Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W 623, Earis Witt, N.C.
Page 1

SERVICE
N.C.
Witt, Earis (or Eris or Aires)
Rebecca
NUMBER 
W 623
B. L. Wt. 36.623-160-55-
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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
25450
East Tennessee
Earis Witt
of McMinnville in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the com commanded by Captain Berkers of the regt commanded by Col Porterfield in the N Carolina line for 1 year and 1 month
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee
at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 day of Jany of 1834 and Saml Frazier Washington
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 108.33
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 21.67
$130.00
Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk.
Book E Vol. 7 Page 66
See letter 16 Sep
A 34 to W. B. A. Ramsey
Let to Pen Agt 19. Sept 1837.
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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
1856 Dec. 30. J. Newcum
Pension Agent
1839 July 21 Sp order to pay
[illegible] 1899
Kentucky
Rebecca Witt
widow of Earis Witt
who served in the Revolutionary 
NC
war, as a private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
43 Dollars 33
Cents per annum. to commence on
the {4th day of March, 1848,] [crossed out]
3 February 1853
Certificate of Pension issued the
13 day of Sept 53
and sent to 
J. Newcum
Mount Vernon
Rockcastle Co
Kentucky
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
[July 29, 1848,] [crossed out]
Page 179, Vol. A.
Feby 3/53
1832
Page 4

212005 Act Mar 3d
Sept 13/55
Rebecca Witt Wid
Aires Witt dec. priv
Rebecca Witt
wid of
Earis Witt Pri
Earis
Revolutionary War
Recd Pension Feby 53 1899
[illegible] July 25/56
Boynton
William Jones
Mt. Vernon Ky
Vol W=2=27
[*No 36.623]
Page 5

State of Kentucky
County of Whitley SS
On this the thirteenth day of April one
Thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty three (1843) personally appeared before the me the undersigned a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid Rebecca Witt a Resident of Whitley County in the State of Kentucky aged seventy years who first being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision of the Act
of Congress passed on the 3d day of February
1853 granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Aires Witt who was a Revolutionary pensioner, she states she does not know recollect of any of the officers under whom he served, for proof of his service she here refers to the papers and proof on file in the department on which her said husband Aires Witt was allowed a pension, she states that she does not now recollect or know anything about the time of service of her said husband, that he recollection is very bad. she states that she was married to the said Aires Witt on or about the [left blank] day
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of 1818 or 1817 by William King a Justice of peace in Campbell County in the State of Tennessee and that her said husband died on the 15th day of Decr 1840 and that she was not married to him prior to the second of January eighteen Hundred but at the time above stated She further declares that she is now a widow and that her Maden name was Rebeca Bryant
Rebeckey Witt
Sworn to & subscribed on the day and year above written before me John Mahan a Justice of the Peace with and for the County and State
aforesaid, I further state that Rebecca Witt is a lady who supports a good character & that she is the widow of Aires Witt Decd I also certify that I am not interested in this claim nor can I prosecuting the same, and I further certify that the said Rebecca Witt from age and infirmity is unable to attend Court Given under my hand this day and date above written
John Mahan
J P W C
The comr of pension will please forward my certificate of pension when allowed to J Newcum Mt Vernon Ky.
attst
Rebeca Witt
John Mahan J P
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State of Kentucky
County of Whitley set
On this the 13th day of April one thousand
Eight Hundred and fifty three (1853)
personally appeared before me John Mahan
a Justice of the peace in & for the County &
State aforesaid Margarett Tye a Resident of the County & State aforesaid and being first duly sworn according to law declar on her oath that she is acquainted with Rebeca Witt late widow of Aires Witt dec. and that she saw the said Rebecca Witt Married to the said Aires Witt on or about the day of [left blank] 1817 and that she was present at the marriage and saw them married at Rober D Pierce in Campbell County in the State of Tennessee by William King a Justice of the peace, and the said Rebecca Witt supports a good character, Margarette Tye
Sworn to & subscribed before me John Mahan
the day and year above written. I further certify that Margarett Tye is a lady we support a good character
John Mahan
JP
Page 8

