Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 1908, Richard Harper, N.C.
Page 1

SERVICE                                                 NUMBER

N.C.                Harper, Richard                   S. 1908
Page 2

Let D L. B McVey            June 6 '46  [crossed out]
     "   Same    March 8  '47  [crossed out]
  same     April 26. 47.       [crossed out]
D. B. McVey  [crossed out]
Let to Same   June 2.  '47
Let. D. B. McVey   Oct. 9th  1869 [crossed out]
Let to same   Oct 26 / 69 [crossed out]


                                                 3819-
East Tennessee
==============================
Richard Harper
of Claiborne in the State of Tennessee
who was a Private in the company commanded 
by Captain Lane of the Regt commanded
by Col. Branch in the N. Carolina
[torn]ne for 8 months from 1780

==============================
Inscribed on the Roll of East Tennessee
at the rate of 26 -- Dollars  66 Cents per annum
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
==============================
Certificate of Pension issued the 3 day of Jan.y.
1833 -- and sent to [illegible] : T.D.
Arnold.  House of Reps --
==============================
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832                       39.99
Semi=anl. allowance ending 4 Mar :33     13.33
                                                                   ===
Died May 21 --1851                                $ 53,32
                                                                   ====

{Revolutionary Claim, }
  Act June 7, 1832.

Recorded by Nathan Rice -- Clerk
Book D  Vol. 9  Page 102--
Page 3

State of Tennessee}
Claiborne County}
On this 17th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Justices of the Court of please and quarter sessions the the same being a Court of Record now sitting Richard Harper a resident of the United States in the county of Claiborne and State of Tennessee aged 69 years who being first sworn according to law doth on his oath made the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June the 7th 1832
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated. That he resided in the State of North Carolina in the County of Hallifax in year 1780 and in the month of March in said year and that he substituted himself to perform on three months tower [tour] of duty in the army in the room and sted of Thomas Turner and that he belonged to a Company Commanded by Capt. Lane which said Company was attached to the Briggaid commanded by General Cagewell and applicant states that the regiment to which he belonged was [attached to - CROSSED OUT] commanded by Major Brickwell we marched from there to Camden in the State of South Carolina and from there to the Santee River
Page 4

on our line of march to Charleston with a view to reinforce the American troops that were stranded there during the besiege at which point we received intelligence that three Troops were surrounded and that Charleston was in the posesion of the british and General Cagewell ordered a retreat and on our line of march back to Camden we (Joined the Regulars) commanded by General Bluford and we marched to gather to Camden where we left the Regulars Briggaid to which this applicant belonged was ordered to march to  Fayetteville in the State of North Carolina and this applicant begs leave to represent that it was on the evening of the same day that we left General Bluford that he was defeated by the British near Camden in the State of South Carolina and the Briggaid to which I belonged was stationed at Fayetteville until about the first of September there next evening at which time I Received my discharge I have lost or mislain so that I cannot produce it. 
This applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina and about the last of September in the year of 1780 he again substituted him self in the Service of his Country for the term three months in the Room and Sted of Travis Weaver and that he belonged to a company commanded by Capt. Dickson
Page 5

which said Company was attached to a regiment commanded by Colonel Branch and General Jones commanded the Briggaid and we marched from there to Sallisbury and from there to a creek called new province where we joined the Regulars commanded by Gener Morgan where we were stranded a considerable time and that Colonel Wasingto the commander of the Light Horse was also stationed at the same place while the army Remaned there we stormed a Tory Fort in the Neighbour Hood and Took a good many Torrys prisoners and some of the British applicant states that some in the month of February thence next Ensuing I Received my discharge from Capt Dickson at [N Caprovere?] and returned home which said discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I cannot procure it.
This applicant begs leave to represent that he still resided in the County of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year 1781 and in the month of aprile in said year he was again Drafted to perform a Tower of duty for these months and when the Troops were a bout to march the present applicant was taken sick and was furlowed to stay at home until he was able to march and as soon as he got well he was attached to the bagage waggons  and joined the army at the Eaton Springs in the State of South Carolina where
Page 6

we staid a few days and we were then ordered back to halifax after a load of stores and provisions and before we joined the army a Gain General Green fought the battle of the Eaton Springs and applicant states that it was five or six days after the battle when they arrived with the supplies for the armys at Eaton Springs and they were ordered back immediately to Halifax in the State of North Carolina to the publick waggon yard where this applicant remained until his turn of Service Expired when I waved my discharge from Colonel Long which discharge I have lost or mislaid so that I can not produce it and this applicant begs leave further to represent that he still resided in the county of Halifax in the State of North Carolina in the year of 1781 that a short time after he was discharged from the last above mentioned Campaign that he Volunteered his services in the army of the United States for three months [capt?] for which said [Capt.?] Company was attached to the [Company - CROSSED OUT] Regiment commanded by colonel William Lenton and we  Throd some Great works at Halifax Town and as Lord CornWallace with his hole army came marching through Halifax Town we fired upon them and at different times we continued our firing upon them until Dark and my Capt [illegible] was
Page 7

wounded in the arm the British then crossed the River on the march towards Virginia and we pursuid them some considerable distance  had some skirmishes with them but no General Engagements and after wards we returned back to halifax where we were stationed untill we heard the nuse of CornWallice surrender at Little York the army was disbanded and I returned home.
This applicant states that he did not get a discharge for when the news came [the Colonel - CROSSED OUT] from Little York Colonel Lenton called his men up and presenting us with his thanks disbanded the army with out a further discharge applicant states that it was about two months that he served in the Last above mentioned campaign.
He states that he served with the continental Troops under Green Green General Morgan and General Bluford he states that he has no Documentary Evidence of his servises nor  does he know of any living testimony by whome he can prove his services.
Questions Propounded by the Court 
1st where and in what [Illegible] were you borned answers
I was borned in Halifax County in the State of North Carolina in the year 1763. Have you any 
record of your age and if so where is it answers I have no record of my age and only know it by what my parents have told me
Page 8

