Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 295, Archibald Houston, N.C.
Page 1

8-1776
SERVICE 
North Carolina

NUMBER 
W. 295

Houston, Archibald
Rosanna

Born in Pennsylvania.
CONTENTS
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22058

West Tennessee

Archibald Houston of McNairy County in the State of Tennessee who was a private of 2 and 6 in the com [company] commanded by Captain Davidson of the regiment commanded by Colonel Martin in the North Carolina line for 14 months [illegible] Infantry, 6 1/3 months _ Cavalry

Inscribed on the Roll of West Tennessee at the rate of 73 Dollars 04 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.

Certificate of Pension issued the 30 day of September 1833 and William S Wisdom, Purdy

Arrears to the 4th of September $182.60
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 March:$36.52
---
$219.12

{Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832.}

Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk, Book E Volume 7 Page 83

See Pension Certificate within.
Page 3

[Two Panels. Left panel:]
See letter to Maclin Cross May 31, 1845
Reported
State of death not on application.

[Right panel:]
Tennessee
3960
Rosanna Houston widow of Archibald Houston who was a Private of Inf [Infantry] and Cavalry, Colonel Martin in the North Carolina line 
for 14 months Private of Infantry,
6 months 15 day Private of Cavalry

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of Seventy three Dollars four Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.

Certificate of Pension issued the 18th day of December 1843 and sent to Maclin Cross, Purdy Tennessee.

[Act of March 3, 1843.]

Recorded in Book A, Volume 1 Page 219
Page 4

J L Edward
Commission of Pensions
Page 5

State of North Carolina

Know all men by these presents that we are jointly and severally bound unto Alexander Martin Esquire Governor for the time being and to his successors in office in the sum of fifty points conditioned that if no lawful cause shall hereafter appear why the banns of matrimony should not be celebrate between Archibald Houston and Rosanna Cunningham agreeably to a license bearing equal date with these presents then this obligation shall be void else in full force and [illegible].

Witness our hands and seal the 6 day of October 1784.

/Archibald Houston/ [seal]
/Andrew Snoddy/ [seal]

North Carolina
Rowan County

I John Giles clerk of the courts of pleas and quarter sessions for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Archibald Houstons marriage bond, taken from the original filed in my office.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office the 14th day of March 1843

/John Giles/ clerk
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9048

Rosanna Houston

Tennessee.

Act 7 July 38

Months 84, days 26
[illegible]
14 months private Infantry
6 months 15 days. cavalry

$73.04

Maclin Cross
Purdy Tennessee
73045
36520
Page 7

Declaration of Rosanna Houston

In order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed the 7th day of July 1838 Entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

On this the 24th day of April one thousand eight hundred and forty three personally appeared before me John Chambers an acting justice of the peace in and for said county Rosanna Houston (who is so old and infirm that she cannot appear in open court to make her declaration) a resident of McNairy County State of Tennessee aged eighty two years old who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows.

That she is the widow of Archibald Houston who was a private in the revolutionary war and was admitted as a pensioner under the act of congress passed 7th June 1832 whose declaration is now on file in the office of commissioner of pensions a Reference to which will fully show the services rendered by the said Archibald Houston as a private in the revolutionary war and also the amount which he drew as a pension during his natural life. She further declares that she was married to the said Archibald Houston sometime in October 1784, and that her husband the aforesaid Archibald Houston died on the 18 March 1836 that she was married to the said Archibald Houston prior to the first day of January seventeen hundred and ninety four _ at the time above states and which will fully appear by reference to a certified copy of the marriage bond which is made a part of the declaration. Given under my hand the day and date above

Rosanna Houston, X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above.
/John Chambers/ a Justice of the Peace
Page 8

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

Personally appeared before me John Chambers an acting justice of the peace in and for said county John Ramer and John N Barnhill and after being duly sworn according to law doth on their oath say they are acquainted with Rosanna Houston above named for the Term of fourteen years past that she was the wife of Archibald Houston Deceased and is now a widow
and has been since the Death of her husband the aforesaid Archabald Houston who Died on the 18 day of March 1836 that she is a woman of Veracity and truth, and Owing to her
advanced age cannot appear in open Court to make her Declaration Given under my hand this 24 day of April
1843-
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above mentioned
John Chambers
Justice of the peace

