Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6,224, John Byrnes, Continental Penn. Va.
Page 1

[notecard]
[upper left]
(3-1776)
SERVICE
Continental
Penn.
Va.
Enlisted in Md
CONTENTS
[center]
Byrnes, John
Byrns.
Esther
[upper right]
NUMBER
W.6224
Page 2

[Left Column:]
["Dead" written diagonally over illegible words] 
to Hon. J. Johnson Dec. 1 [illegible number]
1836  do. E W. P. Goff &
I Recd 4 Jan. 1837
order to pay & let to
A. P. Goff, June 30, 1837.

[illegible] to F. Y. Nomer May
13, 1845.

[faint handwriting written vertically on the left edge of the page:]
Notification sent October 26, 18 [illegible numbers] to
John P. Moore, Clarkesburg, Virginia

[Right Column:]
3482.
Virginia
John Byrns 4
Byrnes
private,
Virginia Line
& Penn.
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War.

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia,
the rate of 8 Dollars per month, to commence [on]
the 13th of April, 1818.

Certificate of Pension issued the 8th of Oct 1818
and sent to B. Reeder, Esq
Clarksburg, Va

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1818.  4 mo. 22/30. 37.86
Semi-anl, all'ce ending 4th Mar 1819. 48.00
Continued  $85.86
[37.86 + 48.00 + $85.86]

{Revolutionary claim,}
{Act 18th March, 1818.}
7 Years 
Reside.
Harrison bs. Va
Harrison Cou [illegible]

[equation on the left: 72 x 3 = 216]
Page 3

[Left Column:]
Hon C. S. Lewis Mch 7 1853
B Despard Apl 17 " [1853]
Te. B. Harter, Jany 6/58
none of these letters found

[Right Column:]
5915
Virginia Ml

Esther Byrns
widow of
John Byrns
Va
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a Private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 96 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence

***
the 4th March, 1848.
---
Certificate of Pension issued
day of May 52
J W Harner
Prest
the
the
and sent to
orded on Roll of Pensioners under act
bruary 2, 1848, Page 154 Vol. 3
-
Page 4

Virginia to wit
John Byrns of Harrison County
personally appeared before the subscriber Presiding 
Justice of Harrison County Court, and
made oath, that he enlisted at Hagarstown
in the State of Maryland in the year 1775
with Captain Kersley as a sergeant, and
shortly after joined the 6th Virginia Regiment
commanded by Col Hendricks in New Jersey
in which he remained nearly two years, after
which he was transfered to the 11th Pennsylvania
Regiment commanded by Col Hand, & served
in the Company of Capt Skein, untill Col
Hand was promoted, and Capt Skein was
made his aid de camp. he then
served in Capt Bushses Company in the same
Regiment. which was commanded
by Col Hubly till the latter end of
the year 1782, when he was discharged
by Col Hubly, that shortly after he was
discharged he left his discharge with
Samuel Agnew Esqr of Lancaster and is
now unable to obtain the same, and
that he is in indigent circumstances
and unable to support himself without 
the aid of goverment, having
had an arm broken  John Byrnes
Page 5

The within affidavit was subscribed and
Sworn to before me, and believing in its
truth I certify the same, Given under
my hand ^(and seal) this 13th April 1818
Benj Robinson [circle with illegible word inside]

Virginia Harrison County Court
I John Wilson Jun. Clerk
of the County Court of Harrison, do certify that the above
named, Benjamin Robinson, who [crossed out: se name] appears to have taken
the foregoing [word crossed out] affidavit is and was at the time of
taking the same one of the commonwealths presiding
Justices of the peace for said County of Harrison, to whose official 
acts as such full faith [crossed out: is given] & credit is given; In testimony
whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of [illegible] court
this 13th day of April 1818-
J Wilson Jr C. H.C

[on the left: round seal stamped over an octagon-shaped paper]
Page 6

[Written sideways down the left side of the page]
In Testimony whereof I
have here unto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said [word crossed out] Court this 24th
day of August 1820
J Wilson Jr C H. C
[on the left: round seal stamped over an octagonal paper]

[Written in the center of the page] 
5
Jno Byrns
[illegible]
March 1819
[illegible]
John P. Moore
Clarksbg [illegible]
Page 7

