Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 5441, William Harris, N.C.
Page 1

(3-1776)

SERVICE
N.C. 

Harris, William

NUMBER
S.5441
BLW13.716-160-55.-

CONTENTS
Page 2

32.721

Tennessee Nashville
William Harris
of Smith Co. in the State of Tennessee 
who was a Lt of Cavly and private in the      commanded
by Captain           of the         commanded
by                in the Revolution
for N. C.
1 year Lt. of Cavalry
1 year Private

Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville 
at the rate of 240 Dollars 00 Cents per 
annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of
May 1831 and send to
Joseph Bryan Esq. 
of Alabama
Arrears to the 4th of Present
Semiannual allowance ending
NC from $80
{Revolutionary Claim,
{Act June 7, 1832
Recorded by H R Weightman, Clerk
Book E. 2 Vol. 7. Page 92
Page 3

112,693 Mar. 3, 1833
May 3, 1833

24

Wm. Harris, (Liet scratched out) Pri
(scratched out – Capt Jones Col. Sewell)
N.C. Contl. Line
Ent.
Dis.
Revolutionary War (scratched out 1812)
Pensioner
Tenn. June 32 – 32/21
AI: 160 Acre, Jany 7 1856,
Boynton

J. L. McClain
Lebanon
Tenn.
Vol. H. 14
Page 4

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County}
Aug Term 1848
of the County Court of said county 
On this the 7th of Aug. 1848 personally appeared in open court before the county court of Sumner County now sitting William Harris a resident of the above county and state aged eighty eight years who being first duly sworn according to law – doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of an act congress passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States and served as herein stated he entered in Franklin County, North Carolina in the year seventeen hundred and seventy six under Capt. Martin whose given name is not recollected. Col. John Hagan commanded the regiment. He enlisted as a private for 3 years which time he served out. He was in the battle of Monmouth and was wounded slightly in the left knee in that action. The marks of which wound are now to be seen – he was near
Page 5

the Battle of Brandywine but was not actively engaged in that battle he was discharged in the year 1779 at Trenton, New Jersey. He has no discharge now in his possession he continued to reside in North Carolina for several years after the war. I think nearly twenty years after which I moved to Florida Burk County and lived there two years and from thence to the state of Tennessee in the year 1856 and have been living in Tennessee Sumner County up to the present time. He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any state or if any only on that of the state of    for proof of his service see the attached certificate from the secretary of State of North Carolina.
William (his + mark) Harris
Sworn to in open 
Court August 7th 1848

Wm S Munday, Clerk
Page 6

3
Affiant Elijah Boddie this day appeared in open court and made oath that about the year 1800 perhaps a few years earlier he knew a man in North Caroline by the name of William Harris and the same man now resides and has done for many years in Sumner County, Tennessee and that he is the same person whose signature is attached to the foregoing statement. Affiant saw said Harris several times at affiants grandfathers in Nash County which county adjoins Franklin County in that state and has in many conversations with him in Tennessee heard him make statements of the services of the Revolutionary war. Affiant was born in the year 1787 when affiant knew William Harris in North Carolina he supposes he was some thirty five or forty years old.
Elijah Boddie
August 7th 1848
Sworn to in open 
Court August 7th 1848
Wm S Munday, Clerk

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County}
I William S. Munday, Clerk of the county court of said county do hereby certify that the foregoing declarations then made by the said William Harris and Elijah Boddie and by them Sworn to in open
Page 7

Court, the same being a court of probate jurisdiction, and on such an entitled to full faith and credit throughout the United States. And, that George A Wyllie is a chairman of said court and that as such his duty and integrity to full faith.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of office at office in the town of Gallatin, this 7th day of August 1848.
Wm S Munday, Clerk

I George A. Wylie chairman of the county court of Sumner County and State of Tennessee certify that I am personally acquainted with William Harris and Elijah Boddie whose names are affixed to the foregoing declaration and affidavit and that they are both men of respectability and credit. I also certify that Wm. S. Munday is clerk of said court and that his official acts are entitled to full credit as such throughout the United States as witness my hand and seal
This the 8th of August 1848

George A. Wylie
Chairman of the
County Court of Sumner {Seal}

Written Sideways – Aug. ‘48
Copied No 1
‘A
Page 8

112,693
Wm. Harris
Page 9

State of Tennessee}
Sumner County}
On this 24th day of April A.D. 1855 personally appeared before me an acting Justice of the Peace unto and for the county and state aforesaid William Harris aged about 98 years, a resident of said county and state a revolutionary soldier who being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical William Harris who was a Lieut in Capt. Saml Jones company of Cavalry in the regiment commanded by Col. Benjamin Seawell in the war with Genl Britton declared by the United States on the 4th day of July 1776. That he volunteered in Franklin County in the state of North Carolina about the year 1781 or 1782 and continued in actual servicing said war about 12 months he served several other campaigns. Was in the battle at Yorktown, Eutaw Springs, Guilford Courthouse & others. He makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which he may be entitled under the act approved March 3 1835. He also declares that he has not received a warrant for bounty land under this or any other act of Congress nor made any other application therefore. He applied for and obtained a pension, in which the proof of his services is on file in the pension office he supposes the pension certificate was granted under the law of the United States of the 7th June 1832, was issued on the 30th day of January 1851 by Alexander H. H. Stuart Secretary of the Interior and is recorded in the Pension office in book E2 Vol. Y page 92, to which testimony he refers as the only record testimony that he can now make.

William (his + mark) Harris

We Wm. Harris Jr and A. Cox residents of Wilson County in the state of Tennessee upon our oaths, declare that the above declaration is signed and acknowledged in our presence by William Harris & we believe from the appearance and statements of the applicant he is the identical person he represents himself to be 
William Harris Jun.
A. Cox
Page 10

The within declaration and affidavit was subscribed and sworn to before on the day & year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons; that the applicant is the identical person he represents himself to be and that I have no interest in this claim.

Lawrence Sypert {J.P}

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Joseph S. McClain, clerk of the county court of said county & State do hereby certify that Lawrence Sypert Esq. acting whose genuine signature appears above and before whose the within declaration and affidavit were made was at the time of signing the same acting Justice of the Peace within and for the county and state aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at office in Wilson this 26th day of April 1835.
J. S. McClain, clk
Page 11

No 14
Aug. ‘49

H.

8
Page 12

No 14

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
on this 8th day of August 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county Wm. Harris Jr. a resident of said county aged twenty six years and make oath in due form of law that he is well acquainted with William Harris who is his grandfather and who in August 1848 made a declaration for a pension in Sumner County Tennessee. Affiant has been living either with or in the immediate neighborhood of his grandfather all his life and from affiants’ earliest recollections he has heard the said Wm. Harris speak repeatedly of his having been in the service of the United States under General Washington also spoke of his Captains name being Martin and also repeatedly have heard him speak of being a Lieutenant under Caption Samuel Jones. That he was always called Captain Rid E(Ink Smudge) Sam. Jones has heard him frequently tell his neighbors when in conversation about the Revolutionary war that he served under Capt. Jones as an officer. That he was at the battle of Eutaw Springs that he was wounded in his knee and upwards of twenty years ago affiant distinctly recollects seeing him showing where he was wounded in the knee which he always heard the old man say was done while he was under Genl Washington affiant further states that eh conversation and circumstances as above given and which he has frequently heard this said Wm. Harris detail
Page 13

is not only of recent date but that he has heard him speak and give referred accounts of his services in said revolutionary war from his earlier recollections he has also heard him repeatedly speak of having been intitled to a land warrant for his service but that he was by some reason denied out of it in some way but affiant cannot now recollect the reasons or to how or by who. Affiant further states that he has repeatedly heard his grandfather asked the reason why he did not apply for a pension and his reply was that his sons was so proud that they was opposed to his asking for it that he was able to live without and until a few years ago he has always been in easy circumstances therefore now    to cease but little about a pension. Affiant of course could know nothing of his own knowledge of any of his grandfathers services but is certain he has heard the commendation as above given. Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above given.
William Harris Jr
F. P. Gill {J.P}

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I Francis P. Gill an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Harris who has this day appeared and made oath to the above affiant before me that he is a man of truth and veracity and
Page 14

that full faith and credit is due and of right ought to be given to his statements as he is in all respects a highly respectable young man.
In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand and seal this 8 August 1849
Francis P. Gill {J.P}

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I William V R Hallum, Clerk of the county court of said Smith County hereby certify that Francis P. Gill whose name is signed affixed by the above affidavit and certificate and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said court duly commissioned and qualified that the signature than to purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office at office in this 19th November 1849.

