Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8303, Michael Widener, Va.
Page 1

(3 - 1776)

SERVICE
Va.

Widener, Michael
Elizabeth

NUMBER
W. 8303
B.L.Wt. 26617-160-55

CONTENTS
Page 2

Civ J. W. Stevens Sept 18/55
Jo     Same           "      28/"
Set    same           Dec 3 . "
.
Vol W 2 page 19.
12.535 } 
Act March 3/55.
April 9/15
Elizabeth Widener
Widow of Michael Widener.
private
Capt.
Col. 
Ents -
Dis. -
War of Revolution.

Pensioner under act 3d. Feb. 1853.
Va feby 53 - W 4573

W [illegible] May 16/56
Boyton 

M

J.W. Stevens 
Va.
Page 3

Virginia 23. H07

Michael Widener - 
of Washington in the State of NC who was a kr in the [blank] commanded by Captain - of the Rept commanded by Col Harris in the [illegible] line for [illegible]manth

Inscribed on the Roll of Virginia at the rate of 33. Dollars 33 Cents per annum, to commend on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17dat of Mar 3
and [illegible] David
Campbell - Abingdon C. +

Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 83.32
Semi-anl. allowance ending [?] mar 3[?] 16.67. 
-----
$99.99
{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832}

Recorded by N Rice Clerk, Book E Vol. 6th Page 38
Page 4


Let J. W. Stevens
Dept
Jesse Lot
Reg 5 in 85-52535
Repe
No 4.573.
Rich
Virginia
Elizabeth Widener widow of Michael Widener Jr, who served in the Revolutionary war as a Private. - 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 33 dollars 33 1/3 cents per annum, to commence on
the 3d February, 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued 11th day of Oct, 1854, and sent to J. W. Stevens 
Abingdon
Virga
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 3, 1853, Page 31 Vol A.
W. R. Wilson
Page 5

52. 535

Elizabeth Widener
Page 6

FORM OF A DECLARATION
To be made by the widow of a deceased person who has not had a land warrant.
State of Virginia County of Washington On the 26th day of March, A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty five personally appeared before me, a justice of the peace, within and for the county and State aforesaid, Elizabeth Widener aged 70 years, a resident of Washington County in the State of Virginia who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that she is the widow of Michael Widener- deceased who was a Revolution in the company commanded by Captain  in the regiment of  commanded by   in the war with Great Britain, declared by the United States on the 18th day of June, 1812, that her said husband   at    on or about the   day of    A.D. 
She further states that she was married to said    in   on the   day of    A.D.     by one    a     and that her name before her said marriage was      that her said husband died at     on the     day of      A.D.     and that she is now a widow.
She further declares that she was not heretofore made application for bounty land under the act approved September 28, 1850, and obtained a land warrant for    acres, No.     which she has legally disposed of, and it cannot now be returned. 
She makes this declaration for the purpose of obtaining the bounty land to which she may be entitled under the act approved the 3d day of March 1855. She is in in receipt of pension in light of [illegible] Widener under act 3d Feby 1853 and refers to proof filed in Pension office. 
her mk
Elizabeth Widener 
[SEAL]
We, [illegible] and JW. Brown residents of Washington county in the State of Virginia upon our oaths, declare that the foregoing declaration was signed and acknowledged by Elizabeth Widener in our presence, and that we believe, from the appearance and statements of the applicant, that she is the identical person she represents herself to be. 
JWStevens [SEAL.]
Jaw. Brown [SEAL.]

The foregoing declaration and affidavit were sworn 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 that I have no interest in this claim. 
Val Rosenbahm     J.P.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I Elizabeth Widener of Washington County Virginia  do hereby make, constitute and appoint JWStevens my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name, to demand and receive from the Department of the Interior of the United States, the Certificate of Warrant, to which I am entitled for my military services, as mentioned in the foregoing declaration, hereby ratifying and confirming whatsoever my said Attorney may do in the premises, by virtue hereof. and 
In testimony whereof, my hand and seal this 26th day of March 1855 is affired
Hr + Mk
Elizabeth Widener

