Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 7864, John Weems, S.C.
Page 1

[typed form with handwritten responses]
(3-1777)
SERVICE
SC
Weems, John
NUMBER
S.7864
Born in Va
Carded
CONTENTS
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[typed form with handwritten responses]
Mississippi 13.359.
John Weems Senr [Senior]
of Simpson Co [County] in the State of Mississippi
who was a Private in the Co [Company] command[ed]
by Captain Dawson of the Regt [Regiment] command[ed]
by Major Chambers in the South Carolina
line for one year.

Inscribed on the Roll of Mississippi
at the rate of 40 Dollars 00 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of July
1833 and sent to G.F. Brown. Westville, [illegible] Miss.

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833. 80.00
Semi-anl. [Semi-annual] allowance ending 4 Sept 1833. 20 00
$100.00

Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Wm [William] R. Palmer Clerk,
Book [illegible] Vol. 8. Page 77.
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Suspd [Suspended] [illegible] letter Oct. 10 1834 to
[illegible]
Terence McGowan Feby 11 / 54
[illegible] April 7 / ‘54
[illegible] May 4, 1854
[illegible] Dec 11, 1854
Page 4

Margaret McFerrin
[illegible] declaration
The Government of the
United States &c [etc]

T. McGowan atty [attorney]
Brandon
Mississippi
Page 5

The State of Mississippi
Simpson County S.S.

On this 21st day of January 1854 Before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Margaret McFerrin who being duly Sworn according to law declared that she is the daughter of John Weems, deceased, who was a Soldier in the Revolutionary War. She states that the said John Weems died in Smith County in the State of Mississippi 1840, that she verily believes and is informed
that her father John Weems was entitled to receive from the Government of the United States a pension for his services In the War aforesaid and that said John Weems was admitted to the Pension Roll prior to his death that he entered the service as aforesaid as she is informed and believes in the State of South Carolina and Continued in actual
Service Untill honorably discharged, there is no documentary evidence that she can procure to establish his services, but solely relies upon the Muster or pay Rolls for a Confirmation of her statement as to his said service. She makes this declaration to obtain the amount of money due her said father John Weems for pension, pay or Bounty Land up to the period of his death, and she hereby constitutes and appoints Terence McGowan of Brandon Mississippi to be her true and lawful Attorney to prosecute her said claims, and to obtain from the propper Officers of the Government of the United States, the money due her as herein aforesaid, or any Bounty land that she may be entitled to receive, as the daughter of the said
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John Weems deceased and he is hereby authorized to substitute one or more Attorney's to aid in the prosecution of the claims herein stated, hereby ratifying all the acts of my said Attorney in these premises Given under my hand and seal this said 21st day of January A. D 1854.

Margaret McFerrin [signature] [Circled: Seal]

Sworn to, acknowledged, and subscribed before me, and I further certify that I am not interested in this claim. Given under my hand and Seal
D Touchstone [signature] J.P. [circled: Seal]

The State of Mississippi
Simpson County S.S.

On this 21st day of January A. D. 1854 before me the undersigned an acting Justice of the peace in and for said County and State personally appeared Almira McFerrin and Elizabeth Soper to me well known as credible witnesses, who being duly sworn
according to law, declare, that they were personally acquainted with John Weems, deceased who was late a Citizen of Simpson County in said State for the term of Sixteen years prior to his decease, and that they have known and are personally acquainted with Margaret McFerren, who has made the foregoing declaration which declaration was read, and made in their presence and hearing, and they say that the said
Margaret McFerren is the daughter of the said John Weems deceased as stated in said
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declaration, and that said John Weems died in Smith County in said State, in the year 1840, and that they are disinterested.
attest:
D Touchstone [signature]
Almira McFerrin X her mark
William Soper [signature]
Elizabeth Soper X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me. And I certify that I am personally acquainted with the above named Almira McFerrin and Elizabeth Soper witnesses that they are credible witnesses and that their testimony is worthy of full credit and belief, and that I am not interested in the prosecution of this claim. 
Given Under my hand & Seal
D. Touchstone [circled: Seal] J.P.

The State of Mississippi
Simpson County S.S.