State of Kentucky
County of Whitley S.S.
On this the fourteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty three personally appeared before me John Mahan a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid John Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson, and made oath according to law that they were well acquainted with Aires Witt and Rebecca Witt his wife, and that the said Aires Witt died on the fifteenth day of December one thousand eight hundred and forty, and that the said Rebecca Witt is his widow and is still alive and a widow and that she has never married since the death of her said husband Aires Witt who was a Revolution Pensioner
John Johnson
Elizabeth Johnson
Sworn to before me and subscribed before me
the day and year above written, and hereby certify that John Johnson and Elizabeth
Johnson are persons who support a good
character.
John Mahan JP W C
Page 9

State of Kentucky
County of Whitley S.S.
I John P. Tye Clerk of the County Court for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration of Rebecca Witt together with the Depositions and proof thereunto annexed was this day exhibited in open Court, approved by the Court and ordered to be certified to the Commissioner of Pensions, and that satisfactory evidence was adduced to Court that the said Rebecca Witt is the identical widow of Aires Witt Decd who died on the 15th day of December 1840, and that the said Rebecca is a lady who supports a good character. I further certify that John Mahan whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Declaration and affidavits, is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace for and within the County and State aforesaid duly commissioned & authorized by law to administer oaths for general purposes and that his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office done
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Williamsburg this the 18 day of April 1853
John P. Tye Clerk
Whitley County ct
Page 11

please address J Newcum
Mount Vernon Rockcastle County
Kentucky
J. Newcum clk
Page 12

State of Kentucky
County of Whitley SS
On this 28th day of August A.D. one thousand
eight hundred and fifty five personally
appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, William Jones aged [left blank] a resident of Whitley County in the State of Kentucky who being duly sworn according to law declares on his oath that he is the Committee or guardian of Rebecca Witt who now resides at his house in Whitley County Kentucky, that by an inquest held in County Court of Whitley County Kentucky the said Rebecca Witt was found to be an idiot and that by an order of said Court he was appointed her committee and she was placed in his care and custody. He states that the said Rebecca Witt is now alive and in the same condition of mind as when the request was held and is still a widow. that she is the widow of Aires Witt who was a Revolutionary soldier and a pensioner, and that the said Rebecca Witt is the widow of Aires Witt was placed on the pension Roll on the 13th day of September 1853. and certificate of pension issued to her on that date No for forty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, for the proof of the services of the said Aires Witt he refers to papers proof on file in the department of the said Aires Witt on his application for a pension and for proof of the marriage of the said Rebecca Wilt he refers to the papers & evidence on file in the deportment [department] in the application of the said Rebecca Witt for
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for her pension, states that he knows the said Rebecca Witt to be the widow of the said Aires Witt He makes this declaration for the purpose
of obtaing the County land to which the said Rebecca Witt may be entitled under the act Approved the 3d March 1855. He also declares that he nor the said Rebecca Witt have not received any bounty land warrant under this or any other act of Congress nor
made any other application therefor
William Jones X his mark
We J. R. Horman and H D Hannan residents of Whitley County in the State of Kentucky upon our oaths declare that the foregoing
declaration was signed and acknowledged
by William Jones in our presence, and We believe him to be the person he represents himself to be J. R. Hormon
H. D. Hannan
The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day
and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons and that the declarant is the identical person he represents himself to be and that I am not interested in this claim and that the said W Jones [illegible] said declaration by making his mark 
Minor Bryant JP
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State of Kentucky
County of Whitley SS
I H Watkins Clerk of the County Court for the County of Whitley and in the State of
Kentucky do certify that Minor Bryant whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing affidavit certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid duly in commission and authorized by law to administer oaths within the County of Whitley in the State of Kentucky and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit and I certify that I
have no interest in this claim
In testimony whereof I hereunto subscribe my name and official character and affix the county seal of my said County done at Williamsburg the 28 day of August 1855
J. C. Watkins clk.
Page 15

