Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 1477, for Mitchel Porter, Virginia
Page 1

(3—1776)
SERVICE
Va.

Porter, Mitchel
Penelope

NUMBER
W. 1477

CONTENTS
Page 2

5542
Tennessee East
Mitchell Porter
[County] of Sevile [Sevier] in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Hawley of the Regt commanded by Major Campbell in the militia line for 8 months 14 days.

Inscribed on the Roll of Tennessee at the rate of 31 Dollars 54 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 11th day of Feby 1833 and sent to  Honbl Thomas J. Arnold. H of R. [House of Representatives]

Arrears to 4th of Sept. 1832  $47.31.
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar 33 $1577.
$63 08
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Francis F Franciosi Clerk, Book D Vol. 9 Page 109
Page 3

State of Tennessee on this 4th day of December 1832 Sevier County Personally appeared in open Court before Josiah Rodgers John Mullendore and John Brabsanthur of the acting Justices of the Court of Pleas and quarter sessions now sitting Mitchell Porter a resident of the said County of Sevier and state of Tennessee in the said county of Sevier and state aforesaid who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following amendment to his declaration which was made in the Circuit Court in and for said County and state and bears date July 5th, 1832 and was member in the War Department No 3063 and sent back for amendment that he was known [crossed out: was born] is the same Mitchell Porter that made the declaration above mentioned
He was born in the State of Pennsylvania in Lancaster County on the 7th of April 1759. He has no record of his age at this time. He lived at Winchester Virginia when caled [called] into the service. He removed to Botetourt County
Virginia in 1780 and lived there till the year 1800. He then removed to the said County of Sevier where he has lived ever since and still lives. He was called into service twice as a volunteer and once as a substitute. He
dose [does] not recalled the names of the regular officers who were with the troops where he served or the name of any continental or Militia regiments except what is mentioned in his dictacation [dictation.] He never got but one writen [written] discharge from the service the other two were verble [verbal]. He never received a decommission. He is known in his present neighbourhood to James Jinkins Charles Clabour Col Mirago Radgers Col Alexandria Preston Col Andrew Lawson Samuel Clabour all of whom he believes would testify that he is a man of veracity and that they believe he was a soldier of the revolution. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Mitchel Porter

Sworn to in open Court this 4th December 1832
Geo. McCown Clerk
Page 4

State of Tennessee} I George McCown Clerk of
Sevier County} said Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions in and for the said County of Sevier and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the proceedings of the said court in the matter of the amended declaration of Mitchell Porter in the case of his pension application and that the said Court is a court of record and that the above proceedings when had in open court In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of Office at Office in Sevierville this 4th day of December 1832
Geo McCown Clerk
Page 5

Date of death not on AB

Tennessee 520[illegible]
Penelope Porter
widow of Mitchell Porter, decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 3d April 1836 in Sevier Co in the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Compy commanded by Captain Hawley of the regt commanded by Major Campbell in the Virga Mila [militia] line for 8 mo

Inscribed on the Roll of Knoxville at the rate of 28 Dollars 22 Cents per annum to commence on the 3d day of Aprl. 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of March 1840, & sent to Hon. J. L. Williams House of Reps.

Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1840 $110.61
Semi=annual allowance ending 4 Sep '40 14.11
$124.72
{Act July 7, 1838.}
D. McCurdy,
[Illegible] Page 20
Page 6

4732
Penelope Porter
of Mitchell
Tennessee
Page 7

State of Tennessee} SS
Sevier County} On this fourth day of February Eighteen hundred and thirty nine Personally appeared in open Court Penelope Porter a resident of Said County of Sevier and State of Tennessee, aged about Seventy four 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 provisions made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838. entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows That she is the widow of the identical Mitchel Porter who was a private in the army of the revolution and that she does not recollect the Services performed in army by the Said Mitchel Porter But Said Mitchel Porter Decd on the 11th February 1833 was placed on the pension list at the War office of the United States upon his own declaration and accompanying evidence which declaration and evidence are now in Said office and which the department is respectfully referred She further declares that at the time he rendered the Service in the army his residence was in the County of Bottetot [Botetourt] and State of Virginia and that he obtained a pension as above stated on the 11th February eighteen hundred and thirty three and at the time he obtained said pension he lived in the County of Sevier and State of Tennessee and that the amount of the pension was thirty one Dollars and fifty four Cents per anum
The certificate of said allowance of said Mitchel Porter Deceased is herewith enclosed and sent which will afford the department the strongest evidence of the
Page 8

fact as above stated She further declares that she was married to the Said Mitchel Porter Decd. in the State of Virginia about the year Seventeen hundred and eighty five and that she was married to him by a regular minister of the gospel and that the Banes [Banns] of matrimony was published by the Said minister for three Sabbaths previous to the marriage according to the custom of that Country at that time and that she knows of no person now living by whom she could prove the marriage She further declares that the aforesaid Mitchel Porter died in April eighteen hundred and thirty six She further declares that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the Service of the United States but that the marriage took place previous to the first of January Seventeen hundred and ninety four (to wit) at the time before stated She further declares that she knows of no record as to the time the marriage took place, but that she has in her possession a family record containing the ages of her children and that from that record she finds that her oldest child was born on the 25th January Seventeen hundred an eighty six and her best recolection is that she was married just one year previous to the birth of said child which strengthens her recolection that she was married in Seventeen hundred and eighty five She further declares that she has not married since the death of the aforesaid Mitchel Porter but is still his widow and she further states that she is the only wife said Mitchel Porter ever had
Penelope x her mark Porter
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written
Attest Isaac A Miller Clk CCSC.
Page 9

