Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5528, for Henry Pettit, South Carolina
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(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
Pettit, Henry or Petit
Anna or Ann
NUMBER
W. 5528
CONTENTS
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North Carolina 16.435  Henry, Petit Jr. of Rutherford in the State of No Car who was a Pri in the  __ commanded by Captain ___ of the Reg't commanded by Col. Thomas in the So. Ca : line for 18 months. Inscribed on the Roll of  No. Carolina at the rate of 60 Dollars __ cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. Certificate of Pension issued the 7th day of Augt. 33 and sent to  Thos. F Birchett Rutherfordton  No. Ca.  Arrears to the 4th of March  ' 33 $120  Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sep  $ 30 ( total $ 150 )  { Revolutionary Claim Act June 7 , 1832. } Recorded by Nath. Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 6 Page 51 (?)
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( left page ) Payable to John Pettit  Adm. for use of himself, Sarah Torey , Henry Pettit, Mary Ann Pool, Rebecca Street, Elizabeth Mooney , Hannah McDaniel and Susan Walker, only childn. 3 Certfs, 1838, 1843, & '44. Ref'd Letter to Penson Agent  & William Morel 14 June 1849. Letter to William Morel & 2nd Comptroller  6 Sep 1847.( right page )  Georgia  8053 Anna Pettit , dec'd widow of  Henry , Pettit who was a Private in the S.C. line  Hist : died 12th Oct. 1838. Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 43 Dollars  33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1843, ending  6th Sept. 1865, when she died. Certificate of Penson issued the 23rd day of Dec. 1846. and sent to Mssrs. T. L . & A. Thomas Smith Presents. [ Act of March 3, 1843. ] Recorded in Book A, Vol. 2, Page 175
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17612 Henry Petitt North Carolina Admit - private 18 mo $ 60   5.14 p. 328  Tho F  Birchett clk Rutherford  Co. N C
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BRIEF in the case of Henry Pettit County of Rutherford in the State of North Carolina 9 Act 7th June , 1832.)  1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge ? Court.  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity ? How old is he ? 69.  State his service in the form annexed. Period. Sub In 1776 thinks enlisted. Duration of Service. Years, Months ,Days. about 5 not stated , not stated  x 10  S 94/ 2d. Rank. As a private.  Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.  Gen. Sumpter & Morgan, Col. Wofford, Capt. Wood , Col. Thomas, Capt. Smith , Capt. White, Col. Middleton. 5. In what battles was he engaged ? Black Stocks, Cowpens . 6. Where did he reside when he entered the service ? South Carolina. 7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls ? Living witnesses & traditionary. 8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication ? and if so , in what respect ? Correct.  I Certify that he foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.  Chs W. Forest ( signed ) Examining Clerk.
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State of Georgia
Gilmer County
Be it remembered that on this 13th day of June 1846 before me Henry Pettit, a Justice of the Inferior Court of sd County personally appeared John Pettit who is well known to us a credible witness and made oath in due form of law to the following declaration in order to obtain the provisions of the act of Congress of July 7th 1838, March 4th 1841, March 4th 1843 and of June 17th 1844 and the provision of April 30th 1844. That he is the son of Henry Pettit who was a Pensioner of the United States under the act of June 7th 1832 in the State of North Carolina, that his Pension was paid (at Raleigh) (N.C.)  That the said Pettit drew his Pension up to Sept 1838 that he died on the (12th) Twelvth day of October (1838) eighteen hundred and thirty eight in Rutherford County N. Carolina, that this deponent was actually present when his father the said Henry Pettit died as aforesaid. That this deponent was the Executor of his Father's last will and testimony and settled his estate. That the said Henry Pettit left a widow Ann (Anne) Pettit the mother of this deponent. That the said Henry Pettit and Ann Pool were married in Spartanburg District S. Carolina on the 7th day of February 1783 that they lived together as man and wife from the day of their marriage till the day of his death as aforesaid that they had 10 children born in lawful wedlock that oldest William Pettit was born April 21st 1784 dec'd, Sarah Pettit (now Toney) was born Novr. 26th 1786 Henry Pettit was born Jany 25th 1790 Mary Ann Pettit (now Pool) was born May the 19th 1792, Rebecca Pettit (now Street) was born Oct 22nd 1794
