Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File R 5887, for Nathaniel Kerr, North Carolina
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
N.C.

Kerr, Nathaniel
Margaret

NUMBER
R5887

CONTENTS
Page 2

12203

Margaret Kerr
Nathaniel
R. Sept 10. 1845

N.C.
Act 7 July 38
Page 3

Declaration

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress of the 7 July 1838,
entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows"

State of North Carolina
County of Orange S.S.

On this the 17 day of April 1845, personally appeared
before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Court of pleas and Quarter Sessions
for said County, Margaret Kerr, resident of Hawfield in said County of Orange
aged 89 years, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath, make
the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act
of Congress, passed July 7, 1838, entitled "An act granting half pay & pensions to
certain widows:" That she is the Widow of Nathaniel Kerr, decd. who during 
the war of the Revolution, (to the best of this Declarant's knowledge & belief.) did
serve the United States as herein after set forth.
1. The declarant the said Margaret Kerr further states upon her said oath,
that she has reason to believe and does believe, that in the War of the Revolution,
and in fall of the year of 1778, there was a draught for military men to
serve the United States Six months in said War of the Revolution and that
her decd. husband the aforesaid Nathaniel Kerr did serve all of said Six
months as Ensign. the declarant is under the impression that Colier was
Captain, Locke Col. and Rutherford Brigadier General. rendezvoused (as well
as this declarant can remember at Randolph old Court House. thence to
Salisbury, thence to South Carolina where they were under General
Butler at the "Black Swamp". and were at this last encampment she thinks
during the "Brier Creek" battle. a week or two before the expiration
of said Six months draught the said Nathaniel Kerr fell sick and
remained in Rutherford Lincoln's army till his recovery which was not till
the beginning of the ensuing fall. This declarant lived neighbour to said
Nathiel[sic] Kerr during the Revolutionary war and remembers of Said Kerr
Herron the longer, and member of said Hery
going to the South in said Campaign, of his being sick and being
assisted home by one of his friends. The declarant has often heard her
Page 4

(2)
her husband speak of his hardships in this tour & of his being very ill during 
the time the Summer of 1779. & that at the time of the Battle of Stono, he
was sick in General Lincoln's Camp ["And did not return" crossed out] and that said
Camp was but a few miles from Stono, that he heard the firing very distinctly.
That said Nathaniel Kerr, did not return home till some time
in September following. That in all of the foregoing six months tour, (Except
a week or ten days before the expiration thereof,) the said Nathiel Kerr
did serve as Ensign in the Company aforesaid, and in Col. Locke's
Regiment. That in all of the aforesaid tour, this declarant has reason to believe
and does believe that her deceased husband was duly commissioned Ensign
as aforesaid and did serve as such till taken[sic]
sick.
The declarant he can find no Commission or discharge of the aforesaid
Nathan Kerr and her impression is that all
his papers were destroyed
by fire about the close of the Revolutionary War. 
2. The said Margaret Kerr declarant as aforesaid further states upon
her said oath that she has reason to believe and does believe, that
in the summer and fall of 1780, that the Town of Salisbury in the
State aforesaid there were troops stationed
and Military stores Kept and
that a "Forage Master," the said Nathaniel Kerr served the army there three
months and two weeks, as she has understood and believes, and that he
was duly commissioned thus to act by General Butler, of General
Caswell.
3. The said Margaret Kerr declarant as aforesaid further states that
in the summer following 1781. there was a draught for three months
militia men to serve the United States in said war of the Revolution,
Dugan was Captain. The declarants husband was in this tour, attached
to a company of Dragoons. Dugan, she thinks was Captain in the tour.
McLary was Major and Dudley was Col. were marched to the South.
were stationed some time at "Bells Mills" at "Grassy Island" "Sandy Creek"
and "deep River", the object of there was to awe the tories, who were
very numerous in the South part of Randolph, & in Chatham, Moore and
Rockingham Counties. In this town there was a small engagement
between Col Dudley & the tory party-- some of the enemy this declarant
Page 6

(4)
This declarant, the Said Margaret Kerr, further states that she has reason
to believe that the said Nathaniel Kerrdid serve the United States in one
or two other tours of duty in the war of the Revolution, as private of
Cavalry, under Captain Dugan, but does not now remember them well
enough to state with precision the declarant feels it her duty further
to state that in consequence of not having been married to the said Nathaniel
Kerr 'till after the close of the Revolutionary War & his having died upwards 
of 28 ago; together with an impaired memory, will apologise
she trusts for not being enabled to set forth more in detail, the Revolutionary service
of her deceased husband, the aforesaid Nathaniel Kerr
the Declarant here states in brief, what she believes to have been her
deceased husband's Revolutionary Service & what she has stated more
fully in the foregoing Declaration. To wit:
In 1778.'9 5 months & 20 days as Ensign
" 1780 3 do 2 weeks as Forage Master
" 1781 3 do as priv. Dragoons
" " 3 do + 2 weeks as priv. Infantry
 1782 3 ditto as priv Dragoons.

There are some other tours in which the said Nathaniel Kerr served,
but as the Declarant has stated above, the does not recollect them
well enough to detail. and therefore does not urge her claim to a
pension for them claiming an annuity only for the 5 several tours
above specified; making in all 18 months and 20 days as truly
as she can estimate said service.
The declarant did not understand 'till within a few weeks past, that there
were any "record evidence" of her husbands Revolutionary services.
she made an effort to obtain a pension some three years ago
but her
against not being able to find any one living, that served with her
husband in the army at endowed the effort as fruitless.
Her husband was in the army with Genl Greene, Genl
Lincoln, Genl Rutherford, Genl Butler, Col Locke, Col Colier, Major
McLary and others. This declarant during the war of the Revolution
was a resident of Randolph County, North Carolina and
Page 7

and
(5)
lived neighbor to the said Nathaniel Kerr and feels satisfied
that in the above respective tours of service respectively[crossed out] set forth her Decd.
husband did serve as there stated. and respectfully submits her
claim to the Commissioner of Pensions, and will accept such annuity as
he may judge the declarant[crossed out] her entitled to.
The declarant further states that she was married to the said
Nathaniel Kerr on the first day of September one thousand Seven
hundred and eighty five (1785), as appears from her family record,
hereto annexed.
the declarant further states that said Record is all it purports to be,
the "original family record" of said Nathaniel Kerr.
that said Nathaniel Kerr did die in the year of 1826.
that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but
the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred
and ninety-four, viz: at the time above stated.
the said Margaret Kerr in conclusion states that from old
age and bodily infirmity is unable to attend Court to make this her
Declaration.
Margaret Kerr herXmark