where were you living when Called into Servis 
where have you lived since the Revolutionary War and shere do you know live.
I lived in Halifax County in the State of North Carolina when I was called into Servis I lived awhile in North Carolina cince the Revolutionary and I know live in the County of Claiborne in the State of Tennessee.
How were you called into servis I was drafted and I volunteered and substituted for 2 men Thomas Turner and Travis Wearn.
State the names of the Regular officers with whom you were a quainted
I new Morgan Green Bluford Colonel Washington
Did you ever receive a dis charge 
I received several one from Capt Lane one  Capt Dickson one from Colonel Longall of which is lost or mislaid so that I cannot produce them
The herby relenquishes Ever claim what ever to a portion or annuity Except the presant and declares that his name is not on the Pension Pool of the agency of any State whatso Ever.
He states that he is a virry old and infirm and has persons living with him but his wife and she is very old and much afflicted with disease and said applicant states that fourteen years ago he met with the Great Misfortune of loseing one of his legs [by misfortune - CROSSED OUT] which is just below his knee which renders him allmost unable to make a fire for himself.
 Sworn to in open court this 17th day of Sept. 1832 Benj F Cloud CLK
Richard Harper
X his mark
Page 9

I Samuel McBee clergyman residing in the County of Claiborne and the State of Tennessee hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Richard Harper who has submitted and Sworn to the above Declaration that I do believe him to be the year of age he states and that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides that he was a soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that opinion ---- Sworn to [illegible] in open court the 18th of Sept 1832 
Sam'l McBee
Benj F Cloud CLK
I John Hunt Residing in the County of Claiborne and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Richard Harper who has submitted and Sworn to the above Declaration that I do believe him to be the years of age he states and that he is respected and believed in the neighborhood where he resides that he was a soldier of the Revolution and I concur in that opinion. 
John Hunt
Sworn to in open Court this 18th Sept 1832
Benj F Cloud CLK
Page 10

and the said court does hereby certify and declare its opinion after the investigation of the matters and after pursuing the interrogation by the war department prescribed that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court do further certify that it appears to the court that Samuel McBee who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in said county and state and that he is Entitled to credit and it also appears that the said Hunt is the High Sheriff of said county.
I Benjamin F Cloud of the court of please and quarter respond held for the county of Claiborne in Tennessee the same being account of Record do hereby certify that the foregoing co? [the - CROSSED OUT] original matter and proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Richard Harper for a pention.
In testimony where I have thereunto set my hand and our private seal (having no public seal of office yet provided) at office in Tayswell in the said county of Claiborne this 18th day of September 1832.
                     Benjamin F Cloud CLK
I Thos. D. Arnold member of Congress from the second congressional district in the State of Tennessee hereby certify that there is no public Seal of office at Tazewell in the county of Claiborne in the State of Tennessee -- Given made my hand this 20th day of Octr. 1832
Tho. D. Arnold
Page 11

Rev.&1812 Wars Section.
ADY S.1908.

September 17, 1929.

Eva Harper,
Lizton, Indiana.

Dear Madam:
I advise you from the Revolutionary War records of this bureau it appears that Richard Harper was born in 1763, day and month not stated, in Halifax County, North Carolina.
While a resident of Halifax County, North Carolina, he enlisted in March 1780, served as a private in Captain Lane's Company, Major Brickell's North Carolina Regiment, was at the Siege of Charleston and was discharged about September 1, 1780.
He enlisted in September 1780, served as a private in Captain Jator's(?) Company, or Captain Dickson's Company, Colonel Branch's North Carolina Regiment, was in the storming of a Tory post on the New Province Creek and was discharged in February 1781.
He enlisted in April 1781 and served three months as a teamster under Wagonmaster Rose, and Colonel Long in the North Carolina Troops.
Page 12

He again enlisted in 1781, served two months as a private in Captain Cox's (or Cooke's) or Captain Caddy's Company, Colonel William Linton's North Carolina Regiment, was in skirmishes in and near Halifax, North Carolina and was discharged upon receipt of the news of surrender of Cornwallis.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832 while a resident of Claiborne County, Tennessee.
At the time of his application for pension he referred to his wife then very old, but did not give her name. He also stated at that time, that "fourteen years ago" he lost one of his legs which was off just below the knee.
No reference is made to children.
Soldier died May 21, 1851.
Very truly yours,

EARL D. CHURCH,
Commissioner.
Page 13

D. B. McVay
Augt 17, '46
Page 14

Pension Office
August 17, 1846

Sir,
The unsupported(?) statement of Thomas Turner made before a Justice of the Peace in which he asserts now for the first time a claim, for several tour of service in the Militia of North Carolina as as a substitute for others and on his own account under Major Brickle, Col. Blanchard and Sing. has been examined and filed under the act of 7 June 1832.
Before any satisfactory adjustment of his Claim can be made he must file a new declaration made before a Court of Record, agreeably to the [illegible] [illegible] his [illegible] setforth clearly each tour of service with the names of the Company and field officer under whom [the - CROSSED OUT] it was rendered and establish the same by [illegible] from the Completing [illegible] at Raleigh. only the testimony of his or more respectable [illegible] who were in service with him. 

