Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 2828, for James Miller, South Carolina
Page 1

(3 - 1776)
SERVICE
S. C.
Miller, James
NUMBER
S.2828.
Carded
CONTENTS
Page 2

30.392
West Tennessee
James Miller
of Bedford Co in the State of Tennessee
who was a private in the company commanded
by Captain Barnett of the regt commanded
by Col Walton in the S. Carolina M
["line" crossed out] for one year, from 1779
Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee
at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of Februa
1836 - and sent to Hon J.
K. Polk, N. R.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $180.-
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 36 20.
$200.
{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by Wm S Allison Cler
Book 62 Vol. 2 Page 97
Date of death [illegible] A. B.
Page 3

State of Tennessee ss.
Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the
act of Congress passed 7th June 1832.
On this 8th day of November in the year of
our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and thirty two
Personally ["appear" crossed out] appeared in open Court before
the Worshipful Saml. Phillips, Jno L. Niell, & John B. Armstrong
gentleman Justices of the peace appointed to a
the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions for Bedford
County in the State aforesaid; Now sitting James
Miller a resident of Bedford County in the State of
Tennessee aged Seventy nine years and Sixteen
days, who being first Sworn according to law; doth 
on his oath make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed
7th June 1832. That he entered the service of the
United States of America under the following
named officers and served as herein Stated
That he entered the service of the United States
as a volunteer in Captain Jacob Barnetts Company
in what was then called York County in
the State of South Carolina about the first of May
in the year 1779. And was marched to Stono
under the Command of Col. Samuel Watson, and
was in the battle at that place he says that Genl
Henderson Commanded the Militia, and General
Lincoln the regular at that day, and from there to a place called
Sheldan Bulls where he says he remained
.
Page 4

there for some time, and was then discharged and
returned home; after serving a tour of four months
and fifteen days; He further states that afterwards he 
volunteered again with the same Captain in a 
Company of Mounted Gunmen, which was in a few
days after he returned from the first expedition.
And was marched down to Congaree river and crossed
over to a place called Blackstocks where he says he
was in the battle at that place, and that General Sumpter
was wounded there by a Ball in the Shoulder
and was marched back and recrossed the Congaree
river and down an Linches Creek, and from that to
Black river, he states he was along when three or four
waggons loaded with clothing & belonging to the 
Brittish was taken on their way from Charlestown
to Camden, he says they took also, about forty or
fifty prisoners, and put the prisoners and clothing
on board of Some Boats on the Congaree and
attempted to convey them to Fludsford in said
river but was prevented from doing so, by an
attack made upon the Americans from the bank
by the Brittish, and the Americans landed on
the oposet bank leaving the clothing and prisoners
to the enemy. - He states that Shortly after that, an
attempt was made by the americans under the command
of General Sumpter to defeat the same Brittish
troops that retook the clothing and prisoners, and
to remove them from their small fort which they
had erected on the bank of the Congaree river; but
Page 5

before the Americans reached that place they came
in contact with a reinforcement of the brittish
and that an engagement between the two armies took
place, and that the Americans was defeated, He sayed
he was then marched up to fishing creek in fairfield or
Chester District South Carolina, and he says
that at that place General Sumpter was again
defeated by the Brittish under the command of
Col. Tarlton, He states that afterwords his Captain
Relisted [?] in the 10 months service and was placed
under Captain James Thompson, and remained
in the American army until the close of the
Revolutionary war. He further States that John
Moffitt was his Lieutenant Colonel during the
whole time he was in Service except the first
tour he performed, and the same John Moffitt
who wrote the accompanying recommendation
when he was about starting on business into
Montgomery County and State of Virginia in
the year 1784 Which he says was a very 
essential paper for a man to carry with him when
travelling among Strangesr them times.-- and
that he served in the last mentioned tour of duty
about two years, making in all a term of Service
of about two year four months and fifteen days.
Deponent further States, that he has no documentary
evidence except the papers which accompneys this
declaration, and that he knows of no person who can
testify as to his service-
Page 6

