Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 5012, for Samuel Johnson, North Carolina
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(3-17776)
SERVICE
N.C.
Johnson, Samuel
Mary
NUMBER
W. 5012
CONTENTS
[blank]
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33381
North Carolina M.
Samuel Johnson, dec'd.
of the State of    who was a Capt. of Cavalry, commanded by Captain   of the    Commanded by    in the Revolution line for 3 mos. private 6 mos Captain
Inscribed on the roll of Morganton at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commenc on the 4th day of March, 1831. and end 15th September 1834.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of Dec'r. 1856 and Set to Con. T. L. Clingman. H of R.
Arrears to the 4th of   
Semi-annual allowance ending
{Revolutionary Claim,}
Act June 7,1832.}
Recoded by G. T. Getty, Clerk,
Book E. Vol. 6 1/2 Page 61.
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30.35
North Carolina
Mary Johnson dec'd
widow of Samuel Johnson, NC. 
who served in the Revolutionary war, as Private of Inf. & Capt. of Cavalry Increased from $96 
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 1st da of July 1848 and End 27th January 1853.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of Dec'r. 1856. and sent to Hon. T. L. Clingman H. of R.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 217 Vol.1
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1851 March 9. To James Callaway
 - 2412 Samuel's rank? to and
1881 Feby 28 L C Dra for - military & personal history
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
KNOW all men by these presents, That we Samuel Johnson & John Johnson are held firmly bound unto Alexander Martin governor and commander in chief of said State, in the just and full sum of five hundred rounds current money o the state aforesaid, to be paid the said Alexander Martin his successors and assigns: To which payment well and truly to be made and done, we bind ourselves, our and each of us, our heirs, executors and administrators, jointly and severally, firmly by the presents. Seal with seal and dated this twenty fourth day of June Anno Dom. 1782.

The condition of the above obligation is such, That whereas the above bound Sam;' Johnson hath made application for license for a marriage to be had and solemnized between himself Samuel Johnson & Mary Hamons both of the county of Wilkes aforesaid Now in case it shall not appear hereafter that there is any lawful cause to obstruct the said marriage, then this obligation to be void; otherwise to remain in full force an virtue.
[Signatures]
Samuel Johnson [seal]
John Johnson [seal]
Sealed and delivered in the Presence of
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Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838, entitled "an act, granting half pay and pensions to Certain widows."

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes} SS.

On this 21st day of January 1839" Mary Johnson a Resident of the aforesaid County, personally appeared before me James Martin one of the acting Justices of the County aforesaid who first being duly Sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benifit [benefit] of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7th 1838, entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to Certain widows. That she is seventy eight years of age, and that she is the widow of Samuel Johnson who was an invalid pensioner and that proof of his services has already been made when he was placed on the pension Roll of the United States . She further declares that she was married tot he said Samuel Johnson on the 25th day of June in the year seventeen hundred and eighty one, that her husband the aforesaid Samuel Johnson died on the 15th September 1834. that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place pervious to the first of January seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz. at the time above stated and that she has, not been married since. She has no record, evidence,  [Signature] Mary Johnson X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before James Martin J.P.

 State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes} SS.
On this 24th day of January 1839, personally appeared before the subscriber of the County aforesaid, Sarah Hammons, a resident of the County aforesaid and seventy years  who first being duly sworn according to Law saith that she lived near the above applicant Mary Johnson before she was married and knew her and her husband Samuel Johnson before and after they were married as she understood, but was not at their marriage but knw them from that time until the death of her husband Samuel Johnson, and their marriage was never disputed, she further saith that she has often heard a Baptist preacher by the name of William Hammons say that he married them, and she believes it was in the month and year stated by the above applicant. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before - 
[Signatures] James Martin J.P.  
Sarah Hammons X her mark
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State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes - }SS
On this 24th day of January 1839 - personally appeared before me James Martin an acting Justice for said County Reuben Sparks a resident of said County aged seventy six years, who being first duly sworn according to Law, saith that he became acquainted wit the above applicant Mary Johnson in the fall of the year 1783. she was then with her husband Samuel Johnson, he understood they had been married a year or more. They had one child, and that he knew them from that time until the death of her husband Samuel Johnson, and never heard their marriage disputed. Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before. - 
[Signatures]
James, Martin J.P.     Reuben Sparks

I James Martin one of the acting Justices of the County of S=Wilkes certify that the above applicant Mary Johnson lives about twenty miles from the courthouse and Could not attend Court to make her declaration without great inconvenience of which I have attended t her onw house to make out the Declaration I further State /she is a woman of respectability and is the wife of the above named Samuel Johnson who was a pensioner and also that Sarah Hammons and Rueben Sparks, whose names are to the above certificates are credible witnesses and their veracity is such has never been called question, I further Certify the avoe Samuel Johnson pensioner for many years previous to his death regularly applied to fill up his pension papers and that his pension Certificate has been in my possession ever since his death, which is in the following words. [Signature] James Martin J.P.

War Department
Invalid Pension.
I Certify hat in Conformity with the Laws of the United States, Samuel Johnson, an invalid, late a sodier of the Revolution, is inscribed on the pension list, Roll of the North Carolina agency, at the Rate of eight Dollars per month, to Commence on the    day of    one thousand  Given at the War office of the United States this ninth day of January one thousand eight hundred and twenty four. [Signature]
J.C. Calhoun Secretary of War. 
I certify the above is a true copy of Samuel Johnson's pen. Certificate  James Martin J.P.
Enclosed on the back registered in Book     Vol.     Page    by    Clerk.
Esq. J.  Edwards.
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Sent to Johnson was found the 18th May 179?
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Declaration of Ambrose Johnson, adm. of Mary Johnson dec'd. Widow of Capt. Sam'l Johnson dec'd.
Revolutionary pension claim -
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right mind - That she was - although a good and most excellent woman and Mother, without education, lived in a remote part of the Country - knew nothing of law - or anything of her rights or claims - under it.
[Signature] Ambrose Johnson 
Agent of Mary Johnson, Dec'd


Sworn to and acknowledged in open court the day and year above written -and I do hereby certify that the said Ambrose Johnson is a respectable resident of this County of Wilkes. State of North Carolina well known to me - and in every way worthy of belief -  {Signature]
M. S. Stokes J.P. and Ch'n of the Court

State of North Carolina }
Wilkes County}
I W Masten Clerk of the Court o Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the State aforesaid do Certify that M. S Stokes is a Magistrate as above and Chairman of said Court and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is Genuine and further that the foregoing acknowledgement and attestation was taken in open Court
Given under my hand and the seal of Said Court at office May 6 1854
[Signature] W Masten Clk
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State of North Carolina} Summer Session
County of Wilkes.} Wilkes County Court.
On this 2nd day of Augt. A.D. 1856, personally appeared in open court Lewis Johnson & John S Johnson Sons of the late Capt. Samuel Johnson and Mary Johnson.  - now dec'd. of Said County - and made the following declaration - on oath To Wit. - That the said Lewis Johnson is now in his 55 year of age - and the said John S. Johnson is in his 51st year of age - That their said Father Capt. Samuel Johnson late of said County was an invalid from pensioner of the United States - and that after his death that his bride - Their mother the late Said Mrs. Mary Johnson - also dec'd after him - an account of the Revolutionary Services of her husband. the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - They state that their said father always stated - ever since their earliest recollection - that he had been an officer & Soldier in the Revolution - that he had Serviced Six years of said tour - That the balance of said war - that he did not serve was taken up with a long illness he had in his return from the Cherokee insroction [insurrection] - under Capt. Cleveland and Genl. Rutherford in 1776 - and the loss of time - from his wounds at King's Mountain Battle - and some other small losses of time - making about one year out of the Seven years contained of said war - that he always said that he Served to the close of said war. - The Statements positively that they have often heard their said father, and mother - speak of his serving in
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war after their marriage and their mother speak of the quote - uneasyness - and insecurity she suffered on that account - they state, that they have many times heard - both their said parents - speak - of a particular occurrence in his said service after their marriage-that on a Sabbath - they were both attending church at the Rising River meeting house in their neighborhood - When a messenger - arrived - from the west side of the blue ridge - informing of some depredation of Tories - that their said Father - immediately summoned such of his men as was at hand - armed  - and hastened in the insidiation - and left their said mother to go home - by herself - that they came up with the tories - had battle - hunted them &c - and that they have heard their said Father often speak of several 0 like expeditions against the Tories - in that direction - west of the blue ridge - about the   peach bottom mountain and about the edge of Virginia - that he always spoke of these expeditions as having occurred late in the War and after his marriage - with their mother - they both state - that in passing - from their residence - in Wilks County N.C. - to Greyson County Va. - with their father -- where they had a sister living, Mrs. Mary Boran, that their said father has pointed out to hem the spot - at Cisus ford - on the Big River - in Grayson County  - on the north side of said River at the peach bottom -
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Where they had a loss in one of his expeditions spoken of - all of which they fully believe to be true - together with many incidents - connected with said expeditions and service too treacherous to mention - they are of opinion - that these tours of service was each of short duration - perhaps - not longer - than ten  days each - but were quite hazardous and dangerous - and they here again state  most emphatically in their oaths - that from that their said father always said - in his lifetime - and what was also said by their said Mother - Whilst in her proper mind - and what was always said by all the old people - and the soldiers of the County - that they fully believe - Samuel Johnson - did continue - in actual service - to the close of the war of the Revolution - and did summon much after his marriage - with their mother the said Mrs. Mary Johnson - The said Lewis Johnson states that he was married - before the death of his Said father - and lived near him within about 3/4 mile - and the said John S Johnson that he lived with his Said mother - all the time up to her death - they state that she  died - at her residence in Wilks County.  N.C. - about the 21st day of Jany. A.D. 1853 - That the said John S. Johnson states that he made a record if her death -and is correct - they both state that soon after the death of their said father and mother - speak of war serving with
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They think about the Christmas following come a year. That their said mother - was taken ill - with a kind of spasms, or fits - that these spells gradually grew worse in her and it - was soon perceptible to them that her mind and recollection was failing her and that sometime about the year of 1838 - or 9. - as they think to the best of their recollection - in the occurrence of a insident [incident] seen in their neighborhood - that she had a most violent attack of fits that for some - [illegible] hence, her life was [illegible] of - and that after that her mind always seemed much worse - untill a total state of imbecility of mind and memory occurred - they state that for many years before her death that she - was scarcely ever so that she knew anything - and seemed to have no recollection at all - would not know her nearest neighbor and very often not her own children not truly her said son the said John S. Johnson - who was constantly with her - who for many years before her death - was Scarcely absent from her a whole day at a time - an several times of a night - &c - they both state - that they never knew what their said Mother the said Mary Johnson stated in her declaration being date the 2d day of Jany 1839, until a copy of said declaration was - lately shown to them by Dr. James Calloway. that neither of them was present - when said declaration was made - that had they been present - that they would have known
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that the statement therein made "that she has not married to him prior to his leaving the service was incorrect that this statement is contrary to what she always stated - when she was of sound mind and memory - as also did their said father - the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - they state upon their oaths that at the time and date of this declaration - that they do not believe that she was of sufficient mind and memory by any means to make a correct statement or declaration in the premises - and that further  that they do not believe that at any time in her life she would have comprehended the meaning of this passage in her declaration unless it had been explained to her - that she was unlearned woman raised in the back country and frontier of the County and was all her life used to her spoken the language in it was plain and simple words - that the word - prior, was a word quite unused - to her spoken in her neighborhood and time - and both have no hesitation in stating that we do not believe that she understood - the meaning of the declaration = if at the time she was in her mind sufficient to know of this correct - which we do not believe and further state - that the said James Martin Esq. who drew up said declaration & witnessed it - lived about 20 miles form her - that he was not to our knowledge or belief in the habit of griling up  pension Claims, - nor do we believe that he is at all well qualified to do so - that he was a man of good commission - a Justice of the peace - and plain form -
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and we further state that after her pension was allowed that the said James Martin Esq. - continued - as long as he lived - to regularly fill up her forms of atty. to claim her pension - and that for many years before the death of the said Mary Johnson - that he gave us directions - that when she made those forms of attorney. That it was entirely unnecessary. further to be sworn - that she could not comprehend the meaning or obligation of another and only to let her make her mark to these papers - which was the [illegible] and we further state that the said James Martin Esq. - is now dead - that he died in his residence in Wilks , N.C. we think about Eight years ago - or there abouts   - that we have no doubt but that of the said Martin was now - being that he would fully substantiate the fact of her earlier - incapacity - to make a correct statement at the time she made the said declaration - We state that our said father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson Served under the Command of Col. Cleveland - and that after the Close of said war that Col Cleveland presented - him with - his true Service Served - which said has remained over him -  in the possession of the said Capt. Saml. Johnson to the tie of his death and is now in the possession of his son Ambrose Johnson of Wilks County. N.C. - They a [illegible] in [illegible] - by accident -
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An we further state that to the best of our recollection and belief that the said James Martin Esq. - acted as agent for out said Father Capt. Samuel Johnson in doing his pension for him - as well as for Several others of the old pensioners - and that we suppose that that was the way and reason - that he helped to draw up this declaration - for their said Mother- Mary Johnson - And which we here again - declair  -that we believe to be totally - incorrec-0 as to the aforesaid statement, of marriage  service as thus stated - as hereby stated by us in this paper - [Signatures] Lewis Johnson 
Jno. S. Johnson

The day and year above written Sworn to and Subscribed in open Court Lewis and I do hereby certify that the above Lewis Johnson - & John S . Johnson are respectable residents of the County and State aforesaid  - and are well known to me - and I do certify that they are highly respectable and trusting men - and men of undoubted good characters - for truth - and veracity - in [illegible] or other is issue & good citizens - [Signature]
 M. S. Stokes J.P. 
Ch'n of the court
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State of North Carolina}
Wilkes County.}
I W Masten Clerk of the Court of Pleas and quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the state aforesaid do Certify that M. S. Stokes is a magistrate and Chairman of he Court of Please and quarter Sessions of said county duly elected according to Law, and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are Genuine & further that the foregoing affidavit was sworn to in open Court on the 2nd day of Aug: 1854

Given under my and and seal of office Nov'r 3rd 1854
[Signature] W. Masten Clk

Declaration Lewis  Jno. Johnson
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State of North Carolina }
Wilks County. }
On this 2nd day of May. A.D. 1854, personally appeared in open Court Ambrose Johnson. Adm't of Mary Johnson, Dec'd last of Wilkes County State of North Carolina - And made the following declaration - on oath before the said Worshipfull the County Court of the County and State aforesaid. To Wit. - That he is the son of the said Mary Johnson Dec'd. - late of said county, and of Captain Samuel Johnson Dec'd. late of said county and State 0 he states that his said Father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson Decd - was in his lifetime an Invalid Pensioner of the United States. on account of his the said Capt. Samuel Johnson Revolutionary Service - that he did in the month of Sept. A.D. 1884, and that his said mother. the said Mary Johnson now Dec'd - after the death of his said father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson, also drew a pension. from the United States on account of the Revolutionary Services of her said husband the said Capt. Samuel Johnson, he states that his said Mother the said Mary Johnson died in Wilkes County State of North Carolina. in or about the 27 day of January A. D. 1853. The said Ambrose Johnson admi'r as aforesaid states that he is the fifth child of his said parents - the said Capt. Samuel Johnson and Mary Johnson that he is now in this present month of May A.D. 1854 Sixty one years old - He first states that his said Father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson Dec'd - always said in his lifetime that he had been a soldier in the war of the
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Revolution, that he first went into the service of his Country as a volunteer, a private under Capt. Benjamin Cleveland, (afterwards Col. Cleveland). In the expedition against the Cherokee Indians in the Summer of the year 1776 - under the Command of Gen'l. Rutherford, and he states most positively that his said Father the said Samuel Johnson, always declared that he served through the whole of the war of the Revolution as a Captain - untill the Close of said war except such time as he was sick or when wounded and unable to serve, his said father always said that he served seven years - with the exception of those inconsiderable interuptions - all of which this affiant recently believes - and what was always said and believed - in the whole country - so far as he ever heard or believes, and as he always heard stated by many of the old soldiers who at time - during the said war had served - with and under his said father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson he states that he always heard his said father and Mother as aforesaid say that they were married to wards the latter part of the said war - the precise date he does not now recollect  - but that he knows that it was sometime before the close of the war, and he entertains no doubt but that his said father did d continue in the service after his marriage- he states that his mothers name before her marriage to his said father was Mary Hammons and lived a that time in Wilkes
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County, and was the daughter of one Ambrose Hammons he states that he has heard his said Father speak of many expeditions on which he went during said war - which he cannot now recount the names of places &c and that he was in the expedition  - and battle of Kings Mountain - in which Battle he was severely wounded being shot through the abdoman,  that he has many times seen the scar. - he states that his father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson always said that he had no doubt but that said shot would have killed him had it not been for the fact - that his Bowels were extremely empty - That he had been for some few days previous to said Battle - without eating any thing, except - that him and three of his men that was with him ate one small Tarpien, he being on a scouting & discovery expedition - they having order from the Commanding officers - to fire no guns, so that they could get no game, not nothing else to eat - He further states that his said Father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson was placed in the pension Rolls of the Untied States as an invalid pensioner without his own knowledge - and without any application on his part - this he well recollects tho it was done by the late Governor Jesse Franklin - who was at the time - a  Senator in the Congress of the United States - and he further states that his said Father was so indifferent about it at the time and during the time- that for some two or three years at one time he were declined drawing his pension - and then again - upon solicitation resumed it again
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he states that the said Jesse Franklin was an intimate acquaintance of his said Father and was with him in the Battle of Kings Mountain  and that he was a nephew of Col. Benjamin Cleveland, He states that his said father, served under the command of Col. Cleveland 0 General Rutherford, Col. Campbell, & others - He further states that his father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson was a most intimate and confidential friend and officer of Col. Cleveland - and that as a man of high esteem - and approbation - of his - said Father, Colonel Cleveland - that after the tour of the Revolution - that Col. Cleveland presented to his said Father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - his true Battle Sword and this affiant states that he now has in his possession and care the identical sword that the said General - by some accident -in the lifetime of his said father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson, got broken, across near the middle of the Blade- and that he saw his said father in his own Smith Shop - draw a shank to the front end of said sword  and fastened it into the precise same Handlegard and maintain and that it is now about  one half its original length though otherwise is in good state of presentation - that the said sword is silver mountedgard &c and Buck horn handle - and if it was not for the reason of its mutilation I would with great pleasure present it to the United States - He further states - that he never heard of any Captain Johnson of any name except his said father the Said Capt. Samuel -
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23 Johnson having been in this section of the state during the war of the Revolution - nor has he ever heard nor does he believe that there was any other Samuel Johnson in this County in Section of Country  at that time he states, that his Good father's name, the father of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - was - Jeffrey Johnson, that he lived and died in Wilkes County, and that he was a man quite advanced in years in the time of said war - and never took any part in said war - that he understood he being too old - that his said Father the said Capt. Samuel Johnson was among the proudest of the family of Children of his said - Father the said Jeffrey Johnson - he does not think that there was more than one or two of the said Family of his said Grandfather younger than his said father -, the said Capt. Samuel Johnson, He further states - that - some years after the death of his Father the said Samuel Johnson, that his Mother the said Mary Johnson, was pensioned - on account of the Revolutionary service of her said Husband - the said Cap't. Samuel Johnson - he further states - that shortly after the death of the said Samuel Johnson  - that his widow the said Mary Johnson, Who was very ill - and feeble both in body and mind - began to show evident - and rapid loss of mind - and memory - that some time about the date of 1838. 39 or 40 - he thinks - that his said Mother had a most violent - spill or progressions of Convulsions - which  held her for some 24 hours or more - as he was informed by the family - which seemed to have been - induced - from a
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gradual fright - given her on account of a electrical storm which occurred at the time in her neighborhood, and that after that time her mind seemed to faid [fade] more rapidly - and at time would be worse - untill finally for some time before her death it could not be said that she had any mind at all - so great was the decline of her  mind and memory for many years before her death that at many times she would not know her nearest neighbors - or even her own Children - this affiant states - as a circumstance -  confirmation of this - that in one occasion - a good many years before the death of his said Mother, the said Mary Johnson - that he went to see her - as he frequently did - and that on meeting with her - she shook hands as usual - with him but did not seem to recognize him or name him as usual - which he noticed at the time - and that she went away to one of the servants - and asked who he was - that the servant told her - that it was Master Ambrose - and that then and not before did she know him - and this affiant - truly believes - that his said Mother - the said Mary Johnson before - her application for a pension - had become so much impaired in mind - and memory that she most likely to him - did not remember the rank. or services of her said husband or at least very little about it - with any degree of certainty or distinct ref's. and that as he thinks and believes - had no competent - person - to advise her of her rights & interests - and that when she had been in her
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right mind - That she was - although a good and most excellent woman and Mother, without education, lived in a remote part of the Country - knew nothing of law - or anything of her rights or claims - under it.
[Signature] Ambrose Johnson
Agent of Mary Johnson, Dec'd