Sworn to and subscribed, on the day
and year first above written before me
John Tate J. Peace
I the said Justice of the peace after investigating the matter and after
putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department declare my opinion that the
aforesaid Nathaniel Kerr did serve the United States 18 months and 20 days in the
war of the Revolution as set forth by the declarant.
I further certify that satisfactory evidence (by the exhibition of the original
family record") was this day shown me that the Declarant and her Decd.
husband the aforesaid Nathaniel Kerr. were married on the 1 day
of September, One Thousand seven hundred & Eighty five. (1785)
Satisfactory evidence was shown me that the said Nathaniel
Kerr died in the year of 1826. having the aforesaid Margaret his
widow who has not since married, but still remains his
widow
Page 8

(6)
I further certify that I am personally acquainted with the declarant
and that I believe to be of the age she represents herself to be (in her 90th year.)
and that she is a woman of good standing and entitled to full and
ample Credit.
I further certify, that from old age and bodily infirmity, the declarant
cannot attend Court to make this declaration.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal this the 17 day of April 1835
John Tate J. Peace (Seal)
Page 9

THE
NEW TESTAMENT
OF OUR
LORD AND SAVIOUR
JESUS CHRIST
TRANSLATED OUT OF
THE ORIGINAL GREEK
AND WITH
THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS DILIGENTLY COMPARED
AND REVISED,
BY HIS MAJESTY'S SPECIAL COMMAND.
Appointed to be read in Churches.
EDINBURGH:
PRINTED BY SIR J. H. BLAIR AND J. BRUCE,
Printers to the King's most Excellent Majesty.
1799.
Page 10

Margaret Graham was born
the first day of November 1755
and intermarried with Nathaniel
Kerr the 1st of September 1785

Margaret Kerr daughter of N. & M. Kerr
Intermarried with John Galbraith
The 22nd day pf December 1807

Samuel Kerr Maried[sic] Polley White
September 17th 1818
Page 12

Mrs Kerr
Her Book

Samuel Kerr was Born
January 20th 1787
Margaret Kerr. Was Born
November 26th 1789
William Kerr Was Born
December 18th 1792-
Mary Kerr Was Born
December 30th 1794
James Kerr Was Born
September 15th 1797
Nathanael Kerr Was Born
December 22nd 1798
Page 13

(17)
State of North Carolina
Randolph County
Before Lewis. M. Leach
personally appeared Alexander Gray of Randolph
County aged Seventy seven years and made
oath in due form of Law he was well
acquainted with Nathaniel Kerr and Margarett[sic]
his wife from the year seventeen hundred
and ninety two that in the year of Seventeen
hundred and ninety two he moved from
Orange County N.C. and settled in Randolph
County NC within two and a half Miles
of where the Nathaniel and Margarett[sic]
Kerr then lived and become intimately
acquainted with them and frequently
herd Sd. Nathaniel Kerr say that he served
as a soldier in the militia of North Carolina
and that he was out several times in that
Service and others that served with Sd.
Kerr allso informed this deponant[sic] that the
Sd. Kerr was actually a Soldier and
served in the Revolutionary war
and further this deponent sayeth that in the year
seventeen hundred ninety two when he first
moved and settled in Randolph County
in the neighbourhood of Nathaniel & Margaret
Kerr they lived together as man & wife and
so continued to live unto the death of
Sd. Nathaniel Kerr.
Alexr. Gray

Sworn to and subscribed this 25 day of
July 1845
Before me
Lew Leach J.P.

I Lew Leach do certify that I [believe:crossed out] am
personally acquainted the above deponent
Gen. Alex Gray and that he is a respectable
Page 15

1845
1769
76
(9)
according to law, provided for members of the
society of Friends, who makes the following statement
that he was well acquainted with Nathan
Kerr Decd. and his wife Margaret, formerly residents
of Randolph County N.C. and the said
Margaret now lives, in Orange County, and
is an applicant for the services
of her Decd. husband as this deponant understands and that he is of the
impression that he the said Nathan Kerr was
an active solder in the revolutionary war
in behalf of the U. S. and that he the said
Kerr and Margaret, was married shortly after
the wore and that he is very confident that
he the said Kerr was married before the year
of AD (1794) seventeen hundred and ninety four
Isaac Farlow
This affirmation made
before me this 28 July 1845
A.M. Hagan J.P.

I Alexander W. Hogan do certify that Isaac
Farlow is a respectable man and is entitled
to credit Given under my hand the day &
date above written
A.W. Hogan JP

State of North Carolina
Randolph County

This 28 of July A.D. one thousand
eight hundred and forty five, personally appeared
before me Alexander W. Hogan George Farlow of
Randolph County N.C. aged seventy six, and
well acquainted with Nathaniel Kerr Dec and his
wife Margaret, who, as this deponant is informed
now resides in Orange County N.C. and is an
applicant for pention[sic], and he states furthermore
the he well remembers seeing the said Nathaniel
Kerr, riding as a lite horse in the revolutionary
Page 16

(10)
were, and he believes the the said Kerr, searved[sic]
time in the wore[sic], but, cant say as to the
length of time and that the said Nathaniel
Kerr, and his wife Margaret was married soon
after the wore[sic], about the year (1785) one
thousand seven hundred and eighty five
and he is positive the they they were married
before the one thousand seven hundred and ninety
four
Qualified before me this 28 of July 1845
A. W. Hogan J.P.
George Farber
I Alexander W. Hogan do certify that George Farber
is a man of truth, and worthy of belief of 
A.W. Hogan J.P.

State of North Carolina
I Hugh McCain Clerk of the Court of Pleas
& quarter Sessions for Randolph County do hereby Certify
that Lewis M Leach & A W Hogan Esq whose names
appears to the foregoing Certificate was at the time of
signing the same acting Justices of the Peace duly
Commissioned & qualified in & for the County of Randolph
& that their signatures are in their own proper hand-
writing & that full faith & credit are to be given
to their official acts
In Testimony thereof I have hereunto
set my hand & affixed the seal of
the said Court at office in Ashboro
this 15 of August AD 1845
Hugh McCain CCC
Page 17

Dr. James A. Craig
Ruffins Mills
Orange Cty
N. Carolina
Page 18

(11) 
State of N. Carolina Orange Cty
the 17th July 1845

Dr. James A. Craig Sir

I now sit down to answer yours
of enquiry respecting my fathers military services in the war of the
Revolution &c &c I will begin by answering your enquiries
respecting myself I am the oldest son of six children which
my father Nathaniel Kerr had by my Mother Margaret and
believe I am now in the fifty eight year of my age and was
born in Randolph County in this State and lived there until my
7th or 8th year when my father with his family removed to Guilford 
County where he lived the remainder of his life & believe
my parents were married in 1785 I recollect to have heard
my mother say they were married in September some 15 or 16
months before my birth which by a refference[sic] to the family
record you will find (I believe) took place on the 20th Jany 1787
I believe my father settled himself in Randolph County
near Bells Mill several years before the commencement
of the Revolutionary War I have heard father say his trunk
was burnt with Mrs Dougans House by the notorious Fanning
near the close of the war & I believe his papers with it
to the best of my recollection my father died in Feby 1826 before
the passage of the act in favor of the Militia who served in the
revolution My mother understanding that an act had been
passed in favor of widows whose husband had served in the war
of the Revolution prevailed with me to go to Randolph Cty
in quest of evidence of my fathers military services on my arrival
there which was some four or five ago I found all his companions
in arms were dead except one and he (Daniel Merrill a
pensioner) said he & father had served one campaign of about
three months together that they were mess mates & lay the
Page 19

