Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 32407, for William Mc Knight, South Carolina
Page 1

Service: SC
McKnight, William
S 32407

Born in N.D. 

Contents

Stamp
This Envelope includes
H J
Final Payment Voucher
Received from GAIO
Page 2

Arkansas 31.342
William McKnight of Lawrence in the State of Arkansas who was a Pri of Cav. in the Company commanded by Captain Parsons [Captain Major Parson] of the Regt. commanded by Col. [John Thomas, Jr.] Thomas in the So. Ca. line for 1 year 3 mos + 22 days. 

Inscribed on the Roll of Arkansas at the rate of 65 dollars 55 cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831. 

Certificate of Pension issued this 9 day of Feb.  1838. and sent Hon. W. S. Fulton, Senate U.S. 

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1837 $426.07
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Mar. 38. 32.77 = $459.84

Recorded by DD Addison clerk
Book E2 Vol. 9 Page 127

Letter to Pen Agt 25 Aug 18__
Letter to Arkansas Pen Agt & 3d Audtr 14 Nov. 1840

Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838 from 4th Sept 1838 to 4 March 1840. Agent notified 27 Nov. 1840. 

Letters to 3d Auditor and W. Bates Esq. Batesville Arkansas. Aug [illegible] 1842. 

Paid as above from 4th Nov. to 4th Sept 1841. Agt notified Sept 1st 1842. 

Dead. 
Letter to Pen. Agt. 18 Nov. 1845. 

Paid as above, from 4th March 1843 to 22 January 1844. Agent notified 14 Apr 1846.
Page 3

Final Payment Voucher Received from GAO. 

No. 1176

AK
William McKnight
(Exor of)
Pent. on Arkansas Roll
Pen Act 7th June 1832. 
$58.37. 

Jany 10 1846
13

Request 7970 dated 14 Jany 1846
Sent to Treasury 15 Jany 1846.
Page 4

The United States

Dr. 
To the Executors of William McKnight
Pen. on Arkansas Roll
Pen Act 7th June 1832. 

In his pension from 4th March, 1843 to 22nd of January, 1844, the day of his death at $65 55/100 per annum, as per Voucher filed herewith ---$58.37.

Treasury Department
Third Auditors Office
January 10. 1846. 

Stated by A. B. Thruston


Treasury Department
Second Comptrollers Office
January 13 1846
Examined by Wm Flinn.
Page 5

Treasury Department
Second Comptroller's Office

January 13th, 1846

Sir:

Under the Act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, the executor of William McKnight, decd., a Pensioner on the Roll of the Arkansas Agency at the rate of sixty-five dollars and 32, has been paid at this Department, from the 4th of March 1843, to the 22nd Janury 1844. 

Respectfully yours, 
Albion K. Parris. 
Comptroller. 

Present.
Page 6

County of Lawrence
The State of Arkansas

To all persons to whom these presents shall come, greeting. 
Know ye that the last will and Testament of William McKnight of Lawrence County deceased hath in due form of Law been proven and recorded in the office of the clerk of the court of Probate for Lawrence County, a copy of which is hereunto annexed and in as much as it appears that James McKnight has been appointed Executor in and by the said last will and Testament to execute the same & to the end that the property of the Testator may be preserved for those who shall appear to have a legal right, or ordered therein and that said last will may be executed according to the request of the Testator, we do authorize him the said James McKnight as such, executor as called and service all and singular the goods and chattles, rights and credits, which were of the said William McKnight at the time of his death in whosoever hands or possessions, the same, may be found and to perform and fulfill all such duties, as may be enjoined upon him by said will so far, and these shall be properly and the law charge him and in general to do and perform all other acts which now are or hereafter may be required of him by law. 

In testimony whereof I J. B. Wilmeth clerk of the circuit court and an officer clerk of the court of Probate in and for the county of Lawrence have hereunto set my hand as clerk and affixed the seal of said court, this 3rd day of June A.D. 1845. 

J.B. Wilmeth, clerk

Recorded before delivery and of my office. 
J. B. Wilmeth, clerk. 

(L.S.)
Page 7

State of Arkansas
County of Lawrence
I W. B. Wilmeth clerk of the circuit court and office clerk of the Probate court in and for said county, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Transcript of the letters testamentary, on the Estate of William McKnight, deceased, as appears from the records of Wills on Book 6 page 152. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as clerk and affixed the seal of office this 21st day of October A. D. 1845. 
J. B. Wilmeth, clerk.
Page 8