John Ramer
John N. Barnhill

State of Tennessee 
McNany County 
I John Chambers an acting Justice
of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that I am well acquainted with John Ramer and John N. Barnhill the above named witnesses they are men of veracity and standing and sustains a good character, and I further certify that I have been acquainted with Rosanna Houston, the widow of Archabald Houston Deceased for Twenty five years it was
always sayd [said] that her name before Marriage was Rosanna Cunningham, and that she is unable from old age and
infirmity to appear in open Court to make her Declaration as she resides fifteen miles from the county seat. Given under
my hand and seal this 24 day of April 1843-
John Chambers
a Justice of the peace
Page 9

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

I A. A. Sanders clerk of McNairy County court do hereby certify that John Chambers whose name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration, affidavit and certificate is and was at the time of signing the same, an acting justice of the peace in and for McNairy County State of Tennessee, duly elected commissioned and qualified, that the signature  is in his own proper handwriting and that full faith and credit is and ought to be given to all his official acts as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court at office in Purdy this the 3rd day of May AD 1843.

/A. A. Sanders/ clk of McNairy County Court
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26. 613

Archibald Houston
McNairy County Tennessee

from 1776 private of Cavalry and Infantry
20 months 10 days

Private Infantry 14 months - $46.66
Private Cavalry 6 1/3 months -$26.38
---
$73.04

36.52
       5
-------
182.60
[illegible] E. [illegible] name in index

William S. Wisdom
Clerk McNairy County
Purdy
Tennessee
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War Department
Pension Office,

Sir:

The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: } ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.

[Table headed:] A statement, shewing the Service of Archibald Houston.
[Eight columns labelled as follow and separated by "||":]
Period when service was rendered||Declaration of claimant's service||years||months||days||Rank of the claimant||Names and Ranks of the officers under whom he served||Age at present and place of abode when he entered the service||Proof by which the declaration is supported.
Volunteer September 1776|| 6 months|| Private|| Captain Davidson, Col Martin|| 81||North Carolina||___
Volunteer July 1777|| for 3 months|| as a Private|| under Captain Falls, Colonel not recollected||__||__
Volunteer Fall 1777|| for 3 months|| as a Private Cavalry|| under Captain Cunningham||__||__
Volunteer Fall 1778|| for 5 months|| as a Private under Captain Fall, Colonel Locke||__||__
Volunteer 1780 for 10 days|| as Cavalry under Captain Davidson, Colonel Locke||__||__un
Volunteer Fall 1780|| for 2 month|| as Cavalry|| under General Sumpter, Captain Winn|| from South Carolina||__||__
1781|| for 1 month|| as a Cavalry under Captain Winn||__||__
20.10
1782|| for 2 months|| as Cavalry under Captain Alexander, Colonel Polk

I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards,
Commissioner of Pensions.
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Regulations Under The Act of June 7, 1832

The following regulations have been adopted:
   This law has been construed to extend, as well as to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army and to include under the terms "Continental Line", "State troops", "militia", and "volunteers", all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not to those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contacts, such as Clerks to Commissionaries and to Store Keepers, &c,, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.

     Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
      1.) The Regular Troops,
      2.) The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers,
      3.) Persons employed in the Naval Service, 
      4.) Indian Spies.
     
    As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.

          DECLARATION
       In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
          State, Territory, or District of/County of
    On this day of () personally appeared (a) before A.B. a resident of (b) of in the county of and State, Territory, or District of aged (c) years, who being first only sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
      {Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service, (and if he served more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which i.e. resided when he entered the service; the battles if any, in which he was engaged; and the country through which he marched. This form is to be varied as to apply as to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.).
       He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, expect the present, and he declare that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of  ______ A.B. is sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.

      And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states. 
     I, _____, of the Court of ____, do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
    In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of ___ &c.