(12)
greater part of the time near Salisbury in this State that father
then served as wagon or forage master he believed my father
had performed a good deal of service in the army but that was
the only time they had served in company together. I then went to see John
Graham (a pensioner) of Davidson County he said but that is Graham served in the cavalry
under Coln Davie that once or twice when they had went into
the camp of the militia he had seen my father in the army that
he believe he was a commissioned officer he believed an Ensign but I do 
not
recollect that he said in whose company or Regiment I then
went to see Sherwood Kenneday of Davidson County a pensioner
also he said that he himself had served a campaign of five
months a great part of the time in the State of Georgia and
that he knew my father he had seen him in the service different
times during that campaign that father was a commissioned
officer he believes an Ensign he could not tell to whose company
or Regiment he belonged he knew he did not belong to the same
with himself-- having understood that it was absolutely necessary 
to prove whose company & Regiment father had served
in order to get a pension & failing to procure such evidence
I returned home my mother not knowing of any recorded evidence 
of fathers services ceased to prosecute her claims
as to fathers sayings of his services in the State of Georgia I distinctly
recollect of his saying he suffered extremely for the want of water
as they marched through some parts of that state I think I have heard
him say he was in Augusta & perhaps where he crossed Savanah
River I have heard him say he was lying sick in camp scarcely
able to get out of his sent at the time of Stono Battle in South Carolina 
that he heard the fire of the Guns & had he not been sick
supposed he should have been in the Battle I have heard mention
Page 20

(13)
several places in North & South Carolina he had passed while in the army
I have heard speak of Charlotte Rugelys mills Camden pine tree
Ninety six crossing Saluda & Broad rivers of the army lying at
or near to Bacons Bridge I have heard him speak of a your Tour down
the Pee Dee one or two tours in the neighborhood of Raft Swamps &
of one up to the mountains (perhaps to Rutherford Cty) I do not distinctly
recollect of his saying he served under Colnl
Collier & Dougan but I have
heard him speak of serving with them in such a way as to make
me believe he served under them the same statement will apply
to Genl Green Moultrie Lincon[sic] & Butler I would just farther state
I was one of my Fathers Executors in settling up his estate I only
took charge of such papers as were considered valuable were
kept by father in a small trunk a parcel of old papers & accompt
Books &c I believe were left with mother, I believe she has forgotten
what she done with them when she quit house keeping the above
statements are true to the best of my knowledge & belief
Saml Kerr
Sworn to and subscribed this
the 19 July 1845 before me
F Walker JP

I certify that the Deponent Samuel Kerr is a man of truth
and respectability & his statements entitled to full & ample credit
Freeman Walker J.P.
Page 21

(14)

Ashboro July 23d 1845
Mr James A. Craig
Sir I have made diligent search
for the Marriage Bond of Nathaniel Kerr & Margaret 
Barrett & cannot find any such Bond in my
office
yours truly
Hugh McCain
Page 22

(15)

State of North Carolina
Orange County. 
On this the 28 day of August, 1845, personally appeared before me
undersigned one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said County
Stephen Cox and George Allen of said County, who being first duly sworn
according to Law make oath that they are well acquainted with Margaret
Kerr of Hawfield in said County, who we understand is now
applying for a pension for the Revolutionary services of her Deceased
husband Nathaniel Kerr and that he understand that said
Nathaniel Kerr died in the County of Guilford, some 15 or 20
years ago leaving the said Margaret his widow, who has not
since intermarried, but remains the widow of the aforesaid
Nathaniel Kerr.
Stephen Glass
George Allen
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year
first above written before me
CW Johnston J.P.

I certify that Stephen Glass and George Allen
are men of truth &
respectability
C.W. Johnston JP
Page 23

March 24, 1938

Nathaniel Kerr
R. 5887
BA-J/AWF

Mrs. Pearl Lea McPherson
120 Jefferson Building
Greensboro, North Carolina

Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which
you request the Revolutionary War records of
Nathaniel Kerr of Guilford County, North Carolina,
and William Houston -(William Montgomery Houston)
of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
The Revolutionary War records of this office
have been searched and no claim for pension found
based upon the service of any Montgomery Houston,
or of a William Houston from North Carolina. The
surname was searched under similar spellings.
The record of Nathaniel Kerr which follows
was obtained from papers on file in pension claim,
R. 5887, based upon his service in the War of the
Revolution. This is the record of the only
Nathaniel Kerr or Carr found on file in the Revolutionary
War records of this office.
The date and place of birth of Nathaniel Kerr
were not given, nor were the names of his parents
stated. He came from Pennsylvania, settled in 
Randolph County, North Carolina, and was residing near
Bells Mill in Randolph County, during the Revolution.
Nathaniel Kerr married September 1, 1785 in
Randolph County, North Carolina, Margaret, widow of
Samuel Barrit. Her maiden name was Graham, the names
Page 24

2 -
of her parents were not given.
The said Margaret was born November 1, 1755 in
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and moved with her
father, soon after the battle of Brandywine, to
Randolph County, North Carolina, on Warren Creek. Her
husband, Samuel Barrit, died before she left Pennsylvania, 
date not given, nor was the date of her
marriage to Samuel Barrit given.
Nathaniel Kerr died in the month of February,
1826 in Guilford County, North Carolina, where they
had moved about the year 1795.
The widow, Margaret Kerr, applied for pension
April 17, 1845, at whose time she was living at
Haw Fields, Orange County, North Carolina, with her
eldest child, Samuel Kerr.
She stated that her husband, Nathaniel Kerr,
was boarding with her brother-in-law, Colonel
Edward Sharp, in Randolph County, North Carolina,
and served in 1778 and 1779, about six months as
ensign in Captain Collier's Company, Colonel Locke's
North regiment, and at the time of the
battle of Stone, was sick in General's Lincoln Camp,
but could hear the firing; in 1780, three months
and two weeks, Forage Master, stationed at Salisbury; in in 1781, three months as private in Captain
of Dragoons, Colonel Dudley's
regiment, in pursuit of Tories; again in 1781, three
months and two weeks, as private in Captain Quinn's 
company, Colonel Collier's regiment, in pursuit 
of "Colonel Fanning a Tory"; in the spring of 1782,
three months as private in Captain Dugan's company
of Dragoons, under Major McClary.
Her claim for pension was not allowed as
proof of service, as required by the pension law
was not established.
Page 25