Virginia Ss
At a court held for the County of Same on the 21' day of August 1820 being a court of record established by an act of the General Assembly of their common wealth, personally appeared before the Court aforesaid John Byrns aged 70 years resident of Hamion [Harrison] County Virginia who being first duly Sworn according to law doth on his oath declare that he served in the revolutionary war as follows
That he enlisted in the year 1775 in the 6th Virginia Regiment Capt Caselys Company Virginia Line the date of his original declaration war April 13 - 1818 his pension certificate is No. 3482 and I do solemly swear that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteenth day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress, entitled "an act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war" passed on the 18th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen that I have not, nor has any person in  trust for me any property or securities, contract, or debts due to me; nor have I any income, other than what is contained in the schedule hereunto annexed and by me subscribed, viz I own one cow not paid for six pigs Barndoor fowls about 12 - 
[signed] John Byrnes

He further declared towit, I am by occupation a labourer but cannot live by my labor-
Page 8

I have a family five vis myself my wife 45 years old my son Isaac 9 years old my son James 7 years old. Lawrence 17 years of age. Their joint labor would not support them.
[signed] John Byrnes
Sworn to and declared before the Court of said County the 21s day of August 1820
John Wilson Junior Clerk of the County court of Harrison Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing oath and Lebswell are truly copied from the records of said Court. And I do further cerity that it is the opinion of said Court that the total value of the property exhibited in the said schedule is twenty dollars - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 24th day of August 1820.
[signed] J WIlson Jr. C.H.C
[seal affixed]
Page 9

[Written sideways in the left margin]
E. W. Horner Richmond V.A.

[On the left column of page]
14251
[in very faint handwriting: Nov 29/8-]
Decd
Esther Byrn's
Pention Paper's
and John
[in very faint handwriting: Capt Triplett] 
Va
7 July 1838
Page 10

State of Virginia
Harrison County } ss. On this sixteenth day of
November one thousand eight hundred 
and fifty personally appeared 
before the subscriber a Justice of the peace
within and for the County of Harrison and State of
Virginia Esther Byrns a resident of Harrison
County in the State aforesaid, aged about eighty 
years, does not know whether she is eighty or eighty one,
who being duly sworn, according to Law, doth, on her oath, 
[crossed out: doth] make the following declaration, in order to obtain
the benefit of the provission made by the act of Congress
passed July the 7. 1838, entitled, "An act granting
half pay and pentions to certain widows." That
she is the widow of John Byrn's deceased who was 
a [blank space] in the Army under Col Lee and
commanded by General Washington, that it is impossible 
for her to specify the service of her Husband
John Byrns, that they had a record of the officers, 
regiment, time of service, when discharged and all the
facts connected with his service, but that they were
all burnt up, when the house was burnt, and that
it is impossible for her at this advanced age to tell. 
She further declares that she was married to the
said John Byrns on the Twelfth day of March Seventeen
hundred and ninety two or three cant recollect which,
that her husband the aforesaid John Byrns died in
November A.D. 1836 that she was not married to him
prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took
Page 11

place previous to the first day of January Seventeen
hundred and ninety-four, viz: at the time above
stated. She further swears that she is now a widow, 
And that she has never before made any application
for a pention [pension]. That her said husband drew a
Pention, that Benjamin Reeder drew the first pention for
him, as will appear by reference to the pention papers upon
which he first drew, that there is no record of her Marriage 
except what was Burnt in their house
Esther her [X] mark Byrns

Sworn to and subscribed before me John W Boggess
a Justice of the peace within and for the County of
Harrison and State of Virginia, the day and year above
written.  And I hereby certify that I believe, from my 
knowledge of Esther Bryns, that [crossed out: I believe] it would be
impossible to take her to Court, the distance being
about ten or twelve miles, and she being quite old
and in full health
J. W. Boggess
A Justice of the peace
Page 12

Virginia
Harrison County} SS. Personally appeared before
the Subscriber a Justice of the
Peace within and for the County of
Harrison and State of Virginia William L Richardson
and made Oath that he was acquainted with
John Byns and Esther Byns, that
John Byns died some time in the year A.D. 1836
that he saw him while he was a corpse, that he
has been acquainted with John Byns and Esther
Byns Since the year A.D. 1817, that he has lived
since the year AD 1817 within about two and a
half miles of them, and that they lived together
as man and wife untill Bynis death, that
they were reputed by all who new them as man
and wife, that Esther Bynis who is now making
this application for a pention is the identical
Ester Bynis who lived with, and was repution 
as the wife of John Bynis deceased, that his Father
John Richardson, for several years furnished
the said John Bynis with his living and drew
his pention, which was ninety six dollars per year
for the same further he saith not
William L Richardson