ATEEST:
STATE OF Virginia COUNTY OF Washington SS. On this 26th day of March 1855 personally appeared before me Vallentine Rosenbaum a Justice of the Peace duly authorized by law to take acknowledgements in and for the county aforesaid Elizabeth Widener subscriber to the foregoing, and acknowledged the same to her act and deed, for the purposes therein described. 
Val Rosenbaum (L.S.)
STATE OF Virginia COUNTY OF Washington SS.
I Jabor Lynch Clerk of the County Court, in and for the County and State above men-tioned, do hereby certify, that Valentine Rosenbahm whose genuine signature appears above, is, and was at the time of signing the same, a justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn; that all his official acts as such are entitled to full faith and credit; and Given under my hand and Seal of Office, at Abingdon this 2d day of April A.D. 1855
Jacob Lynch
Page 7

Declaration of Elizabeth Widener, 
In order to obtain the benefits of the 2d Section of the act of February 3d, 1853. Respectfully Showith. 
State of Virginia County of Washington} SS
On the 28th day of June 1853     personally appeared before the Washington County Court of the State of Virginia, Elizabeth Widner a resident of the County of Washington and State aforesaid aged near 70 years who first being duly Sworn according to Law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of the congress passed on the 3d day of February 1853.  Granting pensions to Widows of persons who served in the Revolutionary War, that she is the widow of Michael Widener who was a pensioner of the United State in the County of Washington and State of Virginia. She further declares that she was married to the said Michael Widener on the 13th day of January 1823 Eighteen hundred and twenty three, that her said husband died on the 12th day of April 1842 that she was not married to him prior to the 2d day of January Eighteen hundred but at the time above stated, she further declares that she is now a widow. 
Elizabeth Widener
her mark
sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written in open court
Teste Jacob Lynch 
And the said court doth hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant is the widow of the above named Michael Widener deceased.
I Jacob Lynch Clerk of the court of the said county of Washington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of ELizabeth Widener widow of Michael Widener
Page 8

deceased for a pension. 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court this 6th day of July in the year 1853
Jacob Lynch 

State of Virginia }
Washington County}

Extract from the record of the return of marriages solemnized in the County of Washington aforesaid by the Revd John Jones junr for the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty five "1825 January 13th married Michael Widener and Elizabeth Calaham. The above marriages were solemnized by me. John Jones jun. "The foregoing is a true extract from the record of the return of marriages solemnized in the County of Washington by the Reverend John Jones junr. for the year 1825. In Testimony whereof I Jacob Lynch Clerk of the Court of the said County of Washington, have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court this 6th day of July in the year 1853
Jacob Lynch
Page 9

State of Virginia
Washington County to Wit }

On this 26th day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two, personally appeared
before the County Court of the county aforesaid, being a court of Record, Michael Widener a resident of the County and State aforesaid aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832. that in the month of June about the year 1779 he was drafted
in the County of Rockingham in the state of Virginia where he then resided, that in the same month and year, about the first of the month he marched in a company commanded by Capt Robert Cravens to the Mongehale River, he was there transferred to a captain Abraham Lincoln and marched under his command to a place called for Mackintosh where we joined the Mains Army commanded by Gen Mackintosh ^Col. Benjamin Harris of Harrison command the Regiment we remained at that place about one month when a detachment of which he was one, was sent to a place near the Shawnee Townes, at which place we built a fort which was called fort Lawrence, we then returned to for Mackintosh and he was shortly thereafter discharged that he returned immediately home to his residence in Rockingham county Virginia where he arrived about the first of January 1780, that afterwards in the month of August 1781 he was again drafted and marched from this said county of Rockingham under the command of Capt William Lincoln to the city of Williamsburg in the State of Virginia + was then transfered to the command of Capt Cogan and remained in his company during the siege of York and surrender of Cornwallis, He does not remember the name of the Col commanding the regiment to which he belongs, the name of the major was Nall after the surrender of Cornwallis he was attached
Page 10

to the party charged with guarding the prisoners who were sent to Winchester in Virginia, after arriving at that post he was discharged and immediately returned home where he arrived about the 25th of December 1781. 
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on pension roll of any agency in any state
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
his X mark
Michael Widener son ~
And the said Court do hereby declare their a pension after the investigation of the matter and after pulling the interrogation presented by the War Department and also upon hearing the affidavit of John Widener Samuel Carson and David Carson 9the latter of whom is justice of the peace of this county and which affidavits were sworn to in court that the above named application was a revolutionary solder  and served as he states. And the court further certifies that is appears to them that John Widener Samuel Carson and David Carson are residents of this county and credible persons that their statements are entitled to credit. 
I David Campbell clerk of the said county do hereby certify that the foregoing declaration  and the affidavit on this sheet contains the original proceedings in the said Court in the matter of Michael Widener for a pension. 
In testimony where I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county this 3d day of December 1839 in the 57th year of the Commonwealth 
David Campbell
Page 11