State of Tennessee
Sevier County} I Isaac A Miller Clerk of the County Court of Sevier County in the state aforesaid Certify that said County Court is a court of Record; and that the foregoing Declaration, was made and sworn to in Open Court by said Penelope Porter, widow of Mitchell Porter late of said County deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, - and that Aron Crowson, a citizen of said County also appeared in open Court and swore to and subscribed the oath following, and both on [illegible] they bear date.
Given Under my hand and seal of office at Office in Seviersville this 4th day of February AD 1837.
Isaac A Miller Clerk
of the County Court of Sevier County

State of Tennessee
Sevier County} Personally appeared in open Court Aron Crowson and made oath that he has been acquainted with Mitchel Porter and Penelope Porter for about the space of thirty five years and that they lived together as husband and wife and that Mitchel Porter died about the year eighteen hundred and thirty six and that she is a woman of respectability and that she has not married since the death of said Mitchel Porter
this 4th February 1839 
Aron x his mark Crawson
Sworn to and subscribed
in Open Court on the fourth
day of February AD 1839.
attest
Isaac A Miller Clerk
Sevier County Court
Page 10

Ages of Children and (illegible)
Alexander Porter was born January the
twentififth in the year of our Lord 1786

William Porter was born September the
the twelth in the year of our Lord 1787

Elisabeth Porter was born March the eigh
teenth in the year of our Lord 1790

Ester Porter was born November the nin
teenth in the year of our Lord 1791

John W Porter was born October the 
twentininth in the year of our Lord 1793

Mary Porter was born December the (Illegible)
In the year of our Lord 17[??]

Mitchel A Porter was born November
twentininth in the year of our Lord 17[??]

Joshua M Porter was born November 
twentininth in the year of our Lord 17[??]

Decest [deceased] the twentyeighth day of June
in the sixth year of his age
Page 11

Nancy Porter was born [?] 24 [?]
In the year of our Lord 1801

Sally R Porter was born December 14th
In the year of our Lord 180[?]

James Douthet Porter was born 
April 21 in the year of our 
Lord 1805

McKindra Porter was born Fabruary [sic]
The 9th in the year of our Lord 1807
Page 12

State of Tennessee}
Sevier County}
Personally appeared Ashly Winn before me H M Thomas an acting justice of the peace for the County of Sevier in the  State of Tennessee and made oath that the  above record of the ages of the children of Mitchel Porter dec'd was taken out of a bible by him that did belong to Mitchel Porter in his life time and that the above named record has been in his possession since the death of the said Porter and that he believes it to be an original record made out by the said Porter.
Ashley Wyne
Swourn [sic] to and Subscribed  }
before me this 15th July 1839}
H M ThomasJ.P.}
Justice of the peace for Sevier County}
in the State of Tennessee

State of Tennessee}
Sevier County }
Personally appeared James P H Porter before me H M Thomas an acting Justice of the peace for the County of Sevier in the state of Tennessee and made oath that he has been personally acquainted with Ashly Winn for several years and that and that [sic] he  believes him to be a respectable citizen of this County.  
Jas P H Porter JP
Swourn [sic] to and subscribed}
this 15th day of July 1839 }
H M Thomas JP }
Justice of the peace for Sevier County }
Page 13

State of Tennessee}
Sevier County}
    I O. H. P. Hill Clerk of the County Court for said County do hereby Certify that H. M. Thomas the Signer of the foregoing affidavits is a Commissioned and sworn Justice of the peace for said county and that the same is in his own proper handwriting and that full faith and credit should be given to his official
acts as such.

Given under my hand and seal of office
at office in Sevierville this 15th day 
of July A.D. 1839

O. H. P. Hill Clerk
Page 14

3063.
Mitchele Porter
Admittd
Private 8. mo. 14 day,
$ 36$ 54cts
per annum
Page 15

BRIEF in the case of Mitchell Porter of Sevill Co in the State of Tennessee
{Act 7th June, 1832.)
1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  Open court
2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity? (check mark)
3. How old is he? 73 years
4. State his service as directed in the form annexed.
(Table with columnar headings)
Period
in 1777-
1780,.