    If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
    Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers, or Militia, expect those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
   (k) We, A.B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C.D., residing in (the same), hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with ___, who has been subscribed and sworn to the above declarations that we believe him to be ___ years of age, that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. 
     Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
     [And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]

   And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Solider, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A.B. and C.D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the ___and is a credible person, and their statement is entitled to credit.
      I, ___, Clerk of the Court of ____, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of application of for a pension.
      In testimony whereof, I have hereuntio set my hand and seal of office, this ___day of ___ &c.

Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission, but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
 
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will state so in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produces such evidence or not, proceed to relate all material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
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3.

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, so favorable declaration can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.

   The Court will proposed the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of the service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
    1.) Where and in what year were you born?
    2.) Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?
    3.) Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?
     4.) How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?
     5.) State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.
      6.) To a Soldier: Did you ever recieve a discharge from the service, and if so, by who was it given, and what has become of it?
          To an Officer: Did you ever recieve a commission, and if so, by who was it given, and what has become of it?
      7.) State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

    The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
    The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvienience to him, two respectable persons-one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
       The traditonary evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the in inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
      Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will excuse the duties which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
      Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
      No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832, and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken, and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
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Declaration in order to obtain the Benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th 1832

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

On this the twelfth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty three Daniel Barnhill Esquire one of the acting Justices of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified and authorized with others to hold the county court of pleas and quarter sessions for said county the same being a court of Record _. On Mr Archibald Houston a resident of McNairy county state of Tennessee ages eighty one years old next October at my own house where I am and has been confined by bodily infirmity for a number of years by reason of which I am unable to attend court. And the said Archibald Houston who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed June the 7th 1832- That I was born on the 26 day of October in the year of our lord 1751 in York County State of Pennsylvania. When I was about nine years of age my father moved to Rowan County State of North Carolina. Dear I entered the service of the Unites States as a volunteer soldier in the month of September 1776 for the term of six months under Captain George Davidson and Col. Alexander Martin. after our company was made up we marched to Salisbury and there attached to the regiment, we hear remained about two months then we took up our line of march and went directly on to the Sabanner [Savannah] river in South Carolina a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles. at this place we met a great many troops from South Carolina. I do not recollect the Generals name that commanded them. We was marched there from the purpose of dispersing or putting down the Tories which had assembled on the Sabanner [Savannah] river. but they through fright or some other cause dispersed before we arrived there. From hear we marched back to Rowan
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after we arrived home we was ordered and marched to a place called crop creek in North Carolina for the purpose of routing or putting down a set of people called Tories and by the name of Highland Scotch, which had assembled for the purpose of protecting and fighting for the King. When we arrived there they appeared to be peasable [sic]. So the regiment marched back to Salisbury a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles by the time we reached home my time was out so I was discharged.

In the last of June or first of July in the year of our Lord 1777 I again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer soldier for the term of three months under Captain Galbreth Falls in Rowan County North Carolin. So soon as the company was organized we joined General Rutherford (the colonel who commanded us I do not now recollect owing to the great length of time and the loss of memory) and marched to the head of the Catawba river in North Carolina a distance of about one hundred miles. Hear we crossed the Blue ridge and marched into the Cherokee nation of Indians passing by the Swannae River and crossing the French Broad River. After our arrival in the nation we went to several town but the Indians had deserted their towns before we reached them, we marched first one place then another destroying the Indian Crops and killed a few Indians at length we marched to the overhaul hear we met some troops from South Carolina. From hear we marched directly home and my term of three months being out I was discharged.

In the fall of the year 1777 I again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer soldier for the term of three months under Capt. Francis Cunningham, I joined the company in Rowan County. So soon as the company was mustered into service we was ordered by the head commander to go in Lincoln County North Carolina so we took up our march and went on the South Side of the Catawba river for the purpose
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of keeping down the Tories which was raising in that section. Hear we remained marching first to one place and then another guarding and defending the neighborhood from the notorious Robber and Tory Brown who had collected a large company and was committing a great many outrages every chance or opportunity he could. After we had finished our business hear we marched to Lincoln Courthouse by the time we reached there my time was out. So I was discharged. I went out this time as a volunteer mounted horseman. I do not recollect whether I received a discharge or not if I did it was signed by my captain and is not lost or destroyed my Impressions is that my captain drew the full amount of pay coming to his men and payed them off himself.

