Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 18476, for John May, North Carolina
Page 1

NC   May, John     W.18476
Va    Elizabeth
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3099
North Carolina
Elizabeth May, dec'd widow of John May who died on the 20 Mrach 1844 of --- in the State of N.C. who was a Sergent & Ensign in the compy commanded by Captain --- of the Regt commanded by Col --- Va in the Revolution.

Inscribed on the Roll of Fayetteville at the rate of 180 Dollars 10 Cents per annum, to commence on the 20th day of March, 1844 & ending 17 July 1848

Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of January 1852 and sent to Geo. C. Ames
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3d.}

Recorded by H.R.  Weightman, Clerk
Book S, Vol. 2. Page 381
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3553
North Carolina
John May of Rockingham in the State of N. Car: who was a Segt. & En: in the compy commanded by Captain Belew in the Regt commanded by Col. Morgan in the Virginia line for 2 years from 1776.

Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 180 Dollars --- Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 27 day of Decr. and sent to Hon. A.H. Shepperd, House of Reps

Arrears to 4th of Sep 1832                      270
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 March 33   90
                          $360

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Nathan Rice Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 8  Page 36
Page 4

State of North Carolina
Rockingham County
     On this 30th day of October AD 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Judge of the Superior Court for Rockingham County now sitting John May aged seventy  from the 27 of February last a resident of Rockingham County N. Carolina who being personally 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 1832.
     That he entered the service of the United States in the war of the revolution under the following officers and served as herein stated.  That in the fall of the year 1775 (the precise time he cannot recollect) he entered in the County of Rockingham State of Virginia as a minute man under Captain Thomas Belew Jno Nicholas first Lieutenant Edmund Peters Second lieutenant that deception of troops were raised and held in readiness to go when any expedition of emergency that might occur: that soon after his enlistment & during the same fall he under his aforesaid officers commanded of Col. Rainy Morgan marched to the River Holstein against the Cherokee nation of in (illegible).  After searching the River Holstein news was received that the troops that had preceded those to which he was attached under the command of Col. Chresnic had met & defeated the indians they were directed to return:  that deponent was out about three months on the expedition & was discharged at New London then in Bedford & receiving no written discharge was given him on the occasion.  That early in the year 1776 (the precise time he cannot recollect) he enlisted under Captain John Nicholas who had been my Lieutenant in the foregoing expedition as the additional regiment of the Virginia line;  he was immediately marched to the City of Williamsburg and placed under the command of Col. George Gibson of the first regiment of the Virginia
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line that for two years he served in said regiment commanded by Col. Gibson under the said Captain Nicholas as orderly sergeant during all which time he was stationed and continued at Williamsburg in the State of Virginia at the expiration of the tour the regiment was ordered to join the Continental forces at the North when deponent commissioned Patrick Henry Governor of Virginia as ensign in the second State regiment of Virginia under the commanded of Col. Haines Morgan when deponent entered upon the recruiting service and travelled through various parts of the State enlisting men to fill up said Regiment - that he was in the very employment as ensign to the end of the period of his enlistment which was for three years.  Deponent cannot with certainty state whether the service performed by him was regularly on the Continental establishment or whether Gibson or Morgans regiments to which he was attached as above stated were merely on state establishment thought he has been informed that Gibsons corps was received Continental service.  At the end of his engagement he resigned the commission from the Governor & early in the year 1780 he removed to N. Carolina & settled in what was then Guilford now Rockingham County.  That in the spring of the year 1781 immediately after the battle of Guilford he volunteered as Captain and commanded a company under Col. William Paisley against the enemy on deep River in the County of Randolph & Chatham N Carolina in this expedition he was engaged about two months.  That being required to state whether he ever received a commission he states that as ensign he
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was commissioned by the Governor of Virginia and his last mentioned service he was commissioned by Col. James Martin then commanding the militia of Guilford County.  That he has correspondence lost or mislaid both these evidences of his revolutionary service, nor has he any documents now in his possession (illegible) the same - he refers to the accompanying affidavit of Capt. (illegible)  for proof of the principal part of his service;  there are doubtless other persons in the State of Virginia yet living who could prove at least a part thereof but from his poverty and old age he is unable to procure their testimony.  In answer to the farther concern of the Court he states he was born in Buckingham County State of Virginia on the 27th day of February 1757.  That the state made from a record or written memorandum of his age now in his possession.  That he resided in said County Buckingham when he entered into service that since the revolutionary war he has usually lived in Rockingham County N. Carolina through for about sixteen months in 1830 & 31.  He removed to Campbell County Virginia since which time he has returned to & now lives in said County of Rockingham State of N. Carolina.  He states that his neighbors will generally testify to his character for veracity and their belief in his having been a soldier in the revolution by he particularly refers to Abraham Philips & Thomas Dalton.  He relinquishes all claim to a pension or annuity except the present & declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or territory whatever.
                John May
Sworn to & subscribed in open Court the day & year above written.
T Searcy CSC
Page 7