Sworn to and subscribed before me a Justice of the peace within
and for the County and State aforesaid the day and
year before written. And I hereby certify that the within
Page 13

named Esther Byns is the identical woman
who lived with John Bynis deceased until his
death, and was the reputed wife of said Bynis
I further certify that I have been acquainted with
the said John Bynis and Esther Bynis his
wife for some thirty or forty years, and that they
were always regarded as man and wife, and as
such raised a family of children. I further
certify that I am acquainted with William Richardson
and that he is a man of credit and
respectability.
Jesse Flowers
A Justice of the peace

State of Virginia }
Harrison County } ss  Personally appeared before
the subscriber a Justice of the
peace within and for the County
and State aforesaid, Rebecca Cavalier, and
made Oath that she has been acquainted with
John Byns and Esther Byrns. some Sixty 
years, that she was present and saw them
Married, that they were married by Egr. Wilson
in Fayette County Pennsylvania on the Twelfth day
of March Seventeen hundred and ninety two or
three she thinks ninety two, that she has lived near
them ever since, and that they have lived
together ever since, until the death of John
Page 14

Bynis, and that Esther Bynis has ever since
remain unmarried, that she saw John Byrns
[illegible], that he died in the fall of A.D. 1836 and
that Esther Bynis who is making this application
for a Pention is the identical woman who was
married to John Bynis ^decd and who has ever since
lived with him untill his death, and that the
said John Bynis decd drew a pention in his lifetime.
further she saith not
Rebecca her [+] mark Cavalier

Sworn to and subscribed before me John W
Boggess a Justice of the peace within and for
the County of Harrison and State of Virginia
the day and year first before written
J.W. Boggess
A Justice of the peace

Know all men by these presents, That I the
Subscriber, have appointed, and by these presents
do appoint and constitute J. W. Horner my true
and lawful Attorney in fact, to receive from the
Secretary of War, Paymaster General, Second or third
Auditor of the treasury, or any other officer or
officers authorized to settle or pay the same, all
moneys, drafts or other dues of every kind
Page 15

nature and have, for extra pay, commutation 
money, bounty, clothing money, prize Money, withheld
pay, or any other dues of any kind due to me
from the United States, whether paid by any of
the before mentioned or any other officers of the
United States; And I do hereby request said
officers, or any, or either of them, to pay said
amounts to said Horner, and I do hereby give
to said Horner full power to endorse all drafts, 
pay Certificates, or any other papers in reference to
said business, and to execute any and all [illegible]
or discharges, or any other act which I could
do if present, ^and any act by him so done, shall be
the same as if done by me in proper person
Witness my hand and seal this sixteenth
day of November AD 1850
Esther her [X] mark Bynis
[drawing of a round seal with the word seal written inside]

Signed sealed and
Acknowledged in the
presence of me [crossed out: A Justice of the peace]

J. W. Boggess
A Justice of the peace

State of Virginia } ss.
Harrison County }  I hereby certify that Jesse
Flowers and J.W. Boggiss Esqrs who
have subscribed the forgoing affidavits, was at
the time of so doing. Justices of the Peace, in and
Page 16

for the County of Harrison and State of
Virgina, duly commissioned and authorized 
to administer oaths, and take acknowledgements, 
and that the foregoing are their signatures.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand as Clerk of said County, and affixed
the seal of the County Court of said County at
Clarksbury this 18th day of November AD 1850

Eli Marsh Clk

[faint flower-shaped seal on a trapezoidal-shaped paper]
Page 17

Jnauray 9, 1931.

