Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3638, Henry Williams, Md.
Page 1

Williams, Henry (colored)
Esther
or Easter

W.3638
BLWt. 67674-160-55
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Letter to Isaac P. Cook.
May 13. 1861.
Land Aug. 15, 1861.

1236
[Handwritten] Maryland
Esther Williams (colored) [Handwritten]
widow of [Handwritten] Henry Williams [Handwritten]
who served in the Revolutionary war, as a [Handwritten] private, [Md noted by hand]

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 
 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the [crossed out] 4th day of March, 1848 
[Handwritten] 5t January 1850 [Handwritten]

Certificate of Pension issued the
3d day of June 1857 and sent to 
G. W. Bowers
Baltimore, Md.
Page 3

[handwritten]

[right side of page]
277.236
Act/55
June 24/57

Easter Williams
wid of
Henry Williams
Priv

[written perpendicular to other text]
67.674 Issued
July 22"/57

Rev. War
[illegible] July 22d. 1857

Pensioner Act '38 [illegible]
[illegible] 29 July '48 - 1836
Special

Geo. W. Bowers
Baltimore Md.

[left page]
[illegible - maybe End P]

Vol W2 - 49
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hannah Williams was born on the 22
day of October 1790
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The Ages of William & Hannahs Children
Harry was born August 11th 1811
Lary - was born July 31st 1812
John was born October 17. 1814
Warner was born Novm 21 1816
Cidney was born October 24th 1818
Joshua was born December 16th 1820
Eemely was born November 23th 1822
Perry was born December 5th 1824
Hanson was born Nov 25 1827
Basel was born feb 20 1831
Page 6

[handwritten] William and Hannah [illegible] married by the [illegible]
John [illegible]
[illegible] day of february 189[illegible] [/handwritten]
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Bounty land claim of
Mrs Easter Williams
Act of March 3d 1855


George W Bowers
Agent
Baltimore City
Md
Page 8

State of Maryland, Baltimore City, [illegible]

On this 20th day of June Eighteen hundred and fifty seven personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the City and State aforesaid Easter Williams aged 90 years a resident of Baltimore City in the State of Maryland who being duly sworn according to law declares that she is the widow of Henry Williams deacesed who was a private under the following Officers, John Kelty. Norwood. Beall. Ford. and John Wayman in the Revolutionary War in the Maryland line that her said husband [illegible] at Annapolis Md about 1777.
She further states that she was married to the said Henry Williams in Ann Arundel County Md on the 14th day of August AD 1785by the Rev Charles Dorsey a Methodist and that her name before her said marriage was Easter Giles that her said husband died at Baltimore City Md on the 5 day of January AD1850 and that she is now a widow That she is now a United States pensioner under the act of 1838. to which she refers for further proof.
She makes this her declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitlled under the Act approved March 3d 1855.
Easter X [her mark] Williams [Seal]

We John Brown and Washington H Hobbs residents of Baltimore City in the State of Maryland upon our Oaths declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Easter William in our presence and that we believe from the appearance and statement of the applicant that she is the Identical person she represents herself to be and is still a widow and that we know that she now receives a pension from the United States for the Revolutionary services of her deceased husband Henry William
John Brown [Seal]
W.H.Hobbs [Seal]

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn

over
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to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be credible persons that the claimant is the person she represents herself to be and is still a widow and that I have no interest in this claim

Hugh J. Morrison
Justice of the Peace

State of Maryland   Baltimore City
I hereby certify that Hugh J Morrison  Esqr before whom the foregoing declaration and affidavit were made was at the date thereof a acting Justice of the peace of the State of Maryland in and for Baltimore City duly commissioned and sworn
In Testimony where of I hereunto set my hand and affix my official seal this 23d day of June AD 185