Abraham Philips & Thomas Dalton residing in the County of Rockingham N. Carolina certify that they are well acquainted with John May who has sworn to and subscribed the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be of the age stated by him that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution & that we concur in that opinion.
                        A. Philips
                        Thomas Dalton
T. Searcy CSC

from 1776 
Sergt & Ensign 2 years
$180

And of said Court do hereby declare its opinion after an investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states.  And the Court further certifies that it appears to them that Abraham Philips & Thomas Dalton who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of the County of Rockingham are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.  Witness James Martin Jr. one of the Judges of the Superior Court of said for N. Carolina and how holding the Superior Court for the said County of Rockingham the day & year above written.
                        James Martin Jr. ChR

     I Thomas Searcy Clerk of the Superior Court of Rockingham County C. Carolina do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of John May for a pension.  Given under my hand & the seal of said court in Wentworth in said county of Rockingham the 8th of Nov. 1832.
   T. Searcy  CSC
Page 8

July 29, 1895
No. 6542
Elizabeth May
of Rockingham N.C.
Widow of John May dec'd who received Pension under Act of 1832, as Sergeant & Ensign at $180 per annum, and died 20 March 1844.

Married in 1779 - claims under Act of 1836, and balance due her husband, when he died.  

E.F. Brown, Agent
Wash. D.C.
Page 9

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the fourth July 1836 entitled an act granting Pentions to certain widows.
State of North Carolina
Rockingham County
Court of Please and quarter sessions May term 1845
     On this 30th day of May 1845 personally appeared in open court before the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions  holden in and for said County of Rockingham (now in session.)  Elizabeth May a resident of the said county and State aged (84) eighty four years who being duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress past July 4th 1836 granting pensions to certain widows.
     that she is the widow of the Late John May decd pensioner of the United States who was a Sergeant and Ensign in the Virginia Continental line in the war of the revolution.  That he lived in Rockingham County County North Carolina and drew a pension under the act of 1832 from the United States at the rate of one hundred & eighty dollars per annum ($180) on the account of his revolutionary service.  That the said John May was placed on the North Carolina pension role for Rockingham County in the month of December in the year 1832 .  She further declares that she was married to the said John May in the month of April in the year of Seventeen hundred and seventy nine (1779) That her husband the said John May died on the twentieth day of March eighteen & forty four (1844.)  That she is now a widow and has not married since the death of her said husband John May but remains his widow as will more fully appear by refferance to the proof hereto annexed
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In further proof of the said marriage the declarant herewith sends the original family record accompanied by the copy of the Marriage  License Bond.
     Sworn to and subscribed on the day and date first above mentioned in open court.
Witness T.B. Wheeler C.C.C.
                Elizabeth X May   (seal)
                   (X her mark)

State of North Carolina
Rockingham County
Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions
May Term 1845

     I Thomas B. Wheeler clerk of the County court of Rockingham County State of N. Carolina (now sitting) do hereby certify that the foregoing Declaration of Elizabeth May in application of Pension was this day read in open Court and approved thereby.  I also certify that satisfactory evidence was furnished the said Court that the foregoing Declarant Elizabeth May is the widow of the Identical John May Decd Pensioner of the United States that lived in Rockingham County North Carolina.  I also certify that it was given in evidence to the satisfaction of the said Court that the said John May died on the 20th day of March in the year Eighteen Hundred and forty four (1844) and left the foregoing Declarant Elizabeth May his widow him surviving who has not since married but remains the widow of the said John May Decd and I further certify that it was shown to the satisfaction of the said Court that the Declarant Elizabeth May is respectable and is to be believed whereupon it was ordered by the said Court that the clerk certify the same for the War Department.
(seal)
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 30th day of May 1845 at Wentworth in the State of North Carolina.
                    T.B. Wheeler C.C.C.
Page 11

John May was born in the County of Buckingham State of Virginia the 27th day of February in the year of our Lord 1757.
Elizabeth Hunter, now May was born in the Same State of Bedford, now Cambell County the 12th Nov. 1761.  They were married the 21st day of April 1779---
Their first Child John Hunter May was both the 5th July 1782.  He resided in Guilford County (now Rockingham North Carolina) and Departed this life the 10th December 1786.
Charles May both the 14th September 1784
Booker May born the 6th Sep 1787.
Alexander May Born the 16th July 1790
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Rachel May Born 13th November 1792
Powhatan May Born the 26th June 1795.
John Wesley May Jr. Born 10th March 1800
James H. May born about midnight on the 29th day of Jany 1802.
Page 13

Sir
     I have consented to a marriage between Mr. John May and my daughter Elizabeth.  Please to give a license for the same as all parties are willing.  Witness my hand and seal
                 John Hunter (seal)
                 19 April 1779
Test
Mary Steel
John Hunter Jr.
P.S. My son John will be security for the license, tho not of age his estate is sufficient.  he is the owner of 100 acre of land and some horses and has been dealing for himself some time.
                  I am Yr. &c        J.H.

