Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S 4469, for Joseph Kerr, North Carolina
Page 1

NUMBER
N.C.


Kerr, Joseph

NUMBER
S. 4469
Page 2

13967
West Tennessee
Joseph Kerr
White Co. in the State of Tennessee
who was a private of the regiment commanded
by Col. McDowell in the N. Carolina
line for 2 years

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee
at the rate of 80 Dollars per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 17th day of July
[illegible] and Smith Nelson
Anderson Sparta

Arrears to the 4th March                       160.00
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Sept         40.00
                                               Total       $200.00

Recorded by Danl Boyd Clerk
Book E  Vol. 7  Page 86
Page 3

12.205
Joseph Kerr--
Declaration

from 1778  private
2 years

$80.00






Mess Nelson & Anderson
Sparta
Ten
Page 4

State of Tennessee
White County S.S.
On this 4th day of September 1832 personally
appeared before me Nathaniel M. Williams
Judge of the Circuit Court of Law and Equity for
said State, now sitting on the said County of White,
Joseph Kerr a resident of White County
and state of Tennessee, aged about seventy two years
who first being duly sworn according to Law doth
on his Oath make the following Declaration in order
to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 
June 7 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States
and served as herein stated-- In the year of 1778 or 1777
he cannot remember which, he lived in Mecklenburg
County North Carolina.  The british and tories were
very troublesome in that part of the Country, and at
that time.  This Declarant has been a cripple from
his infancy; properly termed an invalid--and
not subject to military duty--at the pressing
solicitation of his suffering neighbors who were
exposed to the ravages of the enemy, this Declarant
went to Genl. McDowell in Rowan County, (as he
now thinks) and offered his services to him as a 
"Spy".  The offer was thankfully received--and
this Declarant entered the service in that character.
He was sent by Genl. McDowell from
Rowan North Carolina, to Tiger River in
South Carolina, near Blackstocks ford, to
watch the operations of the British and tories.
He found some, British and tories to the number of
about fifteen hundred, as well as he now recollects,
quartered on Tiger River, on the south side, about
Page 5

half a mile below the above mentioned ford.  He then returned
to Rowan County N.C. and apprised Genl. Mc Dowell and
Col. Steen of the discoveries he had made.  From Tiger
River to Genl McDowell's station in Rowan County, 
he believes was about ninety miles--he was well
mounted, and travelled night and day until he reached
Genl McDowell--on receiving this information genl.
McDowell, Col Steen and the troops with them marched
to Smith's ford of Broad River South Carolina.
Here Genl McDowell remained with a part of the
troops, and detached Col Steen, with about six
hundred men, as well as Declarant now recollects
to go against the British and tories at Blackstock
ford on Tiger River, where their situation had
been particularly spied out by this Declarant.
Col Steen with his troops came upon them rather
by surprise, routed and defeated them.  Col Steen
in this engagement lost four men killed--and
had seven wounded.  He took no prisoners,
but killed, as Declarant thinks, from fifty to a 
hundred of the British and tories.  Declarant then
returned to North Carolina and joined Col Williams
as a spy --he thinks it was Rowan County.  By this time, the above named Col Steen, who commanded
the South Carolina "Refugees" had 
joined Col. Williams--from there, they marched
near to the Cowpens, in order to Join what
were called the "Over mountain troops", under
the command of Col's Sevier, Cleveland and 
Shelby.. Col Steen informed the other
officers, that this Declarant was known to him
as a faithful and efficient spy, as a true friend
to his Country, and one in whom the utermost confidence
Page 6

could safely be reposed.  Cols. Sevier, Cleveland, Shelby
and Steen then held a Counsel in presence of this Declarant;
they knew that Ferguson with his British
and tories, was then stationed about twenty miles from
them at Peter Quin's old place, about six or
seven miles from Kings mountain, and between
said mountain, and where our troops then were.
The result of this Counsel held by the officers was, that
this Declarant should go, and reconnoiter Ferguson's
position, which he did.  He found the British
and tories encamped about one hundred yards apart,
and their arms stacked up, and no Centinels  This
Declarant gained easy access to them by passing himself
for a tory--as tories were then numerous
in that part of the Country.--He believes, but in this
he may be mistaken, that Ferguson's strength
including british and tories, was not exceeding
fifteen hundred.  He ascertained from the tories
that they intended on the evening of that day to
go from Quin's old place to the top of Kings
mountain, and ro remain there a few days,
in order to give protection to all the "rebels" who
would join Ferguson's standard.  After obtaining
this information and making these discoveries,
this Declarant returned to next day to Cols.
Sevier, Shelby, Cleveland and Steen, having
staid all night at the house of a tory who lived about
ten miles from Quin's old field.  He reached
our encampment about sunset.  The officers
immediately collected round this Declarant
in order to ascertain what his discoveries had
been.  He gave a brief, but circumstantial
account of them to the said Sevier, Shelby,
Cleveland, Steen, and Williams, whose name
Page 7