Sworn to and acknowledged in open court the day and year above written -and I do hereby certify that the said Ambrose Johnson is a respectable resident of this County of Wilkes. State of North Carolina well known to me - and in every way worthy of belief - {Signature]
M. S. Stokes J.P. and Ch'n of the Court

State of North Carolina }
Wilkes County}
I W Masten Clerk of the Court o Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the State aforesaid do Certify that M. S Stokes is a Magistrate as above and Chairman of said Court and that the foregoing Signature purporting to be his is Genuine and further that the foregoing acknowledgement and attestation was taken in open Court
Given under my hand and the seal of Said Court at office May 6 1854
[Signature] W Masten Clk
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October 4, 1933
XXXXXXXXXXXX
Samuel Johnson, W. 5012
Samuel Johnson, S. 16430
BA-J/MLB

Mr. William M. Wilder
Wilder Pecan Company
Albany, Georgia

Dear Sir:

Reference is made to your letter in which you request the records of any soldiers named Samuel Johnson on file in the Revolutionary War records of this office, form North Carolina.
You are furnished histories of two soldiers named Samuel Johnson, the only ones of that name who served from North Carolina, found in the revolutionary War records of this office. The data therein wee obtained from the appears on file in pension claims based upon their service in the Revolutionary War.
SAMUEL JOHNSON
W. 5012
Samuel Johnson was the son of Jeffrey Johnson who lived on the Yadkin River about nine miles below Wilkesboro in Wilkes County, North Carolina, during the Revolutionary War, was then an old man, and died there after the Revolution, date not stated. The date and place of Samuel's birth and name of his mother are not shown.
Samuel Johnson, while residing in Wilkes County, North Carolina, enlisted in the summer of 1776 and served three months as a private in captain Benjamin Cleveland's company, Colonel Martin Armstrong's North Carolina regiment, against the Cherokee Indians and engaged in battles with them. From the fall of 1778or 1779 he was a captain and served, whenever called upon, under Colonels Benjamin Cleveland and Campbell in the North Carolina troops; was in the battle of King's Mountain where he received a severe gunshot wound in his abdomen; was also in a battle with Tories at Cox's Ford on the New River and in many smaller engagements and served to the close of the Revolution. He was pensioned from January 1, 1809, on account of disability resulting from said wound. He died September 15, 1834, at
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his residence on Roaring River, Wilkes County, North Carolina, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. Samuel Johnson married June 25, 1782, in Wilkes County, North Carolina, Mary, the daughter of Ambrose Hamons or Hammons of said Wilkes County. She was allowed pension on her application executed January 24, 1839, while a resident of Wilkes County, North Carolina, aged about seventy-eight years. She died January 21, 1853, in said county.
The following were their children:
Robert born October 25, 1783, married Miss Boran, the sister of below-named William Boran, her given name not stated.
Nancy born October 3, 1785, married ____ Gambill, given name not shown.
Cloe bon September 3, 1788.
Samuel B. born May 18, 1790.
Ambrose born May 15, 1792 or 1793.
Mary or Polly born June 9, 1796, married William Boran
Rachel date of birth not given,; married ___Forrister ? (name not clearly written) his given name not stated.
Lewis born about 1800, married prior to 1834, name of wife not stated.
John S. born 1803; in 1854 referred to as "Colonel John S. Johnson", no explanation of rank given.
The children who survived their mother were: Ambrose, Lewis, John S,., Mrs. Clay Gambill, Mrs. Rachel Forrister (?), all of Wilkes County North Carolina, at her death, and Mrs. Mary Boran, of Grayson County Virginia.
Soldier had a nephew, George, the son of William Johnson who was an officer in the Revolution. One John Johnson signed the marriage bond between the soldier, Samuel Johnson, and Mary Hamons or Hammons, on June 24, 1782, in Wilkes County, North Carolina; his relationship to the family not shown.
In 1851, one John S. Johnson was justice of the peace in Wilkes County, North Carolina, and James Johnson was also a justice of 

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the peace for the same county at that time; their relationship to the family was not stated.
In 1853, Mrs. Nancy Gambill, aged ninety-three years, widow of Captain Martin Gambill, made affidavit in Ashe County , North Carolina. In the same year, James Gambill was justice of the peace in Ashe County, North Carolina; Robert Gambill was County Clerk of that county, , and John Gambill was justice of the peace in Wilkes County, North Carolina. Their relationship to one ____ Gambill who married soldier's daughter, Nancy Johnson, was not shown.

*************

SAMUEL JOHNSON
S.16430
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in pension claim, S. 16430, based upon the Revolutionary War service of Samuel Johnson.
Samuel Johnson, Senior, was born in December, 1744, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; the names of his parents are not shown.
While living in Amelia, Virginia, he enlisted in May, 1779, and served one month as private in Captain William Finney's company, Colonel William Giles' Virginia regiment. While living in Granville, North Carolina, he enlisted in December, 1779, and served two weeks as a private in Captain Barnett Pullum's North Carolina company. He enlisted in February, 1781, served as a private in captain Richard Harrison's company, Colonel Joseph Taylor's North Carolina regiment, was in the battle of Guilford and was discharged May 11, 1781. he enlisted in September, 1781, and served three months under Captain Charles Yancy guarding public wagons.
He was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832, while living in Daviess County, Kentucky. It is not stated whether he ever married. In 1832, the soldier referred to his brother, John, in South Carolina, but gave no other details concerning him.

Very truly yours

A. D. HILLER
Assistant to Administrator

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Wilkesburg N. C. Feb'y. 29th 1855.

Hon. L P Waldo,
Sir
I stated to you a few days ago, when in Washington. That I would on my return home soon address you in the matter of the pension of Mrs. Mary Johnson, Dec'd. late of Wilkes Co. N.C. - I stated to you in person that I desired that you would in person so soon as conseincant [convenient?] give the matter a full examination - and this requist I now refile - The news taken of the case by the officer wo examined it and made report of the date 16th Inst. - I must confess took - me much by surprise - as I had fully thought - the case was made out beyond the shadow of a doubt - I must beg leave to enter my unqualified disent - from said report - though in a most humble and respectfull mannar 0 said report says - "Her husband was pensioned for a would received at the battle of Kings Mountain - Oct. 17th 1781. - at which time he was a Lieutenant. It doesn't appear that he ever operated for services, in any higher grade, or if any after that time. Seeing as to how this inscribed from per sin was got up "I know nothing and can only refer - you to  the statement of his sons. - That he may have held the grade of Lieutenant at some time during his service I think may be quite likely 0 and as the law under which he received this Invalid pension - did not pension according to grade - it was of course quite a matter of indifference - whether the grade was claimed or not - and a the original papers in this case does not seem to be on file - If my
Page 30

now be impossible to give a full Solution of how the grade of Lieutenant - come to appear in the case but I will offer you an explanation which fully satisfies my mind on this point - It was told me last June 2as a year ago by Mr. Boran, Esq. of Grayson County Va. - in a conversation with him in relation to the grade and Services of Capt. Johnson, had often told him that in his expedition to Kings Mountain under Col. Cleveland - that he the said Johnson, was a leaftian - and led a company to said battle - but that in consequence of all the fort Soldiers & such as could not get Horses left behind and did not reach the battle - (which must - have reduced the Regiment one half, - that Just before going into the battle - That a hasty reorganization of Cleveland's Regiment was made - and that he said Capt. Samuel Johnson - was - (acting at the time a Captain - yet in this new modeling for the battle I assigned the command of a Lieutenant - and so acted in that battle - all of which I fully believe to be true - and I have no doubt but that this is the true Solution to the fat of the grade of Lieutenant - appraisal in the matter of his invalid pension - as that was no doubt the grade on which he acted on that day of battle -at which time and place he was wounded - Capt. Samuel Johnson, was at that time quite a young man, and I think it - most likely that under the organization of the Regiment for the battle - that the number of Companies - were reduced - and that in all probability there was quite a number of Captains in the Regiment - that were older men - and serving
Page 31

officers - and hence - his reduction of grade &c and whether or not he made application himself for a pension or whether as stated his his sons it was made by Gen. Governor Jesse Franklin. Then a Senator in Congress from N.C. - and who was in the battle of Kings Mountain - was a nephew of Col. Cleveland and as I have always been informed - acted in Said battle a adjutant or aide to Col. Cleveland - and who at the time was intimately acquainted with Capt. Samuel Johnson - and recollect well knew what part was acted by Capt. Johnson in that memorable battle. So that in the event of the application having been made - by either Capt. Samuel Johnson, himself or by Mr. Franklin - the facts evident was stated as they existed in the day of battle, as to grade of command in the day of battle - when the wound was received - without perhaps any reference to what grade. The said Johnson, may have held in the army either lusin [lieutenant] or after the said battle - In the report made in this case on the 16 - April last - "Samuel Johnson, was pensioned as an invalid at $60. and $96. per annum, as a private - and died in 1836, without having made any attempt, so far as officer to obtain an increase of his allowance - no difficulty seemed then to be raised in account of grade - I do not now recollect to
Page 32

Mr. Boran, since the time stated - I have notified, but that I could git the evidence of Mr. Boran as to these statements - having been made to him by Capt. Samuel Johnson - if it should be thought by you to be necessary to the case - Mr. Boran resides fifty miles off - he is a man of most excellent character - an old and intimate friend of Capt. Johnson and was much with him - in his lifetime - It is due to truth and candor to say that Mr. Boran, is a soninlaw of Capt. Johnson - and that his sister. married Robert Johnson now Dec'd the oldest son of Capt. Samuel Johnson - Mr. Boran is a man of considerate wealth - and could not be influenced on account of any gain in his matter - but when I saw him he seemed anxious that Justice should be done to the memory of Capt. Samuel Johnson - as to grade - & service. &c
His widow in her application under the act of 1838 declared that she was married to him in 1781. after the termination of his last term of service - of the truth of this statement there can be no doubt - She certainly would have known of any service - rendered by her husband after their marriage. In answer to this I have to say that at the time she made her first declaration in 1839 - that it is most clearly shown as I think - that she was wholly in competent - on account of the loss of her mind and memory and bodaly infirmaties [bodily infirmities] - & disease - to make correct declaration or statements - and to prove this I think it is only necessary to refer to those declarations - in her -
Page 33

first declaration made in 1839 - she is made to say "that she is Seventy eight year of age", that she was married to the said Samuel Johnson on the 25 day of June in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty one. "That she was married to him prior to his leaving the service and in her next declaration date 5 - Oct. 1843 nearly five years after the date of her first declaration she says she is "aged Seventy nine years please - notice this fact that she makes this grate mistake as to her age - evidently having forgotten her age - but sir please notice the fact - that she state she has married - in the 25 of June 1781 - and what does the record show filed in her case - why sir it shows that she must have been mistaken beyond the possibility of a doubt at least one year - as to the date of her marriage - she fails to give the age or births of any of her children  now sir I appeal to your sound judgement - and is the opinion and Judgement of all men - That if it is not the last tings a woman ever forgits the date of her marriage - and the birth of her first child - and that if they have forgotten - these two great events of her life - whether or not she can be supposed to remember anything correctly - and or it is undeniable that Mrs. Johnson, had utterly failed in memory in these two great points - is it at all to be wondered at that she should have forgotten 0 his Service after their marriage- to say nothing about - the Campaign in which it is couched - now the discrepancy of her statements as to her age - rank of her husband &c - the officer - who received
Page 34

this case has not informed me how he never cited these grate discrepancies - in the declaration of Mrs. Mary Johnson - nor how he has laid aside - the larger amounts of testimony in the case - Showing the state of her mind being and health - after the death of her husband Capt. Samuel Johnson - to all of which I - particularly invite your attention - "If appears that his wound was a severe one, unless the war virtually ceased so far as the Malitia was concerned soon after the battle of Kings Mountain, it is not probable that he again entered the Service - "that the Capt. Samuel Johnson was not the father of the applicants" His wound no doubt was a sever one being shot through the abdomen - nevertheless - no bone - nor any vital part was injured & consiquently - this would got well in an all most incredible short length of time according tot he statements of his family, which I can redily conceive to be true - as to the rank & service of this identical man before the battle - of Kings Mountain - I must bed you to refer to the evidence in file - of  - from old soldiers & prisoners - to wit John Sparks, Wm. Spicer, Starling Rose and James Gray. this since six months service as a Captain - and three months as a private - of this Identical man - before - the battle of Kings Mountain - of their personal knowledge they being in the same - expeditions - and as to his service after the battle of Kings Mountain - I ask you to look at the papers - in file in the pension -
Page 35

office of Elijah Vickers, pensioner, Wilkes Co. N.C. which shows, his service after the battle of Kings Mountain as I think - on the evidence of these old Soldiers to be quietly laid aside - and taken as good for nothing - Sir these are all honorable & honist men - and well able to know of the rank and Services of an officer - with whom thy served - and could not have been mistaken - and what [illegible] at this late day has the right to so declare - without the shadow of reason, except mans opinion or conjunction - I also refer you particularly to the evidence in file - of all Nancy Gambill - & others as to the service & rank of Capt. Samuel Johnson - also as to his Identity - was not the Battle of Kings Mountain fought - about 1st Oct. 1780. did not Lord Cornwallis - make one or more descents in N.C. & South Carolina after that battle - was not the Battle of Guilford after the Battle of Kings Mountain - did not Lord Cornwallis cross the Yadkin River as high up as about he Shallow ford - not more than 30 miles below the residence of Col Cleveland - and especially did not the Tory warfare keep up in all the western and mountain region of N.C. & Virginia - untill the ring close of the war - 
It is not at all likely that woman and those who men children at the time - should be able to know the correct grade of an officer. In this case I have produced but two woman as evidence, as to the revolutionary services & rank of Capt. Samuel Johnson - To wit, Mrs. Nancy Gambill, widow of Capt. Martin -
Page 36

Gambill a pensioner of the United States, now living & in the 96 year of her age - was married in 1777 - and had one child before the battle of Kings Mountain - & the others Mrs. Sarah Blackburn. with what degree of fareness they could be called man children - I live for you to Judge - and by line to ask you to closely examine this testimony - especially that of Mrs. Gambill, I also refer to a paper on file in the case of Mr. Gambill that speaks of Capt. Samuel. Johnson - I also ask you to notice the relic of the service in his possession - with the old and rude - ingraving on the silver clasp - "Capt. Johnson, sword 1782" is not this ring sharp proof that he was a Captain at that date - hay, is it not most conclusive - I must call you attention to the record evidence and especially to one of the old Indians - herewith sent - that most certainly identifies and locates - Capt. Samuel Johnson, and I must here add - that this is the Judgement  - History & tradition of the whole country - that this Samuel Johnson, of Roaring River - Wilkes Co. N.. C. - the Husband of Mary Johnson & Father of these applicants the invalid pensioner  - for the wound at the Battle of Kings Mountain - is the identical Capt. Samuel Johnson who served in the war of the Revolution under the Command of Col. Benjamin Cleveland, why Sir this fact is perfectly notices - and I have never ever - heard it - so much as doubted - in  - all this part of the country - Sir I am nearly fifty years old myself - & was raised within -
Page 37

Affidavit of Mrs. Sarah Blackburn
As to Capt. Samuel Johnson & Mrs. Mary Johnson
Page 38

State of North Carolina }
County of Wilkes. } On this 13 - day of May 1856. before e John Gambill, a Justice of the peace - within and for the County and state aforesaid, personally appeared, Mrs. Sarah Blackburn - who after - being duly Sworn according to law declares that she is Eighty Six years -or upward - of age - that she was born - in the County of Pittsylvania State of Virginia - and that her father was one Thomas Billings - she states that she can recollect the commencement of the war of the Revolution - that she then lived in Virginia - that towards the latter part of said war - her said Father removed to this County of Wilks State of North Carolina - and settled - near to Capt. Samuel Johnson, now dec'd. the distance has not more than one or two & half miles - that she became well acquainted with the Capt. Samuel Johnson, and with his wife Mary Johnson 0 now Dec'd. - That she understood at the time that they had been then truly married - and she states that it was said at the time -  and ever since that the said Samuel Johnson was a Captain in said war - and that he had been wounded in said war at the Battle of King's Mountain - she further states that she knows that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson continued - in the service - to the close of the war - making frequent incursions - and those against the Tories - That would collect - around in the mountains - of what is now Ashe County, N.C. - and the edge of Virginia - in - what is now Grayson county - she further states - that she knew the Father of said Captain Saml. Johnson - that he lived in Wilkes County N.C. - in the time of the war - and died in said County - that his name was Jeffrey Johnson - she sates that in the
Page 39

time of the said war she never heard of any other Captain Johnson of any name - except this identical Capt. Samuel Johnson - how did she know or hear of any other Samuel Johnson in all this Section of Country except - the, said identical Capt. Samuel Johnson. - She states - that this said Capt. Samuel Johnson, in his lifetime as she at the time understood - was an Invalid pensioner that his wife the said Mary Johnson also drew a pension - after the death of her husband the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - She thinks the said Capt. Samuel Johnson has been dead - something like twenty years, - that he died at his residence in Wilkes County, N.C. - and that his widow the said Mary Johnson died at the same place - a little over five years ago - She states that for the last - sixty years or upward - that she has at no time lived more than two or three miles from the said Capt. Samuel Johnson, his wife the said Mary Johnson - She state that since the death of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson -  and especially for the last - ten or fifteen years - that she has seen but little - of the said Mary Johnson - that they are both old - and went about but little but that from what she dose know - and heard of the said Mrs. Mary Johnson - that she has no doubt - but that for many years - before her death - that she - lost her mind and memory very much - and as she heard and believes became so that she knew little or nothing before he death
[Signature] Sarah Blackburn X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written and I do hereby certify that the said Mrs. Sarah Blackburn, is a respectable resident of this county of
Page 40

of Wilkes State of North Carolina well known to me that she is a very old lady - That I have no doubt that her age is as stated by her - that she is of good moral character - and is in every way worthy of belief - and that I think she's of excellent mind and memory for a person of her age - and has always maintained a good character for truth and veracity. - 
[Signature]  Jno. Gambill JP
Page 41

Revy WIDOW &C.
File No. 5012
Mary Johnson
Widow of Samuel Johnson
Capt. Rev War
Act: July 2nd/48
Index:-Vol. A, Page 377
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Aug. 4, 1909. To Qr. Mst. Genl. U.S.A.
For Tombstone.
1935 - Aug. 10 - Hist to L. W. Johnson - MMHF
1930 - May 15. Mr. A. E. Hutchison adv. in behalf of Mr. L. H. Johnson, relation to sword MMHF
1933 Oct - 4 - Hist to Mr. Wm. M Wilder - MLB
1934 Mar 24. Wm. M. Wilder adv. pensioner never lived in Ga. A.D.Y.
1934 - Sept. 13 - Ad. Wm. M. Wilder that he should for more data in re Wm Johnson mentioned in this case - EEL
Page 42

V 8242
Nancy Harrison, Thomas
Tenn.
Let to R. Lanning Esq. Dec'd 18 1845
date from R. Chapman ltr. May 14. 1846.
Hon. W. M. Cocker May 21.'46


March of 1843.
Page 43

V 4767
Mary Johnson N.C.
Act 7 July, 1838.
Let to Jas. Martin, June 10, 1839.
do. Sept. 2d 1839
do Feby 4 1840
Page 44

V
North - Carolina.
Samuel Johnson,
(Capt. Lewis N.Ca)
Privat in the Army of the Revolution - disabled by wounds - originally placed on the state roll of N. Carolina - and transferred by an act of Congress to the U.S. pension list. Rate of allowance $8 per month - commencement of pension unknown - the record of which having been lost by the burning of the war office in 1801.
Formal certificate issued 9 January 1824 and sent to Hon. Lewis Williams, House of Representatives.