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Elizabeth Pettit (now Mooney) was born June 1st 1797 Hannah Pettit (now McDaniel) was born December 27th 1799 Anne Pettit was born Feby 5th 1803 (dead) John Pettit (this deponent) was born February 13th 1805 Susannah Pettit (now Walker) was born March 10th 1807. That eight of the above are living or was the last heard from them to wit Sarah, Henry, Margaret, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Hannah, John, & Susannah. That they are scattered in three States, that five of us are living in this County (Gilmer) that this deponent is still acting as Executor of his Father's estate that he herewith forwards to accompany his declaration an old leaf of a Small Book with a Partial Record of his Grandfathers Family births in the hand writing of his Grandfather and the marriage of his Father & Mother in the handwriting of his Father the said Henry Pettit that the date which should be 1783 the figure is obliterated but by a record transcribed by his brother Henry, which is now present and was done in his father's lifetime it is plain and positive 1783, that his Mother the said Ann (Anne) lived the widow of his Father the said Henry from the date of his death Oct 12th 1838 as aforesaid till her death the 6th of September 1845. That by a Record in the hand writing of his father the said Henry also in his possession in his Family Bible he finds his Father was born January 22nd 1763 and is Mother the said Ann was born February 1763 that she was never afterwards married (after the death of his Father as aforesaid) That he also forwards a leaf found in his Father's
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family Bible in his possession in the hand writing of his Father, the births of his children and his Mothers the said Ann and prays that there, together with his declaration may be taken as proof of the legality of his Heirship that he knows of no person living nor of any further record of the marriage of his Father & Mother that he can produce. That his Mother the said Ann died at the house of this deponent in Gilmer County Georgia Sept 6th 1845 as aforesaid. That the records of the two leaves forwarded have been in his possession ever since the death of his Father That he has often heard his Father in his life time say that he served his Country three years and ten months that he was wounded at the battle of the Cowpens, that as soon as he was able to do duty from his wound he enlisted again for ten months and served out the same That from some cause his Father in his lifetime never was allowed a full pension he therefore Applies for the balance due his father and appoints C. H. Blood of Tallahassee Florida to examine the Declaration made by his father and to procure the Pension due the Heirs on account of the acts heretofore made and provided for widows of officers & soldiers of the Army of the Revolution That this deponent attended to drawing his father's pension but cannot positively state the place that the Pension Agent lived further than it was in N. Carolina.
John Pettit
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above mentioned before me.
Henry Pettit Justice of the Inferior Court
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State of Georgia
Gilmer County
Be it remembered that on this 13th day of June 1846 before me one of the Justices of the Inferior Court in and for said County personally appeared Henry Pettit who is a Justice of the Inferior Court duly qualified, and made oath in due form of law that he is the son of Henry Pettit Sr. who was a Pensioner of the U States in North Carolina till his death Oct. 12th 1838 also is the son of Ann Pettit his mother who was the widow of the said Henry Pettit Sr. (deceased), that she remained the widow of the said Henry till her death which took place on the sixth day of September  1845 in this County That this deponent has examined the Declaration of his brother contained on this sheet and sworn to before him this day and the facts therein are just and correct to the best knowledge and belief of this deponent That he actually has heard his Father the said Henry say in his lifetime that he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War Three years and ten months and that from all of the excursions of his father he fully believes are correct and if his declaration does not so state it, it must have been from the negligence of Gen Walton who made out his Father's declaration That his father was a deacon in the Church for 30 years or upwards before his death.
Henry Pettit
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year first above mentioned before me
John L Wikle Justice of the Supt Court