has been unintentionally omitted, in his last references to
the officers.  Williams was present at each Counsel that
was held.  The conclusion was, that they would march
that very night in the direction of Kings mountain--a 
distance he believes, of about twenty seven miles, or perhaps only
twenty six--Sevier, Cleveland, Shelby, Steen & Williams
with their troops, reached Kings mountain the next
day (having marched all night) about 10 O'clock--
and completely surprised Ferguson and his troops by
surrounding them.  Sevier occupying one position,
Cleveland another, Williams another Shelby another
and Steen another.  The engagement he thinks
lasted about an hour, but in this he may be
mistaken--the defeat of Ferguson was complete--
about two hundred and fifty were killed on the ground,
about seven hundred and fifty taken prisoners-
the balance escaped.  The were principally tories.
We lost about twenty five men killed on the
ground, many wounded, of which number was
Col. Williams, who was wounded in several
places.  A mortal wound in the groin as this 
Declarant believes, terminated his life on the
next day after the battle before 12 O'clock.--This
Declarant well remembers conversing with
him after the battle.  He knew he must
die, and did so, cheerfully resigned to his fate.
From the time this Declarant first entered the
service as a spy, until the battle of Kings 
mountain, was something like one year and
some few months, but how many he does no know.
Page 8

page 5
He had before the war, lived in South Carolina in the
County or District of Your--had been well known there,
and his fame as a spy had reached the settlement
where had lived.  His acquaintances to the number
of eight or ten, in York County South Carolina
wrote a letter to him describing their distressed and exposed
condition, and imploring aid.  He shewed this letter
to the officers commanding the Refugees, in North
Carolina near the York in River Col, Steen, was wounded,
having been killed by the tories--and who commanded
these refugees, he cannot now tell--for the reason that
he does not remember,  thirty one of the Refugees came 
with this Declarant back to Mecklenburg, where he made
his home at the house of his uncle Joseph Kerr.  It 
was about fifty miles from here to York [illegible]as he now 
thinks, from whence this cry of distress above spoken of 
proceeded at the instance of Capt Barnett who commanded 
the rew refugees who returned with him to Mecklenburg, this
Declarant proceeded to York for the purpose of making
discoveries.  Barnett's object was to get accurate information
and the procure force sufficient from other
sources, to make a successful attack upon them.  This
Declarant went, and in the character of a tory gained
access to the camp of Genl Floyd, and Capt,
Hook british & tory officers.  Hook commanded the dragoons
But here this Declarant was recognized by some of
the tories.  They were there, in great numbers
under Genl Floyd--and on this occasion he
came very near losing his life--.  He was
personally known to some of the tories who told
Captain Hook, that he was " a damned Rebel Spy".
Hook drew his sword over the head
of this Declarant, and repeatedly menaced,
Page 9

6 page
and threatened his life--after continuing to menace and
threaten for some time, Hook told him as there was no
positive proof against him he would spare his 
life, on condition that he would remain there until
the next Thursday (and take the oath of allegiance, and
come under his protection--he having as he said,
appointed the next Thursday as a day on which
he would administer the oath to rebels in general,
stating at the same time, in these words "young
man I am damned suspicious of you, you can
do us more damage than two hundred
fighting men in the field"--stating that if ever
this Declarant returned to North Carolina and
was brought before him again, he should not
live two minutes--this Declarant was not 
retained in custody, but pledged himself to remain
until the following Thursday and take the oath
and come under protection of Capt. Hook.
He however effected his escape, as there were
no Centinels, and as Capt. Hook believed and so
expressed himself, that there was not "a rebel
army" in five hundred miles.  This Declarant
made his way to his horse, where he was tied
in the bushes some distance from the camp.  He
travelled all night, leaving the british and tories in
the afternoon he reached Capt. Barnett and his thirty
one refugees a little before day--nthe next morning
he described the condition of the enemy to Capt. Barnett
which was this-- the British and tories were encamped
in an old field near a house--was another old
field measurable growth up with pines--and
was tolerably thick set with pine sapling--
Page 10