In testimony that Dempsey Touchstone Esq. was a magistrate authorized by law to administer Oaths and take acknowledgements, in the State of Mississippi at the date above and herein [illegible] and that his name there subscribed is his usual and Genuine Signature.
I have hereunto affixed my hand and the Seal of Probate Court at my Office in Westville in said State this 28th day of January 1854
E Van [illegible] Clerk
of Probate Court Simpson County
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Weems

John Weems senr [senior]
Pensionary Declaration
1832
21634
Page 9

1

The State of Mississippi
Simpson County SS
In the Circuit Court
October Term 1832

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

On this the fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court before the Hon. [Honorable] Edward Turner Presiding Judge of the Circuit Court of the County of Simpson and State of Mississippi now seting John Weems Senior a resident of the County of Lawrence and State aforesaid aged seventy 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 pased June 7th 1832. that he the said John Weems senior entered the service
of the United States in the fifteenth year of his age as a volunteer soldier in the South Carolina Militia in the year about 1777 under Captain Joseph Dawson and continued in said service at that time for the period of three months and in company with Maj. [Major] Chambers crossed the Saluda river during said service. Afterwards was drafted & went a short voyage under Gen. [General] Pickens to Bull swamp and afterwards volunteered under Capt [Captain] John McGow and marched with him to the Fort of old ninety six where in the Spring of the year 1781 he was in a battle in which Gen [General] Green [Greene] had command and was defeated soon after which he thinks the British left the Fort. Shortly after the British evacuated the fort of ninety six he went out again in said service drafted under Capt. [Captain] Moses Little and was out as a detached horse [illegible] at the time of the Battle of the Eutaw Springs where Gen [General] Green [Greene] had command. That he the said John Weems senior resided at that time in the
very scene of the war and stood as a minute man from the time he first entered the service as aforesaid ready to march at a minutes warning
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2

untill about the close of the war and frequently went out on short tours that he has almost entirely forgotten. That he is confident he served at least three years actual service during said war and he thinks serving a longer period. That he the said John Weems senior was born about the year 1762 in the lower part of the State of Virginia. That he has no record of his age. That he was living in the State of South Carolina in Abbeville District when he was called into said service. That since the Revolutionary war he has lived until 1810 or 11 thence in Jasper County in the State of Georgia until about 1814 thence in the State Of Mississippi where he now resides in the County of Lawrence. That he was called into said service part of the time as a drafted and part as a volunteer soldier. that he recollects General Marion – Anderson – Pickens Green [Greene] and Maj. [Major] Chambers who were with the troops where he served. That he received a regular discharge from said service given by Capt Dawson which is long ago distroyed or lost. That he is known in his pressent neighbourhood to Luke Butler Esqr Jesse Winbourn Rev. Mr. Mallard and others who can testify as as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. And that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure
who can testify to his service And he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State of the Union.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid, before 
E. Turner Presiding Judge [signature]
John Weems [signature]

We William Morris a clergyman residing in the County of Simpson and State aforesaid and Jesse Winbourn residing in the County of Lawrence and State aforesaid do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with John Weems senior who has subscribed and sworn to the above declara
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3

tion, that we believe him to be seventy years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid.
before
E. Turner Presiding Judge
Wm [William] Morris
Jesse Winbourn

And the Court do hereby declare there opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Wm [William] Morris who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman residing in the County of Simpson of the State aforesaid and that Jesse Winborne who has also signed the same is a resident in the County of Lawrence and State aforesaid and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit
E. Turner Presiding
Judge

I John R Hubert Clerk of the Circuit court of the County of Simpson and State of Mississippi do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the Original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of John Weems senior for pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this the fifteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and fifty seventh year of American Independence
John R Hubert
Clerk
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21634
13.359
John WeemsSenior
Simpson County
Mississippi

Adm 1 year

Chas [Charles] K. Brown
[illegible]
[crossed out: John R. Hubert] Clerk
Simpson County
Mississippi
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
Pension Office,
183

Sir.
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules and the subjoined notes you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew [show] what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: }). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your
claim
se
Vol. 1777
Dist 1781
Statement, showing the service of John Weems senr [senior] Simpson Cty. Mississippi

[table]
[table entry 1]
Period when the service was rendered: Vol. [Volunteer] 1777
Duration of the claimants service. Years: Months: 3 Days:
Rank of the claimant. pr [private]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt [Captain] Dawson
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Major Chambers
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. South Carolina
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 70 Abiville [Abbeville] dist. South Carolina
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary

[table entry 2]
Period when the service was rendered: Vol. [Volunteer] 1777
Duration of the claimants service. Years: Months: 3 Days:
Rank of the claimant. pr [private]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt [Captain] Dawson
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Major Chambers
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. South Carolina
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 70 Abiville [Abbeville] dist. South Carolina
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary

[table entry 3]
Period when the service was rendered: Draft 1781
Duration of the claimants service. Years: Months: 3 Days:
Rank of the claimant. pr [private]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt [Captain] Little
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Genl [General] Green [Greene]
Battles in which the applicant was engaged. Eutaw Springs
Country through which he marched. South Carolina
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 70 Abiville [Abbeville] dist. South Carolina
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary

[table entry 4]
Period when the service was rendered: Vol. [Volunteer] 1777
Duration of the claimants service. Years: Months: 3 Days:
Rank of the claimant. pr [private]
Names and Rank of the Company officers under whom he served. Capt [Captain] Dawson
Names and Rank of the General and Field officers. Major Chambers
Battles in which the applicant was engaged.
Country through which he marched. South Carolina
Place of abode when he entered the service, and age at the present period. 70 Abiville [Abbeville] dist. South Carolina
Evidence by which the declaration is supported. Traditionary

I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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2

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.

The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia" and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c [etc]. Teamsters, Boatmen, &c [etc]. Persons who served on board of Private Armed Vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
1. The Regular Troops.
2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.
3. Persons employed in the Naval service.
4. Indian Spies.
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons, claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of
County of

On this [blank space] day of [blank space] personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident (b) of [blank space] in the county of [blank space] and State, Territory or District of [blank space] aged (c) [blank space] years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provion [provision] made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) [blank space], with [blank space] and served in the [blank space] (e) regiment of the [blank space] line, under the following named officers:

[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he enered [entered] the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c [etc].]

He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of [blank space]

Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. [blank space] A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I [blank space] of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c [etc].

If, on examination of the proper record the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the [blank space] and C. D. residing in (the same) hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with [blank space], who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be [blank space] years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the [blank space] and that C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the [blank space] and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, [blank space] Clerk of the Court of [blank space] do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the applicacation of [blank space] for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this [blank space] day of [blank space] &c [etc].

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person
Page 15

will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County, in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
1. Where and in what year were you born?
2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Soldier Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
6. To a Soldier: Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given and what has become of it?
To an Officer: Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what
has become of it?
7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.

The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons – one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify, to the character and standing of other persons, giving such certificates.

The traditionary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct
proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the enquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.

Applicants unable to appear in Court by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.

Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.

No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.

—-----------------------------------------------------------------------

(a) The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
(b) The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
(c) The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
(d) The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
(e) Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: – For — year — months, and — days, I served as a —-----. For — months and — days, I served as a —-----; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase “about three or four months” is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
(f) The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
(g) The opinion of the Court is always required.
(h) The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
(i) The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers

Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.

Proof of Service.
(j) In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.

→ The notes from (a) to (i) are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule [illegible] note (j) applies to continental troops only.
(k) This traditionary evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
(l) If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
(m) The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration
Page 16

September 16, 1939.

Mrs. P. D. Barron
Wallace Court
Union, South Carolina.

BA-J/ILL
John Weems
S. 7884

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of John Weems, of South Carolina, also, information in regard to William Weems who lived in that state.

There is no claim for pension or bounty land on file which was made to the United States based upon service of a William Weems, under any spelling of that surname.

The record has been found of only one John Weems of South Carolina. The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in his claim for pension, S. 7864.

John Weems was born in the year 1762, in the lower part of the State of Virginia; the exact day and place of his birth, and the names of his parents were not given.

He applied October 15, 1832 under the Act of June 7, 1832, for pension on account of his service in the Revolutionary War; he resided then in Lawrence County, Mississippi, but his application was executed in Simpson County, Mississippi. He stated then that while a resident of Abbeville District, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1777, served as private on various tours in the South Carolina troops under Captains Joseph Dawson, John McGow (possibly meant for McGaw), Moses Little, Joshua Patterson and Maxwell, and Major John McGaw and Colonel Pickens, and was in the battle of Ninety-Six, length of his service at least one year, specific dates of enlistments and discharge not given; and that he stood as a minute-man and was out on frequest [frequent] short tours.