State of Virginia 
County of Washington } SS
On this day personally appeared
Before me a Justice of the peace for the county aforesaid, Mark B. Robinson + Elizabeth Robinson
And made Oath, that they have been well acquainted with Elizabeth Widener, from her youth, that knew her before marriage with Michael Widener the pensioner, that her name before said marriage was Elizabeth Callaham, that she was truly the lawful the wife of the said Michael Widener the pensioner, that the said Michael did in said county about 12 day of April 1842 and that she is now a widow, and  has so remained since the death of her husband, and that she is now applying for pension, and is the widow of the identical Michael Widener, who was a pensioner in said county and I certify that 
the above named witnesses are respectable men of the truth, and can be relied on, Given under  my hand this 13 day of February 1854 M.B. Robinson
Elizabeth Robinson 
AEdmonds 
State of Virginia. Washington County. to wit
I Jacob Lynch Clerk of the court of the said county of Washington, do hereby certify that Andrew Edmondson  whose genuine signature appears above, now is, and was  at the time of signing the same as acting justice of the peace in  and for said county, duly elected, commissioned and qualified
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the said court this 22d day of February 1857
Jacob Lynch
Page 12

Admit as a private

10 Months $33.33
Page 13

State of Virginia
Washington County to wit}
This day personally appeared before the undersigned Justice of the peace for said county John Widener said and made oath that he is the Brother of the applicant Michael Widener, who is about seventy three or seventy four years of age, that he and his Brother lived in the county of Rockingham and the state of Virginia prior to the year 1779, that about the year 1782 they removed to the county of Washington Virginia where they have resided ever since, that in the fact that the said Michael Widener was drafted in a company of militia which marched from the county of the Rockingham towards the Ohio and was attached, as the affiant mustered
to troops under the command of Genl McIntosh, this Affiant states that to the best of his recollection said Michael marched in the summer of 1779 but being but about fourteen years of age he may not recollect the year accurately, he remembers that he started in the [illegible] and returned home again on Christmas day. The affiant further states that in the summer of 1781 the said Michael Widener was again drafted and marched to Lower Virginia and returned home again late in the fall, the affiant has understood and believes that the said Michael Widener was at the siege of York at the surrender of Cornwallis. this affiant is perfectly certain that the said Michael 
was absent during the period he has stated and verily believes that he was in the service of the country or a soldier during that period. 
his X mark
John Widener

subscribed and sworn to before the undersigned a Justice of the Peace in the county aforesaid Oct. 30th 1853
Peter J Branch
Page 14


April 6, 1937.
XXXXXXXXXX

J. Austin Whitener            BA-J/ady
P. O. Box 536                    Michael Widener
Cleveland, Tennessee        W.8303

Dear Sir:
Reference is made to your letter relative to
Michael Widener, a soldier of the Revolutionary War.

The data contained herein were obtained from
the papers on file in the Revolutionary War claim,
W.8303, based upon his military service in that war.

The date and place of birth and the names of
the parents of Michael Widener are not shown.

While a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia,
Michael widener enlisted about June 1, 1779, and
served six months as private in Captains Robert
Cravens' and Abraham Lincoln's Companies, Colonel
Benjamin Harris' or Harrison's Virginia Regiment.
He enlisted in August 1781, served as private in
Captains William Lincoln's and Cogar's Companies,
under Major Hall in the Virginia troops; was at the
siege of Yorktown, after which he was attached to a
party to guard the prisoners to Winchester, Virginia,
and was there discharged and reached home December 25,
1781.

About 1782 he moved to Washington County, Virginia.
He was allowed pension on his application executed
November 26, 1832, at which time he was a resident of
Washington County, Virginia.

He died April 12, 1843, in Washington County, Virginia , aged about eighty-five years.

Soldier married January 13, 1823 or 1825 in Washington County, Virginia, Elizabeth Callaham or Callaham.
Page 15

Soldier's widow, Elizabeth Widener, was allowed
pension on her application executed June 28, 1853,
at which time she was a resident of Washington County,
Virginia, aged about seventy years.