3-

The following are the names of the children
of Nathaniel Kerr, and his wife, Margaret, as shown
in the claim
Samuel born January 20, 1787 married Polly White, September 17, 1818
Margaret born November 26, 1789, married John Galbraith, December 22, 1807
William born December 18, 1792
Mary born December 30, 1794
James born November 15, 1797
Nathaniel born December 22, 1799 (?)
The widow, Margaret Kerr, stated that her husband,
Nathaniel Kerr, was related to General Nathaniel Greene,
a cousin, she thought, that Colonel James Dugan, and
Major Thomas Duggan were brothers, and they were nephews
of her husband, Nathaniel Kerr; that Colonel Collier,
Major Anthony Sharp, and Dr. Martin were cousins of
her husband, Nathaniel Kerr.
Honorable James Graham was of North Carolina
in 1847, his relationship to the widow was not designated
The papers on file in this claim contain no
further discernible family data.

Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator
Page 26

N 12203

Margaret Kerr
NC Nathaniel

Let to JA Craig Oct 10
Hon Jas Graham May 7
TL&A Tho Smith April 
J.A. Craig Augt 6 47
let [illegible] Nov 20/50
D.R. Goodloe [illegible] 1853
[illegible]
5887

Let to J.A. Craig
" to Hon Jas. Graham May 7 '46
Let to [illegible March [illegible] '47
Page 28

120 Jefferson Building
Greensboro, N. C.

War Department
Division of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Re: Nathaniel Kerr or Carr - Guilford County, N.C.
Capt. William Houston or
William Montgomery Houston of
Mecklenburg County, N.C.
of 2nd Regiment Mecklenburg Militia

Gentlemen:
Will you kindly advise me what you have as to the
Revolutionary War record on the two above named men, and greatly
oblige.
Yours very truly,
Pearl Lea McPherson 
Mrs. Pearl Lea McPherson

[stamp]
Received
Mar 9 936
Mail Sub-Div
Page 29

[stamp]
5

[stamp]
Greensboro N.C.
Feb 19

Doctr. James A. Craig
Ruffins Mills
Orange Co.
N.Carolina
Page 30

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
I John McLean Depose & say
I was well acquainted with Nathaniel Decd. [crossed out] Kerr
Decd. Husband of Margaret Kerr who now resides in
Orange County N.C. That I frequently heard the said
Nathaniel Kerr speak of serving in the Revolutionary 
War in the capacity of an officer but am unable
at this time to say under what grade he served as
an officer in said war, I well recollect of hearing
him and my Grandfather John Thorn who was also 
a soldier in the Revolution conversing with each
other on the subject of their services in the Revolution 
that they were comrades and served together
in the War of the Revolution
John M Lean
Sworn to and subscribed February the 16 1847
before me
Test
J.N. Millis JP
I James N. Millis do certify that John McLean is an
acting Justice of the peace in & for said County
of Guilford & a man of Respectability Given
under my hand & seal this 16th of February 1847
J.N. Millis JP (seal)

State of North Carolina
Guilford County
I John H. Logan Clerk of
the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County and
State aforesaid, do hereby certify that John McLean and J. N.
Millis whose names appear to the foregoing are acting Magistrates
in and for said County; that the signatures purporting to be
theirs are genuine and that full faith and credit are due
their official acts as such.
Page 31

In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed the seal of
our said Court at office this 17th day
of Feby AD 1847
Test

John H. Logan
Page 32

Ruffins Mills. N. Caroa. 17 July 1847.
Sir
I herewith enclose you some additional evidence in the pension.
claim of Mrs Margaret Kerr of Orange County.
Mr Collins, the Comptroller has certified the amount paid N. Kerr
and that the payments made were for military service and the Comptroller
has further stated that the "Records" in his office but seldom distinguish between payments made to a private & those made to an officer, and that in
the case of Nathaniel Kerr they do not give his grade.
The good standing of each of the affiants in Mrs. Kerr's case has been
duly certified by Alexander Hogan Esq. Genl Gray, Hon: James Smith;
and Revd Anderson G. Hughes and Hon. John M. Dick.
Mrs. Kerr requests me to say to you, that she knows of no further
testimony she can procure, and submits you would, (if you deem her evidence
sufficient) allow her such annuity as you may deem the proofs
will justify.
I am, Sir.
Very Respectfully
yo: ob. servt.
James A. Craig

James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
Page 33

Pension Office
October 10th 1845.

Sir,
In the case of Margaret Kerr, the proof of the marriage
before 1794 is satisfactory; but there is no evidence of the five
tours of service described by claimant as matter of her
belief. This Department has no information of a draft
for six months in 1778 of the N. Carolina Malitia and that of
1779 was limited to three months after they crossed the Line
into South Carolina. Claimant does not state by what means
she obtained and preserved such a minute information of the
several tours of her husbands services, and the grade in which
they were rendered. The Comptrollers books credit her husbands
name with one term of $72.50 which does not correspond with
any one tour described by Claimant. There is also a credit
for $336.32 to N. Kerr for another term of service, which cannot
avail the claimant as there is nothing in her declaration and
proofs to shew that it has any reference to her husband.
I am, very respectfully
Your ob. Servt
Go. Wm Crump

James A. Craig, Esq.
Ruffins Mills
N. Carolina
Page 34

Washington May 19th 1847
Dear Sir
The mail of this morning brought in your
letter of the 14th inst.
It seems to us, the best course for
you to pursue in her case, is to obtain from the Comptroller
a certificate that the records of his office do not show
the grade in which he served, and also that the old pay
rolls are not complete. Get the evidence of some respectable 
persons living in the neighborhood of Kerr to state
that they have always understood and believe that Kerr
served in the army of the Revolution: and then get
same member of Congress, Judge of a Court or established
Clergyman to vouch for the respectability of the persons
thus testifying. The object of this is to make
such testimony as we have to offer as strong as it can
be made, that its strength may save us in the absence
of the higher proof that is required.
Would it not be well for you to look to the pension &
early cases that are the product of the present war
with Mexico. It is worth attention.
most respectfully
T. L. & A. Th. Smith

James A. Craig Esq.
Page 35

Dr. James A. Craig
Haw field
Orange
Page 38

Nov. 29, 1853.
Rel [illegible] proba-
ble error in
examination of
the case of 
Margaret
Kerr, widow
on John.
N.C.
D. R. Goodloe
present
Page 39

