Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R. 78 1/2, for John Moore, Virginia
Page 1

Service - Va. Sea Service


Moore, John


Number R. 78 1/2

Va. Half Pay


(In pencil)

See also claim R. 78
John Moore Va. Sea Service



See No. 837 - Virginia State Navy

John Moore, U.S. File
Va. Half Pay

See also pension file
John Moore R.78
Page 2

affidavit
Susan Ashburn 
for John Moore


No. 3
Page 3

The affidavit of Susan Ashburn of the County Lancaster, in the state of Virginia taken at the House of her son William G. Ashburn on the 13th day of June, 1850 before James W. Gresham, a Justice of the peace, in and for said County.
This affidavit being duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath state, that she was born and raised in the aforesaid County of Lancaster, and is now about seventy four years of age; That she was well acquainted with John Moore deceased, of the said County, who was reputed to have been an Officer in the Navy during the War of the Revolution, that the said John Moore lived and died in the said County of Lancaster, having two children only, whose names were Ann, and Judieth, that Ann married James Bowen and died leaving two children a son and daughter, the latter died without issue, and the former whose name is William is still supposed to be alive - That Judieth Moore, married William Dawson of the said County of Lancaster, who together with her husband is dead, leaving five children, namely John, William,Lewis, Ann, and Alice, all of whom are now alive as this affiant believes, except Ann, who intermarried with Beverly Kent and died leaving one child only, whose name was Francis and is supposed to be alive, and further this affiant saith not.

Susan Ashburn (her mark)

Sworn to and subscribed 
on the day and year first above mentioned in the caption
Before me

J.W. Gresham J.P.
Page 4

And I certify that the affiant is personally known to me, and that she is a very respectable and credible person.

J.W. Gresham

Lancaster County 

I Robert T. Dunaway Clerk of the County Court of Lancaster in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that James W. Gresham whose signature appears to the foregoing certificate is a Justice of the Peace for and within said County duly commissioned and qualified according to law, entitled full and credit due, and ought to be due to his official acts, as such, and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County this first day of July 1850, and in the 74th year of our foundation.

Robert T. Dunaway
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State of Virginia
Lancaster County 

Mrs. Susan Ashburn whose name is subscribed to the within deposition this day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace for said County and being duly sworn says she was mistaken as to the latter part of said deposition wherein she states that Nancy Danson who intermarried with Beverly Ken was dead she ? to correct the same by stating that the said Nancy Kent is still living in the city of Baltimore Maryland.

signed Susan Ashburn (her mark)

Sworn to and subscribed this 18th day of July 1851 before me 

J.W. Gresham J.P.
Page 6

John Moore

Sailing Master

For Half Pay, admitted
Act of Sept. 7th 1852

File 7 Sept. 1852

No. 4


John Moore has already received half pay



J.J. Coombs
Page 7

Lancaster County Court July 21st 1851


It is ordered to be certified that John Moore who was a Sailing Master in the Virginia State Navy during the Revolutionary died in the County on or about the __ day of ____ 18 leaving two children only, namely Ann and Judith, that  Ann married a man by the name of James Bowen who together with the said Ann his wife have died leaving two children only namely William and Judith Bowen that the said Judith is dead without issue and that the said William Bowen is still alive, that Judith Moore married a man by the name of William Danson and together with her husband died leaving five children namely John, William, Lewis, Ann, and Alice, that John, William, Lewis and Alice are now living and that Ann married a man by the name of Beverly Kent who still survives her husband.

Test.  Robert T. Dunaway C.C.

A copy Attest.  Warner Eubank D.C.


Lancaster County Court December 15th 1851

It is ordered to be certified that it appears to the satisfaction of the court that John Moore died in the year 1802. 

Teste.  Robert T. Dunaway C.C.

A copy 

Attest Warner Eubank D.C.

Lancaster County Court, February 16th, 1852

On the motion of John M. Danson who made oath and together with his securities entered into and ackd? their bond contained according to law, Certificate is granted the said John M. Danson for obtaining letters of Administrator  de bonis non, on the estate of John Moore dead.

Teste Robert T. Dunaway C.C.