In the fall of the year 1778 I again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer mounted horseman for the term of five months under captain Galbreth Falls. I volunteered in Rowan County North Carolina and our company was attached to Col Locks regiment, which was commanded by General Rutherford so soon as we was mustered into service we took up our line of march and went directly on to a place called the ten mile house from Charleston. Hear we remained some time then we marched to a place called Poorsburgh. Hear General Lincoln’s army was stationed. Our army did not join Genl Lincoln but was stationed about one mile from him. After staying there some time we marched to a place called the Two Sisters on the S_ river there we stayed some time. Then we marched to a place called the Three Sisters there we stayed some time. Then we marched to Briar Creek hear we intended to join the main army to fight the battle at that place but was prevented from doing so by not getting across the river in time from hear we marched down the river to Poorsburgh again. From there nearly to Charleston. Then we struck our march for Rowan County North Carolina my place of residence. By the time I reached there my time was out so I was discharged. I do not recollect whether I received a written discharge or
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not if I did it is now lost or destroyed and signed by my captain.

In the year 1780 I again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer mounted horseman under Captain Davidson so soon as out company was made up we joined Col. Locks regiment then we marched to Works Mill there we joined the troops from Macklinburg and marched directly on to  place called R_ where a number of Tories had embodied the _. Hear a battle ensued between us which I was in this was on the 20th day of June 1780 as well as he now recollects. Hear my Captain was killed & very short time after the battle was over Genl. Rutherford & Sumpter came to us at R_. It appeared there was no more use for our services immediately we marched home to Rowan County where I joined the army and was dismissed. Having accomplished the object which I volunteered for in this town I can not say precisely how long he served but he is positive he served not up than ten days. I never received any discharge from the services I performed this tour.

In the fall of the year 1780 hearing that there was a great call for men in South Carolina. So I went to the fishing creek in South Carolina and there volunteered as a mounted horseman under Genl. Sumpter (owing to very old age the loss of Memory I am now unable to say who my captain was) a short time after I joined him we marched to fish dam ford on Broad river. Stopping on the way three or four weeks. Hear we had a battle with the British which I was in about four weeks after the Battle I left Genl. Sumpter and went home to Rowan County North Carolina. I cannot say how long I served during this tour but I am positive I served not less than sixty days. I did not receive any written discharge do
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not know why.

In the year 1781 I again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer mounted horseman under Captain Winn & General Rutherford (from the great length of time I cannot now recollect my Col’s. name) in Rowan County North Carolina. So soon as we got organized we marched from Rowan immediately on to the Raft Swamps in North Carolina. For the purpose of breaking up the highland Scotch which had assembled there to fight and put down the whip in a short distance of the place. I was sent out on a shout and General Rutherford marched on after them he overtook them when a skirmish ensued. I was not in it owing to my not returning from the scout. I served in this tour not less than 30 days for which he never received any discharge for.

In the year 1782 I understood that good wages was offered in South Carolina for substitutes so I went to the Congaru river South Carolina for the purpose of hiring myself as a substitute but when I reached there I found I could not get any person to hire me. So I again entered the service of the United States as a volunteer mounted horseman on the Conger river under Captain William Alexander and Col William Polk & Genl Sumpter. This was at a place called Fridays Fort. Hear we remained under strict command for some time then the army marched to Thompsons Fort on the same river. Hear we had a skirmish with the Tories. From hear I marched home to Rowan County North Carolina. I served in this Tour not less than sixty days. If I ever received any discharge for my services this tour it was given by my captain and is now lost or destroyed.

The hereby relinquishes his every claim whatever 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.

He also states that he has no documentary evidence and that he knows of no person by whom
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he can prove his services by or any part there of.

Question. Where and in what year were you born.

Answer. I was born in York County Pennsylvania on the 26th day of October 1751.

Question. Have you any record of your age and if so where is it.

Answer. I have no record of my age but perfectly recollect of seeing it recorded at my fathers.

Question. Where were you living when called into service. Where have you lived since the Revolution and where do you now live.

