Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 17187, Samuel Watson, S.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
S.C.
Watson, Samuel
Born in Penn.
CONTENTS

NUMBER 
S 17187
carded
Page 2

[left side of page]
See letter Oct 19 
1835 to J. J. Basey

[right side of page]
Missouri 20288
Samuel Watson
of [illegible] in the State of Mo
who was a Pri,  in the Company commanded
by Captain [illegible] of the Regt. commanded
by Co. [illegible] in the So. Carolina
line for [2 lines illegible]
==
Inscribed in the Roll of [illegible]
at the rate of 90 Dollars - Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
===
Certificate of Pension issued the 28th day of April 
and
[illegible]
===
Arrears to the 4th of  285.00
Semi-anl. allowance ending [illegible]  47.51
$332.51
==
{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by J.T. Sprague Clerk,
Book [illegible]  Vol. 8 Page [illegible]
Page 3

State of Missouri
County of Pike Sept. form Pike Circuit Court 1832
On this 27th day of September in the year of one thousand eight hundred and thirty two personally appeared in open court being the circuit court for said County of Pike now Sitting Samuel Watson resident of the said County of Pike in the State of Missouri aforesaid aged Seventy Eight 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 under the following named officers and served as hereinafter stated
that in the year 1775 - he the said Samuel Watson  enrolled himself as a volunteer in Col Neel's regiment of Militia under General Pickins against the Cherokee Indians until the campaign ended
and in the year 1776 enrolled himself again as a volunteer against the same nation of Indians
and served until they were subdued having  engaged in a bloody battle with those Indians then known as the battle of the black hole - -
that he served in the same regiment in Capt Henry's Company he being lieutenant of said
company - in the year 1777 he entered the service of his country as a volunteer in Col Brattans regiment of Militia under Genl Sumpter for the term of one year or upwards and from the end of that period he served under different officers in Genl Green's army -sometimes as an officer but principally as a private - still as a volunteer under the command of Militia officers and found his own horse and accoutrements until the end of the war.-
He further states that he did on the 5th day of February 1829 file his declaration in the circuit Court for the County of Pike Missouri with a view to procure a pension under the several acts of Congress passed in the month of March
Page 4

1818 May 1820 and March 1823 which said
Declaration having as he believes been duly sworn to
was soon after forwarded to the Pension office at
the City of Washington and with it his written
evidences of his services such as discharges &
which are now reffered to as part and parcel
of this application they being as he is informed
on file at Washington as aforesaid that when he
entered the service of his country he was a citizen
of the District of York in the State of South Carolina
that while he was doing the service
aforesaid he knew several officers of the regular
troops stationed, and doing service in that country
and the said Samuel Watson in answer to questions 
propounded to him by the Court doth solemnly 
swear. Question by the Court where and
in what year were you born. Answer I was
born in the County of York in the State of Pennsylvania 
on the 12th day of August 1754. Question
have you any record of your age. If so where
is it- Answer my age is recorded in my
Fathers old family record and the record is
now in my possession. Question where were
you living when called into the service; where
have you lived since the revolutionary war and
where do you now live. Answer was living in
the district of York in the State of South Carolina
 I continued to reside in that district
untill about the year 1807. When I removed to
the state (then territory of Missouri) I have ever
since resided where I now do in Pike County
Mo. Question. How were you called into the
service, were you drafted did you volunteer
or were you a substitute, and if a substitute 
for whom. Answer- The officers of the
State called on the citizens to defend their country
in those times against the invasion of the
common enemy. I volunteered  my services
Page 5

of the agency of any State or (if any) only
on that of the agency of the State of South
Carolina.
Sam.  Watson
Sworn to and subscribed the day and
year aforesaid in open Court
Levi Pettibone Clerk Circuit Court

We Frederick B Leach and Joseph Barye clergymen 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church
residing in the County of Pike and State of Missouri
hereby certify that we are well acquainted 
with Samuel Watson Senr. who has subscribed
and sworn to the above and foregoing Declaration
that we believe him to be about seventy eight
years old that he is reputed and believed in
the neighbourhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the Revolution and that
we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed )
the day and year aforesaid )
in open Court )
Levi Pettibone Clerk Circuit Court )
Joseph J Barye 
Frederick B Leach