Territory of Arkansas, County of Independence: At the January Term of the County Court of said County A.D. 1833
On this seventh day of January in the year of our Lord 1833, personally appeared in open court before the Justices of the County Court of Independence County and Territory of Arkansas now sitting William McKnight a resident of said county & said Territory aged Seventy two
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 act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein
stated. That he joined a volunteer Horse company under Captain Major Parsons [Parson] at Spartanburg County in South Carolina in 1780 and mustered with the Regiment in
service of which John Goings [John Gowen] was Major, a Mr. White [Henry White] Lieutenant Colonel  and a Mr. Roebuck [Benjamin Roebuck] Colonel and lived in Spartanburg at the time he entered the service as a private and so continued to the end of the war.
That he has not and never had any documentary evidence of his services, but can prove the same
by one Nathaniel McCarroll. That when he entered the service he continued scouting from place
to place on the frontiers and in the Cherokee Nation until peace was established. That he was engaged in the battles of Musgrove's Mill and Kings Mountain] with several other skirmishes of no note or importance. That he did not serve under
Captain Parsons all the time, but occasionally under several other officers whose names he does
not now recollect nor does he recollect who commanded at Musgrove's Mill. That at the battle
of Kings Mountain he was commanded by Colonel Williams [James Williams] who was wounded there and after died. That General Pickens [Andrew Pickens] was his commander when not at Kings Mountain. Then he marched through Rutherford and most of the counties on the frontiers of the state, sometimes in South Carolina, sometimes in Georgia and sometimes in North Carolina and continued in actual and active service in scouting on the frontiers of and in
said three states until peace was established.
The following interrogatories were propounded by the court to the applicant, William McKnight:
1st: Where and in what year were you born?
Answer: I was born in 1761 the date not known in Union County North Carolina.
2nd Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it?
Answer: I have no record of my age and never had any.
3rd Where were you living when called into service? Where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live?
Answer: In Spartanburg South Carolina and where I continue to live after the war until 1807 when I moved to Caldwell County, Kentucky where I lived until 1815 when I moved to Missouri now Arkansas Territory and where I now live. Nor was [I ever a] substitute for any one.
4th How were you called into service; were you drafted; did you volunteer, or were you a substitute and if so for whom did you substitute?
Answer: I was a volunteer, what is usually called a Minuteman and served from the time I entered the service until peace was established.
5th State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the troops where you served, such Continental and Militia Regiments
Page 9

as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your services. 
Answer: I recollect General Sumpter both when he was a Colonel of a Rifle Regiment and afterwards a General. Nor do I recollect any others, nor of any continental or Militia Regiments as the service I was engaged in did not bring me often among other troops, and the general circumstances of my services I have already stated to the best of my recollection. 
6th: Did you ever receive a Discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it. 
Answer: I never received any nor do I believe any written discharges were given by the officers under whom I served to any of the men as it wasn't deemed necessary. 
7th: State the names of persons in your present neighbourhood to whom you are known and who can certify as to your character for truth and veracity and good behaviour and your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
Answer: Nathaniel McCarroll can prove my services in the Revolutionary War as a soldier. And the following named persons can testify as to my character for veracity and good behaviour
towit Caleb. S. Manly; John Weldon; William Brown; and Townsend Dickinson. 

I the above named William McKnight do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll for the Agency of any State or Territory. 

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. 
William McKnight
W. Boswell, Presiding Justice. 

The Nelson R. Buley a clergyman residing in the County of Independence and Territory aforesaid and Caleb S. Manly, William Brown, John Weldon and Townsend Dickinson residing in the same county hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William McKnight who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration and that we believe him to be seventy two years of age and that he is reputed and believed to be in the neighbourhood where he resides and that he is known to have been a Soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. 
And that we do further certify that we are well acquainted with Nathaniel McCarroll and that he as well as said William McKnight are men of truth and veracity known for respectability and good behaviour in the neighbourhood where they reside. 

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid. 

Caleb S. Manly
N. R. Buley
William Brown
John Weldon
T. Dickinson

W. Boswell, Presiding Justice.
Page 10

Territory of Arkansas
County of Independence
on this seventh day of January 1833 personally appeared in open Court Nathaniel McCarrol who being duly sworn on his oath saith that he is personally acquainted with the within named William McKnight and knows of his own knowledge that he did serve in the Revolutionary war and 
that they served together part of the time in the same company and has known him ever since, and believes all the facts stated in the foregoing Declaration to be true
s/ Nathaniel McCarrel
Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year aforesaid
s/ J. Boswell, Presiding Justice

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 William McKnight was a
Revolutionary soldier and served as he stated And the Court further
certifies that it appears to them that 
Nelson R Buley who has Signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman resident in the said County of Independence and that Caleb S. Manly, William Brown, John Weldon, and Townsend Dickinson who have signed the same are residents in the same County and are creditable and
that their statements are entitled to credit
s/ J. Boswell, Presiding Justice

Territory of Arkansas
County of Independence
I Charles H. Pelham Clerk of the
Circuit and County Courts in and for said County and Territory do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings in the matter of the application of William McKnight for a pension
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Eighth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three and of the
Independence of the United States the 57th year
s/ CH. Pelham Clk
Page 11

[Illegible]
...about the length of his service
AH Fener

Wm McKnight 31616
admitted
PT Cavalry
1 yr 3 Mos 22 days $65.55/100
Hon WS Fulton
US Senate
Page 12

August 10, 1938.
BA-J/ILL
William McKnight
S. 32407

W. H. Brewer
2120 North 7 Street
Terre Haute, Indiana.

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the
Revolutionary War record of William McKnight of Salisbury, North Carolina, who received a pension from the United States.