His claim for pension was allowed but was subsequently suspended because, upon reexamination of the claim, it was decided that the proof of service on which it was allowed was not sufficient under the pension laws; it is not shown that such proof of service was filed by the soldier, or that his name was restored to the pension roll.
Page 17

John Weems resided in Jasper County, Georgia, from about 1800 to 1816, when he moved to Lawrence County, Mississippi.

He died in 1840 in Smith County, Mississippi.

The signature of the soldier appears John Weems, also, John Weems, Senior, in the papers in this claim; his name was borne John Weems, Senior, on the pension roll.

In 1854, the soldier's daughter, Margaret McFerrin, resided in Simpson County, Mississippi; the name of her mother was not given. One Almira McFerrin made affidavit in 1854, in Simpson County, that she had been acquainted with the John Weems many years before his death, but did not state any relationship the the family.

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

2.
Page 18

[postmark: COLUMBIA S.C. MAR 15]

Additional Evidence Enclosed
T. McGowan
Brandon Miss.
March 24th 54

[written sideways]
Terence McGowan Esq
Brandon Mississippi
Page 19

“Department of The Interior.”
“Official Business.”
“Pension Office.”

[postmark: Brandon Mi. MAR 24]

“Additional Evidence”

The Honble [Honorable] L. P. Waldo.
Washington City.
District Columbia.

[written sideways]
Jno [John] Weems
Mc
Page 20

Pension Office,
February 11th 1854.

Sir:

The application of the daughter of John Weems, of Mississippi, has been filed with his original pension papers under the Act of 1832. In 1834, his pension was suspended, because upon a reexamination of the papers, it was discovered that he had been improperly pensioned, he never having adduced evidence of any kind to show that he had served a day. His name cannot be restored to the pension roll, unless his service can be established by the Comptroller of South Carolina.

I am, respectfully,
Your Obt. [Obedient] Svt [Servant],
L P Waldo [signature]
Commissioner

Terence McGowan, Esqr.
Brandon, Miss.
Page 21

Terence McGowan
Feb 11/54
Page 22

197

Pension Office
Feby [February] 11 1854

Sir

The application of the daughter of John Weems of Miss [Mississippi] has been filed with his original pension papers under the act of 1832. In 1834 his pension was suspended, because upon a reexamination of the papers, it was discovered that he had been improperly pensioned, he never having adduced evidence of any kind to show that he had served a day. His name can not be restored to the pension roll, unless his service can be established by the Comptroller of S.C.

Terence McGowan Esq
Brandon Miss [Mississippi]
Page 23

“Department of the Interior”
“Pension Office, Official business.”

The Honble [Honorable] L. P. Waldo
Washington City:
District Columbia.

[written sideways]
John Weems
Mississippi D32
Page 24

Brandon Mississippi
April 24th 1854.

The Honble [Honorable] L. P. Waldo.
Commissioner[

Sir

In order to enable me to obtain the propper Certificate of the service of John Weems decd [deceased] from the Comptroller of the State of South Carolina. Spoken of in your esteemed
favor of 8th Instant [this month], permit me the liberty to withdraw the certificate of the Deputy Comptroller now on file and rejected as informal and defective in other respects. In order that I may return the same and demand the propper Certificate and to that end I most respectfully request that the same may be forwarded by mail to my address here, on receipt of this letter.

Sir
I have the honor to be,
most respectfully,
Your obt [obedient] Servant.
Terence McGowan [signature] atty.
Page 25

May 4/54
Page 26

Pension Office
May 4, 1854.

Sir:

In compliance with your request I hereunto return the letter of the Comptrollerl of S. [South] Carolina dated March 15, 1854; and [illegible] you that unless a certificate from that office showing that John Weems [illegible], his name cannot be restored to the pension Roll.

Terence McGowan, Esq.
Brandon, Miss.
Page 27

Brandon Mississippi
February 24th 1850.