And that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity except the present; and that
his name is not on the pension roll of any agency
in the United States.-
Interroggatories by the Court-
Int. 1st Where and in what year were you born;
Ans. I was born in Cumberland County in the State of
Pensylvania on the 22nd of October in the
year 1753. Agreeable to my Fathers family record
Int. 2nd Have you any you any record of your age
and if so where is it. ---
Ans. I have a record of my age at my house in 
this County (which is my Fathers Original record
in a book called the confession of faith)
Int. 3rd Where were you living when called into service
where have you lived since the Revolutionary war
and where do you now live. ---
Ans. I was a citizen of what was called York County
in the State of South Carolina, when I entered
the Service, and continued to be so, until the close
of the Revolution, and until the year 1808. When
I moved to Bedford County Tennessee, where I now
live and where I have lived ever since.-
Int. 4th How were called into service; were drafted
were you a volunteer or were you a substitute
and if a Substitute for whom
Ans. I was a volunteer the whole time I was in
the army of the Revolution. --
Int. 5th Did you ever receive a discharge and if so
Where is it or what has become of it
Page 7

Ans. I never received a discharge in writing or
any writting whatever except what accompnies
this declaration.
Int. 6th 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 service.-
Ans. I recalled Col Roberts who was killed at Stono
and Genl Lincoln, and I think the Lieut Cols name 
was Jackson but I am not certain. I do not recollect
nos. of any Regiments whatever at this time, and
I know of no prominent circumstance in my
Service except what I have given you in my declaration. -
State the names of persons in your present 
neighborhood to whom you are known who can
testify as to your character for veracity, and your
Services as a soldier of the Revolution.
David Weaver Esqr. Mathew Moss Esqr and
William Kerr, but have form no aquaintence with clergyman
Sworn to in open Court 9th of Nov 1832.
James Miller
Jas McKisick 
State of Tennessee
Bedford County
We David Weaver and William Kerr, hath
residing in Bedford County and State aforesaid, do
hereby certify that we are now and have been for
more then twenty years; in the neighbourhood
where he said James Miller resides; that he is reputed and believed
in the same to have been a Soldier of the Revolutionary
Page 8

revolutionary war; and that we concur in that opinion
we also certify that his character for veracity has
never been Questioned Since we know him to
our knowledge by any person whatever; and
that he supports the character of an honest and
Pious good citizen, and also that he is nearly
blind; And the said William Kerr further states
that he was present when said James Miller the sd
applicant first entered the service of the United States in
the year 1779 in Captain Jacob Barnetts Company
in South Carolina, and present when he was
marched off. Sworn to and Subscribed this 8th
day of Novem 1832.  And also believe him to be the
age he states he is. -
Dan Weaver
William Kerr
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court 
9. Nov. 1832
Jas McKisick
And the said Court; do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter; and after putting
the interroggatories prescribed by the war department
that the above named applicant was a soldier of the
Revolution and served as he states; And it further
appears to the court that David Weaver Esqr has
been an acting Magistrate in Bedford County for
many years; and that William Kerr who has also
Signed the foregoing certificate, is a man of good
standing in this County, and that they are both
credible persons, and that their statements are entitled
to full faith and credit.-
Jno L Neill
Samuel Phillips
John B. Armstrong
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21919
James Miller
Tennessee
admitted for one
year $40
suspended
Hon. J. K. Polk
H. R.
James McKisick C.C
Bedford Co
Shelbyville
Page 10

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Officer
8 Aug 1833
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, showing the service of James Miller Bedford Co T.
Period when the service was rendered.
Vol May 79
"
Duration of the claimant's service.
Months.
 4
Days.
15.
About 2 years
In all 2 years 4 ms. & 15 days
Rank of the claimant.
pr
"
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served.
Cap Barnett
do
Cap Thompson
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers.
Col Watson
Col Moffitt
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Stono
Blackstock
Country through which he marched.
S. C.
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period.
79 
York @ S. C.
Evidence by which the declaration is supported.
Trady
The volunteer militia were not in actual service
without intermission as much as two years. They were called
out at different periods when the services were required
and when the alarm was over they returned to their homes. It
is only the actual service in the field against the enemy that
an allowance can be made for.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2
REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
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, musicians or privates, will in the first in
stance, 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
On this - day of - personally appeared (a) before
A.B. a resident (b) of - in the county of - and State, Territory or District
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 provion made by the act of Congress, passed
June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) -, with - and
served in the - (e) regiment of the - line, under the following named officers:
[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 enered 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. - 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 - of the Court of
do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of
the application of - for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this
day of - & 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
and C. D. residing in (the same)
hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with
who has
subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be
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 day 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
and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the
and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, - Clerk of the Court of - do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of
for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal
of office, this - day of - & 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
alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 12