Daniel B. McVay Esq
Fayetteville Tenn
Page 15

No 37345
Richard Harper
[Thomas Turner - CROSSED OUT]
Trn
[Sent to Dan'l B. McVay - CROSSED OUT]
[August 17, '46 - CROSSED OUT]

10767

act 7 June 1832
Page 16

TAZEWELL Te.
OCT
16 
[POSTMARK CANCELLATION]

Mr. James L Edwards
Washington City
DC
Page 17

State of Tennessee Claibourn County Tazewell 
To the Honorable J L Edwards Esquire dear Sir I Rite this letter to you in the case of Richard Harper you have the Declaration of said Harper filed in your office [and - CROSSED OUT] stating that he served in the Revolutionary War three distinct three months Towers and then enlisted for the term of nine months and served about two months of that Tower before peace was made your Honor having the papers in this case first refers him to a detailed Declaration as the Books in your office did not know but Eight months service you Rote to me that his Declaration did not setforth the several Towers with sufficient Examples to inable you to know whether he was intitled to more than Eight months service or not you therefore Returned him to the certificate of the comptroller of the state of North carolina and I inclosed to you the very certificate you alluded to in the 25th day of August 1849 I have Rote 2 letters since that time but Has not bin able to git an answer from you. I Hope on the Receipt of this letter you will inform me whether you have Received my letter with the certificate alluded to in it or not
I also Rote in one of the letters To your Honor for a Blank I wish if it is not too much Trouble that you would send me a blank form that will cover the case of the Heirs of a Virginia Soldiers claim Bounty land
Page 18

and in so doing you will confer a great favor upon me this 16th day of Oct 1849

I am very Respectfully
your obedient serv
Danl B McVay

To J L Edwards Esquire
Page 19

No 37345  ---
Richard Harper
[Thomas Turner - CROSSED OUT]
Frm
act. 7 June 1832
Page 20

Tazewell Te.
JUN 30
(POSTAL CANCELLATION STAMP)

July 9, 1846

[illegible]
Richard Harper

Paid 10
[illegible]
James L Edwards Esqr
Commisioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 21

Tazewell Ten'e June 26th 1846
James L Edwards Esqr

Sir
You will confer on me a great favour by again sending to me your answer at as early a period as you can

Your Very ob Servt
Daniel B McVay
Page 22

S 1908     130

Pension office
Jun 6. 1846

Sir,
In answer to you letter [illegible] 23 [illegible]. I have to inform you that there is not sufficient [illegible] on file with the papers of Richard Harper and Peter Peck [underlined] to authorize an increase of their pensions. If however they [each one - CROSSED OUT] [illegible] make [a - CROSSED OUT] statement under oath, setting forth their service in detail, then claims to an increase will be investigated. 

L. B. McVey Esq
Tazewell
Tennessee
Page 23

D. B. McVey
June 2. 44
Page 24

Pension Office
June 2nd, 1849

Sir,
Richard Harper has set forth in his supplemental declaration no additional service here nor has he produced any satisfactory evidence showing that he is entitled to an [increase - CROSSED OUT] Augmentation of his stipend.
Unless he can establish by the record in the Comptrollers Office at Raleigh a service of more than 8 months he has no claim to an increase of pension.

D
L. B. McVay Esq
Tazewell
Tenn.
Page 25

Raleigh N C
Compt Office
July 25 1849

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of R. Harper [underlined] appears of record in this office as having had a special certificate issued in his favor for Nine pounds Six Shillings (£ g.b.) for Military Service given under my hand and seal this the day and date above written

Wm F Collins Compt
Page 26

168

Pension Office
March 8, 1849

Sir,
In answer to your enquiry respecting Richard Harper, I have to inform you that it appears from our books that [some additional - CROSSED OUT] papers in our care were received here on the 9th of July last, but they have by some means been mislaid and as we have been unable after a careful search to find them. It would therefore be advisable to have them renewed. He appears to have been tenured for eight months service amounting to $26:66 per annum.

D.B. McVey Esq
Tazewell,
Tennessee
Page 27

D. B. McVey 
April 26, '69
Page 28

416
Pension Office
April 26, 1849 

Sir,
The supplemental declaration of Richard Harper does not set forth the several tours of service alleged to have been rendered by him with sufficient exactings to enable the Department to ascertain whether it is intended to embrace the [second - CROSSED OUT] tours specified in his Original Application, or as additional service not heretofore Claimed. And as his pension has already been adjusted, apparently to his satisfaction as no effort to disturb it from 1832 was made until last year, he will be required before his Claim can be reopened to state under Oath, [illegible word crossed out] the commencement and duration of such tour of his service with the names of the Company and field officers under whom they were rendered, how called out, where stationed, and the [probable - CROSSED OUT] distance from home, the probable number of troops combined, the battles in which he was engaged, and how quartered, subsisted and paid. 

Daniel B. McVea Esq
Tazewell
Tenn.
Page 29

D. B. McVey
Oct. 26, /49
Page 30

668
Pension Office
Oct 26th 1849

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 16th [illegible] in the case of Richard Harper a pensioner under act of 7 June 1832, I have to state that a letter was addressed to you in his case on the 9th [illegible] which you have no doubt this here received.
Agreeable to your request I enclose blank forms for the purpose of obtaining Bounty Land for revolutionary service.

Daniel B. McVey Esq
Tazewell
Claiborne County,
Tennessee
Page 31

Mr T. D. Arnold

"Pension Claim"

Tazewell Te.
OCT 24 

Hon. Lewis Cass
Secretary of War
Washington Cty.
Page 32

TAZEWELL Te.
FEB 20

Paid 10c Pa

James L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

R Harper
Tenn
Page 33

Tazewell Ten'e  Febry, 18th 1847

James L Edwards Esq

Dear Sir
I rec'd your favour dated the 10 of last Sept. informing me that that their would be a Report made from your office in the case of Rich'd Harper. Since then I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you on the subject of Mr Harper's affairs.
I am anxious to get along with the Business and will feel particularly obliged by your having a Report made out and Sent to me by Return of Mail

I remain Dear Sir
your very ob'd Servt
Daniel B. McVey
Page 34

Daniel B. McVey
Oct. 9th 1849
Page 35

228
Pension Office
Oct. 9th 1849

Sir,
The certificate of the comptroller of North Carolina exhibited in support of the claim of Richard Harper under act of June 1832 to an increase of pension has been examined and filed. That certificate shows a payment of £9:6 which would pay for less than four months service [It is therefore insufficient - CROSSED OUT] This payment is presumed to be for a portion of the service which has been already allowed. The claimant is therefore not entitled to an increase of pension. 