27.176
Earis Witt
McMinn Co.
Tennessee
from 1780 private
[illegible] N.C. Roll
13 months
not $43.33
Samuel Frazier
Washington
Rhea Co.
Ten.
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[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir: The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of
your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and
the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed,
before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is
necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed,
you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of Earis Witt 
[column headings]
Period when the service was rendered. |  Duration of the claimant's service. | Rank of the claimant. | Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. | Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. | Proof by which the declaration is supported. 
[secondary column headings] [below Duration of the claimant's service.] Years. | Months. | Days.
[data]
1780 | | 10 | | Sergt | Cap Besheres Col Porterfield | 72 N.C. | Traditionary and one witness.
1781 | | 3 | | Sergt. | Cap Smith Col Martin | | |
Can only allow for services as a private unless it is proved to the satisfaction of the Department that he received the appointment of Sergeant and served in that capacity. Interlineations in the declaration are inadmissible,
I am, respectfully
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1852.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, mucicians [musicians] or privates, will, in the first
instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of County of ss.
On this [space] day of [space] personally appeared (a) before A B. a resident (b) of [space] in the county of [space] and State, Territory or District of [space] aged (c) [space] 
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 provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [space], with [space] and served in the [space] 
(e) regiment of the [space] line, under the following named officers: [space]
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company officers, the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and state in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [space] : A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
I [space] of the Court of [space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [space]  for a pension. 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [space] day of [space] & c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [space] and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [space], who has  subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [space] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
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 it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [space] and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [space] Clerk of the Court of [space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of [space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [space] day of [space] & c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you 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?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier.  Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it?
To an Officer. Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons--one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from
their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform,
and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the person or persons of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, 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 amount of pension he is entitled. In a 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 than 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.
is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each 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, indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years highly objectionable. It must in every others the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration offers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must him his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public papers seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends 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.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on her department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well nesses, and the official character
as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
Page 19

State of Tennessee
McMinn County
County Court September Session 1833
On the 5th day of September 1833 personally appeared before the Worshipfull Justice of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of McMinn County aforesaid Earis Witt a resident of McMinn County State of Tennessee aged about 72 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 provisions made by 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 herein after state to wit 1st That he entered the service of the United States in Guilford County in the State of North Carolina as a drafted soldier being first Sargent of the company some time he thinks in April or May 1780 his officers were Capt [blank] Beshears  Lieut James Philips himself being first Sargent and Col Porterfield and Maj Armstrong rendezvoused at Guilford Courthouse and joined General Gates army  at Salisbury marched to hanging rock where he was in a battle against the British called the battle of the hanging Rock from there marched to Rugeley's Mill where he was in a skirmish against the British from there marched towards Camden South Carolina to a place called the six mile creek being six miles from Camden where he was in a battle against the British called the battle of Camden or Gates Defeat after the battle collected at Salisbury marched to the shallow ford of Yadkin River cross the river and lay on the other side untill his term of service had expired when he was regularly discharged by his Maj Armstrong after having served ten months which discharge is lost or mislayed Some time he thinks in August 1781 he volunteered again being first Sargent of the company in a horse Company in Rockingham County North Carolina his officers were Capt Minor Smith Lieut Saml Hampton Col James Martin and General Rutherford himself being first Sargent rendezvoused at Guilford Courthouse marched to a place called the White swamps where he was in a skirmish against the brittish from then to a place called the drowning Creek N Carolina when he was in a skirmish against the tories
Page 20