State of Georgia
Gilmer County SS
Be it known that I John L. Wikle one of the Justices of the [illegible] Court in and for said County do hereby certify that I am intimately and personally acquainted with Henry Pettit Esq who has sworn to the foregoing affidavit and was also acquainted with his Mother Ann Pettit, in her lifetime that I was actually present at her funeral last Sept. in this County. That her family in this County are of good standing & are intitled to full credit Given under my hand and seal this 13th day of June 1846 - There is no seal with a device in this County
John L. Wikle JPC {seal}
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( very old page or leaf )                   Pettit            Mary daughter of Joshua and Rachy (?).. ( illegible ) born May 26 : 1767 departed this life February 8 - 1769 being one year eight months .. ( illegible ) old  Benjamin  son of Joshua and Rachel  Pettit .. born July 20 : 1769 ... ( illegible ) December 20 . 1771 Johnathan Pettit was born  September .. 1775  (?or 9 ) ..  Pettit was born October 29 1776 .... daughter was born  July 1789
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( very old second page or leaf ) Hannah daughter of Henry ...born ..the evening ... William Pettit  son of  Henry  & R (?) ... born April  21  day  in 1789 and departed this life  December .. 1783 being one year 7 months  and 3 days old  Elizabeth daughter of Henry  & Anne Pettit was born June the first day before day break in the year 1797(? or 77 ) Sarah Pettit was born November 26 in the year 1786 it being Sunday evening . Henry son of Henry & Anne Pettit was born  January the 26 (? or 29 )  in the year 1790 Monday afternoon  Mar ... Pettit daughter .....born 19 July  ( or Jany )  ? 1792 Saturday afternoon Rebecca daughter ...the year 1791 (?)
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State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
On this 24th day of October A.D. 1832 personally appeared in Open Court before Justices of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Session now sitting Henry Pettit a resident of the United States in the County of Rutherford and State of North Carolina aged 69 years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832 That he entered the services of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated.
To the best of my recollection in the year 1776 my Father was then living in South Carolina 96 - now Spartanburg District on Lawson's fork of Pacolate [Pacolet] we was cald on to build a fort known as Wafford fort. I then volunteered myself in the place of my Father who was at work on the fort. Col. William Wafford Commanded the fort I was under the command of Capt. James Wood this service began about the 1st of June and lasted to the 1st of November about that time the families generally went home This service was principly in endeavoring to keep the Tories & Indians from embodying we had many a chase after them my next service was when Ferguson & Dunlap marched their Army through South Carolina into North Carolina on their passage they was met by the Americans at Brown [illegible] fields there was several killed I was sent from that place with an express to Col. McDowel to reinforce as we pursued them after being reinforced to Musgroves Mills on the Inoree [Enoree] River where we over took them and defeated them in the service I was under Capt. James Smith Col. John Thomas commander we all returned home I was then placed under Capt. Henry White we scouted through the upper parts of S Carolina to the borders of North Carolina we took a good many Tory prisoners on our arrival in the neighborhood we was ordered on to meet the main Army at Shiers Ferry under Genl. Sumter when we came to that place they was in sight of us that is the British & Tories there was some firing across the River
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from the post we was ordered to Black Stocks where we had a severe Battle Genl Sumter was wounded at that place The Volunteer part of the Army pursued after them under Col. Lacy to the Mouth of the Tyger River where we over took a party and had an engagement we went on down the River some distance and crossed to the east side in passing up the Country we took a good many prisoners we came on to the Main Army and gave the prisoners up to them I was then under Capt. Trammel and Dickson we was ordered on then to join General Morgan we joined him at the Grindle Shoals in Pacolate [Pacolet] we scouted on and met him again at Thicketty we then kept with the Army until after the Battle of Cowpens in that Battle I was wounded in my thigh which injures me very much at this time as soon as I was able I then enlisted in the Ten Months service under Capt. William Smith first under Col. Thomas then under the command of Col. Middleton we was marched to the Country below Columbia kept in Continual movements from one part to another from the Savannah to the Congaree and near to Charleston we had many scrimages with these spys & foraging parties sometimes they had the better of us and sometimes we paid them back in their own care We joined the main Army some few days before the Battle of Eutaw Springs I was placed as one of the Guard of the Baggage Waggons on that day if I could have had a chance I would have been in the battle in  preference of my situation after the Battle we was ordered up the Country turned to Orangeburg we had a scrimage near Orangeburg with some of there Rangers we had to give the ground to them we met another party above Orangeburg where we had an engagement they fled to the Swamp we pursued them they escaped to Charleston about that time the British began to have there up country posts and take to their stronghold in Charleston we followed on after them occasionally annoying them to the 4 Holes where we made a stand for a few weeks to search the swamps between the 4 Holes & Cypress from there we was at the Round O then on to near Bacon's Bridge from there to head Quarters
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on the Congaree (before we went to Orangeburgh we heard of the capture of Cornwallis) and our time that we enlisted for was expired and we returned home in fact for me to undertake to give in detail my service during the Revolutionary war is not in my power but one thing I do well know that from sometime of the summer 1776 - to the end of the War I was engaged in the defense of my Country I then lived in the hottest part of the Tory Country on the Indian Boundary and a great place for the British to assemble we that belonged to the liberty party was compelled to be in readiness at all times we was hunted after as for the deer in the wood, I am wounded I am oald I am infirm and in want of something to sustain me for the services I rendered my Country in the Revolutionary War as for any discharge if I ever had any I have no recollection what I have done with them. 
I hereby relinquish every claim whatsoever to a pension except the present and declares that my name is not on the pension Roll of the agency of any State whatsoever
Question by the Court - Where and in what year were you born
Answer - from the records of my Father I was born in the State of New Jersey on the Schoolkill in the year 1763.
Question - Have you any record of your age if so where is it
Answer - I have no record of my age only as handed down from my parents
Question - Where was you living when called into service where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and where do you now live
Answer - I was living in the State of South Carolina in what was then called 96 District now Spartanburg since the Revolutionary War about 18 year past a moved to Rutherford County N Carolina where I have lived ever since
Question - How was you called into service were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom 
Answer - In 1776 I was a volunteer in the place of my Father I then became a volunteer to do duty when called on was in continual service until I was wounded at the Cowpens as soon as I was able I enlisted in the 10 months service where I continued to the end of the War I have not the dates to give  I have nothing but my memory
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State the names of some of the regular Officers who was with the Troops where you served such as Continental and Militia Officers as you can recollect - Col. Wm Wafford Col. McDowell Col. Thomas - Genl Sumter Col. Lacy Genl Morgan Col. Middleton General Green I served under all those officers
State the names of some persons in your present neighbourhood who can certify as for your character for veracity and good behavior your service as a soldier of the Revolution - John Padgett & William L Price
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Witness T. F. Birchett clk
Henry Pettit {seal}