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section
ILL

Mr. Charles W. Booth
c/o The Exponent,
Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6224, that John Byrnes or Byrns enlisted in Hagerstown, Maryland in 1775, as a sergeant, served about two years in Captain Kersley's or Casely's Company, Colonel Hendricks' Virginia Regiment, was transferred and served in Captain Skein's (evidently meant for Keen's) Company, Colonel Hand's
Pennsylvania Regiment, then served in Captain Bush's Company, Colonel Hubley's Pennsylvania Regiment and was discharged in 1782.
He was allowed pension on his application executed April 13, 1818, while a resident of Harrison County, Virginia, aged about sixty-eight years.
He died November 7, 1836 in Harrison County, Virginia.
Soldier married March 12, 1792 or 1793 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Esther Cavalier.
She was allowed pension on her application executed November 16, 1850, while a resident of Harrison County, Virginia, aged about eighty years.
The children referred to by soldier were Samuel, born about 1803, Isaac, born about 1811, and James, born about 1813. Their first child, a daughter, was born in the spring of 1794 and lived only a few days.
Soldier's son, Samuel, married January 6, 1822, in Harrison,
1.
Page 18

County, Virginia, Elizabeth Wadsworth, who stated that he was then aged twenty-five years. He was killed July 8, 1822 by a falling tree.
Said Samuel's widow, Elizabeth, signed in 1852 Elizabeth Matson but did not give the name of her second husband.

Very truly yours,

E. W. Morgan,
Acting Commissioner.

[handwritten comment] "also - Jonathan Adams - W5596-"
Page 19

[Left column of page]
Ex by Col [illegible]
April 15-57

[Right column of page]
No. 14,251  11-[mutilated edge of page]
Esther Byrn's
widow of John,
Va

7th July 1838
Let J.W. Horner 2d Jany 1850
Save. Feb 4, 1851
Hon T.S. Haymond Spt [September]
26 1837

Letter of Secy of Interia [mutilated edge of page]
Wi [illegible] affirming
decision of Pension
Office.
Page 20

11. 320
Virginia W.
Esther Byrns
widow of John  --
who died on the --
of -- in the State of --
who was a Private in the -- commanded
by Captain -- of the -- commanded
by -- in the Revolution
line for --

Inscribed on the Roll of [illegible]
at the rate of 80 Dollars -- Cents
per annum, to commence on the [crossed out: (illegible) day of] 7th of 
[crossed out: March, 1836] Novr. 1836 & Ending
4. March 1841

Certificate of Pension issued the 6 day of 
May '52 and sent to
J. W. Horner
of Va
Prest.
Arrears to the 4th of --
Semi-annual allowance ending --

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by R. McRae Clerk
Book D. Vol. 1 Page 263
Page 21

9.211
Virginia - W
Esther Byrns
widow of John
who was a private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of
80 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the
6th day of May 32 and 
sent to
J. W. Horner
Prest

(Acts of March 3, 1843 & June
17, 1844.)
Recorded in Book A
Vol. 2  Page 134.
Page 22

5.915
Virginia - W
Esther Byrn
widow of John
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate
of 80 Dollars --
Cents per annum, to commence
on the 4th day of March, 1848.
& ending 30, June 1848

Certificate of Pension issued
the 6th day of May 52
and sent to 
J W Horner
Prest.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 2, 1848, Page 134  Vol. 3.
Page 23

State of Virginia
Harrison County
to wit
"The holy Estate of Matrimony betwixt Samuel Byrans and Elizabeth Wadsworth solemnized the 6th day of January 1822.
By me David Masters"
I Eli Marsh Clerk of Harrison County Court hereby certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the records of my office.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and the Seal of Said Court this 7th day of February 1852
Eli Marsh Clerk
Page 24

Brief in the case of Esther Byrns wid of John
County and State of Virginia
acts 7 July '38 & supplemental, and
Joint Resolution of July 48.

Claim, ("original " or [crossed out: "for increase."] )
Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner under Act of
1818.  Evidence of marriage: Parole, ages
of children &c.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
J. W. Horner of Va.
now present.

Kirby
Examining Clerk.
Page 25

[left side of the page]
Esther Byrns - John
Va - [illegible] Feb 1848

[right side of the page]
Geo. B. Harter
Lumberport
Dec 18, 1857

Brynton or [illegible]
Respecting the claim
for pension of the widow
of John Byrnes

Respectfully referred to
the Commissioner of
Pensions,
Dept. Int.
Dec. 24 /57.
Moses Kelly
Chef. Clk.