W.V.R. Hallum, Clerk
Page 15

S
3-2233   113
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
Dec. 22, 1925
Chief Rev. Sect. (Division crossed out)

I have this day received from Mrs. Evelyn B. Baldwin 
cash No…. for $1.65 in payment of (crossed out requesting) 
photostat copy}as per (crossed out post office address) hand written – ok not of
memo (crossed out letter herewith)
Handwritten – Jan 6. 26 Copies mailed & Finance Dp notif AW

O. J. RANDALL
……….
Chief Finance Div.
H. C. L.

Request for Photostatting   3-2006
(To be prepared in duplicate)
Ex. AW
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF CLERK
Job No 2842         Date Dec. 31, 25
Subject Wm. Harris – Rev. S5441
1 copies of 3 pieces consisting of 11 pages to be forwarded when completed to the Rev. & 1812 Wars Sect.
Remarks:    Approved:
A.E. Wilson Chief Sect.  
Chief Clerk
Page 16

December 22, 1925

Commissioner of Pensions

Sir:
Please furnish photostat copies of eleven pages from the revolutionary War pension claim, S. 5441, of William Harris, N. C. Troops,


received payment
$1.65

Chief Rev. & 1812 Wars Sections

Stamped – FINANCE DIVISION
DEC. 22 1925
BUREAU OF PENSIONS

Evelyn B. Baldwin
1255 – New Hampshire Ave. J. W.
Washington, D. C.
Page 17

2 No 2

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE
I, WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls of the Continental line of this State, in the Revolutionary War, that William Harris a private Solider in Capt. Martin’s Company of the second Regiment, entered the service on the 7th day of November 1776, for the term of three years or the War

Given under my hand this 15th day of June 1848.
W. Hill Secretary of State

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE
I, WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from the muster-rolls of the Continental line of this State, in the Revolutionary War, that William Harris a private Solider in Capt. Martin’s Company of the second Regiment, entered the service on the 7th day of November 1776, for the term of three years or the War and I do further certify that a land warrant was issued for his services, for the quantity of land allowed a Solider for the war (pay ?40 acres) on the 9th Sept. 1785.
Given under my hand this 27th day of February 1849.
W. Hill Secretary of State
Page 18

5441

INVALID

Rev. War

B.L.M 13716-160-55.Rev. War
File No. 5441
William Harris
Lieut Rev. War

Act: June 7 1832
Index: - Vol. M., Page 158
{Arrangement of 1870.}

Written Sideways – 1926 Jan. 6 photos mailed to E. B. Baldwin AW
Page 19

Nov 3 of 49

17
Page 20

Washington City
Nov. 30 1849

Col. J. L. Edwards
Commissioner

Sir,
I have the reason to enclose herewith additional testimony in the case of Wm. Harris for a pension as a Revolutionary officer, & respectfully to ask that the claim be reexamined.
With respect
Your obt Servant
Jos Bryan
Page 21

No 9

4 
May ‘49

D
Page 22

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
On this the 2nd day of May 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county William Ross a resident of Jackson County, Tennessee aged sixty eight years who makes oath in due form of law that he is well acquainted with William Harris of Smith County, Ten. formerly of Sumner County and has been intimately acquainted with him for the last forty eight years past that at their first acquaintance the said William Harris resided in Franklin County North Carolina that during their acquaintance the said Harris has always been a reputable and respectable man and has always been reputed and believed to have been engaged as a soldier or officer in the Revolutionary War and that upwards of forty years ago affiant distinctly recollects having frequently heard the said Harris talking of and giving various details of his services in the Revolutionary War. That he has frequently heard him speak of being in the service with William Farrell who died in Jackson County, Tennessee 7 or 8 years ago. That previous to the death of William Ferrell he was a pensioner of the United States.  Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above written.
William Ross
Saml P Howard {J.P.}
Page 23

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I Samuel P. Howard an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with William Ross who has this day appeared and made oath to the within affidavit before me that he is a man of truth and veracity and that full faith and credit is due and of right ought to be given to his statements.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 2nd day of May 1849
Samuel P Howard

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I William V R Hallum, Clerk of the county court of Smith County do hereby certify that Samuel P. Howard whose name is appears officially to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified according to law that the signatures thereto purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office this 2nd day of May 1849.
William V R Hallum, Clerk
Page 24

NO 37.645
19
William Harris
Ten

Hon. Mr. Barron January
26, ’49th Let to Wm. E. Jones
May 31, 49 Let to Same June
2nd 49 Let 15 June 49
No. T. Ewing
Decision of Com. of Pensions
Confirmed see letter of Sec of Interior 
to P. Bryan June 23, 49 another 
to Jennis They 12th Sept 1849
Act 7 June 1832
over
Page 25

32721
Tennessee
William Harris     Sct Joseph Bryan 22 July 1857 Reported
(crossed out – widow of who died on the) 
of Smith Co. in the State of Tennessee 
who was a private in the Company commanded 
by Captain    of the    commanded 
by N. C. in the    
line for Revolution

28

Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville 
at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents 
per annum, to commence on the 4th day of 
March, 1831

Certificate of Pension issued the 26 day of
April 1850 and sent to
John Bryan, Present
Arrears to the 4th of
Semi-annual allowance ending

{Revolutionary Claim,}
{Act June 7, 1832}
{Section the}
Record by J. P. Chase Clerk,
Book E2 Vol. 7 Page 92
Page 26

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
On this the 7th day of August 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county William Harris a resident of said county aged eighty nine years or within a few months of that who on his oath makes the following amended declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June 1832 that he is the identical William Harris who in August 1848 made declaration before the County Court of said County claiming a pension in which he alleged three years served as stated in said declaration and which declaration was drawn up by a (ink smudge) has informed declarant at the time that it was not necessary to allude the service as a Lieutenant as the three years service would entitle him to a full pension but afterward being informed that he should have alluded his service as a lieutenant as it would entitle him to a higher grade of pension he therefore did make a second declaration in April 1849 before the Circuit Court of Smith County at which he alleges his service as a lieutenant under Capt. Samuel Jones that he did actually perform the service alleged in his formal declaration as made out by (Ink Smudge) was not made out to corroborate with any certificate which might have been procured by (Ink Smudge) from the Secretary of North Caroline nor does affiant recollect of seeing or hearing of any such certificate at the time he made said declaration. That he has many years ago spoke of his said services to various persons that when he entered the service for twelve months under Capt. Jones he done so through the persuasion of Capt. Ben. Sewell who told affiant if he would join said company he should have the first Lieutenant place for the reasons
Page 27

that he had been out in the regular army under Washington that he thought him best qualified. Affiant therefore joined said company and remained in service in North Carolina about six months when we were ordered to the South on foot that we did give up our horses and marched to the South and joined General Green’s army at the hanging Rock. Affiant therefore considering his company as belonging to the Continental army as they remained under General Green twice after the battle at the Eutaw Springs where he was discharged as stated in his former declarations. Affiant also recollects the meeting of the board of Commissioners at Halifax and that they met at the house of Col. Young said commissioner. Little apart of his account for his services and recollects being present and receiving from said companies a certificate as a part of his pay which he let go afterwards for (Illegible) money which provided to be worthless. Affiant also rec’d various small certificates not only for his services but for payments by him made for the government whilst acting as comparing which he does apart of his time whilst a lieutenant he also recollects that on one occasion whilst under Capt. Samuel Jones he purchased a horse and paid his own money for this and let one of the soldiers by the name of Michael Savage have said horse which money was refunded to him by certificates afterwards by the State of North Carolina the said Savage was a member of said company that the horse he started out on died and that affiant is of opinion that he received certificates from the State of North Carolina for the whole amount of his services as a private and as an officer. That he is certain that he performed all of the services alleging in his formal declarations but to give all of the particulars in situations to the various certificates or amounts of them he cannot recollect but that he recollects that he was entitled to bounty land for his three years service as a private but at that time it was looked upon as not being worth but little he did not therefore apply for his warrant for some three or four years after the close of the war. That when he did apply for it he was informed
Page 28

that the warrant had been drawn which I then supposed did not give anybody any authority to receive my land warrant. Affiant thinks the warrant was delivered to one John Bonds. Shortly after this time there was various charges prepared against said bonds and Mr. Berry & a Mr. Glascow and probably several others for having forging powers of attorney and drawn various warrants of the soldiers and for which they were credited and affiant having lost his warrant in this way was summarized as a witness from the state against them that he attended as a witness against them two counts probably as much as a week at a time that before the suit was distributed the said bonds and Berry and probably others of the said company ran away and left the country. Affiant therefore was disproved of his land warrant which he never received but the papers upon which it was send was forged. Affiant further states that the reason why he did not apply for his pension heretofore or immediately after the Act of 32 is given in my declaration of April 1849. That he was then a man of property and was able to live without it and in fact had too much pride as he then thought to ask for a pension.

Wm (his + mark) Harris

Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above.
Stephen Petty JP

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I Stephen Petty an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county hereby certify that I am acquainted with William Harris who has this day appeared before me and made oath to the above declaration that he is a man of truth and veracity
Page 29

and that full faith and credit should be given to his statements.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 7th August 1849
Stephen Petty J.P.

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I William V R Hallum, Clerk of the county court of said Smith County hereby certify that Stephen Petty whose name is signed officially to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said court duly commissioned and qualified that the signature than to purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office at office in this 11th Aug 1849.
William V R Hallum, Clerk

Aug ‘49
G
7
No 15
Page 30

No 20
May / 49

15
Page 31

Washington City May 28th 1849

James L. Edwards, Esq.