1833 furnished hist. of Wilkes Co. N.C. Invalids given Samuel Johnson Prt. rate $60 - placed on roll Jan 9, 1824. commencement of pension Jan. 1, 1809 increased to $96 Apr. 24, 1876. Act. Apr. 24, 1816.
Page 45

5451.
North Carolina NC
Mary Johnsons dec'd. widow of Samuel, who died on the       of         in the State of           who was private of Inf'y /Capt. of Cavalry in the        commanded by Captain     of the     commanded by      in the Revolution line for Increased from $40.
Subscribed on the Roll of Morganton at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of Dec'r. 1856 and Sent to Wm. T. L. Clingman H of R
Arrears to the 4th of 
Semi-annual allowance ending

{Revolutionary Claim, }
{Act July 7, 1838.}
Recorded by G T Getty Clerk,
Book D. Vol. 1 Page 293
Page 46

4270.
North Carolina
Mary Johnson
widow of Sam'l. Johnson
who was a Private & Lieut., 
in the Revolution

Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 110 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9th day of Jan'y. 1844 and set to James Martin Bier Creek N.C.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book d Vol 1 Page 202.

Rejected
Page 47

4270 
North Carolina NC
Mary Johnson, dec'd.
widow of Samuel.
who was a private of Infy. ^ Capt. of Cavy. in the Revolution 
Increased from $40
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 
31st day of Dec. 1856 and sent to Hon. T. L. Clingman H R
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A. Vol. 2. Page 156.
Page 48

5451.
North Carolina
Mary Johnson widow of Samuel Johnson, dec'd. who was a pensioner under the Act of 1816 and who died on the 15 September 1834 in Wilke Co. in the State of N. Caro. who was a private & lt. in the compy commanded by Captain Johnson - of the regt commanded by Col. Cleveland in the N. Carolina line for 2 months Lieut. 4 mos. private
Inscribed on the Roll of N. Carolina at the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 28 day of May 1840 - & sent to Jas. Martin Esq. Brier Creek N.C.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar. 1840 $160.00
Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept. $40 20.00= $180.00

(Act of July 7, }{1838. }
Recorded by D McCurdy, Clerk
Book A. Vol.2 Page 187
Page 49

3023.
North Carolina
Mary Johnson,
widow of Samuel who served
in the Revolutionary war, as a Pri. & Lt.
Inscribed on the Roll t the rate of 40 Dollars - Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 12 day of Jany 1849 and sent to Elijah Fuller Fayetteville N.C.

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners February 2, 1848, Page 217 Vol. 1.

J. Calloway Apl14/54?

Reprinted Jany 13/49.
Page 50

3025
North Carolina NC
Mary Johnson dec'd.
widow of Samuel
who served in the Revolutionary
war, as a Private of Infy & Capt. of Cavalry.
Increased from $40.
Inscribed on the  Roll at the rate of 160 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. and end 1st July 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 31st day of Dec. 1856. and sent to 
Hon. J. T. Clingman H of R

Recorded on Roll of Pension under act February 2, 1848, Page 217. Vol 1
Page 51

Letter to Fred P Stanton

Jas Calloway Apl. 14/54?
11 Jany 1855

3023
North Carolina
Mary Johnson
widow of Samuel
who served in the Revolutionary 
war, as a pri. & Lieut.
Incd from $40
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 96 Dollars 00 Cents per annum, to commence, on the 1st of July, 1848.
Certificate of Pension issued the 8th day of April 18??
and sent to
C. W. Bennett
Present

Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 2, 1848, Page 217 Vol. 1.
217

27 Jany 1933
Page 52

Sam'l. Johnson the death for Sparky in 1832 and respect that he will spark as the Cherokee Indians under  (1776)
See Jm Sparks papar 16060 -  noted S.Y.D.
Page 53

Johnson was at [King's] Mountain, ALD
left there wounded Lieut.
Page 54

Dear Sir,
 I hope this to  inform you that I [illegible] come over at present therefore I hope yourself to act for me this one time in with the other furious drafted man I is  would be to fall the company to go there and  fording to these a likely sign I think you ought not to find any this time Sir I shall and I shall be very glad if you would tell David  his ideas I find Can't git me all he Can and I will money for them when I come over Jonomoick [Jomeokee]
your loving friend [illegible]  Sam Johnson Capt.
September the 10. 1780

[right margin missing]
Page 55

August 12th 1785 then settled with Mr. Isaac Morgan John Morgan Isaac Morgan Joseph Pruit Aexar. Richardson and Joseph Morgan the Sertificate for Service Done under my Command Settled by me.
[Signature] Martin Gambill
John Morgan 17..14..6
Isaac Morgan 10..2..0
Joseph Morgan 01..0..0
Joseph Pruit 02..8..0
Alexander Richardson 37..8..6

To Mr. 
H'mmall Livingood
New River
Page 56

August 12th 1785 then settled with Mr. Isaac Morgan John Morgan Isaac Morgan Joseph Pruit Axer' Richardson and Joseph Morgan Sertificate for Service Done under my Command Settled by me.
[Signature] Martin Gambill
John Morgan 17..14..6
Isaac Morgan 10..2..0
Joseph Morgan 01..0..0
Joseph Pruit 02..8..0
Alexander Richardson 37..8..6

To Mr.
H'mmall Livingood
New River

{Duplicate]
Page 57

State of North Carolina }
Surry County Aug.st 1. 1820} I certify that I am well acquainted with Capt. Sam'l Johnson of Wilkes County who was placed on the pension lists of the State of North Carolina about the  year 1748 and the cause of his being so placed on the list was in consequence of a wound that he received on the battle at Kings Mountain in the month of Oct. 1780 he at that time held a Lieut's. Command and I believe in the company commanded Joel Lewis in the Militia I know him personally and examined his wound immediately after the Battle was over and have been personally acquainted with him ever since up to present time.
Given under my hand
J. Franklin [Signature]
Jesse Franklin
Page 58

5+35+70+57-110

25.4.8
12.10.0
78.17.0
___________
£345.14

30 Nov 1853


4
Page 59

Raleigh, May 29th, 1855.
The annexed printed notice was clipped from the Star, published in this City, having date 6th Nov. 1834; in which it was inserted among the obituary notices.
[Signature] Thos. J. Semay

From the Star Nov. 6, 1834.

In Wilkes county, on the 15th September, in the 77th year of his age, Capt. Samuel Johnson, a patriot of the Revolution.
Page 60

John Holloway.
Eli Blackbear
James Holloway
Benjamin Parks
Geo. Johnson
Page 61

Ambrose Johnson 1 - Lewis Johnson 2 - John S Johnson 3 - Clay Gambill 4 - Nancy Gambill 5 - Rachel Forrister 6 - Mary Boran -7 -

Amime Johnson Atty
Page 62

1776. 3mo.-
1778 or 9.  ++3 (dis f 3 mos.)
80 2+ Kings Mountain

+ no more than five mos.
++  no more than one  - 

Jno Sparks dec. 1833 1 mal. & after
75 or 6. Walton. Min man, af awz 
76. Indians. Pri. Cleveland Cap. No. 16060
81 ag. Cornwallis
_____
Spicer - dec. 1833
3m. Ruthrfrd. [Rutherford] No. 12436
{illegible] C. of Wilkes - 

May Allan 2 mos. or Lieut.
anu 4. pm.
_____
6 -
Page 63

Samuel Johnson  1834
Invalid Pensioner
Mary Johnson M. 1781
{No. Inc. papers. was a Lieut.
(of militia at Kings Mountain

Infantry mil.
77 or 9. Johna Lt or Cap. 3 mo. x 
Sept. 1780. King Mountain 3 mo.

Sterling Rose + same.
1780 at Kings mountain - & 
was [illegible] with [page torn]

Jno Sparks
76 or 77 Act as Capt. March [page torn]
nation 3 mo.
78 or 79. was under John[page torn]
to cross creek - 

Wm Spicer - 
76 or 77 [symbol -o-] same 3
78 or 79 [symbol -o-] same 3.
Page 64

Mary Johnson
Wid of Samuel
NC
Act July 7 1838
mamed 1781
ditto 1834.
Allan 2 mo. Lieut.
aw 4 mo pri - $40 per ann
frm. March 4 1836

was an Invalid Pen. or Lieut. no/papers

Jas. Martin Esq.
Brier Creek
NC
Page 65

Brief in the case of Samuel and Mary Johnson,
County and State of North Carolina
acts of 1832, 1838 &c.


Claim, ("original" or "for increase.")

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is the documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Samuel Johnson was pensioned for a record received in the Revolutionary War at $96 a year under the Invalid Act of 1816 - & died 15th Sept. 1834 - not having received the benefit of the Act of 1832.
Mary Johnson was pensioned under the acts of 1838 &c. at $40 a year for services of her husband as a private, and afterwards allowed $96 a year as her husband was pensioned at that amount. - 
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
At the time she was pensioned she established no higher grade of service for her husband than that of a private 0 It is now shown by record evidence that he served 3 months as private & 6 months as Captain of Horse and the increase is accordingly made - Death heirship &c established agreeably to the Rules &c.

Examining Clerk.
Ogden Niles


Name and residence of Agent
Hon. J. T. Clingman, }
House of Reps. }
Page 66

Samuel Johnson, dec'd. No. Carolina
Increased. June 7 1832 -
3 mos Pri Infy $10
6 mos Cap Cavy 150 = $160
a year from 4 March 1831 to 15 Sep. 1834 = when he died. 
[hand pointing right] Make no deduction.

Allow the same amount under the Acts of 1838, '43, '44,& '48 to 27 January 1853 when Mary Johnson the widow of Samuel died
[hand pointing right] Deduct $40 a year to 30th June 1848 and $96 a year from 1 July 1848 =

Pay in both cases to Ambrose Johnson 1 - Adm. - per himself Lewis 2 - & John S. Johnson 3 - Clay 4 & Nancy Gambill 5 - Rachel Forrister 6 - & Mary Boran 7 - or either way &c

[illegible]
Hon T L Clingman
H of R
Page 67

Mary Johnson
memo
Page 68

George Johnson - aged near 80 - Feby 18, 1854
Wilkes Co - 
Nephew of Capt. Sam'l  - was about 6 yrs old at Battle of Kings Mountain - Saw his coat that there with bullet holes understood he was Capt. when was brought home wounded. He was then ammamid [maimed] & staid  at the house of Wm. Johnson, affiant's father.
[Side note - if he was quite 80- it would make him about 6 or 7 years old.]

In Oct 1832 Capt. Saml. Johnson testified in open court of Wilkes Co. to the service of John Sparks n the Cherokee expedition - (a part of the service claimed for Johnson.)

Among the papers of Nancy Gambill widow of Martin N.C. admitted act of 1836 - is a letter from "Sam'l Johnson Capt." to some person and dated Sept. 10. 1780.

John Hollaway } Wilks Co. N.C.  
Eli Blackburn } March 22, 1854
Wee knew Capt. Samuel Johnson and Mary his widow both dec'd and they both drew pensions for his services. Her surviving children - In at Ambrose, Lewis & John S. Johnson - Mrs. Clay Gambill Nancy Gambill & Rachel Forrister of Wilkes Mary Boran of Va are the only surviving children.
Page 69

Mary Johnson, widow of Sam'l - N.C.
For increase - admission under act of 1886 - 
In Oct 1839 - Jas Gray - Sterling Rose - John Spicer and Wm. Sparks - of Wilkes co. testified that Sam'l. Johnson served 3 mos. as Capt. & 3 mos. as private (at least no ran is specified) they do not identify his widow

The widow declared in Wilkes Co. Jany 1839 - That she was not married to Johnson before he left the service - but June 25, 1781 - Does not specify his services but states that the proof is in his invalid pension papers.
In her declaration in Oct '43 she says he was a soldier & invalid pensioner. In her declaration of Oct. '48 - she recites that he was a private and Lieut. 
Nancy Gambil - of Ashe Co. - aged 90 - testified Sept. '53 to the services of Sam'l Johnson - Capt. at Kings Mountain - his wound &c - but does not identify his widow.
Jas Holloway - of Ashe Co. aged 82 - May 1853. testifies to services as Capt. & wound at Kings Mountain  does not identify his widow
Benjin Parks - of Wilkes Co. - aged 87 - Dec. 1853 - Same as Holloway - does not identify widow
Page 70

Certificate of common Please Court of Wilkes of the appointment of Ambrose as admin. of widow Bond of $4000 &c - no proof of date of widow's death
Another Afft. of Nancy Gambill - Jany 17. 1854 states she knew Mary Hammons who was married to Capt. Sam'l Johnson before close of Revy war - She was a near neighbor but no at the marriage.

Certif. of Comptroller of N.C. of Pay'ts to Samuel Johnson £5.35.20 & 50 = £110 - 
(appears to have been made to a man who lived in the eastern part of the State)
Also for militia services of himself & company - £254.8Sh
12.16.6
78.17.6 =
346.2 representing about 2 mos. as Capt - also that the man is on roll of officers of Hillsboro Salisbury dist. as Cornet of Horse - 
Johnson was pensioned - and his pension increased under act of 1816 from $60 to $96 - and rec'd his pension as private up to 18534 when he died, Sept.15th
Page 71

The case of Elijah Vickes of N.C., whose widow, also was pensioned under the Act of 1843. No. 4812. N.C. is cited as confirmatory of this claim.
Vickers declared for various services . among others at the time of the battle of King's Mountain, at which he was not in time to participate. He stated that "Shortly after this" (the battle of King's mountain) "Col. Cleveland joined orders to Capt. Sam'l Johnson of Wilkes, to raise a company of volunteers and march to their relief" (the inhabitants near Deep River &c) that declarant "volunteered himself and joined Capt. Johnson at Hamblin's old Stono, & marched immediately to Cox's mills" &c. - John Love - one of his witnesses, swears 
to this expedition under Capt. Sam'l Johnson.
Capt. Samuel Johnson - as the witnesses style him, was carried home from Kings Mountain in a horse- litter with a gun shot wound through his abdomen, and was pensioned for that wound - how the same man should have been shortly afterwards in his saddle, commanding another expedition, which from the description required great dispatch and energy, serving a tour of "about 3 months", before Feby 1781, when the battle of Kings mountain was fought Oct 1, 1780 - exceeds my powers of estimation. I think the husband of the claimant was another Sam'l Johnson than the Capt. perhaps a son, who was

memo;
Mary Johnson dec'd widow of Sam'l. N.C.
Page 72

dubbed captain as the  of persons holding titles sometimes are; and that he was properly pensioned as a private.
Page 73

Major Tn May 24 1855
Sir
Since I last wrote to you on the subject of the application of the representatives of the late Capt. Samuel Johnson of Wilkes County for a pernir [pension] I have her in that county. From the statements of the Hon Anderson Mitchell and those of a number of highly respectable citizens some of whom have been acquainted with him as far back as sixty years ago. I entertain no doubt but that he was the identical person who was a Captain in the revolutionary war. The fact that he served at Kings Mountain as a lieutenant only is entitled to little weight when the circumstances of that battle are known. The whigs had at that time a mixed force of mounted men and foot soldiers only firdir [forcing] a rapid march necessary to overtake Ferguson left their infantry behind except the officers and a few others who would procure horses. It so happened therefore that officers of the Int. in some instances served during the battle in a inferior capacity. I have understood that the tale Col. Lenoir of Wilkes county thought he previously held the rank of
Page 74

Captain served as a private soldier only in that battle. I presume therefore that Capt. Johnson may in this way on that occasion have acted as a lieutenant only. I may repeat what I formerly said to you that from my knowledge of Dr. James Calloway I am satisfied that he would not prep the claim if he were not fully convinced of its Justice. I am myself from all the information in my possession fully of the opinion that he was the Capt. Samuel Johnson of the revolution.
Very respectfully 
T. L. Clingman [Signature]

r. L. P. Waldo
Com. of Pensions
Page 75

House of Reps. 21 Dec. 1853

Sir,
I have been requested by Dr. Jas Calloway of Wilkesboro N.C. to procure for him a copy of "the declaration of Mary Johnson, widow of Sam'l. Johnson a revolutionary soldier on which she obtained her pension after the death of her husband." He does not mention the time of her application, but I presume you can find the paper without that statement. You will greatly oblige me by giving the copy as requested.
Very respectfully
Your obt. svt.
Fred P. Stanton

To the Commissioner 
of Pensions 
Present.
Page 76

Washington Jan 8th. 1824
Sir:
I send some papers rec'd from Capt. Samuel Johnson viz The certificate of the cancerning [concerning] physicians; the certificate of Jesse Franklin late Governor of No. Carolina and Capt. Johnson's letter to me on the subject of his pension - He never had a certificate but was on the North Carolina roll and transferred to the list of the Untied States. I am acquainted with all the persons who signed the certificate - I Santliker is a justice of the Peace; H B Sutterutich and Robt. Church are practicing physicians, and Robert Martin is Clerk of the County Court of Wilkes - the certificate from Jesse Franklin late Governor of our State is also enclosed  I should think - I hope under all these circumstances that Capt. Johnson will receive a certificate regularly authenticated - the certificate you sent me some weeks ago only established the
Page 77

fact that Johnson was yet another test: It was not a Certificate in the usual form - I hope that a certificate in some form either as a duplicate; or an original will be forwarded to me for Mr. Johnson, so that he will no longer be harassed and kept out of his money - 
I am Sir with very great respect your obt. Very Humble Srvnt.
Lewis Williamz [Signature]
Page 78

Washington, D.C. Feby. 18. 1855.

Hon. 
L.P. Waldo.
I beg leave to repeat what I said to you on yesterday. That I will as soon as convenient after reaching home write you in relation to the claim of the heirs of Mrs. Mary Johnson of Wilks County, N.C. - in which I will give my accting of the case and endeavor to satisfy you of the grate mistake - committed in said case - by the officer who lately examined the case and made report throu being date - 16 - Int. - from which I entirely disent- and appeal to you - for a careful - personal exploration an examination of said case - I trust you will have proper care taken of the Relic of Capt. Johnson served - now in the Dept. 
Most Respectfully - Your &c
James Calloway. atty  [Signature]
Page 79

Wilkesboro N.C. Dec. 13 - 1856.

Hon. 
L. P. Waldo.

Please furnish me a copy of the Certificate of the Comptroller of N.C. as to the military services & pay of Capt. Samuel Johnson, of Wilkes County N.C.  - in file with the papers in the case of his widow Mrs. Mary Johnson, Dec'd - for Revolutionary services - soon as possible - 
Most Respectfully, 
Your obliged servant
 James Calloway, atty. [Signature]
for the Heirs of Mrs. Mary Johnson, Dec;d.
Page 80

Mrs. Mary Johnson

Asm 1840
Page 81

State of North Carolina }
Wilkes County } SS.

Personally appeared before me James Martin one of the acting Justices for the County aforesaid, Mary Johnson widow of Samuel Johnson Dec'd. who has heretofore sent on her declaration to the Pension office of the United State in order to obtain a pension on account of her husbands services in the Revolutionary War, and after being duly sworn according to Law produced an old Bible in which she states the family record was kept and that the ages of her Six oldest Children, and all the other Children are torn out except the name of her Daughter (Polley Johnson) who is her sixth child and her name appears on the inside of the binding and was born June the 9th at night 1796, and that the record of her said daughter Polley is in the hand writing of her deceased husband Samuel Johnson; and that the ages of her Children born before Polley was as near as she recollects as following,  Robert Johnson, was born in 1783, Nanny in 1785, Cloe in 1788, Samuel B Johnson in 1790 (on the 18th day of May) and Ambrose in 1792, on the 15th day of May. - Sworn to and subscribed before me this 4th day of March 1840
[Signatures]
James Martin J.P.     Mary Johnson X her mark

State of North Carolina Wilkes County, Personally appeared before me James Martin one of the acting Justices for said County, Samuel B. Johnson Esq. and after being duly sworn according to law, saith
Page 82

that he has a perfect recollection of often noting the family record that his father Samuel Johnson husband of his mother Mary Johnson the above applicant, kept in an old Bible of his, which record of his fathers has been torn out of said Bible, but that he the said Sam'l. B. Johnson has kept the record of his own age as given to him by his father & mother, and that he is the fourth Child and was born on the 18th day of May 1790, which will also appear by examining the slip of paper herein enclosed containing  it his age which he cut off of his family record and is in his own hand writing, and from the best recollection he has of the ages of the children older than himself as recorded by his father was as follows, Robert Johnson was born on Oct. 25th 1783 - Cloe Johnson was born in 3rd of Sept, 1788 - and Nancy Johnson on 3rd Oct. 1785 - sworn to and subscribed before me 11th of March 1840
[Signature]  Sam'l. B. Johnson

I James Martin one of the acting Justices for the County of Wilkes State of North Carolina, Certify that the above deponents Mary Johnson and Samuel B. Johnson are creditable witnesses and their statement may be relied on as such given under my hand at office this 11th day of March 1840.
[Signature] James Martin J.P.
Page 83

I William Masten Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Wilkes County, Certify that James Martin is a Magistrate as above, and that the foregoing Signature, purporting to be his is genuine - 
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name this 7th day of April in the year 1840.
Wm Masten [Signature]
Clerk of the Court of 
Wilkes County
Page 84

This Indenture Made this Twenty Sixth of January Between Zachariah Holbrook of the State of North Carolina of the State and County aforesaid of then apart witness of a sum of ten Dollars to him in hand paid by the D. doth hereby acknowledge and himself fully satisfied and Delivered to John Adams a certain part or parcel & Computed as by Conditional boundary made and Mar; said John Adams Begining at the mouth of the Little Running Cass with the said concluded Line to the [illegible] said John Adams Line thence with sd line to the [illegilbe] with all Rights privileges appurtenances or Pm, there unto to have and to hold the said land and premesis said Zachariah Holbrook Doth Covenant and agree for ever here after [illegible] papers and Injoy the said Land peson or persons whatever Doth warrant and for ever or assign forever in Testimony thereof the said  and affixed his seal this Day and Date above 

[Signatures]
John Holloway
Sam Johnson
William Williams

[right side is cut off]
Page 85

Indenture 1806
Zachariah Holbrook to John Adams
Found in Mary Johnson widow of Samuel File No. 5012 if no case is found for the, it should be returned to No. 5012 as Sam'l. Johnson (as above) is a witness within
Page 86

[Let margin is cut off]
In the year of Lord one thousand Eight hundred an six [missing] and County of wilkes of the one part and John Adams [missing] that the said Zachariah Holbrook for and in consideration 
John adam's the Recent where or the sad Zachariah Holbrook [missing] and paid hath this Day given granted bargained sold [missing]
land containing twelve acres be the same more or less [missing] and agreed on by the said Zachariah Holbrook and the [missing] 
branch above the Daggon ford of the North Fork of Roaring [missing] of the old track thence North with the old Line to the [missing] thence with the River to the Beginning [missing] provements thereunto belongin or in any way appertaining [missing] the sad John Adam his heirs or assigns may and shall [missing] and premises and clear of all Claim or Claims of [missing] Defend the same to the said Law John Adam's his heirs [missing] Zachariah Holbrook hath here unto set his hand [missing] assigned sealed and Delivered in presents of [Signature]Zachariah Holbrook + mark his [seal]
Page 87

Brier Creek N.C.
Oct. 6th
Hon. J. L.  Edwards
Pension Office
Washington City D.C.

