Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 53, Joseph Godwin, Va. Sea Service
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(3-1776)
SERVICE                             NUMBER
Va. Sea Service    Godwin, Joseph     R 53
Va. Half Pay
CONTENTS
See Acc. No. 837 - Virginia State Navy Joseph Godwin, Y. S. File
Va. Half Pay
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Know All Men by these presents, that I, James H. Godwin late sheriff of Neusamond County and committee of the estate of Joseph Godwin deceased who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy during the War of the Revolution, have made ordained, constituted and appointed, and by these presents do make ordain, constitute and appoint James Murdaugh of the County of Norfolk and State of Virginia my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name as late Sheriff of Nausemond County, and committee of the estate of Joseph Godwin deceased who was a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy as aforesaid to ask, demand, and receive of and from the Secretary of the Interior, Commissioner of Pensions, or such other officer of the United States Government as is or may be appointed for that purpose, all communication pay and interest ([illegible] crossed out) ^ thereon, due for the services rendered by the said Joseph Godwin (now deceased) as  lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy during the War of the Revolution - Full power and authority is hereby vested in my said attorney to do and perform any and every act or thing necessary and proper to be done or performed in the premises in as full and ample a manner as I might or could do if I were personally present at the doing thereof: Hereby satisfying and confirming all and whatsoever my said attorney shall do in the premises by virtue hereof - And I hereby agree and covenant to allow and pay to the said James Murdaugh my attorney one third part of such sum as may be received as a compensation for his services, and for which this power shall be a lien and shall be irrevocably. Witness my hand and seal this 20th day of September in the year 1852.
James N. Godwin
late Sheriff of Nansemond County, & Committee of the Estate of Joseph Godwin decd.
State of Virginia
Nausemond County to Wit
this day James H. Godwin late Sheriff of Nausemond County and Committee of the estate of Joseph Godwin decd. personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the peace in and for the County of Nausemond in the State of Virginia, and in my presence signed, sealed and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney as and for his act and deed. Given under my hand and seal this 20th day of September 1852.
Henry S. Tynes JP  seal (circled)
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State of Virginia
Nansemond County } Sc
I, Peter B. Prentis, Clerk of the county Court of Nansemond County, in said state, do certify, that Henry L. Tynes, whose genuine signature appears within, was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County and state, duly Commissioned and qualified and that due faith and credit are and ought to be given all his official acts as such.
In Witness whereof, I have hereto set my hand and annexed the seal of said Court, on the Twenty Third day of September, One thousand Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two.
Peter B. Prentis Clerk.
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January 27, 1939
OM
BA-J/AWF
Joseph Godwin
R. 53
Mrs. Pauline G. Mills
505 Avenue C- N.W.
Childress, Texas
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Joseph Goodwin or Godwin, of North Carolina and Tennessee, Joseph Goodwin or Godwin in the Virginia State Navy, and the War of 1812 record of Joseph Goodwin or Godwin, who was in the battle of Horse Shoe Bend. 
In order to identify the War of 1812 record of Joseph Goodwin or Godwin, should it be on file, essential- approximate dates of his birth and death, places of residence at enlistment and after service.
The Revolutionary War records of this office have been searched and no claim for pension or bounty land found based upon service of a Joseph Goodwin or Godwin of either North Carolina or Tennessee.
The data which follow in regard to Joseph Godwin were obtained from papers on file in claim for pension R. 53, based upon his service in the Virginia State Navy, War of the Revolution.
The date and place of birth of Joseph Godwin were not stated, nor are the names of his parents shown.
Joseph Godwin of Barrett's Neck on the Nansemond River, in Nansemond County, Virginia,
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served as lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, dates of service not given.
Joseph Godwin died March 3, 1821 in Nansemond County, Virginia, leaving two children - Emma C. Godwin who married Stephen T. Hoockey, and Lucy Godwin who married Richard Lawson, and after his death, married Isaac or Isam Jordan. Emma C. Hoockey died prior to 1851 in Nansemond County, Virginia, and Lucy Jordan died prior to 1851 in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Reference was made to several grandchildren of Joseph Godwin, but their names were not designated.
A claim for "half pay" under the Act of July 5, 1832, on account of the service of Lieutenant Joseph Godwin, Virginia State Navy, was allowed from April 22, 1783 until the date of his death, and was paid to James H. Godwin of Nansemond County, Virginia, administrator of the estate of said Lieutenant Joseph Godwin, for the benefit of the heirs, whose names were not stated.