Dear Sir, enclosed I send you the declaration of William Harris of Smith County Tennessee claiming a pension under act of 1828 and 7th June 1832 as Lieutenant and a private in the North Carolina line in the revolutionary war together with the record evidence of said service, you will perceive that he alleges in his declarations that the original muster roll of the company in which he acted as first Lieutenant for twelve months was destroyed by fire yet you will find his allegations supported by the record evidence of the amount of pay he received for said service. I hope therefore you will allow to him a pension as Lieutenant at as high a rate as the service both as an officer and private will entitle him to under the existing laws and report the same to me whilst in the city. Very respectfully your obt servant
Wm. E. Jones
(Carthage, Ten.)
Page 32

No 7

Apl ‘49

3

C
Page 33

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
On this the 6th day of April 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Benjamin Perry a resident of said county aged Eighty four years and under oath in due form of law that he was well acquainted with William Harris who lived in or near the line of Franklin and Nash County, North Carolina. That affiant first acquaintance with him was about the years seventeen hundred and ninety or between seventeen hundred and ninety five. That he has frequently heard the said William Harris speak of being in the service of the United States in the revolutionary war and also of being in various battles while he was in said service but the particulars of which affiant cannot now give but verifies that the said William Harris removed from said Franklin or Nash County affiant is not certain which he lived in being so near the county line to Sumner County Tennessee where he has been living for upwards of forty years until recently he has removed to Smith County Tennessee as affiant is informed that during the time that affiant has been acquainted with the said Wm Harris he has always been looked upon as a respectable and truth full
Page 34

man that his understanding has always been that the said Wm Harris was a soldier in the said revolutionary war but affiant cannot speak of his services in said war but from what he has understood that he knows nothing of his own knowledge nor can affiant now give the names of any of the battles in which he has heard the said Harris speak of being engaged in nor the officers under whom he served.
Benjamin Perry (his own signing)
Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above written
Daniel Smith {JP}

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I Daniel Smith a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Benjamin Perry who has this day appeared and made oath to the above office and before me that he is a man of truth and veracity, and that full faith and credit is due and of right ought to be given to his statements. 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 6th April 1849
Daniel Smith {JP}
Page 35

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I William V R Hallum, Clerk of the county court of said Smith County do hereby certify that Daniel Smith whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified as the law directs that his said commission bears date the 20th March 1848 & will expire the 20th March 1854.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in this the 27th day of April 1849.
W. V. R. Hallum, Clerk
Page 36

issued July 22nd 1853
Page 37

STATE OF TENNESSEE
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

TO        ESQUIRE-GREETING:

KNOW YE. That we, in confidence of your prudence and fidelity, have appointed you at such certain time and place as you shall appoint, to cause to come before you Loren P Waldo 
witness in behalf of the plaintiff in a certain matter of controversy 
now depending in our Davidson County Circuit Court, between James Key plaintiff 
and William E. Jones defendant 

and him diligently examine touching the same, in solemn form, on oath, or affirmation, and have received his examination as aforesaid, you shall distinctly, plainly, and without delay, send and certify the same, enclosed together with this writ, to our next Circuit Court to be holden for the County of Davidson, at the Court-House in Nashville, on the 2nd Monday in September next.
WITNESS, THOS. T. SMILEY, Clerk of our said court, at Office, the 2nd Monday in May in the year 1853 and of the Independence of the United States  the 77

Tho. T. Smiley
Page 38

Wm Harris
Recd} Brief
Pension Claim
Page 39

William Harris
Pension Claim

Additional Evidence
1.
The Comptroller of N.C. certifies that Wm. Harris was paid for military services 1 Certificate of £8. One for £5.15. One for £7.8. One for £1.7. One for £40.10.4. One for £31.7.9. One for £2.3.10.4. One for £2. One for £8.4. One for £9.4. One for £18.14. One for £13.10. One for £40.10.4. One for £185.5.8. Cannot say which in his services form continental or militia. Thinks both. Thinks part the large annum paid at one time he must have been an officer (Ex K.)
2.
In Jan 1850, claimant declares that he is now pensioned at $80. per annum and that he is entitled to an allowance for additional for one year’s services as Lieutenant of Cavalry. (Illegible 2 words) and refer to his first declaration (4 ?)

2. Capt. Jesse Hunt, 80 years in the 8th May, 1850, has known claimant intimately from his earliest recollection: He served in the Revolution, as stated in affiants form as declared. Then understood then said claimant served a 3 year term under Genl. Washington in the early part of the war. Affiant, being 10 years younger than claimant, was not in the service, but recollects living in 4 miles of Harris’ father’s house when he returned from this line, in 1779, he thinks after his return he remained some time till a Light Horse
Page 40

Company was raised for 12 months as affiant then understood. He well recollects that claimant was a Lieutenant in said company, commanded by Capt. Samuel Jones; that they left Franklin County and did not return till the expiration of their term, as he then understood. He well recollects that they left in 1780 and returned in 1781. It was shortly after the battle of Eutaw Springs. Recollects claimant spoke of having been wounded in the leg in that battle. Distinctly recollects that some weeks after claimant’s father’s house was burned, as also that immediately after he heard claimant say his commission and other papers were then destroyed, as also the muster roll of his company, which he said his Captain had directed him to return to Genl. Clinch. His Captain did not return with his company but remained with the regular army. Has often heard claimant say he was entitled to Land Bounty but had been (Illegible) of it.
Page 41

Payment to be made 
at Nashville 
by Joel M. Smith 
Agent for paying pensioners, in the Agency of
Tennessee

Recorded in the Pension
Office, in Book E2 Vol. 7
Page 92 by
{J.P. Chase, Clerk}
Page 42

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
REVOLUTIONARY CLAIM.

I certify that in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, William Harris of Tennessee 
who was a private in the Revolution 
is entitled to receive Eighty dollars and
cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semi-annually on the 4th of March and 4th of September, in every 
year.

Given at the Department of the Interior, 
this 26th day of April 
one thousand eight hundred and fifty

T. Ewing
Secretary of the Interior.

Examined and}
Countersigned.}
J.L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 43

No 29
Ap
Wiley Jones
affiant in 
support of Wm. Harris
Page 44

No 29

State of Tennessee}
Robertson County}
On this 7th day of November 1850 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Wiley Jones a resident of said county aged seventy nine years and makes oath in due form of law that he is a nephew of old Capt. Samuel Jones who was a Captain in the revolutionary war from Franklin County North Carolina that his said uncle was called Red Eyed Sam Jones that he knew him well form his earliest recollection as affiants father & his uncle Samuel Jones lived within one half mile of each other said Franklin County North Carolina and while his uncle was out in the service in the revolutionary war the affiant was very young he recollects that his father took charge of his uncle Samuel Jones (Illegible) and farm and attended to it until the close of the said revolutionary war when his uncle Samuel returned home from the service. Affiants father then lived within a few miles of Lewisburg in said Franklin County. Affiant further states that he was also well acquainted with William Harris who then lived in said county or near the county line between Franklin & Nash Counties some 12 miles for Lewisburg and affiant distinctly recollects that when his uncle
Page 45

Samuel Jones returned home from the service and a visit to see his relations in Franklin County in the year 1779 seventeen hundred & seventy nine he raised a light Horse Company of volunteers who enlisted for twelve months. This company affiant is certain was raised in the early part of the year seventeen hundred & eighty and affiant is also certain that the said William Harris was a Lieutenant in said company but whether he was first or 2nd Lieutenant affiant does not now recollect and while said company was raising & after it was raised affiant recollects that they met at Colonel Benjamin Sewells who lived some 4 miles from Lewisburg and after said company was raised and met at Sewells they marched to Lewisburg and then got their horses shod by a black smith by the name of Benjamin Williams said company than marched off under the command of the said Colonel Benjamin Sewell – after this affiant seen nothing more of said company until the next year 1781 seventeen hundred & eighty one when affiant distinctly recollects when the news reached that Lieutenant William Harris had returned home having left affiants uncle the said Captain Samuel Jones in the service in South Carolina and in a few days affiants father went to Lewisburg to see said Harris and to hear from his brother the said Capt. Samuel Jones who as affiant has
Page 46

above stated did not return home with said company but was left in the service where he remained until the close of the war. Affiant then understood and distinctly recollects that when his father returned from Lewisburg he was telling the family and giving the various details of the services as he had learnt from the said William Harris and more particularly affiant recollects in relation to the battle that was fought at the Eutaw Springs in South Carolina which was fought just before said Harris left the service and some short time after Lieutenant Harris returned home. Affiant recollects hearing that said Wm. Harris fathers house got burnt and affiant then understood and frequently afterwards heard Harris speak of and tell that he had got his muster roll and commission but which his fathers house was burnt. That he had been directed by his Captain affiants uncle to return the muster roll to General Glinch but which he could not then do. The above facts affiant distinctly recollects though he was young say ten years or between ten & eleven years of age and shortly after or about this time affiant was placed by his father under the above mentioned Benjamin Williams to learn the black smith trade and after the close of the revolutionary war where affiants uncle returned home he recollects
Page 47

well of having his uncle the said Capt. Samuel Jones tell of various events which took place while he was in the service and more particularly in relation to the company which was raised as above spoken of from Franklin County and he always spoke in the highest terms of Lieutenant Harris said that he was as brave an officer as any man and in which affiant fully concurs from the fact that shortly after the said Lieutenant Wm. Harris returned home he killed as affiant understood a tory who in his absence in the service had witnessed Harris mother & had cut her a crossed the head with a sworn affiant was not knowing to this but recollects well of hearing of the circumstances and is satisfied that said Harris was as brave a man as any having understood that he had previous to 1779 served a term in the regular army. Affiant further states that W. Harris sometime after the close of the war removed from Franklin County to Sumner County Tennessee and afterward affiant removed from said Franklin County to Wilson County Tennessee which was adjoining to Sumner County he again met with the said William Harris and affiant is certain that he is the identical William Harris who was Lieutenant in said Capt. Samuel Jones company as above mentioned. That the said Harris is still living affiant removed to Wilson County Tennessee in the year 1826 and from there he
Page 48

came to this Robertson County Tennessee and is residing among his children first with one then with the other. Affiant would further state that as regard the service of the said Wm. Harris as a private in the regular army as above entered affiant cannot give the particulars of said service further there he has repeatedly heard the said Harris before he left North Carolina which was upwards of forty years ago speaks of and tells that he served a tour of service in the regular army under General Washington in the early part of the revolutionary and that he was marched to the north and was  takin as a hoister or waiter of Genl Washington but the length of this tour affiant does not recollect nor does he recollect whether the said Harris ever told him how long he served this tour.

Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above written
Willie Jones {seal}
T. H. Gardner {JP}
Page 49

State of Tennessee}
Robertson County}
I Thomas H. Gardner a Justice of the Peace in and for said county hereby certify that I am acquainted with Willie Jones who has this day appeared and made oath to the foregoing affidavit before me that he is a man of faith and veracity that full faith and credit is due and of right ought is to be given to his statements.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal this 7th day of November 1850.
T. H. Gardner {JP}

State of Tennessee}
Robertson County}
I Joseph E Winfield, Clerk of the county court of said county do hereby certify Thomas H. Gardner whose name is signed officially to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is now and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said court duly commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said office at office this 7th November 1851.

J E Winfield, Clerk
Page 50

Mar 11/50
Wm. Harris, Tenn.
Mr. Ames

Charge to Mr. Allison
Dec. 13 - 50


Written sideways – Jas L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm’r of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

Feb. 1850
No 21
Page 51

Nashville February 28th 1850

Sir,
Some months ago, I mailed you Mrs. Ann Lockridge’s (Widow of James) application for increase of pension, she drawing $34.42, & her late husband $46.66, she is a pensioner on the Roll of the Nashville Tennessee Agency under Act of 20 February 1848 & I also since mailed you her Pension Certificate in compliance with your requirement, since which I have not been further advised of the progress of the claim & have to beg that you will act upon it at once sending the Certificate to me at this place.
Very respectfully 
your obt servant
W.E. Jones
The above case has been attended to by Cole

P.S.
What has been done with the claim of Liet. Wm. Harris for Pension under Act of 7 June 1832, the amended declaration and proof in which case I forwarded to Joseph Bryan of Washington City to be filed with original application 10 Nov last since which I have not heard from Mr. B. & suppose him to be dead!
I hope you will at once forward me Mr. Harris’ Pension Certificate at this place.
W.E.J.

J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm’r of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 52

112,693
Page 53

I have in charge the claims of L. P. Graves William Harris & B. W. G. Winford for bound land which I herewith enclose.
Respectfully
J S Mc Clain
Lebanon Ten
To the Commr of Pension
April 27, 1855
Page 54

No 27 & 28
copies
Page 55

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
On this 1st day of November 1850 personally appeared before the and signed a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Jesse Hunt a resident of said county aged eighty one years and makes oath in due form of law that he is well acquainted with William Harris as affiant heretofore stated on two former occasions that he has known and been intimately acquainted with him since the earliest recollection. That he the said Harris then lived near the line of Nash and Franklin counties in the state of North Carolina where he remained until he removed to the state upwards of forty years ago. That when the said Harris was very young affiant recollects that he entered into the service of the United States during the revolutionary war and served for some time and returned home. When he returned home affiant understood that he had been under General Washington to the north. Affiant cannot tell the particulars of this first tour of service but distinctly recollects when he returned home being some time last of the year seventeen hundred and seventy nine as affiant now recollects and after he returned home he remained but a short time when he the said William Harris again entered the service for a twelve month tour in a company of light horse which company affiant distinctly recollects was formed in Franklin County North Carolina and was put under the command of Captain (Red Eyed) Samuel Jones and affiant is certain and distinctly recollects that the said William Harris was appointed first Lieutenant in said company under said Capt. Samuel Jones and affiant though then very young distinctly recollects that said Jones Company
Page 56

was & understood or not at Colonel Benjamin Sewells house in said county near the courthouse of Franklin County and from that place said company started out into the service and at this time affiant is certain that the said company and affiant is of opinion that this company put under the command of Colonel Sewell at any rate he left with the company and was absent for some time. This was in the year 1780 seventeen hundred and eighty and the reason that affiant is certain that he is not mistaken is that affiants father spent a good deal of his time with his family at Colonel Sewells house in order to keep out of the way of the Tories and about this time or afterwards affiant recollects that the noted Tory Captain Beard was taken by the Whipps & even hanged. Affiant also recollects that after the Troops left Colo Sewells that he seen nothing more of said Lieutenant Harris until shortly after the battle at the Eutaw Springs was fought in South Carolina when he then said Harris returned home again. Affiant distinctly seeing and hearing him (Illegible) and till about being out in the service and that he was at the battle of the Eutaw Springs & spoke of being wounded there and shortly after he returned home Harris’ fathers house got burnt and affiant distinctly recollects having the said Wm. Harris tell about having lost his discharge or coupon and also saw that the muster roll of his company was burnt. That he has been ordered to return the roll to Genl Clinch but that it got burnt and he could not do so. Affiant was not
Page 57

present when the home was burnt but was in the neighborhood at the time and distinctly recollects it that after the close of the revolutionary some years the said Wm. Harris removed to Tennessee, and it so happened that affiant having also moved to Tennessee he and the said Wm. Harris settled in the same neighborhood. Affiant is therefore certain that he is the same William Harris who was a Lieutenant in Captain Samuel Jones company in the revolutionary war as about stated and as affiant has heretofore on one or two occasions stated & that after the close of the war affiant heard the said Wm. Harris repeatedly speak of being entitled to a Land Warrant & the particulars of which affiant thinks he gives is his last affidavit in support of said claim.
Sworn to and subscribed 
before me the date above
Joseph C Johnson {JP}
Jesse Hunt

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Capt Jesse Hunt who has this day appeared and made oath to the above affiant before me that he is a man of truth and veracity and in all respects entitled to full credit & belief and further I have no hesitation in saying that there is no reason in Wilson County whose reputation is better than his.
In testimony whereof I set my hand this 1st November A.D. 1850
Joseph C Johnson {JP}
Page 58

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Joseph S. McClain, Clerk of the county court in and for said Wilson County and state of Tennessee do hereby certify that Joseph C Johnson and William Jolley whose names appear officially to the foregoing affidavits and certificates is now and was at the time of signing the same acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified that the signatures thereunto purporting to be theirs are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office at office in Lebanon this day of November A.D. 1850.
J S McClain, Clerk 
of Wilson County Court
Page 59

This is a Letterhead - JOHN W. HEAD, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW, GALLATIN, TENN. Will practice in all the counties of Sumner, Robertson, Wilson, Smith, and Macon, and in the Supreme Court at Nashville. Particular attention paid to the collection of claims.
Gallatin, Aug. 18, 1853
L P Waldo, Esq.}
Washington City DC}
Dear Sir, your favor of the 10th inst. is at hand. I regret my omission to sign my name to the papers prepared and forwarded to you. Sometime before that, I wrote to you for a copy of the record and you had the kindness to furnish me the one I sent back in my letter; and you also enclosed me the $5 I sent to pay for the copy stating that no fees were due for it. You will see the reasons I sent that record back; stated in my letter. I regret I failed to send you the $2. It was an omission on my part, (Illegible – very light ink) unintentional. In my letter I gave you full particulars as to what papers were needed and the mandated by a rule of the department, no papers are furnished to parties, unless it appears they are entitled to them. The facts are these. Laws they understood to procure the pension of old man Harris, upon all agreement between these, as to his pay for his services in procuring the pension they went on with the case procured all the material evidence, whereupon to procure his pension as a private soldier (Illegible very light) to apply for it as an officer, afterwards. Pending the prosecution of said Samuel Jones, called in and managed with Harris to get the control of the clause; but in order to do this, Jones agreed with them to pay him for what he had done in this case, if he would abandon it and let him, Jones, prosecute it. Jones prosecuted the claim and pro-
Page 60

cured the pension ^as now his understanding for all the colors but these refused to pay them anything for their services. They then (Illegible very light) Jones upon this agreement was in this suit between they and Jones, it is important to have all the papers I wrote for and certified as I request. I now enclose you $5. And will you now if it is necessary to pay for the deposition and the record. I did not expect you to have all this labor and trouble for nothing, and my client is perfectly willing to pay all the necessary and proper charges. We cannot possibly try this case, with any degree of loyalty without the record & certified claim and or I have before explained and also your deposition answering the questions. His deposition you will please have certified and copy this down as I have in my letter explained. I have these particulars, not from any fear of your competency or that of the Justice; but supporting within of you might be concerned with our focus of practice; and what would be required in our state. Great particularity are required him by our county. I will give another notice to take your deposition and write to you. You will please, in the meantime, have the record prepared and ready, by the time you deposit or will be taken so as to have them all forwarded as I have requested. I hope you will pardon me for troubling you thus and most currently hope that you will
Page 61

favor us with the record & your depo. If the $5 is not sufficient to pay the charges, write to me & I will forward the balance at rid-
Very respectfully your servant
J.W. Head

PS I fear it will not reach us in time (Illegible too light) but by having everything ready and taking to deposition on the day I will (Illegible) in my (Illegible) we will probably get there in time. Do not take the deposition until I write again, as it never be taken in the precise day we get the notice to take it
JWH
Page 62

This is a Letterhead - JOHN W. HEAD, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW, GALLATIN, TENN. Will practice in all the counties of Sumner, Robertson, Wilson, Smith, and Macon, and in the Supreme Court at Nashville. Particular attention paid to the collection of claims.

Gallatin, Aug 22, 1853

Dear Sir:
Since writing to you in answer to your relative to the record, I have had notice send in William E. Jones, to take your deposition on the 8th day of September 1853, at the office of the correspondence of Interiors, & I hope you will be so kind as to give your deposition on that day, about the place mentioned, and request the Justice of the Peace to follow the forms I have given in my former letter and also to be viewed by my instructions in that letter. I herein enclose another confusion following the other may have been mislaid but either will do. I stated in my former letter that the justice must use it because of the additional fees will be properly paid. I enclosed $5 in my former letter. Your compliance will much oblige we and my client.
With Respect I am your obe
J.W. Head
Page 63

Washington City}
District of Columbia}
Be it remembered that in (Illegible) of the enclosed correspondence to we directed pursuance of the then circuit court of Davidson County in the state of Tennessee. I have caused to write before me at the office of the Commissioner of Pensions in Washington City, District of Columbia, on this the 10th day of August 1853. Loren P Waldo aged about 51 years, a witness on behalf of the plaintiff, in a certain matter of (Illegible) in said court defending, wherein James Key is plaintiff and William E. Jones is defendant, who living first duly sworn upon the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God, to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, concerning the matters in dispute between the parties aforementioned.
Then follows the questions and answers and then close the deposition with the following certificate by the Justice of the Peace or Mayor who may take it. It won’t be taken by one or the other the other person will not do. The person who takes it wont consent his name in the commission in the clergy left for that purpose. His must not be rejected.

