Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3725, for Joseph Smith, Virginia
Page 1

SERVICE
Va

Smith, Joseph
Basha

NUMBER
W. 3725
B. L. Wt. 13900-160-55

CONTENTS
b. in Md in 1763.
res at [illegible] Halifax Co, Va.
res [illegible] Pittsylvania Co Va.
d. July 9 1842
Page 2

8085
Virginia

Joseph Smith
of Pittsy. Co in the State of Va
who was a private in the Company commanded
by Captain Clark of the Regt commanded
by Col Halcomb in the Virginia
[crossed out: Line] Militia for 6 mos  from 1778

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia
the rate of 20 Dollars _ Cents per annum,
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 13 day of March
1833 and handed Thos
Williams

Arrears to the 4th of March 1833......40
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept...10
.......................................................................$50.00

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by H H [Illegible] Clerk,
Book D Vol. 7 Page 129
Page 3

order to pay May 11, 1837
Let. to S.F. Adie ..
Dead
Letter to Rev O B Browne
[illegible] 3d Aud. 9. 1847.

40
Page 4

978
Virginia R

Basha Smith
widow of
Joseph Smith
who served in the Revolutionary
Va
war, as a Private

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of
20 Dollars
Cents per annum, to commence on
the 4th day of March, 1848.

Certificate of Pension issued the
1st day of Decemr 1852
and sent to
Jno K. Martin
Richmond, Va

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
? 29, 1848, Page 129 Vol A.
Page 5

May 3/53

Basha Smith Wid of
Joseph Smith
prit.

Va Mil
Rev. War

Ad 160 acres Jany: 11/56

July 48 B [Illegible]

No -13900 iss Jany 12th
Page 6

Joseph Smith & Basha
Smith was married
June the 1793
and had acheld Boxnd
September 8 1794
Mary Smith was
Born March the 6 1796
Thomas Smith was Bornd
aperal the 7 1798
Elizabeth Smith was
Bornd June the 5 1800
Catharine Smith was
Bornd March the 2 18?2
By Presily Carter
Page 7

Adieu Adieu all earthly things
other and an angels wings
Id quickly see my God
Page 8

Joseph Smith

Virginia
No 11652

mil  for 6 mo
from 1781 as a
private $20 per anm.
Briginarate

Brief inaccurate

Mrs. Williams
of Va
Page 9

BRIEF in the case of Joseph Smith
of Pittsylvania Co in the State of Virginia
(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?

3. How old is he? 69 y

4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
Period.
Jany In 1781 Enlisted
[Illegible]
Duration of Service.
3 months
3 months

Rank.
As a
Substitute for Herman Miller
Substitute for Jas. Smith

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen. Mulenburg
Col Halcombe
Major Linnett
&c Butey
Genl Lawson
Col Tucker
Capt William Clark

5. In what battles was he engaged? none stated

6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Halifax County Virginia

7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by
incidental evidence, or by the rolls? documentary in part & incidental & traditionary

8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Correct

I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.
Chas Litle Examining Clerk
Page 10

115,123

Basha Smith
Page 11

State of Virginia
County of Pittsylvania⎬
On this 26th day of April AD. One thousand eight
hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me
Stephen C. Townes a Justice of the Peace
in & for said County Basha Smith [illegible]
of the County and state aforesaid [inserted: aged 79 years] who being duly
sworn according to law, declares that she is the
widow of Joseph Smith deceased who
was a soldier in the revolutionary war: that she
received a pension of Twenty dollars
per annum under the act of Congress approved the
29th July 1848 payable semi annually on the
agency in the city of Richmond, as will appear
by reference in the roll of Pensioners recorded in the Pension
office under act February 2 1848 Pay 129 Vol A. She further states
that she was married to the said Joseph Smith
in the County of Pittsylvania on the
[illegible] by one William Wright a
Methodist minister [illegible] her name before her said
marriage was Basha Humphrey [illegible] said
husband and at his residence in the County aforesaid
on the 9th day of July AD. 1842 and that she
is now a widow. For proof of her said husbands
Page 12