A copy 

Attest Warner Eubank D.C.

State of Virginia 
Lancaster County 

I Warner Eubank Deputy Clerk
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of the County Court of Lancaster County do certify that the foregoing is a true transcript from the record.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said County Court of Lancaster this the 1st day of March AD 1852.

Warner Eubank D.C.
Page 9

Know all men by these presents, That I John M. Danson administrator de bonis non of John Moore deceased do hereby constitute, nominate and appoint Reubin Saunders my due and lawful attorney to prosecute any claims, to Land or Money, that  may be due from the State of Virginia and United States, or either on account of the Revolutionary services of John Moore deceased, and to demand and receive from the proper Offices in Richmond and Washington, any Land Warrant or Warrants so due, and so surrender them at the general Land Office, in order to obtain Certificates of scrip in lieu thereof, which he is authorized to receive and deliver to Richard B. Mitchell sent of Lancaster County Virginia, or if said Warrants have been surrendered, then to demand and recover the certificates, and deliver the same to said Mitchell; 
If no scrip can be obtained he is authorized to receive the warrants, which may have been surrendered, and to locate or deliver the same as I may hereunto direct said Attorney is also authorized to prosecute by suit or petition so that the said Richard Mitchell may demand and receive from the state of Virginia and United States any half pay or commutation and interest that may be due, particularly under the act of the fifth of July 1832, and so substitute and appoint one or more Attorneys under him, with a general or special authority to do all that is permitted to do, and no more; and revoke the same at pleasure.  I hereby ratify and confirm whatever said Attorney and his substitutes may lawfully do in the premises.
As witness my hand and seal this first day of March 1852.

John M. Danson (seal)

Administrator ? of John Moore

State of Virginia Lancaster County to wit:

This day personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace in said County, John M. Danson, the subscriber to the foregoing Power of Attorney and acknowledged the same to be his free act and deed. 

As witness my hand and seal this first day of March 1852

Benjamin Waddey (Seal)
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I do hereby substitute and appoint J.J. Coombs of the City of Washington my Attorney specially to prosecute the within revised claims for half pay under the act of 5th July, 1832.

Witness my hand this 3rd day of August 1852

R. Saunders



No. 5
Page 11

State of Virginia
Lancaster County ss.

I Warner Eubank Deputy Clerk of the County Court of Lancaster County do certify that Benjamin Waddy whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing certificate was at the time of so doing an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County and State aforesaid duly Commissioned and qualified.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of the said County Court of Lancaster this 1st day of March AD 1852

Warner Eubank D.C.
Page 12

Administrator's Bond
John M. Danson adm
John Moore


Filed Nov. 28, 1853
by R. Saunders Atty.
Page 13

Know all men by these presents that a John M. Danson, Samuel C. Tapscott, and Richard B. Mitchell are held and firmly brand unto the Commonwealth of Virginia in the just and full sum of Five  thousand dollars to the payment whereof, well and truly to be made to the said Commonwealth of Virginia, we bind ourselves and each of us, our and each of our heirs, executed and administered, jointly and separately, firmly by these presents.  Sealed with our seals, and dated this 20th day of May Anno Domini One thousand eight hundred and 50, and  in the 74th year of the Commonwealth.
The Conviction of the above obligation is such, that of the said John M. Danson, Administrator of all the goods, chattels, and credits of John Moore deceased do make a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, which have or should come to the hands, possession or knowledge of him the said John M. Danson, on into the hands or possession of any other persons or persons for him and the same so much do exhibited into the County Court of Lancaster, when he  shall be thereto required by the said Court, and such goods, chattels, and credits do well and truly administer according to law, and further do make a just and true account of his actings and doings, therein when thereunto required by the said Court. And all the rest of the said goods, chattels, and credits, which shall be form remaining, upon the account of the said administrator the same being first examined and allowed by the justices of the said Court for the time being, shall declare and pay unto such persons respectively as are entitled to the  same by law, and it shall heretofore appear that any last will and testament was made by the deceased, and the same person in Court, and the Executor shall a certificate of the ? thereof, the same John M. Danson do, in such case, being required, render and deliver up his letters of administration. Then his obligation to be said, or else to remain in ?