Edwd Dowling
Clerk of the Superior Court
of Baltimore City
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Declaration of Easter Williams
George W Bowers Agent
Baltimore
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Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 
State of Maryland Baltimore City
On this 28th day of April the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred and Fifty seven personally appeared before me the Judge of the Superior Court of Baltimore City Easter Williams aged about ninety years - a resident of Baltimore City and who First being duly sworn according to Law on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benifit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 that she is the widow of Henry Williams deceased (colored) who was A soldier in the Maryland line in the revolutionary War and that he also drove the waggons and made himself Generally useful have often heard him relate the horrors of war and how he has waded in Blood and walked over dead Bodies after battle in said war to the best of her Knowledge & belief from what she has heard her aforesaid husband speak of his serviceses that he served during said war under the Following officers John Kilty, Beal. Smith Norwood Ford and John Wagman on Wyming that he served in all about six years always heard him say that he entered the service at Anne Arundel County Md. that her husband the aforesaid Henry Williams was born in Anne Arundle County md. that she was not married prior to the Termination of her said husband serviceses but prior to 1794 that she has no record proof of her aforesaid husband serviceses but heard him relate many Incidents & exposures that he encountered during his services in said war she further declares that she was married to the said Henry Williams in Anne Arundle County Md on the Fourteenth day of August 1785 by the Rev Charles Dorsey a Methodist Minister that her Name before said marriage was Easter Giles that her husband the aforesaid Henry Williams died at Baltimore City Md on the 5th day of January 1850 and was at the Time of his death
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about one hundred years of age She further states that she dose not Know that her said husband did ever apply for a Pension have often heard him say that he was Entitled to one she further says that she has had several children by her said husband who are now all dead the last one died in Eighteen hundred and Fifty four her only dependence she is now in Necessitous circumstances and applies for relief for the services of her deceased husband Henry Williams and that She has no family records she being married in the country three miles from a place called poplar Spring Anne Arundle County Md. where it appeared there was no record Kept at that date it is Impossible to get a certificate from records and that she has remained a widow ever since as will more Fully appear by reference to proof hereunto annexed
Witness [signed] F. A Prevost [seal 
        her
Easter X  Williams seal
        mark
[signed] Z. Collins Sce seal

Also appeared Joseph Crook. aged Sixty four years and John G Wilmot aged thirty eight years residents of Baltimore City of the State of Maryland who upon Their oaths declares that they are acquainted with Easter Williams Cold. and Knew her husband Henry Williams twenty odd years previous to his death believe that he served in the revolutionary war have often heard him speak of his serviceses having having the least doubt that he did serve in the said war in the Maryland line
Easter Williams and said Henry Williams was allways reported and believed to have been Married they lived Together as man and Wife never heard their marriage Brought in queston by their acquaintance they were people of color and bore and excellent reputation and was highly respected he said Henry Williams died
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at Baltimore City Md. in the year of 1850 at the Time of his death he was a very old Man they had several children all of whom are now dead Easter Williams is now the widow of the said Henry Williams, deceased and is the Identical person she represents herself to be and they further swear that the are disinterested
[signed] Joseph Crook
[signed] John G Wilmont
[signed] Z Collins Lee seal

State of Maryland Baltimore City Sct:

I Edward Dowling clerk of the Superior Court of Baltimore City do hereby certify that the Honorable Z. Collins Lee, before whom the forgoing declaration was made & by whom the forgoing affidavits were administered was at the time of so doing Judge of the Superior Court of Baltimore City duly elected Commissioned & qualified. & I hereby further certify that the above proceedings were had in open Court. 
In Testimony whereof I hereto set my hand & affix the seal of the Said Court on this 28th day of April AD 1857
[signed] E Dowling Clk
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[handwritten on pre-printed form]
33.403
Maryland
Henry Williams Decd of in the State of  who was a private in the commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the Revolution line for 2 years.
Inscribed on the Roll of Baltimore at the rate of 80 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831, and end 5th January 1850.
Certificate of Pension issued the 3d day of June 1857. and sent to, 
G. W. Bowers, Baltimore Md:
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}
Recorded by G. T. Getty. Clerk, Book 26, Vol. 1. Page 183.
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Affidavits in the Pension Case of Easter Williams the widow of Henry Williams