Answer. I was living in Rowan County North Carolina and lived there three or four years after the war. Then I moved to the state of Kentucky and lived there for number of years then I moved to the middle part of Tennessee and lived there until I moved to McNairy County Tennessee which was seven or eight years ago. Where I now reside.

Question. How were you called into service. Were you drafted did you volunteer or were you a substitute and if a substitute for whom.

Answer. I went out as a volunteer each and every trip I performed.

Question. State the names of some of the revolutionary officers who were with the Troops where you served such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect.

Answer. I have answered this question in the body of my declaration.

Questions. Did you ever receive a discharge from the services and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it.

Answer. I received a certificate from a board of commissioners of North Carolina for my first and second tours. They are now lost or destroyed. I do not recollect whether I ever received any discharge for the balance of my
Page 20

services if I did they was I presumed signed by my captains and not knowing they would ever be of any service to me I used them so careless they are now lost or destroyed.

Question. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood and who can testify as to your character for veracity and their belief of your services and the neighborhoods belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution.

Answer. I am well acquainted with John Winn and Jacob Walker they can testify as to my character for veracity and their belief and the neighborhoods belief of my services and that it has always been said in the neighborhood that I was a soldier of the revolution. I would get a clergyman to certify for me but there has never lived one in my neighborhood since I came to the county. Therefore I am not known to any, is my reason for not procuring one.

/Archibald Houston/

Sworn to & subscribed before me the day and sate aforesaid.

/Daniel Barnhill/ JP

We John Winn and Jacob Walker both residing in the county of McNairy and State of Tennessee hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Archibald Houston who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration that we believe him to be eighty one years of age that he has always been reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the Revolution and that we concur in that opinion. We do further certify that said Houston is so much afflicted with bodily infirmity that it is impossible for him to appear in court to make his declaration. And that no clergyman resides in said Houstons neighborhood. Given under our hands sworn & subscribed the date aforesaid.

/John Winn/
/Jacob Walker/
/Daniel Barnhill/ JP
Page 21

And the said Daniel Barnhill do hereby declare his opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states. And the said Daniel Barnhill further certifies that John Winn and Jacob Walker who has signed the same preceding certificate is residents in McNairy County State of Tennessee and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit. And the said Daniel Barnhill do further certify that the said Archibald Houston is so much afflicted with bodily infirmity that he cannot appear in court to make his declaration. And that no clergyman lived in said Houstons neighborhood.

Given under my hand and seal the day and date aforesaid.

/Daniel Barnhill/ JP
Acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of McNairy Tennessee

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

I William S. Wisdom clerk of the county court of pleas and quarter sessions for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of Daniel Barnhill Esq. in the matter of the application of Archibald Houston for a pension. I do further certify that Daniel Barnhill Esquire who the above declaration was taken before is now and was at the date of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for said county duly commissioned and qualified and that the foregoing is his own signature that all due faith and credit should and ought to be given to all of his official acts as such. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office in Purdy this 13th day of July 1833.

/W S Wisdom/ clk of the county court McNairy Cty Tennessee
Page 22

Rev. and 1812
War Section.

June 20, 1924.

Loraine Houston,
Selmer,
Tenn.

Sir;

I have to advise you that from the papers join the Revolutionary War pension claim, W. 295, it appears that Archibald Houston was born October 26, 1751 in York County, Pennsylvania.

While residing in Rowan County, North Carolina, he enlisted and served as a private in the North Carolina Troops, as follows-

From September 1776, six months in Captain George Davidson’s Company, Colonel Alexander Martin’s Regiment.

From June or July 1777, three months in Captain Gilbreth Falls Company.

From the fall of 1777, three months in Captain Francis Cunningham’s Company.

From the fall of 1778, five months in Captain Gilbreth Falls’ Company, Colonel Locke’s Regiment.

In June 1780, ten days in Captain Davidson’s Company,
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Colonel Locke's Regiment and was in the battle of Ramsour's Mill.

In the fall of 1780, sixty days and was in the battle of Fishdam Ford.