Respectfully referred
to the Hon. Secretary of
the Interior
War Dept.
Decr. 22/57

Recd 23 Dec. '57
Mr. Phill
Page 26

Lumberport Harrison County Dec 18th 1853

Sir,
Your reply to my letter was duly received 
and I find it is necessary to give you some
particulars with regard to the widow Bynes
claim to Bounty Land.  Well as near as I
can learn John Byrnes was pensioned about
the year 1818 and was living at the time in
Harrison County Virginia and the widow still is
living in the same County and I believe they have
been receiving their pension of ninety six dollars yearly
but ^what I wish to know is whether the widow under
some later acts than which he was pensioned is 
not entitled to a certain amount of Bounty Land
John, Byrnes served as a Sergeant in the
Eleventh Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line during
the Revolutionary War

Yours Respectfully
George B. Harter

No record of warrant
having issued.
J.C. Records Div.
Jan. 10, 1931
Page 27

Esther Byrns
wid of John
Va
Act 7 July 1838 &C.
$80 per ann:
[crossed out: except 2 years.]

from 7 November 1836, when
her husband died
(except 2 years.)
Also under Joint Resolution
of 1 July 48 at $96 per an:

J. W. Horner, Esqr
of Va
now present.
Page 28

Middlebourne Tyler Co Va
Feb 25th 1851.

Jas E Heath Esq.
Dear Sir.
Inclosed I send you
the Deposition of Rebecca Cavalier and Mrs
Elizabeth Matson taken in the case of Esther 
Byrns; which was deposited in your office on
the 28th November 1850. The claim was once
taken up and rejected upon the ground that
we did not prove that she had a child born in a
reasonable time after their marriage.  I
could have proven that fact at the time I
proved their Marriage, but did not deem it
necessary because I could see nothing in the
Law, requiring such proof.  The claim of
Esther Byrns was made out and proven
more clearly than the Law requires it (if I
can understand the law that was published
as a guide to applicants.)  Yet I was told
that the claim could not be allowed because we 
had not proven that she had a child in a
reasonable time after her marriage with Byrns.

Now I contend that their is no law on
the Earth that requires such proof. I do not
care whether she ever had a child, if she proves
that she was the wife of John Byrns, and that
they were married before the 1st day of January
Seventeen hundred and ninety four, she is entitled 
to draw the same amount of pay that her
husband did.

Now what evidence does the Law require
to prove the marriage in the case of a widow?
It only requires such evidence as would be "necessary 
to establish the Marriage between the applicant 
and the deceased in civil personal actions, 
in a Court of Justice." The general rule is, "that
in all civil personal actions, except that for
criminal conversation, general reputation and
cohabitation are sufficient evidence of Marriage."
And "Mr Mason", Attorny general", goes further and
says that, "to establish the relation of widows, proof 
of a Marriage in fact cannot be required, that is, 
by witnesses present at the ceremony, or by official
records, general reputation and cohabitation
Page 29

and sufficient."  Now upon this question what does 
She prove?  She proves general reputation and cohabitation
without a doubt, by [illegible] Flowers, Boggess, Richardson 
and Mrs Cavalier. Then then can be no question 
as to the fact of their marriage, the only
question is as to the time of their marriage.  Now
let us examine the evidence on this point,
What is it?, it is this, Mrs Bryns proves by her
own declaration that she was married to John
Byrns in Seventeen hundred and ninety-two, 
she further proves by Mrs Cavalier that they were
Married in Seventeen hundred and ninety two or
three, She thinks ninety two. [word crossed out] Mrs Cavalier is
clear upon the subject, that it was in ninety
two or three, either of which years would
be sufficient.  She further proved by the declaration 
of her husband, which was made at
a time that he could not have been influenced
by any improper Motive, that he had a wife
by the name of Esther Brynis. To my mind ^there she
has proven clearly that she is entitled to a Pension
because to me, there can be no question as to the sufficiency 
of the proof, establishing the time, beyond 
a doubt, of their Marriage.  But as your honor
differs with me upon this subject, I have taken
additional testimony to prove, that they had a child
born in the spring of Ninety four.  I have also taken
the deposition of Elizabeth Matson, who swears
that she was married to Samuel Byrnis son of
John and Esther Byrnis Thirty years ago, and that
was Twenty five years old at the time they
were married his death &c.  I also send a copy
of the Marriage Certificate. I think this entirely 
sufficient to settle any doubt in the minds of
the department in relation to the subject. It is known
to yourself, by an examination of Bynis declaration,
that there was several years between the births of
his children; and suppose they never had had
any children, does that in the least effect her [illegible] 
certainly not.
If I understand any thing about the
rules of the department, it is to be liberal towards 
Widows, because it is almost impossible
in such cases as this, to prove beyond a doubt
the exact time of a mariage.
Page 30

