Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5527, for John Pearce, Maryland
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE
Md., Pearce, John
Sarah
NUMBER
W.5527
CONTENTS
Page 2

9.561
Georgia
Sarah Pearce, dec.
widow of John Pearce
Md.
who was a private
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 80. Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843. & end 24th March 1844.

Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of August 1854 and sent to
W. M Varnum
Dahlonega
Geo.
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and
June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book a
Vol. 2 Page 175
Page 3

Sarah Pearce, widow of John Ga
Margaret Harvey
Mary Burnett
& Rhoda Randolph
Daughters of Sarah - alleged in 1847
[crossed out: Sep] Severally -
That their father lived near Bladensburg & there entered the service in '76 or 7 in the Line and served 5 years. That in the Battle of Brandywine or Month, he was severely wounded & would have been left to die but for an officer named Bruce who had him attended to and of whom he always spoke in high terms. That he was engaged to be married to Sarah Hennis and corresponded with her during his first tour - she lived near Bladensburg but removed to Franklin Co Va, whither he went after his first term & married her and that after his marriage he served as substitute for Mordecai Mosely and was at the siege of Yorktown &c
Page 4

It is alleged & proved that John died in Georgia in Feby 1820 and his will is certified- in which his wife and these and other children are named,
Also proved that the widow died March 24, 1844.
Archibald Duval of Cherokee Co. Ga. aged 72, testified Oct 13, 1847, that he well knew John Pearce and Sarah Hennis in Franklin Co. Va, the parents of these applicants and was their neighbor.
Has often heard his father and Pearce say that Pearce enlisted near Bladensburg in the Md Line & served long & faithfully John & Sarah were married 60 or more yrs ago in the house of affiant's father - thinks he was present but is not positive. Believes Pierce performed a tour of service sometime after his marriage. Saw him return wearing a blue uniform trimmed with red.
Saw his scars received at Monmouth Said he was at Yorktown
Page 5

Pearce & wife removed from Franklin to Campbell Co Va. - thence to Iredell Co NC where he died about 27 yrs ago (1820).

Sally Thornton
of Franklin Co Va - Feb 13, 1854 aged 76.
her father, Mordecai Mosely employed John Pearce to serve as a substitute for him.
Always understood that John Married Sarah Hennis, who was a sister or relative of Lewis Duvall's wife.
Well recollects the 3 eldest children of John & Sarah,  viz Wm, Elias, and Elizabeth.
Understood that John & Sarah removed from Va to Iredell Co. N.C.
(Exhibits her own family record-born in 1777)

Clerk of Franklin Co. certifies, no record of the marriage
(alleged to have been by pubn of banns)
3 Certificates of Regn of Md-Land Officer - 3 yrs in 1st Md Regt
also that Wm Bruce was Captn in 1st Regt
& Jason Jenkins (often mentioned by Pearce) Sergt in same Rt [Regiment]
Page 6

Certif [Certificate] of administration & bond
The last letter in this case objects that Pearce is not identified with the service in the 1st Md Rt.  There was but one John Pearce in the Md Line.
The only officers he named that are remembered, are found in the same Regt. It is also objected that persons in the neighborhood have not been called on to testify.
Persons of great age who knew him in Md & Va and traced him to N. Carolina, where he died, and who know that he must have been in the service testify to his identity.
It is objected that there is no proof that Sarah Hennis went to Va to marry a man named John Pearce. There is nothing in the case to give occasion for this injurious remark. The claimants allege that their mother's family removed to Virginia after she was engaged to Pearce and while he was in Service and that when he returned from his first service he went to Va and married her. The marriage is proved to have taken place before the close of the war, and it may be that I am too strict in not admitting the case under the act of 1836.

[the following is written along the side of the document]
Sarah Pearce decd, Ga
Dodge

[the following is written below the initial text in different handwriting]
The Comr is satisfied of the identity. See additional proof of heirship, and afft [affidavit] of Mr Varnum.
Page 7

10
William M. Varnum Esqr
Dahlenega
Ga
Page 8

State of North Carolina
Iredell County
Be it remembered that at a Court of pleas & Quarter Session be given and held for the County of Iredell Court at that Court House in Statesville on the 3rd Monday of August 1822 the following paper writing purporting to be the last Will and Testament of John Pierce was duly proved by the Oath of Wm Harbin of the Subscribing Witnesses thereto.
In the name of God Amen.
I John Pierce of Iredell County & State of North Carolina being of sound and perfect mind and memory (blessed be God) do this 12 day of 1820 Make this my last Will and Testament in manner following that is to say.
First I give and Bequeath to my beloved wife Sally Pierce the plantation where I now live, also Every part-and piece of my personal property during her life with a discretion to sell so much thereof as will be sufficient to pay all my debts and further she is to dispose of any of the property in her discretion for her own support. I give to my Son William Pierce one dollar and no more. I give to my Daughter Peggy Harvy one dollar & no more, I give to my son Ezekiel Pierce thirty acres of Land lying on the North side of the Branch adjoining John Campbell & Sampson Ball to be laid off in a square and at my wifes death I give to my four daughters, Caty Pierce, Rhody Piece, Polly Pierce & Sally Pierce the plantation where I now live and all the remainder of the property both real and personal to be equally divided. In Witness I have set my hand and affixed my seal this date first above written, and I do further appoint my two trusty friends Richardson White & Marion Dowell Executors to this my last Will & Testament.
John Pearce, his mark (Seal)
In presence of
Wm Harbin and
Lucy Caudrey, her mark
Page 9

State of North Carolina
Iredell County
I J. F. Alxander Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions for the County of Iredell do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true Copy of the probate and Last Will and Testament of John Peace as appears from the words and original will on file in my office. -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at office in Statesville this 24 day of May A D 1847.
J.F. Alxander Clk [Clerk]