Service. Marriage which she refers to her original
declaration on file at the Pension office under the
act of Congress approved 2d February 1848
She makes her declaration for the purpose of obtaining
the bounty land to which she may be entitled
under the act of Congress approved March 3rd 1853
and She adds that she has never applied for nor
received under this or any other act of Congress any
County land
Basha X her makr Smith

Personally came Thomas Smith and Francess Smith
residents of Pittsylvania County in the State of Virginia,
who upon each  [illegible] that they are personally
well acquainted with Mrs Basha Smith and
saw her sign or make her mark to the foregoing 
declaration, that they know her to be the identical person
therein represented, that she is now a widow and that
they have no interest in this claim
Thos. Smith and
Francess X her mark Smith

The foregoing declaration and affidavits were sworn to and
subscribed before me on this 26th day of April 1855 and
I certify that I believe the claimant to be the identical person
she represents herself to be; that I knew the witnesses
and persons and that I have no interest in this
claim
S. C. Townes W.
Page 13

G D Neal of Pittsylvania [illegible] Virginia is hereby
authorized in [illegible]  my claim for bounty Land
under the act of Congress approved 3 March 1853.
to [illegible] [illegible] and proper [illegible] relation thereto
in fee as the Department of the Interior, and is [illegible] 
[illegible]  Land warrant that may issued
in my name under the aforesaid act. witness my hand
[illegible] 26 April 1855 Basha X her makr Smith

[This line mostly illegible] me a Justice
the Peace in Pittsylvania County Virginia
26th day of April 1855 S. G. Townes JP.

State of Virginia Pensylvania County sc
I Langhorne Scruggs Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania
County in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify that S. G. Townes who
hath given the preceding certificate was at the date thereof an acting
Justice of the peace for the said County duly [illegible], commissioned 
and sworn, and that his signatures to the foregoing
certificates are genuine_ as witness my hand
and seal of office this 27 day of April
1855.
Scruggs Clk
Page 14

State of Virginia
County of Pittsylvania Sc
On this 26th day of August one thousand
Eight hundred and forty seven, personally appeared before me a
Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia
Basha Smith a resident of Pittsylvania County aged Seventy Seven
years who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her
oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit
of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed July 7th 1838
Entitled "an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"
that she is the widow of Joseph Smith a Revolutionary Soldier
who was a private in the army of the revolution, and pensioner
entitled to receive during his life the sum of Twenty Dollars per
annum Commencing on the 4th March 1831 - agreable to his
pension certificate given at the war office of the United States
on the Thirteenth day of March one thousand Eight hundred and
Thirty Three and Signed Lewis Cass Secretary of War, and the
said Original certificate is now filed in the said war office
at Washington, to which reference may be had the same having been
filed with other documentary Evidence to enable the said
Basha Smith widow of the said Joseph Smith decd to Draw the
Balance of his pension from the 4 March 1842 to the 9th day of July
1842 at which time he died - all of said papers and evidence
are refered to specially _ in order to sustain this declaration as also
the Receipt for the said Balance - signed and transmitted to Mr
William Selden Treasurer of the United States dated the 18th of May 1847
She further declares that she was married to the said Joseph
Smith in the County of Pittsylvania on the 5" day of June 1793
that her husband, the said Joseph Smith died on the 9th day of July 1842
that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the
Marriage took place previous to the first day of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated
Basha Smith
Sworn and subscribed on this day and year
above written before me
J M Williams JP
Page 15