Soldier's brother, John, moved from Rockingham
County to Washington County with him his age not
stated.
Very truly yours,
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant
to the Administrator

Date of
widows
death
not on
A B.
Page 16

No 2639
Elizabeth Widener
Wid.of
Michael 
Allow $33 33.100 per annum to come Feb 3. 1853
Set to R.H. Gallaher^ 23d Sept/53
"  "   "     "            "      28"Nov/"
"  "   "     "            "     2 Mch/54
"  " J.W. Stevens Sept 20 /54

Act 3d. Feby. 1853.
Page 17

State of Virginia
Washington County to wit
On this 28th day of November the year of our Lord 1833, personally appeared before the county court of the county aforesaid, being a court of record, Michael Widener a resident of the county + state aforesaid aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1839 That in the month of June 1779 he was drafted in the county of Rock- -ingham in the State of Virginia where he there resided that in the same month + year, about the first of the month he marched in a company commanded by Capt Robert Cravens to the Mononahela river, he was then transferred to a Capt Abraham Lincoln + marched under his command to a place called Fort McIntosh when we joined the main army com-manded by Genl McIntosh; Col Benjamin Harris or Harrison commanded the Regiment, we remained at that place about one month, when a detachment of which he was
sent to a place near the Shawnee Tower, at which place we built a Fort which was called Fort Lawrence, we then returned to Fort McIntosh and he was shortly thereafter discharged, that he returned immediately home to his residence in Rockingham County Virginia when he arrived about the 1st day of  January 1780 being at least six months in that service, that afterward in the month of August 1781 he was again drafted and marched from the said county of Rockingham under the command of Capt Wm Lincoln to the City of Williams in the State of Virginia I was then transferred to the command of Capt Cogar and remained in his company during the siege of York + surrender of Cornwallis, he does not recollect the name of the Col commanding their Regiment to which he belonged, the name of the Major was Nall, after the surrender of Cornwallis he was attached to the  part charged with guarding the prisoners who were sent to Winchester, Virginia after serving, at that point he was discharged + immediately
Page 18

returned home when he arrived about the 25th of December 1781, being four months in the last service as a private soldier
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, & he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State
Sworn to & subscribed} Michael Widener sen
the day & year aforesaid} x his mark

Michael Widener senr. who on the 26th day of November 1832 made a declaration in this court, in order to obtain a pension under the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, again appeared in Court, & subscribed and swore to an amended declaration of his services in the revolutionary war: And the Court hereby declares its opinion after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, That the said Michael Widener senr. was a revolutionary soldier & served as he states - The Court further certify that John Widener senr. who made an affidavit in relation to the service of Michael Widener senr. before Peter J Branch Gent. a justice of the peace and a member of this court, dated the 30th day of October 1833, is a credible person, and that his statement is entitled to credit.
I David Campbell clerk of the court of the said county of Washington, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains
Page 19

the original proceedings of the said in the amended declaration of Michael Widener on his application for a pension - I further certify that Peter J. Branch is a justice of the peace duly commissioned and qualified and that his signature to the affidavit of John Widener Senr. annexed hereto is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereto
subscribed my name and affixed
the Seal of said county this 2d day
of December 1853 in the 58th year
of the Commonwealth
David Campbell
Page 20

Abingdon Septr 25th 1854
Mr. L. P. Waldo.
Dear Sir,
this is the day of Our Court, your letter in relation to the Claim of Elizabeth Widow of Michael Widner is Just re,d Col A. Edmondson is now present. Who desires me to say - that the Certificate of Michael was in his possession, that he signed the power of Attorney as Justice of the peace, for the last pension Michael drew & he thinks that was in 1843, that if the Court has erred in date, in making Certificate, that the date of the power of Atto in 1843 with his Edmondsons name to it will fix the date of his death, Mrs. Widners son is now also present, he thinks, from Memory that Michael died 12th of April 1843, If such be true, his pension was drawn to 4th of March 1843, and after his death, they probably re,d the amt. from 4th of March to 12th of April? 
Michael, was the only one of the Name who drew pension in this County, and the proof of Elizabeth being his Widow is beyond a doubt.
I think she proved her Marriage, in relation to Mrs. Ellen Low, I will attend to her case at once, the proof to be made in the Case of Mrs. Widner would be the same of that the file, unless there is an Error in date of his death, but she is truly his Widow, and they would not attempt to draw fraudulently after his death, they could not. They are two well known and if disposed, would be detached, by the Clerk of Our Court, and the Justices of the peace.
I am Dear Sir,
Your Obt St J W Stevens
Page 21


32.535 

INGDON
APR 3

FREE
Comm of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City D.C.
Page 22