4179 Oct. 19 
Mary Johnson
N.C. $40 per
Mar 5 1845 Clk
Page 88

Oct. 6th 1843.

Dear Sir
Enclosed i send you two Claims for a pension under the at of 3rd March 1843 please to send me their cirtifiates at as early a date as you Conveniently can, some months past I sent you the Claim of Rachel Rose for a pension. I would also call your attention to that as I have heard nothing from it as yet.
Respectfully your Obt., 'Humble Servant
James Martin [Signature]
Page 89

Suc'd to $96. ded'g
$40 per annum
com'g 1 July 1848

C. W. Bennett
Present
Page 90

Washington
Nov. 20. 1851.

Hon. J.E. Heath}
Com. of Pensions.}

Sir
I have the honor to enclose herewith an application made by Mrs. Mary Johnson (Widow of Samuel Johnson dec'd) a pensioner under Act of Feb'y. 2d. 1848. No. Co. Roll for an increase of her pension.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Serv't
C. W. Bennett [Signature]
Page 91

authorize the admission of the claim under the act of July 6, 1836.

James Calloway [Signature]
Sept. 2d/56
Page 92

Pension Office
Sept. 20, 1856.

Sir:
In reply to our letter of the 18th you are informed that Since I decided to grant an increase  of the stipend in the case of Mary Johnson, dec'd who has the endow of Samuel, doubts fear answer the mind of the Secretary of the Interior as to the legality of payments of amounts of pension due to endow of Revolutionary officers , & soldiers at their respective deaths, to their children; and he has therefore submitted the question to the Attorney  General, who has it under consideration. If that officer shall decide not amount of  pension can they be paid a certificate for the amount due to Samuel Johnson's care under the Act of Jany 1832, and that of further endow under the act of July 7.1838. & in
Page 93

be paid (made payable to the Administrator) and sent to you. There is not the slightest grounds, as yet how has payment informed to authorizing the admission of the claim under the Act of July 6, 1836.

[Signature] James Calloway
Sept. 20th/56

James Calloway Esq. 
Wilkesboro
N. Carolina
Page 94

Mary Johnson's
Power of Attorney.

Ex 3

S. Godwin
Dec-30-1851
Page 95

Know all men by these presents That I Mary Johnson of Wilkes County North Carolina widow of Captain Samuel Johnson of said County and State have made, and by their Presents Do make constitute, and appoint Shimmel Godwin of the city of washington D.C. and Jno. B. Woodfire of Brunsville N.C. Attornies at law and Agents for Claimants my Attornies, both in law and in fact, for me and in my behalf and in my name or in their own names, or otherwise at their discretion, to ask, apply for obtain and recover, secure from the Secretary of War, the Commissioner of Pensions, the Pay Master General, and from any office or Department of the United States Government or any officer or person connected therewith, all sums of money or averages of pay, Extra-pay, Bounty land, Pensions, claims, allowances, or property of any kind, that may be due or become due to me, for, or on account of m husbands military or other services or for supplies furnished by him, to, for, or on account of any officer, agent or other person, in the employ or service, of the United States, for which I have now or may hereafter have any claim, under or by virtue of  any enactment of the Congress of the United State, or in any way whatever, and I hereby authorize my said Attornies to take all lawful means, for the recovery of the aforesaid, or any part thereof, to attend to the final Ajustment of all Business now pending before either of the offices, or officers above mentioned, in which I am interested, to give all necessary discharges, to make
Page 96

Compromises if they deem it expedient, and to do all acts in the premises, that I myself could do were I personally present, hereby revoking all like Powers heretofore executed by me, and also hereby granting to my said Attornies Shimmel Godwin and Jno. B. Woodfire, all my power and authority in the premises, firmly and irrevocably, and ratifying what so ever they or or their Deputies shall do lawfully by virtue, hereof.
Witness my hand and seal this 28th day of Nov. A.D. 1851 [Signature] Mary Johnson X her mark
Signed Sealed and executed}
In presence of two witnesses}

[Signatures]
John S. Johnson
Samuel Johnson

State of North Carolina}
Wilkes County } SS.
On this 25th day of Nov. A.D. 1851 personally appeared before me the undersigned an acting Justice of A Court of Record for Said County, Mary Johnson widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson to me well known and acknowledged the foregoing power of Attorney to be her own act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned. Jas, Johnson Justice [Signature]

State of N. Carolina }
County of Wilkes } SS 
I W. Masten Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in and for said County do hereby certify that James Johnson Esq. whose name appears to the foregoing Power of Attorney and certificate is & was at the time of signing the same an acting Justice of a Court of Record, was duly commissioned and sworn according to law and I believe the signature purporting to be his is Jenuine. In testimony of which I hereby
Page 97

set my hand and affixed the seal of my office at Wilkesboro this 1st day of December A.D. 1851
W Mastin Clerk
By H. P. Waugh D.C.
Page 98

P. Calloway - 12st.1:1

GN 2
300 1
75 1/2
1.52 1/2

Hon:
Thomas L. Clingman, HR
December 19.1856

Enclosing and asking attention to letter of James Calloway, upon the subject of the claim of the children Capt. Samuel and Mary Johnson for arrears of Pension
(Letter of Calloway read as requested)
Respectfully referred to Comm. of Pension for his attention and action 
Dept. Int.}
Dec. 20/'56}

Moses Kelly
Chf. Clk
Page 99

Brief in the case of Mary Johnson, widow of Sam'l, Wilkes County and State of North Carolina act 2 February 1848.

Claim, for increase

Proof exhibited, (if original.)

Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.

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

Increased under the Court Resolution of July 1, 1848


S. Cole [Signature]
Examining Clerk.

Name and residence of Agent
C. W. Bennett
Present
Page 100

Hon. T. L. Clingman
H of Reps

January 2nd 1856

[Paper previously used. The certificate Mrs. Johnson now is returned to the, office
I learn &]
Page 101

Pension Office
Jan. 2, 1856.

Sir:
I herewith return the letter of James Calloway, for return to the claim of May Johnson, widow of Samuel, for as never of her stipend, as the grand not her husband served as a private and Captain, and not as a private and Lieutenant, for services in which later years she was pensioned - and yet are informed that a [illegible] careful examination of the testimony, including the certificates from the Comptroller of N. Carolina, have satisfied me that the claim should be
Page 102

allowed for three months since as a private and six months as a Captain of Horse, and at the rate of $160 per annum, instead of $96 per annum; certificates for which will be given when the certificate Mrs. Johnson now holds is returned to this office.
 J Horn &

Hon. T. L. Clingman
HofReps
January 2nd 1856

Hon. T. L. Clingman,
House of Reps.
Page 103

Hon. T. L. Clingman
March 11, 1856.
Page 104

Pension Office
March 11. 1856.

Sir
I hereunto return the letter of James Calloway, Esq. addressed to you at the raw 20 num. and have the lead to such, that for [illegible] to admit the claim of Mary Johnson widow or Samuel under the Act of July 4, 1836, cannot be acceded to as that is not the stipulant ordered in the case to another pen as evidence under that act. It was originally upon not the Act of July 7. 1838, and document alleged not "she was not married to him [Samuel Johnson] prior to his leaving the service", but that the marriage  took place after the war stated by her, in June 25, 1781.
I have the honor to be very Respectfully Yr. Obt. Svt.

Hon. T. L. Clingman
House of Reps
Page 105

Hon.T. L. Clingman
Feb. 18,1856.
Page 106

Pension Office
Feb. 18, 1856.

Sir

I return, herewith, the letter of James Calloway Esq. addressed to you on the 25th in relation to the proposition of their office to the matter of Mary Johnson, as she was the widow of Samuel for an increase of the Stipend amount to her in her life time for the services of her husband under the Act of July 7. 1838. - and have the honor to note that, a yes has ret. as requested by dr. C. & [illegible] an opinion on which we can act, I am at a loss how to proceed. If you should deem it advisable for the children to accept the proposition made to them, I will [illegible] a certificate for the amount to be
Page 107

Hon T. L. Clingman
House of Reps.


Hon. T. L. Clingman
Feb. 18, 1856.
Page 108

James Calloway
Jan. 11/53
Page 109


156
Pension Office.
11th Jany. 1855.

Sir,
In compliance with your request. I enclose you a Copy of the certificate of the Comptroller of North Carolina, as to the payments made to Samuel Johnson, for revolutionary Services.

James Calloway Esq.
Wilkesboro
N.C.
Page 110

Mr. James  Calloway
Aug. 9/54
Page 111

Pension Office
August 9th 1854

Sir
In compliance with the request contained in a letter of Ambrose Johnson, the Administrator of Mary Johnson, deceased, widow of Samuel, of N.C.  dated 1st instant, I have to inform you that the certificate for the increase of her pension to $96. per annum, under the provision of the joint resolution of July 1st 1848, was issued on the 8th day of April 1852, to C. W. Bennett, of this city whose power of attorney from Mary Johnson is on file among the papers in the case.

Dr. James Calloway
Wilkesboro
North Carolina.
Page 112

Hon. F P Stanton
Dec. 27/53
Page 113

431
Pension Office,
December 27. 1853

Sir,
In compliance with your request of the 21st instant. I herewith enclose copies of the Declarations filed by Mrs. Mary Johnson in her application for pension as the widow of Samuel Johnson, a revolutionary soldier.

Very respectfully
SC

Hon. Frederick P. Stanton
House of Reps.
Page 114

an 3/32
Page 115

84
Pension Office
April 5, 1857

Sir, 
In answer to the application of Mary Johnson widow of Samuel Johnson I have to inform you that the claim is allowed at the rate of $96 per annum from the 1 July 1848, but before a certificate can be issued at the increased rate, she must return the one she now holds.

W. Bennett, Esq.
Present
Page 116

Jas. Calloway
Dec. 20/34
Page 117

225
Pension Office
Dec. 20 1834

Sir
The certificate of the Comptroller of NC in the case of Mary Johnson of NC of the 30th of Nov 1853, shows that a Samuel Johnson received £110, and a Captain Samuel Johnson received for himself & Company £345.14Sh

James Calloway Esq
Wilkesboro
N.C.
Page 118

N. Ca. Currency $2.50 per £
L.S.d.  |  $ cts
50.0.0 | 125.00
45.0.0 | 112.50
40.9.6 | 101.18 3/4
64.1.8 | 160 20 1/2
18.6.0 | 45.75
0.7.6 | 93 3/4
9.0.0 | 22.50
12.0.0 | 30.00
62.10.0 | 156.25
409.12.6 | 1024.06 1/2
77.0.0 | 192.50
169.2.11 | 422.86 1/4
33.6.8 | 83.33 1/4
8.6.0 | 20.75
______  _______________
£999.2.9 | $2497.84

add'l. payments by 2nd Certificate

over -
Page 119

£.S.d. | $ cts
5.0.0 | 12.50
35.0.0 | 87.50
20.00 | 50.00
50.00 | 125.0.0
_________  _________
£110.0.0 | $275.00

Allowance as Capt.

254.8.0 | 636.00
75.17.6 | 197.18 3/4
________   _____________
333.5.6 | $833.18 3/4

Aggregate 
£ S. D. |$ cts
Aggregate per certificate (No. 1) 2497.84
999.2.9 | per certificate (No. 2) 275.00
110.0.0 | as Capt. 833.18 3/4
___________ |          ______________
£1442.8.3              $3606.2 3/4

    $      cts.
=3606.3/10
Page 120

Apl. 6, 1855
Page 121

Pension Office,
April 6, 1855.

Sir,
I have, in pursuance of the request contained in your letter addressed to the Hon. T. L. Clingman on the 23rd of Feb. last, and by him warranted to their office on the 23rd ult. carefully reviewed the testimony filed in the case of Mary Johnson widow of Samuel, and for me inferred that it would naturally and the office a  [illegible] a final decree upon the claim If however in the grade of Captain , if we had references or autographic signatures of the said Samuel attached to some old instrument of notary. If you can send such a signature the case will be again duly examined. Can you also send any obituary archives of said Samuel, taken from a public print.
James Calloway, Esq. Wilkesboro; Wilkes Co. N.C.
( over)
Page 122

Samuel Johnson's cash [illegible] the case of Nancy Church & Judith Reynolds - N.C. Feb, a.d. 1848.
Page 123

Feb. 16/33.
Page 124

Pension Office
Feby 16. 1855

Sir
I have given the application of the children of Mary Johnson dec'd widow of Samuel of N.C. for an increase of her pension a laborious examination and am compelled to refuse the claim, Her husband was pensioned for a record wound received at the battle of King's Mountain, (Octo 1751) at which time he was a Lieutenant, It does not appear that he ever reported for service in any higher grade or for any redress  after that time. His widow, in her application, under the act of 1835 declared that she was married to him in 1781 after the termination of his last tour of service, of the truth of this statement there can be no doubt she certainly should know of any service rendered by her husband after their marriage, In addition to this: it appears that his wound was
Page 125

a sever one, and as the war virtually ceased, so far as the militia were  concerned, soon after the battle of King's Mountain, it is not probable that he again entered the service. But if he did not enter the service after he received his wound, he rendered no service as a captain; for if he had no service before that time he would have no state in his application for an Invalid pensioner. These considerations compel me to the conclusion that the Capt. Sam'l. Johnson was not the father of the applicants. If I am asked, how I dispose of the various affidavits of respectable persons who swear that he was a Captain, I answer, that without impeaching their veracity, they are mistaken, They know he was an officer & that he had soldiers under his command, it's not at all likely that women and those who were children at the time should be able to know the exact grade of an officer, - I am strengthened in my convictions that the Captain Sam'l Johnson was a different
Page 126

man from her husband, from the fact that this Captain, service must have been rendered very shortly after your Samuel Johnson received his severe would. He was hardly able to discharge such arduous duties so soon after such a misfortune, - Besides all this, if I were to admit that the soldier & officer of the Comptrollers certificate referred in part to the same Johnson whose children are preping this claim, I could not compute the amount of service properly belonging to him, as there, are certainly more than one of the name included in this certificate.

James Calloway Esq.
mw/Present
Page 127

4178
Page 128

State of North  Carolina}
Wilkes County} SS.

On this 5th day of October 1843. personally appeared before me James Martin a Justice of Wilkes County. Mary Johnson a resident of Wilkes County age seventy nine 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 provisions made by the act of Congress passed March 3r, 1843, granting pensions to widows of pensioners who served during the revolutionary war, that she is the widow of Samuel Johnson and invalid (pensioner) late a soldier of the revolution, and that she received under the act of 7th July 1838, a  pension of $40.00 per annum, she further declares that she is still a widow, of Sam'l. Johnson. Sworn and subscribed on the day and year above written.
Interlined before assigned, - 
[Signatures] James Martin J.P.       
Mary Johnson X her mark

I further certify that the above named widow is personally known to me.
[Signature]  James Martin J.P.

I William Mastin Clerk of the Court of Please and Quarter Sessions for Wilkes County, Certify that James Martin is a Magistrate as above, and that the forgoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. - 
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my seal of office, and subscribed my name, this 6th day of October in the year 1813.
Wm. Mastin [Signature]
Clerk of the Court of Wilkes County
Page 129

Wilkes County N.C.
Nov. 29th 1851

Sir

You will please permit Shimmel Godwin Esq. of Washington City to have access to my pension papers filed from this county and state about the year 1834 under the act 7th July 1838 as I have good reason to believe that I am not drawing the amount to which I am legally entitled and further I wish you to direct the result of this investigation to said S. Godwin's care.

Your most obt. servant 
Mary Johnson X her mark [Signature]

Attest 
John S. Johnson
Samuel Johnson
Jas. Johnson

Hon. James E. Heath
Com. of Pensions
Washington D.C.
Page 130

May 1858
Page 131

Raleigh, N.C. May 29th 1855

Dear Sir:
As I did not have the files of the star in my office, I handed over your note to the former editor with the request that he would attend to it immediately. He this morning gave me the enclosed which I hope will prove satisfactory to you.
Yours truly
Will C. Dorel [Signature]
Page 132

Washington
April 6. 1852.

Hon. J.E. Heath
Com. of Pensions
Sir.
I have the  honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday informing me that the application of Mrs. Mary Johnson, widow of Samuel Johnson, dec'd. for increase of her pension had been allowed, and that before a certificate could issue she must return the one she now holds. I return enclosed her original certificate as required.
Very Respectfully
Your Obt. Sevt.
C. W. Bennett.
Page 133

Raleigh May 19th - 1855 -
Dear Sir
Your favor was received in due time and I regret that I have not been able to give it my attention sooner - I have succeeded in finding a notice of the death of Capt. Samuel Johnson published in the "Star" a paper printed in this place at that time -  I herewith send you a copy of the notice as I can not get a paper or permission to cut out the notice -
You will please command my services whenever they will be of service to you - 
Your truly
Rufus H. Page  [Signature]

Dr. James Calloway
Wilkesboro N.C.
Page 134

The Star.

Raleigh November 6th - 1834 - 
Died
In Wilkes County on the 15th September - in the 77th - year of his age, Capt. Samuel - Johnson a patriot of the Revolution
Page 135

Wilkesboro. N.C. May 19. 1855
Honl. Thomas L. Clingman

I have been engaged in the practice of the Law in the county of Wilkes and in several of the surrounding counties for twenty nine years and I have resided in the county of Wilkes for twenty three years - Capt. Samuel Johnson resided in Wilkes county & when I first - acquainted any thing like a general acquaintance with the citizens of this county he seemed to be regarded as entitled to distinguished consideration for revolutionary services - I have heard statement of the belief of aged & respectable citizens of this county and of the sworn testimony of the contemporaries of Capt. Samuel Johnson that satisfy me, he did service as a Captain in the revolutionary war.
Yours &c
Anderson Mitchell [Signature]
Page 136

Morganton May 24th 1855

Hon. L P. Waldo.
Sir
With reference to the above letter of the Hon. Anderson Mitchell I beg leave to say that I have had acquaintance with him for a great many years. He was a member of the 27th Congress and is not only a gentleman of great intelligence and high character, but is also rather remarkable for his cautiousness in advocacy his opinions and then he the greater reliance should be placed on them. Of the redress of this one I entertain no doubt whatever.

Very respectfully
T. L. Clingman
Page 137

Hon. 
J. Minot. Com. of Pensions

Mary Johnson
Sam'l. N.C. 