Know all men by these presents that we John May and John Hunter Jr. are held &c. in the sum of fifty pounds to the which payment will and truly to be made.  We bind ourselves, our heirs &c. firmly by these presents.  Sealed and dated this nineteenth day of April one thousand seven hundred and seventy nine.
     The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a marriage shortly intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound John May and Elizabeth Hunter.  If therefore there be no lawful cause to obstruct the same, then the above obligation to be void, otherwise to remain in full force and virtue.
             John May (seal)
             John Hunter Jr. (seal)
Sealer &c.
Robert Alexander

Virginia, County of Bedford Sct.
     I Robert O. Mitchell Clerk of the County Court of Bedford, in said State, do hereby certify that the above is a true copy of a bond executed by John May on obtaining a license to intermarry with Elizabeth Hunter, as also the certificate filed in said bond, as fully, and wholly, as the same now remain on file in my Office.  In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand & affixed the Seal of said Court this 8th day of May 1845.
 (seal)            Robt. Mitchell C.B.C.
Page 14

State of N. Carolina
Rockingham County
     Be it Sworn on the 30th day of August AD 1851 before me the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said County and State aforesaid personally appeared Franklin Harris resident of said County and made Oath according to law that he is the guardian & next friend of Alexander May, and that the said Alexander May is the Son of Elizabeth May widow of col. John May who was a soldier in the revolutionary war that the said Elizabeth May (made application for a pension under the act of the 4th July 1836) and that he has been advised and informed that the said pension ought to be allowed & that the said Alexander May is directly intended as a claimed in said pension, and makes this affidavit to be filed with such additional evidence or arguments as my agent may use in prosecuting said claim.
                      Franklin Harris
Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid before me
                   John D. Ellington JP
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State of N. Carolina
Rockingham County
I Thomas B. Wheeler Clerk of the Court of Please & Quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify that James D. Ellington for whom the foregoing papers were executed, was a Justice of the Peace at the date of the Same, for the County of Rockingham, duly authorized by law to administer Oaths, and the name thereunto Subscribed is his proper Signature.
(seal)
       The Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official Seal this 30th day of August AD 1850.
     T.B. Wheeler C.C.C.

Know all men by these presents that I Franklin Harris Guardian and next friend of Alexander May, hereby constitute and appoint George C. Ames Esq. my true and lawful agent and attorney to prosecute the claim of Elizabeth May for any amount of revolutionary pension or increase of pension that may be due, and I hereby authorize my said Agent to examine all the papers and documents in relation to the said claim on file in the Departments at Washington City, or else where to file additional evidence or arguments:  and to insure the certificate which may issued for said claim.  Which certificate I wish made payable to _____.  To appoint one or more substitutes under his
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for the purpose herein expressed and do all things that I might as could do wise I personally present, hereby satisfying and confirming all that my said attorney & agent shall lawfully do in the premises.  Witness my hand and Seal this 30th day of Augusts AD 1851.
                   Franklin Harris (seal)
Signed & Sealed in the presence of 
Jas D. Ellington

State of N. Carolina
Rockingham County
     On this 30th day of August AD 1851 before me Jas. D. Ellington a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Franklin Harris and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to be his act, and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.
     In Testimony whereof  I hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid.
           Jas. D. Ellington  J. Peace
Page 17

       July 26, 1933.
       xxxxxxxxxx
       BA-J/ADY
       John May
       W.18476

Mr. Harry Z. Tucker,
Madison,
North Carolina.

Dear Sir:
     The data herein are obtained from the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim for pension, W.18476, based upon John May's military service in that war.
     John May was born February 27, 1757 in Buckingham County, Virginia.
     He enlisted in the fall of 1775 in Buckingham County, Virginia, as a minute man under Captain Thomas Belew, Colonel Haynes Morgan's Virginia Regiment; marched to the Holstein River in pursuit of Indians, and served three months.
     He enlisted early in 1776, served as orderly sergeant in Captain John Nicholas' Company, Colonel George Gibson's Virginia Regiment and was stationed at Williamsburg for two years.
     At the expiration of above service, he was commissioned ensign in Colonel Haynes Morgan's Virginia Regiment and entered upon recruiting service for one year.
     Early in 1780 he removed to Guilford County, North Carolina, where he volunteered after the battle of Guilford in the spring in 1781 and served three months as Captain of the North Carolina Militia under Colonel William Paisley.
     After the Revolution he resided in Guilford County, that part which afterwards became Rockingham County, North Carolina.  in 1830 and 1831 he lived for sixteen months in Campbell County, Virginia, and then returned to Rockingham County, North Carolina.
     He was allowed pension on his application executed
Page 18

October 30, 1832 at which time he resided in Rockingham County, North Carolina.
     He died March 20, 1844.
     Soldier married in Bedford County, Virginia, April 21, 1779, Elizabeth Hunter, born November 12, 1761 in Bedford County, daughter of John Hunter.  She died July 17, 1848 and her pension was allowed for the benefit of her only surviving children in 1851:  Alexander May, Charles May and Robert B. May. 