George W Bowers
Agent 
Baltimore
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State of Maryland, Baltimore City
On this Eleventh day of April in the year of Our Lord Eighteen hundred and Fifty seven personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace of the State of Maryland in and for the city of Baltimore Joseph Crook aged Sixty four years a resident of Baltimore city and State aforesaid who first being duly sworn according to law dispose and says, that he was personally acquainted with Henry Williams deceased that he was in his Employ about fifteen years that he was a honest and upright colored man and his word could be relied on have often heard him speak of services in the Revolutionary war in the Fifth Maryland regiment and that he went in the service in said War at Anne Arundle County Md from his age and conversation I have every reason to believe that he did serve in said War I have often heard him speak of Genls. George Washington and other officers under whom he did serve in said war and relate Incidents of said war which could only be by being present while he Henry Williams was in my employ I was present when an old Gentleman from Anne Arundle county was passing the my place of business and seeing the said Henry Williams recognized the said Henry Williams who Many years ago lived in said county and was very glad to see him and was part of his conversation was of his Henry Williams serviceses in the revolutionary war and said he was one among the few of the old revolutionarys now living The aforesaid Henry Williams died in 1850 in this city he was a very old man at the time of his death; That he is personally acquainted with Easter Williams the widow of the aforesaid Henry Williams deceased Knew that they lived together as man and wife never
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heard their marriage brought in question by their acquaintance that Easter Williams is a very old woman and much respected & is now the widow of the aforesaid Henry Williams that he is disinterested but gives affidavit to aid Easter Williams the widow of the aforesaid Henry Williams in her Efforts to obtain A pension
Witness
[signed] Wm H Hayward
[signed] William Anderson
[signed] Joseph Crook        Seal

Sworn and subscribed to before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace of the state of Maryland in and for the city of Baltimore on this Eleventh day of April 1857 and I certify that I know the affiants to be a respectable citizen

[signed] Wm H Hayward
State of Mary land Baltimore City sct

I hereby certify that William H Hayward whose genuine signature appears above was at the date thereof an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the city of Baltimore int he state of Maryland duly [obscured by white serrated paper] and sworn
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my official seal this 29th day of April A. D. 1857
[signed] Edwd Dowling
Clerk Superior Court of Baltimore city
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State of Maryland Baltimore City
On this tenth day of April in the year of our Lord Eighteen hundred and fifty seven personally appeared before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace of the state of Maryland in and for the city of Baltimore Henry S. Shyrock aged forty nine years a resident of Baltimore city Md who first being duly sworn according to Law depose and says that he was personally acquainted with Henry Williams cold deceased that he was in his Employ about Nine years years from the age conversation and appearance of said Henry Williams I believe that he did serve int he revolutionary war in the Fifth Maryland regiment I have often heard him spoken of as serving in said War I have not the least doubt but that he did serve several years in said war he was an old man whos verasity was never doubted he was honest and Industrious and much respected I have heard him often speak of his services in said war and that he went in service at Anne Arundle county And that the said Henry Williams died at Baltimore City in 1850 leaving a widow Easter Williams he always lived with her and acknowledged Easter Williams to be his lawful wife beleived that they were married as stated by his widow never heard their marriage brought into question Easter Williams widow of said Henry Williams is now living at a very advanced age and is much respected and her word is beleived
[signed] Henry S Shyrock
That he is disinterested but gives this affidvite to aid Easter Williams in her Effort to obtain a pension
[signed] Henry S Shyrock
Page 19

Sworn to and subscribed before me the subscriber a Justice of the peace of the State of Maryland in and for the city of Baltimore on the day and year above written and I certify that I Know the affiant --- and that he is a respectable citizen
[signed] Hugh J Morrison J. Peace

State of Maryland Baltimore City sct
I hereby certify that Hugh J Morrison Esqr whose genuine signature appears above was at the date thereof, and acting Justice of the Peace in and for Baltimore city of the State of Maryland duley commissioned and Sworn
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affix my Official seal this 29th day of April A. D 1857
[signed] Edwd Dowling
Clerk Superior Court of Baltimore City
[white paper with dark ribbon attached to left margin]
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Recd May 6/57
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Baltimore April 30th 1857
D Sir
I have the honour to present you the declaration for pension of Easter Williams widow of Henry Williams deceased who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war all the affiants are Gentlemen of business of this City and of the highest respectability also a letter from Hon Joshua Vansant who is personally acquainted with the parties named hoping Sir upon examination they may prove satisfactory and you will allow the old woman a pension
Very Respectfully Yr Obt Servt
[signed] George W Bowen

Geo C Whiting Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 22

Castow House
Baltimore May 25th 1857
The Honorable Commissioner of Pensions--
Dear Sir
I am personally acquainted with Proffesor N. R. Smith, and know by character Mr. Henry Shryock of this city, the gentlemen who have testified in behalf of the claim of Easter Williams for a pension, and I have no hesitation in saying that them are gentlemen of the highest character and that their statements whether under oath or otherwise are entitled to full credit
Respectfull [illegible]
[signed] Geo. Thomson  Mason
Collector Port of Baltimore
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[blank page, folded in thirds horizontally; illegible handwriting in middle section]
Page 24