Duration of Service.
Years,
"
"

Months,
3.
3
2
8

Days.
15.
"
15

Rank.
As a 
private
"
substitute

Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.
Gen.
Capt. Throuston
Capt. Hawley
Major Campbell

3. In what battles was he engaged? Several Skirmishes
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence or by the rolls?  one witness to the (first crossed out) second to9ur of Service - in traditionary evidence for the rest
8, Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?  Correct
X Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Francis G. Francion
Examining Clerk
Page 16

May 6, 1937
Mitchel Porter 
W. 1477
BA-J/AWF
Mr. Rufus H. Bethea 
815 Jackson Building
Birmingham, Alabama
Dear Sir: 
Reference is made to your letter in which you request The Revolutionary War record of Mitchell Porter, who received a pension, while a resident of Sevier County, Tennessee.
The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 1477, based upon the service of Mitchel Porter (as his signature is shown) in the Revolutionary War.
Mitchel Porter was born April 7, 1759 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not given.
Mitchel Porter, while a resident of Winchester, Virginia, enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served three months and two weeks in Captain Thruston’s Virginia Company, and was in a skirmish at Quibble-town, New Jersey. He moved to Botetourt County, Virginia in 1780, and served in that year, three months in Captain William Handley’s company, under Major Campbell, and was in a skirmish near Salisbury, North Carolina. He served two months in Captain Arbuckle’s company, against the Indians at Point Pleasant, dates of this service not given.
He was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, at which time he was living in Sevier County, Tennessee, having moved there from Botetourt
Page 17

County, Virginia in 1800.

     Mitchel Porter married, early in the year 1785, definite date not shown, in the State of Virginia, Penelope, her maiden name not stated.  He died April 3, 1836 in Sevier County, Tennessee.

     His widow, Penelope Porter, was allowed pension on her application executed February 4, 1839, at which time she was about seventy-four years old, and living in Sevier County.
 
     The children of Mitchel Porter and his wife, Penelope:

Alexander            born January 25, 1786
William                    "     September 12, 1787
Elisabeth                "      March 18, 1790
Ester                        "     November 19, 1791
John W.                  "     October 29, 1793
Mary                       "      December 11, 1795
Mitchel A.               "      November 29, 1797
Joshua Mc.            "      November 29, 1979, died June 28, 1803
Nancy C.                 "      December 24, 1801
Sally R.                     "     December 14, 1802
James Douthit.       "     April 21, 1805
McKindra B.             "    February 9, 1807 or 1809

      One James P. H. Porter, Jr. was in 1839 of Sevier County, Tennessee: it was not stated that he was related to the family.

                        Very truly yours

                         A. D. HILLIER
                         Executive Assistant
                         to the Administrator
Page 18

Mitchell Porter
The pension application of Mitchell Porter is amended in each particular in which it was considered deficient by the War Department.

James Hair
Page 19

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Mitchell Porter 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 he given the names of the officers under who he served, in conformity with the regulations?  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?  Yes

VI.  Has he given the names of officers under whom he served, in conformity with 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?  no device, private seal
Page 20

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?  Yes for two times (illegible)

XIV.  If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administer the oath certified that he, shoe or they are persons of credibility?  Yes

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 person knowledge of the applicant's service?  Yes

XVI.  Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct?  No. #

XVII.  Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily?  And, if not, which of them is not so answered?  The 1st 2nd part of 3rd and 4th not answered.

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, XC. A. B. who being duly sworn, deposit 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 that 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 21

                             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.

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 affidavits must be properly authenticated, as above directed.
Quere XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers:
   In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.  

 #. In every case where the clerk of the court or other certifying officer has no public seal of office the certificate of a Member of Congress proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer should be sent with the papers.
Page 22

1016 So. 30th St.
Birmingham, ALA
Nov. 25, 1933

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Gentlemen:
   Can you tell me whether a man names Mitchell Porter served in the Revolutionary War?

Yours very truly,

M. Porter Ellis
I think that he drew a pension
Page 23

Jan 3rd 1938

The Veteran's Administration 
Washington D.C.

Gentlemen,
   If you can give me a record of the services of my ancestor Mitchel Porter, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, it will be greatly appreciated.  According to a monument recently erected at his grave in Sevierville Tennessee, by the United States Government he served in
Page 24

Throuston's Virginia Company.
Thanking you in advance for this favor, I remain

Yours very truly,
Mrs. C. E. McDaniel
1911 Mignon Ave,
Memphis, Tenn
Page 25

Penelope Porter
     Tennessee

    Suspended

See [marked out: let. 21st Jan
1839 M. W. McCown
do. 12 Sep 1839
Lett & same October 18, 1839]

Act 7 July 1838
Page 26

Mitchell Porter E Ten Act 7 June 1832
          to what time pd 
             Pen Offer
                   June 21. 1839


P'd to 4th March 1836
                            SH
                died 1836
Page 27

September 12 1939 

RA-3/****/ady

Mr. Y. D. Mathos
Room 1040 A
Arlington Building
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir, 

You are furnished herewith, as requested, 
photostatic copies of original papers on file in the 
Revolutionary War claims for pension based upon service of the soldiers named below: 

Mitchel Porter W.1477 12 pages
John Wear S.1781 8 "
Alexander MCown W.3027 9 "

and osix pages of the originals thereof on file in the claim for pension, W.0.24565. based upon services of Fleming V. Mays in the War of 1812. 