Children:
John Hunter May (first child) born July 5, 1782,
     died December 10, 1786
Charles May born     September 14, 1784.
Booker May   "          September 6, 1787.
Alexander May "        July 16, 1790.
Rachel Mcfd. May  "   November 13, 1792.
Powhatan May      " June 26, 1795.
John Wesley May, Jr.  " March 10, 1800.
James Hunter May     " January 29, 1802.
Robert B. May            "  Not stated.

               Very truly yours,

               A.D. HILLER
               Assistant to Administrator.
Page 19

(left panel)
1915 June 19:  history to Mr. Buel Leopard.  Letter in SF 38398 Sylvanus Stokes  
1916 Apl. 29.  History to Mrs. Turner B. Morton Jr. &c
1928 June 6. Photos to Evelyn B. Baldwin  AWY
1929 Mar. 21. Hist. to Mrs. Haller W. Reid AWY
1933 July 26.  Harry Z. Tucker furn. Hist. & also ad. several that cannot be furn.  

(right panel)
Rev WIDOW, &c.
File No. 18476
Elizabeth May
Widow of John May
Sergt. Rev. War

Act:  July 4th 1836
Index:- Vol. M, Page 9

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 20

Family record.
Page 21

No. 6542
Elizabeth May
NC
Let to E.F. Brown Sept 3 '45
let to same Oct 18 '45
let to same Nov. 11. 1845-
Hon. D.S. Reid July 10 '46.
Let to same Feb. 16 '47

Act 4 July 1836
Page 22

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 1st day of May 1786, in the name of John May as a Corporal of Artillery for L75.14S, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Widow and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.
p 213.  {No Seal of Office.}
Given under my hand, at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 12th day of June 1845.
Jas. E. Heath, AUDITOR.
Page 23

Send history to
Mrs. Turner B. Morton Jr.
5938 Kingsbury Boulevard,
St. Louis,
Missouri

Personal request Apl. 25, 1916
Page 24

                     July 26, 1933.
                     xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
                     BA-J/ADY

John May
W.18476 

Mr. Harry Z. Tucker,
Madison,
North Carolina.

Dear Sir:
     Reference is made to your letter of July 19, in which you request the records of Revolutionary War pensioners of Rockingham County, North Carolina.
     As previously stated, because of the limited clerical force available for furnishing Revolutionary War data, this office is unable to make a series of investigations and reports pertaining to soldiers of that war, for one person.
     The records of John Fields and John May are furnished you herewith as found in the claims for pension based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.
                Very truly yours,

                 A.D. HILLER
                 Assistant to Administrator.
Page 25

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
               March 21, 1929.

Mrs. Haller W. Reid,
Wentworth, North Carolina.

Madam:
     I advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W.18476, it appears that John May was born February 27, 1757 in Buckingham County, Virginia.
     He enlisted in the fall of 1775 in Buckingham County, Virginia as a minute man under Captain Thomas Belew, Colonel Haynes Morgan's Virginia Regiment;  marched to the Holstein River in pursuit of Indians, and served three months.
     He enlisted early in 1776, served as orderly sergeant in Captain John Nicholas' Company, color George Gibson's Virginia Regiment and was stationed at Williamsburg for two years.
     At the expiration of above service, he was commissioned ensign in Colonel Haynes Morgan's Virginia Regiment and entered upon recruiting service for one year.
     Early in 1780 he removed in Guilford County, North Carolina where he volunteered after the battle of Guilford
Page 26

 in the spring in 1781 and served three months as Captain of the North Carolina Militia under Colonel William Paisley.
     After the Revolution he resided in Guilford County, that part which afterwards became Rockingham County, North Carolina. in 1830 and 1831 he lived for sixteen months in Campbell County, Virginia, and then returned to Rockingham County, North Carolina.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 30, 1832 at which time he resided in Rockingham County, North Carolina.
     He died March 20, 1844.
     Soldier married in Bedford County, Virginia, April 21, 1779, Elizabeth Hunter, born November 12, 1761 in Bedford County, daughter of John Hunter. She died July 17, 1848 and her pension was allowed for the benefit of her only surviving children in 1851: Alexander May, Charles May and Robert B. May.

Children:
John Hunter May (first child) born July 5, 1782,
died December 10, 1786
Charles May born September 14, 1784.
Booker May " September 6, 1787.
Alexander May " July 16, 1790.
Rachel Mcfd. May " November 13, 1792.
Powhatan May " June 26, 1795.
Page 27

John Wesley May, Jr.    born   March 10, 1800.
James Hunter May           "      January 29, 1802.
Robert B. May                  "       Not stated.