We John Padgett a clergyman residing in the County of Rutherford and State of North Carolina and Wm L. Price residing in the same County State hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Henry Pettit who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be 69 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 this day and year aforesaid
T. F. Birchett Clk
John Padgett his mark X {seal}
William L Price {seal}

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 this Court further certifies that it appears to them that John Padgett who has signed the preceeding Certificate is a clergyman resident in the County of Rutherford & State of N Carolina and that Wm. L. Price who has also signd. the same is a resident of the same County & State and is credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit.  I Thos. F. Birchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings in the matter of the application of Henry Pettit for a pension. In testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 30th day of October AD 1832. 
Thos F. Birchett Clk

(Jurat)

[upside down at bottom]
Henry Pettit 7612
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State of Georgia
Gilmer County
We the Justices of the Inferior Court in & for said County do hereby certify that we have unquestionable proof that Sarah Toney Henry Pettit Mary Ann Pool Rebecca Street Elizabeth Mooney Hannah McDaniel John Pettit and Susanah Walker are all the living children of Henry Pettit Sen. and Anna his wife both deceased heretofore in this County & that John Pettit is the Curator or Administrator of the said Anna Pettit and is duly authorized to collect & settle her estate.
Given under our hands & seals this 24th day of November 1846
Samuel Jones J. I C. {seal}
Wm. T. Fleming J. I. C. {seal}
Henry Pettit J. I. C. {seal}

I William Erwin Clerk of the said Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the orriginal proceedings of said Court in the matter of the above named children of Henry & Anna Pettit applying for a Pension. Witness my hand and private seal there being no seal of office Gilmer County November the 24th day 1846.  
William Erwin Clk
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Georgia
Gilmer County
I Ransom B. Perry clerk of the Superior Court of said County do certify that William Erwin is clerk of the Inferior Court of Gilmer County Georgia and that full faith and credit should be given to his signature as such
Given under my hand and private seal there being no seal of Court this the 2nd day of December 1846
R.B. Perry, Clk. 
I do hereby certify that R B Perry is Clerk of the Supr Court of Gilmer County Georgia, and I do further certify that I am acquainted with his hand writing and I believe the above signatures to be in his own hand writing
11th Decr. 1846  John H Lumpkin Member of Congress from Georgia

[vertical note] 
Hon J H Lumpkin HR
Page 18

November 22, 1938

Mrs. B. Hoff Knight
5215 Wissahickon Avenue
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

BA-J/AWF
Henry Pettit
W. 5528

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War records of Henry and Benjamin Pettit, of South Carolina.
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension found based on the service of Benjamin Pettit, under any spelling of the name.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension, W. 5528, based on the service of Henry Pettit in the War of the Revolution.
Henry Pettitt was born January 22, 1763 in New Jersey. The names of his parents are not shown.
While living with his father in Ninety Six District (later Spartanburg District), South Carolina, Henry Pettit volunteered June 1, 1776, served as a private at various times until the close of the war, with the South Carolina troops, under Captains James Wood, James Smith, Henry White, Trammel, Dickson, William Smith, Colonels William Wafford, John Thomas, Lacy, McDowell, and Middleton; during the service he was in the battles of Musgrove's Mills, Black Stocks, and Cowpens, where wounded in the thigh, he was, also, in frequent skirmishes, and in many scouting parties.
Henry Pettitt was allowed pension on his appli[cation]
Page 19

[appli]cation executed October 24, 1832, at which time he was a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina, where he lived about eighteen years.

The soldier, Henry Pettit, married February 7, 1783, in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, Ann or Anna Pool. She was born in February, 1763, place not stated, nor are the names of her parents shown.

Henry Pettit died October 12, 1838. His widow, Ann or Anna Pettit, died September 6, 1845, at the home of their son, John Pettit, in Gilmer County, Georgia.

The following data in regard to the children of Henry Pettit and his wife, Ann or Anna, are shown in the claim

William    born  April               21, 1784
Sarah          "     November     26, 1786
Henry         "     January          25, 1790
Mary Ann   "     May                 19, 1792
Rebecca     "     October          22, 1794
Elizabeth     "    June                  1, 1797
Hannah       "     December       27, 1799
Anna            "     February          5, 1803
John            "     February         13, 1805
Susannah    "    March               10, 1807

The following children survived their mother, Ann (Anna) Pettit, and were allowed the pension due her -
Sarah Tonez or Toney (?), Henry Pettit, Mary Ann Pool, Rebecca Street, Elizabeth Mooney, Hannah McDaniel, John Pettit, and Susannah or Susan Walker.

It was stated that five of the children were living in 1846 in Gilmer County, Georgia; only names designated were, John Pettit, and Henry Pettit who was Justice of the Inferior Court for that county.

Very Truly Yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant 
to the Administrator
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Payment to be made at Savannah by H.W. Mercer  Agent for paying Pensioners in the Agency of Georgia Payable on the 4th March  and 4th September in each year.  Recorded in the Pension Office in Book D , Vol. 1. Page  __ by __ D. H. Wood  Clerk.  Duplicate ( underscored )
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WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSIONS.