Washington City}
District of Columbia}
I an acting Justice of the Peace within and for the city of Washington in the District of Columbia (a Clergy if the fact be so) do certify that the foregoing deposition us, taken before we, at the place and on the day mentioned in the caption. The plaintiff & defendant neither living present (Illegible) the fact be otherwise note it). That it was reduced to
Page 64

to writing by me (only the witness if the fact be so) in the presence of the witness and the parties mentioned. I do further certify that I am not an agent or attorney for either of the parties. That I am not related to either or have no interest in the present of said suit. That said (Illegible) has not been (word scratched out) out of my possession until appointed in the post office – nor altered added to or diminished since it was signed by the said opponent. Given under my hand & seal this the 10th day of August 1853.
When taken the Justice or Mayor will please seal it up and mail it to the clerk at Nashville. The following are the questions to be asked the witness.

Quest 1 - Please state if you are the commissioner of pension for the United States?
Answer - I am
Quest 2 - Please state if the accompanying record certificate numbering from unto pays inclusive verified Exhibit A is the whole record on file in your office. Touching the pension (Illegible) of the pension of William Harris of Tennessee or a revolutionary soldier?
Answer – It is (word scratched out) It contains him (Illegible) of all numbers & letters filed in said affidavits
Quest 3 - Please state what pension was allowed said Harris as private soldier and also what amount of pension was allowed him as an officer in the revolutionary war. Explain the whole matter?
80 p pr annum as a soldier 
as a solider & officer 240 p
Quest 4 – Please explain what portion of said record was furnished to the aforementioned in,
Page 65

1 to 23 wide
24 to 39 inches

order to procure the pensions of said Harris as a private soldier and also state & please what of the record (Illegible) furnished in order to procure an income of his pension as an officer? Please explain this fully?

Quest. 5th You will please explain the principal agreement or required by the department, in order to procure a pension. And I wish you to state whether it is necessary for the applicant or his agent or attorney to attend in person at Washington City before the commissioner of pensions, in order to procure it. Will such a course (Illegible) or in any way (Illegible) the application for a pension?
Quest. 6 – State if W. E. Lorry has filed any power of attorney from Harris to act as the piscary of said pension? 
Ans. He has
The above within the main facts and I wish you to file the record with the deposition, working on the back of it “Exhibit A.” The questions are mainly intended as an index to the facts and would be glad that you would go on and state all the facts in detail, indicating or sought by the questions you can have this one to the Mayor or Justice of the Peace who may take the deposition and also the fee enclosed. Please have the record ready by the time the deposition is taken.
Page 66

No 28

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
On this 2nd day of November 1850 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county Wm. Bittis a resident of said county aged forty seven years and well acquainted with Capt. Jesse Hunt whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit that I have known him well for the last twenty five years past during which time he has been looked upon as a respectable and reputable citizen and he is certainly entitled to full credit and belief in faith there is no man in the county who is more reputable and I should be bound to believe any statement he would make as he is in all respects a reputable and truthful man.
Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above written 
Wm. Jolley {JP}
William (his + mark) Bittis

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I William Jolley a Justice of the Peace in and for said county hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Wm Bittis who has this day made oath to the above affidavit before me that he is in all respect a man of full credit and belief and I further certify that I am well acquainted with Capt. Jesse Hunt and I fully concur with the facts set forth in the above affidavit to fair as regards the credibility of said Hunt.
Witness my hand this 2 November 1850
Wm. Jolley {JP}
Page 67

NO 15

6

I

6H mys
Page 68

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Josiah S McClain, clerk of the County Court of said county of Wilson, hereby certify that Joseph C. Johnson, Esquire whose signatures appear to the foregoing affidavit made by Jesse Hunt and to his certificate is an acting Justice of the Peace in said county duly commissioned and sworn and that his said signatures are genuine. I do further certify that I am personally acquainted with said Jesse Hunt and have been for more than twenty five years past. He is a man of good character & standing in this county and entitled to full credit.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at office in Lebanon this 17th day of November 1849.
J. S. McClain, clerk 
of the County Court of Wilson County
Page 69

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
On this 17th day of November 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county Capt. Jesse Hunt a resident of said county age seventy nine years (79) and makes oath in due form of law that he is well acquainted with William Harris formally a resident of Sumner County Tennessee and has been intimately acquainted with him from his earliest recollection (say seventy five years) that he then lived in Nash County North Carolina near the county line of Franklin County & in which affiant then lived. That affiant distinctly recollects that the said William Harris was a soldier in the revolutionary war but affiant being then too young to be in the service himself cannot tell anything of the particulars of said Harris’ services but recollects he was in the regular army under Capt. Martin and was out as affiant understood for a three year tour in the early parts of the
Page 70

war and affiant also recollects Colonel Hogan and always understood that said Harris was in his regiment and after the said William Harris returned home from this tour of service affiant recollects that he again entered the service as a Lieutenant under Captain Samuel Jones who took command of a light horse company and as well as affiant now recollects they entered the service for twelve months but affiant not being out in the service as he said cannot give the particulars of said Harris’ service but has repeatedly from that period heard the said Wm. Harris speak of his services and give various details hereof and recollects when he the said Harris returned home from the service which was shortly after the battle of the Eutaw Springs in South Carolina and affiant understood that said Harris was in said battle & his often times heard him speak of being in said battle and commanded army as Lieutenant on that day also has repeatedly heard him speak of his first tour of service which was under Genl Washington
Page 71

that he always told affiant that he was General Washingtons; hoister also heard him tell about being at the battle of Monmouth Court House but the particulars of said service affiant cannot give but recollects his going out in to the service and returning home. That his last tour of service was as a Lieutenant under Capt. Samuel Jones with horse. Affiant was also well acquainted. Affiant also recollects when the said Wm. Harris moved from North Carolina to Sumner County Tennessee some forty years ago and is certain that his the same William Harris who served as above mentioned. That since the death of his wife he has removed to Smith County Tennessee where he is now residing. Affiant further states that he has resided in the same neighborhood with said Harris ever since he moved from North Carolina to Sumner County and has often heard him speak of being entitled to a pension that he could draw it if he chooses to do so but that his children were too proud and was opposed
Page 72

to his asking for a pension that he was able to live without it and therefore had never applied for it and affiant has also heard said Harris forty years ago or upwards speak of having been entitled to bounty land but that he was in some way defrauded out of it but how affiant cannot now recollect.
That during the time that affiant has been acquainted with the said Wm. Harris he was a respectable and a reputable man and is up to this time that since the death of his wife he has removed to Smith County.  Sworn to and subscribed before me the date above.
Jesse Hunt {Seal}
Jos C. Johnson {JP}

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Joseph C. Johnson a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Jesse Hunt who has this day appeared and made oath to the foregoing affidavit before me that he is a man of truth and veracity and in all respects is entitled to full faith and credit.
Given under my hand this 17th day of November 1849
Jos C. Johnson {JP}
Page 73

Papers in the case of 
William Harris, ref’d 
To in his Brief from

1. to 9. inclusive

J. Bryant 
of Ala
Project
Page 74

Department of the Interior
June 23rd, 1849

Sir,
I herein the enclosed a copy of the report of the Commissioner of Pensions in the case of William Harris, which respect has been confirmed.
I am very respectfully
Your Obt Servant

(Signed)
Secretary


Joseph Bryan Esq.
of Alabama
Present
Page 75

Department of the Interior
June 23rd, 1849

Sir,
I herewith enclose a copy of a letter to Joseph Bryan, in the case of William Harris; together with the papers numbered from 1 to 6.
I am, very respectfully
Your Obt Servant

T. Ewing Secretary



J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Comm. Of Pensions
Page 76

May ‘50
No 17

L

23
Page 77

No 17

State of Tennessee}
Davidson County}
On this 31st day of May 1850 personally appeared before the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for said county William Harris a resident of Smith county, Tennessee aged ninety years and who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions of the Act of Congress passed 7 June 1832, granting Pension (Illegible). That he is the identical William Harris, who on the 26th day of April 1850, was placed on the Pension Roll of the Nashville Tennessee Agency, at the rate of Eighty Dollars per annum, for his services as a private Solider in the Revolutionary War, as claimed for in his former declaration. That he also claimed in said declaration for one year’s pay as a Lieutenant in Captain Samuel Jones’ Company; that he did actually perform one year tour as Lieutenant, as specified in said Declaration, to which he now respectfully refers. That he now makes this Declaration in order to obtain an Increase of his pension from the amount which he now receives to the amount of the pay of a 1st Lieutenant of Cavalry, for one year, as well as of a private for three years, the particulars of which service are more fully specified in his former Declaration, made before the Circuit Court of Smith County Tennessee, in the year 1849, and proposing to present additional proof in support of his claim he now respectfully requests that his claim be taken up again and examined. That he has received his said Pension at rate of Eight Dollars per annum up to 4th March 1850.
Wm Harris {Seal}
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written
Josiah Ferriss {JP}
Page 78

State of Tennessee}
Davidson County}
I          a Justice of the Peace in and for said county hereby certify that I am acquainted with William Harris who has this day appeared and made oath to the foregoing declaration before me. That he is a man in receipt of a pension at the rate of $80 a year for services rendered during the revolutionary war. That he is also a man of truth and veracity and full faith and credit ought to be given to his statements.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 31 day of May 1850
Josiah Ferriss {JP}