               Respectfully,

               E.W. MORGAN
               Acting Commissioner.
Page 28

Rev. War Section.

                 April 29, 1916.

Mrs. Turner B. Morton,
5938 Kingsbury Boulevard,
St. Louis, Missouri.

Madam:-
     In response to your personal request on the twenty-fifth instant, for the history of John May, you are advised that from the papers in claim W. File No. 18,476 Rev. War,  it appears that John May was allowed pension on his application executed October 30, 1832, at which time he resided in Rockingham County, North Carolina.
     He stated that he was born February 27, 1757 in Buckingham County, Virginia, where he resided, and enlisted in the fall of 1775 in Buckingham County, Virginia as a Minute-man under Captain Thomas Belew, Colonel Haynes Morgan; marched to the Holstein River in pursuit of Indians, and served three months, and was discharged at New London, Bedford County, Va.
     Enlisted early in 1776, as Orderly-Sergeant, under Captain John Nicholas, Colonel George Gibson, and was stationed at Williamsburg for two years.
     At the expiration of above service he was commissioned Ensign in Colonel Haynes Morgan's regiment, and entered upon recruiting service for one year.
Page 29

     Early in 1780,
Carolina, where he volunteered after the battle of Guilford in the Spring of 1781, as Captain of N.C. Militia under Colonel William Paisley, and served three months.
     He resided in Buckingham Co., Va., and in that part of Guilford Co. which afterwards became Rockingham Co., N.C. except sixteen months in 1830 and 1831 in Campbell Co., Va.
     He married in Bedford Co., Va., April 21, 1778 Elizabeth hunter born November 12, 1761 in Bedford Co., daughter of John Hunter.
     Soldier died March 20, 1844;  his widow Elizabeth died July 17, 1848, and her pension was allowed for the benefit of her only surviving children in 1851:  Alexander May, Charles May and Robert B. May.
Children,
John Hunter May (first child) born July 5, 1782,
died December 10, 1786
Charles May born September 14, 1784.
Booker May " September 6, 1787.
Alexander May " July 16, 1790.
Rachel Mcfd. May " November 13, 1792.
Powhatan May " June 26, 1795.
John Wesley May, Jr. " March 10, 1800.
James Hunter May " January 29, 1802.
Robert B. May " Not stated.

             Very respectfully,
             GM Saltzgaber,
             Commissioner


May-2.
Page 30

                        June 21, 1915.
 Mr. Buel Leopard.
Gallatin, Mo.

Sir:
     In addition to the military history of John May, W. File No. 18,476, Rev. War, you are furnished the following family data from the papers on file.

John Hunter May (first child) born July 5, 1782,
died December 10, 1786
Charles May born September 14, 1784.
Booker May " September 6, 1787.
Alexander May " July 16, 1790.
Rachel Mcfd. May " November 13, 1792.
Powhatan May " June 26, 1795.
John Wesley May, Jr. " March 10, 1800.
James Hunter May " January 29, 1802.
Robert B. May " Not stated.

                   Very respectfully,
                   GM Saltzgaber
                   Commissioner
Page 31

M.B.H.
Rev. War
REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION.
3-525
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D.C.,  19

     In reply to your request of ___. received___ for a statement of the military history of John May a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contain in his (& his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.  WF 18476.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Fall 1775
1776
(faded)
Spring 1781

LENGTH OF SERVICE.
3 mos.
2 years
1 year
2 mos.

RANK.
Minute man
Orderly Sgt.
Ensign
Capt.

OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Thomas Belew
John Nicholas
COLONEL.   STATE.
(Haynes)
Hains Morgan  Va
George Gibson  Va
Hains Morgan  Va
William Paisley NC

Battles engaged in, None stated
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Buckingham            Co. Va.
Date of application for pension, Dec. 30, 1832.       This claim was allowed.
Residence at date of application, Rockingham Co. NC
Age at date of application, b. in Buckingham Co. Va Feb. 27, 1757
Remarks:  Soldier married in Bedford Co. Va. later Campbell Apr. 21, 1779, Elizabeth (born Nov. 12 1761). dau. of John Hunter;  soldier died Mch 20 1844; she died July 17 1848 and her pension was allowed for the benefit of her only surviving children in 1851:  Alexander, Charles Robert B. May.
                  Respectfully,
                  Commissioner.
Page 32

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.  1681 PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 23924
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
Rev. & 1812 Wars

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.  Please furnish work specified below.

May 26, 1928

Bureau ordering PENSIONS  Deliver to Room No. 5033

(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)

Title and description of job  photostat copies of nineteen pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of John May and widow Elizabeth, W. 18476

No. of copies  1 of each  
Shall form be kept standing?    days
For further information see M.M.H. Finch
Room No. 5033  Phone No. 541
Approved:  (illegible) 
Chief Clerk of Bureau.