3
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.
{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 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 he 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
enquiry 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.
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.
The declaran
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.
The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
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
the veteran served, and the particular rank he held, as a
directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months,
is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years
in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is
ust, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement;
where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent autherity
; 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.
The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
The opinion of the Court is always required.
The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
The Clerk must affix 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 pubseal
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.
Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses,
who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and
the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as
the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witness
, all
the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
The
notes from
note il applies to continental troops only.
This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
W. L.. Williams clk
Page 13

Rev. and 1812
War Section.
May 6, 1925.
Marie R. Lane
Hendersonville
N. C.
Madam;
I have to advise you that from the papers in
the Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 22828, it
appears that James Miller was born October 22, 1753
in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
While residing on Bullocks Creek, York County,
South Carolina, he enlisted in May 1779 and served
at various times as a private and mounted gunman in
the South Carolina Troops, under Captains Jacob Barnett,
James Thompson, John McCool, John Moffitt and Colonels Samuel
Watson, William Bratton and Wade Hampton, he was in
the battles of Stono, Fishing Creek, Blackstocks and
Quarter House, served until the close of War, amounting
in all to two years, four months and fifteen days.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
November 8, 1832, while living in Bedford
County, Tennessee. Par There are No family data on file.
Respectfully,
WILDER S. METCALF
Commissioner.
of
Page 14

Free
James L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington City
[sideways]
July 20
Tenn.
Page 15

Columbia Tenn. July 8th 1835
Sir
The communication from your office in
relation to the application of James Miller for a
pension, his mind, and happening to be in his
neighbourhood a few days ago, I visited him, and at his 
request, prepared the enclosed explanatory or
candid [?] Declaration. I hope it may be satisfactory for he
is not only blind, and but miserably poor, and I
cannot doubt from connection with him, and the
reputation for truth & honesty which he has where
he is known, but that he served as he has
represented, in the Revolution. I have known David
Weaver who made the affidavit - enclosed for several
years, and know him, to be a man of good character,
and of truth.- Be pleased to give the case a
re-examination, and if a pension be granted, inclose
the certificate to me, for him.-
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
yr ob't s't -
James K Polk
James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
War Dep
Page 16

121919
James Millers
Declaration
Page 17

I James M. Kesick Clerk of the Court of Pleas &
quarter Sessions for Bedford County in the State of
Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter
of the application of James Miller for a Pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto
Set my hand seal of office at office
Shelbyville 31st day of Decemr 1832
Jas McKisick Clk
[seal attached to document]
Page 18

James Miller
Pension Case.
I have the
certificate
If the applicant is
entitled to a Pension
for one year, let a
certificate issue for
that time, or for any
other period for which
he may be entitled
to a pension, by this
papers on file -
J. K. Polk
Feby 12th 36
Page 19

War Department
Pension Office
February 8, 1836
Sir,
I herewith enclose Mr Carr's letter to
you and I have to state that on examining
the papers of James Miller, - it would appear
that he claims for one tour of four months,
two tours of three months and two tours of
six months in duration. The militia tours
were usually three months, and frequently less
The objection heretofore made to the admission
of the claim was on account of the length of
service set forth in each tour. From his 
narrative of his services it cannot be admitted
that he served the length of time alleged
in his different tours. He cannot be allowed
a pension on the papers exhibited for services
exceeding one year in duration.
I have the honor to be
very respectfully
Your Obt Servt
J L. Edwards
Sir
Hon J. K. Polk
House of Representatives
Page 20

Suspended
See letter to
Hon. J. K. Polk
14 Feb. 1835
do, 15 June 1835
do. 20 July 31st do 8 Feb
1836.
Page 21