State of Tennessee}
Davidson County}
I Felix R. Cheatham, Clerk of the County Court of said Davidson County hereby certify that Josiah Ferriss whose name is signed officially to the foregoing declaration and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said court duly commissioned and qualified that the signature than to purporting to be his is genuine.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand & seal of office this 8th June 1850.
F. R. Cheatham, Clerk
of Davidson County
Page 79

No 25

p.4
Joseph Bryan
Aug. 7, 1850

Appeals from decision of
Com. Pensions – case of Wm.
Harris. the Dept. allowed 
him pension as a soldier re-
serving the question of service
as an officer for further
testimony which has been private
and the com decides adversely


Comm. Of Pensions for a Report
Dept of the Interior}
August 15/50}
Page 80

Washington City
Aug. 7, 1850

Hon. D C Goddard.
(Illegible) H.
Sir:
I had the honor some time since to present an appeal from the decision of the Comm. Of Pensions in the matter of Wm. Harris a soldier of the revolution who claimed a pension as an officer in the North Carolina line. A pension for two years service as a soldier was granted by Mr. Ewing receiving the question of his service as an officer for further testimony. This has been furnished, but the Comm of Pensions has decided against allowing the amount due to him as an officer, and from the decision I ask an appeal, & respectfully request that your (Illegible) the papers that are handwritten to you for your decision therein with much respect
Your Obt Service
Joseph Bryan
(over)
Page 81

Wm Harris is now a Pensioner on the Tennessee Roll, & is paid at Nashville.
JB
Page 82

No 24 June 29/50

25
Page 83

Washington City
June 29, 1850

Col. J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I have the honor to enclose herewith the application of Wm. Harris now on the Roll of Tennessee Revolutionary Pensions, for an increase of Pension. The deposition of Jesse Hunt and the certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina establishes beyond doubt as I conceive that Wm. Harris is entitled to the increase of Pension asked. I respectfully ask an examination of his claim.
Very respectfully,
your obt servant
Jos. Bryan

I enclose his Pension Certificate
Page 84

No 26

P. 59 Nov/50
Washington Nov. 18/50
Joseph Bryan
Enc.; additional proof in 
the case of William Haris
Claiming increase of
Pension & asks for a report 
on his appeal
Page 85

Washington City
Nov. 18, 1850

Adm. Alex’r H H Stewart
(Illegible) H

Sir,
Some time since I appealed from a decision of the Comm. Of Pensions in the matter of William Harris a Pensioner on the Nashville Roll State of Tennessee who asked for an increase of Pensions. No action that I am aware of having been taken in your department and having then procured additional evidence in support of the claim, I herewith present it and respectfully ask that the papers be sent back to the Comm of Pensions for an additional report on the claim. Should he not allow it on the testimony now presented I send also the Pension Certificate of Wm. Harris.

With (Illegible)
Your Obt. Servt
Joseph Bryan
Page 86

A.
No 37.1145

William Harris
Smith Co. Ten.
Act 7 June 1832

Admd by the Secretary 
of the Interior for (ink smudge)
Revy Service as private
$80.00 p anm

This 4 March 1831

2 C

John Bryan
Present
Page 87

Pension Office
April 1850

Sir
(this is all crossed out - I have the honor to inform you that the papers handwritten by you in the case of Lukey Adams now of John Adams who)
Page 88

This is a Letterhead - JOHN W. HEAD, ATTORNEY AND COUNSELLOR AT LAW, GALLATIN, TENN. Will practice in all the counties of Sumner, Robertson, Wilson, Smith, and Macon, and in the Supreme Court at Nashville. Particular attention paid to the collection of claims.
Gallatin, April 28, 1853

Dear Sir:
I enclose five dollars and wish you to send me a full copy of all the papers on file, upon which the pension was granted to William Harris formerly of Sumner County Tennessee. I wish the transcript duly certified & as to make it evidence in court. Certify it under the act of congress. The Court in which I write to use it, sits the 2nd Monday in May and you please have it prepared and forwarded to me immediately, as it is a matter of great importance to have it on the trial. I think the claim to a pension nor prosecuted by Mr. Thomas Bary, James Key and William E. Jones. At least I understand they all have a hand in it. His pension was granted about the year 1849 or 50. I wish you to copy the declaration, evidence, certificate of pension & send in your certificate in addition to the usual statements. State that the (Illegible) all the evidence & upon which his pension is granted. Given immediate attention will much oblige me.
Very Respectfully
J W Head,

PS Should this not reach in time to have the record here by the 2nd Monday, still send it on for as possible or it may get here in time for the trial. The court will sit for 2 or 3 sessions if the $5 is more than enough and (Illegible) the balance if not enough Note the balance in June letter & I will remit it.
Page 89

Gallatin July 23rd 1853

Dear Sir, I received on time your letter enclosing me the record and the $5. The record turned out not to be complete and as were forced to continue the case in consequence thereof and also we consequence of a defect in the certificates. I send you back the record and hope you will be so kind as to complete it and also amend the certificates. In your letter you state, “I enclose herewith certified copies of the evidence upon which the pension of William Harris of Tennessee was increased from $80 to $240 per annum.” What is mailed, was, the whole record. That upon which it was increased. Will you favor me with such a record. I want it to include everything on file pertaining to the pension of William Harris. Also any order made by the correspondence any writing in the records of the Pension office. For instance, after all the papers are filed, may entry made about the claim. After examination in any entry made when the pension is allowed is say made and were enclosed & all such writings we wish copied as a part of the record. I also wish the record accompanied with a suitable caption & I approve the form of a certificate to the record, which is required in our state, as the record is (Illegible) to be used in a suit (Illegible) in one of our courts. & which want also be approved the certificate of the
Page 90

Secretary & if you have no seal of office then affix your private seal & state the fact be

Washington City}
District of Columbia} SS
I Loren S. Waldo, Commissioner of Pensions of the United States of America, duly commissioned and qualified do certify that the within record numbering from one to pages in (Illegible) contain a full true and perfect (Illegible) of the record on file in my office, pertaining to the application for and granting of a pension to William Harris of Tennessee and also the application for an increase of said Pension - (word scratched out) laid (Illegible) embracing (the word all scratched out) the declaration, all the evidence and certify on file in my office pertaining to said Pension and the increase thereof.
In testimony whereof I have unto set my hand & seal of office, at office in Washington City, D.C. in this the day of 1853
The following, the certificate of the (Illegible) and the record can be read. It alone stated if you have no seal of office, here note “Set my private hand, there being no seal of office.” (Illegible) I have also given notice to take your deposition at the office of the correspondence of Tennessee on the 10th day of August 1853. I have enclosed instructions for taking it, which together with the correspondence you will and to a Justice of the Peace or Mayor of Washington. It must be taken by one or the other, at the time and place mentioned. I have enclosed $2. fee
Page 91

for the Justice. If there are any other fees or this does not pay the Justice, I will in (Illegible) of the papers enclose it. I will also enclose any other fees that may be due. It is a matter of great importance to have your depositions and the papers prepared as herein directed. And all the matters pertaining to the deposition fixed as I have printed out, as they will be of no service in the suit, unless done so as we cannot try without them. I hope you will pardon me for troubling you so much but as it is a case of monies, I hope you will favor me with your prompt attention. I enclose the record back, you sent to you a copy of it. You can attach it to the balance so as to make it all complete.
John W. Head

No Money received
R.W.C.
Page 92

No 23            Apr 26/50

29
Page 93

(Copy)

Department of the Interior
April 26th 1850

Sir;
I herewith return the papers in the case of William Harris and I am of the opinion that he should be allowed a pension for two years service as a private under the Act of June 7th 1832.
The evidence addressed to establish his service as a Lieutenant of Cavalry is not satisfactory. It is not however rejected, but left open for future adjudication.

I am very respectfully
Your Obt. Svt.
(Signed) T. Ewing
Secretary


J. L. Edwards Esq.
Com of Pensions
Page 94

No. 22        Apr. 50




21
Page 95

Pension Office
April 5th 1850

Sir:
The additional evidence in the case of William Harris does not remove the objection to the admission of his claim, pointed out in my report to the Secretary of the Interior of the 15th June last.
We can in no case allow a pension for service as a Commissioned Officer, until his rank shall have been established by the production of his Commission, or some other record proof. No such evidence has been produced in this case, nor is the proof now furnished sufficient to identify applicant, with the Soldier of the Continental Line, to when a warrant for bounty land was granted, or who rendered the service referred to in the certificate of the Secretary of state of that state.
The testimony of witnesses who were in service with Harris, will be required to meet the difficulties which this claim presents.
The evidence now before the Department is not deemed sufficient to authorize us to grant a pension in this case for service, either as an Officer, or private.
Very respectfully 
your Obt Svt
J. L. Edwards

Joseph Bryan, Esq.
Present
Page 96

No 12

H






(written upside down – 6

May ’49)
Page 97

Raleigh N.C.
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 William Harris appears of record in this office as having had the following Special Certificates issued in his favor for Military Services, (Illegible) and certificate for Nine pounds Six Shillings (£9.6) See Book I No 2 page 13. Also another for Eight pounds Four Shillings (£8.4) See B(crossed out) A No 11 page 67. Also another for Five pounds Fifteen Shillings and Two pence (£5.15.2) See book No 9 page 19. Also another for twenty pounds Five Shillings (£20.5) See Book 8 page 35. Also another for Seven pounds Eighteen Shillings (£7.18) See Book No 3 page 39. Also another for Thirteen pounds Ten Shillings (£13.10) See Book No 14 page 89. Also another for Eighteen pounds Fourteen Shillings and Six pence (£18.14.6) See Same Book page 107. Also another for Nine pounds (£0) see Book No 10 page 31. Also another for Thirty pounds Seven Shillings and Nine pence (£30.7.9) See Book A.M. No 15 page 36. Also another in Same Book page No 6 for Twenty Three pounds Ten Shillings and four pence (£23.10.4) Making in all the Sum of
Page 98