Elizabeth Widener
Page 23

State of Virginia
At a Court continued and held for Washington County this 26th day of September 1854.
Ordered that it be certified that Elizabeth Widener who is now applying for a pension, and whose declaration for the purpose was sometime since made in this court, is the widow of the identical Michael Widener who was a pensioner of the United States, and died in this county seven years ago.
The foregoing is a true copy from the records of the court of the said county of Washington. In Testimony whereof, I Jacob Lynch Clerk of the court of the said county of Washinton
have hereunto subscribed my name, and
affixed the seal of the said court, This
29th day of September 1854
Jacob Lynch C.C.
Page 24

Abingdon July 6th 1853

Hon Com
Dear Sir
Enclosed is the application of
Elizabeth Widner Widow of Michael Wid. Who
was a pensioner in the County of Washington to be
placed on the pension Roll of Widows of Revolutionary
pensioners, under the act of the 3d of Feby 1853
I am Dear Sir, Very Respectfully
Your Obt St
J W. Stevens
Page 25

Abingdon Nov 27th 1855,
Comr. of Pensions,
Dear Sir,
your favor of of Septr 18th was r,d, in relation to the Claim of Elizabeth Widener, Wid, of Michael for Bounty Land, I presume it is only necessary for Me to Say, Michael Widener Was a pensioner of the United States for Services in the War of the revolution, his Widow Elizabeth Was pensioned under act of Feby 3d 1853, and now in receipt of pension, I need not say she is Entitled, and that her Husband Served fourteen days, I very respectfully refer you to papers filed in this Case.
I am Dear Sir
Very respectfully
your Obt St
J, W Stevens

a reference to her declaration will show,
She claims as Pensioness, for revolutionary
services, of Michael a pensioner.
Page 26

Abingdon Nov 18th 1853
Hon Comr
Dear Sir,
Enclosed is proof of Elizabeth Widener of Michael Widener
I am Dear Sir
Very respectfully
Your Obt. St
John W, Stevens
Page 27

Declaration of 
Elizabeth Widener
Page 28

ABINGDON Va. SEP 22 FREE
Comr. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.

52535
Elizabeth Widener
wid
Michael
Feby 55 61573
Boynton
Page 29

Abingdon Septr 21 - 1855
Comr. of Pensions
Dear Sir,
Your favour is just to hand, in relation to the service of the Husband of Elizabeth Widener, applicant for Bounty land under Act 3d March 1855. - Mrs. Widener is the Widow of Michael Widener, Revolutionary pensioner, and in right of him She is now desiring pension under Act of 3d Feby, 1853. I Would Respectfully refer to proof adduced, that Established Service and gave him pension, also proof filed, Showing She is the Widow of the Identical Michael Widener, Who was a pensioner in Washington County, on Which proof she was pensioned as Stated, under Act of 3d Feby 1853. at the rate 33,,33 per annum.
I am Dear Sir
Very Respectfully
Your Obt St
J W, Stevens
Page 30

Michael Widener's
Declaration

25405
Page 31

Washington County to wit
This day personally appeared in open Court John Widener, and made oath that he is the brother of Michael Widener senr. who is applying for a pension that he resided in the County of Rockingham Virginia when the applicant also resided, that he has a distinct recollection of the said Michael Widener having been drafted at the time he stated and marched to fort McIntosh that he returned about Christmas following - he also recollects distinctly that he was afterwards drafted and Marched to Williamsburg he believes he was at the taking of Cornwallis and returned home late in the fall, or in the early part of the Winter.
John Widener x his mark

This day personally appeared in open Court Saml Carson and made Oath that he has lived in the neighborhood of Michael Widener senr. for More than forty years, that he has very frequently heard the said Widener speak of the services rendered by him in the revolution; that it is is Generally believed in the neighborhood his Statement is Correct.
Samuel Carson

This day personally appeared in open Court David Carson a Justice of the peace of said County and made Oath that he has lived in the neighborhood of Michael Widener senr. for more than forty years; that he has examined hs declaration hereto annexed
Page 32

and has no doubt of the truth of his statements, he has
very frequently heard him mention his sevrvices; that it is
generally believed in the neighborhood that the account
he gives of his service is correct
David Carson
Page 33


Abingdon Feby 24th 1854

Hon Comr

Dear Sir
Enclosed is proof of identity, and
Widowhood, of Elizabeth, Widow of Michael
Wydner, pensioner in the County of Washington
I am Dear Sir
Very respectfully
Your obt St
J. W. Stevens

Mrs Hobbs, Mrs Peppins will soon follow
is anything lacking in the case of Mrs E Sow
Page 34

Abingdon April 3d 1855-
Court of Pensions

Dear Sir
Enclosed is declaration of
Elizabeth, Widow of Michael Widener, pensioner
and soldier of the Revolution, for Bounty land
under act of 3 March 1855.