State of North Carolina
Iredell County 
I Ino H. M Laughlin presiding magistrate of the Court of Pleas Quarter Sessions for the County of Iredell do hereby certify that Joseph F. Alxander whose name appears to the annexed certificate is and was at the time of signing the same. The acting Clerk of our said Court duly appointed and qualified according to Law and the signature purporting to be his is genuine and as such entitled to full faith and credit, and that said Certificate is in due form of Law. Given under my hand and private Seal then being no public Seal attached to my office. This 24 day of May 1847.
IHMc Laughton
Page 10

Allen Harvey - adms
W. M. Varnum
Dahlonega
Georgia
Page 11

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
In open Court personally appeared Allen Harvey, Administrator on the Estate of Sarah Pearce deceased and makes the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed on the 7th
day of July 1836 that he became acquainted with John Pearce in Iredell County State of North Carolina in 1805 that from his first acquaintance with the said John Pearce deceased he allways understood from him that he was a Revolutionary soldier in the Maryland Line for several years, that at or soon after his enlistment expired he married Sarah Hennis in Virginia, that after said marriage he served as a substitute for Mordecai Moseley in Virginia at the Surrender of Cornwallis at York Town, he further states that John Pearce died in Iredell County N.C. in or about the year 1820 leaving Sarah Pearce his widow who survived him until the 24th of March 1844 it being the day of her death. He therefore makes this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining the Pension due the heirs of said deceased John & Sarah Pearce May 1st 1884.
Allen Harvey, his mark
Jas R Lawton Ordinary
E.P Harvey

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
Court of Ordinary
May Term 1854
Lumpkin
I James R Lauhon ordinary for Lumpkin County in said State do hereby certify that Allen Harvey admr [administrator] of the Estate of Sarah Pearce Decst, appeared in the court & made forgoing declaration the day & year above mention & that his or alternants are entitled credit. above written & that his statements to credit.
Given under my hand & seal of office this May 1st 1834
Jas R Lewham Ord'ny
Page 12

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County SS.
Be it remembered that on this 15th day of April 1847 before the Inferior Court of said County in open court, personally appeared Margaret Harvey of said County, and on oath made the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the act of Congress passed on the 4th day of July 1836 & all other acts for the benefit of the widows and heirs of Revolutionary soldiers, heretofore made and provided-
That she is a lawful child of John Pearce deceased late of Iredell County North Carolina, that her father the said John enlisted near Bladensburg in the State of Maryland in the Maryland line (Regiment not recollected) in the year 1776 or 1777 and served five years. One of his officers of whom she often heard him speak and whom he esteemed very highly was named Bruce, whose
given or Christian name she does not now recollect, that he was in many battles under General Washington among which she distinctly recollects those of Monmouth and Brandywine, and Yorktown, That at Monmouth and Brandywine he was wounded in the hip and arm, and that at one of those places he would have been left on the field of battle, as being beyond the hope of recovery had it not been for the officer (Bruce) above mentioned that shortly after the expiration of the term for which he had enlisted he removed to Franklin County Virginia, where he married Sarah Hennis the mother of this deponent, that at some time after the marriage aforesaid, he the said John volunteered in the service in the State of Virginia, but how long he continued in said service is unknown to this deponent, that at the expiration of said service he became a substitute for Mordecai Moseley and as such was in the battle of Yorktown and was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, This deponent further states
Page 13

that she has frequently seen and read the certificate of discharge given to her father the said John but she does not recollect where or by whom they were given. The said discharges were printed, the blanks of which were filled out in writing on each of which discharges there was an eagle with extended wings, said discharges were last seen in the possession of her mother Sarah Pearce, and since her death cannot be found, nor does this deponent know what has become of them. That her father the said John Married her Mother Sarah Hennis in the latter part of the year 1780 in Franklin County Virginia but she does not recollect by whom they were married. The banns of said marriage according to the statement of her mother the said Sarah were published three times in accordance with the requisition of the laws of Virginia, that the said John and Sarah lived together as man and wife from the time of their marriage as aforesaid untill the day of his death which occured in Iredell County N.C. on the 24th day of February 1818.That the said John and Sarah had nine children born in lawful wedlock the names and ages of which are as follows viz- Margaret Pearce now Harvey this deponent, who was born on the 27th day of November 1786, Rhody now Randolph, who was born on the 16th day of March 1799, Mary now Burnitt who was born on the 1st day of December 1801, Sarah now Shoemaker who was born on the 20th day of August 1804, William Elias and Elizabeth are dead, Catharine and Ezekiel have not been heard of for five years and are supposed to be dead. That the last will and testament of the said John was made in Iredell County N.C. That her mother the said Sarah removed after the death of her husband the said John to McMinn County Tenn, and remained there untill the time of her death, which occured on the 24th day of March 1843. That her mother was not married again after the death of the said  John
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2
but remained a widow up to the date of her death as aforesaid. That this deponent was born on the 27th day of November 1786, and married her present husband Allen Harvey on the 19th day of July 1807 in Iredell County N.C. and removed to McMinn County Tenn. in the year 1824, thence to Georgia in the County of Lumpkin in the year 1835.
Margret Harvey