Antonia W. Ford
Acting chief of Branch Rev. & 1812

NOTE:  No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering___
(stamp)
DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS 
RECEIVED
MAY 28 1928
DEPT OF THE INTERIOR

CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph   single or double space?  Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph  one side or both sides?  Facsimile signature?
Folding  once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling  Once?  Twice?  Side?  End?

Electric typewriter   Fill in addresses?  Dated?

Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size
Cards, size
Proof list   
Pay rolls
Labels (submit sample)
corrections
Fill in letters
Tabulation sheets
Photostat X  Size actual  Official use?  Repay yes  $2.85
Blue Print  Size  Official use?  Repay?  $

Remarks
(OVER)
Page 33

NOTE:  Routine changes or addresses may be made on this blank without (faded) reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerk (faded) bureaus.
(Date)  192__

INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Make new addressograph plate
Change present addressograph plate
Destroy present addressograph plate
On list
as follows:
Now reads
1
2
3
4
5

Should read
1
2
3
4
5

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ___ 192__
Operator
MULTIGRAPH
Operator  Date  Type set by  Date
Remarks:
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator  Date  Cut by
Remarks:
Page 34

(bleed through)
15822
3-2233

BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
May 26 1928

Chief Rev. and 1812 Wars Section

I have this day received from Evelyn B. Baldwin cash in the amount of $2.85, requesting photostat copy as per letter herewith.

O.J. RANDALL
Chief, Finance Division
HCL

Photos delivered to Finance div - notified
June 6 1928
AWF
Page 35

       May 26, 1928
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir:
     I desire photostat copies of nineteen pages, not certified, from Revolutionary War pension claim of John May and his widow Elizabeth, W. 18476.

Recd. payment
$2.85
Antonia W. Ford
Rev. & 1812 Wars Sec.

Evelyn B. Baldwin
Naval Records & Library
D.C.
Page 36

Elizabeth May decd.
wid of John
N.C.
Act 4 July 30 and Joint Res. July 1 '48
$180 per an: from the 
20 March 1844 when her husband died until 17th July 1848 when she died.
Payable to
Franklin Harris Adm.
for the benefit of
Alexr. May, Chas. May & Robert B May
only surviving children


Sent to
Geo. C. Ames
Present
Page 37

    Washington Novem 1st 1854
James E. Heath Esq
Sir
     Enclosed you will please find the certificate of the Court of Rockingham County N.C. Showing the date of the death of Mrs. Elizabeth May widow of John May and giving the names of her surviving children also showing that Franklin Harris has been duly appointed her Administrator. The Power of Attorney in this Case was filed with Mr. Cole in the 22d of last month.
     Mrs Mays husband was a pensioner on the North Carolina Rolls at $180 per ann.  Their marriage has been established and as she was living on the 1st July 1848 was consequently entitled to the benefits of the Joint Resolution of that date there can therefore be no objection to the admission of her claim.

                           Very Respectfully
                           Your Obt. Sevt                          
                                     Geo. C. Ames
Page 38

State of North Carolina
Comptroller's Office
     I, William J. Clarke, Comptroller of public accounts in and for the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that it appears of record in my office among the payments made by said State to sundry persons for Military services in the Revolutionary War, as follows to wit:
John May
Vol A. No. 8405 Captain John May for the services of himself and Company L115S5 D6specie
Same Vol. No. 5057 John May for Militia services
L16S13 specie
Vol. C No. 3949 L26 specie
(seal)
     In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 9th day of February A.D. 1852
           Wm. J. Clarke Comptl.
Page 39

Brief in the case of Elizabeth May dec. wid of John
County and State of N.C.
act 4 July 36 & Joint Resolution 1 July 48.
Claim, (original," or)
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls?  If either, state the substance.
Husband was a pensioner at $180 per ann.
Evidence of marriage; Records

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim?  If so, what?

Name and residence of Agent
Geo C. Ames
Present

Kirby
Examining Clerk.
Page 40

                  Washington Feb. 13 1852
James E Heath Esq
Sir
     Enclosed you will please find Certificate from the Comptroller of North Carolina in relation to the Service of Capt. John May.
     John May was allowed a pension under the act of 7 June 1832 at $180 per ann for service in the Virginia Line as a Sergeant and Ensign.  his widow has lately been placed on the Pension Roll under the act of 4 July 1836.
     In his declaration May alleges that after the termination of his services in Virginia he moved to North Carolina and received the appointment of a Captain in the Militia of that State and that he served as such not less than two months.  I transmit herewith the Comptrollers Certificate showing payments to John May and to Capt. John May and his Company which furnishes record evidence of his rank and sustains conclusively his allegation as to his service as Captain.  The Heirs ask that the amount allowed to John and Elizabeth May may be increased
Page 41

for this Service.
              Very Respectfully,
              Your obt Servt
                    Geo C. Ames
Page 42

          Pension Office
          Jan. 13 1852
John May N.C. Act of June 1832 at $180 per an:  to what time paid?
               F.F.K.