The data which follow are found in the papers on file in
pension claim, S. 32407, based upon service of William McKnight in
the Revolutionary War. It is the record of the only soldier with
that name found on the Revolutionary War pension records of this office.

William McKnight was born in the year 1761, in Rowan County,
North Carolina; the day of his birth and the names of his parents are
not shown.

While a resident of Spartanburg, South Carolina, he enlisted
early in 1780, served at different times as private in the South 
Carolina troops, amounting in all to between two and three years, under
Captains Parsons [Major Parson], Cowan (or Gowan ) [John Gowan] and [Henry] White, and Colonels [Benjamin] Roebuck, Williamson [James Williams] and Thomas [John Jr.] ; during his service, he was engaged on the frontier between North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, was in the battles of Musgrove's Mills, and King's Mountain, was in skirmishes with the
Tories and assisted in capturing some of their number, and in the expeditions against the Cherokee Indians and burned some of their towns.
The soldier continued to reside in Spartanburg, South Carolina,
until 1807, moved then to Caldwell County, Kentucky, where he resided
until 1815, at which time he moved to Missouri, later Arkansas Territory.

William McKnight was allowed pension on his application executed
July 1, 1833, at which time he resided in Independence County, Arkansas
Territory. In December 1837, he resided in Lawrence County, Arkansas. He
died January 22, 1844.
Page 13

William McKnight made no reference to wife or children at the
time he made application for his pension.

One James McKnight was Executor of the estate of the above noted
pensioner, William McKnight; his relationship to the soldier is not 
given.

In order to obtain the name and address of the person to whom
the last payment of pension was made, you should apply to The Comptroller
General, General Accounting Office, Records Division, this city, and
cite the following:
William McKnight
Certificate #31342
Issued February 9, 1838
Rate $65.55 per annum
Commenced  March 4, 1831
Act of June 7, 1832
Arkansas Agency.

Very truly yours,

A. D. HILLER,
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator.
Page 14

32407
Revy INVALID.
_______
File No. 32407
William McKnight 
Pri Rev War
_______
Act: June 7" 32"
Index:--Vol. 2, Page 263

[Arrangement of 1870.]

[right side - top]

1938. Aug. 10 Hist to W.H. Brewer
Page 15

William McKnight
Arkansas
Suspended
See letter 20 Janu-
=ary 1838 Hon. W. S.
Fulton
Page 16

Treasury Department
Second Comptroller's Office

November 19th, 1840

Sir:

Under the Act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, William McKnight,  
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Arkansas Agency at 
the rate of sixty-five dollars and 55 cents, 
per annum under the law of the 7th June  1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1838, 
to the 4th March 1840.

Respectfully yours,
Albion K. Parris.
Comptroller.



To the Commissioner of Pensions, 
                                                  Present.
Page 17

Senate Chamber
Feby 8th 1838.
Sir:
as you requested me to do I addressed to the Comptroller General of South Carolina a note requesting information as to the service of Mr. William McKnight during the war of the revolution.
I have just recd a reply to my letter
which I hasten to communicate to you. I am satisfied however that old man McKnight served at other tours besides that of which a record is found.  The old man is so honest I cannot doubt what he says.  I hope you will be able to place Mr McKnight in such a situation as will afford some relief in his present destitute situation. I have the honor to be
most respectfully your obt. st.
W.S. Fulton.

J I Edwards Esq
Page 18

Washington
Jany. 18th 1838.
Sir
I have the honor herewith to send you
the application of William McKnight of Arkansas for a pension. Mr McKnight is very poor and a very old man and has suffered much from sickness. His memory has also in 
a measure failed him and he is so strictly conscientious that he refuses to state anything of which he has not a distinct and positive recollection. He therefore can only state positively that he served at least three years and six months. He claims a pension accordingly. Be so good as to
inform me of the result of this application - I have the honor to be
your obt. st.
W. S. Fulton

James L. Edwards Esq
Page 19

31, 616
Certificate or other communication will be
made to ? Dickinson Batesville  Ct
Arkansas Territory
---
Wm Mc Knight
Page 20

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 within named applicant William McKnight was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states that the belief is general
and in doubts exist upon the subject and the Court further certifies that they are satisfied that James M Kuykendall, Edward McDonald, David W. Lowe and Henry A. Hynson are all residents of said County and are creditable and respectable persons, and the elements entitled to credit. And it further certify that the witness Nathaniel McCarroll is a respectable man and that his statement is entitled to full credit and the Court do further certify that John Milligan is a clergyman resident in the said
County of Lawrence
s/ Tho S Drew Judge of the County Court
-
Territory of Arkansas County of Lawrence April Term of the County Court for said County AD 1834
I David Lowe Clerk of the circuitance
County Courts in and for said County do hereby certify the foregoing annexed papers numbered 1. 2. 3. 4. are, and contain the Original proceedings in the matter of the application of William McKnight for a 
Pension
In Testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and
Seal of office on this 22nd day
of April AD 1834 and of the
American Independence
the 58th year
s/ DW Lowe clerk
Page 21

United States of America}
Territory of Arkansas        } ss
County of Lawrence         }

I Thomas S. Drew Judge
of the County Court within & for the County
aforesaid do certify that David W. Lowe is
and was on the 22nd day of April (Instant) to wit
at the time of subscribing and attesting the within
and aforegoing attached certificate Clerk of
our said County Court of Lawrence County, and
that the said certificate is in due form of Law
and that the official acts of the said David
W. Lowe as Clerk and entitled to due faith
and Credit.