State of Georgia 
Lumpkin County SS.
Be it remembered that on this 15 day of April 1847 before the Inferior Court of said County in open Court, personally appeared Allen Harvey and made oath in due form of law, that he was well acquainted with John Pearce and Sarah Pearce his wife the persons mentioned in the foregoing declaration, from the year 1803 to the date of the death of said John which took place on the 24th day of February 1818, in Iredell County N.C. That he the said Allen married Margaret the deponent in the above declaration, the daughter of the said John and Sarah on the 19th day of July 1807. That he has often seen scars on his [inserted: John's] arm and hip and believes them to have been caused by wounds received in the Revolutionary War. That his wife Margaret Harvey, Rhody Randolph, Mary Burnett and Sarah Shoemaker, are the only children of the said John and Sarah known to be living. That his wife the said Margaret was born on the 27th day of November 1786. That the said Sarah Pearce continued to be the widow of said John up to the date of her death which occured on the 24th day of March 1843, in McMinn County Tenn, and did not marry after the death of the said John her husband, and that his father in law the said John made his last will and testament in Iredell County N.C. which was placed on Record in Statesville in said County of Iredell, I therefore conse [illegible]
Page 15

tute and appoint William M Varnum of Dahlonega Ga to be my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to apply for and demand and collect from the United States, the pension due me from the same in right of my wife Margaret Harvey.
Witness my hand and seal this 15th day of April 1847
Allen Harvey, his mark
Attest B. G. Thornton, Jr.

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 John Pearce was a revolutionary soldier and served as his daughter Margaret Harvey and Allen Harvey his son in law state. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them Margaret Harvey and Allen Harvey credible witnesses or persons and that their statements are entitled to credit.
In testimony we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 15th day of April 1847, 
Interlined before subscribed by the Court, 
R B Lewis J.P. (seal)
E. H. Wingfield J.P. (seal)
Enos Barnes [illegible] (seal)

I James H. Worley Deputy-Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Margaret Harvey for a pension. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and private seal there being no seal of office this 15th day of April 1847
J. H. Worley DClerk

I Milligan P Quillian Clerk of the Superior Court of said County certify that James H Worley is Deputy-Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County and that his Signature as such is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and Seal of Office this the 15th day of April 1847
M. P. Quillian Clerk

[Written in the right margin] 6.924
Page 16

State of Tennessee
McMinn County
Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Rhody Randolph of said County, who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, That she is a daughter of John Pearce deceased, late of Iredell County North Carolina, and Sarah Pearce deceased, late of said County. She furthermore deposes, that she has frequently heard her father, the said John speak of having enlisted during the Revolutionary War, near Bladensburg Maryland, in the Maryland line, and that he was in several battles, and received some wounds, the scars of which this deponent has seen. That her father the said John and Sarah Henes her mother, lived in the same neighborhood in Maryland, previous to his enlistment, and at that time were engaged to be married. That during the term of his service, the said Sarah removed to Franklin County Virginia, whither the said John went, shortly after the expiration of said service and married the said Sarah the mother of this deponent, at the residence of Lewis Duval in said County, That the barns of said marriage were published three times according to the laws of said State, and that she has seen the certificate of marriage, given to her father by the Minister who married them, which certificate together with those of his discharge and sundry other papers were destroyed
Page 17

a number of years since, as valueless. That after said marriage, he became a substitute for Mordecai Moseley, who had been drafted in said County, and as such substitute was at the battle of Yorktown and at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, for which service he received a horse and cow of the said Moseley, That her father the said John removed from Franklin County Virginia, to Iredell County North Carolina, where he died in February 1820. That her mother the said Sarah, after the death of her father the said John, removed to this County viz McMinn, and remained the widow of her father to the date her death, which occured on the 24th day of March 1844, at the house of this deponent.
Attest James B. Jenkins 
Rhody Randolph, her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 10th day of July 1847.
John Jenkins
Justice of the Peace

State of Tennessee
McMinn County
Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Sarah Bowerman, who being duly sworn deposeth and saith, that she during the spring of 1844 (the date and month of which she cannot now recollect) assisted in shrouding Sarah Pearce, who had recently died at the residence of Peyton and Rhody Randolph in said County,
Attest James Bowerman
Sarah Bowerman, her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this 10th day of July 1847
John Jenkins Justice of the peace
Page 18

Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Isaac W Slaughter who being duly sworn deposeth and saith that some time during the month of March 1844, he made the coffin of Sarah Pearce, who had recently died at the residence of Peyton Randolph in said County.
Isaac W. Slaughter
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 10th day of July 1847.
John Jenkins
Justice of the peace

State of Tennessee
McMinn County
I, James, C. Carlock Clerk of the County Court of said County, do hereby certify that John Jenkins, before whom the foregoing affidavits were taken is an acting Justice of the Peace, duly commissioned and qualified in and for said County and that his signature thereto is genuine and as such is entitled to full faith and credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of Office this 14th day of July 1847.
J. C Carlock Clerk
By A. Slover D.C.
Page 19

Land Office
Annapolis, 13th Jany, 1848
I hereby Certify, that it appears by the muster rolls of the Revolution remaining in this office, That Jason Jenkins, enlisted as a Corporal, in the 1st Maryland Regiment, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, on the 1st day of March, 1779, and on the 27th day of December, 1779, was discharged and paid, and that the date of his enlistment is blank on said roll.
George G. Brewer
Regn. Land Off. Md.
Page 20