Very truly yours

A. D. Miller
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 28

BA-J/ady        Rev. &1812     No. 474.

September 6, ___9.

Rev. &1812 Wars Section.

Navy Ex. 970

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Rev. War claim for pension of Mitchel Porter,

W. 1477,

                         Actual     1 of each page.

uncertified.

                           $3.00          12 pages

Kindly leave margin of 1 1/2 in. at top of each page and return papers in each case in folder with corresponding name and number. The word "omit" written in pencil on those pages which are not to be copied.

Chief, Rev. & 1812 Wars Section.

HANDWRITTEN TEXT:

List of copies [illegible], Y.D. Mathes "            "

Soldier's decl. dated July 25, 1832, last page ending "our Capt. was." Their next page "taken prisoner". The letter [illegible] sealed on: "He hereby relinquishes," etc., was turned back & omitted; the reverse side of the "taken prisoner" page was copied also = 3p. 

Sol's decl. dated Dec. 4, 1832 -- both sides of sheet = 2 p. 

Sol's ctf. jacket = 1 page.

Missus's appl. Feb. 4, 1839 with supporting [illegible] = 3 p. 

Family [illegible] with sworn statements at bottom of each page, copied all way down at one page (reverse side the same) = 2 p.

[illegible] ctf. jacket = 1 p.
___________

[illegible]
Page 29

Veterans Administration     September 6, 1939.
Washington, D.C.

Please furnish uncertified photostatic copies of 
original papers as follow: 

Mitchel Porter W. 1477 12 pages
John Wear S.1781 5 "
Alexander McCown W.3027 9 "
Fleming B. Mays W.C.24653 6 "

Very truly yours

Remitter: 
Y D Mathes
Room 1040 A 
Arlington Bldg


Recieved payment
September 6, 1939. 
Rev &1812 Wars Section. 
$8.00
msFrish
Page 30

December 13, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXX

Mitchel Porter-W.1477
BA-J/AWF

M. Porter Ellis
1015 South 30th Street
Birmingham, Alabama
Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you
request the Revolutionary War record of Mitchell Porter.
The data furnished herein were obtained from
the papers on file in pension claim, W. 1477, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Mitchel Porter.
He was born April 7, 1759 in Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania; the names of his parents are not given.
Mitchel Porter, while residing in Winchester,
Virginia, enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served
three months and two weeks as a private in Captain Throuston's Virginia company, and was in a skirmish at Quibbletown, N w Jersey. He moved to Botetourt County, Virginia and enlisted in 1780, served three months in Captain William Handley's company, under
Major Campbell, and was in a skirmish near Salisbury, North Carolina. He served two months in Captain Arbuckle's company, against the Indians at Point Pleasant, dates of this service not given.
Mitchel Porter was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, at which time he was living in Sevier County, Tennessee, having moved there in 1800, from Botetourt County, Virginia.
He married, early in the year 1785 (no definite
date shown) in the state of Virginia, Penelope, her
Page 31

maiden name not stated.
The soldier, Mitchel Porter, died April 3, 1836.
His widow, Penelope Porter, was allowed pension on her application executed February 4, 1839, then aged seventy-four years and residing in Sevier County, Tennessee

The following is a list of their children, as
shown in the claim

Alexander born January 25 1786
William     born  September 1787
Elizabeth   born  March 18 1790
Ester          born  November 19 1791
John W.     born  October 29 1793
Mary          born  December 11 (?) 1795
Mitchel A.   born  November 29 1797  
Joshua M    born  November 29 1797, died June 28, 1803
Nancy C.     born  December 24, 1801
Sally R.        born  December 14, 1802
James Douthit   born April 21 1805
McKindra B.       born February 9, 1807 or 1809

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 32

April 4, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mitchel Porter-W.1477
BA-J/AWF

Mr. Ralph G. Nichol
518 W. Atlantic Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Mitchell Porter.

The data furnished herein were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, W.1477, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Mitchel Porter.
-
He was born April 7, 1753 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania; the names of his parents are not given.

Mitchel Porter, while residing in Winchester, Virginia, enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served three months and two weeks as a private in Captain Throuston's Virginia company, and was in a skirmish at Quibbletown, New Jersey. He moved to Botetourt County, Virginia, and enlisted in 1780 and served three months in Captain William Handley's company under Major Campbell, and was in a skirmish near Salisbury, North Carolina, on the Atkin River. He served two months in Captain Arbuckle's company, against the Indians at Point Pleasant, dates of
this service not given.