To His Excellency The Governor of South Carolina
Sir,
Permit me the liberty to transmit the enclosed communication, addressed to me by the Honble [Honorable] L. P. Waldo Commissioner of Pensions, Washington City, D.C. 
It is solely with a view to obtain the proper evidence of service by “John Weems” in the Revolutionary War. To have the proper certificate by the Comptroller and the Seal annexed thereto forwarded to my address at Brandon Mississippi, that the same is presented.
I therefore most respectfully request that both Communications be Submitted to the proper officer of the State of South Carolina for his inspection & prompt action thereon.

Sir, I have the honor to be, with Great respect, your obt [obedient] servt [servant]
Terence McGowan Atty.

[written sideways]
P.S. Both letters requested to be returned with the evidence requested.
Terance McGowan
Page 28

Brandon Mississippi
March 24th 1854

The Honble [Honorable]  L. P. Waldo.

Sir,
Enclosed herewith is presented the official certificate of the Comptroller of the State of South Carolina, in relation to the service of John Weems in the Revolutionary War. Also your esteemed favor of 11th ulto [ultimo - last month] with my letter addressed to the Governor of the said State of South Carolina requesting that the evidence now sent would be transmitted by The Comptroller as aforesaid to my address here; all of which from inspection will appear to have been legitimately done. The same are most respectfully submitted for Examination and allowance.
Sir, I have the honor to be. &c [etc]
Terence McGowan Atty.
Page 29

John Weems
Miss [Mississippi] - D 32
Page 30

Brandon Mississippi
January 31st 1854.

the Honble [Honorable] L. P. Waldo
Commissioner &c [etc]

Sir
Enclosed permit me to forward an application in behalf of Margaret McFerrin daughter of “John Weems”, deceased late a soldier of the Revolutionary War, as alleged in this applicants declaration and who was admitted to the Pension rolls on account of his services and paid as a Pensioner for his services Several years prior to his his death in the County of Simpson in the State of Mississippi, as I am instructed by said Applicant, her application with the annexed proof of heirship is most respectfully submitted for Examination.

I have the honor to be With great respect Your obt [obedient] Servant
Terence McGowan
Atty &c [etc]
Page 31

Comptroller Genl’s [General’s] office

John Weems

The above is a true copy of the signature of John Weems signed to the receipt for full satisfaction.

Thos [Thomas] P. Walker
(No Seal of office) Dep [Deputy] Comp [Comptroller] Genl [General]
Comptroller Genl [General] Office
Columbia Oct 29th 1855.
Page 32

Comptroller Generals Office
Columbia Octr 29th 1855

No. 130
Lib S. 

Issued the 7th of June 1785 to Mr John Weams for Six pounds 17 ½ Stlg [Sterling] for Militia Duty as private since the reduction of Charleston pr [per] account audited
Principal £6 17 1½
Annual Interest £0 9 7
State of South Carolina [illegible]
To John Weams
for Duty pr [per] Col Anderson’s return £48 [illegible]
Stlg [Sterling] £6 17 1½
Received full satisfaction for the above account in Indent No 130 Book S.
John Weems

I do Certify that the above is a true Copy of the Original in this Office
Thos [Thomas] P. Walker
(No Seal of Office) Dep [Deputy] Comp [Comptroller] Genl [General]
Page 33

[left side of page]
1911 June 20. Hist [History] to Miss Sadie Weems
1932 - Oct. 15 - Hist. [History] to Mrs. Ethelyn West.
1939 - Sept. 16 - Hist. [History] to Mrs. P. D. Barron - [illegible]

[right side of page - typed form with handwritten responses]
7864
INVALID
File No. 7864
John Weems Senr [Senior]
Priv. [Private] Rev. [Revolutionary] War
Act: June 7th 1832
Index: -- Vol. [illegible], Page 399
[Arrangement of 1870.]