In 1851, one George Godwin was of Nansemond County, Virginia, no relationship to family shown.
The papers on file in the claim contain no further discernible data in regard to family.
You enclosure in regard to service of Joseph Goodwin, by Brian Newgate is returned herewith
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrator
Their last [illegible] was typed in original Norfolk [illegible]
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Joseph Goodwin
handed
Com
11 April 1851
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allowed
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(stamp) PORTSMOUTH Va. APR 38
M
Evans
Va for hay Card
Sien"5
Joseph Godwin
FREE
James E. Heath Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
Dist. Columbia
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July 31, 1939
BA-J/AWF
Joseph Godwin
R. 53
Mrs. Pauline G. Mills
505 Avenue C - N. W.
Childress, Texas
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letters of recent date in which you request information relative to Joseph Godwin, Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 53.
You were furnished January 27, 1939, the record of Joseph Godwin, as found in papers on file in pension claim, R. 53, based upon his service in the Virginia State Navy. There are not further discernible data in regard to the family of Joseph Godwin, other than was furnished you at that time.
The Revolutionary War pension and bounty land [illegible strike overs] have not been transferred to the Archives Building, this city.
Very truly yours
G. H. SWEET
Acting Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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December 23, 1938
BA-J/AWF
Joseph Godwin
R. 53
Mrs. J.B. Sanford
Talladega
Alabama
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Joseph Godwin, Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, War of the Revolution.
The data which follow were obtained from claim for pension, R. 53, based upon the service of Joseph Godwin in the Revolutionary War
The date and place of birth of Joseph Godwin are not given, nor are the names of his parents stated.
Joseph Godwin of Barrett's Neck on the Nansamond River, in Nansemond County, Virginia, served as lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, dates of appointment and discharge not stated.
He died March 3, 1821 in Nansemond County, Virginia, leaving two children: Emma C. Godwin who .married Stephen T. Hoockey, and Lucy Godwin who married Richard Lawson, and after his death, married Isaac or Isam Jordan. Emma C. Hoockey died prior to 1851, in Nansemond County, Virginia, and Lucy Jordan died prior to 1851, in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Reference was made to several granchildren of Joseph Godwin, but their names were not designated.
A claim for "half pay" under the Act of July (7 crossed out) 5,
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1832, on account of the service of Lieutenant Joseph Godwin, Virginia State Navy, was allowed from April 22, 1783 until the date of his death, and paid to James H. Godwin of Nansemond County, Virginia, administrator of the estate of said Lieutenant Joseph Godwin, for the benefit of the heirs, who names were not stated.
In 1851, one George Godwin was of Nansemond County, Virginia, no relationship to family shown.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
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Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
ASF:MLB
October 13, 1930
Mrs. Joseph Mott
501 North Illinois Avenue
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Dear Madam:
You are advised that this bureau is unable to furnish the history of a soldier of the Revolutionary War unless a claim for pension or bounty land has been made to the United States on account of his services.
A careful search of the records fails to show such a claim on file on account of the services of any Septimus Goodwin or Godwin.
You are furnished herewith the history of the only Joseph Godwin or Goodwin, who served with the Virginia troops, that is found on the Revolutionary War records of this bureau:
It appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, R. 53, that Joseph Godwin of Barrett's Neck, on Nansemond River, Nansemond County, Virginia, served as a lieutenant of the Virginia State Navy, dates of appointment and discharge not stated. His age is not given.
He died March 3, ^ died Nansemond Co Vir., 1821, in Nansemond County, Virginia, leaving two children: - Emma C. who married Stephen T. Hoockey, and Lucy, widow of Richard Lawson, who afterwards married Isaac ^or Isam Jordan, both of whom died prior to 1851, Lucy d Perts.   several Tich-
A claim for "half pay" under the Act of July 5, 1832, for the services of Lieutenant Joseph Godwin, was allowed April 22, 1783, to the date of his death, and paid to James H. Godwin, administrator, for the benefit of his heirs, whose names are not designated. 
Very truly yours
E. W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner
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February 10, 1910.
IS
Mrs. H. E. Wall,
f 409 Buffalo Street,
Farmville, Va.