We James McElwee and John Watson residing
in the County of Pike Missouri hereby certify
that we have known Samuel Watson who
has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration
for more than fifty years that we believe him
to be seventy Eight years old that we knew him
in the district of York in the State of South Carolina
that he was there, and is in the
neighbourhood where he now resides reputed
and believed to have been a soldier of the
Revolution and there we concur in that opinion
and I the said James McElwee do hereby
further certify there the said Samuel Watson
Page 6

as stated in my Declaration never was
drafted nor was I ever a substitute for
any person. Question State the names of some
of the regular officers who were with the troops
where you served; such continental and militia
regiments as you can recollect and the general
circumstances of your services-- Answer I
recollect Col Sumpter who was in the regular
service he was afterwards elected Genl of the
Militia I recollect Col Morgan who was attached
to Greens army. I have no personal acquaintance 
with any other officers of the regular army.
I recollect one regiment that was of the Maryland
line and and the other regiment was of the Pennsylvania
line the officers I do not remember.
These two regiments were attached to General
Greens army. As to the general circumstances
my services I have detailed them in my
Declaration. Question Did you ever receive a
discharge from the service, and if so by whom
was it given and what has become of it.
Answer. I received two or three discharges
from the service. These discharges were signed
by Col Bratton, Capt Moffet and Capt
Richd Saddler. These discharges were forwarded
to the City of Washington some time ago with
a former Declaration made by me. Question
state the name of persons to whom you are
known in your present hughbourhood and
who can testify as to your character for veracity
and their belief of your services as a soldier
of the revolution. Answer I am known to
the Rev F.B. Leach & Revd Joseph Barye and
John Watson and James McElwee you can
testify as to my character for veracity.
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension
or annuity except the present and declares
that his name is not on the pension roll
Page 7

was a soldier in the same company in the year
1776 to which I was attached the Company commanded 
by Capt Wm Byers whose company belonged
to Col Neels regiment that I was with him
at the battle of the black hole as described by
him he rendered important services on the
occasion. That he the said Walton belonged
to the same company to wit Capt Moffets
Company of Militia and were engaged together
in a battle fought with a capt Hook where
Hook was defeated, and I further certify
from my own personal knowledge of services
rendered by said Watson that in the days of
the revolutionary struggle the time when all
then were required to take part, the said Same
Watson was ever ready to serve his country
and do his duty and I have no doubt but
that he rendered the services for his country set
out in the foregoing declaration.
Sworn and subscribed to in )
open Court the day and )
year aforesaid )
Levi Pettibone Clerk Circuit Court- )
John ^his mark^ Watshon
James McElwee

And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion
after the investigation of the matter and after
putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War
Department that the above named applicant
was a Revolutionary soldier and served as he states
and the Court further certifies that it appears to them
that Frederick B Leach and Joseph Barye who have
signed the preceeding certificate are clergyman resident
in said County of Pike and that John Watson and
James McElwee who have also signed this certificate 
are residents of the said County of Pike are creditable
persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
P.H. McBride Sole Judge
2nd Ind: Cir Mo.
Page 8

State of Missouri )
County of Pike )ss
 I Levi Pettibone Clerk of the Circuit Court for the County of Pike in the
Second Judicial Circuit in the State of Missouri by order of the Judge of said Court.
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court
at the September Term A.D. 1832, in the matter of the application of Samuel
Watson for a pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed
the seal of said Court at Bowling Green in said County of Pike
this twelfth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty two.
Levi Pettibone Clerk Circt Court
[physical seal affixed]
Page 9