I am Dear Sir
my respectfully
Your obt st
JW Stevens
Page 35

Hom Comr. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
Page 36

July 11th, 185
Appl. of Elizabeth
Widener, widow
of Michael Widener,
Washington Co
Va

23407
Act 3d Feby. 1853.

Rev

J. W. Stevens,
Abingdon,
Va.
Page 37

Virginia At a Circuit Court continued and held for Washington County at the Courthouse on Friday the 21st day of October 1853.
Ordered; that it be certified that Elizabeth Widener appeared in open court, and made oath that she is the widow of Michael Widener deceased, who was a revolutionary pensioner, that the said Michael Widener departed this life on the 12th day of April 1823; Andrew Edmondson, Doctor Nickerson Snead, Valentine Rosenbalim Esqr., and George W. Alderson, respectable Citizens of the County, Stated on Oath that they were well acquainted with the said Michael Widener, that the said Elizabeth Widener is his widow and that he departed this life about the time above stated.
I, Peter J Branch, Clerk of the said Circuit Court
for Washington County, in the State of Virginia; do hereby certify, that the foregoing
Statement of Elizabeth Widener is a true transcript from the records of the said Court. and that the aforesaid Court, is a Court of record having general jurisdiction
Given under my hand, and the seal of my office At Abingdon this 16th day of November 1853.
Peter J. Branch C.C
Page 38

Abingdon Otr 3d 1854
Comr. of pensions
Dear Sir
Enclosed is 
Certificate of Court - of the Identity of Mrs.
Widener, that She is truly the Widow of
Michael,
also in relation to Mrs. Low
of both, there is not an Earthly doubt,
I am Dear Sir
Most respectfully
your Obt St
J W, Stevens
Page 39

Abingdon Septr 15th 1854.
Comr. of pensions,
My Dear Sir,
Is there any proof lacking in the case of Mrs. E Low, & Mrs. E Widner to Obtain their pension Certificates, Mrs. Widner Mrs. Low, Mrs. Pippin, Mrs. Wilson & Mrs. Hobbs were all in Court on the say day - all the Certificates are out, Except Mrs. Lows & Mrs. Widners. If all is right we would be glad to get them,
I am Dear Sir
Very respectfully
Your Obt. St
J W, Stevens
Page 40

ABINGDON 
SEP
15

Comm of Pensions

Pension Office
Washington City 
D C
Page 41

ABINGDON FREE
Hon Comr. of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.

Elizabeth Widener
wid
Michael
Boynton

Read Feby 17th 1854
Page 42

4M 43
Pension Office
Oct. 7, 1854,
Sir:
Please report time
of last payment to, or
death of within named
pensioner
Yours. &c &c
R. J. Atkinson Esqr
3 Aud S Cole
Present for Commr,

Michael Widener
Paid to 4 Mar 1843,
Robt J Atkinson
Auditor
Page 43

Name and residence of Agent
Examining Clerk.

CLAIM, Allowed $33 33/100 per annum to commence February 3, 1853

PROOF EXHIBITED, (if original.)
Documentary & Parol.

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832,
at $33 33/100 per annum & paid

(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Page 44

Sheridan & Gruber
Attorneys at Law
Frankfort, Indiana
April 18, 1914.

Pension Bureau,
Washington, D. C.
Gentlemen:-

I would like a certificate concerning the granting of pension to one Michael Widener about January 17, 1833, a Revolutionary soldier. Kindly advise costs.
Yours truly,
Harry Shaulan
MCS/RMc
Page 45

ABINGDON Va. JUL 7 FREE
Hon Com of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D.C.
No 11-
Page 46