Col. Niles
Page 138

Wilkesburg N. Ca. March 30. 1886

Hon. 
J. Minot. Com. of Pensions
Please provide me with a statement of the data - spoken of in the evidence on file - in the case of Mary Johnson. widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson as to the date when he acted as Capt. in the expedition - against the Scotch, & tories - down towards Fayetteville - as contained in the affidavit of John Sparks. W. Spicer - Sterling Rose & James Gray - I think you will find it to be about the date of 1778. or 9. - I know it was before the date of 80.. - and oblige &c
most Respectfully Yr. obt. svt.
James Calloway. ag. [Signature]
Page 139

Washington. City. April. the 12th 1856.

Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Commissioner of Pensions - 
Sir.
In the case of the heirs of Mrs. Mary Johnson dec'd. of Wilkes County. No. Ca. widow of Captain Samuel Johnson, Dec'd. - late a soldier and officer in the war of the Revolution. I beg leave to refer you to the evidence in file - in the case of the said Mary Johnson - also to a paper on file in the case of Mrs. Nancy Gambill. of Ashe County. No. Ca. - this paper is in the shape of an order or requisition made by Capt. Samuel Johnson on Capt. Martin Gambill - of very old date - I think some where - in the date of Seventeen Hundred and Eighty - as well also as to the paper now presented consisting of Record - and Sparks testimony  which certainly establishes, the Rank. and Service, of Capt. Samuel Johnson. - beyond the posibility of a doubt - we therefore claim for the heirs of the said Mary Johnson and her husband the said Samuel Johnson the full pay according to rank and service - under the act of the 6. - of July. 1836 and all the acts and resolutions of Congress applicable to their case - deducting only what - the said Mary Johnson has heretofor drawn -
Page 140

We State that the seeming discrepancy - between the records - and parde testimony - and the statements - made by the said Mary Johnson - no doubt - arise from the fact - that soon after the death of her husband. the said Captain - Samuel Johnson - which happened in September. 1836. (That as I have been informed and believe - , her mind began to show great decline and weakness - especially as to memory - which rapidly increased - to an entire state of imbecility - so that for several years before her death, which took place - about the 27 - of January, 1853. She did not know her children or her nearest neighbors.
I hope you will give the case as early attention as possible.
I am most Respectfully 
yr. obt. servant
James Calloway of Wilkesbury N.C.
Agent and Attorney
Page 141

Send Mr. Clingman's letter & note of Dis. to P.O. - to Clingman  say that owing to Governor opinion  gn predecessor, I refer the question to Atty. Send who a few day ago gave me his views against  any case but relying on usage
Dec. 19/56


Dec 19th 1856
[Missing] case to which the written [missing] her sending a great [missing]hope yo will not think me too unjust if I should ask you to give it your attention at some early day. Please return me Dr Calloway's letter when you have read it and oblige.
yours very respectfully &c
T. L. Clingman [Signature]

Hon. R. McClelland
Secretary of Interior
Page 142

Ho Rep. Dec 19th 1856
Sir
As the case to which the written letter refers has been pending a great many years, I hope you will not think me too urgent if I should ask you to give it your attention at some early day. Please return me Dr. Calloway's letter when you have read it and oblige.
yours very respectfully &c
T. L. Clingman [Signature]
Hon. R. McClelland
Secretary of Interior
Page 143

Hon T. L. Clingman
Aug 25
Page 144

Pension Office
August 25, 1856.

Sir,
I have duly considered the affidavit of Nancy Gambill, which accompanied Mr. Calloway's letter addressed to you on the 14th this is support of the claim for an increase of the pension of Mary Johnson widow of Samuel and how the [illegible] that it has not changed the news of the con communicated to you on the 2d of January last. That communication was the result of a very careful [illegible] of the testimony and presents the only basis on which the officer can consent to adjust the claim. 
I have it
Hon. T. L. Clingman
House of Reps.
Page 145

Asheville March 23rd 1855

Sir
Inclosed is a letter of Dr. James Calloway with reference to certain applications for Pensions & can only add to it that he is a gentleman of first rate standing in all respects and I have no doubt of the truth of his statements as to all matters in his knowledge. I have as yet heard nothing further as to the changes of pensioners in certain counties from  Fayetteville to Morganton. If the changes recommended by me have been made please advise me.

very respectfully yours
T. L. Clingman [Signature]

Hon. L. P. Waldo
Page 146

James Calloway
April 22, 1856.
Page 147

Pension Office,
April 22. 1856

Sir
In reply to your letter of the 30th ult. you are informed that James Gray deposed in the case of Mary Johnson, that such as he recollects, on the later of the year 1778 or 1779, he cannot be precise to the date, saw Johnson a commander & company or Captain and Major Hargraves had the command of the troops - They marched down to Little River, near Fayetteville N.C. after the Scotch & Tories."
Vu Respectfully

James Calloway, Esq.
Wilkesboro N.C.
Page 148

Mary Johnson
Page 149

State of North Carolina }
County of Wilkes} SS.
Be it known, that on the 17th day of September A.D. 1851 before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace of and for the County aforesaid personally appeared Mary Johnson a pensioner of the United States at the rate of forty Dollars per annum and made oath according to Law that she is the widow of  Samuel Johnson deceased, who was a private and officer in the war of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States at the rate of ninety six dollars per annum that she has reason to believe that her pension ought to be increase and that she is directly interested in the same, and makes this affidavit To be filed by her attorney with any additional evidence or arguments he may deem necessary in the prosecution of said claim.
Sworn and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me.
[Signatures]
Mary Johnson X her mark
John S Johnson JP

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes} SS.
Be it known that before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for the said county, personally appeared Mary Johnson who having duly sworn according
Page 150

to Law doth upon her oath depose and say, that she is the widow of Sam'l. Johnson deceased who was a private and officer of the war of the Revolution and pensioner of the United States at the rate of Ninety six dollars per annum that she now makes her declaration to receive any increase and arrears of pension, that may be due her on account of the services of her husband as aforesaid for the benefit of herself under any acts or resolutions of Congress applicable to the case.
Sworn and subscribed this 17th day of September 1857 before me.
[Signatures] Mary Johnson X her mark
John S. Johnson J.P.

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes}
Know all men by these presents that I Mary Johnson widow of Samuel Johnson deceased who was a private and officer in the war of the Revolution do hereby constitute and appoint C W. Bennett Washington City D.C. my true and lawful attorney for me and in my name to prosecute my claim to any increase and arrears of pension that may be found due on account of the services of said Samuel Johnson as aforesaid, and I hereby authorize my said attorney to examine all papers and documents touching my claim on file in the departments at Washington or elsewhere and file any additional evidence or arguments he may think proper to insure the recovery of the same
Page 151

Witness my hand and seal this 17th day of September A.D. 1851 [Signature] 
Mary Johnson X her mark

Witness
William R. Sparks [Signature]
Witness
Robert  Bauguss [Signature]

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes} SS.
On the 17th day of September A.D. 1851 before the subscribed, a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Mary Johnson and acknowledged the foregoing power of attorney to b her act and deed. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand the day and year last above mentioned.
John S. Johnson J.P. [Signature]

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes} SS.

Be it known that on the 17th day of September A.D. 1851, before the subscriber a Justice of the Peace in and for said County personally appeared Robert Bauguss and Wm. R. Sparkes - two uninterested and respectful residents and made oath according to Law that they are well acquainted with Mary Johnson widow of Samuel Johnson deceased who was a private and officer in the war of the Revolution and that the said Samuel departed this life on the 15th
Page 152

day of September A.D. 1835 leaving the said Mary Johnson his surviving widow now living .
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned before me.
[Signatures]
John S. Johnson JP      Robert Bauguss X his mark
                                     William R. Sparks

Mary Johnson

North Carolina}
Wilkes County} I W Martin Clerk of the Court of please and quarter sessions for the County of Wilkes do certify that John S. Johnson is a magistrate as above duly sworn and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his signature  is genuine. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at office this 8th day of Nov, 1851
W Mastin, Clk [Signature]
Page 153

Payment to be made at Fayetteville by
Agent for paying Pensioners, in the Agency of North Carolina
Payable on the 4th September and 4th March
Recorded in the Pension Office on the Roll of Pensioners under act February 2d, 1848, Page 317 Vol. 1.
Leo. Jenkins Clerk.  [Signature]
Page 154

WAR DEPARTMENT.
WIDOW'S PENSION
I certify that in conformity with the act of February 2d, 1848, Mary Johnson, widow of Samuel Johnson who was a private & Lieutenant in the revolutionary war is inscribed on the pension list at the rate of forty dollars per annum, commencing on the 4th of March, 1848, and continuing for life, unless she should again marry; in which case the Pension is not payable after the time of such marriage.
Given at the War Office of the United States this 13th day of January
one thousand eight hundred and forty nine.
E. L. Marcy [Signature]
Secretary of War.

Executed and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards [Signature]
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 155

Nov 3

Feb. 20/55
Page 156

State of no. Carolina - No 273
This may Certify that by the  upper Board of auditors for the District of Salisbury Capt. Samuel Johnson was allowed Two hundred & fifty four pounds Eight Shillings Spent for service come be him & Company of foot [illegible] of Wilkes Regiment Where to receive agreeable to as act of assembly [missing] in the year 1760. Given under our hands Jany the 15th 1762[Signatures]
Test        [illegible]
Dav: Cance Clk.
Jno Brown

Carolina
Office
I [covered] Public
[covered]  aforesaid
after [covered]
he [covered] Samuel Johnson
[covered] record
[covered] that
there [covered] Samuel Johnson
in the Western part of the state and that the records show payments to him for service both as a private and Captain as per my certificate of the present month in case of said Samuel Johnson, that the Indents show payments to a Samuel Johnson of the Eastern part of the state which payments were not included in Said certificate, I furthermore certify that the old Indent No. 873 showing a payment to Capt. Samuel Johnson of Wilkes County belongs to the Revolutionary Papers of this office, and that it clearly identifies the said Capt. Samuel Johnson Furthermore the said certificate issued by me in case of Said Samuel Johnson is a correct one as her record in my office. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix my seal of office This 20th Febr. 1855
Geo W. Brooks, Comptr.
Page 157

State of N. Carolina}
Comptroller's Office} I Geo. W. Brooks Comptroller of the Public Accounts in and for the State aforesaid after a second and thorough search hereby certify that the name Samuel Johnson as Lieutenant does not appear on record in my office, I further certify that there seems to have been but one Samuel Johnson in the Western part of the state and that the records show payments to him for service both as a private and Captain as per my certificate of the present month in case of said Samuel Johnson, that the Indents show payments to a Samuel Johnson of the Eastern part of the state which payments were not included in Said certificate, I furthermore certify that the old Indent No. 873 showing a payment to Capt. Samuel Johnson of Wilkes County belongs to the Revolutionary Papers of this office, and that it clearly identifies the said Capt. Samuel Johnson Furthermore the said certificate issued by me in case of Said Samuel Johnson is a correct one as her record in my office. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my name and affix my seal of office This 20th Febr. 1855
Geo W. Brooks, Comptr.
Page 158

is
The business to which I wish to call your attention is what principally concerns myself. I was wounded in the battle of King's Mountain and stated on the pension witness the State of N. Carolina and the record my pension duly,  I was transferred from the pension book of the State to that of the U.States and continued to receive my pension untill 1820 about which time or previous a time was [illegible] calling for a rexamination  of their old pensioners, with which I complied that later while certificate Enclosed will show [illegible] in consequence of their copy of his papers containing that as amunition It may be that I am deprived of my pension You will shorty be there City of Washington where if you can find from your other
Page 159

 agreements time to demand the papers and inform me why I am not at this time on the Governments, the information will be thankfully rec'd and if my papers herewith enclosed should be deficient in form be so obliging as to point them out.
I see myself fast declining and am now an old man and have the satisfaction to believe myself as much entitled to this measure of the Justice of my country as them  -  Please do direct your letters to me at Wilkesboro N Carolina
Respectfully your [illegible]
[Signature] Samuel Johnson
Nov. 8th 1823

If on examination of the enclosed paper should you be at court your can most probably before you go on to the City inform me as  that is Nichels Franklin who will be down
Page 160

about 25. miles of this Capt. Samuel Johnson of whom I have heard from my earliest recollection - having often heard my Father speak of him and of his wound and Revolutionary fame - my father - was born in 1769 - in now died - and was in Wilkes County all the time of the war of the Revolution - and had several brothers who was soldiers in Said war and few men in this country was better - acquainted with History and incidents of said war than he was - I would ask your attention to  the fact that in the first tour or three declaration of Mrs. Mary Johnson, that she says nothing as to greater rank of her husband that it is in the third or fourth - one in which she claims that he had been a "Lieutenant" - that all these declarations is in the handwriting and attested by James Martin Esq. and Sir what is the fact - as to the testimony - to sustain this declaration as to the grade of Lieutenant  -this same James Martin Esq. Justice of the peace for Wilkes Co. N.C. calls in this from old soldiers - to give their evidence - all put down in the hand writing of this identical man - Martin -  and proof Sir what do they say and how do they Sustain the declaration of grade of Lieutenancy - why Sir they all say - that this identical man - Samuel Johnson was a Captain and I think two of them Sparks & Spicer say they served with him all as privates in 1776. Under Capt. Cleveland in the Cherokee expedition - Spicer & Sparks were close neighbors of Capt. Johnson & all
Page 161

knew him most intimately - Sir can any one suppose for a moment - that it could have been the wish of this man Martin that - these witnesses Should have Stated - That - this man and Soldier - Johnson - was a Captain. - when he as he agent and manager of the case - was - claiming and going for the rank - of a Lieutenant - but Sir the fact - was that this identical man Johnson - had been a Captain - in the war with these men - and they all knew it & recollected it - and stated the facts as they insisted - nor could any of them men - have been induced by any man or any favor to have stated any thing but the truth - Sir the whole truth is that Mrs. Johnson - was - wholly unable from loss of mind & illness - to make - any correct - statement - and this man & agent Martin who acted in the pensions was utterly incapable - and how as all the difficulty - that now exists was brought at about - and but for the misfortune of the death of Martin Shaw no doubt could all be explained -- Capt. Samuel Johnson died the 15th Sept. 1836 - he lived 20 miles from Wilkesboro, the nearest post office to him - he lived in a  remote part of the country - he had a right comfortable - living - was in easy and quiet circumstances - was living as a retired old Soldier - liberal and Hospitable  - without avarice or [illegible]  - never made any effort to obtain the benefits of the act of 1832 - perhaps did not know of it or cared not for it -
Page 162

for we are told by his sons and I think the - Books of your office show - that for several years at one time he neglected or refused to draw his pension - Sir allow me to claim for the Heirs and Children of Capt.  Samuel Johnson & of his wife Mary Johnson late of Wilkes Co. N.C. that their Father the said Identical Samuel Johnson who was wounded at the battle of King's Mountain, and who in his life time drew an identical pension from the U.S. - That he the said Samuel Johnson was a Capt. in the war of the Revolution. That he had also been a private - in the early part of said war - that he was Capt. a part of the time of Cavalry or Mounted Men - and also of the foot Malitia - that he was a Captain as early at least in the year 1778.9. or 80 - and as late as 1782 - if not to the close of the war - that he was a Capt. for at least four or five years of the war - and was the early part of the war - a private. &c and allow me to say that I think this is fully sustained by the evidence - and records in the case and I ask you to allow to his said Heirs the full pay of a Captain - from the 4 of March 1831 0 to the 21st day of Jany. 1853 - the date of the death of Mary Johnson - deducting only - what the widow Mrs. Mary Johnson has drawn. - 
And allow me to say in conclusion, that I have given this matter - quite a thorough investigation and examination in this region of Country - and am most thoroughly convinced and fully satisfied of the truth and Justice of the case - that all the persons - that I have seen who were the contemporary of Capt. Samuel Johnson -
Page 163

of Wilkes -- the identical man all say that he was the Capt. Samuel Johnson of the war of the Revolution - of Cleveland Regiment - and the tradition of the whole county speaks the same thing - and is most certainly true - I could not in the least be afraid to [illegible] my life in this issue - and Sir I would scarce to urge it - if I was not most thoroughly convinced of the  Justice of the case -  
and now Sir all I ask of you is a full and thorough investigation of the matter - as I have confidence in your uprightness - and impartiality - as to the proof of identity - of the Capt. Johnson here spoken of I suppose I could add more proof - also - as to the insanity of the mind of Mrs. Mary Johnson if it - should be thought necessary. I had stopped before because I thought the proof was intensely sufficient & sustained the claim - and was quite [illegible] If any thing further I should be required be so kind as to inform me of it - 
Most Respectfully
yr. obt. svt.
James Calloway [Signature]
Atty, for the Heirs of Capt. Sam'l. & Mary Johnson, dec'd.
Page 164

4767
Mary Johnson
wid of Samuel NC
act July 7th 1838

Feb 20 1839

No draw Sept. 15/34
Page 165

I William Mastin Clerk of the Court of Pleas an Quarter Sessions for Wilkes County, Certify that James Martin is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his to the affidavit of Mary Johnson, Sarah Hammons, Reuben Sparks and his own Certificates is genuine.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my name, this 7th day of February in the year of 1839.
Wm. Mastin Clerk of the Court of Wilkes County 

Feb'y. Term 1839 - The above proceeding was submitted to the Court of Please & Quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes and the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the above named applicant is the wife of the deceased Samuel Johnson pensioner as aforesaid  said that they were legally married as above stated and the witnesses are creditable witnesses
[Signatures]
Wm. Mastin Co. WCC  R Martin J.P. Com

I William Mastin Clerk of the Court of Wilkes County do Certify the foregoing Contains the original proceedings of the court in the matter of the application of Mary Johnson for a pension. - In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this 7th day of February 1839- 
[Signature] Wm. Mastin Clk of WC
Page 166

For Increase.