Died 24th March 1844
Pd to his death
3d Auditor
BLB.
Page 43

     Washington October 23 1851

James E Heath Esq
Sir
     Enclosed you will please find Power of Attorney from the Heirs of Elizabeth May widow of John May who made application under the act of 4 July 1986 for a pension on account of service rendered by her husband in the War of the Revolution.
     May I have the privilege of examining the papers filed in support of her claims?
                  With much respect
                  Your obt servt

                   Geo. C. Ames
Page 44

                  House Representatives
                  Washington July 1, 1846

     Please read the enclosed letter from Wm. Harris who is a gentleman of the highest respectability, and inform what has been done in Mrs. May's case.  I think I recollect - having attended to the examination in court upon which her declaration was made a matter of record, but I do not think that the papers were forwarded to your office by me.  I think the Declaration was written by Mr. Craig or his agent, and I presume, by him forwarded to you.  Mrs. May is entitled to a pension, and if a certificate has issued for her
Page 45

inform me to whom and when sent?  If a certificate has not issued please examine case and inform me of the result.
     Enclose Wm. Harris's letter back with your answer.  I am, very respectfully,
              Your obt. servant
                  David S. Reid

Hon. J.L. Edwards,
Com of Pensions,
Washington
Page 46

Sept. 6, 1845
Elizabeth May
widow of John May.

Certificate & Letter of 
Auditor of Va. in
compliance with letter from Pension Office
3. Sept. 1845.

E.F. Brown
Agent.
Page 47

(letterhead)
CLAIMS FOR PENSIONS, PATENTS, LANDS, CONTRACTS, &c.
Prosecuted.

NOTARIAL AND OTHER Official CERTIFICATES Prepared.  Acknowledgements Taken, &c.

EDMUND F. BROWN
NOTARY PUBLIC,
COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS, &c FOR STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND
Public, Private, and confidential Agent
For settling Business of every description, with Congress, the Officers of the different Departments, Companies, and Individuals.  Attention prompt.  Charges reasonable.  Letters must be Postage Paid.
Penn. Avenue, near 13th St.
WASHINGTON CITY.
T. BARNARD, PRINTER

United States Agency and Notarial Office
Washington City, 6. Sept. 4. 1845.

J.L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Sir,
     In compliance with your letter of 3d inst. I have written the Auditor at Richmond, concerning the case Elizabeth May, Widow of John May, and herewith enclose his certificate for L75.14.5.
     I also enclose the Auditors letter stating that his books do not shew the length of May's service.-
     Please forward me the Pension Certificate at your earliest convenience, and oblige.
                Very Respectfully,
                 Your obt. St.
                       Edm. F. Brown Agent.
Page 48

I do hereby certify, that Mr. John May formerly of Buckingham County Va. now of Campbell County Va. inlisted with me in 1775 as a Soldier in the Minute Service, in which I was a First Lieutenant, which Minute men were marched to the Holstein against the Cherokee Nation of Indians - he afterwards enlisted with me (as Cap. in the six additional Regts of the Va Line on Continental establishment) but which Company with four others were transferred to the first Va State Regt. commanded by Col. Geo. Gibson.  He served faithfully, as well as I can now recollect, as my Orderly-Sergeant two years, when he was appointed as Ensign in the Second Va. State Regt which served to the North where I saw it in active service.  After that, I saw & knew nothing of Mr. May personally, but understood & have good reason to believe, he served to the end 1779 just three years in all.
             John Nicholas Cap. & 2d Lt. 
             Revolutionary Army
Buckingham Cty viz.
The above named John Nicholas this 9th day of Augt. 1831 came before me a Magistrate of said County & made oath to the truth of the above Certificate.
            P. Perkins
Page 49

Virginia.
     I Rolfe Eldridge clerk of the County court of Buckingham in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that Price Perkins before whom the within affidavit was made, is and was at the date of his certificate an acting justice of the peace in and for the said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that due faith and credit ought to be given to his official acts and deeds as such.
(seal)
     In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said county court at the Courthouse the 11th day of August in the year Eighteen hundred and thirty one.
                Rolfe Eldridge CBC
Page 50

Auditor of Va.
4. Sept. 1845

Enclosing Certificate
of John May's
pay.
Recd. 5. Sept. 1845

(upside down)
Edmund F. Brown Esq
Agent &c
Washington City

5

(stamp)
RICHMOND VA.
SEP 4
Page 51

                     Auditors Office
                     4 Sep 1845

Sir
     I send you a certificate of the settlement with Jno May.  Our books will not show the length of his service.
                   Very respectfully yrs
                   Jas. E. Heath
Page 52

                       House Representatives
                       Washington Feby. 8, 1847

Sir
     I enclose you a letter from Mr.. Harris in relation to the application of Mrs. Elizabeth May for a Pension.  Mr. Harris is a gentleman of high respectability.  That Col. John May the husband of the declarant I the case was entitled to a pension I think there can not be a doubt.  You must have overlooked some evidence in this case.  I knew Col. John May well, and he was a gentleman of the highest standing, and his widow is a lady of the highest respectability.  I therefore hope  you will again examine this case & let me know the result.
                 Your obt. set.
                 David S. Reid

JL Edwards
Page 53

John May's
Certificate

paid 1 Mar 1839

March 22, 1832

(illegible) to the council of (illegible) required.  
John Floyd
Page 54

Madison, N.C.
July 19.1933

Veterans Administration
War Department
Washington, D.C.