[written vertically]
Rev [Revolutionary] War
Page 34

Shubuta, Miss
June 17th 1911

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir:
Please send me the War records of John Weems (or Wemyss) who fought in the Revolutionary War enlisting from South Carolina. I wish the information to join
Page 35

a D. A. R. Chapter and oblige

yours truly
Miss Sadie Weems

[stamp]
U. S. PENSION OFFICE JUN 19 1911]
Page 36

1654 State St
New Orleans, La [Louisiana]
Sept. 5 1932

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C

My dear Sir:
Will you kindly furnish the record of the Revolutionary soldier whose name is given below 
(a) I, the applicant am the gr-gr. grand daughter [great-great-granddaughter] of the soldier.
(b) John Weems
c. South Carolina
I am with thanks for your courteous attention
yours truly
(Mrs) Ethelyn West

[stamp]
RECEIVED SEP 6 1932 [illegible] PENSION FILES [illegible]
Page 37

BH-J/[illegible]

A. D. [illegible] Esqr [Esquire]
Assistant to administrator
Washington, D.C.

John Weems

My dear Sir:
The Revolutionary Soldier whose record I wish served With Carolina Troops to the best of my knowledge.
[written to the side: only one]
His wife's name was-
Margaret Rosamond Weems
Yours very truly
(Mrs) Ethelyn West

[stamp]
RECEIVED SEP 22 1932 [illegible]

1 enc O.K.
[illegible]
Page 38

October 21, 1932.

Mrs. Ethelyn West
1654 State Street
New Orleans
Louisiana.

BA-J/ILL
John Weems
S. 7864

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter with further information in regard to John Weems, the Revolutionary War soldier from South Carolina in whom you are interested.

The record of John Weems given below is obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7864, based upon his service in that war.

John Weems was born in the year 1762, in the lower part of the state of Virginia, the exact date and place of his birth and names of his parents not shown.

He applied for pension October 15, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Lawrence County, Mississippi, his application executed in Simpson County, Mississippi. He stated that while a resident of Abbeville District, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1777, served as private on various tours in the South Carolina troops under Captains Joseph Dawson, John McGow (possibly meant for McGaw), Moses Little, Joshua Patterson and Maxwell, and Major John McGaw and Colonel Pickens, was in the battle of Ninety-Six, length of this service at least a year, specific dates of enlistment and discharge not given; and that he stood as a minute man and was out on frequent short tours.

His claim for pension was allowed but was subsequently suspended because, upon reexamination of the claim, it was decided that the proof of service on which it was allowed was not sufficient under the pension laws; it is not shown that such proof of service was filed by the soldier or that his name was restored to the pension roll.
Page 39

The soldier lived in Jasper County, Georgia, from about 1800 to 1814, when he moved to Lawrence County, Mississippi.

He died in 1840 in Smith County, Mississippi.

The signature of the soldier appears John Weems and also John Weems, Senior, in the papers on file, and his name is borne John Weems, Senior, on the pension roll.

In 1834, the soldier's daughter, Margaret McFerrin, was a resident of Simpson County, Mississippi. The name of her mother is not given.

One Almira McFerrin made affidavit in 1854, no relationship to the family stated.

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.

History
O.K. Mrs. Finch

2.
Page 40

October 15, 1932.

Mrs. Ethelyn West
1654 State Street
New Orleans
Louisiana.

BA-J/ILL
John Weems
S. 7884

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter with further information in regard to John Weems, the Revolutionary War soldier from South Carolina in whom you are interested.

The record of John Weems given below is obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 7221, based upon his service in that war. His signature appears John Weems and also John Weems, Senior, in the papers on file, and his name was borne John Weems, Senior, on the pension roll.

John Weems was born in the year 1782, in the lower part of the state of Virginia, the exact date and place of his birth not shown.

While a resident of Abbeville District, South Carolina, he enlisted in 1777, served as private on various tours in the South Carolina troops under Captains Joseph Dawson, John McGow (possibly meant for McGaw), Moses Little, Joshua Patterson and Maxwell, and Major John McGaw and Colonel Pickens, was in the battle of Ninety-Six, length of this service at least a year, specific dates of enlistment and discharge not stated; he stated that he stood as a minute man and was out on frequent short tours.

The soldier lived in Jasper County, Georgia, from about 1800 to 1814, then moved to Lawrence County, Mississippi.

He was allowed pension on his application executed October 15, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Lawrence County, Mississippi; said application was executed in Simpson County, Mississippi.
Page 41

pension was subsequently suspended because, upon reexamination of the claim, it was decided that the proof of service on which it was allowed was not sufficient under the pension laws; it is not shown that such proof of service was filed by the soldier or that his name was restored to the pension roll.

John Weems died in 1840 in Smith County, [crossed out: Tennessee] Miss.