Madam:
In reply to your letter dated the 24" and received the 25" ultimo, you are advised that from the papers in claim R. File no. 53, it appears that Joseph Godwin of Barrett's Neck, on Nansemond river, Nansemond County Virginia, served as a Lieutenant of the Virginia ^state Navy in the Revolutionary War, dates of appointment and discharge not stated. His age is not stated; he died march 3, 1831, in Nansemond County, Virginia, leaving two children; Emma C. who married Stephen T. Hoockey and Lucy, widow of Richard Lawson, who ^afterwards married Isay Jordan, all ^both of whom died prior to 1851.
A claim for "half pay" under the Act of July 5, 1832, or the services of Lieut. Joseph Godwin, was allowed from April 22, 1783 to the date of his death, and paid to James H. Godwin, administrator, for the benefit of his heirs, whose names are not (stated crossed out) designated.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
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505 Ave. C. NW.
Childress Tex
July 24 1939
Veterans Administration
Washington D.C.
Mr. A. D. Hiller
(stamp)  RECEIVED JUL 27 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV Reader No. 16
VETS ADM (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 11
Gentlemen:
In reply to your letter of January 27, 1939: Refer to BA-J/AWF Joseph Godwin R. 53
Will you please search papers on file in claim for pension R. 53. Are the name of his wife or son's shown?
This information or any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance for your attention in this I remain, Yours very truly,
Mrs. Pauline G. Mills
505 Ave. C -NW.
Childress Tex.
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505 Ave. C-NW
Childress Tex.
July 10- '39
Pension Bureau.
Archives Building
Washington D.C.
(stamp) RECEIVED JUL 13 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV
VETS ADM READER # 4 (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 10
Gentlemen:
The Virginia Historical Society suggest that it is possable (possible) that you may get me a certified copy of the "Will of Joseph Godwin.
I also note there were papers on file for claims for pension R. 53 based upon his service in the Virginia State Navy, War of the Revolutionary. (Revolution).
I would appreciate a copy of these papers.
Statements concerning the Revolutionary service of Joseph Godwin aside from general statements that he served in the Virginia State Navy, found in these papers, are those printed on pages 19 and 20 of Brumbaugh's book. These are a pay roll dated July 30, 1776 for the Brig LIBERTY showing that he came
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on board that vessel on June 12, 1776 as a Midshipman, and Captain Barron's affidavit as to his general service.
The LIBERTY, to which he may be remained attached, had the longest service of any vessel in Virginia State Navy although it too had periods of inforced (enforced) activity due to blockade. The LIBERTY captured the ship JANE in 1777 and the FORTUNATUS, tender to the Frigate EMERALD in 1779. 
Later the vessel was sunk in the Nansemond River to evade Capture. 
At the time of the siege of Yorktown in the fall of 1781, it was raised and used with all other available craft to transport troops and provisions. One of the affidavits, signed by Stephen Wright a former ensign in the Continental Army, declares that Lieutenant Godwin was at teis time employed with Lieutenant John Archer of Virginia Navy in transporting troops from Norfolk and Portsmouth
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to York. Joseph Godwin died March 3, 1821 in Nansemond County, Virginia.
I will appreciate all the assistance you can give me or any suggestion you should make.
Yours very truly,
Mrs. Pauline Mills
(Mrs. G. W.)
(stamp) RECEIVED JUL 13 1939 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM READER #4 (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 10)
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J. B. SANFORD
SOLICITOR SEVENTH CIRCUIT
TELLADEGA, ALA. 
Nov. 12th - 38
Gentlemen:-
Will you please give me all the information you have about Joseph Goodwin. }Rev. war records { he was a lieu. in the Navy service of Va.
Thanking you for the kindness, I am, Very Sincerely
Pollie T. Sanford
(Mrs. J. B. Sanford
(stamp) RECEIVED NOV 16, 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADM READER #9 (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow point to 2)
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(stamp) RECEIVED DEC 16 1938 MAIL SUB-DIV VETS ADMS READER # 17 (numbers 1-12 around the circumference with an arrow pointing to 11)
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[Stamp]. Received Dec 16, 1938 Mail sub-div vets adm reader 17]

505 Ave. C- NW,
Childress Tex
Dec 12, 1938

United States
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington

Gentlemen:
Will you kindly search your Revolutionary War pension claims of Joseph Goodwin or Godwin as it more frequently appears, one Joseph Goodwin from Lincoln County North Carolina, and served under Cleveland, was pensioned from N.C or Tenn.