Washington, Nov. 29th 1853

Sir.
I respectfully call attention to what seems an
error of fact in the letter of this Burean to the
Attorney in the case of Margaret Kerr widow
of John, of North Carolina. The letter of Nov. 20 1850, states
that the evidence of service is wholly
traditional, whereas two witnesses, Rosanah Johnson
and George Farlow testify of their own knowledge
to the fact that he was in the service.
The imperfect Records in the Comptroller's office
at Raleigh fail to designate the grade of
the soldier, which is also made an objection to
awarding a pension, but the widow is willing
as appears from her letter in file to take whatever
the justice of the Bureau shall grant.
I am very respectfully
your obt sevt.
Daniel R. Goodloe

Hon L.P. Waldo
Commissioner
Page 40

Raleigh N.C.
Comptrollers Office

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts
in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby
certify that Nathaniel Kerr had a special
Certificate issued in his name for Twenty
(72.50) Nine Pounds see Book No 27 page 9 I further
certify that the name of N. Kerr appears on
the record as having had a specie certificate
issued in his favor for One Hundred and
Forty Two Pounds Ten Shillings and Nine
(356.32) pence ($142.10.9), See Book G No 16 page 13 given
under my hand and seal this 1 day Septbr
1845 all for Military Service
Wm Collins Compt
Page 41

Ruffins Mills. N.C.
2 April 1847

Sir.
Herewith is enclosed, some additional evidence in the
pension claim of Mrs. Margaret Kerr of Orange County, together with
a certificate from the Comptroller.
When a decision is hand on this claim, you will be so
good as to communicate it to Messrs. T.L&A. Tho. Smith of Washington
City
Understanding from the new regulations of the Post office
department that the privilege of "Franking" is again restored
to the Comm of Pensions. I forward this to your address as
formerly.
I am, Sir
Very Respectfully,
yo. obt. Servt.
James A. Craig

Commr of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 42

Pension Office
August 6th 1847

Sir.
The papers lately transmitted to this
office by you in the case of Margaret Kerr
Widow of Nathaniel Kerr for the purpose of
establishing in the credibility of Alexander Gray
Alexander Hogan and John McLean, Witness
whose testimony has heretofore been filed in support
of her claim has been received. But as these
witnesses had no personal knowledge of the
service of Claimants husband, however respectable
they may be (and their credibility has never been 
questioned) their testimony is wholly insufficient
to identify him with the individual to whom
the payments for military service by the state of
North Carolina were made or to establish his service Unless the amount of service rendered by
Mrs. Kerrs husband and his rank as an officer
can be established by such proof as the regulations
under the act of 7 June 1832, with which are familiar
Page 43

point out her claim cannot be admitted.
As regards the testimony of
George Carrington, heretofore presented in support
of the Claim of Rhoda Johnson, whatever may
be the powers of his mental faculties at this time
it cannot be supposed that he can have a better
knowledge of the service of her husband than
 he had of his own in 1832. He set forth no service nor
any of the officers under whom it is alleged Drewey
Johnson, Claimants husband, served. He will be resigned
therefore before his testimony can be availing of
proof of service in this case, to make supplemental
declarations specifying clearly each tour of service, [illegible] the
names of his company and field officers, rendered by him, rendered by him
self and establish the same by the certificate of the
Comptroller of North Carolina. In his statement in his 
own case this witness in 1832 states "that his
mind is so shattered [frail:crossed-out]
and his memory so frail that he cannot dress himself"
It cannot be supposed that if his facilities have improved
since that period. The evidence now filed is wholly
insufficient to authorize the commission of Mrs Johnson's claim.
James A Craig Esq
Ruffins Mills
NC
Page 44

T.L.&A. T. Smith
April 12/47
Page 45

Pen off
Apl 22d 47

The addl statement of Margaret
Kerr & accompanying evidence
transmitted by Dr Craig have been
examined & filed.
They do not in [the least:crossed-out] any respect
meet the only difficulty pointed out
in my letter of 7 May '46 to Hon. J. Graham - the statement of the service
claimed is matter of tradition & belief
and the proof are two payments
ostensibly for military service without
giving the grade by which alone
a computation of the service can 
be made-- the grade asserted of Ensign
in one tour & Forage Master in another
should be established by record or
documentary evidence
J.L.&A. T. Smith Esqr
Present
Page 46

Dec 6/57
Page 47

Pension Office
6th Decr 1853

Sir
I would inform you that the
case of Margaret Kerr of North Carolina
 and Molly Neare of North 
Carolina cannot be reported to
you, unless you first file in this
Office a Power of Attorney authorizing
your Agency. The authority
filed by you is insufficient.
Daniel R. Goodloe Esq
Washington 
D.C
Page 48

Ruffins Mills, N. Carolina,
December 15th 1845.

My Dear Sir,
I beg leave to enclose to your case the supplemental declaration of
Mrs Margaret Kerr of Hawfields, Orange County for a Pension.
Mrs Kerr made her original declaration some time last Summer, in which she
alleged several militia tours, that her Decd. husband Nathaniel Ker served in the
army of the Revolution; also the capacity in which he served.
The Commr asks how she is enabled to state with so much precision
the several tours, and grades, in which her husband served in the army?
Mrs. K alleges that Col Collier C Sharp, Major Dugan and others, were Pennsylvanians, 
as well as herself, were related to her husband & emigrated near the same time
from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, and all settled in Randolph County in this State.
&c see her Declaration.
That all of the above officers were actively engaged in the
cause of Independence, as was also her Decd husband Nath. Kerr as "Forage Master"
"Ensign," & "priv of Dragoons." the widow stated in her former Declaration, that 
she engaged the services of some Gentleman of Guilford County, to attend to getting
evidence for her, preparatory to her making the necessary affidavit, about 4 years
age: but the persons, by whom it was expected to prove her husband's Revolutionary
services were dead whereupon, and further effort, was at that time abandoned.
some time in the early part of the present year, it was ascertained that her
husband's name was on the "Pay Rolls" in the Comptroller's Office at Raleigh.
Mr. Collins, the Comptroller, was written to on this subject, and furnished a
Certificate showing the amount paid to Mr Kerr, which the Commission of Pensions
Page 49

