Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 9757, Samuel Burns, S.C.
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(8-1776)
SERVICE  S.C.  
BURNS, SAMUEL   
Mary                                            NUMBER W.9757
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9587 South Carolina Mary Burns dec'd  widow of Samuel Burns  SC who was a private in the Revolution . Inscribed on the  Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th  day of March 1843.  & end 2nd February 1848. Certificate of Pension issued the 2nd day of February 1855 and sent to  A. S. Wallace Yorkville S. Car  [Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844. ] Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2 Page 168
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16118 South Carolina Samuel Burns York Dist in the State of South Car. was a pri. in the company commanded  Captain [John Moffett] Moffet of the __ commanded by __ of the South Carolina line for 9 months. 
Inscribed on the roll of South Carolina at the rate of 30 Dollars __ Cents per annum  to commence on the 4th day of March 1831. 
Certificate of Pension issued  the 8th day of June ' 33  and sent to  A. McWhorter  York C.H. S.C.   Arrears to the 4th of March '33 $ 60 
Semi-anl. allowance ending 4 Sept '33 $ 15 = $ 75   
Revolutionary Claim Act June 7, 1832. Recorded by Wm Miller Clerk 
Book E. Vol. 6  Page 63
Order to pay  June 29, 1837 Letter to  J.A. Brown May 23rd 1845
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Declaration In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838  entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain  widows " 
State of South Carolina York District  On this 27th day of March 1845 personally appeared  before the Hon. John S. Richardson one of the Judges in the State aforesaid Mary Burns a resident of York District  South Carolina aged about eighty three years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7, 1838 entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows". That she is the widow of Samuel Burns who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States on the South Carolina roll at the rate of thirty dollars per annum. She further declares that she was married to the said Samuel Burns on the 26th day of July 1781. that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Burns died on the  first day of December one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven, and that she has remained a widow ever since. 
Mary Burns X her mark  
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written in open Court. before me. s/ J. S. Richardson
27 March 1845
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I Ja Kuykendal Clerk of the Court of General Sessions  &  Common Pleas for York District do hereby certify that the Hon. J. S. Richardson  was Presiding Judge at a Court of Common Pleas & General Sessions  held at York Court House for the District of York March Term  1845  and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name this 28 day of March  one thousand eight hundred and forty five. 
s/ Ja. Kuykendal C.C.C. Pls
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Samuel Burn's application for pension   Saml 
Samuel Burns application for pension  20883 
Amended as a private 9 mo $30
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South Carolina York District
On this the sixteenth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two  personally appeared in open Court  before  William D. Martin, Judge of the Court of General Sessions & Common Pleas Samuel Burns a resident of York District in the State of South Carolina  aged about seventy six, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7 1832. 
1st. Was born in York County, in the  State of Pennsylvania, in the year one thousand seven hundred and fifty four. 
2nd. He has a record of his age , in his Father's Bible which is now in his possession. 
3. Was living in  York District in the State of South Carolina  when called into the service, has lived there ever since & now lives at the same place.
4th. He went as a volunteer. 
5. He  was under  Lieutenant Col. Moffat [John Moffett] and in the regiment under Col. William Bratton. He went with the army under Capt. Byers [William Byers, Sr.] to Savannah River, he drove a wagon and team to Augusta on that  river - he was then a driver and hauled a wagon load of  salt, some days journey up the  Savannah River. he then returned to his residence. this service he performed the year before Charleston   was taken by the British
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in the year one thousand seven hundred and  eighty he served as a trooper in a troop of Cavalry , whose business it was to use  & keep in subjection  the tories in York District and the neighboring  Districts, he continued  in this service from about the  first of June until the middle of September in the year 1780. he was in the service about two  years but not continually, because  half of the time he was confined with a wound which he received in York District. South Carolina, it was a rifle ball which  struck him in the body just above the  hip and passed  through , the wound was dangerous  & caused him much pain & trouble. 
6. He never received a discharge from service. 
7. He names Henry Ray a neighbor who testifies that his character for veracity is good and who knows that he was in the  Revolution,  having served together he also names Andrew Floyd and the Rev. George Wilkie, Robert Smith. s/Saml Burns
Sworn  & subscribed  October 16th 1832  in open Court.  
s/ A. McWhorter C.C.C. Pls
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We George Wilkie and Henry Ray  residing in York District , State of  South Carolina  hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Samuel Burns who has subscribed & sworn to the above declaration. that we believe him to be seventy  six years of age - that he is reputed and  believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion. 
s/ George Wilkie Henry  Rea
Sworn  & subscribed  the day  & year aforesaid s/ A. McWhorter Qu  