11652
Page 16

State of Virginia
Pittsylvania County, towit
On this 17 day of September 1832 personally appeared
in open Court before Stephen Coleman, Thomas Shelton
John S. Adams and William M. Williams the Court of
Pittsylvania County now sitting Joseph Smith a resident of
the County of Pittsylvania and State aforesaid aged sixty nine
years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on
his Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the
benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States early in
the month of January 1781 as a substitute for Harmon Miller
and Marched from the County of Halifax in the State of Virginia
in a Company of Drafted Militia which was commanded
by Captain Charles Wall and Lieut Bates & Ensign Daniel
Wilson Crossed Staunton River at Bibbs Ferry, went through
the Counties of Charlotte, Semenburg Notoway and Dinwiddie by
the Long Ordinary and through the town of Petersburg to
Cabin Point on James River, there joined the regiment under
the Command of Major Pinnett and Col. Holcombe and
was stationed at that place about six weeks, then marched
down the Country and joined Genl Mulenburghs Brigade
near Portsmouth Va and remained with him until his term
of service being three months expired, he was discharged
by ensign Wilson about the first of April 1781. that his discharge
is lost and cannot be found, he has no documentary evidence
and does not know a person living that served with him on
that tour but has proved by Capt John Walters who
lived a close neighbour to him that he entered the service
as the substitute of Harmon Miller _ Soon after hisfrom
return home [inserted: from the above described tour] he again entered the service of the United
Page 17

States as substitute for his Father James Smith and marched from
the said County of Halifax Some time in the month of April 1781 in a
Company of drafted Militia which was commanded by Captain
William Clark to Point of Fork on James River at that place he
joined the Regiment commanded by Col. Tucker in Genl Lawson's
Brigade and continued under the said Officers marching in various
directions until he arrived at Morben Hills below Richmond and
remained at that place until his term of service expired being
upwards of three months he was discharged at that place by Col
Priddy the 28th day of July 1781, that identical discharge is now in
his possession and herewith presented to the Court. _
He was born in the State of Maryland supposes in the year 1763
has no record of his age, but from the information received from his
parents he is 69 years old he lived in the County of Halifax in the state
of Virginia when he entered the service of the United States _ he lived in
the County of Halifax five years after the war ended then moved
to the County of Pittsylvania Virginia and has lived in this County
ever since.-
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--
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaidof
Joseph Smith

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion after
the investigation of the matter, that the above named applicant
was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the Court
further certifies that John Walters whose affidavit has been presented
to them in this case is a credible man and that his statiment
is entitled to credit. that the discharge produced to them by
Joseph Smith the above named applicant they believe to be
genuine. _
Page 18

The affidavit of John Walters referred to in the foregoing
Certificate of the Court is in the following words to wit
Pittsylvania County, to wit
This day Capt. John Walters a respectable citizen
of said County personally appeared before me Thomas
Williams a Justice of the peace in the County aforesaid
and State of Virginia and made oath that he has long been
acquainted with Joseph Smith of this County, that he was a
revolutionary soldier and served a tour of duty in the year
1781 as a substitute for Harmon Miller of Halifax County
Virginia and marched from the said County of Halifax in a
Company of Militia which was commanded by Capt.
Charles Wall and Lieut Bates. I lived a close neighbour
to him and knew of his going into the service- and I recollect
distinctly that [inserted: the said Harmon Miller told me that] Joseph Smith was in the service as his substitute
and that he had given him a young mare to serve his tour
that I heard of the said Smith being in the neighbourhood of
Portsmouth Va. while on the said tour of duty - Given unto
my hand and seal this 14th day of September 1832
Thos. Williams

I William Tunstall Clerk of the Court of Pittsylvania
County in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the
matter of the application of Joseph Smith for a Pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office this 26" day of
September 1832
Will Tunstall
Page 19

"Record" evidence
of Marriages.

Filed by
John K Martin
Richmond
Va
Page 20

Know all men by these presents that we Joseph
Smith and Ezra Watters of Pittsylvania County are held &
firmly bound unto R. Brooke Esqr. Govenor of the State of
Virginia in the sum of One hundred and fifty dollars
to the payment whereof well and truly to be made to the
said Governor and his successors we bind ourselves our jointand
and several heirs Exors & admr firmly by these presents
Sealed with our seals and dated this 19th day of May 1795.
The Condition of the above obligation is such that
Whereas there is a marriage depending and by God permission
suddenly intended to be had and solemnized between
the above bound Joseph Smith and Basha
Humphries of the County aforesaid If therefore there
is no lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage
then the above obligation to be void else to remain
in full force & virtue. -
Joseph X his makr Smith
Ezra Walters 
Sealed & delivered
in presence of