I certify that in conformity with the act of July 7, 1838, Anna Pettit, dec'd, late of Georgia widow of Henry Pettit, who was a private in the S.C. line and died on the 12th day of October 1838 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the 12th October 1838, and terminating on the 4th of March 1841, unless the Pensioner married or died before the above mentioned date; in which case the pension is not payable after the time of such marriage or death, payable to John Pettit, Administrator, for use of himself, Sarah Toney, Henry Pettit, Mary Ann Pool, Rebecca Street, Elizabeth Mooney, Hannah McDaniel, and Susan Walker only surviving children. Given at the War Office of the United States this 23rd day of Decr. one thousand eight hundred and Forty six.  Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Duplicate.
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[left page]
Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 5528
Anna Pettit Wid. Henry Pettit
Pvt. S.C. Line
Act: March 3rd /43, June 17th /44
Index : - Vol. M Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870.]
[right page]
1928 - June 18 - Hist. to Alberta B. Laufman AWF
1938 - Nov. 22 " " Mrs. B. Hoff Knight CWG
Page 23

[left page]
Ref'd.
[right page]
Georgia 10.161
Anna Pettit, deceased, Widow of Henry Pettit who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 12th October 1838, of Gilmer Co. in the State of Georgia who was a Pri in the Co. commanded by Captain [blank] of the Reg. commanded by Col. Thomas in the S.C. line for 13 mo.
---
Inscribed on the Roll of Savannah at the rate of 43 Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commence on the 12th Octo. 1838.
---
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of Dec. 1846 and sent to Messr. Smith, Presents.
---
Total amt $ 
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by D.H. Woods Clerk, Book D. Vol. 1 Page 323
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No. 12.877 ( check mark )  Anna Pettit , dec'd Georgia Letter to Mssr's Smith 's Sept. 24th 1846  do to  A. J. Hardin Oct 29' 46 Act 7th July 1838
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Record No 1. William Pettit (decd.)
[sideways print]
Payable to 8 children here named
" 2. Sarah Toney
" 3. Henry Pettit
" 4. Mary Ann Pool
" 5. Rebecca Street
" 6. Elizabeth Mooney
" 7. Hannah McDaniel
" 8. John Pettit
" 9. Susannah Walker

10. Anne Pettit decd.

mem. made Sept. 24. '46
Letter sent again in the case for the Court to specify the children's names now living. There being 9 by the declaration in one sentence, and only 8 in another.
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Secy to state that Jason Wood (?) husband of Sarah  Wood (?)  served but 12 month for which  she  received a pension  at $ 40.00 pr ann - Wade  (?) has been so unfiled (?)
Page 27

( old leaf faded and torn ) Mary Daughter of  ...( illegible )  And Rachel Pettit  Born May 20 : 1767 Departed this life January 8 1769 Being one year  9 months and nineteen days old . Benjamin  son  of  (?) Joshua and Rachel Pettit   Born July 6(?)  ... ( illegible ) 1769  Nathan  son of  .. ( illegible ) and ... (illegible ) Pettit ...( illegible )
Page 28

( old leaf  torn and missing ) ... ( illegible ) son of Joshua and Hannah  Pettit Departed this life April 15 .. ( missing ) Abraham son of Joshua  ... ( illegible Pettit  was born Oct.. ( missing ) 24 1776  It being  Tuesday in the evening Rachel daughter of Joshua  Hannah Pettit was born  April 29 1779  Saturday   M  Henry Pettit and .. ( illegible ) was marid the 7 d of february '78 . William son of Henry  Anne Pettit was born April 26 (? or 21 ) '78
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( left page ) No 12877 ( 9158 , 1314 ) Anna Petit dec'd widow of Henry Ga Act 7 July  1838  Married  1783 - d 12 Oct 38 Claimt died 9 Sep 45 - too young for 5 mo term in 76 - deduct it Comp Genl - prit 3 mo  second (?) 13 mo pri 43.33 - from 12 Oct 38 - also  Acts 43 & 44 43.33 to the children  within named - see  .. ( illegible ) T.L. & A.S. Smith Act 7th July 1838. ( right page ) Payable to John Pettit  Administrator for the  sole benefit of himself  Sarah Toney, Henry Pettit, Mary Ann Pool, Rebecca Street, Elizabeth Mooney,  Jannah McDaniel and Susan Walker and surviving  children ending 6th Sept. 1845 - when widow died.  Hon . J. H. Lumpkin House of Reps
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House of Representatives
26 June 1846                                                     
Mr. James L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you the application of Mr. Henry Pettit for his Father and Mother Pension the former a soldier in the Revolutionary War and the latter his widow. 
Yours Respectfully
John H Lumpkin
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Henry Pettit N.C.
Page 32

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Henry Pettit which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where her resides? yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes
# V. Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amout of pension he is entitled? No
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes
Page 33

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? witness
# XIV. If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? No
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? Official character certified to not the signature
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? Yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
# QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how 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.
Page 34

3
It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state 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 shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
 # QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.