Baltimore April 8th 1857
This is to certify that I knew well for many years, old Harry Williams who died in this city some seven years ago. and Old Harry was blind when I first knew him & I restored his sight by an operation He was an honest and industrious old man and I had a great affection for him. I have often heard him speak & from circumstances stated by him had perfect confidence in the correctness of his statements.
I also know his widow Esther Williams, who is an honest & industrious old woman respected by all who know her but now feeble from great age [illegible crossed out]
[signed] Nathan R. Smith M. D.
N. B. I understand that Esther Williams is now applying for a pension. I earnestly wish she may succeed & think it could not be better bestowed
N. R. S.
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Brief in the cases of Henry Williams, decd. and his widow Esther, of Maryland, Under the Acts of June 7, 1832 & July 29, 1848.

Record evidence of service with which Williams is identified by traditionary evidence of the clearest character, by men who have heard him repeatedly describe his services, even giving the very Regiment in which the records shows he served. - . The witnesses are shown by Hon Joshua Vansant, Hon Morrison Harris, Hon Mr Kennedy, U S Senator and Judge Mason, Collector of [illegible crossed out] of Baltimore to be men of the first respectability.

Family record of marriage.

Cohabitation, general reputation of marriage, her identity as the soldiers widow, his death and her present [illegible] proven by credible witnesses.

[signed] Thornton Triplett
Examiner

Send to G. W. Bowers Esq
Baltimore Md.
Page 26

Dear Sir,
Please inform me, what amount was paid on Revolutionary Claim, to Esther Williams, Colored, of this city, probably in June 1857
Respectfully
Isaac P. Hook
Baltimore May 1, 1861 --
To the Commissioner of Pensions}
Page 27

Register of Wills Office 
Baltimore Aug. 13. 1861

To the Commissioner of Pensions

Sir, 

I address you in behalf of Esther Williams, a revolutionary Pensioner, of this city --
In January 1850 - she received her first pension, and $40, every six months (March and September) thereafter --
Unfortunately her Pension Certificate, is in the hands of an Agent, who has been charging her One half ($10) for collecting her semi-annual payment - 
She has instituted suit against the Agent, to correct some other
Page 28

acts performed by him, and he retains her certificate =

This morning I called on the Pension Agent for this city, and he advised me, to address you on the subject, supposing that under the circumstances, you would issue her a duplicate certificate -- No further payments will be made to the Agent -
I write as a matter of charity, as Mrs. Williams is over 100 years old, and has been greatly wronged - 
If possible please issue a duplicate & forward to 
Yours respectfully
[signed] Isaac P. Cook
Register of Wills for Balto. City
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No 1474
Esther Williams
Widow of Henry 
Md
G W Bowers May 21/57

Jul 29 1848
[7 1838 crossed out]
Page 30

No. 39114
Henry Williams Decd.
Md.
Admd June 7, 1832, 
2 yrs pri $80. a year
from 4 March 1831 to January 5, 1850, when he died,
Pay to Esther Williams his widow, and allow her under the act of July 29, 1848, from date of her husband's death

Cert to
G. W. Bowers Esq
Baltimore Md.
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Geo W Bowers Esq
Page 32

Balt.
April 30th/57
For the satisfaction of the different parties concerned in an application before the Pension Office - I can say that any statement made by Professor N R  Smith is entitled to the fullest right and credit, as a gentleman of the most distinguished standing in his profession, as well as in the community
[signed] Anthony Kennedy
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Affidavits in the Pension Case of Easter Williams the widow of Henry Williams
George W Bowers Agent
Baltimore
Page 34

State of Maryland Baltimore City
On this twenty Ninth day of April Eighteen hundred and Fifty seven personally appeared before me a Justice of the the peace of the State of Maryland in and for the City aforesaid Nathan R Smith aged sixty years A resident of Baltimore City of the State of Maryland who being duly sworn according to Law deposeth and says that he Knew well for twenty nine years old Henry Williams who died in this City some seven years ago That said Henry Williams was blind when first he Knew him and he restored his sight by an operation That he was an honest & Industrious old man and that he had a great affection for him that he has often heard him speak of his services in the revolutionary Army in the Maryland Line and from circumstances stated by him had perfect confidence in the correctness of his statements.