This is to certify that I have consented for Joseph
Smith to marry my Daughter Barsha Humphrey
in the presents
Presley Carter
Ezra Walters
Wm Davis
James Humphrey
15 May 1795

Virginia to wit
I William H. Tunstall Clerk of the County Court
of Pittsylvania in the State aforesaid do certify that the
above bond & Certificate are true copies of the original
now filed amongst the records of said Court, & that
they are all the evidence I have been able to find after
careful examination of the records aforesaid, touching the
marriage of the said Joseph Smith & Barsha Humphrey
Given under my hand & seal of office
this 11th day of May 1852
Wm H. Tunstall
Page 21

REVOLUTIONARY WAR RECORDS SECTION. 3 -- 525

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS.
Washington, D. C., ____, 19__
W. F. 3725

In reply to your request of ____, recieved ____
for a statement of the military history of Joseph Smith
a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired
information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension
on file in this Bureau.

DATES OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT.
Jany 1781
*Apr. 1781
*Substituted for his father James Smith
LENGTH OF SERVICE.
3 mos
3 mos
RANK.
Pvt.
OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED.
CAPTAIN.
Charles Wall
William Clark
James Smith
COLONEL.
Holcomb
Tucker
STATE.
Va

Battles engaged in,____
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Halifax Co Va
Date of application for pension, Sept. 17. 1832 His cl. was al.
Residence at date of application Pittsylvania Co Va
Age at date of application born in Maryland in 1763. Died July 9 1842

Remark: Soldier * was in Pittsylvania Co Va. Basha daughter of James
Humphrey _ Marriage bond dated May 17.1795. She was al pens. on
an app executed Aug. 26 1847 while a resident of Pittsylvania Co. Va
aged 77 years. Children Mary b. Mch 6 1796. Thomas b. Apr. 7. 1798
Elizabeth b. June 5, 1800. Catharine b.  Mch 2. 1802 and George H. whose age
is not stated.

*The date of Marriage as in family heard & in widow's
final app June 5. 1793 was not taken as marriage bond was dated Apr. 19. 1795

Commissioner.
Page 22

1914 May 22 Hist to Mrs. C. [illegible]
Allison Letter in W.F. 11.77[illegible]
Jesse Toney

WIDOW, &c.
Revy

File No. 3725
Basha Smith
Widow
Joseph Smith
Pri Rev. War

Act: July 21, 1818
Index: -- Vol. A, Page 218

[Arrangement of 1870.}
Page 23

Joseph Smith
tr. 3725
Va.
Page 24

This May Sertify that Joseph
Smith one of the Melitia from
Hallifax County has served a
faithfull and honorable Tour
R. Priddy Lieut. C
July 28 1782
Page 25

13681

Basha Smith
widow of Joseph,

Act 7- July 1848

E F Grown July 10
1848,
Page 26

1,178
Basha Smith,
Widow of Joseph,
Va.

Act July 29th 1848.

E.Fl Brown,
New York City,
N. Y.
Page 27

[Illegible] act 29" July, 48, Va:
Boyton
Page 28

Va. Smith Joseph W. 3728-

Discharge
Page 29

Richmond (Va) Agency
Basha Smith, widow
of Joseph, who was a
private Va militia

Ad Act Jug 29, 1848
6 mo private.
$20 per Anm

Ca March 4, 1848

John K. Martin,
Richmond,
Va
Page 30

Virginia Court
I William H. Tunstall Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania
the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that upon a diligent examination
of the records of my office I was unable to find the bond executed by Joseph
Smith prior to his obtaining Licence for his intermarriage with Basha
Humphreys the present repoted widow of the said Joseph Smith decd 
In testimony of which I have hereunto set my
hand & affixed the seal of said Court
this 27 day of February 1848
Wm H. Tunstall
Page 31

Richmond, May 1st 1837

fine

The within pension claim
of Joseph Smithe [sic] not having been paid
for 12 months, it is necessary that you
authorize the agent here to do so
which you will please attend to
as early as praticable-
Very Respy
Yr Obt Servant
Saml F Adie

JL Edward
CP.
Washgtn City
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
Joseph Smith which require further proof or explanation.