Mary Johnson a 
who her widow of Samuel 
Wilkes County, N.C. Act of July 7 '38,

Mamed in 1781,
He died Sept. 15, 1834.
She died 1853.
The claim was originally asserted on the 20th of February 1839. The account of the Claimant was very general. She declared that her husband was, at the period of his death, an Invalid Pensioner on the North Carolina roll, and referred to his papers for the character and duration of his service; and that she was married to him in 1781 which latter fact was subsequently seen by Record proof.  The Records of the office showed that there was a Samuel Johnson mentioned on the North Carolina Roll as alleged by claimant, and at the rate of $98 per month - for an injury received in the war of the Revolution. Not as he was pensioned and the Act of 10  April 1806, and by [illegible] remained and the provisions of the Act of April 24, 1816 whereas both acts are marked her and
Page 167

2
toward rates of pence, But his papers could not be found; and it was presumed hat they were burnt by one of the several fires which have consumed the War Department. It appears however, from the only [illegible] he was pensioned a a private, and at the highest rate allowed under the act of April 1816. The office, therefore, refused He can, as is deponent complete partial proof of service, In pursuance of this refusal in Nov. 1839, applicants now filed for James, Gray, Sterling Rose, John Sparks and William Spicer, all of whom are now pensioners at the Rate of June 7,1832, and also residents of Wilkes County - the county in where Samuel Johnson resided during the Revolutionary war.
Gray, aged 80 years deposed that in the year 1778 or 1779, Samuel Johnson the husband of claimant, commanded a company of Cavalry in the Regiment of Col. Cleveland and that he Gay served under him three months. That in the fall of 1780 he again entered the service at which time Johnson entered the service also - that Johnson was at the
Page 168

3
Cavalry and, he Gray, was in a foot company. That the Regiment was marched to Kings Mountain, and in the battle which took place thee (Oct. 7. 1780) Johnson was named. Gray does not state that Johnson had the rank of Captain in that battle it is evident which to carry the idea that he served in the grade.  Gray was pensioned for six months service, which comprised the three months service claim to his said evidence  under Johnson in 1778. In his own declaration, however, he stated that he recollected Kings Mountain as the day after the battle. - 

Rose, aged 82 deposed that in the fall of 1778 or 1779, he served a tour of three months under Samuel Johnson, who this commanded a Company of Cavalry that he served another tour of 3 months with Capt. Johnson, and [illegible] him at the battle of King's Mountain, in which battle he, Johnson was marched, Rose was not in Johnsons company, but that of Capt. Benji. Fendon. He was pensioned for 12 months nd 21 days servcie.
Page 169

Cavalry seen him
Page 170

4
John Sparks, pensioner for 8 months and 21 days service, deposed that in 1776 1777 Samuel Johnson and himself served not less than three months in Capt. Benjamin Cleveland's Company - and that in  1778 or 1779 he served a three months tour under the same Samuel Johnson, who then commanded  company of Cavalry. Samuel Johnson, the same party referred to by Sparks, and the husband of Mary, was one of this (Sparks') witnesses, and testified to a tour of three months, against the Cherokee in charge.
Samuel Spicer, pensioned for 17 months and 16 days service also Witness to a 3 months tour with Johnson 1776 or 1777 with Johnson under Capt. Cleveland, and to a tour of 3 months in 1778 or 1779 when Johnson commanded a company of Cavalry.
In the above testimony the claim of Mrs. Johnson was admitted in on the 28 of May 1840, for two months service as a Lieut. and then months as a private, How the grade and service or a Lieut. was determined does not appear for there is no evidence whatever in the papers that he ever
Page 171

5
held that grade. How then is a memorandum in the hand writing of the of the Comm. that Johnson was pensioned as a Lieutenant: For, if computed according to the order the claim shows have we allowed for three months service as a private in 1776-1777 - 3 months as a Captain of Cavalry in 1778-1779, and three months of service rank and grade in 1780 - the same as that year having terminated with the battle of King's Mountain on the 7th of Oct. 1780.
On the 8th of April 1852 the pension of Mrs. Johnson was under the promises of the Joint Resolution of July 1, 1848, increased to $96 per annum. Since that adjustment James Calloway. he of Wilkesboro N.C. has filed a large amount of  passable proof, which has satisfied me, that Johnson held the rank of Captain at an early period of the war - and has also filed the three artifacts, marked No. 2, 2, & 3, from the Comptroller of North Carolina, whish shows personal payments to a Samuel Johnson or the Western part of that State, in which Wilkes County is situated and in which Mary Johnson
Page 172

6
husband resided, amounts in all to $2772 and 84 cents and payments to Samuel Johnson and company, amounting to £833.18 3/4 =. The personal payments on manifest, are all for military service and all of them when merged up they consider, for service at the grade of Captain for they rate more than case, five years service as a Captain of Infantry - where it is doubtful whether any militia officer in North Carolina served much more than two years, one of the payments net of £409 (artifact No. 2) was doubtless for apples fermented - for it costs not, in the matter of the case, from the for the individual service, Her distinct Heirs I know are the  payments of the artifacts any thing like a correct extract of service indicated upon the utterly [illegible] not so, however, with the payments to Capt. Samuel Johnson and Company; and which, according to my computations show ,in all about one and a half marks since, computed at the months pay of an Infantry company. If the Commissioner is so [illegible] with the evidence of identity; and concealed the fact that Johnson was pensioned by the wound received at King's Mountain as a private,
Page 173

Reubin Sparks Dec'd.
to John Edwards. Dec'd
Page 174

This Indenture made this 6th day of [illegible] In the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty one - between Reuben Sparks of the County of Wilkes and State of North Carolina of the one of the one part and John Edwards of the County of Ashe and State aforesaid of the other part witnesseth that the Sd Reuben Sparks for and in Consideration of the sum of forty dollars to him in hand paid by the Sd John Edwards the receipt whereof the Sd Reuben Sparks doth hereby acknowledge himself therewith fully satisfied and paid hath given granted sold and by these presents doth give grant bargain and sell unto the Sd. John Edwards his heirs and assignees a certain tract or parsel of land containing thirty acres be the same more or less lying on the South Side of the north fork of Roaring River beginning at the End of the mill dam on  Sd River Runing west with with a conditional line made between Sherlin Sparks and John Holloway to the Waggon ford of muster ground branch thence with Sd branch to the fork thence with the South fork of Sd branch to the Mountain thence East a long Sd Sparks line to the River thence north to the begining including the house and improvements whereas Stokes Edwards now lives to have and to hold the afore I owned and premises with the Opportainence [appurtenances] and all rights and flower sedges and improvements to the same in any rite belonging to him the said Reuben Sparks his heirs and assignees for ever and the said Reuben Sparks said John Edwards states the said John Edwards his heirs and assignees shall and may for ever have after   peas or [illegible] and quiet [illegible] and enjoy the aforesaid granted land and premises without the harsh molleshashen of any person or persons what so ever and the said Reuben Sparks himself his heirs executors or administrators and assignees do warrant and for ever defend the aforesaid granted land and premises to him the said John Edwards his heirs and or assignees for ever  or garnish the clame of any person what ever in witness Where of the said Reuben Sparks hath hereunto set his hand and affixed his seal. The day and date above written - sealed and delivered in the presents of us.

[Signatures]
Sam Johnson     Reuben Sparks
John Hallaway
Page 175

John Gambill Esq.
Affidavit - In the case of Mary Johnson. Dec'd widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson. Wilkes County N.C.
Page 176

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes.}
On this 9th day of May A.D. 1856 personally appeared before me Mr. C. Emmit a Justice of the peace within - and for the County and state aforesaid. John Gambill, Esquire. - a resident of the County and State aforesaid - who after being duly sworn according to law declarers that he is about Eighty three years of age - he states that his father John Gambill, Dec'd. - removed to North Carolina from Culpeper County State of Virginia in the time of the war of the Revolution - that he can recollect - at the time of said removal - the precise date he cannot recollect - though he does recollect - distinctly - that it was some two or three years before the Battle of Kings Mountain - he states that he lived in Wilkes County during said war and ever since up to this present - time - that he recollects - Capt. Samuel Johnson now Dec'd of Wilkes County N.C. - in the - time of the said war - and even afterwards up to the time of his death - which took place - n said County of Wilkes N.C. - about - twenty years ago- to the best of his recollection - he states that the said captain. Samuel Johnson was the identical man that was wounded in the Battle of King's Mountain - being shot in his abdomen - and was an invalid pensioner of the United States - he States that he always during said war and ever since heard - and so understood - from the old soldiers and all others that know of the survivor - in said war - from this said County of Wilkes - that this identical man  - Capt. Samuel Johnson was a soldier - in said war - and that he was a -
Page 177

Captain in said war - he further states most positively - that he never knew or hear of any other Captain Johnson, in said war - exceept - this identical Capt. 
Samuel Johnson - and that has never a the time or since - ever heard nor does he believe that at that time - that there  was any other Samuel Johnson in this said county of Wilkes - or in this Section of the County  - he states that he well knew the father of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson. That he lived and died in Wilkes County, N.C. - and that his name was Jeffery Johnson - that - he was a man considerably advanced in years in time of the war - and lived on the Yadkin River in said County. - he further states - that he lived for many years - in fact - from his earliest acquaintance - with the said Capt. Samuel Johnson  and his wife Mary a neighbor to them - that his said wife - name before her marriage was Mary Hammons - the Daughter of one Ambrose Hammons of Wilkes County - N.C. - and he thinks she has been deceased a little over a year - he states that he did not see them married - but heard of the marriage at the time it took place in the said County of Wilkes, N.C. ad in his immediate neighborhood - he states that he cannot recollect the precise date of the said Marriage - but that he now and he states that he always - understood at the time and ever since - and so believes - that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson continued in the service of the Country to the close of the said
Page 178

war - that he derived this information from his uncle Capt. Martin Gambill - who served in said war - to its close - and from many of the old soldiers at the time and ever since - so long as any of them continued to live in this Country - as well as from his own recollections - of the times - that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - together with his said Uncle - and others of his acquaintance continued untill the final close of the said war - in service guarding the frontier - against - the tories - John and disabled men - who would collect - together in the mountains - and wilderness of this County soldering as the war continued - he further states - that for many years - before the death of the said Mary - Johnson that it was commonly reported - and believed that her mind and recollection failed her very much - that he lived about four miles from her - and did not see her often from a great may years - before her death - but that for - what he knew and understood at the time he has ne doubt of it - but to what - intent he cannot tell - for not seeing much of her himself for a long time before her death - 
[Signature] Sr. Gambill

Sworn to and Subscribed to before me the day and year above written and I do hereby certify that the said John Gambill - ins a respectable - resident- of said County of Wilkes, N.C. - well known to me - and that he's a very respectable - man - and witness -  and that I believe him to be of the age above stated  - 
[Signature]  W. C. Emmit J.P.
Page 179

John Toliver - Affidavit as to Capt. Samuel Johnson. War of the Revolution
Page 180

State of North Carolina}
Count of Ashe.} On this 20th day of September - A.D. 1856. personally appeared before me James Gambill a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid. John Toliver, a resident of said County who after being duly Sworn according to law - states that he has no record of his age but that from the best information he has he thinks he is now ninety one or two years of age - he states that he lived in the County of Wilkes state of N.C. - in the time of the war of the Revolution - that he was well acquainted in the time of said war and ever afterwards up to the time of his death - with Capt. Samuel Johnson. of Wilkes County- he states that said Johnson was in most if not all said war - and that a long part of the time he was a Captain in said war - he states that the said Johnson was in the Battle of Kings Mountain & was wounded in said battle - shot in his abdomen and that he drew a pension on account of said wound - he states that the said Johnson died in Wilkes County on Roaring River - at his home - about thirty years ago - he further states - that he never knew or heard of any other Captain - Johnson in the time of said war in Wilkes County, N.C. - on in any part of this County except this identical Capt. Samuel Johnson - nor did he know or ear of any other Samuel Johnson - at that time - in Wilkes County N.C. - or in any part of the state - with which he was acquainted - that the was well acquainted with the Father of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson, in the time of said war that he lived on the Yadkin river some few miles below Wilkesboro that he was an old man in time of the said war and that his name was Jeffrey Johnson. That he died in said County many years ago - he further states that he was -
Page 181

well acquainted with one Mary Hammons daughter of the Ambrose Hammons, of Wilkes County N.C.- in time of said war - and that some time towards the bottom part of said war that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson and the said Mary Hammons got married - he did not see them married - but heard of it at the time - nor can he fin the precise date of said marriage - but that he knows that it was way after the Battle of Kings Mountain - and he knows that it was before he removed with his mother to the West side of the Blue Ridge - now Ashe County, and he further states that after he came to this side the Blue Ridge to live - that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson with some of his men - was in one or two occasions - one this the West side of the Blue Ridge - after the tories - about the peach Bottom - in the State of Virginia - that he was with Capt. Martin Gambill & others - after the tories that had on one or two occasions Reached Capt. Wm. as all - he states that he was himself in said  Tour of service that it was not far from the section of country where he then lived - that he was well acquainted with the County and acted as guide to the parties - that on one occasion - they came on tee Tories - by discovering their smoke of their camp fires - that they were cooking their Breakfast - that they surrounded them fired on them killed some - and some escaped - that this was in the State of Virginia  now Grayson County - that on another occasion - They came upon the Tories - killed some - that Capt. Martin - Gambill - shot one Tory by the name of Green that he was left at the House of one John Cox who lived at the peach  [illegible] - and died of the said wound - that at that time this huge Tory by the name of Mr. King that they hung hi with a grape vein - tied round his neck - and fastened to the limb of a tree - and had him placed on a large Rock - and that while they - were consulting which of the men should shove him off the rock - that the said Mr. King Justified it - and hung himself - and that they hung one before a Tory - on the gate post  of the said  John Cox - near the river on the north side - in the state of Virginia - and many other things too tedious to mention - he states that he knows positively that Capt. Samuel Johnson did serve in these expeditions - for that he was also in said
Page 182

Service that it  - was near the close of the war of the Revolution - and after the said Johnson was married - to the said Mary Hammons - for that said marriage took place - before - his removal - to this side of the blue Ridge - and that those tours of service - after his said removal to the west of the blue Ridge - and that he does know and so states of his own personal knowledge that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson did continue to serve in said war to its close - he further states that his two older brothers Jasper Toliver & Moses Toliver were both with him in those two expeditions, that they at that time  also lived in the West side of the blue Ridge - and that they had been in much of said war - that they wee both in the expedition - to Rich Mountains almost at the foot - but did not reach the Battle - 
ground untill the Battle had been fought - and the victory won - he states that his two said Brothers are now dead - He further states -  that for the last thirty years or upward - that he has seen but little of the said Mrs. Mary Johnson widow of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - that she continued to live in Wilkes County on Roaring River  - on the east side of the blue Ridge about thirty miles from him but that he heard from her frequently - up to the time of her death  which occurred - at her said residence something like one year ago as he heard to the best of his knowledge - that he heard for many years -before her death - that she lost her mind and memory very much -- that she lived to be an old woman - and as I was informed drew a pension after the death of her husband the said Capt. Sam'l. Johnson- on account of his Revolutionary services -
[Signature] John Toliver X his mark

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written - and I also herby certify that the said John Toliver is a most respectable old man - a resident of said County and well known to me and that I believe him to be of the age above stated - and that he is of great moral character - well worthy of belief and a respectable worthy witness - 
[Signature] James Gambill JP
Page 183

John Toliver - Affidavit as to Capt. Samuel Johnson War of the Revolution


State of North Carolina}
County of Ashe} I Robert Gambill Clerk of the County Court of the County and State aforesaid do hereby Certify that James Gambill - Whose name appears to the foregoing affidavits was at the time of signing the same - a Justice of the peace - for said County - and that the Signature purporting to be his is genuine - and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts - 
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my and and seal of office - at office this 7th day of Nov. 1856. 
[Signature] R. Gambill clk
for J M Gentrey DC
Page 184

James Holloway's Affidavit as to Capt. Sam'l. Johnson & also Mary Johnson


[portion of affidavit only]

vivid recollection of what they proposed - and especially of so striking a character - as those that the then [illegible] place - and that he saw the said Capt. Saml. Johnson giving and resting from said Tours of same and in command of his men - that was under him.
[Signature] James Holloway X his mark

Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day
Page 185

State of North Carolina}
County of Ashe}  On this 20th day of September A.D. 1856. personally appeared before me - James Gambill a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid James Holloway. a resident of the County and State aforesaid who after being duly Sworn according to law - declares - that he was born on the 4th day of April. A.D. 1770.That he lived in the County of Wilkes N.C. in time of the war of the Revolution. That his Father Stephen Holloway. settled. in or near the head of Roaring River - near - the foot of the Blue Ridge - in the latter part of said - war - that he settled and lived neighbor to one Ambrose Hammons - who lived about two miles below him on said River that the said Ambrose Hammons had at the time a daughter one Mary Hammons and known to him - that some time toward the latter part of said war - he thinks and believes about one year or thereabouts - after the battle Kings Mountain - that he was present at the House of the said Ambrose Hammons - and saw his said Daughter Mary Hammons - married to Capt. Samuel Johnson of Wilkes County NC - that they were married by on William Hammons a Baptist minister - that shortly after the said marriage - that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson with his said wife settled and lived on the said Roaring River - on the same place was occupied - by his son Lewis Johnson and between the said Ambrose Hammons and his said Father the said Stephen Holloway. That soon after the marriage of the said Capt. Samuel the son that the Father of this affiant - Let him -
Page 186

to live with the said Cpt. Samuel Johnson - which he continue to do for Several years  and during the whole of the ballance of the war of the Revolution and he states most positively - that he well remembers that whilst he was a living with the aid Capt. Samuel Johnson and after his the said Johnson, marriage - that he continued to serve all the time in said war - that he was at that time a Captain which office and command he held to the close of the said war. - that he was not all his time out in actual service - but that he does know he was during said time frequently out in service. And that he now well recollects that he was several tours of duty - out against the tories - across the Blue Ridge - in what is now Ashe County and into the state of Virginia - as he understood at the time and was since - and that he had several British with - the Tories - Killing some Hanging some and dispersing the ballance - that he has often heard the said apt. Johnson speak of those Tours and battles - as well as many other Battles - he was in during said war - he well remembers that one or two of those Tours of service west of the Blue Ridge - was to go against the tories and [illegible] of Capt. Wm. Nail  - he states that - tories across the Blue Ridge that the said Capt. Sam'l. Johnson - went after over the mountain to chill and keep - organized- the few, Whigs who resided on the west side of the Ridge in that part of N.C. - and that this, he continued to do to the close of the war - as there was all the time tories. Robing , outlaws - and enemies of the Country -
Page 187

collecting and embodying themselves - in that frontier - and mountainous part of N.C. - and of the state of Virginia - also - who infrequently falling on the frontier in whole county - committing robberies - murder and creating great alarm and disturbances - which state of things continued - in these sections -to near anguish the close of the war - and he further states that this Capt. Samuel Johnson was the identical Capt. Sam'l. Johnson that war wounded in the Battle of Kings Mountain shot in his abdomen - that he drew an invalid pension in his lifetime on account of said war that he died at his residence in Wilkes County, N.C. on Roaring River that he died to the best of his recollection about 20 years ago - and that his said wife a widow the said Mrs. Mary Johnson also drew a pension - after the death of her husband the said Capt. Sam'l. Johnson and that she is now dead as he has been informed and believes something like one year - he states that he did not see  very much of the said Mrs. Mary Johnson after the death of her husband the said Capt. Sam'l. Johnson as especially  - for a good many of the last years - as he lived some 10 or 12 - miles from her - and was unable to go about - for many years - but that from what he does know - and heard - that he is of opinion that the said Mrs. Mary Johnson had lost her mind. to a great extent - not many years after the death of her said husband - and that before her death that she was not thought or believed to know - or remember - any thing at all - and was nothing more than a child - in mind nor memory of which I fully believe - and he further states that in all the time of the said war - that he - never knew or heard of any other Capt. Johnson
Page 188

James Holloway Affidavit
as to Capt. Sam'l. Johnson
& also Mary Johnson.

of any name in Wilkes County - or any part of the state - except this identical Capt. Sam'l. Johnson here spoken of - and that during said war he - never knew or heard of any other Sam'l. Johnson in all this Country - except this identical man - and that his Father's name was Jeffrey Johnson - and lived on the left bank of the Yadkin River - a few mile below Wilkesboro in Wilkes County. N.C. - where he died many years ago -That he was a man considerably advanced in years and in years - in time of said war - and never served in said war - as ever he heard or believed and he further states that his recollection - of the service of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson in the latter part of said war and after is the said Capt. Johnson, marriage - to the said Mary Hammons - his only wife - and widow - is most clear and distinct - that he was at the time of the close of said war - in his Fourteenth year of age - and that he has a most clean and vivid recollection of what then passed - and especially of so striking a character - as those that the - [illegible] place - and that he saw the said Capt. Sam'l. going and returning from said Tours of Service in command of his men - that was under him.
[Signature]  James Holloway X his mark

Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year above written - and I do hereby certify that the said James Holloway is a respectable resident of said County well known to me - that I  believe him to be of the age above stated - that he is a very respectable old man - for truth and Honesty - and without the leas consideration in any way whatever - 
[Signature]  James Gambill JP
Page 189

begiven to all his official acts - In testimony where of I [cut off]
hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office - at office - this 13th day of February A.D. 1855.
Rob't Gambill

Nancy Gambill
affidavit as to the
services of Capt. Samuel Johnson
Revolutionary War.
Page 190

State of North Carolina}
County of Ashe} SS.