Capt Barnett with his thirty one men, determined to
set out for the British and tory encampment.  They
did so, and travelled in day light, till they came in about
fifteen miles of the encampment.   The balance of the
way they travelled in the night, and reached the above
mentioned old field, viz the one which was grown
up with pines, between midnight and day--this was
on the second night after Declarant left the British
and tory encampment  Barnett and his man, having
tied their horses behind the field, cautiously and silently
advanced upon the British and tories, and found
them asleep.  Capt. Barnett's orders were, that
as the night was very dark, his little band should
advance to where the men were asleep, and ascertain
from their breath, or breathing, which was their
heads lay---at a concerted signal, every man
was to fire, and fire all at once--which signal was
this--old Mr Gipson, at the head of the line, was
first to fire, and the balance to fire immediately.
They did as they were ordered, and literally obeyed
the directories given--the fire was fatal--Capt. 
Barnetts men commenced reloading, and hollowing
and giving the word of command, and
calling upon General and Colonels to surround the
enemy; this was done for the purpose of impressing
the enemy with the belief that they were attacked
by a large force.  The artifice succeeded.
There was killed of the enemy about ninety
seven, principally British' amongst whom was
Capt. Hook.  The enemy retreated in the utmost
confusion. leaving their arms, ammunition,
horses and saddles, and some of them leaving their
hats.--In short, the defeat and rout of the enemy was
Page 11

decisive--this was the last of this Declarants services
to his Country.  He has no documentary evidence by which
he can establish the foregoing facts--no any living witness within
his reach.

1.  This Declarant was born in Chester County Pennsylvania
      3. November 1760.
2.  He has a record of his age which can now be seen
     and inspected in the town of Sparta, White County
     Tennessee.

***Transcribers note--- the rest of this page, down to number 6
is marked as "Omit"  However, since it is all legible, it has been transcribed.***
3.  When he entered the service, he lived in Mecklenburg County
     North Carolina--after the close of the war he went to South
     Carolina York District.  From there he removed to Wilson
    County, West Tennessee.  From there he came to White County
    where he now lives, and has lived about nineteen or 20 years     
4.  He has already stated the manner in which he was called in
    to service, and the General circumstances of his service, with
     such officers as he was acquainted with.
5.   He never received any discharge, never in fact having been
     subject to military duty and only being engaged as a spy, he
     rode his own horse and being in easy circumstances
     measurably bore his own expenses.
6.  He states the names of the following persons in his present
     neighborhood who can testify as to his character for Veracity
     and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
     To wit--Isaac Taylor, Jesse Lincoln, Anthony Dibuill and
     the Revd. Mennican Wade.

He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity
except the present and declares that his name
is not on the pension roll of any agency in any State.
(signature of Joseph Kerr)
Page 12

The foregoing declaration sworn to & subscribed in open court
the day & year aforesaid  A. Dibrell Clk.
We Menincan Wade a clergyman residing in the County of White, and 
Anthony [illegible] residing in the same hereby certify that we are all acquainted with Joseph Kerr who has subscribed and sworn to the above Declaration--that we believe him to be seventy two 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.
Menincan Wade
Anthony [illegible]
Sworn to in open court the day & year aforesaid
Anthony Dibrell clk
By Jno. H. Anderson D. Clk

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion After the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the was department, that the above applicant was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states-- and the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Mennecan Wade who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the County and that Anthony Dibrell who has also signed the same is a resident of said County and is a credible person and their statement is entitled to credit.
Nath W. Williams Judge of the Superior Court of 
Law and [illegible] for the State of Tennessee
Page 13

State of Tennessee
White County
I Anthony Dibrell clerk of the
Circuit Court of said County, do hereby certify that
the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said
Court in the matter of the application of Joseph Kerr
for a pension.  In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my private seal (there being
no seal of office) yet provided) at office this 17th
day of September A.D. 1833.
(signature of Anthony Dibrell) Clerk
Page 14

Rev. and 1812
War Section.
April 8, 1935.
Mrs. L. B. Jarrell,
150 Cloverhurst Terrace
Athens, Ga.

Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claims, S. 4469, it appears that Joseph Kerr was born November 3, 1760 in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
On account of lameness from infancy, he was not subject to military duty, but while a resident of Wecklenburg County, North Carolina in 1778 or 1779, he offered himself as a "Spy", was accepted by General McDowell, and served in that capacity for two years as follows-
He stated that he went to Kings Mountain and returned, with information concerning the British and Tory camps, to Colonels Sevier, Shelby, Cleveland, Steen and Williams, who marched at once to the battle of Kings Mountain.
Shortly after his return, General McDowell sent him from Rowan County, North Carolina, to Blackstook's
Page 15

Ford on Tiger River in South Carolina, to observe the operations of the enemy and on his return, General McDowell sent Colonel Steen to the battle of Blackstock's Ford.

After said battle, soldier returned to the home of his uncle Joseph Kerr in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where he remained a short time, and at the requestof Captain Barnett, who commanded the refugees from York County, South Carolina (where soldier had resided prior to the War, he volunteered as a "Spy" and went to the camp of General Floyd in York County; there he was recognized and held, having promised to take the oath of
allegiance to the King; he made his escape to Captain Barnett, who returned with him and thirty-one men, and surprised and killed about ninety-seven of the enemy. 
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832, while a resident of White County, Tennessee.
There is no reference to his wife or children
in said claim, nor is the date of his death.
Respectfully,
Commissioner.
Page 16

Rev. War Section.
June 19, 1917.

Mr. R. L. Bradley,
Hotel Endicott,
New York City, New York.
Sir:

In response to your letter dated the ninth instant you are advised that from the papers in the claim of Joseph Kerr Survivor's File No. 4469 Rev. War, it appears that he was born November 3, 1760, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and that on account of his lameness he was not subject to military duty, but while a resident of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, in 1778 or 1779, he offered himself as a "Say" was accepted by General McDowell, and served in that perilous capacity
for two years, as follows: He stated that he went to Kings Mountain and returned with
information concerning the British and Tory camps, to Colonels Sevier, Shelby, Cleveland, Steen and Williams, who marched at once to the battle of Kings Mountain.

Shortly after his return, General McDowell sent him from Rowan County, North Carolina, to Blackstock's Ford on Tiger River in South Carolina, to observe the operations of the enemy and on his return, General McDowell sent Colonel Steen to the battle of Blackstock's Ford.

After said battle, soldier returned to the home of his uncle Joseph Kerr in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where he
remained a short time, and there, at the request of Captain Barnett who commanded the Refugees from York County, South Carolina
where Kerr had resided prior to the War he volunteered as Spy and went to the camp of General Floyd in York County; there he was recognized and held on his promise to Captain Hook, to take the oath of allegiance to the King, but made his escape to Captain Barnett who returned with him and thirty-one men, and surprised, and killed Captain Hook and about ninety-seven others, while the rest of the enemy fled in great disorder.

There is no reference to his family in the papers on file.

Very respectfully, [illegible]
Acting Commissioner.
Page 17

I think this [illegible] tells a very fishy tale

Record Division.
November 3, 1908.

Mrs. J. G. Jarrell,
23 West Jones Street,
Savannah, Georgia.

Madam:

In reply to your letter dated the 20th and received the 22th ultuno, you are advised that from the papers in claim Sur. File No. 4469, it appears that Joseph Kerr was born November 3, 1760 in Chester County, Pennsylvania. 
On account of lameness, he was not subject to military duty, but in 1778 or1779 while a resident of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, he offered his services as "Spy", was accosted by General McDowell and served
in that perilous capacity for two years.

He went to King's Mountain and returned with information concerning the British and Tory Camps, to Colonels Sevier, Shelby, Cleveland, Steen and Williams, who marched at once to the battle of King's Mountain.

Shortly after his return, he went from Rowan County, North Carolina, to Blackstock's ford, on the Tiger river in South Carolina, to observe the operations of the enemy, and returned to General McDowell, and Colonel Steen who led to the battle of Blackstock's Ford. After the battle he returned to the home of his uncle Joseph Kerr in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where he remained a short time, and there at the request of Captain Barnett who commanded the Refugees from York County, South Carolina,

[handwritten sideways] he does not state that he led Gen. McDowell to the battle [illegible] said [illegible] Col. S.
Page 18

Sur. File No. 4469, -- 2.

(where he had resided prior to the War) he volunteered as a "spy" and went to the camp of General Floyd in York County, South Carolina; here he was recognized and held on his promise to take the oath of allegiance to the King, by Captain Hook, but made his escape to Captain Barnett, and they returned only thirty-one men, surprised, and killed about ninety-seven of the Enemy including Captain Hook, while the remainder fled in great disorder.