Given under my hand this 22nd day
of April A.D. 1834.
Tho. S. Drew.
Page 22

___________________

TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office
August 20th. 1842.

Sir:

Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing 
the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and author= izing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States, "
William Mc Knight
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Arkansas 
Agency, at the rate of Sixity five Dollars and 
55 Cents per annum, under the law of the 7th June 
1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 
4th of March, to the 4th Sept. 1841.

Respectfully yours
Albion K. Parris [signature]
Comptroller.

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Present.
Page 23


Pension Agency Office,
Little Rock Arkansas
5 Nov. 1845.

Sir

Enclosed you will find the vouch
for the balance of Pension due to William Mc
-Knight, Late a Revolutionary Pensioner on the Roll
of this office, under act of 7 June, 1832, which
cannot be paid [illegible], in consequence of its
being due for more than 14 months.

If you find the vouchers correct, you will
please to enclose to Wm Byers, Esq. Batesville,
Arkansas, a check or Draft on the Receiver of Pub
lic moneys at that place, payable to the order
of James McKnight Executor of Wm McKnight,
decd whose receipt accompanies the enclosed
papers
I am, sir, very respectfully,
You obt servt.
Wm E Woodruff  Agt
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Com. er of Pensions,
Washington City
Page 24

Pension Agency Office,
Little Rock, Ark's
28 July 1838

Sir

I herewith enclose you the Cer
-tificate of Identity of William McKnight,
who has recently been placed on the Pension
Roll of this Agency, & to whom seven
years pension was due on 1 March
last amt $158 85/100 - iThis being his first ap--plication for payment of his Pension, & it
being less than six months since the date
of his Pension Certificate - my impression
is, that I am authorized to pay it with-
-out waiting for special instructions. -
But, lest I may be mistaken in the inter-
-pretation of the law & instructions, I have
decreed it most advisable to defer the
payment until I shall receive special
instructions which may apply to this and
all other similar cases.

Respectfully,
Yr. obt servt
Wm E. Woodruff Agt.

J.L. Edwards, Esq.
Com of Pensions,
Washington City
Page 25

Payment to be made
at Little Rock Ark.
by Wm. E. Woodruff Esq
Agent for paying Pension=
ers in the Agency of
Arkansas


Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book E2 No. 9
Page 127 by D. D. Addison
Clerk
Page 26

WAR DEPARTMENT.
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United
States of the 7th June, 1832, William Mc Knight
of the State of Arkansas
who was a Private of Cavalry in the
War of the Revolution
is entitled to receive sixty five-- dollars and
Fifty five cents per annum, during his natural life com=
mencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi=
annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in
every year.

Given at the War Office of the United
States, this 9th day of
February one thousand eight
hundred and thirty-Eight
J. R. Poinsett
Secretary of War.

Examined and   }
Countersigned. }

J. L. Edwards
Commission of Pensions

Beautiful SEAL
4 Mch '43
Page 27

Territory of Arkansas County of Lawrence: At the April Term of the County Court of said County of Lawrence A.D. 1834
On the twenty second day of April in the year of our Lord 1834 personally appeared in open court before the Judge of the County Court for the County of Lawrence and Territory of
Arkansas now sitting William McKnight a resident now of the said County of Lawrence in said Territory aged seventy-two 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 Act of Congress passed June the 7th A.D. 1832 viz. That he was born in Rowan County North Carolina in the year 1761 that
he has no record of his age and never had any. That in the early part of the year 1780 he joined a volunteer horse company in the service of the United States commanded by Capt. Major Parsons [Parson] and that the officers by whom the Regiment was commanded to which he was attached were John Goings [Gowen] Major, Major Mr. [Henry] White Lt. Col. and [Benjamin] Roebuck Col. and that he and that he this deponent at the time he joined said company lived in Spartanburg South Carolina and that many of the particulars of his services have from age and lapse of memory faded from his recollection.
The company to which he was attached marched through the State of South Carolina and North
Carolina and that from the time he first entered the service he was continually engaged in the defense of his Country, and that he cannot state precisely many of the journeys or marches which he made, that he was stationed for some time at Jimmerson's Fort [Jamison's Fort] in South Carolina and that he was also at Fort Calle in the vicinity of Fort Jimmerson and while he was at
Fort Calle Fort Jimmerson was taken by the Indians and Tories and he was sent after the enemy and he assisted in the rescue of the prisoners
Page 28