Pensions,
Thought too large a sum, perhaps, to have been paid to a Militia officer,
[And other than Declarant:crossed-out]
Mrs. Kerr, the widow states served as "Forage Master"
(she does not know what length of time) was "Ensign" Five months, and private of
of Dragoons. Several tours: he may have served some 12 months or more as a
For. Mar. and may have borne some other Commission which the widow cannot now
remember, and has at this late day no means of ascertaining.
General Alexr. Gray & others of Randolph County, have testified that it was so
understood & believed that said Kerr, served in the army of the Revolution. I
believe one elderly person of Randolph stated that he either saw him (N Kerr) in the
service, or was in the service with him, himself. The proofs are on file with the
Widow's Declaration,-.
Mrs. K. when asked how long she thought her husband was
in the army. Answered she could not state with precision all that he did serve,
but he was in the army more than is set forth in her affidavit. that by trade
she told me, husband was a Tanner, and so much was he in the army that he had
abandon his trade in tanning, 'till the close of the war.
Mrs. Kerr lived near to N. K. during the war, but were not
married 'till 1785.
As to the large amount that is credited to Mr. Kerr
on the Comptroller's Books, the petition, you know, especially the both Cont & Militia, were 
often not paid till after the close of the war. Consequently all that the
claimant demanded, was then paid over to him.
I do not think the amount credited to Mr. Kerr is too large a sum, especially,
if he was nearly in continuous service, at forage master &c. in the army?
I beg you will give this claim your early attention and compromise for the widow
for such annuity, as you may deem proper. The Comptroller's last Certificate enclosed,
does not show the grade of Office N. Kerr held only the amount paid to him, from
which we must judge of his grade.
I am, Dear Sir
Very truly
James A. Craig
Page 50

Raleigh NC
May 17th 1867

Dr. Craig.

Dear Sir, on the first page
you have my certificate, which
is the third certificate which I
have issued to you in this case
and I do hope it will serve
for always, I am as willing to work
when I do not have to work as
the same thing too often, as any
person and take pleasure in
giving any aid which the Records
of my office will furnish
[illegible] doing justice to merit
but to be asked to do what has
been twice performed before
I must attribute some neglect
to you or the Pension Department
in neglecting to file the certificates
heretofore made by me
I am very Respectfully
Your obt servt
Wm. F. Collins
Page 51

Raleigh NC
Compt Office

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public
Accounts in and for the State of North
Carolina do hereby certify that the
name of Nathaniel Kerr and N. Kerr
appear of record in this office as having
had the sum of One Hundred and
Seventy One Pounds Two Shillings and
nine pence paid in Certificates which
certificates purport to have been paid
for military service. I further certify
that these records do not (except in
comparatively few instances) designate
between private and officer
the certificates in Kerr's case done[sic]
not given his grade: given under
my hand and seal this of May 1847
Wm F. Collins Compt.
Page 52

157
Pen off
October 10 45

Sir

In the case of Margaret
Kerr the proof of Marriage before
1794 is Satisfactory-- but there is no evidence
of the five terms of service described
by claimant as matters of her
belief. This Dept has no information
of a draft for 6mo in 78 of the N.C.
militia and that of 79 was limited
to3mo after they crossed the Line
into S.C. Claimant does not state by what
means she obtained & preserved such
a minute information of the grades[crossed-out]
several tours of her husbands services
& the grade in which they were
rendered - The Comptrs books credit her
husbands name with one term of $72.50
which does not correspond with any
[with any:crossed out] one tour described by claimt
There is also a credit for $356.32 to N. Kerr
for another term of service which can
not avail the claimant as there is
nothing in her declaration or proofs
Page 53

to shew that it has any reference to
her husband.

James A. Craig, Esqr
Ruffin Mills
N.C.

James A. Craig
Oct 10 45
Page 54

130

Pen Off
May 7, 46

Sir
I have the honor to
inform you that the supplemental
statement of Margaret Kerr &
addl. evidence enclosed in yours
of 24 ult have been examined 
& filed.
This claim has been asserted for
service in the N.C. militia in various
tours as private of Dragoons, Ensign & 
Forage Master- and the Comptr
certificate shewing two[crossed out] one payment
of 72.50 to Nathl. Kerr & another of 356.32 to N. Kerr
is the only evidence offered of the grade &
length of the service which corresponds
with neither of the tours set forth by
claimant upon information &
belief. The pension sough is
a pro rata one and the
claimant is bound to furnish
the data by which it may be
understanding by computed.
Is it impracticable upon the
Page 55

present exhibits to form any opinion
as to the length & grade of her husband's
service.
Hon. James Graham
H.R.

Hon James Graham
Nov 7. 46
Page 56

Orange County N.C. Nov 22d 1845

I do hereby certify that Mrs Margaret
Kerr the aged widow of the late Nathaniel Kerr
has been known to me about forty years
part of which time she was under my
pastorial care and has been a worthy member 
of the presbyterian Church for perhaps
more than fifty years and is now a member
in regular standing in the Hawfield Church
her statements are entitled to full credit as I
believe her to be a woman of undoubted truth
she is I think about ninety years of age
Signed E. B. Currie
late Pastor of Hawfield Church
Orange, N.C.
Page 58

Raleigh N.C.
Comptr Office


I William F. Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts
in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby
certify that I have reexamined the payments
made Nathaniel Kerr and the certificates
issued to him for military service do not
state his rank as an officer given under
my hand and seal this 26th day November
1845
Wm F. Collins Compt.
Page 60

James A. Craig
Orange N.C.
Page 61

Greensboro N.C. Novr the 18 1845.

Dear Sir,
I received your communication by the last mail,
and do with pleasure comply with your request.
And I hereby certify that I have been acquainted 
with Mrs Margaret Kerr for forty or fifty years, and her
standing in society has been as exemplary and praise worthy
as any Lady of mine acquaintance, and I suppose she
has been a regular member of the Presbyterian Church
for more than fifty years.
Wm. D. Paisley, Minister of the Presn. Church
Page 62

To
James L Edwards Esq
Comm of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.

to the care of
Dr. James Craig
Page 63

Mason Hall. N. Carolina
June 15th 1847
Sir.
I have been informed that Mr Geo
Allen & Mr. Alex Patton are witnesses on the
pension claim of Mrs Margaret Keerr.
It gives me pleasure, sir, to certify to
you, that I have been personally acquainted,
fore considerable period, with each of the
above named persons, & that they are gentlemen
of good standing & their statements
are entitled to full credit & belief.
I remain, Sir,
very respectfully
yr ob. servt.
A. G. Hughes
Pastor of Hawfield & Crossroads  Chr.