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

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

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

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

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? no

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not 
obtaining it?
no

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? Commentary

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 Yes
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? - no

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

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 recolleection
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 appast served,
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the gate of the
pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four mines in the
definite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply the 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
able. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the
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 age
trate 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 end of what pass
under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly
attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of
office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the
certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Page 35

Brief in the case of Basha Smith, wid of Joseph
Pittsylvania County and State of Va
act
July 29, 1848.

Claim, (original, or for increase."

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband Pension Act June 7, 1832
Record evidence of manage or 1795

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

Name and residence of Agent
John K. Martin
Richmond, Va

Examining Clerk.
Ogden Niles
Page 36

Application for a Pension
by Barsha [sic] Smith under
act 29th 1848
She is the widow of
Joseph Smith a Revolutionary
Pensioner act 7th
June 1832 $20 per ann
Pittsylvania County Va
Filed by John K Martin
Richmond Va

The Hon
James E Heath
Com of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 37

Richmond Va
7th August 1852

Sir
Enclosed you will find an application
for a Pension by Barsha [sic] Smith under act 29th
In 1848. She is the widow of Joseph Smith a
Revolutionary Pensioner under act 7th June 1832
at the rate of $20 dollars per am in Pittsylvania
County Virginia _ "Record" evidence of Maria
is also sent.
With this application you will find a "Power
of Attorney" executed to me by the said Widow
the said Barsha Frink, and upon which I
would be pleased to look at the original
papers in the case when I go on to Washington.
You will be pleased to take notice in the
papers herewith sent, that under the New Constitution.
Mr Langhorn Scruggs is the Clerk of the Court
in that County and was installed or went into
office office on the 15 June 185? While Wm H
Tunstall was Clerk under the old Constitution
which will account for the papers being ceertified
be different persons.
You will report the case to the Hon
[Illegible]
James E Heath
Com of Pensions

Very respetfully
Your obt Sert
John K Martin
Page 38

EDMUND F. BROWN,
Attorney, and Agent for Claimant,
Notary Public, Commissioner of Deeds for Illinois, Missouri and Alabama
Prosecute claims of every description upon the several Departments of the General Government, and especially for
Bounty Lands, Pre-emptions, Pensions, Lost Horses, Contracts, &c. Office on Seventh
Street, two doors north of the city Post Office.
Letters (postage paid) may be addressed, E. F. Brown, Box 190, Washington City, D. C.

U. S. Agency, Notarial, and Commissioner's Offce
Washington City 15. Feb. 1848 Established in 1843.

J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commr of Pensions.

Sir
I enclose herewith, the
claim of Basha Smith, Widow of Joseph, a
Pensioner under Act of 1832, at $20 per year,
who died in 1842.
Before this comes up for examination, I
expect to file a certificate of the Clerk of
Pittsylvania County, as to Marriage Bond,
and expect the claim will then be complete
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Page 39

EDMUND F. BROWN
Attorney, and Agent for Claiments,
Notary Public, Commissioner of Deeds are not ad Alston
claims of every description upon the several Department of the General Government, and especially for
Bounty Lands, Pre-emptions, Pensions. Lost Horses, Contracts, &c. Office on Seventh
Street, two doors north of the city Post Office.
Letters (postage paid) may be addressed, E. F. Brown, Bal 120, Washington City, D. C.

U. S. Agency, Notarial, and Commissioner's Offce
Washington City 10th March, 1848. ⎬Established in 1843.

J. L. Edwards Esq
Commr of Pensions

Sir:
Enclosed I send a certificate
from the Clerk of Pittsylvania County, Va. which will
I presume, complete the claim of Mrs Basha Smith
Widow of Joseph, which I sent you on 16th ulto
for Revy. Pension Act 1838 &c
Very Respectfully
Yr. Obt. St.
Edm. F. Brown
Page 40

Revolutionary

Act 7. June 1832.