My great grandfather Joseph Goodwin served in Rev & 1812 Wars, he was in the Hourse Shoe Bend battle.  Please give the record of 1812 War.  Another Joseph Goodwin or Godwin served in the Virginia States Navy.  I got a wonderful report from D. W Knox, Captain U.S.N (ret) office-in-charge.
He suggested that it is possible that additional information
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Concerning the Revolutionary service of Joseph Goodwin might be so obtained from your office, with data in connection with a possible pension record.

I give you some information in the inclosed notes with the hope that it might give  you a lead, or assist you in identifying any material available to you, and will greatly appreciate any assistance or suggestions that you can give me.

Thanking you in advance for your attention I remain,
Yours very truly.

Mrs Pauline G. Miller
505 Ave C-N.W
Childress Tex
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Central State Teachers College
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
THE PRESIDENT''S ROOM
September 29th, 1920.
The Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
In re SEPTIMUS GOODWIN ^or Godwin Revolutionary Soldier-
Grants of Land-320 Acres on Looney's Creek
3-mi. S.E. court House Bottetourt Co. Va.
New Grant included Jas. Beals 298 Acres
(Also Augusta Co. Virginia)
   "     Rockbridge        "
Will you please give me all the records you have on file of SEPTIMUS GOODWIN, a Revolutionary Soldier, of Augusta Co., and Bottetourt Co. Virginia, son of 
In re JOSEPH GOODWIN of ENGLAND ^no Va. Recr - also of Revolutionary Record and descendant of MAJOR JAMES GOODWIN of the Revolution.
William & Mary Quarterly VT Appen. L. p. 115
Your early attention will be greatly appreciated. Thank you,
Very respectfully,
Mrs. Joseph Mott
Mrs. Joseph Mott
501 No. Illinois Avenue
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
(stamp) U. S. PENSION OFFICE N OCT 1 1930
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(stamp) RECORD DIVISION JAN 26 1910
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409 Buffalo Street
Farmville, Va.
Jan. 24, 1910
The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Please give me a full statement of the Military history of Joseph Godwin who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Joseph Godwin was a Lieutenant in the Va. State Navy.
I will thank you very much for an early reply.
Very Truly Yours
Mrs. H. E. Wall
(stamp) U. S. PENSION OFFICE JAND 25 1910
(stamp) JAN 25 1910
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No. 3 3
(ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 1871. crossed out)
(WAR OF 1812. crossed out)
3130
[illegible] of
Joseph Godwin
Lieut.
Va Navy
Revolution
Discharged       , 18  .
11-0
4030
Admitted
Hf. Pay ----Act '32
Received June , 18(7 overwritten) 57
Attorney.
53
1910 Feb 10, Hist. to Mrs. H. E. Wall - C
1930- Oct. 13 - "    " Mrs. Joseph Mott AMY
1938. Dec. 23 "      "  Mrs. J. B. Sanford 
1939 - Jan 27 "      "   Pauline G. Mills
1939- July 31 - Mrs. Pauline G. Mills
adv. no fur data ANY
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Joseph Godwin
Lt. Va. State Navy
Claim for commutation
Act 5 July 1832
James Murdaugh
Atto
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James E. Heath Esqr
Portsmouth Va. Sept. 23rd 1852
Comr. of Pensions
Inclosed is a power of attorney from James H. Godwin late sheriff of Nansemond County, and committee of the estate of Joseph Godwin deceased who was a Lieut. in the Virginia State Navy during the War of the Revolution, authorizing me to receive the commutation Pay & Interest thereon for the services rendered in the War of Revolution- I need only refer you to the papers in your office, upon which Half Pay for life was allowed by you- which amount is to be deducted from the Commutation & Interest. I shall write to Vespasion Ellis, Esqr to attend also to this claim for me, so you will permit him to examine the papers &c and do every thing in relation to the allowance of this claim.
Yours REspectfully
James Murdaugh
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Half Pay
James Murdaugh
Jany. 2/57
Joseph Godwin
James E. Heath Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Washington City
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Portsmouth Va. July 2nd 1851
James E. Heath Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
I expect to leave to Richmond tomorrow morning, and from thence I contemplate going over to Washington on Thursday, and shall arrive there that evening- and permits me to ask as a special favour, for you to take on friday, the case of Lieutenant Joseph Godwin, and decide it. Then will be filed additional evidence filed between this and then- and if after reading the evidence you shall have the least doubt about allowing the claim, I shall be much disappointed. The parties interested int his claim, an exceedingly poor Though very respectable, & and are very anxious to have it adjudicated, being sanguine of its allowance, and it will be matter of great personal accommodation to me, to have it decided, and I therefore hope my request will be granted.
