, James Brewster of the District of Laurens & State aforesaid do hereby
certify that I am well acquainted with the handwriting of Mjr Jonathan Downs decd; and that the family record hereunto attached showing the date of the marriage of Jonathan Downs & Sarah Gary, is the hand writing of the said Jonathan Downs.
s/ James Bruster
Sworn and subscribed before me 2nd day of July 1839.
Wm Watts J. C. O. L.D.

I, WD Watts Judge of the Court of Ordinary of Laurens District, which is a Court of record, do hereby certify that James Brewster did this day appear before me and was sworn to and subscribed the above
Certificate that the said James Brewster is a credible person and that his statement is entitled to credit
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 2nd day of Feby 1839
WD. Watts J.C.O.L.D.

South Carolina Laurens District
I John Garlington, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and General Sessions do hereby certify that W.D Watts, is Judge of the Court of Ordinary of Laurens District and that his signature above written is genuine
Given under my hand and seal
of Office this day of February 1839.
John Garlington Clk of CCPGS