which the enemy had taken. That he was actually engaged in the Battles of Musgrove's Mills and King's Mountain. That he did not serve during all the time he was in the service under Capt. Parsons but was frequently attached to other
companies in scouting expeditions and that he does not now recollect who commanded at Musgrove's Mill but recollects distinctly that at the Battle of King's Mountain he was
commanded by Col. Williamson [James Williams] who was wounded in the battle. That at other times than the last mentioned Battles he was under the command of General Pickens [Andrew Pickens] that while in service he marched through Rutherford and most of the Counties
on the frontiers of the State of South Carolina sometimes on the frontiers of both South Carolina and North Carolina and sometimes on the frontiers of the State of Georgia and in the Cherokee nation. That the kind of service in which he was engaged required constant duty and activity.
That he entered the service as a private and so continued to the end of the war and was considered what was usually termed a minute man that he was frequently attached to an
embodied Corps raised as it was understood by the authority and received into the Service of the
State of South Carolina and that he was in actual service from the time he entered the service until the termination of the war and that he was not during the whole time engaged in any civil pursuit. That his service was of such a nature as did not frequently bring him into the company of other regiments or officers than those with whom he served but that he knew General Sumpter [Thomas Sumter] when he was first Col. of a Rifle Regiment and afterwards a general officer in addition to those heretofore named with whom he served and with them he was well acquainted. And that he was in the service 3 years & that when discharged from the service of
the United States he was in the State of South Carolina.
Page 29

That he did not receive a written
discharge nor does he believe any was given to the Company to which he was attached. That he has not and never had any Documentary evidence of his services but can prove the same by one Nathaniel McCarrol. And that he knows of no other person by whom he can prove the length of
his services. That after peace was est. he lived at Spartanburg in South Carolina until 1807 then moved to Caldwell County Kentucky and resided there until 1815 when he moved to where he is now living in Arkansas Territory and that he can prove his character for veracity and good behavior in the neighborhood where he at present resides by the following named persons to wit
S/ William McKnight

I William McKnight do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a pension or Annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State or territory. S/ William McKnight
Sworn to and subscribed before me in open Court the day and date above written. S/ D. W. Lowe, Clerk

Nathan McCarroll residing in the County of Lawrence this day personally appeared in open Court and having heard the foregoing statement of William McKnight and being duly sworn according to law says that he is well acquainted with said William McKnight. That he
knows of his serving as a soldier of the revolution for the space of 3 years and that he served as he states in his declaration.
Nathaniel McCarroll, X his mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me.
S/ DW Lowe clerk
Page 30

We David W Lowe, James M Kuykendall, Edwd McDonald
& Henry R. Hynson residing in the County of Lawrence in in the Territory of Arkansas do hereby certify that
we are well acquainted with the within named William McKnight and that we believe him to be seventy two years of age and that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that the belief is general and no doubts have ever existed upon the subject and
fully concur in that opinion and we do further certify there we are well acquainted with the within named
Nathaniel Mc Carroll. that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a solider of the Revolution and also that he is a man of truth and veracity and that the said William McKnight is a man of truth and veracity and in good standing in his neighborhood where he resides. s/ DW Lowe
JM Kuykendall
Edwd McDonald
HR. Hynson
Sworn and subscribed before me in open Court the day and year aforesaid s/ Thos S Drew JCC

on 22 day of April A.D. 1834 personally appeared in open Court John Milligan a Clergyman resident of
Lawrence County and after being duly sworn says that he is well acquainted with William McKnight and
Nathaniel McCarroll and that they are reputed and believed to have been soldiers of the Revolution and that they are men of high character for truth and veracity in the neighbourhood. s/ John Milligan
Sworn to and Subscribed before
me in open Court
s/ DW Lowe Clerk
Page 31


                                            40
To the 3rd Auditor Treasuary
Department U. S
Washington City
D C

Batesville, Ark.
22 Dec.'46
W. Byers
Pension Claim of 
Wm Mc Knight
Recd 10 Jany '46
[illegible]

stamp
FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

stamp
BATESVILLE
DEC
21
Ark.
Page 32

Batesville Arkansas
December 22nd AD. 1845.

To the 3 Auditor of the U.S. Treasury
department

Sir:
enclosed you will
please find the vouchers for the widow of Mr Wm
McKnight Pension, in favor of his Executor.

They were first forwarded to Wm E Woodruff
Esqr Agent for paying pensions at Little Rock and duplicate receipts for the money which are
now also enclosed, but he did not pay the money
but returned the papers with instructions to
obtain the certificate of the Clerk of Lawrence
County Circuit Court that Mr Wm Mc Knight
did not leave a widow. I have procured
the certificate and according to his instructions
forward the papers now to you, with the request
that you will forward to me at this place
a draft upon the Receiver of public money
at this place, for the amount due

I am very respectfully
your obt. Sevt.

W.Byers
Page 33

FREE
The Honbl W. S. Fulton 
Washington City
Dist. Columbia 

Mail}

stamp

COLUMBIA
FEB
1
S.C.
Page 34

The State of South Carolina
To William McKnight Dr
To 477 days service on Horseback in
Captain Parson Company Col. Thomas Regiment commencing the 5th day of June 1780 and ending 20th September 1781 both days inclusive @ 20/ pr day
Currency £477.
Sterling - £68.2.10

Ninety Six District
Before me William Woods Esqr
appeared William McKnight who being duly sworn saith the above account as stated is just and true. s/ Wm M Knight
Sworn to before me this 18th day June 1784 s/ William Woods J. P.