from there marched to a place called the brick house man to Wilmington when he was in another skirmish again the brittish from there marched to a place he does not recolect the name when he was discharged by Col James Martin and started home after having been in service three months that being the term for which he had volunteered On his way home in company with five or six of his fellow soldiers he was met by Fannon a Tory Colonel and was taken prisoner by him after a severe reincounter wounding him in several places
Fannon took his discharge from him and after
retaining him a prisoner for ten days sent him home on a furlow  He served in the first tour ten months in the second tour three months making in all thirteen months He was acquainted with Generals Greene Stephenson
Gates Morgan DeKalb and Rutherford (who was his uncle) General Morgan and Col Blunt and the officers he has named above He received two discharges which have been lost as he has stated above He received no commissions as first Sargent He was born on the 12th day of January he thinks of the year 1761 in Halifax County Virginia moved to Guilford County State of North Carolina where he resided during the war of the revolution from there moved to Greenville district South Carolina from there moved to Washington County Tennessee from there to Knox County Kentucky from there to McMinn County Tennessee where he now resides and has resided about nine months He has no documentary evidence of his service and
knows of no person by whom he can prove his services except Burgess Witt who served with him in the three months tour last mentioned in his declaration He is acquainted with in the neighborhood of Knox County Kentucky where he resided last John Cox a Clergyman and Burgess Witt in his present neighborhood can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution He has no record of his age nor has he seen one
Page 21

He hereby relinquishes every Claim to a pension or annuity except present, and declares that his name is not the Pension Roll
of the agency of any State
Sworn to and subscribed this day and year aforesaid
Eris Witt
We John Cox a clergyman residing in in Knox County Kentucky and Burgess Witt residing in McMinn County and State of Tennessee hereby Certify that we are well acquainted with Earis Witt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration, that we believe him to be 72 years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides and has resided to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that oppinion 
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
B Witt
John Cox
I Burgess Witt a resident of McMinn County Tennessee aged 70 years do certify that I am well acquainted with Earis Witt who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration from early boyhood that I served with him in the three months tower he mentions in his declaration that I know that he served as he has stated in his declaration I also certify that I know that he was drafted for a ten months tower as he has stated and also understood and believes that he served out the said ten months and also understood that he has an honourable discharge for the said tour and also a discharge for the three months tower 
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
B Witt
Page 22

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named Earis Witt the applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court further certifies that it appears to them that John Cox who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident of Knox County Kentucky that Burgess Witt who has signed the two above certificates is a resident of McMinn County Tennessee and is a credible person and that their statements are entitled to Credit
John Miller
Alexander C. Robison
Tidence Lane
Justices of the said Court
I A. R. Turk Clerk of the County Court of
McMinn County aforesaid do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original procedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Earis Witt for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office at Office in Athens this 5th day of September 1833
A R Turk Clerk
[*27.176 Earis Witt*]
Page 23

[stamp]
MOUNT VERNON KY
SEP FREE
J Minot Esqr
Commisnore of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 24

State of Kentucky  
County of Whitley SS
April 16th 1855
On motion of the attorney for the County
a Jury of twelve men were impaneled and
sworn to enquire into the state of mind and
condition of Rebecca Witt a supposed Idiot
who after hearing the evidence returned
into Court the following verdict to wit
We of the Jury do agree and find Rebecca
Witt to be an Idiot borned in the State of
South Carolina and that she was not brought into this State to become a State charge and that she is entitled to $43.33 cts per annum a pension & that her parents are not living that she has no other estate and that she cannot labor, or perform any labor; or perform any service and that she is aged about 76 years
A. B. King one of the Jury Ordered that William Jones be appointed committe [committee] for Rebecca Witt and to have charge of her and her estate
I John Smith Judge of the County Court within and for the County of Whitley and State of Kentucky certify that the foregoing is a true and complete transcript of the record and proceedings of the inquest held over Rebecca Witt held before me duly authorised by law to hold inquest over Idiots and Lunatics, in as full and complete a manner as the same appears on record in my office and that I have no
Page 25

interest in this claim In testimony whereof, I have set my hand this 28 day of August 1855
John Smith Judge
Whitley County Court
State of Kentucky County of Whitty S.S
In testimony that the above written John Smith is Judge of the Whitley County Court in the State of Kentucky and that his signature there subscribed appears to be his genuine signature and that he is duly authorised by law to hold inquest our Idiots and Lunatics and his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit and that I have no interest in this claim
I hereunto subscribe my name and official
capacity done at the town of Williamsburg the 28th day of August 1855
R. C. Watkins clk
Page 26