In 1854, Margaret McFerrin, the soldier's daughter, made application in Simpson County, Mississippi, for pension that might have been due on account of the service of her father in the Revolution. The claim was not allowed. The name of soldier's wife is not shown.

One Almira McFerrin made affidavit in 1854, no relationship to the family stated.

Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.

2.
Page 42

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
WASHINGTON September 15, 1932.
YOUR FILE REFERENCE:
IN REPLY REFER TO:
BA-J/ILL

Mrs. Ethelyn West
1654 State Street
New Orleans
Louisiana.

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter herewith in which you request the record of John Weems, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data furnished by you are not sufficient to enable this office to identify the record of the particular soldier named John Weems in whom you are interested. Kindly furnish as much as possible of the following information in regard to him as you may have in your possession when a further search of the records will be made in your behalf: approximate dates of birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service and given name of widow.

The return of this letter will expedite the matter.

Very truly yours,
A.D. Hiller [signature]
A. D. HILLER,
Assistant to Administrator.
Page 43

[typed form with handwritten responses]
In reply to your request of [blank space] received [blank space] for a statement of the military history of John Weems Senior a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his [crossed out: (or his widow's)] application for pension on file in this Bureau.

S. 7864

[table]

[table entry 1]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. 1777 
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 mos [months]
RANK. Pri [Private]
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. Joseph Dawson
COLONEL. Pickens
STATE. S. C.

[table entry 2]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. *
LENGTH OF SERVICE. ✓ [check mark]
RANK. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. John McGow
COLONEL. ✓ [check mark]
STATE.

[table entry 3]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. 1781 [crossed out: at the time of battle of Eutaw Springs]
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 mos [months]
RANK. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. Moses Little
COLONEL. ✓ [check mark]
STATE.

[table entry 4]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 mos [months]
RANK. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. Joshua Patterson
COLONEL. Maj. John McGaw
STATE.

[table entry 5]
DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
LENGTH OF SERVICE. 3 mos [months]
RANK. 
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN. [illegible] Maxwell
COLONEL. 
STATE.

Battles engaged in, Ninety-Six
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Abbeville Dist. [District] SC
Date of application for pension, Oct. 16, 1832
Residence at date of application, Lawrence Co. [County] Mississippi
Age at date of application, 70 born 1762 in southern part of Va. [Virginia]
Remarks: His claim was allowed
In 1854 his dau. [daughter] Margaret McFerrin stated that he died in 1840
Smith Co. [County] [crossed out: Tenn.] Miss [Mississippi]

Very respectfully,
Commissioner.

31793b5m1C-07
Page 44

[stamp]
RECEIVED AUG 22 1939
MAIL SUB-DIV
[illegible]

Wallace Court,
Union, S.C.,
Aug. 20, 1939.

Dear Sir:

It seems evident that John Weems and William Weems lived in South Carolina.

I have a copy of indent showing that on the 7th of June 1785 John Weems (Weams) was issued £6-17-1 ½ Int. 0-9-7 for Revolutionary aid in Militia duty as private.

Will you please write me if John Weems was given a pension for service in Revolutionary War or any war, or if his wife received a pension.

Please let me know his wife’s name if there was a pension issued. Also did Wm [William] Weems (Weams) receive a pension for Rev. [Revolutionary] service, or his wife.

Thank you
(Mrs. P. D.) Caroline H. Barron
Wallace Court,
Union, S.C.
Page 45

The State of Mississippi
Simpson County ss

In the Court of Probates At the May Term 1833

Supplementary declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1833. On this the 27th day of May in the year 1833 personally appeared in open Court before his hon [Honor] Bruster [Brewster] H. Jayne Judge of the Court of Probate of the County of Simpson and State of Mississippi now sitting John Weems senr [senior] a resident of the County of Lawrence and State aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in addition to the one made by him in the Circuit Court of the County of Simpson on the 15th day of October 1832. which is hereunto annexed in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832.