30.622
Samuel Watson
Missouri
Adm.
1 year 6 months Cav.
6 Months Infantry
S. Rogers
Bowling Green
Missouri
Page 10

State of Missouri )
County of Pike )ss
On this Second day of April in
the year Eighteen hundred and thirty four personally 
appeared in open court before the Justices of said
Court being the County Court within and for said
County of Pike now Siding Samuel Watson
aged Eighty years on the 12th day of August
next, 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
under the following named officers and served as
herein stated.
That in the month of January in the year
1776. he volunteered as a private in a Company
of South Carolina Militia in the district of York
in said State of South Carolina commanded by John
Moffit the other officers of the Company he does
not remember. The company commanded by said
Capt John Moffit was attached to a regiment
of Militia commanded by Col Thomas Neall
of the said district. Those troops were soon marched
to the Tyger River with a view to break up
an encampment of tories said to have assembled
at that place, under the direction and command
of one Fletcher. Upon the arrival of the troops
under command of Neall as aforesaid the Tories
surrendered themselves prisoners and were marched
under guard to a place he thinks called Waynesborough.
The troops under command of said Col.
Neall were discharged and returned home soon
afterwards. This service he states occupied
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for two months.
Afterwards in the month of May or June in
the year 1776 in York District South Carolina he
again enrolled himself in a Company of Militia
as a private which company was commanded
by William Henry. This company was attached
to a regiment commanded by Col Neall. There
was a major Ross belonging to said Regiment.
He remember the Captains of two other Companies
of said Regiment to wit Brandon and
Black. The other officers of the regiment he
does not recollect, the regiment under command 
of the said Neall marched to a place called
Fort Indendence on or near the Savannah 
river in District Nninty Six and thence
directed as movements against the Cherokee
Indians at a place on [illegible] River a
number of other troops meet them from other places
the whole army was then under command of
Genl. Williamson. But the principal duties
of Command however was performed by
Col. Pickens of the South Carolina Militia. The
whole army was then marched to a place called
the Middle Settlements. They were met by troops
from North Carolina. soon after the army
was marched to the Cherokee Nation and at a
place called the Black Hole was engaged in a
severe battle with the Indians and beat them.
In a few days the army was marched to
another place in the Cherokee Nation called and
known as the Valley Towns, and was for some
an engaged in destroying the houses and corn
of the Indians. This happened he thinks in the
month of September or October of that year. In a
few days the army was marched to another
town in the nation called Frogtown and there
Page 12

succeded in capturing a number of Indians
without much difficulty, who were marched
off as prisoners into the settlements what disposition 
was made of those prisoners he does not
recollect. The army returned home and was
discharged. This service he states to the best of
his knowledge occupied the space of four
months.
Afterwards in the month of December he thinks
the same year 1776 in said district of York in
South Carolina. He again volunteered as a
private in a company of Militia commanded
by Capt Richard Saddler and was attached to
regiment command by the aforesaid Col.
Neall. Those troops were marched to the frontier
settlements as a guard as he thinks to the
settlers and was stationed on a river called
Tugaloo, a branch of the Savannah, where they
remained a short time and was thence marched
to Fort Independence and there discharged in
cold weather he thinks last of February. this
service occupied the space of two months.
Afterwards in the month of March as he
now thinks in the year 1777 in said district
of York in South Carolina he again enrolled
himself as a private in a company of volunteers
commanded by Capt John Moffitt the
company was attached to the regiment commanded
by a Col Brattan. Those troops were horsemen
or mounted troops and were marched from
York district to a place called Rocky mount
with a view to rout a party of British and
Tories assembled at that place. At that place
he was engaged in a battle at which time the
troops under command of Col Brattan were
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defeated by the British and Tories. During the
engagement Lieutenant Col Neall was killed
and another officer belonging to Brattans regiment
by the name of Leaper was mortally wounded with
several privates. As soon after this engagment
as the troops collected together Col Brattan directed
Capt Moffit to raise as many volunteers
as he could with a view specially to rout
a gang of Tories assembled in the neighborhood
of Kings Mountain. He went with Capt
Moffit in the futher hope. When they
had reached the neighborhood of the Tories not
being on their guard were surprised by them
and a considerable engagement ensued in
which he had his horse shot down from
under him. They succeeded however in putting
the Tories to flight and pursued them to an
almost impenitable cane brake and left
them. And immediately returned to the balance
of the troops with Col Brattan who
were then encamped on a creek he thinks
called Clams creek, at this place there had
assembled a good many volunteers some from
Georgia who were commonly called refugees
this place was selected as a place of greater safety
from the Tories than any other known. At the time
and the place from which several important
sorties were made during these times-- In a
short time he does not remember how long,
the troops under command of Col Brattan
the company of Capt Moffit among them crossed
over the Catawba River leaving a number
of troops at [illegible] creek and marched a
distance of twenty Eight or thirty miles in
the dead of night and early next morning
had an engagement with a party of British
Page 14