Mr. Daniel B. McVey
Tazewell
Claiborne Co.
Tennessee
Page 36

TAZEWELL Te.
SEP 29

Jas L Edwards Esq
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 37

State of Tennessee Claiborne County
To the Honorable Commissioner of Pensions Dear Sir I inclosed to you the certificate of the Comptroller of the state of North Carolina as a proof of the additional service of Richard Harper you Referred him to the Certificate of the Comptroller of the State of North Carolina and I enclosed it to you August the 25th 1849 and Have not as yet got an answer from in that case

I am yours With 
Respect
Danl B McVey
To J.L. Edwards, Esq
Page 38

Rev. and 1812
Wars Section
[MMT - crossed out] /eel
M. M. E.  (handwritten)

April 2, 1929

Mrs. Jacob Johannes
531 N. Broadway
Greensburg, Indiana

My dear Mrs. Johannes:
In response to the perssonal request made today by your daughter, Mrs. Wissman, I advise you from the Revolutionary War record of this bureau it appears that Richard Harper was born in 1763, day and month not stated, in Halifax County, North Carolina.
While a resident of Halifax County, North Carolina he enlisted in March 1780, served as a private in Captain Jator's (?) Company, or Captain Dickson's Company, Colonel Branch's North Carolina Regiment, was in the storming of a Tory post on the New Provence Creek and was discharged in February 1781.
He enlisted in April 1781 and served three months as
Page 39

a teamster under Wagonmaster Rose, and Colonel Long in the North Carolina Troops.
He again enlisted in 1781, served two months as a private in Captain Cox's (or Cocke's), or Captain Gaddy's Company, Colonel William Linton's North Carolina Regiment, was in skirmishes in and near Halifax, North Carolina and was discharged upon receipt of the news of surrender of Cornwallis.
He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832 while a resident of Claiborne County, Tennessee.
 At the time of his application for pension he referred to his wife then very old, but did not give her name. He also stated at that time, that 'fourteen years ago" he lost one of his legs which was off just below the knee. 
No reference is made to children. Soldier died May 21, 1851.

Respectfully,

E.W. MORGAN
Acting Commissioner.
Page 40

[1]812 Wars Section

January 13, 1928

Honorable Arthur R. Robinson
United States Senate. Room 227

My dear Senator:

In response to your request by telephone, in behalf of Mrs. Jacob Roland, for information relative to Richard Harper, Revolutionary War soldier, I have the honor to advise you that from the Revolutionary War records of this Bureau it appears that Richard Harper was born in 1764, day and month not stated, in Halifax County, North Carolina.

While a resident of Halifax County, North Carolina he enlisted in March 1780, served as a private in Captain Lane's Company, Major Brickell's North Carolina Regiment, was at the Siege of Charleston and was discharged about September 1, 1780.

He enlisted in September 1780, served as a private in Captain Jator's (?) Company, or Captain Dickson's Company, Colonel Branch's North Carolina Regiment, was in the storming of a Tory post on the New Province Creek and was discharged in February 1781.

He enlisted in April 1781 and served three months as a teamster under Wagonmaster, Rose, and Colonel Long in the North Carolina Troops.
Page 41

He again enlisted in 1781, served two months as a private in Captain Cox's (or Cocke's), or Captain Gaddy's company. Colonel William Linton's North Carolina Regiment, was in skirmishes in and near Halifax, North Carolina and was discharged upon receipt of the news of surrender of Cornwallis.

He was allowed pension on his application executed September 17, 1832 while a resident of Claiborne County, Tennessee.

At the time of his application for pension he referred to his wife then very old, but did not give her name. He also stated at that time, that "fourteen years ago" he lost one of his legs which was off just below the knee.

No reference is made to children. Soldier died May 21, 1851.

Very truly yours,

Winfield Scott
Commissioner.
Page 42

Already
Ans: 9/17/29.

Tipton, Indiana
June 26, 1929

Pension Department,
Washington, D.C.

[added punctuation for clarity purposes in transcription]

Revo

Because of family interests, I am very desirous to learn as much as possible of Richard Harper, a revolutionary soldier. In 1841 he was living in Claiborne County, Tennessee, and was drawing a pension.

Could you send me a copy of his application for pension? Can you give me any other infor-mation concerning him? When did his pension cease? [pension and cease are both underlined]

I also have learned there was a Richard Harper from Albemarle County, Virginia, also a revolutionary soldier. Were these the same, or were there two Richard Harpers?

Please give me any information that your department can give.

Very truly,
Miss Eva Harper
Tipton, Indiana

[Stamped at the bottom]:

PENSION X
U.S.
OFFICE
JUN 29
1929
Page 43

Tipton, Indiana,
June 12, 1929.

Pension Department.
U.S.A.
Washington.D.C.

Dear Sir;-

I am trying to learn something of Richard Harper [underlined], a Revolutionary solider. I have been told that as late as 1840 he was receiving a pension at Fazewell, Ten-nessee. I have written to county and town officials there but get no response.

Can you tell me where he joined the Revolutionary army, when he ceased receiving a pension and something of his record[?]

Thanking you for assistance and courtesy.

Very truly,

Miss Eva Harper,

Tipton, Indiana

[stamped at bottom]:

Pension
Jun 14 1929
U.S. Office
Page 44

Mrs. Jacob Johannes
531 N. Broadway
Greensburg, Ind-
Dear. Mrs. Wissman
Personal request of Mrs. Wissman
dau. of Mrs. Johannes

April 2, 1929
M, E,E ,
Page 45

Senator Arthur R. Robinson's
office called by
'phone Jan, 12 -1928
in behalf of Mrs. Jacob Roland
of Indiana, for history
of Richard Harper a
pensioner of Claiborne
Co. Lee
M M& F
Congressional
Page 46

Cannelton, Ind
July 12 1927

Commissioner of Pensions
Dept. of Revolutionary War Records
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sirs:

Please send me whatever data you have concerning Richard Harper, a pensioned soldier of the American Revolution who was living in Claiborne County, Tennesee about one hundred years ago.
In addition to data such as time and place of enlistment, -detailed record of his military services, time and place of discharge please send any information at hand concerning his age, time of death, various places of residence, family etc. Did his wife survive him? If so give such information as you can about her. I am a descendant.
Thanking you for the favor of an early reply yours respectly,
Mrs. Jacob Roland
Cannelton, Ind
Perry Co. Ind.
Page 47

[Acts of July 14, 1862, and March 3, 1873. -struck through]
REJECTED
10767
P.O. [Thomas Turner- struck through]
Service: Richard Harper
Enlisted: AOT  ,18
Discharged: Aug. 23,1906  ,18
Application filed: [blank] ,18
Printed list of 1852 gives
cause of suspension of Thomas Turner's name
from pension as: "For further proof of service
either by the North Carolina Records or by witnesses who served with him
Attorney: [blank]
P.O. [blank]
 This claim as recorded in all the
office books as Thos. Turner is an error which
arose from [Recognized] Richard Harper's [Contact] statement that he served as a substitute for Thomas Turner and Turner's name [Cert of Dis. Searched for] was taken for this soldier as making the appl. given a number & put under separate jacker & all papers herewith [illegible] 1928
Page 48

1928 Jan 13 Hist to Hon. A. R. Robinson
Mrs. Jacob Roland [illegible]
1929 Apr 2, Hist to Mrs.
Jacob Johannes, M. E. E
1929 Sept. 17. Hist. to Eva Harper
A D Y

Rev War
1908

INVALID.
1908
Richard Harper
Prt [private] Carolina Line
---
June 7, 1832
Vol A, Page 15 C
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 49

Tazewell Aug 12
Paid 10

J L Edwards Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D C

[illegible]
Rd harper
Tenn:-
9th July
Page 50

State of Tennessee Claibourn County
Tazewell To the honorable J L Edwards
Commishener of Pensions one time
more ask your Honor to bestow one more
favor on me which is this as I am at
a loss to draw up the necessary papers
for a widow under the act of 1836 and 38
and for the form of a widow whose
husband was slain in the line of his duty
in the war of 1812 and for a form
of an increas of Pension you will
therefore bestow a great favor on me
if you will make out these three
forms as full do you would require them
to grant a certificate upon and send
them to me as early as posible I feel
free to ask your honor to grant me these
instructions as have not found unwilling
when called on will pleas rite to me
in the case of Richard Harper whether it
tis for the informality of his papers or for
the want of knowing my respectibility
as his agent if that be the case I will
send you some certificates with the County
seal to them Col Cock will inform
you that he knows nothing but that I am
a Reputable citizen you will pleas
Rite to me on the receipt of this letter
August the 11 1846
I am Very Respetful
your obedient sev [serveant]
D B McVey
Page 51

[illegible]
August 25

Paid 10

James L Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

Sept 3rd 1849
Resp Case Richd [Richard] Harper
Page 52

State of Tennessee Claiborn County August 18th 1849 To the Honabl Commishiner of Pensions
Dear Sir I know inform you that your letter of
the 26 of April 47 informs me the supplemental declaration of Richard Harper & dose not set forth the several tours with
sufficient Exactness to inable you to asertain whether it was for an augmentation of his stippend or for service claimed that has not been paid for in your letter of
the 8th March 1847 you inform me the books in your office only show that Richard Harper has bin paid or Eight months service when we claim that he substituted for three months in the place Thomas Turner Second Tower substituted in place of Travis Weaver third Tower was [illegible] then inlisted
for nine months and served 8 months making in all a leven months service that we claim
in your letter of the 2nd of June 1847 you referred him to the certificate of the comptroller of North Carolina
I here with in close the certificate of the
Comptroller of the State of North Carolina to you
you have the supplemental Declaration
filed in your office in favor of R Harper you will
pleas compare his declaration and this certificate with your Books and answer me as early as posible as this claim has ben of so long standing I think this certificate will show to your satisfaction that this applicant is intitled to be paid for Eleven months service in stead of Eight
months if so you will issue the certificate and
direct it to me Tazewell Claibourn County Ten
Danl B McVey
-
Page 53

State of Tennessee Claiborne County declaration for
have relate the service I was a substitute in the place
of Thomas Turner in the State of North Carolina Halifax
County under Lieutenant Narred and
ensign span
and general Caswell and Major brickle this
---
tower [tour] was at the siege of Charleston we marched
in twenty five miles of Charleston we then got orders
to retreat then back to Camden there we was divided
the militia troops from the regulars there the Militia
took the right hand road the regular
the left
the British pursued the regular army seven miles
and there they defeated Genl Bluford we then retr-
eated [retreated] from there to Fayette, N.C. and there served
the remains of our tower [tour]
2nd Tour. I then was substituted in place of
Travise Weaver in Halifax County N.C. Under Col
Branch and Genl Fories we then marched to a creek
called new province [providence] there we joined Genl Morgan's
army and Col Washingtons Light Horse we served
this tower [tour] at the place making serches [searches] for the
British and Torys and in this tower was the times that
the British and Torys was taken with the pine log.
I was one of the guard that hope [help] guard the prisoners
3rd Tour. State of North Carolina Halifax County
I was then drafted under Colonel Long had the
controll [control] over all the baggage wagons and
reunite on for the army I was [illegible] when I
was drafted and left Col Long to send [illegible] on to
have Quarters I was one of the guards [illegible] and
the baggage waggons on to Genl Greene army at
the Eutaw Springs we got there a few days after
the battle was over stayed there a weak or two and
Page 54

then returned to the waggon yard at Colonel
Longs own house I then continued attending to
the publick buisness, unill my time was out
which was explicit three months towers [tours] each

4  I then enlisted under Col Wm Linton and
was mustered into service near Halifax-
town North Carolina there we throwed up a
breast work on the north bank of Ronock [Roanoke] opposite
halifax town in order to prevent the British
crossing the river the british marched into
Town about ten oclock and we was firing on
them at times until dark we then marched
all night up the north side of the river to Eaton's
ferry and crossed the river and marched down
the south side for the purpose of coming up in
the rear of the british but they had left before
we had reached the Town we then was stationed
at Halifax Town until piece [peace] was made.