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
Before me a Justice of the Peace in and for
said County, personally appeared Mary Burnett, who being duly sworn, according to law, deposeth and saith, That she is a lawful child of John and Sarah Pearce deceased, That her father the said John enlisted near Bladensburg in the State of Maryland in the Maryland line (Regiment not recollected) in the year 1776 or 1777, and served five years, That he was engaged in many battles under General Washington among which was Monmouth, Brandywine and Yorktown, and at Monmouth
and Brandywine was wounded, at one of which places he received a wound from a bayonet, in the thigh and would have been left, as dead on the field of battle had it not been for his officer (whose name is not recollected), and at the other mentioned place he received a wound in the arm, That after the time of his enlistment had expired he repaired to Franklin County Virginia, where he married Sarah Hennis the mother of this deponent. That the said John and Sarah at the time of his enlistment resided in the same neighborhood in the State of Maryland and were engaged to be married previous to his enlistment, and between whom during his term of service a regular correspondence was continued. That during the term of his service the said Sarah removed to Franklin County Virginia
Page 21

whither the said John at the time of his discharge from service, repaired, and shortly thereafter married the said Sarah, which marriage took place in the latter part of the year 1780. That some time thereafter the said John volunteered in the State of Virginia and having, during the period for which he volunteered, taken a deserter, who was compelled to serve in the stead or place of the said John, he the said John while returning home from service, met Mordecai Moseley an acquaintance and a man of considerable property, and who had been drafted in the State of Virginia, [crossed out: who hired] for the term of six months, who hired him to become a substitute for him the said Moseley, That as a substitute as aforesaid he was engaged at the battle of Yorktown, at which place Lord Cornwallis
surrendered, That the said John and Sarah lived together as man and wife from the dates of their marriage as aforesaid untill the date of his death which occured on the 24th day of February 1820. That she the said Mary Burnett is fully satisfied as to the above mentioned date of her fathers death, [crossed out: since] as he died in the month of February in the year previous to her marriage to John Burnett, which marriage took place on the 19th day of April 1821. That they had nine children born in lawful wedlock to wit Margaret who was born on the 27th day of November 1786 and the oldest now living, Elizabeth and William the two oldest are dead, Rhody, Mary this deponent
Page 22

who was born on the 1st day of December 1800, Sarah, Elias, Catharine and Ezekiel, That the said John made his last will and testament in Iredell County North Carolina. That her mother some four or five years after the death of her father the said John removed to McMinn County Tennessee, and remained the widow of the said John untill the date of her death which occured on the 24th day of March 1844 at the residence of her son in law Peyton Randoph in said County, according to a letter received from my own son James W Burnett who at that time resided in the neighborhood where she died.
May Burnett
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of June 1847
C. A. Barrett Justice of peace

I certify that Mary Burnett who has made oath to the above statements and subscribed her name thereto is a person of truth and veracity and as such her testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand this 29th day of June 1847
C. A. Barrett Justice of peace

I Goodman Hughes Minister of the Gospel do hereby certify that Mary Burnett who has made the foregoing statements is a strict and orderly member of the Church, and is a person of truth and veracity, and as such her testimony is entitled to full faith and credit.
June 30th 1847.
Goodman Hughes
Minister of the Gospel
Page 23

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
I Milligan T Quilliam Clerk of the Superior Court of said County do certify that C. A. Barrett is a Justice of the Peace in and for said
County duly conscriptioned. His Signature as such is genuine and entitled to full faith
and credit and
also that Goodman Hughes is a minister of the Gospel in
fair standing and his certificate
is entitled to full faith and credit
[illegible] in one place before, sign [remainder of the word "sign" is covered by the seal]
Given under my hand and
Seal of office this 22nd
day of
July 1847
M. T. Quilliam Clk [Clerk]
Page 24

Sarah Pearce
Ga sas 36
W Cole
W. M. Varnum
Dahlonega
Ga
Page 25

State of Virginia
Franklin County
On this the 13th day of February 1854 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Sally Thornton aged 76 years a resident of said County a person whose statements are entitled to full credit and after being duly sworn according to law states that she is the daughter of Mordecai Moseley deceased that her father the said Mordecai Moseley was a soldier in the war of the Revolution that she well recollects her father went into the Army and while in service was taken sick and employed in his stead John Pearce as a substitute to serve the balance of his time out for which she allways heard [crossed out: paid] that her father paid the said John Pearce 20 lbs for serving in his place that she has allways understood that John Pearce married Sarah Hennis who was related or who was a sister to Lewis Duvals wife that she well reccollects the three oldest children of John Pearce namely William Elias & Elizabeth Pearce that said John and Sarah Pearce removed as she understood &  has no doubt from Virginia to Iredell County North Carolina.
She further declares that the accompanying Reccord is a reccord of her & her husbands age marriage etc.
Sally Thornton
Sworn to and and subscribed before the day above written and I certify that Mrs. Sally Thornton is a highly respectable
Page 26

Citizen and that her statements are entitled to full credit as such Given under my hand in my official capacity the day and year above & before written
Jenkin M. Oxley J. Peace

In addition to the foregoing declaration Sally Thornton swears that she is in no way interested in any claim that the children of John & Sarah Pearce is trying to establish for the services their father in the Revolutionary War
Sally Thornton
Jenkin M. Oxley J. Peace

State of Virginia
County of Franklin
To Wit
I Robert A. Scott Clerk of the County Court in and for the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that Jenkin M. Oxley whose genuine signatures appear above, is and was at the time of signing the same, a Justice of the peace, in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and swornd, and that all his official acts as such, an entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand and the Seal of the said Court this 16th day of February AD 1854 in the 78th year of the Commonwealth
R. A. Scott clk [clerk]
Page 27

I Starlin Thornton was born February 15th: 1776
Salley Mosley was Born December 16th: 1777.
Starlin Thornton and Salley was married August 29th: 1803
Rhoda Thornton was Born June 23th: 1804
John Thornton was Born March 30th 1806
Starlin M. Thornton was born April 19th: 1808
Samuel J. Thornton was born May 25th: 1811
Elisabeth Moriah Thornton was Born April 10th: 1813
Page Thornton was born July 7th 1815
Burwell Thornton was Born Feb 14th. 1818.
Page 28