and tories under command of a British officer
whose name was Hook and defeated them.
This engagement was called Hooks defeat and
tho thinks Hook was killed and several others
also among them a Tory Col whose name
was Cunningham - He further says that
not long after this period the precise time
he cannot recollect Capt Moffits Company
he among them joined Genl Sumpter and
remained with Sumpter a long time. Owing
and performing many service for his country
against the British and tories during the
service with Sumpter he was engaged in a
battle fought a [illegible] church being still
in the company of Capt Moffit and defeated
the British. He says further that said Company
of Moffits remained under the command
 of Sumpter. Some times with him and at other
times engaged in reconnoitering the country untill
after Sumpter was defeated and he states
that he was engaged in the battle when Sumpter
was defeated. After this defeat the troops 
dispersed in every direction each taking care
of himself. And he says these, from the time
of Hooks defeat untill Sumpters defeat he was
constantly engaged doing some sort of service
for his country and was never discharged or
returned home untill after that time except
when occasionally permitted by his officers
he would return to his fathers house by night
taking care to conceal himself in the day
time from the Tories too many of whom he
well known, this service from the best
Page 15

of his knowledge and belief he stated occupied
in the space of at least Eighteen months perhaps
more he has no means of ascertaining the time.
Afterward in the month of August in
the year 1779 as he now thinks, for he has no
means of knowing he again enrolled himself
as a private in a company of Militia under
command of Capt William Givens in the
district of York aforesaid the company was
marched up the country to the line of North Carolina
on Dan River when they were
stationed doing many services in reconnoitering
the Country by direction of General Green
who had taken command of the southern
army. He does not remember the names
of the Colonel in command. During this
service the company commanded by Capt
Givens was sent off to procure a supply of
salt and other articles for Greens army and
while they were gone he distinctly remembers
then the battle of Guilford was fought. He was
not engaged in any battle during this service.
Soon after this time the troops under Capt
Givens claimed there their time of service had
expired and they were discharged. This service
he believes occupied the space of six months.
Afterward in the begining of the year
1780 to the best of his knowlege in the County
of Charlotte in Virginia he again volunteered
as a private in a company of Militia under
command of Capt Richard Hampton, he does
not remember to what or whose regiment
the Company belonged it was attached to the
army commanded by Genl Green. He reenrolled
in this company in Camp mostly
doing only such services as was required
Page 16

by his officers near Little York until peace
was concluded. When he was discharged by
said Hampton and returned home. During this
service he was not in any engagement.
And he now states there having set out
the foregoing service, from his great bodily
infirmity and extreme old age and the consequent
loss of his memory it is possible that he has
mistook the dates of his several tours of service
but that about the persons mentioned he and
and for his country the services mentioned
he is positively certain. He states further
that in the month of February 1829, he made
application for a pension and with his declaration 
made at that time he found did all
the written evidence he had of his services
which consisted of two or more discharges
given by the officers under whom he served.
His claim as he was hold was rejected by
the war department since which time he
knows nothing of his papers. Again in the
fall of the year 1832 he made another application
 for a pension under the act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832, and forwarded his declaration 
with such evidence as he could procure
after was by some months he was told that
his papers were in some way defective and that
they had been delivered over to Hon Thomas W
Benton to be returned for amendment and
having endeavoured ineffectually to procure the
papers procured a friend to apprise the commissioner 
of Pensions of that fact, and to ask
what course should be pursued by him & was
told for answer that no better place seemed
to suggest itself than to make a new
application. and accordingly in the
Page 17