I do hereby certify that William McKnight did the above duty in my Company in Col. Thomas Regiment in the time above specified, and that his account is just and true certified this 18th day June 1784
Major Person Captain X his mark
Page 35

Indent Book W.
No 585-
Issued the 25 August 1785
to William McKnight sixty seven pounds Eleven Shillings and five pence for 473 days duty in 1780 & 1781 as pr. account from the
Commissioners
Principal         £67. 11.5
Annual Interest  4. 14.7

Comptroller General Office
Columbia 21 Jany 1838

I do hereby certify that the above is a true copy from the Margin of Indent Book W. No. 585. deposited in this office and that the account herewith sent is the one on which  the above Indent was issued.
s/ William Ed Hayne
Com. Genl

pr Benjamin Hust
Page 36


Columbia 21 January 1838
Comptroller General Office
Dear Sir
yours of the 23d Instant addressed
to Major Laval, late Comptroller General was sent to this office on yesterday. In the absence of the present Comptroller Genl William
Hayne Esqr. I herewith send
you, all that is to be found in this Office in relation to the services performed by William McKnight
It appears that the the Commissioners who audited the acct
deducted four days service, which makes the difference between the amount of Indent issued to him, and the acct rendered by him-
If the certificate now sent, and
signed by myself is insufficient for your purpose, you will please communicate with Wm E Hayne Esq. who resides in Charleston who will have it properly authenticated, and
returned to you
Yours Respectfully
Benjamin Hust
Page 37

State of Arkansas County of Lawrence: Amended Declaration of William McKnight applicant
for a pension
Be it remembered that on this 5th day of December A.D. 1837 I Samuel Raney an acting Justice of the peace of Strawberry Township of the County and State aforesaid, have repaired in
person to the residence of William McKnight, who in consequence of old age and feeble health is not able to leave his home, and having duly sworn in according to law he on his oath deposes and says, that in consequence of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of time that he served, But that according to the best of his
recollection he served not less than 3 years and 6 months. That he enlisted under Capt. Parsons and during the war belonged regularly to the company of Capt. Parsons as a private -- and during the whole time was not elevated to any office. Though he often was detached -- with other commanders for short periods. But as to the precise length of the different tours he cannot state
definitely. The general place of rendezvous was at one Earles in Spartanburg district -- which was then on the frontiers. That he was 3 times through the Cherokee Country -- under the command of General Pickens and that his captain's names was Cowan or Gowan. In one of these
tours he was detached by Capt. Parsons under Capt. Cowan to meet General Pickens -- and that
they joined him in the long cane Country. That in one of the Indian expeditions burned several
towns, among which were Pine Log and Kewee -- at Keewee they made a treaty with the Cherokees -- and took from them 5 Tories one of which (by the name of Williams) they hung.
The remainder were discharged by General Pickens. But that he cannot recollect the length of these tours -- having no letters, documents or papers by which to refresh his memory. And he now recollects that in the battle of Musgrove's Mills he was under the immediate command of Capt. White. Also in a battle on the waters of Buck River -- at an attempt to take
Page 38

a fort from the Tories, the detachment was commanded by Colonel Roebuck and he was in this action commanded by Captain Parsons. And as to farther particulars this deponent says he cannot State. But prays that this may be made a part of his former
Declaration. And for these his Services he claims a pension.
s/ William McKnight
s/ Samuel Raney Jr JP

State of Arkansas
County of Lawrence ⎬ I James S. Brown Clerk of the circuit court
within and for the aforesaid County of Lawrence do hereby certify that the above named  amuel Raney is now and was at the time of his subscribing his name as above was an acting Justice
of the peace in and for said County and that full faith and it should
be paid to his official acts
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand as Clerk and affixed the seal of Office at Smith on this the 5th day of December A.D. 1837 And of the Independence of the United States of America the Sixty Second
s/ J.S. Brown Clk
Page 39

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO

FINAL PAYMENT VOUCHER
Received from GAO
Page 40

State of Arkansas County of Lawrence Be it known that before me
William Dean a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid personally appeared James McKnight
Executor of the last will and testament of William McKnight
deceased and made oath in due form of law that the said William McKnight deceased was the identical person who was a pensioner and is now dead and to whom a certificate of pension was issued which is herewith surrendered and is hereto attached.