John M. Danson (seal)
Samuel C. Tapscott (seal)
Richard B. Mitchell (seal)

A copy Teste

Cyrus Doggett
Page 14

Washington June 6th, 1853

Sir:

On the 7th of September last I filed the claim of the Administrator of John Moore, deceased late of Lancaster County Va.,  for Half-Pay under Act of 5th July 1832, for service as sailing master in the Virginia State Navy in the War of the Revolution.  I have never yet received any report in the case. 
Some years ago half pay was recovered by the administrator of John Moore of Accomac, deceased on account of the same service I presume that this claim is founded upon. 
By referring to the papers upon which said claim was allowed to the administration of John Moore of Accomac, you will find that no evidence was presented identifying said John Moore of Accomac with the man of that name who served as a sailing master in the State Navy.  I have not the papers now before me, but according to my recollection they do not contain any evidence whatever of identity. 
The evidence which I presented on the
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7th of September last, will be found, I trust entirely satisfactory to identify John Moore of Lancaster, (whose Estate I represent) with the service of Moore by the rolls.
The evidence which I presented upon the point is as follows:

1st - The deposition of Luke Ashbourn, one of his comrades in the service, clearly and fully identified him as the person who served as sailing master in the State Navy, this declaration you will perceive wsa taken in 1835.
2nd - The deposition of Lewis Hinton, who also served with him, and who identifies him in the same manner, taken also in 1835.
3rd - The deposition of Susan Ashbourn, of Lancaster county, aged 74 years (1850) who knew John Moore in his life time, and who testifies to his reputation as an officer of the State Navy and 
4th - A certificate of the County Court of Lancaster County, certifying that John Moore, of said county, who was sailing master etc. died in said county in the year 1802 etc.  Showing also that John
Page 16

Dunson is the duly appointed and qualified administrator of the Estate of said John Moore of Lancaster.
5th - Power of Attorney from said administrator to Reuben Saunders, with power of substitution, execute by substituting me.
If this evidence satisfies you, (as I have no doubt it will) that John Moore of Lancaster County was in fact the man who served as sailing master, then it follows that the payment to the administrator of John Moore of Accomac was wrongfully made.
Of course, a payment wrongfully made to the administration of John Moore of Accomac, is no bar to the claim of the administrator of John Moore of Lancaster.
It is the plainest proposition inavoidable that the heirs of John Moore of Lancaster, have no power to call the administration of John Moore of Accomac to an account.  The administrator of John More of Accomac does not in any manner represent the Estate of their ancestor and is no more accountable to them, than to you, or to myself, or any other
Page 17

stranger.
As this claim has been a long time on file, without action, I hope you will have it disposed of as soon as possible.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J.J. Coombs


Hon . L.P. Waldo
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 18

Luke Ashbourn

Affidavit

No. 2
Page 19

I certify that I was well acquainted with John Moore of the county, of Lancaster and State of Virginia and that John Moore (blot) Master in the  Virginia Navy he (blot) the Gallery to the best of my recollection (blot) seventy ? a short time after (blot) confirmed in her for two years, she being ? he then went onboard of the ship how long in her I am not certain but am confident I served in all upwards of three years. he died in the said county I do not recollect the year. he left two children  Judith who married William Danson, now living in said county, and left several children, and Ann who  married James Bowing, both dead and left two children a son William Bowing now living.
Given under my hand and seal this 16th day of June 1835.

Luke Ashbourn
(his mark)

State of Virginia
Lancaster County to wit:
This day, Luke Ashbourn, personally came before me a Justice of the Peace for and the county aforesaid and made oath to the above deposition, do hereby certify I am well acquainted with Luke Ashbourn and believe him to be a man of truth.  Given under my hand seal this 16th day of June 1835.

(Lancaster County Seal)
Page 20

I Robert T. Dunaway Clerk of the County of Lancaster do hereby certify that Lawson Hathaway whose name appears to the foregoing certificate was a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and qualified according to laws of the commonwealth,  and further that I believe the signature purporting to be his is genuine.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the said Office this 19th day of April 1850.

Robert T. Dunaway C.C.
Page 21

See also contesting claim of John Moore
of Accomac Co. Va.
R. 78

Va. Half Pay
Page 22

(No. 4)

Report of Joseph Jackson, as to the residence of John Moore, Sailing Master, Va.
Page 23

Richmond Va. 13 August 1833


Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 5 inst. I have to state, that upon an examination of the evidence upon which land bounty was granted to two persons of the name of John Moore for revolutionary service, the one for 2666 2/3 ? as Sailing Master in the Virginia Navy allowed 4 Nov. 1783; the other for 2666 2/3 as Ensign on the Virginia Continental lien, allowed 4 April 1807 - there is nothing in the evidence of the first mentioned case to indicated the residence of the party in the latter case, there is on file in the Register's office a power of attorney from John Moore of Rockbridge County Virginia, to William H. McKee of ? county Kentucky, dated 4 April 1807 to receive his land bounty.
Among the papers in the case first referred to above, is one, running thus,
"Gentlemen of the Land Office Oct. 30, 1783
Please to give Mr. Lewis Jones my land warrant as you will oblige 

Your obedient servant,

John Moore

Walls Parker
Irwin Summerson

Lewis Jones, also received from the auditors, on the 1st Nov. 1783, certificates in the name of John Moore, Master Navy for 92.46 for balance of his full pay.
Thinking it probable that the order of which the above is a copy, might have been given at the residence
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dence of the party, to a friend in the neighborhood, as witnessed by neighbors, I have had accepted, and have examined the list of all payers for the year 1783, for the counties of Accomack and Lancaster, and find the name of John Moore on the books of the former charged with property tax, but do not have the names of either of the others on that paper, in either county for that year - some years afterwards the names of John Moore and Lewis Jones are found on the returns from Lancaster.

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

Joseph Jackson

L.P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 25

Free

Official 


Free

Hon. 
Commissioner Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 26

Lancaster C.H. Va.  February 16th, 1853

Dear Sir:

As one of the heirs of John Moore deceased a sailing master in the Virginia State Navy during the War of the Revolution, I am desirous of knowing whether the claim of the said John Moore has been presented to your office for investigation and if so what has been done with it.  I understand that an agent has been attending to the claim for a year or more under a power of Attorney from the ? of said decedent, but as one of the heirs I have never  given any one a power to act for me - There is due I presume 2666 2/3 acres of land as well as half pay to the time of the death of Moore which happened in 1802.  Be pleased to write me immediately on the receipt of this letter and give me any information in your possession about the claim.  Direct your letter to Lancaster Court House Virginia to the care of B.H. Robinson.

Your obedient servant,

William Bowen
Page 27

Near Shackleford King and Queen County, Virginia
Nov. 20th, 1853
Hon. Judge Waldo
Commissioner of Pensioners

Sir,

I will thank you to file the enclosed papers, with those already on file in the case of Sailing Master John Moore of the Virginia State Navy, in the War of the Revolution for half pay under the act of 5th July 1832, which papers were filed by Mr. J.J. Coombs as my substituted attorney in the case.
Please to endorse upon those papers by whom they have been filed and oblige.

Most respectfully,
Your obedient 
R. Saunders
Page 28

John Moore
Lieutenant
and
Sailing Master

Act 5 July 1832
for half pay
Va. Navy
Page 29

Know all men by these presents that I John M. Danson administrator de bonis non of the Estate of John Moore deceased who was a sailing master and Lieutenant in the State Navy of Virginia in the Revolutionary War, do by these presents appoint B. H. Robinson of Lancaster Court House Va. and Vespasian Ellis of Washington City my Attorneys in fact for me an in my name to demand and receive from the United States any and all half pay for life due to said John Moore aforesaid under the act of 5th of July 1832 and to any and all acts which I could do if I were personally present hereby revoking and renouncing all powers which contravene these presents.
As witness my hand and seal this 26th day of April 1853.