fall of the year 1833 he made out a new
Declaration and forwarded  the same to the
commissioner of Pensions at Washington
and having patiently waited untill last
month March; was informed by Hon
William Ashley that his papers had not
reached the Department of War, he cannot
account for the strange fatality that seems
to hang over his application for a pension
he is not conscious that there is on earth an
individual disposed to do him the least harm
consequently he censures no man.
And in answer to questions propounded
by the Court he says that he was born in
the County of York in the State of Pennsylvania Aug 12th
in the year 1754.
He has a record of his age in a family
Bible that belonged to his Father.
He was living in the district of York in
the State of South Carolina when he was
called into the service after the revolutionary
war he continued to reside in said
district untill the year 1809 when I
removed to Missouri where I now reside.
I voluntered into the service of my Country at
all the times mentioned I never was a substitute. 
He cannot state that there was any
regular officers with the troops when he served
until his service in the army of General
Green while in the company of Capt.
Givens and Hampton. He remembers the
names of Col Washington, Col Lee, Genl Morgan
and Genl Sumpter.
The general circumstances of his services
as well as he can remember them are
set forth in the foregoing Declaration.
Page 18

He says that he received the written discharges
from the service one given by Capt Henry
another by Capt Sadler and one by Capt Hampton.
They were all presented to the war department
in 1829 as before stated. Since that time he knows
nothing of them or what has become of them
He is known to James W Campbell and
John W Barye of his
present neighborhood who can testify to his
character for veracity and their belief of
his services as a soldier of the Revolution.
He is known also to John Watson who
has some knowledge of his services and
who will testify what he does know.
And he further states that he has no
documents in his possessing which to prove
his service and that he knows of no person
whose testimony as to his services he can procure
except said John Watson and one
James Jordan whose certificate he
sends herewith. Tho the same for want of
proper authentication he fears will be of
but little service the deponent resides
in the State of Illinois out of his reach.
He hereby relinquishes every claim
whatever to a pension or annuity except
the present and declares there his name is
not on the pension Roll of any State or of any
only on that of the agency of the State of South Carolina.
Saml Watson

Sworn to and subscribed 
the day and year aforesaid
in open Court
Attest M. J. Noyes, Clerk
Page 19


Me James W Campbell a clergyman
of the Presbyteran Church residing in
the County of Pike in the State of Missouri
and John W Barye residing
in the same County and state hereby
certify that we are well acquainted with
Samuel Watson who has subscribed 
and sworn to the above declaration
that we believe him to be Eighty years
of and in August next as he states
that he is reputed and believed in the
neighborhood where he resides to have
been a soldier of the revolution and
that we concur in that opinion.
James W. Campbell
Jno. W Barye

Sworn and subscribed
in open Court 2nd day 
of April 1834 aforesaid
Attest M. T. Noyes Clerk
Page 20

John Watson a resident citizen of the
County of Pike in the State of Missouri appeared
in open Court on this 2nd day of April
1831 and being duly sworn upon his
oath says that during the revolutionary war
he resided in the district of York in the
State of South Carolina that he distinctly
remembers that Samuel Watson who has
subscribed and sworn to the forgoing declaration 
was a soldier in the army of
the United States for a long time the
the precise length of time he cannot state
with certainly nor can he state in whose
company he served except that he knows
that during the war  the
said Samuel Watson belonged to and
done service in Capt Moffits company of
said district of York the deponent says
that he was during the war very young
and consequently cannot state particulars
as to the services of said Samuel Wasson but
he states there from the opinion of the neighbors
in York District who were of more advanced
which he often heard  expressed after the
war he has no doubt but their said
Samuel Watson served as he states. The
opinion of those who knew of his services
which he has heard expressed ever since the war
confirms him in this opinion. The said Samuel
Watson is uncle to the deponent.
John ^his X mark^ Watson

Subscribed & sworn to in open Court
April 2nd A.D. 1834, 
Attest M. J. Noyes Clerk
Page 21

And the said Court does hereby
declare their opinion after the investigation 
of the matter and after pulling
the interrogatories prescribed by the war
Department that the above named
applicant was a revolutionary soldier
and served as he states, and the Court
further certifies that it appears to them
there James W Campbell who has
signed the preceeding certificate is a
clergyman residing in the County of
Pike Missouri and that John W
Barye who has also signed the same
is a resident of the same County
and state & are persons in credit and
that their statement is entitled to full
credit.
And the Court further certifies
that John Watson a resident of said
County of Pike who has subscribed
and sworn to the foregoing certificate
is a credible person and that his
said statement is entitled to credit
William Stephenson )
Thomas McQueen )
Thos. Kerr ) Justices of Circuit