In addition to the said declaration of 15th October 1832, he the said John Weems says that in the year 1777 he volunteered and entered the service of the United States as a private soldier under Capt [Captain] Joseph Dawson, Major Anderson, and Col. [Colonel] Pickens in Abavill [Abbeville] County (or District) in South Carolina in the 2nd Regiment of the division of men afterwards commanded by Gen [General] Andrew Pickens and continued and served in the revolutionary war in said engagement for the period of three months in which campain he marched with said corps from Abaville [Abbeville] to the high hills of Santee where he was encamped with the army for some time and afterwards returned to Abaville [Abbeville] & was discharged. And afterwards but in what particular year he cannot now recollect he volunteered and entered said service again in the company commanded by Capt. [Captain] Joshua Patterson under Mjr [Major] John McGaw and Gen [General] Pickens in Abavill [Abbeville]  aforesaid and continued
Page 46

and served as aforesaid for another period of three months in which service he marched to Bacons bridge where he remained in Camp for some time and at the end of the said three months was regularly discharged by his officers. That he recollects that he was drafted for the Term of three months but he cannot recollect in what particular year said draft took place, under Capt. [Captain] Maxwell and Gen [General] Pickens in the South Carolina Militia but in what particular division (by reson [reason] of old age) he cannot now recollect in which last mentioned campaign he recollects of marching into the Cherikee [Cherokee] nation against the Indians and Tories And that afterwards but at what time he does not now recollect he was again drafted for the period of three months in the South Carolina militia but in what regiment or division he cannot now recollect in the company commanded by Capt [Captain] Moses Little in Gen. [General] Pickens division & in the said last mentioned sevice [service] he marched near the Eutaw Springs under the circumstance named in the annexed declaration. That during all the times above specified he served for the periods named with unbodied corps called into service by competent authority under the circumstances in the said declaration of the 15th October 1832 here unto annexed specified & set forth. That the reason this application is made in the County of Simpson and not in the County of Lawrence where I reside is because the court in the County of Simpson hapened to set [illegible] sooner in that County than in Lawrence after I obtained information of the said Act of June 7th 1832.

Sworn to & subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid.

John Weems senior [signature]

Done in open Court before me
Brewster H. Jayne Judge of the Court of Probate for Simpson County Mississippi
Page 47

John Weems Senior of
Lawrence County Miss [Mississippi]
Pensionary Declaration
Supplement &c. [etc] 1833

21634
Page 48

We James Murry a Clergyman and Richard A. Hargis both residing in the said County of Simpson do hereby certify on oath that we are well acquainted with John Weems sen [senior]
of Lawrence County and State aforesaid who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion

Sworn to and subscribed in open court the day and year aforesaid.

James Murray [signature]
R. A. Hargis [signature]

Before me Brewster H. Jayne
Judge of Probate for Simpson County Miss [Mississippi]

And the said Court hereby declares their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after hearing the declaration hereunto annexed of 15th October 1832 read in court 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 said Court further certifies that it appears to the court that James Murry who has signed the preceeding certificate is a clergyman residing in the County of Simpson and that Richard A Hargis who has also signed the same is also a citizen of the said County of Simpson and is a credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.

Brewster H. Jayne
Judge of Probate for Simpson
County Mississippi
Page 49

I Richard A Hargis Clerk of the Court of Probates of the County of Simpson and State of Mississippi do herby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in mater of the supplementary application of John Weems for a pension

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 28th day of May 1833
R A Hargis [signature] Clk. [Clerk]
Page 50

“Department of the Interior”
“Pension Office Official business”

The Honble [Honorable] G. Minot. Comr. [Commissioner]
Washington City:
District, Columbia.

[written sideways]
“Pension Claim.” “Free”
Additional Evidence
John Weems
Mississippi at 1832
Page 51

Brandon Mississippi.
November 15th 1855.
The Honble [Honorable] G. Minot.

Sir.

Enclosed Permit me to forward Certificate of the Comptroller General in relation to the service of “John Weems” which is offered in evidence of the same in support of the Application of “Margaret McFerrin” for Pension due said "Weems. The Application aforesaid was mailed at Brandon Mississippi on the 31st January 1854 and notification sent that was received and filed, but that it would be necessary in support of the claim to shew [show] the service of “John Weems” & C. [etc.]

The claim is therefore most respectfully submitted for reexamination as the amt [amount] of pay which the certificate shows that John Weems received will bring the time he served within the rule to entitle him to Pension.

Sir
I have the honor to be,
with great respect,
yr [your] obt [obedient] servt. [servant]

Terence McGowan
atty. [attorney]