The testimony of Anthony Croker and William Smith in its present shape is inadmissible. All the evidencable support of the applicants claim should come before the County, before which the declaration is made. The affidavits alluded to appear to have been made eight years since. The declaration requires amendment in as much as the faught of the 2d and 3d tours old of duty is not specified.
Page 35

Savannah 10 June 1847
Dear Sir
The agent for paying pensions in Savannah having declined paying the pension due on the endorsed vouchers, by reason of their informality, and the pensioner differing from him in opinion, I am requested to submit the same to your inspection, and to ask your opinion as to their correctness, and whether they are in such form as will render them admissible on a settlement of accounts.
May I be allowed (stranger as I am to you, yet feeling myself almost not so, by reason of the many occasions I have to communicate with you) to ask your favorable consideration of a letter addressed to you  by Mr. James S Morel asking the appointment of a Pension Agent - it was made at my suggestion, promising to aid him in the discharge of the duties with my experience in the office. Since 1836 I have in connection with other duties in the Planters Bank acted as Clerk to the pension agent all the papers belonging to that office having been prepared by and gone thru my hands, render me quite familiar with all its routine, and capable of rendering efficient aid to him who now seeks it.
Mr. Morel is my Brother, and it is his first appointment that either he, or I have ever applied for, may not have been presented in due form, and may not by reason of this find that favor with you, which it now seeks.
over
Page 36

Apologizing for this intruding.
I am respectfully
Wm Morel

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City DC
Page 37

Payment to be made at Savannah by H.W. Mercer  Agent for paying Pensioners , in the Agency of Georgia Payable on the 4th September and 4th March . Recorded in the Pension Office , in Book A. Vol. 2 Page __  D.H. Wood Clerk Duplicate
Page 38

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSIONS.

I certify that in conformity with the acts of March 3, 1843 and June 17, 1844 Anna Pettit, dec'd, late of Georgia widow of Henry Pettit, who was a private in the S.C. line and died on the 12th day of October 1838 is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of Forty three dollars and thirty three cents per annum, commencing on the 4th March 1843, and terminating on the 6th Sept '45, when the decd. payable John Pettit, administrator, for use of himself, Sarah Toney, Henry Pettit, Mary Ann Pool, Rebecca Street, Elizabeth Mooney, Hannah McDaniel, and Susan Walker, only children. Given at the War Office of the United States this 23rd day of Decr. one thousand eight hundred and 46.
Secretary of War.
Examined and Countersigned.
Commissioner of Pensions.

Duplicate.
Page 39

[first column]
certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the application of the Heirs of Anna & Henry Pettit deceased for a pension. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no seal of office to said court this 1st Day of September 1846.
William Erwin Clk I. Court

[second column]
12877

[upside down]
fastened by tape and the seal in official Court
William Erwin Clk I Court
Page 40

State of Georgia
Gilmer County
I Ransom B. Perry Clerk of the Superior Court in and for said County do hereby certify that John L. Wikle and Henry Pettit before whom the annexed affidavits of John Pettit and of Henry Pettit was taken and made on the thirteenth day of June inst., was at the date thereof acting Justices of the Inferior Court in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified. That their signatures are genuine and that due faith and credit is and should be given to their official acts. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no seal of office this the 18th day of June 1846
R. B. Perry Clk {seal}

I do hereby certify that R. B. Perry whose name appears to the above certificate is Clerk of the Superior Court of Gilmer County Georgia and I believe that the above is own proper signature this 26 June 1846.
John H Lumpkin
Page 41

State of Georgia
Gilmer County SS
Be it remembered that before the Inferior Court in and for said County this the 1st day of September 1846 that the annexed and attached declaration of John Pettit has been carefully examined and read in open Court also the certificate and affidavit of Henry Pettit and of John L. Wikle (Judges of this Court) and that the Court are of the opinion that the names of the eight children mentioned as living by the said John Pettit are the children of the said Henry & Anne Pettit mentioned in said declaration, that the Court are fully satisfied that the whole proceedings of the annexed application of John Pettit for a pension to be allowed the Heirs of said Henry & Anne is honest, and that the Court further certifies that they are fully satisfied that  the said Anne died on the Sept 6 1845 as stated by said John Pettit in his declaration and that his father the said Henry Pettit Senr. died as stated on the 12th day of October 1838, that said declaration & the certificates of Henry Pettit Jr. and of John L. Wikle are entitled to full faith and credit. Given under our hands and seals this 1st day of Sept. 1846
Samuel Jones J.I.C. {LS}
Jonathan Wither J.I.C. {LS}
Henry Pettit J.I.C. {LS}
J L. Wikle J.I.C. {seal}
and I William Erwin Clerk of said Court do hereby
Page 42

certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the application of the Heirs of Anne & Henry Pettit deceased for a Pension - In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no seal of office to said Court this 1st day of September 1846.
William Erwin Clk I. Court