BA-J/ILL
Earis Witt
W. 623
Nancy Witt Porter
2874 Mary Street
Omaha, Nebraska.
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter requesting information relative to Ayres Witt, a Revolutionary War pensioner. The data furnished herein are obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W. 623, based upon the service of Eris or Earis Witt in that war. His signature appears Eris and Earis, but not as Ayres; he is, however, referred to as Aires Witt in some of the papers. He was born January 12, 1761 in Halifax County, Virginia, from which place he moved to Guilford County, North Carolina. While residing in Guilford County, North Carolina, he enlisted in the late spring of 1780, served ten months as first sergeant in Captain Beshears' Company, Colonel Porterfield's North Carolina Regiment and was in the battles of Hanging Rock, Camden and Rugley's Mills. He enlisted in August, 1781, served three months as first sergeant in Captain Minor Smith's Company, Colonel James Martin's North Carolina Regiment and was in skirmishes at White Swamp, Drowning
Creek and Brick House. This service was under General Rutherford who was the soldier's uncle. On his way home, after this last service,
the soldier was in an encounter with a Tory colonel, was taken prisoner, was held ten days, then returned home. After the war, the soldier moved to Greenville District, South Carolina, thence to Washington County, Tennessee, from there to Knox County, Kentucky, and after that to McMinn County, Tennessee. He was allowed pension on his application executed September 5, 1833, while a resident of McMinn County, Tennessee, where he had lived about nine months.
1.
Page 27

He died December 15, 1840.
The soldier married in 1817 or 1818, in Campbell County, Tennessee, Rebecca Bryant; she was born in South Carolina, the date not stated. The soldier's widow, Rebecca Witt, was allowed pension on her application executed April 13, 1853, while a resident of Whitley County, Kentucky; she gave her age then as seventy years. The soldier had a son, W. his name not written out. In 1833, one Burgess Witt, aged seventy years, was residing in McMinn County,
Tennessee, no relationship to the soldier stated.
In 1853, Minor Bryant was a justice of the peace in Whitley County, Kentucky, no relationship to the soldier's wife stated.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 28

June 24, 1903, Hist
Mrs. F.E. Cole Berwyn Md
1908 June 2 Hist to Dr
J.L. Witt J.L.M.
(Letter in W.F. 54)
1916 Apr. 11 Hist to Lucy M. Ball
1916 May 26 Hist to Mrs. M.T.
Ellenhead V.L.M.
1918 Oct. 24 Hist. to Mrs. Maude W. Lat
Letter in W. 3817 John Houston
1920 June 9 Hist to Mrs. Paul A. Klayder
1932 - July 25 - Hist. to Nancy Witt
Porter I.L.L.
623
Revy WIDOW, &c
File No. 623
Rebecca Witt
Widow
Earis Witt
Priv. Rev. War
Act: Feb. 3. 1853.
Index:-Vol. M., Page 328
Arrangement of 1870.
Page 29

Witt, Earis
NC W623
Page 30

[preprinted for with handwritten answers]
[missing info]
WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.
I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832 Earis Witt
of the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Army of the Revolution
is entitled to receive Forty three dollars a[ ]
thirty three cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable se[ ] annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September every year
Given at the War Office of the U[ ] States this Ninth day of January one thousand eight
hundred and thirty four
Lew Cass
Secretary of War.
Examined and
Countersigned. 
J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 31

Pension Office,
Sept 7. 1853
Sir,
Please certify the time
to which the within named
pensioner was paid; and
(if in your power) the
date of his death
Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
S. Cole
Acting Commiss
Present
F. Burt Esqr
Present
( See other side.)
Page 32