I, William D. Martin , Judge of the Court of General Sessions & Common Pleas  do hereby declare my  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 I further certify that it appears to me that George  Wilkie who signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman resident in York District  South Carolina and that Henry Rea who also signed the same is a resident in the same District   & State and is credible person and that their statement is entitled to credit. Given under my hand this 16 October 1832. s/ Wm D. Martin
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I, Andrew McWhorter clerk of the Court of Common Pleas do hereby certify  that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of  the said Court in the matter of the application of Samuel Burns for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 16th day of October in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two and in the fifty seventh year of the Independence of the United States of America. 
s/ A. McWhorter  C.C.C.Pls 

Samuel Burn's application for Pension  Saml 20883 Amended Admt as a private 9 mo $ 30
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PAGE 1
POWER OF ATTORNEY Revolutionary Pension Claims.
Know all Men by these Presents, That Samuel Burns
hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint M. THOMPSON, of Washington City, D. C., my true
and lawful Agent and Attorney, to prosecute the Claim of Mary Burns
for any amount of Revolutionary Pension, or increase of Pension, that may be due; and I hereby
authorize my said Agent to examine all papers and documents in relation to said claim, on file
in the Departments at Washington City, or elsewhere; to file additional evidence or arguments;
and to receive 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 and Agent
shall lawfully do in the premises, and revoking all former powers
WITNESS my hand and seal this 11th day Nov A. D. 1852
s/ Samuel Burns
Signed and sealed in the presence of
Tho. C. Johnston

State of South Carolina
district of York
On this 11th day of Nov A. D., 1852.
before me, the subscriber, a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid, personally appeared
Samuel Burns
and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney to be his act and deed, for the purposes therein mentioned.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand the day and year aforesaid. s/ TJ Bell J. Peace.
In this blank, if the Claimant be alive, he will insert his name, and execute the power. If he be dead, the widow, if alive, will insert her name, (stating the fact that she is his widow,) and
execute the power. If both be dead, then any one of the children may insert his, or her name, (stating the fact that he or she is the son or daughter) and execute the power.
If there be neither father, mother, child, or children, then there is no person entitled under the existing rules of the Department, and the power of Attorney need not be executed.
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---
I, John G Enloe Clerk of the
Court in the District and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that TJ Bell Esq before whom the foregoing
papers were executed, was, at the date of the same, a Justice of the Peace in and for said that
duly authorized by law to administer oaths; and the name thereunto subscriber, is his signature.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and
affixed my official Seal, this 19th
day of Nov A. D., 1852.
s/ John G Enloe Clerk
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Samuel Burn's Family Register
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South Carolina York District  
Before me  personally appeared Amos Burns and made oath in due form of law  that he has the record of his Father  Samuel Burns Marriage  to his Mother  Mary  Lesly  showing their marriage together with  the births of their children which is written on the  inside of the cover or leaf of said Bible and cannot be taken out  and that it is in his father Samuel Burns  own hand writing and believed to be correct and has always been in his said Father's family  a copy of which is hereunto attached in support of said marriage. 
s/ Amos Burns
 Sworn to  & subscribed before me July 11th 1853. 
s/John G Enloe Magt Ex 0ff.  
 