Joseph Kerr was allowed pension on an application executed September 4, 1832 at which time he was a resident of White County, Tennessee.

There is no further data as to family.

The Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford any information in regard to Noah and Edward Hampton described by you.
Very respectfully,
Acting Commissioner.
Page 19

December 31, 1934
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/ady
Mrs. Lorraine B. Jarrell
Flora
Mississippi

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter relative to Joseph Kerr, Andrew Hampton, William Moore and Amselem Bradley, soldiers of the Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office are obtained from claims made to the United States for pension and bounty land based military service of soldiers in the war.
A careful search of the records fails to show such claim on file on account of the services of Andrew Hampton or or Anselem Bradly, all spellings of the surnames searched.
The land which you state Andrew Hampton received may have been granted by the state from which he served.
As a means of identifying the record of William Moore in which you are interested, should it be on file, as much as possible of the following data are essential; approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.
It is suggested that as a possible means of scouring information in regard to the military services of services of soldiers of the Revolutionary War, you apply to The Adjutant General, War Department, this city.
The record of Joseph Kerr is furnished you herewith as found in the claim for pension based upon service in the Revolutionary War.
Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 20

April 1, 1935
XXXXXX

JOSEPH KERR
S. 4469
BA-J/MLB

Mrs. William M. Johnson
Sparta, Tennessee

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Joseph Kerr who was pensioned while
a resident of White County, Tennessee, and George Pirtle, born in 1761, of North Carolina or Virginia, who died in White County, in 1810.

There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of a George Pirtle, under any spelling of the surname; such claims are the source of
Revolutionary War data furnished by this office.

The record of Joseph Kerr is furnished herewith.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Page 21

April 27, 1935.
BA-J/ILL.
Joseph Kerr
S. 469

Mrs. William M. Johnson
Sparta, Tennessee.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of C-----Diller, also, information for obtaining the last payment of pension of Joseph Kerr, S. 4489,
whose record was furnished you April 1, 1935.

A search of the Revolutionary War records fails to show a claim for pension or bounty land on file based upon service of a soldier with surname Diller whose given name begins with all spellings of the surname were searched,

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and, possibly, the date of death of Joseph Kerr, you should apply to the Comptroller General.
General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite the following:

Joseph Kerr
Certificate 13967
Issued July 17, 1833
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Tennessee Agency.

Very truly yours,
A. D. Hiller
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 22

OCT 25 1966
some time ago I received
the record of J. L. Van Vleck
who was with Co. F. Reg't. Texas Infantry during the Civil War.

He was killed at Petersburg
Va. June 20, 1864
Is it possible to find out where he was buried

Mrs. E. R. Spurgeon
P.O. Box 556
Crowley, Texas 76036
Page 23

[envelope]
P.O. Box 556
Crowley, Texas
The National Archives
National Archives & Records Service
General Service administration
Washington, D.C. 20408
Page 24

Recd April 24

MRS. WILLIAM M. JOHNSON
SPARTA, TENNESSEE

Sept 21st, 35

Veterans Administration
Washington

Gentleman
In reply to [illegible]

Joseph Kerr S. 4469. please give me information
the district Joseph recd last Pension & date of death if possible we have a close [illegible] and if covered get these facts feel pretty sure

Yours Respectfully 

Mrs. W. M Johnson
Page 25

MRS. WILLIAM M. JOHNSON
SPARTA, TENNESSEE 
Mar 13 1931

Veterans Administration 
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen

Joseph Kerr, Cripple spy at Kings Mt who carried message that turned the turning point, was on
Pension roll while No. 1833. Please send me
his pension record.

Geo Pirtle N.C. or Va born 1761 and [died ?]
while Co 1810.

Yours truly, 
Mrs W M Johnson
Page 26

[Stamp] Dec. 12, 1934
Flora Miss
Dec. 8 1934

Sear Sir:

Will you please send me a copy of the pension statement of Joseph Kerr who was in the Revolutionary War from S.C.  He moved to Tenn.  I would like any information available about Co. Adrew Hamton of N. C. who received large grants of lands in [illegible] Tenn.  also William Morse who fought at Kings Mountain  he was [illegible] there.  These are my great, great, grandfathers and I am anxious to get all information I can about them.

Thanking you very much

Lorraine B. Jarrell
Flora Miss

P. S.
I am anxious to find out of [Ansilen?] Bradley from N. C.  Was in Res.  Could you tell me where to apply for information.
L. B. J.
Page 27

[circular stamp]
Record Division
Oct.23 1908
Page 28

Dr. J. G. Warrell,
Savannah, Ga.