State of Missouri )
County of Pike ) ss
Michael J. Noyes Clerk 
of the County Court within and for the
Page 22

County of Pike in the State of Missouri
do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
the original proceedings of the said Court
in the matter of the application of
Samuel Watson for a pension
In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of Office
this second day of April
Eighteen hundred and thirty
four
M. J. Noyes Clerk
[physical seal affixed]
Page 23

BRIEF in the case of Samuel Watson Senr.
of Pike County in the State of Missouri
(Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?
A court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?
---
3. How old is he? 78 years
4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed.
[1st column]
Period.
In 1775 -
1777

[2nd column]
Duration of Service.
Years,  Months,  Days.
not stated
1 year upwards
often that period served
under different officers to
end of the War.

[3rd column]
Rank.
As a
Lieutenant
Private
Some times
as an officer 
but principally
as a private

[4th column]
Names of General and Field Officers
under whom he served.
Gen.
Col. Neals Regt., Capt. Henry, Genl. Pickens
Col. Bratton. Genl. Sumpter

5. In what battles was he engaged? Battle of the Black hole with the Indians
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? York District South Carolina
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
a living witness & traditionary evidence
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect
No.
I Certify  that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above
mentioned.
B.F. Pleasants Examining Clerk.
Page 24

Know all men by these presents that I
David Watson of Pike County Missouri
do hereby constitute and appoint Charles
C. Tucker of Washington City DC
my true and lawful Attorney and
agent to prosecute the claim of
Samuel Watson Dec for any amount
of Revolutionary Pension increase
of Pension that may be due under the
provisions of the act of ---
or any other act or Resolution of Congress
and I hereby authorize my said Attorney to
examine all papers and documents in relation
to said claim on file in the Department at
Washington City or elsewhere to file additional
certificates or arguments and to file the certificate 
which may be issued for said claim
and to appoint one or more substitutes under
him for the purposes herein expressed and to do
all things that I might or could do were I personally 
present. Hereby ratifying and confirming
all that my said Attorney may lawfully
do in the premises. Witness my hand and
seal this 26th day of May 1854.
David Watson {seal}
in presence of
[illegible signature]
[illegible signature]

State of Missouri )
County of Pike )ss
On this day May 1854
before me a Justice of the
Peace in and for the County and State above mentioned
personally appeared David Watson and acknowledged 
the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act
and deed for the purposes therein mentioned.
Given under my hand  [illegible signature]
Page 25

State of Missouri )
County of Pike )ss
On this 26th day of May 1854 before
me the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace
in and for the County and State aforesaid personally
appeared David Watson a resident of said County
who made oath according to the law that he is
the identical David Watson who executed the foregoing
power of Attorney and that he is directly
interested in said claim and makes this affidavit
to be filed with such additional evidence or
arguments as my said Attorney may use in 
prosecuting said claim
D. Watson
Sworn to a subscribed before
the day & year above written
George W. Goodlander
Justice of the Peace

State of Missouri )
County of Pike )ss
I Samuel F. Murray Clerk of
the the Pike County Court do hereby certify that
George W Goodlander before whom the foregoing
affidavit and acknowledgement were made and
who has thereunto signed his name was at the time
of so doing a Justice of the Peace in and for
the county and state aforesaid duly and commissioned
and sworn and that all his official acts
as such are entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
name and affixed my official seal this
6th day of June 1859
S. F. Murray
Clerk
Page 26

17.187
INVALID
File No. 17.187
Samuel Watson
[illegible]
Act: June 7th 32
Index:--Vol. 1, Page 396
(Arrangement of 1870.)
Page 27

11.206
P.O.---
Saml. Watson
Service: SC ser. Mo. res.
Enlisted:---,18
REJECTED
Discharged:---, 18
Application filed:---,18
Alleges: ---
Page 28

Revy. Pension Claim
Act of June 7, 1832
Suspended Claim
Samuel Watson
(Missouri)
Power of Attorney
to examine claim

