Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 11,223, James Harris, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)
SERVICE     
N.C. 
NUMBER
W. 11,223 
B.L.Wt 31703-160-55 
Harris, James
Keziah  

CONTENTS
Page 2

[Left side of page, handwritten]
[illegible] agent [?]
237836_ and
Jas M Read
Hon. N.H. Claiborne Feby 3d 37
do to same + P. Agt. 11 Feb. 1837
[Written In left margin] Under 1838
Paid at the Treasury
the Act of the 11. April
from 4 Sept 1838 to 4th
March 1839 _ Agt notified Decr 1839
Letter to 3rd Auditor 17 Feb 1842
Paid as above from 4th Septr 1839 to 4th March 1841. Agent notified 12th April 1842.
Dead
Sent ltr to Hon. W.A. Tredway
& 3 Auditor 9th Feb 1847

[Right side of page, printed form filled in by hand]
Virginia 30356
James Harris
of Patrick Co. in the state of Virginia
who was a Private in the company comm[anded]
by Captain Jameson of the Regt comm[anded]
by Col. Lytle in the N. Carolina 
line for 9 months

Inscribed on the roll of Virginia
at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annu
to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831

Certificate of pension issued on the 25th day of January
1836 and sent to Hon. N. H. 
Claiborne, H. R.

Arrears to the 4th of Sept. ‘35      135.00
Semi-ann allowance ending 4 March ‘36        15.00

$140.00

{Revolutionary Claim,
Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by Danl Brown  Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 67 Page 18
Page 3

[Left side of page, printed form filled out by hand]
3766
Ohio [line crossed out] Cincinnati
Keziah Harris, widow of James Harris
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a N.C. private
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 dollars 00
cents per annum, to commence on the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 9th day of May 1836 and sent to
B.J. Campbell,
Patrick C.H. Va.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act
February 3, 1853, Page 125 Vol. A


[Right side of page, handwritten]
1860, Febry 21, Set to D.D.T. Benedict
1860 March 7 Transferred
from Richmond Virginia
to Cincinnnati Ohio from
4 Septr 1856 & notifi sent to
D.D.T Benedict, Greenfield
                                 Ohio
1860 March 9th. Duplicate issued
and sent to D.D.T. Benedict
                        Greenfield, Ohio
1860, May 1st Special order to pay

243615 }
123535 }
Page 4

[Left side of page, handwritten]
123.535
Act Mar 3 '55
Kezia Harria
Kezia Harris, wid. James Harris, - 
Harris Priv:
[Written across text]
No 31.70 3 of June 30/56
Special by Commr
June 24. '56
Revy. war.
Pensd. act 7 June 1832
AS: 160Ac June 25/56
Boynton
In lieu of a former application which
was changed to a Pens. claim and allowed
M Boynton
Ben J. Campbell
Patrick C. H. Va
Vol 41. page 33,
Page 5

Agency of army States -  [number 4 in upper right corner]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
James Harris [signed with an X and "his mark"]
Interrogatories 1st. Where and in what year were you born?
ans - In the County of Dunwidow and state of Virginia in the year 1748.
2. Question 2d. Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it?
ans. I have no record of my age - , but I recollect my mother told that I was born in the year _1748_
Ques. 3d Where are you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where are you now living?
Ans. I was living the county of Orange N. Carolina when called into the service, and lived there a short time after the war and moved to that part of the county of Henry in the State of Virginia, which is now Patrick County, and have lived there ever since - 
Ques - 4. How were you called into the service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a [substitute?] And, if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I was no substitute I was drafted in the North Carolina militia for two three month terms, and volunteered for one [three?] months engagement after the expiration of my first three month term for which I had been drafted.
Ques. 5 State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the Troops, when you served; such continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the same circumstances of your service?
Ans - I know Genl Gates Genl Decalb who was killed at Siege of Camden and saw several others whose names I never knew.
I saw Genl Lafayette at Charleston. I do not remember the numbers of any of the Continental
Page 6

[illegible]
State of Virginia
County of Patrick } s.s.
On this 12th day of February 1835 personally appeared
in open Court before the justices of the county court of
Patrick, James Harris a resident of the County of Patrick
and state of Virginia aged eighty seven years the 14th 
day of January last past, who being first being duly sworn according
to law doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act
of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he was drafted in
the army of the United States in the spring of the year 1776
in the Company of Capt. William Jamerson in the county of
Orange and the state of North Carolina, and was attached to
the Regiment commanded by Col. Archibald Lytle of
Hillsboro, in said county and state, and marched from
Hillsboro, with said regiment through Chesner to Charleston
in South Carolina, where he was placed under the
command of Col. Thompson, who commanded immediately on
his arrival, throwing up a breast work on the East
side of the Island. This affiant was in the battle and
fought under Col. Thompson against the British at
Sullivan's Island which battle he thinks was fought 
some where about the last of [June?] after he fought
said battle and resting in the camp about two months 
he took up the line of march, and marched to Savannah in
Georgia where he assisted in throwing up some fortifications
and set out immediately to St Augustine
Florida these a province of Spain to prevent the
British from landing there. When he reached
Florida he found the British had already
landed and were accruing reinforcements dayly [daily]
from the Indians, and the Americans thought
it inexpedient to attack the enemy and therefore
Page 7

[illegible]
State of Virginia
County of Patrick } s.s.
On this 12th day of February 1835 personally appeared
in open Court before the justices of the county court of
Patrick, James Harris a resident of the County of Patrick
and state of Virginia aged eighty seven years the 14th
day of January last past, who being first being duly sworn according
to law doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act
of Congress passed June 7th 1832. That he was drafted in
the army of the United States in the spring of the year 1776
in the Company of Capt. William Jamerson in the county of
Orange and the state of North Carolina, and was attached to
the Regiment commanded by Col. Archibald Lytle of
Hillsboro, in said county and state, and marched from
Hillsboro, with said regiment through Chesner to Charleston
in South Carolina, where he was placed under the
command of Col. Thompson, who commanded immediately on
his arrival, throwing up a breast work on the East
side of the Island. This affiant was in the battle and
fought under Col. Thompson against the British at
Sullivan's Island which battle he thinks was fought
some where about the last of [June?] after he fought
said battle and resting in the camp about two months
he took up the line of march, and marched to Savannah in
Georgia where he assisted in throwing up some fortifications
and set out immediately to St Augustine
Florida these a province of Spain to prevent the
British from landing there. When he reached
Florida he found the British had already
landed and were accruing reinforcements dayly [daily]
from the Indians, and the Americans thought
it inexpedient to attack the enemy and therefore
Page 8

concluded it would be better to retreat back to Savannah
and from thence to Campden [Camden] in South Carolina
and from thence, he being discharged, he returned home
to Orange County in North Carolina. Having served
six months this tour although he was drafted for but three,
by volunteering for three months more after the first three months expired.
This affiant was again drafted in the County of
Orange and State of North Carolina about the 13th day of
July 1780, rendezvouzed [rendezvoused] in Hillsboro, and marched under
Capt. Jamerson in the Regiment of Col. Lytle to Campden [Camden]
in South Carolina, and reached there some two or
three days before the battle was fought. He was
with his Regiment (Col. Lytle's) was placed under Genl
Gregory during the few days before - before the
battle (Gates, defeat) he was employed in doing admin
duties about the Camp - He thinks that Lord Cornwallis
and Lord Rawdon made the attack on Sunday
morning about 9 or 10 oclock some where 
about the middle of August 1780. This affiant
was in the action and saw Genl Stevens from Virginia 
when he and his Brigade broke and run and
in a short time he this affiant, with the rest of the
North Carolina militia run too _ This declarant 
saw Genl Decalb Genl Gates and a great many
other officers whose names he never knew in 
consequence of his being a private soldier in
the militia; This affiant [illegible] back to Hillsboro, and
was there placed under Capt William Jamerson to
complete his engagement for three months, set out
in pursuit of the tories on Rocky river and dec
Page 9

3
[now?] in Orange and the adjacent counties in
North Carolina. He continued reconnoitering that section of the country untill the end of
the said term making another term of full
[underlined] three months [/underlined]. This declarant was discharged
from the service at the end of this tour by Capt Gann,
and by Col. Lytle in his first tour.
This affiant kept his discharges for some time
but not supposing they could ever be any
benefit to him suffered him to be misplaced
or lost. This affiant was born in the
County of Dunwidow [Dinwiddie] in the state of Virginia 
about the 14th of January 1748 and remained there
untill the year 1775 at time he mooved [moved] to the county
Orange N. Carolina. He resided Orange N. Carolina
untill the year 1781 and then mooved [moved] to that part
of the county of Henry in Virginia which now constitutes
Patrick County and has resided there ever
since and still resides there. This declarant
has no documentary evidence, nor does he know
of any living witness to whom he could prove
his services. This affiant further states that his declaration
upon a former occasion was drawn up
just as the court was about to convene - and due
to haste that he omitted to mention that he was 
drafted for three months by the authority of the state
of North Carolina, or setting out upon both
tours, and that the last three months of the
first, he continued in the service by volunteering.
That the first declaration he made was left 
with an Attorney and suffered to be torn up or destroyed.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatsoever to a
pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares
that his name is not on the pension Roll of any
Page 10

Agency of army States - [number 4 in upper right corner]
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
James Harris [signed with an X and "his mark"]
Interrogatories 1st. Where and in what year were you born?
ans - In the County of Dunwidow and state of Virginia in the year 1748.
2. Question 2d. Have you any record of your age and if so, where is it?
ans. I have no record of my age - , but I recollect my mother told that I was born in the year _1748_
Ques. 3d Where are you living when called into the service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war, and where are you now living?
Ans. I was living the county of Orange N. Carolina when called into the service, and lived there a short time after the war and moved to that part of the county of Henry in the State of Virginia, which is now Patrick County, and have lived there ever since -
Ques - 4. How were you called into the service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a [substitute?] And, if a substitute for whom?
Ans. I was no substitute I was drafted in the North Carolina militia for two three month terms, and volunteered for one [three?] months engagement after the expiration of my first three month term for which I had been drafted.
Ques. 5 State the names of some of the Regular Officers who were with the Troops, when you served; such continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the same circumstances of your service?
Ans - I know Genl Gates Genl Decalb who was killed at Siege of Camden and saw several others whose names I never knew.
I saw Genl Lafayette at Charleston. I do not remember the numbers of any of the Continental


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Page 11

5 (5)
Regiments, but as well as I can recollect I belonged 
for a while to the 3d Regiment commanded by
Col. Lytle. I do not know what was the numbers of the other
Regiments in which served. The genl circumstances
of any services are as briefly [illegible] in the foregoing part of my declaration as I recollect them.
Ques 6 Did you ever receive a discharge 
from the service, and if so, by whom was 
it given, and what become of it?
Ans I received three discharges two from my
Capt. (Jamerson) who either wrote them or procured
them for me (I am an illiterate man) and the third
discharge from Capt. Guinn under whom I served
against the tories
Ques 7 State the names of persons to whom you are known
in your present neighbourhood [neighborhood], and who can
testify as to your character for veracity
and their beliefs of your service as a soldier
of the Revolution.
Ans. I am known to Capt. Thomas Penn and
John Conner and have known them
for many years intimately

We John Conner a clergiaman [clergyman]  residing in the county of Patrick
and Thomas Penn residing in the same county. hereby certify
that we are well acquainted with James Harris who has
subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration; that
we believe him to be eighty seven years of age;
that he is respected and believed, in the neighbourhood [neighborhood]
where he resides, to have been a soldier of the revolution
and that we concur in that opinion - 
Sworn and subscribed on the day and year aforesaid.
[Signature] John Conner
Thomas Penn
Page 12

6
And the Court do hereby declare their opinion (6)
after the investigation of the matter and after
putting the interrogations prescribed by the War
Department, that the before named applicant
was a Revolutionary soldier, and served as he
states. And the Court further certifies, that it
appears to them that the Revd. John Conner who has signed
the preceding certificate is [underlined] a clergyman resident
in the County of Patrick and that Thomas
Penn who has also signed the same is a resident
of Patrick County and is a credible person, that that
their statement is entitled to credit.
Note} This half sheet is annexed for want of room to complete
the declaration and certificates_
[Clerk's certification paragraph crossed out]
I A Staples clerk of the Court of Patrick County do hereby certify that the foregoing
contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application
of James Harris for a pension
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my
hand and seal of office this 17th day of February 1835 in the 59th year of the Comwealth [Commonwealth]
A Staples Clk [Clerk]
[Large seal attached]
Note
I wrote the certificate of another [case?] at the [fool?] of the declaration
+ discarded afterward before the seal was annexed that it was
not the form decreed by the War Department I thereupon I
moved [words crossed out] added one that appears above
A Staples Clk
[Written upside down:]
James Harris
Declaration
Page 13

(4 her declaration for a Pension)		(3)
State of Virginia
County of Patrick } s.s.
On this 10th day of April 1855, personally appeared before the undersigned,
a justice of the county court of said county, which is a court of Record, in + for said county,
Kezia Harris, a resident of Patrick County and State of Virginia aforesaid, aged about 80 years
years, or thereabouts, and from bodily infirmity unable to appear before said court, who first
being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order
to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the 2d Section of the act of Congress, passed on
the 3d February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary
war; That she is the widow of James Harris, who was a private soldier, and rendered services
as such, in the Revolutionary war_ as is more fully set forth in his declaration, and other
evidence herewith connected, now on file in the pension office (as this declarant has good
reason to believe) upon which a certificate of pension was issued from the pension Office,
early in the year 1836; probably in January or February of that year_ by virtue whereof
her husband the said James Harris became a pensioner, under the act of June 7th 1832 (as
seems most likely) and was probably paid at the Richmond agency: to which declaration +
evidence this declarant respectfully refers for a more perfect statement of the particulars of
her said husband's enlistment, and other matters touching his said services_ his certificate
having been lost or mislaid.
She further states that she was married to the said James Harris, in the county of Rock
=ingham, + State of North Carolina on the [blank] day of April 1801 or thereabouts_ that her said
husband died in the county of Patrick State of Virginia, in which county and state he had
resided for many years before his death, on the [blank] day of [blank] 1842 or 3 or thereabouts
That she was not married to him prior to the 2d day of January 1800, but at the time above
stated: that no record of her marriage can be found in the Clerk's Office of Rockingham
County, State of North Carolina, in which county she was married_ That she has no written
record of her marriage in her possession, and knows of none elsewhere_ and that the evidence
of her marriage hereto annexed is the best, as far as she knows and believes, that can
be procured. She further declares that she is now a widow, never having married since
the death of the said James Harris 
Kezia Harris [signed with an X and "her mark"]
Sworn to and subscribed this 10th day of April 1855, before me the undersigned a justice
of the court of Patrick County Va. And I hereby certify that the applicant Kezia 
Harris, is personally known to me, and is unable to appear in court by reason of bodily
infirmity: and that I am in no way interested in the result of this her application
Given under my hand this 10th day of April 1855.
[Signed] W Critz JP
Page 14

(4)
(5/h her declaration for a land warrant)
State of Virginia
County of Patrick } SS.
On this the 10th day of Apl A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five, personally appeared before me
a justice of the peace within and for the county and state aforesaid, Kezia Harris aged about 80 years, a resident of 
Patrick County, in the state of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of James Harris
deceased, who was a private soldier [blank] in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] in the Regiment of 
[blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolutionary war...That her said husband enlisted, volunteered, or
was drafted, (She has no means of command now, of knowing which,) at [blank] on or about the [blank] day of
A.D. [blank] for the term of [blank] and continued in [?] service in said war for the term of
[blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. [blank]
She states that she has no papers or documents in her possession, or at her command, by which she can fill the several
blanks above_ but she states that her husband was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United States government for
some years immediately preceding his death: and she respectfully refers to the documents which she is advised are
now in the pension office, such as his declaration, and the accompanying evidence sustaining it already referred
to by the declarant in her declaration for a pension under the act of 3d February 1853. hereto annexed. His certificate is
lost or mislaid: [line] She further states that she was married to the said James Harris in Rockingham County, in the
State of North Carolina, on the [blank] day of April A.D. 1801 by one Jeremiah Varnum [blank] a justice thereto authorized
and that her name before her marriage was Kezia Minor; that her said husband died in the County of Patrick
in the State of Virginia, on the [blank] day of about A.D. 1842 or 3 and that she is now a widow_ for proof of which
she also refers to the evidence of the fact hereto annexed, with her said application for a pension. She makes this declaration
for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled, under the act approved March 3d 1855.
Kezia Harris [signed with an X and "her mark"]
We Isaac Martin Senr. [Senior] and James S Pedigo residents of the county of Patrick in the State of Virginia, upon our
oath declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Kezia Harris in our presence; and that we believe,
from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be
Isaac Martin Senr. [signed with an X and "his mark"]
Jas S Pedigo
The foregoing declaration and affidavit was sworn to and subscribed before me in the day and year above written:
and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be,
and that I have no interest in this claim.
W Critz J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Patrick } SS
I Henry Tuggle clerk of the court of the county and state aforesaid do
hereby certify that William Critz Esq whose genuine signature appears to the foregoing is
once and at the time of signing the same an acting Justice in and for the said county duly
commissioned and sworn according to law and that all his official acts are entitled to full
faith and credit
Given under my hand and seal of the said court the 27 day of April 1853
Henry Tuggle Clerk

[Written perpendicular at bottom left corner]
123.525
[underline]
Letter of Campbell's to
which the one from this
office of Feby 2[ink blot] 1856
is a reply, filed with
B Land
Page 15

(1) (1st The proof of her marriage and widowhood) 	(1)
State of Virginia
County of Patrick } s.s.

On the 10th day of April A.D. 1855, personally appeared before
we William Critz Jr [blank] a Justice of the peace in + for the county and state
aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths Isaac Martin Senr. [Senior] and
William Critz Jr [blank] who first being duly sworn according to 
law, on their oaths declare, that they were neighbors of James Harris in his life time_ that
they knew him well_ that he was a home keeper for many years in the neighborhood of
these affiants in the County of Patrick + state of Virginia _ that he lived and cohabited with
Kezia Harris_ that she was taken and reputed to be his lawful wife_ that they had children
_raised a family_ and were treated and considered and reputed as man and wife by
all their acquaintance and neighbors, as far these affiants know or have any reason to
believe_ That they do not know whether or not any private record of the marriage
was kept by the family: and that they know of no such private record being now in
existence: They further declare that they have understood that the said James Harris
was for some time a pensioner of the United States Government, while residing in
the County of Patrick Va. where he died some years ago_ and that the said Kezia
Harris has remained his widow ever since his death_ and still lives in the said county of Patrick
Witness
Isaac Martin Senr. [signed with an X and "his mark"]
Wm Critz Jr.
Sworn to and subscribed before me, the day + year above written
W Critz Sr J.P.

State of Virginia
County of Patrick } S.S.
I Henry Tuggle clerk of the court of Patrick County, in the state
of Virginia, and in + for the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that William Critz Jr. whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was, at the time of
signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned
and sworn_ And that all his official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit:
And that the aforesaid county court is a court of record, having general jurisdiction_ And I do
further certify that there is no record in my office of the marriage between Kezia Harris + James Harris 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, + affixed my seal
of office, at the clerk's office of the said county court the 27th day of April 1855.
Henry Tuggles Clerk
Page 16

(2)	(2d the proof that her husband was a Pensioner, + is dead)
State of Virginia
County of Patrick } S.S.

I Henry Tuggle clerk of the county court of the county of Patrick
aforesaid, holden at the court house in and for said county, do hereby certify, that
satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to said court that James Harris
was a pensioner of the United States, and the rate of [blank] dollars per
[blank]; was a resident of the county of Patrick aforesaid, in the state of Virginia
aforesaid, and died in the said county of Patrick, in the state of Virginia aforesaid_ in the
year 1842 or 3 or thereabouts on the [blank] day of [blank]; that he left a widow, whose name
is Kizia Harris_ and that the pension certificate of said pensioner has been lost; and
after due search and enquiry therefor, it can not be found
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Patrick Court House, this 27th day of April in the year of Our Lord 1855.
Henry Tuggle Clerk of the Court of Patrick

(3d the declaration of the widow, that she is his widow &c)
State of Virginia
County of Patrick } S.s.
Be it known, that before me William Critz Jur. a justice of the peace
in and for the county aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths, personally appeared
Kezia Harris of the county and state aforesaid, and made oath in due form of law, that
she is the widow of James Harris; the identical person who was a pensioner, and is now
dead, and to whom a certificate of pension was issued, which has been lost, and after
due search and enquiry therefor, it cannot be found
That the deceased pensioner resided in the aforesaid county of Patrick, in the aforesaid
state of Virginia for the space of many years before his death, and that previous thereto he resided  [crossed out]
Kezia Harris [signed with an X and "her mark"]
Sworn to + subscribed this 10th day of April 1855 before me
W Critz Jr J.P.
Page 17

123.535

Address
Ben. J. Campbell
Patrick C.H.
Va.
Page 18

State of Virginia
County of Patrick } s.s.
On the 15th day of April AD One thousand eight hundred
and fifty six_ personally appeared before me a justice of the peace, within
and for the County and State aforesaid, Kezie Harris, aged about 81 years, a resident
of Patrick County in the State of Virginia, who being duly sworn according to law,
declares that she is the widow of James Harris deceased, who was a
soldier, in the company commanded by Captain [blank] in the Regiment
of [blank] commanded by [blank] in the Revolutionary
war: That her said husband enlisted, volunteered, or was drafted,
(she has no means at command now, of knowing which,) at [blank]
on or about the [blank] day of [blank] A.D. [blank] for the term of 
[blank] and continued in actual service in said war, for the term of
[blank] and was honorably discharged at [blank] on the [blank] day of
[blank] A.D. [blank]
She states that she has no papers or documents in her possession, or at
her command, by which she can fill the several blanks above_ But she
states that her said husband was a Revolutionary pensioner of the United
States Government for some year immediately preceeding his death: which
happened some time in the year 1842 or 3 or thereabouts, in Patrick county
aforesaid: That a pension was granted to him, the said James Harris, the late
husband of this declarant, for services rendered by him, in some capacity, probably
that of a private soldier, in the Revolutionary war_ as is more fully set forth
in his declaration, and other evidence therewith connected, now on file in the Pension
Office (as this declarant has good reason to believe) upon which a certificate of pension
was issued from the pension office (as so this declarant thinks, and has good reason to believe)
early in the year 1836, probably in January or February of that year_
by virtue whereof her said late husband, the said James Harris became a pensioner
under the act of June 7 1832, as seems most likely_ and was probably paid at the Richmond
agency_ and she therefore respectfully refers to the documents, which she is advised
are now in the pension Office_ such as his said declaration, and the accompanying
evidence (for a more perfect statement of the particulars of her said late husband's enlistment,
and other matters touching his said services:) sustaining it: as already referred
to by this declarant in her declaration for a pension, under the act 3d February 1853.
His said pension certificate is lost or mislaid. (over)
Page 19

She further states that she the said Kezia Harris, was married to the said James
Harris, the pensioner above referred to, in Rockingham county, in the state of North
Carolina, on the [blank] day of April 1801, by one Jeremiah Varnum, a justice thereto
authorized_ and that her name before her marriage was Kezia Minor_
That no record of her said marriage can be found in the clerk's office
of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Rockingham county, state of North
Carolina - as is evidenced by the annexed certificate of the clerk of said
court _ in which county she states that she was married: That she has no
written record of her marriage in her possession, and knows of none, and believes
there is none elsewhere_ that as her instances, due and diligent enquiry
has been made for the witnesses to her said marriage_ or she is informed +
believes, and none of them can be found_ and that evidence of her marriage
by general reputation and the well grounded belief of her neighbors, is the best, as
far as she knows and believes that can be procured. That her said late husband,
James Harris, the aforesaid pensioner, died in the county of Patrick in the
state of Virginia aforesaid, on the [blank] day of [blank] about 1842 or 3_ and that
she the said Kezia Harris is now a widow_ the widow of the same James Harris
deceased, the pensioner abovenamed_ She is now still at this time, the
widow of the same identical James Harris, the identical pensioner, referred
to above, in this her declaration for a land warrant: and that she never
has been married since the death of the said pensioner, James Harris, her late
husband
She the said Kezia Harris makes this declaration for the purpose of
obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855.
[Teste?] Jas S Pedigo
Kezia Harris [signed with an X and "her mark"]
We Isaac Martin Senr and William Critz Senr, residents of the county of Patrick
in the state of Virginia, upon our oaths declare that the foregoing declaration
was signed and acknowledged by Kezia Harris in our presence; and this we
believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the
identical person she represents herself to be._ This same Kezia Harris, who
is now present before us: whom we know well, and have known for many
years; we know was the reputed wife of the same James Harris now deceased
a pensioner referred to in her foregoing declaration _ that ever since his
Page 20

death, she has remained his widow_ and is now the widow of the same identical
James Harris, the pensioner above referred to by her foregoing Declaration, and other documents
therewith commented_ and that she is not the widow of any other James Harris
This same widow Kezia Harris is endeavoring by her foregoing declaration, and
the other documents therewith connected, to establish her claim to a bounty land warrant
Test Jas S Pedigo
Isaac Martin Senr. [signed with an X and "his mark"]
Wm Critz Senr

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me, on the
day and year above written, to wit: on the 15th day of Apl 1856_ And I certify that
I know both of the affiants (Martin Senr. and Critz Senr.) to be credible persons, and respectable men;
that the claimant Kezia Harris, is the person she represents herself to be:
That is, she is now at this time, the widow of the same identical James Harris, the pensioner
referred to in the foregoing affidavit, and in her foregoing declaration_ and I further state
that I have no interest in this claim
W Critz Jr Jus. Peace

State of Virginia
County of Patrick }
On the 15th day of April A.D. 1856 personally appeared before me
William Critz Jur, a justice of the peace in and for the county and state
aforesaid duly authorized to administer oaths for general purposes_ Isaac Martin
Senr. and William Critz Senr, who first being duly sworn according to the law, on their
oaths declare, that they were neighbors of James Harris, the pensioner referred to in the
foregoing declaration of Kezia Harris, made for the purpose of obtaining the bounty
land to which she may be entitled under the act approved March 3d 1855_ and
in the affidavit of these same affiants, and this certificate of the justice appeared
thereto_That they these affiants, knew him the said James Harris, the said pensioner,
well_ that he was a house keeper for many years in the neighborhood of these
affiants, in the county of Patrick and state of Virginia_ That he lived and
cohabited with the aforesaid Kezia Harris_ (the same Kezia Harris who made the aforesaid
Declaration_ That they these affiants knew that she the aforesaid Kezia Harris 
was taken and reputed to be the lawful wife of him the said James Harris_ That
they the said James Harris + Kezia Harris, had children, raised a family, and were
treated, and considered and reputed as man + wife, by all their acquaintances and
Page 21

neighbors, as far as these affiants know, or have any reason to believe
That they these affiants do not know whether or not, any private record
of the marriage of the said James + Kezia Harris, was kept by the family: and
that they know of no such record (private record) being now in existence: and
would not suppose it probably these was any any [sic]: They further declare
that they understood in the life time of the said James Harris, as a matter
of general knowledge and belief amongst his freands [sic] and neighbors, and they these
affiants therefore verily believe, that the said James Harris was for some time
a pensioner of the United States government, while residing in the aforesaid
County of Patrick Va._ Where he died a pensioner some years ago_ that is
these affiants have good reason to believe, and do believe that the aforesaid
James Harris was a pensioner up to the time of his death_ and these affiants
further state that the said Kezia Harris has hitherto up to this time remained his the
said James Harris widow_ This same Kezia Harris, who is now present before these affiants, whom
they know well, and have known for many years_ who makes the aforesaid declaration,
they know was the reputed wife of the same James Harris, now deceased, who was a
pensioner as above set forth_ that ever since his death she has remained his
widow_ and is now still at this time the widow of the same identical James
Harris, the pensioner above referred to_ She is now endeavoring to establish her claim
to bounty land as his widow_ and she the aforesaid Kezia Harris is still living
in the aforesaid county of Patrick Va.
Teste Jas S Pedigo
Isaac Martin Senr [signed with an X and "his mark"]
Wm Critz Senr

The foregoing affidavit of Isaac Martin Senr and William Critz Senr (the
words "these affiants" [underlined] having been first interlined_ and the words "they"_ having been
first put at the beginning of the 6th + Seventh lines from the bottom), was sworn
to and subscribed, before me, on the 15th day of April 1856_ (the day + year
above written;) and I certify that I know both of the affiants, the said Martin
Senr + William Critz Senr to be credible persons, and respectable men_ That
the claimant Kezia Harris, is the person they represent her to be, and that she represents
herself to be: That is_ she has been the respected wife_ and is now at this time
the widow of the same identical James Harris, the pensioner referred
to in the foregoing affidavit, and in her foregoing declaration_ And I further
state that I have no interest in this claim. Given under my hand
Page 22

State of Virginia
County of Patrick } ss
I Henry Tuggle, clerk of the county court of the county + state
aforesaid do hereby certify, that William Critz Jur [Junior] Esq. whose genuine signature appears,
signed in two several places, as a certfying justice to so many of the foregoing documents;
is, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting justice in and
for the said county, duly commissioned and sworn according to law: And that all his
official acts as such, are entitled to full faith and credit _ _ And I further certify
that the two signatures of the said William Critz Jur, above referred to, to wit:
One to the declaration of Kezia Harris, and the other to the affidavit of Isaac Martin
Senr and William Critz Senr. (hereto attached both of them) are the true and
genuine signatures of the said William Critz Jur.
[Large seal attached]
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and 
affixed my seal of Office, at Patrick Court
House, this 16th day of April in the year of
our Lord one thousand Eight hundred + fifty six
Henry Tuggle Clk
Page 23

State of North Carolina
Rockingham County }
I William M. Ellington Clerk of the Court
of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the county and state
aforesaid, do hereby certify that there is on the files of
my office no record of the marriage of James Harris and 
Kesia Harris (formerly Kesia Minor) which marriage is said
to have occurred about the year 1800 or 1801.
[Seal attached]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed this seal of our said court, at office
in Wentworth the 8th day of March A.D. 1856
W.M. Ellington C,C,C
Page 24

Dec 2d
[N?] Evans
Page 25

[Printed document filled out by hand]
TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Second Comptroller's Office,
December 2d, 1839
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States," James Harris------
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va., Agency, at
the rate of Thirty Dollars ["and Cents" crossed out]
per annum, under the law of the 7th June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept. 1838,
to the 4th March, 1839.
Respectfully, yours,
[Signed] Albion K. Parris
Comptroller
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.
Page 26

[Printed form filled out by hand]
Brief in the case of Keziah Harris widow of James
Patrick County and State of Virginia
act 3 Feby 1853
Claim ("original," ["or "for increase." crossed out])
Proof exhibited (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
[Written] Her husband was pensioned under the Act of June 7
1832 and died in
Marriage proved by witnesses who knew of their
cohabitation for many years [/written]
[Printed line crossed out]
[Written] Cohabitation, general reputation of marriage,
her identity as the pensioner's widow,
his death + her present widowhood
[Bond?] by credible witnesses [/written]
Thornton Triplett
Examining Clerk
Name and residence of Agent
Benj. J Campbell Esq
Patrick Cty Va
Page 27

Pen Off. May 2 1856
Sir
Please state when James Harris of Va act 1832 was last
paid at $30 a year [little drawing of a hand with a pointing finger] If paid to his death please inform
me to when the arrears were paid.
Very Respectfully
S Cole
Chf Clk
RJ Atkinson Esq
Third Auditor
Triplett
Page 28

Auditor's Office
May 3d 1856
Sir,
James Harris, Va, act 1832, at $30.00 per
ann, died 26 Decr 1841, + his pension has been 
paid in full to Kissiah Harris his widow
Very Resp
Your obt Servt
Robt J Atkinson
Auditor
J Minor Esqr
Commr of Pensions
Page 29

31.703
{

New [Acct?]
Page 30

Jerusalem Va
May 28
To,
The Secretary of the War Department
Washington City
Page 31

20 Feb. 1836
Pension office
Mr Syl

[Upside down]
Patrick C.H. Va
Feb 12, 1836
To Mr Secretary of the War Department
Page 32

Patrick C[ourt] House February 13 1836
Dr Sir
Is, A Free Negro entitled to a Pension
if they are not. There has been an imposition put
on you, for there is one James Harris of this County
who has just recd his Warrant, who I understand
receives thirty dollars per ["Annum" crossed out] year, he is as
Black as half of the Negroes in this County
nothing promps me to make this enquiry but to
know if that class of the community is entitled to
pensions and to stated frauds if there should be 
any I enquired of the [Gentleman?] who drew his declaration
if he stated in it that he was a free negro and his 
answer was no therefor think something is rong [sic]
Yours respectfully
James M Read
Page 33

Kesiah Harris
wid: of James
Va
Benj: J. Campbell [Feb?] 1 1856
Same, Feb 26 ""
3 Feb: 1853
Page 34

[Printed form filled in by hand]
TREASURY DEPARTMENT
Second Comptroller's Office,
Feby 23d, 1842
Sir:
Under the date of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An
act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain
Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury
of the United States," James Harris ---
a Pensioner on the Roll of the Richmond, Va Agency, at
the rate of Thirty Dollars ["and Cents" crossed out]
per annum, under the law of the 7 June 1832, has
been paid at this Department, from the 4th of Sept 1839
to the 4th March 1841.
Respectfully, yours
Albion K. Parris
Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Present.
Page 35

State of North Carolina
Rockingham County }
I William M Ellington Clerk of the
Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County and
State aforesaid, do hereby Certify that there is on the
files of my office no record of the Marriage of James
Harris and Kesia Harris, which marriage is said
to have accurred about the year 1800.
[Seal attached]
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand, and affixed the seal of our 
said court of office in Wentworth, the
27th day of May 1854
W. M. Ellington C,C,C,
Page 36

Patrick C.H. Feby 8 1856
Dear Sir,
Last night a note from your office, by C.H. Rhett, of the [3rd Adt?]
was reed, in relation to the claim of Keria Harris, widow of James Harris,
decd, late of this county - a Revolutionary pensioner: This note simply informs
me that her claim for pension and bounty land, is under consideration_ Seems
to think her application for land warrant had better be separate.
A second note, in relation to the same subject, dated Feby 1, 56 was recd
at the same time, signed by R. McRae_ This note says nothing about separating the
claims; which may give me a hope (unless the official wishes to mistify,) that
the separation will not be insisted on. But he says the applicant, must show
her marriage by public or private record, or show that evidence of that grade
cannot be furnished, when the testimony of witnesses will be received; by which I
suppose he means that she ["must show" underlined] that documentary evidence of her marriage cannot
be furnished, before her secondary evidence can be admissible_ This is what professional
lawyers call "laying a foundation [underlined] for secondary evidence. I have
long been well enough acquainted with law proceedings to know that: And
had provided for it in the way approved in all courts as far as heard from.
and in your own circular from your Office_ headed "Instructions to be
observed by persons applying to Pension Office for bounty land, under act of March
3d 1855, p.p. 12&13, in note:: namely by her own affidavit in her declaration [underlined]:
How else is a negative of that sort to be proved? Who but herself can be expected
to know whether there be any written evidence, record, or memorandum of her marriage?
She had made application to the clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions
of the County of Rockingham, N.C._ the keetper of the county records of that county, (in which
she swears she was married,) and got a certificate under seal from him, that there was
no record there of her marriage. (This certificate can be forwarded to your Office,
if it can do any good, is necessary, or required:) And she ascertained that all the witnesses
who were present at the time of her marriage had died, or moved off to parts unknown.
But how is she to prove any thing further of this negative character by any better evidence
than her own affidavit? Is there any other person under the sun, but herself, who
knows, or can presume upon fair grounds that there is no [underlined] written record of her marriage?
From the very necessity of the case, her own affidavit of the fact would be enough in
any court in the U.S. __ Her witnesses state that they know of no written record
of her marriage: _ and as far as she knows, or can expect, no individual of all creation
could say more about it.--- But your own authority above referred to, in
this case, requires that fact, (that she cannot procure documentary evidence of the marriage,)
Page 37

to be set forth in her declaration: which she has done. Her witnesses "state the 
facts and circumstances from which they derive their knowledge or opinions that she
is the widow of the deceased". The marriage and widowhood, then, are sufficiently
proved to answer the requirements of the law, and of your Office, as to her pension [underlined] claim.
Next, it is stated in this last note of Misther McRae's "that she must
prove by at least two creditable witnesses that she is the widow of the pensioner,
as she represents herself to be." I suppose [previous underlined] by this remark, that the writer
thinks it is required by the rules of your Office, that a widow claiming a pension, [underlined]
is to prove by two credible witnesses, that she is the widow, (at the time of the application,)
of the pensioner, as she represents herself to be. And that the certifying officer must
certify that "they are credible witnesses," in so many words, or the application will
be deficient in substance: He seems to aim to conceal his own view of the case,
with an intention no doubt, to embarrass me as much and as long as he can: Why
don't he say it should be certified, if he really thinks so, and wishes to instruct me,
and not to bother me? Now, in the circular from your Office, of March 25. 53,
no such certificate is named or thought of _ It is simply said under figures "If
the applicant be a widow, she must prove the legality of her marriage, and that she
has remained a widow since the death of her husband": And you nowhere prescribe
a form of a certificate for the certifying officer, to append to this affidavit of her witnesses
proving her marriage: One would suppose that the form you append to the
declaration C in the same circular, would do: For as far as the petition for pension
is concerned, we are not instructed whether one witness, 20 witnesses, a certificate
of the justice with Red or Black ink, or with pertinent or impertinent matter, is
required: and have no alternative but to run the great hazard of forming one for ourselves,
or to adopt the form of a certificate affixed by you to another part of the same document:
and which I had no doubt was sufficient for this purposes and adopted it
accordingly. This affidavit is certified by a justice, with the clerk's certificate + seal
annexed = and that is a sufficient guaranty [sic], one would suppose, that they are respectable,
creditable, and credible witnesses. # (See further on ?th page - notes)
Mr. McRae's 2d objection is intended to apply to the petition for pension - for he says
her application is filed under act Feby 3 53_ which relates to pensions only.
And his objection, I think I have shown, is wholly groundless.
As there are no objections made to any other portions of the document, I conclude_
I can sufficiently show, that as far as the application for pension is concerned, she
is ["recta in curia" underlined]
Page 38

In her application for pension, she
1st Proves her marriage, by secondary evidence, according to law and usage, and
according to the requirements of your own office forms and the practice of the office and that she is now still his widow, by two witnesses. __ As to pensions, this seems to be all you require_
2nd She proves before the county court, the death of her late husband, James Harris;
that he was a pensioner; and died somewhere about the year 1842 or 3.
(The exact time of his death could not be ascertained: _ but the record of the
pension office will show when his last draw was made:_ I suppose the exact
time of his death is necessary for no other purpose than to show precisely from what
time she is to draw_ And the time can be made out exactly enough by both means
united. It were not reasonable, under the circumstances, that her petition should
be rejected, because she cannot show precisely the time of his death; and no objection
is made on that ground,) And she annexes a certificate that she did make
this proof before the court, by the proper officer, the clerk of the court, with his seal
annexed, according to form H, pension office circular, Augt 21 1849 the only precedent
I could fine.
3dly She makes her declaration that she is the widow of James Harris, the identical
person who was a pensioner re according to form F, pension office circular Augt. 21. 49.
4thly. She makes her declaration for a pension; substantially according to form
C, pension office circular March 25. 53_ In this declaration she refers to the evidence
filed with her late husband's application for pension, to prove his services, according to
instruction under figure 3, pension office circular, Mar 25. 53: The justices certificate
appended, is the same in effect as prescribed, under the said form C, the justice adding
thereto, that the applicant Keria Harris is personally known to him, and is unable to
appear in court by reason of bodily infirmity; according to instruction under figure 3,
Pension Office Circular, Mar 25. 53.
And so it seems to me she has done all that the law, or the rules of your office
require, to secure her pension
Having finished an examination of her application for a pension: = I will now
undertake to show that her application for a land warrant, is in substance and form, fully
sufficient
1st. ; She begins with her declaration: In it, she set forth all the facts at her
command about her late husband's services in the Revolutionary War_ which, by themselves,
it is true, are very meager:_ But she states in substance, that she has no papers
Page 39

or documents in her possession, or at her command, by which she can make out the particulars
of his services -- Mentions that he was a pensioner, though, and refers to the
documents supposed to be in the Pension Office; stating that she had already referred
to them, in her declaration for a pension, (to "this declaration annexed) for proof of his
services: -- states that the pensioner's certificate is lost, or mislaid: --When,
where, and by whom she was married to the said James Harris: When, (as nearly as she
can,) and where her said husband died: == That she is now his widow:== And to
prove her marriage, his death, and that she is now still the widow of the same James Harris,
and has so remained ever since his death, she refers to her aforesaid application
for pension; in which these facts are proved, (as is shown already,) sufficiently to entitle
her to her pension: ==And now I will undertake to show that the same proof is sufficient
to entitle her to her land warrant also. == Your circular, Mar 5. 55, does not expressly
or by implication, require that the justice shall certify that that these facts, (the marriage
and present widowhood,) are proved by a credible witness, or witnesses, in so many words, for
a land warrant: but there, in two notes, pp. 10+11_12+13_ you very properly, and
with sufficient precision, state what will lay a foundation for secondary evidence to
prove the marriage. In this note, you say, "If no public or private record of the marriage
exist, or can be procured, that fact should be set forth in the declaration"
She did this in her declaration for a pension; but does not do it, though, here,
in her declaration for a land warrant_ And it was thought it would be an unnecessary
repetition == For, as she makes both declaration at the same time, on the
same sheet of paper, addressed to the same office, and for two parts of one and the same
purpose, (namely, to claim the proffered bounty of the government, part in land, and part
in money;) I cannot see why it is not sufficient for her once to state this fact upon
her oath_ as she has already done in her declaration for pension_ which is a document
to be preserved in the pension office, with this declaration for the land warrant,
made so perfectly part and parcel of the same, as to be inseparable from it.
There is only wanted in the pension office what may be recognised as sufficient
evidence of the applicants right to claim the nation's bounty; so placed there, as to be easily
acceptable at all time: __ This requirement is fully answered, when this evidence of Keria
Harris's, as now prepared, is in the office: For it must be, that by entries on your
Books, by your indexes, backings on the papers filed, and the proper and classified
arrangements of your files, all the evidence in her case, can be made easily acceptable
at all time, for any and all purposes_ as well to prove the justness of her claim for pension,
s for land: = for either, or both of them. = "That is certain, which can be made certain"
Page 40

is a maxim of the law, well fitted to this case = for should it be necessary in after times, this one document may well furnish ample proof of her marriage, her husband's death, and that she still remained his widow, at the time of her application, __ of itself: and that he had rendered Revolutionary Services, became and died a recipient of the nation's bounty __ a pensioner __ the same document makes certain by reference to yet other documentary evidence; __ to wit: the papers accompanying his declaration for his pension. And here let me remark, you sanction by the rules that you have published, a reference by one document to another: the both being in your office.

Here then, she lays the same foundation for the introduction of secondary proof of her marriage and widowhood in her declaration for land warrant as she does in that for her pension __ Your rules do not require that for the one purpose, this proof should in any thing differ from that use for the other purpose === such evidence of the facts necessary to lay this foundation, as will serve for the pension, will also serve for the land warrant == and the two applications being inseparable, the foundation being once laid, will do for both cases. 

And the note last cited, goes on to say "And in such case, other evidence, such as the testimony of persons who knew the parties in the lifetime of the husband, and knew them to co-habit as husband [the word "man" crossed out] and wife, and to be so reputed, will be admissible. Here is not a word said about the credibility of ^the witnesses == so that no special requirement is made as to their respectability, creditableness __ or credibility == but then, still, all honest applicants, justices, clerks, courts &c who aid in preparing these papers __ are left to presume that none but respectable and credible witnesses ought to be permitted to testify in the case __ and the proper and legal presumption raised by the law is, that at least, all those persons who act officially in the premises are governed by that principle == that they certify the oath of no person, known to them to be under lawful age, incompetent __ or incredible:  No person taught by the circular only, would have the slightest thought that these witnesses must be certified to be credible __ And I must still say, that I can scarcely believe this is a requirement of your office, because I think if it was, greater care would certainly have been taken to make it known. 

If in this, I am not mistaken, then, I will say, that by the same reasoning as above set forth, she also makes, and very properly may make, the affidavit of her two witnesses, Martin Senr, & Critz Senr, who prove her marriage, identity, and widowhood, answer for both declarations __ and that as to these three things, her declaration for the land warrant, is fully sustained by all necessary proofs __ All the proofs you require.  

(Over)
Page 41

I have now noticed all the exceptions to the document, whether as to matter of form or substance __ whether it relates to her pension, or land warrant. __ The parts not excepted to, I suppose, need no comment __ I take it they are recognized as substantially correct __ and I trust I have succeded in showing that her certificate of pension, and her land warrant, both, can rightly be granted when her papers as they are __ unless there is something expressed or implied in your instructions that has escaped my notice, or that I am unable fully to comprehend, or your former practice is wrong. 

It may be a novel thing to blend both applications together __ and there might be some impropriety in endeavoring to make the same evidence answer for both claims __ when making out these papers, I was not in the slightest degree apprised of that fact.

But I hope this is not an insuperable objection __ and that in her case, it can be overlooked on account of her great age, and her necessity for immediate relief. 

But, __ will the application do for one __ and not for both? Or will it do for neither __ Or will it not do for both? __ If it will not answer for either, I should be glad to have the papers returned __ and their defects marked and explained __ so as to enable me fully to understand in what they are substantially deficient __ If, upon the receipt of the enclosed certificate, and a re-examimation of her dec-=larations and proofs, you find her case sufficiently made out for both claims, then no doubt you will have the papers forwarded to me in due time

I should regret the necessity of making out all her papers again, for the reason mainly, that the poor old woman, is in need of immediate relief __ and can hardly be expected to live long enough to prepare all the documents over again __ and then, possibly, again wait other nine months for a hearing __ and after all, then, some technical error may be found in her papers still __ 

Of the truth and fairness of her claim, there can be no earthly doubt, whether she ever succeeds in getting it rightly presented or not: And I must succeed, or keep trying as long as she and I live __

I am very Respectfully
Truly yours
Ben J. Campbill

L.P Waldo Esq
Commr of Pensions
Page 42

#Note. Widow Pena Sharp of this county, on the 28 November 1853, petitioned for a pension, under the same law, (February 3, 1853). Her marriage, and present widowhood, has been proved on the 16 November by only, one witness, (her sister) who saw her married. No other witness testified to anything about her marriage or widowhood. And the justices certificate of her oath says simply:

          Sworn to, and subscribed before me, the day and year above written. 
                                                                         Silas Carter, J.P.
She laid no foundation for this secondary evidence of her marriage by her own affidavit in her own declaration. Her witness simply says that she does not now recollect whether or not any private record of the marriage was kept by the family, and that she knows of no such private record being now in existence. And the clerk of the county court in his certificate as to the character of the justices, adds, that there is no record in my Office of the marriage
between Pena Sharp + Robert Sharp_ The justice says nothing about the respectability. or credibility
of the witness. Her certificate of pension was issued on the 16th Decr 50, only about 18 days
after her declaration was made.
In her case no exception was taken either to the matter or form of any part of her
document: And she is now in the receipt of her pension_ Here is added a full
sanction of Keria Harris' proof of marriage and widowhood by the former practice of
your office, to ["that which} crossed out] the proof already adduced of its conformity to your published rules
and regulations: So, your practice, confirms my theory
About Mrs Sharp's case, I know, because personally, I have had much to do in it: And I believe
used her papers as a precedent in Harris case.
Page 43

[Hand written] 
Application for new certificate and transfer for Kiziah Harris
Revolutionary Widow

[Stamp] 
Pension Office
Feb 16 1860
Page 44

State of Ohio
Highland County )
SS - on this 12th day of February in the year 1860. Persona=lly appeared before me William H Irwin a Notary Public within and for the County and State aforesaid Keziah Harris who being duly -- Sworn according to law says that She is the widow of James Harris and that as Such widow her name is inscribed on the Revolutionary Pension Roll of the State of Virginia that when her pension was granted She resided in the County of Patrick -- in the State of Virginia that She removed from the State of Virginia to Fayette County in the State of Ohio in the year 1856 and that She placed her pension Certificate in the hands of James F Rothrock an attorney, at Leaw of Highland County in the State of Ohio Some time in the year 1857 for the purpose of obtaining a transfer of the pension payment from the State of Virginia to Cincinnati in the State of Ohio and that it was lost while in his charge She makes
Page 45

this Declaration for the purpose of obtaining a New pension Certificate in Lieu of the lost one and she asks that the new one may be made payable at Cincinnati in the State Of Ohio

Her Reason for Removing to Ohio is that being feeble and old She was Residing with her Son on whom She was dependent for part of her Support and that at the time above Stated She removed with that Son to Fayette County in Ohio as aforesaid -- 

Keziah X Harris
Her mark [written above and below the "X"]

Sworn to and subscribed Before me the day and year first above written

William H Irwin Notary Public for Highland County Ohio

[Handwritten appearing mark or stamp similar to an asterisk]
Page 46

State of Ohio
Highland County ) 
SS on this 12 day of February in the year 1860, personally appeared before me William H Irwin a Notary public within and for the County and State aforesaid ----

William Smith who being -- duly Sworn according to law deposes and Says that he is acquainted with Keziah Harris who has Subscribed and Sworn to the foregoing Declaration and he knows her to be the person therein mentioned and this deponent is not interested in this Claim

Wm Smith [signature]

Sworn to and subscribed Before me the day and year first above written,
William H Irwin Notary Public for Highland County Ohio 
[hand drawn design similar to a stamp]

I William H Irwin the Notary public Before whom the foregoing Declaration and affidavit were Sworn to do hereby Certify that these affiants are persons of truth and veracity on whose testimony full Credit may be placed

William H. Irwin [signature]

[Hand drawn stamp like design]
See commission of Notary Public on file with application of William Reed to 304744 for County land (Act 1855)
Page 47

Care James Harriss
Patrick Co. [County] Va. [Virginia]
Pen suspd

[illegible]

Hon. [Honorable] N.H. Claiborne 
H.R. 

[illegible] to dept by N H Claiborne of Va [Virginia]
Page 48

State of Virginia
County of Patrick

This day personally appeared before the under signed a justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Anthony Foster aged seventy eight years and made oath that he himself was a soldier of the revolution is knowing that freeman of Color was at the Commencement of the revolution in the state of North Carolina compelled to serve in the war at same period after that a law was passed that freemen of Color shall not be compelled to bare arms but at what time that law was passed this deponent does not know I further certify that this witness, Anthony Foster, is a man highly respectable and entirely worthy of credit given under my hand this 19th day of December 1836
Martin Claire [illegible]
Anthony Foster

I Thomas Hale of the county of Franklin and state of Virginia do swear that it is my opinion that this man of Colour did serve in the Revolution in the state of North Carolina and likewise that I know that free men of colour were regularly enrolled in the state of South Carolina
Thos. [Thomas] Hale
Page 49

I Thomas Hale of the county of Franklin and state of Virginia do swear that it is my opinion that this man of Colour did serve in the Revolution in the state of North Carolina and likewise that I know that free men of colour were regularly enrolled in the state of South Carolina
Thos. [Thomas] Hale

State of Virginia
Patrick County [illegible]
This day personally appeared before me Charles Thomas a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid Thomas Hale of Franklin and made oath as is prescribed above. And I do further certify that the said Thomas Hale is a soldier of the Revolution and a man of respectability given under my hand this 30th day of December 1836
Charles Thomas

J.D.

J. A. Staples Clerk of the County Court of Patrick Virginia do hereby certify that Charles Thomas & [and] Martin Cloud who have signed the above affixed to are and were at the time of signing the same magistrates of the County aforesaid duly appointed & [and] commissioned according to law. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & [and] affixed the seal of Office this 16th day of January 1837 and of the Commonwealth the 1st year.
A. Staples
Page 50

2 Vol [volume] of Revered code of Laws page 1291 Sec [Section] 6
You will find these words - That the first section of an act passed in the year 1812 to amend the militia laws of this State is hereby repealed & [and] made void provided that the captains and other volunteer officers shall designate by proper columns the free persons of colour from the rest of the militia of this State this was the Law of 1834
The above extract is from An Act entitled "An Act for the more perfect organization of the militia of this state."
Page 51

Mr James L Edwards
Pension Office
Washington City

J L E
Jas [James] Harris
papers [illegible] 30,356
Hon [Honorable] N H Claiborne
respecting couloured men
Service in No [North] Carolina
Page 52

In answer to your letter of this day__
I have to inform you that from the information of members of Congress - I have no doubt that until somer [sic] 1814 free people of colour served in the militia and had the right of suffrage in the state of North Carolina I infer from the act of assembly of North Carolina - passed in 1814 - which you will see in the 2nd Vol [volume] Recd [recorded] Code of Laws of that State pages 1290 & [and] 1291. That no distinction was made before as to militia service performed or to be performed  - but you will see that after the passage of that law the Captains and other returning officers in making their returns - were to put in separate columns the White and Coloured Militia men - The book is in the library and the case is clear - and I consider the information I have received and the inference I draw from the Law of 1814 that people of Colour before had always in N [North] Carolina been subject to militia service in conclusion and I hope that you will see this matter on looking at the Law refd [referred] to as I do
I am [illegible]
N H Claiborne

Washington 6th Feby [February] 1837
Page 53

123535
Keziah Harris
and 
James
Jany [January] 56

Boynton
[stamp] Patrick C.H.
JUN [June] 
7
Va [Virginia]

173,535
J Minot Esqr [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City (D.C.)

This case should be briefed an& [and] numbered 123,535, as the case so numbered has been changed to a pension claim which is allowed.
Boynton

[illegible]
Page 54

Patrick C.H. Va. June 6 1856

Dear Sir

the claim of Kezia Harris, No [Number] 243,615, is a renewal of a former application, No. [Number] 123,535_ The first application being informal was rejected_ Before Mrs Harris's turn will come, at No. [Number] 243,615, there is great reason to fear she will die_ for she is very old and feeble_, Her pension certificate has come to hand_.
But is it not consistent with justice and the rules of your office, to look back to No. [Number] 123,535, and act on Mrs Harris claim immediately_ as was the case with Mary Bowling's claim_ Her first claim was No [Number] 89,953_ which was rejected as imperfect_ Then again some time last April, (I think it was,) I sent on a renewed claim for Bowling_ And got her warrant dated 9th May, 1856, No. [Number] 72,281_ So it is evident you turned back for her _ _ No doubt you will do so for Kezia Harris, if you can think it at all consist-ent [consistent] with just and proper rules of your office_ What I remind you of the urgency of her case._
If you cannot forward the Warrant, Please to reply
Very Respectfully
Ben. [Benjamin] J. Campbell
Page 55

123,535
B.L.
Page 56

Patrick CH. Apl. [April] 30th 1855.

To Comss [Commissioner] of Pensions,
D Ser [Dear Sir]
Enclosed are 2 declarations for land Warrants - by the soldiers themselves, who rended [rendered] the services claimed for _ 
And also two declarations by an old woman 1st [first] for a pension - 1/2 [half] pay from the time when her husband died_ The precise time of his death cannot presently be ascertained_ but as near as can be found, it must have been in 1842 or three_ _ We suppose that the department is undoubtedly in possession of evidence of the last payment made to him_ or of his last draw_ And beg leave to refer to that and by it alone the applicant must be satisfied for the department to be governed, in fixing the time when her pension shall have commenced_ 
On the same paper with her application for a pension, in also one for a land warrant for 160 acres.
In all these cases, please to send the certificates & [and] warrants to me
Ben. [Benjamin] J. Campbell Attr, [Attorney] at law for applicants.
L. P. Waldo Esq. [Esquire]
Commr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Page 57

No. [Number] 33028
James Harriss
Admit for [illegible]
9 mo [illegible]

March 12. 1835.
Pension Office

Hon [Honorable] NH Claiborne
Page 58

Reed 12 Mar

Patrick Courthouse
February 21th, 1835.

Dear Sir, 
I enclose you, the declaration of James Harris_ I do so, because I think, in, [pape?] that Mr. Claibourne our representative will leave Washington before you receive this_ However if he was not I would thank you to show him the paper, together with these few lines, in order that he may give you what I think to the old soldier entitled, a favourable view of the subject. Mr. Claiborne is personally acquainted with the claimant_ He knows that James Harris is an honest man and that he is in great need of assistance from the Country, in some shape or other being very poor and at this time wholy [wholly] unable to work for a livelihood.
I make these suggestions from no notions of self emolument. God knows for one cent of Pension money has never
Page 59

yet found its way into my pockets, although from a comparison of the writing you will find that I have drafted many declarations -
I hope you will be able [to] consult Mr. Clabourne, upon this subject & [and] He knows the humble drafts man of the within papers.
Your Most Obdt [Obedient]
servant
John D Cheatham

Hond Lewis Cass
Page 60

Richmond March the 5th 1860

Sir,
In answer to your letter of the 21st [Ult?], I have to inform you that Keziah Harris widow James a Pensioner under the Act of February 3, 1853 at thirty dollars per annum was last paid at this Agency to the 4th day of September 1856.

Very Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
Morris D. Newman
Pension Agent

George C. Whiting Esqr [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 61

Brief in the case of Keziah Harris widow of James.
Highland County and State of Ohio
act Feby [February] 3 1853.

CLAIM FOR NEW PENSION CERTIFICATE,
PROOF EXHIBITED,
That the original is lost.

Name and residence of Agent.
D.D. J. Benedict Eqr [Esquire]
Greenfield
Ohio

A. G. Fowler
Examining Clerk.
Page 62

No. [Number] 6223
Kesiah Harris
Widow of James
Virginia
Benj. [Benjamin] J. Campbell Feby [February] 1 1850
same Feby [February] 25 1856_

3 Feby [February] 1853
Page 63

N.C. [North Carolina]
Rev [Revolutionary] WIDOW, &c. [etcetera]

File No. [Number] 11,223
Keziah Harris
Widow of James Harris
Priv. [Private] Rev. [Revolutionary] War

Act: Feb [February] 3d /53 [1853]

Index: - Vol. [Volume] A, Page 308

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 64

The writer descies these paper, may go immediately to Mr. Minot himself_ they being intended for his own inspection

Kesiah Harris
wid [widow]
James

Cole

L Minot Esq. [Esquire] Comr [Commissioner] of Pensions
Washington City D.C.
(For himself)

19 [illegible] [illegible] 

250
186
64
Page 65

Greenfield Highland Co [County] Ohio
Feb [February] 12th 1860
Hon [Honorable]

Sir inclosed [enclosed] please find proof sustaining claim of Keziah Harris to a New pension Certificate and a transfer of the same from Virginia to Ohio the old Lady is Extremely feeble and old and I desire to have this claim allowed immediately so that she can get her money next pay day
You will see that Wm [William] H Irwin is a Notary Public by refering [referring] to Bounty Land Claim of Wm [William] Reed act of 1855 No [Number] 304744
Yours Respectfully
DDT Benedict

Hon [Honorable] Geo [George] C Whiting
Com [Commissioner] of Pensions
Page 66

Patrick CHouse [Courthouse]
May 1st
123,535.

L. P. Waldo. Esq. [Esquire]
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City. D.C.

C
Page 67

123,535. Act Mch 3/55
May - 11.

Kesiah Harris, Wid [Widow] of
James Harris. Priv. [Private]
Rev [Revolutionary] War.

Capt [Captain]:
Col. [Colonel]:

[illegible]

Ent. [Entry]
Dis [Discharge]

War Rev. [Revolution]
Now a Pension of the U. [United] States.
Va [illegible] 32- 30356
Letter to which

31703760-55

Benj [Benjamin] J. Campbell, Atty [Attorney]
Patrick C.H. [Courthouse]
VA [Virginia]

Letter B [Benjamin].J. Campbell, Jany [January] 31/56 [1856]
[same] Feb. [February] 26 [1856]
Page 68

Keziah Harris
Widow of James,
Patrick C
Virginia

Admd 3 Feby [February] 1833
$30 a year from 
the passage of the Act

Cert to
Benj. [Benjamin] J. Cambell [Campbell] Esq [Esquire]
Patrick CH [Courthouse]
Va [Virginia]
Page 69

Kezia Harris
wid [widow]
James

[illegible]

Address
Ben [Benjamin] J. Campbell
Patrick C.H. [Courthouse]
Va [Virginia]
Page 70

State of Virginia
County of Patrick, S.S.

I Henry Tuggle, clerk of the County Court of the County of Patrick aforesaid, holder of the Court House, in & [and] for said County, do hereby certify, that satisfac-tory [satisfactory] evidence has been exhibited to said Court that James Harris was a pen-sioner [pensioner] of the United States, at the rate of             dollars per          ; was a resident of the County of Patrick aforesaid, in the State of Virginia aforesaid; And died in the said County of Patrick, in the State of Virginia aforesaid, in the year 1842, or 3, or thereabouts_ On the          day of           ; that he left a widow, whose name is Kezia Harris_ and who is now about making out a petition and declaration with the necesary accompaniments, of which this is a part, to the pension Office for a pension_ And that she is still up to this time a widow of the same identical James Harris, the pensioner above married_ She never having mar-ried [married] since his death_ And that the pension certificate of said pensioner has been lost or mislaid, and after due search and enquiry therefor, it can not be found
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal of Office, at Patrick Court House, this 21st day of March in the year of Our Lord 1856.
Henry Tuggles, Clerk of the County Court of Patrick County.

State of Virginia
County of Patrick, S.S.
Be it known that before me William Critz Jr [Junior], a justice of the peace in & [and] for the County aforesaid, duly authorized to administer oaths, for general purposes, formally appeared Kezia Harris of the County and State aforesaid, and made oath in due form of law, that she is now the widow of James Harris, the identical person who was a pensioner as set forth in the above certificate of the Clerk of the County Court of Patrick, and who is now ded [dead]; And to whom a certificate of Pension was issued, which has been lost or mis-laid [mislaid], and after due search and enquiry made therefore, it cannot be found; that she was married to the same James Harris, the said pensioner, in the county of Rockingham & [and] State of North Carolina, on the          day of April 1801, or thereabouts, by one Jeremiah Varnum, a justice, thereto authorized; that her said husband, James Harris, the pensioner, died in the County of Patrick & [and] State of Virginia, in which County and State he had resided many years before his death; and up to the time
Page 71

of his death_ which happened on the              day of               A.D. 1842, or 3, or therea-bouts [thereabouts]__ That she was not married to him prior to the 20 day of January 1800, but at the time above stated_ That no record of her marriage can be found in the Clerk's office of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, of Rockingham County, North Carolina, as is evidenced by the annexed certificate of the clerk said court, in which County she states that she was married, as is aforesaid_ That due and diligent enquiry has been made, at her instance, for the witnesses to her said marriage, and she is informed and believes that none of them can be found_ That she has no written record of her marriage in her possession, and knows of none, and verily be-lieves [believes] there is none, elsewhere_ And that avoidance of her marriage by general reputation, and the belief of her neighbor, is the best as far as she knows and believes, that can be procured_ That the aforesaid deceased pensioner resided in the aforesaid County of Patrick, in the aforesaid State of Virginia for the space of many years be-fore [before] his death, and up to the time of his death_ And that previous thereto he resided in

Teste Jas [James] S Pedigo
Wm Critz Eqr

her
Kezia X Harris
mark

The foregoing declaration was sworn to, and subscribed before me by the said Ke-zia [Kezia] Harris, on the 15th day of Apl [April] 1856:__ And I certify that the declarant is the person she represents herself to be_ That is, she is now at this time the widow of the same identical James Harris, the pensioner referred to by her, in the above declaration: And also in the foregoing certificate of Henry Tuggle, the Clerk of the aforesaid County Court of Patrick County Va. [Virginia]_ And that she is so taken and reputed to be by her neighbor and acquaintances
W [William] Critz Jr [Junior] J. [Justice] P. [Peace]

State of Virginia
County of Patrick, S.S.

On the 15th day of April A.D. 1856, personally appeared before me William Critz Jur [Junior], a justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, duly authorized by law to administer oaths for general purposes;_ Isaac Martin Senr [Senior], and William Critz Senr [Senior], who, (both of them,) first being duly sworn according to law, on their oaths declare, that they were neighbor of James Harris, the pensioner, referred to in the foregoing certificate of the clerk of the County Court of Patrick County, Virginia, and in the foregoing declar-ation [declaration] of Kezia Harris, in his life time_ That they knew him well_ That he was a house keeper for many years in the neighborhood of these officiants, in the County of Patrick, and State of Virginia_ That he lived and co-habited with the aforesaid
Page 72

Kezia Harris_ The same Kezia Harris referred to in the Clerk's certificate aforesaid_ The same Kezia Harris who made, subscribed, and swore to the foregoing declaration of and about her marriage to the said James Harris, and of and about her present widow-hood, as now being his widow_ That they these offants know that she, the aforesaid Kezia Harris was taken and reputed to be the lawful wife of him the said James Harris_ That they the said James Harris & [and] Kezia Harris, had children, raised a family_ And were treated and considered, and reputed, and taken as man and wife by all their acquaintances and neighbors, as far as these affiants know, or have any reason to believe._ That they do not know whether or not, any private record of the marriage of the said James and Kezia Harris, was ever kept by the family: and that they know of no such private record's being now in existence; and would not suppose it knowable there was any: They further declare that they understood in the life time of the said James Harris, as a matter of general knowledge or belief amongst his friends and neighbor, and they these affiants therefore verily believe, that the said James Harris was for some time a pensioner of the United States Government, while residing in the aforesaid County of Patrick Va [Virginia]_ Where he died (a pensioner) as they believed some years ago: And that the said Kezia Harris has hitherto up to this time, remained his widow: that this same Kezia Harris, who is now present before these affiants when they know well, and have known for many years_ and they know that she was the reputed wife of the same identical James Harris, now deceased, who was a pensioner, as above set forth_ That ever since his death, she has remained his widow_ And is now still at this time the widow of the same identical James Harris, the pensioner above referred to_ And she is now endeavoring to establish her claim to a pension as his widow_ And she the aforesaid Kezia Harris is still living in the aforesaid County of Patrick Va. [Virginia]
Teste Jas [James] S Pedigo

His
Isaac X Martin Snr [Senior]
Page 73

State of Virginia
County of Patrick [squiggly mark] S.S.

On this 15th day of Apl [April] A.D. 1856, personally appeared before the undersigned, a justice of the county court of said county, which is a court of record in and for said county, Kezia Harris,  a resident of Patrick County and State of Virginia aforesaid, aged about 81 years or thereabouts, and from bodily infirmity, unable to appear before said court; who first being duly sworn according to law, doth, on her oath, make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the 2D Section of the act of Congress drafted on the 3D. February 1853, granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War; That she is the widow of the same James Harris, a pensioner, referred to in the foregoing affidavit of Isaac Martin Senior, and William Critz Senior, and in the justices certificate appended thereto in her foregoing declaration of her marriage and widowhood, and in the justices certificate thereto appended and in the foregoing certificate of Henry Tuggle, clerk of the county court of Patrick County VA and the same James Harris referred to in the certificate of the clerk of the court of Pleas and quarter Sessions of Rockingham County North Carolina, hereto annexed: That the same James Harris, her late husband was a [blank] soldier, and rendered services as such, in the Revolutionary War, as is more fully set forth in his declaration, and other evidence therewith connected, now on file in the pension office, (as this officiant or declarant has good reason to believe) upon which a certificate of pension was issued from the pension office, as she thinks, and has good reason to believe, early in the year 1836: probably in January or February of that year; by virtue whereof her said husband, the said James Harris became a pensioner, under the act of June 4th 1832, as seems most likely, and was probably paid at the Richmond agency: to which declaration and evidence this declarant respectfully refers for a more perfect statement of the particulars of her said husband's enlistment, and other matters touching his said services. His said certificate is lost or mislaid.
She further states that she was married to the aforesaid James Harris, the Revolutionary soldier, and pensioner above referred to in the county of Rockingham and State of North Carolina, on the [blank] day of April 1801 or thereabouts by one Jeremiah Varnum a justice thereto authorized: That her said husband died in the county of Patrick and State of Virginia; in which county and State
Page 74

he has resided for many years immediately preceding his death; which happened on the       day of        1842, or 3_ or thereabouts:_ That she was not married to him prior to the year 1800, but at the time above state: That no record of her marriage aforesaid can be found in the clerk's office of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Rockingham County, State of North Carolina, as is evidenced by the annexed certificate of the clerk of said court; in which county she states that she was married_ That she
has no written record of her marriage in her possession, and knows of none, and verily believes there is none elsewhere_ That at her instance, due and diligent enquiry has been made for the witnesses to her marriage aforesaid, as she is informed and believes, and 
that none of them can be found_ and that evidence of her said marriage by general reputation, and the well grounded belief of her neighbors, is the best, as far as she knows and believes, that can be procured._ She further declares that she is now a widow:_ That she is now still at this time the widow of the same James Harris, the deceased pensioner above named: She is now still the widow, at this time, of the same identical James Harris, the identical pensioner referred to in the above certificate of the clerk of the County Court of Patrick_ in her declaration of her marriage and widowhood and the justice's certificate thereto appended_ in the foregoing affidavit of Isaac Martin Senr [Senior] and William Critz Senr [Senior], and the justice's certificate thereto appended, and in the foregoing part of the same declaration_ and in the said certificate of the clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Rockingham County, North Carolina, hereto annexed_ All of which are documents herewith connected, and hereto attached_ And she avers that she never has been married since the death of her said husband, James Harris the aforesaid pensioner_ And is not now the wife of any living man_ nor the widow of any other man, save and except the aforesaid James Harris the deceased pensioner
Teste
Jas [James] S Pedigo

her
Kezia X Harris
mark

We Isaac Martin Senr [Senior], and William Critz Senr [Senior], residents in the county of Patrick, in the State of Virginia upon our oaths declare, that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Kezia Harris in our presence_ And that we believe from the appearance and statement of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be: That is to say: This same Kezia Harris who made the above declaration, signed it, and swore to it_ whom we know well, and have known for many years, we know was the reputed wife of the same James Harris was deceased, the pensioner, to who reference is made in all the foregoing certificates, declarations and in our affidavit_ That ever since his death, she has remained his widow: that she is now still at this time his widow and is endeavoring (over)
Page 75

to establish her claim to a pension, as his widow
Teste Jas [James] S Pedigo

Isaac Martin his mark
William Critz [illegible]

The foregoing Declaration and affidavit were sworn to and subscribed before me on the 15th day of Apl [April] A.D. 1856. (the day and year above written) - And I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons, respectable men, and residents of this county (Patrick County Va [Virginia]):: that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be - That she is now at this time the widow of the same identical James Harris, the pensioner referred to in the foregoing affidavits, declarations, and certificates. And I further state that I have no interest in this claim. 

Given under my hand this day and year last above written.
W Critz Jr J.P [Justice of the Peace]

State of Virginia
County of Patrick      S.S.

I Henry Tuggle, clerk of the county court of the county and state aforesaid, do hereby certify that William Critz Jnr [Junior] Esq. [Esquire] whose genuine signature appears, signed in three several places, as a certifying justice to so many of the foregoing documents, and was at the time of signing the same, an acting justice in and for the said County, duly commissioned and sworn according to law: and that all his official acts or such are entitled to full faith and credit: And I further certify, that the three signatures of the said William Critz Jnr [Junior] above referred to: to wit: One to his certificate appended to the declaration, (or affidavit) of Kezia Harris, of a certificate to the affidavit of Isaac Martin Snr and William Critz Senr [Senior] for a pension, and in relation to the affidavit, (or attestation) thereof by Isaac Martin Senr [Senior] and William Critz Senr [Senior] - are the true and genuine signatures of him the said William Critz Jnr [Junior].

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of Office at Patrick Court House this 16th day of April in the year of our Lord 1856. 

Henry Tuggle clerk
Page 76

State of North Carolina
Rockingham County
I William M. Ellington Clerk of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the County and State aforesaid,
do hereby certify that there is on the files of my office no record
of the marriage of James Harris and Kesia Harris (formerly
Kesia Minor) which marriage is said to have occurred about
the year 1800 or 1801 ~
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand
and affixed the seal of our said Court of Office
in Wentworth this 8th day of March A.D. 1856

W.M. Ellington C.C.C.