Savannah, Ga;
Oct. 20 1908

To the Pension Department

Will you please send me a copy of the pension statement of Joseph Kerr the cripple spy at Kings Mountain the received it in 1832
He was in Williams Command

I want also to man if the wife of Noah Hampton Killed at Earle's Ford

Also Capt Edward Kempton of the Revolution, if he received pension. Please send me statements if they did.

If there is any expense attached to the procuring of these please let me know and I will send money.  Thanking you most kindly for any information.

Most truly
Lorraine B Jarrel
23 [illegible] Jones St.,
Savannah, GA

[circular stamp] 
U.  S. Pension Office Oct 22 1908
Page 29

Athens, Ga.,
Dec. 25 1925

Dear Sir:

I am anxious to secure a copy of the pension statement of Joseph Kerr who is listed from Union Co S. C. and died in White Co. Tenn.

If there is a charge for this let me know

Very truly
Mrs. L. B.  Jowell
Athens, Ga.

[circular stamp]
U. S. Pension Office Feb 24 1925
Page 30

[ circular stamp saying in part]
Sep 21, 1933
Page 31


Quebeck, Tenn
R. 1, Box 39

Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.

In 1929 I was given a sketch of Joseph Kerr's
record as a crippled spy in the Revolution, by
our attorney General L. D. Smith. He said
he read in Hunter's History of Western N.C.
giving his birth- [illegible] and that he moved
to White County lived to a ripe old age and
was burried there, and we could not find the
Page 32

2
exact location of his residence so I was telling
Mrs. D. Johnson of Sparta Tenn and she
advised me to write to you for more information.

And we also learned from another history that
he was given a grant of land from England, but as he turned spy for the Colonies, it was taken
away from him but after these colonies
gained them north
Page 33

3
Carolina have it back to him and we also
heard this land had never been disposed of so would like for you to inform me if this is true and
where it is situated and who his ancestors
were his wife (if married), children
(if any) brothers and sisters and names of
each and location of residence and where
he was burried.
Respectfully
Mrs. Mattie Kerr Sparkman
Page 34

[circular stamp]
U. S. Pension Office
Jun 11 1917
Page 35

[Letterhead of Hotel Endicott, Columbus Ave 81st to 82nd Sts. One Block for Central Park.]

New York June 9 1917

Dept of Interior
Bureau of Pensions:
Washington D.C.

Dear Sirs:
For statistical purposes & genealogical data please advise me if file in re: Claim Sur File No. 4469, Joseph Kerr White County Tenn gives information of interest in disclosing his descendants. I want to know if he was my mother's ancestor or an uncle.  She was Sarah Kerr.
Thanks for any aid you can give.
Yours Truly
R. P. Bradley
Page 36

April 1, 1935.
BA-J/ILL
Joseph Kerr
S. 4469

Mrs. William M. Johnson
Sparta, Tennessee.

Dear Madam:

The record of Joseph Kerr is given herein as shown in the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 4469, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Joseph Kerr was born November 3, 1760 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and was a cripple from infancy. The names of his parents
are not shown.

Before the Revolution, he resided in York District, South Carolina. On account of lameness, he was not subject to military duty.

In 1778 or 1779, at which time he resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Joseph Kerr offered his services as a spy to General McDowell, was accepted and served as such in that perilous capacity for two years. He was sent from North Carolina to South Carolina
to ascertain the operations of the enemy stationed on the Tiger River, in the vicinity of Black Stoeks, returned to North Carolina and appraised General McDowell of the movements of said enemy, which resulted in the attack and victory of Colonel Steen (possibly meant for Stein) at that place; he was sent by Colonel Williams to ascertain the movements of the lands Farm, at Pater Quinn's place, returned with valuable information which he reported to Colonels Sevier, Shelby, Cleveland, Stein and Williams, who immediately proceeded to Kings Mountain and won the decisive victory there. After this, he returned to the name of his uncle, Joseph Kerr, in Mecklenburg County, (about fifty miles from York District, South Carolina), after a short time, and at the request of Captain Barnett, who commanded the refugees of York District he volunteered and went as a way into the camp of General Floyd of York County:
there he was recognized and held on his promise to Captain Beck to take
Page 37

camp of General Floyd in York County; there he was recognized and held on his promise to Captain Hook to take the oath of allegiance
to the King, but made his escape to Captain Barnett, who returned with him and thirty-one men, surprised the enemy, killed Captain
Hook and about ninety-seven others and scattered the rest of the enemy.