That the deceased pensioner resided in Lawrence County in the State of 
Arkansas for the space of about twenty six years before his death and
that previous thereto he resided in the States of Kentucky and South Carolina. s/ James McKnight
Sworn to and subscribed this
15th day of October A.D. 1845
before me s/ William Dean JP

State of Arkansas  County of Lawrence  I Joseph B Wilmouth Clerk of the circuit Court of Lawrence County certify that William Dean is a
Justice of the Peace as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 15th day
of October 1845
s/ JB Wilmouth Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lawrence Court
Page 41

State of Arkansas County of Lawrence
I Joseph B Wilmouth Clerk of the
Circuit Court of Lawrence County holden at Smithville in and for said County do hereby certify that
satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said Court that William
McKnight deceased was a pensioner of the United States under the
act of 7th June 1832 at the rate of sixty five dollars per annum, was a resident of the County of Lawrence in the State aforesaid and that he died on the 22nd day of January
A.D. 1844; and that James McKnight has been duly appointed by the Probate Court of said County of Lawrence Executor of the last will and testament of the said William
McKnight deceased and has executed bond and been qualified as such Executor
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Smithville this 16th
day of October A.D. 1845.
JB. Wilmouth Clerk of the circuit court and Ex-officio Clerk of the
County and Probate Courts of said County of Lawrence Arkansas

Lawrenece County
4 November 1845
Received of William E Woodruff
Agent for the paying of pensioners Twenty five dollars and Eleven cents in full for four months and eighteen days pension due to William McKnight deceased from the 4th day of September 1843 to the 22nd day
of January 1844 the day of his death for which I have signed duplicate receipts $25 11/100
s/ James McKnight Executor
of William McKnight deceased
Page 42

$25 11/100
Lawrence County 4 November, 1845
$ Received of William E Woodruff Agent for the paying of pensioners, Twenty-five dollars and Eleven Cents in full for four months and eighteen days pension due to William McKnight deceased from the 4th day of September A.D. 1843 to the 22d
day of January 1844 the day of his death for which I have signed duplicate receipts s/ James McKnight Executor of William McKnight deceased

State of Arkansas County of Lawrence Be it known that I
Andrew Hammond Clerk of the Circuit Court within and for the County
of Lawrence aforesaid do hereby certify that I was for many years before the death of the within named William McKnight a Revolutionary
Pensioner acquainted with him and his family and that he died on the 22 day of January AD 1844. leaving no widow his wife having died some years previous to the death of the said William McKnight.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand as such
Clerk and affixed my seal of
Office at Smithville this 15th
day of December AD 1845
s/ Andrew Hammond Clk
Page 43

page 1
Territory of Arkansas
County of Independence
At the July Term of the County Court of said County of Independence A. D. 1833
On the first day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty three personally appeared in open Court
before the Justices of the County Court of Independence County and
Territory of Arkansas now sitting William McKnight a resident of said County in said Territory aged seventy two 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
Act of Congress passed June the Seventh A.D. 1832 viz. That
he was born in Rowan County North Carolina in the year 1761
that he has no record of his age and never had any, That in the
early part of the year of 1780 he joined a volunteer Horse Company in the service of the United States, commanded by Capt Major Parsons, and that the officers by whom the Regiment was commanded to which he was attached were John Goings Major White Leiutenant Colonel and Roebuck Colonel, and that he
this Deponent at the time he joined said Company lived in Spartenburgh
South Carolina, and that said company as soon as he
joined was taken into the service of the said State of South Carolina
that he entered immediately into active service and was continually
engaged in scouting service from place to place in and on the
frontiers of South Carolina and in the Cherokee Nation until peace
was established. That he was actually engaged in the Battles of Musgroves Mills and Kings Mountain. That he did not serve during all the time he was in service under Captain Parsons
but was frequently attached to other companies on scouting
expeditions, and that he does not now recollect who commanded
at Musgroves Mill but recollects distinctly that at the Battle of Kings Mountain he was commanded by Colonel Williamson [Williams]who was wounded That at other times then at the last mentioned Battles he was under the command of
General Pickens, that while in service he marched through
Rutherford and most of the Counties on the frontiers of the
State sometimes on the frontiers of both South Carolina and
Page 44

Georgia and sometimes in North Carolina, and in the Cherokee
nation. That the kind of service in which he was engaged
required constant duty and activity. That he entered the service as a private and so continued to the end of the war and was considered what was usually termed a minute
man, that he was regularly attached to an embodied corps
raised as it was understood by the authority and received into
the service of the State of South Carolina and that he considered himself as in actual service while the war continued  And that from the time he first entered the service under Captain Parsons he was continually on duty, until peace was proclaimed
and that he was not during all that time engaged in civil pursuit.
That his service was of a nature which did not
frequently bring into the company of other Regiments or officers
than those with whom he served, but that he knew General Sumpter [Sumter]when he was first colonel of a Rifle Regiment and afterwards a General Officer in addition to those heretofore named with whom he served and with whom he was well
acquainted. And further says that he has no hesitation in saying positively that he actually served as a soldier of
the Revolutionary war in the service of the United States as above stated more than two years. That when discharged he did not receive any written discharge, nor does he
believe any were given to the Company. That he has not and
never had any Documentary evidence of his services, but can prove the same by one One Nathaniel McCarrol
That after peace was established he lived at Spartanburgh in South Carolina until 1807 then moved to Caldwell County Kentucky & resided there until 1805 when he moved to
where he is now living in Arkansas Territory, And that he Can prove his character for veracity & good behavior in the neighborhood where he at present resides by the following
named persons to wit I
Page 45