"Mr Mason Attorney General" said that "when it is
necessary to establish the claim of the widow
to prove the date of the Marriage, it is incumbent 
on her to produce satisfactory proof ^to the
Commissioner.  But the proof ought to be considered 
in the spirit in which this law has
been passed, of libirality to the applicant."
Mrs Byrnis is now very old and almost
in a suffering condition. I therefore ^hope that it
will be your pleasure to act upon this claim
immediately as it will confer a lasting blessing
upon the old Lady at this time. Your early
attention to this will much oblige your very
Obedient Servant
J.W. Horner

J.E. Heath Eqr.
Page 31

Virginia Harrison County to wit
Be it known that before me John M. Fortney a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid duly authorized by Law to administer oaths, personally appeared Elizabeth Matson and made oath that on the 6 day of January 1822. She was married to Samuel Byrnes a Son of John Byrnes and Esther Byrnes who is now applying for a Pension as the widow of John Byrnes deceased, and that Samuel Byrnes was Twenty five years old at the time they were married and that Samuel Byrnes her first husband was killed by a tree falling upon him thirty years ago next July and the Eighth day. and further this deponent saith not. 
Elizabeth her [+] mark Matson

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 23d day of January 1852.
[signed] John M Fortney J.P.

State of Virginia
Harrison County} to wit.
I Eli Marsh Clerk of Harrison County Court hereby certify that John M. Fortney who has subscribed his name to the above certificate is now and was at the time of doing is a Justice of the Peace in & fore said County duly commissioned & sworn & that his signature above is genuine. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court this 7h day of February 1852
Eli Marsh Clerk
Page 32

Virginia Harrison County, to wit,
Personally appeared before the subscriber a Justice of the peace in and for said County, Rebecca Cavalier and made oath that She was personally acquainted with John Byrns and Esther Byrns his wife, that she Saw them married and that their first child was a girl and was born in the Spring of Seventeen hundred and ninety four and died in two or three days after its birth and that Samuel Burns son of Esther Byrns was killed by a tree falling upon him Thirty years ago in July. And further this deponent saith not
[signed] Rebecca Cavalier x her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of January 1852.
[signed] J. W. Boggess J.P.

State of Virginia
Harrison County
to wit. 
I Eli March Clerk of Harrison County Court hereby certify that John W. Boggess who has signed the above certificate is now and was at the time of so doing a Justice of the peace in & for said County duly commissioned and sworn and that the above is true signature
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 7h day of February 1852
[signed] Eli Marsh Clerk
Page 33

[Left side of the page: ]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6224
Esther Byrns
Widow
John Byrns
Pvt. Rev. War
---
Act: Feby, 2nd/48
Index: __ Vol. A, Page 111
(Arrangement of 1870.)

[Right side of the page: ]
1931 - Jan 8. Hist. to Chas. W. Booth.
ILL.

1931 - Jan. 9. Hist to Paul G. Lawson.
see his lett, Jonathan Adams - W5596.
ILL.
Page 34

No Virginia Roll.
[illegible]

[Written on the left, sideways:]
3
Admitted

[Written in the center, sideways:]
Harrisonburg Va.
April 14
Free
The Honble. Mr. Calhoun
Secry. of War
Washington
Page 35

Clarksburg Va 13 April 1818

Sir,
I inclose the affidavit of John Byrns
claiming a Pension under the late law of Congress;
feeling an interest for a man who has resided
in my neighborhood for about seven years
and laboured industrously to support a small
family, untill about nine months since, when
he had the misfortune to have his arm broken
I went with him to the Judge of the superior
Court of Law now sitting in this place, who
was willing to grant the certificate required
by the act of Congress - but [crossed out: from] the [crossed out: decision of] the General Court (of which he is a member) [crossed out: having] decided at their last term to do no business imposed upon them by an act of
the Genl Government, - by which he feel [end of line obscured]
himself bound. The affidavit was theref [end of line obscured]
made before the presiding Justice of the County 
Court which is a Court of record, and I trust
will answer the intended purpose-

Having acquaintance with Mr Graham
who I am informed transacts business in your
department, I take the liberty to inclose a note
to him

I have the honor to be
very respectfully
[illegible signature]
B Reeder
Page 36

John Byrnes, Western Va.
Act 18 March 1818.