Basha Smith
Wid. Joseph

Virginia

Suspended.

Power of Attorney to
examine papers.

24 July 54.
Cht. C. Tucker
Atty
Present

24 July 54.
Page 41

Power of Attorney,
Know all men by these Presents: That I, Geo. H. Smith
of the county of Pittsylvania and State of Virginia and
the Son & heir of Basha Smith Wid. Joseph
whose claim for pension under the Act of Congress approved the 7_ day of July
1838, is now suspended for further proof, and who died on the __ day of December
1852, do hereby constitute and appoint Charles C Tucker
of Washington my true and lawful Attorney irrevocably for me, and in my
name and place, to examine all the records, letters, affidavits, and other documents and papers connected with
the aforesaid suspended claim now on file in the Pension Office, as well as all the Muster Rolls and other
records that may show the Revolutionary services of the said Joseph Smith late Husband of
said Basha Smith
and generally to do all lawful acts and things whatsoever touching the premises in order to prosecute said
claim to some result: hereby revoking all powers of attorney heretofore given for a like purpose, and confirming
whatsoever my said attorney shall in my name, legally do in the premises: In testimony whereof, I
hereunto set my hand and seal this 18th [crossed out: day] day of July 1854
George H Smith

Notary Public
Acknowledged and subscribed before me, a [crossed out: justice of the peace] [inserted: Notary Public], for the aforesaid county of
Bedford and State Virginia; and I do certify that of my
own personal knowledge the aforesaid Geo H Smith in the Son of
Basha Smith deceased

official
Witness my hand and [inserted: official] seal this 18th day of July 1854

H.H. Davis Notary

I do certify that ____ Esquire, before
whom the foregoing acknowledgment was made, was at the time of it being made a justice of the peace for
said county, duly commissioned and qualified, and that the above is his genuine signature.
Witness my hand and the seal of the ____ court for said county, this
____day of 185_.
____
Clerk.
Page 42

No [crossed out: 13681] 1,178

Basha Smith,
Widow of Joseph, a Revy.
Pensioner under Act of 1832,
at $20 per year, who died
in 1842.

Acts 1843 & 1844.

[crossed out: July 7-1838]

Registered Act
July 29, 1838]

E. F. Brown Agent 
Washn. D.C.
15. Feb. 1848.
Page 43

County of Pittsylvania the 20th day of September 1847
M Williams a Justice of the peace for said County
And the Court doth certify that it was [illegible]
the widow of Joseph Smith who was a revolutionary 
pensioner that the said Basha is too infirm to travel to Court
[illegible] are hereto annexed are credible witnesses--
and before whom the aforesaid declaration & affidavits
and for said County duly commissioned & sworn

Whereof I William H. Tunstall
County Court do hereunto subscribe
and affix the seal of said
the 24th day of September 1847-
Wm H. Tunstall
Page 44

Declaration with
Certificate of Marriage
& death.

Filed
John K Martin
Richmond
Va
Page 45

State of Virginia
County of Pittsylvania} towit
On this 17 day of June personally appeared before me
James M Williams a Justice of the Peace duly authorized to 
adminster oath within and for the County and State aforesaid, Barsha [sic]
Smith a resident of Pittsylvania County Virginia aged
seventy seven years who being duly sworn according to law, doth
on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain
the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 29th
day of July 1823
That she is the widow of Joseph Smith who was a
Revolutionary Pensioner under the act of Congress of 7th June
1832. That her husband the said Joseph Smith drew a
Pension at the rate of $20.00 per annum as a private of
Virginia Militia in the Revolutionary war, and as a further
evidence of his service You are referred to his declaration
on file in the Pension Office Washington City D.C.
She further declares that she was married to the said
Joseph Smith on [crossed out: or about the 19th] [inserted: the4th] day of [crossed out: May] [inserted: June] in the
year seventeen and ninety five, and that her name
before Marriage was Barsha Humphrey. That her husband
the aforesaid Joseph Smith died on the 9th day of
June 1842. That she was not married to him prior to his
leaving the service but the marriage took place previous
to the Second day of January Eighteen hundred. Viz.
at the time above stated. She further swears that she is
now a widow and has been since the death of her
husband and that she has before made application for
a Pension and has failed from obtaining such for
causes altogether unknown to herself.
That as a further evidence of Marriage a
Certified copy of the Marriage bond is herewith sent
from the Clerk of the Court Mr Wm H Tunstall dated
11th day of May 1852 over his signature and seal

Barsha X her mark Smith

Witness Philip Hawker
Francis Smith

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of June 1852
and I certify that Barsha Smith who subscribed to the
foregoing certificate is the widow of Joseph Smith deceased
who was a Revolutionary Pensioner, and that I believe
she is of the age stated
JM Williams JP
Page 46

State of Virginia
County of Pittsylvania
On this 21th day of June 1852 before me personally came
John Jennings [Illegible] of the County of Pittsylvania who being duly sworn according to law
doth on his oath declare and say that he is intimately acquainted with Barsha
Smith whose declaration appears on the opposite page. That she is the widow
of Joseph Smith who was a Revolutionary Pensioner and who died on the 9th dayof June 1842, That he resided for a long time within two miles of the
said Joseph Smith and his wife Barsha Smith, and was present at their marriage
and wedding which took place in May [inserted: or June] 1795. That he knows that they lived
together as man and wife untill the death of said Joseph Smith, having
a number of grown and respectable children. and that Barsha
Smith is now living and generally known as the widow of Joseph
Smith decd and that he has no interest in making the foregoing
declaration
John Jennings X his mark

Wm P McDaniel
R Lovelad

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
and I hereby certify that John Jennings who subscribed to the
Certificate is a creditable Witness
JM Williams J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Pittsylvania. On this 1st day of July 1852 before me, personally came
Timothy Stamps of the County of Pittsylvania who being sworn according to Law
doth on his Oath declare and say that he is intimately acquainted with Barsha
Smith whose declaration appears on the opposite page
That she is the widow of Joseph Smith who was a Revolutionary Pensioner
and who died on the 9th day of June 1842. That he resided in
the immediate neighbourhood within 1 1/2 miles of the said Smith & wife
knew them both while said Smith was addressing her, and although
he was not at their marriage about the 4 June 1795. (he being the
about 16 years of age) That he has good reason to know that they
were then married by Revd Wm Wright and lived a near neighbour
to said deponant up to the death of said Joseph Smith.
Page 47

Here follows "Family" certificate of Witnesses

That they lived as man and wife and were respectable members
in connexion with said Witness [crossed out, illegible] in the Baptist Church
and reared a number of Respectable children Known and
believed to be the Reputed children of said Joseph Smith and
Barsha Smith his wife, and that he has no interest whatsoever
in making the foregoing declaration
Timothy Stamps

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
and I hereby certify that Timothy Stamps who subscribed to the [inserted: foregoing] certificate
is a credible witness

JM Williams J.P.

I certify that I have known and been acquainted with
Joseph Smith and Barsha Smith his wife since the year
1818. and knew her family before. That I have the most
satisfactory evidence together with my own knowledge of the
fact that they lived together as man and wife and no one
suspected, or intimated that they were not lawfully married
and that Barsha Smith is a reputable lady and the widow
of Joseph Smith Smith decd
Given under my hand at Danville Va
this 22d July 1852

JM Williams J.P.
Page 48

Virginia to wit
I Langhorn Scruggs Clerk of the County Court of Pittsylvania
County in the State aforesaid, do hereby certify that J. M. Williams before
whom the foregoing Declaration, and affidavits were taken was at
the time thereof, an acting magistrate in the said County duly commissioned
and sworn, and that his said signatures are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have
hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of the said Court this
2nd day of August 1852
L Scruggs
Page 49

Power of Attorney

Filed by
John K Martin
Richmond
Va
Page 50

STATE OF Virginia
County of Pittsylvania} SS:
Be it known, that on this twenty fourth day of May A. D. eighteen
hundred and fifty two, before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County
and State aforesaid, personally appeared Barsha Smith, a resident of
Pittsylvania County, [crossed out: in said] and made oath according to law, that she is the widow
of Joseph Smith a Revolutionary Pensioner under the act
of Congress 7th June 1832 at the rate of $20.00 per ann
Virginia Militia and that her husband the said Joseph
Smith died 9th day of July 1842, and that he the said
Barsha Smith has made application to obtain a pension in
view of her husband services in the Revolutionary War

that she is directly interested, as aforesaid, as a claimant, and makes this affidavit for the purpose
of obtaining such pension or Income of Pension as may be due under any of the Laws, Regulations,
or decisions that have been or may hereafter be adopted. The said Affiant further
declares that She hereby constitutes and appoints JOHN K. MARTIN, of the City of Richmond
and State of Virginia, to be Attorney and Agent to prosecute said claim, with power of 
substitution, to examine all papers and documents in relation to it, and to do all things necessary and
lawful in the premises; except drawing the money, which will be hereafter provided for.
Barsha x her mark Smith
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and
year aforesaid, before me,
JM Williams J. Peace

I James M Williams a Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State
aforesaid, do hereby certify that Barsha Smith, above-named, is a respectable
resident of this County, and is, as I believe, directly interested in said claim as therein set
forth, and acknowledges the above Power of Attorney to be her act and deed.

JM Williams J. Peace.
In testimony that the above-named J M. Williams was a Justice of the
Peace in and for said County, at the date of the same, I hereby subscribe my name and affix the
County Seal.

Wm H. Tunstall County Clerk.
1" June 1852
Page 51

Pittsylvania County towit
This day John H Davis aged fifty seven
years and respectable witness personally appeared before me
Majistrate for the County aforesaid, and made oath in due
form of law that he has lived a near neighbour to Basha
Smith ever since his birth, that he is well acquainted with
the said Basha Smith and knew that she lived [inserted: with] & was
the reputed wife of Joseph Smith decd a Revolutionary soldier
and pensioner, whose claim or certificate of Pension has been
filed in the office at Washington as he believed in order to
collect the Balance of pension due said Smith decd
That the said Basha Smith is now living and the
widow of Joseph Smith decd. Given under my hand this
1 day of Sept 1847
JM Williams JP

Pittsylvania County Court towit
This day Catherine Ingram personally
appeared before me a Justice of the peace for the County aforesaid
in the State of Virginia, and made oath that she was at the wedding
and marriage of Joseph Smith and Basha Smith, who were
joined together in the Holy State of Matrimony by Revd William
Wright an authorized Minister of the Gospel, on the 5" day
of June 1793, according to the laws of Virginia,
That a family Register now before her stating the
time of said marriage, and the ages of their children as given
from their birth is believed to be correct and true
Given under my hand this 18th day of September
1847.
JM Williams
Page 52

Virginia to wit
At a Court held for the
The annexed declaration of Basha Smith before [Illegible]
was received by the Court and ordered to be certified
satisfactorily proven that the said Barsha Smith
[illegible] and who died on the 9th day of July 1842
that Catherine Ingram & John H. Davis whose affidavit
If this Certify that James M. Willia
were made is an acting justice of the peace in [paper torn, missing section]
that his foregoing signatures are genuine
In Testimony [paper torn, missing section]
Clerk of said [paper torn, missing section]
my name [paper torn, missing section]
Court this [paper torn, missing section]
Page 53

John Jennings
affidavit
Page 54

Pittsylvania County to wit
This day John Jennings a Respectable witness
aged Seventy Six years, personally appeared before me a Justice of
the peace for the County aforesaid in the State of Virginia and made
oath that he was at the wedding of Joseph Smith and Basha Smith
which he thinks to the best of his recollection is about fifty
five or six years ago, and took a place in the early part of
the month of June or last of May in or about the year 1791,  or 2
Given under my hand this 20 day of September 1847
JM Williams