Mitchel Porter was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, at which time he was living in Sevier County, Tennessee, having moved there from Botetourt County, Virginia in 1800.

Mitchel Porter married early in the year 1785,
Page 33

in the state of Virginia , Penelope, maiden name not stated.
 Mitchel Porter, died April 3, 1836. His widow, Penelope Porter, was allowed pension on her application executed February 4, 1839, then aged seventy-four years and residing in Sevier County, Tennessee
The following is a list of their children, as
shown in the claim

Alexander born January 25 1786
William born September 1787
Elizabeth born March 18 1790
Ester born November 19 1791
John W. born October 29 1793
Mary born December 11 (?) 1795
Mitchel A. born November 29 1797
Joshua M born November 29 1797, died June 28, 1803
Nancy C. born December 24, 1801
Sally R. born December 14, 1802
James Douthit born April 21 1805
McKindra B. born February 9, 1807 or 1809

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator
Page 34

July 28, 1931

Rev. 1812 Wars Section
AWF

Memorial Branch
Office of the Q. M. General
War Department
Washington D. C. 

Gentlemen:

You are advised that it appears from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 1477, that Mitchell Porter was born April 7, 1750 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

While residing in Winchester, Virginia, he enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served as a private three months and two weeks in Captain Throuston's Virginia Company, and was in a skirmish at Quibbletown, New Jersey.

In 1780 he moved to Botetourt, COunty, Virginia and served three months as private in Captain William Handley's Company under Major Campbell in the Virginia Troops and was in a skirmish near Salisbury, North Carolina on the Atkin River. He served two months in Captain Arbuckle's Virginia Company, against the Indians at Point Pleasant, dates of this service not given.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 26, 1832, at which time he was living in Sevier County Tennessee, where he had moved in 1800.

He died April 3, 1836.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

nothing came from War Dept- but "Original" appli & letter addressed
the War Dept. so all sent back beef  awf
Page 35

RUFUS H. BETHEA
815 JACKSON BUILDING
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
April 10, 1937

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.

Subject: Mitchell Porter
Revolutionary Soldier

Dear Sirs:

Please let me have complete information on the above revolutionary soldier who is recorded in 1835 as receiving a pension for service in the Revolution. Residence at that time: Sevier County, Tennessee. He is supposed to have served with Thurston's Virginia Company.

Also, let me have any records of other people who may have drawn a pension because of his service, such as: wife and daughters.

Sincerely yours,
Refus H. Bethea
Rufus H. Bethea.
RHB-mm.
Page 36

518 W. Atlantic Ave.
Knoxville, Tenn.
March 18, 1933

Commission of Pensions
Washington, D.C. 

Dear Sir, 

I desire the Revolutionary
War record of Mitchell Porter. 
He was a resident of Botetourt
County, Virginia and later of 
Sevier County, Tennessee. The date
is requested for membership in 
the sons of the Revolution. 

Yours truly, 

Ralph G Nichols
518 W. Atlantic Ave.
Knoxville, Tennessee.
Page 37

M &P m-noL9

No. 3587 

Alabama National Bank 
A.T. Jones, President.
R. D. Johnston, Vice-President.
W. A. Porter, Cashier. 
H. L. Badham, Ass't Cashier

Birmingham, Ala nov 26 1890

Commision of Pensions
Wahsington, D.C. 

Dear Sir, 

My Grandparents
Maj Louis Daniel Martin (or 
Martine) and Mitchell Parlir
were both in the Revolutionary
War and I am very
anxious to establish the
fact, as a matter of
family history, and I 
will thank you if you
will examine your records
and write what information
you can concerning both
or either of them - 
Louis Daniel Martin was
a Maj. I think he went
from S. C. Mitchell Porter
went from Va. after
the war he moved
Page 38

Birmingham, Ala 189

to Tenn sitting in Sevire Co, 
I am not sure but
I think he drew a 
pension. I do not Know
whether Maj Martin did
do or not - I do not
wish to use this in-
formation to establish 
any claim to a pension 
your truly 
W. A. Porter
Page 39

[ink stamp:  OLD WAAR [?]  DEC 8 18[??]]
[ink stamp:  U S PENSION OFFICE.  NOV 30 1894]
Page 40

Revy Widow, &c. 

File No. 1477
Penelope Porter
Widow
Mitchell Porter
Priv. VA M.

Act: July 7 1838
Index -- Vol. M, Page 134

[Arrangment of 1870.]
Page 41

1894 De 15 Hist to
W. A. Porter. Birmingham, Ala
Mch. 3, 1896

Soldier Pensioned to
Hon. J. II. Bankhead
H of R
1931 July 28 [?]
date the memo Br. awf
1933 April 4 [?] to
Ralph G. Nichol - awf
1933-Dec. 13-[?] to
M. Porter Ellis awf
1937-May 6- [?] to Rufus
1938 Jan 18 " " Mrs. C. E.
1939-Sept. 12 - Photostats
Y. D. Mathes - mnt
Page 42


4732
Penelope Proter
of Mitchel
Tennessee
admitted
Pri 8 mo 14 da : #28.22/100
Cap Hawley Maj:
Campbell

died 3 April 1836

Act 7 July 1838

Hon. J. L. Williams
H.R.