and that he is personally acquainted with Easter Williams the widow of aforesaid Henry Williams who is an honest and industrious old woman respected by all who Knows her they lived together as Man and wife never heard their marriage brought in question this Affidavit is given to aid Easter Williams in her efforts To obtain a pension which I believe she is Justly Entitled to for the service of her decesed husband Henry Williams
[signed] Nathan R. Smith M. D. [seal in circle]
Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above Written and I Certify that the affiant is well Known to me.
[signed] Hugh I. Morrison [seal in circle]
Justice of the Peace
Page 35

State of Maryland Baltimore City
On this twenty Ninth day of April Eighteen hundred and Fifty seven personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace within and for the City and State aforesaid John Heard aged seventy Seven years A resident of Baltimore City, Md. who being duly sworn According to law deposeth and says that he was personally acquainted with Henry Williams deceased Knew him about twenty six years have often heard him speak of his services in the Revolutionary war in the Maryland line I have heard him related many Incidents of said war and from his statements I believe he served in said war and from his statements I beleive he served in said War in the Maryland line He was always reputed to have served as above stated that he died At this City in the winter of 1850 he was at the time of his death a very old man that he is personally acquainted with Easter Williams his widow they were always reputed to be man and wife they lived together as such never heard their marriage brought in question they were people of color of the highest respectibility their Integrity was never doubted Easter Williams is now the widow of said Henry Williams and is now a very old woman this Affidavit is given to aid Easter Williams in her Effort to obtain a pension for the revolutionary services of her deceased husband Henry Williams
[signed] John Heard [seal in circle]

Sworn to and Subscribed before me on the day and year above Written and I Certify that the Affiant is well Known to me,
[signed] Hugh J. Morrison [seal in circle]
Justice of the Peace
State of Maryland Baltimore City
I hereby certify that Hugh J Morrison Esqr whose genuine signature appears above was at the date thereof A Justice of the peace of the state of Maryland in and for the City of Baltimore duly commissioned and Sworn
In Testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affixed my official seal this 29th day of April 1857
[signed] Edwd Dowling
Clerk of Superior Court of Baltimore City
Page 36

Land office of Maryld
May 26th 1857
I certify that is appears by a Pay roll now remaining in this office, that Henry Williams a Private in first Maryland Regiment, recd [British pound sign] 87"4"4e issued to the Maryland [illegible] an Continental Established on the 17th June 1783
In testimony whereof I hereto subscribe my name & affix the seal of the Land office of Maryland
[signed illegible]
[illegible]
Page 37

I am requested to hear testimony to the veracity and reliability of Dr. Nathan R. Smith and Mr. John G. Wilmot of this City, and do so of my own my personal knowledge of them and thir reputation in this community.
[signed] J. Morrison Harris
Baltimore 
May 25th 
I Concur in the above
[signed] Tho: Swann
Page 38

Hannah was born on 22d day of October 1790
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Baltimore 29 April 1857
To George Whiting Esqr}
Comr of Pensions}
Sir
I have been shown the deposition in the case of easter Williams, an applicant for pension on account of the services of her deceased husband Henry Williams, made respectively by Professor Nathan R Smith, Joseph Crook and Henry J Shryock, and have no hesitation, from a personal knowledge of these gentlemen, in saying that there are no residents of Baltimore who sustain a better reputation than they do for all the characteristics which denote the good citizen.
Yours truly
[signed] Joshua Vansant
Page 40

[printed printed form filled in]
Revy Widow, & c.
File No. 3688
Esther Williams
Widow
Henry Williams
Pri. Rev. war
Act: July 29, 1848
Index: -- Vol. M, Page 337.
[Arrangement of 1870.]
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67.674
160 acres
Page 42

[handwritten] On Official Business [/handwritten]
[stamped, black ink] FREE [/stamped]
[round, postal cancellation stamp] BALTIMORE Md. [illegible] 24 1857 [/round, postal cancellation stamp]
[handwritten] Geo. C. Whiting. Esq.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City
D.C. [/handwritten]
Page 43

Baltimore June 22d 1857
DSir
I have the honour to present you the declaration of Easter Williams widow of Henry Williams for bount land under the Act of March 3d 1855 She now draws a pension from the United States for the services of her deceased husband of the Revolutionary war. As the applicant is of great age, I would be pleased if you would make her claim special
Very Respectfully 
Yr Obt Servt.
[signed] George W Bowers

Geo C Whiting Esqr
Commissioner of Pensions