On this 15 day of September A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me James Gambill a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid - Mrs. Nancy Gambill, widow of Captain Martin Gambill - who after being duly sworn according to law. States that she is now ninety three years of age - That she resided in Wilkes County state of North Carolina during the whole of the war of the Revolution. That she was intimately acquainted during the whole of said war - with Captain Samuel Johnson of Wilkes County.  That she knows him well and saw him frequently up to the time of his death - she states that the said Johnson, Samuel was a soldier in the Campaign, against the Cherokee Indians - Just before or about the commencement of the war of the Revolution - She also states that her late husband the said Captain Martian Gambill - was also in the said expedition - that she thinks Col. Sevier & Gen'l. Rutherford was with said Army as officers - that she thinks - said expedition - was for the term of about six weeks - she states that the said Captain Samuel Johnson was to her knowledge in most if not all - the war of the revolution - that he was either in active service - or standing ready. always for service during the whole of the war - she states that she knows that he the said Captain Samuel Johnson was for a great part of said time - an acting Captain - that she is confident - that he was Captain for at least four or five years of said time - that she heard him called Captain - by her said Husband -
Page 191

Captain Martin Gambill - also by her Father the late Captain W. Nail. who was a Captain for a great part of said war - as well also by Col. Benjamin Cleveland. who was the Chief officer in command in all this part of North Carolina at that time - and that he was so called and by all the people of the neighbourhood - and Country - with which she was acquainted - she states that the said Captain - Johnson was in the Battle of King's Mountain - that he was very severely wounded in said battle. shot in his abdomen. That she has seen the wound many times - and heard Captain Johnson say it would have killed him  - had it been for the reason that he was very empty not having eaten any thing that day - she says that her said Husband was in the said Battle - that she was married before the said Battle - and had on  child at the time of said Battle - she states that during the great part of said war that she lived a close neighbour to the said Captain Samuel Johnson with about the distance of one and a half miles - and that her acquaintance with him was most intimate the whole of the war - she states that  he the said Johnson was universally called and known as a very brave man - and a most true Whig - and a most usefull officer and soldier during the war of the Revolution -
[Signature] Nancy Gambill X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed to before me this
Page 192

day and date above written. and I do hereby certify that I believe the said Mrs. Nancy Gambill - to be the age above stated - and that she is a most creditable witness - and that she is in perfect - mind and sound memory - 
Signature] James Gambill JP

State of North Carolina}
County of Ashe} SS.
On this 17th day of January 1856. personally appeared before me - James Gambill a Justice of the peace for said County and State. Mrs. Nancy Gambill - who after being duly sworn according to law - states that she is about in her ninety fourth year of age - that she resided in Wilkes County, North Carolina - all the time of the Revolutionary War - she states that she lived a close neighbour  - at the time - to one Ambrose Hammons - whose daughter Mary was married to Capt. Sam'l Johnson - she states that she was not present at the marriage - but heard at the time of the said marriage - of the said Mary Hammons to the said Captain Sam'l. Johnson that she saw - many persons who saw them married - and that they lived very close neighbors to her after their marriage - and that they were always - called and known as man and wife and no doubt every was entertained to the contrary she states that she does not recollect the precise date of their marriage - but that she knows that is was before the close of the revolutionary war.
[Signature] Nancy Gambill X her mark
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written and I do hereby certify that the said Mrs. Nancy Gambill - is a highly creditable witness and that I believe her to be of the age above stated - 
[Signature] James Gambill J.P.
Page 193

State of North Carolina}
Count of Ashe.} SS.
I Robert Gambill Clerk of the County Court of Ashe County state of North Carolina do hereby certify that James Gambill whose name appears to the foregoing certificate - of affidavits - was at the time of signing the same a Justice of the peace for said County and State - and that the signatures purported to be his is genuine - and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts - In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of my said office - at office - this 13th day of February A.D. 1855.
[Signature] Rob't Gambill clk

Mrs. Nancy Gambill affidavit as to the services of Capt. Samuel Johnson Revolutionary War.
Page 194


State of North Carolina}
County of Ashe}
On this 23rd day of May A.D. 1856. personally appeared before me James Gambill a Justice of the peace for the County and State aforesaid - Mrs. Nancy Gambill a resident of the County and State aforesaid - Who after being duly sworn according to law declares that she is now in her ninety fifth year of age - that she is the widow of Capt. Martin Gambill, Dec'd. - that she is a pensioner of the United States on account of the military service of her said husband  - in the war of the revolution - she states that during the war of the Revolution - that she resided in the County of Wilkes State of North Carolina - that  she was the daughter of Capt. Wm Nail. She further states - that she was most intimately acquainted during the whole of said war with Capt. Samuel Johnson of Wilkes County, North Carolina - she states that the aid Samuel Johnson was in most if not all the said war - that for several  years of the latter part of the said war that he was a Captain - she states that he was the identical man - that was wounded in the Battle of Kings Mountain - and in his life time drew an invalid pension se states - that she never knew or heard of any other Captain - Johnson of any name - in all this section of the state- in the time of the said war - and that if there had have been - she thinks and believes she would have know of it - as she had a very general - and special knowledge of most if not all the leading men in the war in all this section of the country - derived through her Father. Husband - Col. Cleveland - and many others and from the general news - and reports - and sayings of the Country and she further states that during all the time of the said war - she never knew or heard of any other Samuel Johnson - on all the Country of her acquaintance - except the identical man - here spoken of - she states that she was at the same - time well acquainted with the Father of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - that he lived in Wilkes County on the Yadkin River - tat his name was Jeffrey Johnson - that he was a man advanced in year in -
Page 195

the time of said war - that his children was mostly if not all grown - and some of them married - and had families in time of the war - and that I never heard - or understood that the said Jeffrey Johnson ever took any part in said war - nor does she think or believe he did - she states that the said Jeffrey Johnson died in said County of Wilkes many years ago- She further states that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson married in the said County of Wilkes - one Mary Hammons the daughter of one Ambrose Hammons, all at the time well and most intimately known to her - that they were married in the latter part of said war. she does not recollect the precise date  though she knows it was after the Battle of Kings Mountain in which the said Johnson was wounded she thinks and believes that it was - something like two years or there abouts before the close of the said war - she states that at that time they all lived very close neighbors - she further state - that in the latter part of said war - that the Tories - twice robbed her father the said Capt. Wm . Nail, then each time it was - at night - that she happened both times to be at her Fathers - that each time - they took a few horses from her Father - beside other things - that a one of the occasions that a Tory by the name of Thos. Green drew his sword - laid it across - her fathers neck and swore that he had a great mind to chop his head from his body she states that these robberies - and depredations was towards the close of the war - that these banks of Tories - and outlaws, was embedded- about the peach Bottom mountain west of the Blue ridge - about the Virginia line - the area of now Grayson County about the Big River - (New River) - that on both of these occasions - of robberies - that the Whigs - of the County under her said Husband  - and Capt. Samuel Johnson gave chase after these Tories - and both times - came up with them - had battle with them - that this identical man - Green - was shot by her said Husband - wounded and died in eight days - after - that he confessed - that he had killed five men - that on the other occasion of the robery
Page 196

of her father - that in the Battle - the Horse that had been taken from her father was killed - that a Tory by the name of lee. King. was riding the Horse at the time - and that they at the time and in the spot hung the said lee King - beside others of the said Tories - if the worse Kind - that another of these occasions the Whigs came upon the Tories camp - at this camp whilst they were coking their meal - that in both of these engagement the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - was in company and took part - as well as many other smaller excursions and trips - against the Tories robers - and disafected [disaffected] men of the country - and that these Tours and excursions mentioned - took place after the marriage of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson to his said wife - Mary, the said Mary Hammons an she states most positively that - the said Captain Johnson continued - his service of the Country in said war up to the time of its final close - that what time he was not in actual service under arms - that he was always standing ready for service - whenever required by the circumstances and occurrences of the times - and that this was the true condition of the Country at the time - and if its defenses - and that these overall facts - of her own knowledge that passed before her own observation - and within the immediate - neighbourhood - and circle of her acquaintance - and knowledge - besides many others - mostly and occurrence of smaller moments - and too tedious to relate - she states - that it would take a Book to contain all she knows and recollects of those times and occurrences - she states that for many years. some fifty or more she thinks she has lived on the west side of the Blue ridge in the new County of Ashe - near the region of County that the foregoing named Tories - and Battles with the Tories took place - and some twenty miles - or thereabouts from her and she formerly lived in Wilkes County - in time of the said war - and when the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - and his said
Page 197

wife Mary lived and died - she says that for many years last passed that she did not see much of either Capt. Samuel Johnson or his wife Mary Johnson - but that she saw them occasionally - and heard from them very often so long as they lived - as she never failed to enquire after them on all occasions - she states that for what she did know - and heard at the time that she has no doubt but that the mind and memory of the said Mary Johnson - became - much - impaired for many years - before her death - she states that she heard of the death of the said Mary Johnson - something like one year ago - that she died as she understood at her old residence - in Wilkes County N.C. and that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson died at the same place as she was informed - she thinks some twenty years ago or thereabouts - 
[Signature] Nancy Gambill X her mark

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written  and I do hereby certify that the said Mrs. Nancy Gambill is a most respectable - old lady a resident of said County well known to me -= and has been for many years that I believe her to be of the age above stated - and that she seems - to be in a most perfect state of mind and memory quire astonishing for a person of her grate age - and that she is of most - unblemished character - 
[Signature] James Gambill J.P.

State of North Carolina}
County of Ashe} I Robert Gambill Clerk of the County by of the County and State aforesaid do hereby certify that James Gambill whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit 0 was at the time a Justice of the peace - for said County and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine - and that full faith and credit should be given to all his official acts.
Given from under my hand and seal of my said office at office. This 24th day of May 854.
[Signature] Rob't Gambill CCC
Page 198

Affidavit of Capt. Benjamin Parks as to the Services of Capt. Samuel Johnson War of the Revolution
Page 199

State of North Carolina
Wilkes County} SS.
On this 30th day of December A.D. 1853 personally appeared before me - John J. Bryan a Justice of the peace - within and for the County and State aforesaid. Benjamin Parks - aged - Eighty seven years the 19th day of March last - who after being duly sworn according to law. says that he was intimately acquainted with Captain Samuel Johnson now Dicased. late of Wilkes County. in the State of North Carolina that the Said Samuel Johnson. lived a close neighbour - to him the Said Parkes during the whole of the Revolutionary war - that he well - knew - the Said Johnson. Then and ever Since before the time of his the Said Johnson. death. Which took place in Wilkes County State of North Carolina - nearly Twenty years ago - to the best of his recollection - he states that he always understood that the Said Samuel Johnson was in the war of the Revolution - as he thinks and believes the greater part if not all the war - he states that the Said Johnson was in the Battle of King's Mountain - that he was Severely wounded in that Battle and that he was told and always understood - at the time and Since that the Said Johnson was at that time and in that Battle a Captain - and that - he rushed his men forward - in the most exposed and dangerous position - where many of them were killed - some four or five of whom were  -his neighbors - and acquaintances - he further states his Father John Parks.
Page 200

was in the Tour to Kings Mountain but was not in the Battle - he being left behind with the foot soldiers that did not reach the Battle he states that the Said Samuel Johnson was assisted to return to his home - after the Battle - by his Said Father - and a Horse belonging to his Father - which Horse was famous for an in account - of his good qualities - he further states - that the Said Samuel Johnson drew a pension, in his lifetime as a wounded soldier - he further - states that the Said Johnson - was always refuted and spoken of as a very brave man - he further states that Col. Benjamin Cleveland was the head Colonel in this part of the State - during the War - and that it was - under Col. Cleveland - that the Said Johnson served as also did his Father - the Said John Parks. he further states that he personally knew - Col. Cleveland - during the war of the Revolution - that he lives in his neighbourhood and that he knew him after the war - until he removed from this State to the state of Georgia - where he died.
{Signature] Ben j Parks

Sworn to and subscribed to before e the day and year above written - and I do hereby certify that the Said Benjamin Parks is a creditable witness - and that I believe him to be of the age stated b him  in the foregoing affidavit. {Signature] J.J. Bryan J.P.
Page 201

State of North Carolina}
Wilkes County}
I W. Mastin Clerk of the county Court of Wilkes do Certify that John J. Bryan is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is Genuine.
Given under my hand and seal of office March 11 1834
W. Mastin Clk
Page 202

Mary Johnson
aa
4270
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cDeclaration
In order to obtain the Benefits of the act of Congress of February 2nd 1848. Entitled an act making further provisions for Surviving Widow and Soldiers of the Revolution.

State of North Carolina}
Wilkes County}
On this 25th, day of October 1848 personally appeared before me William Parks a Justice of the Peace in and for Said County Mary Johnson a Resident of said County and State aforesaid aged eighty three 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 act of Congress passed on the 2nd February A.D.1848, granting pension to widows of Persons who served during the Revolutionary War that She is the widow of Samuel Johnson who was a private and Lieutenant and that she did receive the Sum of Forty Dollars per annum under the act of June 17th 1844. She further declares She is Still a widow, Sworn and Subscribed the day and year last above written before me.

Wm. Parks J.P.    Mary Johnson X her mark [seal]

I certify that the above named affiant is personally is formally known to me and that she is the identical person as represented by her in the foregoing Declaration this 25th day of October 1848


Wm. Parks J.P. [Signature]
Page 204

I W. Mastin clerk of the court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for Wilkes County Certify that Wm. Parks is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and that full faith and credit are due to his official acts. I further certify that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of Office and subscribed my name this 3rst day of October 1848

W Mastin Clerk

Mary Johnson
aa
4270
L
Page 205

HON.
Thos. L. Clingman &
R.C. Pruyear House of Reps.
Washington. D.C.

Please file with the other papers in the Dept. 
J.C.
Page 206

Wilkesboro N.Ca. Augt. the 14 1856

Hon'e. Thos. L. Clingman.
R.C. Pruyear.

Not having any personal acquaintance with the Hon. Com. of Pensions - allow me to address him through you. in relation to the claim of the Heirs of Mary Johnson /widow of Capt. /Samuel Johnson, late of Wilkes County war of the Revolution - this claim is of many years - standing - and by the decision of the pension - Deamnt, [Department?], made known to me under date of Aug. 227. 1856, the Rank and Service has been fully accorded to Capt. Samuel Johnson, except that the proper length of Service - has not allowed the grade's rights, but to say that Cap. Sam'l. Johnson, served less  "three months as a private - and six months as Captain of Horse" is most clearly wrong and would make a greater injustice to his Children, to which they cannot - for a moment - think of submitting - they ask nor want any thing at the hand of the government - but Justice and fareness - and this I trust the Dept. will at once allow - upon a full and impartial review of the matters, and for that purpose - and to that and - I herewith - send you the additional - evidence of Mrs. Gambill &  John Toliver and must beg you to hand it to the Hon. Com. of Pensions together with this letter, and ask him that he in person main the whole case - and not forgit to [illegible] his [illegible] on the Real Samuel of Capt. Sam'l. Johnson
Page 207

as a part of the evidence relied on to establish the length of service as a Capthian - the Heirs - allege. that this father. Capt. Samuel Johnson - first served as a private under Cap. Benjamin Cleveland. (afterward Col. Cleveland) -  and that for the date at least as easy as the Fall of 1779. he served as Capt. of Horse to the first close of the war in the Fall of 1783. not less than Five years - as a Capt. of Horse. and not less than two years - as a private - and [illegible] grade officer. And to establish these facts they rely on all the evidence in the case of any and whatsoever kind - but nearly as the facts - that is in enclosed herein all dispute - that he was Capt. in the June 1779 - against the Scotch & Tories - and that he was Capt. in 1780 -in the expedition to Kings Mountain - making at least one year. that he was Capt. in 1782. as proven by the witnesses in his [illegible] - this makes - three years - as a Capt. to say nothing of any other proof, but signs in a ledger that the Record evidence for the papers in the Comptrollers office - of N.C. - from legal council - that he must have Served at least - the length of time claimed  - to wit - that year as private & Five years as Captain, and its this conclusion all the proof and circumstantial truth, and to my mind firm the matter - beyond the possibility of [illegible], here a ledger and that is the truth - tat from the time of his promotion to a Captaincy - that he - so continues to serve to the close of the war. That he now resigns - nor was there any Hyatus [Hiatus]  in the service - that there in now proof - nor reason to sustain any other conclusion - the Heirs of Mary Johnson widow of Capt. Sam'l. Johnson claim - a certificate and  pay under the Act  6 of July 1836 - at Geo. H. Lanier
Page 208

That thy relief in the proof on file to show that Mrs. Johnson was wholly incompetent at the time she made her first Declaration in 1839, to know anything of her Husband's rank or service - that that Declaration - as well as her subsequent ones contradict - thereby - are their own force in most important print - and are so found by the record & all the [illegible] proof in the case - to all of which we refute -and which was claim - But - under Act. 7 - July. 1838. They are most clearly entitled to the pay for the 6 of March 1831. up to the time of the death of  Capt. Samuel Johnson which took place on the 15. of Sept. 1836.-  three years six months & 11 days of full pay - (what he drew on a [illegible] is not to be deducted from the full pay) - so that the difference in the pay earlier the two accts. - would only be for 3 1/2 years and from all the proof and circumstance of the case I think the Dept. should not hesitate  to grant the claim under the first act. 6 July 1836. at Gov. H. Lanier onl deducting what was claimed 0 by the widow - which I think is less than $1000. She died - I think on the 21 - Jany 1853 - though the proof in the case will show - the heirs are most fully satisfied of the Notice of their claim - of all the proof as well as from what their Father Capt. Johnson always told them as to his service as they allege - "that he served since was out of the sum. of all of the Revolution" all of which I fully believe to be true - and therefore - will call for their full rights - and claim - all of which is missing now fully submitted.
Most Respectfully Yr. Obt. Svt.  [Signature]
James Calloway Agt. for 
the Heirs of Mary Johnson
Page 209

Affidavit of James Spice & others as to Capt. Sam'l. Johnson
& Mrs. Mary Johnson
Page 210

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilks}
On this 13 days of May 1856. Before me John Gentry a Justice of the Peace within and for the county and State aforesaid personally appeared - James Spicer, James Burchit & Wm. Holdbrooks, residents of the County and State aforesaid - who after being duly sworn according to law - State - the said James Spicer - That he has been intimately acquainted with Mrs. Mary Johnson, Dec'd. widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson. Dec'd. for upwards of twenty years and the said James Burchit States that he has also been fully acquainted with her the said Mary Johnson for more than twenty years - and the said Wm. Holdbrooks says - that he has known her well for nearly fourteen years - that they live - in the same neighborhood and have for may ears - that 0 they have noticed - that for many years before the death of the said Mary Johnson (which  took place - a little more than a year ago) that her mind - and recollection began to fail her very much 0 and got worse as long as she lived - that she very often would not know them or seem to know - anything - at times did not know her own children - and when told - who they everyone was that she would forgit and in a short time - ask again. &c - they state that they heard at the time that for many years the said Mary Johnson was affected with Convulsions or is fits - though they don't recollect to have seen her have any of those spells but have no doubt of it as that is what was always said and believed in the neighborhood
Page 211

and was thought to be the main cause of the early and rapid decline of the mind and memory of her the said Mary Johnson - they state that the said Mary Johnson Dec'd was the identical woman who dew a pension from the states on account of the Revolutionary Service of her husband - the late Capt. Samuel Johnson now Dec'd. - And tht they have always understood that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - was an invalid pensioner in his lifetime of the United States - on account of a wound - at the Battle of Kings Mountain in the war of the Revolution - all of which - they fully believe - 
[Signatures] William Hollbrook
James Spicer
James Burchitt X his mark

Sworn to and Subscribed before me the day and year above written - and I do hereby certify that the aforesaid - James Spicer James Burchitt & Wm. Hollbrooks, are respectable residents of this county of Wilkes State of North Carolina - well known to me - and that they are creditable witnesses - well worthy of belief in oath or otherwise - 
[Signature] John Gentry JP
Page 212


Wilkesburg Aug't. 1 of 1854.

Hon. L.P. Waldo,

Dear Sir
Will you please inform me - whether or not any person acted as agent - resident at Washington - in proving the increase and underage of pension - allowed to my mother. Mrs. Mary Johnson, Dec'd late of Wilkes County, N.C. - under the acct July 1 of 1848. The matter was attended to at  home by one Wm. Mastin Esq. - and which it is not the - practice of the Dept. to require of all - persons - acting as agent - either resident at Washington or elsewhere - to - produce proper evidence - to the department - satisfactory - that they have a right to - act - as agent or legalist in any and all cases - please inform me - if whether or not the said Certificate - of pension - was not forwarded - directly - by the Dept. to the said Mr. Mastin, and at what date, &c. 
I ask this information - as her administrator - and one of her heirs - [Signature]
Ambrose Johnson admin. of Mary Johnson Dec'd.

P.S. Please address your answer to my friend Dr. James  Calloway, McKinberg, [Mecklenburg] N.C.
Page 213

Hon. 
J. Minot, Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Page 214

Wilkesberg N.Ca. Aug't. 20 1855

Hon. J Minot. Com. of Pensions.
Sir there is a case on file in your department for which I am agent - the heirs of Mary Johnson Widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson late of Wilkes County N. Ca. - This case is of long standing - and I had hoped to have a final decision on it some time ago 0 as I furnished the last called for evidence  some now three months ago. -
It is only very lately that I have been aware of the retirement of Judge Waldo from the head of the pension Bureau, and of your appointment - If this case has not been finally settled by the late commissioner, (of which I am not advised, I must - beg you to allow me to call your  early attention to it - in person - hope you will fully investigate the whole case - as well the engraving on the claspe of the old Sword, as the other evidence on file - including all mins and other lettters - on file with the papers in the case - which I think makes out the case me most clearly - an early answer is desired as the heirs is quite impatient - about the matter - as also myself - 
most Respectfully
Yr. obt. svt.
James Calloway Atty. [Signature]
Page 215

Wilkesburg Feby the 28 - 1855.