And the said William McKnight further says that he has been
unable to procure the testimony of said Nathaniel McCarroll mentioned
in the annexed foregoing part of his Declaration, at this Court for the said McCarrol could not attend this Court
he said McCarrol having been a few days since called to see his Brother about fifty miles from this Court house who is said to be dangerously ill, nor does he know of any other person by whom he can prove the same now in attendance-
I William McKnight do hereby relinquish every claim whatever to a Pension or Annuity except the present and declare that my name is not on the Pension Roll of
the agency of any State or Country
s/ William McKight
Sworn to and Subscribed in open 
Court before us the day and date 
above mentioned
s/ William  Arnold
Presiding Justice

Benjamin Hardin & John Caruthers both residing in the County of Independence this day personally appeared in open Court and having heard the foregoing statement of William McKnight and being duly sworn according to  aw say that they are well acquainted with
the said William McKnight that they were both engaged
in the Battle of Kings Mountain, and the said Caruthers being
a prisoner in the Custody of the British forces, and that from their
own knowledge and from circumstances they are well satisfied
that the said William McKnight was a soldier of the
Page 46

4
Revolution and that he was at the Battle of Kings Mountain and that he is a man of truth and veracity
respectability and good behavior in the neighborhood where he resides
s/ John Caruthers & Benjamin Hardin
Sworn to and Subscribed
in open Court the day and
date aforesaid s/ William Arnold
Presiding Justice

We Charles H. Pelham, Joseph H. Egner, Alfred Arnold, Thomas S. Carter & Townsend Dickinson residing in the County of Independence
aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
the within named William McKnight and that we believe
him to be Seventy two years of age and that he is reputed and
believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a
soldier of the Revolution that the belief is general and no
doubts have ever existed upon the subject and we fully concur
in that opinion. And we do further certify that we are
well acquainted with the within named Benjamin Hardin
and John Caruthers, that they are reputed and believed
in the neighborhood to have been soldiers of the Revolution
and that William McKnight, Benjamin  Hardin and John Caruthers are all men of respectability truth and
veracity and good behaviour in the neighbourhood where they reside
s/ Charles H. Pelham, Joseph H. Egner, Alfred Arnold, Thomas S. Carter & Townsend Dickinson 
Sworn and Subscribed before
 open court the day and
year aforesaid s/ William Arnold
Presiding Justice
Page 47

5
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 within named applicant William McKnight was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states, that the belief and no doubts exist upon the subject. And the Court further certifies that they are satisfied that he would have procured the attendance of the within mentioned Nathaniel of
it had been practicable to do, and further certify that two of the Resident Clergyman of this County are now absent, and that the said William McKnight could not without too much expence and in convenience procure the
attendance of a regular clergyman at this Court, and the court from the
respectability of the applicant himself as well of those who have signed
the preceding certificate did not deem it necessary, And further certify
that Townsend Dickinson Thomas S. Carter Alfred Arnold, Joseph 4
Egree and Charles H. Pelham are all residents of said County and are
creditable and respectable persons, and their statements entitled to full
credit - And do further certify that the witnesses John Caruthers and
Benjamin Hardin are both respectable men and then statements entitled
to full credit
s/William Arnold Presiding Justice

Territory of Arkansas
County of Independence
July Term of the County Court of
said County Aug 1833
I Charles H. Pelham Clerk of the Circuit and County Courts in and for said County do hereby certify the foregoing annexed papers numbered on pages 1.2.345.
are and Contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of William McKnight for a pension and that the same were asked by me
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and
seal this first day of July AD 1833 and of the Independence
of the United States the 57th
C.H. Pelham Clerk
Page 48


Thomas P. Eskridge one of the United States Judges for the Territory of
Arkansas do hereby certify that I am personally acquainted with the within
named William Mc Knight & that I have no doubt of his having been a
Revolutionary Soldier, and that his standing in society is respectable, and 
do farther certify that I am acquainted with Townsend Dickinson, Thomas S. Carter
Alfred Arnold Charles H. Pelham and Joseph H. Egner and that
their statements are entitled to full credit - And I do further certify that
I am well acquainted with the within named witnesses Benjamin Harden
and John Caruthers and that they are both respectable men who have
no doubt been Revolutionary soldiers and whose testimony is entitled
to full credit
Tho. P. Eskridge

Wm Mc Knight


The pension of Wm McKnight
will be directed to the Agent of
the Pension Office  Batesville Oo

21(7) .333
Page 49

W. S. HEER ENGINEERING COMPANY
ENGINEERS -- DESIGNERS BUILDERS
TERRE HAUTE TRUST BUILDING
TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA
July 16, 1938

PHONES
OFFICE: CRAWFORD 2028
RESIDENCE HARNISON 3144

Veterans Administration
Washington  DC

Gentleman

Will you please give me pension
or other information for 
Wm Mc Knight of Salisbury District N.C.

Voucher payment was made to him
by U.S. Comptroller Voucher #7881 and
for Rev. War Service

Yours truly,
W H Brewer
2120 N 7 St.
Terre Haute Ind

Time stamp
3:00
RECEIVED
JUL 19 1938
MAIL SUB-DIV 
[illegible]
7