Yours Respectfully
James Murdaugh
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Joseph Godwin
Va State Navy
Adm 26h" June 1851.
from 22d April 1783
to 3d March 1821.
Page 31

Pension Office
June 26th 1851.
I certify that I have examined the Claim of the administer of Joseph Godwin deceased, a Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, in the Revolutionary War, under the act of July 5th 1832 I find that said Godwin was entitled to half pay as Lieutenant from the 22d April 1783, when the war ended, to the 3d day of March 1821, when he died, at the rate of one hundred & eighty two Dollars and fifty cents per year (or fifty cents per day) & which amount is payable to James Murdaugh Esqr. Attorney in fact for the administrator of said Joseph Godwin deceased
Approved
JE Heath, Comr.
Secretary of the Interior
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James E. Heath Esqr
Comr of Pensions
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Portsmouth April 23re 1851
Dr Sir
Agreeably to the Regulations of the Department of the Interior inclosed you will find the affidavits of two gentlemen, proving that Lieut. Joseph Godwin of the Virginia State Navy, was domiciled in the County of Nansemond, and that his death occurred in the said County - and also the names & residences of his heirs &c which I deem all sufficient to comply with the regulations which are very proper and wise.
Yours Respectfully
James Murdaugh
James E. Heath Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
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Nansemond County to wit
This day Joseph Holladay personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid, and made oath, that he was acquainted with Joseph Godwin, who it was reputed to have been in the naval service of Virginia during the War of the Revolution (of his services he knows nothing except by reputation, for that he the said Joseph Holladay is only in the 62nd year of age) that the said Joseph Godwin lived and died in the County of Nansemond, he lived in that part of the County called Barrotts neck on Nansemond River, and he resided from the residence of the said Joseph Holladay about eight miles - that the said Joseph Godwin resided in the County of Nansemond was since he could remember, and died int he said said County of Nansemond- That the said Joseph Godwin died leaving two children Emma C. who married Stephen T. Hoockey, and Lucy Jordan then Lucy Lawson a widow, who remarried Isam Jordan & the said Isam died leaving the said Lucy widowed, [illegible] that the said Emma C. Hoockey has died since, leaving her husband Stephen T. Hoockey surviving her - and that the said Emma C. Hoockey lived and died in the County of Nansemond, and the said Stephen T. Hoockey her husband still resides in the said County - That Ludy Jordan removed to the Town of Portsmouth and died there. Given under my hand and seal this 19th day of April 1851.
Nathl. Riddick JP  est (circled)
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Nanasemond County to wit
This day George Godwin personally appeared before me a justice of the peace in and for the said County and made oath, that he was well acquainted iwth Joseph Godwin (of the County of nansemond now deceased) who was reputed to have been in the Navy during the War of the Revolution. That the said Jospeph Godwin always during his remembrance resided in the County of Nansemond, until the period of his death, and that he died in the said County, he resided and died on his farm situated on Nansemond River, in that portion of the County commonly called and known as Burnott's Neck. That the said Joseph Godwin died leaving two children, Emma C. Godwin, and Lucy Lawson who was a widow - That the said Emma C. Godwin married Stephen T. Hoockey of the said county, and died int he said County leaving the said Stephen T. Hoockey her husband surviving her, and who is now residing in the said County - That the other daughter Lucy Lawson who was the widow of Richd. Lawson, after the death of her father Joseph Godwin, married one Isaac Jordan, that the said Isaac Jordan died leaving his wife Lucy surviving him, that who afterwards removed to the Town of Portsmouth, where she died, (leaving granddaughter she married James [illegible] of crossed out) the County of Norfolk, (and who then died leaving the said James E. [illegible] her husband surviving her, crossed out) and ^leaving several grandchildren as he believes. Given under my hand and seal this 19th day of April 1851.
Nathl. Reddick  J.P.
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State of Virginia}
County of Nansemond}  SS
I, Joseph Prentis, Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above mentioned, do hereby certify that Nathaniel Riddick, whose signature appears to the writings hereto annexed, is and was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace in and for the County ^and State aforesaid, fully commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit; and that the aforesaid County Court is a Court of record.~
Given under my hand and seal of office at my office this 21st day of April AD 1851.
Joseph Prentis, Clerk