(Pension Claim)
Shelbyville T
May 3
Free
James S. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington City
Page 22

Shelbyville June 2d 1835
James L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed I
send the amended declaration of James
Miller for a Pension. The original declaration
is on file in your office. From what
I have learned of the applicant, - I can have
no doubt, but that he served as he has
Stated, - and is entitled to a pension. He
is blind and very poor.
If he is found to be entitled to a
pension; - forward his certificate [illegible]
to himself at "Thompson's Creek P. or Co.
Bedford County Tennessee"
I have the Honour to
be very Respectfully
Yr Ob't Servt
James K Polk
Page 23

State of Tennessee
Bradford County
The additional and amended [?]
Declaration of John Miller, in order to obtain
the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7th of June
1832. The said James Miller being first duly sworn
according to law, doth on his oath make the following
additional declaration - to wit, That in
his former Declaration now on file in the Pension
office, his service in the Revolutionary
War is truly set forth, and with as much
particularity, - as his advanced age - and impaired
memory enabled him to state the
[illegible] In declaring in his former Declaration
that he served as therein set forth, - two tours
of duty of six months each, - besides other tours of
shorter duration, he stated the service [illegible]
ding to the best of his memory. He further
states - that in all the tours he performed
he was a volunteer, and was never drafted
and that though he volunteered to serve
a tour of three months, - at each engagement
in consequence of the danger from the
tories who were [illegible] in the County
it happened upon to several occasions, when
his tour expired, - that there was still need
for men, and it was [illegible] safer to
remain in service than to return home, and
he for these measures [?] continued in the army
over his time, and in the two tours of six
months - set forth in his former declaration
it was put down as a single tour of six
months whereas it would perhaps have been
more proper - to have stated each
Page 24

tour of six months, a two tours of
three months each, this was immediately following 
the other, but making in fact one
continuous tour of six months. - These are
the only explanations which his memory [illegible]
him to make, and he [illegible] the
truth of the statements contained in his
former Declaration--
James Miller hsi mark X
Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 2d day of
July 1835
Richard Warner JP [hand written seal]
State of Tennessee 
Bedford County
This day personally
Bedford County
appeared David Weaver
of said County, - before me
an acting Justice of the Peace for said
County, and made oath, that he [illegible]
to have heard the above named
James Miller and {illegible] a soldier
of the revolution, who is now dead, took
together upon many occasions more than twenty years ago, about this
Revolutionary services, - and the said James
Millet always give the same account of his
service, that he gave in his declaration which
[illegible] to same & [illegible], and which is now
in the pension office; - said [illegible] with
said Miller in his statements about his
services; - and always said he was in the
service with said Miller - and was [illegible]
with him and his services: This deponent
[illegible]
Page 25

any expectation on what on their part illegible], that
my pension to be granted, and he [illegible]
doubted the truth of their statements, and
did not now doubt that the said James
Miller did serve as he has stated.- Said
Miller is now blind & very poor.
David Weaver
Sworn to & subscribed 
before me this 2nd day
of July 1835
Richard Warner JP
I certify that I  have this day [illegible] acquainted
with James Miller, who has sworn to the
foregoing [illegible]

personally acquainted with David Weaver
who has sworn to the foregoing affidavit
before me, and know him to be a man
of good standing in society, and that his
said statement is worthy of credit. Given
under my hand & seal this 2nd day of July 1833
Richard Warner J. P.
I James McKisick Clerk of the Court of pleas and
quarter sessions of Bedford County in the State of
Tennessee do hereby certify that Richard Warner Esqr is an
acting Justice of the peace in & for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualifies as such & that full faith and credit are to be
given his official acts as such In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal
of office at office in Shelbyville this
3rd day of July 1835
Jas McKisick
Clerk of said use
Page 26