After the war, Joseph Kerr resided in York District, South Carolina, moved from there to Wilson County, Tennessee, thence to White County, Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4,1832, at which time he resided in White County, Tennessee; he had lived in that county about nineteen years.

In 1833, one Joseph Kerr, Jr., a Justice of the Peace for White County, Tennessee, witnessed the signature of the soldier, Joseph Kerr;
no relationship between them was stated. It is not stated that the soldier, Joseph Kerr, was married.

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly the date of death of the above
noted pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, citing the following:

Joseph Kerr,
Certificate 13967
Issued July 17, 1833,
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831.
Act of June 7, 1832.
Tennessee Agency.

This office has no information in regard to land which was granted by England, or by the State of North Carolina.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator. 

The above data were for you Apr. 8,
1925
2.
Page 38


December 21, 1934.
BA-J/ILL
Joseph Kerr
S. 4469

Mrs. Lorraine B. Jarrell
Flora
Mississippi.

Dear Madam:
The data given herein regarding Joseph Kerr are found in pension claim, S. 4469, based upon his service in the Revolutionary War.

Joseph Kerr was born November 3, 1780 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and was a cripple from infancy. The names of his
parents are not shown.

Before the Revolution, he resided in York District, South Carolina. On account of lameness, he was not subject to military
duty.

In 1778 or 1779, at which time he resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Joseph Kerr offered his services as a spy to General McDowell, was accepted, and served as such in that perilous capacity for two years. He was sent from North Carolina to South Carolina
to ascertain the operations of the enemy stationed on the Tiger River in the vicinity of Black Stocks, returned to North Carolina
and appraised General McDowell of the movements of the enemy which resulted in the attack and victory of Colonel Steen (possibly
meant for Stein) at that place; he was sent by Colonel Williams to ascertain the movements of the Tory leader, Ferguson, at Peter Quinn's
place, returned with valuable information which he reported to Colonels Sevier, Shelby, Cleveland, Stein and Williams, who immediately proceeded to Kings Mountain and won the decisive victory there. After this, he returned to the home of his uncle, Joseph Kerr, in Mecklenburg County about fifty miles from York District, South Carolina), after a short time, and at the request of Captain Barnett, who commanded the refugees of York District, he volunteered and went as a spy into
the camp of General Floyd in York County, there he was recognized and
Page 39


held on his promise to Captain Hook to take the oath of allegiance to the King, but made his escape to Captain Barnett, who returned
with him and thirty-one men, surprised the enemy, killed Captain Hook and about ninety-seven others, and scattered the rest of the enemy.

After the war, Joseph Kerr resided in York District, South Carolina, moved from there to Wilson County, Tennessee, thence to White County, Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4,1832, at which time he resided in White County, Tennessee; he had
lived in that county about nineteen years.

In 1833, one Joseph Kerr, Jr., a Justice of the Peace for White County, Tennessee, witnessed the signature of the soldier, Joseph Kerr; no relationship between them was stated. It was not stated that the soldier, Joseph Kerr, was married

In order to obtain the date of last payment of pension, name and address of person paid, and possibly, the date of death of the above noted pensioner, you should apply to The Comptroller General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and cite
the following:

Joseph Kerr
Certificate 13967
Issued July 17, 1833
Rate $80 per annum
Commenced March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832.
Tennessee Agency.

The above data were furnished you April 8, 1925.

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 40

September 26, 1933.
BA-J/ILL
Joseph Kerr
S. 4469

Mrs. Mattie Kerr Sparkman
Route 1, Box 39
Quebeck, Tennessee.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the record of Joseph Kerr, who served as a spy in the Revolutionary War.

The record of Joseph Kerr is furnished herein as found in the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 4469.

Joseph Kerr was born November 3, 1760 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and was a cripple from infancy. The names of his parents are not shown

Before the Revolution, he resided in York District, South Carolina. On account of lameness, he was not subject to military duty.