Earis Witt, act 7th June 1832 $43.33 p. an.
Paid to 4th Sept. 1840, no date of death
on our Books.
F Burt
Auditor
Page 33

36.623
[illegible]
Page 34

No 1405
Rebecca Witt
widow of Earis
[illegible] Tenn.
Let to J. Newcum
July 18/53
Act Feby 3/53
Page 35

Mount Vernon Ky
15th Decr 1856
Dr sir
Inclosed I send you the papers as made out by Wm Jones committee of Rebecca Witt, the agent for paying pensions at Louis [illegible] refuses to pay you will see his objections endorsed on the back in pencil. A copy of the proceedings in the Whitley County Court appointing W Jones [illegible] & the request held over Rebecca Witt has been filed with the agent & some draws made without a copy at every draw, only the papers made out as these are. I cannot think that the applicant aught to be put to the trouble and expense of a copy of these proceedings twice a year Your written instructions about this matter is requested immediately
Respectfully
J. Newcum
Return the papers & instructions to me at Mount Vernon Rockcastle County Kentucky J.N.
Page 36

Consulled Randall at 3d Audr
Office in request to these vouchers
He says sufficient, 
R. McRae
Page 37

Agents Office East Tennessee
Knoxville Sept.  10th 1837
Sir
You will please herewith find enclosed the following application for pensions - 
Viz-
Benjamin Clark from 4 Sept. 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 for $23.33 per annum
Samuel Young from 4 March 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 for $20 per annum
James McKarny from 4 Sept 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 for $36.66
Edmund Newman from 4 Sept. 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 for $26.66 
Zachues Copland from 4 Sept 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 for $26.66
Erris Witt from 4 Sept 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 for $43.33
Joseph Burke from 4 March 1836 to 4 Sept 1837 for $20
All under the act of June 1832 and on Examination of my Bonds I find that the Claimants claims stands (illegible) per above statement and the Amounts annexed to each name per annum, I have in my possession the original Certificates of pension - all of which is submitted for your inspection and further instructions.
I am respectfully your obt Sevt
                       (illegible) Agent

James L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 38

[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
Brief in the case of Rebecca Witt, widow of Earis Witt, Whiteley County and State of Kentucky
Act 3d February 1853
Claim, ("original"[or for increase."]) [crossed out]
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under the act of June 7 1832.
Marriage proved by parol evidence witnesses certified to be credible
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?
J. Newman Esqr
Mount Vernon
Rockcastle Co
Name and residence of Agent
Ky            
R. Geddes
Examining Clerk.
Page 39

Rebecca Witt
Evidence for a pension

Geddes 1193
Page 40

State of Kentucky
County of Whitley  SS
On this the 24th day of August 1853 personally appeared William Jones a resident of Whitley County in the State aforesaid and made oath in due form of law that he became acquainted with Aires Witt and his wife Rebecca Witt about thirty years ago, he states that he did not see them married but that they lived together as man and wife, and the common rumor & report in the county was that they were married and that they were so received in society, and regarded as man and wife by all who knew them, he states that he was intimately acquainted with the said Aires Witt from the time he first became acquainted with them up to the time of his death and has been intimately acquainted with the said Rebecca Witt ever since he first became acquainted with her and her husband and that the said Rebecca Witt now lives at his house, and that he knows the said Rebecca Witt who is an applicant for a pension is the same and the identical widow of Aires Witt who was a Revolutionary pensioner 
William Jones
As a Justice of the peace in and for the County of Whitley and State of Ky. I do hereby certify that William Jones is a resident of Whitley County and is an individual who supports a good character and is of undoubted veracity, and that he is well known to me, and that he this day personally appeared before me and made oath in due form of law to the foregoing affidavit given under my hand this 24 day of August 1853.
Minor Bryant  JP
Page 41