One Hundred and Forty Six pounds Ten Shillings and Nine pence (£146.10.9) in special Certificates I also certify that the settlement at Halifax shows a payment of One Hundred and One Dollars and twenty Seven cents ($101.27) made to William Harris See page 38. A further payment is shown to have been made to him of Thirty Dollars and Sixty cents in Certificates issued for arrears of pay commutation and guaranty. See Bound Book No 20 page I also certify that the same of Forty pounds Ten Shillings and four pence was allowed him in settlement of the Army accounts by the commissioner of Halifax from 1st Sept. 1784 to 1st Feby 1785 and at Warrenton in the year 1786.
Given under my hand and Seal this 3rd day of May 1849.
Wm. F Collins Compt
Page 99

Wm Harris
1 Yr Liet Cavy $200.00
1 Yr Pri 40.00
240.00

Issd to $240. dedg
former payts at $80 per annum

Nashville Agency


Joseph Bryan
of Alabama
Present
Page 100

NO 10 & 11   May ‘49

5

E
Page 101

No 10
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE.
I, WILLIAM HILL, Secretary of State, in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify that it appears from the muster-rolls of the Continental line of this State, in the Revolutionary War, that William Harris a private Solider . . in Capt. Martin’s Company of the second Regiment, entered the service on the 7th day of November 1776 for the term of three years or the war, and that a land Warrant was issued for his services for 640 Acres of land, on the 9th Sept. 1785 No 2129.

W. Hill Secretary of State
Page 102

No 11
State of North Carolina
Office of Secretary of State
I, William Hill Secretary of State, in and for the State in and for the State of North Carolina, do hereby certify, that it appears from a Book of settlements of the accounts of the officers and soldiers of the Continental line of this State in the revolutionary war, that William Harris was allowed by a Board of Commissioners at Halifax in 1784 for his services in said War, the sum of Forty pounds ten shillings and four pence (£40.10.4) and by a Board of Commissioners that sat at Warrenton in 1786 for military services in said line, the sum of one hundred and eighty five pounds five shillings and eight pence (£185.5.8). 
Given under my hand this 22nd day of May 1849
Wm. Hill Secretary 
of State
Page 103

No 8

William Harris
Power of Attorney
Smith County Ten.
To Wm E Jones



11
Page 104

No 8
Know all men by these presence that I William Harris of the County of Smith and State of Tennessee do hereby constitute and appoint Wm E Jones of said county my true and lawful attorney in fact for me and in my name to prosecute my claim to a pension and to recover for me a pension certificate for my Services in the Revolutionary war and also if necessary to draw up any petitions or memorial necessary and to present the same to the Congress of the United States and those attend to the same for me and in my name and I do hereby (Illegible) the Commissioner after my said claim to a pension is allowed to deliver to my said attorney the said W E Jones my pension Certificate and to no one else and I do hereby revoke any and all authority heretofore given by me to a Mr. Key of Sumner County Tennessee or to any other person whatsoever hereby (Illegible) paying and confirming all that my said attorney may do in this (Illegible) by (Illegible) of In testimony whereof I hereto 
{set my hand and seal this 
{5 day of April 1849
William Harris {Seal}
Witness L. E. Mitchell
Page 105

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
Be it known that on this 3rd day of April 1849 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in and for said county William Harris with whom I am acquainted and acknowledged the Executive of the foregoing power of Attorney to be his act and did for the purpose therein specified. In testimony whereof I herewith Set my hand and affix my seal the date above written.
Samul P Howard {JP}
for Smith County
William Harris (his own handwriting)
State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
I William V R Hallum, clerk of the County Court of Said County do hereby certify that Samuel P. Howard whose name is signed officially to the above probate of acknowledgement is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified that the signature than to purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office this 5th day of April 1849.
William VR Hallum, Clk
Page 106

March 23 49
Ad 
Mr. Harris 

(written sideways 
Mar 14
J. L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.

No 19)
Page 107

Dear Sir, Gallatin Ten. March 14th 1849
Enclosed you will find a certificate proving the service of William Harris by an examination of the evidence of Elijah Baddie you will see that the identity of Harris is proven I hope therefore that you will not delay the certificate of Pension as the old man is teetering with one foot in the grave.
Yours Respectfully
T. Barry
Page 108

No 31

P:/J. L. Edwards
Com. of Pensions
Washington DC
August 21 1850, 
relative to the case 
of William Harris,
Papers 29 in Number 
enclosed.
Page 109

Pension Office
August 21, 1850

Sir:
I have the honor to hand and here with the papers numbering 29, relating to the case of William Harris, on which Mr. Joseph Bryan, appeals, and a brief of the additional evidence filed by him.
This case was appealed on the 19th April last, and the then Secretary of the Interior allowed the claimant a pension as a Soldier, deserving the question as to his further testimony. But no such testimony of the character required by our rules has yet been furnished. As nothing less than record proof of such service has been deemed satisfactory. I think it useless to comment upon the testimony of the solitary witness now introduced, but not for the first time he having deposed in this case once or twice before.
His memory of dates and minute circumstances occurring when he was 10 and 11 years old is remarkable, or he has committed the not infrequent mistake of confounding what he has since heard with what he supposes
Page 110

he actually knew in his boyhood.
The Certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina establishes nothing on this point. If there were two men of the name of William Harris, it would be blind guessing to assign to this one any particularly part of the Certificate he mentions. If there was but one, the claimant was certainly not the man, for those Certificates show payments of more than £395 which would pay him for all the service he claimed to have endured and leave a remainder of near £140.
I have the honor to be
Very respectfully
Your Obt Sert
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions



Hon F. M. T. McKennan
Secretary of the Interior
Page 111

Apr ‘50
No 16

K



22
Page 112

Raleigh N.C.
Compt Office
April 29th 1830

I William F Collins Comptroller of Public Accounts in and for the State of North Carolina do hereby certify that the name of William Harris appears of record in this office as having and been paid the following   purporting to have been for his Military Services, One Certificate of Eight pounds (£8.) See Book No 5 page 41. Also another for Five pounds Fifteen Shillings (£5.15) see Book No 9 page 19. Also another for Seven pounds Eighteen Shillings See Book No 3 page 39 (£7.18). Also another in same Book page One Pound Seven Shillings (£1.7). Also another for Forty pounds, Ten Shillings and four pence (£40.10.4) See Book G No 17 page 26. Also another in said Book page 6 for Twenty Three pounds, Ten Shillings and four pence ((£23.10.4). Also another Two pounds (£2) See Book No 7 page 15. Also another for Eight pounds Four Shillings (£8.4) See Book A No 11 page 67. Also another for Nine pounds four Shillings ((£9.41) See Book No 14 page 112. Also in same Book page 107 for Eighteen pounds four shillings (£18.14). Also another in same Book page 89 for Thirteen pounds Ten Shillings (£13.10). Also another for Forty pounds Ten Shillings and four pence (£40.10.4) See Book No 28 page (page folded over)
Page 113

Also one other payment for One Hundred and Eight five pounds Five Shillings and Eight Pence (£185.5.8) See Small Bound Book Marked Compt Office North Caroline Line No 19. The foregoing payments purport to have been for Military Service, but I am unable to say whether for Militia or Continental (or State [Illegible]) but believe from the character of the payments they embrace both Continental and Militia, and would further say that from the amount which seeming to have been paid him at one time of (£185.5.8) he certainly must have been an officer of some grade, either in Continental, Militia or State [Illegible] Service. Given under my hand and seal the day and date above written.
Wm. F Collins Compt
Page 114

Stamped – [Illegible]

FREE

Written sideways – 112,693


To The Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 115

Free 

Stamped Gallatin Aug 3

To the Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
D.C.
Page 116

To the Commissioner of Pensions 
Washington City
D.C.
Page 117

[Illegible] Act 32, Tenn.

[Illegible signature]


[Illegible] – June 29/50
Jos Bryan
Application of Wm. Harris for increase 
of Pension
Page 118

No 1. 2, 3.        Aug. 19. 48
William Harris
T.Barry atty.

Stamped Aug 11 Gallatin Tenn


Written sideways – 
Mr. Jas L. Edwards, Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington
D. C.