Comm of Pensions
Washington City
D.C.
Page 64

Raleigh NC
Compt Office

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public
Accounts in and for the State of North 
Carolina do hereby certify that the name 
of N. Kerr appears of record in my office
as having a specie certificate paid in
his name for Military Service for One
Hundred and forty Two Pounds Ten Shillings
and seven pence ($142.10.7) See Book G No16
page 13, which certificate was paid at the
Treasury in the year of 90
I further certify that the Books in
this office do not give the grade of office
in which said N. Kerr did srve[sic] given
under my hand and seal this 2d
day November AD 1846. All
Wm. F. Collins Compt
Page 65

State of North Carolina
Orange County

I Joseph Allison Clerk of the Court of
pleas and quarter sessions for said County, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Declaration of Margaret Kerr, was this day read examined and
approved by said Court: whereupon it was ordered that the Clerk Certify
the same to the War Department.
I also certify that John Tate was name appears upon
the 5 & 6th pages of the foregoing proceedings.
And that Freeman Walker whose name appears upon
the 13th page of said foregoing proceedings:
And that Charles W Johnson, whose name appears
upon the 15th page of said foregoing proceedings are Justices of
the Court of pleas and quarter sessions for the aforesaid County of
Orange, and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs,
are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto
affixed my seal of office & Subscribed
my name this the 29 day of August
A.D. 1845.
J. Allison C C C
Page 66

5

Doctor James A. Craig
Ruffins Mills
Orange County
NC

Franklinsville
March 5
Page 67

State of North Carolina
Randolph County

on this 20th
day of Feb 1847
Personally appeared before the undersigned
one of the acting Justices of the Peace
in and for said County, Darius York
and Mary York, residents of said County
and made oath that the[sic] frequently
heard one Jeremiah York who
was a solider in the revolutionary
war. Say that there was a man by
the name of Nathaniel Kerr of
Randolph County NC with him
(the sd. York) in the service of the
Revolution, that the[sic] heard the said York
say that while he the sd Nathaniel
Kerr were in the service of the
Revolution & standing near Salisberry
N. C. the Got a Permission from their
officer for a few days abscence[sic] that the
Mite visit their families in the County
of Randolph afore said & on their March
from Salisberry to their homes in the
County of Randolph the called at a
house to get something to eat and on
receiving a loaf or pane of bread
were take by the Lady of the house
to make their escape for the Tories
were close by & on leaving the house
were discovered by the tories & pursued so
rapidly that the were compelled to drop
their bread or pane and served themselves
in a quick as possible
Turn over
Page 68

The within sworn to & Subscribed
this the 20th day of Feb AD 1847
Before me
Wm Wilson JP (seal)
Darius York hisXmark (seal)
Mary York herXmark

Feb 20th 1847
I Certify that Darius York & Mary York
are persons of truth and respectability
given under my hand day & date first
above written
Wm Wilson JP (seal)
Feb 20th A.D. 1847
I have heard Jeremiah York say that
he & one Nat Kerr & John White lost
their bread in race from the Tories
but I think he said Kerr dropped the
Pane given under my hand & seal
day and date above Written
Wm Wilson JP (seal)

State of North Carolina
Randolph County 
County Court Clerks office
16 March 1847.
I B. F. Hoover Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and quarter Sessions in and for
said County, do hereby certify William Wilson Esqr
whose name appears to the above affidavit is an acting
Justice of the Peace for said County, duly commissioned and
qualified and that full faith and credit are due to his
official acts and that the signature above purporting to be his
is genuine - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of said Court.
Teste. B F Hoover CCC
Page 69

Memorandum
My Dear friend
At the request of Mrs Kerr I have enclosed her case, to your care.
Mrs K. Asked me if you were not returned to Congress this year? I answered that
you were. She then stated that she desired her claim to be sent to your care.
That her family & yours {husband & your father: crossed-out] were relations. that they emigrated to
N.C. about the same time: That your father settled in the Western part of
the State, but that he & others from Pennsylvania, settled in Randolph.
that before she left Pennsylvania. She had married one Samuel
Barrett - that he died before leaving the North.
That her second husband was a relation of Genl Nath Greene &
that her last husband & Genl Greene were both named for the same person & cousins I think.
that before marriage. She was Margaret Graham, and I think a
Cousin to your father. I had the statement from Mrs. Kerr herself about
a month ago. I may not have remembered it correctly, but I give the substance.
the accompanying recommendations of Mrs Kerr's good standing furnished 
by the Hon: James S. Smith of Hillsboro and that of the Revd W.D. Paisley
of Greensboro & Revd Ezekiel B Carrie of Hawfield, show in what high estimation
the Declarant, Mrs. Kerr is held.
Page 70

She lives about 2 miles from me, with her Son Nathaniel than whom
we have no worthier Citizen in Hawfields.
As it is Mrs Kerr's request that her claim be forwarded to you-- pray
see if you could get a fair annuity allowed her- Nathaniel Kerr 's name
appears upon the records at Raleigh; a sum sufficient to entitle the widow
to a handsome annuity. Nathaniel Kerr
is no common name like "John
Smith."  Genl Alex. Gray & others certify to his Rev. Serv. The Comptrollers
books show the amount paid to Nath Kerr. the widow make affidavit
that she lived neighbour to him, during the war-- remember the several
tours he served & capacity. also swears that she knew no other person
by the name of Nathaniel Kerr that served in the Rev. Army.
Hon. James S. Smith, Rev W Paisly & Revd W Currey. Certify to her
good standing and that her statement is entitled to full credit & belief.
upon these grounds, I think a fair pension will be granted to
Mrs. Kerr. - please give this claim your personal attention. 
Gov. Graham, will no doubt get recommended by the unanimous
bate of the forth coming Whig convention - He is our Ajax Teleman-- one Strongest
man - with him he can beat Fisher & any other nominee the Democracy may make.
very truly
James A. Craig
Page 71

Mason Hall N.C.
Dec 18

Dr James Craig
Ruffin's Mills P.O
N.C.
Page 72

Mason Hall Orange Cty, N.C.
Dec the 16th 1846.

This is to certify that I am
Pastor of Hawfield Church, situated
in the County above named. Sir
Minutes of Gen. Assembly of Pres. Church in
G-d. & that Mrs Margaret Kerr is a
member in said church in good &
regular standing. She is a lady vennable[sic]
alike for age & [illegible], although she has
now reached extreme old age, she retains 
to a surprising degree, vigor both
of body mind. Indeed she is altogether
one of the most interesting aged ladies
I ever knew & I always [illegible] it a privilidge[sic]
to be in her society, she is of fine family-
the Grahams of Virginia, the Barrets of
Pensylvania[sic] & possessing a mind above
mediocrity & having [illegible] much, [illegible]
much & abound much for almost
three generations past, marks her a lady
of no ordinary stamp.
A. G. Hughes, Pastor
of Hawfields Church
Page 73

State of North Carolina
County of Orange S.S.