[sideways]
fastened by tape and the seal in official Court
William Erwin Clk I Court

12877
Page 43

Washington City
11th Dec 1846

Mr. James L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Sir
Enclosed I have the honor to transmit to you the certificates of Saml. Jones, Wm. L. Flemming, and Henry Pettit three of the five Justices of the Inferior Court of Gilmer County, Ga., to certain facts there is enumerated - The Clerk of the Infr. Court William Erwin, certifies to the fact that they are acting Justices of the Infr. Court of Gilmer County Ga. & the Clerk of the Supr. Court R. B. Perry certifies to the fact that William Erwin is Clerk - I am requested to say to you that you will confer with J. L. & A.T. Smith, as the agents of the claimants.  Yours Respectfully
John H Lumpkin
Page 44

(left page ) William Pettit  , Sarah Toney, Henry Pettit, Mary Ann Pool, Rebecca Street, Elizabeth Mooney, Hannah McDaniel ( right page )  Sept 12, 1896  Adarter ( ? ) case Henry Pettit  ( vertical on page ) ( Col. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington D.C.
Page 45

Washington DC
Sept 11th 1846
Sir
I herewith have the honor to present a letter including certificates from J Aug. Black from Comptroller Genl Office (SC) Evidence in Henry Pettit's Heirs case the late papers in the case presented by Hon. J. H. Lumpkin in June or July last & returned by him for further evidence - from a letter rec'd of late, from Col. W. M. Varnum of Lumpkin Co. Geo. he informs me the papers have been sent back to your address with request that you would answer them to me - Also attached is a certificate of service of William Rey. I have the Declaration of Mrs. Rey and shall file it in a few days as this letter from (S.C.) contains two certificates (one for Pettit & for Rey) I ask that you may so apply them to their respective cases
I am Very Respectfully
Your Obt Servt
C. H. Blood (Atty in the cases)

To Col. J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington DC
Page 46

Comptroller Genl's Office  Columbia S.C. September 7, 1846. [ Book M. Indent 458] Issued 1st October ,2784 to Mr. Henry Pettit , late private in Smith's troop Tomas's Regt. Sumter's brigade State  Troops for Ninety four Pounds Sterling being amount pay and bounty due him  for services in that troop together with interest thereon from 1st April 1782 to date her of agreeable to  Resolution General Assembly  Eleventh March last  Princl Lbs 94: 0: 0D. Int Lbs 6 : 11 : 7D ( vertical notes ) ( The apl from which this Indent was issued is lost )  [ Book X. Indent 3670 ] Issued 15th September 1786 to Henry Pettit for Thirteen Pounds  5 S . 8 1/2 D. for duty in Robuck's Regt pr. account audited Princl Lbs 13 : 5 : 8  1/2 D Int Lbs 0 : 18 : 7D.  [ Book X. Account 3670 ] Henry Pettit  For militia duty in Robuck's Regt, since the fall of Charleston pr. Anderson's Return  Sterling Lbs 13 : 5 : 8 1/2 D.  I certify the above to be a true copy from the Records in this office  For Comptroller Genl.  J. Aug. Black ( signed )
Page 47

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County
Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid Henry Pettit and after being duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that by reason of old age and consequent loss of memory he cannot swear to the precise length of his service but according to the best of his recollection not less that the periods mentioned below and in the following grades.
1776. I was a Volunteer and served under Capt James Wood 5 months. 177 [illegible] 80 I was a Volunteer under Capt James Smith in this service I was wounded at the Cowpens 8 Months
1780 or 81. I enlisted under Capt William Smith for 10 Month
[total] 23 Months
Twenty three months I served as a private as above stated and for which service I claim a pension sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of July 1833
Henry Pettit {seal}
Martin Beam JP

I Martin Beam a Justice of the peace for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Pettit who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing affidavit that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolutionary War and served as he has stated and that I concur in the same opinion given under my hand and seal this 9th day of July 1833.  
Martin Beam JP
Page 48

State of North Carolina
Rutherford County SS.
I Tho. F. Birchett Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in and for Rutherford County certify that William Beam Esq. before whom the within affidavit is certified to have been made and subscribed by Henry Pettit Senr. is an acting Justice of the Peace of said County & was so on the day of the date of his certificate, and that his certificates & attestations as such are entitled to faith and credit. Given under my hand and the seal of said Court at office the 9th day of July AD 1833
T. F. Birchett clk
Page 49

State of South Carolina
Spartanburgh District
Personally came Anthony Crocker before me & after being duly sworn, saith on his oath, that he was in the battle at the Cowpens in said District in time of the Revolutionary struggle, & that he stood by the side of Henry Pettit, when the said Pettit received a wound in the thigh, this deponent further states that Pettit was said to be a soldier in the State troops & this deponent believes he was so for he saw him doing duty as such under the command of Capt. William Smith in the ten months service - Sworn & subscribed before me this 17th day of June 1833. P.S. This deponent further states that said Pettit was a messmate of his for some length of time & that he saw him in the service before the ten months service above stated.
Anthony Crock his mark X
D. White U.Q.
I hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the above deponent, Anthony Crocker, for many years, & that he is a man of good character, & is entitled to full credit.
D. White U.Q.