In 1781, one month is Captain Winn's Company, in 1782, sixty days in Captain William Alexander's Company, Colonel William Polk's Regiment and was in a skirmish at Thompson's Fort.

He was allowed a pension on his application executed July 12, 1833, while a resident of McNairy County, Tennessee. He died March 18, 1836.

Soldier married in October 1784 in Rowan County, North Carolina, Rosanna Cunningham , she was allowed pension on her application executed April 24, 1843, while living in McNairy County, Tennessee, aged eighty two years. There is no further family dat on file.

Respectfully,

Commissioner.
Page 24

1912 Mar 30. Hist. to Mrs. R. F. Hall

1923 Mar 10. Hist to Mrs. F. L. _

1924 June 20. Hist to Loraine Houston

1936 April 2. Hist to Mrs. Houston

295

Widow, &c.

File No. 295

Rosanna Houston
widow
Archibald Houston
Priv. in Cav N. C. Line Rev War 

Act: March 3, 1843.

Index: - Vol. A, Page 340

[Arrangement of 1870.]
Page 25

7381

Tennessee

Rosanna Houston widow of Archibald Houston who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 18 March 1836 of McNairy Co in the State of Tennessee who was a priv Infy & Cav in the company commanded by Captain Davidson commanded by Col Martin in the N. Carolina line for 14 mos priv Infy, 6 mos 15 days priv Cav, 

Inscribed on the Roll of Jackson at the rate of 73 Dollars 04 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.

Certificate of Pension issued the 6th day of July 1843 and sent to Maclin Cross Purdy, Tennessee.

Whole amount due: $365.20

[Act July 7, 1838.]

Recorded by Mell Stewart Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 207
Page 26

22058

Payments to be made at Nashville by the P. of W B Bank Agent for paying Pensionors in the Agency of West Tennessee

Recorded in Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 7 Page 83 by Dan Boyd, Clerk
Page 27

22058

Payments to be made at Nashville by the P. of W B Bank Agent for paying Pensionors in the Agency of West Tennessee

Recorded in Pension Office, in Book E Vol. 7 Page 83 by Dan Boyd, Clerk
Page 28

War Department.

Revolutionary Claim.

I certify that, in conformity with the law of the United States of the 7th June, 1832, Archibald Houston of the State of Tennessee who was a private in the Army of the Revolution is entitled to receive Seventy three dollars and four cents per annum, during his natural life, commencing on the 4th of March, 1831, and payable semiannually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September, in every year.

Given at the War Office of the United States, this 30th day of September one thousand eight hundred and thirty three

/John R_/
Acting Secretary of War.

Examined and Countersigned.

/J L Edward/
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 29

4255

Rosanna Houston

Tennessee

$73.04

3960
219

Maclin Cross
Purdy Tennessee.
Page 30

Declaration of Rosanna Houston

In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed the 3rd day of March 1843 granting pensions for one year to certain widows who have received pensions under the act of July 7th 1838

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

On this 24 day of August 1843 personally appeared before me John Chambers an acting Justice of the peace in and for said county Rosanna Houston a resident of McNairy County State of Tennessee aged eighty two years who being first 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 congress passed on the 3rd of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolution.

That she is the widow of Archibald Houston who was a private in the war of the revolution. For the services which he the said Archibald Houston performed and the regiment which he belonged to will fully appear by reference to his declaration now on file in the office of the secretary of war. She further declare that she received a pension of seventy three dollars and four enter per annum under the act of congress of the 7th July 1838. She further declares that she is a widow.

Rosanna Houston 
X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me 
/John Chambers/
a Justice of the peace
Page 31

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

On this, the 24 day of August 1843, personally appeared before me John Chambers an acting justice of the peace in and for said county John Wardlow and Samuel Chambers both of respectable standing and made oath in due form of law. That Rosanna Houston the present applicant for a pension is the the widow of Archibald Houston, and is now a widow and has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband Archibald Houston, and that she drew a pension of seventy three dollars and four cents per annum under the act of congress granting half pay and pensions to certain widows passed on the 7th day of July 1838.

Given under out hands the day and date above.