Samuel Burns and Mary Lessley7 were married July 26, 1781
Samuel Burns is 30 years of age on September 17, 1784
Zabdiel Burns was born June 28, 1782 about 10 of the clock at night
William Watson Burns was born November 2nd, 1783 about one of the clock at night
Margaret Burns was born November 22, 1785 between break of day and sunrise
Anne Burns was born 24th of March 1788 near an hour before sunset
George Burns was born April 1790 about 2 hours after dark
Martha Burns Born January 19th 1792 near 12 o'clock at night
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Samuel Burns was born January 15th 1794 almost day10
John Burns and Mary Burns born March 29th 1796
Grace Burns born October 1798
Joab Addi Burns & Cyrus Iddo Burns born September 29th 1800 two or three hours after
Amos Burns was born October 27, 1802
Jediah Burns was born July 23rd 1805 2 hours before sundown
Samuel Burns Senior was born September 17th, 1754
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Samuel Burns Family  Register
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( Copy ) Saml Burns and Mary Lesley  was married July 26th 1781 . 
Saml Burns is thirty years of age  on September 17, 1784. 
Zabdiel Burns was born  June 28, 1782  about  ten of the clock am . 
William Watson Burns born November  the 2nd  1783 , about nine of the clock at night. Margret Burns born  Novem. 22nd  1785, between break of day and sunrise. 
Anne Burns born  24th March 1788 , near an hour before sunset. 
George Burns born April  1790  about two hours after dark . 
Martha Burns born Janry 19th  1792 , at night , near 12 o'clock. 
Saml Burns born Janry  15th  1794. 
S. Burns born Sept. 1754.  
Pension Office December 7th  1853 
I  hereby certify that the above is truly copied from what purports to be the family record of Samuel and Mary  Burns, now on file in this office. s/ L P Waldo Commissioner
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Mary Burns dec'd  wid of Saml SC 38
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South Carolina York District  
I John Ross, Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the  District  Court aforesaid  certify that Samuel Burns , who was a revolutionary pensioner of the United States  , departed this life in York District  on the first day of September  one thousand eight hundred  & thirty seven leaving his wife Mary a widow  who died in York District  So. Ca on the second day of February one thousand eight hundred & forty eight ; leaving  surviving the following children viz : Samuel Burns , Margaret Dawson , George Burns, John Burns, Mary Burns, Cyrus Burns, & Ann Burns, who are now her only surviving children  & all of lawful age in testimony whereof I have hereunto  affixed the seal of my office & subscribed my name done in open Court. s/ J M Ross  O.Y.D.  Washington City Mar. 3 1854 
Hon. L. P. Waldo Comm. of Pensions  Sir Above you have
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proof of Mary Burns  death . My power of atty  being from one of her surviving sons will no doubt be deemed sufficient to authorize my recognition as the duly authorized atty  in  the case. I have the honor to be most respy yr obt srvt. M. Thompson ( signed )
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Revy WIDOW, &c. File No. 9757 Mary Burns wid Samuel Burns Privt. Rev War Act : March 3rd / 43 June 17" 1844  Index : - Vol. A Page 102  [ Arrangement of 1870. ]
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11796 Mary Burns SC Letter to J.A. Brown May 16. 1845  M. Thompson Oct. 13/53 M. Thompson  7th Dec. 1853. Same 25 July  1854 same March 10, 1854 M. Thompson  3rd July 1854 . Act 7 July 1838
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Revolutionary Pension claim of Mary Burns  widow of Saml Burns of S. Car.  Act of 7th July '38 B: to M. Thompson Fit'd Decr 2nd 1852 Papers called for  W Cole  Dec 2 / 52
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11796 Mary Burns dec'd J.A. Brown May 16 1845  M Thompson Oct 13 1853 M Thompson 25 Feby 1854 M Thompson March 10 1854 M Thompson 3 July 1854  July 7 1838
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Samuel Burns SC 
1778 2 mo  Cap Neal [Neel] Genl [Andrew] Williamson 
x 1779 1 mo Wagoner 
1780 3 Mo Cap Maffit [John Moffett] Genl Sumpter [Thomas Sumter]
1781 3 mo Capt  Byres  [Wm Byers]

X not military
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Pen. Off. Jany 30 1855 
Sir  Saml. Burns  So Ca  Act 1832  $30 a year, Please state  to what time paid. Very Respectfully  
s/ V Cole Dep Clk Pen off 
s/ J J Atchison Esq Third Auditor 

Samuel Burns died 1 Decr, 1837 
paid in full  s/ Rob J Atchison  Auditor  

Mr. Randall
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Planter's  & Mechanic's Bank of So Ca  Charleston 20 June 1837  J L Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions  Washington   Sir  I forward herewith for your authority to pay , the following voucher having 12 months due on them  viz William  Flinn and  Samuel Burns. I am Respectfully your ob serv A Spears ( signed ) Pension Agent
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Samuel Burns March 2. 1833 p 280 4.2.13
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BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those
answered in the  negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Samuel Burns which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? 
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides?
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any assigned for his not doing so? 
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? No
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
VI.  Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? 
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832?  
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? 
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificticate?
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?
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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?  

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? No

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? 