To What time paid?
T.F.K.
Pens: off 6 May

Paid to 7th November 1836, when he died.

E. F. French
2d Comptr's Office
Page 37

Clarksburg Va June 2d 1837

Sir /
You will receive under cover the
Pension vouchers of Mrs. Esther Byrns. if
found correct forward the same to Mr.
A. P. Goff the attorney named and direct 
the Pension agent at Wheeling to pay the
Amount,
Yours respectfully
Jas. Reed
Page 38

Near Clarksbg. Va. 13 Apl 1818.

Dear Sir
I have inclosed to the Secy. of war the
affidavit of John Buyrns claiming a Pension under the
late law of Congress, which could not be obtained
before a Judge of the Superior Court on account of
the genl Court having decided not ^to transact any 
business imposed by an act of Congress.  It was 
therefore taken before the presiding Justice of the
County, [illegible] well acquainted with
the organization of our courts, and that I [crossed out: might] 
safely reckon on your friendly aid for a
meritorious old soldier.  I ask the favor of you
to obtain and forward his certificate to me 
if it can be had upon the affidavit sent, & 
if not, to advise me of the most easy mode
of obtaining it, -- to get the certificate of
the district Judge he must travel to
Williamsburg, to get the certificate of
[illegible] he must travel to some seaport -- but
I trust the certificate of an humble
County Court Justice -- will be sufficient
with great respect
Yr mo obt svt
B. Reeder
Geo Graham Esqr
Page 39

State of Pennsylvania
Fayette County ss. I Richard Huskins Prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas, and Clerk of the Courts
of Quarter Sessions & Oyer and Terminer in and
for the County of Fayette Penna. do certify
that I have made diligent search and
do not find any record of the Marriage
of John Burns and Esther Cavalier.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and the seal of said Court at Uniontown in
the County aforesaid the 16th day of December A.D. 1850.
Richd Huskins Prothonotary &c
Page 40

Pension Office,
January 2d 1851
Sir:
The declaration of Esther Byrns, widow of John, has
been received.  Both herself and the witness who testifies for
her seem uncertain as to the year on which her marriage
occured.  As that event is placed so near the year 1794, it is
important that it should be placed beyond a doubt. To do
this, witnesses must be produced who can fix the date by
reference to some circumstance in their own history. This
may be done also by proving the birth of a child or Children
before 1794, or by establishing any facts that will show it, 
must necessarily have occurred prior to the 1st January
1794.

Very Respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt.
J. L. Evans
Acting Commsr of Pensions

J. W. Horner, Esq
Present.
Page 41

[Three equations on the left side:]
1820 - 45 = 1775 
1792 - 1775 = 17
1820 - 17 = 1803

[Written on the right side:]
P. 77
Richmond Va
Jany 19. 1850
J. W. Horner
appeals from the decision
of the Commissioner of
Pensions in the case
of Esther Byrne widow of
John Byrne deceased

JL Evans
Jany 23d/51
Ackd & Referred to the Commissioner
of Pensions for
a report.
Dept Into
Jany 23 /51
Page 42

Richmond Jan 17th 1851
Hon A. H. H. Stewart

Dear Sir
The case of Esther
Byrne, widow of John Byrne Decd. was before Capt.
Triplet, who acted, in the absence of Heath, and
who decided that the evidence was sufficient
to sustain his application. [Crossed out: Now,] I shall not
attempt to rehearse the evidence to you, but will
only ask your indulgence, in examining it [word crossed out].
I am clearly of opinion that the evidence
is amply sufficient, if we are to be governed
by the decisions of the Attorney General and
the law, which I have no doubt is the intention
of the department, yet I am free to say that
I do not think, that Mrs Byrne's claim received
that consideration, that was due it. I therefore
ask an appeal, and hope your Honor will take
the papers and give them such consideration, as
your better judgement may dictate. She is verry
poor, and worthy.

A. H. H. Stewart Esqr.
Your Obt Sert
J. W. Horner
Page 43

Department of the Interior
February 1, 1851.
Sir- 
The papers in the case of Ester Burn, appeared from your office are herewith returned - 
You will please inform the Attorney in the case that you Decision has been affirmed - 
I am, Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
Alex H H Stuart
Secretary

James E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 44

May 13 45
Jno Byrnes
[illegible]

[seen on the right, through a tear in the page:]
Taken
state the

[Written sideways, in the center of the page:]
Lumberport Virga.
May } Paid 18 3/4 

James L Edwards Esqr
Pension Office
Washington City
D. C. 