Chas. C. Tucker
Atty.
Present
Page 29

State of Illinois )
George County ) SS.
 Personally appeared James Jordan
before me George Redrick a Justice of the Peace
within and for the County aforesaid who being
by me duly sworn deposeth and sayeth that he
was well acquainted with Samuel Watson in the year
Seventeen hundred and Sixty five or about that time
and ^that he^ has known him ever since until about two years
past since which time he has not seen him. When
he first became acquainted with the said Watson
he resided in the County of York and State of South Carolina,
that he was a true American and served
as a private in the militia of the State of South Carolina
during the Revolution. That the said
Watson resided in the State of Missouri about
three years ago and he believes the said Watson
now resides in the State of Missouri.
James ^his X mark^ Jordan

Sworn to and subscribed )
before me this 24th )
day of August 1833 )
George Redrick {J.P.} )
Page 30

Saml. Watson
Page 31

J. L. Edwards, Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
Page 32

Mr J L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
D. Sir
You will find herewith
the declaration of Mr Watson about
whose case I addressed you a note a
few weeks ago having learned from
Hon W H Ashley that his last Decl. 
had not reached the Department. He
concluded to make out a new one.
This is the 4th. I hope it will meet
with a favorable examination.
Upon examining the Decl. I think
a sufficient reason will be found
for his having not applied sooner. One
Witness James McElwee whose [illegible]
was attached to one of the so many
Decl is since dead and of course cannot
I am your obt. servt.
D. Rogers
Page 33

Missouri
Revo.
---
Saml. Watson
Suspended
let. Hon. T. Benton 21
Feby, 1832

11206
Act 7 June '32
Page 34

Bowling Green, Mo.
April 5
Free
Hon. W.H. Ashley
House Representatives
Washington City, D.C.
Page 35

Bowling Green Apl 4th 1834
Hon W.H. Ashley
D. Sir
Last week Mr Samuel
Watson presented to me a letter from
you to Majr Jones of Louisiana
Mo. informing him that Mr Watsons
claim for a pension had not reached
Washington. I accordingly have drawn
up a new one this is his 4th
attempt. The Decl. Starts also to day
directed to the Pension office directly
upon examining this case it will be
seen that its a verry hard
and when the old man left my
house yesterday he pressed on
me to again trouble you with
a letter requesting your aid &
he is a worthy old man and
no doubt out to succeed this
Page 36

I hope will be a sufficient apology
I have troubled you verry much
with business. I fear I shall never
be able to reciprocate, but
when an opportunity shall offer
I will cherrfully do so. I hope
you will let me hear of the
favorable examination of the
claim as soon as you can.
Respectfully your obt. servt.
D. Rogers
Page 37

M Emardy will please allow this case & communicate 
the result to me as early
as convenient
W H Ashley

Hon W H Ashley

Mo.
Walton found
16729
Bary A. Cooper
Page 38

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which these answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of                                 Samuel Watson Senr. which require                                               further proof or explanation. 

I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides?  

Yes.

II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where 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.

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 amount of pension he is entitled? 

No  -   the term & grade of actual service in each  tour should be set forth with the precision reqd.
 by the regulations


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 39

2
XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? 

Yes ---

XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? 

------    -------    -------

XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? 

[illegible] & refer to documents on file in the War Department

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?

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? 

-------       ----------    ------


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?

Yes. 

XVI. ‡Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? 

Yes. 

XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? 

Yes.

                                                          ________________________________
                                                                     EXPLANATORY NOTES. 

*QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:

" Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; 
For _____year _____ months, and ____days,
I served as a_____ For_________months   and ______days, 
I served as a __________; and for such service I claim a pension.
Page 40

3

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service.  The use of the phrase about three or four months is too  indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.  Some persons who apply for pension merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embolied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either the field or  in garrison and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
†QUERE XIV. Proof of Service
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged.  The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers. 
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper  authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying oflicer, 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 41



old case
No

Samuel Watson Senr
waiting for papers
send to Mr Benton
21 Feby 1832

Hon  W. H. Ashley
Missouri
Page 42

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Divison of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME  Watson, Scip
pencil notation , only (Jep)

Grade Private

Line Connecticut

WARRANT
NUMBER  6657

ACREAGE  100

ISSUED   Nov. 15, 1791
to ____ not shown

*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are 
registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates.
Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800.
Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.