In 1778 or 1779, at which time he resided in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Joseph Kerr offered his services as a spy to General
McDowell, was accepted and served as such in that perilous capacity for two years. He was sent from North Carolina to South Carolina to ascertain the operations of the enemy stationed on the Tiger River in the vicinity of Black Stocks, returned to North Carolina and appraised General McDowell of the movements of said enemy, which resulted in the attack and victory of Colonel Steen at that place, (Steen possibly meant for Stein). [inserted McCrady v. 1, p. 782} He was
sent by Colonel Williams to ascertain the movements of the Tory leader, Ferguson, at Peter Quinn's place, returned with valuable information which he reported to Colonels Sevier, Shelby, Cleveland, Stein and Williams,
who immediately proceeded to Kings Mountain and won the decisive victory there. After this returned to the home of his uncle, Joseph Kerr, in Mecklenburg County (about fifty miles from York District, South Carolina),
after a short time, and at the request of Captain Barnett, who commanded the refugees from York District, he volunteered and went [illegible] to the
Page 41

the oath of allegiance to the King, but made his escape to Captain Barnett, who returned with him and thirty-one men, surprised the
enemy, killed Captain Hook and about ninety-seven others, and
scattered the rest of the enemy.  After his defeat & rout of the enemy was last of the [illegible]

After the war, Joseph Kerr resided in York District, South Carolina, moved from there to Wilson County, Tennessee, thence to White
County, Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 4, 1832, at which time he resided in White County, Tennessee; he had lived in that county about nineteen years.

In 1833, one Joseph Kerr, Jr. Justice of the Peace for White County, Tennessee, witnessed the signature of the soldier, Joseph Kerr: no relationship between them was stated. It was not stated that the soldier, Joseph Kerr, was married.

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant to the Administrator.
Page 42

1908 Nov. 3. Hist to Mrs. J.G. Jarrell

1917 June 19. " " R. L. Bradley &
and date for and for Int. Dept.

1925. Apr. 8. Hist to Mrs. L. B. Jarrell

1923. Sept. 26. Hist to Mrs. Mattie Kerr
Sparkman in [illegible]

1934 Dec. 21. Hist to Mrs. Lorraine B
Jarrell.  [illegible]

19 April 1 - Hist to Mrs Wm M. Johnson

1935. April 26. Data for last payment of
Pearson furnished Mrs. W. M. Johnson

4469
INVALID.
copy for LCDG

File No. 4469
Joseph Ken
Pvt, N. C. line

Act: June [illegible]
Index:--Vol. A, Page 202
[
Arrangement of 1870.]
Oct 1780 Kings Mountain
Page 43

Exd
Joseph Kerr
from 1778 private.
2 yrs $80

a spy
McDowell

Mrs Nelson Anderson
Sparta, Ten.
Page 44

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Joseph Kerr
which require
further proof or explanation.

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  Yes

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes

III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? [blank]

IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served?  Yes

V. * Has he mentioned 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? No

VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes

VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes

VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes

IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes

X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? No
Page 45

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? Yes

XII.
If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? [blank]

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? Yes

XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath,
certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? [blank]

XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? [blank]

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? Yes


EXPLANATORY NOTES.
QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how "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 
swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of hie recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For ____year _____, months, and _____ days _____, I served as a _____ _____ _____
and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 46

3 
It 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, 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 in highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers 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. 
QUERE XIV. 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 witnesses and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office. 
QUERE XVI. 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. In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 47

I. L. Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
Washington City
D.C.
Page 48

Sparta Apl 25, 1833

Edwards Esq.

Dear Sir

We herewith return you the pension claims of Joseph Kerr, John Weaver and Ben. Brown. It is presumed that the proper corrections have been made.

Kerr, is thought to be declining fast. We should be truly gratified, if his certificate could come on before he sinks into the grave.

Respectfully
Nelson S Anderson
Page 49

State of Tennessee
White County 

April 18th A.D. 1833
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid 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 Two years and for such service he claims a pensions
 Joseph Kerr

Sworn to and subscribed before the day and date above written

Joseph S Kerr 
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
White County

I Jacob Shaw Clerk of the Court of pleas and Quarter session in and for the County of White do hereby certify that Joseph Kerr Jun whose name is subscribed to the above affidavit
of Joseph Kerr as Justice of the peace, is now and at the time of subscribing the same as such an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County legally commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and Credit is due and ought to be given his official acts as
such

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my name and affixed the seal of said Court at office in Sparta the 18th day of April 1833 and of the Independence of the United States the fifty seventh

Test Jacobe Stone Clerk of the County Court by [illegible] Clerk
Page 50

[This is misfiled and not the record of Joseph Kerr; however the record of Mark Kerr is transcribed below]

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51-
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Kerr, Mark
Private
Line New York

WARRANT NUMBER 7360
Acreage 100
Issued Jan. 25, 1791 to John Wisner, 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, 1766 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.