W. M. Varnum
Dahlonega
Georgia
Page 29

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
On this the 12th day of August
1854 before the subscriber a Justice of the
Peace in for said County personally appeared Ezekiel Pearce Harvey a person whose statements are entitled to full credit and after being duly sworn according to law states that he is the grand son of John Pearce & Sarah Pearce deceased that the said Sarah Pearce died on the 24th day of March 1844 leaving the following children that now survive her namely deponents Mother Margaret Harvey, Sarah Shoemaker and Mary Burnett these are the only children believed to be now living his Aunt Rhoda Randolph died near three years ago that his uncle William Pearce died in Rhea County Tennessee in 1838 that his Aunt Elizabeth died in Iredell County N.C. about 39 years ago as he is informed & believes that his Uncle Elias Pearce died long before he was born and his uncle Ezekiel Pearce has not been heard from since the fall of the year 1840 believed to be dead as he was a very disipated man that his Aunt Cathrine Campbell is supposed to be dead as she has not been heard from in 25 years and was a sickly person at that time and deponent further states that he has no lawful interest in the above claim
E P Harvey
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day above written
J T Barrett J Peace
Page 30

I James T. Barrett Justice of the Peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I have been intimately acquainted with E. P. Harvey 16 or 17 years, who has made oath to the foregoing statements and that his statements are entitled to the fullest credit and I believe his statements made within are strictly true
Given under my hand and in my official capacity this 12th August 1854
J. T. Barrett J Peace

I Wier Boyd Clerk of the Superior Court of the County of Lumpkin in State of Georgia do hereby certify that I am now and has been personally acquainted for the last fifteen years with E. P. Harvey who has made the within statements that said Harvey is a man of good Moral Character and that said statements are entitled to entire credit 
Given under my hand & official signature at Dahlonega Ga this 15th day of August 1854
Wier Boyd C.S [remainder is clipped from the scan]
Page 31

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
I James R Lauhon Ordinary in and for said County do hereby certify that satisfactory Evidence is now before me shewing that Margaret Harvey formerly Margaret Pearce, Mary Burnett formerly Mary Pearce and Sarah Shoemaker formerly Sarah Pearce are the only surviving children of John Pearce and Sarah Pearce deceased.
Given under my hand and seal of office at Dahlonega this 15th day of August 1854
Jas. R. Lauhon
[seal]
Page 32

L. Edwards, Esq.
Commr of Pensions
Washington City,
D.C.

[the following is written on the left side, perpendicular to the rest of the text] May 13 1847 [this year is partially covered by the stamp and may be incorrect]
Rev service of John Pearce

[stamped] Annapolis Md, May 12
mail
Page 33

Land Office
Annapolis, 11th May, 1847.
Sir,
Your letter of the 8th Inst. I have just received. I have made a careful examination of the records of the Revolution in this office, and find the name of but one John Pearce, upon any of the rolls. It appears by a Muster roll, that John Pearce, enlisted as a private, in the 1st Maryland Regiment, for the term of three years and was discharged on the 7th day of September, 1780, the date of his Enlistment being blank upon the roll. I do not find his name upon any of the pay rolls, nor do the roll show, the Officers under whom he Enlisted. About two weeks ago, I received a letter from Wm M. Varnum, at Dahlonega, Georgia, requesting to be furnished with a certificate of the service of John Pearce, and finding but the one of that name upon the roll, I sent him a certificate of the service as above stated. There was a William Bunce, who was a captain in the 1st Regiment.
Very respectfully,
Yr. Obd. Sr.
G. G. Brewer

J. L. Edwards, Esqr.
Commr. of Pensions
Page 34

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
On this the 15th day of August 1854 before the subscriber personally appeared William M. Varnum a person whose statements are entitled to full credit and after being duly sworn according to law declares that as the Agent of Mrs Margaret Harvey and other children of John Pearce and Sarah Pearce deceased for prosecuting their claim for a Pension under acts of Congress of the 4th July 1836 and 1838 he was governed by Mrs Harveys statements in her first Declaration upon which he sent & obtained from the Comptroler of Maryland a certificate of the services of John Pearce and some time afterwards he wrote to know if the Rolls in the Comptrolers Office showed the names of - Evans & Jason Jenkins which names were given by Mrs Harvey as comrades of her father that he had often spoken of in his life time as his messmates that he received a certificate that one of the above names Jenkins he belives was on the Rolls that Pearces name was on, he further states from the statements of the children of John & Sarah Pearce and the statements of disinterested persons that John Pearce the father of said (Margaret Harvey, Mary Burnett & Sarah Shoemaker) served three years in the Maryland Line & that he served a short time as a substitute for Mordicai  Moseley in the State of Virginia after his marriage to his wife Sarah Hennis the mother of Mrs Harvey & other children mentioned in the declaration that if he had of had any doubts as to the term of service in Mordecai
Page 35

place after his marriage that statements of Mrs Thornton of Franklin County Virginia would have removed them as she confirmed the statements made by the children of said John and Sarah Pearce as to her father hiring the said Pearce to serve in his place.
He therefore thinks that the Commissioner of Pensions would be justifiable in granting a Pension to the said children under act of Congress of the 4th July 1836.
W. M. Varnum

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written this 15th of August 1854.
James Rutherford J. Peace

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
I James Rutherford Clerk of the Inferior Court in and for said County do hereby certify that James Rutherford whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing statements is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified as such.
Given under my hand and seal of Office this the 15th day of August 1854
James Rutherfor C.I.C
Page 36