40. 2. 4
36. 4. 3
___
 3. 11. 1

84.66
6m 1/2 14.11
3m 1/2  7.06
2m 1/2  4.70
1d 1/60  .08
___
110.61
Page 43

Sevier C. H. Ten}
Dec'r 3rd 1889}


Free

Honble J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of pensions
Washington City

Tenn.
Add proof
Penelope Porter
Page 44

Sevierville  Tenn

Honable J.L. Edward            Dec 3rd  1839
Sir  I enclose to you a
Supplementary Declaration of Penelope
Porter according to your instructions 
You will please examine it and 
report accordingly

Your most
obl Servant
M. W.. McCown
Page 45

Sevier C.H.
Oct. 8th 1839
Oct.18. '39
Free

Honorable J..L.. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
Page 46

                                       Sevierville  Tenn
                                        7th Oct  1839.
Sir,
      Your favour of 12th Sept instructed to file an amended declaration in the case of Penelope Porter widow of Mitchell Porter dec'd Setting forth the day of the month on which said Porter died upon examining a copy of Penelope Porters declaration I find that she [marked out: day] stated the day and year on which he died And I find that [marked out: in] Aron Crowson in his affidavit states the year in which said Porter died, I there fore believe it unnessary [sic] to file an amended declaration.
You will pleas [sic] inform me what has been done in the case of Elizabeth Brimer widow of Wm Brimer dec'd. In doing so you will greatly oblige &c
I am very respectfully
your most Obt. Servt
M. W. McCown


Honble J. L. Edwards
Washington City
Page 47

223
War Dep
Pen: off
Oct'r 11: 39

Sir
In answer to yours of 7 inst I have to repeat that Penelope Porter widow of Mitchell Porter dec'd should assert in a supplemental declaration & sustain by evidence the date of her late husbands death--The papers merely shew that he died in apl '36 _ Her pension will commence from the day of his death - The certificate is herewith returned to enable her to draw the arrears as the stipend accruing under one act cannot be drawn under any other.
In reply to your enquiry what has been done in the case of Elizabeth Brimer &c you are respectfully refered [sic] to my letters to you on 21 June & 23 ult - No papers have been since rec'd & of course her case remains
Page 48

in the condition then communicated to you.

M. WS. McCown
October 18, 1839
O. C.

M. W. McCown es14
Sevierville
Ten:
Page 49

M. N. McCown
Sept 12. 1839
O.C.
Page 50

230
War Dept: Pen Office
Sept: 12, 1839
Sir,
The family record of Mrs. Penelope Porter widow of Mitchel Porter, decd. has been filed with her other papers. It is found that the day of the month on which her husband died has not been stated. This should be done by the claimant in an amended declaration, before the claim can be allowed.

M. W. McCown Esq=,
Sevierville
Ten.

4732
Auty files '38
Page 51

M. W. McCown
June 21 '39
AC

M. W. McCown Esq
Sevierville
Ten

p 47 32} auty
B 4996} files '3
Page 52

375
War dept. Pen. Office
June 21. 1839

Sir,
The declaration of Penelope Porter widow of Mitchell Porter, decd. has been examined - and filed with suspended cases. Before a final decision can be had the original family record should be exhibited. The sheet containing the record should be taken from the Book in the presence of some respectable person who should make an affidavit of the fact and which should be attached to the sheet before transmitting it to this office. The official character and signature of the magistrate who may administer the oath should be certified by the proper officer under his seal of office.
The declaration of Mrs. Elizabeth Brimer widow of William Brimer decd - has also been examined and filed with
Page 53

suspended cases. The witness, who had the earliest knowledge of the claimant should state more fully and particularly her knowledge of her and state from what circumstance she is enabled to fix the period of the marriage.

M. W. McCown Esq
Sevierville
Ten

M. W. McCown
June 21 '39
AC

p 47, 32} auty
B 4996} files '3
Page 54

January 14, 1938
Mitchel Porter
W. 1477
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. C. E. McDaniel
1911 Mignon Avenue
Memphis, Tennessee

Dear Madam:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Mitchel Porter of Virginia, during the Revolutionary War, and later lived in Tennessee.

The data which follow were obtained from papers on file in pension claim, W. 1477, based upon the service of Mitchel Porter in the Revolutionary War.

Mitchel Porter was born April 7, 1759 in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The names of his parents were not given.