My dear Sirs:
     Will you please send me what information you have relative to three (3) Revolutionary War soldiers of Rockingham County, North Carolina?  The soldiers are John Fields, William Godsey, and John May.  Each of these were pensioners.
           Thanking you very much,
                    Harry Z. Tucker

(stamp)
RECEIVED
JULY 20
1933
MAIL SUBDIVISION
VET. (faded)
Page 55

                  Wentworth, NC
                  July 14 1928

Honorable
Commrs. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir:
     In 1832 John May of Rockingham County No. Car applied for a Rev. Pension - Born 1757 - enlisted 1775 - died 1844
Certificate No 5099 No. Carolina Agency-
     Will you be kind enough to send me a copy of his application for pension - Also a copy of the application of his widow Elizabeth May who was pensioned - 
Widow file 18476 - 
     I will thank you very much for this information as I am required to furnish certain facts in my D.A.R. record.
               Yours Very respectfully
               Mrs. Hallen W. Reid

(2 stamps)
U.S. PENSION OFFICE
JUL 14 1928

LAW DIVISION RECEIVED
JULY 16 1928
Page 56

State of N. Carolina
Rockingham County
     At a called court begun & held in the Clerks office of said county on the 28th October 1851.
Present Robt Walker
             Wm. B. Carter
             Albert Conian (?)
             & Robt M. Napier 
             Esqrs.
     Whereas it appears to this court that Elizabeth May late of this county died without will.  This is therefore to certify that administration (illegible) now on the estate of the said Elizabeth May is granted unto Franklin Harris who has given bond accordingly.
     This administrator aforesaid is highly authorized to take into his possession the Goods & Chattels Rights & Credits of said Deceased, wherever to be found in this State & a true inventory thereof be taken unto this court agreeable to law.
     Witness T.B. Wheeler Clerk of our said court at office.  The day & date above first written.
                 T.B. Wheeler C.C.C.
     I T.B. Wheeler Clerk of the court of pleas & quarter session for the county & State aforesaid do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited at this office, that Elizabeth May who applied for a pension as the widow of Col. John May a revolutionary soldier died on the 17th day of July 1848 leaving surviving her Alexr. May Charles May & Tobert B. May, the only children now shown to be living of the said Elizabeth May
Page 57

Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said court at office this 29th October 1851.
             T.B. Wheeler C.C.C.

(seal)
Page 58

Power of Attorney.
Know all men by these Presents:  That I, Franklin Harris of the county of Rockingham and State of North Carolina, the Administrator of Elizabeth May decd of Col. Jno. May whose claim for pension under Act of Congress approved the ___ day of ___ 183_, is now suspended for further proof, and who died on the ___ day of ___ 18__, do hereby constitute and appoint S. Blanchard Price of Washington City my true and lawful Attorney irrevocable for me, and in my name and place, to examine all the records, letters, affidavits, and other documents and papers connected with the aforesaid suspended claim now on file in the Pension Office, as well as all the Muster Rolls and other records that may show the Revolutionary services of the said Col. Jno. Pay and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises in order to prosecute said claim to some result:  hereby revoking all powers of attorney heretofore given for a like purpose, and confirming whatsoever my said attorney shall, in my name, legally do in the premises:  In testimony whereof, I hereunto et my hand and seal this 29th day of November 1853.
                  Franklin Harris Adm.   (seal)
     
     Acknowledged and subscribed before me, a justice of the peace, for the aforesaid county of Rockingham and State of North Carolina; and I do certify that of my own personal knowledge the aforesaid Franklin Harris is the Administrator of Elizabeth May deceased. 
      Witness my hand and seal this 29th day of November 1853.
               A.M. Scales J.P. (seal)

State of North Carolina
County of Rockingham SS
     I do certify that A.M. Scales Esquire, before whom the foregoing acknowledgment was made, was at the time of it being made a justice of the peace for said county, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the above is his genuine signature.
     Witness my hand and the seal of the County court for said county, this 30th day of November 1853.
        W.M. Ellington Clerk C.C.
(seal)
Page 59

(left panel)
Elizabeth May
wid of John 
N.Ca.

Power of Atty
by 
Franklin Harris
Administrator 

See enclosed 
Letter

S.B. True
Atty for this case

(right panel)
Proof of service in the negative - no
claim - letter Feb. 17 1847  Hon. D.J. Reid