Rec: Ev: 24" July, 1842,
"Boynton."
Page 47

Abingdon Decr 12th 1855
Comr. of Pensions
My Dear Sir
It may not be necessary, yet it is right, that I should say to you, that there is a Mr. Butler of Johnston County Tennessee, Going over this County stating to Widows of Rev Soldiers, that the department has not done them Justice that they are Entitled to large arrears of pension, And he Can Coerce the payment from the Government, these Widows have been to See Me On the Subject, I advised them to have nothing to do with him.
Mrs. Lowe, Mrs. Widener, Mrs Hobbs, Mrs. Wilson, it is Well Known to the department, these Widows had no right to pension under any law, untill the Act of 3d of Feby 1853. Since Which time they have regularly rd their pension, Mrs. Widener has Secured some papers, he prepared for a Claim, Which will secure by you the Notice, it deserves. This man, Creates, fomentation with Such people presuming on his vicinity,
yours respectfully
J W Stevens
he tells them he will be at the department soon, he tells them he will bring them their Money.
Page 48

L, P, Waldo Esqr
Com,r of Pensions
Pension Office
Washington City
D,C,

Eleanor Lowe
Elizabeth Widener
Cole
Page 49

the letters spoken of in relation to Mrs Widener
and Mrs. Sow. Never came to hand
Page 50

BRIEF IN THE CASE OF Mrs. Elizabeth Widener widow of Michael
Washington County and State of Virginia
act of February 3, 1853

CLAIM, {Allowed $33 33/100 per annum to
{Commence February 3, 1853
PROOF EXHIBITED

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Husband a pensioner under act of June 7, 1832 at $33.33/100 per annum & paid to March 4, 1843 &died on the 12th of April 1843

(if for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Marriage proved by credible witnesses (two in no)
Death of pensioner shown by four credible witnesses
Identity & widowhood proved by certificate of court

Name and residence of Agent
J. W. Stevens Examining Clerk.
Abingdon J. L. Gray.
Va.
Page 51

Free
Com,r of Pensions,
Pension Office
Washington City
D,C

Elizabeth Widener
of 
Michael
Page 52

Rev. & 1812 Wars Section

April 20, 1927

Verna M. Williams
Homewood, P.C. Box 400
Illinois

Madam;

I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary
War pension claim W. 8303 it appears that Michael
Widener while a resident of Rockingham County, Virginia enlisted about June 1, 1779 and served six months as a private
in Captain Craven and Abraham Lincoln's Companies,
Colonel Benjamin Harris' or Harrison's Virginia Regiment.
He enlisted in August 1781, served as a private in Capt
tains William Lincoln's and Cogar's Companies, under Major
Hall in the Virginia Troops, was at the Siege of Yorktown.
after which he was attached to a party to guard the prisoners
to Winchester, Virginia and was there discharged and reached
home December 25, 1781.
About 1782 he moved to Washington County, Virginia and
while living there was allowed pension on his application
executed November 26, 1832. He died April 12, 1843 in Washington
County, Virginia, aged about eighty-five years.
Soldier married January 13, 1823, or 1825 in Washington
Page 53

County, Virginia, Elizabeth Callaham or Callaham. She was
allowed pension on her application executed June 28, 1853
while a resident of Washington County, Virginia aged about
seventy years.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT
Commissioner.

Her son referred to. They
a married to late, she
may have been a widow, and as
no name was given, I did not use it
Sal had bro. John who now of 
Rockingham
Co. to Wash, Co. with him-
Page 54

1914 Apr. 22 Hist. to
A. Sheridan V. L. M.
1921 Apr. 20 Hist. to Mrs. Wm L 
1927 - Apr - 20 - Hist. to Mrs.
Williams - MMHF
1927. May 26. Photos mailed
D.H.R. [illegible] AW
1937 Apr. 6. Hist. to J.
Whitener. A.D.Y.

Revy WIDOW, &c.
File No. 8303
Elizabeth Widener
Wid.
Michael Widener
Privt Rev: War

Act: Feby 3d 1853
Index:-Vol. M, Page 338
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 55

Revo
1008 FAIRMOUNT AVE.
BRISTOL, VIRGINIA
March 21, 1921.
Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:-
Will you kindly give me the Revolutionary record of Michael Widener of Washington County, Va. who was granted a pension in 1835 as a Virginia Militaman?
Yours respectfully - 
Mrs. Wm. Lee Cash.
Page 56

26,617

160 Acres
Page 57

JARNAGIN GROCERY CO
WHOLESALE
CLEVELAND, TENN.
March 18, 1937.

Veterans Administration,
Washington, D. C.
RECEIVED MAR 20 1937

Gentlemen:
I am endeavoring to establish the line of ancestory of my people who came to this country from Saxony. The name was originally Weidner (Widener) but gradually became Anglicized to Whitener.