Col J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 37

Barrettsville Lumpkin Co Geo June 29th 1847
Sir,
I have received through Col William M Varnum of Dahlonega my Attorney for prosecuting a pension claim for me in right of my mother Sarah Pearce decd a letter from you containing certain objections as regards the fact of John Pearce being my father. You state that the
John Pearce for whose services a certificate has been issued by the Register of the Land Office at Annapolis Md, was not discharged from service untill September 1780 during the latter part of which year my father and mother John and Sarah Pearce were married, you also state that that Pearce who was discharged at that time (unless I am mistaken) could not have been my father. How you have arrived at this conclusion from a comparison of the dates I am at a loss to conceive for from the month of September untill the close of the year there is a space of three months or more, my father therefore, doubtless, during that space of time could have gone even from the most remote part of Maryland after his discharge to Franklin County Va - and married my mother before the close of the year. Moreover I have frequently heard them say that they became engaged previous to his enlistment and kept up a regular correspondence with each other during that time. At the time they became
Page 38

engaged they resided in the same neighbourhood in Maryland, but during the term of my fathers service, my mother removed to Franklin County Va whither he went immediately or very soon after his discharge and married her, that is during the latter part of that year (1780) you also stated that the testimony of those who were in service with John Pearce my father will be required in order to identify him. I am confident that this cannot be procured from the fact that, doubtless, many if not all of them are dead, but if they were alive I do not know the residence of any of them nor ever knew. I have frequently heard him speak of two of his messmates viz Jason Jenkins and Samuel Evans but as I before remarked I have never known their residences, My father esteemed the first mentioned person so much that he named one of his grand children after him, but to require proof of this kind when it is [crossed out: absent] utterly impossible to procure it is certainly improper and I might say unjust, for the circumstances certainly are sufficient without proof of that character.
Respectfully &c
Margaret Harvey

Com J. L. Edwards
Commissioner to
Washington
D. C.
I Goodman Hughes Minister of the Gospel do hereby certify that I have been for several years past acquainted with
Page 39

Margaret Harvey who has written the above letter, that she is a credible person, and as such her testimony is entitled to full faith and credits.
June 30th 1847.
Goodman Hughes
Minister of the Gospel
Page 40

Dahlonega May the 17th 1848
Dear Sir
I herewith forward to you the Clerks Certificate showing that there is no evidence on record in his Office of the marriage of John Pearce and Sarah Hennis. Also a Copy of the will of said Pearce in which he bequeaths to his wife Sally Pearce, certain property. Also a certificate from the Register of Land Office concerning the services of Jason Jenkins, whom Mrs Harvey mentioned in her supplementary letter to you last year. You will recollect that she stated that said Jenkins served in the same Regiment and was messmate with her father. I have procured this certificate to show that circumstances go very far to prove Pearces services, if nothing eIse. I also send you the letter of Benjamin Duval, who states that said Pearce and his wife lived for thirty years within two or three miles of his fathers and that he never heard their marriage controverted, that they were married in his fathers house when he was very young. Now by a comparison of the statement of Benjamin
Page 41

Duval and Archibald his brother whose affidavit is on file in your Department it will be seen, that they accord precisely. With this additional testimony and corroborating circumstances before you, I feel sattisfied that the case is plainly made out. The law could not require us to prove more than we have already proved.
Very respectfully
Col. J. L.
Edwards
Your obedient Servant
W M Varnum

Col. J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
City / D.C.1
Page 42

State of Georgia
Cherokee County
Before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County, personally appeared Archibald Duval of said County, aged 72 years, who being duly sworn according to law, deposeth and saith, That he was well acquainted with both John Pearce and Sarah Hennis in Franklin County in the State of Virginia, the parents of Margaret Harvey, Mary Burnitt and Rhody Randolph, and resided in the same neighborhood, in which they did. That he has frequently heard his father and the said Pearce say that he the said Pearce, enlisted in the Revolutionary War, near Bladensburg Maryland, in the Maryland Continental Line, and served his country faithfully for a long period of time.
He further declares that the said John Pearce & Sarah Hennis, were married some sixty or more years since at his father's (Duval's) house in the County aforesaid, and believes that he witnessed the marriage ceremony, but cannot say positively, as his memory has been somewhat impaired by age and the long lapse of time, That some time after the marriage aforesaid, he believes he performed a tour of service as he saw him return home in a uniform which was of a blue color, and trimed with red.
He further declares that he frequently heard him the said Pearce speak of having been engaged at the Battles of Brandywine and Monmouth, and that he was present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and that he saw the scar of a wound in the arm of said Pearce, He thinks he was also wounded in the hip at Monmouth.
He further declares that the said Pearce and his wife the said Sarah removed from Franklin County aforesaid to Campbell County Virginia, thence to Iredell County North Carolina, where the said Pearce
died about 27 years ago.
He further declares that the said Sarah Pearce removed to McMinn County Tennessee, and according to report died there.
Archibald Duval, his mark

Test
W. M. Varnum

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of October 1847.
Thomas N. White Justices of the Peace
Page 43

State of Georgia
Cherokee County
Before me an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared William Ellis, who being duly sworn according to law deposeth and saith, that he formerly resided in Iredell County North Carolina and was well acquainted with John Pearce and his wife Sarah Pearce. He further declares that he has been acquainted with Archibald Duval for about forty years and believes him to be a credible person and that his statements are entitled to full faith and credit.
Willam Ellis

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 13th day of October 1847.
Thomas N White Justices of the peace

I T. N. White hereby certify that I believe the persons named in the foregoing affidavits viz William Ellis and Archibald Duvall are credible persons and as such their statements are entitled to full faith and credit.
Thomas N White

Executive Department
Milledgeville 1. Nov 1847
This is to Certify that Thomas N White is an acting Justice of the Peace of the 1000th District of the County of Cherokee as appears from the Records of this Department.
Given under my hand and the seal of the Executive Department at the Capital in Milledgeville the date above written.
Jn Horne
S Esq
Page 44

Col. J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
City /DC/
Page 45

Milledgeville Nov. 14. 1847
Col. J. L. Edwards
Sir
Enclosed you will find Archibold Duvals statement William Ellis and Thomas N White certificates in the case of Mrs. Harvy applying for a Pension due the heirs of deceased widows of Revolutionary soldiers in certain cases.
You will please report to me at this place
Respectfully your
obedient Servant
W. M. Varnum