State of South Carolina
Spartanburgh District
Personally came before me Major William Smith of the State and District aforesaid and made oath that Henry Pettit of the State troops of South Carolina servd. faithfully in the Company commanded by him the said Smith of which he was Captain for the term of Ten months.
Wm Smith
Sworn and subscribed to before me this 19th June 1833
R. C. Poole J.P.
Page 50

I do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the within deponent William Smith for a number of years and that he is a man of good character and is entitled to full credit
June the 19th 1833
R. C. Poole J. P.

The State of South Carolina
Spartanburgh District
I Elisha Bomar Clerk of the Court of Sessions & Common Pleas in & for said District do hereby certify that Daniel White & R. C. Poole Esquires before whom the foregoing affidavits of Anthony Crocker & William Smith were made & who have given the forgoing certificates are & now at the time of making the same Magistrates as above, duly authorized by law to administer oaths and that all due faith & credit are and ought to be given to them in all their official acts as such. And that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine. Given under my hand & seal of office at Spartanburgh Court House the 19th day of June 1833.
E. Bomar clk.
Page 51

929 West Liberty St.                                          
Ann Arbor, Mich.                                   
September 14, 1927. 

Interior Department                                     
Bureau of Pensions                              
Washington D.C. 
Dear Sirs:
I find in North Carolina Historical Records that Henry Pettit was a pensioner. His place and company was not given but since there was only one Henry Pettit listed as a pensioner I am hoping you will be able to get it for me. I want what information is given concerning him and his family. I will be grateful for any help given.
Yours truly
Alberta B. Laufman
Page 52

Rev & 1812 Wars

B. HOFF KNIGHT
5215 WISSAHICKON AVENUE
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

October 13, 1938.
[stamp] RECEIVED OCT 14 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV VET. ADM READER 12

United States Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
Sirs:
In the preparation of my papers for application to membership in the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, I am desirous of ascertaining if the records of your department indicate whether my great great great grandfather, Henry Pettitt, of Spartanburg County (formerly District of Ninety-Six), South Carolina, ever applied for a pension in connection with his service in the War of the Revolution, and if so, any information contained therein in support of his application, and if such pension was granted? [margin note - only one]
I would also like to secure the same information in connection with his son, Benjamin Pettit, my great great grandfather.
Henry Pettit is said to have served in Captain William Smith's company, Colonel Roebuck's regiment, General Sumters' command; I am not informed as to the identity of Benjamin Pettit's outfit.
If you can assist me in any way with respect to the above your courtesy will be gratefully appreciated and, for your convenience in replying, I am enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope. [margin note - ret. Oct 14]
Anticipating your reply with interest and pleasure,
Cordially yours,
Mary Gentry Knight
Mary Gentry Knight (Mrs. B. Hoff Knight)
Page 53

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.
June 18, 1928.

Alberta B. Laufman,
929 West Liberty Street,
Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Madam:
I advise you from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 5528, it appears that Henry Pettit or Petit was born January 22, 1763 on the Schuylkil, in New Jersey.
While living with his father (his name not given) in Ninety Six District, South Carolina, on Lawsons fork of Pocolet, he volunteered June 1, 1776 and served with the South Carolina troops under Captains James Wood, James Smith, Henry White, Trammel, Dickson, William Smith, Colonels William Wafford, John Thomas, Lacy, McDowell, and Middleton; he was in the battles of Musgrove's Mills, Black Stocks, and Cowpens, where he was wounded in the thigh, he was also in many skirmishes and scouting parties and served to close of war.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 24, 1832, while a resident of Rutherford County, North Carolina. He died there October 12, 1838.
Page 54

The soldier married February 7, 1783, in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, Ann or Anna Pool, who was born in February, 1763. She died September 6, 1845 in Gilmer County, Georgia, at the home of her son John.

Their Children were:
William born April 21, 1784
Sarah " November 26, 1786
Henry " January 25, 1790
Mary Ann " May 19, 1792
Rebecca " October 22, 1794
Elizabeth " June 1, 1797
Hannah " December 27, 1799
Anna " February 5, 1803
John " February 13, 1805
Susannah " March 10, 1807

The pension due their mother was allowed the following surviving children: Sarah Tonez or Toney, Henry Pettit, Mary Ann Pool, Rebecca Street, Elizabeth Mooney, Hannah McDaniel, John Pettit, and Susannah or Susan Walker.

Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.