I will appreciate you forwarding all the possible information you may have on the following party:

Michael Weidner (Widener)
Virginia Militia Continental Line
Drew pension 1835, Washington County, Virginia
Meager information: He served in Revolutionary War as a private in Captain Erwin's Company, 9th Pennsylvania Regiment.

Thanking you for giving this matter your kind attention, I am,
Yours very truly,
J Austin Whitener
J. Austin Whitener,
P.O. Box 536,
Cleveland, Tenn.
Page 58

Homewood, Illinois.
Feb. 22, 1927.

Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:
Wishing to make the following inquirements:
If in the list of Revolutionary soldiers, you find the name of Jacob Hortenstine, Abraham Hortenstine and Mitchael Widener.

Jacob Hortenstine according to information I have, was born 1730 or 1735 in Germany and came to America in 1752. Died in August 1803. He was a privateer in the Continental Navy as a ship carpenter and sailor. He also served John Paul Jones on the Bon Homme Richard and took part in the battle between that ship and the Serapis of the British navy.

Abraham Hortenstine, according to Summer's History of Southwest Virginia, served in the battle  of King's Mountain, South Carolina, which took place on October 7, 1780. He was a youth of 15 or 16 years.

"Summer's History of Southwest Virginia" also states Mitchael Widener, was a soldier of the Revolution with references to his services.
Thanking you for the information
I am yours Res't
Verna E. Williams
Somewood, Ill.
P.O. Box 409
Page 59

6769
3-2233
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Finance Division
May 23, 1927
Chief Rev. War Section Division.

I have this day received from 
H. R. Hortenstine
certified ck No
for $1.95, requesting
OF notified
photostat copy as per
letter herewith.
1927 May 26,
photos mailed
& Finance Div.
notif. AW

O. J. RANDALL
Chief Finance Division.
M.C.L.
Page 60

FINANCE DIVISION
BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK
MAY 23 1927
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Winfield Scott
Comr. of Pensions
Washington D.C.

Dear Sir
Replying to your letter of May 18th I enclose Certified check for 1.95 payable to the Secy' of Interior and request you to send me photostat copies of the 13 - #page of Rev. War pension claim #8303 of Michael Widener & his widow Elizabeth of Washington Co. Virginia
Respectfully
H R Hortenstine

52 - South Harrison Ave,
Bellevue,
Pittsburgh
Pa.
May 19th 1927
Page 61

May 18, 1927.

H. Hortenstine,
S. Harrison Ave.
Bellevue, Pittsburgh, Penn.

Sir:
I have to advise you, that if you wish photostat copies of papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 8303 of Michael Widener and his widow Elizabeth, they will be furnished at the rate of fifteen cents a page, with twenty-five cents extra for certification, if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is thirteen.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau, by money order, or certified check drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior, (not to the order of the Commissioner of Pensions).
Respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT,
Commissioner.
Page 62

52 - South Harrison, Ave.
Bellevue, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Winfield Scott, Commissioner FINANCE DIVISION
Bureau of Pensions, MAY 11 1927
Dept. of Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
I would like to obtain a Copy of the papers of Revolutionary War pension claim W. 8303 of Michael Widener, of Washington Co. Va will you please advise me whether the regulations of your office permits me to have a Copy of all papers concerning Michael Widener and what charge there will be for making the copy.
very truly
H R Hortenstine
Hortenstine
13 pages
his & her pens claims
Nothing from
bounty land
Page 63

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE. 1-681 PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 15327.
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications,
Room G 137. May 25, 1927, 192
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostat copies of 13 pages from the Rev. War pension claim, W. 8303, Michael Widener
No. of copies 1 of each page.
For further information see A. E. Wilson 
Room No. 8033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
A. D. Wilkinson A E Wilson
Chief Clerk of Bureau. Chief of Branch
DIVISION OF PUBLICATIONS
RECEIVED
MAY 25 1927
DEPT. OF THE INTERIOR

Photostat x Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $1.25
Page 64

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this blank without formal
reference through or initialing of chiefs of branches or chief clerks of
bureaus.

192 .
(Date)

INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.

[Square] Make new addressograph plate
[Square] Change present addressograph plate
[Square] Destroy present addressograph plate

On list
as follows:

Now reads
1
2
3
4
5

Should read
1
2
3
4
5

FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION

[Bolded & Underlined] ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made [blank space] 192  .
Operator

[Bolded & Underlined] MULTIGRAPH

Operator Date Type set by
Remarks:

[Bolded & Underlined] MIMEOGRAPH

Operator Date Cut by
Remarks: