Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9052, for Philip Prater, South Carolina
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(8-1776)
SERVICE
[S.B.]
NUMBER 
N. 9052

Prater, Philip
Hammond, Susannah
(Former Widow)

CONTENTS
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Increase
4946
South Carolina
Susannah Hammond decd
formerly widow of Philip Prater
who died in the year 1797
of Anderson in the State of So Carolina
who was a private in the Compy commanded
by Captain Maxwell the Regt commanded
by Col Pickins in the S. C. Mil.
line [preceding word is lined out] for 8 mos & 12 days
Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston
at the rate of 61 Dollars 33 Cents
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of
March, 1831 & end 9 Augt 1848,
when she died.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23 day of
April 1850 and Sent to
Thos Lumpkin, Prest
Increase from $28.00
Semi-annual allowance ending
Payable to Miles M. Norton, admr
for use of children, to wit
John Prater, Thos Prater
Philip Prater, Jeremiah Prater 
Adam Prater Jonah Prater
Joseph Prater
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the }
Recorded by J P Chase  Clerk
Book D  Vol. 2   Page 383
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Declaration
Of. Miles M. Norton Administrator of the Estate of Susannah Hammond decd in order to obtain the Pension due to her, for the benefit of her surviving children.
South Carolina }
Pickens District }  SS.   On this Eighth day of April 1850, personally appeared before W. D. Steele Judge of the Court of Ordinary in open Court, Miles M. Norton Administrator of the Estate of Susannah Hammond decd late of the District and State aforesaid, and doth upon oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the Pension due to the said Deceased Widow, for the benefit of her surviving children.  That during her life time and on the third day of November 1846, she, the said Susannah Hammond did make her declaration claiming a Pension under the 3d Section of the Act of 4th July 1836, and the 1st Section of the act of 3d March 1837 to the benefits of which this declarant fully believes she was entitled, but before the matter was prosecuted to success, the said Susannah Hammond died, that her death took place as will appear from the evidence and certificate of Court annexed, on the ninth day of August 1848.  That the following are the names of her surviving children, viz. John Prater, Thomas Prater, Philip Prater, Jeremiah Prater, Aaron Prater, Josiah Prater and Joseph Prater.  Seven in number, Thomas and Philip have not been heard from for twelve or fifteen years --
Miles M. Norton
Admr
Sworn to in open Court, the day and year first written, before me.
W. D. Steele Judge 
of the Court of Ordinary for 
Pickens District
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In the Court of Ordinary
South Carolina }
Pickens District }  I, William D. Steele, Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid, do hereby certify, that it has been proven to the satisfaction of the Court of Ordinary this day in session, that Susannah Hammond, formerly widow of Philip Prater, did die in the District and State aforesaid on the ninth day of August 1848, and that she left only seven surviving children, viz. John Prater, Thos. Prater, Philip Prater, Jeremiah Prater, Aaron Prater, Josiah Prater, and Joseph Prater - and also that Miles M. Norton is the Administrator of the Estate of the 
Susannah Hammond, regularly appointed according to law
Witness my hand & seal
this Eight day of April 1850
W. D Steele  {Seal}
Judge of the Court of
Ordinary Pickens District
} Common seal having no seal of office -
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[South Carolina Pickens District ] Personally appeared before the Court of Ordinary for the District and State aforesaid , Joseph Prater and Frederick Newton Prater, and after being duly sworn according to law in open Court, say upon oath that they were well acquainted with  Susannah Hammond, late of this District, formerly widow of Philip Prater, and that she did die in this District at the residence of her son Jer. Prater, on the ninth day of August ( 1848) One thousand eight hundred and forty eight, ant that she is the same who was making application for a Pension. Joseph Prater ( signed ) Frederick  N Prater ( signed )  Sworn to in open Court before me this eighth day of April 1850. W.D. Steele  ( signed ) Judge of the Court of Ordinary  P. D.                                            [ South Carolina Pickens District ] Jeremiah Prater appeared before the Court of Ordinary in open Court, and after being duly sworn , says that his mother Susannah Hammond, formerly  widow of Philip Prater died at his House in the District aforesaid on the ninth day of August 1848, and that she left only seven surviving children , viz.: John Prater, Thomas Prater, Philip Prater, ( himself ) Jeremiah Prater, Aaron Prater, Jonah Prater, and Joseph Prater, two of  whom  ( Thomas and Philip) have not been heard from by deponent for some 12 or 15 years. Jeremiah Prater ( signed ) Sworn to in open Court , before me this eighth day of April 1850.  W. D. Steele ( signed ) Judge of the Court of Ordinary Pickens District
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I certify that the foregoing signature of  W. D. Steele are genuine and true, that the said W. D. Steele is Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the District of Pickens & State of South Carolina that full faith and credit is due to all his acts as such - I further certify from my own personal knowledge  that the Court of Ordinary for the District aforesaid has no official seal at the present time  19th April 1850. James L. Orr ( signed )
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6854                                                                   Declaration    In order to obtain the benefit of the provision  of the 3rd Section of the act of Congress of the 4th July  1836 & the 1st Section of the act of 3rd Mar. 1837.  [ State of South Carolina Pickens District ] SS.   On this third day of November 1846, personally appeared before the Court of General Session and Common Pleas for Pickens District aforesaid  Mrs. Susannah Hammond a resident of the same District & State , aged abut eighty nine 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 of July 4th 1836 and the act explanatory of said act, passed March 3rd 1837: That she was married to Philip Prater who was a private in the militia of South Carolina during the War of the Revolution, that he was or she understood drafted, and served under Capt. Maxwell and either Col. Pickens or Anderson, or both - she is very old and infirm, and unable to recollect  what she has heard him relate of his services, she however knows that he done service for a considerable length of time in the War, she thinks one or two years, as she suffered much during the time with her three little children , being out and dodging the Tories and British, that they then lived in Laurens District & afterwards moved to this District near where she now lives and has resided ever since. She further declares that she was married to the said Philip Prater on Han River in Guilford County North Carolina, by a Preacher whose name she has forgotten; as near as she can calculate about the year  ( 1775 or 1776 ) seventeen hundred and seventy five , or seventeen hundred and seventy six, on the sixteenth day of July, and then they moved
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to South Carolina where the said Philip Prater died in the year seventeen hundred and ninety seven, the day & month not recollected that she was afterwards  married to William Hammond who lived with her but about two years and left her, and is as she understands long since dead, tho she does not know the date of his death, that she was a widow on the 4th of July 1836, and still remains a widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herein sent. ( her mark X ) Susannah Hammond  Sworn to and subscribed , on the day and year above written in open Court before me. Josiah J . Evans ( signed )  Presd of Judges         I , William L. Keith  Clerk of the Court of General Session and Common Pleas for the District of Pickens in the State of South Carolina , do certify that the foregoing  is the genuine signature of the Hon. Josiah J. Evans, and that he was the presiding Judge at the last Fall Term at Pickens  C. House , and the foregoing  Declaration of Susannah Hammond  was made by her before him in open Court. In testimony whereof,  I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 16th day of Jany  A.D. 1847. W. L. Keith  ( signed ) Clerk of the Court of Pickens District  S. Car.
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4946 South Carolina  Susannah Hammond , from  widow of Philip Prater who died in the year 1797  of Anderson dist in the State of So. Carolina who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Maxwell  of the Regt commanded by Col. Pickens in the S.C. Mil line for 8 month & 12 days. Subscribed on the Roll of Charleston at the rate of 28 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. Certificate of Pension issued the 10th day of April  1850 and sent to  Hon. Tho. Lumpkin Present Arrear to the 4th of ____ Semi-annual allowance ending ___  { Revolutionary Claim  Act July 4, 1836, Section the }  Recorded by J. P. Chase Clerk , Book D Vol. 2 Page 838
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Recy WIDOW, & c. File No. 9052 Susannah Hammond wid  Philip Prater  Privt Rev. War Act : July 4th 1836 Index : - Col. A Page 306 [ Arrangement of 1870 ]
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6854 Susannah Hammond  S.C. Let. M. M. Norton 22 Feby 1867 Let. to same Oct 20 '47 Letter to M. Norton May 11/49  Letter to M. Norton 5th Sep 1849 Act 4 July 1836
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( left page ) James l. Orr  & Secretary of Interior for Susannah Hamond for Pension and also for Joannah Brown for Pension  Mr. Wilson  ( right page ) 15 of Mar 9/55 ( check mark )  February 26, 1850  James L. Orr  Calls attention to his previous communication relative to the pension claim of 1 ) Susannah Hammond (2) Joanna Brown . Letter to Hon. J. L. Orr March 2 1850 . In attention  (1) letter ref'd  & cr Pensions Jany 30/50 (2) letter ref'd  & cr Pensions  Feby 1/50 ( check mark )  Ref'd to Comm of Pensions for immediate action [ Dept of Interior  March 2. 1850 ]
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Washington Feb 26th 2850  Sir, Some weeks past I had the honor to present for the consideration of your Department the claim of Susannah Hammond dec'd late widow of Philip Prater, for a pension  on appeal which had been previously  disallowed by the Com. of Pensions, and about the same under like circumstances the claim of Joanna Brown widow of Aris Brown . I have received no notice that these cases  have as yet been acted on , and suppose the papers have been inadvertently  over looked. I therefore take the liberty  of again calling your attention to these cases and respectfully ask an early  consideration of them. I have the Honor to be very respectfully your obt servt. James L Orr( signed )
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(left page )  James L. Orr  Jany 25/50 ( check mark ) Enclosing papers in support of claim of Susannah Hammond for Pension  E. Answered  Jany 30/50 ( check mark )  Ref'd to Com. of Pensions for Report , and action in accordance  .. ( illegible )  letter of the 5th inst  Dept of the Interior Jany 30 1850 ( vertical on page ) Chas Melnor Hubbard, Baz Smith
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Washington  28th Jany 1850        Sir, I have the honor to enclose herewith an exemplification of the Declaration  and other papers pertaining to the application for a pension for Susannah Hammond formerly the widow of Philip Prater as also a letter addressed to you by  Col. M. M. Norton of Pickens County South Carolina - I have examined with some care the case and think that the marriage , services , & identity  are most satisfactorily established. I am personally  acquainted with  the witnesses  to wit , John Wilson, & Wm Hubbard & Bazil Smith  and I know them to be men of character. the two former have been for many years revolutionary pensioners. I would  therefore respectfully  request that the case should be reviewed  when I am forwarded (?) the decision disallowing the pension be reversed. I have the honor to be very respectfully your obt servt  James L. Orr ( signed )
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August 22nd  1847  Sir I am informed that applications are made to you for a pension or pensions, in which  Wm. Hubbard senr & John Wilson another applicants or witnesses & I am desired to certify to you their character. Mr. Wm. Hubbard senr. is personally known to me and is a respectable citizen, a member of the Baptist church , is reputed a revolutionary soldier & is now ( I think ) a Pensioner. Mr. John Wilson is not so well known to me but from information on which I place implicit confidence  is a man highly respectable  & of .. ( illegible )  character. The testimony of both is entitled to full credit. Very respectfully your obt servt R. L. Simpson  ( signed ) M.C.                 To Col. J. L. Edwards
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Washington April 3rd. 1850  Sir, In the case of Mrs. Susannah Hammond , dec'd of S. C.  formerly widow of Philip Prater , you will find a certificate from the Comptroller of S. Carolina as to the service of Philip Prater . This case is  I learn now before you for your decision. You will oblige me by suspending your opinion for a few days, until I hear from the Comptroller to whom I have written asking for an explanation as regards the certificate in question. I have the honor to be  Sir, with respect  Your obt servt. Th. Lumpkin ( signed )                                                                        Hon. Th. Ewing  Secretary of War Dept. of the Interior
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Ap 22/50 Hon J.L. Orr ( rec'd in  Sept : apl 19/50  ( check mark ) Papers respecting the heirs of Philip Prater who claim Pension. Ref'd to Com of Pensions   ( Hon J. L. Orr of the House of Reps)  &  [ Dep of Interior April 19 1850 ( check mark )
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Washington D. C. April 1st 1850  Dear Sir, I have been  called upon by Hon. J. L. Orr and Col. Miles M. Norton of your  State , to aid them in establishing a pension for the heirs of Philip Prater, who served, as you r certificate shows in the  War of the Revolution ; I have appealed for a decision from the Pension Office , to the Department of the Interior, and a difficulty by interposed in certificate above alluded , from the Comptroller Genl of S.C.  this certificate gives a payment to Philip Prater of Lbs 13.2.`0 /4 , following this another of precisely  the same amount  as above stated - another payment is stated of Lbs 15.11.5 to the name of Philip Prater, and likewise one of precisely the same amount as last stated is given. The Office suggests that the payment , are duplicates. The Department , also suggests that there were two soldiers who served in the Revolution bearing the uncommon name of Philip Prater, Do the records of your office show that there were two such soldiers bearing his name ?  This is important to be shown also , by the widow's pension is to be
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measured by the ascertained sum paid to the soldier , whose heirs are applying in right of their Father  bearing this name, and for whose services they claim. Your early attention will much oblige me and all the parties concerned  I am  m. respy Your obt servt  Thomas Lumpkin  ( signed )  P.S. Your certificate bears date the 12th  November m, 1846 . You write receive that the case has been pending ever since . TL      Comptroller General  of D. C.  Columbia ,  S. C.
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( Copy ) Department of the Interior  April 8, 1850  Sir I herewith return the papers in the case of Susannah Hammond , widow of  Philip Prater, deceased, and I am of the opinion that a pension be allowed for the shortest term of service, shown by the indents. I am very respectfully your obt servt ( signed )  T. Ewing  Secretary       J L Edwards Esq Com. of Pensions
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Compt. Genls. Office Columbia So. Ca.  9th April 1850  Thomas Lumpkin Esq.  Sir, In reply to your letter of the 1st inst. I have to state that I have just concluded a careful examination of the  indents and accounts of Phillip Prater or Prator. The Indent No. 182 Book S. dated 9th June 1785 for Lbs 13 : 2:  10 1/4 and the account of the same number  & Book date and amount , relate to the same person & make but the one payment to  Indent being founded & issued upon the account- The same remarks will apply to the Indent No. 183, Book S, dated 9th June 1785  & the account of same number  & book, date and amount -so that there is a question  but that is each payment  the Indents  182 & 183 Book ,S , were severally founded & issued upon the accounts of same number & amount  - There being no evidence in the way of affidavits or orders inclosed in said accounts, the place of residence of Phillip Prater cannot be ascertained from anything of Record here - There is however, one circumstance indicating that one & the same person was owner of both of the Indents, of which copies were furnished as you say , and
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it is this, the fact that they bear the same date, both by the return of Col. Anderson's  & for the duty done  since the reduction of Charleston - as to Col. Anderson's return  See 4th Vol.  Statutes at Large of  South Carolina, page 718- Very respectfully Yr obt sevt James A. Black ( signed) Deputy
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Comptroller Genl's Office  Columbia So. Ca. November 12th 1846 [ Book L Indent 182 ] Issued the 9th June 1785 to Mr. Phillip Prater for thirteen pounds 2 S 10 1/4 D Sterling for duty done in the Militia as per account audited - Princl. Lbs 13: 2: 10 1/4 D  Amt int 18: 4 D [ Book S Account 182 ] Phillip Prator His account of duty in the Militia done since the Reduction of Charleston per Anderson's return Sterling Lgs 13: 2: 10 1/4 D. - [ Book S. Indent 183 ] Issued the 9th of June 1785 to Mr. Phillip Prator for fifteen pounds 11 S 5 1/2 D Sterling for duty done in the Militia as per account audited Princl Lbs 15:11: 5 D  Annl. int. Lbs 1-1-9 D [ Book L. Account 183 ] Phillip Prator His account of duty in the Militia as private ; done since the Reduction of Charleston per Anderson's return  Amounting to Sterling Lbs 15:11:5 D  I certify the above to be a true copy of the Records in this office For Comptroller Genl.  J Aug Black ( signed )
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Increase ( underscored ) 6854 Susannah Hammond formerly  widow of Philip Prater South Carolina  Anderson .. ( illegible )  Admitted $28 Pr : 8 m12 d  com 4 Mar 1831 S.C. Militia  Act 4 July 1836 increased from $28 to $61.33 per annum com 4 Mar 1831 to 9th Augt. 1848 when she died children John Prater, Thos. Prater, Philip Prater, Jeremiah Prater, Aaron Prater, Josiah Prater, & Joseph Prater payable to Miles M. Norton , Adms.  Thos Lumpkins Prest
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Payment to be made at Charleston by John C. Cochran  Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of South Carolina. Recorded in the Pension Office , in Book D Vol. 2 Page 383  by J. P. Chase Clerk
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR . REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM. I certify that, in conformity with the 3d section of the law of the United States, of the 4th July 1836, Susannah Hammond of So. Carolina, formerly widow of Philip Prater who was a private in the Revolution is entitled to receive Twenty eight dollars and __ cents per annum , during the time she may remain unmarried, commencing on the fourth day of March 1831 and payable semi= annually on the 4th March and 4th September. Given at the Department of the Interior this tenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and fifty  T Ewing ( signed ) Secretary of the Interior.{ Examined and Countersigned } J L Edwards ( signed ) Commissioner of Pensions.
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[ State of South Carolina Guilford County ] At the request of Miles M Norton. I,  John M. Logan Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County and State aforesaid  do hereby certify : That I have made search for the (Marriage License Bond of Philip Prather ) ( underscored )  but cannot find any such Bond in my Office . I further certify that I have repeatedly made searches for old License Bond & seldom find any , which I suppose is owing the careless manner in which the office was kept in those days. In testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and affixed the seal of our said Court at Office in Greensboro , this 14th day of Decr. 1846 Jus John M. Logan  CCC By  R.M. Calloch SC
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                                                  Pickens S.C. 
                                                 15th January 1850. Hon Thomas Ewing ,Secretary             
Department of the Interior                               
War Department , Washington City   Dear Sir, By the copy of Papers herewith sent, you will see that the application of Mrs. Susannah Hammond has been rejected, mainly on the grounds that the period of Service of her husband under whom she claims a Pension , is not sufficiently definite, as proven : to fix the amount of Pension , this is to be regretted, and yet cannot be remedied, as living testimony cannot be found at this late day, who served with Prater, and if they cont'd , it is scarcely possible that at such an advanced age, the period of service of a comrade is the Revolution could be fixed by them. In the reply of Mr. Berrit, the amended affidavit of Susannah Hendrix is not alluded to, and it may never have reached Washington. I would most respectfully  ask that you examine the papers and flatter myself that you will find the Indents satisfactory , as to the service, and the affidavits of  Mr.'s Hubbard and Wilson, whose character's for
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veracity are so well vouched, fully satisfactory on the subjects of identity and marriage, aided as they are on all points  by the facts stated by Basil Smith and Susannah Hendrix, and also by the affidavit of Thomas Garvis and Mrs. Rowland copies which have not been kept , but the originals may be found in the Commissioner's Office. Mrs. Hammond is now dead, but has left children , one of whom supported her in her last illness at much labor  & expense, and it is but fair that they should have what was justly due to her. I submit, with the utmost confidence in your judgement  and disposition to mete justice to the widow and orphan, the papers in the case. And have the honor to be Sir with the highest respect Your Obt Servt  Miles M. Norton ( signed )
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[ South Caroina Pickens District ] Thos Garvins who is  old and highly respected citizen  and personally before me this  the presiding   ( ?) Magistrate and made oath in due form of law and  doth saith that he was acquainted with Philip Prater where he said deponent was a small boy in the time of the cause live there and also saith that the said Philip Prater  and Hugh Prater had a fright at the first men the ... ( illegible ) line and after some time said  deponents farther (? Father ) moved to  Pendleton and the said Philip Prater moved in the same neighborhood and the said deponent was acquainted with him up tp the time of his death , who died in the waters of the 18 mile creek  who was  happen at the house  boats of Susan Prater in Susan House now ...( illegible ) Prater and she still .. ( illegible ) Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of June 1847  Thos Garvin ( signed )  Wm Smith ( signed ) M.P.C.   I Wm Smith do hereby certify that I have been acquainted with the above Thos Garvin from the first of my recollection and have all ways heard him called man of the first character.  Wm Smith  ( signed ) M.P.C.
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[ South Carolina Pickens District ]  I, William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of Pickens District certify that William Smith is a magistrate as is indicated within and that the foregoing signature  purporting to be his are genuine. I further certify that the affiant Thomas Garvin is an old and highly respectable citizen of our District. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office this 20th day of Septr. 1847  W. L. Keith ( signed ) Clerk of the Court  Pickens District So.Ca.
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Pickens C.H. S. C.  15th May 1849  Hon. J.L. Edwards  Dear Sir, Enclosed I send you the affidavit of Basil Smith of Anderson District with reference to the services of Philip Prater  whose widow Susannah Hammond has been for a long time asking a Pension at your hands. I do hope now , that , this comes so near the requisition of the Department, it may be granted to her. when your decision was made. Please answer to Very respectfully Your Obt Servt Miles M. Norton ( signed )
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{ Pickens C.H. 17 September ] Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington City D.C. ( vertical on page ) Sept 26. 18__ Miles M. Norton Mr. Ames Susannah Hammond
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Pickens S.C. 15th Sept. 1848 Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions, Dear Sir, Enclosed you have an affidavit  furnished me , in behalf of Mrs. Susannah Hammond, which I hope will remove the objection , to the passage of her claim. Very respectfully  Your Obt. Servt. Miles M. Norton ( signed )
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Pickens C.H. S. C. 14th Sept. 1847 . Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions. Dear Sir, Yours i relation to the claim of Susannah Hammond  ( of 22nd Feby ) was rec'd - and my agent has been hunting testimony , the result of which is the production of the two enclosed (wretchedly written ) affidavits, which I fear it will puzzle you to decipher; I hope however enough will be gathered to enable you to allow the old lady a Pension for the amt. of one of the Indents, with either of which I suppose she must content herself, in the absence of further proof. The certificate of the Hon. R. F. Simpson to the characters of Wm Hubbard and John Wilson has been sent you by him & I hope ere this rec'd - I found satisfactory on that point. Please let me know the result, and oblige again. Yours with the highest respect. Miles M. Norton ( signed )
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May '49 [ Ex Parte Susannah Hammond ] Apl of Susannah Hendricks   K.
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[ South Carolina Pickens District ] Mrs. Susanna Hendricks appeared personally before me Larkin Hendricks  & upon being re-examined & to her knowledge of Philip Prater & his service in the war of the Revolution  & his marriage to Susanna Hubbard states upon oath that she was herself married the day after the total Eclipse of the sun before the war or before troublesome times in the part of the Country  where they lived  and that she  then knew the said Philip Prator & his wife who were at that time living together as husband & wife. She thinks they were married before she came to South Carolina as she does not recollect anything about their marriage  they lived some miles from where deponent did tho not a great distance. She does not know certainly but thinks Prater & wife came from North Carolina . Deponent has become infirm & cannot recollect at present anything concerning the individuals in question nor can she fix the date of her own marriage, nearer that the circumstance above related. ( Her mark X ) Susanna Hendricks  Sworn to  & subscribed before me  this the 31st day of May , 1849. Larkin Hendricks  ( signed ) M.P.D.
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[ South Carolina Pickens District ] I, William L. Keith Clerk of the Court for the District  & State aforesaid, certify that Larkin Hendricks is a Magistrate as the foregoing would indicate, and that the signature  thereto annexed, purporting to be his is genuine - and also that Mrs. Susannah Hendrix the affiant bears the character of a respectful and truthful woman. In testimony whereof , I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the my seal of Office, this first day of June 1849. W. L. Keith ( signed / sealed ) Clerk of the Court Pickens District S.C.
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Pickens C. H. S. C.  1st June 1849 Hon . J. L. Edwards  Dear Sir, Yours with reference to the testimony of Mrs. Hammond , was rec'd and I herewith send you the amended affidavit , and full as the old lady can make it, as her memory is very bad. I had a few days previous to the receipt of your letter , forwarded the affidavit of Basil Smith in behalf of the same individual, and I hope now the claim will be sufficiently established . I have the honor to be  Sir, with high respect Your Obt Servt  Miles M. Norton ( signed )
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[ The State of South Carolina Pickens District ] Personally appeared before me Wm Smith  and of the Magistrate for Pickens Judith Rowland the wife of David Ralin and made oath  in in due form of law and on oath saith David Ralin should have been admitted into the regiment or brigade commanded by General Green something like two or three years  up to the Revolution War should of taken place between between England and the colonies of the United States and and war with the Indians until pensioner made and married David Ralin during the time of the war which gave her the opportunity of getting acquainted with Philip Prator and many others, who were with him at the same time. She knows the regiment and brigade was commanded by General Pickens who should have joined General  Green about the time the British was a Ninety Six when the Indians bearhavit ( ? beared havoc ) in this section of the country  there was two companies selected and from each regiment and sent out on searches  after the Indians, held and captured the higher part of them ... ( illegible ) three of four Indians prisoners, who was guarded between two and three weeks by David Ralin, Philip Prater and others was the time I became acquainted with Philip Prater who implores me to cook and wash for him while he was guarding the Indians.  ( her mark + ) Judith Ralin  Sworn to and subscribed to before me this 11th day of May 1847 Wm Smith  ( signed ) M.P.D.
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[ South Carolina Pickens District ] I, William L. Keith Clerk of the Court of Pickens District  certify that  William Smith is a Magistrate as within indicated and the the signature purporting to be his is genuine . I also certify that Mrs. Judith Rowland the affiant within named, bears the character of a truthful respectable citizen. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 20th day of Sept. 1847  W .L. Keith  ( signed ) Clerk of the Court of Pickens District So. Ca. ( vertical notes on page ) May '47 F.6
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[ South Carolina Anderson District ] Before me personally appeared Wm Hubbard and old and respectable citizen  of the District and State aforesaid, a Revolutionary Pensioner and reputed soldier of the Revolution and made oath in due form of law. that he was well acquainted with  Philip Prater  and his wife Susannah Prater. That he first knew them in North Carolina  Guilford County , but which he understood is now Rockingham County  - recollects them very well previous to their marriage he and the Susannah were school mates, thinks  she was about two or three years older than himself, and recollects she was married very young, probably at the age of thirteen or fourteen , as he was but a boy at this time he was not at the marriage but recollects very well that they went off about eight miles to a High Church Priest whose name he does not recollect Since remembered to be Muctle  john (?) to get married. she is now he thinks about eighty eight years of age, as he is himself eight five years of age, he cannot tell the precise date of their marriage was previous to the commencement of war in that section of Country. Prater and his wife lived in North Carolina several years then they moved to South Carolina they had two children before they moved - deponent remained in North Carolina  several years after Prater left, and there served in the Revolutionary  War - afterwards moved to Pendleton now Pickens District S.C. and bought land of , and settled near to said Prater   & wife and the said Prater died about fifty one
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years ago , as near as he can calculate his widow the said Susannah Prater then a few , not more than three or four years afterwards, married to William Hammond , who lived with her until she had two children , left her and in a few years,  not exceeding five or six from the time he married her died - The said Susannah Hammond was he is satisfied a widow the second time long before the 4th July 1836 , and at that time , and has remained a widow ever since that time - Deponent often conversed with said Philip Prater on the subject of the war, and was satisfied from his conversation and the reputation which he bore that he had served in the war , he stated ( he recollects ) that he had served under Capt . Maxwell  and Col. Anderson and deponent has no doubt  but the Philip Prater alluded to  by him and whose widow yet resides in Pickens District is the same to whom the Indents found in the Comptroller Genl s office  in Columbia were issued , He has a record of his own marriage  , the 4th March  1784 and is satisfied the marriage of Prater before alluded to must have taken place at least ten years previous to his own as all the circumstances heretofore stated will show. Wm Kirkland  ( signed ) Sworn to this 13th January 1847 before me.  Wm McMurray ( signed )  M.A.D.
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[ South Carolina Anderson District ] Before me personally appeared John Wilson an old and respectable citizen of the aforesaid District & State a Revolutionary Pensioner & reputed soldier of the Revolution and made oath in due form of law that he is ninety one years old since the 10th June last that when he was a young man he lived in Guildford County N.C. and there knew Philip Prater and his wife Susannah, and recollects very well the time of their marriage tho he was not  present nor does he recollect the precise date, he is sure however that it was previous to the commencement of the war in that part of the Country and before he himself entered the service as a soldier common report at the time said that they were married by a high Church Priest named Mucklejohn - Prater moved to South Carolina some time after the said marriage perhaps  a few years, he afterward moved to the same district and knew Prater who died some fifty one years ago  has occasionally ever since heard of his widow who lives in the adjoining district of Pickens some fifteen mile distant he heard of her second marriage to Hammond  & that he is long since dead but knows nothing of it only by hearsay . Sworn  and subscribed to before me the 13 day of January in the year 1847.  John Wilson ( signed ) Wm. D. Sitton ( signed ) Mdd
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[ South Carolina Anderson District ] I, Elijah Webb Clerk of the Court of the District aforesaid , do hereby certify that William McMurray and William D. Sitton are acting Magistrates in and for the said District , and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine, and also that William Hubbard and John Wilson whose names appear as affiants to the foregoing affidavits are both  U.S. Pensioners and are reputed and believed to have been soldiers in the War of the Revolution, and also that they are both highly respectable and worthy citizens  entitle to full credit. In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office this 15th day of January 1847  . Elijah Webb ( signed ) C.C.A.D.  ( bottom of page and vertical on page ) 6854 Susannah Hammond  widow of Philip Prater S.C. Act 4 July 1836. Jany '47 B.  Miles M. Norton Pickens C.H.  S.C.
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[State of South Carolina Anderson District ] Personally appeared before me  J. S. Carter one of the Magistrates of said District Basil Smith  and being sworn in due form of law on oath sayeth that he was personally acquainted with  Philip Prater who served as a private soldier under the command of  Captain Robert Maxfield in the latter part of the Revolutionary War and knew the said Prater well for he was  brought  to my father here from out of the Camps sick with the small pox and there remained five or six weeks, until able for duty  and personally acquainted with the said Prater until his death and knows it to be the same from his  marriage for he married Susannah Hubbard a sister to William Hubbard who was well acquainted with also and settled on the Waters of Eighteen mile Creek and there remained until his death. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 17th day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty nine. Basil Smith ( signed )  J. S. Carter ( signed )  M.A. D.   [ South Carolina Anderson District ] I do hereby certify to all whom it may concern  that I have been personally acquainted with Basil Smith  for many years and can ... ( illegible ) as good a Character as any man living in this part of the Country and as his standing among the people of his settlement and has never been no charge against him by no person given under my hand and seal  April 17th 1849  J. S. Carter ( signed ) M.A.D.
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[ State of South Carolina  Anderson District ] I, Elijah Webb  Clerk of the Court of  Sessions and Common Pleas for  Anderson District  do certify that  J. S. Carter is and was at the date of the signature t the within certificate  a Magistrate duly qualified  for  Anderson District in the said State and that all due  faith and credit ought  and should be given to his  acts as such  Magistrate. Given under my hand  & seal of office this 20th day of April 2849  Elijah Webb  ( signed ) C.C.A.D. ( bottom and vertical note ) Apl '49  C.
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[State of South Carolina Pickens District ] Personally appeared  Susanna Hendricks high  and respectable citizen of this District before me  Larkin Hendricks and acting Magistrate in & for said  District and after being duly sworn as the law directs in such cases Deposeth and says she was personally acquainted with a man by the name of  Philip Prater late, that was at that time  a soldier under the command of Capt. Maxfield in the old Revolutionary War, who, was commanded by General Pickens  and Colonel Anderson at that time and afterwards she was informed that Philip Prater did settle on the 18 mile creek  after the close of the war and there remained  a citizen until he died & further says he was the very same man which she became acquainted with  while a soldier under Capt. Maxwell, the reason why she knows this is that she became well acquainted with  & his wife both at the same time above stated. Sworn to and subscribed before me this the 26th of August  1848 . ( her mark X ) Susanna Hendricks  Larkin Hendricks ( signed )  M.P.D.  This is to certify that I have been personally acquainted with Susanna Hendricks ever since I can recollect, I know, her to be a woman of undoubted veracity such as cannot be disputed by any person that is acquainted with her also that she has an extraordinary mind at her age.Lar
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[ South Carolina Pickens District ] I, William L. Keith  Clerk of the Court in the District  & State aforesaid, certify that Larkin Hendricks is a Magistrate as is within indicated , and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine , and also that Mrs. Susanna Hendricks is an old lady of good character. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 15th day of September  1848. W. L. Keith ( signed )  Clerk of the Court of  Pickens District So. Ca.
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West Union S.C. 19th Jany 1847   20      Hon J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions Washington City  ( notes vertical on page )  6854 Jan 27,1847 W Susannah Hammond  July 4th 1836 ( upside down on page ) Nov '46  A.
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Pickens S.C. 25th May 1847  Hon. J. L. Edwards Com. of Pensions  Dear Sir, You have herewith the Declaration of Susannah Hammond - hope it may be found all correct & certificate sent  to. Very respectfully  Your Obt Servt. Miles M. Norton ( signed )
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( identical to page 7 previous - amended) A.  Declaration  In order to obtain the benefit of the provision of the 3rd Section of the Act of Congress of the 4th July 1836, & the 1st Section  of the act of 3rd Mar. 1837' [ State of South Carolina District of Pickens ] SS. On this third day of November 1846 personally appeared before the Court of General Sessions & common Pleas for Pickens District aforesaid , Mrs. Susannah Hammond a resident of the same District & State , aged about eighty nine 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  of July 4th 1836 and the act explanatory of said act , passed March 3rd, 1837. That she was married to Philip Prater who was a private in the militia of South Carolina during the war of the Revolution, that he was as she understood  drafted , and served under Capt. Maxwell , and either  Col. Pickens or Anderson, or both - She is very old and infirm , & unable  to recollect what she  has heard him relate of his services , she knows that he done service for a considerable length of time in the war, she thinks one or two years, as she suffered much during the time with his three children , hiding out  & dodging from the Tories  & British, that they then lived in Laurens District & afterwards moved to this District  near where she now lives & has resided ever since. She further declares that she was married to the said Philip Prater on Haw River in Guilford County  N. C. by a Preacher whose name she has forgotten; as near as she can calculate about the year ( 1775 or 1776 ) seven hundred & seventy five or seventeen hundred  & seventy six, on the 16th day of July ., and then they moved to South Carolina where the said Philip Prater died in the year seventeen hundred  & ninety seven, the day & month not recollected.  that she was afterwards married to Wm. Hammond who lived with her but two years  & left her,
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and is as she understands long since dead, tho she does not know the date of his death, that she was a widow onthe 4th  July 1836. and still remains  a widow as will more fully appear by reference to the proof herewith sent. Sworn to  etc. before  Josiah J. Evans P.J.  ( her mark X ) Susannah Hammond Then Clerk's Certificate & seal   B. Certificate of J.M. Logan  clerk of Guilford  that marriage Bond of Philip Prater cannot be found.  C. Comptroller Genl Office , Columbia S.C.  Nov. 12th 1846. Book S. 182 9th June 1785. Lbs 13: 2: 10 1/4 D. so collect since reduction of Charleston  per & Anderson's return  same amt.  Book S. 183. same date Lbs 15: 11: 5 d do Acct since reduction of Charleston  per  Anderson's return  same Amt. D. [ South Carolina Anderson District ] Before me personally appeared  Wm Hubbard an old and respectable citizen of the District & State aforesaid , a Revolutionary Pensioner and reputed soldier of the Revolution and made  oath in due form of law, that he was well acquainted with Philip Prater and his wife Susannah Prater that he first knew them in North Carolina Guilford County but which he understood is now Rockingham  County  recollects them very well  previous to their marriage he and the said Susannah were schoolmates , thinks she
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was about two or three years older than himself, and recollects she was married very young , probably at the age of thirteen or fourteen , as he was but a boy at the time, he was not at the marriage, but recollects very well that they went off about eight miles to a High Church  Priest, whose name he does not recollect since remembered to be Mucklejohn to get married, she is now , he thinks about eighty eight years of age as he is himself eighty five  - he cannot tell the precise date of the marriage, but it was previous to the commencement of of the war in that section of country  - Prater  & his wife lived in North Carolina  several years and them moved to South Carolina ; they had two children  before they  moved - deponent remained in North Carolina several years after Prater  left & there served in the Revolutionary War afterwards moved to Pendleton  now Pickens District S.C. and bought land of , and settled near to said Prater and wife & the said Prater died about fifty one ears ago as near as he can calculate, - his widow the said Susannah  Prater then a few, not more than three or four years after married  to William Hammond , who lived with her until she had two children , left her and in an in a few years not exceeding five or six from the time he married, died - The said Susannah Hammond , was, he is satisfied, was a widow the second time long before the 4th July 1836, and at that time , and has remained a widow ever since that time. Deponent often conversed with said Philip Prater on the subject of the war, and was satisfied from his conversation and the reputation which he bore, that he had served in the war - he stated ( he recollects ) that he had served under Capt Maxwell  and Col. Anderson  : and deponent has no doubt but the Philip Prater alluded to  by himself and whose widow yet resides in Pickens District , is the same to whom the
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Indents found in the Comptroller Genl. Office in Columbia were issued. He has a record of his own marriage, the 4th March 1784 , and is satisfied the marriage of Prater before alluded to  must have taken place at least ten years previous to his own, as all the circumstances heretofore stated will show. Wm Hubbard Sworn to this 13th January 1847 before me Wm M. McMurray  M.A.D.  E. [ South Carolina Anderson District ]  Before me personally appeared John Wilson an old and respectable citizen of the aforesaid District & State, a Revolutionary Pensioner  & reputed Soldier of the Revolution - and made oath  in due form of law, that he is ninety one years old since the 10th June last, that when he was a young man he lived in Guilford County N.C. and there knew Philip Prater and his wife Susannah , and recollects very well the time of their marriage, that he was not present, nor does he recollect the precise date, he is sure however that it was previous to the commencement of the war in that part of the country and before he himself entered the services as a soldier, common report said that they were married by a high Church priest by the name of Mucklejohn - Prater moved to South Carolina some time after the said marriage, perhaps a few years, he afterwards moved to the same District , and knew Prater ,who died some fifty years ago. he has occasionally ever since heard his widow who lives in the adjoining District of Pickens some fifteen miles distant - he heard of her second marriage to Hammond & that he was long since dead, but knows nothing of it only by hearsay. John Wilson Sworn to etc. Wm D. Litton  M.A.D. Then certificate  & seal of clerk Webb.
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F. Pension Office  February 12, 1847 Sir, The declaration and accompanying papers in the case of Susannah Hammond have been examined and filed. To establish the date of the marriage the credibility and respectability of the witnesses who testify upon the subject should be properly a vouched and certified. The Indents furnished from the Comptroller General d Office  show clearly that there must have been two soldiers of the mane of claimant's husband in the service at the same time and it is not shown which of the two i, if either , was the particular soldier for whose services this claim is set up. This defect must be remedied before the claim can be allowed . Very Respectfully  your obt servt J. L. Edwards  Miles M. Norton Esq  Pickens C. H. S. Carolina  G. Pension Office October 20th 1847  Sir, The certificate of the Hon. R.F. Simpson as to the character and standing of William Hubbard  and John Wilson two witnesses in the case of Susannah Hammond formerly widow of Philip Prater, is satisfactory to show that they are credible witnesses. But their statements as to the date of the marriage of these [arties are not sufficiently definite to establish it under the act of July 4th 1836,  nor does the additional evidence now addressed identify Mrs. Hammond's first husband with the Philip Prater
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to whom Indents as certified by the Comptroller of South Carolina were issued .  I am Very Respectfully Your Obt Servt J. L. Edwards Miles M. Norton Pickens C,H, S, C,    H. [ State of South Carolina  Pickens District ] Personally appeared  Susanna Hendricks a high and respectable citizen of this District before me Larkin Henricks an acting Magistrate in and for said District and after being duly sworn as the law directs in such case deposeth and say  she was person ally acquainted with  a man by the name of Philip Prater who was at that time a soldier under the command of  Capt Maxfield in the old Revolutionary War, who was commanded by General Pickens and Col . Anderson  at that time and afterwards she was informed  that Philip Prater did settle on the 18 mile Creek after the close of the war and there remained  a citizen until he died and further says he was the very same man which she became acquainted with which a soldier under Capt. Maxwell the reason why she knows this is that she became well acquainted with  & his wife both at the same time above stated. ( her mark ) Susanna Hendricks  Sworn and subscribed before me this the 26th August 1848 Larkin Hendricks M.P.D.  This is to certify that I have been personally acquainted with Susanna Hendricks ever since I can recollect  and know her to be  a woman of undoubted veracity  such as cannot be disputed by any person that is acquainted with her. Also she has a very extraordinary mind of her age.  Larkin Hendricks  Then follows clerks certificate & seal
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J. Pension Office may 11, 1849  Sir, The additional testimony in the case of Mrs. Susannah Hammond formerly widow of Philip Prater has been examined and filed  - Mrs. Susannah Hendricks  should amend her affidavit and besides stating her age should specify to the best of her ability the precise period at which she first became acquainted with the claimant's first husband and with their relationship as man and wife. I am Sir Your Obedt Sevt. J.L. Edwards Commr of Pensions Miles M. Norton Esq Pickens S.C.    K.  [ State of South Carolina Anderson District ] Personally appeared before me  J. S. Carter one of the Magistrates for said District  Basal Smith and being duly sworn  in due form of law on oath sayeth that he was personally acquainted with Philip Prater  who served as a private soldier under the command of Captain Robert Maxfield in the latter part of the Revolutionary War and knew the said Prater well for he was brought to my father's house from out of the camps sick with the small pox and the remained five or six weeks until able for duty  and personally acquainted with the said  Prater until his death and knows it to be the same from his marriage for he married  Susannah Hubbard sister to William Hubbard who  I was well acquainted  with also and settled on the waters of eighteen mile creek there remained until his death . Sworn to and subscribed before me this the17th day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty nine. J.S. Carter M.A.D.  Signed Basil Smith  Then follows Carter's certificate as to respectability of Smith - Then Clerk Webb's certificate as to Magistrate  & signatures forwarded 18th May 1849
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17  L. [ South Carolina Pickens District ]  Mrs. Susannah Hendricks  appeared personally before me , and upon being re-examined  as to her knowledge of Philip Prator his services in the war of the revolution   & his marriage to  Susannah Hubbard - states upon oath that she  herself married the day after the total eclipse of the Sun, before the war, or before troublesome times in the part of the country  where they lived - and that she then knew  the said Philip Prator   & his wife , who  were at the time living together as husband & wife - she thinks they were married before they came to South Carolina  as she does not recollect any thing of their marriage - they lived some miles from where deponent did though not a great distance ; she does not know certainly ; but thinks Philip & wife came from North Carolina - deponent has become very infirm  & cannot recollect at present any thing more concerning the individuals in question , nor can she fix the date of her own marriage  nearer than the circumstances above related -  ( her mark ) Susannah Hendricks Sworn to  etc. 31st May 1848 Larkin Hendricks M.P.D.    M. Pension Office September 5th 1843  Sir: The affidavit of Basel Smith , in the case of Susannah Hammond  formerly widow of Philip Prater , in  not deemed sufficient to identify her husband with the soldier to whom the two indents as certified by the Comptroller General  of South Carolina were exhibited. This witness  was not himself in service and consequently could have not knowledge of the period of the commencement and of the duration of Prator's several tours which must be stated either by applicant herself or some of the witnesses before any satisfactory adjustment of her claim can be made. The proof as to the date of the marriage of these parties is still defective. Very respectfully  your obt Servt J. G. Bennet for Commissioner of Pensions    Miles M. Norton Esq  Pickens C. H. S .C.