State of Tennessee Claiborne County be it known
that before me John Easley a jutsice of the piece in
and for the county aforesaid personally appeared
Richard Harper and made oath in due form of [illegible]
that the statements in this affidavit and details of
his services true to the best of his knowledge
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 27th
day of June 1846.   Richard Harper x his mark

John Easley
Justice of the peace
for Claiborne County

Justice of the peace seal
Page 55

State of Tennessee Claiborne County I Thomas
J Johnson Clerk of the Court of Claiborne County
certify that John Easley is a magistrate as
above and that the foregoing certificate purporting
to be his is genuine In testamony whereof
I have hereunto fixed my seal of office and
subscribed my name this the 27th day of
June 1846 in the year one thousand eight
hundred and forty six

Thos J Johnson
Clerk of said Court

State of Tennessee Claiborne County I John
Easley do certify that I am personally aquainted [acquainted]
with Richard Harper and that he is nown [known] and
reputed that he is a man of truth and veras-
ity [verasity] and believe to have performed all the serv-
ises [services] here detailed.  John Easley


State of Tennessee Claiborne County I Thomas
J Johnson Clerk of the county court of said
county do certify that the magistrates
name that appears to the above affidavit and
certificates is true and valid at the time of sign-
ing [signing] an acting Justice of the Peace
Thomas J Johnson Clerk

with my hand 
and seal of office at office in
[illegible] the 27th of June 1846
Thos J Johnson
Clerk of said
Court
Page 56

State of Tennessee
Claiborne County

May the 14th, 1847

I certify that I am an illiterate man and cannot from date establish the precise time that I entered the service of the United States agreeable to the statement of my parents.

I am in my eighty-fifth year of age and entered the service at the age of sixteen as a substitute for the term of three months under Captain Lane and Lieutenant named Ensign. General Caswell & Major Brittle called out by draft & were classed. I fell into the third class. I then substituted in the first class. Stationing at Fayette in the state of North Carolina until discharged.

I think the probable number of troops to be about one regiment was & was paid off. The state money I think the distance from where we were discharged home to be ninety or one hundred miles. The rations were beef and rice one gill of spirits.

I do not know the day of the month nor the precise month. It was in the spring of the year when I entered the service in the first class and first tour.

Second tour and second class I was substituted for the term of three months. Tour in the fall of the same year I believe.

I think the Captain’s name to be Gaton but not certain. I do not recollect the name of the first lieutenant but was under Ensign Reuben Harper and Col. Branch and General Jones. We found General Morgan’s army and Col. Washington’s lite horse and was stationed at a place called New Providence until discharged.

I think the probable number of troops to be fifteen hundred.
Page 57

State for these services distance Home one Hundred
or one Hundred & fifty miles distance Rationed
beef and Corn Meal and some times flour but
no spirits the name of the Commissary was
William Amy
.
Third Tower drawd and fell in the third Class
Drafted for the term of three months when first
Colled out I was sick and left with Col Long
to send on to head quarters I first was one of the
gard but in case of driver being sick I was taken
by Mr Rose the Wagon Master for driver
I went on to Head qrtrs to General Greens army
at the Eutaw Springs then Returned back to the
wagon yard at Longs station and was there
stationed until discharged the probable number
of men and invalide Horsies is from seventy five to
one Hundred in number I was Rationed plentifully
But Received no pay from the State discharged
in nine[illegible] this third Class Tower was served in the
following summer after the former Tower was served
I then enlisted immediately after being discharged
from the Tower that I drawd for which was the third
and last Malitia Tower that served under Col
William Lynton and in the company Command
by Captain Gaddy as I believe but not certain that
I am Rite in the name of my Captain I Enlisted for
the Tower of nine months and was stationed near
Halifasc [Halifax] Town Had one skirmishing Engagement at
Halifasc [Halifax] Town think the probable number of Troops
to be one hundred men or more rationed
Page 58

Plentiful but Red [received] no pay distance from Home
some six or seven miles
Richard Harper 
x his mark

State of Tennessee
Claiborne County
This day personally appeared Richard Harper age eighty
five years of age before me and made oath in due
form of law that the facts John Easley set forth in this
Certificate is true to the best of his knowledge and
belief sworn to and subscribed this 11th day of
May AD 1847
John Easley
Justice of the peace

Richard Harper
x my mark

State of Tennessee
Claiborn County
I John Easley an acting Justice of the peace for Claiborne County
duly Elected Commissioned and qualifyed by the law
of said State to administer oaths do certify that
I am personally acquainted with Richard Harper
and that he is a man of truth and veracity
given under my Hand and seal this 14th day of
Mary A D 1847

John Easley
Justice of the peace 
seal
Page 59

State of Tennessee
Claiborne County
I Thos J Johnson Clerk of the County Court for
Claiborne County do certify the Esq name that
appears to the above certificate is know and was
at the time of signing the same an acting Justice
of the peace duly elected commissioned and qualified
by the laws of state to administer oath and that
his signature appears to be in his own proper hand
[illegible] Given under my hand and seal of
office at office in Tazewell This 14th day of
May A D 1847
Thos Johnson
Clerk
Page 60

State of Tennessee ⎬
Claiborn County
Declaration for an increase of pension
Here Relate the service I was a substitue in the
State of North Carolina in Halifax County under
Captain Lane and under lieutenant Narard and
Ensign Spand and General Caswell and Magor [Major] 
brickle this Tower was at the siege of
Charleston
we marched in twenty five miles of Charleston we then
got orders to retreat back to Camden there we was
divided the malitia troops from the Regulars
there the malitia took the Rite hand Rode the
Regulars the left the British persued the regulars
army seven miles and thare they defeated General
Bluford we then Retreated from those to Fayett [Fayette]
NC and thare served the remains of that tower [tour]
I then was substitutes in Halifax County NC
under Col Branch and General Jones we then
marched to a creek called New provence [providence] there we
Joined General Morgans army and Col Washington
lite Horse we then served this Tower [tour] at this place
making surches for the british and torys and in
this tower [tour] was the time that the british and torys
was taken with the pine log I was one of the gards [guards]
that Hope [help] gard the prisoners
I was then drafted under Col Long I do not know
what office Mr Long Held but he had charge of
the baggage wagons and all the munitions
for the army I was sick when I was drafted and
left with Col long to send us on to head quarters
I was one of the gard to gard the baggage
wagons on to General Greens army at the Eutaw
Page 61