/John Wardlow/
/Samuel Chambers/

Sworn to and subscribed to before me on the day and date above
/John Chambers/
a justice of the peace

State of Tennessee
McNairy County

I A. A. Sanders clerk of McNairy County court do hereby certify that John Chambers whose name is subscribed to the foregoing declaration and affidavit is an was at the time of signing the same an acting justice of the peace in and for McNairy County, duly elected, commissioned and qualified and full faith and credit are and should be given to all his official acts as such.

In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix the seal of said court at the 4th day of Sept 1843.

/A. A. Sanders/
clk of McNairy Count Court
Page 32

26 613

Archibald Houston
Page 33

Purdy Tennessee
8th Sept 1843

J L Edwards Esq

Dear Sir

Enclose you will receive the Declaration of Rosanna Houston to obtain the benefit of the act of congress passed 3rd day of March 1843 by reference to the Declarations of her own and that of Archibald Houston now in your office you will find the proof in support of her claim.

I am yours resptly

Maclin Cross
Page 34

Purdy McNairy County Tennessee
13 January 1845

J L Edward Esquire

Dear Sir

Enclose you will receive the Declaration of Rosanna Houston to continue her pension.

Yours respectfully,

/Maclin Cross/
Page 35

Selmer, Tenn. May 19th, 1924

Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C.

Gentlemen:

In the Census of North Carolina taken 1794, p. 160 is Captain Archibald Houston of Salisbury District, Mecklinberg County, N. Car. As he was "Captain" in 1794 me must have served in the Revolutionary War. Have you his service? Or the service of Archibald Houston of Rockingham County, Va.?

Very Truly,

/Loraine Houston/

P.S.
Archibald Houston in Duplin Tr op, N.Car, Fredk Gregg Capt. Colonial Records of N.C., p.330.
Page 36

Corinth Miss March 18, 1912

Dept. of Interior Bureau of Pensions
Commissioner of Pensions

Dear Sir,

Will you kindly send me from the records of your office a copy of, or, all information from the pension papers of Archibald Houston and Capt John Henderson. Paid in McNairy County Tennessee The above were soldiers in the Revolutionary War
Page 37

and all information to be obtained from the pension papers is greatly desired

Thanking you in advance

I am cordially,

/Rebecca Barnhill Hall/

Mrs. R. J. Hall,
Corinth, Miss.
Page 38

Commissioner of Pensions
Washington, D.C.

Dear Sir,

Will you please give me the pension record of Archibald Houston, McNairy Co., Tenn., Pensioner of the Revolution, whose name was placed on the Pension Roll, Sept. 30, 1833.

Respectfully,

/Lena E. Chamberlain/
(Mrs. F. L.)

Waterloo, Iowa

Feb 2, 1923
Page 39

Mission Tex
Feb 15 1936.

Pension Bureau
Washington D. C.

Dear sir,

Do you find the name of Archibald Churchill Houston, born in North Carolina and was in the battle of Kings' Mountain on your pensions list?

Could you tell me where I could find a list of the men listed in the King's Mountain, and their office at that time.

A. C. Houston was under Captain Berryman Cleveland.

Thanking you in advance for any assistance you can give me, and am enclosing a stamped envelope.

yours truly,
(Mrs. B.M.0 Houston T Strong.

ret. Feb 20

no signature?
Page 40

sion on file in this Bureau, Archibald Houston, W.295
[Table with six columns, separated by “||”]
Dates of Enlistment or Appointment ||  Length of Service || Rank  || OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED [Captain||Colonel ||| STATE
      
September 1776 || 6 months. ||  Private ||  Captain George Davidson ||Colonel Alexander Martin   || North Carolina
June or July [17]77 || 3 months || Private infantry || Captain Gilbreth Falls || Colonel Alexander Martin
Fall, 1777 || 3 months. || Private Infantry || Captain Francis Cunningham || Colonel Alexander Martin.
Fall 1778 || 5 months || Private cavalry || Captain Gilbreth Falls || Colonel Locke
1780 || 10 days, || Private cavalry || Captain Davidson || Colonel                   Locke  
Fall 1780 || 60 days, || Private cavalry || Captain Davidson || Colonel                   Locke  
1781 || 30 days ||  Private cavalry || Captain Winn  || Colonel  William Polk                       
1782  ||60 days  ||  Private cavalry ||  Captain William Alexander ||      Colonel William Polk