On this the 21 day of November, 1845,
personally appeared before the undersigned one of the Justices of the Courts
of pleas and quarter sessions for said County Mrs Margaret Kerr
of Hawfields, in said County, aged 90 years the 1 day of November
Instant, widow of the late Nathaniel Kerr, decd who being
first duly sworn according to Law, doth on her oath make the following 
statement additional and in explanation of her late Declaration,
now on file in the pension office at Washington City.
That she was a native of the State of Pennsylvania, and in the
year after the Battle of the Brandywine, moved to North Carolina and
settled in the County of Randolph on the Uwarra River.
that this part of the County of Randolf was settled mostly with emigrants
from Pennsylvania, and amongst others was her late husband the
aforesaid Nathaniel Kerr, who had some years previously emigrated
to Randolph County, and lived in about 10 miles from where this
Declarants & her father settled, and being Pennsylvanians they became
acquainted & frequently visited each others families.
that Col Collier, was an acquaintance of theirs in Pennsylvania,
and related to her husband and after the close of the war lived not above
two miles from this declarant - That Major Thomas Dugan and Col
James Dugan were brothers, and nephews of my Decd. husband.
Major Anthony Sharp was a cousin to my Decd husband the
aforesaid Nathaniel Kerr, and lived in the same neighborhood with
us. All of the above named officers were actively engaged in the
Militia, in the war of the Revolution, except Anthony Sharp aforesaid
who I am under the impression was in Continental line.
my Decd husband, with the other named officers were active
in the cause of Liberty and being all acquaintances & neighbours
were in many tours in the service together.
Altho' this Declarant was not married to the aforesaid Nathiel
'till 1 September 1785. after the war had closed- yet
being well acquainted with him both before & during the war,
she remembers the fact of his leaving home with the troops and
Page 74

Serving tours in the army - She well remembers of said Nathaniel
Kerr being out in a 5 months tour: in the militia, to the South, that
in said tour he fell sick, and was confined to his bed, and on the day
of Stono battle, [illegible cross-out] was near the engagement and being quite ill,
was fearful he would fall into the enemy's hands-- That Major Sharp
and Dr. Martin assisted him home. that as soon as he recovered, the Declarant
remembers, that said Nathaniel Kerr. visited her family-- That in the
war her Decd husband was much in the service of the United States, that
she has understood from him and others, that he served as "Forage Master.
Ensign, and "private of Dragoons".
the war, she has frequently
That after the close of
the war she has frequently heard her Decd husband, when in company
with the above mentioned officers, speak of their different tours and the
dangers and hardships they encountered. and being relations and intimately 
acquainted, were frequently in company and after conversing
on the occurrences of the Revolution.
From the above circumstances, the Declarant has been enabled to remember 
many of the tours, the capacity in which her husband served and
with what officers in part he served in the revolutionary Army.
She further Declares that she never knew or heard of any other
person that served in the Revolutionary army by the name of
Nathaniel Kerr, except her Decd husband aforesaid.
The Declarant in conclusion says she is acquainted with
the Hon: James S. Smith of Hillsboro, in the aforesaid County of Orange.
that she is also acquainted with the Revd Anderson Hughes, the
Revd W D Paisley & Red E. B. Currey.
Margaret Kerr herXmark
Sworn to and subscribed the day
and date first above written before me
Saml N Tate J. Peace

I certify that the Declarant Mrs Margaret Kerr is personally
known to me, and is an aged and highly respectable person, residing in
Hawfields, in the County aforesaid.
Saml N Tate J. Peace
Page 75

State of North Carolina
I Joseph Allison Clerk of Orange
County Court of Pleas & quarter Sessions do Certify
that Samuel N. Tate Esquire whose name appears
to the foregoing certificate was at the time of signing the
same an acting Justice of the Peace duly commissioned
and qualified

In Testimony whereof I do hereto
subscribe my name & affix the seal
of said Court at Office the 27th November
AD 1845
J Allison C.C.C
Page 76

Hillsborough
Orange County North Carolina
I hereby certify that I was acquainted with Nathaniel
Kerr of Guilford County and Margaret Kerr his
wife for nearly forty years past & that in my
opinion full faith and credit ought to be
given to any declaration in these proceedings
that Mrs. Kerr would make Nov 28th 1848

JL Smith
Declaration
of
Margaret Kerr

Return to [illegible]
Hon. James Graham Ho: Reps
Page 77

[stamp]
Hillsboro N.C.
Oct 5

Dr. James A. Craig
Ruffins Mills
Orange Co.
N.C.
Page 78

Haw Fields Orange Co.
Sept. 10th 1846

Dear Sir
Yours, in which you ask for additional
statements relative to the service of Nathaniel
Kerr my deceased husband, in the Revolutionary War
has been received. I know nothing further than I have
already stated, that would throw any light on the subject.
I am a native of Lancaster Co. Pennsylvania, whence I
removed to Randolph Co in this State, and settled on
Warrens [crossed out] Uwarra Creek, about the year 1777. Nathaniel Kerr, whom
I afterwards married, was then boarding with Col Edward 
Sharp, a brother in law of mine, and continued to
board there, when not in the service of his country, till
the year 1785, when we were married. he settled at a place
about two miles from Col. Collier's; and also, within a few
miles of Col. James, & Maj. Thomas Dougan's, who were nephews
of my husband. I was intimately acquainted within the
Collier & Dougan families; for being relations & connections 
of ours, we kept up a friendly intercourse with
them by visits & C
I well remember my husband's having served a Tour in
the South, in the capacity, I think, of Ensign. The tour was
said to be one of five months. I also recollect his having been
taken sick while on a tour at the south, & that he was enabled
to get home by the assistance of Dr. Martin, & Maj. Anthony,
Sharp, who were both cousins & warm personal friends of his.
I distinctly recollect his having served for some time, three months
Page 79

at least, I think, at or near Salisbury as Forage Master. I
further remember having often heard him speak of the hardships 
he endured on a tour to the neighborhood of Raft Swamp
I also have heard him speak of pursuing a band of Tories,
That after plundering & burning several houses, had fled
to the South. Perhaps the Revolutionary Records at Raleigh
will show the grade of the militia; and from them the grade
in which my decd husband served, might be ascertained
If you think it worth while [to write [illegible]:crossed out] you would
confer a favor on me, by writing to the Officer who has
charge of these, & making enquiry on this point. I know
of no other Nathaniel Kerr who was in the service, or even
in the State at the time of the war.
Have you received any answer yet, from Raleigh touching
the inquiry, whether the Records there furnish any evidence
or not, whether the payment to my husband N. Kerr was
before or after the close of the war? so soon as you
do, I hope to hear from you
Yours respectfully
Margaret Kerr herXmark

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Page 81

yet be had obtained at Raleigh I must therefore again
beg you to do me the favor to write to the proper officer
there and ascertain for me
1st do the pay Rolls at Raleigh show that the payments
made to Nathaniel Kion were for military service?
2nd and if so, is the amount paid a sufficient sum to
to compensate for 5 months service as "Ensign" and
three months as forage master? If so, and Mr Edwards
is satisfied of the fact I am perfectly willing he allow me
(in the absence of other proof) such a pension as he may
deem the payments as my husband will justify him
and whatever annuity he may judge proper shall
meet my aprobation[sic]: of this please inform him, and
further, I feel well assured no further "record proof"
of my husbands service can be found. I thank
you very kindly for your friendly offer, and
remain very respectfully, your friend,
Margaret Kerr herXmark
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