The amendment to the declaration of James Miller
made at November Term 1832 of Bedford County
Court in Order to obtain the benefit of the act of
Congress passed the 7th June 1832
State of Tennessee
Bedford County
On this 13th day of June 1833. Personally
appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of
the peace in and for the County aforesaid. James
Miller Senr who subscribed and was Qualified to the
declaration above alluded to, who after being
sworn according to law, deposeth and Saith that being
reason of old age and the consequent loss of men
he cannot Swear positively to the precise time when
he left the service, nor to the precise length of his
Service, but according to the best of his recollection
he served not less than the periods below and in
the following grades to wit; That he served not less
than four months and fifteen days in Captain Barnetts
company as mentioned in his former declaration
a private Soldier; and that he entered upon his 
Second tour of duty the first of November 1779
to the best of his recollection he was dismissed
from service about the first of November 1781.
that to the best of his recollection he served
Page 27

not less than two years and his last tour mentioned
in his former declaration, as a mounted gunman
and private Soldier, making in all a term of
actual service of not less than two years, four
months and fifteen days for which he claims a
pension agreeable to the act of Congress Sworn
to and subscribed before me the day and
year above Written
James Miller [hand written seal]
James Stevens Justice
of the peace
State of Tennessee
Bedford County
I James McKisick Clerk of the Court of pleas
and quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid
do hereby certify that James Stevens Esq before whom
James Miller Subscribed and was sworn to the forgoing
amended declaration; is now and was at the time
of qualifying him thereto, an acting justice of the peace
in and for said County
duly commissioned and qualified as Such, and that full
faith and credit are given to all his official acts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
Bedford County Court at office this
17th day of June 1833.
Jas. McKisick Clerk [seal attached to document]
Page 28

st Ind. LLB / ORD
War Department, A. G. O., April 14, 1931 -- To The Quartermaster General, War
Department, Washington, D. C.
1. Forwarded as a matter pertaining to his office.
293
2. The name Elijah Williamson or James Miller has not been found
on the rolls on file in this office of soldiers in service from the State of
South Carolina during the period of the Revolutionary War.
By order of the Secretary of War.
Ruye Logan
Adjutant General
[stamp "RECEIVED APR 15 1931 M&r DIV OQMG"]
QM 293 A - M Williamson, Elijah 2nd Ind.
April 20, 1931. To Veterans Administration, Bureau of Pensions.
For such information as may be found in your files with
regard to the military service of Elijah Williamson and James Miller,
Revolutionary soldiers, returning all papers with your reply.
For the Quartermaster General.
R.E. Shannon
R. E. SHANNON,
Captain, Q. M. Corps,
Assistant.
Incl.
No chg -
Page 29

Revolutionary war record of Elijah Williamson.
Born in 1754, in Bertie Co. N. C.
While in the District of Ninety Six S.C. Enlisted in the Co of
Capt John Rogers, Col. Williams Reg. S. C.
In 1778 -- Capt. John Stephens Co.
In 1781. Capt Capt Dillards Co. Levi Casey's, S. C. Reg.
Pension Claim No W 6518, Bureau of Pensions, Dept of Interior.
James Miller. Record also found in the Bureau of pensions,
Fought with Marion, in S. C.
I have misplaced my papers, but record is in pension bureau
in Washington.
[stamp "PENSION OFFICE US B APR 22 1931"]
Page 30

Hendersonville N. C.
May 9th '25
Bureau of Pension
Washington D. C..
Dear Sirs
Can you give me
any information
concering the following
Revolutionary soldiers
Did they - or any of
the desendants receive
a pension
Andrew or James Miller
from S.C
Thomas Posey Henry Co Va. or
N.C.
[stamp "PENSION OFFICE US MAR 11 1926"]
Page 31

Also William Mangum
of S.C.
Thanking you for
part promptness
I am very greatfully
Marie R. Lane
Page 32

 QM 293 AM Williamson, Elijah
April 20, 1931. 1 to Veterans Administration, Bureau of Pensions.
For such information as may be found in your files with
regard to the military service of Elijah Williamson and James Miller,
Revolutionary soldiers returning all papers with your reply
For the Quartermaster General:
R. E. SHANNON,
Captain, Q. M. Corps.
Assistant.
Incl.
No chg.
[stamp "PENSION OFFICE US B APR 22 1931"]
Page 33