[written sideways, in the left margin: 10]
[on the left: round seal stamped over a square paper]

[upside down, on the left:]
111
August 21, 1820
[two equations:]
30 + 17 = 47 
 5 m. [months]
45 + 30 = 75
Page 45

Lumburport Harrison Co Virga. 5th May 1845

Mr. James L Edwards Esn

Sir, 
I hope you will be kind enough to answer a few enquiries in regard to Pension Laws.

There is a lady living in this County who was wife to Sergeant John Byrnes formerly Pensioner from this County. He drew a Pension of 96 or 98 $ for a number of years. I until his death which was in 1836 or 1837. 
The questions I propound are as follows. Un; 

1st: Is it necessary that their marriage should have taken place at or before any stated period. If so state the time when it should have taken place.

2nd Is it important when he died. If so state when he should have been living in now that his widow may draw a Pension.

Their marriage can be proven by one living witness. 

You will find by your Books that he served about 7 years in the revolutionary War. That he was a Sergeant & that he drew a Pension of 98$ until his death. I hope that you will give me the desired information & say whether or no she is entitled to a Pension under the following circumstances. She is the widow of a man who served 7 years in the War of the Revolution. drew a Pension of 98$ till his death died in 1837 or 36 married about 1800 -
Page 46

She is extremely poor and if the Law will give her any thing it will relieve the widoe of an honest soldier who fought 7 years for his country.

Please give me such other information as you may deem important to ascertain whether or no she is entitled to anything - 
Hoping to hear from you Soon
I am very Respectfully
Yours
Ferdinand Y Hornor

To James L. Edward
Pension Office
Washington D.C.
Page 47

January 9, 1931

Rev.& 1812 Wars Section
ILL

Mr. Paul G. Lawson,
318 Davis Street
Clarksburg, West Virginia

Dear Sir:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 6224, that John Byrnes or Byrne enlisted in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1775, as a sergeant, served about two years in Captain Kersley's or Caseley's Company, Colonel Hendricks' Virginia Regiment, was transferred and served in Captain Skein's (evidently meant for Keen's) Company, Colonel Hand's Pennsylvania Regiment, then served in Captain Bush's Company, Colonel Hubley's Pennsylvania Regiment and was discharged in 1782. 

He was allowed epnsion on his application executed April 12, 1818, while a resident of Harrison County, Virginia, aged about sixty-eight years. 

He died November 7, 1836 in Harrison County, Virginia. 

Soldier married March 12, 1792 or 1793 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Esther Cavalier.

She was allowed pension on her application executed November 16, 1850, while a resident of Harrison County, Virginia, aged about eighty years.

The children referred to by the soldier are Samuel, born about 1803, Isaac, born about 1811, and James, born about 1813. Their first child, a daughter, was born in the spring of 1794 and lived only a few days.

Soldier's son, Samuel, married January 6, 1822, in Harrison,

1.
Page 48

County, Virginia, Elizabeth Wadsworth, who stated that he was then aged twenty-five years. He was killed July 8, 1822 by a falling tree.

In 1852, said Samuel's widow, Elizabeth Matson but did not give the name of her second husband. 

Very truly yours,

E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
Page 49

Clarkeburg, W. Va.
Dec. 8, 1930

U. S. Pension Office
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

I would like to secure, if possible, from your office the Revolutionary record and any other genealogical data that you may have in regard to Jonathan Adams, who is claimed to have served in the Revolutionary War and received a pension for same while a resident of Harrison County, West Virginia.

Will you also please give me similar information as to John Byrns, who, likewise saw service in the same War and received a pension while residing in Harrison County, West Virginia. Both men served in the Virginia Line. 

Thanking you for any information you may send me, I am

Yours truly,
[signature] Charles W Booth
Charles W. Booth.

Address: 
c/o The Exponent
Clarkesburg, W. Va.

[faint round date stamp reading: U. S. OFFICE DEC 9, 1930]
Page 50

The National Archives
Form VAN-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Byrnes, William
GRADE Private
LINE Pennsylvania

WARRANT NUMBER 9001
ACREAGE 100

ISSUED March 12, 197- (torn)
to Robert Thawpson, assignee

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.