Mitchel Porter, while a resident of Winchester, Virginia, enlisted in the fall of 1777 and served three months and two weeks in Captain Thruston's Virginia company, and was in a skirmish at Quibbletown, New Jersey. He moved to Botetourt County, Virginia in the year 1780, and served in that year, three months in Captain William Handley's company, under Major Campbell, and was in a skirmish near Salisbury, North Carolina. He served two months in Captain Arbuckle's company, against the Indians at Point Pleasant, dates of this service not given.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 25, 1832, at which time he was living in Sevier County, Tennessee, having moved there from
Page 55

Botetourt County, Virginia in the year 1800.

The soldier, Mitchel Porter, married early in the year 1785 (definite date not given), in the State of Virginia, Penelope; her maiden name was not given, nor was it shown when and where she was born.

Mitchel Porter died April 3, 1836 in Sevier County, Tennessee. His widow, Penelope Porter, was allowed pension on her application executed February 4, 1839, then aged about seventy-four years, and living in said Sevier County.

The children of Mitchel Porter and his wife, Penelope:
Alexander born January 25, 1786
William " September 12, 1787
Elisabeth " March 18, 1790
Ester " November 19, 1791
John M. " October 29, 1793
Mary " December 11, 1795
Mitchel A. " November 29, 1797
Joshua Mo. " November 29, 1797, died June 28, 1803
Nancy C. " December 24, 1801
Sally R. " December 14, 1802
James Douthit " April 21, 1805
McKindra B. " February 9, 1807 or 1809.

One James P. H. Porter, Jr., was in 1839 of Sevier County, Tennessee; it was not stated that he was related to the family.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 56

Declaration Supplementary
State of Tennessee Sevier County

On this second day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine personally appeared Penelope Porter a resident of said county of Sevier in the state of Tennessee in open court who being duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions make by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows: that she is the widow of the identical Mitchel Porter who was a private in the army of the revolution and she further declares that the aforesaid Mitchel Porter died on the third day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty six

Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 2nd Dec 1839.

O. H. P. Hill Clerk of Sevier County Court

Penelope Porter (signed with "her mark/X")
Page 57

State of Tennessee
Sevier County

Personally appeared in open court Aron Runyan a resident of said count of Sevier in the state of Tennessee and made oath that Mitchel Porter the husband of Penelope Porter died on the third day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty six to the best of his knowledge and belief

Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 2nd Decr 1839

(signatures)
O. H. P. Hill Clerk of Sevier County Court
Aron Runyan


State of Tennessee
Sevier County

Personally appeared in open court Ashley Wynne a resident of said county of Sevier in the state of Tennessee and made oath that Mitchel Porter died on the third day of April one thousand eight hundred and thirty six to the best of his knowledge and belief

Sworn to and subscribed in open court this 2nd Decr 1839

(signatures)
O. H. P. Hill Clerk of Sevier County Clerk
Ashley Wynne
Page 58

State of Tennessee
Sevier County} County Court December Sessions 1839.
I, O. H. P. Hill Clerk of the County Court of Sevier County, do Certify that the foregoing declaration, was duly sworn to by the said Penelope Porter - in Open Court as is Certified therein - and that the affidavits of Aaron Runyan and Ashley Wyme thereto annexed was also sworn to in open Court, and they are all - Respectable persons -
Given under my hand and seal of Office at Office in Sevierville this 3d. day of December 1839 -
O. H. P. Hill Clerk
of Sevier County Court.
Page 59

Sevier CHT} Free
July 16th. 1839
Honble J L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

July 26.
Ten.
Penelope Porter
add. proof
Page 60

Sevierville Ten
15th July 1839
Honbl J L Edwards
Sir I enclose to you an original record of the age of the children of Mitchel Porter decd, you will find upon examining the declaration of Penelope Porter that she declares that she was married to the said Porter previous one year before the birth of her oldest child - which you will find was on the 25th January 1786.
You will please examine and report accordingly
I am respectfully your
Obt Servt
M W McCown
Page 61

Sevier CHT} Free
Feb. 5th. 1839
Honlb J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City

Feb. 16. 1839 4732
Tenn
7 July 1838
Page 62

Sevierville Ten
5th February 1839
Honlb J L Edwards
Sir examine the within declaration & report accordingly
Yours Respectfully
M W McCown
Page 63

State of Tennessee} SS on this 25th day of July
Sevier County} 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before me Edward Scott one of the Judges of law and Equity for the state of Tennessee and for the Second Judicial Circuit In the Circuit Court for said County now sitting Mitchell Porter a resident of said Sevier County in the county of Sevier and State aforesaid aged Seventy-three 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 the 7th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated At Winchester Virginia in the fall of 1777 volunteered under Capt - Thrauston and Lieut John Gilkinson we had no Col the Capt commanded five Companies Marched from Winchester Va. to Philadelphia and to Marristown New Jersey to head quarters then our Company Marched to Said Sterlings buildings and there camped through the winter Had a scirmage with the brittish guards at Quibbles town near Brunswick same brittish killed & we defeated had to retreat, Served three months and two weeks was honorably discharged the discharge lost