April 29, 1931.
War Department
Office of Quartermaster General
Memorial Branch
Washington, D. C.
Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
AWF:MLB
Dear Sir:
You are advised that it appears from the papers in the
Revolutionary War pension claim, S. 2828, that James Miller
was born October 22, 1753 in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
While residing on Bullocks Creek, York County, South Carolina,
he enlisted in May, 1779 and served at various
times as a private and mounted gunman in the South Carolina
troops, under Captain Jacob Barnett, James Thompson, John McCool,
John Moffett, and Colonels Samuel Watson, William Bratton
and Wade Hampton. He was in the battles of Stono, Fishing
Creek, Blackstocks and Quarter House, served until the close
of the war, amounting in all to two years, four months and
fifteen days.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
November 8, 1832, while living in Bedford County, Tennessee.
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Tombstone Data
family data
Page 34

2828
RevWar
INVALID.
File No. 2828
James Miller
Pri Rev. War
Act: June 7 1832.
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 256
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[sideways]
1925 - May 6 - His to Marie R Love AWF
1931 - April 29 Tombstone data to Meved Br AWF
1931 - June 2 Memorial Branch (QMG) advised history find.
April 29, 1931 - See carbon of reply in Solmon Yeoman
S/32088 MMNF
Page 35

Declaration
In Order to obtain the benefit of the Act of
Congress passed June 7th 1832.
State of Tennessee
Bedford County
On this 23rd day of May
One thousand Eight hundred
and thirty five personally Appeared Before me
James Stevens and George Hufman two
Acting Justices of the peace for said
County James Miller aged Eighty
two years Oct next the 22nd
who being first duly sworn according to law
doth State on his oath and makes 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 Col Samuel Watson and Lieut
Daniel Smith and served as herein stated
under General Henderson and under the Intermediate
Command of Capt Jacob Barnett and
Entered into service the 2nd day of May
Page 36

One thousand one hundred and seventy nine
and was in the engagement at stono point 
under General Lincoln and General Henderson
and left as near as can be recollected
the 15th day of August 1779
and resided in State of South Carolina
3.13
in the District of York on Bullock
Creek was volunteer after said Battle-
Returned home through the State aforesaid and
after my arival at Home 2nd
Tour under Wm Bratton Col & John Maufit
Col. & Major Adam Mack, was in
the Engagement an Blackstock in the year
1780. Tour of three months, after said battle
dispatched and returned home through the
State aforesaid 3rd Tour under Col Bratton
Col John Maufit&  Major Mack, aforesaid
suppose by the Brittish on the 20th of Augt 1780
Tour of four Months, then remainded in York
and Chester untill afterFergusons Defeat
Page 37

4th Tour under the command of the Officers afforsaid
and through the County Between Camden &
Charleston supposed and taken three or four Brittish
waggons and forty or fifty men taken of the Brittish
which was brough and put on board of 
the Boats. On the river Below Camden to be
delivered at Capt Fludds as we were going
we fell on the Brittish fort on the Bank
of the River which supposed us, we were
Compelled to leave our Boats and prisoners and
Go on & meet our Company as prescribed
at Capt Fludds. [illegible] swamps from thence
In July or Aug on to the best of my
recollection I was One of the Guard
under Capt John M Cool, he
Lived in Union District South Carolina
Said Tour of Six Months.
5th Tour Under Capt James Thompson, Lieut,
John Bird & 2 Lieut, John Moore the field
Officers afforsaid we went down to Goose
Creek Bridge we took two British officers
but of what rank I misremember now
Page 38

We Pain & [?] & Col Wade - Hampton at Goose 
Creek Bridge in South Carolina -
we marched from thence to the Quarter house -
to supprised and take some brittish that were
there - But they were fled - we caught
Some Eight or ten Brittish Officers which
were yet at & in the quarter house. We
returned from there to York again in
October 1781 - making a tour of six
months
I akso stated I never received any discharge or commission on
my serving the service.
I remained in the state of South Carolina fifty
six years & In Tennessee Bedford County twenty six years
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever
to a pension or annuity Except the present
and declares that his name is not on the
Pension roll of the agency of any State only
on that of the agency of the State of Tennessee
Sworn and Subscribed to this 23 day of May 1835
Test
James Stevens J. P.
George Hofman. J.S.
James Miller his mark X
Page 39