                     State of Kentucky
                     County of Whitley  SS
     On this the 24th day of August 1853 personally appeared before me John Mahan aged 56 years a resident of Whitley County in the state aforesaid and made oath according to law.  That he became acquainted with Rebecca Witt and Aires Witt her husband about thirty years ago and know that they lived together as man and wife nobody doubting the legality of their marriage.  He says he did not see them married but he knows that they were received in society as man and wife and the common rumor & report of the county was that they were married and I know that the said Rebecca Witt is the identical widow of Aires Witt who was a Revolutionary pensioner and that the said Rebecca Witt lives a neighbor to me now and I know the said Rebecca Witt is the identical widow of the said Aires Witt.
John Mahan
Sworn to by John Mahan the day and date above written.  I further certify that I am well acquainted with the said John Mahan a resident of Whitley County and he is a man who supports a good character and is a man of undoubted veracity & truth and entitled to full credit on oath.  Given under my hand this day &c and that I am not interested in this claim nor am I prosecuting the service.
Minor Bryant JP
State of Kentucky Whitley County Court Set
I John P Tye clerk of the Court aforesaid, do hereby certify that Minor Bryant whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing Declaration and Certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid and duly commissioned and qualified according to law
Page 42

and that his official acts are entitled to full faith and credit that the aforesaid court is a court of peace having general jurisdiction , and that I am neither directly nor indirectly interested in the events of this claim.
Given under my hand and Seal of office at office in the Town of Williamsburg this 26th day of August 1853.
John P. Tye Clerk
Page 43

I here send the origional certificate of Aires Witt which it was supposed was last when I filed the orgional Declaration of Rebecca  I discovered the sir name is spelled a little diferent to what I spell it.  The way I spelled it is the way it is spelled in the family Bible of his son Wm in whose possession I found the origional certificate.
J. Newcum
address J. Newcum  Mt.. Vernon Rockcastle County Ky.
J. Newcum
Page 44

Washington Rhea Co. Tenn. Dec. 18th 1853
Sir
I have enclosed to you a declaration with the amendment of Earis Witt I presume that all the amendment necessary was his relinquishing his claim as a sergent which he has done.
Pleas direct all communications on the subject to me as formerly
I remain Sir Respectfully yours
Samuel Frazier
Page 45

State of Tennessee
McMinn County
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said county and made oath in due form of law and states by way of amendment to the declaration he made in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed 7th June 1832 That he served as he has stated in his said declaration as a drafted soldier ten months as a sergent and also three months as a sergent as he has stated but he is informed that he cannot be allowed pay as a Sergent without proof of the fact that he was a Sergent by some other testimony beside his own oath and as he cannot prove it by any other person he therefore relinquishes his claim as sergent and only claims as a private soldier.  He also states that he is the identical Earis Witt who made the said declaration to which this is an amendment.
Subscribed and sworn to this 2nd day of December 1833 before me.
Earis Witt
Tidemer Lane
Justice of the Peace for said county
Page 46

State of Tennessee
McMinn County
I A.R. Turk Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for the county and state aforesaid do certify that Tidener Lane Esq whose name appears to the within amendment to a declaration of Earis Witt made in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county and that his signature appears to be in his own proper hand writing.
Given under my hand and seal office at office in Athens this 7th day of December 1833.
A.R. Turk Clerk 
By Saml. H Jordan [illegible]
Page 47

Berwyn, Md   
June 19 -03
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir.
I wish some information concerning a revolutionary ancestor Earis Witt whose name is on the pension rolls.  He was a private in the North Carolina line, received pension while living in McMinn County, Tenn.
Please tell me what county in North Carolina he enlisted from, and who were his commanders Captain & General.  Also any other information useful to one gathering proof to enable them to become a Son or Daughter of "The American Revolution" and greatly oblige - yours very truly
Mrs. F.E. Cole 
Berwyn 
Maryland
[stamp]
OLD WAR & NAVY FILES.
JUN 23 1903
Page 48