XVI. Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? 

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

(note) 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.
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Brief in the case of Mary Burns  dec'd wid of Saml ___  County  and  State of So Ca Act July 7 1838  &   Claim ( "original " ) Proof exhibited ( if original ) Is it documentary, tradionary , or supported by rolls  ? If either state the substance. Her husband was a pensioner at $30  a year under the act of 1832 ( proof of service in his papers )  Necessary proof in her case. Date of Marriage which is proven by family record identity  death & heirship , proven  by  Jno M Ross and John Ensloe  properly certified. Thomas Triplett ( signed ) Examining Clerk. Name and residence of Agent A S Wallace  Esq Present
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( vague and barely visible ) Capt Robys Clanton   Ensign  or Col. &  ... Connor  2 sons - Cap  john Burns Col Haltman  ( vertical note ) ( Please examine this ... JM  M triplett )
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Penson Office Dec. 22, 1854. Sir  In the case of Mary Burns dec'd  of N.C.  act July 7, 1838  - I have to refer you to my letter of Feby 25, 1853 . Pleas endeavor to induce the parties interested to comply with the requirements of that letter  and upon their doing so , the case will be admitted. I am respectfully your obt. servt. L P Waldo ( signed ) Commissioner          M. Thompson Esq Present .
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Yorkville SC. 21st Nov 1853  Hon L P Waldo Dr Sir, I herewith enclose the Family register of Samuel Burns  to sustain the claim of Mary Burns for a pension under act of 7th July 1838 . You will please report this claim to Col Thompson as I sent this evidence at his request. Very truly  your friend  A. S. Wallace ( signed )
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Washington  D.C.  June 30th 1854 Sir  We herewith enclose the certificate of the Court in the case of Mary Burns  deceased of South Carolina. Respectfully , etc. Thompson & Venable  Hon . L. P. Waldo  Comr. of Pensions
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Mary Burns Declaration March 27 1845 Act of 1838 Widow of Samuel Burns a Revolutionary Pensioner $ 30 per annum . Married July 26, 1781 (1845-83 = 1762 ) Bo. in 1762  married Samuel died December 1st 1837 leaves a widow  Declaration not made in  open Court and is it testified declarant is not able to attend Court. Amos Burns gives why of Family  Record which he says was a copy of his Bible account  he lost. Marriage July 26. 1781 Deposition made July 11, 1853 Amos Burns Nov.1, 1853 Family record on lives of ... ( illegible ) Copy of  family record showing marriage July 26,1781. Samuel Burns power of attorney  Nov 1. 1852 to prosecute the claim of Mary Burns. Why did not Mary Burns give the power of attorney ? Letter to J.A. Brown May 16, 1845  Papers file by him March 28. 1845 act making evidence in husband's case [illegible] in case of the widow May 7. 1846  & June 28, 1848 . No evidence of the identity of the family record except what  comes from the family. Power of attorney not from the  party in  interest- Evidence wanting  that the applicant is the identical widow of  ... ( illegible )
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Objections 1. The case was filed by J. A Brown  March 28, 1845  to whom the case was reported May 16. 1845- No change in agent  .. ( illegible )  record. 2. No evidence that the applicant is the identical Mary Burns named in the record filed in evidence. 3. Family Record not properly authenticated  - No witness as to its authenticity lost Amos Burns who is .. ( illegible ) 4. A difference in the two copies of the Family Record.
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11735
South Carolina
Mary Burns decd
widow of Samuel
who died on the 
1st Dec. 1837
of_ in the State of _
who was a private in the_ commanded by Captain _ of the commanded by in the Revolution
line for 9 months 
Inscribed on the Roll of Charleston
at the rate of 30 Dollars 00 Cents
per annum, to commence on the
1st December 1837
Certificate of Pension issued the 2 day of February 1855 and sent to
A.S. Wallace

Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk.
Book J Vol 1 Page 315
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Mary Burns, decd
widow of Samuel So. Ca
Admd July 7 1838 &c
9 mos Pri $30 per annum
from Dec 1 1837, when
her husband died to
2d Feby 1848 when she died
Except 2 years,
Pay to Amos Burns admr
for himself & Margaret Dawson 2 George Burns 3 Samuel Burns 4
Cyrus Burns 5 John Burns 6 & Mary Burns 7 only children
Cert to 
AS Wallace Esq Present
Yorkville SC
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South Carolina York District
I John M Ross Judge of the Court of
Ordinary for the district of York and State aforesaid do hereby certify
that Amos Burns is a man of good moral character and high respectability that he is the Administrator of Mary Burns Widow of Samuel Burns deceased who was a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States and that he has recently filed his bond as such in this Office for One thousand dollars. I further certify that I have been long acquainted with Amos Burns and that he would make no Statement but what he believes would be [illegible] correct
Given under my hand and seal of Office this 23 day of October in Open Court s/ JM Ross JCO

Washington City Decr. 19th 1834
Hon. L.P. Waldo Comr of Pensions
Sir
Above you have Certificate in case of
Mary Burns widow of John Burns of So. Car.
I have the honor &c
M. Thompson
atty for Burns
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State of Missouri September 18th 1832
Whereas I Saml Watson have been requested by Saml Burns of South Carolina York District to Certify
upon Oath what I know of Said Burns carecter [character] concerning his Fedelity to the United States at
the time of the revolutionary war in his own State. I do Certify that he Said Burns took an active part in
the defense of his Country and he was with me in two Engagements against our Common Enemy and in
one of the Engagements he was Wounded and that I myself assisted in careing [carrying] him from his
own State into North Carolina as there was no safety in his own state unless to take protection and sware
[swear] Alegience to his Magesty King George --- as to the Time I will not be certain as there were
Several Years the British had possession of the state and the length of time since and old age and lack of memory forbid me to be posetive. s/ Saml. Watson, Senr.

State of Missouri County of Pike
Be It remembered that on this 26th
of Sept in the year 1832 Samuel Watson personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the peace within and for said County
of Pike and made oath that the above Statement in relation to the services of Samuel Burns in the war of the Revolution is true to the best of his knowledge and belief
Given under my hand this
26th day of Sept 1832
s/ L Rogers Jus Peace

State of Missouri. County of Pike
I Michael J. Noyes the Clerk of the County Court within and for the said County of Pike, certify that Lewis Rogers, whose name is subscribed to
the above certificate, is & was at the date of his said certificate an acting Justice of the peace within & for said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law and that good faith and full credit are and
Page 43

ought to be given to all his official acts as such.-
In testimony whereof I have set my
hand and affixed the seal of the said
Court, at the office of said Court
in Bowlinggreen in said County
this 27th day of September AD 1832
and in the 57th year of the dependence of the United States
s/ MJ Noyes Clerk
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The state of South Carolina
York District
Personally appeared Saml Burns
whose declaration is hereto attached
before me and made oath that by reason of the loss of memory from old age 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 three months I served as a private in a militia company comman
did by Capt Neel under General [Andrew] Williamson against
the Cherokee Indians in 1778 marched into their Country on the head of Savannah river, burnt six of their towns and destroyed their corn. for thirty days I served as a waggoner to a party of Whigs under a Major
Francis Ross on their march to Georgia to join Genl Ash [Major General John Ashe, Sr.] in 1779 and at the Savannah I was sent to Col [LeRoy] Hammond for salt and hauled it to Whitehall on Long cain [Cane]
Creek now Abbeville District. For three months viz from in June 1780 until in September following I served
as a private in a militia company commanded by Capt Moffat [John Moffett] under Genl Sumpter [Thomas Sumter] and was at Hooks [Huck's]
defeat [Battle of Williamson's Plantation] in this District. In September 1780 I was wounded
and was confined with my wounds until the 24th Decr following. For three months in 1781 I served as a
private in a company commanded by Capt [William] Byers and marched to Edisto and for such service I claim a pension. I have no documentary
evidence of my service nor can I now prove otherwise than by the affidavit of Saml Watson herewith sent.
s/ Saml Burns
Sworn to before me May 14th 1833
JM Ross Qu
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State of South Carolina York District
I Andrew McWhorter Clerk of the
Court of Common Pleas for the  District aforesaid do hereby
Certify that JM Ross whose attestation appears to the within
affidavit is and was at the time of attending the same an acting Justice of the Quorum for the  aforesaid
and full faith and credit is due and ought to be given to his official acts as such Given under my hand
and the Seal of the said Court at York
Court House the fourteenth day of May in the year of our Lord One Thousand eight Hundred and thirty three and in the fifty seventh year of the Independence of
the United States of America
s/ A McWhorter CCCPls
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State of South Carolina
York District
On this the Twenty first day of
November A.D. 1833, personally appeared Amos Burns before me TJ Bell, Magistrate within & for the District & State aforesaid who after being duly Sworn according to law deposes & says that the family Register of Samuel & Mary Burnes, showing their marriage together with the births of their children issue of their said marriage, on the [illegible] herewith enclosed & bearing my signature below the authors name, to his introduction, & that the same is in the hand writing of my father the said Samuel Burns & has always been in the family & is believed to be strictly correct & the oldest register we have.
s/ Amos Burns
Sworn to subscribed the day & year
first above written Before me
s/ TJ Bell Magistrate
And I the said TJ. Bell magistrate as
aforesaid, hereby certify that Amos
Burns is a creditable witness, & that I
am not intrusted in the above
directly, nor indirectly Nov 21st 1853
s/ TJ Bell
Magistrate
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State of South Carolina
York District ⎬ I John G Enloe
Clerk of the Court of Common pleas
& General Sessions for the District aforesaid do hereby certify that TJ Bell Esq before whom the within affidavit was made is & was at the date of the same an acting Magistrate in & for said District
duly authorized by law to administer
oaths &c. and that the name thereunto Subscribed is his signature
Given under my hand & seal of office
at York Court on this twenty
first day of November Anno Domini 1853
s/ John G Enloe
C. C. P & G.S
Page 48