Springs we got there after days after the battle was
over staid there a week or two and then returned
back to the wagon yard at Col Longs own House
I then continued there tending to the public business
under Col Long until my time was out
I then enlisted under Col William Linton and
was mustered into service near Halifax Town
2 C thare we throwed up a brest work on the North
bank of Ormoke [Roanoke]River opposite Halifax Town in
order to prevent the british from crossing the
River the british marched into Town about ten
OClock and we was firing on them times until
dark we then marched all night up the North
side of the River to Eatens Ferry and crossed
the River and marched down the south side
for the purpose of coming up in the Rear of the
British but they had left before we reached the
town we was stationed at Halifax Town until
Peace was made

Richard Harper x his mark

State of Tennessee
Claiborn [Claiborne] County
this day personally appeared before me John Easely
an acting Justice of the peace for Claiborne
County and Richard Harper made oath in due form of law
that the facts set fourth in this declaration
is true as above ritten Sworn to and subscribed
before me this 30th day of March 1847
John Easley
Justice of the peace
for Claiborne County

Richard Harper x his mark
Page 62

State of Tennessee
Claibourne County 
I John Easley an acting Justice of the peace for
Claibourne County do certify that I am personally known to Richard Harper and that he is a man of Trouth and verasity given under my hand and seal this 30th day of March 1847
I also certify that the name of Richard Harper
was interlined before signing the same
John Easly
Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee
Claibourn County
I Thomas J Johnson Clerk of the County Court of Claibourn County do certify that Justices name that appears to the above certificate is know and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the peace duly Elected and 
 qualifyed by the laws of the State to administer oaths given under my hand and seal of office at office
in Tazewell this 30th day of March 1847
Thos F Johnson
Clerk
Page 63

THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
Form VAM-51
12-5-41
BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
Division of Veterans' Administration Archives 
 NAME Harper, Samuel B GRADE Private
LINE Maryland 
WARRANT NUMBER 1299
ACREAGE 100
ISSUED January 1796
to Joshua Ward, 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.
Page 64

Pennsylvania
Samuel Harper
Revolutionary War
B L Reg. 31866-1855
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES
BOUNTY LAND FILES
ACT OF  1855 Rejected 81866
VETERAN Samuel Harper
1777 GRADE Priv
SERVICE Capt Ferguson Col Andrews Penn Mil
CNN NO. 1698 
BUNDLE NO. 267
Page 65

82866 - Act Mar 3/53 April 19/55
Jane Harper Widow
of Samuel Harper
Capt Furgeson
Col Andrews
Penna Mili
Revolutionary War
Pensioner
W. Parshall 
Unionton Penn
Cir W. Parshall Nov 12 155
Page 66

State of Pennsylvania
County of Greene
On this twenty sixth day of
March A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five Personally appeared before me a Justice of the Peace within and of the County and State aforesaid Jane Harper
aged Seventy seven years resident of Cumberland township in
the County and state aforesaid who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Samuel Harper
deceased who was a private in the Company commanded by Captain Furguson and as she has learned perhaps in or
Andrews Regt of Pennsylvania Militia commanded by Genl.
Armstrong or General Pattons in his Brigade in the Revolutionary war with Great Britain. That her said husband was drafted at York County in the State of Pennsylvania in
September A.D. one thousand seven hundred and seventy seven for the term of two months and continued in actual service in said war for the term of two months and was on
honorably discharged, all of which will fully appear from the memorial and declaration of her said husband duly authenticated
to the Legislature of Pennsylvania together with the proof accompanying the same all of which is herewith transmitted-
She further states that she was married to the said Samuel Harper near Canonsburgh in Washington County Penna
in the month of September or October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and nine by the Rev. Moses Allen a Presbyterian
minister of the Gospel that prior to her said marriage she was the widow of the Rev. Wm Moorhead and that her
Maiden name was Jane McMillan being a daughter of the Rev. John McMillan - That her said husband - Samuel Harper died in Cumberland township in the
County and State aforesaid on the ninth day of June A.D. one thousand eight hundred and thirty nine (over)
Page 67

and that she has never intermarried since and is now a Widow
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under
under the Act passed the 3d of March A.D. 1855 never having received bounty land or made application for any before
Nor does she know or believe that her said husband received bounty land
Jane Harper
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year first before written and I certify that am personally acquainted with the above named deponent and
that she is in any way entitled to belief
James Murdock JP
Greene County ss.
Personally appeared before me a Justice
the peace in and for said County John W. Flenniken aged sixty four years and Francis McClelland eighty four years
residents of Cumberland township in said County and to me known
personally as credible witnesses who being duly sworn declare that
they are personally acquainted with Jane Harper Widow of
Samuel Harper deceased who has made and subscribed the
foregoing declaration, that they were acquainted with the
said Samuel Harper and Jane his wife in the lifetime of
former and know that they lived together as man and
wife and were so reputed by all who knew them - That they each knew the said Samuel Harper for more than
fifty years last part and that he was always reputed and considered in the neighborhood in which he lived to have been a revolutionary soldier. They further swear that the have no interest in application for
County land aforesaid
F McClelland
John W Flennigan
Sworn to and repented before me this 26th day of March AD 1855.
James Murdock [seal]
Page 68

State of Pennsylvania
Greene County SS:

I John Lindsey Peothouotary of the Court of Common Pleas, in and for said County, do hereby certify that James Murdock Esquire, before whom the foregoing Affidavits were made, was at the time thereof, and still is a Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly commissioned and qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are due, and the signature attached tot he same purporting to be his I believe to be genuine. 
In testimony where of I hereunto set my name and affix the seal of said Court at Waynesburg this 30th day of March A. D. 1855
John Lindsey Prothondary
Page 69

82.866
Page 70

Fayette County
Pennsylvania seal
On the 24th day of March 1834 Personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the Peace {illegible} for said County. Samuel Hooper Esqr a resident of Greene County Penna. Who being duly sworn according to law, doth on his Oath make the following statement of his military services in order to obtain a pension from the state of Pennsylvania 
That in September 1777 he was drafted in Captain Fergusons company of Penna Militia for two months, and as he thinks in Col Andrews Regt of this however he is not certain. Yet he is certain he was attached to Gen Pattersons Brigade. That during the two months service he was Engaged in the following battles viz- the battle of Brandywine, Germantown & the White House. Thus although the period of his service was short. Yet from their unexpected nature, being almost at the line Engaged in actual battle with the English he thinks he's well entitled to an annuity or pension. This exponent stakes further. {Illegible} often this & during the
Page 71

the remainder of the war he was attached to
a company of cavalry & held himself in
readiness to march at any time in defence of
his country-- deponent states he has been a resident of Green County Penn for near forty years
that he resided at the time of his service in York County Penna from whence he removed to Green County as above stated
Saml Harper
Sworn & Subscribed
Before James Lindsay
March 25 1834
State of Pennsylvania
Fayette County
I Richard Beeson Prothonotary
of the Court of Common pleas in &
for said County do certify that
James Lindsay Esqr. is a magistrate as
within stated. & that the foregoing signatures
purporting to be his genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand & affixed the seal of said
Court at Uniontown the 25th day
of March 1834 Richd Beeson
Proth
Page 72

I do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Samuel Harper the within named petitioner and know him to be [illegible] and in need of assistance
Thomas Branson
Member [illegible]
Harrisburg Feb. 26, 1836
Page 73

I do certify that the Peteshener [Petitioner] Samuel Harper did serve two months from the accounts I was Not in the service with him but know that He went with others say George Flemin and came home with them or at the same time say in the Revolution war about the Batels [battles] of Brandywine and white Horse 
 I Dow know that the
Petishener is Nedy and in Stritent Circumst
Sam Houlsworth
Sworn n Subscribed before George Haven one of the Justus of the peace in and for the County of Green State of Pa this 14th day of February 1835
We do certify that Mr S Houlsworth standing in Society is Good & his reputation unblemished
Jas Crew J. P.
George Haven J.P.
Page 74

82-866
State of Pennsylvania Greene County S.S.
I John Lindsey Prothonotary of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Greene, do certify that George Haver Esquire
before whom the foregoing Affidavit was made was at the time thereof
a Justice of the Peace, in and for said County duly commissioned &
qualified to all whose acts as such full faith and credit are due and that the signature attached to the same purporting to be his, I believe
to be genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
name and affixed the seal of said Court at
Waynesburg this 30 day of March A.D. 1855
John Lindsey Prothonotary
Page 75

82-866
UNION Pa APR 16
P.P. Waldo Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D>C>
Page 76

Thomas Burson Esquire
Harrisburg pa
18 ?
Carmichaels PA
Feb 13
Page 77

January 10 1836
Dear Sir,
I received your favour of 20th January and I find you have attended to my petition and that you think it nessesary to have Samuel Houlsworth's good standing as a man of truth & this I can do but you also say that that it will be nessesary to have another witness to certify my being in the armey but it is not very likely this can can be done inasmuch as at this length of time say more than sixty years has past since I was in the Army and perhaps not one of my fellow soldiers living and I know not whether any other person persons could testify that I was in the army but Samuel Houlsworth
I lived at his fathers when I went out and when I returned I came to the same place and lived there one or two years after so that he
can well remember what he has testified my sister Jane Black could have testified the same but she is dead about two yers
ago you have my testamony with my petition I could mention many circumstances that hapened while I was in the army
to strengthen what has been testified but I deam it not nessesary
as I do not think you can have any doubt of what has been testified our pay then or shortly after was seventy five for one
had it not been for heavy losses I have met with I think I would not put you to all his trouble my standing was good but I
am much reduced I know some whose standing is much better
than mine who are receiving pensions and who have not done or ventured more than I have please to write to me
again as soon as you know how the business
will be setled
your sincere friend
Saml Harper
Mr Thomas Burson Esq
Page 78

15) Burson Greane

The petition document
of Samuel Harper of
Green County and
old soldier praying
for aid

A. R. Feb. 23. 1835
[    ]
Thomas B ?
?
March 10, 1835
Pension
H.R.  May 11. 1836

Proof of poverty &
?  of  ?
?
Page 79

petition of Samuel
Harper of Green County
Page 80

to the [illegible] the Senate & house of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Penna in Genl Assembly met
The Petition of the undersigned respectfully
Sheweth
That your petitioner was a soldier of the
Revolutionary war that he performed two
months service in the year 1777 in the
defence of his country. that during this
time he was engaged in three general
Battles. which are designated in his declaration under oath accompanying this his
petition. That your petitioner thinks
from the nature of his services. Although
Embracing but a short period entitle him
to an annuity at your hands such as
awarded to others under similar circumstances that your petitioner feels confident
that if any soldier of the revolution be
entitled to the bounty of his country for
two months that he is among that
number that he was engaged in two
of the most important Battles fought
during the strugle for Independence, and
Almost Constant skirmishing during the whole period. your petitioner therefore prays
your honorable bodies to grant him
Page 81

an annuity or pension of forty dollars per
annum during the remainder of his life which
according to the ordinary course of Nature
cannot be any long as your petitioner is
now upwards of Eighty years of age. and which your petitioner think he is richly entitled to for
the services performed in defence of his Country
and he will ever pray
Saml Harper