Dear Sir.
I reached home on Thursday last found all well - I have wrote and dispatched to the Commissioner of Pensions a long letter in answer to the objections raised in the case of the Heirs of Mary Johnson widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson - of Wilkes Co. N.C. - this report was made before the examination of the case by a Clerk in the department from which I appealed - to the Commissioner - the only difficulties in the way seem to be as to the Identity of the man - and as to the declaration of Mrs. Johnson - as to the matter of Identity it seems to me there should not be the least doubt - that this Samuel Johnson of Wilkes Co. N.C. - who was an Invalid pensioner on account of a wound received in the battle of Kings Mountain - being the [illegible] Capt. Samuel Johnson. They make the difficulty namely on the ground that they say the Book of the department show that he was pensioned under the act of 1816 as a "Lieutenant - the original papers I am not [illegible] be on file - the other dificulty is to the declaration of Mrs. Johnson. I have produced a large amount of proof to show that she was utterly - Non compos mentis - and in fact - her own declarations contradict themselves - in the most [illegible] manner - &c the whole case has been mismanaged  -  ashure you on my own Honor - and responsability - that the case is a Just and true one that no deception or falsehood is connected with it - and that it is a great hardship - many a down right injustice to these heirs - that the case -
Page 216

is withheld - I have on other Thorough Search made of the Revolutionary records - in the Comptrollers office of N.C. and sent one of the old indents - together with the Comptrollers Certificate - which I think - should together with the matter already on file - make the case entirely Satisfactory to the Commissioner - now my Dear Sir - as you know something of this matter and of these families - would it be asking too much of you to go to the office of the Commissioner and see all the papers in the case - see also the entries in the old AWK - see the old Service of Capt. Johnson - look at my last letter to the Commissioner as that gives the ground of the claim - and answers to some extent those objections - please examine the whole matter - and see the Commissioner - and state your opinion of the Case - &c - If you can possibly do this before leaving the City I would be much obliged as the Commissioner - promised me to examine the case soon as possible - which I suppose he will do some after the rising of Congress - I am very anxious to have this case Settled - as I know the case is Just and certainly must be allowed sometime - but the delay is hard on some of the Heirs - Sir any thing you can or will do in the premises - will greatly help those Heirs - as well as myself - and will by all be most thankfully acknowledged - his you may rely most implicitly on  the Justice and truth of this case - Nothing new in our section of the Country that I know of the lead within continues Please give my respects to Col. Pruyear - 
Most Respectfully
your friend - 
James Calloway [Signature]

Hon. J. L. Clingman
Page 217

Wilkesboro, N.C. - Sept. the  30. 1855

Hon. J. Minot. Commissioner of Pensions

Sir
I am agent & atty. for the heirs of Mrs. Mary Johnson Dec'd. widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson of Wilkes County N. Ca. This case is for increase and arrearage of Johnson according to rank & Service, This case has been of long standing - and I think we have the strongest - rights - to ask - and expect its speedy Settlement - as the claim is just and fully made out - and from the time of the last letter - to me on this subject - by the late Commissioner - I was led to believe it would immediately be settled - upon my furnishing the Dept. with the certain things which I have done - some for months since I have addressed you already several times about hits claim - and have not rec'd. any reply from you - This seems strange to me - and the - Heirs are [illegible] about the matter. I must beg yo to let me hear of this matter - soon as possible - I hope to hear of its final and Satisfactory Settlement - and allowance &c - 
most Respectfully
Yr. obt. svt.
James Calloway [Signature]
atty
Page 218

Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Commissioner of Pensions.
Page 219

Wilkesburg N.C. June 23 1855.
Hon. 
L. P. Waldo,
Your favor of the 6. of April came duly to hand - and would have been much sooner answered - but for the reasons that I could not Sooner git the information desired by you. - After much trouble and witness and making numerous enquires I have succeeded in giting the notice of the death of Capt. Samuel Johnson - I have also obtained - quite a number of his Signatures - you will find his signature to his marriage license Card - dated June 26 - 1782 - this paper is from the files of the Clerk of the County Court of Wilkes - and is the genuine identical document I found it myself after a troublesome search I send you the Family Bible - you will find on the inside upper end of the right back the handwriting of Capt. Samuel Johnson so far back as 1796 - record of his Daughter Mary. the sixth child  and now the wife of Mr. Boran. Esq. of Grayson Co. Va. you will also find in said old Book. three quite  old Deeds - to which his name appears.  These Deeds and Book you will please to return, also quite a number of papers - bearing his signature - in which he acted as Justice of the peace - being back as far as about 1809 - I think - &c -
I beg leave to draw your attention to the inclosed letter of the Hon. Thos. L. Clingman - also that of the Hon.  Anderson Mitchell -  I have been recently informed by distinguished
Page 220

descendants of the late Gen'l. Wm. Leneir. of Wilkes Co. N.C. that although, he the said Leneir, was a Captain in the expedition to Kings Mountain, and long before that battle, yet in said Battle that he fought as a private - without any command - from the fact that a large portion of Col.. Clevelands marching  foot soldier and left behind - and that most of the -  officers pressed on and was in the battle. and that their was a  surpassing of officers. and could not all have command and especially according to their true rank - I am also informed by the Hon. Anderson Mitchell. whose Father - was in said Battle - (a private, that the Battle was fought without much regard to order or deception - that in fact any man was his own commander - and fought as best he could - took shelter behind any thing - anothers place of safety  - and by their undeniable Bravery and good conduct - of every man & officer - obtained that most important victory - of the truth of all these statements I have not the least doubt. as it fully accords with all that I have ever heard of the said Battle - I must beg you to refer to my letter dated about the 26 of July last com'y - a certificate from the Comptroller of N.C. - and one of the old indents - in this case for an imposition of my views of this case - &c I will here only say that this case has been very badly managed - been in the hands of incompetent persons - confused with the facts - of the total inability of Mrs. Johnson - from loss of mind to given any correct - statement or information - to the case - &c but sir - I say without hesitation - that the case s Just and right and oughts to be allowed - and thqt - the Just rights of the
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descendants of the late Gen'l. Wm. Lenieir of Wilkes, Co. N.C. That although, he the said Leneir was a Captain in the expedition to King's Mountain and long before that battle, yet in Said Battle that he fought as a private - without any command - from the fact that a large portion of Col. Clevelands men was foot soldiers and left behind - and that most of the officers - pressed on and was in the Battle as that there was a surpassing of officers. and could not all have commanded and especially ascending to their true rank. I am also informed by the Hon. Anderson Mitchell. whose Father - was in said Battle - (a private), that the Battle was fought without much regard to order or description - that in fact any man was his own commander - and fought as best he could - took shelter behind any thing - anothers place of safety - and by their undeniable Bravery and good conduct - of any man & officer - obtained that most important victory - of the truth of all these statements I have not the least doubt. as it fully accords with all that I have ever heard of the said Battle - I must beg you to refer to my letter  dated about the 26 - of Feby. last coming - a certificate from the Comptroller of N.C. - and one of the old indents - in their case for an imposition of my news of their case - &c - I will here only says that this case has been very badly managed - been in the hand of incompetent persons - conflicted with the facts - of the total inability of Mrs. Johnson - from loss of mind to give any correct - statements or information - in the case - &c but Sir - I say without hesitation - that the case is Just and right and ought to be allowed - and that the Just rights of the
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claimants should be no longer delayed or withheld all of which I have no doubt you will willingly send - so soon as you are satisfied of the Justice and correctness of this claim - I trust since you will consider the claim now fully made out - I trust you will give it - your early attention - and inform me of the result - &c
Allow me to say that if the claim is allowed that you will direct the payment to be made at Morganton N.C. - if the Dept. has friends at that agency - as it is quite convenient to the claimants - 
Most Respectfully
Yr. obt. svt.

[Signature] James Calloway, Attn.
for the Heirs of Mrs.
Mary Johnson, dec'd.


Hon. L. P. Waldo.
Commissioner of Pensions
Page 223

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes.}
On this 31st day of Jany. A.D. 1855. personally appeared before me. Wm. C. Emmit, a Justice of the Peace within and for the County and State aforesaid Abner Carmichall, a resident of the County and State aforesaid. Who after being Sworn according to law, States that - he has resided in said County of Wilkes eversince about the date of 1820 - that from about the date, 1830 - for several years - he acted as assistant - and high sheriff of said County - that during Said time he was well and intimately acquainted with Capt. Samuel Johnson - of said County now dec'd. - that he lived in said County - on Roaring River near the head - and hear the foot of the Blue Ridge - that he was frequently at the House of the Said Capt. Samuel  Johnson in his life time - that he had the said Johnson speak often of the war of the Revolution and of his surviving in said war - and of his wound &c - He also states that the said Capt. Samuel Johnston - in his lifetime - and at his residence - Showed - him the Relic of a sword - which he said was the Sword of Col. Cleveland that he noticed the said Sword particularly and he states that the same Relic has now been shown to him by Dr. James Calloway of Wilkesburg. N.Ca. -
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which he at once recognized as the - identical Said Relic - that the said Johnson said Said Samuel - had got broken. The states that the said Capt. Johnson - was in his lifetime a pensioner of the United States - an account of his Revolutionary Services - and he thinks and believes that he was pensioned as an invalid - that he always understood - in the lifetime of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson, from the report of the whole Country - and that this was then being quite a number of old Soldiers in /said County of Wilkes that the Said Capt. Johnson - had ben much - in the war of the Revolution - and was much esteemed for his - bravery - and good conduct in the war of the Revolution - and this affiant takes pleasure - in bearing testimony - as to the past insolent characters - and hightimed patriotism - and gentlemanly bearing of said Capt. Samuel Johnson - that he thinks the said Capt. Samuel Johnson has been dead about twenty years - or thereabouts - that he heard of his death - at the time - that he died at his residence in said county on Roaring River - and he further states that he had never heard from any source - whatever that thinks - was - in this said County or
Page 225

or in any part of this Country - in the war of the Revolution - either as an officer or private - any other Samuel Johnson except this identical Capt. Samuel Johnson. here spoken of - or any other Capt. Johnson - of any name - in all this Section of /country and that he thinks and believes if there ad have been that he would have heard if - spoken of  at some time in some way or other - as he used to be well acquainted with quite a number of the old Revolutionary soldiers - in this country - and often - heard them speak of the war of the Revolution - and of the incidents of said war - He states that he is informed by the said Calloways that he has got the said Sword for the family of the Capt. Samuel Johnson - with the intention of presenting it to the Commissioner of Pensions of the United States. He further states that he has lived in said County generally - about the distance of twenty miles or thereabouts from the residence of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson - 
[Signature] A. Carmichall

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written - and I do hereby certify that the said Abner Carmichall is a respectable resident of said County well known to me that he is a man of undoubted - truth and veracity - well worthy of belief in oath or otherwise.
[Signature] W. C. Emmit J.Peace
Page 226

State of North Carolina}
Wilkes County}
I, W. Mastin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the State aforesaid do Certify that M. S. Stokes Wm. C Emmit John Gambill, John Gentry and J j Bryan are magistrates as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine
Given under my hand & seal of office Feby. 3rd 1853
[Signature]  W. Mastin Clk
Page 227

Affidavit of John Holloway & Eli Blackburn
as to the Children of Capt. Samuel Johnson & wife - Mary Johnson,

March 54
Page 228

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes.}
On the 22 nd - day of March A. D. 1856. personally appeared before me Wm. ?c. Emmit a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid John Holloway & Eli Blackburn residents of the County and State aforesaid who after being duly Sworn according to law declare - that they were well acquainted with Capt. Samuel Johnson, Dec'd. and with his wife and Widow Mrs. Mary Johnson. now Dec'd - late of Wilkes County and state of North Carolina   - and that they both drew pensions from the United States in their life time on account of the military services of the said Capt. Samuel Johnson. in the war of the Revolution - and they state that Ambrose Johnson Lewis Johnson John S. Johnson Mrs. Clay Gambill, Mrs. Nancy Gambill and Mrs. Rachel Forrister of Wilkes County State of North Carolina and Mrs. Mary Boran of Grayson County State of Virginia - are the living Children 0 and lawful heirs of the said Samuel Johnson and his wife the said Mary Johnson. -
[Signatures]   John Halloway
Eli Blackburn
Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and date above written - and I do hereby certify that the said John Halloway & Eli Blackburn, are respectable residents of the said County and State well known to me  and that they are creditable witnesses - 
[Signature] W. C. Emmit J.P.
Page 229

State of North Carolina}
Wilkes County}
I, W. Mastin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the State aforesaid do Certify that Wm. C. Emmit is a magistrate as above ad that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is Genuine.

Given under my hand and Seal of Office March 25th 1854.

[Signature] W. Mastin Clk
Page 230

Affidavit of 
Col. Wm. Parkes, Esq.
as to Mrs. Mary Johnson Widow of the late Capt. Sam'l. Johnson dec'd.
Page 231

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes.} On this 8 day of Dec. A.D. 1856 personally appeared before me Wm. C. Emmit. one of the acting Justices of the peace - within and for the County and State aforesaid - Col. Wm. Parkes, who after being duly Sworn according to law. States that he is now 62 years old that he is the son of the late Capt. Benjamin Parkes of said County - that he was raised in the County and State aforesaid. That he is now a resident of said County, he states that he was personally acquainted with Capt. Sam'l. Johnson, Dec'd. late of Wilkes County as well as with his wife & widow Mrs. Mary Johnson now Dec'd. - that he always understood that the said Capt. Sam'l. Johnson was in his lifetime - an invalid pensioner of the United States on account of  wound received in the battle of King's Mountain - that he thinks the said Capt. Sam'l. Johnson has been deceased about twenty years or a little upwards - and that his wife & widow the late - said Mrs. Mary Johnson has been dead  (- Something) near two years or he believes - to the best of his recollection He further States that about the fall of the year A.D. 1846 as he thinks and believes - shortly after the death of the late James Martin, Esq. of said County & State. (who was a near neighbor & Brother in law of this affiant - and who had been in the habit of doing the pensions for most of the old pensioners - of his part of the County for many yeas - and amongst others - the pension of the said Mrs. Mary Johnson - I when this affiant was called in by most if not all old persons - for when the Said Martin had done -
Page 232

himself in doing their pensions - to take of their Said business, and chosen for them their pensions. That amongst the others - was the case of the said Mrs. Mary Johnson - That he went to her house twice a year during the time he done her business for the purpose of filling up her papers. &c. and that he at once saw in first coming into her living info that her mind and memory was greatly at fault - and that this state of mind Seemed rather to incrush  - her - during the time he continued to do her business - which has as he thinks for some time or some years - that when he could go to he House she would not know him that she could frequently ask who he was - and in being told would as often ask after his family. would ask how his mother - was - meaning his father. the late Capt. Benji. Parks. who was an old acquaintance and friend of the family - would ask him - right after how much pension she drew - together with many other such like things showing a very great if not altogether a State of mind & memory - amounting all most to imbecility - or like Convulsions - he states that Seen years Eighteen months before the death of Said Mrs. Mary Johnson - that her business went into other hands - for the proper of giting her pension increased as he understood.
[Signature] Wm. Parks

Sworn to and subscribed before me the day and year above written - and I do hereby certify that aforesaid Col. W. Parker Esq. is a most respectable gentleman and resident of said County well known to me and worthy of confidence in every way - 
[Signature]
W. C. Emmit. J.P. -
Page 233

Affidavit of George Johnson as to the Services of Capt. Samuel Johnson.
War of the - Revolution

Feb. 1854
Page 234

State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes.}
On this18 - day of Feby. A.D. 1856. personally appeared before me Griffin Summerlin a Justice of the peace - within and for the County and State aforesaid - George Johnson, a resident of said County - Who after being duly sworn according to law. declares - that he has no record of his age - but that according to the best of his knowledge he thinks he is nearly Eighty years of age - he recollects well that time of the Battle of Kings Mountain that he was a part of some siege - he thinks he was then about six years old - he states that the is the son of William Johnson, Dec'd. - who was a Soldier - and officer in the war of the Revolution - that his Father the said Wm. Johnson was in the Battle of King's Mountain - that he will recollect it - He further states - that he had an Uncle - one Captain Samuel Johnson, of Wilkes County North Carolina, now decd - who was also a Soldier of the war of the Revolution - he states that he does well recollect - though - -most if not all the said war - he states - that he knows of his own knowledge that the said Sam'l. Johnson was in the greater part of the said war - and that he was in the Battle of King's Mountain he well remembers - when the said Sam'l. Johnson was brought home. from the said Battle - that he had been seriously wounded in said Battle - being shot through his abdomen - that he the sad Capt. Sam'l Johnson was brought home - on a horse litter by his Father, the said Jfry. Johnson and our Johnson family - both of whom had been in the -
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expedition to King's Mountain - that he saw his uncle the Said Capt, Samuel Johnsons coat at the time - he was brought home - that he had worn in the Battle - that he well remembers that there was Three Bullit holes through one skirt - and four through the other - that he heard it said at the [illegible] of his Father - the said Wm. Johnson and always heard it afterwards that in the Battle of Kings Mountain - that the said Samuel Johnson was a Captain - and that he went before his men - that his company was in the very exposed and damaging position - ad that many of the said Company was Killed - that he has heard - his Father the said Wm. Johnson say many times - and at that time The Battle - was going on all around him - that he would then up his hand - and holler cut - " Hurrah Boys" that he knew and always understood during the war and since - that the said Samuel Johnson - was in most if not all the said war - that for a part of said time that he was a Captain he thinks and believes that he was a Captain for at least two or three years - of the said war, he states that the said Capt. Samuel Johnson was at the time first brought - wounded to his Father, - the Said Wm. Johnson, horse - he living at the time on the South bank of the Yadkin River - and that his Said Uncle the Said Samuel Jonson was then unmarried - and resided with his Father on the opposite side of the said River - he states that all these things are quite clear and distinct
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in his mind - and recollection - 
[Signature]  George Johnson X his mark

Sworn to and subscribed to before me the day and year above written - and I do hereby certify that the said George Johnson is a respectable resident of this County - and that he's a creditable witness - and that I believe him to be of the age, above stated - 
[Signature]  G. Sumerlin J.P.

State of North Carolina}
Wilkes County}
I, W. Mastin Clerk of the Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions for the County of Wilkes in the State aforesaid do Certify that G. Summerlin is a Magistrate as above and that that foregoing signature purporting to be his is Genuine.
Given under y hand and the seal of Said Court of Office.
March 11 1854

[Signature] W. Mastin Clk
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Wilkesboro, N.C. Jany 6 - 1857

Hon. 
Commr. of Pensions.

Sir.
[Illegible] - the letter of the Hon. Secretary of the Interior of the date 20 - well - addressed to the Hon. J.L. Clingman - and by him sent to me - In relation tot he matter of the claim of the children of Capt. Samuel  & Mary Johnson. I have  - that the amounts - or at least - of part of the due in that case - will now be paid - I write to ask  - the certificate - be sent soon as possible - & that payment be made at the Treasury of U.S. at Washington - It is quite important to some of the Heirs - that they get their money soon as possible - and I think they can git it soonest in this way - and hope no time will be lost in making up the case - as it is of long - Standing - I will remind yo that you have hereto informed me that a certificate under act. 1832 will be issued in the case &c. - I much regret - that the decision - made by the Dept. in this case - cannot be taken by the Heirs, as a finality - and that we shall be under the necessity - of further justifying, this claim - but I will be glad at the present to git - whatever is allowed and hope that all the amount - claimed will ultimately be allowed -&c
[Signature]  most Respectfully &c
James Calloway, Agt.
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Affidavit of Wm. Caudill & Mrs. Jane  Caudill as to Mrs. Mary Johnson. & Capt. Samuel Johnson
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State of North Carolina}
County of Wilkes.} On this 13th day of May 1856. Before me John Gentry a Justice of the peace within and for the County and state aforesaid - personally appeared Wm. Caudill Jr. and Mrs. Jane Caudill of the County and State aforesaid, who after being duly sworn according to law state - that they have lived near neighbors to Mrs. Mary Johnson. now Dec'd widow of Capt. Samuel Johnson Dec'd. late of said County. They state that the said Mary Johnson Dec'd. for many years before her death they think between fifteen and twenty years - as they heard - at the time - and have every reason to believe - had very frequent Fits or convulsions - which grew - worse on her - and that they knew - from their close acquainta-nce - with the said Mary Johnson that her mind and recollection  - began to fail and continued to fail - and suffer up to the time of her death - she seemed at times when they would see her - to know - little or nothing - and then again she would seem - some better in her mind - that she very often would not know them. nor any one - not even the nearest neighbors, or her children - that they saw her very frequently for many years - that - they have lived for many years - within one and a half or two miles of her - the said Wm. Caudill was well acquainted with Mrs. Mary Johnson for between twenty and thirty years - and that Mrs. Jane Caudill has known her intimately for about Eighteen years - and they state - that her and and recollection - seemed to be frequently declining for at least upwards of fifteen years before her - death - which occurred - we think something more than one year ago - at her residence in Wilkes County N.C. - they state - that the said Mrs. Mary Johnson was the identical - person. who drew a pension - from the United States - on account -