State of South Carolina
York District ⎬ I John M Ross
Judge of the Court of Ordinary for the
District and State aforesaid do hereby
certify that it has been shewn in evidence to the satisfaction of the Court by Maj John G Enloe Clerk of the Court of Common pleas for York District and from my own personal knowledge that Samuel Burns Sr who
was a pensioner of the United States
departed this life in York District
S.C. on the first day of December
one thousand Eight hundred and
thirty seven leaving his wife Mary
a widow, who also died in York
District S.C. on the second day of
February one thousand Eight hundred
and forty Eight leaving the following
Children, issue of her marriage to
the said Samuel Burns Sen: viz:
Margaret Dawson, George Burns, Samuel Burns Jr, Cyrus Burns, John Burns, Mary Burns & Amos Burns, who are now her only surviving children, and all of Lawful age, and I further certify that Amos Burns is the Administrator of the said Mary Burns decd duly qualified according to law and that his Bond is now on file in my
office for sixty dollars for the
faithful performance of said Administration.
I further certify that it has been shown [illegible] in the Ordinarys Court that
Page 49

 

Amos Burns the Admr aforesaid is worth one thousand dollars clear of debt Sworn under my hand and seal of office June 22nd A. D. 1834

s/ J M Ross
Q of D
Page 50

Copy of Registration no
evidence

M Thompson
Present
Page 51


Washington D. C. Sept 26th 1833

Hon L P Waldo
Comr of Pensions

Sir
I herewith include the family register
in the case of Mary Burns widow of
Samuel of South Carolina and respectfully
ask a reexamination of the case.

Respectfully Your Obt. Servt.
 M Thompson
per C. Clement Venable
Page 52

Yorkville South Carolina March 28. 1845
J L Edwards Esq
Sir I herewith enclose you the declaration of Mary Burns made for the purpose of applying for the benefit of the act of July 7. 1838 entitled "an Act granting half pay and
pensions to certain Widows
Should Mrs Burns be entitled to a Pension you will please forward her
certificate to my care
I forwarded to you some time since the application of Rebecca Gill for a
Pension & have not yet had the pleasure of hearing from you, will you
inform me whether she will be entitled and if so forward her certificate to my care.
I also some time since forwarded the application of Mrs Mary Rea for the purpose of having her pension restored to the original amount granted her husband Henry Rea.
will you be kind enough to advise me whether there is any probability of her succeeding.
I herewith return the declaration of Nelly Moss with the certificate of the Magistrate thereon. you will please forward her certificate to my care
Very respectfully
your Obt Servant
s/ JA Brown
PS. I also forward the application of Mary Burns for the arrears of Pension due her deceased husband and also surrender the original certificate
J.A. B.
Page 53


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

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*

NAME  Burns, Thomas

Grade Private

Line Pennsylvania

WARRANT
NUMBER  8941

ACREAGE  100

ISSUED   November 15, 1791
to Sarah Shepard,  Assignee
_______
*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.