State of Tennessee
Bedford County
We Asa B. Barrell, Cergyman David Weaver
& Moses Ayers residing in the
County and State aforesaid as we hereby
Certify that we are will acquainted with
James Miller who has subscribed.
and sworn to the above declaration that
we believe him to be of the age of Eighty
two years that he is reputed and
believed in the neighborhood when he resides
to have been a soldier of the Revolution and
that we concur in that Opinion
Sworn and subscribed this 23rd day of
May 1833
Asa B Darrell
David Weaver
Moes Ayers 
James Stearns J. P.
George Hufman J.P.
And the said James Stewart and
George Hufman do hereby declare their opinion, after
the investigation of the matter and after putting
the interrogatories prescribed by the war department
the above named applicant was a Revolutionary
soldier and served as he states. And the said James
Stewart and George Hufman further certifies, that 
it appears to them that Asa B. Barrell
who has signed the preceding certificate is a
clergyman, resident in the County of and State of Tennessee and
that David Weaver and and Moses Ayers who has also signed the same are
residents of the same state and county and are credible persons and that
their statement is entitled to credit
James Steans J.P.
George Kaufman JP
Page 40

State of Tennessee
Bedford County
I do hereby certify that
I knew the said James Miller at
the time in South Carolin and the service of the United States
in May one thousand seven hundred
and seventy nine, I lived with him at the
time and knew him from his boyhood;
I saw him when he left home to join
the army. And to the best of my 
recollection I saw him every time
or almost every time he left and
returned home. He was said to
have been in the battle at Stono Point and
I have every reason to believe he was during his
first tour. I know him to be a Volunteer
He severd his first campaign under General
Lincoln and also under Col Watson and
Lieut Col. Smith and in Capt Jacob Barnett
company. His 2nd tour was under
Col Wm Bratton and Leut Col John Maufit
and Major Adam Meek. He was
said to have been in the engagement at
Blackstocks in 1780. After the said
battle he returned home to his residence
in South Carolina. His third tour was
under the same office as in the second
During which he was surprised by the
British and came home without this horse
or blanket, General Sumpter
commanded the Americans at the time
of the surprise. I do not recollect how long
he remained at home after his return
from his third tour. After remaining at
home some time he again left and
went out under the same officers as
in the other campaign. He was said to
have been in a scouting party which
Page 41

captured some waggons but was afterwards
surprised and the waggons were retaken.
I also recollect his having gone out a fifth
time, under James Thompson as Capt.
Lieut John Bird and 2nd Leut John Moore
and march to Goose Creek bridge in
South Carolina where it is said he joined
Col Wade Hampton, and served for
some time, and also that it was said
that they surprised, and I believe it to be so 
the British Quarter house where they took 
several prisoners. I further certify that, 
so well as I can recollect that he never
obtained a discharge for any of the various
tours he served. I have known him
ever since the revolutionary war and have lived
with him ever since. He is entirely 
unable to leave his home to have his declaration
taken and sworn to, from bodily infirmity.
He is also blind.
William Kerr
Sworn to before me
this 2nd June 1835
Geo Davidson
State of Tennessee
Bedford County
I James McKisick Clerk
of Bedford County Court Do hereby certify that
James Stephens George Huffman and Geo Davidson
are magistrates as above and that the foregoing
signatures purporting to be his are true and genuine
In Witness whereof I
have hereunto set my hand
and affixed my seal of
office this 2d May 1853
Jas McKisick clk
By his Deputy 
A. H. McKisick
Page 42

I certify that the foregoing declaration of James
Miller - for a Pension contained in this or
the [illegible] sheets -- I have good reason to believe
- contains the original procedings had before
the two magistates, before whom it was taken
and I further certify that I believe from information
in which I place full confidence that said James
Miller is blind and unable to travel to
Court. He is very poor and stands much
in need of the pension if he be entitled to
it I am further personally acquainted with
Wm Kerr - whose affidavit or deposition
is annexed, - that I know the said affidavit
to be genuine, and that said Kerr is a man
of good character & of veracity.
June 2nd 1835
James K Polk