John M. Danson

Witness
B.M. Walker
Edwin E. George


State of Virginia
County of Lancaster

Be it known that on this the 26th day of April 1853 personally appeared John M. Danson Administrator de bonis non of the estate of John Moore deceased formerly a Sailing Mater and Lieutenant in the Virginia State Navy, and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to  be his act and deed .
As witness my hand the day and year last aforesaid.

William Brent 
Justice of the Peace
Page 30

I Cyrus Doggett Clerk of the County Court in the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that William Brent before whom the foregoing paper was executed, was at the date of the same, a Justice of the peace in and for said County duly authorized by law to administer oaths, and that the name thereunto subscribed is his signature.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my official seal this 26th day of April AD. 1853.

Cyrus Doggett
Page 31

J.J. Coombs
Sept. 7, 1852
Page 32

Washington Sept. 7, 1852

Sir:

I herewith present you the claim of the administrator of John Moore deceased late of Lancaster County Virginia, for Half pay under act of 5th July 1832, for services as sailing master in the Virginia State Navy in the War of the Revolution.
Some years ago, half pay was recovered by the administrator of John Moore deceased of Accomack, for the same services, I presume that this claim is founded upon.  I think however, you will find the evidence at now present satisfactory to prove, that John Moore of Lancaster (whose estate I represent) and not John Moore of Accomac, was the man who actually served as Sailing Master in the State Navy.
If so, it follows as a matter of course, that the payment was wrongfully made to the Administrator of John Moore of Accomac, and consequently, that the claim of John Moore of Lancaster (the man who actually rendered the services, remains still unsatisfied.

I am very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
J.J. Coombs

J.E. Heath Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 33

Old Act Navy

Revy No. 78 1/2

John Moore
Sailing Master
Va. Navy


Revolution


Half pay - Act 32
Page 34

Grant of Admitted to
Edward Curnell, Estate John Moore 



Filed Nov. 28, 1853
by R. Saunders Esq. Attorney
Page 35

At a monthly Court held for the County of Lancaster at the Court House on Monday the 20th day of September 1802.

present

Martin Shearman }
William Kirk          }
William Yosby and }       Gentlemen Justices
Joseph Casler Jr.  }


On the motion of Edward Curnel, a certificate is granted him for obtaining letter of administration  on the Estate of John Moore deceased in due form, he having taken the oath, and together with Martin Shearman, his  security entered into and acknowledged their hand in the penalty of three hundred with conviction as the law directs.

A copy - Teste

Cyrus Doggett
Page 36

Washington City 1 Sept. 1853

Commissioner of Pensions

Sir:

Enclosed is a power of Attorney in the half pay claim of John Moore's administrator under the act of 5th July 1832.
You will please allow J.J. Coombs Esq. to continue to manage the claim of said Moore as Sailing Master to its final decision at your department, in my behalf as attorney.

Your obedient servant,
Vespasian Ellis
Attorney of John Danson
administrator of J.M.
Page 37

Lewis Hinton
affidavit

No. 1
Page 38

I certify that I was well acquainted with John Moore of the County of Lancaster and State of Virginia and that said John Moore was sailing master in the Virginia Navy and served in that capacity in one of the Galleys and then came on board of the same ship I was in how long he was in the service I do not now recollect but am certain he served the greater part of the war.
and the said John Moore died in the said county the year not recollected, leaving two children Judieth J, who intermarried with William Danson of said county now living and left several children and Ann who married James Bowing both dead she left two children one son now living William Bowing and these are the only Heirs at (smudge) of John Moore deceased.  Given under my hand and subscribed this 10th day of June 1835.

Lewis Hinton (his mark)


State of Virginia
Lancaster County to wit

This day Lewis Hinton personally came before me a Justice of the Peace in and for the county aforesaid and made oath to the above deposition.  I do hereby certify I am well acquainted with Lewis Hinton and believe him to be a man of truth.

Given under my hand and seal this 10th day of June 1835.

Lawson Hathaway
Page 39

I Robert T. Dunaway Clerk of the County Court of Lancaster do hereby certify that Lawson Hathaway whose name appears to the foregoing certificate was a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn according to the laws of this commonwealth, and further that I believe the signature purporting to be  his is genuine.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said office this 19th day of April 1850.

Robert T. Dunaway
C.C.