June 29 1982
Pension Department
of the Interior
Washinton  D.C.
Dear Sir:
I am writing for information about Ayers Witt.  He fought in the Revolutionary War & drew a pension. He inlisted in Whitley Co Ky. I think, I know that is where he lived with my father after the war & drew a pension.  I want to be a Daughter of the Revolution. Can you give the or send me records of Revolutionary Solidier, this Ayres Witt?
[stamp]
DEPT OF THE INTERIOR
FORWARDED
JULY 8 1982
Vets (illegible)
Page 49

2
I am granddaughter of Ayres Witt eligible to be a D.A.R. if I can get his records.  If you cannot get them, please tell me where I can the necessary information.
Nancy Witt Porter
Stamped Envelope
Enc
Page 50

Rev Sec
Armstrong Mo
May 13, 1920
[stamp]
U.S. PENSION OFFICE.
MAY 17 1920
Pension Department:
Send me what Revolutionary War record you have of Lieut. Wm. Harvey.  He was a prisoner of the ship "Torbay".  He was from Virginia.  His wife was perhaps a Miss Robinson.
Also give me a record of Aires Witt from Va. but living in Whitley Co., Ky. after the Rev.
Sincerely
Mrs. Paul A. Klayder
Page 51

M.1
Revo. 
Sec.
211 Caldwell St.,
Jacksonville, Illinois
March 29, 1916
Director Record Division,
Department of the Interior,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir;
Will you kindly advise me if you have any family data on the families of the following Pensioners of the Revolutionary war, Eunice Witt, who, 1840, lived at age of 85 in Cheshire co., (crossed out) Anes Witt, who in 1840, was 80 and lived in Whitley co., Ky and Phoebe Witt, who, in 1840 lived in Estill co., Ky. and was 82?  Phoebe Witt's maiden name was Phoebe Dodd and her husband was, I think, Elisha.  They lived in Halifax county, Virginia and I think Elisha Witt went from that county.  I shall greatly appreciate anything you may tell me concerening these people.
Very truly yours,
Lucy M. Ball
Earis
Rebecca
W62 3
Page 52

Rev. Sec ENC
Room 314 B 
47 W. 42nd St.
New York City
Dear Sir,-
Will you please send me a copy of the pension record of Elisha Witt and his wife Phebe  He served in the Va. Militia and drew a pension from Estell Co Ky He was living in 1834 at 83 - Phebe living in 1840 at 82. Also *Amos Witt-Estell Co. Ky. at 82 in 1840 and Aries Earis Witt in Whitley Co. Ky 1840 at 80
Thanking you in advance for your courtesy.
I am Respectfully,
Mrs. M.J. Eltonhead
*no such person in Census of 1840 or on the Ky. Agency book or lists of Estill Co. Ky 1835.
Page 53

[preprinted form with handwritten answers]
[Missing top of form]
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.
Earis Eris or Aires Witt N.F. 623
[column headings] 
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OF APPOINTMENT | LENGTH OF SERVICE. | RANK. | OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. | STATE | 
[secondary column headings] [below OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.] 
CAPTAIN. | COLONEL.
[data]
Apr or May 1780 | 10 mos. | 1 Sgt. | Beshears | Porterfield | N.C.
Aug 1781 | 3 mos. | " | Miner Smith | James Martin | |
on his way home after last service was taken prisoner by Tories and detained 10 days
Battles engaged in, Hanging Rock Aug. 80 (1), Camden (2),
Rugeley's Mill Dec. 80 (2), and Camden, Drowning Creek, White Swamps and Brick House.
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Guilford Co. N.C.
Date of application for pension, Sep. 5, 1833.  His it was al
Residence at date of application, McMinn Co, Tenn.
Age at date of application, born Jan. 12, 1761 Halifax Co., Va.   Died Dec. 15, 1840
Remarks:  Soldier married in Campbell Co. Tenn in 1817 or 1818 Rebecca Bryant.  She was allowed pension on an application presented Apr 13, 1853 while a resident of Whitley Co.  Ky.  Aged 70 years.  A son W. is referred to, his name is not stated.
          Very respectfully,