Battles engaged in, Ramsom, Fishdam Ford, Thompson's Fort
Residence of soldier at enlistment, Rowan County North Carolina
Date of application for pension: July 12, 1833. Cl. al. [illegible]
Residence at date of application, Mc Nairy County, Tennessee
Age at date of application, b, October 26, 1751  York County, Pennsylvania.
      Remarks: Soldier married in Rowan County, North Carolina   October -, 1784  Rosanna Cunningham.
He died March 18, 1836, and she was allowed pension on an application executed, April 24, 1843,
while 82 yrs of age and a resident of McNairy County, Tennessee.

Very respectfully, 
Commissioner.
6--2856
Page 41

Archibald Houston
W. 295
BA-J/AWY

Mrs. Houston T. Strong
Mission
Texas

Dear Madam:

  Reference is made to your letter in which you request the Revolutionary War record of Archibald Churchill House who was born in North Carolina, served in Captain Berryman Cleveland's company and was in the battle of King's Mountain. You request to know, where you can find a list of the men who served in that battle.

   There is no claim for pension on file based upon service in the Revolutionary War of an Archibald Churchill Houston, nor of a Churchill Houston, nor of an Archibald Houston identical with your description. The Revolutionary War record of the only Archibald Houston found under any spelling is given herein as found in the claim for pension, W. 295, based upon his service in that war.

   Archibald Houston was born October 26, 1751 in York County, Pennsylvania, when he was about nine years of age, his father moved to Rowan County, North Carolina. The names of his parents were not given.

   While residing in Rowan County, Archibald Houston volunteered sometime in September, 1776, served six months as private in an expedition to suppress the Tories in Captain George Davidson's company, Colonel Alexander Martin's North Carolina regiment. He volunteered sometime in June or July, 1777, served three months in Captain Gilbreth Falls' company, marched to the "Cherokee Nation of the Indians", and destroyed some
Page 42

of their crops.  He volunteered in the fall of 1777, served three months as mounted horseman in Captain Francis Cunningham's company, to suppress the Tories in Lincoln County, North Carolina.  He volunteered in the fall of 1778, served five months as mounted horseman in Captain Gilbreth Falls' company, Colonel Locke's North Carolina regiment.  He served [illegible] days in June, 1780, as mounted horseman in Captain Davidson's company, Colonel Locke's regiment and was in the battle of Ramsour's Mill.  He volunteered in the fall of 1780, served about two months as mounted horseman under General Sumter, and was in the battle of Fish Dam Ford.  He served one month in 1780 as mounted horseman in Captain Winn's company, and in 1782, served sixty days as mounted horseman in Captain William Alexander's company, Colonel William Polk's regiment, and was in a skirmish with the Tories at Thompson's Fort on the Congaree River.

It is not show that he served under Captain Beryman Cleveland, or that he was in the battle of King's Mountain.

Archibald Houston continued to live in Rowan County, North Carolina, three or four years after the Revolution, then moved to Kentucky, where he lived a 'number of years', then moved to Tennessee.

He was allowed pension on his application executed July 12, 1833, at which time he was living in McNairy County, Tennessee, where he lived about eight years.  he died March 18, 1836.

Archibald Houston married in the month of October, 1784, Rosanna Cunningham.  Their marriage license was dated October 5, 1784, and was issued in Rowan County, North Carolina.  She was allowed pension on her application executed, April 24, 1843, then aged eighty-two years and living in McNairy County, Tennessee.

There is no reference to their children, and it is not show that the Captain Francis Cunningham under
Page 43

3-
whom the soldier, Archibald Houston, served was
related to his widow, Rosanna (Cunningham) Houston.
It is suggested that the history of the battle
of King's Mountain, by Dr. Lyman C. Draper, entitled "King's Mountain and its Heroes" might contain some information which you seek. This office does not have a list of the men who served in that battle.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER
Executive Assistant to the Administrater