16

10

Written upside down - 371145
Page 119

13.716

Rev. Penson Sur File 5,441

Rev. War
Page 120

No 37.1145
William Harris
Ten
Act 7 June 1832


20


Objection on account 
of the declaration having 
been made before a 
Justice of the Peace waived 
by the Secretary of the Interior
Page 121

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
On this 6th day of June 1850 personally appeared before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace and for said county Captain Jesse Hunt a resident of said county aged Eighty years on the 8th day of May last and makes oath in due form of law that that he is well acquainted with William Harris formerly of Franklin County North Carolina & now a resident of Smith County Tennessee that he has been acquainted with him intimately since his earliest recollection. That the said Wm. Harris was a Soldier in the revolutionary war and served as stated in affidavits former affidavit which he made in support of said Harris’ claim some months previous & in 1849. That said Harris served as affiant then understood [scratched out] a tour of three years under Genl Washington which was in the early parts of the War. Affiant was not out in the Service but recollects when he returned home from the Service. This tour being as he thinks in the year Seventeen hundred & Seventy Nine
Page 122

affiant then lived in four miles of said Wm. Harris’ father in Franklin County North Carolina that after said Harris returned home he remained some time until than was a light Horse Company joined in Said County for a tour of twelve months as affiant then understood and that he well recollects. That said William Harris again entered the Service in Said Company and was Lieutenant in said company which company was put under or ‘Commanded’ by Captain Samuel Jones. That they left Franklin County in this way and did not return until the expiration of said tour as affiant understood at the time. Tho he was not in the service himself they left home as well as affiant recollects in the year Seventeen hundred and Eighty and returned in Seventeen hundred and Eighty one at any rate affiant recollects that it was shortly after the battle at the Eutaw Springs from the fact that when said Harris returned home he spoke of having been wounded in said battle in the leg. That after said Wm. Harris returned some few
Page 123

weeks he distinctly recollects that Said William Harris’ father’s house got burnt and destroyed by fire and affiant also recollects immediately than after of hearing the Said William Harris speak of having his commissions and other papers burnt at the time and also the Muster Roll of his Company which he said he was to have returned to General Clinch by direction of his Captain. That he - his Captain did not return with the company but remained with the regular army then as the facts as recollected by affiant as he understood then at that date tho affiant was young but has known Said Harris was since that period they both having removed from North Carolina to Tennessee at an early date and settled again in the same neighborhood said Harris being in Sumner County and affiant in Wilson County Tennessee affiant is therefore certain that he is the same identical Wm. Harris who served in the revolutionary war as above stated. Affiant has repeatedly heard him speak of being entitled to land bounty but that he was defrauded
Page 124

out of it in some way the particulars of which he cannot now recollect. Affiant would further stat that during his acquaintance with said William Harris he has always been regarded as a reputable & truthful man and in all respects entitled to credit.
Sworn to and subscribed 
before me the date above
Joseph E. Johnson {JP}
Jesse Hunt

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Joseph C. Johnson a Justice of the Peace in and for said county do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with Captain Jesse Hunt who has this day appeared and made oath to the above affidavit before me that he is a man of truth and veracity and in all respects entitled to full faith and credit. Given under
My hand & Seal this
6th day of June 1850
Joseph C. Johnson {JP}
Written sideways – No 24

Written sideways – June/50
State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Josiah S McClain, Clerk of the County Court of Wilson County, do hereby certify that [page folded over]
Page 125

[this is an image and rescanned]

State of Tennessee}
Wilson County}
I Josiah S McClain, Clerk of the County Court of Wilson County, do hereby certify that Joseph C. Johnson whose name is signed officially to the foregoing affidavit and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County duly elected, commissioned and qualified, and that the signatures thereto purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereto set my hand, and affixed my Seal of Office this 11th day of June A.D. 1850.
J. S. McClain, Clerk
Page 126

Admit 1 year as 
Lieut. Cavy. 200.00 
1 year private Duty 40.00
240.00

Deduct the amount paid
at $80. Per annum. From 
4 March 1831.-

His case was claimed at 
The Dept Interior as affixed
at $80. His claim as Lieut.
was Susp by Mr. Ewing
for additional evidence
as to the fact of His [Illegible]
of [Illegible] He – [Illegible]
evidence has been supplied in
Tennessee Nashville Agency 
old Certificate returned.

Joseph Bryan of
Alabama - 
Agent
Page 127

William Harris
Tennessee
Act June 7th 1832

To be returned to
Pension Office
1 to 6 inclusive



14
Page 128

To the Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D. C.
Page 129

No 4. 5. 6     Apr ‘49

2


B
Page 130

No 4

State of Tennessee}
Smith County}
On this the 3rd day of April 1849 personally appeared in open court before the Hon William B. Campbell Judge of the fourth Judicial Circuit in and for the State of Tennessee now sitting William Harris a resident of said county formerly resident of Sumner County Tennessee aged eighty nine years in October next who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress of the 7th June 1832. That he enlisted in the army of the United States in the early part of the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven in Captain John Martins Company for a Tour of three years that at the time declarant lived in Franklin County North Carolina near the line of Nash County that he enlisted in the service in Said company as a private that he belonged to the fourth Regiment of the North Carolina line which regiment declarant thinks was commanded by Col. John Hogan that we were marched then through the State of Virginia to Trenton in New Jersey where we joined General Washingtons Army by way of Philadelphia that we were marched thence to Brandywine when in September Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven we had a battle with the enemy from then we were marched to Monmouth Courthouse where in June Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight we again engaged the enemy in battle that by this time declarant had been taken from the ranks General Washington as an attendant for the purpose of taking care of his horses that during the battle while
Page 131

declarant was holding one of the horses of General Washington he was slightly wounded by being shot in the left knee that during the previous winter while stationed with General Washington at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania declarant with the rest of said troops suffered much declarant further states that he remained in said service still acting in the capacity of Ostler for General Washington and was marched in the direction of White Plains where we were stationed for some time near that place after which declarant remained in said service until his term of service had near expired. When General Gates was ordered to the South with his army declarant applied to General Washington to be discharged in order that he might return home to North Carolina with General Gates army to which request General Washington consented and discharged declarant and he returned home. When declarant remained until the month of August or September Seventeen hundred and eighty there was a light horse company raised in Franklin County North Carolina by Captain Samuel Jones to serve twelve months that declarant again enlisted in said company and was appointed first Lieutenant in said company. That we marched thence to Salisbury thence to Charlotte that we were then under Col. Sewell that we remained in North Carolina for something near Six months when we were ordered to give up our horses and march across to South Carolina to the hanging rock thence to the high hills of Santee where we fell in with the army under General Green. That we were marched thence to Moncks Corner and thence to the Eutaw Springs
Page 132

When our Twelve months tour expired which was a few days before the battle of Eutaw Springs but we were kept in said service until after said battle was fought in which engagement declarant was slightly wounded in his right ankle. That declarant further states that he faithfully performed said Twelve months tour of Service acting all the time as first Lieutenant of said company that immediately after said battle we were discharged and returned home having in his possession the muster roll of said company which he was directed to make return of to General Clinch but before declarant returned said roll it was accidently destroyed by fire by the burning of his fathers house shortly after his return home; declarant further states that the first tour of three years service as above mentioned he performed faithfully as above specified that he was honorably discharged by Genl Washington but which discharge he cannot now produce having lost or mislaid it many years since and that his commission as Lieutenant was burnt with the muster roll as above stated, that he knows of no one at this late day by whom he could prove his said service that he has no other documentary or record proof in support of his claim unless it can be found in the old records at Washington City or at Raleigh, North Carolina but of which he now knows nothing. That for a corroboration of facts relative to his last tour of Service as Lieutenant he refers to his own affidavits which he made some years ago in support of the claims of Isaac Henry and John Lane for a pension which he supposes is on file at the department
Page 133

They both being members of said Jones Company declarant further states that something near six months since before the county court of Sumner county Tennessee he did make and was qualified to a declaration for a pension which was drawn up he thinks by a Mr. Key of said county but in which he is of opinion he omitted to specify his last tour of Twelve months Service as Lieutenant under Captain Jones as herein claimed being then informed that the first tour was sufficient to entitle him to a pension that he therefore makes this declaration in order to amend his first application and claim to be allowed a pension for his services as an officer as well as a private. That he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state that the reason why he makes this declaration in Smith County is that he has removed from Sumner County to Smith County is that he has removed from Sumner County to Smith County where he is residing with his grandson. That the reason why he has not applied for a pension previous hereto was that he was in easy circumstances and did not consider that he needed it nor did he ever expect to apply had he not the luck to lose the most of his property and is now poor and needy and as regards declarants Standing for veracity and credibility he respectfully refers to Genl William Hall and Elijah Boddie and Col. Alfred Wynn all of Sumner county Tennessee in which declarant has lived for the last forty Seven years.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above mentioned
William Harris {Seal}
H T Wm Hart, Clerk
Page 134

No 5

Interrogatories propounded
1st Where and in what year were you born (answer) I was born in Edgecombe County North Carolina in the year Seventeen hundred and Sixty.
2nd have you any record of your age (answer) I have a record of my age but do not know where it is.
3rd Where were you living when called into the service where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live (answer) when called into Service li lived in the state of North Carolina after the revolutionary war I removed to Sumner County Tennessee where I remained forty seven years and I now live in Smith County Tennessee
4th How were you called into Service was you drafted did you volunteer or were you a Substitute & for whom (answer) I refer you to that part of my declaration.
5th State the name of some of the Regular officers who were with you or the Troops where you served such continental and militia Regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service (answer) I refer you to that Statements made in my declaration
Wm Harris {Seal} 
No 2
H.T.Wm Hart, Clerk
No 6
Mr. Albert H Ross and Winston Perry of the county of Smith and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that we are well acquainted with William Harris who has this day Subscribed and sworn to the foregoing declaration that we believe him to be Eighty nine years of age in
Page 135

October next that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he has resided to have been a soldier in the revolutionary war and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and Subscribed the date above.
Winston Perry {Seal}
A.H. Ross {Seal}

And the said Court do hereby declare this opinion after the Investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories by the war department that the above named William Harris was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states and the court further certify that it appears to him that Albert H. Ross and Winston Perry are residents of said county and are persons entitled to full credit and belief.
W. B. Campbell
Judge of the 4th Circuit

I Henry W. Hart Clerk of the Circuit Court of Smith County and State of Tennessee do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceeding of said court in the matter of the application of William Harris for a pension. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix my seal of office this 4th day of April 1849.
H Y Wm Hart Clerk
Page 136

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES 
Form VAM-51 
12-5-41
Division of Veterans’ Administration Archives

Name Harris, William  Grade Private    Line Pennsylvania

WARRANT
NUMBER 9596        ACREAGE 100    ISSUED December 13, 1791
To - not shown -
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of “Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800” which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.