Col J L Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
City /DC/
Page 46

Sarah Pearce, decd widow of John
Georgia
Act July 7. 1838. &c
Admitted
Private of Infy [Infantry] 2 years at $80. per annum from March 4. 1836 to March 24th 1844, when she died - except 2 years.
Certificate payable to Allen Harvey her Admr for the benefit of Margaret Harvey, Mary Burnett & Sarah Shoemaker, her only surviving children
Atty
W. M. Varnum
Dahlonega
Georgia
Page 47

Breif in the case of Sarah Pearce, deceased, widow of John
Lumpkin County and State of Georgia
act July 7. 1838
Regd under act of 1836.
Claim, ("original," [crossed out: or "for increase"])
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Service - Record and parol proof
Identity - ditto [Record and parol proof]
Marriage - Parol
[crossed out: Survivor] widowhood, deaths & children proved
administration certified
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
On consultation with Mr Waldo. Commr
Name and residence of Agent
W. M. Varnum
Dahlonega
Ga
S. G. Dodge
Examining Clerk.
Page 48

Col Edwards
Commission of Pensions

[the following is written upside down at the bottom of the slip]
No 6924
Sarah Pearce decd
widow of John
Ga
act 4 July 1836
Page 49

No 6924
Sarah Pearce decd
widow of John
Ga
act 4 July 1836

[the following is written upside down at the bottom of the slip]
Col Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 50

Dahlonega April 17th 1847
Col Edwards
Sir
Enclosed you will find the Declaration of Mr. & Mrs. Harvey please report to me at this place.
Respectfully
Your obedient servant
W. M. Varnum

Col Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City /D.C./
Page 51

Dahlonega May 1st 1854
Comr of Pensions
Will please find Declaration & letters of Administration on the Estate of Sarah Pearce deceased in complyance with your request by letter dated Pension Office February 27th 1854.
Very Respectfully your
obedient Servant
W M Varnum
Page 52

Pension Office,
February 27th 1854
Sir:
The additional proofs in support of the application of Sarah Pearce, deceased, widow of John of Georgia, under the Act of July 4th 1836, have been examined.
As it is uncertain how many children really survive, it is required that the appointment of an administrator of the widow and the amount of his bond as such, shall be certified to this Office.
The claim cannot be admitted under the Act of 1836, without proof fixing the date of the marriage as early as 1780.
I am, respectfully,
Your Obt. Svt,
L P Waldo
Commissioner

W. M. Varnum, Esqr.
Dahlonega,
Ga.
Page 53

Sarah Pearce widow of John
Claim by Margaret Harvey
Georgia Act 1886
Ex by Col Berret Dec 2. [illegible]
Page 54

11.705
Georgia
Sarah Pearce, decd
widow of John, who died on the [blank] of [blank] in the State of [blank]
who was a private in the [blank] commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolution [crossed out: line] for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Savannah at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 23rd day of August 1854 and sent to W. M. Varnum
Dahlonega Geo
Arrears to the 4th of [blank]
Semi-annual allowance ending [blank]
{Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838}
Recorded by G. T. Getty Clerk,
Book D. Vol 1 Page 323.
Page 55

No 6924 (No 15.204 Act 1838)
Sarah Pearce ded
Ga
[text missing due to tear in document] to G. G. Brewer May 8. 47
ditto W. M. Varnum May 25. 47
ditto W. M. Varnum Sept. 13. 47
ditto W. M. Varnum Decem. 3. 47
ditto W. M. Varnum Oct. 30. 48
let to Howell Cobb Nov. 25. 49
J. G. Berret Apl 14 1852
W. M. Varnum Feb 27./54
Act 4 July 1836
Let W. M. Varnum, May 12/54
same July 29. 1854
Page 56

No 6924
Sarah Pearce dec
Ga
let to G. G. Brewer May 8 '49
let to Wm. M. Varnum May 25th, '47
let to same August 13. '47
[text missing due to tear in document] to same Decb 3. '47
Act 4 July 1836

[the following is written to the right of the slip, perpendicular to the rest of the text]
Let. to Wm Varnum
Oct 30th '48
Page 57

May 18 '47 [1847]
Wm Pearce Mr G.
Respy [crossed out: Mr Harvey's] case

[the following is written upside down at the bottom of the slip]
J. L. Edwards Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
War Department
D. C.
Page 58

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Comr. of Pensions
Washington D. C.
Mail

[the following is to the left, written perpendicular to the text]
May 18 '47
On
[stamped] Dahlonega Ga.
May 13
Page 59

Dahlonega May 13th 1847
Sir
Land Warrant No. 2418 for 100 acres of land in favor of Elizabeth & Mary Anne Singleton was received by yesterdays mail.
Enclosed you will also find a Certificate from George G. Brewer Register Land Office Md. certifying to the services of John Pearce the father of Mrs. Harvey of this County whose Declaration I forwarded some time since Please write to me at this place.
Respectfully your
Obedient Servant
W. M. Varnum

J. L. Edwards Esqr.
Commr of Pensions
Washington
D.C.
Page 60

Thomas

[the following is upside down]
[illegible because cut off from scan]
5
William M. Varnum
Dahlohnega
Georgia
Page 61

Franklin [illegible]
24th Augst
William M. Varnum
Dahlohnega 
Georgia
Page 62

North Carolina Macon Co 15th August 1847
Wm. M Varnum
Dear Sir
I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 16th July and proceed to give you Such information as I am in possession of concerning John and Sarah Pearce.
They were married at my fathers house though I was verry young and cannot establish that fact but there is no doubt of it they lived about 30 years within 2 or 3 miles of my Father and I never heard any thing else but what they were Married. I have a Brother living in Cherokee Georgia, Archable Duvall about 25 miles from Dahlohnega he is Some years older than what I am it is likely he can give you the desired information.
Yours with respect
Benjamin Duvall