He then Removed to Botetourt County Virginia in 1780 volunteered under Capt William Handby and Maj Campbell Marched to Salsberry North Carolina and to the Cowtawby River and Guarded the fords to keep the brittish from crossing they however forced there way across killed Genl Lawson we then retreated to Salsberry and to the Atkin River there we had a scrimage our Capt was
Page 64

State of Tennessee} SS on this 25th day of July
Sevier County} 1832 Personally appeared in open Court before me Edward Scott one of the Judges of law and Equity for the state of Tennessee and for the Second Judicial Circuit In the Circuit Court for said County now sitting Mitchell Porter a resident of said Sevier County in the county of Sevier and State aforesaid aged Seventy-three 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 the 7th 1832 That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated At Winchester Virginia in the fall of 1777 volunteered under Capt - Thrauston and Lieut John Gilkinson we had no Col the Capt commanded five Companies Marched from Winchester Va. to Philadelphia and to Marristown New Jersey to head quarters then our Company Marched to Said Sterlings buildings and there camped through the winter Had a scirmage with the brittish guards at Quibbles town near Brunswick same brittish killed & we defeated had to retreat, Served three months and two weeks was honorably discharged the discharge lost

He then Removed to Botetourt County Virginia in 1780 volunteered under Capt William Handby and Maj Campbell Marched to Salsberry North Carolina and to the Cowtawby River and Guarded the fords to keep the brittish from crossing they however forced there way across killed Genl Lawson we then retreated to Salsberry and to the Atkin River there we had a scrimage our Capt was
Page 65

taken prisoner Maj Campbell commanded we then marched to Gilford and to Dan River there we were honorably discharged We Served three months can prove this last Service by Jeremiah H Campton

Again in said Botetourt County Va. went into the militia as a Substitute the name of his employer not recollected under Capt - Arbuccle Marched to point pleasant at the Junction 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Mitchel Porter
Sworn to in open Court and the underliniation of the Same in the declaration is true
July 26th 1832
P. M. Wear Clk
to Session Duty

We Ashley Wyn a clergyman residing in the County of Sevier and State of Tennessee and Jeremiah H Campton residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mitchel Porter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy three years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that we concur in that opinion and the said Jeremiah Campton farther saith that the said Mitchell Porter was in actual service as stated in his Second Tour above written that he marched with him [illegible] the whole [illegible] Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Ashley Wyrm
Jeremiah x his mark H. Campton
Sworn to in open court. July 25th July 1832.
P. M. Wear Clk
Page 66

taken prisoner Maj Campbell commanded we then marched to Gilford and to Dan River there we were honorably discharged We Served three months can prove this last Service by Jeremiah H Campton

Again in said Botetourt County Va. went into the militia as a Substitute the name of his employer not recollected under Capt - Arbuccle Marched to point pleasant at the Junction
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state.
Mitchel Porter
Sworn to in open Court and the underliniation of the Same in the declaration is true
July 26th 1832
P. M. Wear Clk
to Session Duty

We Ashley Wyn a clergyman residing in the County of Sevier and State of Tennessee and Jeremiah H Campton residing in the same hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Mitchel Porter who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be seventy three years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he now resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution that we concur in that opinion and the said Jeremiah Campton farther saith that the said Mitchell Porter was in actual service as stated in his Second Tour above written that he marched with him [illegible] the whole [illegible] Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Ashley Wyrm
Jeremiah x his mark H. Campton
Sworn to in open court. July 25th July 1832.
P. M. Wear Clk
Page 67

And the said Court hereby declares there 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 Certify that it appears to them that Ashley Wynn who has signed the foregoing Certificate is a clergyman Resident in the said County of Sevier and that Jeremiah H Campton who has also signed the same is a resident in the said County of Sevier and is a credible person and there statements is entitled to credit
Edw Scott one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity in and for the State of Tennessee aforesaid

State of Tennessee
Sevier County} I P. M. Wear Clerk of the Circuit Court of said Sevier County, do hereby Certify, that the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Mitchell Porter for a pension, and that the slip hereunto attached and interlineations in the declaration were sworn to in open Court - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and private seal having no seal of Office, at office in Sevierville the 27th day of July 1832
{Seal} P, M, Wear C.L.K.
Address James Hair Knoxville Tennessee
Page 68


No 3063
I Thos D Arnold, a representative in the Congress from the State of Tennessee and from the District in which, the said County of Sevier is situate do hereby certify that P M Wear is Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the said County of Sevier
and State of Tennessee and that signatures  annexed to the pension application of Michell Porter which purports  to be his are his genuine signatures
Thos D. Arnold
Dec 17th 1832
Page 69

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

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

Divisions of Veterans' Administration Archives

NAME Porter, Moses GRADE Corporal LINE Connecticut

WARRANT NUMBER 6322 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Feb. 5, 1790
[Laud Office reported in Nov. 1936, this warrant never patented]
to =not shown-
MMNG

*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 ad 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 appears to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.