Wm. M Varnum
Page 63

Jany. 5th 1852
Addl. evi: in case of Sarah Pearce decd. wid. of John
James G. Berret
Present
Page 64

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
We the undersigned Justices of the Inferior Court of said County do hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exibited in said Court that John Pearce in or about the year 1820 leaving a widow Sarah Pearce who survived him & remained his widow up to her death which occured on the 24th March 1844 That she died leaving the following and only surviving children namely Margaret Harvey Rehvody Randolph Mary Burnett and Sarah Shoemaker
Given under our hands in our official capacity this the 16th day of Dec 1837
James Bryan J.P {L.S.}
Wm. Burt J.P {L.S.}
Wm Martin J. P. {L.S.}

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
I Wier Boyd Deputy Clerk of the Inferior Court of said County & State do hereby certify that James
Page 65

Bryan William Burt & William Martin whose Signatures appear to the foregoing are acting Justices of the Inferior Court for the County afore said, duly commissioned & qualified That their signatures to the same are genuine and that the same was assigned in open Court.
Given under my hand & seal of office this 16th day Decr AD 1857
M Boyd I Clk
Page 66

State of Virginia
Franklin County
Sct:
I Moses G. Casper Clerk of the County Court of Franklin in the State of Virginia, do hereby certify, that upon an examination of the records of my office, I can find no evidence therein of the marriage of John Pearce and Sarah Hennis.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of Office this 14th day of December in the year A.D. 1847, and 72nd year of the Commonwealth.
M. G. Casper, Clk
Page 67

STATE OF GEORGIA, Lumpkin County.
By the Court of Ordinary of said County. 
Whereas, Sarah Pearce late of [crossed out: said county; inserted: McMann County State of Tennessee], deceased, died intestate, having, while [crossed out: he; inserted: she] lived and at the time of [crossed out: his; inserted: her] death, divers goods, chattels, rights and credits, within the county aforesaid, by means whereof the full disposition and power of granting the administration of all and singular, the goods, chattels, rights and credits of the said deceased, and also a final dismission from the same, to the Court aforesaid, does of right belong; and saidCourt desiring that the goods, chattels, rights and credits of said deceased, may be well and truly administered, and legally disposed of, do hereby grant unto Allen Harvy administrator, full power, by the tenure of these presents, to administer the goods, chattels, rights and credits of said deceased, which to him in [crossed out: his; inserted: her] lifetime, and at the time of [crossed out: his; inserted: her] death, did belong; and to ask, demand, sue for, receive the same, and to pay the debts in which the deceased stood bound, so far forth as his assets will extend, according to law, and then the balance justly to pay over to the legal heirs and distributees, of the said deceased. And the said Allen Harvy having given bond and security, and taken the oath, and performed all other requisites required by law, necessary to his just qualification as administrator, he is, by order of said Court, and by virtue of these presents, ordained, constituted and appointed administrator, of all and singular, the goods, chattels, rights and credits of said deceased.
Given under my hand and official signature, this 1st day of May 1854
Jas R Lawhon NLy [L. S.]
Page 68

State of Georgia
Lumpkin County
I Jas R Lauhon ordinary in and for said County do hereby certify that the within is a true Copy of the Letters of Administrator this day granted by me to Allen Harvy administrator on the Estate of Sarah Pearce late of McMinn County State of Tennessee. I do further certif that said Allen Harvy has given bond and good security for the trust in him imposed for the sum of one thousand Dollars, all of which is now of file in my office
Given under my hand and seal of Office this
1st day of May 1854
Jas R Lauhon Ordinary
Page 69

Col. J. L. Edwards
Washington
City, DC.
no answer required
Page 70

Dahlonega August 21st 1848
Col J. L. Edwards
Sir
Some time in April or May last I enclosed you additional proof in Mrs. Harveys case for a Pension due her deceased Mother Sarah Peace who was the widow of a Revolutionary soldier you will please write to me the result of said proof in her case by the earliest practable opportunity
Respectfully your
obedient Servant
W. M. Varnum

Col. J. L. Edwards
Washington 
City, DC.
Page 71

Col. J. L. Edwards
Comr. of Pensions
Washington
City. D. C.
Page 72

Dahlonega July 22nd 1847
Sir
Enclosed you will find the depositions & certificates of several persons in the case of Mrs. Harvey daughter of John Pearce a deceased Revolutionary Soldier you will please report to me at this place
Respectfully
Your obedient Servant
W. M. Varnum

J. L. Edwards Esqr
Comr of Pensions
Washington
City D. C.
Page 73

Land Office, Annapolis, 4th May, 1847
I hereby testify, That it appears by the Muster rolls of the Revolution remaining in this office, That John Pearce, enlisted as a private, in the 1st Maryland Regiment, for the term of three years, and was discharged on the 7th day of September, 1789, and that the date of his Enlistment is blank upon said roll.
George G. Brewer,
Regr Land Off. Md.
Page 74

Augt 10/52
[illegible]
Page 75

Washington 10 Aug: 1850 -
Hon:
J L Edwards
Sir;
I request a re=examination of the claim of Sarah Pearce, under the act 4 Jul 1836-
I am the agent of W Varnum by whom the claim was originally presented
Very Respy.
Your Ob Sr.
J G. Berret
Page 76

Revy WIDOW, &c
File No. 5527
Sarah Pearce
Wid.
John Pearce
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: Mach 1, 3. of 43, June 17 of 44
Index:- Vol. M, Page 120
[Arrangement of 1870]